From 4c6253fe64b0500d2bbbf3738a8fbf0be8b80bd3 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Phantop Date: Thu, 20 Jun 2024 10:39:56 -0400 Subject: [PATCH] Sat Dec 21 11:10:53 UTC 2024 --- .gitignore | 0 AllSides&fetch=true&limit=10 | 165 +++++ ArsTechnica | 176 +++++ ...lector=li&content_selector=article&limit=6 | 69 ++ EpicGamesFree | 42 ++ GameBanana&updates=on&gid=18604 | 260 +++++++ GameBanana&updates=on&gid=20511 | 271 +++++++ GameBanana&updates=on&gid=5486 | 260 +++++++ GameBanana&updates=on&gid=5866 | 271 +++++++ GameBanana&updates=on&gid=6386 | 261 +++++++ GameBanana&updates=on&gid=7617 | 301 ++++++++ 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 | 351 +++++++++ NPR | 132 ++++ NPR§ion=1180232252 | 124 ++++ Phoronix | 95 +++ ...-finder_?sf=1&gi=6&tgi=1088&sort=dateadded | 684 ++++++++++++++++++ ...s.com&url_pattern=.*&content_selector=main | 95 +++ index.html | 10 + 23 files changed, 4433 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 EpicGamesFree 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..da3beb777 --- /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! (20078) + http:// + 7416591f82846df40ab11693fb6ced8ba204cc31 + Sat, 21 Dec 2024 11:10:20 +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/headline-roundups 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(91): RssBridge-&gt;{closure}() </code> + <br> + <code> + #2 lib/RssBridge.php(89): CacheMiddleware-&gt;__invoke() </code> + <br> + <code> + #3 middlewares/CacheMiddleware.php(44): RssBridge-&gt;{closure}() </code> + <br> + <code> + #4 lib/RssBridge.php(89): ExceptionMiddleware-&gt;__invoke() </code> + <br> + <code> + #5 middlewares/ExceptionMiddleware.php(17): RssBridge-&gt;{closure}() </code> + <br> + <code> + #6 lib/RssBridge.php(89): SecurityMiddleware-&gt;__invoke() </code> + <br> + <code> + #7 middlewares/SecurityMiddleware.php(19): RssBridge-&gt;{closure}() </code> + <br> + <code> + #8 lib/RssBridge.php(89): MaintenanceMiddleware-&gt;__invoke() </code> + <br> + <code> + #9 middlewares/MaintenanceMiddleware.php(10): RssBridge-&gt;{closure}() </code> + <br> + <code> + #10 lib/RssBridge.php(89): BasicAuthMiddleware-&gt;__invoke() </code> + <br> + <code> + #11 middlewares/BasicAuthMiddleware.php(13): RssBridge-&gt;{closure}() </code> + <br> + <code> + #12 lib/RssBridge.php(89): TokenAuthenticationMiddleware-&gt;__invoke() </code> + <br> + <code> + #13 middlewares/TokenAuthenticationMiddleware.php(10): RssBridge-&gt;{closure}() </code> + <br> + <code> + #14 lib/RssBridge.php(86): 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(33): getSimpleHTMLDOM() </code> + <br> + <code> + #18 lib/contents.php(162): 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> 8.1.2-1ubuntu2.20 </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%2Fheadline-roundups+resulted+in+403+Forbidden+&body=%60%60%60%0ACloudFlareException%3A+https%3A%2F%2Fwww.allsides.com%2Fheadline-roundups+resulted+in+403+Forbidden++in+lib%2Fhttp.php+line+34%0A%0Aindex.php%2868%29%3A+RssBridge-%3Emain%28%29%0Alib%2FRssBridge.php%2891%29%3A+RssBridge-%3E%7Bclosure%7D%28%29%0Alib%2FRssBridge.php%2889%29%3A+CacheMiddleware-%3E__invoke%28%29%0Amiddlewares%2FCacheMiddleware.php%2844%29%3A+RssBridge-%3E%7Bclosure%7D%28%29%0Alib%2FRssBridge.php%2889%29%3A+ExceptionMiddleware-%3E__invoke%28%29%0Amiddlewares%2FExceptionMiddleware.php%2817%29%3A+RssBridge-%3E%7Bclosure%7D%28%29%0Alib%2FRssBridge.php%2889%29%3A+SecurityMiddleware-%3E__invoke%28%29%0Amiddlewares%2FSecurityMiddleware.php%2819%29%3A+RssBridge-%3E%7Bclosure%7D%28%29%0Alib%2FRssBridge.php%2889%29%3A+MaintenanceMiddleware-%3E__invoke%28%29%0Amiddlewares%2FMaintenanceMiddleware.php%2810%29%3A+RssBridge-%3E%7Bclosure%7D%28%29%0Alib%2FRssBridge.php%2889%29%3A+BasicAuthMiddleware-%3E__invoke%28%29%0Amiddlewares%2FBasicAuthMiddleware.php%2813%29%3A+RssBridge-%3E%7Bclosure%7D%28%29%0Alib%2FRssBridge.php%2889%29%3A+TokenAuthenticationMiddleware-%3E__invoke%28%29%0Amiddlewares%2FTokenAuthenticationMiddleware.php%2810%29%3A+RssBridge-%3E%7Bclosure%7D%28%29%0Alib%2FRssBridge.php%2886%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%2833%29%3A+getSimpleHTMLDOM%28%29%0Alib%2Fcontents.php%28162%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+8.1.2-1ubuntu2.20%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..ebbc3f58b --- /dev/null +++ b/ArsTechnica @@ -0,0 +1,176 @@ + + + + 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 + + + 12 days of OpenAI: The Ars Technica recap + + Benj Edwards + + https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2024/12/12-days-of-openai-the-ars-technica-recap/ + https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2024/12/12-days-of-openai-the-ars-technica-recap/#comments + ce2e2a9682f556fba48fd889f6fac49298bacc53 + Fri, 20 Dec 2024 22:01:34 +0000 + <p> Did OpenAI's big holiday event live up to the billing? </p><figure><img width="1152" height="648" src="https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/12_days_robot_sleigh-1152x648.jpg" class="intro-image absolute min-w-full min-h-full h-auto object-cover" alt="Robot arm loading sleigh with Christmas gifts from a conveyer belt - stock photo" loading="eager" decoding="async" fetchpriority="high" srcset="https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/12_days_robot_sleigh-1152x648.jpg 1152w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/12_days_robot_sleigh-640x360.jpg 640w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/12_days_robot_sleigh-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/12_days_robot_sleigh-768x432.jpg 768w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/12_days_robot_sleigh-384x216.jpg 384w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/12_days_robot_sleigh-980x551.jpg 980w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/12_days_robot_sleigh.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1152px) 100vw, 1152px" /><figcaption> <span class="caption-credit mt-2 text-xs"> Credit: <a class="caption-credit-link text-gray-400 no-underline hover:text-gray-500" href="https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/photo/robot-arm-loading-sleigh-with-christmas-gifts-from-royalty-free-image/2177999754" target="_blank"> J Studios via Getty Images </a> </span> </figcaption></figure> <div class="page-anchor-wrapper"><a class="" name="page-1" data-page="1" data-url="https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2024/12/12-days-of-openai-the-ars-technica-recap/" href="https://arstechnica.com/"></a></div> <p>Over the past 12 business days, OpenAI has announced a new product or demoed an AI feature every weekday, calling the PR event "<a href="https://arstechnica.com/ai/2024/12/openai-teases-12-days-of-mystery-product-launches-starting-tomorrow/">12 days of OpenAI</a>." We've covered some of the major announcements, but we thought a look at each announcement might be useful for people seeking a comprehensive look at each day's developments.</p> <p>The timing and rapid pace of these announcements—particularly in light of <a href="https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2024/12/google-and-openai-blitz-december-with-so-many-ai-releases-its-hard-to-keep-up/">Google's competing releases</a>—illustrates the intensifying competition in AI development. What might normally have been spread across months was compressed into just 12 business days, giving users and developers a lot to process as they head into 2025.</p> <p>Humorously, we asked ChatGPT what it thought about the whole series of announcements, and it was skeptical that the event even took place. "The rapid-fire announcements over 12 days seem plausible," wrote ChatGPT-4o, "But might strain credibility without a clearer explanation of how OpenAI managed such an intense release schedule, especially given the complexity of the features."</p> <p>But it did happen, and here's a chronicle of what went down on each day.</p> <h2>Day 1: Thursday, December 5</h2> <p>On the first day of OpenAI, the company <a href="https://arstechnica.com/ai/2024/12/openais-new-200-mo-chatgpt-subscription-will-buy-you-more-compute-time/">released its full o1 model</a>, making it available to ChatGPT Plus and Team subscribers worldwide. The company reported that the model operates faster than its preview version and reduces major errors by 34 percent on complex real-world questions.</p> <p>The o1 model brings new capabilities for image analysis, allowing users to upload and receive detailed explanations of visual content. OpenAI said it plans to expand o1's features to include web browsing and file uploads in ChatGPT, with API access coming soon. The API version will support vision tasks, function calling, and structured outputs for system integration.</p> <p>OpenAI also launched ChatGPT Pro, a $200 subscription tier that provides "unlimited" access to o1, GPT-4o, and Advanced Voice features. Pro subscribers receive an exclusive version of o1 that uses additional computing power for complex problem-solving. Alongside this release, OpenAI announced a grant program that will provide ChatGPT Pro access to 10 medical researchers at established institutions, with plans to extend grants to other fields.</p> <h2>Day 2: Friday, December 6</h2> <p>Day 2 wasn't as exciting. OpenAI unveiled Reinforcement Fine-Tuning (RFT), a model customization method that will let developers modify "o-series" models for specific tasks. The technique reportedly goes beyond traditional supervised fine-tuning by using reinforcement learning to help models improve their reasoning abilities through repeated iterations. In other words, OpenAI created a new way to train AI models that lets them learn from practice and feedback.</p> <p>OpenAI says that Berkeley Lab computational researcher Justin Reese tested RFT for researching rare genetic diseases, while Thomson Reuters has created a specialized o1-mini model for its CoCounsel AI legal assistant. The technique requires developers to provide a dataset and evaluation criteria, with OpenAI's platform managing the reinforcement learning process.</p> <p>OpenAI plans to release RFT to the public in early 2024 but currently offers limited access through its Reinforcement Fine-Tuning Research Program for researchers, universities, and companies.</p> <h2>Day 3: Monday, December 9</h2> <p>On day 3, OpenAI <a href="https://arstechnica.com/ai/2024/12/ten-months-after-first-tease-openai-launches-sora-video-generation-publicly/">released Sora</a>, its text-to-video model, as a standalone product now accessible through sora.com for ChatGPT Plus and Pro subscribers. The company says the new version operates faster than the research preview shown in February 2024, when OpenAI first demonstrated the model's ability to create videos from text descriptions.</p> <p>The release moved Sora from research preview to a production service, marking OpenAI's official entry into the video synthesis market. The company published <a href="https://openai.com/sora/">a blog post</a> detailing the subscription tiers and deployment strategy for the service.</p> <h2>Day 4: Tuesday, December 10</h2> <p>On day 4, OpenAI moved its <a href="https://arstechnica.com/ai/2024/10/openais-canvas-eases-collaborations-with-chatgpt/">Canvas feature</a> out of beta testing, making it available to all ChatGPT users, including those on free tiers. Canvas provides a dedicated interface for extended writing and coding projects beyond the standard chat format, now with direct integration into the GPT-4o model.</p> <p>The updated canvas allows users to run Python code within the interface and includes a text-pasting feature for importing existing content. OpenAI added compatibility with custom GPTs and a "show changes" function that tracks modifications to writing and code. The company said Canvas is now on chatgpt.com for web users and also available through a Windows desktop application, with more features planned for future updates.</p> <h2>Day 5: Wednesday, December 11</h2> <p>On day 5, OpenAI announced that ChatGPT would <a href="https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2024/12/ios-18-2-macos-15-2-updates-arrive-today-with-image-and-emoji-generation/">integrate with Apple Intelligence</a> across iOS, iPadOS, and macOS devices. The integration works on iPhone 16 series phones, iPhone 15 Pro models, iPads with A17 Pro or M1 chips and later, and Macs with M1 processors or newer, running their respective latest operating systems.</p> <p>The integration lets users access ChatGPT's features (<a href="https://arstechnica.com/ai/2024/11/despite-unforced-errors-the-future-of-apple-intelligence-could-be-bright/">such as they are</a>), including image and document analysis, directly through Apple's system-level intelligence features. The feature works with all ChatGPT subscription tiers and operates within Apple's privacy framework. <a href="https://arstechnica.com/apple/2024/11/apple-intelligence-notification-summaries-are-honestly-pretty-bad/">Iffy message summaries</a> remain unaffected by the additions.</p> <p>Enterprise and Team account users need administrator approval to access the integration.</p> <h2>Day 6: Thursday, December 12</h2> <p>On the sixth day, OpenAI <a href="https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2024/12/openai-introduces-santa-mode-to-chatgpt-for-ho-ho-ho-voice-chats/">added two features</a> to ChatGPT's voice capabilities: "video calling" with screen sharing support for ChatGPT Plus and Pro subscribers and a seasonal Santa Claus voice preset.</p> <p>The new visual Advanced Voice Mode features work through the mobile app, letting users show their surroundings or share their screen with the AI model during voice conversations. While the rollout covers most countries, users in several European nations, including EU member states, Switzerland, Iceland, Norway, and Liechtenstein, will get access at a later date. Enterprise and education users can expect these features in January.</p> <p>The Santa voice option appears as a snowflake icon in the ChatGPT interface across mobile devices, web browsers, and desktop apps, with conversations in this mode not affecting chat history or memory. Don't expect Santa to remember what you want for Christmas between sessions.</p> <div class="page-anchor-wrapper"><a class="record-pageview" name="page-2" data-page="2" data-url="https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2024/12/12-days-of-openai-the-ars-technica-recap/" href="https://arstechnica.com/"></a></div> <h2>Day 7: Friday, December 13</h2> <p class="whitespace-pre-wrap break-words">OpenAI introduced Projects, a new organizational feature in ChatGPT that lets users group related conversations and files, on day 7. The feature works with the company's GPT-4o model and provides a central location for managing resources related to specific tasks or topics—kinda like Anthropic's "Projects" feature.</p> <p class="whitespace-pre-wrap break-words">ChatGPT Plus, Pro, and Team subscribers can currently access Projects through chatgpt.com and the Windows desktop app, with view-only support on mobile devices and macOS. Users can create projects by clicking a plus icon in the sidebar, where they can add files and custom instructions that provide context for future conversations.</p> <p class="whitespace-pre-wrap break-words">OpenAI said it plans to expand Projects in 2024 with support for additional file types, cloud storage integration through Google Drive and Microsoft OneDrive, and compatibility with other models like o1. Enterprise and education users will receive access to Projects in January.</p> <h2>Day 8: Monday, December 16</h2> <p>On day 8, OpenAI expanded its <a href="https://arstechnica.com/ai/2024/10/openai-launches-chatgpt-with-search-taking-google-head-on/">search features in ChatGPT</a>, extending access to all users with free accounts while reportedly adding speed improvements and mobile optimizations. Basically, you can use ChatGPT like a web search engine, although in practice it doesn't seem to be as comprehensive as Google Search at the moment.</p> <p>The update includes a new maps interface and integration with Advanced Voice, allowing users to perform searches during voice conversations. The search capability, which previously required a paid subscription, now works across all platforms where ChatGPT operates.</p> <h2>Day 9: Tuesday, December 17</h2> <p>On day 9, OpenAI released its o1 model<a href="https://arstechnica.com/ai/2024/12/openais-api-users-get-full-access-to-the-new-o1-model/"> through its API platform</a>, adding support for function calling, developer messages, and vision processing capabilities. The company also reduced GPT-4o audio pricing by 60 percent and introduced a GPT-4o mini option that costs one-tenth of previous audio rates.</p> <p>OpenAI also simplified its WebRTC integration for real-time applications and unveiled Preference Fine-Tuning, which provides developers new ways to customize models. The company also launched beta versions of software development kits for the Go and Java programming languages, expanding its toolkit for developers.</p> <h2>Day 10: Wednesday, December 18</h2> <p>On Wednesday, OpenAI did something a little fun and launched voice and messaging access to ChatGPT through a toll-free number (<a href="https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2024/12/openai-launches-free-phone-hotline-to-let-anyone-call-chatgpt/">1-800-CHATGPT</a>), as well as WhatsApp. US residents can make phone calls with a 15-minute monthly limit, while global users can message ChatGPT through WhatsApp at the same number.</p> <p>OpenAI said the release is a way to reach users who lack consistent high-speed Internet access or want to try AI through familiar communication channels, but it's also just a clever hack. As evidence, OpenAI notes that these new interfaces serve as experimental access points, with more "limited functionality" than the full ChatGPT service, and still recommends existing users continue using their regular ChatGPT accounts for complete features.</p> <h2>Day 11: Thursday, December 19</h2> <p>On Thursday, OpenAI expanded ChatGPT's desktop app integration to include additional coding environments and productivity software. The update added support for Jetbrains IDEs like PyCharm and IntelliJ IDEA, VS Code variants including Cursor and VSCodium, and text editors such as BBEdit and TextMate.</p> <p>OpenAI also included integration with Apple Notes, Notion, and Quip while adding Advanced Voice Mode compatibility when working with desktop applications. These features require manual activation for each app and remain available to paid subscribers, including Plus, Pro, Team, Enterprise, and Education users, with Enterprise and Education customers needing administrator approval to enable the functionality.</p> <h2>Day 12: Friday, December 20</h2> <p class="whitespace-pre-wrap break-words">On Friday, OpenAI concluded its twelve days of announcements by <a href="https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2024/12/openai-announces-o3-and-o3-mini-its-next-simulated-reasoning-models/">previewing two new simulated reasoning models</a>, o3 and o3-mini, while opening applications for safety and security researchers to test them before public release. Early evaluations show o3 achieving a 2727 rating on Codeforces programming contests and scoring 96.7 percent on AIME 2024 mathematics problems.</p> <p class="whitespace-pre-wrap break-words">The company reports o3 set performance records on advanced benchmarks, solving 25.2 percent of problems on EpochAI's Frontier Math evaluations and scoring above 85 percent on the ARC-AGI test, which is comparable to human results. OpenAI also <a href="https://openai.com/index/deliberative-alignment/">published research</a> about "deliberative alignment," a technique used in developing o1. The company has not announced firm release dates for either new o3 model, but CEO Sam Altman said o3-mini might ship in late January.</p> <h2>So what did we learn?</h2> <p>OpenAI's December campaign revealed that OpenAI had a lot of things sitting around that it needed to ship, and it picked a fun theme to unite the announcements. Google responded in kind, as <a href="https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2024/12/google-and-openai-blitz-december-with-so-many-ai-releases-its-hard-to-keep-up/">we have covered</a>.</p> <p>Several trends from the releases stand out. OpenAI is heavily investing in multimodal capabilities. The o1 model's release, Sora's evolution from research preview to product, and the expansion of voice features with video calling all point toward systems that can seamlessly handle text, images, voice, and video.</p> <p>The company is also focusing heavily on developer tools and customization, so it can continue to have a cloud service business and have its products integrated into other applications. Between the API releases, Reinforcement Fine-Tuning, and expanded IDE integrations, OpenAI is building out its ecosystem for developers and enterprises. And the introduction of o3 shows that OpenAI is still attempting to push technological boundaries, even in the face of diminishing returns in training LLM base models.</p> <p>OpenAI seems to be positioning itself for a 2025 where generative AI moves beyond text chatbots and simple image generators and finds its way into novel applications that we probably can't even predict yet. We'll have to wait and see what the company and developers come up with in the year ahead.</p> + 12-days-of-openai + ai + chatgpt + chatgtp + machine-learning + openai + + + Horizon: Zero Dawn gets the graphical remaster a modern classic deserves + + Nate Anderson + + https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2024/12/horizon-zero-dawn-gets-the-graphical-remaster-a-modern-classic-deserves/ + https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2024/12/horizon-zero-dawn-gets-the-graphical-remaster-a-modern-classic-deserves/#comments + e62b2cc282c71bb62dc39cd1a63d069066cb57ab + Fri, 20 Dec 2024 20:10:03 +0000 + <p> This is how to do a remaster. </p><figure><img width="1600" height="900" src="https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/horizon-zero-dawn-remastered-screenshot-02-en-30sep24.jpeg" class="intro-image" alt="A picture of Aloy looking out over a mountain valley." loading="eager" decoding="async" fetchpriority="high" srcset="https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/horizon-zero-dawn-remastered-screenshot-02-en-30sep24.jpeg 1600w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/horizon-zero-dawn-remastered-screenshot-02-en-30sep24-640x360.jpeg 640w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/horizon-zero-dawn-remastered-screenshot-02-en-30sep24-1024x576.jpeg 1024w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/horizon-zero-dawn-remastered-screenshot-02-en-30sep24-768x432.jpeg 768w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/horizon-zero-dawn-remastered-screenshot-02-en-30sep24-1536x864.jpeg 1536w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/horizon-zero-dawn-remastered-screenshot-02-en-30sep24-384x216.jpeg 384w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/horizon-zero-dawn-remastered-screenshot-02-en-30sep24-1152x648.jpeg 1152w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/horizon-zero-dawn-remastered-screenshot-02-en-30sep24-980x551.jpeg 980w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/horizon-zero-dawn-remastered-screenshot-02-en-30sep24-1440x810.jpeg 1440w" sizes="(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px" /><figcaption> Just look at that fog! <span class="caption-credit mt-2 text-xs"> Credit: Sony </span> </figcaption></figure> <p>At their best, "remastered" video games keep terrific older titles viable on new generations of hardware and for new generations of fans. At their worst, they can feel like a cash-in.</p> <p>So it was with some trepidation that I recently fired up the "remastered" <em>Horizon: Zero Dawn</em>, a game which won me over years ago with its PS4 version due to the simple fact that it was ONE OF THE BEST VIDEO GAMES OF ALL TIME and featured ONE OF THE BEST PROTAGONISTS OF ALL TIME in one of the BEST STORIES OF ALL TIME. (Yes, I like superlatives, which are some of the BEST WORDS OF ALL TIME. But the game world really was terrific.) Even my kids were won over, playing through the game and its sequel multiple times.</p> <p>The game tells the story of a future Earth long after catastrophe—in the form of an autonomous robotic swarm—has ruined the planet. But it's not mere dystopia, though one does come across many wrecked and overgrown spaces from that earlier age. <em>Horizon</em> instead focuses on how humans, having lost most of their past knowledge, rebuilt a world in tribal fashion, a world populated by animal-inspired machines. The game's story operates ambitiously in two timelines and features massive killer robots, cults, and mad Sun Kings, all set against the gorgeous background of the American West.</p> <p>If the original <em>Horizon</em> had a flaw, it was long load times. As one redditor <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/horizon/comments/iy1t38/yikes_forgot_how_bad_the_load_times_are/">succinctly put it</a>, "These load times are butt, huh?" Indeed they were. <em>Extremely</em> butt, in fact.</p> <p>The payoff was a gorgeous open world with such distinctive art direction that the developer put out a hardcover book showcasing the design work that went into the game. (Yes, I bought it, because it was about ONE OF THE BEST GAMES OF ALL—well, you get it.)</p> <p>But that amazing graphic design, as good as it looked when it appeared on the PS4, was a tiny bit dated as the years passed, especially when its just-as-gorgeous sequel came out on the PS5. The story and gameplay in the first title were still amazing, but it was disappointing not to be able to play both parts of ONE OF THE BEST GAMES..., etc, in identical visual glory.</p> <p>So when Sony put out the recent "remaster" of <em>Zero Dawn</em>, I was cautiously optimistic. Any sort of non-half-assed PS5 reworking ought to reduce load times, right?</p> <div class="ars-lightbox align-fullwidth my-5"><figure><img decoding="async" width="1600" height="900" src="https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/horizon-zero-dawn-remastered-screenshot-01-en-30sep24.jpeg" class="ars-gallery-image" alt="Picture of Aloy meeting a machine in the desert." loading="lazy" aria-labelledby="caption-2068184" srcset="https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/horizon-zero-dawn-remastered-screenshot-01-en-30sep24.jpeg 1600w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/horizon-zero-dawn-remastered-screenshot-01-en-30sep24-640x360.jpeg 640w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/horizon-zero-dawn-remastered-screenshot-01-en-30sep24-1024x576.jpeg 1024w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/horizon-zero-dawn-remastered-screenshot-01-en-30sep24-768x432.jpeg 768w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/horizon-zero-dawn-remastered-screenshot-01-en-30sep24-1536x864.jpeg 1536w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/horizon-zero-dawn-remastered-screenshot-01-en-30sep24-384x216.jpeg 384w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/horizon-zero-dawn-remastered-screenshot-01-en-30sep24-1152x648.jpeg 1152w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/horizon-zero-dawn-remastered-screenshot-01-en-30sep24-980x551.jpeg 980w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/horizon-zero-dawn-remastered-screenshot-01-en-30sep24-1440x810.jpeg 1440w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px"><figcaption> Machines make it hard to enjoy the view. </figcaption></figure><figure><img decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/horizon-zero-dawn-remastered-screenshot-03-en-30sep24-1024x576.jpeg" class="ars-gallery-image" alt="A picture of Aloy walking through the town of Meridian." loading="lazy" aria-labelledby="caption-2068186" srcset="https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/horizon-zero-dawn-remastered-screenshot-03-en-30sep24-1024x576.jpeg 1024w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/horizon-zero-dawn-remastered-screenshot-03-en-30sep24-640x360.jpeg 640w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/horizon-zero-dawn-remastered-screenshot-03-en-30sep24-768x432.jpeg 768w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/horizon-zero-dawn-remastered-screenshot-03-en-30sep24-1536x864.jpeg 1536w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/horizon-zero-dawn-remastered-screenshot-03-en-30sep24-384x216.jpeg 384w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/horizon-zero-dawn-remastered-screenshot-03-en-30sep24-1152x648.jpeg 1152w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/horizon-zero-dawn-remastered-screenshot-03-en-30sep24-980x551.jpeg 980w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/horizon-zero-dawn-remastered-screenshot-03-en-30sep24-1440x810.jpeg 1440w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/horizon-zero-dawn-remastered-screenshot-03-en-30sep24.jpeg 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"><figcaption> So many more people in the towns. It's starting to feel a bit crowded! </figcaption></figure><figure><img decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/horizon-zero-dawn-remastered-screenshot-04-en-30sep24-1024x576.jpeg" class="ars-gallery-image" alt="A photo of the the game's jungle." loading="lazy" aria-labelledby="caption-2068188" srcset="https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/horizon-zero-dawn-remastered-screenshot-04-en-30sep24-1024x576.jpeg 1024w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/horizon-zero-dawn-remastered-screenshot-04-en-30sep24-640x360.jpeg 640w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/horizon-zero-dawn-remastered-screenshot-04-en-30sep24-768x432.jpeg 768w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/horizon-zero-dawn-remastered-screenshot-04-en-30sep24-1536x864.jpeg 1536w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/horizon-zero-dawn-remastered-screenshot-04-en-30sep24-384x216.jpeg 384w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/horizon-zero-dawn-remastered-screenshot-04-en-30sep24-1152x648.jpeg 1152w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/horizon-zero-dawn-remastered-screenshot-04-en-30sep24-980x551.jpeg 980w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/horizon-zero-dawn-remastered-screenshot-04-en-30sep24-1440x810.jpeg 1440w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/horizon-zero-dawn-remastered-screenshot-04-en-30sep24.jpeg 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"><figcaption> Everything about the game looks good. </figcaption></figure></div> <p>I meant to dip into the world of <em>Zero Dawn</em> only for a few hours, but I ended up playing through the whole game and its expansion, <em>The Frozen Wilds, </em>over the last few weeks. The arrow-based gameplay, complex story, and voice acting were still terrific, and the remastered elements were far more than a simple cash-in. Even little things, like the way the adaptive triggers on the PS5 controllers mimic the tension of a bowstring, felt perfect.</p> <p>I didn't expect to get sucked back into the game's world for so many hours, but I had a great time doing it and wanted to spread the good word for those who might be looking for an engaging single-player experience over the holidays.</p> <h2>Big changes</h2> <p>When it comes to major changes, the remaster has three.</p> <p>First, the game loads fast. It feels like a ground-up PS5 title. Death—and its attendant reloads—no longer makes me want to throw my controller across the room during difficult battles. It's great.</p> <p>Second, the game looks unbelievable. This is not a case of just upping the resolution to 4K and calling it a day. Sony claims that the game features "over 10 hours of re-recorded conversation, mocap and countless graphical improvements that bring the game to the same visual fidelity as its critically acclaimed sequel." Also, the game's characters have "been upgraded, bringing them in line with current generation advances in character models and rendering."</p> <p>This is not just marketing fluff. The faces look incredible, even in close-up cinematic interludes, but what really caught my eye was the lighting. From the moment a young Aloy spelunks into a cave and finds an electronic gadget attached to a skeleton lying peacefully in a sunbeam, the revamped lighting engine makes its presence clear. No, it's not "realistic"—everything looks like a postcard shot. But I found myself pausing the game just to look at the sunlight scattered by a snowstorm or dawn breaking over a mountain range. The lighting interacts with a volumetric set of effects that bring fog and dust devils to life like few other games I've seen. When Aloy tramps through a winter squall, leaving footsteps in the mountain snow as she walks, the effect is magical. (Until a Glinthawk swoops in, screaming, and attacks.)</p> <p>The populated areas, especially the major town of Meridian, also feel vastly improved. The game engine appears to have far more power available to it now, and that power has been devoted to populating towns and villages with double or triple the number of non-player characters. This goes some way toward making the world feel more alive, and I found the effect immediately noticeable.</p> <p>In other words, this is not just some "upscaled" PS4 title; this thing looks like a modern PS5 game, and a good one at that. The incredible art design of the world and its inhabitants are more immersive than ever before. (And you really need to see the game in motion; screenshots look good, but it's the way facial expressions move or how light plays through trees or hit a dust bowl that are truly stunning.)</p> <p>Third, the game improved its audio. According to Sony, audio "has been significantly enhanced. We’ve completely revamped the sound mix, now supporting PS5 Tempest 3D Audio Tech2 for higher-order ambisonics and Atmos rendering for an immersive soundscape. Our sound design has also seen major improvements, with hundreds of improvements both in-game and in the cinematics." I take their word for it, but I didn't personally notice a major difference. I don't have an Atmos system, but the audio (still) sounded great.</p> <p>If you love the Horizon series, this is the best way to experience the first title on console. (I haven't tried the PC versions. Also, the less said about the new LEGO version of the game, called <em>LEGO Horizon Adventures</em>, the better.)</p> <p>And if you previously bought the game, you can upgrade for ten bucks (though note that if you bought a PS4 disc version, you'll need to have the game disc inserted both to upgrade and to run the game; and if you have a disc-less PS5, you're out of luck on that front.)</p> + gaming-2 + horizon-zero-dawn + sony-2 + + + Rocket Report: ULA has a wild idea; Starliner crew will stay in orbit even longer + + Stephen Clark + + https://arstechnica.com/science/2024/12/rocket-report-waiting-for-new-glenn-spacex-takes-a-launch-from-ula/ + https://arstechnica.com/science/2024/12/rocket-report-waiting-for-new-glenn-spacex-takes-a-launch-from-ula/#comments + c0ef78abbcd5a92d2aa6ac93f728c40ab9d24e5f + Fri, 20 Dec 2024 19:40:02 +0000 + <p> ULA's Vulcan rocket is at least several months away from flying again, and Stoke names its engine. </p><figure><img width="1152" height="648" src="https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/zenith2-1152x648.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/2024/12/zenith2-1152x648.jpg 1152w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/zenith2-384x216.jpg 384w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/zenith2-768x432.jpg 768w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/zenith2-1536x864.jpg 1536w" sizes="(max-width: 1152px) 100vw, 1152px" /><figcaption> Stoke Space's Zenith booster engine fires on a test stand at Moses Lake, Washington. <span class="caption-credit mt-2 text-xs"> Credit: <a class="caption-credit-link text-gray-400 no-underline hover:text-gray-500" href="https://x.com/stoke_space/status/1867277821904920703" target="_blank"> Stoke Space </a> </span> </figcaption></figure> <div class="page-anchor-wrapper"><a class="" name="page-1" data-page="1" data-url="https://arstechnica.com/science/2024/12/rocket-report-waiting-for-new-glenn-spacex-takes-a-launch-from-ula/" href="https://arstechnica.com/"></a></div> <p>Welcome to Edition 7.24 of the Rocket Report! This is the last Rocket Report of the year, and what a year it's been. So far, there have been 244 rocket launches to successfully reach orbit this year, a record for annual launch activity. And there are still a couple of weeks to go before the calendar turns to 2025. Time is running out for Blue Origin to launch its first heavy-lift New Glenn rocket this year, but if it flies before January 1, it will certainly be one of the top space stories of 2024.</p> <p>As always, we <a href="https://arstechnica.wufoo.com/forms/launch-stories/">welcome reader submissions</a>. If you don't want to miss an issue, please subscribe using the box below (the form will not appear on AMP-enabled versions of the site). Each report will include information on small-, medium-, and heavy-lift rockets as well as a quick look ahead at the next three launches on the calendar.</p> <figure class="ars-img-shortcode id-1314289 align-center"> <div> <img decoding="async" width="560" height="81" src="https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/smalll.png" class="center full" alt="" srcset="https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/smalll.png 560w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/smalll-300x43.png 300w" sizes="(max-width: 560px) 100vw, 560px"> </div> </figure> <p><b>Corkscrew in the sky. </b>A Japanese space startup said its second attempt to launch a rocket carrying small satellites into orbit had been terminated minutes after liftoff Wednesday and destroyed itself again, nine months after the company’s first launch attempt in an explosion, <a href="https://apnews.com/article/japan-space-rocket-satellite-commercial-abort-space-one-52409d53f2c187c0548188d160df03be">the Associated Press reports</a>. The startup that developed the rocket, named Space One, launched the Kairos rocket from a privately owned coastal spaceport in Japan's Kansai region. Company executive and space engineer Mamoru Endo said an abnormality in the first stage engine nozzle or its control system is likely to have caused an unstable flight of the rocket, which started spiraling in mid-flight and eventually destroyed itself about three minutes after liftoff, using its autonomous safety mechanism.</p> <p><i>0-for-2 </i>... The launch failure this week followed the first attempt to launch the Kairos rocket in March, when the launcher exploded just five seconds after liftoff. An investigation into the failed launch in March concluded the rocket's autonomous destruct system activated after detecting its solid-fueled first stage wasn't generating as much thrust as expected. The Kairos rocket is Japan's first privately funded orbital-class rocket, capable of placing payloads up to 550 pounds (250 kilograms) into low-Earth orbit. <span class="s1">(submitted by </span><span class="s2">Jay500001, Ken the Bin, and EllPeaTea)</span></p> <p><b>A fit check for Themis. </b>ArianeGroup has brought the main elements of the Themis reusable booster demonstrator together for the first time in France during a "full-fit check," <a href="https://europeanspaceflight.com/themis-reusable-rocket-takes-shape-as-arianegroup-completes-fit-check/">European Spaceflight reports</a>. This milestone paves the way for the demonstrator’s inaugural test, which is expected to take place in 2025. Themis, which is funded by the European Space Agency, is designed to test vertical launch and landing capabilities with a new methane-fueled rocket engine. According to ESA, the full-fit check is one of the final steps in the development phase of Themis.</p> <p><i>Slow progress </i>... ESA signed the contract with ArianeGroup for the Themis program in 2020, and at that time, the program's schedule called for initial low-altitude hop tests in 2022. It's now taken more than double the time officials originally projected to get the Themis rocket airborne. The first up-and-down hops will be based at the Esrange Space Center in Sweden, and will use the vehicle ArianeGroup is assembling now in France. A second Themis rocket will be built for medium-altitude tests from Esrange, and finally, a three-engine version of Themis will fly on high-altitude tests from the Guiana Space Center in South America. At the rate this program is proceeding, it's fair to ask if Themis will complete a full-envelope launch and landing demonstration before the end of the decade, if it ever does. (submitted by Ken the Bin)</p> <div class="ars-newsletter-shortcode" data-list-id="248910"> <h5 class="ars-newsletter-shortcode-header"> <svg class="ars-newsletter-shortcode-icon" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewbox="0 0 60 60"><defs><clippath id="rocket_svg__a"><path fill="none" stroke-width="0" d="M0 0h60v60H0z"></path></clippath><clippath id="rocket_svg__b"><path fill="none" stroke-width="0" d="M0 0h60v60H0z"></path></clippath></defs><g clip-path="url(#rocket_svg__a)"><g clip-path="url(#rocket_svg__b)"><path fill="#e8e9ec" d="M45.9 8.57c-.49-.7-.9-1.48-1.32-2.25q.525 1.095 1.32 2.25m7.78 6.85c-.77-.42-1.55-.84-2.25-1.32.77.53 1.52.98 2.25 1.32m-7.67-6.7a22 22 0 0 0 2.41 2.86c-.88-.87-1.68-1.83-2.41-2.85"></path><path fill="#ff4e00" d="M14.32 45.68a.905.905 0 0 0-1.29 0L1.99 56.72c-.36.36-.36.93 0 1.29s.93.36 1.29 0l11.04-11.05c.36-.36.36-.93 0-1.29m3.88 1.3a.905.905 0 0 0-1.29 0L5.87 58.02c-.36.36-.36.93 0 1.29s.93.36 1.29 0L18.2 48.26c.36-.36.36-.93 0-1.29m-5.17-5.17a.905.905 0 0 0-1.29 0l-9.75 9.76c-.36.36-.36.93 0 1.29s.93.36 1.29 0l9.75-9.75c.36-.36.36-.93 0-1.29"></path><path fill="#e8e9ec" d="M45.9 8.57c.04.05.07.1.11.16.73 1.03 1.53 1.98 2.41 2.85.87.88 1.83 1.68 2.86 2.41.05.04.1.07.16.11.7.49 1.48.9 2.25 1.32.39.19.76.34 1.13.47C58.05 8.86 59.48 2.94 59.99.84c.12-.51-.31-.94-.83-.83-2.11.44-8.02 1.94-15.05 5.17.13.37.29.74.47 1.13.42.77.84 1.55 1.32 2.25m-4.25 38.79c.82-1.19 1.17-2.64.99-4.08l-1.01-7.99c5.33-5.33 9.18-11.37 11.98-16.93-2.15-.51-4.87-2.15-7.34-4.62s-4.11-5.19-4.62-7.34c-5.56 2.8-11.6 6.65-16.93 11.98l-7.99-1.01c-1.43-.18-2.89.17-4.08.99L.09 26.96c-.14.1-.11.32.06.36l9.58-.71c.86-.07 1.73-.01 2.58.15l4.36.85c-1.76 2.8-2.21 3.76-2.21 3.76-2.92 5.96-1.14 9.42 1.8 12.37 2.94 2.94 6.41 4.72 12.37 1.8 0 0 .96-.45 3.75-2.21l.85 4.36c.17.85.22 1.72.15 2.58l-.71 9.58c.05.17.27.2.36.06l8.61-12.56Z"></path></g></g></svg> The Ars Technica Rocket Report </h5> <div class="ars-newsletter-shortcode-description">The easiest way to keep up with Eric Berger's and Stephen Clark's reporting on all things space is to sign up for our newsletter. We'll collect their stories and deliver them straight to your inbox.</div> <a class="ars-newsletter-shortcode-link" rel="nofollow" href="https://arstechnica.com/newsletters/?subscribe=248910">Sign Me Up!</a> </div> <p><b>Baguette One is going critical. </b>French launch startup HyPrSpace has announced that it has completed preliminary design reviews for its Baguette One and Orbital Baguette One (OB-1) rockets, <a href="https://europeanspaceflight.com/hyprspace-achieves-key-milestone-in-baguette-one-rocket-development/">European Spaceflight reports</a>. Baguette One will be a suborbital demonstrator for the OB-1 rocket, designed to use a hybrid propulsion system that combines liquid and solid propellants and doesn't require a turbopump. With the preliminary design complete, HyPrSpace said it is moving on to the critical design phase for both rockets, a stage of development where detailed engineering plans are finalized and components are prepared for manufacturing.</p> <p><em>Heating the oven</em> ... HyPrSpace has previously stated the Orbital Baguette One rocket will be capable of delivering a payload of up to 550 pounds (250 kilograms) to low-Earth orbit. Last year, the startup announced it raised 35 million euros in funding, primarily from the French government, to complete the critical design phase of the OB-1 rocket and launch the Baguette One on a suborbital test flight. HyPrSpace has not provided an updated schedule for the first flight of either rocket. (submitted by Ken the Bin)</p> <p><b>A new player on the scene. </b>RTX weapons arm Raytheon and defense startup Ursa Major Technologies have completed two successful test flights of a missile propelled by a new solid rocket motor, <a href="https://breakingdefense.com/2024/12/raytheon-ursa-major-log-successful-solid-rocket-motor-flight-test/">Breaking Defense reports</a>. The two test flights, held at Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake in California, involved a Raytheon-made missile propelled by an Ursa Major solid rocket motor measuring less than 10 inches in diameter, according to Dan Jablonsky, Ursa Major's CEO. Details about the missile are shrouded in mystery, and Raytheon officials referred questions on the matter to the Army.</p> <p><i>Joining the club </i>... The US military is interested in fostering the development of a third supplier of solid rocket propulsion for weapons systems. Right now, only Northrop Grumman and L3Harris's Aerojet Rocketdyne are available as solid rocket vendors, and they have struggled to keep up with the demand for weapons systems, especially to support the war in Ukraine. Ursa Major is one of several US-based startups entering the solid rocket propulsion market. "There is a new player on the scene in the solid rocket motor industry," Jablonsky said. "This is an Army program that we’ve been working on with Raytheon. In this particular program, we went from concept and design to firing and flight on the range in just under four months, which is lightning fast." (submitted by Ken the Bin)</p> <div class="page-anchor-wrapper"><a class="record-pageview" name="page-2" data-page="2" data-url="https://arstechnica.com/science/2024/12/rocket-report-waiting-for-new-glenn-spacex-takes-a-launch-from-ula/" href="https://arstechnica.com/"></a></div> <figure class="ars-img-shortcode id-1314295 align-center"> <div> <img decoding="async" width="560" height="81" src="https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/mediuml.png" class="center full" alt="" srcset="https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/mediuml.png 560w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/mediuml-300x43.png 300w" sizes="(max-width: 560px) 100vw, 560px"> </div> </figure> <p><b>SpaceX's rapid response. </b>In a mission veiled in secrecy, a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket lifted off Monday from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida, sending a military Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite to a medium orbit about 12,000 miles above Earth, <a href="https://spacenews.com/spacex-launches-u-s-space-force-rapid-response-gps-mission/">Space News reports</a>. Named Rapid Response Trailblazer-1 (RRT-1), this mission was a US national security space launch and was also intended to demonstrate military capabilities to condense a typical two-year mission planning cycle to less than six months. The payload, GPS III SV-07, is the seventh satellite of the GPS III constellation, built by Lockheed Martin. The spacecraft was in storage awaiting a launch on United Launch Alliance's Vulcan rocket.</p> <p><i>Tightening the timeline</i> ... "We decided to pull SV-07 out of storage and try to get it to the launch pad as quickly as possible," Col. James Horne, senior material leader for launch execution at the US Space Force’s Space Systems Command, told Space News. "It’s our way of demonstrating that we can be responsive to operator needs." Rather than the typical mission cycle of two years, SpaceX, Lockheed Martin, and the Space Force worked together to prep this GPS satellite for launch in a handful of months. Military officials decided to launch SV-07 with SpaceX as ULA's Vulcan rocket faced delays in becoming certified to launch national security payloads. According to Space News, Horne emphasized that this move was less about Vulcan delays and more about testing the boundaries of the NSSL program’s flexibility. “This is a way for us to demonstrate to adversaries that we can be responsive,” he said. Because SV-07 was switched to SpaceX, ULA will get to launch GPS III SV-10, originally assigned to SpaceX. (submitted by Ken the Bin and EllPeaTea)</p> <p><b>An update on Butch and Suni. </b>NASA has announced that it is delaying the SpaceX Crew-10 launch, a move that will keep astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams—who already had their stay aboard the International Space Station unexpectedly extended—in orbit even longer, <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2024/12/18/science/astronauts-space-delay-return/index.html">CNN reports</a>. Williams and Wilmore launched to space in June, piloting the first crewed test flight of Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft. Their trip, expected to last about a week, ballooned into a months-long assignment after their vehicle experienced technical issues en route to the space station and NASA determined it would be too risky to bring them home aboard the Starliner.</p> <p><i>Nearly 10 months in orbit ... </i>The astronauts stayed aboard the space station as the Starliner spacecraft safely returned to Earth in September, and NASA shuffled the station's schedule of visiting vehicles to allow Wilmore and Williams to come home on a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft with two crewmates to end the Crew-9 mission in February, soon after the arrival of Crew-10. Now, Crew-10 will get off the ground at least a month later than expected because NASA and SpaceX teams need "time to complete processing on a new Dragon spacecraft for the mission," the space agency said. (submitted by Ken the Bin)</p> <p><b>Stoke Space names its engine. </b>Stoke Space, the only other company besides SpaceX developing a fully reusable orbital rocket, has revealed the name of the methane-fueled engine that will power the vehicle's booster stage. "Say hello to Zenith, our full-flow staged-combustion booster engine, built to power Nova to orbit," Stoke Space <a href="https://x.com/stoke_space/status/1869382032952070399">wrote in a post on X</a>. The naming announcement came a few days after Stoke Space said it hot-fired the "Block 2" or "flight layout" version of the main engine on a test stand in Moses Lake, Washington.</p> <p><i>Stoked by the progress ... </i>"As we build towards the future of space mobility, we’re building on top of the pinnacle–the zenith–of rocket engine cycles: full-flow staged combustion," Stoke Space said. Only a handful of rocket engines have been designed to use the full-flow staged combustion cycle, and only one has actually flown on a rocket: SpaceX's Raptor. Seven Zenith engines will power the first stage of the Nova rocket when it takes off from Cape Canaveral, Florida. A hydrogen-fueled propulsion system will power the second stage of Nova, which is designed to launch up to 5 metric tons (11,000 pounds) of payload to low-Earth orbit.</p> <p><b>Upgrades coming for Vega. </b>The European Space Agency (ESA) has signed 350 million euros in contracts with Avio to further evolve the Vega launcher family," <a href="https://aviationweek.com/space/launch-vehicles-propulsion/avio-secures-vega-e-development-contract">Aviation Week &amp; Space Technology reports</a>. The contracts cover the development of the Vega-E and upgrades to the current Vega-C’s ground infrastructure to increase the launch cadence. Vega-E, scheduled to debut in 2027, will replace the Vega-C rocket's third and fourth stages with a single methane-fueled upper stage under development by Avio. It will also offer a 30 percent increase in Vega's payload lift capability, and will launch from a new complex to be built on the former Ariane 5 launch pad at the European-run Guiana Space Center in South America.</p> <p><i>Adaptations ... </i>The fresh tranche of funding from ESA will also pay for Avio's work to "adapt" the former Ariane 5 integration building at the spaceport in French Guiana, <a href="https://www.esa.int/Enabling_Support/Space_Transportation/Vega/Vega_contracts_for_future_operations_and_development">according to ESA</a>. "This will allow technicians to work on two rockets being assembled simultaneously–one on the launch pad and one in the new assembly building–and run two launch campaigns in parallel," ESA said. (submitted by Ken the Bin and EllPeaTea)</p> <div class="page-anchor-wrapper"><a class="record-pageview" name="page-3" data-page="3" data-url="https://arstechnica.com/science/2024/12/rocket-report-waiting-for-new-glenn-spacex-takes-a-launch-from-ula/" href="https://arstechnica.com/"></a></div> <figure class="ars-img-shortcode id-1314297 align-center"> <div> <img decoding="async" width="560" height="81" src="https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/heavyl.png" class="center full" alt="" srcset="https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/heavyl.png 560w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/heavyl-300x43.png 300w" sizes="(max-width: 560px) 100vw, 560px"> </div> </figure> <p><b>New Glenn coming alive</b>. In a widely anticipated test, Blue Origin will soon ignite the seven main engines on its New Glenn rocket at Launch Complex-36 in Florida, <a href="https://arstechnica.com/space/2024/12/blue-origin-may-hot-fire-its-new-glenn-rocket-as-soon-as-today/">Ars reports</a>. Sources indicated this hot-fire test might occur as soon as Thursday, but it didn't happen. Instead, Blue Origin's launch team loaded cryogenic propellants into the New Glenn rocket on the launch pad, but stopped short of igniting the main engines.</p> <p><i>Racing the clock … </i>The hot-fire is the final test the company must complete before verifying the massive rocket is ready for its debut flight, and it is the most dynamic. This will be the first time Blue Origin has ever test-fired the BE-7 engines altogether<i>. </i>Theoretically, at least, it remains possible that Blue Origin could launch New Glenn this year—and the company's urgency certainly speaks to this. On social media this week, some Blue Origin employees noted that they were being asked to work on Christmas Day this year in Florida.</p> <p><b>China begins building a new megaconstellation</b>. The first batch of Internet satellites for China's Guowang megaconstellation launched Monday on the country's heavy-lift Long March 5B rocket, <a href="https://arstechnica.com/space/2024/12/china-orbits-first-guowang-internet-satellites-with-thousands-more-to-come/">Ars reports</a>. The satellites are the first of up to 13,000 spacecraft a consortium of Chinese companies plans to build and launch over the next decade. The Guowang fleet will beam low-latency high-speed Internet signals in an architecture similar to SpaceX's Starlink network, although Chinese officials haven't laid out any specifics, such as target markets, service specifications, or user terminals.</p> <p><i>No falling debris, this time … </i>China used its most powerful operational rocket, the Long March 5B, for the job of launching the first 10 Guowang satellites this week. The Long March 5B's large core stage, which entered orbit on the rocket's previous missions and <a href="https://arstechnica.com/science/2022/10/china-launches-its-third-space-station-module-but-rocket-will-return-controllably/">triggered concerns about falling space debris</a>, fell into a predetermined location in the sea downrange from the launch site. The difference for this mission was the addition of the Yuanzheng 2 upper stage, which gave the rocket's payloads the extra oomph they needed to reach their targeted low-Earth orbit. (submitted by Ken the Bin and EllPeaTea)</p> <p><strong>Elon Musk's security clearance under review</strong>. A new investigation <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/17/technology/elon-musk-spacex-national-security-reporting.html">from The New York Times</a> suggests that SpaceX founder Elon Musk has not been reporting his travel activities and other information to the Department of Defense as required by his top-secret clearance, <a href="https://arstechnica.com/space/2024/12/report-elon-musk-failed-to-report-movement-required-by-security-clearance/">Ars reports</a>. According to the newspaper, concerns about Musk's reporting practices have led to reviews by three different bodies within the military: the Air Force, the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security, and the Defense Department Office of Inspector General. However, none of the federal agencies cited in the Times article has accused Musk of disclosing classified material.</p> <p><i>It won't matter … </i>Since 2021, Musk has failed to self-report details of his life, including travel activities, people he has met, and drug use, according to the Times. The government is also concerned that SpaceX did not ensure Musk's compliance with the reporting rules. Musk's national security profile has risen following his deep-pocketed and full-throated support of Donald Trump, who won the US presidential campaign in November and will be sworn into office next month. After this inauguration, Trump will have the power to grant security clearance to whomever he wishes.</p> <p><strong>ULA's CEO has a pretty wild idea</strong>. Ars published a <a href="https://arstechnica.com/space/2024/12/the-us-military-is-now-talking-openly-about-going-on-the-attack-in-space/">feature story</a> last week examining the US Space Force's new embrace of offensive weapons in space. In the story, Ars discusses concepts for different types of space weapons, including placing roving "defender" satellites into orbit, with the sole purpose of guarding high-value US satellites against an attack. Tory Bruno, CEO of United Launch Alliance, wrote about the defender concept in a <a href="https://medium.com/@ToryBrunoULA/its-time-to-defend-ourselves-in-space-69608ab3da8f">Medium post earlier this month</a>. He added more detail in a recent conversation with reporters, describing the defender concept as "a lightning-fast, long-range, lethal, if necessary, vehicle to defend our assets on orbit." And guess what? The Centaur upper stage for ULA's own Vulcan rocket could do the job just fine, according to Bruno.</p> <p><i>Death throes or a smart pivot? … </i>A space tug or upper stage like the Centaur could be left in orbit after a launch to respond to threats against US or allied satellites, Bruno said. These wouldn't be able to effectively defend a spacecraft against a ground-based anti-satellite missile, which can launch without warning. But a space-based attack might involve an enemy satellite taking days or weeks to move close to a US satellite due to limitations in maneuverability and the tyranny of orbital mechanics. Several launch companies have recently pitched their rockets as solutions for weapons testing, including Rocket Lab and ABL. But the concept proposed by Bruno would take ULA far from its core business, where its efforts to compete with SpaceX have often fallen short. However, the competition is still alive, as shown by a comment from SpaceX's vice president of Falcon launch vehicles, Jon Edwards. In response to Ars's story, <a href="https://x.com/edwards345/status/1869038834127925739">Edwards wrote on X</a>: "The pivot to 'interceptor' or 'target vehicle' is a common final act of a launch vehicle in its death throes." <span class="s1">(submitted by Ken the Bin)</span></p> <p><strong>Vulcan is months away from flying again</strong>. Speaking of ULA, here's an update on the next flight of the company's Vulcan rocket. The first national security mission on Vulcan might not launch until April 2025 at the earliest, <a href="https://spaceflightnow.com/2024/12/18/space-force-says-first-national-security-vulcan-launch-now-anticipated-in-spring-2025/">Spaceflight Now reports</a>. This will be the third flight of a Vulcan rocket, following two test flights this year to gather data for the US Space Force to certify the rocket for national security missions. On the second flight, the nozzle fell off one of Vulcan's solid rocket boosters shortly after liftoff, but the rocket successfully continued its climb into orbit. The anomaly prompted an investigation, and ULA says it is close to determining the root cause.</p> <p><i>Stretching the timeline … </i>The Space Force's certification review of Vulcan is taking longer than anticipated. "The government team has not completed its technical evaluation of the certification criteria and is working closely with ULA on additional data required to complete this evaluation," a Space Force spokesperson told Spaceflight Now. "The government anticipates completion of its evaluation and certification in the first quarter of calendar year 2025." The spokesperson said this means the launch of a US military navigation test satellite on the third Vulcan rocket is now slated for the second quarter of next year. <span class="s1">(submitted by Ken the Bin and EllPeaTea)</span></p> <h2>Next three launches</h2> <p><strong>Dec. 21:</strong> Falcon 9 | "Astranis: From One to Many" | Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida | 03:39 UTC</p> <p><b>Dec. 21: </b>Falcon 9 | Bandwagon 2 | Vandenberg Space Force Base, California | 11:34 UTC</p> <p><strong>Dec. 21:</strong> Electron | "Owl The Way Up" | Māhia Peninsula, New Zealand | 13:00 UTC</p> <figure class="ars-img-shortcode id-1311255 align-center"> <div> <img decoding="async" width="120" height="120" src="https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/rocket.png" class="center full" alt=""> </div> </figure> + rocket-report + + + OpenAI announces o3 and o3-mini, its next simulated reasoning models + + Benj Edwards + + https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2024/12/openai-announces-o3-and-o3-mini-its-next-simulated-reasoning-models/ + https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2024/12/openai-announces-o3-and-o3-mini-its-next-simulated-reasoning-models/#comments + 65ce4386110f9f9604ae7ca3170cc5a5a777a47f + Fri, 20 Dec 2024 19:31:43 +0000 + <p> o3 matches human levels on ARC-AGI benchmark, and o3-mini exceeds o1 at some tasks. </p><figure><img width="1152" height="648" src="https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/openai_o3_model-1152x648.jpg" class="intro-image absolute min-w-full min-h-full h-auto object-cover" alt="Abstract illustration of many human head silhouettes with a small OpenAI logo in the very middle." loading="eager" decoding="async" fetchpriority="high" srcset="https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/openai_o3_model-1152x648.jpg 1152w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/openai_o3_model-640x360.jpg 640w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/openai_o3_model-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/openai_o3_model-768x432.jpg 768w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/openai_o3_model-384x216.jpg 384w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/openai_o3_model-980x551.jpg 980w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/openai_o3_model.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1152px) 100vw, 1152px" /><figcaption> <span class="caption-credit mt-2 text-xs"> Credit: <a class="caption-credit-link text-gray-400 no-underline hover:text-gray-500" href="https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/photo/depression-head-silhouette-royalty-free-image/1435756748" target="_blank"> Benj Edwards / Andriy Onufriyenko via Getty Images </a> </span> </figcaption></figure> <p>On Friday, during Day 12 of its "<a href="https://arstechnica.com/ai/2024/12/openai-teases-12-days-of-mystery-product-launches-starting-tomorrow/">12 days of OpenAI</a>," OpenAI CEO Sam Altman announced its latest AI "reasoning" models, o3 and o3-mini, which build upon the <a href="https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2024/09/openais-new-reasoning-ai-models-are-here-o1-preview-and-o1-mini/">o1 models</a> launched earlier this year. The company is not releasing them yet but will make these models available for public safety testing and research access today.</p> <p>The models use what OpenAI calls "private chain of thought," where the model pauses to examine its internal dialog and plan ahead before responding, which you might call "simulated reasoning" (SR)—a form of AI that goes beyond basic large language models (LLMs).</p> <p>The company named the model family "o3" instead of "o2" to avoid potential trademark conflicts with British telecom provider O2, according to <a href="https://www.theinformation.com/briefings/openai-preps-o3-reasoning-model">The Information</a>. During Friday's livestream, Altman acknowledged his company's naming foibles, saying, "In the grand tradition of OpenAI being really, truly bad at names, it'll be called o3."</p> <p>According to OpenAI, the o3 model earned a record-breaking score on the <a href="https://arcprize.org/arc">ARC-AGI</a> benchmark, a visual reasoning benchmark that has gone unbeaten since its creation in 2019. In low-compute scenarios, o3 scored 75.7 percent, while in high-compute testing, it reached 87.5 percent—comparable to human performance at an 85 percent threshold.</p> <p>OpenAI also reported that o3 scored 96.7 percent on the 2024 American Invitational Mathematics Exam, missing just one question. The model also reached 87.7 percent on GPQA Diamond, which contains graduate-level biology, physics, and chemistry questions. On the Frontier Math benchmark by EpochAI, o3 solved 25.2 percent of problems, while no other model has exceeded 2 percent.</p> <p>During the livestream, the president of the ARC Prize Foundation said, "When I see these results, I need to switch my worldview about what AI can do and what it is capable of."</p> <p>The o3-mini variant, also announced Friday, includes an adaptive thinking time feature, offering low, medium, and high processing speeds. The company states that higher compute settings produce better results. OpenAI reports that o3-mini outperforms its predecessor, o1, on the Codeforces benchmark.</p> <h2>Simulated reasoning on the rise</h2> <p>OpenAI's announcement comes as other companies develop their own SR models, including Google, which announced <a href="https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2024/12/not-to-be-outdone-by-openai-google-releases-its-own-reasoning-ai-model/">Gemini 2.0 Flash Thinking Experimental</a> on Thursday. In November, DeepSeek launched DeepSeek-R1, while Alibaba's Qwen team released QwQ, what they called the first "open" alternative to o1.</p> <p>These new AI models are based on traditional LLMs, but with a twist: They are fine-tuned to produce a type of iterative chain of thought process that can consider its own results, simulating reasoning in an almost brute-force way that can be scaled at inference (running) time, instead of focusing on improvements during AI model training, which has seen diminishing returns recently.</p> <p>OpenAI will make the new SR models available first to safety researchers for testing. Altman said the company plans to launch o3-mini in late January, with o3 following shortly after.</p> + ai + chatgpt + chatgtp + gpt-4o + large-language-models + machine-learning + o1 + openai + openai-o1 + openai-orion + simulated-reasoning + + + Startup set to brick $800 kids robot is trying to open source it first + + Scharon Harding + + https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2024/12/800-kids-robot-due-for-bricking-sees-potential-open-source-second-life/ + https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2024/12/800-kids-robot-due-for-bricking-sees-potential-open-source-second-life/#comments + 6f55bf11d0b2fa2abb8d885e60dfcbd828f30011 + Fri, 20 Dec 2024 19:10:29 +0000 + <p> Most owners still won't be refunded for the emotional support toy. </p><figure><img width="1152" height="648" src="https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Capture-1152x648-1734720313.jpg" class="intro-image absolute min-w-full min-h-full h-auto object-cover" alt="A Moxie on a table with scissors, crayons, paint, paper, paintbrushes, and markers." loading="eager" decoding="async" fetchpriority="high" srcset="https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Capture-1152x648-1734720313.jpg 1152w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Capture-384x216-1734720312.jpg 384w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Capture-768x432-1734720312.jpg 768w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Capture-1536x864-1734720313.jpg 1536w" sizes="(max-width: 1152px) 100vw, 1152px" /><figcaption> <span class="caption-credit mt-2 text-xs"> Credit: Embodied </span> </figcaption></figure> <p>Earlier this month, startup Embodied announced that it is going out of business and taking its <a href="https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2024/12/startup-will-brick-800-emotional-support-robot-for-kids-without-refunds/">Moxie robot</a> with it. The $800 robots, aimed at providing emotional support for kids ages 5 to 10, would soon be bricked, the company said, because they can’t perform their core features without the cloud. Following customer backlash, Embodied is trying to create a way for the robots to live an open sourced second life.</p> <p>Embodied CEO Paolo Pirjanian shared a document via a LinkedIn <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/posts/paolopirjanian_openmoxie-update-for-serverless-operations-activity-7275851306701889536-8G7q?utm_source=share&amp;amp;utm_medium=member_desktop">blog post</a> today saying that people who used to be part of Embodied’s technical team are developing a “potential” and open source way to keep Moxies running. The document reads:</p> <blockquote><p>This initiative involves developing a local server application (‘OpenMoxie’) that you can run on your own computer. Once available, this community-driven option will enable you (or technically inclined individuals) to maintain Moxie’s basic functionality, develop new features, and modify her capabilities to better suit your needs—without reliance on Embodied’s cloud servers.</p></blockquote> <p>The notice says that after releasing OpenMoxie, Embodied plans to release “all necessary code and documentation” for developers and users.</p> <p>Pirjanian said that an over-the-air (OTA) update is now available for download that will allow previously purchased Moxies to support OpenMoxie. The executive noted that Embodied is still “seeking long-term answers” but claimed that the update is a “vital first step” to “keep the door open” for the robot's continued functionality.</p> <p>At this time, OpenMoxie isn’t available and doesn’t have a release date. Embodied’s wording also seems careful to leave an opening for OpenMoxie to not actually release; although, the company seems optimistic.</p> <p>However, there’s also a risk of users failing to update their robots in time and properly. Embodied noted that it won’t be able to support users who have trouble with the update or with OpenMoxie post-release. Updating the robot includes connecting to Wi-Fi and leaving it on for at least an hour.</p> <p>“It is extremely important that you update your Moxie with this OTA as soon as possible because once the cloud servers stop working you will not be able to update your robot,” the document reads. Embodied hasn't said when exactly its cloud servers still stop working.</p> <h2>Good, not great, news</h2> <p>Moxie's story is similar to that of Spotify's CarThing, a gadget that mounted to car dashboards and auxiliary outlets so driveres could easily access Spotify. In May, Spotify said it would <a href="https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2024/05/pleas-for-open-sourcing-refunds-as-spotify-plans-to-brick-car-thing-devices/">brick CarThings</a> in December and wouldn't open source them. However, in November, YouTuber Dammit Jeff explained how to <a href="https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2024/11/firmware-hacks-are-rejuvenating-spotifys-car-thing-before-the-company-bricks-it/">repurpose CarThings</a> so that they could still be of value to people who spent up to $90 to own one.</p> <p>Moxie’s bricking is more "unsettling," as Pirjanian put it, because Embodied said most people wouldn’t get refunds (only those who bought it within 30 days of the closure announcement have a chance of <em>maybe</em> getting their money back). At $800, Moxies were also much more expensive than CarThings.</p> <p>Embodied says it's shuttering due to failed funding, meaning it likely has thin resources for keeping Moxies alive. So, it's nice to see the startup make this effort to try to compensate customers, especially after parents have complained of <a href="https://x.com/zerostatereflex/status/1863803327995371666">heart-wrenching conversations</a> with children about how their favorite toy would soon stop speaking to them.</p> <p>Still, this isn’t an ideal solution for parents who invested in an emotional support toy for their kid and may not have the know-how or time to keep it alive after Embodied closes. While Embodied is doing better than other firms that have <a href="https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2024/06/oral-b-bricks-ability-to-set-up-alexa-on-230-smart-toothbrush/">bricked</a> or <a href="https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2024/08/amazon-is-bricking-primary-feature-on-160-echo-device-after-1-year/">otherwise changed</a> smart device capabilities after release, it remains a <a href="https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2024/09/ftc-urged-to-make-smart-devices-say-how-long-theyll-be-supported/">disappointing</a> and <a href="https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2024/11/smart-gadgets-failure-to-commit-to-software-support-could-be-illegal-ftc-warns/">possibly illegal</a> trend among tech companies pushing products only to <a href="https://arstechnica.com/culture/2024/08/1700-smart-bassinet-adds-20-month-sub-but-only-if-you-buy-it-used/">alter their functionality</a> or stop supporting their software after taking people's money.</p> + open-source + robots + smart-home + + + Man who claims he invented bitcoin faces prison after filing $1.1 trillion suit + + Jon Brodkin + + https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2024/12/judge-rejects-craig-wrights-1-1-trillion-lawsuit-claiming-rights-to-bitcoin/ + https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2024/12/judge-rejects-craig-wrights-1-1-trillion-lawsuit-claiming-rights-to-bitcoin/#comments + 417c30c5c0c2f6cdc436dbd29f8714a90d482099 + Fri, 20 Dec 2024 18:46:14 +0000 + <p> UK judge issues 1-year suspended prison sentence as Wright hides in Asia. </p><figure><img width="1024" height="648" src="https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GettyImages-1989693346-1024x648.jpg" class="intro-image absolute min-w-full min-h-full h-auto object-cover" alt="Craig Wright walking on the street, wearing a suit and tie." loading="eager" decoding="async" fetchpriority="high" /><figcaption> Dr. Craig Wright arrives at the Rolls Building, part of the Royal Courts of Justice, on February 6, 2024, in London, England. <span class="caption-credit mt-2 text-xs"> Credit: <a class="caption-credit-link text-gray-400 no-underline hover:text-gray-500" href="https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/dr-craig-wright-arrives-at-the-rolls-building-part-of-the-news-photo/1989693346" target="_blank"> Dan Kitwood / Staff | Getty Images News </a> </span> </figcaption></figure> <div class="page-anchor-wrapper"><a class="" name="page-1" data-page="1" data-url="https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2024/12/judge-rejects-craig-wrights-1-1-trillion-lawsuit-claiming-rights-to-bitcoin/" href="https://arstechnica.com/"></a></div> <p>Craig Wright, the man who claims he invented bitcoin and has been filing lawsuits asserting intellectual property rights, was sentenced to a year in prison yesterday for committing contempt of court.</p> <p>The sentence is suspended and can be enforced if Wright continues violating court rulings—but he may be able to avoid imprisonment by staying away from countries that have extradition agreements with the UK. Wright defied an order to attend a court hearing in person this week and said he is in Asia.</p> <p>Wright "was sentenced for contempt of court on Thursday" for bringing a 911 billion pound ($1.1 trillion) lawsuit "against Twitter founder Jack Dorsey's payments company Block in Britain," <a href="https://www.reuters.com/markets/currencies/self-proclaimed-bitcoin-inventor-contempt-court-over-12-trillion-uk-lawsuit-2024-12-19/">Reuters wrote</a>.</p> <p>Wright <a href="https://beincrypto.com/craig-wright-targets-bitcoin-core/">filed</a> that <a href="https://caseboard.io/cases/306dc00a-f318-4433-9bbb-f23b1b5d79ec">lawsuit</a> in October. In addition to Block, also known as Square, Wright's lawsuit targeted numerous corporate entities and individuals involved in bitcoin development. The ruling this week by Justice James Mellor of England's High Court of Justice said that Wright cannot pursue that lawsuit without violating previous court orders.</p> <h2>Sentence suspended for two years</h2> <p>Mellor <a href="https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2024/03/overwhelming-evidence-shows-craig-wright-did-not-create-bitcoin-judge-says/">ruled earlier this year</a> that Wright is not bitcoin creator Satoshi Nakamoto and that his evidence "is <a href="https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2024/05/judge-craig-wrights-claim-of-inventing-bitcoin-rests-on-lies-and-forgeries/">fabricated</a> and/or based on documents I am satisfied have been forged on a grand scale by Dr. Wright." In July, Mellor <a href="https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2024/07/craig-wrights-claim-of-inventing-bitcoin-may-get-him-arrested-for-perjury/">referred Wright</a> to prosecutors to consider criminal charges of perjury and forgery.</p> <p>Mellor issued a <a href="https://www.judiciary.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/COPA-v-Wright-Approved-Judgment-on-Liability-for-Contempt-2024-EWHC-3315-Ch.pdf">written judgment</a> against Wright this week, finding that he committed the contempts alleged by the Crypto Open Patent Alliance (COPA). A <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c74x0j47gz8o">BBC report</a> described a hearing yesterday in which the sentence was issued:</p> <blockquote><p>In March, the High Court ruled Craig Wright was not Satoshi, and ordered him to stop claiming he was. However, he continued to launch legal cases asserting he had intellectual property rights to Bitcoin... A judge said that amounted to a "flagrant breach" of the original court order and sentenced him to 12 months in prison, suspended for two years. It means if Wright—who is from Australia but lives in the UK—continues to claim he invented the cryptocurrency he will face being jailed.</p></blockquote> <p>Because Wright is staying out of the UK, "an international arrest warrant would have to be issued if the UK authorities wanted to detain him," the BBC wrote.</p> <h2>Wright skipped contempt hearing</h2> <p>Wright skipped a contempt hearing scheduled for Wednesday despite Mellor ordering him to attend in person. COPA offered to fund his travel costs, but Wright claimed in emails cited in Mellor's ruling "that this offer does not cover even a fraction of the true costs associated with my attendance," which apparently included a business contract he was pursuing. Wright said the "funding required to accommodate these expenses would be £240,000, calculated as £40,000 per month for the next six months. This reflects the lost contract and the financial requirements to address the situation."</p> <p>Mellor determined that Wright "puts his business interests ahead of attending the Contempt Hearing and ahead of complying with my Order that he must attend in person." The judge went ahead with sentencing after concluding that "an adjournment would only result in wasted costs and wasted Court time."</p> <p>"I regard his estimate of loss to be grossly exaggerated since, given he had more than 6 weeks' notice of this hearing, it is very difficult to understand why he could not have arranged his affairs so as to enable him to attend. Overall his emails sent during the morning of 18 December indicate to me that he was going to continue to come up with every possible excuse not to attend," Mellor wrote.</p> <p>Wright reportedly appeared on Thursday via a video connection and said he was in Asia without disclosing any more specific location. Mellor said during the hearing that Wright's "arguments were 'legal nonsense' but acknowledged that he was not in the UK and 'appears to be well aware of countries with which the UK does not have extradition arrangements,'" according to the BBC.</p> <div class="page-anchor-wrapper"><a class="record-pageview" name="page-2" data-page="2" data-url="https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2024/12/judge-rejects-craig-wrights-1-1-trillion-lawsuit-claiming-rights-to-bitcoin/" href="https://arstechnica.com/"></a></div> <h2>Wright “invented” a defendant</h2> <p>Mellor's written judgment noted that in his previous order, he "granted some wide-ranging anti-suit and anti-threat injunctions against Dr. Wright." Wright violated those injunctions with his latest lawsuit against Square and other defendants, Mellor found.</p> <p>Wright's lawsuit names a defendant he calls "BTC Core," which apparently doesn't exist. Wright alleges that BTC Core "partners" include 122 corporate entities and 22 individuals who contributed to bitcoin development and research. Wright also named BTC Core as a defendant in a <a href="https://caseboard.io/cases/37cf00ba-d102-4932-b475-faea1e4d5073">2022 lawsuit</a>.</p> <p>This week's court ruling said that "COPA (and others) say there is no such entity and it is an invention of Dr. Wright's in his attempt to designate those who are or who have been involved in the development of the software used in various manifestations of Bitcoin as a partnership. They deny there is any such partnership, as Dr. Wright seems to allege. It is not necessary to resolve that issue."</p> <p>Corporations and individuals that Wright claims are part of BTC Core "were defendants to various of the previous actions brought by Dr. Wright (and his companies)," Mellor wrote.</p> <h2>Wright suit “repeat[s] his dishonest claim to be Satoshi”</h2> <p>Wright contended that his lawsuit falls outside the bounds of the previous order because his new claims "do not involve him claiming to be Satoshi Nakamoto and do not depend on him having invented the Bitcoin system," Mellor wrote. Mellor rejected Wright's arguments.</p> <p>For one thing, Mellor said the earlier order "is not limited to prohibiting claims dependent on Dr. Wright asserting that he is Satoshi Nakamoto." For another, Mellor pointed out that Wright's latest lawsuit "does include pleaded contentions that he is Satoshi Nakamoto," and thus "Dr. Wright is wrong to say that his New Claim does not repeat his dishonest claim to be Satoshi."</p> <p>Further, COPA contended "that each of the principal claims in the New Claim can only be maintained by Dr. Wright asserting intellectual property rights which the Order precludes him from asserting in legal proceedings."</p> <p>Addressing Wright's copyright claim, Mellor wrote that "Dr. Wright does not claim a license or any assignment from some other person alleged to be owner of copyright in the relevant works. Therefore Dr. Wright cannot bring this claim for copyright infringement without claiming ownership of the rights which he alleges to have been infringed. That is to say, Dr. Wright cannot bring an infringement claim in relation to the works in question, however it is worded, without breaching the Order."</p> + bitcoin-2 + craig-wright + satoshi-nakamoto + + + The next two FIFA Women’s World Cups will only air on Netflix + + Scharon Harding + + https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2024/12/the-next-two-fifa-womens-world-cups-will-only-air-on-netflix/ + https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2024/12/the-next-two-fifa-womens-world-cups-will-only-air-on-netflix/#comments + e144893dd16cb1e9dc0fe0bf8f511c355ad89023 + Fri, 20 Dec 2024 17:50:09 +0000 + <p> Let's hope Netflix fixes its live buffering problems beforehand. </p><figure><img width="1024" height="648" src="https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/GettyImages-1612908802-1024x648.jpg" class="intro-image absolute min-w-full min-h-full h-auto object-cover" alt="SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - 2023/08/20: Salma Paralluelo of Spain (R2) and Keira Walsh of England (L) seen in action during the 2023 FIFA Women&#039;s World Cup 2023 Final match between Spain v England at Australia Stadium, Sydney. Final score: Spain 1 - England 0. (Photo by Patricia Pérez Ferraro/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)" loading="eager" decoding="async" fetchpriority="high" /><figcaption> SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - 2023/08/20: Salma Paralluelo of Spain (R) and Keira Walsh of England (L) seen in action during the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 Final match between Spain and England at Australia Stadium, Sydney. <span class="caption-credit mt-2 text-xs"> Credit: <a class="caption-credit-link text-gray-400 no-underline hover:text-gray-500" href="https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/salma-paralluelo-of-spain-and-keira-walsh-of-england-seen-news-photo/1612908802" target="_blank"> Getty </a> </span> </figcaption></figure> <p>If you want to watch the next two FIFA Women’s World Cups in the US, you’ll need a Netflix subscription.</p> <p>FIFA confirmed the news today, marking an unexpected change for the sports event, which has historically played on <a href="https://www.pcmag.com/encyclopedia/term/free-to-air-tv">free-to-air </a>broadcast channels. The shift to a streaming platform inevitably makes it more costly and hurts viewer accessibility, while likely injecting FIFA with a lot of cash.</p> <p>Netflix and FIFA haven’t said how much Netflix is paying for exclusive airing rights. But Netflix and other streaming services have been paying out hefty, sometimes record-setting sums to air live sporting events as the company seeks to earn more revenue from commercials and draw more viewers. Netflix, for example, paid $5 billion to swipe the <a href="https://arstechnica.com/culture/2024/01/netflix-will-stream-wwe-raw-in-5-billion-deal/">World Wrestling Entertainment’s weekly <em>RAW</em></a> program from the USA cable network for 10 years, starting next month.</p> <p>While FIFA runs the risk of isolating some fans, it seems that it’s made a favorable deal with Netflix after complaining in 2022 about low bids for the 2023 Women’s World Cup and resistance from “broadcasters to pay what the women's game deserves,” as chief business officer Romy Gai told <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-10-20/fifa-rejects-tv-bids-for-women-s-world-cup-for-being-too-low">Bloomberg</a> in October 2022.</p> <p>“This agreement sends a strong message about the real value of the FIFA Women’s World Cup and the global women’s game," FIFA President Gianni Infantino said in a statement today.</p> <p>FIFA’s announcement suggested that it expects to reach a larger audience and increase US engagement by airing on Netflix. FIFA said that 1.2 billion people watched the 2019 Women's World Cup, <a href="https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/43075385/netflix-fifa-agree-deal-women-world-cup-2027-2031">ESPN</a> noted. Netflix has already demonstrated the ability to lure a massive amount of viewers to exclusive sports matches. In November, Netflix claimed the “most-streamed sporting event ever” when it streamed a boxing event centered on a Mike Tyson and Jake Paul fight and reportedly garnered 65 million live concurrent streams.</p> <p>Per FIFA’s announcement, Netflix will stream the tournaments in English and Spanish via a “dual telecast.” Under the deal, Netflix will also release a documentary series about the biggest players ahead of both tournaments. Brazil will host the 2027 event, while the host country for the 2031 Women's World Cup has yet to be announced.</p> <p>The news comes as streaming platforms continue battling over sports. Currently, Disney, Warner Bros. Discovery, and Fox are in a legal battle over plans to launch a joint sports streaming app, <a href="https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2024/02/does-fubos-antitrust-lawsuit-against-espn-fox-and-wbd-stand-a-chance/">Venu</a>, which is being challenged by sports streamer Fubo over antitrust allegations. The case is set to go to trial in October.</p> <p>Meanwhile, fans are adjusting to changes in how sports events are aired, learning to bounce between channels and streaming services to find their events and dealing with <a href="https://www.si.com/boxing/boxing-fan-sues-netflix-constant-buffering-jake-paul-mike-tyson-fight">buffering</a> and other <a href="https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2023/05/youtube-tv-glitch-interrupts-nba-playoff-game-with-repeating-little-mermaid-ad/">technical problems</a>. At times, some of the biggest fans, like NFL player <a href="https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2024/10/nfl-player-illegally-streams-his-own-teams-game-garners-mostly-sympathy/">Tariq Woolen</a>, have resorted to illegal pirating to avoid complications and fees, underscoring pressure for streaming services to perfect and simplify the streaming of the live events that they're eagerly snatching up.</p> + fifa + netflix-2 + soccer + sports + streaming + + + New AA-powered AirTag case promises 10-year lifespan + + Benj Edwards + + https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2024/12/10-year-airtag-battery-case-may-solve-annual-replacement-hassle/ + https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2024/12/10-year-airtag-battery-case-may-solve-annual-replacement-hassle/#comments + 5ae001ec89da2418f8ce61c3a6c0a70589527599 + Fri, 20 Dec 2024 17:23:06 +0000 + <p> Aluminum AirTag case replaces coin cell with 2 AA Lithium batteries for extended lifespan. </p><figure><img width="1152" height="648" src="https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/timecapsule_hero_1-1152x648.jpg" class="intro-image absolute min-w-full min-h-full h-auto object-cover" alt="A photo of the TimeCapsule, which purportedly extends AirTag battery life with AA batteries." loading="eager" decoding="async" fetchpriority="high" srcset="https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/timecapsule_hero_1-1152x648.jpg 1152w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/timecapsule_hero_1-640x360.jpg 640w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/timecapsule_hero_1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/timecapsule_hero_1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/timecapsule_hero_1-384x216.jpg 384w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/timecapsule_hero_1-980x551.jpg 980w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/timecapsule_hero_1.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1152px) 100vw, 1152px" /><figcaption> A photo of the TimeCapsule, which purportedly extends AirTag battery life with AA batteries. <span class="caption-credit mt-2 text-xs"> Credit: <a class="caption-credit-link text-gray-400 no-underline hover:text-gray-500" href="https://www.elevationlab.com/blogs/news/introducing-timecapsule" target="_blank"> Elevation Lab </a> </span> </figcaption></figure> <p>On Wednesday, Elevation Lab <a href="https://www.elevationlab.com/blogs/news/introducing-timecapsule">announced</a> TimeCapsule, a new $20 battery case purported to extend <a href="https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2021/05/airtag-review-a-neat-product-at-odds-with-apples-pro-privacy-messaging/">Apple AirTag</a> battery life from one year to 10 years. The product replaces the standard CR2032 coin cell battery in the Bluetooth-based location tracker with two AA batteries to provide extended power capacity.</p> <p>The TimeCapsule case requires users to remove their AirTag's original back plate and battery, then place the Apple device onto contact points inside the waterproof enclosure. The company recommends using <a href="https://energizer.com/batteries/energizer-ultimate-lithium-batteries/">Energizer Ultimate Lithium</a> AA batteries, which it claims provide 14 times more power capacity than the stock coin cell battery configuration.</p> <p>The CNC-machined aluminum case is aimed at users who place AirTags in vehicles, boats, or other applications where regular battery changes prove impractical. The company sells the TimeCapsule through its website and <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D1LHBZGL/">Amazon</a>.</p> <figure class="ars-wp-img-shortcode id-2068094 align-center"> <div> <img width="1024" height="1024" src="https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/81m60e0VrQL._AC_SL1500_-1024x1024.jpg" class="center large" alt="A photo of the TimeCapsule, which purportedly extends AirTag battery life with AA batteries." decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/81m60e0VrQL._AC_SL1500_-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/81m60e0VrQL._AC_SL1500_-640x640.jpg 640w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/81m60e0VrQL._AC_SL1500_-300x300.jpg 300w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/81m60e0VrQL._AC_SL1500_-768x768.jpg 768w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/81m60e0VrQL._AC_SL1500_-500x500.jpg 500w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/81m60e0VrQL._AC_SL1500_-1000x1000.jpg 1000w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/81m60e0VrQL._AC_SL1500_-980x980.jpg 980w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/81m60e0VrQL._AC_SL1500_-1440x1440.jpg 1440w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/81m60e0VrQL._AC_SL1500_.jpg 1500w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"> </div> <figcaption> <div class="caption font-impact dusk:text-gray-300 mb-4 mt-2 inline-flex flex-row items-stretch gap-1 text-base leading-tight text-gray-400 dark:text-gray-300"> <div class="caption-icon bg-[left_top_5px] w-[10px] shrink-0"></div> <div class="caption-content"> A photo of the TimeCapsule, which purportedly extends AirTag battery life with AA batteries. <span class="caption-credit mt-2 text-xs"> Credit: <a class="caption-credit-link text-gray-400 no-underline hover:text-gray-500" href="https://www.elevationlab.com/blogs/news/introducing-timecapsule" target="_blank"> Elevation Lab </a> </span> </div> </div> </figcaption> </figure> <p>As related on the TimeCapsule's product page, the add-on case reportedly emerged after its inventor lost camera equipment to theft, discovering their AirTag had died months earlier due to a depleted battery. This experience led to the development of a longer-lasting power solution for the tracking devices.</p> <p>It's important to note that we cannot verify these battery life claims without independent testing, but using larger lithium batteries to extend lifespan makes technical sense. The company has not released detailed technical specifications about power consumption rates or testing methodology, but we've ordered a unit to test ourselves.</p> <h2>Build your own battery extension?</h2> <p>On an interesting Hacker News <a href="https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=42453207">thread</a>, the TimeCapsule device sparked discussion about balancing convenience with size. While the TimeCapsule's larger form factor makes it impractical for keys or pet tags, some users pointed out specific use cases where the extended battery life may outweigh size concerns (such as in bags or vehicles).</p> <figure class="ars-wp-img-shortcode id-2068095 align-fullwidth"> <div> <img width="1024" height="683" src="https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/464A1027_7b85c99c-2621-4e26-9cd2-4395e1df77aa_1024x1024.jpg" class="fullwidth full" alt="A photo of the TimeCapsule, which purportedly extends AirTag battery life with AA batteries." decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/464A1027_7b85c99c-2621-4e26-9cd2-4395e1df77aa_1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/464A1027_7b85c99c-2621-4e26-9cd2-4395e1df77aa_1024x1024-640x427.jpg 640w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/464A1027_7b85c99c-2621-4e26-9cd2-4395e1df77aa_1024x1024-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/464A1027_7b85c99c-2621-4e26-9cd2-4395e1df77aa_1024x1024-980x654.jpg 980w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"> </div> <figcaption> <div class="caption font-impact dusk:text-gray-300 mb-4 mt-2 inline-flex flex-row items-stretch gap-1 text-base leading-tight text-gray-400 dark:text-gray-300"> <div class="caption-icon bg-[left_top_5px] w-[10px] shrink-0"></div> <div class="caption-content"> A photo of the TimeCapsule, which purportedly extends AirTag battery life with AA batteries. <span class="caption-credit mt-2 text-xs"> Credit: <a class="caption-credit-link text-gray-400 no-underline hover:text-gray-500" href="https://www.elevationlab.com/blogs/news/introducing-timecapsule" target="_blank"> Elevation Lab </a> </span> </div> </div> </figcaption> </figure> <p>Some worried that TimeCapsule <a href="https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=42467422">might make stalking easier</a>, while multiple commenters <a href="https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=42465013">questioned</a> the anti-theft applications, noting that AirTags alert nearby iPhones when separated from their owner—a privacy feature that also serves as an anti-stalking measure. Android phones also now detect nearby AirTags by default after <a href="https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2023/07/android-phones-can-now-tell-you-if-theres-an-airtag-following-you/">a 2023 system update</a>.</p> <p>Other commenters pointed out that handy do-it-yourself types could potentially <a href="https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=42469358">build a similar device</a> using <a href="https://www.aliexpress.us/w/wholesale-cr2032-dummy.html">dummy CR2032 extensions</a> that lead to external battery packs. Either way, it's an interesting hack that could potentially make AirTags more useful in some scenarios.</p> + airtag + apple + battery-life + bluetooth + elevation-labs + iphone-2 + timecapsule + + + Google will apparently offer “AI Mode” right on its main search page + + Kevin Purdy + + https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2024/12/google-will-apparently-offer-ai-mode-right-on-its-main-search-page/ + https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2024/12/google-will-apparently-offer-ai-mode-right-on-its-main-search-page/#comments + 237f2c91be2f764d616a8120db0b72a178ddd409 + Fri, 20 Dec 2024 16:58:33 +0000 + <p> The most direct push for Google's Gemini chat so far. </p><figure><img width="1152" height="648" src="https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/GettyImages-1611078532-1152x648.jpg" class="intro-image absolute min-w-full min-h-full h-auto object-cover" alt="White floating robot with digital blue eyes, EVA-style, looking through a magnifying glass." loading="eager" decoding="async" fetchpriority="high" srcset="https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/GettyImages-1611078532-1152x648.jpg 1152w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/GettyImages-1611078532-384x216.jpg 384w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/GettyImages-1611078532-768x432.jpg 768w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/GettyImages-1611078532-1536x864.jpg 1536w" sizes="(max-width: 1152px) 100vw, 1152px" /><figcaption> I've ingested all this information for you, won't you please ask for it, in a dedicated chat field? <span class="caption-credit mt-2 text-xs"> Credit: Getty Images </span> </figcaption></figure> <p>Google will soon take more steps to make AI a part of search, exposing more users to its Gemini agent, according to recent reports and app teardowns.</p> <p>"AI Mode," shown at the top left of the web results page and inside the Google app, will provide an interface similar to a Gemini AI chat, <a href="https://www.theinformation.com/articles/google-plans-to-add-ai-mode-option-to-search">according to The Information</a>.</p> <p>This tracks with a finding from Android Authority earlier this month, which noted <a href="https://www.androidauthority.com/google-search-ai-mode-button-shortcut-apk-teardown-3506926/?">a dedicated "AI mode" button</a> inside an early beta of the Google app. This shortcut also appeared on Google's Android search widget, and a conversation history button was added to the Google app. Going even deeper into the app, <a href="https://9to5google.com/2024/12/04/google-search-ai-mode/">9to5Google</a> found references to "aim" (AI mode) and "ai_mode" which suggest a dedicated tab in the Google app, with buttons for speaking to an AI or sending it pictures.</p> <p>Google already promotes Gemini with links below its search homepage. ("5 ways Gemini can help during the Holidays" is currently showing for me.) Search results on Google can also contain an "AI Overview," which launched with some <a href="https://arstechnica.com/ai/2024/06/googles-ai-overviews-misunderstand-why-people-use-google/">"use glue for pizza sauce" notoriety</a>. People averse to AI answers can avoid them with <a href="https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2024/05/google-searchs-udm14-trick-lets-you-kill-ai-search-for-good/">URL parameters and proxy sites</a> (or sticking to the <a href="https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2024/05/google-search-adds-web-filter-as-it-pivots-to-ai-focused-search-results/">"web" tab</a>). Gemini has also been prominently added to other Google products, like <a href="https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2024/08/pixel-9-phones-the-gemini-ai-stuff-reviewed/">Pixel phones</a>, <a href="https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2024/05/gmails-ai-powered-email-summaries-can-dig-through-your-inbox-for-you/">Gmail</a>, and Drive/Workspace. And the search giant has also been testing the ability to <a href="https://www.seroundtable.com/google-search-ask-anything-about-a-file-38583.html">attach files to a web search</a> for analysis.</p> <p>But offering AI chat access directly from the search results page would likely reach the largest audience and give Gemini a boost in visibility.</p> <p>Offering AI-powered search is important to Google as ChatGPT moves forward with <a href="https://arstechnica.com/ai/2024/10/openai-launches-chatgpt-with-search-taking-google-head-on/">its own AI-powered search</a>, which started with paid subscribers and is rolling out to all free (logged-in) users this month as part of <a href="https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2024/12/google-and-openai-blitz-december-with-so-many-ai-releases-its-hard-to-keep-up/">a blitz of OpenAI releases</a> (dubbed "ship-mas"). Microsoft similarly <a href="https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/microsoft-365-copilot/introducing-web-search-query-transparency-for-microsoft-365/ba-p/4253080">offers Copilot-powered search</a>, and <a href="https://www.perplexity.ai/">Perplexity</a> likewise offers AI-powered search of its own. Even DuckDuckGo, which typically pitches itself as an alternative to Google policies, offers both AI summaries and <a href="http://duck.ai">a privacy-minded AI chat filter</a>.</p> + ai + ai-mode + ai-search + ai-search-engine + google-2 + google-ai-mode + + + Automakers excoriated by Senators for fighting right-to-repair + + Jonathan M. Gitlin + + https://arstechnica.com/cars/2024/12/senators-blast-carmakers-over-right-to-repair-opposition/ + https://arstechnica.com/cars/2024/12/senators-blast-carmakers-over-right-to-repair-opposition/#comments + 137b0fe6b7bcb4dc02ec6b5e366c03b0026ab564 + Fri, 20 Dec 2024 16:09:04 +0000 + <p> OEMs also called out for selling data they collect on drivers. </p><figure><img width="1152" height="648" src="https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/GettyImages-1892183310-scaled-1152x648-1734710444.jpg" class="intro-image absolute min-w-full min-h-full h-auto object-cover" alt="Hands Of Manager At The Auto Repair Shop Planning Operations Using Laptop" loading="eager" decoding="async" fetchpriority="high" srcset="https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/GettyImages-1892183310-scaled-1152x648-1734710444.jpg 1152w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/GettyImages-1892183310-640x360.jpg 640w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/GettyImages-1892183310-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/GettyImages-1892183310-scaled-768x432-1734710443.jpg 768w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/GettyImages-1892183310-scaled-1536x864-1734710446.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/GettyImages-1892183310-2048x1152.jpg 2048w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/GettyImages-1892183310-scaled-384x216-1734710441.jpg 384w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/GettyImages-1892183310-980x551.jpg 980w, https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/GettyImages-1892183310-1440x810.jpg 1440w" sizes="(max-width: 1152px) 100vw, 1152px" /><figcaption> <span class="caption-credit mt-2 text-xs"> Credit: Getty Images </span> </figcaption></figure> <p>Yesterday, US Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and Joshua Hawley (R-MO) <a href="https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/806694533-2024-12-19-Letter-to-Automakers-Re-Right-To-Repair-and-Data-Sharing-Combined.pdf">sent letters</a> to the heads of Ford, General Motors, and Tesla, as well as the US heads of Honda, Hyundai, Nissan, Stellantis, Subaru, Toyota, and Volkswagen, excoriating them over their opposition to the <a href="https://arstechnica.com/tag/right-to-repair/">right-to-repair</a> movement.</p> <p>"We need to hit the brakes on automakers stealing your data and undermining your right-to-repair," said Senator Merkley in a statement to Ars. "Time and again, these billionaire corporations have a double standard when it comes to your privacy and security: claiming that sharing vehicle data with repair shops poses cybersecurity risks while selling consumer data themselves. Oregon has one of the strongest right-to-repair laws in the nation, and that’s why I’m working across the aisle to advance efforts nationwide that protect consumer rights."</p> <h2>Most repairs aren’t at dealerships</h2> <p>The Senators point out that 70 percent of car parts and services currently come from independent outlets, which are seen as trustworthy and providing good value for money, "while nearly all dealerships receive the worst possible rating for price."</p> <p>OEMs and their tier-one suppliers restricting the supply of car parts to within their franchised dealership networks also slows down the entire repair process for owners as well as increasing the cost of getting one's car fixed, the letter states.</p> <p>As Ars <a href="https://arstechnica.com/cars/2024/09/more-than-20-of-vehicle-recalls-are-software-fixes-now/">noted recently</a>, more than one in five automotive recalls are now fixed with software patches, and increasingly the right-to-repair fight has centered on things digital—access to diagnostics, firmware, and connected services. The percentage of non-hardware recall fixes will surely grow in the coming years as more and more automakers replace older models with software-defined vehicles.</p> <p>But proponents of the right to repair have faced stiff opposition from automakers and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on cybersecurity grounds. In 2023, NHTSA went as far as <a href="https://arstechnica.com/cars/2023/06/feds-tell-automakers-not-to-comply-with-mass-right-to-repair-law/">telling OEMs not to comply</a> with an expanded state law in Massachusetts that <a href="https://arstechnica.com/cars/2022/01/massachusetts-connected-car-right-to-repair-law-still-on-hold/">requires an open data platform</a> for telematics, something the voters of Mass. were overwhelmingly in favor of.</p> <p>The Senators argue that in fact, allowing third-party access "is consistent with the FTC's data security guidance," and point out that an attempt by Mercedes-Benz to use the same argument against independent repairs in Germany was shot down by the German court, which told the company that it was no "excuse to restrict data access to suppliers."</p> <h2>Shoddy software is the risk, not third-party access</h2> <p>Rather than the availability of diagnostic tools and repair information, the cybersecurity threat instead comes from "the poor quality of deployed software and the poor state of device security," according to expert testimony given to the House Judiciary Committee in 2023.</p> <p>The Senators also highlight the dichotomy of automakers claiming in one breath to be concerned about the risks of data leakage as a result of allowing access to vehicle software while <a href="https://arstechnica.com/cars/2024/03/car-makers-shady-data-sharing-takes-spotlight-in-gm-connected-car-scandal/">at the same time packaging and sharing</a> driving data, collected by their connected cars, with third parties like data brokers and insurance companies, often without the driver's consent.</p> <p>The automakers that received the letter are going to have a busy holiday season collating data, for they have been tasked with answering a series of questions by January 6, including: how much income each makes from car repairs, what user and driving data it collects, whether and how it obtains consent for that data collection, with whom it shares that data with (including specifics), as well as data protection and cybersecurity practices to protect its customer's sensitive information. Additionally, each automaker is asked about its lobbying activities against the right-to-repair movement.</p> + bmw + honda + right-to-repair + stellantis + subaru + toyota + + + 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..86916b060 --- /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 + + + Lazy Sad Snow - Jeff&#039;s ACWW Blog + Jeff + https://www.jvgs.net/acwwblog/2024/12/20/lazy-sad-snow/ + https://www.jvgs.net/acwwblog/2024/12/20/lazy-sad-snow/ + Sat, 21 Dec 2024 02:13:27 +0000 + <article id="post-7842" class="post-7842 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-uncategorized"> <header class="entry-header"> <h1 class="entry-title">Lazy Sad Snow</h1> </header><!-- .entry-header --> <div class="entry-content"> <p>On Wednesday, Drift was talking about the snow being lazy and loafing around.</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/2024/12/drift-lazy1-150x112.jpg" alt="Drift: Snow is so lazy! It's disgusting! Look at it, loafin' around like that!" class="wp-image-7843" sizes="(max-width: 400px) 85vw, 400px" /></figure></div> <p>Then he said it reminds him of me! How rude!</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/2024/12/drift-lazy2-150x112.jpg" alt="Drift: Kinda reminds me of you, rrrrribbit!" class="wp-image-7844" sizes="(max-width: 400px) 85vw, 400px" /></figure></div> <p>Caroline then told me to watch out for girls who have a lot of flowers in their gardens!</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/2024/12/caroline-garden1-150x112.jpg" alt="Caroline: You know, if you meet a girl with lots of flowers in her garden..." class="wp-image-7850" sizes="(max-width: 400px) 85vw, 400px" /></figure></div> <p>She warned me never to trust a green thumb! 😆</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/2024/12/caroline-garden2-150x112.jpg" alt="Caroline: You'd better watch out for her! She's up to no good! Never trust a green thumb!" class="wp-image-7851" sizes="auto, (max-width: 400px) 85vw, 400px" /></figure></div> <p>Today, Filbert told me that he was pretty indifferent towards Bones and Curt. But then when I (immediately) spoke to him again, he suddenly had an urgent delivery for Curt!</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/2024/12/filbert-urgent-150x112.jpg" alt="Filbert: Well, I have an urgent delivery for Curt..." class="wp-image-7845" sizes="auto, (max-width: 400px) 85vw, 400px" /></figure></div> <p>Why would he be sending a gift to Curt (let alone an &#8220;urgent&#8221; one) when he feels indifferent towards him? 😛 But I took the gift (a five-ball shirt) over to Curt, and he was impressed by it. Filbert then rewarded me with 510 bells.</p> <p>Truffles said that seeing all the snow around makes her sad&#8230;</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/2024/12/truffles-snow-150x112.jpg" alt="Truffles: Y'know, when I see all this snow lying around, it makes me, like, kinda sad..." class="wp-image-7847" sizes="auto, (max-width: 400px) 85vw, 400px" /></figure></div> <p>But not for a reason I&#8217;d expect. She&#8217;s sad because she thinks it&#8217;s going to be gone in a few days! <strong>Ha!</strong></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/2024/12/truffles-gone-150x112.jpg" alt="Truffles: Why? Because it's gonna be GONE in a few days!!" class="wp-image-7848" sizes="auto, (max-width: 400px) 85vw, 400px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">You sweet summer child. We still have over two months of it to go.</figcaption></figure></div> <p>Over at town hall, I found an arctic camo (shirt) in the recycle bin. I also put some money into my savings account, and my balance reached 14 million bells.</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/2024/12/14m-150x112.jpg" alt="Pelly: The current bell balance is 14,000,000." class="wp-image-7849" sizes="auto, (max-width: 400px) 85vw, 400px" /></figure></div> <p></p> </div><!-- .entry-content --> <footer class="entry-footer"> <span class="byline"><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><span class="author vcard"><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/2024/12/20/lazy-sad-snow/" rel="bookmark"><time class="entry-date published updated" datetime="2024-12-20T21:13:27-05:00">December 20, 2024</time></a></span> </footer><!-- .entry-footer --> </article> + + + + Aurora&#039;s Coconut Cake - Jeff&#039;s New Leaf Blog + Jeff + https://www.jvgs.net/newleafblog/2024/12/17/auroras-coconut-cake/ + https://www.jvgs.net/newleafblog/2024/12/17/auroras-coconut-cake/ + Wed, 18 Dec 2024 04:37:30 +0000 + <article id="post-18063" class="post-18063 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-uncategorized"> <header class="entry-header"> <h1 class="entry-title">Aurora&#8217;s Coconut Cake</h1> </header><!-- .entry-header --> <div class="entry-content"> <p>On December 4th, I shot down a balloon present! Ooh, what could be inside?</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img fetchpriority="high" width="400" height="240" src="https://www.jvgs.net/newleafblog/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/20241204_HNI_0002-250x150.jpg" alt="Shooting down a balloon present as Inkwell looks on." class="wp-image-18064" sizes="(max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" /></figure></div> <p>Inside, I found a milk can. That was a milky way of spoiling my excitement. 🥛</p> <p>Mira was describing someone with two horns, brown fur, and a strong profile&#8230;</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img width="400" height="240" src="https://www.jvgs.net/newleafblog/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/20241204_HNI_0007-250x150.jpg" alt="Mira: He's got two horns, fluffy, brown fur, and a strong profile..." class="wp-image-18065" sizes="(max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" /></figure></div> <p>She was talking about Jingle, of course.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img width="400" height="240" src="https://www.jvgs.net/newleafblog/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/20241204_HNI_0008-250x150.jpg" alt="Mira: You know, when you put it into words like that, Jingle sounds like a real weirdo! I hopped!" class="wp-image-18066" sizes="(max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">I think you just put yourself on the naughty list.</figcaption></figure></div> <p>Now that December is here, villagers have started to give hints about what they want for Toy Day. I&#8217;m going to list the hints I&#8217;ve received so far, although it isn&#8217;t many:</p> <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Cube: something aqua</li> <li>Inkwell: white furniture</li> <li>Mira: black appliance</li> </ul> <p>I probably need to speak more to the villagers who I&#8217;m <em>not </em>focused on getting photos from. 😛</p> <p>On December 5th, Inkwell asked for some furniture to replace his cupid bench. I checked Re-Tail, the lost and found, T&amp;T Emporium, and Harv&#8217;s shop, but I couldn&#8217;t find any rectangular furniture. But when I checked my museum exhibit rooms, I found a Kiki and Lala sofa I wasn&#8217;t using. I gave it to Inkwell, and he loved it!</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img width="400" height="240" src="https://www.jvgs.net/newleafblog/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/20241205_HNI_0030-250x150.jpg" alt="Inkwell: Wow! A Kiki and Lala sofa! It's perfect!" class="wp-image-18067" sizes="auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" /></figure></div> <p>In return, he just gave me the Cupid bench. Not bad, but it&#8217;s still not his photo.</p> <p>When I played again on Sunday (the 15th), I saw that snow now covers the ground and festive lights adorn many trees. 🎄 The holidays are getting close!</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img width="400" height="240" src="https://www.jvgs.net/newleafblog/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/20241215_HNI_0036-250x150.jpg" alt="Festive lights on trees between Re-Tail and the waterfall." class="wp-image-18068" sizes="auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" /></figure></div> <p>Today, Molly was sitting on the metal bench in town. She asked me to join her for a bit, so I did! Molly is always so cute. 🙂</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img width="400" height="240" src="https://www.jvgs.net/newleafblog/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/20241217_HNI_0044-250x150.jpg" alt="Sitting on the metal bench with Molly." class="wp-image-18069" sizes="auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" /></figure></div> <p>Jeremiah told me he needed Aurora for something, and he asked if I would go and get her. He said he was too tired to do it himself.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img width="400" height="240" src="https://www.jvgs.net/newleafblog/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/20241217_HNI_0045-250x150.jpg" alt="Jeremiah: the thing is, I'm super sleepy right now and would probably fall right over if I tried to leave the house." class="wp-image-18070" sizes="auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" /></figure></div> <p>I agreed to fetch Aurora, but first, I ran into Lolly. She asked me to bury a time capsule for her&#8230;so I did that too.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img width="400" height="240" src="https://www.jvgs.net/newleafblog/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/20241217_HNI_0047-250x150.jpg" alt="Lolly: sorry to spring this on you, but would you be interested in burying my time capsule for me?" class="wp-image-18071" sizes="auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" /></figure></div> <p>I ultimately found Aurora by the flower clock, just outside of town hall.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img width="400" height="240" src="https://www.jvgs.net/newleafblog/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/20241217_HNI_0052-250x150.jpg" alt="Aurora stands by the flower clock in Animal Crossing: New Leaf (ACNL) for Nintendo 3DS." class="wp-image-18072" sizes="auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" /></figure></div> <p>I told her the news, and we headed over to Jeremiah&#8217;s house. Jeremiah just wanted to know if he could have some of the coconut cake he smelled her cooking yesterday.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img width="400" height="240" src="https://www.jvgs.net/newleafblog/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/20241217_HNI_0054-250x150.jpg" alt="Jeremiah: I was walking by your house yesterday, Aurora, and I caught a whiff of some coconut cake." class="wp-image-18073" sizes="auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" /></figure></div> <p>Aurora didn&#8217;t appreciate the fact that Jeremiah was lurking around her house. 😛</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img width="400" height="240" src="https://www.jvgs.net/newleafblog/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/20241217_HNI_0056-250x150.jpg" alt="Aurora: Huh?! You were lurking around my house to spy on my snacks? That'd be creepy if it weren't so sad." class="wp-image-18074" sizes="auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" /></figure></div> <p>But she said she couldn&#8217;t share the cake anyway, because she already ate it all!</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img width="400" height="240" src="https://www.jvgs.net/newleafblog/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/20241217_HNI_0057-250x150.jpg" alt="Aurora: Anyway, I can't share with you, because I've eaten everything." class="wp-image-18075" sizes="auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" /></figure></div> <p>She then stormed out of his house. Jeremiah was going to give me a reward, but my pockets were full. So he said he&#8217;ll mail it instead.</p> <p>I&#8217;m not sure if I&#8217;ll play on Toy Day (Christmas Eve) this year or not. It may depend on whether I get enough gift hints before then. But regardless, I will be back at some point later this month with another entry. I&#8217;ll see you then. Happy holidays!</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/newleafblog/2024/12/17/auroras-coconut-cake/" rel="bookmark"><time class="entry-date published updated" datetime="2024-12-17T23:37:30-05:00">December 17, 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/newleafblog/author/jvgsjeff/">Jeff</a></span></span> </footer><!-- .entry-footer --> </article> + + + + Snow Reactions - Jeff&#039;s Animal Crossing Blog + Jeff + https://www.jvgs.net/acblog/2024/12/16/snow-reactions/ + https://www.jvgs.net/acblog/2024/12/16/snow-reactions/ + Tue, 17 Dec 2024 00:06:50 +0000 + <article id="post-5865" class="post-5865 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-uncategorized"> <header class="entry-header"> <h1 class="entry-title">Snow Reactions</h1> </header><!-- .entry-header --> <div class="entry-content"> <p>As of last Wednesday, snow now covers the ground in Animal Crossing. Unfortunately, I received Peanut&#8217;s goodbye letter in the mail. I was hoping she&#8217;d stick around longer, but she has already split.</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/2024/12/ac-peanut2024-gone-sm-300x231.jpg" alt="Jeff! I woke the other day with wanderlust, so I just up and left. Wild, huh? On the road, destination unknown! Anyway, thanks for dealing with my craziness! Cheery-bye! -Peanut" class="wp-image-5866" sizes="(max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px" /></figure></div> <p>In addition to the snow, there are also festive lights on many non-fruit trees. (That includes cedar trees too, although none of those happen to be in this screenshot.)</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/2024/12/ac-holiday2024-sm-300x231.jpg" alt="Festive lights on trees for the holidays in Animal Crossing." class="wp-image-5867" sizes="(max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px" /></figure></div> <p>When I spoke with Buzz, he told me he never sees my face these days. But as he was saying it, I actually spotted a <em>different </em>face watching us from behind the tree! Look closely, and you can see it here:</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/2024/12/ac-buzz-face-sm-300x231.jpg" alt="Buzz: I never see your face at all these days." class="wp-image-5868" sizes="(max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px" /></figure></div> <p>I later met Peanut&#8217;s replacement, Marcy the kangaroo. </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/2024/12/ac-marcy2024-sm-300x231.jpg" alt="Marcy: My name is Marcy! Isn't it a cute name, young 'un? Yeah... I know it is." class="wp-image-5869" sizes="auto, (max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px" /></figure></div> <p>She lived in Forest before, back in <a href="https://www.jvgs.net/acblog/2012/06/03/summer-camper-and-fishing-tournament/">2012</a>. But I also have her in my town of Aja Blu, as you may have seen in my GameCube Moments #22 video from a couple weeks ago. If you haven&#8217;t seen it, here it is:</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="Animal Crossing - GameCube Moments #22" width="660" height="371" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/52d8-p1nKmU?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>Anyway, I found Gulliver down on the beach. After rambling for a bit, he gave me a stone coin&#8230;as a <em>token </em>of his appreciation.</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/2024/12/ac-gulliver-token-sm-300x231.jpg" alt="Gulliver: Hmm? Oh! I see! You wanted a TOKEN of my thanks! Well, BWAHAHAHA!" class="wp-image-5870" sizes="auto, (max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px" /></figure></div> <p>I played again tonight, and it was snowing in town. Candi wondered if I was scared of the snow because she didn&#8217;t see me during the day.</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/2024/12/ac-candi-scared-sm-300x231.jpg" alt="Candi: Are you like, scared of snow or what, push me?" class="wp-image-5872" sizes="auto, (max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px" /></figure></div> <p>She then tried to sell me a checkered shirt for 2,250 bells. I know she&#8217;s a mouse, but she&#8217;s asking for a lot of cheddar! I declined the offer, and she said she&#8217;ll just toss the shirt instead. (And yet she wouldn&#8217;t give it to me for free.) That&#8217;s Candi for you.</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/2024/12/ac-candi-toss-sm-300x231.jpg" alt="Candi: That's too bad. I guess I'll just toss it, push me." class="wp-image-5873" sizes="auto, (max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px" /></figure></div> <p>Marcy was less concerned with ripping me off, and more focused on the snow. She even thought it was romantic.</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/2024/12/ac-marcy-romantic-sm-300x231.jpg" alt="Marcy: Forest in the snow... ...Don't you think it's, like, so romantic, young 'un?" class="wp-image-5874" sizes="auto, (max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px" /></figure></div> <p>Puck seemed glad that the snow didn&#8217;t keep me from exploring.</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/2024/12/ac-puck-exploring-sm-300x231.jpg" alt="Puck: Hey, evening, there. It keeps getting colder and colder, but does it stop your exploring, Jeff? No!" class="wp-image-5875" sizes="auto, (max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px" /></figure></div> <p>I&#8217;m not exactly sure what I would be exploring, though. I&#8217;ve been in this town for so long that I think I know every inch of it pretty well by now. 😉</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/2024/12/ac-puck-imitate-sm-300x231.jpg" alt="Puck: I'd like to imitate that attitude, brrrrrrrrr! But I probably won't." class="wp-image-5876" sizes="auto, (max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px" /></figure></div> <p>And the snow just made Hank want to pop some popcorn. 🍿 It&#8217;s nice seeing all the villagers&#8217; reactions to the snow. ❄️</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/2024/12/ac-hank-popping-sm-300x231.jpg" alt="Hank: This snow just doesn't show signs of stopping! Too bad I don't have any corn for popping, huh!" class="wp-image-5877" sizes="auto, (max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px" /></figure></div> <p>I found Gulliver down on the beach again, and he gave me a matryoshka this time.</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/2024/12/ac-gulliver-games-sm-300x231.jpg" alt="Gulliver: I, uh, guess I stayed up too late last night playing video games... I mean, fighting with my shipmates!" class="wp-image-5878" sizes="auto, (max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Right&#8230;</em></figcaption></figure></div> <p>I&#8217;ve recently posted a video showing the best of my GameCube Moments clips from episodes 11-20. Check it out if you&#8217;d like! It&#8217;s a nice trip down memory lane, as some of these clips date back to 2018 and 2019!</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="Animal Crossing - Best of GameCube Moments Vol. 2" width="660" height="371" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qOQp_QzmxeM?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>Enjoy the snow in your Animal Crossing towns, and Happy Holidays! 🎄</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/2024/12/16/snow-reactions/" rel="bookmark"><time class="entry-date published" datetime="2024-12-16T19:06:50-05:00">December 16, 2024</time><time class="updated" datetime="2024-12-16T19:06:51-05:00">December 16, 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/acblog/author/jvgsjeff/">Jeff</a></span></span> </footer><!-- .entry-footer --> </article> + + + + Noodle Salads - Jeff&#039;s ACCF Blog + Jeff + https://www.jvgs.net/accfblog/2024/12/14/noodle-salads/ + https://www.jvgs.net/accfblog/2024/12/14/noodle-salads/ + Sun, 15 Dec 2024 04:13:11 +0000 + <article id="post-13150" class="post-13150 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-uncategorized"> <header class="entry-header"> <h1 class="entry-title">Noodle Salads</h1> </header><!-- .entry-header --> <div class="entry-content"> <p>Snow now covers in the ground in Animal Crossing, and I decided to record a new gameplay session video when I played yesterday. Here is that video if you&#8217;re interested&#8230;or you can keep scrolling down to get to today&#8217;s highlights.</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: City Folk - December Gameplay Session (ACCF) 30+ mins." width="660" height="371" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/iXwpEhPwElo?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 won&#8217;t post all of what happened in the video here in the blog, but I will share just this one screenshot of me having some coffee in the Roost.</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/2024/12/RUU_8096-sm-150x80.jpg" alt="After drinking coffee at the Roost: This blend has the aroma and mystery of a tropical island. It's like my taste buds took a vacation!" class="wp-image-13152" sizes="(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /></figure></div> <p>Today, a fishing tournament was underway. Ruby told me that she was currently in 1st place, with her 44.4-inch sea bass.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img width="499" height="280" src="https://www.jvgs.net/accfblog/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/accf-ruby444sm-150x84.jpg" alt="Ruby: Woo! A 44.4-incher!" class="wp-image-13159" sizes="(max-width: 499px) 100vw, 499px" /></figure></div> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img width="500" height="268" src="https://www.jvgs.net/accfblog/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/RUU_8097-sm-150x80.jpg" alt="Ruby: Guess what, li'l guy! My sea bass made the top of the chart!" class="wp-image-13153" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /></figure></div> <p>She was standing out on the dead end, and it&#8217;s actually pretty rare for me to find anyone up there!</p> <p>After making my rounds, I did a little fishing. But I was mostly just finding octopi&#8230;and one squid, which Chip likes to chop up and put in his noodle salads! 🤢</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/2024/12/RUU_8098-sm-150x80.jpg" alt="Chip: I like chopping up squid for little bouncy, floaty bits in my noodle salads! Num! Nyuuuk nyuk nyuk nyuk!" class="wp-image-13154" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /></figure></div> <p>I eventually caught a sea bass, but it was still much smaller than Ruby&#8217;s catch. I ultimately gave up and shut off the game for the rest of the afternoon. But I did return later for the results. Ruby&#8217;s catch hung on, and she was the official winner. Congrats, Ruby!</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/2024/12/RUU_8099-sm-150x80.jpg" alt="Chip: ruby from here in Forest! Solid fishing! But not so much for you. Nyuuk nyuk!" class="wp-image-13155" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /></figure></div> <p>After making a quick delivery to Punchy (from Mint), I finished up my night at the Roost. I asked K.K. Slider for a random song, and he performed &#8220;K.K. Western&#8221; 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/2024/12/RUU_8100-sm-150x80.jpg" alt="One-eyed Jeff enjoys a show at the Roost." class="wp-image-13156" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /></figure></div> <p>Did any of you participate in the tourney? If so, I hope you had better luck than I did! I&#8217;ll be back with more next week; hope to see you then! 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/accfblog/2024/12/14/noodle-salads/" rel="bookmark"><time class="entry-date published" datetime="2024-12-14T23:13:11-05:00">December 14, 2024</time><time class="updated" datetime="2024-12-14T23:34:17-05:00">December 14, 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/accfblog/author/jvgsjeff/">Jeff</a></span></span> </footer><!-- .entry-footer --> </article> + + + + Snow Luck - Jeff&#039;s New Horizons Blog + Jeff + https://www.jvgs.net/acnhblog/2024/12/14/snow-luck/ + https://www.jvgs.net/acnhblog/2024/12/14/snow-luck/ + Sun, 15 Dec 2024 03:00:33 +0000 + <article id="post-8495" class="post-8495 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-uncategorized"> <header class="entry-header"> <h1 class="entry-title">Snow Luck</h1> </header><!-- .entry-header --> <div class="entry-content"> <p>On Monday, Pascal popped up out of the ocean and started talking about Cloud Nine. Or at least, he was wondering what was wrong with Clouds 1-8. 😛</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/2024/12/pascal-cloud9-sm-250x141.jpg" alt="Pascal: What's with the first eight clouds? Are they sorta good, but nothing to write home about, or what?" class="wp-image-8497" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">He gave me a pearl in exchange for my scallop.</figcaption></figure></div> <p>On Tuesday, Static asked me if I had an ant on me! I sure hope not! 😆</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/2024/12/static-ant-sm-250x141.jpg" alt="Static: Would you happen to have an ant on you?" class="wp-image-8498" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Yikes! Get it off, get it off! 😆</figcaption></figure></div> <p>But seriously, he just wanted to buy an ant from me for 120 bells. Sure, no problem.</p> <p>As of Wednesday, snow now covers the ground in Animal Crossing games. I attempted my first <s>snowman</s> snowboy of the season yesterday, but it didn&#8217;t go well. He wasn&#8217;t happy with how he turned out.</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/2024/12/snowman2024-sm-250x141.jpg" alt="Snowboy: Almost! So, so close." class="wp-image-8499" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /></figure></div> <p>I tried again tonight, and I had the same result. If you include City Folk, I&#8217;m now 0-for-3 in snowmen this season so far! They&#8217;re all giving me the cold shoulder! I know I&#8217;m out of practice, but still, that&#8217;s pretty bad. 😆</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/2024/12/snowman2-sm-250x141.jpg" alt="My 2nd snowman of the season, which was also not quite perfect." class="wp-image-8500" sizes="auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /></figure></div> <p>I figured that tonight would be a good <s>knight</s> night to finally change out of my Halloween costume. So I put on my Elf outfit for the holidays.</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/2024/12/elf2024-sm-250x141.jpg" alt="Jeff dressing up as Buddy the Elf for the holiday season." class="wp-image-8501" sizes="auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /></figure></div> <p>Here are a few other quick notes about this past week:</p> <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>On Sunday night, Wisp gave me a vintage TV tray. </li> <li>Tonight, I returned a lost item to Static. He rewarded me with a flower sweater.</li> <li>K.K. Slider performed &#8220;K.K. Calypso&#8221; for me and June.</li> </ul> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img width="500" height="393" src="https://www.jvgs.net/acnhblog/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/kk-121424sm-191x150.jpg" alt="K.K. Slider performs for June and Jeff." class="wp-image-8502" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /></figure></div> <p>By the way, I&#8217;ll probably be posting the next New Horizons Moments video sometime next week. See you soon!</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/acnhblog/2024/12/14/snow-luck/" rel="bookmark"><time class="entry-date published updated" datetime="2024-12-14T22:00:33-05:00">December 14, 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> + + + + Moon from the Stars - Jeff&#039;s ACWW Blog + Jeff + https://www.jvgs.net/acwwblog/2024/12/13/moon-from-the-stars/ + https://www.jvgs.net/acwwblog/2024/12/13/moon-from-the-stars/ + Sat, 14 Dec 2024 03:23:32 +0000 + <article id="post-7831" class="post-7831 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-uncategorized"> <header class="entry-header"> <h1 class="entry-title">Moon from the Stars</h1> </header><!-- .entry-header --> <div class="entry-content"> <p>Snow now covers the ground in Wild World (and the other Animal Crossing games as well). It&#8217;s a pretty time of year, although I know we&#8217;ll all be sick of the snow in a month or so. 😆</p> <p>On Wednesday, Truffles interrupted me as I was hitting the money rock. She prevented me from getting the full payout!</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/2024/12/truffles-chat-150x112.jpg" alt="Truffles: So you wanna chat with me some more, right? Yeah, I like chatting with me, too!" class="wp-image-7832" sizes="(max-width: 400px) 85vw, 400px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">You just cost me a few thousand bells!</figcaption></figure></div> <p>Caroline told me that she&#8217;s (finally) over her cold, and she thanked me for the medicine by giving me a concrete wall. This will surely help us <em>cement </em>our friendship. 😛</p> <p>After I came out of Whitney&#8217;s house, a shooting star flew overhead! Fortunately, I was able to wish on it before it zoomed out of sight.</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/2024/12/star-121124-150x112.jpg" alt="A shooting star flies by overhead." class="wp-image-7833" sizes="(max-width: 400px) 85vw, 400px" /></figure></div> <p>The next day, I received a letter from Wishy in the mail. He sent me the moon! That&#8217;s a pretty big gift! I wonder how much he had to pay for shipping&#8230;the cost must&#8217;ve been astronomical! In fact, I&#8217;m sure it eclipses any shipping cost I&#8217;ve ever observed! 🌚</p> <p>Tank was talking about pouring some miso soup over pear salad, and he asked what I thought of that. A slider popped up with the two extreme options being &#8220;So good!&#8221; and &#8220;Awful!&#8221; I moved it just a tiny bit below the midpoint, and Tank became furious at 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/2024/12/tank-snobby-150x112.jpg" alt="Tank: Oh, c'mon! Come down off your snobby horse and try something unique!" class="wp-image-7834" sizes="(max-width: 400px) 85vw, 400px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Sorry, I&#8217;m not feeling <em>soup</em>-er adventurous today.</figcaption></figure></div> <p>Filbert asked me for a fossil, so I gave him a fern fossil that I dug up. He was happy with it, and he rewarded me with a plaza wall.</p> <p>Today, Mom sent me a letter about drinking cocoa around the holidays. She also sent me an apple, which is a foreign fruit. But it&#8217;s also a fruit I already had, so it wasn&#8217;t super useful. But still, it is nice to be able to get foreign fruit this way.</p> <p>Drift jokingly wondered if Curt and Filbert could be brothers. Yeah, I don&#8217;t think so. 😛</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/2024/12/drift-brothers-150x112.jpg" alt="Drift: Wouldn't it be funny if Curt and Filbert turned out to be brothers?" class="wp-image-7835" sizes="auto, (max-width: 400px) 85vw, 400px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Come on, they <em>bearly </em>look related.</figcaption></figure></div> <p>When I visited Filbert, he was still talking about the fossil I gave him yesterday. He said he was so excited that he couldn&#8217;t help but dance! </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/2024/12/filbert-excited-150x112.jpg" alt="Filbert: I'm so excited that I can't help but dance! Shake it! Woot!" class="wp-image-7836" sizes="auto, (max-width: 400px) 85vw, 400px" /></figure></div> <p>See, now <em>this </em>is the true reward that makes favors worthwhile, not the crummy wallpapers they give. 😆</p> <p>Bones told me he&#8217;d love it if it would snow year-round! I strongly disagree with him about that.</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/2024/12/bones-snow-150x112.jpg" alt="Bones: It sure would be fun if it snowed all year long, for a bite!" class="wp-image-7837" sizes="auto, (max-width: 400px) 85vw, 400px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">For a bite? Yeah, <em>frostbite</em> maybe.</figcaption></figure></div> <p>Have a great weekend, everyone! I&#8217;ll be back again next week.</p> <p></p> </div><!-- .entry-content --> <footer class="entry-footer"> <span class="byline"><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><span class="author vcard"><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/2024/12/13/moon-from-the-stars/" rel="bookmark"><time class="entry-date published" datetime="2024-12-13T22:23:32-05:00">December 13, 2024</time><time class="updated" datetime="2024-12-13T22:27:20-05:00">December 13, 2024</time></a></span> </footer><!-- .entry-footer --> </article> + + + + diff --git a/EpicGamesFree b/EpicGamesFree new file mode 100644 index 000000000..ed12101e1 --- /dev/null +++ b/EpicGamesFree @@ -0,0 +1,42 @@ + + + + Epic Games Free Games + Epic Games Free Games + https://store.epicgames.com/en-US/free-games + + + + https://store.epicgames.com/favicon.ico + Epic Games Free Games + https://store.epicgames.com/en-US/free-games + + + Cat Quest II + Kepler Interactive + cfb68f9e2aa5728b0ea511f3d2658e6a1dab048a + Thu, 12 Dec 2024 16:00:00 +0000 + Open-world action-RPG in a fantasy realm of cats and dogs. CAT QUEST II lets you play solo or with a friend, as both a cat and dog! Quest in a world filled with magic, defeat monsters and collect loot in a catventure like never before! + + + + + LISA: The Definitive Edition + Serenity Forge + ec5cb294e63ff0ee047bc7db332a1e8f0dbd8c4a + Thu, 12 Dec 2024 14:00:00 +0000 + Explore Olathe and unmask its twisted secrets with LISA: The Definitive Edition, including the original narrative-driven RPG LISA: The Painful and its sequel LISA: The Joyful. + + + + + Astrea Six Sided Oracles + Epic Dev Test Account + c77b0753420e4fa3c96976782c97ef062cc28e03 + Fri, 20 Dec 2024 16:00:00 +0000 + Astrea Six Sided Oracles + + + + + diff --git a/GameBanana&updates=on&gid=18604 b/GameBanana&updates=on&gid=18604 new file mode 100644 index 000000000..32d9e8c54 --- /dev/null +++ b/GameBanana&updates=on&gid=18604 @@ -0,0 +1,260 @@ + + + + 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 + + + Custom Level: Spookshine Swamp + Vadenimo + https://gamebanana.com/mods/563569 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/563569#PostsListModule + 19e512d34395cad277872bb944d9a059c664896b + Sat, 21 Dec 2024 10:10:40 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/67669402a1e36.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6766940512dfb.jpg"/><br>Disclaimer: This is a modification of the game “Super Mario Bros. Wonder” for Nintendo Switch. You need to have a copy of this game, and a Nintendo Switch console to play this modification. I do not endorse piracy, please buy the official Nintendo products. <br><br>In order to be able to play it, you need to install the Custom Firmware Atmosphère. After you have installed Atmosphère, you will need to copy the “romfs”-folder to: "atmosphere/contents/010015100B514000/".<br><br>Level Information:<br><br>Level Creator(s): Vadenimo<br>Special Thanks: NicTube, fruityloops & WonderLand Discord server<br>Release Date: December 24, 2024<br>Level Name:<br>- English (USA / UK): Spookshine Swamp<br>- German / Deutsch: Gespenstischer Sumpf<br>- Japanese / 日本語: スプークシャイン・スワンプ<br><br>This level replaces the level “Angry Spikes and Sinkin' Pipes” of World 1 : Pipe-Rock Plateau. + + Worlds/Levels + Worlds/Levels + + + Hurry, Hurry! Watch for Whacked Ice (Custom Level) + NicoDee + https://gamebanana.com/mods/561477 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/561477#PostsListModule + fdf7e701840f87cfb11477b7a36d092d961bdac2 + Tue, 10 Dec 2024 19:26:18 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/675895a6c2b10.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/675895a6bb6a1.jpg"/><br>A custom level inspired by New Super Luigi U, with a 100 second time limit. Goes over Outmaway Valley. + + Worlds/Levels + Worlds/Levels + + + Shy Guy [Request Delivery] + diegoforfun + https://gamebanana.com/mods/558719 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/558719#PostsListModule + 28d93e624fff9b4c1cb94862c08214186e44fb72 + Sat, 30 Nov 2024 14:36:05 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/67472cf35cca9.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/67472cf69140c.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/67472d043947e.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/67472d0574f9f.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/67472d05d7663.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/67472d05e32f7.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/67472d05ea9a9.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/67472d064fdf4.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/67472d072f141.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/67472d07846b2.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/67472d07cfdfb.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/67472d08127df.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/67472d081a46f.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/67472d088907d.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/67472d0899b8a.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/67472d089f650.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/67472d08dd93b.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/67472d08f0930.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/67472d0911fe7.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/67472d094551f.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/67472d09b7899.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/67472d09b0824.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/67472d09c930d.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/67472d09ce59a.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/67472d09d17b3.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/67472d09cc431.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/67472d09c3642.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/67472d09e508b.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/67472d0a0335e.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/674b2273011ac.jpg"/><br><strong>Update:</strong> Elephant Power-up Fixed<br><p>Fixed the elephant form world model not loading. <br>Texture was too high res (512x512) , resized to original (256x256)</p><br><hr><br><h1 class="SelectedElement"><span class="RedColor">Shy Guy </span>finally joins SMB Wonder.</h1>This mod brings 2 Shy guy's complete sets over Toads, including all power-ups and forms.<br><br><b><u>Blue Toad</u></b><br><i>Yellow -->> White (Fire Flower Power Up) -->>Green (Bubble Flower Power Up)-->> Purple( Drill Power Up)</i><br><br><b><u>Yellow Toad</u></b><br><i>Red -->> Black (Fire Flower Power Up) -->> Pink (Bubble Flower Power Up)-->> Light Blue( Drill Power Up)</i><br><br><b><u>Includes</u></b>:<br><ul><li>Mini Form</li><li>Balloon</li><li>Ghost Form</li><li>Slime Form</li><li>Elephant Form</li><li>UI (Icons, Character Select Images, Checkpoint and Goal Flags)</li></ul><br><span class="RedColor"><b>I'll upload the mod later to add the text name when i find the files.</b></span><br><br>Mod requested by <a href="https://gamebanana.com/members/2155476">LadyJade90</a>  <a href="https://gamebanana.com/requests/54783">here</a> + + Toad + Characters + + + WarioWare Wonder #1: Kat Over Mario + Behon + https://gamebanana.com/mods/559250 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/559250#PostsListModule + 839f33632bf0a76ce63054e85bf63215f49cdd3c + Sat, 30 Nov 2024 01:18:15 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/674a677d161c6.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/674a677d1103c.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/674a677d1b65b.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/674a677d09841.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/674a677d13cb4.jpg"/><br>The first in what will eventually be 2 full modpacks replacing all playable characters bar Yoshi and Nabbit with ones from my favorite Mario spinoff series.&nbsp; I originally intended to wait until everyone was done and release it all at once back in September or October, but school and some unexpected freelance opportunities pushed that plan back, so I've decided to release each individual mod as they are finished and then 2 organized packs when fully done.<br><br>Includes full model and texture replacements for all main power-up forms, as well as expressions and poses, voice clips from the Switch WarioWare entries, UI icons, and flag patterns.&nbsp; There are a scattered few voice clips for Wonder transformations and the "It's-a me" at the character select screen I still haven't found, and there might be a one-off Wonder transformation I missed, but I'll be revisiting this over time to finalize that. + + Mario + Characters + + + Coloured Elephants For Mario, Luigi and Blue Toad + CosmicKirby64 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/558786 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/558786#PostsListModule + 1a4e09f1d8f5a0337e7e4723d7baaf28abe45a3d + Wed, 27 Nov 2024 21:10:36 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/67478a3fd127d.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/67478a4787c7b.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/67478a4c25fee.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/67478a5047ad4.jpg"/><br>This mod gives Mario, Luigi and Blue Toad A new retexture which changes the Elephant skin to resemble there color pallets similar to how Peach, Yellow Toad, Daisy and Toadette's elephant forms skin color is different to resemble there color palette so this mod is just A simple change to change the elephant skin color for Mario, Luigi, and Blue Toad to resemble there color palette.<br><br><b class="SelectedElement">Should work on both 1.0.0 and 1.0.1 versions</b> + + Characters + Characters + + + (DEMO) SMB. Nekonder + KaizoUP team + https://gamebanana.com/mods/557396 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/557396#PostsListModule + e2af5296d8e32e4e364ba88537ec8143e6b6e65b + Thu, 21 Nov 2024 21:51:52 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/673fa89f658d8.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/673faa6fd76d4.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/673faaa7095a9.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/673faac9c2a1f.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/673faade7355c.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/673faaf953789.jpg"/><br>this is a <b>DEMO that</b><span class="SelectedElement"><b>&nbsp;it's aviable only the W1 WITHOUT THE BOSS. </b>This is a</span>&nbsp;wonder/Kaizo adventure inspired by the superstar mod for Super Mario Odyssey where every level is harder than normal, only using your skills you can save the flower kingdom!<br>LINKS:<br><br><a href="https://nekopazzo.github.io/KaizoUP-Team/home.html" target="_blank">https://nekopazzo.github.io/KaizoUP-Team/home.html</a><br><br><a class="anchor_af404b anchorUnderlineOnHover_af404b" href="https://youtube.com/@smbnekonder" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank" title="https://youtube.com/@smbnekonder" role="button" tabindex="0">https://youtube.com/@smbnekonder</a><br><br>Create by: Nekoo &amp; KAZUTO + + Worlds/Levels + Worlds/Levels + + + Vegeta + diegoforfun + https://gamebanana.com/mods/556710 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/556710#PostsListModule + 861ddbaf6e2014d1874764a9b36d3f1bc4432359 + Mon, 18 Nov 2024 17:21:41 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/673b7731b5a90.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/673b7739063ef.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/673b773807501.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/673b7739885b6.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/673b773a027af.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/673b773969a06.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/673b7739f3655.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/673b773a604db.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/673b773a6f1a3.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/673b773a83b5d.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/673b773a7cc43.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/673b773aa715a.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/673b773abfa2a.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/673b773aca398.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/673b773acd9e9.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/673b773ad640f.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/673b773aeb613.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/673b773adb4f1.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/673b773af1928.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/673b773aeef87.jpg"/><br>This mod brings the prince of Saiyans, Vegeta to SMB Wonder.<br><br>Includes:<br><ul><li>UI</li><li class="SelectedElement">Chibi and World Models<br></li><li>Base Form</li><li>Super Saiyan Form (Fire Power-up)</li><li>Super Saiyan Blue Form (Bubble Power-up)</li><li>Ultra Ego Form (Drill Power-up)</li></ul> + + Luigi + Characters + + + P-Speed Jump/3rd Jump Tier + TotalStache + https://gamebanana.com/mods/556611 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/556611#PostsListModule + d7788a120b4f3a707d9e8c0602e855aa95174958 + Mon, 18 Nov 2024 01:37:37 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/673a98010a9ff.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/673a987964313.jpg"/><br>In Super Mario Bros. 3 and Super Mario World, when you're moving/walking, you could jump 5 blocks high, and at max speed, you could jump 6 blocks high, but in Wonder, even if you're running at max speed, you'll jump 5 blocks, so there is no jump height difference when walking or running at max speed. But with this mod, you can now get that extra block of height when at max speed, and this doesn't affect any of the other standard jump heights, so standstill/spin jump will still be 4 blocks, and walking/moving will still be 5 blocks. This mod works with the floaty high jump badge as well, so the max running speed jump is 7 blocks for this badge. The crouch jump badge charge-up timer has been slightly reduced, and the timed high jump badge can now go one block higher (7 blocks) to compensate for the base moveset having a buff. Enemy bounces have been made one block higher as well, just like the old games (6 blocks and 7 blocks for the floaty jump badge).<br><br>This mod works on all characters. + + Other/Misc + Other/Misc + + + Custom Level: Pokipede Rock-Pass + Vadenimo + https://gamebanana.com/mods/556589 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/556589#PostsListModule + c57750c0d5eef2f7be54d39dbaac6477f3443732 + Sun, 17 Nov 2024 23:23:16 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/673a7ad7dd760.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/673a7ada900d5.jpg"/><br>This level replaces "Upshroom Downshroom" from Fungi Mines.<br><br>This level is playable on every version.<br><br>Multiple-language level names: <br><br>English: Pokipede Rock-Pass<br>Deutsch / German: Ein steiniger Weg voller Schlängler<br>日本語 / Japanese: 蛇だらけの岩の道<br> + + Worlds/Levels + Worlds/Levels + + + Oops All Break Time (18 New Mini Stages) + Getlucky12341 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/555550 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/555550#PostsListModule + 222d0091ee1b99fbf342b632d730a0bd20440aa5 + Thu, 14 Nov 2024 01:43:38 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6736a18034814.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>Make sure you play on a fresh save file, you have to start a new game or else things will break<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>VERSION 1.1 Released, fixes the crash in March of the Toads + + Worlds/Levels + Worlds/Levels + + + Custom Level: Evade Baboom's Timer Blocks! + Vadenimo + https://gamebanana.com/mods/554746 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/554746#PostsListModule + 5206196df02fa4731fee5d9a2a61ba2631630ec0 + 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 + + + diff --git a/GameBanana&updates=on&gid=20511 b/GameBanana&updates=on&gid=20511 new file mode 100644 index 000000000..3288534af --- /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 + + + Hood Toggle + Owen_Splat + https://gamebanana.com/mods/562911 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/562911#PostsListModule + 90a0f258dab289d507fd45508f247f4d75107bd9 + Wed, 18 Dec 2024 11:06:20 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6762a855425ae.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6762a9dd6d193.jpg"/><br>This allows you to toggle Zelda's hood using the Swordfighter form button. Hyrule Castle must be cleared first. Swordfighter form works as normal if it has not been cleared or you are wearing a different outfit<br> + + Skins + Skins + + + Yuna & Tidus + diegoforfun + https://gamebanana.com/mods/556521 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/556521#PostsListModule + 5be1e4e8adb963c70ee9af6fad92c04bf8d01c8b + Sun, 17 Nov 2024 18:04:45 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/673a2fa6c5ae3.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/673a2fafdafff.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/673a2fad0ac78.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/673a2faf65409.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/673a2fad5e90b.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/673a2fafcebac.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/673a2fadd7b1f.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/673a2fafee6c4.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/673a2fb0eb16a.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/673a2fb09551a.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/673a2fb0f07b5.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/673a2fb10feba.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/673a2fb107e02.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/673a2fb120cdb.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/673a2fb118c62.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/673a2fb125ce1.jpg"/><br>This mod brings Yuna and Tidus from World of Final Fantasy to Zelda EOW.<br><br>Goes over Zelda disguise outfit and Link (Npc and Swordfighter) models.<br><br>Includes:<br><ul><li class="SelectedElement">All facial animations/expressions for both Yuna &amp; Tidus (except for Swordfighter Tidus).&nbsp;</li><li>No Blue Aura/shader ffect over Tidus Swordfighter form (thanks to <a href="https://gamebanana.com/members/2739690">Keaton</a> for finding it).</li><li>Yuna's Staff</li><li>Tidus Sword</li></ul> + + Skins + Skins + + + Green tunic Zelda over swordfighter+Hood + Dhruv20114341 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/554359 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/554359#PostsListModule + 02ff07dae0610be826108b3d3cbfddeb08782983 + Fri, 15 Nov 2024 17:33:14 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/672e5c79dac0a.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/672e5d89583f5.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6737850df1a57.jpg"/><br><strong>Update:</strong> Add version with hood<br><p>Added a version just like my link mod, has the hood from the prolouge on</p><br><hr><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 + + + 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 + + + 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 in Echoes of Wisdom + ElevenZM + https://gamebanana.com/mods/551339 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/551339#PostsListModule + 1a5a3d78294f3ba671712dd96c073f50f17f713a + 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 + + + diff --git a/GameBanana&updates=on&gid=5486 b/GameBanana&updates=on&gid=5486 new file mode 100644 index 000000000..18377c091 --- /dev/null +++ b/GameBanana&updates=on&gid=5486 @@ -0,0 +1,260 @@ + + + + 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 + + + Lavender Isabelle + nyantech + https://gamebanana.com/mods/556522 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/556522#PostsListModule + 109fe7bd592fb5d71ff46fd1a797743c8b87ae23 + Sun, 17 Nov 2024 18:17:13 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/673a30e8300d4.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/673a3266c671b.jpg"/><br>Just a simple first attempt at a re-texture for Isabelle.<br><br>Simply replace the corresponding villager file in your romfs folder with the contents of the zip. + + Textures + Textures + + + 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><br><br><b class="SelectedElement">If you are here to make disparaging remarks about this mod, me, or the LGBT+ community in + any way, shape, or form, you agree that I have the right to vaporize +you with my laser eyes. (I am warning you in advance that you will be +immediately deleted and reported. Do not try me.)<br></b> + + 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 + + + diff --git a/GameBanana&updates=on&gid=5866 b/GameBanana&updates=on&gid=5866 new file mode 100644 index 000000000..c7879e0df --- /dev/null +++ b/GameBanana&updates=on&gid=5866 @@ -0,0 +1,271 @@ + + + + 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 + + + Linkle new Hero of the Sky Set + i2m + https://gamebanana.com/mods/167667 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/167667#PostsListModule + 945f3d1ad03a4b98e2a1138fb53b85361ab3bca0 + Fri, 20 Dec 2024 22:00:33 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/5f7a59f4cb40b.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6765e7cb9e818.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/5f7a59fcb3056.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/5f7a5a009e79c.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/5f7a5a064095b.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/5f7a5a11b1f5a.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/5f7a5a162ba73.jpg"/><br><strong>Update:</strong> Version 3<br><ul><li><p>Unified all the options in one single BNP file for current BCML.</p></li><li><p>Fixed a bug in the textures causing them not to load properly.</p></li><li><p>Added source files in ZIP format.</p></li></ul><br><hr><br>&nbsp; &nbsp;<img src="https://files.gamebanana.com/bitpit/hero_sky_2020.apng"><br><br>This is one of my first mods and it was done with permission of <a href="https://gamebanana.com/members/1739516">Sockpoppet</a>, author of <a href="https://gamebanana.com/skins/181072">Wand or Gamelon</a> armor set as somehow, his armor seemed perfect to replace <b class="SelectedElement"><a href="https://gamebanana.com/skins/163132">Linkle's 2</a> Hero of the Sky</b> set. Apart, I also changed the original hairstyle to be more ''bob'' like and added heels to the boots (optional).<br><br>Just choose it along with Second Wind mod compatibility (if you have it installed), in the options window when displayed during the setup on BCML:<br><br>&nbsp; &nbsp;<img src="https://files.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6765e7cb9e818.jpg"><br><br>&nbsp; &nbsp;<span class="GreenColor"><b>Ko-Fi:</b></span>&nbsp;<a href="https://ko-fi.com/i2mods" target="_blank">https://ko-fi.com/i2mods</a>&nbsp;<br><i>&nbsp; &nbsp;Support my works by buying me a&nbsp;</i><i><a href="https://ko-fi.com/i2mods" target="_blank">coffee</a>&nbsp;</i>:)&nbsp;&nbsp; + + + Armor + Skins + + + Sesame street mod + banan039 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/562570 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/562570#PostsListModule + 95eaa6171ad51798d0c95a1baef1f0fdd514bdb3 + Mon, 16 Dec 2024 14:11:14 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/676034d346e6f.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/676034d39bb1b.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/676034d3986d1.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/676034d3a9e21.jpg"/><br>Changes Link into Kermit the frog and some enemies into sesame street characters. Use BCML (or other mods installer)<br> + + Skins + Skins + + + Shield of the Four + Chalmoro Azohen + https://gamebanana.com/mods/539042 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/539042#PostsListModule + 9b32f92bff27cb0a7ef27d32ceb3e5fe25870ce0 + Mon, 09 Dec 2024 05:06:09 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66d27c054319d.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66d27c18d6fce.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66d27c19511d2.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66d27c3e4eafd.jpg"/><br><strong>Update:</strong> Minor Info Update<br><p>Listed the stats for the shield</p><br><hr><br>The shield from the original Four Swords. According to the official art, it's not that different from the Hero's Shield, so I edited that to get the right look.&nbsp;Pictures include the <a href="https://gamebanana.com/mods/49699">Four Sword mod by BlackJohn</a>&nbsp;to complete the look.<br><br>Found in a buried chest by the Noya Neha Shrine, which respawns with the Blood Moon. To satisfy everyone, the BNP has options for whether you want it breakable or unbreakable.<br>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Defense: 10<br>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Durability: 24<br>I know it isn't particularly strong, but I see it as a fairly early-game type shield. It should be fairly balanced - for the most part; its guard value is fairly low, but its durability is actually a bit higher than the Knight's Shield (23) since it's more of a "legendary" item.<br><br>Icon created using the <a href="https://gamebanana.com/mods/434000">Armor Icon Helper</a> (even though this isn't armor).<br><br>If there's anything I ought to fix, just let me know in the comments! + + Shields + Skins + + + Archaic Set + Chalmoro Azohen + https://gamebanana.com/mods/539090 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/539090#PostsListModule + 695c0b991c7a999e40ddf325b52d607e200309de + Mon, 09 Dec 2024 04:58:38 +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> Bug Acknowledgement<br><p>I'm sorry this is so bugged. I'll fix it when I have the time. I'm still not sure what the issue is, which is frustrating, but hopefully I can fully fix it at some point.</p><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 + + + Linkle Long Hair + Orange_YTLol + https://gamebanana.com/mods/555805 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/555805#PostsListModule + 2976ed3783a1a2a30d79d23ea09b32fd0e0468a2 + Sun, 08 Dec 2024 23:36:16 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/674ba57a142af.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/674b9a6f0c963.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/674b970b6c858.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/674b9718e21d0.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/674b9748baafe.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/674b975a7d36b.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/674b977d80f2c.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/674b978b9f01d.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/67563cef1c27a.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/67563cef9499b.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/67563cf16cbdf.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/67563cf1749e2.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6741733275a15.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/674173329fcea.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/67417333a86c6.jpg"/><br><strong>Update:</strong> Even More Armor Replacement<br><p>Added long hair versions for the following armor:</p><ul><li><p>Tingle's Hood</p></li><li><p>Royal Guard Cap</p></li><li><p>Snowquill Headdress</p></li><li><p>Stealth Mask</p></li><li><p>Zora Helm</p></li></ul><p></p><p>And fixed the support bone for the Radiant Mask.</p><br><hr><br><b class="SelectedElement">Replacer version</b> changes Linkle's default hair to the hair used for Majora's mask in Linkle 3.0 and has options to replace some armor pieces with long hair versions.<br><br>There's also a <b>Standalone version</b> that can be found in a chest at the shrine of resurrection. + + + + Linkle + Skins + + + Skeleton Link + brckv22 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/561006 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/561006#PostsListModule + d66da5e9ff37dddfedc1741cc92dad386cddf599 + Sun, 08 Dec 2024 19:54:47 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/67557aea36490.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/67557b38be115.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6755ed19531cc.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6755ed194ce87.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6755f9afe6e3b.jpg"/><br><strong>Update:</strong> Santa Hat on Skeleton<br><em>Change</em>: Adds a Santa Hat to Skeleton, also fixed the super bright skeleton from the pictures<br><hr><br>Turns Link into a skeleton<br><br>Model Credit: https://sketchfab.com/3d-models/skeleton-esqueleto-downloadable-aa57a9054ea54fb8bbee9c59812a4dd7 + + + Player + Player + + + Cat glider + brckv22 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/560992 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/560992#PostsListModule + 43e09d5a61bc37bf31e0e260418ad55241dd3db8 + Sun, 08 Dec 2024 09:13:17 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6755622e8ccb2.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/675562d47575e.jpg"/><br><strong>Update:</strong> Cat Glider<br><em>Addition</em>: Model Credit: https://sketchfab.com/3d-models/oiiaioooooiai-cat-30d27bf7fb224849b76e208a6eccdb36<br><hr><br>Adds a cat glider + + Cemu GraphicPack + Cemu GraphicPack + + + No Hints (WiiU) + HGStone + https://gamebanana.com/mods/355724 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/355724#PostsListModule + 4c95c046a2dd722f4f58fe53220552353e3add7b + Sat, 07 Dec 2024 07:31:29 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/61fee17ba9851.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/61fecaf8f2df8.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/61fecafba3f91.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/61fecafc06b03.jpg"/><br><strong>Update:</strong> Icon Only<br><p>Added a version that only removes the red icon and leaves the text alone.</p><br><hr><br>Removes the <span class="GreenColor">highlights</span> from the text and the <span class="RedColor">red icon</span> from the speech bubbles, no hints for you!<br><br> +For even more challenges you could install <a href="https://gamebanana.com/members/1721593">OrionKaelin</a>'s mod "<span class="GreenColor">Remove Speech Bubbles</span>" from this mod page <a href="https://gamebanana.com/mods/353084">Additional Hud Removal</a>.<br><br> +This mod defaults to the lowest priority in BCML so it does not interfere with other mods that alter the text. Example: Linkle Dialogue Fix - Changes Link's name to Linkle, but also +in those lines are color codes which will be added back into the game. <del>I + may work on some patches.</del><br><br><a href="https://gamebanana.com/mods/355757">Click here for Switch Version</a><br> +This has been tested with US version.<br><br>EU, and JP should work but I have no way of testing the EU and JP versions.<br><br>Please leave a comment if you have these versions. + + + Text/Dialogue + UI + + + Linkle - Second Wind Unofficial Patch + PalioPolio + https://gamebanana.com/mods/433004 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/433004#PostsListModule + 5bdcc3ff33332aead16226a5d1b554c749b22166 + Sat, 30 Nov 2024 19:35:45 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/641668a1ab1c5.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/641668b2b17ab.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/641668bbf3fdb.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/641669b5e24e8.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/641e48fba7220.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/674b6a0b30c90.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/674b6a0c51a3d.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/674b6a0cf3fb1.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/674b6a0d8643e.jpg"/><br><strong>Update:</strong> Second Wind v1.9.14 Update<br><em>Amendment</em>: Fixed infamous Cosy Set "claw hand" bug, or issues with it not loading at all<br><em>Improvement</em>: Updated dialogue to account for new additions to Second Wind<br><em>Addition</em>: Created Linkle versions of new outfits added in the update<br><em>Adjustment</em>: Changed Postman Hat model slightly<br><hr><br><h1><b><u>Linkle - Second Wind Unofficial Patch</u></b></h1><br>I have no affiliation with the Linkle or Second Wind dev teams.<br><br>This mod provides cosmetic compatibility for Linkle and Second Wind.<br><br><b>What this means:</b><br>Fixed physics on all armours made upgradeable by Second Wind (Gerudo, Tingle, Royal Guard, Phantom/Ganon, etc.)<br>Linkle versions of all (current) Second Wind outfits.<br>Updated dialogue to refer to Linkle and use correct pronouns/titles.<br><br><b>What this does NOT mean:</b><br><del class="SelectedElement">This mod does not fix crashes when using Linkle 3.0 and entering shrines/Second Wind interiors.<br></del>Thanks to Second Wind's team, crashes are no longer an issue with Linkle 3.0!<br><br>All Second Wind items have been covered. Linkle's hair will now appear on all headgear items, and the Cozy set's model has been replaced by the Radiant set (only without the illumination). There is optional Logical Braids support. Any future items added by Second Wind will eventually be covered by this mod. I have not made icons, but I implore anyone to make them if they so choose.<br><br><img data-cfsrc="https://i.imgur.com/n4rKgZ9.png" src="https://i.imgur.com/n4rKgZ9.png"><br><h3>Logical Braids version</h3><br><b><u>Installation</u></b><br><br>Please make sure this mod has HIGHER priority than both Linkle 3.0 and Second Wind. All items seem to be working well for me, but let me know if you run into problems or compatibility issues. <u>Do not</u> create a thread in Second Wind's discord server. I'm not part of the Second Wind team and they had no involvement in the creation of this mod besides granting me permission to do so. Any issues should be directed to me through GameBanana first. Failing that, my discord account is linked to my profile.<br><br><u><b>Updated for SW 1.9.14 as of 30 November, 2024</b></u><br><br>Patch notes are on the update page. Please completely uninstall any old version and install this version. Using "Update" on BCML can cause issues. I wanted to push this update out sooner than later so I haven't been able to add armour icons yet. While I do intend to do this, it is a tedious and lengthy task. Going into December, it's hard to say whether I will have the icons updated by the end of the year. If someone else is interested in creating icons, please feel free to do so.<br><br><u><b>Dialogue Footnote</b></u><br><br>While I understand some dialogue mods for Linkle change the Gorons' use of "brother" and "bro" to "sister" and "sis", I do not intend to make these changes for this patch. I feel usage of those words, in the context of Gorons, is a stylistic and gender-neutral choice. Altering this, in my opinion, would neuter one of the distinct traits the Gorons have held since their inception.<br> + + + + Linkle + Skins + + + Spirit Tracks Pack + Little Zelda guy + https://gamebanana.com/mods/559423 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/559423#PostsListModule + 8808a1e7fa7ff79b6129f8016d07b8882bc1d158 + Sat, 30 Nov 2024 18:29:06 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/674b5861a26ba.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/674b586ae1bf0.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/674b586e3b15d.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/674b5873e9fb4.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/674b587726f24.jpg"/><br>This mod brings together several other mods that include Spirit Tracks items and adds the Spirit Tracks Train!<br><br>Thanks to all the original modders!<br><br>Find the mod parts around Cape Cresia. Check the video to see where exactly!<br><br>The Spirit Train is a replacement for the Giant Horse.<br><br>This mod contains: <br><br><ul><li><a href="https://www.models-resource.com/nintendo_switch/hyrulewarriorsdefinitiveedition/model/64839/" target="_blank">Spirit Train</a><br></li><li>Lokomo Sword from <a href="https://gamebanana.com/mods/439730">Hyrule Warriors Weapon Collection</a><br></li><li><a href="https://gamebanana.com/mods/167912">Spirit Shield</a><br></li><li class="SelectedElement"><a href="https://gamebanana.com/mods/524992">Engineer's Clothes</a><br></li></ul> + + + Mod Packs + Mod Packs + + + Hero Blight Sword + CEObrainz + https://gamebanana.com/mods/49676 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/49676#PostsListModule + 3670fd22a5272f18a878722157187beaf2b0ad53 + Tue, 26 Nov 2024 13:06:54 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/5eb12e39a0b59.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/5eb12e3a392b1.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/5eb12e3b82466.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/5eb12e3d575ae.jpg"/><br><strong>Update:</strong> UKMM Compatability<br><em>Refactor</em>: Updated the mod for UKMM use<br><hr><br>This mod adds the Hero Blight Sword to Breath of the Wild, craftable through Cherry (also known as the ancient Oven) in the  Akkala Ancient Tech Lab.<br><br>This weapon is a standalone weapon, meaning it doesn't replace any existing weapon, has it's own stats, text and icon.<br><br>Special thanks to leeanderthal for allowing me to use his mod. + + Swords + Skins + + + Structure Spawner Rod (CONCEPT) + Gojo the Hobo + https://gamebanana.com/mods/557680 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/557680#PostsListModule + 35b5a01f779095cf87c90f643bfc84e1ecd23c45 + Sat, 23 Nov 2024 09:25:16 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/67419e9047b13.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/67419e99ce589.jpg"/><br><b><br>!!!THIS MOD IS A <u><span class="GreenColor">CONCEPT</span></u> FOR WHAT IS THEORETICALLY POSSIBLE!!!</b><br>----------It is <b>NOT </b>meant for a "serious" playthrough of the game----------<br><br><u>---I only published this for two reasons:</u><br><b>1)</b> to show "what can be done" and give inspiration to anyone who might have a cool idea, and<br>2)&nbsp;because I had fun playing with this rod, so I didn't want it to sit in my files and collect dust.<br><br><br><i><u><b>What does it do?</b></u></i><br><br>This mod turns boko clubs into rods that throw eggs which spawn structures. The structures do have collision thanks to&nbsp;Arch Leaders'&nbsp;<a href="https://gamebanana.com/mods/307642">C-actors!</a>&nbsp;But also, because they have collision, it can be very easy to softlock yourself in an invisible wall (just warp or reload a save to escape).&nbsp;<br><br>ALSO, the structures do not spawn upright all the time (basically, this occurs when the egg thrown by the rod dies in a position that is not vertical. If the egg thrown by the rod dies at a 45 degree angle, then the structure will spawn at that same angle)<br><br>Also, this mod uses content from my other mod <a href="https://gamebanana.com/mods/490630">CATS</a><br><br><b>Modder jargon:</b><br><span class="Spoiler SelectedElement">Long story short, this mod functions by having a rod throw an actor with 1hp (the egg). When the egg breaks, it drops a 0hp shield actor. That 0hp shield actor instantly dies and drops 1 of 15 npcs. Each of those npcs has a different structure's name used in its RideHorseName entry (which is located in the gparam).&nbsp;<br><br>Because each of the structures are spawned from the npc's RideHorseName instead of a droptable, the structures will not despawn because they avoid the drop limit. (This, of course, does mean that you will need to reload the area in order for them to despawn because there will not be a way to destroy the structures)<br></span><br><br><br>Hope this can inspire someone to make a cool idea, or at least give someone a few minutes of fun!<br><del>Probably shouldn't have released this mod but ahh screw it who cares</del><br><br> + + Other/Misc + Other/Misc + + + 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>All 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 + + + diff --git a/GameBanana&updates=on&gid=6386 b/GameBanana&updates=on&gid=6386 new file mode 100644 index 000000000..2d1c1d3bc --- /dev/null +++ b/GameBanana&updates=on&gid=6386 @@ -0,0 +1,261 @@ + + + + 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 + + + No Hints (Switch) + HGStone + https://gamebanana.com/mods/355757 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/355757#PostsListModule + 99fdb402739c9a65bf4ad81516bb3d2e37bdbe90 + Sat, 07 Dec 2024 07:33:51 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/61fee63ee177e.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/61fee63bb7764.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/61fee63e31d7a.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/61fee63f1a11c.jpg"/><br><strong>Update:</strong> Icon Only<br><p>Added a version that only removes the red icon and leaves the text alone.</p><br><hr><br>Removes the <span class="GreenColor">highlights</span> from the text and the <span class="RedColor">red icon</span> from the speech bubbles, no hints for you!<br><br> +For even more challenge you could install <a href="https://gamebanana.com/members/1721593">OrionKaelin</a>'s mod "<span class="GreenColor">Remove Speech Bubbles</span>" from this mod page <a href="https://gamebanana.com/mods/356053" class="SelectedElement">Additional Hud Removal</a>. <br><br>This mod defaults to the lowest priority in BCML so it does not interfere with other mods that alter the text. Example: Linkle Dialogue Fix - Changes Link's name to Linkle, but also in those lines are color codes which will be added back into the game. <del>I may work on some patches.</del><br><br><a href="https://gamebanana.com/mods/355724">Click here for WiiU Version</a><b><br></b> + + + + Text/Dialogue + GUIs + + + Cheap Weapons Slots Expansion + Logansam + https://gamebanana.com/mods/560287 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/560287#PostsListModule + 560729a1555b950aa80107a396021b0caffdf30e + Wed, 04 Dec 2024 20:01:27 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6750b4ff4246c.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6750b50e008b8.jpg"/><br>Tired of searching for all the 900 korok seeds to expand your weapons slots?<br><br>There you go, with this mod you can expand your weapons slots for 1 seed each, so you gonna have all your weapons slots expanded with just 35 korok seeds!!!<br><br>You can actually choose between 3 options:<br><br><span class="GreenColor">*1 seed for each slot; total 35 seeds<br><br>*1 seed first slot, 2 seeds second slot, 3 seeds remaining slots; total 96 seeds<br><br>*1 seed first slot, 2 seeds second slot, 3 seeds third slots 5 seeds remaining slots; total 148 seeds</span><br><br><span class="GreenColor"><b>ENJOY</b></span> + + HUD + GUIs + + + Totk Glide Mask over Ruby circlet + Logansam + https://gamebanana.com/mods/560285 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/560285#PostsListModule + 4b14ea3cb05cb97a7b0636710624f2c721499a67 + Wed, 04 Dec 2024 19:56:45 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6750b3f07df6b.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6750b3f4c75d7.jpg"/><br>Just a edit, it replaces the ruby circlet for long hair glide mask.... + + Other/Misc + Skins + + + Super Jump + Logansam + https://gamebanana.com/mods/560284 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/560284#PostsListModule + 97cc25491ee36fe539aeb56757bf0319b73a7a53 + Wed, 04 Dec 2024 19:52:10 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6750b2db0fc24.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6750b2dfabb7c.jpg"/><br>Increases the jump height for Link to a comfortable amount.<br><br>This amount should be enough to climb most small obstacles quicker, but not enough to break most shrines. Just a comfortable quality-of-life improvement.<br><br>Should be compatible with anything, except maybe other mods that modify physics for the player. + + Player + Game files + + + 2TypeBackPackMOD + Logansam + https://gamebanana.com/mods/560283 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/560283#PostsListModule + da360cf68f2ae4c1346d888b997e5006382e2268 + Wed, 04 Dec 2024 19:48:31 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6750b1ec08033.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6750b1f0ed34b.jpg"/><br>Does Link&nbsp; feel like they have too little luggage to explore Hyrule?<br><br>This is my little idea mod.<br><br>When equipped with 2 types of greatswords, equip a corresponding backpack on the back.<br><br><b>・Traveler's Claymore</b><br><br><b>・Golden Claymore</b><br><br><br>・Each feature<br><br>The Hylian backpack has a glowing lantern when equipped with Traveler's Claymore.<br><br>The sword has been adjusted to be a little shorter, and the exposed blade has been replaced with a new Sheath.<br><br>A shield is mounted on the back of the backpack.<br><br>Gerudo's backpack when equipped with Golden Claymore uses a translucent material to make the lantern look like a water bottle.<br><br>The shield goes to the back of the backpack just like Hylia.<br><br>I really wanted to use a one-handed sword, but since I share the NPC's Sheath model, the NPC's backpack is a big deal.<br><br>For that reason, I chose a two-handed sword as there are not many NPCs equipped with it.<br><br><b>Cobble Crusher is not in mod, texture problems...and this is only for link</b> + + Skins + Skins + + + Weak Ores + Logansam + https://gamebanana.com/mods/560282 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/560282#PostsListModule + a473b40f9456afa3e8e592b634ad0cd273aa25f7 + Wed, 04 Dec 2024 19:41:51 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6750b06a016d1.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6750b074538df.jpg"/><br>Ores have 1 HP, and arrows can break them. Durability is still lost, however. + + Other/Misc + Game files + + + Stal Gangs + heavenseyes + https://gamebanana.com/mods/558282 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/558282#PostsListModule + a55afc09193143ca694b96eae713b8cda1a48ab2 + Mon, 25 Nov 2024 18:12:02 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6744bdb9860d0.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6744bdb924acc.jpg"/><br><span class="RedColor"><b>STAL GANGS</b></span><br><br>This Mod is very simple, it just let you select the size of the Stal Gangs you will encounter during nights.<br>Here is a list of selectable options:<br><br><span class="GreenColor">* 3 or 4 Stals including 2 Armed</span><br><br><span class="GreenColor">* 4 or 5 Stals including 3 Armed</span><br><br><span class="GreenColor">* 5 or 6 Stals including 3 Armed<br><br>* 6 or 7 Stals including 4 Armed<br><br>* 7 or 8 Stals including 5 Armed</span> + + Enemies + Skins + + + Darker Nights & Brighter Lights + Logansam + https://gamebanana.com/mods/549228 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/549228#PostsListModule + 949e52c90595b22967be24be0e70a520ccfb763b + Mon, 25 Nov 2024 16:16:57 +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><strong>Update:</strong> Dark default option<br><p>Dark default option</p><br><hr><br>Darker Nights &amp; 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&nbsp;<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>&nbsp;<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&nbsp; less darker black....<br><br>add a Dark default option + + + OverWorld/Field + Maps + + + Monster Weapons Variety + Logansam + https://gamebanana.com/mods/558258 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/558258#PostsListModule + 03772578029a0b6bffc18d48cd9d1f8de335a733 + Mon, 25 Nov 2024 16:07:17 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6744a055a775b.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6744a06b7ab39.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6744a0764d94c.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6744a09fb4a62.jpg"/><br>Enemies now hold a greater variety of weapons all throughout Hyrule!&nbsp; Weapons that were once hard to come by - like eightfold longblades - can be won from monsters.&nbsp; And weapons that became totally unobtainable in the vanilla game - kite shields, korok swords, lynel crushers, etc. - are always available somewhere.<br><br>The area around a settlement will usually have some monsters carrying that place's equipment.&nbsp; For example, you'll find monsters carrying Zora weapons near the path to Zora's Domain - presumably because they killed traveling Zoras and stole their weapons.<br><br>Monsters now hold Sheikah, Zora, Goron, Gerudo, Rito, Korok, and Yiga weapons, as well as double axes and some Lynel weapons.&nbsp; I also changed whether some monsters will rank up or not.&nbsp; There are now three Red, Blue, and White Lynels - one with each weapon type - that will not rank up so you can always fight them and loot their weapons.<br><br>Just to clarify, this mod doesn't add any monsters to the map.&nbsp; It just changes existing monsters.<br><br>Enjoy! + + OverWorld/Field + Maps + + + Ancient Oven Cherry's 100% Off Sale + Logansam + https://gamebanana.com/mods/558257 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/558257#PostsListModule + 35638431ed59fac089cef3bca490e51f3f239470 + Mon, 25 Nov 2024 16:01:20 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/67449f245c5ba.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/67449f3643066.jpg"/><br>This mod changes the cost of rupees and materials for Ancient Oven Cherry's default collection of ancient armor and weapons to zero.<br><br>Enjoy! + + Other/Misc + Skins + + + Huebi Spezi Shirt + TweeksOnYT + https://gamebanana.com/mods/557341 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/557341#PostsListModule + f8e6860737159d535e79bd4a71d06c9359fbe91e + Thu, 21 Nov 2024 16:31:07 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/673f6034ee119.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/673f60351ffeb.jpg"/><br><b>Huebi Spezi Tee By TweeksOnYT</b><br><br>If there is another mod of this idk who that was ether idk if that exsisted before.<br><br>Shoutout to Huebi! + + Textures + Textures + + + Wearable Lanterns-Standalone + Logansam + https://gamebanana.com/mods/556956 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/556956#PostsListModule + 23c1f7fddccf12d61b29bbbff25795a94043773f + Tue, 19 Nov 2024 20:44:43 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/673cf72a0d302.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/673cf73338ac9.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/673cf7383f68c.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/673cf73d1e2d0.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/673cf8882faae.jpg"/><br><h1 class="SelectedElement">The Lantern is it's own item, it does not replace the torch or anything in the game, it does no fire damage, it is a light source only. Can be bought from Beedle's shop in the following locations...<br><br><span class="RedColor">*</span>&nbsp;<i>Kara Kara Bazaar</i><br><br><span class="RedColor">*</span>&nbsp;<i>Lakeside Stable</i><br><br><span class="RedColor">*</span>&nbsp;<i>South Akkala Stable</i><br><br><span class="RedColor">*</span>&nbsp;<i>Rito Stable</i><br></h1><br>I put another mod with&nbsp; localization of the Lantern (rocks wall in the lake to the side of the resurrection shrine)&nbsp; + + + + Weapons + Game files + + + 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 + + + diff --git a/GameBanana&updates=on&gid=7617 b/GameBanana&updates=on&gid=7617 new file mode 100644 index 000000000..70ab413ca --- /dev/null +++ b/GameBanana&updates=on&gid=7617 @@ -0,0 +1,301 @@ + + + + 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 + + + island lobster shirt with belts + coolbotato + https://gamebanana.com/mods/562728 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/562728#PostsListModule + fa7a70f0c4b39f3639ca406cf41a23b76f09d5e0 + Tue, 17 Dec 2024 09:21:17 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6761423844741.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6761423b5d110.jpg"/><br>this mod adds belts to the island loster set as requsted by <a href="https://gamebanana.com/members/2729551">CatoCeem</a> <a href="https://gamebanana.com/requests/68801">here</a> + + Armor set + Models + + + Elden Mod Pack v1.1 + coolbotato + https://gamebanana.com/mods/561759 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/561759#PostsListModule + 32e86c6c7ea9844ce3ed83ec2569554571559b43 + Fri, 13 Dec 2024 16:58:33 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/675abeb4e6a6d.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/675c687ce437d.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/675c687853f25.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/675abe97821fa.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/675abea141c54.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/675abeaa93728.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/675c686ec0f12.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/675c6881cfb27.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/675c6885eebd8.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/675c688a194c6.jpg"/><br><strong>Update:</strong> Added More Weapons!!<br><em>Addition</em>: Added: Rivers Of Blood<br><em>Change</em>: Mohgwyns Spear<br><em>Change</em>: Golden Order GreatSword<br><em>Change</em>: Dark Moon Greatsword<br><em>Change</em>: Sacred Relic Sword<br><hr><br>This mod brings back all of my favorite weapons from Elden ring and puts them into totk this mod so far brings back the:<br><br>BloodHound's Fang <br><br>Sword of Night And Flame <br><br> Moonlight Greatsword <br><br>Carian Knight Sword<br><br>Rivers Of Blood <br><br>MohgWyns Spear (fire effect)<br><br>Golden Order Greatsword (lightning effect)<br><br>Sacred Relic Sword <br><br>DarkMoon Great Sword (ice effect)<br><br>you can buy them all from the moogle at lookout landing <br><br><span class="GreenColor SelectedElement">and special thanks to </span><a href="https://gamebanana.com/members/2850833">PotatoFried17</a> <span class="GreenColor">for letting me use his moogle npc</span><br><br> + + + Weapons & Shields + Models + + + Challenge Mode Complete Version + Echocolat + https://gamebanana.com/mods/537404 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/537404#PostsListModule + 7592021571cef6110b6b251b45fa1dc5ca795136 + Tue, 10 Dec 2024 21:51:43 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66c8e6ae9df89.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66c8e6b80cab3.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66c8e6bf184ee.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66c8e8be36028.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66c8e6d3a33cd.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66c8e6e28d703.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66c8e8d10b8eb.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66c8ea17e1cd0.jpg"/><br><strong>Update:</strong> <br><em>Bugfix</em>: Fixed the archive bit in RESTBL files that was making the mod unable to be played on Switch Hardware<br><hr><br><h1><span class="GreenColor">Tears of the Kingdom Challenge Mode Complete Version</span></h1><h2>Mod description</h2>This mod aims to make Tears of the Kingdom <b><span class="GreenColor">harder</span></b> by adding new, more <b><span class="GreenColor">dangerous enemies</span></b> and <b><span class="GreenColor">tweaking game mechanics</span></b> for a more challenging and interesting experience with the game. It is <b><span class="GreenColor">recommended to start a whole new save</span></b> with this mod for the best experience possible!<br><br><b><span class="RedColor">DO NOT INSTALL THIS MOD WITH TKMM.</span></b><br><br><a href="https://discord.gg/Z35qfGBTeH" target="_blank">Discord Server link</a><br><a href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Gg7gORUzQb0jZjDRL8s5A1mpq3rhDT6iQmtUZxbGRiA/edit?usp=sharing " target="_blank" class="SelectedElement">Data spreadsheet</a><br><a href="https://ko-fi.com/echocolat" target="_blank">Ko-fi page if you want to support me <3</a><br><br><h2>Features</h2><ul><li>All scalable enemies (Bokoblins, Moblins, Lizalfos, Horriblins, Boss Bokoblins, Lynels, Soldier Constructs and Captain Constructs) <b><span class="GreenColor">were scaled by one rank</span></b>. For example, all red Bokoblins are blue in the mod. At least one specimen of each base enemy will stay, for Hyrule Compendium, Quests or Armor upgrades.<br></li><li>All scalable enemies now have a new rank (Golden for all Monsters, Seized for the Constructs), <b><span class="GreenColor">stronger</span></b>, tankier, faster, but also <b><span class="GreenColor">more rewarding</span></b> with their unique fusable materials and better overall drops. </li><li>All mini bosses (Molduga, Gleeok, Frox, Flux Construct, Hinox, Talus) now have a new, <span class="GreenColor"><b>unique </b></span>more powerful rank, wielding unique fuse materials. You can learn more about them in the <i>Challenge Mode - Rumors</i> book in the Room of Wakening.</li><li>New weapons were added, or readded! <b><span class="GreenColor">Lynel weapons</span></b> are back. You can also get the standalone version of Lynel weapons <a href="https://gamebanana.com/mods/494687">here</a>, thanks to Godzilaa4 for making the mod! Zonaite weapons also got a <b><span class="GreenColor">new rank</span></b> of weapons in order to make them more interesting in mid and late game.<br></li><li>A wide array of map changes were made to the surface, mostly to add more <b><span class="GreenColor">Lynels</span></b> to the map and make the enemy camps more diversified. <b><span class="GreenColor">No more Bokoblin only camps</span></b>!</li><li>As a development to the previous change, the six <b><span class="GreenColor">Monster Camps</span></b> involved in the Monster Control Crew quests have been severly buffed, making a hard late game challenge. They were given<b><span class="GreenColor"> new, powerful and unique reward</span></b> for three of them (the ones that unlock after the others), so don't forget to check them out!</li></ul><h2>Options</h2>This mod comes with multiple options that when all activated represent what we envisioned when creating it, but that we are aware won't please everybody, that is why they are options. (You will need to use <a href="https://gamebanana.com/wips/81203">TKMM</a> to be able to choose for each option.)<br><br><h3>Additions</h3><ul><li><b><span class="GreenColor">All bosses buff</span></b>: Bosses are all stronger and faster, Dungeon bosses deal gloom damage. (<b><span class="GreenColor">recommended</span></b>)</li><li><b><span class="GreenColor">All enemies scale</span></b>: Very unrecommended option unless you want to suffer. This makes it so that all map enemies scale automatically if possible, regardless of their map parameters. Basically, all camps will be full golden in NG+, and will become full golden at some point after playing in non NG+.</li><li><b><span class="GreenColor">Brazilian over American English</span></b>: Playing with the American English language will instead use the brazilian translation made by the <a href="https://triforce-heroes.com.br/" target="_blank">Triforce Heroes Team</a> (for the vanilla game) and Godzilaa4 (for the Challenge Mode part).</li><li><b><span class="GreenColor">Challenge Mode enemies are faster</span></b>: All enemies introduced in Challenge Mode are faster than their previous counterparts. (<b><span class="GreenColor">recommended</span></b>)</li><li><b><span class="GreenColor">Dangerous Bokoblin Baskets</span></b>: Elemental fruits thrown by Bokoblins from their baskets have the area of effect of associated elemental gems.</li><li><del><b><span class="GreenColor">Enemy Health Regeneration</span></b>: Most of the enemies regenerate slowly their health on a %age basis, until they regenerated 100% of their health. The regeneration rate is smaller when the enemy has more HP. Made by MaxLastBreath. </del>Will be added later, as the team member handling this option is facing personal issues.</li><li><b><span class="GreenColor">True Demon King's Army</span></b>: Custom Demon King's Army made more interesting and way harder. (<b><span class="GreenColor">recommended</span></b>)<br></li></ul><br><h3>Buffs</h3><ul><li><b><span class="GreenColor">Better Defense Up meal effect</span></b>: The Defense Up meal effect is buffed in order to make it viable and interesting against Attack Up. Level 1 goes from 4 to 12, Level 2 goes from 12 to 24 and Level 3 goes from 24 to 48. (<b><span class="GreenColor">recommended</span></b>)</li></ul><br><h3>Nerfs</h3><ul><li><b><span class="GreenColor">Higher Gloom damage multiplier</span></b>: Gloomed enemies in the vanilla game inflict 0.3x times their damage converted to gloomed hearts. This was changed to 0.8x their damage. (<b><span class="GreenColor">recommended</span></b>)</li><li><b><span class="GreenColor">Hitstun nerf for Link</span></b>: Most of Link's attacks do not interrupt enemies' actions. (<b><span class="GreenColor">recommended</span></b>)</li><li><b><span class="GreenColor">Nerfed charge attacks</span></b>: Link's charged attacks take more time to charge and take more stamina. Two handed weapon charge attack does less damage. (<span class="GreenColor"><b>recommended</b></span>)</li><li><b><span class="GreenColor">Nerfed Flurry Rush</span></b>: Link's Flurry Rushes inflict less hits. (<b><span class="GreenColor">recommended</span></b>)</li><li><b><span class="GreenColor">No natural Gloomed hearts regenetation</span></b>: Gloomed hearts no longer regenerate on the Surface or under lightroots. This is <b><span class="GreenColor">heavily recommended</span></b> because some new enemies will have your heart UI glitched without this option. (<b><span class="GreenColor">recommended</span></b>)</li><li><b><span class="GreenColor">No One Shot Protection</span></b>: Disables one shot protection. (<b><span class="GreenColor">recommended</span></b>)<br></li><li><b><span class="GreenColor">Oblivious sages</span></b>: Sages don't attack enemies, enemies don't attack Sages. (<b><span class="GreenColor">recommended</span></b>)</li></ul><br><h3>Rebalances</h3><ul><li><b><span class="GreenColor">Rebalanced Armor upgrade cost</span></b>: Armor upgrades that need scalable enemy parts will require the level above, to take into account the Challenge Mode scaling. (<b><span class="GreenColor">recommended</span></b>)</li><li><b><span class="GreenColor">Rebalanced Chests</span></b>: Shrine and Dungeon chests content was changed to make them more interesting. (<b><span class="GreenColor">recommended</span></b>)</li><li><b><span class="GreenColor">Rebalanced Cooking</span></b>: It's impossible for the player to eat raw materials, and cooked food (e.g. Boiled Egg, Frozen and Roasted food) is no longer able to stack. (<b><span class="GreenColor">recommended</span></b>)</li><li><b><span class="GreenColor">Rebalanced modifiers</span></b>: Each weapon, bow and shield has now its unique ranges of modifier values. Non Zonai scalable enemy parts were buffed, or heavily buffed compared to vanilla, so that they still offer some value even compared to the new, very powerful golden enemy parts. (<b><span class="GreenColor">recommended</span></b>) </li><li><b><span class="GreenColor">Rebalanced mounted Lynel damage</span></b>: To take into account the DPS of weapons, one handed weapons deal less damage on the back of Lynels and two handed weapons deal even less damage.</li></ul><br><h2>How to play</h2>The mod is distributed in versions 1.1.0, 1.1.1, 1.1.2, 1.2.0 and 1.2.1. <b>Each version has two distributions, Base and Recommended</b>. Base contains the basics of Challenge Mode: All the new content and enemies scaling by one rank, and that's it. Recommended is the same as Base, but with <b>all recommended options enabled</b>. Install the mod like you would install any other mod.<br><br><del><span class="RedColor">Sadly, we can not share raw .tkcl (for <a href="https://gamebanana.com/wips/81203">TKMM</a>) files yet, but know that <b>you can grab the .tkcl file form the Discord server</b> (linked above) or from the last downloadable archive of this page. This .tkcl file is version agnostic, meaning you can install it on any version. Make sure you're on the latest stable version or a version you built yourself from Source code.<br><br>If you want to make Challenge Mode compatible with other mods you're playing with, you may use TKMM, but again it's recommended to use the latest built version.<b> </b>Compatibility patches will be released later for the biggest mods of the scene. Please know that multiple issues lurk inside TKMM at the moment (they will be fixed in the next versions) which makes this mod unable to be merged properly with any mod editing the Compendium, Map files that CM is also editing, as well as the Scaling data.</span></del><br><br>At the moment, TKMM is too broken to be used with the mod, so please only use Base or Recommended builds for the time being, until it's fixed. Thanks for the understanding.<br><br><h2>If you encounter an issue</h2>Please <b>report the issue in the #bug-report channe</b>l of the Discord server, detailling your game version, platform, issue and if possible with a crash log. We will try to help you and fix the issue if it has to be fixed the quickest possible. Thanks!<br><br><b><span class="GreenColor">Thank you very much for playing, I hope you have fun!!</span></b> + + + + + + + + + + + Gameplay + Gameplay + + + Custom Area Events + JamesJimmy24 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/561267 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/561267#PostsListModule + 1023ed39934546aabb9bfcd85f10266d1bc1756e + Mon, 09 Dec 2024 16:06:00 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6757151c3f03a.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/675715220a15e.jpg"/><br>Contains a tutorial on how to trigger Events when you enter an Area.<br><br>This is done throughout the entire story and is really useful for custom quests and stories that people&nbsp;may want to make in the future.<br><br>In the zip file, I've included the full guide, the base AI file (Primarily made by DT), and a couple of&nbsp;sections to copy and paste into the .banc files for your event.<br><br>TotkBits / Starlight (Ainb File Editor) and NxEditor are required for this.<br><br><span class="SelectedElement">Please comment any questions or unclear instructions (This is my first tutorial and AI is still confusing to me)</span><br> + + Misc + AI & Events + + + Sword Of night and flame + coolbotato + https://gamebanana.com/mods/561047 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/561047#PostsListModule + 30fb996c6132470c11baccf8c11bd8a2054be664 + Sun, 08 Dec 2024 15:21:56 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6755b91e841f9.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6755b91a6e3b8.jpg"/><br>the sword from <span class="GreenColor">Elden ring</span> i hope you like you can buy it from Beedle at new <span class="RedColor">Serenne</span> stable + + Weapons & Shields + Models + + + Change "For Our Princess!" to "My Sweet Princess" + Ra1d.xml + https://gamebanana.com/mods/560517 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/560517#PostsListModule + c5adf7abb2174e8d5e7d2d3e47b36f4afd9fefa4 + Fri, 06 Dec 2024 01:19:34 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6752510b4a1fa.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/67525118480cd.jpg"/><br>In the <span class="RedColor">Japanese</span> version of Tears of the Kingdom, the mission <span class="GreenColor">"For Our Princess!"</span> is instead called <span class="GreenColor">"My Sweet Princess"<br></span><br>This mod changes it for the US English Version.<br><br>1.1.0 Only; Use <span class="GreenColor">TKMM</span> for other versions<br><br>(Special thanks to <a href="https://gamebanana.com/members/2207282"><u>@heydo6</u></a> for showing me how to make the mod!) + + HUD + UI + + + Ultimate Icon Tool + Aster + https://gamebanana.com/mods/559921 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/559921#PostsListModule + 0fe7b2f6389b48aa03c2f3bee2e63f1a8ad1a543 + Thu, 05 Dec 2024 18:02:03 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/674e1f28e50f2.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/674e1f50866af.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/674e1f50b7adb.jpg"/><br><strong>Update:</strong> New Discovery<br><p>I've been doing more research recently, and found that vanilla icons were generated with all bloom disabled (just like armor icons), and with color correction disabled. Additionally, I found that icons were generated at 576x576, then downscaled to 256x256. From this, I've found that the best ultracam resolution to use is 7680x4320, 4 times the vanilla resolution (1920x1080), since 576 is 4 times 144, the vanilla fuse icon size.</p><br><hr><br>Have you ever wanted to make accurate icons? Now you can! Head over to <a href="https://gamebanana.com/tuts/18198">the tutorial</a> to learn how to use this mod to make accurate icons for weapons, shields, and materials. Bows coming soon! + + UI + UI + + + Standalone Elemental Weapons + Real Princess Zelda + https://gamebanana.com/mods/515182 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/515182#PostsListModule + 459789089ee3847394a1920cee0d76d2c70a9cc0 + Sun, 01 Dec 2024 04:02:05 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/665ebf6a8977a.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/665ec267a7edf.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/664e549879bd8.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/664e549b21617.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/664e54a585a6e.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/665651d2e44ff.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/664e54944b888.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/665651d66a3c0.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/665ebf84f3c77.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/665ebf88c2daa.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/665ebf8f7af8c.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/664e54b0a6da3.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/664e54ad451aa.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/664e54b3db906.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/665651fd62301.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6656520289b10.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6656520a593b4.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/665ebfb609af4.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/665ebfbabec8b.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/665ebfc119505.jpg"/><br><strong>Update:</strong> Rock Octorok + Compendium Fix<br><p>I have now made it so the weapons can be repaired and given a modifier if eaten by a rock octorok. The exefs file within fixes a bug that crashes the game after the credits when the compendium entries are more than 509 (which is the amount in the base game). Thanks so much to <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://gamebanana.com/members/1771411">Echocolat</a> and <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://github.com/dt-12345">dt-12345</a> for making the fix and allowing me to use it.</p><br><em>Addition</em>: All weapons can now be repaired and given a modifier via rock octoroks<br><em>Bugfix</em>: Added exefs file that fixes a crash after the credits because of too many compendium entries<br><hr><br><span class="GreenColor">Do you miss the weapons of Breath of the Wild? Do you find the frostblade so slick and cool? Do you want dedicated elemental weapons that look unique and cool? Are you suffering from a dash of nostalgia?<br></span><br>Well, now you can have those elemental weapons from BotW as their own standalone weapons! Princess Zelda herself has worked with the wonderful <a href="https://gamebanana.com/members/1681024">Lye</a> to make her amazing elemental weapons standalone! This adds all of the elemental weapons from BotW as standalones.<br><br><span class="RedColor">What this does:</span> Adds the great frostblade, great flameblade, great thunderblade, frostblade, flameblade, thunderblade, frostspear, flamespear, and thunderspear as standalone weapons obtainable in the world (or Amiibo if you take the optional file). To achieve the particle effects from swinging your weapon, increase the damage of the blades, or apply the blades on other weapons, we also added the blades only as an attachable material sold in a few Beedle shops. The weapons are part of the compendium and level (gain weapon modifiers).<br><br>There is now a breakable weapons option! The Great Frostblade has 40 durability, the Great Flameblade &amp; Thunderblade have 50 durability. The Frostspear has 40 durability, the Flamespear &amp; Thunderspear have 50 durability. Then, the Frostblade has 30 durability, the Flameblade &amp; Thunderblade has 36 durability.<br><br><b>The blade attachments are located in Beedle's shop inventory. The +frost blade attachments can be bought from Snowfield Stable, the flame +blade attachments from Foothill Stable, and the thunder blade +attachments are bought from the Riverside Stable. They are all purchasable for 40 rupees each.</b><br><br><span class="RedColor">Where to find:</span> The weapons are scattered throughout the map, here are the locations listed below<br><b><br>Flameblade &amp; Thunderblade:</b> Found within Hyrule castle on the surface. Coordinates <span class="Spoiler">-0268, 1153, 0024 &amp; -0254, 0759, 0104</span><br><br><b>Frostblade:</b> Atop Mount Lanayru embedded in ice. Coordinates <span class="Spoiler">3942, -1260, 0490</span><br><br><b>Great Flameblade:</b> Lost in a maze within the Akkala region. Coordinates <span class="Spoiler">4662, 3701, 0115</span><br><br><b>Great Thunderblade:</b> Partially buried atop Cuho Mountain. Coordinates <span class="Spoiler">-3832, 1324, 0251</span><br><br><b>Great Frostblade:</b> Resting on the peak of the Hebra Mountains. Coordinates <span class="Spoiler">-2765, 2908, 0724</span><br><br><b>Flamespear:</b> Overlooking Eventide Island. Coordinates <span class="Spoiler">3688, -3319, 0244</span><br><br><b>Thunderspear:</b> Resting near Thundra Plateau. Coordinates: <span class="Spoiler SelectedElement">-2244, 0836, 0105</span><br><br><b>Frostspear:</b> Surrounded by ponds southwest from Hateno Village. Coordinates <span class="Spoiler">2696, -2963, 0168</span><br><br><span class="RedColor">Compatibility:</span> This mod modifies the RSDB, RSTB, and Mals files as well as a few map files and three Beedle shop inventories, and it modifies the ResidentCommon and Bootup.Nin_NX_NVN pack files. It also modifies several map files. You will need to merge them for compatibility. This should work on versions 1.1.0, 1.1.1, 1.1.2, 1.2.0, 1.2.1<br><br>This was tested on 1.1.2 and 1.2.0 on emulator.<br><br>Thanks to the smart <a href="https://gamebanana.com/members/1630162">LordBubbles</a> for helping me figure a couple things out!<br><br>Let me know if you run into any issues!<br><br>If you wanna hit me up or try to pull a phishing scam or something, you can message me on Discord @ therealprincesszelda + + + + + + Weapons & Shields + Models + + + UltraCam (Resolution, FPS, FreeCam)(MANY FEATURES) + MaxLastBreath + https://gamebanana.com/mods/480138 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/480138#PostsListModule + 512b74e104f739aea24a40b6c7beef34f3015180 + Sat, 30 Nov 2024 19:34:33 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/65f22151ad0d3.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/65f221a3b56aa.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/65edf9885b72e.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/65edf8dce8a2a.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/65edfa30dff66.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/655b63355b722.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/655b63dab54cf.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/655b63c5becb3.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/655b62cce92f9.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/655b62db7b614.jpg"/><br><strong>Update:</strong> UltraCam 2.6, climbing speed and More<br><p>Updates are slowed down for the moment, broke my leg and undergoing surgery recovery. Won't be able to walk until 2025.</p><br><em>Bugfix</em>: Fixed Climbing Speed Between ALL FPS<br><em>Bugfix</em>: Fixed Climbing Jump Between ALL FPS<br><em>Bugfix</em>: Fixed Ladder Climbing Speed Between ALL FPS<br><em>Bugfix</em>: Fixed Ladder Animations ending abruptly at higher than 55 FPS<br><em>Tweak</em>: Removed Ladder Climbing FPS Lock<br><em>Tweak</em>: Removed the ability to change FOV with the controller while outside of FreeCam<br><hr><br><h1>ULTRACAM - Features - Supported Vers. 1.1.0, 1.1.1, 1.1.2, 1.2.0, 1.2.1</h1><ul><li>Hybrid-FPS (480FPS cap) (NEW) - Dynamically adjusts and also fixes physic issues.</li><li>Freecam</li><li>Sequencer</li><li>FOV (20-120) ANY NUMBER. (Real Time Control) (NEW)</li><li>Fog Reduction</li><li>Emu Scale (Match to Emulator)</li><li>Internal Resolution (Up to 8K!) (NEW)</li><li>Shadow Resolution (Up to 8K!) (NEW)</li><li>Quality Improvements (Disable FSR, Dynamic Resolution) (NEW)</li><li>DisableFXAA (NEW)</li><li>Disable Depth of Field (NEW)</li><li>Camera Speed Multipliers. (NEW)</li><li>Hide UI (NEW)</li><li>AutoHide UI (NEW)</li><li>MenuFPSLock (NEW)<br></li><li>MovieFPS (NEW)<br></li><li>Time and Weather Control (NEW)</li><li>Benchmarks (NEW)<br></li><li>Teleportation (NEW)</li><li>Heap Settings RSDB and GameTextures (NEW)</li></ul><br><br><h1>ULTRACAM 3.0 EARLY ACCESS VERSION SOON AVAILABLE IN <a href="https://ko-fi.com/post/UltraCam-2-0-DOWNLOAD-BETA-1-V7V7S6CJQ" target="_blank">KOFI</a>. The next major release is potentially going to take months, this MOD has taken over 1000+ hours of development time.</h1><h1 class="SelectedElement">Want to keep up with the project development? Join <a href="https://discord.gg/the-way-of-the-wind-1111435904687550587">DISCORD</a></h1><br><ul><li>New Console<br></li><li>Full control of almost every feature in real time. (Shadows, Resolution, FPS etc)</li><li>Future Actor spawning functionality. (April-May)</li><li>Full in-game UI (Imagine reshade but for TOTK)</li><li>Lots of new gameplay tweaks (passive health regen out of combat!)</li><li>Potential Enemy and Weapon Randomizer (built in)</li><li>Slow motion/Fast Motion and Freeze AI.</li><li>Entity control, let's you take control of different enemies!</li><li>Port of UltraCam to DFPS.</li></ul><br><br><b>TO BE RELEASED WHEN ITS FINISHED.</b><br><br><h1>FOR FULL CONTEXT CHECK OUT BOTH VIDEOS!</h1><ul><li>Video <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7vza53cNzc" target="_blank">One</a> is a breakdown of how to use the Freecam (OLD)</li><li>Video <a href="https://youtu.be/vEAJkdoI_FI" target="_blank">Two</a> is an amazing Trailer Cinematic using the Freecam by Gossip Geist. <3 Really recommend checking it out!</li></ul><br><br><h1>I LOVE THIS, HOW CAN I HELP THE DEVELOPMENT?</h1><ul><li>You can support me on my <a href="https://ko-fi.com/maxlastbreath#" target="_blank">KO-FI.</a> and also get access to new features in EA!</li></ul><br><br><h1>WHAT DOES THIS MOD DO?</h1><ul><li>The primary focus of this mod is to improve the game's Quality and Visuals as well as the framerate at which the game runs and how well it runs at higher FPS. (Yes this does run better then any other DFPS mods.)</li><li>The mod also allows you to enter a Freecam mode. Which also allows for the creation of cinematic keyframes and the teleportation of Link.</li><li>This mod also FIXES LODS, SSAO by being able to increase the internal resolution.</li><li>This mod also fixes the shadow flickering. By being able to increase shadows up to 8K.</li><li>This mod also comes with various FPS fixes that Fixes the following: </li><li>Menu Speeds, Bow Speed, Throw Weapon Speed, Map Menu Speed, Movie Speeds, Dynamic FPS speed, Link Speed, Shrines Physic bugs at (60 FPS and some at 120). Ladders at up to 90 FPS. (More to come) and Lots lots more (too many to list).</li><li>This mod also fixes the Blackscreen present at 60 FPS caps.</li><li>This mod also has the option to improve the haziness of the game by removing it.</li><li>This mod can also control the Render Distance. Albeit this should be left to default in most cases.</li><li>This mod can also change the Handheld Internal resolution to anything you desire.</li><li>This mod can also turn on triple buffer (currently doesn't function on switch)</li><li>This mod also allows you to teleport link to the location of the camera.</li><li>This mod can also run sequence benchmarks SIMILAR to Cyberpunk Benchmark, which outputs a file with average and 1% lows FPS. The file is located in the switch's SD card. (SDMC)</li></ul><br><br><h1>I'M HAVING TROUBLE UNDERSTANDING HOW TO USE THIS</h1><ul><li>Please if you are having trouble, use the <a href="https://github.com/MaxLastBreath/TOTK-mods" target="_blank">TOTK Optimizer.</a> It makes it a lot easier to setup.</li></ul><br><br><h1>WHAT ELSE ARE YOU GOING TO ADD? These features will be available for <a href="https://ko-fi.com/maxlastbreath" target="_blank">EA.</a></h1><ul><li>Actor spawning.</li><li>UI so you can change things in real time.</li><li>A console that lets you automate some fun stuff!</li><li>A way to export key frames and sequences and let's you also share it to other people!</li><li>A proper first person mode. Potentially VR (demo maybe soon?)</li><li>A partial or full mod port to BOTW, including 480 FPS cap and more...</li><li>Slow Motion and Fast Motion.</li><li>Freeze Game (AI/Time).</li><li>First person.</li><li>Lots lots lots more.</li></ul><br><br><h1>Please credit the mod if you use it for other content, preferably.</h1><br><a href="https://www.instagram.com/dark_necros/?hl=en" target="_blank">Front Page - Purah Art</a> + + + + + + + + Visual Overhaul + Visual Overhaul + + + The Master cycle Returns(almost)! + coolbotato + https://gamebanana.com/mods/552538 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/552538#PostsListModule + b56084d9c9513d096251d0f55649e8f39f7cb17a + Sat, 30 Nov 2024 16:10:20 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/674b3838e3dd2.jpg"/><br><strong>Update:</strong> final texture<br><em>Change</em>: added the proper master cycle texture<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 + + + PC UIv0.6 bate + CurtainOP + https://gamebanana.com/mods/559377 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/559377#PostsListModule + 4b9d1a596be559cc21d027407aaea40213fb9c2c + Sat, 30 Nov 2024 15:26:07 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/674b2d0c2d4ce.jpg"/><br><font _mstmutation="1" _msttexthash="22416752280" _msthash="3731"><font _mstmutation="1" _msttexthash="15983271525" _msthash="6120" class="SelectedElement"><font _mstmutation="1" _msttexthash="421400889" _msthash="6104">更新修复：2下不图标显示，也就是口哨位置。删除某些忘记删除的文件，并添加其它三种语言</font><br><br><font _mstmutation="1" _msttexthash="415491167" _msthash="6105">特别说明：似乎不太兼容大师模式mod，有些键有缺，上马的键也没改，基本看到的就这些</font><br><br>为什么是这些按键：<br _mstmutation="1"><br _mstmutation="1">1是道具经常用到<br _mstmutation="1"><br _mstmutation="1">2是，单用是口哨，用totkmod ，2+鼠标右键会视角偏移<br _mstmutation="1"><br _mstmutation="1">3和4没什么好说的，只不过刚好顺序是1上2下3左4右<br _mstmutation="1"><br _mstmutation="1">1是我不理解 王国之泪 和 旷野之息 没有键鼠映射中文版mod（都是几年前的了，不生效了），所以在源作者的mod下补全中文版。<br _mstmutation="1"><br _mstmutation="1">2是大师模式v1.0mod快来了，趁现在玩的不深，弄个键鼠映射再玩。<br _mstmutation="1"><br _mstmutation="1">搞心态的来了，难绷cn.oft的是b和a，进游戏菜单是相反，源语言是a和b ，菜单就不是。<br _mstmutation="1"><br _mstmutation="1">而重点的是，Common.Product.110.Nin_NX_NVN.blarc.zs是源语言的，也就是a是a b是b<br _mstmutation="1"><br _mstmutation="1">对不上出错了，导致映射是反的，猜测是游戏版本问题。不过最终也是解决了。<br _mstmutation="1"><br _mstmutation="1">旷野之息也可能打算做，前提是玩完了王国之泪，就这样吧。</font><br _mstmutation="1"><br _mstmutation="1"><font _mstmutation="1" _msttexthash="118899313" _msthash="6475">英语不好，所以就不上英文了，mod链接：</font><a href="https://gamebanana.com/mods/449427" _msttexthash="160176445" _msthash="6125" _mstmutation="1">KBM UI + 键盘映射配置 [塞尔达传说：王国之泪] [模组]</a><br _mstmutation="1"><br _mstmutation="1"><font _mstmutation="1" _msttexthash="35112727" _msthash="6126">祝你们游玩愉快！</font></font><br><br> + + UI + UI + + + Super Speed Stable + charlie92155 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/559144 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/559144#PostsListModule + 5b292abf4ae2876640ab085b05316acec6963a36 + Fri, 29 Nov 2024 16:03:10 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6749e5a88d92a.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6749e5a8a4b65.jpg"/><br><br>Do you miss zooming through hyrule on your motorcyle? Well what if you can go faster than a mastercycle?<br><br>This is a partial port of my old <a href="https://gamebanana.com/mods/410742">Botw Mod</a>.&nbsp; I dramatically increased the speed of my favorite horses.<br><br>There are two versions, a <b>very fast one</b>, and a <b>very very fast one</b>. In the <u>very very</u> fast one donkeys are tad slower (same speed as the <u>very fast</u> horses in the other version).&nbsp;<br><br><u><b>This mod will make these animals virtually impossible to catch on foot without some kind of elemental assistance.</b></u><br><br><h1><span class="RedColor"><span class="GreenColor"><u>Horses:</u></span></span></h1><br><ul><li>Epona</li><li>Zelda's White Horse</li><li>Zelda's Gold Horse</li><li>Giant Black Horse</li><li>Nushi</li><li>*All Day Stal Horse</li><li>*Nushi (Depths Version)</li><li>*Donkeys&nbsp;</li></ul><br><h3><span class="RedColor"><i class="SelectedElement">*If you really want to take advantage of the Stal, Nushi Depths Version, and Donkeys they will require the the following mods as contingencies.</i></span></h3><br><h1><span class="RedColor"><b><u>Contingencies</u></b></span></h1><ol><li>LinlX's&nbsp;<a href="https://gamebanana.com/mods/558837">Satori &amp; Stalhorse &amp; Large Zonai Platform Capsules</a></li><li>HGStone's <a href="https://gamebanana.com/mods/508409">Ride the Donkeys</a>&nbsp;</li></ol><br><i>Works with&nbsp; Versions 1.1.0 - 1.2.1</i><br> + + + Misc + Effects + + + Item Multiplier + LinlX + https://gamebanana.com/mods/557520 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/557520#PostsListModule + c2b92d5ae10c8af0bf8d0bb6bf10c63db0d68a6c + Thu, 28 Nov 2024 17:00:23 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6740a4424189b.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6740a44911748.jpg"/><br><strong>Update:</strong> Item Multiplier<br><p>All possible transformation options have been added: fire, ice, electricity, boiling. And also added a fairy that appears after breaking the egg, since fairies quickly fly away, then the transformation mechanics are difficult for them.</p><br><hr><br>Since it's harder to duplicate items in the 1.2.1 version of the game, I came up with the idea of ​​using an ice item to turn a regular item into its x10 version. If there's demand for this, I'll gradually add more items, or you can use this mod as a template for your own mods.<br> + + + + Item + Item + + + Large Zonai Platform Capsule: Deployed with Arrows + LinlX + https://gamebanana.com/mods/558024 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/558024#PostsListModule + 4051c32f8639ff8d14baf0b7d188a92d5e2ca79d + Thu, 28 Nov 2024 12:21:02 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/674365875cabf.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6743658ce579c.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/674365921bce1.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/67436596f2d9f.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6743659c8808d.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6743a7a17e26d.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/674445c8cc696.jpg"/><br><strong>Update:</strong> Large Zonai Platform Capsule<br><p>Fixed the name when fusing a platform with a weapon.</p><br><hr><br>Fully functional Capsule with 3D model for Large Zonai Platform (Standalone) which has maximum value of life and passes through the ground and mountains.<br><br>Large Zonai Platform can be deployed with arrows or R throw button, almost anywhere. There is a problem when extracting the Platform with R throw button: it is impossible to climb on it, so to climb on it you need to use the ability through the ceiling, but this version of the platform can be returned back to the inventory.<br><br>Capsule Large Zonai Platform can be obtained from the capsule Hover Stone by using transformation using elemental materials on it or by boiling.<br><br>The capsule can also be obtained from these <span class="GreenColor">Device Dispensers</span> or purchased from <span class="GreenColor">Steward Construct</span>, who sells capsules after Link's energy cell upgrade is complete.<img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6743a7a17e26d.jpg"><br><br><div class="SelectedElement">This mod is adapted only for version 1.2.1 of the game and it combines well with <a href="https://gamebanana.com/mods/557699">this mod</a>.</div> + + + + + + + + Gameplay + Gameplay + + + The Lord of the Mountain (Depths) + LinlX + https://gamebanana.com/mods/542819 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/542819#PostsListModule + c313a9ea5d76736c3f74421dd08277e2d76ae361 + Thu, 28 Nov 2024 09:28:31 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66e9858ee4aaf.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66e985948f967.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66e9859947bbb.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66e9859e4f17b.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66e985a32ccbc.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66e985a8b19ef.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/66e985ae72353.jpg"/><br><strong>Update:</strong> Lord of the Mountain & Stalhorse<br><p>Added a version of the capsule with Stalhorse and the ability to extract the capsule from the quick menu, as well as a 3D capsule for the ability to throw with the R button. Also left a version of quick duplication when returning to the inventory, but the horse remains on the map.</p><p><em><u><span class="BlueColor">The capsule can be purchased from Steward Construct at Lookout Landing or Great Sky Island after completing all power cell upgrades.</span></u></em></p><br><hr><br>Mini mod in which <span class="GreenColor">the Lord of the Mountain</span> befriended <span class="GreenColor">Link</span> and is able to wander in <span class="GreenColor">the depths</span>.<br><br>This is a standalone version of the Lord of the Mountain in a zonai capsule that can be purchased at <span class="GreenColor">Lookout Landing</span> from the Bargainer Statue or in the <span class="GreenColor">Wetland Stable</span> from Beedle.<br><br>There is also an additional version with catch in the inventory -<del> <del>that has one minor bug,</del> t</del><del class="SelectedElement"><del>his is shown</del> in the video above: when you catch the Lord of the Mountain in the inventory, only his model is captured, and invisible collisions continue to be present in the game world, and I could not solve this. Therefore, when you catch him in the inventory, the number of capsules is simply added to the inventory, but the Lord of the Mountain does not disappear from the game world.<br></del><br> + + + + + + + + + Gameplay + Gameplay + + + Satori & Stalhorse & Large Zonai Platform Capsules + LinlX + https://gamebanana.com/mods/558837 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/558837#PostsListModule + 913c882925c056849b6111a38c929f890e142c84 + Thu, 28 Nov 2024 02:21:41 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6747d33f6edd5.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6747d343d482e.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6747d348987a3.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6747d34c5a105.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6747d351115a3.jpg"/><br>Here are my Top 3 Standalone Capsules: Satori & Stalhorse & Large Zonai Platform with 3D models to use the remaining 3 free slots for zonai devices.<br><br>These capsules are fully functional as the original ones. You can get them the same way as the original capsules using the Device Dispenser on Lookout Landing or buy them from Steward Construct after filling all the energy cells.<br><br><span class="RedColor">Be careful!</span> If you jump on a horse when they are standing close together (you can fall through the ground), but this is easily neutralized by using teleportation to any place. By the way, horse capsules can be duplicated using a bow.<br><br><div class="SelectedElement">A huge thanks to <a href="https://gamebanana.com/members/2207282">heydo6</a> for placing the Device Dispenser on Lookout Landing.</div> + + + + Gameplay + Gameplay + + + Shimamura Yū JP Voice for Player (TotK Version) + Jrhall2 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/558817 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/558817#PostsListModule + c1faa914d9b10551b7f028e59257689bad28f2a1 + Thu, 28 Nov 2024 00:11:09 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6747b43eaf7b2.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6747b476917c9.jpg"/><br>This is a player voice replacement mod that is really meant to go alongside the TSP mod, but that can go with anything you so desire! For the sake of safety given recent-ish events, I will not be naming that mod directly, but you should check out the Discord that centers on a certain playable princess to learn more about the TSP mod.<br><br>This mod completely replaces Link's voice with Zelda's Japanese voice. All clips are from Zelda's official voice actress, Shimamura Yū, and were primarily sourced from AoC (though a small few clips were taken from BotW and TotK). Many of the player voice clips were repurposed from my BotW version of this project, though obviously new ones were also edited and created for all the new sounds Link has in this game. Of all the voice clips I drew from for this project, I further edited many of them myself to better fit the context of the actions. All clips that I edited were sourced from the original games, however - no outliers or exceptions. All I did was cut and/or repurpose certain pieces of them as I believed appropriate.<br><br>All 337 player voice files, the special inn cutscenes, and (to my knowledge) every cutscene that contained Link's voice have been replaced with context-appropriate audio clips which I have taken extreme care with while editing and balancing. I compared each and every one to Link's original audio to match volume and intent as closely as possible and further replaced several after playtesting them in game to make sure the audio matched the new actions. Each file was deliberately and carefully selected to fit the action being displayed on screen from a collection of more than 300 voice clips I managed to isolate for use from all three games. I tell you all that to illustrate this point - this mod is meant to make it sound like you're *actually* playing as Zelda and I've taken extraordinary care to make sure your immersion isn't shattered by any audio choice I made.<br><br>I did take a few liberties to let a bit more of Zelda's personality shine through when compared to Link but nothing that detracts from player experience or that immersion. That is to say, not all clips are exact 1-to-1 replacements for Link's audio (for example, the way Zelda soothes the horse she's riding and the "humming" while she cooks are different mostly due to limitations of voice clips available), but the intent and purpose of the sounds remains consistent for each and every replacement. Most notably, Zelda has no instances of singing or humming in any official capacity, so I was unable to match each "cooking song." Instead, she has several different utterances of excitement or happiness as she cooks in order to achieve a similar variety of sound as Link's songs without sacrificing the quality of the voice replacement or the intent of the actions.<br><br><i class="SelectedElement">A few particular notes about the project (if you're not interested, you can skip the green text - BUT DON'T SKIP THE RED TEXT):</i><br><br><span class="GreenColor">I have been unable to test all the cutscene edits myself. I've only made sure that my replacement process was successful but I don't have save files that put me in a convenient position to test each cutscene (and I've been waiting to replay the game until TSP existed in a playable iteration). So while I'll be listening and watching for instances of cutscenes that might still have Link's voice in my own playthrough, please let me know if you catch any Link sounds that occur while the Zelda model is on screen that managed to evade me and I would be happy to replace it and add it to this project!<br><br>One other thing worth noting is that one of the spear charging sounds is just broken in the base game (PV011_01 for anyone who's interested). Though Link opens his mouth to make a sound, he never makes this noise in game. In fact, TotK has a number of issues in the way the base, unmodded game calls on Link's player voice audio. Several sounds are outright missing in-game - the aforementioned standing spear charge sounds, both sounds that should be called when frozen solid by ice, and the sounds for fire based damage are called correctly when you're actually on fire but ALSO when you take launch damage that knocks you off your feet from any enemy or object. There are supposed to be four sounds that play there variably but none of them are appropriately called. Instead, launch damage calls PV303_00 and PV303_01 (both of the fire damage sounds) for some strange reason.<br><br>This is an implementation issue with the base game so unfortunately I cannot make any of those sounds work as of now (at least not with my limited knowledge). So even though those files are included in this mod, if you're standing still and you charge a spear, there's a 50/50 chance Zelda will be silent sometimes just like the unmodded game. Also you'll be silent when you freeze solid. The fire damage has been taken into account, but sadly the cute touch of having Zelda say "atsui" (the Japanese word for "hot") when she catches on fire had to be cut to fix this.<br><br>This is also *not* a "plot" immersion mod, simply a "player character" immersion mod. In terms of game plot, outside of in-engine cutscene vocalizations, nothing else has been edited - no instances of other characters using the name "Link" have been removed (that would be way too many languages for me to want to tackle myself), no prerendered cutscenes have even been touched (like the very first Ganondorf awakening cutscene), etc. It's just too much to do for a voice replacement mod.<br><br>I have also not touched a single line of text. I don't know how to change text (lol) so be aware that this is *only* a voice replacement - there's not a name/pronoun text replacement bundled with it. All that said, if you are planning to use this with the TSP mod, a lot of that will already be accounted for.<br><br>Finally, I do not play this game in English but I recognize the majority of people here likely do, maybe even with a Japanese Zelda voice mod. Let me know if something is off during the cutscenes especially - I think I have a handle on which files belong where in order to properly replace the cutscene audio (which isn't the easiest thing to intuit, I'll admit), but there's a chance I missed something obvious. In fact, let me know if this is true for any language outside of Japanese (which I'll be testing myself) - all selectable voice languages have been given the same cutscene audio replacement treatment in this mod and I want to make sure they work for everyone who wants them!<br></span><br><span class="RedColor">ONE FINAL NOTE - I HAVE TESTED THIS WITH THE TSP MOD MYSELF BUT THERE MIGHT BE ISSUES GIVEN THE NATURE OF BOTH ITS RELEASE AND MY OWN MOD'S IMPLEMENTATION. PLEASE FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY TO MINIMIZE CHANCES OF PROBLEMS WHEN COMPILING THESE TWO MODS TOGETHER.<br><br><hr></span><br><b><i><u>How to Install:<br></u></i></b><br><b><i>Switch -</i></b><br><br>Place *only* the romfs folder in atmosphere/contents/0100F2C0115B6000<br><br><span class="RedColor">FOR TSP COMPATABILITY - you will need to overwrite any files that already exist in the TSP mod folder for this to work properly, which you should be prompted to do on placing the folder on the SD card (if it's already been installed on your SD card).<br></span><br><br><i><b>Yuzu/Sudachi -</b></i><br><br>Place the entire "Shimamura Yū Voice for Player Character" folder in yuzu/load/0100F2C0115B6000 OR sudachi/load/0100F2C0115B6000<br><br><span class="RedColor">FOR TSP COMPATABILITY - open the "Shimamura Yū Voice for Player Character" folder, take the "romfs" folder inside, and merge it with the TSP base mod's "romfs" folder (make a backup of the original mod before you do this). You will be prompted to overwrite several hundred files. Say yes and ONLY the voice files that pertain to the player character will be replaced. This WILL make the voice replacement work with the mod, no RSTB editing required from there. There might be some bugs or issues here and there, I have not fully tested this myself yet.<br></span><br><br><b><i>Ryujinx -</i></b><br><br>Place the entire "Shimamura Yū Voice for Zelda (Japanese Voice - TotK Full Version)" folder in Ryujinx/mods/contents/0100F2C0115B6000<br><br><span class="RedColor">FOR TSP COMPATABILITY - open the "Shimamura Yū Voice for Player Character" folder, take the "romfs" folder inside, and merge it with the TSP base mod's "romfs" folder (make a backup of the original mod before you do this). You will be prompted to overwrite several hundred files. Say yes and ONLY the voice files that pertain to the player character will be replaced. This WILL make the voice replacement work with the mod, no RSTB editing required from there. There might be some bugs or issues here and there, I have not fully tested this myself yet.<br><br><hr></span><br>I am very proud of the way this mod turned out despite the difficulties I had putting it together! I was very thorough but I wouldn't be surprised at all if I didn't catch everything on a first pass so please let me know if you notice any issues - I would be happy to keep updating this until it's the best version of the project it can be (though if there are updates to make, they may take some time as I am not very well versed in the process anymore compared to when I started this in 2023).<br><br><span class="GreenColor"><b>No RSTB edits are required to use the full version of this mod and it should, in theory, work without flaw on every version of the game (I've tested it on 1.1.1, 1.1.2, and 1.2.0). If you are compiling it with the TSP mod, it should work perfectly if you overwrite the existing sounds within the TSP mod "romfs" folder with the "romfs" folder found in this download. There should be no issue there at all and the game should launch normally regardless of platform from there.</b><span class="RedColor"><b><br></b><br><b>If there is an issue with TSP launching after installing this voice mod alongside it, it likely isn't because of the file overwrite. There is probably a conflict between another mod (I had this issue myself during testing).<br></b></span></span><br><span class="GreenColor"><b>There are also two versions to choose from when downloading - a version with an extra CUTSTOM cutscene included with the TSP mod and a version that is exclusively for the base game cutscenes without that extra TSP edit. Make sure to check the version descriptions to ensure you download the one you want!<br></b></span><br>I really hope you enjoy! Have fun adventuring as Zel!<br><br> + + + Player + Sounds + + + Master Torch + GenericVideoGameNPC + https://gamebanana.com/mods/558763 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/558763#PostsListModule + 6f14fb1bbce5d64a1096bda2d80ff0f0465a29e6 + Wed, 27 Nov 2024 19:07:59 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/67476cc5f0a62.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/67476dc00238f.jpg"/><br>Master Torch.<br><br>Replaces handle of a torch with a Master Sword handle. Meme mod, don't expect this to be taken seriously.<br><br>Tested on 1.1.1, should work on all versions.<br> + + Weapons & Shields + Effects + + + Kingdom Hearts/Sky-Soarer Cloud + khazmo + https://gamebanana.com/mods/557840 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/557840#PostsListModule + 8b89b6fbeffd2f6e7ed7580689e5f40aeecc7861 + Tue, 26 Nov 2024 00:31:09 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/67424e786a559.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/67424e1f732e1.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/67424e2714387.jpg"/><img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/6744f82687922.jpg"/><br><strong>Update:</strong> Older Versions<br><em>Addition</em>: Added older version files to main release file<br><hr><br>This adds a standalone armor set and themed buster sword to the game. Each piece has base defense of 20 and it was put over the Evil Spirit set. It has full functionality of that original set plus some bonus effects added...<br><br>Head - Attack Up, Lightning Proof, Stealth Up<br>Upper - Gloom Resist, Skydive Mobility Up, Stealth Up&nbsp;<br>Lower - Climb Speed Up, No-Slip, Stealth Up<br><br>These effects are not visible on the menu screen but they are there working in the background (can verify with the gloom resist hearts that appear once upper equipped).&nbsp;&nbsp;<br><br>The sword has 60 attack, Attack Up when health low, and Charge Speed Up, it will also cut trees, and is unbreakable. I had to make the sheath invisible due to collision with the cape and it just overall not looking good with any type of sheath I tried to use. There is some collision with the cape/sword when it is on his back as well. There are mods out there that can re-position the sheath so if you want to look into that, try <a href="https://gamebanana.com/mods/482367">here</a>.&nbsp;<br><br>Armor and Sword can be purchased from a easily located Moogle in Lookout Landing for next to nothing!&nbsp;<br><br>Special Credit goes to <a href="https://gamebanana.com/members/2850833">PotatoFried17</a> for use of his Moogle from his recent mods. They have released other Final Fantasy themed armors so go <a href="https://gamebanana.com/mods/557215">check them out</a> they are great!<br><br>This was built and tested on 1.2.1 using Ryujinx and should work on any version, older version files included in 1.3 release or can use TKMM<br><br>Cape has physics, hair does not (yet, but will in an update down the road once I get it looking right)<br>I am also working on getting physics added in for the 2 bandages that normally hang/dangle around the hilt of the blade so that it looks as close to authentic as possible.&nbsp;<br><br>I also added an image on this page to show moogle location in case you are having trouble finding him. + + + Armor set + Models + + + Lynel & Yiga Battle Music + -alpha- + https://gamebanana.com/mods/557990 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/557990#PostsListModule + 42d328c6b86367e6372c5354c8f572882846c0a3 + Sun, 24 Nov 2024 15:54:59 +0000 + <img src="https://images.gamebanana.com/img/ss/mods/67434c44cbd32.jpg"/><br><b><u><span class="GreenColor">Mod:</span></u></b><ul><li>Replaces the battle music during Lynel and Yiga fights</li><li>This mod does <b><span class="RedColor">NOT</span></b> replace the music for Lynels in The Depths</li></ul><br><span class="GreenColor"><b>Creator Notes:</b></span><br><ul><li>I made this mostly for fun and to see if I could! </li><li>Check out my big <b>CUTSCENE MUSIC </b>project in the <span class="RedColor SelectedElement"><span class="GreenColor">WIPs</span></span> section</li><li>Available to try:  https://gamebanana.com/wips/84187<br></li></ul><br><br><span class="RedColor"><u><b>Install Instructions:</b></u></span><br><ul><li>Simple to install like most other mods</li><li>No RSTB or BYML edits needed</li><li>If another mod uses BGM_Static.bars, try patching bars together</li></ul> + + Music + Sounds + + + 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..e1139f407 --- /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 + + + The Legend of Zelda: The Oven Baker (Yummy!) + Craepion2211 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/513109 + https://gamebanana.com/mods/513109#PostsListModule + 2a83f7b2c0d913ab0b2b78aa726ca27b19f77156 + Sun, 08 Dec 2024 19:51:15 +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 + Finally Fixed Crashing Probably?<br><em>Change</em>: ngl i dont remember what i added<br><em>Change</em>: Got rid of the szs_permanent2 file, which was causing the game to crash. This means the Autumn Outset Island textures are gone.<br><hr><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 + + + 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 + + + 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..60ef92663 --- /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 + + + Last Preview of 2024 (Probably) + Daniel Schuman + https://www.govtrack.us/posts/461/2024-12-16_last-preview-of-2024-probably + https://www.govtrack.us/posts/461/2024-12-16_last-preview-of-2024-probably + Mon, 16 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000 + <p>Good morning, Govtrekkers!</p> <p>This is the last week we anticipate Congress will be in session until the 119th Congress starts on January 3rd. However, as of the time of this writing, the text for the Continuing Resolution to fund the government has not been published, the Senate has not considered the National Defense Authorization Act, and Senator Schumer is trying to push through a number of judicial confirmations. </p> <p><strong>Looking at the</strong> <a href="https://www.majorityleader.gov/schedule/weekly-schedule.htm"><strong>House floor</strong></a>, there are three bills expected to be considered that can pass with a simple majority and dozens of bills that may reach a 2/3rds majority to pass under fast-track rules. The three bills needing a simple majority are the Continuing Resolution (CR), the “Supplemental Pay-for,” and the Midnight Rules Relief Act. </p> <p>There is no text available yet for either the CR or the supplemental pay-for. The CR is anticipated to provide funds to keep the government open (otherwise a shutdown would occur on Friday) and will carry a number of additional measures, the contours of which are currently being negotiated. As of Monday morning, we still have not seen the text of the CR because of a fight over legislative riders, particularly <a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2024/12/15/johnson-farm-aid-deadline-00194390">farm aid</a>. I haven’t been following the “supplemental pay-for” and do not know what it would do. </p> <p>The Midnight Rules Relief Act is a resolution that would allow Congress to more easily invalidate regulations issued within the final days of a president’s term instead of having to enact one resolution per regulation. In other words, instead of voting on each resolution that would undo a single agency regulation, lawmakers would vote on a package that would invalidate multiple regulations at once. </p> <p>The Republican leadership floor notice says there are thirty-three bills “on suspension,” which is a fast track procedure for uncontroversial bills, but the <a href="https://docs.house.gov/floor/Default.aspx?date=2024-12-16">webpage</a> where the resolutions must be posted contains fifty-one, and that number may grow. There is no rhyme or reason to the left-overs, although I do see a number related to congressional operations. Is it worth Congress’s time to designate the bald eagle as the national bird? To rename the Veterans Affairs clinic in Oklahoma after Sen. Inhofe? Other substantive bills, such as those concerning organ donation and reducing child abuse, are coming up very late in the game — but late is better than never for those that support them.</p> <p><strong>There are eight congressional meetings this week</strong>, including the House Rules Committee on Monday which will tee-up the three simple majority bills, setting the terms for debate and whether amendments can be offered. This is where leadership will make changes to the text of the bills to comply with whatever deal they’ve made with members and with the Senate on what will become law. I am surprised to see the House Veterans Affairs Committee holding a hearing on a range of bills because of the late date. The Senate Finance committee will hold hearings on nominees to the US International Trade Commission. </p> <p><strong>Senate Democrats</strong> <a href="https://www.democrats.senate.gov/floor/senate-schedule">announced</a> Monday’s Senate floor schedule, which will include efforts to end debate and vote on the National Defense Authorization Act and the Social Security Fairness Act. Presumably, later this week will include consideration of the Continuing Resolution. Schumer will spend much of the remaining floor time focused on confirming federal judges. A big question remains as to whether he will keep his process to try to enact the journalist shield law known as the PRESS Act.</p> <p>My colleague Amy will provide an update on the status of all this legislation at the end of the week. It’s doubtful that I’ll be back next week to give a preview of congressional activity as Congress likely will not be in session, but I do want to alert you to a few things. </p> <p>Over the next few weeks, both parties will finalize their selections for committee leadership. In the House, Republicans will finalize their recommendations for the rules of the House of Representatives, which likely will become publicly available only the day before it’s adopted on January 3rd. </p> <p>In the Senate, Republicans and Democrats will be negotiating over the organizing resolution for the chamber, which appoints people to various committees and decides other policies. In addition, we can expect Republicans to move quickly towards confirmation of key Trump appointees and likely will schedule confirmation hearings in the run up to the inauguration on January 20th.</p> <p>I expect the 119th Congress will be even more unconventional than the 118th. Much of what we have come to expect regarding the roles of the executive and legislative branches will be subject to change and Congress will try to move quickly to enact Trump’s agenda. The major limitation will be discerning what exactly he wants to do.</p> <p>Have a good holiday season.</p> + &middot; Legislative Preview &middot; by Daniel Schuman + + + A Sort of Progress + Amy West + https://www.govtrack.us/posts/460/2024-12-13_a-sort-of-progress + https://www.govtrack.us/posts/460/2024-12-13_a-sort-of-progress + Fri, 13 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000 + <p>While Congress still hasn't passed a continuing resolution to keep the government open past Dec. 20 (aka next Friday), they did pass some bills this week with at least one becoming law.</p> <h2>Old Business: Tax Relief becomes law</h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/hr5863">H.R. 5863: Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2023</a> As noted by Craig Caplan on X, this bill which passed the House in May, passed the Senate by voice vote last week. Yesterday, Dec. 12, President Biden signed it.</li> </ul> <h2>CBO Report Updates</h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/hr9716">H.R. 9716: Increasing Baseline Updates Act</a> passed <a href="https://www.govtrack.us/congress/votes/118-2024/h499">407-0</a>. Each year, the Congressional Budget Office provides to Congress what is called a "<a href="https://budget.house.gov/press-release/cbo-2024-baseline-understanding-the-baseline#:%7E:text=The%20Congressional%20Budget%20and%20Impoundment,known%20as%20the%20CBO%20baseline.">baseline</a>". As described in <a href="https://www.rstreet.org/outreach/coalition-supports-reforms-to-build-a-better-baseline/">this letter in support of the bill</a> by the R Street Institute,</li> </ul> <blockquote> <p>CBO’s annual baseline, a ten-year projection of the budget and economy based largely on current law, is generally published in January or February. It serves as a fundamental benchmark for evaluating the fiscal impact of legislative proposals, with updates released in the spring and late summer to reflect changes in enacted laws and economic conditions.</p> </blockquote> <p>R Street further writes that</p> <blockquote> <p>This legislation would enhance the ability of the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) to produce and update its annual budget baseline by mandating that the executive branch provide critical data to CBO by February 1. H.R. 9716 also requires CBO to produce at least two updates to its baseline each year.</p> </blockquote> <p>The bill still has to pass the Senate.</p> <h2>Federal Building Security</h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/s3613">S. 3613: Improving Federal Building Security Act of 2024</a> passed <a href="https://www.govtrack.us/congress/votes/118-2024/h496">410-6</a>. According to the <a href="https://www.cbo.gov/publication/59982">Congressional Budget Office</a>:</li> </ul> <blockquote> <p>S. 3613 would require the facility security committee of each federal building to respond to security recommendations from the Federal Protective Service (FPS) within 90 days. ... S. 3613 would require the FPS to monitor its recommendations and the responses it receives and annually report that information to the Congress. The bill also would require the FPS to report to the Congress within 180 days of enactment on the surveillance technology it recommends be used at federal facilities. Additionally, the Government Accountability Office would need to report to the Congress within five years of enactment on the effectiveness of the bill. The bill’s requirements would sunset five years after enactment.</p> </blockquote> <p>It goes to the President next for signing.</p> <h2>General Security Legislation Against China</h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/hr9668">H.R. 9668: SHIELD Against CCP Act</a> passed <a href="https://www.govtrack.us/congress/votes/118-2024/h498">409-4</a>. The bill would, according to its sponsor, "establish in the Department of Homeland Security a working group relating to countering terrorist, cybersecurity, border and port security, and transportation security threats posed to the United States by the Chinese Communist Party."</li> </ul> <h2>Water Resources Development Act</h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/s4367">S. 4367: Thomas R. Carper Water Resources Development Act of 2024</a> passed <a href="https://www.govtrack.us/congress/votes/118-2024/h493">399-18</a>. This bill covers everything related to rivers and harbors in the United States and typically more. This year's bill includes a section on federal buildings and another on regional commissions. It's too huge to usefully summarize, so we recommend you check out the <a href="https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/s4367/text">table of contents</a> at the very least.</li> </ul> <p>Because the House made changes, the Senate will have to vote on it again next week. According to Craig Caplan on X, "Senate reached agreement before adjourning for tonight and the week to vote on the House-passed WRDA bill next week with 60 votes needed vote passage."</p> <h2>National Defense Authorization Act Eliminates Care for Trans Minors</h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/hr5009">H.R. 5009: Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025</a> passed <a href="https://www.govtrack.us/congress/votes/118-2024/h500">281-140</a>.</li> </ul> <p>You may notice that the description under the title on this bill page has nothing to do with defense. That's because the text of another bill midway through the legislative process was replaced in full with the text relating to national defense.</p> <p>This bill took a tremendous amount of negotiation to get to a votable state. At the last minute, <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2024/12/11/ndaa-pentagon-transgender-care-children/">as reported by the Washington Post</a>, Speaker Johnson added a provision banning medical care for trans minors.</p> <p><a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2024/12/12/transgender-transition-healthcare-kids-military/">As reported by the Washington Post</a>, no one knows exactly how many service members' families will be affected, nor is it clear which kinds of care are excluded since the provision bans care that "leads to sterilization" and there's no consensus that any care for trans minors leads to sterilization. Estimates suggest this is a small group of people. Given its small size, eliminating care is not about cost savings.</p> <p>While many Democrats said they were opposed to the provision banning care for trans minors, many still voted for the bill. Among other things, it includes a 14% pay raise for service members.</p> <p>The bill goes to the Senate next week. According to Craig Caplan on X, there will be a vote to end debate (and therefore move to a vote on the bill itself) on Monday. Further, Majority Leader Schumer set up a structure that prevents amendments to the bill. For anyone with strong feelings on this topic, now is your last chance to contact your Senators before the vote. The bill will most likely pass as enough Democrats may decide that eliminating care for trans minors doesn't outweigh the bill's many other provisions.</p> <h2>Adding Judges</h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/s4199">S. 4199: JUDGES Act of 2024</a> passed <a href="https://www.govtrack.us/congress/votes/118-2024/h501">236-173</a>. This bill, <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/house-passes-bipartisan-judges-bill-biden-vowed-veto-rcna183970">as reported by NBC News</a></li> </ul> <blockquote> <p>was specifically designed to be nonpartisan and would be the first major expansion of judgeships since 1990.</p> </blockquote> <p>While it would allow President-elect Trump to add 25 new judges, the remaining 41 judges would added by subsequent presidents. Democrats, including President Biden, became opposed to the bill after this past election. President Biden currently says he'll veto it. Whether its support is strong enough to override the veto in the remaining weeks of this Congress is unclear. However, veto overrides almost always fail, so probably not.</p> <p>If it is vetoed, it can always be re-introduced in the 119th Congress.</p> <p>See you all next week when, hopefully, we'll be recapping the passage of a government funding bill.</p> + &middot; Legislative Recap &middot; by Amy West + + + Miles to Go + Daniel Schuman + https://www.govtrack.us/posts/459/2024-12-09_miles-to-go + https://www.govtrack.us/posts/459/2024-12-09_miles-to-go + Mon, 09 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000 + <p>Good morning, Govtrackers!</p> <p>The clock is winding down on the 118th Congress, but the House and Senate still have miles to go before they sleep. Both chambers are in this week.</p> <h3>National Defense Authorization Act</h3> <p>One big to-do item is the National Defense Authorization Act, legislation that provides for the annual budget and expenditures of the Defense Department. Because it is considered a must-pass bill, it typically carries along a number of other bills into law.</p> <p>The House of Representatives released the NDAA’s <a href="https://docs.house.gov/billsthisweek/20241209/RCP_HR5009_xml%5B89%5D.pdf">bill text</a> for Saturday evening, clocking in at 1,813 pages. The report accompanying the bill, known as <a href="https://docs.house.gov/billsthisweek/20241209/FY25%20NDAA%20JOINT%20EXPLANATORY%20MATERIAL%20FINAL.pdf">the joint explanatory statement</a>, is 696 pages. You will not find the updated legislation on Congress.gov, which only publishes legislation after it has been “printed” by the Government Publishing Office, but the bill text is available on the House of Representatives’ official document repository <a href="http://docs.house.gov">docs.house.gov</a>.</p> <p>To give you a sense of how large the bill is, the table of contents is 36 pages long and the highest numbered section is 7812. There is no way any human being can read and understand the bill, certainly not before its expected vote on the House floor later this week. Many of the provisions have been “pre-conferenced”, which means House and Senate negotiators met in secret to work out agreements as to its text. In the midsts of time the two chambers would form a conference committee to work out differences between the chambers, but they have not done so in years because that process is more transparent and follows more strict rules on what is permissible.</p> <p>It is unclear whether Republicans will be able to pass the bill in the House on their own. There is a good chance that the bill would  fail when a handful of Republicans vote against the legislation. Accordingly, we may see Republicans seeking Democratic support and moving to pass it under suspension of the rules, which requires a 2/3s vote and would give the Democrats some leverage on its contents. Normally this legislation passes with overwhelming support of the chamber even though members will not be afforded any opportunity to offer amendments.</p> <p>The Senate, which in practice requires 60 votes for passage, may see an opportunity for a handful of amendments in that chamber. To expedite passage — in other words, to avoid senators drawing out the process — we may see an amendment package added to the NDAA with a single up-or-down vote and a few senators obtaining a vote on their pet issue either with a 51 vote or 60 vote threshold. Some of these votes will be for messaging purposes and not expected to pass, but there is the possibility of substantive changes. It’s likely that the Senate would then “jam” the House with the amended bill, in essence presenting the revised text as a take-it-or-leave-it package to the House. This is considered a feature by some because the Senate version would contain provisions some members of the House would want but for political reasons could not otherwise include.</p> <h3>Other Legislation &amp; Hearings This Week</h3> <p>The House of Representatives has <a href="https://docs.house.gov/floor/Default.aspx?date=2024-12-09">twenty-four bills scheduled on the House floor this week</a>, including twenty-one bills scheduled for consideration under the fast-track process called “suspension of the rules” and three bills teed up for consideration pursuant to rules that will govern their floor time. Most of the bills under suspension are short, ranging from disclosures on Amtrak bonuses to commercial driver’s license information systems. The House will consider the Liberty in Laundry Act (H.R. 7673) under a rule — legislation to stop the Energy Secretary from putting forth energy conservation standards for clothes washers, and a bill to expand the number of district court judges (S. 4199). On Monday, the House Rules committee will <a href="https://www.congress.gov/event/118th-congress/house-event/117056">hold a hearing</a> to promulgate resolutions covering the rules of debate and amendment for those two bills and the NDAA.</p> <p><a href="https://www.congress.gov/committee-schedule/weekly/2024/12/09">Twenty hearings</a> are scheduled this week in both chambers, including twelve in the House of Representatives. All but two will take place on Tuesday and Wednesday. They all appear to be comparatively low profile or focused on “red meat” issues. House Appropriators will hold a hearing on the District of Columbia’s budget, Senate Judiciary will look at mass deportations, House Foreign Affairs will hear on the Afghanistan withdrawal, and Senate Commerce will look at communications networks safety and security.</p> <p>The Senate does not provide useful information about its floor schedule. As of the time of this writing, the <a href="https://www.democrats.senate.gov/2024/12/04/schedule-for-thursday-december-5-2024">last floor schedule</a> they previewed was for last Thursday. We suspect the National Defense Authorization Act will be considered on the floor subject to a time agreement between the majority and minority. Senator Schumer has reportedly <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2024/12/06/press-act-senate-schumer-journalism-garland/">pledged</a> to bring up the PRESS Act legislation this week — this legislation passed the House unanimously and would put into law current administration practice that prevents federal prosecutors from obtaining the confidential communications of journalists except in extreme circumstances.</p> <p>We have not at all talked about funding to keep the federal government open, whether passage of a continuing resolution to keep the government open or passage of the underlying regular appropriations bills. Appropriations to fund agencies will expire on December 20th, so legislation must pass both chambers in the next eleven days or they will shut down. Up for debate — and negotiation — is what other provisions will ride along with the expected continuing resolution, such as funding for disaster relief.</p> <h3>Other Happenings</h3> <p>In the background of all this are fights over who will serve as leadership or members of the various committees in the 119th Congress, including several challenges to ranking Democrats on House committees. Also discussed are the contours of the House rules and the provisions under which the Senate will operate in the 119th Congress. There’s also significant work being done to line up hearings or votes on Trump’s cabinet nominees at the start of the new Congress. </p> <p>Nearly all of this is behind the scenes. </p> <p>Have a good week.</p> + &middot; Legislative Preview &middot; by Daniel Schuman + + + Senioritis + Amy West + https://www.govtrack.us/posts/458/2024-12-06_senioritis + https://www.govtrack.us/posts/458/2024-12-06_senioritis + Fri, 06 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000 + <p>The House and Senate were both in session this week. The Senate continued to confirm judges. The House passed some bills; mostly about post offices and mostly by voice vote. But there's a few items worth mentioning in particular.</p> <h2>SHARE IT Act</h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/hr9566">H.R. 9566: SHARE IT Act</a>, which would require governmentwide source code sharing between agencies, passed on a voice vote on Dec. 4 (Wednesday of this week).</li> </ul> <h2>PROVE It Act</h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/hr7198">H.R. 7198: Prove It Act of 2024</a>, which would make it easier for small businesses to challenge regulations by demanding agencies prove the regulations aren't unduly burdensome, passed <a href="https://www.govtrack.us/congress/votes/118-2024/h489">208-196</a>.</li> </ul> <h2>Reauthorizations</h2> <ul> <li> <p><a href="https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/hr9598">H.R. 9598: Office of National Drug Control Policy Reauthorization Act of 2024</a> passed <a href="https://www.govtrack.us/congress/votes/118-2024/h485">399-1</a>.</p> </li> <li> <p><a href="https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/s3791">S. 3791: America’s Conservation Enhancement Reauthorization Act of 2024</a> passed <a href="https://www.govtrack.us/congress/votes/118-2024/h479">366-21</a>.</p> </li> </ul> <h2>Government Administration</h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/s709">S. 709: Federal Agency Performance Act of 2023</a> passed <a href="https://www.govtrack.us/congress/votes/118-2024/h484">389-6</a>. Because the House made changes, the Senate will have to vote on it again for it to become law.</li> </ul> <h2>Anti-communist School Curricula</h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/hr5349">H.R. 5349: Crucial Communism Teaching Act</a>, which would create school curricula about how communism is bad, passed <a href="https://www.govtrack.us/congress/votes/118-2024/h492">327-62</a>.</li> </ul> <h2>Matt Gaetz and The Report</h2> <p>Matt Gaetz withdrew as President-elect Trump's nominee for attorney general on Nov. 21. Then there was Thanksgiving. Now that everyone's back, the question is whether the Ethics Committee should release its report on him anyway. He is no longer in Congress nor, as far as anyone knows, is he up for any other positions in the Trump Administration.</p> <p>The Ethics Committee met on Thursday, Dec. 5, but came to <a href="https://ethics.house.gov/press-releases/statement-committee-ethics-regarding-representative-matt-gaetz">no resolution</a> on the issue.</p> <p>Also on Thursday, two resolutions from House Democrats were up for a vote to release the report anyway. Before the votes on the resolutions themselves, motions to refer each back to the Ethics Committee, and thus kill the resolutions themselves, were voted on. In both cases, all but one Republican voted to kill the resolutions themselves by referral back to the Ethics Committee: <a href="https://www.govtrack.us/congress/votes/118-2024/h490">On Motion to Refer: H RES 1608</a> and <a href="https://www.govtrack.us/congress/votes/118-2024/h491">On Motion to Refer: H.Res. 1609</a>.</p> <p>This is probably it for the report being released officially. It's always possible it could be leaked; Gaetz has a lot of enemies in the House. But most likely, it'll never see the light of day and Ethics will simply end the investigation with the end of the Congress on Jan. 3.</p> <h2>What's left for this Congress?</h2> <p>Quite a lot, but realistically, you should expect the Senate to keep confirming judges until the House comes up with a continuing resolution to keep the government open past Dec. 20. You should expect the House to do super easy / non-controversial stuff like post office namings and the continuing resolution. Any additional substantive legislation that gets out of the House will be a bonus.</p> <p>See you all next week!</p> + &middot; Legislative Recap &middot; by Amy West + + + Coming up this week in the lame duck session + Daniel Schuman + https://www.govtrack.us/posts/457/2024-12-02_coming-up-this-week-in-the-lame-duck-session + https://www.govtrack.us/posts/457/2024-12-02_coming-up-this-week-in-the-lame-duck-session + Mon, 02 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000 + <p>Hello Govtrackers,</p> <p>Welcome back to the lame duck session of Congress, the final weeks before the president, all of the House, and one third of the Senate end their terms. We will soon see Congress attempt to address major legislation concerning funding federal agencies ("appropriations") and push forward any remaining bills they'd like to see enacted before time runs out on January 3rd at noon.</p> <p>We also will see Congress deal with administrative matters, such as the potential release of the House ethics report concerning <a href="https://www.govtrack.us/congress/members/matt_gaetz/412690">former-Rep.Matt Gaetz (R-FL1)</a>, election of party and committee leadership for the next Congress, and the adoption of rules that govern the operations of the party caucuses in each chamber in the next Congress.</p> <h3>Bills this week</h3> <p>It's fast-track week in the House, with <a href="https://www.majorityleader.gov/schedule/weekly-schedule.htm">52 bills teed-up</a> under the 2/3rds majority for passage rules for less controversial bills. But two others may have some debate. One bill is the <a href="https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/hr7198">Prove It Act</a>, which would give small businesses a new way to challenge regulations that impact them. The other is the <a href="https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/hr5349">Crucial Communist Teaching Act</a>, which would create a voluntary national curriculum to teach students that communism is bad. This bill is valuable to the Republicans less because it might become law but more because it's a way to generate buzz around school curriculum issues.</p> <p>There's also legislation concerning judicial districts, a bunch of bills concerning public lands, and a ton of legislation to rename post office buildings as well as issue gold medals and commemorative coins. I also see a reauthorization of the Office of National Drug Control Policy, legislation to manage agency software and to allow for public repositories of code generated in federal agencies (the <a href="https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/hr9566">SHARE IT Act</a>), a federal agency performance bill, a bill to exclude service-connected disability compensation when determining a person's wealth, and legislation to address discriminatory land use policies. There are also bills to update the U.S. Code based on newly enacted laws (here's an <a href="https://sunlightfoundation.com/2009/05/14/what-happens-after-a-bill-becomes-a-law/">explainer</a>).</p> <h3>In committee and in the Senate (they don't say)</h3> <p>There are only eleven committee meetings <a href="https://www.congress.gov/committee-schedule/weekly/2024/12/02">this week</a> scheduled in the House, six in the Senate, and one joint committee meeting. The most consequential hearing is on the Veterans Administration's Budget shortfall, because the Veterans Administration is a tremendously expensive agency and their shortfall disrupted the appropriations process. I also suspect some attention will be paid to the House Oversight Committee's hearing on lessons learned from COVID-19, a hearing into the attempted assassination of Trump, and the public health dangers of PFAS exposures.</p> <p>The Senate doesn't publish its floor schedule for the upcoming week in any meaningful way, although perhaps that will change under new Majority Leader Thune. On today's schedule: <a href="https://www.democrats.senate.gov/2024/11/21/schedule-for-pro-forma-sessions-and-monday-december-2-2024">judicial nominations</a>. Later this week? Who knows, but a notice from leadership for the upcoming week would be nice. My guess: confirming judges, confirming judges, confirming judges.</p> <h3>Funding the government before another shutdown</h3> <p>Back in September, Congress didn't reach an agreement on funding levels for federal agencies for the 2025 fiscal year, which started on October 1st, and instead passed a "continuing resolution" to keep funding levels the same until December 20th. Now that date is around the corner and non-essential programs are facing a possible shut-down yet again. (Ideally, Congress would pass full-year appropriations bills covering all federal agencies.). Should there be another continuing resolution, it's likely that other legislation would be attached to that funding bill, such as disaster relief. We will see.</p> + &middot; Legislative Preview &middot; by Daniel Schuman + + + What is the Social Security Fairness Act of 2023 About? + Amy West + https://www.govtrack.us/posts/456/2024-11-26_what-is-the-social-security-fairness-act-of-2023-about + https://www.govtrack.us/posts/456/2024-11-26_what-is-the-social-security-fairness-act-of-2023-about + Tue, 26 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0000 + <p>On Nov. 12, 2024, the House passed <a href="https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/hr82">H.R. 82: Social Security Fairness Act of 2023</a>. It would still need to pass the Senate before January 3, 2025 in order to become law as part of the 118th Congress. We do not know what its prospects are.</p> <p>If it does not pass the Senate, then it can be reintroduced in the 119th Congress. Given that this time around, the bill was able to get enough signatures on a discharge petition to force it to the floor for a vote and then passed by <a href="https://www.govtrack.us/congress/votes/118-2024/h456">327-75</a> odds are good it would be introduced.</p> <p>But what is the fairness that the bill is supposed to create? Well, come along as we take a look at two separate and fairly longstanding programs under Social Security: the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO) which H.R. 82 would eliminate.</p> <h2>Purpose of Social Security</h2> <p>According to the <a href="https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/RL/RL32453/37">Congressional Research Service</a>,</p> <blockquote> <p>Social Security spousal benefits were established in the 1930s to help support wives who are financially dependent on their husbands. It has since become more common for both spouses in a couple to work, leading to more cases in which both members of a couple are entitled to Social Security or other government pensions based on their own work records. Social Security does not provide both a full retired-worker and a full spousal benefit to the same individual.</p> </blockquote> <p>There are a few different ways in which Social Security prevents both a full retired-work benefit and spousal benefit to the same person. They include the WEP and the GPO. H.R. 82 would have repealed both of these meaning that some people <em>would</em> now receive both a full retired-worker benefit and a full spousal benefit.</p> <h2>What is the Windfall Elimination Provision</h2> <p>According to another <a href="https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/IF/IF10203">Congressional Research Service report</a></p> <blockquote> <p>Its {WEP's} purpose was to remove an unintended advantage or “windfall” that the regular Social Security benefit formula provided to workers who also had pensions from noncovered employment.</p> </blockquote> <p>What is "noncovered employment"? From <a href="https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/IF/IF10203">the same report</a></p> <blockquote> <p>Noncovered workers include state and local government employees covered by alternative staff-retirement systems; most permanent civilian federal employees hired before January 1, 1984, who are covered by the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) or other alternative retirement plan; employees covered by the Railroad Retirement system; domestic, election, or farm workers with earnings below certain thresholds; people with low levels of net earnings from self-employment; and certain nonimmigrants.</p> </blockquote> <p>Noncovered workers do not have Social Security taxes withheld from their paychecks while they're in the noncovered jobs. They may have funds withheld for the relevant pension programs, but not Social Security. Therefore, they're not paying into the Social Security system while they're in noncovered employment. But, if they end up receiving Social Security benefits as if they have been paying into the system, then the government considers that a "windfall".</p> <h2>What is the Government Pension Offset</h2> <p>According again to the <a href="https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/IF/IF10203">Congressional Research Service</a>,</p> <blockquote> <p>The GPO reduces the Social Security spouse’s or widow(er)’s benefits (hereinafter “spousal benefits”) of most people who also receive a pension based on federal, state, or local government employment not covered by Social Security.</p> </blockquote> <p>Why does it exist? Congress's rationale in 1977 was based on a Supreme Court opinion that</p> <blockquote> <p>...made hundreds of thousands of male retirees who worked in noncovered government employment immediately eligible for Social Security benefits as spouses or widowers, adding hundreds of millions of dollars annually to the cost of the program and raising questions about whether these were unnecessary or “windfall” benefits.</p> </blockquote> <h2>Bottom Line</h2> <p>Social Security is intended for workers who have paid into the system and for the survivors of workers who have <em>and are presumed to be dependent on those workers</em>. When first developed in the 1930s, many women did not work outside their homes even if they needed or wanted to and were presumed to be dependent upon benefits from their husband's work. As more women entered the workforce and began to accrue Social Security benefits for themselves and as many workers, male and female, paid into alternate retirement systems rather than Social Security, paying out benefits in an equitable manner became more complicated. The WEP and GPO were intended to address the potential inequity. But, it also meant that some survivors/spouses of workers who did pay into Social Security saw their survivor/spousal benefits reduced because they had their own sources of benefits.</p> <h2>How Many Workers Are Affected?</h2> <p>The <a href="https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/IF/IF10203">Congressional Research Service</a> estimates that about 2 million or 3% of Social Security beneficiaries are affected by the WEP and a little under 750,000 or 1% of beneficiaries were affected by the GPO.</p> <h2>Is there a CBO Score?</h2> <p>Yes there is a <a href="https://www.cbo.gov/publication/60690">CBO Score</a>. The bill would obviously increase the amount of money being paid in Social Security benefits; that's the point. CBO estimates that the budget effect of these increased payments would be offset by decreased SNAP benefits to the same recipients because now they'd get more from Social Security. Here is the <a href="https://www.cbo.gov/system/files/2024-09/hr82.pdf">CBO's detailed report</a>.</p> <h2>Where Can I learn More?</h2> <p>This is an extremely complex topic with a lot of jargon and fussy benefit formulas. The vast majority of workers - even when they've spent some years in noncovered employment - are not affected because of all the time they've spent working in jobs from which Social Security taxes are deducted. But if you think you might be one of the folks who would be affected or are just interested, we've found these guides useful:</p> <ul> <li>Congressional Research Service's <a href="https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/IF/IF10203">Social Security: The Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO)</a></li> <li>Bipartisan Policy Center's <a href="https://bipartisanpolicy.org/download/?file=/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/BPC_WEP-GPO_issue-brief.pdf">The Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO)</a></li> <li>Social Security Administration's guide to the <a href="https://www.ssa.gov/policy/docs/program-explainers/windfall-elimination-provision.html">WEP</a></li> <li>Social Security Administration's guide to the <a href="https://www.ssa.gov/policy/docs/program-explainers/government-pension-offset.html">GPO</a></li> </ul> <h2>Happy Thanksgiving</h2> <p>We hope this addresses at least some of the messages we've received on this topic. Because we do not take positions on policy issues other than government data transparency (we literally wouldn't exist without open government data, so we're for it), we have intentionally not included any of the advocacy articles sent to us or the articles that came up in our research that were pro or con. We hope you all have a good feast weekend and we'll see you next week!</p> + &middot; Analysis and Commentary &middot; by Amy West + + + Unrelenting uncertainty + Amy West + https://www.govtrack.us/posts/455/2024-11-22_unrelenting-uncertainty + https://www.govtrack.us/posts/455/2024-11-22_unrelenting-uncertainty + Fri, 22 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0000 + <h2>What a Week</h2> <p>The Senate Democratic majority made a deal with the Republican minority on judges. A few seats remain uncalled in the House. The House Republicans, with Democratic support, passed a bill giving a whole lot of power to the President. And then there's the many procedural questions hanging over former Rep. Matt Gaetz's (R-FL1) failed bid for attorney general, some without precedent.</p> <h2>Senate Deals</h2> <p>The Senate pushed through longer hours than usual this week to confirm a number of judges nominated by President Biden. However, on Thursday Nov. 21, <a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-trump-judges-confirmation-battle-schumer-senate-ecef59aed90804a53d436dc154a2ee14">Majority Leader Schumer announced a deal</a> to get through all but four nominations before the end of the term. The argument is that since the four excluded weren't going to get confirmed anyway due to Democratic opposition as well as Republican, this would allow the Senate to get what it could.</p> <h2>House Still not Fully Set for the 119th Congress</h2> <p>Three races remain <a href="https://abcnews.go.com/Elections/2024-us-house-election-results-live-map/">uncalled</a>. Two in California, one in Iowa. While Democratic wins in these races won't flip control of the House in the 119th, they would make the Republican majority even tighter than it has been this Congress. And that's before the Republicans who have been nominated to serve in President-elect Trump's administration leave.</p> <h2>House: Let's Give the President Even More Power</h2> <p>The House passed a number of bills this week, but we're going to focus on one that hands enormous power to President-elect Trump by way of the Treasury Department: <a href="https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/hr9495">H.R. 9495: Stop Terror-Financing and Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act</a>. The bill has two parts. One part, which is uncontroversial, would provide tax relief for U.S. citizens unjustly imprisoned abroad.</p> <p>The second part though, would give the treasury the power to strip non-profits it claims support “terrorism” of their tax-exempt status and does not require the treasury to adhere to any evidentiary standard in releasing its findings per <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/nov/21/house-republicans-bill-nonprofits-terrorism">the Guardian</a>. Bill opponents argue that this would be a venue for the <a href="https://www.voanews.com/a/trump-s-vows-of-revenge-against-his-opponents-gain-volume-/7650528.html">President-elect's vows of vengeance</a> against people and groups he considers enemies.</p> <p>The bill goes to the Senate next. Majority Leader Schumer has <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/21/us/politics/house-antiterror-financing-bill.html">indicated he will not bring the bill to the Senate floor</a>.</p> <h2>Now what with Gaetz?</h2> <p>To recap:</p> <ul> <li>Until January 3, 2025, we are in the <em>118th</em> Congress</li> <li>On January 3, 2025, we flip to the <em>119th</em> Congress</li> <li>Gaetz was the representative for FL-1 for the <em>118th</em> Congress</li> <li>Gaetz resigned from the <em>118th</em> last week</li> <li>Gaetz was re-elected for the <em>119th</em></li> <li>In his resignation letter he said he did not "intend" to take the seat to which he was re-elected for the <em>119th</em></li> </ul> <p>Now that he's withdrawn from consideration for Attorney General,</p> <ul> <li>Can he show up on January 3 and be sworn in? <em>No one knows.</em> It's unprecedented.</li> <li>Could he run in the special election that will have to be held to fill the vacancy he has created? Here we have an answer! Yes he can. There are many examples of this over Congress's history. Possibly the closest match is <a href="https://www.govtrack.us/congress/members/adam_powell/408862">Adam Powell</a>. Amid <a href="https://www.govtrack.us/misconduct">allegations of corruption, he was elected to office</a>. The House voted to exclude him and then he ran in the special election and won that. At the time, he didn't take the seat, but he ran still another time in 1969. This time he was allowed to join Congress but fined. Later in 1969, the Supreme Court threw out his exclusion. In 1970, he lost the primary to Charlie Rangel.</li> </ul> <p>Other options for Gaetz include being appointed to finish Sen. Rubio's term since Rubio has been named the expected nominee for Secretary of State. The Senate's Ethics Committee is inactive, so that would be good for Gaetz. However, more likely is an appointment by Trump to a position that doesn't require Senate confirmation or going to work for a lobbying firm. By sheer volume of former Congress members who go on to lobby, lobbying is more likely. On the other hand, we all know by now that Trump hates a loss, so a non-confirmed position in the administration also seems quite probable.</p> <h2>Mailbag Next Week</h2> <p>Both chambers are out next week for Thanksgiving and will return the first week of December. Barring any other big news in the interim, we'll have a special mailbag post just on H.R. 82: Social Security Fairness Act in which we'll do our best to explain it in simpler terms than, say, the Social Security Administration uses. We are <em>not experts</em> so it won't be in depth, but we'll do our best.</p> + &middot; Legislative Recap &middot; by Amy West + + + Lame Duck Session Begins + Amy West + https://www.govtrack.us/posts/454/2024-11-15_lame-duck-session-begins + https://www.govtrack.us/posts/454/2024-11-15_lame-duck-session-begins + Fri, 15 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0000 + <h2>Legislation &amp; Nominations</h2> <p>In the first week back after the election, both the House and the Senate got a little work done. These are the same legislators that were serving before the election since newly elected legislators don't take office until January 3 at noon, when the 119th Congress begins, and also eight election races still remain uncalled in the House.</p> <ul> <li> <p><a href="https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/hr82">H.R. 82: Social Security Fairness Act of 2023</a>, which would repeal the government pension offset and windfall elimination provisions, passed <a href="https://www.govtrack.us/congress/votes/118-2024/h456">327-175</a>. It goes to the Senate next. If the Senate doesn't act by January 3, 2025, the bill will die. But given that it garnered enough House support to both get a discharge petition and pass, it will likely be reintroduced in the next Congress.</p> </li> <li> <p><a href="https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/hr8446">H.R. 8446: Critical Mineral Consistency Act of 2024</a>, which would combine the Department of Energy list of critical minerals with that of the US Geological Survey (thus, <a href="https://www.eenews.net/articles/house-approves-critical-mineral-geothermal-bills/#:%7E:text=The%20chamber%20voted%20245%2D155,Democrats%20voted%20for%20the%20bill.">according to Politico</a>, benefiting copper mining interests), passed <a href="https://www.govtrack.us/congress/votes/118-2024/h462">245-155</a>.</p> </li> <li> <p><a href="https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/hr7409">H.R. 7409: HEATS Act</a>, which would allow entities drilling for geothermal energy to skip federal permitting if the US government holds less than a 50% interest in the sub-surface area being drilled, passed <a href="https://www.govtrack.us/congress/votes/118-2024/h464">225-181</a>.</p> </li> <li> <p><a href="https://www.govtrack.us/congress/votes/118-2024/s262">On the Nomination PN923: David Huitema, of Maryland, to be Director of the Office of Government Ethics for a term of five years</a> the vote was 50-46 on party lines. You can get <a href="https://www.govexec.com/management/2024/11/senate-confirms-bidens-ethics-czar-who-will-remain-under-trump/401041/">more detail on the vote</a> from Government Executive.</p> </li> </ul> <h2>Cabinet Nominations from Congress</h2> <p>President-elect Trump has begun naming the folks he intends to nominate next year for cabinet positions once he becomes president on January 20 at noon. So far, he intends to nominate from Congress:</p> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.govtrack.us/congress/members/marco_rubio/412491">Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL)</a> for Secretary of State.</li> <li><a href="https://www.govtrack.us/congress/members/michael_waltz/412764">Rep. Michael Waltz (R-FL6)</a> for National Security Advisor (doesn't require Senate confirmation).</li> <li><a href="https://www.govtrack.us/congress/members/elise_stefanik/412648">Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY21)</a> for UN Ambassador.</li> <li><a href="https://www.govtrack.us/congress/members/matt_gaetz/412690">Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL1)</a> for Attorney General.</li> </ul> <p>All will have to resign from Congress before they can take another government position.</p> <p>Gaetz is a special case. He has been under investigation by the House Ethics Committee for, among other things, sex with minors while he is an adult. The House Ethics Committee had planned to meet today, Friday, November 15th, 2024, to vote to release the report of their investigation. Some sources told journalists at <a href="https://punchbowl.news/">Punchbowl News</a> that the report would be damaging.</p> <p>On Wednesday of this week (Nov. 13), <a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?c5141813/matt-gaetz-resignation-statement-read-house-floor">Gaetz resigned from Congress and further said he "did not intend" to take the seat he just won last week in the 119th Congress</a>.</p> <p>As a result of his sudden resignation, the Ethics Committee chair, <a href="https://www.govtrack.us/congress/members/michael_guest/412793">Rep. Michael Guest (R-MS3)</a>, says <a href="https://www.politico.com/live-updates/2024/11/14/congress/guest-stands-firm-on-gaetz-report-00189592">the Committee will not now release the report</a>.</p> <p>There are, as you'd expect, quite a few people who would like the Ethics Committee to release their report including numerous senators who will consider his nomination in the Senate. The <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2024/11/15/politics/security-clearances-fbi-gabbard-gaetz/index.html">Trump transition team is not doing background checks</a> on at least some of their nominees so getting information on nominees may prove challenging.</p> <p>In the absence of the report, we note that none of the other members who've been nominated for administration positions have resigned yet. But then, none of them had outstanding Ethics Committee investigations rumored to result in damaging reports.</p> <h2>How Big Will the Republicans' Majority Be in the 119th Congress?</h2> <p>We don't know for sure yet. Currently, the Republicans have <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=2024+house+election+results&amp;oq=2024+house&amp;gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUqDggAEEUYJxg7GIAEGIoFMg4IABBFGCcYOxiABBiKBTIGCAEQRRg5Mg0IAhAAGIMBGLEDGIAEMhAIAxAAGIMBGLEDGIAEGIoFMg0IBBAAGIMBGLEDGIAEMg0IBRAAGIMBGLEDGIAEMgYIBhBFGDwyBggHEEUYPNIBCDI0ODZqMGo3qAIAsAIA&amp;sourceid=chrome&amp;ie=UTF-8">won 218 of the races</a> called. 8 seats remain uncalled. The best case scenario for Republicans would be 218+8 = 226 <em>minus</em> at least 3: Gaetz, Waltz, &amp; Stefanik or 223 seats. But they might not win all of those outstanding seats. And, of course, President-elect Trump might nominate more House members for cabinet positions. We'll let you know more when there's more to know.</p> <h2>New Senate Majority Leader</h2> <p>For <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/13/us/john-tune-senate-republican-leader.html?unlocked_article_code=1.aE4.twTd.rcHsPr0BECnf&amp;smid=url-share">the first time in 18 years</a>, the Senate Republicans have a new party leader and the next Majority Leader: <a href="https://www.govtrack.us/congress/members/john_thune/400546">Sen. John Thune (R-SD)</a>. Trump has recently been <a href="https://www.govtrack.us/posts/453/2024-11-11_president-elect-trump-asks-senate-to-take-a-recess">making big demands</a> of the Senate. We won't know for a while how Sen. Thune will work with Trump in Thune's new role. So far, over the years, he's generally managed to forge a path that is neither sycophantic nor obstructive.</p> + &middot; Legislative Recap &middot; by Amy West + + + 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 + + + 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..88b8e3daf --- /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. 7779 + https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/hr7779 + https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/hr7779 + Tue, 17 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000 + <h4 class="event_title simple"><a href="https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/hr7779" >H.R. 7779: Good Samaritan Remediation of Abandoned Hardrock Mines 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> Dec 17, 2024 </div> <div class="event_body"> <p>All of this bill was incorporated into S. 2781: Good Samaritan Remediation of Abandoned Hardrock Mines Act of 2024, which was enacted (🖊️ by president) on December 17, 2024.</p> </div> + + Enacted — Signed by the President + + + S. 3960 + https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/s3960 + https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/s3960 + Tue, 17 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000 + <h4 class="event_title simple"><a href="https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/s3960" >S. 3960: A bill to amend title 35, United States Code, to provide a good faith exception to the imposition of fines for false assertions and certifications, and for other purposes.</a></h4> <div class="event_type">Type: <span>Enacted — Signed by the President</span></div> <div class="event_date"> <span>Date: </span> Dec 17, 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 December 17, 2024.</p> </div> + + Enacted — Signed by the President + + + S. 3613 + https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/s3613 + https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/s3613 + Tue, 17 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000 + <h4 class="event_title simple"><a href="https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/s3613" >S. 3613: Improving Federal Building 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> Dec 17, 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 December 17, 2024.</p> </div> + + Enacted — Signed by the President + + + S. 3475 + https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/s3475 + https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/s3475 + Tue, 17 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000 + <h4 class="event_title simple"><a href="https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/s3475" >S. 3475: Strengthening the Commercial Driver’s License Information System Act</a></h4> <div class="event_type">Type: <span>Enacted — Signed by the President</span></div> <div class="event_date"> <span>Date: </span> Dec 17, 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 December 17, 2024.</p> </div> + + Enacted — Signed by the President + + + S. 2781 + https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/s2781 + https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/s2781 + Tue, 17 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000 + <h4 class="event_title simple"><a href="https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/s2781" >S. 2781: Good Samaritan Remediation of Abandoned Hardrock Mines 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> Dec 17, 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 December 17, 2024.</p> </div> + + Enacted — Signed by the President + + + H.R. 3149 + https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/hr3149 + https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/hr3149 + Tue, 17 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000 + <h4 class="event_title simple"><a href="https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/hr3149" >H.R. 3149: To designate United States Route 20 in the States of Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, and Massachusetts as the “National Medal of Honor Highway”, and for other purposes.</a></h4> <div class="event_type">Type: <span>Enacted — Signed by the President</span></div> <div class="event_date"> <span>Date: </span> Dec 17, 2024 </div> <div class="event_body"> <p>Some of this bill was incorporated into S. 1478: A bill to designate United States Route 20 in the States of Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, and Massachusetts as the “National Medal of Honor Highway”, and for other purposes., which was enacted (🖊️ by president) on December 17, 2024.</p> </div> + + Enacted — Signed by the President + + + S. 1478 + https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/s1478 + https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/s1478 + Tue, 17 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000 + <h4 class="event_title simple"><a href="https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/s1478" >S. 1478: A bill to designate United States Route 20 in the States of Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, and Massachusetts as the “National Medal of Honor Highway”, and for other purposes.</a></h4> <div class="event_type">Type: <span>Enacted — Signed by the President</span></div> <div class="event_date"> <span>Date: </span> Dec 17, 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 December 17, 2024.</p> </div> + + Enacted — Signed by the President + + + S. 310 + https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/s310 + https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/s310 + Tue, 17 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000 + <h4 class="event_title simple"><a href="https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/s310" >S. 310: Disaster Contract Improvement Act</a></h4> <div class="event_type">Type: <span>Enacted — Signed by the President</span></div> <div class="event_date"> <span>Date: </span> Dec 17, 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 December 17, 2024.</p> </div> + + Enacted — Signed by the President + + + S. 50 + https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/s50 + https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/s50 + Tue, 17 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000 + <h4 class="event_title simple"><a href="https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/s50" >S. 50: Pensacola and Perdido Bays Estuary of National Significance 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> Dec 17, 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 December 17, 2024.</p> </div> + + Enacted — Signed by the President + + + S. 4243 + https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/s4243 + https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/s4243 + Thu, 12 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000 + <h4 class="event_title simple"><a href="https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/s4243" >S. 4243: Shirley Chisholm Congressional Gold Medal Act</a></h4> <div class="event_type">Type: <span>Enacted — Signed by the President</span></div> <div class="event_date"> <span>Date: </span> Dec 12, 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 December 12, 2024.</p> </div> + + Enacted — Signed by the President + + + S. 3711 + https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/s3711 + https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/s3711 + Thu, 12 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000 + <h4 class="event_title simple"><a href="https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/s3711" >S. 3711: Protect Innocent Victims Of Taxation After Fire Act</a></h4> <div class="event_type">Type: <span>Enacted — Signed by the President</span></div> <div class="event_date"> <span>Date: </span> Dec 12, 2024 </div> <div class="event_body"> <p>All of this bill was incorporated into H.R. 5863: Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2023, which was enacted (🖊️ by president) on December 12, 2024.</p> </div> + + Enacted — Signed by the President + + + H.R. 7024 + https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/hr7024 + https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/hr7024 + Thu, 12 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000 + <h4 class="event_title simple"><a href="https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/hr7024" >H.R. 7024: Tax Relief for American Families and Workers 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> Dec 12, 2024 </div> <div class="event_body"> <p>Some of this bill was incorporated into H.R. 5863: Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2023, which was enacted (🖊️ by president) on December 12, 2024.</p> </div> + + Enacted — Signed by the President + + + H.R. 5863 + https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/hr5863 + https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/hr5863 + Thu, 12 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000 + <h4 class="event_title simple"><a href="https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/hr5863" >H.R. 5863: Federal Disaster Tax Relief 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> Dec 12, 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 December 12, 2024.</p> </div> + + Enacted — Signed by the President + + + H.R. 3821 + https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/hr3821 + https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/hr3821 + Thu, 12 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000 + <h4 class="event_title simple"><a href="https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/hr3821" >H.R. 3821: Firefighter Cancer Registry Reauthorization 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> Dec 12, 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 December 12, 2024.</p> </div> + + Enacted — Signed by the President + + + H.R. 1432 + https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/hr1432 + https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/hr1432 + Thu, 12 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000 + <h4 class="event_title simple"><a href="https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/hr1432" >H.R. 1432: VETT Act</a></h4> <div class="event_type">Type: <span>Enacted — Signed by the President</span></div> <div class="event_date"> <span>Date: </span> Dec 12, 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 December 12, 2024.</p> </div> + + Enacted — Signed by the President + + + H.R. 1088 + https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/hr1088 + https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/hr1088 + Thu, 12 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000 + <h4 class="event_title simple"><a href="https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/hr1088" >H.R. 1088: Shirley Chisholm Congressional Gold Medal Act</a></h4> <div class="event_type">Type: <span>Enacted — Signed by the President</span></div> <div class="event_date"> <span>Date: </span> Dec 12, 2024 </div> <div class="event_body"> <p>Some of this bill was incorporated into S. 4243: Shirley Chisholm Congressional Gold Medal Act, which was enacted (🖊️ by president) on December 12, 2024.</p> </div> + + Enacted — Signed by the President + + + H.R. 537 + https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/hr537 + https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/hr537 + Thu, 12 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000 + <h4 class="event_title simple"><a href="https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/hr537" >H.R. 537: Forgotten Heroes of the Holocaust Congressional Gold Medal Act</a></h4> <div class="event_type">Type: <span>Enacted — Signed by the President</span></div> <div class="event_date"> <span>Date: </span> Dec 12, 2024 </div> <div class="event_body"> <p>Some of this bill was incorporated into S. 91: Forgotten Heroes of the Holocaust Congressional Gold Medal Act, which was enacted (🖊️ by president) on December 12, 2024.</p> </div> + + Enacted — Signed by the President + + + S. 91 + https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/s91 + https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/s91 + Thu, 12 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000 + <h4 class="event_title simple"><a href="https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/s91" >S. 91: Forgotten Heroes of the Holocaust Congressional Gold Medal Act</a></h4> <div class="event_type">Type: <span>Enacted — Signed by the President</span></div> <div class="event_date"> <span>Date: </span> Dec 12, 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 December 12, 2024.</p> </div> + + Enacted — Signed by the President + + + S. 4908 + https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/s4908 + https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/s4908 + Wed, 11 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000 + <h4 class="event_title simple"><a href="https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/s4908" >S. 4908: James R. Dominguez Memorial 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> Dec 11, 2024 </div> <div class="event_body"> <p>All of this bill was incorporated into H.R. 5799: James R. Dominguez Memorial Act of 2023, which was enacted (🖊️ by president) on December 11, 2024.</p> </div> + + Enacted — Signed by the President + + + H.R. 8932 + https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/hr8932 + https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/hr8932 + Wed, 11 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000 + <h4 class="event_title simple"><a href="https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/118/hr8932" >H.R. 8932: FAFSA Deadline Act</a></h4> <div class="event_type">Type: <span>Enacted — Signed by the President</span></div> <div class="event_date"> <span>Date: </span> Dec 11, 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 December 11, 2024.</p> </div> + + Enacted — Signed by the President + + + diff --git a/HumbleBundle b/HumbleBundle new file mode 100644 index 000000000..cadce0ff9 --- /dev/null +++ b/HumbleBundle @@ -0,0 +1,351 @@ + + + + Humble Bundle - bundles + Humble Bundle - bundles + https://humblebundle.com/bundles + + + + https://humblebundle.com/favicon.ico + Humble Bundle - bundles + https://humblebundle.com/bundles + + + Hacking 2024 by No Starch + No Starch Press + https://humblebundle.com//books/hacking-2024-no-starch-books + c2ca0b6678ae47a94e8007b1de312e0223f5fddb + Mon, 02 Dec 2024 19:00:00 +0000 + Get <em>Evading EDR</em>, <em>The Tangled Web</em>, <em>Evasive Malware</em>, <em>Practical IoT Hacking</em>, <em>Windows Security Internals</em>, <em>Hacks, Leaks, and Revelations</em>, and more!<br>Level up your hacking and cyber security skills with this bursting tech bundle from No Starch! 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This Flash Sale Bundle is great for professionals or hobbyists looking to create in Unreal and save some money. Get the assets you need to help bring your game to life and help support Direct Relief with your purchase! + + + software + Unreal Survivors Flash Sale + 31 items + $992 Value + + + diff --git a/NPR b/NPR new file mode 100644 index 000000000..f99734751 --- /dev/null +++ b/NPR @@ -0,0 +1,132 @@ + + + + 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 + + + A pair of satellites will create artificial solar eclipses to study the sun + Chandelis Duster + https://www.npr.org/2024/12/21/nx-s1-5226015/proba-3-fake-solar-eclipse-sun + https://text.npr.org/2024/12/21/nx-s1-5226015/proba-3-fake-solar-eclipse-sun + https://www.npr.org/2024/12/21/nx-s1-5226015/proba-3-fake-solar-eclipse-sun + Sat, 21 Dec 2024 10:01:00 +0000 + <div id="storytext" class="storytext storylocation linkLocation"> <div id="resg-s1-39194" class="bucketwrap image large"> <div class="imagewrap has-source-dimensions" data-crop-type="" style=" --source-width: 3500; --source-height: 2475; " > <picture> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3500x2475+0+0/resize/1100/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F41%2Fdc%2F54392bb445f19e710fe976502025%2Fproba-3-occulter-eclipsing-sun-for-coronagraph-spacecraft.jpg" class="img" type="image/webp" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3500x2475+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F41%2Fdc%2F54392bb445f19e710fe976502025%2Fproba-3-occulter-eclipsing-sun-for-coronagraph-spacecraft.jpg" data-format="webp" /> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3500x2475+0+0/resize/1100/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F41%2Fdc%2F54392bb445f19e710fe976502025%2Fproba-3-occulter-eclipsing-sun-for-coronagraph-spacecraft.jpg" class="img" type="image/jpeg" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3500x2475+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F41%2Fdc%2F54392bb445f19e710fe976502025%2Fproba-3-occulter-eclipsing-sun-for-coronagraph-spacecraft.jpg" data-format="jpeg" /> <img src="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3500x2475+0+0/resize/1100/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F41%2Fdc%2F54392bb445f19e710fe976502025%2Fproba-3-occulter-eclipsing-sun-for-coronagraph-spacecraft.jpg" class="img" alt="In this illustration, the two spacecraft of Proba-3 fly in precise formation about 500 feet apart to form an external coronagraph in space, one spacecraft eclipsing the Sun to allow the second to study the invisible solar corona." data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3500x2475+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F41%2Fdc%2F54392bb445f19e710fe976502025%2Fproba-3-occulter-eclipsing-sun-for-coronagraph-spacecraft.jpg" data-format="jpeg" /> </picture> </div> <div class="credit-caption"> <div class="caption-wrap"> <div class="caption" aria-label="Image caption"> <p> In this illustration, the two spacecraft of Proba-3 fly in precise formation about about 500 feet apart to form an external coronagraph in space. One spacecraft eclipses the sun to allow the second to study the invisible solar corona. <b class="credit" aria-label="Image credit"> ESA-P. Carril @ESA/European Space Agency </b> <b class="hide-caption"><b></b></b> </p> </div> <b class="toggle-caption"><b></b></b> </div> </div> </div> <p>A pair of spacecraft have been launched on a mission to help scientists get a better understanding of the sun by creating artificial solar eclipses.</p> <p>Proba-3, which includes two satellites, launched earlier this month from India by the European Space Agency. The mission will attempt a scientific feat by being the first to use a two-spacecraft setup to observe the corona, the sun's outer atmosphere.</p> <p>The eclipses created by Proba-3 will not cast shadows that can be seen on Earth, the ESA says<strong>. </strong>But if successful, the ESA and astronomers hope the mission <a href="https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/Five_space_mysteries_Proba-3_will_help_solve" target="_blank">will answer several questions</a>, including why the corona is hotter than the sun itself. The corona can reach 2 million degrees Fahrenheit, while the surface is 10,000 degrees, <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/science-research/heliophysics/nasas-parker-solar-probe-and-the-curious-case-of-the-hot-corona/" target="_blank">according to NASA</a>. </p> <div id="resnx-s1-5226015-100" class="bucketwrap internallink insettwocolumn inset2col"> <!-- END CLASS="BUCKET IMG" --> </div> <!-- END ID="RESNX-S1-5226015-100" CLASS="BUCKETWRAP INTERNALLINK INSETTWOCOLUMN INSET2COL " --> <p>"The ability of this mission to observe the corona so close to the sun for extended periods is an extraordinary opportunity," Talwinder Singh, assistant professor of physics and astronomy at Georgia State University, tells NPR. "If successful, it will pave the way for similar missions that provide continuous, high-resolution observations of the sun's corona."<br></p> <h3 class="edTag"><strong>A better way to examine the sun</strong></h3> <p>It's not the first time scientists have used artificial eclipses to study the sun, but some astronomers say this mission could achieve something the earlier missions weren't able to do. </p> <p>Studying the sun's corona is extremely difficult because it is hidden by light from the star's surface, <a href="https://spaceplace.nasa.gov/sun-corona/en/#:~:text=The%20Sun's%20corona%20is%20the,during%20a%20total%20solar%20eclipse." target="_blank"><u>according to NASA</u></a>. And one of the best ways to study the corona is during a total solar eclipse, when the moon passes between Earth and the sun and blocks the sun. During a total solar eclipse, the corona is visible. But total solar eclipses are rare, with the next one taking place in August 2026. </p> <p>Several missions have studied the sun and created artificial eclipses, including the ESA and <a href="https://eclipse2017.nasa.gov/static/img/sun/Eclipse_STEREO.pdf" target="_blank">NASA's Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory (STEREO) mission</a> that used a coronagraph to block the sun.<strong> </strong>But because the sun's surface is so bright, the instruments in those missions only block much of the lower part of the corona to reduce the amount of scattered light, according to Kathy Reeves, senior astrophysicist at the Center for Astrophysics Harvard & Smithsonian. <strong> </strong></p> <p>"What is interesting about the Proba-3 instrument is that the occulter is actually on a different spacecraft, so it can be quite far away, and using this technique, the instrument can block the sun's disk more precisely," Reeves says.</p> <p>The Proba-3 mission, which will fly in an elliptical orbit ranging from 372 miles to 37,000 miles above Earth's surface, is also groundbreaking because it uses two separate spacecraft — one carrying the occulter disk and the other the imaging camera, when previous missions have only used one spacecraft, according to Talwinder Singh, assistant professor of physics & astronomy at Georgia State University.</p> <div id="resg-s1-39192" class="bucketwrap image large"> <div class="imagewrap has-source-dimensions" data-crop-type="" style=" --source-width: 5263; --source-height: 3712; " > <picture> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5263x3712+0+0/resize/400/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F40%2F5e%2F12c1d68a42bb87244f97e8274891%2Fap17234760225381.jpg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5263x3712+0+0/resize/600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F40%2F5e%2F12c1d68a42bb87244f97e8274891%2Fap17234760225381.jpg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5263x3712+0+0/resize/800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F40%2F5e%2F12c1d68a42bb87244f97e8274891%2Fap17234760225381.jpg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5263x3712+0+0/resize/900/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F40%2F5e%2F12c1d68a42bb87244f97e8274891%2Fap17234760225381.jpg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5263x3712+0+0/resize/1200/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F40%2F5e%2F12c1d68a42bb87244f97e8274891%2Fap17234760225381.jpg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5263x3712+0+0/resize/1600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F40%2F5e%2F12c1d68a42bb87244f97e8274891%2Fap17234760225381.jpg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5263x3712+0+0/resize/1800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F40%2F5e%2F12c1d68a42bb87244f97e8274891%2Fap17234760225381.jpg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5263x3712+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F40%2F5e%2F12c1d68a42bb87244f97e8274891%2Fap17234760225381.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/5263x3712+0+0/resize/400/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F40%2F5e%2F12c1d68a42bb87244f97e8274891%2Fap17234760225381.jpg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5263x3712+0+0/resize/600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F40%2F5e%2F12c1d68a42bb87244f97e8274891%2Fap17234760225381.jpg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5263x3712+0+0/resize/800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F40%2F5e%2F12c1d68a42bb87244f97e8274891%2Fap17234760225381.jpg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5263x3712+0+0/resize/900/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F40%2F5e%2F12c1d68a42bb87244f97e8274891%2Fap17234760225381.jpg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5263x3712+0+0/resize/1200/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F40%2F5e%2F12c1d68a42bb87244f97e8274891%2Fap17234760225381.jpg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5263x3712+0+0/resize/1600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F40%2F5e%2F12c1d68a42bb87244f97e8274891%2Fap17234760225381.jpg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5263x3712+0+0/resize/1800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F40%2F5e%2F12c1d68a42bb87244f97e8274891%2Fap17234760225381.jpg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5263x3712+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F40%2F5e%2F12c1d68a42bb87244f97e8274891%2Fap17234760225381.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/5263x3712+0+0/resize/1100/quality/50/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F40%2F5e%2F12c1d68a42bb87244f97e8274891%2Fap17234760225381.jpg" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5263x3712+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F40%2F5e%2F12c1d68a42bb87244f97e8274891%2Fap17234760225381.jpg" class="img" alt="The moon covers the sun as it creates a total eclipse on Aug. 21, 2017, in Cerulean, Ky. The corona, the outer atmosphere of the sun, is visible." loading="lazy" /> </picture> </div> <div class="credit-caption"> <div class="caption-wrap"> <div class="caption" aria-label="Image caption"> <p> The moon covers the sun as it creates a total eclipse on Aug. 21, 2017, in Cerulean, Ky. The corona, the outer atmosphere of the sun, is visible. <b class="credit" aria-label="Image credit"> Timothy D. Easley/AP </b> <b class="hide-caption"><b></b></b> </p> </div> <b class="toggle-caption"><b></b></b> </div> </div> </div> <p>"Similar instruments, called coronagraphs, have been used in the past. However, traditional coronagraphs place the occulter disk on the same spacecraft as the imaging camera. This design has limitations, such as light diffraction, which restricts how close to the sun we can observe," Singh says. </p> <div id="resnx-s1-5226015-101" class="bucketwrap internallink insettwocolumn inset2col"> <!-- END CLASS="BUCKET IMG" --> </div> <!-- END ID="RESNX-S1-5226015-101" CLASS="BUCKETWRAP INTERNALLINK INSETTWOCOLUMN INSET2COL " --> <p>During the Proba-3 mission, one satellite, the Occulter, will line up with the sun and cast a shadow onto the other spacecraft, the Coronagraph. The corona will be visible, just like during an actual eclipse, and the Coronagraph will take a photo of the inner part of the corona, according to the ESA. </p> <p>The instruments will be about 500 feet apart, longer than the length of an American football field, which will allow scientists to get a closer view of the corona. It will also allow scientists more time to study the sun, at least six hours in every 20-hour orbit, compared to an actual solar eclipse than is witnessed from Earth. </p> <p>"Natural eclipses only happen once or twice per year, sometimes they happen in inconvenient places, like over the ocean, and they are only a few minutes long," Reeves says. "This mission is really neat because it will extend the amount of time that scientists can study the Sun's middle corona from minutes to hours."</p> <p>The mission is not going to directly impact the Earth and the fake solar eclipses will not be cast down on earth, Singh and Reeves say.</p> <p>The first results from the mission will be available around four months after the spacecraft separate and fly in sync in early 2025, according to the ESA.</p> </div> + Space + sun + solar eclipse + + + How AI deepfakes polluted elections in 2024 + Shannon Bond + https://www.npr.org/2024/12/21/nx-s1-5220301/deepfakes-memes-artificial-intelligence-elections + https://text.npr.org/2024/12/21/nx-s1-5220301/deepfakes-memes-artificial-intelligence-elections + https://www.npr.org/2024/12/21/nx-s1-5220301/deepfakes-memes-artificial-intelligence-elections + Sat, 21 Dec 2024 10:00:00 +0000 + <div id="storytext" class="storytext storylocation linkLocation"> <div id="resg-s1-39490" class="bucketwrap image large"> <div class="imagewrap has-source-dimensions" data-crop-type="" style=" --source-width: 7088; --source-height: 4725; " > <picture> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/7088x4725+0+0/resize/1100/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fe1%2F11%2F509bf12942cbbb63bcb97784a3ba%2Fgettyimages-2154912749.jpg" class="img" type="image/webp" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/7088x4725+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fe1%2F11%2F509bf12942cbbb63bcb97784a3ba%2Fgettyimages-2154912749.jpg" data-format="webp" /> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/7088x4725+0+0/resize/1100/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fe1%2F11%2F509bf12942cbbb63bcb97784a3ba%2Fgettyimages-2154912749.jpg" class="img" type="image/jpeg" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/7088x4725+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fe1%2F11%2F509bf12942cbbb63bcb97784a3ba%2Fgettyimages-2154912749.jpg" data-format="jpeg" /> <img src="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/7088x4725+0+0/resize/1100/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fe1%2F11%2F509bf12942cbbb63bcb97784a3ba%2Fgettyimages-2154912749.jpg" class="img" alt="Voters leave after casting their ballot at a polling station in the final phase of voting in India&#039;s general election, in Kolkata on June 1, 2024. Artificial intelligence tools were used to create memes and images about political rivals in India and elsewhere around the world." data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/7088x4725+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fe1%2F11%2F509bf12942cbbb63bcb97784a3ba%2Fgettyimages-2154912749.jpg" data-format="jpeg" /> </picture> </div> <div class="credit-caption"> <div class="caption-wrap"> <div class="caption" aria-label="Image caption"> <p> Voters leave after casting their ballot at a polling station in the final phase of voting in India's general election, in Kolkata on June 1, 2024. Artificial intelligence tools were used to create memes and images about political rivals in India and elsewhere around the world. <b class="credit" aria-label="Image credit"> Dibyangshu Sarkar/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>In January, thousands of New Hampshire voters picked up their phones to hear what <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/01/22/1226129926/nh-primary-biden-ai-robocall" target="_blank">sounded like President Biden</a> telling Democrats not to vote in the state's primary, just days away.</p> <p>"We know the value of voting Democratic when our votes count. It's important you save your vote for the November election," the voice on the line said.</p> <div id="resnx-s1-5220301-100" class="bucketwrap internallink insettwocolumn inset2col"> <!-- END CLASS="BUCKET IMG" --> </div> <!-- END ID="RESNX-S1-5220301-100" CLASS="BUCKETWRAP INTERNALLINK INSETTWOCOLUMN INSET2COL " --> <p>But it wasn't Biden. It was a <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/02/08/1229641751/ai-deepfakes-election-risks-lawmakers-tech-companies-artificial-intelligence" target="_blank">deepfake</a> created with artificial intelligence — and the manifestation of fears that 2024's global wave of elections would be manipulated with fake pictures, audio and video, due to rapid advances in generative AI technology.</p> <p>"The nightmare situation was the day before, the day of election, the day after election, some bombshell image, some bombshell video or audio would just set the world on fire," said Hany Farid, a professor at the University of California at Berkeley who studies manipulated media.</p> <p>The Biden deepfake turned out to be commissioned by a <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/05/23/nx-s1-4977582/fcc-ai-deepfake-robocall-biden-new-hampshire-political-operative" target="_blank">Democratic political consultant</a> who said he did it to raise alarms about AI. He was fined $6 million by the FCC and indicted on criminal charges in New Hampshire.</p> <p>But as 2024 rolled on, the feared wave of deceptive, targeted deepfakes didn't really materialize.</p> <p>"It wasn't quite the year of AI elections like many folks foretold," said Zeve Sanderson, who studies how digital information is changing society at NYU's Center for Social Media and Politics.</p> <p>Instead, the most visible use of AI in many countries was to create memes and content whose artificial origins weren't disguised. Often, they were openly shared by politicians and their supporters.</p> <div id="resnx-s1-5220301-101" class="bucketwrap internallink insettwocolumn inset2col"> <!-- END CLASS="BUCKET IMG" --> </div> <!-- END ID="RESNX-S1-5220301-101" CLASS="BUCKETWRAP INTERNALLINK INSETTWOCOLUMN INSET2COL " --> <p>Farid said going into this year, he was more concerned about this sort of "death by a thousand cuts" than the AI bombshell scenario.</p> <p>"I don't think the images were designed to be clearly deceptive, but they were designed to push a narrative, and propaganda works," he said. "I do think that there was a general polluting of the information ecosystem where people just started to give up."<br></p> <h3 class="edTag"><strong>Resurrecting a dead dictator</strong></h3> <p>Take Indonesia, where the political party Golkar used AI to <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2024/02/12/asia/suharto-deepfake-ai-scam-indonesia-election-hnk-intl/index.html" target="_blank">reanimate Suharto</a>, the longtime dictator who died in 2008.</p> <p>"I am Suharto, the second president of Indonesia," the AI Suharto says before endorsing the party's candidates, in a video posted to the social media site X by Golkar's deputy chairman. The fake Suharto says Golkar's candidates will "continue my dream of Indonesia's progress."</p> <p>Soon after, Suharto's son-in-law — who also had Golkar's support — was elected president.</p> <p>AI memes were also prevalent in India, where the world's largest democratic exercise took place last spring.</p> <p>In May, at a bazaar in Jaipur, a trader named Dilip, who only has one name, told NPR his friends forwarded him AI-generated memes on WhatsApp, the popular messaging platform owned by Meta.</p> <p>He said he liked the ones mocking opposition leader Rahul Gandhi, like one where an AI version of Gandhi was depicted as a stupid thief, imagining all the money he would steal if he won.</p> <p>Still, Dilip said despite the memes, he'd already made up his mind about who to vote for.</p> <p>One generative AI artist in India, who goes professionally by the name Sahid SK, said he took on memes because there was less risk of being sued for defamation by angry candidates. He said memes are a wink, not outright misrepresentation.</p> <p>"I think that's the only reason we haven't seen many deepfakes in this election. Because everybody's afraid of legal notices," Sahid SK said.</p> <p>Plenty of false and misleading narratives were spread in India and other countries without using AI at all — instead, through edited and doctored videos known as "cheapfakes."<br></p> <h3 class="edTag"><strong>Musk and Trump embrace AI-generated memes</strong></h3> <p>In the U.S., political memes and viral videos spanned the spectrum from Photoshopped images and out-of-context clips to AI-generated portraits of Vice President Kamala Harris in <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2024/09/03/media/elon-musk-x-kamala-harris-trump-misinformation/index.html" target="_blank">Soviet garb</a> and of <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-68440150" target="_blank">Black Americans</a> supporting former President Donald Trump.</p> <div id="resg-s1-39493" class="bucketwrap image large"> <div class="imagewrap has-source-dimensions" data-crop-type="" style=" --source-width: 7743; --source-height: 5162; " > <picture> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/7743x5162+0+0/resize/400/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Faf%2F94%2Ff8a5728d4860adbe13f8487f866e%2Fgettyimages-2185933741.jpg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/7743x5162+0+0/resize/600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Faf%2F94%2Ff8a5728d4860adbe13f8487f866e%2Fgettyimages-2185933741.jpg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/7743x5162+0+0/resize/800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Faf%2F94%2Ff8a5728d4860adbe13f8487f866e%2Fgettyimages-2185933741.jpg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/7743x5162+0+0/resize/900/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Faf%2F94%2Ff8a5728d4860adbe13f8487f866e%2Fgettyimages-2185933741.jpg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/7743x5162+0+0/resize/1200/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Faf%2F94%2Ff8a5728d4860adbe13f8487f866e%2Fgettyimages-2185933741.jpg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/7743x5162+0+0/resize/1600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Faf%2F94%2Ff8a5728d4860adbe13f8487f866e%2Fgettyimages-2185933741.jpg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/7743x5162+0+0/resize/1800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Faf%2F94%2Ff8a5728d4860adbe13f8487f866e%2Fgettyimages-2185933741.jpg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/7743x5162+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Faf%2F94%2Ff8a5728d4860adbe13f8487f866e%2Fgettyimages-2185933741.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/7743x5162+0+0/resize/400/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Faf%2F94%2Ff8a5728d4860adbe13f8487f866e%2Fgettyimages-2185933741.jpg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/7743x5162+0+0/resize/600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Faf%2F94%2Ff8a5728d4860adbe13f8487f866e%2Fgettyimages-2185933741.jpg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/7743x5162+0+0/resize/800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Faf%2F94%2Ff8a5728d4860adbe13f8487f866e%2Fgettyimages-2185933741.jpg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/7743x5162+0+0/resize/900/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Faf%2F94%2Ff8a5728d4860adbe13f8487f866e%2Fgettyimages-2185933741.jpg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/7743x5162+0+0/resize/1200/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Faf%2F94%2Ff8a5728d4860adbe13f8487f866e%2Fgettyimages-2185933741.jpg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/7743x5162+0+0/resize/1600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Faf%2F94%2Ff8a5728d4860adbe13f8487f866e%2Fgettyimages-2185933741.jpg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/7743x5162+0+0/resize/1800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Faf%2F94%2Ff8a5728d4860adbe13f8487f866e%2Fgettyimages-2185933741.jpg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/7743x5162+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Faf%2F94%2Ff8a5728d4860adbe13f8487f866e%2Fgettyimages-2185933741.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/7743x5162+0+0/resize/1100/quality/50/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Faf%2F94%2Ff8a5728d4860adbe13f8487f866e%2Fgettyimages-2185933741.jpg" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/7743x5162+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Faf%2F94%2Ff8a5728d4860adbe13f8487f866e%2Fgettyimages-2185933741.jpg" class="img" alt="President-elect Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk watch the launch of a SpaceX Starship rocket on Nov. 19, 2024 in Texas. Musk and Trump both embraced using images and memes generated by artificial intelligence during the presidential election." loading="lazy" /> </picture> </div> <div class="credit-caption"> <div class="caption-wrap"> <div class="caption" aria-label="Image caption"> <p> BROWNSVILLE, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 19: U.S. President-elect Donald Trump and Elon Musk watch the launch of the sixth test flight of the SpaceX Starship rocket on November 19, 2024 in Brownsville, Texas. SpaceX's billionaire owner, Elon Musk, a Trump confidante, has been tapped to lead the new Department of Government Efficiency alongside former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy. (Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images) <b class="credit" aria-label="Image credit"> Brandon Bell/Getty Images </b> <b class="hide-caption"><b></b></b> </p> </div> <b class="toggle-caption"><b></b></b> </div> </div> </div> <p>In July, Elon Musk, the owner of X, shared a fake ad in which an <a href="https://apnews.com/article/parody-ad-ai-harris-musk-x-misleading-3a5df582f911a808d34f68b766aa3b8e" target="_blank">AI clone</a> of Harris's voice describes herself as "the ultimate diversity hire," without disclosing the video was originally posted as a parody.</p> <div id="resnx-s1-5220301-102" class="bucketwrap internallink insettwocolumn inset2col"> <!-- END CLASS="BUCKET IMG" --> </div> <!-- END ID="RESNX-S1-5220301-102" CLASS="BUCKETWRAP INTERNALLINK INSETTWOCOLUMN INSET2COL " --> <p>Musk and other Trump supporters frequently shared <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/08/30/nx-s1-5087913/donald-trump-artificial-intelligence-memes-deepfakes-taylor-swift" target="_blank">AI memes</a> mocking Harris and Democrats and boosting the former president.</p> <p>Trump himself posted a cartoonish AI image purporting to show Taylor Swift endorsing him — which, to be clear, she didn't.</p> <p>Sanderson said this use of AI is not meant to change people's minds, but to "make their preferred candidate look patriotic or noble [or] to make their opposing candidate look evil." He noted these manipulations could be done with traditional photo and video editing tools, but "generative AI just makes it quite a bit easier."</p> <p>Sanderson also cautioned that AI may have been used in ways that are less detectable. "I still don't think we have a really good, rigorous sense of how generative AI was used at scale, by whom, for what purposes," he said.</p> <p>What's more, it's hard to draw a direct line from the AI fakes that were identified this year to how people voted, says Farid of UC Berkeley.</p> <p>"Do I think it changed the outcome of the election? No," he said. "Do I think it impacted people's thinking? Yeah, I think it did. And I think it will continue to do that."</p> <p><em>NPR's Diaa Hadid contributed reporting from Jaipur and Kolkata, India.</em></p> </div> + Untangling Disinformation + artificial intelligence + + + How casting makes this 'Gypsy' hit different + Jeff Lunden + https://www.npr.org/2024/12/16/nx-s1-5226924/gypsy-audra-mcdonald-broadway + https://text.npr.org/2024/12/16/nx-s1-5226924/gypsy-audra-mcdonald-broadway + https://www.npr.org/2024/12/16/nx-s1-5226924/gypsy-audra-mcdonald-broadway + Sat, 21 Dec 2024 10:00:00 +0000 + <div id="storytext" class="storytext storylocation linkLocation"> <div id="resg-s1-38171" class="bucketwrap image x-large"> <div class="imagewrap has-source-dimensions" data-crop-type="" style=" --source-width: 8640; --source-height: 5760; " > <picture> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/8640x5760+0+0/resize/400/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fdb%2F88%2F5139bef845c798fd1580769233c3%2F2-audra-mcdonald-and-joy-woods-in-gypsy-photo-by-julieta-cervantes.jpg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/8640x5760+0+0/resize/600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fdb%2F88%2F5139bef845c798fd1580769233c3%2F2-audra-mcdonald-and-joy-woods-in-gypsy-photo-by-julieta-cervantes.jpg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/8640x5760+0+0/resize/800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fdb%2F88%2F5139bef845c798fd1580769233c3%2F2-audra-mcdonald-and-joy-woods-in-gypsy-photo-by-julieta-cervantes.jpg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/8640x5760+0+0/resize/900/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fdb%2F88%2F5139bef845c798fd1580769233c3%2F2-audra-mcdonald-and-joy-woods-in-gypsy-photo-by-julieta-cervantes.jpg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/8640x5760+0+0/resize/1200/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fdb%2F88%2F5139bef845c798fd1580769233c3%2F2-audra-mcdonald-and-joy-woods-in-gypsy-photo-by-julieta-cervantes.jpg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/8640x5760+0+0/resize/1600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fdb%2F88%2F5139bef845c798fd1580769233c3%2F2-audra-mcdonald-and-joy-woods-in-gypsy-photo-by-julieta-cervantes.jpg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/8640x5760+0+0/resize/1800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fdb%2F88%2F5139bef845c798fd1580769233c3%2F2-audra-mcdonald-and-joy-woods-in-gypsy-photo-by-julieta-cervantes.jpg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/8640x5760+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fdb%2F88%2F5139bef845c798fd1580769233c3%2F2-audra-mcdonald-and-joy-woods-in-gypsy-photo-by-julieta-cervantes.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/8640x5760+0+0/resize/400/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fdb%2F88%2F5139bef845c798fd1580769233c3%2F2-audra-mcdonald-and-joy-woods-in-gypsy-photo-by-julieta-cervantes.jpg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/8640x5760+0+0/resize/600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fdb%2F88%2F5139bef845c798fd1580769233c3%2F2-audra-mcdonald-and-joy-woods-in-gypsy-photo-by-julieta-cervantes.jpg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/8640x5760+0+0/resize/800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fdb%2F88%2F5139bef845c798fd1580769233c3%2F2-audra-mcdonald-and-joy-woods-in-gypsy-photo-by-julieta-cervantes.jpg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/8640x5760+0+0/resize/900/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fdb%2F88%2F5139bef845c798fd1580769233c3%2F2-audra-mcdonald-and-joy-woods-in-gypsy-photo-by-julieta-cervantes.jpg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/8640x5760+0+0/resize/1200/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fdb%2F88%2F5139bef845c798fd1580769233c3%2F2-audra-mcdonald-and-joy-woods-in-gypsy-photo-by-julieta-cervantes.jpg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/8640x5760+0+0/resize/1600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fdb%2F88%2F5139bef845c798fd1580769233c3%2F2-audra-mcdonald-and-joy-woods-in-gypsy-photo-by-julieta-cervantes.jpg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/8640x5760+0+0/resize/1800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fdb%2F88%2F5139bef845c798fd1580769233c3%2F2-audra-mcdonald-and-joy-woods-in-gypsy-photo-by-julieta-cervantes.jpg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/8640x5760+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fdb%2F88%2F5139bef845c798fd1580769233c3%2F2-audra-mcdonald-and-joy-woods-in-gypsy-photo-by-julieta-cervantes.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/8640x5760+0+0/resize/1100/quality/50/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fdb%2F88%2F5139bef845c798fd1580769233c3%2F2-audra-mcdonald-and-joy-woods-in-gypsy-photo-by-julieta-cervantes.jpg" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/8640x5760+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fdb%2F88%2F5139bef845c798fd1580769233c3%2F2-audra-mcdonald-and-joy-woods-in-gypsy-photo-by-julieta-cervantes.jpg" class="img" alt="Audra McDonald and Joy Woods in Gypsy" loading="lazy" /> </picture> </div> <div class="credit-caption"> <div class="caption-wrap"> <div class="caption" aria-label="Image caption"> <p> Audra McDonald and Joy Woods in <em>Gypsy</em> <b class="credit" aria-label="Image credit"> Photo: Julieta Cervantes/<i> Gypsy</i> </b> <b class="hide-caption"><b></b></b> </p> </div> <b class="toggle-caption"><b></b></b> </div> </div> </div> <p><em>Gypsy</em> has been called the best musical of all time, by critics and historians. Its central character, Mama Rose, is the ultimate stage mother and has been catnip for some of the finest musical theater actresses for generations; from Ethel Merman, the 1959 original, to Angela Lansbury, Tyne Daly, Bernadette Peters, Bette Midler and Patti LuPone. </p> <p>It's now being given a <a href="https://gypsybway.com/" target="_blank">big revival</a> on Broadway, where Mama Rose is being played by six-time Tony Award-winner Audra McDonald. </p> <div id="resnx-s1-5226924-100" class="bucketwrap pullquote"> <aside aria-label="pullquote"><div class="bucket"> <p><p>There is colorblind casting and then there is intentional casting for Black actors in roles that have been historically written for white performers.</p></p> </div> <!-- END CLASS="BUCKET" --> <p class="byline">Caseen Gaines, author of 'When Broadway Was Black'</p></aside> </div> <!-- END ID="RESNX-S1-5226924-100" CLASS="BUCKETWRAP PULLQUOTE" --> <p>But she's not the only Black actor in a show that is often cast with white actors.<a href="https://www.npr.org/2021/05/23/998962830/shuffle-along-changed-musical-theater-100-years-ago" target="_blank"> Caseen Gaines,</a> author of <em>When Broadway Was Black,</em> said that this race-conscious casting means <em>Gypsy</em> hits different.</p> <p>"There is colorblind casting and then there is intentional casting for Black actors in roles that have been historically written for white performers," said Gaines<em>. </em></p> <p>He believes this version of <em>Gypsy</em> makes audiences see the musical in a new way, even though not one line or lyric has been changed. "Rose becomes a very different character in the body of Audra McDonald, and her journey is so different."</p> <h2 class="edTag">Not the Chitlin' Circuit. The Orpheum Circuit.</h2> <p>The show — with music by Jule Styne, lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, and book by Arthur Laurents — is set during the Great Depression. Rose is a larger-than-life stage mother doing everything she can to make her daughter June a vaudeville star. Despite her dreams, the odds are stacked against her. </p> <p>McDonald said that playing the role gave her empathy for a character often seen as a monster. "Thinking about opportunities for women in that particular era ... And then, because I am a Black woman playing her, opportunities for Black women in that era ... there weren't a lot."</p> <p>This feeling of scarcity was important to director George C. Wolfe. He said every character in the show is desperately looking for something. </p> <div id="resnx-s1-5226924-101" class="bucketwrap internallink insettwocolumn inset2col"> <!-- END CLASS="BUCKET IMG" --> </div> <!-- END ID="RESNX-S1-5226924-101" CLASS="BUCKETWRAP INTERNALLINK INSETTWOCOLUMN INSET2COL " --> <p>"I became fascinated with the idea of people operating inside of a world where there is not enough," Wolfe said. "There's not enough food, there's not enough money, there's not enough love, there's not enough respect, there's not enough possibilities, there's not enough freedom, there's not enough joy."</p> <p>So when Rose meets Herbie, an agent who here is white, played by Danny Burstein, Rose sees — and seizes — an opportunity.</p> <p>"She's charming him so that he can help her, because then that's what happens, right?" McDonald said. "Herbie then is able to be the one that opens the doors for her to get this little Black troupe into these places."</p> <p>And these places are the white vaudeville houses. In one dazzling time lapse sequence choreographed by Camille A. Brown, the audience sees Rose replace the Black boys in June's act with young white men. </p> <div id="resnx-s1-5226924-102" class="bucketwrap internallink insettwocolumn inset2col"> <!-- END CLASS="BUCKET IMG" --> </div> <!-- END ID="RESNX-S1-5226924-102" CLASS="BUCKETWRAP INTERNALLINK INSETTWOCOLUMN INSET2COL " --> <p>Wolfe said Rose knows that if she wants to achieve success with white audiences, the act needs to transform.</p> <p>"There's only so far one can go in America if you are a certain color," Wolfe said. He channeled Rose's thoughts: "So, let me change that and then I'll push this act further and I'll push my daughter further. And [June is] of a certain hue, so she's passable. So, I don't want to be a hit on the Chitlin' Circuit. I want to be a hit on the Orpheum Circuit."<br></p> <h2 class="edTag">From shy to sexy</h2> <p>Rose invests all her energy in making her daughter June succeed, but after June abandons her, Rose turns to her shy, awkward daughter Louise. By the end of the show, Louise has transformed into Gypsy Rose Lee, the world-famous stripper, best known more for speaking from the stage than taking her clothes off. In this production, Gypsy resembles a different historical performer: <a href="https://www.npr.org/2021/11/30/1059776777/josephine-baker-france-pantheon" target="_blank">Josephine Baker.</a></p> <p>"In that time period, for us, accentuating that sort of sexuality was really the only way for us to be seen," said Joy Woods, the actor who plays Louise/Gypsy. "So, I think to have a more realistic approach to honoring both the cast and the production in this way, taking a Josephine Baker route was the best idea. I think it was a fantastic idea."</p> <h2 class="edTag">One of the finest moments in musical theater</h2> <div id="resg-s1-38178" class="bucketwrap image x-large"> <div class="imagewrap has-source-dimensions" data-crop-type="" style=" --source-width: 8100; --source-height: 5400; " > <picture> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/8100x5400+0+0/resize/400/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fed%2Ffe%2F268621e048169c0f343a6f1a9de5%2F1-audra-mcdonald-in-gypsy-photo-by-julieta-cervantes.jpg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/8100x5400+0+0/resize/600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fed%2Ffe%2F268621e048169c0f343a6f1a9de5%2F1-audra-mcdonald-in-gypsy-photo-by-julieta-cervantes.jpg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/8100x5400+0+0/resize/800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fed%2Ffe%2F268621e048169c0f343a6f1a9de5%2F1-audra-mcdonald-in-gypsy-photo-by-julieta-cervantes.jpg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/8100x5400+0+0/resize/900/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fed%2Ffe%2F268621e048169c0f343a6f1a9de5%2F1-audra-mcdonald-in-gypsy-photo-by-julieta-cervantes.jpg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/8100x5400+0+0/resize/1200/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fed%2Ffe%2F268621e048169c0f343a6f1a9de5%2F1-audra-mcdonald-in-gypsy-photo-by-julieta-cervantes.jpg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/8100x5400+0+0/resize/1600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fed%2Ffe%2F268621e048169c0f343a6f1a9de5%2F1-audra-mcdonald-in-gypsy-photo-by-julieta-cervantes.jpg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/8100x5400+0+0/resize/1800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fed%2Ffe%2F268621e048169c0f343a6f1a9de5%2F1-audra-mcdonald-in-gypsy-photo-by-julieta-cervantes.jpg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/8100x5400+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fed%2Ffe%2F268621e048169c0f343a6f1a9de5%2F1-audra-mcdonald-in-gypsy-photo-by-julieta-cervantes.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/8100x5400+0+0/resize/400/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fed%2Ffe%2F268621e048169c0f343a6f1a9de5%2F1-audra-mcdonald-in-gypsy-photo-by-julieta-cervantes.jpg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/8100x5400+0+0/resize/600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fed%2Ffe%2F268621e048169c0f343a6f1a9de5%2F1-audra-mcdonald-in-gypsy-photo-by-julieta-cervantes.jpg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/8100x5400+0+0/resize/800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fed%2Ffe%2F268621e048169c0f343a6f1a9de5%2F1-audra-mcdonald-in-gypsy-photo-by-julieta-cervantes.jpg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/8100x5400+0+0/resize/900/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fed%2Ffe%2F268621e048169c0f343a6f1a9de5%2F1-audra-mcdonald-in-gypsy-photo-by-julieta-cervantes.jpg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/8100x5400+0+0/resize/1200/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fed%2Ffe%2F268621e048169c0f343a6f1a9de5%2F1-audra-mcdonald-in-gypsy-photo-by-julieta-cervantes.jpg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/8100x5400+0+0/resize/1600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fed%2Ffe%2F268621e048169c0f343a6f1a9de5%2F1-audra-mcdonald-in-gypsy-photo-by-julieta-cervantes.jpg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/8100x5400+0+0/resize/1800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fed%2Ffe%2F268621e048169c0f343a6f1a9de5%2F1-audra-mcdonald-in-gypsy-photo-by-julieta-cervantes.jpg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/8100x5400+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fed%2Ffe%2F268621e048169c0f343a6f1a9de5%2F1-audra-mcdonald-in-gypsy-photo-by-julieta-cervantes.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/8100x5400+0+0/resize/1100/quality/50/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fed%2Ffe%2F268621e048169c0f343a6f1a9de5%2F1-audra-mcdonald-in-gypsy-photo-by-julieta-cervantes.jpg" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/8100x5400+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fed%2Ffe%2F268621e048169c0f343a6f1a9de5%2F1-audra-mcdonald-in-gypsy-photo-by-julieta-cervantes.jpg" class="img" alt="Audra McDonald as Mama Rose" loading="lazy" /> </picture> </div> <div class="credit-caption"> <div class="caption-wrap"> <div class="caption" aria-label="Image caption"> <p> Audra McDonald as Mama Rose <b class="credit" aria-label="Image credit"> Julieta Cervantes/<i> Gypsy</i> </b> <b class="hide-caption"><b></b></b> </p> </div> <b class="toggle-caption"><b></b></b> </div> </div> </div> <p>But Gypsy Rose Lee's success triggers Rose's feelings of abandonment again. It leads to what many think is one of the finest moments in musical theater history: "Rose's Turn," where she questions why she did everything for her daughters but was, in her mind, still unappreciated. She has a breakdown.</p> <p>"It's an incredibly constructed piece," said McDonald, who received the blessing of lyricist Stephen Sondheim to step in the role, before he died in 2021. "It is a monologue set to music. And so, the work is all been done for you right there. It's just perfect."</p> <div id="resnx-s1-5226924-103" class="bucketwrap internallink insettwocolumn inset2col"> <!-- END CLASS="BUCKET IMG" --> </div> <!-- END ID="RESNX-S1-5226924-103" CLASS="BUCKETWRAP INTERNALLINK INSETTWOCOLUMN INSET2COL " --> <p>Gaines, the historian, was impressed by the raw power of McDonald's performance when he saw the production in previews. "I was moved to tears just by watching not only a Black performer, but Audra McDonald performing this role and performing "Rose's Turn," he said.</p> <p>Having a Black mother sing the song made the character feel less selfish, he said. "It reads as something any parent should do, right? And something that every Black parent, every immigrant parent, everyone who is a part of a marginalized community in this country, they will do anything for their children to have it easier than they did. And that's what I received from this Rose."</p> <p><a href="https://www.npr.org/people/1091803881/jennifer-vanasco" target="_blank"><em>Jennifer Vanasco</em></a><em> edited this story for broadcast and digital. </em><a href="https://www.npr.org/people/728257568/chloee-weiner" target="_blank"><em>Chloee Weiner</em></a><em> mixed the audio.</em><br></p> </div> + Theater + broadway + audra mcdonald + + + What's Making Us Happy: A guide to your weekend scrolling, listening and viewing + Tre'vell Anderson + https://www.npr.org/2024/12/20/g-s1-39099/whats-making-us-happy-a-guide-to-your-weekend + https://text.npr.org/2024/12/20/g-s1-39099/whats-making-us-happy-a-guide-to-your-weekend + https://www.npr.org/2024/12/20/g-s1-39099/whats-making-us-happy-a-guide-to-your-weekend + Fri, 20 Dec 2024 22:00:00 +0000 + <div id="storytext" class="storytext storylocation linkLocation"> <div id="resg-s1-39151" class="bucketwrap image large"> <div class="imagewrap has-source-dimensions" data-crop-type="" style=" --source-width: 5239; --source-height: 3503; " > <picture> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5239x3503+0+0/resize/1100/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F64%2Fe9%2Fb303a5764b7888e565b1c8c7fbf1%2Fdick-van-dyje.jpg" class="img" type="image/webp" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5239x3503+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F64%2Fe9%2Fb303a5764b7888e565b1c8c7fbf1%2Fdick-van-dyje.jpg" data-format="webp" /> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5239x3503+0+0/resize/1100/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F64%2Fe9%2Fb303a5764b7888e565b1c8c7fbf1%2Fdick-van-dyje.jpg" class="img" type="image/jpeg" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5239x3503+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F64%2Fe9%2Fb303a5764b7888e565b1c8c7fbf1%2Fdick-van-dyje.jpg" data-format="jpeg" /> <img src="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5239x3503+0+0/resize/1100/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F64%2Fe9%2Fb303a5764b7888e565b1c8c7fbf1%2Fdick-van-dyje.jpg" class="img" alt="American actor Dick Van Dyke pictured in May 1967." data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5239x3503+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F64%2Fe9%2Fb303a5764b7888e565b1c8c7fbf1%2Fdick-van-dyje.jpg" data-format="jpeg" /> </picture> </div> <div class="credit-caption"> <div class="caption-wrap"> <div class="caption" aria-label="Image caption"> <p> Critic Aisha Harris has been rewatching <em>The Dick Van Dyke Show.</em> The actor is pictured above in May 1967. <b class="credit" aria-label="Image credit"> Larry Ellis/Getty Images </b> <b class="hide-caption"><b></b></b> </p> </div> <b class="toggle-caption"><b></b></b> </div> </div> </div> <p>This week, Superman like all wise people, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uhUht6vAsMY&ab_channel=DC" target="_blank"><u>trusted his dog</u></a>, the National Film Registry <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/12/16/nx-s1-5227860/dirty-dancing-wrath-of-khan-added-to-the-national-film-registry" target="_blank"><u>got a little bigger</u></a> and a Supreme Court justice made <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/12/16/nx-s1-5230174/ketanji-brown-jackson-broadway-juliet" target="_blank"><u>her Broadway debut</u></a>.</p> <p>Here's what NPR's <em>Pop Culture Happy Hour</em> crew was paying attention to — and what you should check out this weekend.</p> <h2 class="edTag">'Young Lion' by Sade</h2> <div id="resg-s1-39099-100" class="bucketwrap video youtube-video large"> <div class="video-wrap"> <iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IFMmnMjFiPk?rel=0" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe> </div> <div class="credit-caption externalasset"> <b class="credit"> <b class="source">YouTube</b> </b> </div> </div> <p>The artist Sade released "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IFMmnMjFiPk" target="_blank"><u>Young Lion</u></a>" as an apology to her trans son, apologizing for not being the most affirming that she could have been as his parent. It's part of this compilation of songs called <a href="https://redhot.org/project/transa/" target="_blank"><em><u>Transa</u></em></a> organized by Red Hot, an AIDS organization that wanted to bring attention to trans awareness. It's available to stream everywhere and folks should check it out. <em>— Tre'vell Anderson</em><br></p> <h2 class="edTag">JamesEarl333 on TikTok</h2> <div id="resg-s1-39099-101" class="bucketwrap statichtml"> <blockquote class="tiktok-embed" cite="https://www.tiktok.com/@jamesearl333/video/7414573165436800299" data-video-id="7414573165436800299" style="max-width: 605px;min-width: 325px;" > <section> <a target="_blank" title="@jamesearl333" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@jamesearl333?refer=embed">@jamesearl333</a> It’s Game of Thrones up in here 😭. part 2 of this after the parties next saturday, stay tuned. 👀 @💫NOSY💫 <a title="storytime" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/storytime?refer=embed">#storytime</a> <a title="familydrama" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/familydrama?refer=embed">#familydrama</a> <a title="auntiesoftiktok" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/auntiesoftiktok?refer=embed">#auntiesoftiktok</a> <a title="storytok" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/storytok?refer=embed">#storytok</a> <a target="_blank" title="♬ original sound - Jamesearl333" href="https://www.tiktok.com/music/original-sound-7414573138878630702?refer=embed">♬ original sound - Jamesearl333</a> </section> </blockquote> <script async src="https://www.tiktok.com/embed.js"></script> </div> <!-- END ID="RESG-S1-39099-101" CLASS="BUCKETWRAP STATICHTML" --> <p>There's this great account by this young screenwriter based out of Compton, <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@jamesearl333" target="_blank"><u>JamesEarl333</u></a>. He has been slowly building out this universe of explaining the nuances that come with having a complicated, big Black family. So it started with a viral story of two twin aunts that were throwing a birthday party, broke up, then threw two competing birthday parties on the same day — one on a boat and one in the backyard of their family house. It has since expanded to this rich text of family lore. Sometimes when we talk about Black families, it's this really binary examination of working class Black families or upper class Black families with a very firm distinction. His storytelling really shows that a lot of the average Black families are all of that at once. <em>— Shamira Ibrahim</em><br></p> <h2 class="edTag">The Dick Van Dyke Show</h2> <div id="resg-s1-39099-102" class="bucketwrap video youtube-video large"> <div class="video-wrap"> <iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Or-a-8WjPEE?rel=0" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe> </div> <div class="credit-caption externalasset"> <b class="credit"> <b class="source">YouTube</b> </b> </div> </div> <p>Dick Van Dyke has been all over the place lately. He recently turned 99. He appeared in a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pSeaHfkd3M8" target="_blank"><u>Coldplay video</u></a> for a song called "All My Love." That has led me to start a rewatch of <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/amzn1.dv.gti.76bbed7e-87e4-9c59-bc94-c59ac70760d9?autoplay=0&ref_=atv_cf_strg_wb" target="_blank"><em><u>The Dick Van Dyke Show</u></em></a><em>. </em>I love this show. It's one of those shows that I grew up watching and have revisited several times. He plays Rob Petrie, a TV show writer. His wife is Laura, played by Mary Tyler Moore. It's just fun. It reminds me that Dick Van Dyke was the most limber entertainer. The show is streaming in a lot of places, including Peacock and Prime Video. — <em>Aisha Harris</em><br></p> <h2 class="edTag">'Kid On Christmas' by Madi Diaz</h2> <div id="resg-s1-39099-103" class="bucketwrap video youtube-video large"> <div class="video-wrap"> <iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/SekJL2AWtts?rel=0" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe> </div> <div class="credit-caption externalasset"> <b class="credit"> <b class="source">YouTube</b> </b> </div> </div> <p>One of my favorite new Christmas songs in ages just dropped a few weeks ago by one of my favorite singers, Madi Diaz, and it's called <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SekJL2AWtts" target="_blank"><em><u>Kid On Christmas</u></em></a>. I will say this every year for the rest of my life: If your holiday song is telling me to be happy, I will be sad. Your holiday song leaves space for me to feel a little bummed out. I will feel better. I will wholeheartedly embrace the spirit of the season. This song, to me, does that perfectly. — <em>Glen Weldon</em></p> <h2 class="edTag">More recommendations from the Pop Culture Happy Hour newsletter</h2> <p><em>by Linda Holmes</em></p> <p>It hasn't gotten much fanfare, but the entire 20-season run of the original <strong><em>Law & Order </em></strong>has <a href="https://www.hulu.com/series/law-order-4a6e33e1-330a-4ea8-bc44-5aa5c482441b" target="_blank"><u>landed on Hulu</u></a> after only a handful of seasons have been on streaming for years and years and years. There are lots of reasons to look askance at the way the show presented politics and police, but it does make an interesting time capsule, as well as an example of a show that went through a lot of eras and a lot of actors and just kept on going. (As to the current version they started a few seasons ago? The less said about that, the better.)</p> <p>The absolute goofiest thing I have seen on television in quite some time is <strong><em>Human vs. Hamster</em></strong> on Max. <a href="https://play.max.com/show/4b5bfb90-64ab-492a-af27-4ecf0acd5186" target="_blank"><u>This is a show</u></a> in which teams of people face off against hamsters – literal, actual hamsters – to run the same mazes (obviously built to a scale to suit the species involved), and whoever is faster wins. At some level, I prefer the pure absurdity of something like this to anything that tries to fashion itself into anything cool. This show is not cool; it exists so you can text people you know and say, "You're not going to believe what I'm watching."</p> <p>This is the time of year for a variety of yule log content and fireplace content and other things intended to run in the background. I was highly amused to see that Netflix has offered up <strong><em>Bridgerton: Fireplace</em></strong>, which is exactly what you would think. <a href="https://www.netflix.com/title/81985475" target="_blank"><u>It's a fireplace, plus some music</u></a>. I must say that for me, it makes less sense to show the entire room (as they do here) rather than making the entire screen into a simulated fireplace, but I suppose if you have a big enough TV, seeing nothing but fireplace might be unsettling. Either way: Enjoy.</p> <p><em>Dhanika Pineda adapted the Pop Culture Happy Hour segment "What's Making Us Happy" for the Web. If you like these suggestions, consider </em><a href="https://www.npr.org/newsletter/pop-culture" target="_blank">signing up for our newsletter</a><strong><em> </em></strong><em>to get recommendations every week. And listen to Pop Culture Happy Hour on </em><a href="http://n.pr/3xNgYt9" target="_blank">Apple Podcasts</a><strong><em> </em></strong><em>and </em><a href="http://n.pr/3ELR3n6" target="_blank">Spotify</a><em>.</em><br></p> </div> + What's Making Us Happy: Recommendations From 'Pop Culture Happy Hour' + + + What happens if Congress doesn't fund the government? + Barbara Sprunt + https://www.npr.org/2024/12/20/g-s1-39377/what-happens-government-shutdown + https://text.npr.org/2024/12/20/g-s1-39377/what-happens-government-shutdown + https://www.npr.org/2024/12/20/g-s1-39377/what-happens-government-shutdown + Fri, 20 Dec 2024 21:57:11 +0000 + <div id="storytext" class="storytext storylocation linkLocation"> <div id="resg-s1-39438" class="bucketwrap image large"> <div class="imagewrap has-source-dimensions" data-crop-type="" style=" --source-width: 1923; --source-height: 1263; " > <picture> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/1923x1263+0+0/resize/1100/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F44%2F84%2F8f40e4c8403ab6c4a3b22fcc92ac%2Fgettyimages-1075217446.jpg" class="img" type="image/webp" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/1923x1263+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F44%2F84%2F8f40e4c8403ab6c4a3b22fcc92ac%2Fgettyimages-1075217446.jpg" data-format="webp" /> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/1923x1263+0+0/resize/1100/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F44%2F84%2F8f40e4c8403ab6c4a3b22fcc92ac%2Fgettyimages-1075217446.jpg" class="img" type="image/jpeg" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/1923x1263+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F44%2F84%2F8f40e4c8403ab6c4a3b22fcc92ac%2Fgettyimages-1075217446.jpg" data-format="jpeg" /> <img src="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/1923x1263+0+0/resize/1100/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F44%2F84%2F8f40e4c8403ab6c4a3b22fcc92ac%2Fgettyimages-1075217446.jpg" class="img" alt="A stop sign is seen near the White House during a government shutdown in Washington in December 2018." data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/1923x1263+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F44%2F84%2F8f40e4c8403ab6c4a3b22fcc92ac%2Fgettyimages-1075217446.jpg" data-format="jpeg" /> </picture> </div> <div class="credit-caption"> <div class="caption-wrap"> <div class="caption" aria-label="Image caption"> <p> A stop sign is seen near the White House during a government shutdown in Washington in December 2018. <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>Congress is in a familiar situation: on the brink of a government shutdown without a clear plan<strong> </strong>to avoid it.</p> <p>Lawmakers are scrambling to find a way forward after President-elect Donald Trump and his adviser Elon Musk <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/12/19/nx-s1-5234083/congress-shutdown-trump-musk">destroyed plans</a> to pass a bill to fund the government until March 14 over the size and scope of the bill's other provisions. The bill <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/12/17/g-s1-38712/congress-spending-bill-march-14" target="_blank">also included</a> must-pass items like funding for farmers<strong> </strong>and communities hit by natural disasters.</p> <p>Lawmakers have until midnight on Friday to avoid a shutdown. If they can't reach an agreement, here's what could happen:</p> <div id="resg-s1-39377-100" class="bucketwrap internallink insettwocolumn inset2col"> <!-- END CLASS="BUCKET IMG" --> </div> <!-- END ID="RESG-S1-39377-100" CLASS="BUCKETWRAP INTERNALLINK INSETTWOCOLUMN INSET2COL " --> <h3 class="edTag">Federal workers face furloughs, no pay </h3> <p>Federal workers that are designated 'essential' would stay on the job and face a delay in payment, just ahead of the holidays. Hundreds of thousands of federal workers would be furloughed — essentially suspended from work.</p> <p>Federal agencies began notifying their employees of potential furloughs on Friday, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters.</p> <p>"We believe there's still time for Congress to prevent a partial shutdown," Jean-Pierre said. "But in the interests of prudent planning, we want to be prudent here, agencies did start notifying their employees of their potential furlough today at noon."</p> <div id="resg-s1-39377-101" class="bucketwrap internallink insettwocolumn inset2col"> <!-- END CLASS="BUCKET IMG" --> </div> <!-- END ID="RESG-S1-39377-101" CLASS="BUCKETWRAP INTERNALLINK INSETTWOCOLUMN INSET2COL " --> <p>Agencies last updated their <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/information-for-agencies/agency-contingency-plans/" target="_blank"><u>shutdown plans</u></a> in the fall of 2023. Those plans detail how many employees would be furloughed in the event of a shutdown, and how many are exempt, like jobs deemed essential to safety or related to the president's constitutional duties and powers.</p> <p>Some furloughs only begin if a shutdown lasts longer than five days.</p> <p>"A government shutdown would deliver a devastating blow to hardworking federal employees and the millions of citizens who rely on essential government services," <a href="https://www.afge.org/publication/largest-union-representing-federal-government-employees-denounces-doge-shutdown/" target="_blank"><u>said</u></a> Everett Kelley, the president of the American Federation of Government Employees, which represents 800,000 civilian federal employees. "Over 642,000 of them are veterans of our armed services. Allowing them to go without a paycheck over the holidays is unacceptable."</p> <p>All active-duty military remain on the job but the Department of Defense <a href="https://www.gao.gov/assets/gao-23-105284.pdf" target="_blank"><u>has more than 700,000 civilian</u></a> employees, many of whom would be furloughed during a shutdown.</p> <p>Most workers at science agencies like National Institutes of Health would also be furloughed.</p> <p>In previous shutdowns, the IRS prepared for roughly two-thirds of its employees to be furloughed, meaning the agency stopped responding to taxpayer questions or auditing<strong> </strong>tax returns.</p> <p>Federal contractors not directly employed by the federal government would go unpaid. While federal employees typically receive backpay once the government reopens, contractors do not. Those contractors include janitors, food service workers and other support staff.<br></p> <h3 class="edTag"><strong>Closures, delays and interruptions</strong></h3> <p>Other changes to expect during a shutdown include:<br></p> <ul class="edTag"><li>Closed national parks and museums, which has happened<strong> </strong>during previous shutdowns</li><li>Delay of federal lending to businesses and people trying to buy homes</li><li>A pause in new Pentagon contracts, although the Pentagon could place orders for supplies that are essential to protect national security</li><li>Interruptions to<strong> </strong>Head Start, which supports education for 3- and 4-year-olds across the country, and Meals on Wheels, which brings food to elderly people. Last year, <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2023/09/20/extreme-house-republicans-chaos-is-marching-us-toward-a-government-shutdown/#:~:text=Eliminate%20Head%20Start%20Slots%20for,only%20growing%20worse%20over%20time." target="_blank">the White House said</a> 10,000 children from low-income families would lose access to the Head Start program if a shutdown occurred </li><li>No new loans from the Small Business Administration</li></ul> <div id="resg-s1-39377-102" class="bucketwrap internallink insettwocolumn inset2col"> <!-- END CLASS="BUCKET IMG" --> </div> <!-- END ID="RESG-S1-39377-102" CLASS="BUCKETWRAP INTERNALLINK INSETTWOCOLUMN INSET2COL " --> <h3 class="edTag"><strong>Essential government functions continue</strong></h3> <ul class="edTag"><li>Social Security recipients would still receive monthly payments</li><li>Medicare and Medicaid benefits would remain, but there could be delays in processing new applications</li><li>Veterans would continue to receive benefits</li><li>The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and other nutrition programs would continue but could be interrupted during a lengthy shutdown</li><li>Federal law enforcement agencies, like the FBI, would keep working</li><li>Air traffic and airport personnel would still be on the job, even if without pay, unless employees begin to call in sick to work — <a href="https://www.npr.org/2019/01/22/687319763/during-shutdown-tsa-workers-call-off-because-of-financial-limitations" target="_blank"><u>as they did during the last shutdown</u></a></li><li>Members of Congress would keep getting paychecks, but non-essential staffers would be furloughed</li><li>The post office would still function</li><li>Automated tax collection would continue</li></ul> </div> + Politics + government shutdown + government spending + Congress + Social Security + + + At least 2 dead and dozens injured after a car plowed into a German Christmas market + The Associated Press + https://www.npr.org/2024/12/20/nx-s1-5235508/christmas-market-germany-car-magdeburg + https://text.npr.org/2024/12/20/nx-s1-5235508/christmas-market-germany-car-magdeburg + https://www.npr.org/2024/12/20/nx-s1-5235508/christmas-market-germany-car-magdeburg + Fri, 20 Dec 2024 20:41:14 +0000 + <div id="storytext" class="storytext storylocation linkLocation"> <div id="resg-s1-39434" class="bucketwrap image large"> <div class="imagewrap has-source-dimensions" data-crop-type="" style=" --source-width: 2511; --source-height: 1674; " > <picture> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2511x1674+0+0/resize/1100/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F96%2F6a%2Fafd0387c46d0ba9f7e02573bf222%2Fap24355683535571.jpg" class="img" type="image/webp" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2511x1674+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F96%2F6a%2Fafd0387c46d0ba9f7e02573bf222%2Fap24355683535571.jpg" data-format="webp" /> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2511x1674+0+0/resize/1100/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F96%2F6a%2Fafd0387c46d0ba9f7e02573bf222%2Fap24355683535571.jpg" class="img" type="image/jpeg" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2511x1674+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F96%2F6a%2Fafd0387c46d0ba9f7e02573bf222%2Fap24355683535571.jpg" data-format="jpeg" /> <img src="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2511x1674+0+0/resize/1100/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F96%2F6a%2Fafd0387c46d0ba9f7e02573bf222%2Fap24355683535571.jpg" class="img" alt="Emergency services attend an incident at the Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany, on Friday." data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2511x1674+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F96%2F6a%2Fafd0387c46d0ba9f7e02573bf222%2Fap24355683535571.jpg" data-format="jpeg" /> </picture> </div> <div class="credit-caption"> <div class="caption-wrap"> <div class="caption" aria-label="Image caption"> <p> Emergency services attend an incident at the Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany, on Friday. <b class="credit" aria-label="Image credit"> Dörthe Hein/DPA via AP </b> <b class="hide-caption"><b></b></b> </p> </div> <b class="toggle-caption"><b></b></b> </div> </div> </div> <p>MAGDEBURG, Germany — A car plowed into a busy outdoor Christmas market in the eastern German city of Magdeburg on Friday, killing at least two people and injuring at least 60 others in what authorities believe was an attack.</p> <p>The driver was arrested shortly after the car barreled into the market at around 7 p.m., when it was teeming with holiday shoppers looking forward to the weekend.</p> <p>The suspect is a 50-year-old Saudi doctor who moved to Germany in 2006, Tamara Zieschang, the interior minister for the state of Saxony-Anhalt, said at a news conference. He has been practicing medicine in Bernburg, about 23 miles (36 kilometers) south of Magdeburg, she said.</p> <p>"As things stand, he is a lone perpetrator, so that as far as we know there is no further danger to the city," Saxony-Anhalt's governor, Reiner Haseloff, told reporters.</p> <p>Fifteen of the injured were were hurt very seriously, according to government officials and the city government's website.</p> <div id="resnx-s1-5235508-100" class="bucketwrap internallink insettwocolumn inset2col"> <!-- END CLASS="BUCKET IMG" --> </div> <!-- END ID="RESNX-S1-5235508-100" CLASS="BUCKETWRAP INTERNALLINK INSETTWOCOLUMN INSET2COL " --> <p>Haseloff said the two people confirmed to have died were an adult and a toddler, but that he couldn't rule out further deaths.</p> <p>"But that is speculation now. Every human life that has fallen victim to this attack is a terrible tragedy and one human life too many," he said.</p> <p>The suspected attack in Magdeburg, a city of about 240,000 people west of Berlin that Saxony-Anhalt's capital, came eight years after an Islamic extremist drove a truck into crowded Christmas market in Berlin, killing 13 people and injuring many others. The attacker was killed days later in a shootout in Italy.</p> <p>Christmas markets are a huge part of German culture as an annual holiday tradition cherished since the Middle Ages and successfully exported to much of the Western world. In Berlin alone, more than 100 markets opened late last month and brought the smells of mulled wine, roasted almonds and bratwurst to the capital. Other markets abound across the country.</p> <p>German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said late last month that there were no concrete indications of a danger to Christmas markets this year, but that it was wise to be vigilant.</p> <p>Hours after Friday's suspected attack, the ring of sirens clashed with the market's festive ornaments, stars and leafy garlands.</p> <p>The attack reverberated beyond Magdeburg. After a soccer match Friday evening between Bayern Munich and Leipzig, Bayern CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen asked fans at the club's stadium to observe a minute of silence.</p> <p>Magdeburg resident Dorin Steffen told German news agency dpa that she was at a concert in a nearby church when she heard the sirens. The cacophony was so loud "you had to assume that something terrible had happened."</p> <p>She called the attack "a dark day" for the city.</p> <p>"We are shaking," Steffen said. "Full of sympathy for the relatives, also in the hope that nothing has happened to our relatives, friends and acquaintances."</p> <div id="resnx-s1-5235508-101" class="bucketwrap internallink insettwocolumn inset2col"> <!-- END CLASS="BUCKET IMG" --> </div> <!-- END ID="RESNX-S1-5235508-101" CLASS="BUCKETWRAP INTERNALLINK INSETTWOCOLUMN INSET2COL " --> <p>Haseloff called it a catastrophe for the city, state and country, adding that flags will be lowered to half-staff in Saxony-Anhalt and that the federal government planned to do the same.</p> <p>"It is really one of the worst things one can imagine, particularly in connection with what a Christmas market should bring," the governor said.</p> <p>Chancellor OIaf Scholz posted on X: "My thoughts are with the victims and their relatives. We stand beside them and beside the people of Magdeburg."</p> <p>Magdeburg Mayor Simone Borris, who was on the verge of tears, said officials plan to arrange a memorial at the city's cathedral on Saturday.</p> <p>The attack reverberated beyond Magdeburg. After a soccer match Friday evening between Bayern Munich and Leipzig, Bayern CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen asked fans at the club's stadium to observe a minute of silence.</p> </div> + Europe + Germany + + + Malaysia plans to restart a private search for the missing Flight MH370 + Juliana Kim + https://www.npr.org/2024/12/20/nx-s1-5235234/search-missing-flight-370-malaysia + https://text.npr.org/2024/12/20/nx-s1-5235234/search-missing-flight-370-malaysia + https://www.npr.org/2024/12/20/nx-s1-5235234/search-missing-flight-370-malaysia + Fri, 20 Dec 2024 20:13:47 +0000 + <div id="storytext" class="storytext storylocation linkLocation"> <div id="resg-s1-39320" class="bucketwrap image large"> <div class="imagewrap has-source-dimensions" data-crop-type="" style=" --source-width: 4608; --source-height: 3072; " > <picture> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4608x3072+0+0/resize/1100/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F67%2F86%2Ff3f8dde64367b821fd02696daf86%2Fgettyimages-477409603.jpg" class="img" type="image/webp" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4608x3072+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F67%2F86%2Ff3f8dde64367b821fd02696daf86%2Fgettyimages-477409603.jpg" data-format="webp" /> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4608x3072+0+0/resize/1100/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F67%2F86%2Ff3f8dde64367b821fd02696daf86%2Fgettyimages-477409603.jpg" class="img" type="image/jpeg" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4608x3072+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F67%2F86%2Ff3f8dde64367b821fd02696daf86%2Fgettyimages-477409603.jpg" data-format="jpeg" /> <img src="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4608x3072+0+0/resize/1100/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F67%2F86%2Ff3f8dde64367b821fd02696daf86%2Fgettyimages-477409603.jpg" class="img" alt="Indian sand artist Sudersan Pattnaik gives final touches on a sand sculpture with a message of prayers for the missing Malaysian Airlines Flight MH370 at Puri Beach on March 9, 2014." data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4608x3072+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F67%2F86%2Ff3f8dde64367b821fd02696daf86%2Fgettyimages-477409603.jpg" data-format="jpeg" /> </picture> </div> <div class="credit-caption"> <div class="caption-wrap"> <div class="caption" aria-label="Image caption"> <p> Indian sand artist Sudersan Pattnaik gives final touches on a sand sculpture with a message of prayers for the missing Malaysian Airlines Flight MH370, which vanished from radar early on March 8 somewhere at sea between Malaysia and Vietnam, at Puri Beach, on March 9, 2014. <b class="credit" aria-label="Image credit"> Asit Kumar/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>The Malaysian government plans to allow a renewed private search for the missing Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370, which vanished over a decade ago and remains one of the world's most puzzling aviation mysteries.</p> <p>To this day, none of the bodies of the 239 passengers and crew members abroad have been recovered. </p> <p>Malaysia's Transport Minister Anthony Loke announced Friday that the search will be conducted by Ocean Infinity, a Texas-based marine robotics firm which had previously led a search for MH370 in 2018. </p> <div id="resnx-s1-5235234-100" class="bucketwrap internallink insettwocolumn inset2col"> <!-- END CLASS="BUCKET IMG" --> </div> <!-- END ID="RESNX-S1-5235234-100" CLASS="BUCKETWRAP INTERNALLINK INSETTWOCOLUMN INSET2COL " --> <p>The new hunt will focus on a different location at 15,000 square kilometers, or 5,800 square miles, in the southern Indian Ocean based on the "latest information and data analyses conducted by experts and researchers," Loke said. </p> <p>It will operate on a "no find, no fee" principle, meaning Ocean Infinity will only get paid if the aircraft's wreckage is discovered. The reward stands at $70 million, according to the <a href="https://apnews.com/article/malaysia-missing-plane-mh370-14f8de88d4b74bb41a5f110434c52838" target="_blank">Associated Press.</a> The terms and conditions of the deal will be finalized by early 2025, with hopes that the search will take place between January and April, Malaysia's government news agency, Bernama, <a href="https://bernama.com/en/news.php?id=2375646" target="_blank">reported</a>.</p> <p>"It is our responsibility and our obligation and our commitment to the families, especially to the next-of-kins that the government will continue this search," Loke added.</p> <p>On Friday, the association for the families of the passengers and crew abroad MH370 said †hey were in support of a fresh search.</p> <p>"We, the next of kin, have endured over a decade of uncertainty," they wrote in a statement. "We hope that the terms of the renewed search are finalised at the earliest and the decks are cleared for the search to begin."</p> <div id="resg-s1-39349" class="bucketwrap image large"> <div class="imagewrap has-source-dimensions" data-crop-type="" style=" --source-width: 4000; --source-height: 2662; " > <picture> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4000x2662+0+0/resize/400/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fa8%2Ffd%2F22a1365e4656914ade14f2982d74%2Fgettyimages-483248749.jpg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4000x2662+0+0/resize/600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fa8%2Ffd%2F22a1365e4656914ade14f2982d74%2Fgettyimages-483248749.jpg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4000x2662+0+0/resize/800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fa8%2Ffd%2F22a1365e4656914ade14f2982d74%2Fgettyimages-483248749.jpg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4000x2662+0+0/resize/900/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fa8%2Ffd%2F22a1365e4656914ade14f2982d74%2Fgettyimages-483248749.jpg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4000x2662+0+0/resize/1200/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fa8%2Ffd%2F22a1365e4656914ade14f2982d74%2Fgettyimages-483248749.jpg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4000x2662+0+0/resize/1600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fa8%2Ffd%2F22a1365e4656914ade14f2982d74%2Fgettyimages-483248749.jpg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4000x2662+0+0/resize/1800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fa8%2Ffd%2F22a1365e4656914ade14f2982d74%2Fgettyimages-483248749.jpg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4000x2662+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fa8%2Ffd%2F22a1365e4656914ade14f2982d74%2Fgettyimages-483248749.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/4000x2662+0+0/resize/400/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fa8%2Ffd%2F22a1365e4656914ade14f2982d74%2Fgettyimages-483248749.jpg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4000x2662+0+0/resize/600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fa8%2Ffd%2F22a1365e4656914ade14f2982d74%2Fgettyimages-483248749.jpg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4000x2662+0+0/resize/800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fa8%2Ffd%2F22a1365e4656914ade14f2982d74%2Fgettyimages-483248749.jpg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4000x2662+0+0/resize/900/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fa8%2Ffd%2F22a1365e4656914ade14f2982d74%2Fgettyimages-483248749.jpg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4000x2662+0+0/resize/1200/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fa8%2Ffd%2F22a1365e4656914ade14f2982d74%2Fgettyimages-483248749.jpg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4000x2662+0+0/resize/1600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fa8%2Ffd%2F22a1365e4656914ade14f2982d74%2Fgettyimages-483248749.jpg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4000x2662+0+0/resize/1800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fa8%2Ffd%2F22a1365e4656914ade14f2982d74%2Fgettyimages-483248749.jpg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4000x2662+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fa8%2Ffd%2F22a1365e4656914ade14f2982d74%2Fgettyimages-483248749.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/4000x2662+0+0/resize/1100/quality/50/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fa8%2Ffd%2F22a1365e4656914ade14f2982d74%2Fgettyimages-483248749.jpg" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4000x2662+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fa8%2Ffd%2F22a1365e4656914ade14f2982d74%2Fgettyimages-483248749.jpg" class="img" alt="A woman reacts as Chinese relatives of passengers on the missing Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 take part in a prayer service at the Metro Park Hotel in Beijing on April 8, 2014." loading="lazy" /> </picture> </div> <div class="credit-caption"> <div class="caption-wrap"> <div class="caption" aria-label="Image caption"> <p> A woman reacts as Chinese relatives of passengers on the missing Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 take part in a prayer service at the Metro Park Hotel in Beijing on April 8, 2014. <b class="credit" aria-label="Image credit"> Wang Zhao/AFP via Getty Images </b> <b class="hide-caption"><b></b></b> </p> </div> <b class="toggle-caption"><b></b></b> </div> </div> </div> <h3 class="edTag"><strong>Timeline</strong></h3> <p>The effort to restart the search for the lost flight comes in the year that marks a decade since its disappearance.</p> <p>On March 8, 2014, 239 passengers and crew members boarded a Boeing 777 plane traveling from Malaysia's capital, Kuala Lumpur, to Beijing. The aircraft vanished from radar screens somewhere between Malaysia and Vietnam less than an hour after takeoff. </p> <div id="resnx-s1-5235234-101" class="bucketwrap internallink insettwocolumn inset2col"> <!-- END CLASS="BUCKET IMG" --> </div> <!-- END ID="RESNX-S1-5235234-101" CLASS="BUCKETWRAP INTERNALLINK INSETTWOCOLUMN INSET2COL " --> <p>Among the <a href="https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2014/03/15/290109997/the-passengers-on-malaysia-airlines-flight-370" target="_blank">missing</a> are people from China, Indonesia, Australia, India, France, Canada, New Zealand, Ukraine and the U.S. Five of the passengers were under the age of 5.</p> <p>The disappearance launched the <a href="https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2014/03/17/290890377/search-for-flight-mh370-reportedly-largest-in-history" target="_blank">largest-ever multinational air-sea search</a> at the time, involving 33 ships, 58 aircraft, dozens of countries, and costing over $150 million. Despite these efforts, the search was called off in <a href="https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2017/10/03/555330250/final-report-on-mh370-says-failure-to-locate-airliner-is-almost-inconceivable" target="_blank">2017</a> without a clear explanation of why the plane went down.</p> <p>"It is almost inconceivable and certainly societally unacceptable in the modern aviation era with 10 million passengers boarding commercial aircraft every day, for a large commercial aircraft to be missing and for the world not to know with certainty what became of the aircraft and those on board," said the final report on MH370, led by Australia, back in 2017.</p> <p>In 2018, the Malaysian government approved a private search by Ocean Infinity under a similar no-find, no-fee agreement. After nearly four months, the mission concluded with no success.</p> <div id="resg-s1-39352" class="bucketwrap image large"> <div class="imagewrap has-source-dimensions" data-crop-type="" style=" --source-width: 3324; --source-height: 2257; " > <picture> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3324x2257+0+0/resize/400/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Feb%2Fbd%2F79101f4940ccb9b89f86733d5190%2Fgettyimages-480240665.jpg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3324x2257+0+0/resize/600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Feb%2Fbd%2F79101f4940ccb9b89f86733d5190%2Fgettyimages-480240665.jpg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3324x2257+0+0/resize/800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Feb%2Fbd%2F79101f4940ccb9b89f86733d5190%2Fgettyimages-480240665.jpg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3324x2257+0+0/resize/900/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Feb%2Fbd%2F79101f4940ccb9b89f86733d5190%2Fgettyimages-480240665.jpg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3324x2257+0+0/resize/1200/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Feb%2Fbd%2F79101f4940ccb9b89f86733d5190%2Fgettyimages-480240665.jpg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3324x2257+0+0/resize/1600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Feb%2Fbd%2F79101f4940ccb9b89f86733d5190%2Fgettyimages-480240665.jpg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3324x2257+0+0/resize/1800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Feb%2Fbd%2F79101f4940ccb9b89f86733d5190%2Fgettyimages-480240665.jpg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3324x2257+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Feb%2Fbd%2F79101f4940ccb9b89f86733d5190%2Fgettyimages-480240665.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/3324x2257+0+0/resize/400/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Feb%2Fbd%2F79101f4940ccb9b89f86733d5190%2Fgettyimages-480240665.jpg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3324x2257+0+0/resize/600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Feb%2Fbd%2F79101f4940ccb9b89f86733d5190%2Fgettyimages-480240665.jpg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3324x2257+0+0/resize/800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Feb%2Fbd%2F79101f4940ccb9b89f86733d5190%2Fgettyimages-480240665.jpg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3324x2257+0+0/resize/900/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Feb%2Fbd%2F79101f4940ccb9b89f86733d5190%2Fgettyimages-480240665.jpg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3324x2257+0+0/resize/1200/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Feb%2Fbd%2F79101f4940ccb9b89f86733d5190%2Fgettyimages-480240665.jpg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3324x2257+0+0/resize/1600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Feb%2Fbd%2F79101f4940ccb9b89f86733d5190%2Fgettyimages-480240665.jpg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3324x2257+0+0/resize/1800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Feb%2Fbd%2F79101f4940ccb9b89f86733d5190%2Fgettyimages-480240665.jpg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3324x2257+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Feb%2Fbd%2F79101f4940ccb9b89f86733d5190%2Fgettyimages-480240665.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/3324x2257+0+0/resize/1100/quality/50/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Feb%2Fbd%2F79101f4940ccb9b89f86733d5190%2Fgettyimages-480240665.jpg" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3324x2257+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Feb%2Fbd%2F79101f4940ccb9b89f86733d5190%2Fgettyimages-480240665.jpg" class="img" alt="This handout Satellite image made available by the AMSA (Australian Maritime Safety Authority) shows a map of the planned search area for missing Malaysian Airlines Flight MH370 on March 24, 2014." loading="lazy" /> </picture> </div> <div class="credit-caption"> <div class="caption-wrap"> <div class="caption" aria-label="Image caption"> <p> This handout Satellite image made available by the AMSA (Australian Maritime Safety Authority) shows a map of the planned search area for missing Malaysian Airlines Flight MH370 on March 24, 2014. <b class="credit" aria-label="Image credit"> Australian Maritime Safety Authority/Getty Images </b> <b class="hide-caption"><b></b></b> </p> </div> <b class="toggle-caption"><b></b></b> </div> </div> </div> <h3 class="edTag"><strong>Why investigators believe MH370 is in the Indian Ocean</strong></h3> <p>Locating lost planes in the deep sea is notoriously challenging. Previous searches in the Indian Ocean, which is the world's third largest, have come up empty-handed but that does not rule out the possibility the missing aircraft lies there. </p> <p>There's several reasons why Malaysian investigators believe MH370 crashed in the southern Indian Ocean.</p> <p>In a flight simulator used to recreate the flight, the simulated plane traveled to the southern Indian Ocean where it flew around until it ran out of a fuel, investigators said in <a href="https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2017/10/03/555330250/final-report-on-mh370-says-failure-to-locate-airliner-is-almost-inconceivable" target="_blank">2017</a>.</p> <div id="resnx-s1-5235234-102" class="bucketwrap internallink insettwocolumn inset2col"> <!-- END CLASS="BUCKET IMG" --> </div> <!-- END ID="RESNX-S1-5235234-102" CLASS="BUCKETWRAP INTERNALLINK INSETTWOCOLUMN INSET2COL " --> <p>A series of pings from the aircraft to an orbiting satellite also indicated that the plane flew for hours deep in the southern Indian Ocean. Debris from the aircraft, which washed up on the coast of Africa, also backs the theory that the plane plunged in the remote waters west of Australia. </p> <p>Recovering the aircraft is important. Until then, investigators say the cause of the plane's disappearance will never be known for certain. </p> </div> + Asia + + + Senate passes stop-gap spending bill, preventing a government shutdown + Lexie Schapitl + https://www.npr.org/2024/12/20/nx-s1-5235273/government-shutdown-disaster-aid-trump-debt-ceiling + https://text.npr.org/2024/12/20/nx-s1-5235273/government-shutdown-disaster-aid-trump-debt-ceiling + https://www.npr.org/2024/12/20/nx-s1-5235273/government-shutdown-disaster-aid-trump-debt-ceiling + Fri, 20 Dec 2024 20:09:17 +0000 + <div id="storytext" class="storytext storylocation linkLocation"> <div id="resg-s1-39345" class="bucketwrap image large"> <div class="imagewrap has-source-dimensions" data-crop-type="" style=" --source-width: 5303; --source-height: 3540; " > <picture> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5303x3540+0+0/resize/1100/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Faf%2F24%2Fc3e1b7274801afb62f601894088b%2Fgettyimages-2188112968.jpg" class="img" type="image/webp" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5303x3540+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Faf%2F24%2Fc3e1b7274801afb62f601894088b%2Fgettyimages-2188112968.jpg" data-format="webp" /> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5303x3540+0+0/resize/1100/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Faf%2F24%2Fc3e1b7274801afb62f601894088b%2Fgettyimages-2188112968.jpg" class="img" type="image/jpeg" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5303x3540+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Faf%2F24%2Fc3e1b7274801afb62f601894088b%2Fgettyimages-2188112968.jpg" data-format="jpeg" /> <img src="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5303x3540+0+0/resize/1100/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Faf%2F24%2Fc3e1b7274801afb62f601894088b%2Fgettyimages-2188112968.jpg" class="img" alt="The U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree is up outside the building where GOP leaders are furiously scrambling to find a way to avoid a government shutdown." data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5303x3540+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Faf%2F24%2Fc3e1b7274801afb62f601894088b%2Fgettyimages-2188112968.jpg" data-format="jpeg" /> </picture> </div> <div class="credit-caption"> <div class="caption-wrap"> <div class="caption" aria-label="Image caption"> <p> The U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree is up outside the building where GOP leaders are furiously scrambling to find a way to avoid a government shutdown at the end of the day on Friday. <b class="credit" aria-label="Image credit"> Kevin Dietsch/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>The Senate voted 85-11 to approve a short-term spending bill to fund the government until March 14. The measure had overwhelming bipartisan support in both chambers after days of chaos caused by the last-minute intervention of President-elect Donald Trump.</p> <p>In addition to the federal funding, the latest GOP proposal includes $100 billion in aid to communities recovering from natural disasters, including 2023 wildfires in Maui and more recent, post-hurricane flooding in North Carolina.</p> <p>The proposal also includes a one-year extension of federal farm policy and aid to farmers. It does not include any attempt to address the nation's borrowing limit, despite demands from Trump.</p> <p>Those demands and criticism from a top-Trump adviser, billionaire Elon Musk, undermined a bipartisan agreement that was reached earlier this week. That left House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., trying to balance Trump's policy demands with the realities of a razor-thin Republican majority in the House, Democratic-controlled Senate and a fast-approaching deadline.</p> <p>However, one of the policies stripped from the original deal was still approved on Friday. The Senate unanimously approved the Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act, a bill that had already passed the House and will provide more than $12 million a year in funding for pediatric cancer research for five years. </p> <p>The White House also backed the agreement Friday, with Press Secretary Karine Jean Pierre saying in a statement: "President Biden supports moving this legislation forward and ensuring that the vital services the government provides for hardworking Americans — from issuing Social Security checks to processing benefits for veterans — can continue as well as to grant assistance for communities that were impacted by devastating hurricanes."</p> <p>The latest congressional clash evoked a sense of deja vu on Capitol Hill from Trump's first term, when he would often change his demands in real time and by surprise announcement on social media.</p> <p>Republicans will continue to face similar challenges in the next Congress as they attempt to pass legislation with another razor-thin House majority and a Republican-controlled — but closely-divided — Senate. </p> </div> + + + Politics + All Things Considered + + + A fire closed a bookstore named Friends to Lovers. Romance readers kept it afloat + Suzanne Nuyen + https://www.npr.org/2024/12/20/g-s1-39360/books-romance-bookstore-fire-friends-to-lovers + https://text.npr.org/2024/12/20/g-s1-39360/books-romance-bookstore-fire-friends-to-lovers + https://www.npr.org/2024/12/20/g-s1-39360/books-romance-bookstore-fire-friends-to-lovers + Fri, 20 Dec 2024 19:51:19 +0000 + <div id="storytext" class="storytext storylocation linkLocation"> <div id="resg-s1-39363" class="bucketwrap image large"> <div class="imagewrap has-source-dimensions" data-crop-type="" style=" --source-width: 2400; --source-height: 1600; " > <picture> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2400x1600+0+0/resize/1100/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fcf%2F9a%2Fa920b5ff4ec49a509a114aefded4%2F20241010-swood-133.jpg" class="img" type="image/webp" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2400x1600+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fcf%2F9a%2Fa920b5ff4ec49a509a114aefded4%2F20241010-swood-133.jpg" data-format="webp" /> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2400x1600+0+0/resize/1100/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fcf%2F9a%2Fa920b5ff4ec49a509a114aefded4%2F20241010-swood-133.jpg" class="img" type="image/jpeg" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2400x1600+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fcf%2F9a%2Fa920b5ff4ec49a509a114aefded4%2F20241010-swood-133.jpg" data-format="jpeg" /> <img src="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2400x1600+0+0/resize/1100/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fcf%2F9a%2Fa920b5ff4ec49a509a114aefded4%2F20241010-swood-133.jpg" class="img" alt="Owner Jamie Fortin opened Friends to Lovers book store on Nov. 14. Three days later, a fire closed her to close the shop." data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2400x1600+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fcf%2F9a%2Fa920b5ff4ec49a509a114aefded4%2F20241010-swood-133.jpg" data-format="jpeg" /> </picture> </div> <div class="credit-caption"> <div class="caption-wrap"> <div class="caption" aria-label="Image caption"> <p> Owner Jamie Fortin opened Friends to Lovers book store on Nov. 14. Three days later, a fire closed her to close the shop. <b class="credit" aria-label="Image credit"> Suhyoon Wood with AEDP </b> <b class="hide-caption"><b></b></b> </p> </div> <b class="toggle-caption"><b></b></b> </div> </div> </div> <p>When Jamie Fortin moved to Washington, D.C., five years ago, she fell in love with the Virginia neighborhood of Alexandria and vowed to open a small business there. Last month, Fortin's promise to herself became a reality. She opened Friends to Lovers, a romance-themed bookstore inspired by Meet Cute, a romance bookstore in her hometown of San Diego.</p> <p>Friends to Lovers celebrated its grand opening on Nov. 14. "It was honestly just so joyful," Fortin said. "We had a line around the block, which is not something I expected."</p> <div id="resg-s1-39368" class="bucketwrap image large"> <div class="imagewrap has-source-dimensions" data-crop-type="" style=" --source-width: 2400; --source-height: 1600; " > <picture> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2400x1600+0+0/resize/400/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F8b%2F8c%2F4f93cdd74210a6c590992de66e58%2F20241010-swood-130.jpg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2400x1600+0+0/resize/600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F8b%2F8c%2F4f93cdd74210a6c590992de66e58%2F20241010-swood-130.jpg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2400x1600+0+0/resize/800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F8b%2F8c%2F4f93cdd74210a6c590992de66e58%2F20241010-swood-130.jpg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2400x1600+0+0/resize/900/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F8b%2F8c%2F4f93cdd74210a6c590992de66e58%2F20241010-swood-130.jpg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2400x1600+0+0/resize/1200/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F8b%2F8c%2F4f93cdd74210a6c590992de66e58%2F20241010-swood-130.jpg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2400x1600+0+0/resize/1600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F8b%2F8c%2F4f93cdd74210a6c590992de66e58%2F20241010-swood-130.jpg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2400x1600+0+0/resize/1800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F8b%2F8c%2F4f93cdd74210a6c590992de66e58%2F20241010-swood-130.jpg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2400x1600+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F8b%2F8c%2F4f93cdd74210a6c590992de66e58%2F20241010-swood-130.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/2400x1600+0+0/resize/400/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F8b%2F8c%2F4f93cdd74210a6c590992de66e58%2F20241010-swood-130.jpg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2400x1600+0+0/resize/600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F8b%2F8c%2F4f93cdd74210a6c590992de66e58%2F20241010-swood-130.jpg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2400x1600+0+0/resize/800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F8b%2F8c%2F4f93cdd74210a6c590992de66e58%2F20241010-swood-130.jpg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2400x1600+0+0/resize/900/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F8b%2F8c%2F4f93cdd74210a6c590992de66e58%2F20241010-swood-130.jpg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2400x1600+0+0/resize/1200/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F8b%2F8c%2F4f93cdd74210a6c590992de66e58%2F20241010-swood-130.jpg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2400x1600+0+0/resize/1600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F8b%2F8c%2F4f93cdd74210a6c590992de66e58%2F20241010-swood-130.jpg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2400x1600+0+0/resize/1800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F8b%2F8c%2F4f93cdd74210a6c590992de66e58%2F20241010-swood-130.jpg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2400x1600+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F8b%2F8c%2F4f93cdd74210a6c590992de66e58%2F20241010-swood-130.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/2400x1600+0+0/resize/1100/quality/50/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F8b%2F8c%2F4f93cdd74210a6c590992de66e58%2F20241010-swood-130.jpg" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2400x1600+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F8b%2F8c%2F4f93cdd74210a6c590992de66e58%2F20241010-swood-130.jpg" class="img" alt="Before the fire, Fortin estimated that Friends to Lovers offered around 800 romance titles." loading="lazy" /> </picture> </div> <div class="credit-caption"> <div class="caption-wrap"> <div class="caption" aria-label="Image caption"> <p> Before the fire, Fortin estimated that Friends to Lovers offered around 800 romance titles. <b class="credit" aria-label="Image credit"> Suhyoon Wood with the AEDP </b> <b class="hide-caption"><b></b></b> </p> </div> <b class="toggle-caption"><b></b></b> </div> </div> </div> <p>Just three days later, though, Fortin's excitement went up in smoke after the building caught fire. The store sustained smoke damage, leaving the entire stock of books and merchandise unsafe to sell. Fortin was forced to close the store and go into what she described as "solutions mode."</p> <p>Fortin created the Friends and Lovers bookstore to be a space where women and queer people, who make up the overwhelming majority of romance readers, could feel safe.</p> <div id="resg-s1-39360-100" class="bucketwrap internallink insettwocolumn inset2col"> <!-- END CLASS="BUCKET IMG" --> </div> <!-- END ID="RESG-S1-39360-100" CLASS="BUCKETWRAP INTERNALLINK INSETTWOCOLUMN INSET2COL " --> <p>In the U.S., the demand for romance books is booming. According to Publisher's Weekly, <a href="https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/publisher-news/article/96139-riding-on-romance-and-romantasy-print-book-sales-edge-into-positive-territory.html" target="_blank"><u>seven of the top 10</u></a> books of the year fell under this category. In August, 550 bookstores across the U.S., U.K. and Canada <a href="https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/bookselling/article/95781-550-stores-participated-in-2024-bookstore-romance-day.html" target="_blank"><u>participated in Bookstore Romance Day</u></a> — the biggest celebration yet. Many readers have also taken to the internet to share their passion. Romance books dominate the #BookTok, a TikTok community with over 100 billion views. Creators like <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@listenwithbritt" target="_blank"><u>@listenwithbritt</u></a> and <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@kendra.reads?lang=en" target="_blank"><u>@kendra.reads</u></a> share their recommendations and reviews with hundreds of thousands of followers. Their videos have garnered millions of likes and views. Despite the genre's popularity, Fortin says most of the bookstores she frequented didn't dedicate much space to the genre. "Even though it may be their most popular selling genre, most bookstores have one or two shelves of romance," she said.</p> <div id="resg-s1-39374" class="bucketwrap image large"> <div class="imagewrap has-source-dimensions" data-crop-type="" style=" --source-width: 3024; --source-height: 4032; " > <picture> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3024x4032+0+0/resize/400/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F63%2F1d%2F3c59d0064f91b29054a76c23144c%2Fimg-0112.jpg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3024x4032+0+0/resize/600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F63%2F1d%2F3c59d0064f91b29054a76c23144c%2Fimg-0112.jpg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3024x4032+0+0/resize/800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F63%2F1d%2F3c59d0064f91b29054a76c23144c%2Fimg-0112.jpg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3024x4032+0+0/resize/900/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F63%2F1d%2F3c59d0064f91b29054a76c23144c%2Fimg-0112.jpg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3024x4032+0+0/resize/1200/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F63%2F1d%2F3c59d0064f91b29054a76c23144c%2Fimg-0112.jpg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3024x4032+0+0/resize/1600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F63%2F1d%2F3c59d0064f91b29054a76c23144c%2Fimg-0112.jpg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3024x4032+0+0/resize/1800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F63%2F1d%2F3c59d0064f91b29054a76c23144c%2Fimg-0112.jpg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3024x4032+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F63%2F1d%2F3c59d0064f91b29054a76c23144c%2Fimg-0112.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/3024x4032+0+0/resize/400/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F63%2F1d%2F3c59d0064f91b29054a76c23144c%2Fimg-0112.jpg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3024x4032+0+0/resize/600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F63%2F1d%2F3c59d0064f91b29054a76c23144c%2Fimg-0112.jpg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3024x4032+0+0/resize/800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F63%2F1d%2F3c59d0064f91b29054a76c23144c%2Fimg-0112.jpg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3024x4032+0+0/resize/900/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F63%2F1d%2F3c59d0064f91b29054a76c23144c%2Fimg-0112.jpg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3024x4032+0+0/resize/1200/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F63%2F1d%2F3c59d0064f91b29054a76c23144c%2Fimg-0112.jpg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3024x4032+0+0/resize/1600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F63%2F1d%2F3c59d0064f91b29054a76c23144c%2Fimg-0112.jpg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3024x4032+0+0/resize/1800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F63%2F1d%2F3c59d0064f91b29054a76c23144c%2Fimg-0112.jpg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3024x4032+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F63%2F1d%2F3c59d0064f91b29054a76c23144c%2Fimg-0112.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/3024x4032+0+0/resize/1100/quality/50/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F63%2F1d%2F3c59d0064f91b29054a76c23144c%2Fimg-0112.jpg" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3024x4032+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F63%2F1d%2F3c59d0064f91b29054a76c23144c%2Fimg-0112.jpg" class="img" alt="Extensive smoke damage from the fire meant that Fortin could not sell any of the books or merchandise from the Friends to Lovers store." loading="lazy" /> </picture> </div> <div class="credit-caption"> <div class="caption-wrap"> <div class="caption" aria-label="Image caption"> </div> </div> </div> </div> <p>At the grand opening of Friends to Lovers, many readers expressed the same sentiment. Some traveled more than an hour to browse the shelves. Readers came from Charlottesville, Va., Baltimore, Md. and more.</p> <p>"Romance-centered bookstores are sorely lacking," said Kayla Lloyd, who traveled from Annapolis to check out the bookstore. "We can go to Barnes & Noble and we can see the romance section, but you're not going to get the selection that's here." Fortin says she stocks local and independent authors as well as bestsellers. She estimates that the bookstore offered about 800 titles before the fire.</p> <p>"Outside of gay bars in the area, I think that there is definitely a lack of third spaces for people of color and queer people to hang out," said Eleanor Bodington, a customer at Friends to Lovers.</p> <p>Fortin partnered with two women who owned small businesses in the area to help launch their brands at the grand opening event. Women and queer-owned businesses also make all of the store's non-book merchandise, including bags, hats and more. Even her store's location was intentional, Fortin says. She wanted Friends to Lovers surrounded by other small businesses so that readers would be encouraged to support other entrepreneurs like her after they came to her store. "When I woke up [after the fire], I felt like I needed to live up to this space that I created that people are now relying on as a space they feel at home and safe," Fortin said.</p> <div id="resg-s1-39369" class="bucketwrap image large"> <div class="imagewrap has-source-dimensions" data-crop-type="" style=" --source-width: 480; --source-height: 640; " > <picture> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/480x640+0+0/resize/400/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F42%2F47%2F6063640c498fb4eee4954a091345%2Fimage5.jpeg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/480x640+0+0/resize/600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F42%2F47%2F6063640c498fb4eee4954a091345%2Fimage5.jpeg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/480x640+0+0/resize/800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F42%2F47%2F6063640c498fb4eee4954a091345%2Fimage5.jpeg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/480x640+0+0/resize/900/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F42%2F47%2F6063640c498fb4eee4954a091345%2Fimage5.jpeg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/480x640+0+0/resize/1200/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F42%2F47%2F6063640c498fb4eee4954a091345%2Fimage5.jpeg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/480x640+0+0/resize/1600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F42%2F47%2F6063640c498fb4eee4954a091345%2Fimage5.jpeg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/480x640+0+0/resize/1800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F42%2F47%2F6063640c498fb4eee4954a091345%2Fimage5.jpeg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/480x640+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F42%2F47%2F6063640c498fb4eee4954a091345%2Fimage5.jpeg" 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/480x640+0+0/resize/400/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F42%2F47%2F6063640c498fb4eee4954a091345%2Fimage5.jpeg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/480x640+0+0/resize/600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F42%2F47%2F6063640c498fb4eee4954a091345%2Fimage5.jpeg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/480x640+0+0/resize/800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F42%2F47%2F6063640c498fb4eee4954a091345%2Fimage5.jpeg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/480x640+0+0/resize/900/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F42%2F47%2F6063640c498fb4eee4954a091345%2Fimage5.jpeg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/480x640+0+0/resize/1200/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F42%2F47%2F6063640c498fb4eee4954a091345%2Fimage5.jpeg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/480x640+0+0/resize/1600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F42%2F47%2F6063640c498fb4eee4954a091345%2Fimage5.jpeg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/480x640+0+0/resize/1800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F42%2F47%2F6063640c498fb4eee4954a091345%2Fimage5.jpeg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/480x640+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F42%2F47%2F6063640c498fb4eee4954a091345%2Fimage5.jpeg" 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/480x640+0+0/resize/1100/quality/50/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F42%2F47%2F6063640c498fb4eee4954a091345%2Fimage5.jpeg" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/480x640+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F42%2F47%2F6063640c498fb4eee4954a091345%2Fimage5.jpeg" class="img" alt="Fortin partnered with women and queer-owned businesses to create merchandise for her bookstore, including hats and stickers." loading="lazy" /> </picture> </div> <div class="credit-caption"> <div class="caption-wrap"> <div class="caption" aria-label="Image caption"> <p> Fortin partnered with women and queer-owned businesses to create merchandise for her bookstore, including hats and stickers. <b class="credit" aria-label="Image credit"> Courtesy of Maryam Bami </b> <b class="hide-caption"><b></b></b> </p> </div> <b class="toggle-caption"><b></b></b> </div> </div> </div> <p>Despite being open for just a few days, the community Fortin hoped to reach rallied around her business. Donations flooded in, surpassing Fortin's $20,000 GoFundMe goal in 24 hours. After assessing the full extent of the damage, Fortin increased her donation goal to $45,000, eventually surpassing that one as well.</p> <p>Fortin says she believes that her dedication to her goal of supporting women and queer businesses, combined with the tight-knit nature of the romance reading community, helped her rebuild quickly. "The community support has really buoyed me and pushed me to create something better out of the ashes, as it were," she said. "There were more people than I ever expected that cared about my little bookstore."</p> <p>"When you set your mission, and you really stand by it, people say, 'We love that mission. We'll live that out as well,"' Fortin said.</p> <p>Fortin opened a long-term pop-up location for Friends to Lovers on Dec. 7 at a nearby business. She continues to search for a new permanent location for the shop.</p> <div id="resg-s1-39360-101" class="bucketwrap statichtml"> <blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DDQUjm1uGo5/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DDQUjm1uGo5/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; 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font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; 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overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DDQUjm1uGo5/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Friends to Lovers Bookstore (@friendstoloversbookstore)</a></p></div></blockquote> <script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script> </div> <!-- END ID="RESG-S1-39360-101" CLASS="BUCKETWRAP STATICHTML" --> <p>"It has been so overwhelming. I feel like the community is not letting me sit and wallow in my grief. Instead, they've said, 'We're going to fix this. We're going to make sure it's successful."'</p> <p>Fortin says that because the romance community is used to their traditionally feminine interests not being respected, it doesn't take the brick-and-mortar location for granted.</p> <p>"I think we haven't always had a lot of overwhelming support for things that women love," Fortin said. "We love to say that things are ridiculous when women love them. There's a lot of things that men love that we don't consider ridiculous." Fortin points out that teenage girls were the ones who loved the Beatles first before they became a household name. "Romance is one of the genres with the most staying power, that's always been the least respected."</p> <p>"We're creating a safe space to talk about things that are not celebrated in regular spaces," she said. "Once women and queer people saw that, everyone said 'let's all stand behind this together."'</p> <p>"The outpouring of support has been amazing as a bystander to watch," said Maryam Bami, owner of Old Town Flower Gal. Bami launched her floral business at the Friends to Lovers grand opening. "I thought I was a fan of romance until I met some of the supporters of the bookstore." Bami is one of several woman-owned businesses Fortin intentionally collaborated with. "She really just took a chance on all of us and really elevated us in the process," she said.</p> <div id="resg-s1-39371" class="bucketwrap image large"> <div class="imagewrap has-source-dimensions" data-crop-type="" style=" --source-width: 480; --source-height: 640; " > <picture> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/480x640+0+0/resize/400/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Ff2%2F3b%2Fd38260094e72864ef451ecc8f658%2Fimage1.jpeg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/480x640+0+0/resize/600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Ff2%2F3b%2Fd38260094e72864ef451ecc8f658%2Fimage1.jpeg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/480x640+0+0/resize/800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Ff2%2F3b%2Fd38260094e72864ef451ecc8f658%2Fimage1.jpeg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/480x640+0+0/resize/900/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Ff2%2F3b%2Fd38260094e72864ef451ecc8f658%2Fimage1.jpeg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/480x640+0+0/resize/1200/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Ff2%2F3b%2Fd38260094e72864ef451ecc8f658%2Fimage1.jpeg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/480x640+0+0/resize/1600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Ff2%2F3b%2Fd38260094e72864ef451ecc8f658%2Fimage1.jpeg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/480x640+0+0/resize/1800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Ff2%2F3b%2Fd38260094e72864ef451ecc8f658%2Fimage1.jpeg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/480x640+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Ff2%2F3b%2Fd38260094e72864ef451ecc8f658%2Fimage1.jpeg" 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/480x640+0+0/resize/400/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Ff2%2F3b%2Fd38260094e72864ef451ecc8f658%2Fimage1.jpeg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/480x640+0+0/resize/600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Ff2%2F3b%2Fd38260094e72864ef451ecc8f658%2Fimage1.jpeg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/480x640+0+0/resize/800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Ff2%2F3b%2Fd38260094e72864ef451ecc8f658%2Fimage1.jpeg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/480x640+0+0/resize/900/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Ff2%2F3b%2Fd38260094e72864ef451ecc8f658%2Fimage1.jpeg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/480x640+0+0/resize/1200/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Ff2%2F3b%2Fd38260094e72864ef451ecc8f658%2Fimage1.jpeg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/480x640+0+0/resize/1600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Ff2%2F3b%2Fd38260094e72864ef451ecc8f658%2Fimage1.jpeg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/480x640+0+0/resize/1800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Ff2%2F3b%2Fd38260094e72864ef451ecc8f658%2Fimage1.jpeg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/480x640+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Ff2%2F3b%2Fd38260094e72864ef451ecc8f658%2Fimage1.jpeg" 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/480x640+0+0/resize/1100/quality/50/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Ff2%2F3b%2Fd38260094e72864ef451ecc8f658%2Fimage1.jpeg" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/480x640+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Ff2%2F3b%2Fd38260094e72864ef451ecc8f658%2Fimage1.jpeg" class="img" alt="Maryam Bami was one of several female entrepreneurs who launched their brand at the Friends to Lovers grand opening. Bami owns Old Town Flower Gal, a floral shop that specializes in &quot;flower bombs.&quot;" loading="lazy" /> </picture> </div> <div class="credit-caption"> <div class="caption-wrap"> <div class="caption" aria-label="Image caption"> <p> Maryam Bami was one of several female entrepreneurs who launched their brand at the Friends to Lovers grand opening. Bami owns Old Town Flower Gal, a floral shop that specializes in "flower bombs." <b class="credit" aria-label="Image credit"> Courtesy Maryam Bami </b> <b class="hide-caption"><b></b></b> </p> </div> <b class="toggle-caption"><b></b></b> </div> </div> </div> <p>As Fortin writes a new chapter for Friends to Lovers, she still views her community of business owners as vital to the bookstore's success. She hopes readers supporting her rebuilding efforts will also patronize the nearby businesses that were also affected by the fire. She's also encouraged supporters to donate to fundraisers for other businesses affected by the fire. "Women have constantly had to lift each other up and be each other's solid ground," she said. "If [my business] has all this hype and support and encouragement, I need to use that to build up other women and other brands."<br></p> </div> + Books + + + What a government shutdown could mean for your holiday travel plans + Rachel Treisman + https://www.npr.org/2024/12/20/nx-s1-5235250/government-shutdown-holiday-travel-flying-driving + https://text.npr.org/2024/12/20/nx-s1-5235250/government-shutdown-holiday-travel-flying-driving + https://www.npr.org/2024/12/20/nx-s1-5235250/government-shutdown-holiday-travel-flying-driving + Fri, 20 Dec 2024 18:59:25 +0000 + <div id="storytext" class="storytext storylocation linkLocation"> <div id="resg-s1-39334" class="bucketwrap image large"> <div class="imagewrap has-source-dimensions" data-crop-type="" style=" --source-width: 5293; --source-height: 3528; " > <picture> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5293x3528+0+0/resize/1100/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fe5%2Fac%2Ff8e7bda748c28ca7ff5270fd01fc%2Fap24355479680391.jpg" class="img" type="image/webp" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5293x3528+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fe5%2Fac%2Ff8e7bda748c28ca7ff5270fd01fc%2Fap24355479680391.jpg" data-format="webp" /> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5293x3528+0+0/resize/1100/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fe5%2Fac%2Ff8e7bda748c28ca7ff5270fd01fc%2Fap24355479680391.jpg" class="img" type="image/jpeg" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5293x3528+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fe5%2Fac%2Ff8e7bda748c28ca7ff5270fd01fc%2Fap24355479680391.jpg" data-format="jpeg" /> <img src="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5293x3528+0+0/resize/1100/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fe5%2Fac%2Ff8e7bda748c28ca7ff5270fd01fc%2Fap24355479680391.jpg" class="img" alt="Holiday travelers wait in line to check their bags at the JetBlue terminal at Boston&#039;s Logan Airport on Friday." data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5293x3528+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fe5%2Fac%2Ff8e7bda748c28ca7ff5270fd01fc%2Fap24355479680391.jpg" data-format="jpeg" /> </picture> </div> <div class="credit-caption"> <div class="caption-wrap"> <div class="caption" aria-label="Image caption"> <p> Holiday travelers wait in line to check their bags at the JetBlue terminal at Boston's Logan Airport on Friday. <b class="credit" aria-label="Image credit"> Charles Krupa/AP </b> <b class="hide-caption"><b></b></b> </p> </div> <b class="toggle-caption"><b></b></b> </div> </div> </div> <p>With Christmas and Hanukkah just days away, millions of Americans are packing their bags and preparing to hit the road. Meanwhile, Congress is trying — so far unsuccessfully — to find a way to continue <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/12/19/nx-s1-5234083/congress-shutdown-trump-musk" target="_blank">funding the government</a>.</p> <div id="resnx-s1-5235250-100" class="bucketwrap internallink insettwocolumn inset2col"> <!-- END CLASS="BUCKET IMG" --> </div> <!-- END ID="RESNX-S1-5235250-100" CLASS="BUCKETWRAP INTERNALLINK INSETTWOCOLUMN INSET2COL " --> <p>The federal government will begin shutdown operations at midnight on Friday if lawmakers can't pass a <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/12/19/nx-s1-5234083/congress-shutdown-trump-musk" target="_blank">stopgap funding bill</a> before then. That would grind certain <a href="https://www.npr.org/2023/09/29/1202474725/2023-government-shutdown-update" target="_blank">services, programming and pay</a> for federal workers to a halt, eventually affecting everyday Americans in all sorts of ways.</p> <p>Could a government shutdown be the Grinch that spoils holiday travel?</p> <p>While many federal employees involved in areas like air travel and border control are considered essential and are expected to keep working, a prolonged shutdown could complicate things. </p> <p>Here's what to know about planes, trains, automobiles and more.<br></p> <h3 class="edTag">Air travel could eventually face disruptions</h3> <p>The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) was already bracing for a busy holiday travel season. It expects to screen more than <a href="https://www.tsa.gov/news/press/releases/2024/12/12/tsa-previews-end-year-holiday-travel-season-sharing-what-air" target="_blank">39 million</a> passengers at airports nationwide between Dec. 19 and Jan. 2.</p> <div id="resnx-s1-5235250-101" class="bucketwrap internallink insettwocolumn inset2col"> <!-- END CLASS="BUCKET IMG" --> </div> <!-- END ID="RESNX-S1-5235250-101" CLASS="BUCKETWRAP INTERNALLINK INSETTWOCOLUMN INSET2COL " --> <p>A shutdown could throw a wrinkle in travelers' plans, since the TSA is part of the federal government: the Department of Homeland Security.</p> <p>TSA Administrator David Pekoske <a href="https://x.com/TSA_Pekoske/status/1869826938376015926" target="_blank">said Thursday</a> that about 59,000 of the agency's more than 62,000 employees are considered essential and would continue working without pay in the event of the shutdown.</p> <p>That's true — at least in theory.</p> <p>During a five-week <a href="https://www.npr.org/2018/12/31/681228933/as-government-shutdown-drags-on-so-do-economic-worries" target="_blank">partial government shutdown</a> over the 2018-2019 holiday season, scores of TSA employees — <a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/tsa-sick-calls-hit-10-amid-government-shutdown-2019-01-21/" target="_blank">as many as 10%</a> of the nationwide workforce — <a href="https://www.npr.org/2019/01/22/687319763/during-shutdown-tsa-workers-call-off-because-of-financial-limitations" target="_blank">called in sick</a>, prompting long security lines and shuttered checkpoints <a href="https://www.npr.org/2019/01/15/685656065/some-travelers-expressing-gratitude-for-tsa-workers-amid-shutdown" target="_blank">at some airports</a>.</p> <div id="resnx-s1-5235250-102" class="bucketwrap internallink insettwocolumn inset2col"> <!-- END CLASS="BUCKET IMG" --> </div> <!-- END ID="RESNX-S1-5235250-102" CLASS="BUCKETWRAP INTERNALLINK INSETTWOCOLUMN INSET2COL " --> <p>Pekoske hinted that similar problems could arise if a shutdown persists.</p> <p>"While our personnel are prepared to handle high volumes of travelers and ensure safe travel, please be aware that an extended shutdown could mean longer wait times at airports," <a href="https://x.com/TSA_Pekoske/status/1869826938376015926" target="_blank">he tweeted</a>.</p> <p>The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which is part of the Department of Transportation, says that more than 12,000 air traffic controllers would continue working without pay in the event of a government shutdown.</p> <p>Hiring and training would be paused, however, according to its <a href="https://www.transportation.gov/sites/dot.gov/files/2024-09/DOT_Shutdown_Plan9.16.24.pdf" target="_blank">operational guidance</a>. The FAA is already experiencing a <a href="https://www.faa.gov/jobs/career_fields/aviation_careers/experienced_controllers#:~:text=This%20elite%20group%20of%20more,back%20safely%20on%20the%20ground." target="_blank">shortage of air traffic controllers</a>, which experts say strains the system and can exacerbate delays.</p> <p>Passengers can monitor <a href="https://nasstatus.faa.gov/" target="_blank">flight information online</a> and through their airline.</p> <p>In addition to <a href="https://www.tsa.gov/travel/travel-tips/travel-checklist" target="_blank">the standard tips</a> for packing and security, the TSA says travelers can prepare for potential holiday chaos by placing gifts in bags instead of wrapping them and making a plan for <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/11/21/nx-s1-5199871/thanksgiving-food-tsa-plane-travel" target="_blank">traveling with food</a> — especially if they're hoping to travel with only carry-on luggage, as many experts recommend. <br></p> <h3 class="edTag">Roads will be busy </h3> <p>AAA predicts that 119.3 million people across the country will travel more than 50 miles from home between Saturday and Jan. 1, <a href="https://newsroom.aaa.com/2024/12/year-end-forecast/" target="_blank">narrowly breaking a record</a> previously set in 2019.</p> <p>It projects that 90% of those travelers — amounting to more than 107 million people — will be making their trip by car. And because both Christmas and New Year's Day fall on a Wednesday, it warns that traffic is likely to be especially bad on the weekends.</p> <div id="resnx-s1-5235250-103" class="bucketwrap internallink insettwocolumn inset2col"> <!-- END CLASS="BUCKET IMG" --> </div> <!-- END ID="RESNX-S1-5235250-103" CLASS="BUCKETWRAP INTERNALLINK INSETTWOCOLUMN INSET2COL " --> <p>"There's no set one day that's going to be the busiest at the airports or the worst on the roads, but it's going to be those two weekends for sure," AAA's Aixa Diaz told <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/12/18/nx-s1-5231844/brace-yourself-for-a-very-busy-holiday-travel-season-tips-to-help-you" target="_blank">NPR's <em>Morning Edition</em></a> this week.</p> <p>That said, AAA <a href="https://newsroom.aaa.com/2024/12/year-end-forecast/" target="_blank">has a list</a> of the best and worst times to drive during the holiday period (unsurprisingly, Tuesdays and Wednesdays are the winners). And regardless of timing, it urges drivers to follow posted speed limits, slow down and move over for emergency responders, and drive only when alert.</p> <p>"Driving on 4-5 hours of sleep is as dangerous as driving with a 0.08 BAC (legal intoxication)," it warns. "Less than 4 hours of sleep? The risk doubles."</p> <p>AAA advises avoiding overnight drives, heavy meals, medications that cause drowsiness and alcohol. It encourages drivers to take breaks every two hours or 100 miles, using those pauses to take a 20-30 minute nap or switch drivers if possible.<br></p> <h3 class="edTag">Train service is expected to continue </h3> <p>While Amtrak is a <a href="https://railroads.dot.gov/passenger-rail/amtrak/amtrak" target="_blank">for-profit company</a>, it does <a href="https://railroads.dot.gov/grants-loans/directed-grant-programs/federal-grants-amtrak" target="_blank">receive some funding</a> from federal and state governments. That's not likely to be disrupted in the event of a government shutdown.</p> <p>"Passengers planning to travel on Amtrak trains in the Northeast Corridor and across the country in the coming days and weeks can be assured that Amtrak will remain open for business," Amtrak spokesperson W. Kyle Anderson told NPR over email Friday.</p> <div id="resnx-s1-5235250-104" class="bucketwrap internallink insettwocolumn inset2col"> <!-- END CLASS="BUCKET IMG" --> </div> <!-- END ID="RESNX-S1-5235250-104" CLASS="BUCKETWRAP INTERNALLINK INSETTWOCOLUMN INSET2COL " --> <p>However, Amtrak can't operate indefinitely without receiving disbursements of funding, the <a href="https://www.railpassengers.org/happening-now/news/blog/government-shutdown-looms-ahead-of-holiday-travel-season/" target="_blank">Rail Passengers Association</a> said in a statement this week. It warns that a prolonged shutdown "will degrade service, while also slowing down upgrades being funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law."<br></p> <h3 class="edTag">Passport processing and border security will be largely unaffected </h3> <p>The inspection and law enforcement personnel at Customs and Border Protection are considered essential, meaning that ports of entry will be open and processing of passengers will continue as usual, according to the <a href="https://www.aila.org/library/government-shuts-down#:~:text=The%20OFLC%20would%20cease%20processing,will%20be%20placed%20on%20hold." target="_blank">American Immigration Lawyers Association</a> (AILA).</p> <div id="resnx-s1-5235250-105" class="bucketwrap internallink insettwocolumn inset2col"> <!-- END CLASS="BUCKET IMG" --> </div> <!-- END ID="RESNX-S1-5235250-105" CLASS="BUCKETWRAP INTERNALLINK INSETTWOCOLUMN INSET2COL " --> <p>While Americans still waiting on passport renewals are cutting it close for Christmas, a shutdown is not likely to further prolong that process.</p> <p>The State Department's visa and passport operations are funded by fees and therefore "not normally impacted by a lapse in appropriations," the AILA explains.</p> <p>The department's 2023 <a href="https://www.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Updated-DOS-Lapse-Guidance-August-2023-Final-Accessible.pdf" target="_blank">contingency plans</a> say that consular operations — both domestically and abroad — will remain "100% operational as long as there are sufficient fees to support operations."</p> <p>However, it says access to passport services could be suspended in certain government buildings run by agencies that have been put on pause. Luckily, Americans can now <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/09/18/g-s1-23620/americans-passport-renew-online" target="_blank">renew their passports online</a>.</p> </div> + National + holiday season + Travel + air travel + government shutdown + + + diff --git a/NPR§ion=1180232252 b/NPR§ion=1180232252 new file mode 100644 index 000000000..d25b2f0be --- /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 + + + GOP stop-gap bill fails, bringing potential shutdown closer. And, NPR's guide to dance + Brittney Melton + https://www.npr.org/2024/12/20/g-s1-39282/up-first-newsletter-stop-gap-bill-failed-possible-government-shutdown-ukraine-russia-war-syria-hts + https://text.npr.org/2024/12/20/g-s1-39282/up-first-newsletter-stop-gap-bill-failed-possible-government-shutdown-ukraine-russia-war-syria-hts + https://www.npr.org/2024/12/20/g-s1-39282/up-first-newsletter-stop-gap-bill-failed-possible-government-shutdown-ukraine-russia-war-syria-hts + Fri, 20 Dec 2024 12:59:07 +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" target="_blank">Subscribe</a><em> here to get it delivered to your inbox, and </em><a href="https://www.npr.org/podcasts/510318/up-first/" target="_blank">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>Federal agencies will run out of money tonight at midnight after House Republicans weren't able to pass a stop-gap funding measure yesterday.</strong> House Speaker Mike Johnson crafted a Plan B proposal in response to President-elect Donald Trump's demands to replace an original bipartisan bill that was killed on Wednesday. Plan B failed last night. The original plan was <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/12/19/nx-s1-5234083/congress-shutdown-trump-musk" target="_blank">derailed when Trump</a> and his top advisers, including Elon Musk, demanded that Congress kill the deal.</p> <div id="resg-s1-39046" class="bucketwrap image large"> <div class="imagewrap has-source-dimensions" data-crop-type="" style=" --source-width: 6429; --source-height: 3616; " > <picture> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/6429x3616+0+0/resize/400/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F46%2F08%2Fa4bad4c9433da6ba255a09cb9280%2Fgettyimages-2185632401.jpg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/6429x3616+0+0/resize/600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F46%2F08%2Fa4bad4c9433da6ba255a09cb9280%2Fgettyimages-2185632401.jpg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/6429x3616+0+0/resize/800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F46%2F08%2Fa4bad4c9433da6ba255a09cb9280%2Fgettyimages-2185632401.jpg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/6429x3616+0+0/resize/900/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F46%2F08%2Fa4bad4c9433da6ba255a09cb9280%2Fgettyimages-2185632401.jpg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/6429x3616+0+0/resize/1200/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F46%2F08%2Fa4bad4c9433da6ba255a09cb9280%2Fgettyimages-2185632401.jpg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/6429x3616+0+0/resize/1600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F46%2F08%2Fa4bad4c9433da6ba255a09cb9280%2Fgettyimages-2185632401.jpg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/6429x3616+0+0/resize/1800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F46%2F08%2Fa4bad4c9433da6ba255a09cb9280%2Fgettyimages-2185632401.jpg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/6429x3616+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F46%2F08%2Fa4bad4c9433da6ba255a09cb9280%2Fgettyimages-2185632401.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/6429x3616+0+0/resize/400/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F46%2F08%2Fa4bad4c9433da6ba255a09cb9280%2Fgettyimages-2185632401.jpg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/6429x3616+0+0/resize/600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F46%2F08%2Fa4bad4c9433da6ba255a09cb9280%2Fgettyimages-2185632401.jpg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/6429x3616+0+0/resize/800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F46%2F08%2Fa4bad4c9433da6ba255a09cb9280%2Fgettyimages-2185632401.jpg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/6429x3616+0+0/resize/900/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F46%2F08%2Fa4bad4c9433da6ba255a09cb9280%2Fgettyimages-2185632401.jpg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/6429x3616+0+0/resize/1200/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F46%2F08%2Fa4bad4c9433da6ba255a09cb9280%2Fgettyimages-2185632401.jpg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/6429x3616+0+0/resize/1600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F46%2F08%2Fa4bad4c9433da6ba255a09cb9280%2Fgettyimages-2185632401.jpg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/6429x3616+0+0/resize/1800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F46%2F08%2Fa4bad4c9433da6ba255a09cb9280%2Fgettyimages-2185632401.jpg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/6429x3616+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F46%2F08%2Fa4bad4c9433da6ba255a09cb9280%2Fgettyimages-2185632401.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/6429x3616+0+0/resize/1100/quality/50/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F46%2F08%2Fa4bad4c9433da6ba255a09cb9280%2Fgettyimages-2185632401.jpg" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/6429x3616+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F46%2F08%2Fa4bad4c9433da6ba255a09cb9280%2Fgettyimages-2185632401.jpg" class="img" alt="President-elect Donald Trump has not yet been sworn in but he and his close adviser Elon Musk are already wielding power in Washington." loading="lazy" /> </picture> </div> <div class="credit-caption"> <div class="caption-wrap"> <div class="caption" aria-label="Image caption"> <p> President-elect Donald Trump has not yet been sworn in but he and his close adviser Elon Musk are already wielding power in Washington. <b class="credit" aria-label="Image credit"> Brandon Bell/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>A significant number of the speaker's Republican colleagues joined Democrats to tank the new plan even after Trump endorsed it</strong>, NPR's Deirdre Walsh tells <em>Up First</em>. Many House conservatives criticized the decision to add — at Trump's request — a two-year increase to the U.S.' borrowing authority without spending cuts. Currently, there is no Plan C or clear path to avoid a government shutdown, but Johnson said he is <a href="https://one.npr.org/?sharedMediaId=1220579290:1263841573" target="_blank">regrouping to develop a new solution</a>. Walsh says this shows how hard it will be for Republicans to move their agenda through when they are so divided over the spending bill.</li></ul> <p><strong>The Ukrainian city of Pokrovsk is facing one of the fiercest battles in the country's eastern region.</strong> It's a transportation hub and coal mining center. An independent estimate finds that over 3,000 soldiers in Russia's army have been killed or wounded trying to capture it — so far unsuccessfully. <br></p> <ul class="edTag"><li>🎧 <strong>If Pokrovsk falls, other cities like Dnipro, which is home to nearly a million people, will be more vulnerable.</strong> NPR's Brian Mann said people he spoke to in the region yesterday expressed that this <a href="https://one.npr.org/?sharedMediaId=1220579290:1263841573" target="_blank">battle is crucial and the fighting is grim</a>. As Mann walked through Pokrovsk, he saw empty gray streets, houses, shops and hotels shattered by Russian bombs. Most military analysts have stated that Russia's army is simply much larger and has more men, artillery and shells than Ukraine's. Mann says Ukraine has been able to hold on so far by being creative, in part by using attack drones. If Russia can take the city, it'll be its most significant victory in months.</li></ul> <p><strong>The rebel group that toppled former Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad's regime now faces the challenge of replacing it. </strong>They've set up an interim government. Many people are waiting to see what the rebel group HTS will do differently than Assad. The challenge: governing a devastated country with many ethnic and religious groups. <br></p> <ul class="edTag"><li>🎧 <strong>HTS, which has roots in al-Qaeda, has informed Syrians it won't turn the country into another Afghanistan. </strong>Still, some in the country are <a href="https://one.npr.org/?sharedMediaId=1220579290:1263841573" target="_blank">worried about whether they will impose a very stringent form</a> of Islamic rule, NPR's Hadeel Al-Shalchi says. HTS is using bureaucrats from Assad's regime to get things up and running, as the rebels don't have the expertise needed to run a country. Senior U.S. diplomats are in Damascus now meeting with HTS. The rebel group is currently designated as a terrorist organization, but they are desperate for the U.S. to drop that designation so they can get aid to rebuild the country.</li></ul> <h3 class="edTag">Life advice</h3> <div id="resg-s1-39280" class="bucketwrap image large"> <div class="imagewrap has-source-dimensions" data-crop-type="" style=" --source-width: 896; --source-height: 504; " > <picture> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/896x504+51+0/resize/400/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F67%2F05%2F6943c83240ff815619bd78b4b225%2Fdance.PNG 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/896x504+51+0/resize/600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F67%2F05%2F6943c83240ff815619bd78b4b225%2Fdance.PNG 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/896x504+51+0/resize/800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F67%2F05%2F6943c83240ff815619bd78b4b225%2Fdance.PNG 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/896x504+51+0/resize/900/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F67%2F05%2F6943c83240ff815619bd78b4b225%2Fdance.PNG 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/896x504+51+0/resize/1200/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F67%2F05%2F6943c83240ff815619bd78b4b225%2Fdance.PNG 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/896x504+51+0/resize/1600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F67%2F05%2F6943c83240ff815619bd78b4b225%2Fdance.PNG 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/896x504+51+0/resize/1800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F67%2F05%2F6943c83240ff815619bd78b4b225%2Fdance.PNG 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/896x504+51+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F67%2F05%2F6943c83240ff815619bd78b4b225%2Fdance.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/896x504+51+0/resize/400/quality/85/format/png/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F67%2F05%2F6943c83240ff815619bd78b4b225%2Fdance.PNG 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/896x504+51+0/resize/600/quality/85/format/png/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F67%2F05%2F6943c83240ff815619bd78b4b225%2Fdance.PNG 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/896x504+51+0/resize/800/quality/85/format/png/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F67%2F05%2F6943c83240ff815619bd78b4b225%2Fdance.PNG 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/896x504+51+0/resize/900/quality/85/format/png/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F67%2F05%2F6943c83240ff815619bd78b4b225%2Fdance.PNG 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/896x504+51+0/resize/1200/quality/85/format/png/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F67%2F05%2F6943c83240ff815619bd78b4b225%2Fdance.PNG 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/896x504+51+0/resize/1600/quality/85/format/png/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F67%2F05%2F6943c83240ff815619bd78b4b225%2Fdance.PNG 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/896x504+51+0/resize/1800/quality/85/format/png/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F67%2F05%2F6943c83240ff815619bd78b4b225%2Fdance.PNG 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/896x504+51+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F67%2F05%2F6943c83240ff815619bd78b4b225%2Fdance.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/896x504+51+0/resize/1100/quality/50/format/png/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F67%2F05%2F6943c83240ff815619bd78b4b225%2Fdance.PNG" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/896x504+51+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F67%2F05%2F6943c83240ff815619bd78b4b225%2Fdance.PNG" class="img" alt="Man showing off his dance moves." loading="lazy" /> </picture> </div> <div class="credit-caption"> <div class="caption-wrap"> <div class="caption" aria-label="Image caption"> <p> Man showing off his dance moves. <b class="credit" aria-label="Image credit"> Connie Hanzhang Jin/NPR/Connie Hanzhang Jin/NPR </b> <b class="hide-caption"><b></b></b> </p> </div> <b class="toggle-caption"><b></b></b> </div> </div> </div> <p><strong>If you think you can't dance, you would be wrong.</strong> Anyone can dance, and you don't need special shoes or skills to do it. Great music is a plus, though. <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/12/19/nx-s1-5232811/think-you-cant-dance-get-up-and-try-these-tips-in-our-comic-we-dare-you" target="_blank">Check out this comic's step-by-step guide</a> with advice from experts on how to move and groove with confidence. <br></p> <ul class="edTag"><li>💃 <strong>Start by playing your favorite song</strong> and move your body any way you like. If it feels awkward, that's OK. Don't worry about whether you look good.</li><li>💃 <strong>Incorporate different movements</strong> to try to translate what emotions or images the music stirs up in you.</li><li>💃 <strong>If all else fails</strong>, remember you can always bop your head to the beat.</li><li>💃 <strong>Find the beat and let it lead you. </strong>When you move your limbs or switch moves, try to clap or count along to the beat.</li><li>💃 <strong>Try not to watch yourself dance in front of the mirror</strong>, as it may make you feel more self-conscious.</li></ul> <h3 class="edTag">Weekend picks</h3> <div id="resg-s1-36361" class="bucketwrap image large"> <div class="imagewrap has-source-dimensions" data-crop-type="" style=" --source-width: 7087; --source-height: 3986; " > <picture> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/7087x3986+0+0/resize/400/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F4f%2Fb1%2F481bfaec4f478a4f15ff995ca4f4%2F2.jpg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/7087x3986+0+0/resize/600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F4f%2Fb1%2F481bfaec4f478a4f15ff995ca4f4%2F2.jpg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/7087x3986+0+0/resize/800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F4f%2Fb1%2F481bfaec4f478a4f15ff995ca4f4%2F2.jpg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/7087x3986+0+0/resize/900/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F4f%2Fb1%2F481bfaec4f478a4f15ff995ca4f4%2F2.jpg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/7087x3986+0+0/resize/1200/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F4f%2Fb1%2F481bfaec4f478a4f15ff995ca4f4%2F2.jpg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/7087x3986+0+0/resize/1600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F4f%2Fb1%2F481bfaec4f478a4f15ff995ca4f4%2F2.jpg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/7087x3986+0+0/resize/1800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F4f%2Fb1%2F481bfaec4f478a4f15ff995ca4f4%2F2.jpg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/7087x3986+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F4f%2Fb1%2F481bfaec4f478a4f15ff995ca4f4%2F2.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/7087x3986+0+0/resize/400/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F4f%2Fb1%2F481bfaec4f478a4f15ff995ca4f4%2F2.jpg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/7087x3986+0+0/resize/600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F4f%2Fb1%2F481bfaec4f478a4f15ff995ca4f4%2F2.jpg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/7087x3986+0+0/resize/800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F4f%2Fb1%2F481bfaec4f478a4f15ff995ca4f4%2F2.jpg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/7087x3986+0+0/resize/900/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F4f%2Fb1%2F481bfaec4f478a4f15ff995ca4f4%2F2.jpg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/7087x3986+0+0/resize/1200/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F4f%2Fb1%2F481bfaec4f478a4f15ff995ca4f4%2F2.jpg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/7087x3986+0+0/resize/1600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F4f%2Fb1%2F481bfaec4f478a4f15ff995ca4f4%2F2.jpg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/7087x3986+0+0/resize/1800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F4f%2Fb1%2F481bfaec4f478a4f15ff995ca4f4%2F2.jpg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/7087x3986+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F4f%2Fb1%2F481bfaec4f478a4f15ff995ca4f4%2F2.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/7087x3986+0+0/resize/1100/quality/50/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F4f%2Fb1%2F481bfaec4f478a4f15ff995ca4f4%2F2.jpg" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/7087x3986+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F4f%2Fb1%2F481bfaec4f478a4f15ff995ca4f4%2F2.jpg" class="img" alt="Julianne Moore (left) plays Ingrid and Tilda Swinton plays Martha in Pedro Almodóvar&#039;s The Room Next Door" loading="lazy" /> </picture> </div> <div class="credit-caption"> <div class="caption-wrap"> <div class="caption" aria-label="Image caption"> <p> Julianne Moore (left) plays Ingrid and Tilda Swinton plays Martha in Pedro Almodóvar's <em>The Room Next Door</em> <b class="credit" aria-label="Image credit"> Iglesias Más/© El Deseo. Courtesy of Sony Pictures Classics </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/" target="_blank"><strong>NPR</strong></a><strong> is watching, reading and listening to this weekend:</strong></p> <p><strong>🍿 Movies: </strong><a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/12/19/nx-s1-5101643/pedro-almodovar-the-room-next-door" target="_blank"><em>The Room Next Door</em></a> explores the inevitability of death and its intertwined ties to life. It follows Martha, who asks her friend Ingrid to accompany her during her last days after a cancer treatment failed.</p> <p><strong>📺 TV: </strong>The new ensemble dark comedy <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/12/17/1219887505/no-good-deed-mixes-family-secrets-and-real-estate-battles" target="_blank"><em>No Good Deed</em></a><em> </em>follows several couples and families that get tangled up in the sale of a home that holds a secret. Lisa Kudrow, Ray Romano, Luke Wilson and more are in the cast.</p> <p><strong>📚 Books:</strong> Whether you are a young reader or young at heart, <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/12/18/nx-s1-5196285/best-ya-young-adult-2024" target="_blank">here are 10 young adult novels</a> you should add to your list of must-reads. The books are part of this year's <a href="https://apps.npr.org/best-books/#view=covers&year=2024" target="_blank">Books We Love</a> series.</p> <p><strong>🎵 Music: </strong><a href="https://www.npr.org/series/347139849/jazz-night-in-america" target="_blank"><em>Jazz Night in America</em></a><em> </em>gets a little more mellow and cozy with a special holiday edition featuring <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/12/19/nx-s1-5233093/jazz-night-in-america-george-burton-the-yule-log" target="_blank"><em>The Yule Log</em></a> — an album by Philadelphia-born pianist George Burton.</p> <p><strong>🍛 Food:</strong> The rare cookbook <a href="https://www.npr.org/sections/goats-and-soda/2024/12/15/g-s1-37716/cookbook-recipes-dalit-india-meat-vegetarian" target="_blank"><em>Dalit Kitchens of Marathwada</em></a> explores the culinary traditions of two groups of Dalits, a group of people who broadly occupy the lowest rungs of South India's ancient caste system. Some dishes include ingredients you might not traditionally find in your kitchen. <a href="https://www.npr.org/sections/goats-and-soda/2024/12/15/g-s1-37716/cookbook-recipes-dalit-india-meat-vegetarian" target="_blank">Here are some recipes</a> from the book.<br></p> <h3 class="edTag">3 things to know before you go</h3> <div id="resg-s1-39147" class="bucketwrap image large"> <div class="imagewrap has-source-dimensions" data-crop-type="" style=" --source-width: 3739; --source-height: 2103; " > <picture> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3739x2103+0+0/resize/400/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F7c%2Fba%2Fb0a9e44349a7a89ab9bcfd243f6f%2Fap24346626866075.jpg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3739x2103+0+0/resize/600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F7c%2Fba%2Fb0a9e44349a7a89ab9bcfd243f6f%2Fap24346626866075.jpg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3739x2103+0+0/resize/800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F7c%2Fba%2Fb0a9e44349a7a89ab9bcfd243f6f%2Fap24346626866075.jpg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3739x2103+0+0/resize/900/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F7c%2Fba%2Fb0a9e44349a7a89ab9bcfd243f6f%2Fap24346626866075.jpg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3739x2103+0+0/resize/1200/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F7c%2Fba%2Fb0a9e44349a7a89ab9bcfd243f6f%2Fap24346626866075.jpg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3739x2103+0+0/resize/1600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F7c%2Fba%2Fb0a9e44349a7a89ab9bcfd243f6f%2Fap24346626866075.jpg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3739x2103+0+0/resize/1800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F7c%2Fba%2Fb0a9e44349a7a89ab9bcfd243f6f%2Fap24346626866075.jpg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3739x2103+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F7c%2Fba%2Fb0a9e44349a7a89ab9bcfd243f6f%2Fap24346626866075.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/3739x2103+0+0/resize/400/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F7c%2Fba%2Fb0a9e44349a7a89ab9bcfd243f6f%2Fap24346626866075.jpg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3739x2103+0+0/resize/600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F7c%2Fba%2Fb0a9e44349a7a89ab9bcfd243f6f%2Fap24346626866075.jpg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3739x2103+0+0/resize/800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F7c%2Fba%2Fb0a9e44349a7a89ab9bcfd243f6f%2Fap24346626866075.jpg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3739x2103+0+0/resize/900/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F7c%2Fba%2Fb0a9e44349a7a89ab9bcfd243f6f%2Fap24346626866075.jpg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3739x2103+0+0/resize/1200/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F7c%2Fba%2Fb0a9e44349a7a89ab9bcfd243f6f%2Fap24346626866075.jpg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3739x2103+0+0/resize/1600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F7c%2Fba%2Fb0a9e44349a7a89ab9bcfd243f6f%2Fap24346626866075.jpg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3739x2103+0+0/resize/1800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F7c%2Fba%2Fb0a9e44349a7a89ab9bcfd243f6f%2Fap24346626866075.jpg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3739x2103+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F7c%2Fba%2Fb0a9e44349a7a89ab9bcfd243f6f%2Fap24346626866075.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/3739x2103+0+0/resize/1100/quality/50/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F7c%2Fba%2Fb0a9e44349a7a89ab9bcfd243f6f%2Fap24346626866075.jpg" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3739x2103+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F7c%2Fba%2Fb0a9e44349a7a89ab9bcfd243f6f%2Fap24346626866075.jpg" class="img" alt="Drones like this one are now temporarily prohibited from flying over parts of New Jersey. The Federal Aviation Administration is barring drone flights over critical infrastructure at 22 locations in the state following a rash of sightings." loading="lazy" /> </picture> </div> <div class="credit-caption"> <div class="caption-wrap"> <div class="caption" aria-label="Image caption"> <p> Drones like this one are now temporarily prohibited from flying over parts of New Jersey. The Federal Aviation Administration is barring drone flights over critical infrastructure at 22 locations in the state following a rash of sightings. <b class="credit" aria-label="Image credit"> Seth Wenig/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 Federal Aviation Administration announced yesterday that it's temporarily barring drone flights over critical infrastructure at 22 New Jersey locations.</strong> The decision comes amid mounting concerns about a <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/12/19/g-s1-39142/drone-flights-prohibited-new-jersey" target="_blank">flurry of reported drone sightings</a>.</li><li><strong>Calling all students: NPR's Student Podcast Challenge is back </strong>for its seventh year, giving students from all across the country a chance to record their stories. Here's <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/12/19/nx-s1-5228113/nprs-student-podcast-challenge-returns-2025" target="_blank">everything teachers, educators and students need to know</a> about the contest.</li><li><strong>Bob Zimmerman piloted one of United Airlines' annual fantasy flights </strong>during the holiday season, allowing terminally ill children to take immersive trips to the North Pole with elves on board. Zimmerman <a href="https://www.wbur.org/hereandnow/2024/12/18/united-airlines-santas-workshop" target="_blank">says the kids' joy was palpable</a>. (via <a href="https://www.wbur.org/" target="_blank">WBUR</a>)</li></ol> <p><em>This newsletter was edited by </em><a href="https://www.npr.org/people/859721331/suzanne-nuyen"target="_blank" ><strong><em>Suzanne Nuyen</em></strong></a><em>.</em></p> </div> + + Up First Newsletter + + + Possible government shutdown looms. And, tips to help with seasonal depression + Brittney Melton + https://www.npr.org/2024/12/19/g-s1-39022/up-first-newsletter-tiktok-supreme-court-possible-holiday-government-shutdown-syria-changes + https://text.npr.org/2024/12/19/g-s1-39022/up-first-newsletter-tiktok-supreme-court-possible-holiday-government-shutdown-syria-changes + https://www.npr.org/2024/12/19/g-s1-39022/up-first-newsletter-tiktok-supreme-court-possible-holiday-government-shutdown-syria-changes + Thu, 19 Dec 2024 13:00:35 +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" target="_blank">Subscribe</a><em> here to get it delivered to your inbox, and </em><a href="https://www.npr.org/podcasts/510318/up-first/" target="_blank">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>TikTok and the Department of Justice are headed to the Supreme Court, where justices could decide whether a law banning the app next month unless it is sold is constitutional. </strong>The high court accepted TikTok's emergency request to hear arguments about the law and the justices moved quickly and deliberately. Oral arguments have been <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/12/18/nx-s1-5233027/supreme-court-to-review-tiktok-ban" target="_blank">set for Jan. 10</a>, which is nine days before the app's sell-or-be-banned deadline.</p> <div id="res1237843733" class="bucketwrap image large"> <div class="imagewrap has-source-dimensions" data-crop-type="" style=" --source-width: 2587; --source-height: 1455; " > <picture> <source srcset="https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2024/03/11/ap24071617990627_wide-ea6040568f9ae3ac2cd3d8140014bf63d03891bb.jpg?s=400&c=85&f=webp 400w, https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2024/03/11/ap24071617990627_wide-ea6040568f9ae3ac2cd3d8140014bf63d03891bb.jpg?s=600&c=85&f=webp 600w, https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2024/03/11/ap24071617990627_wide-ea6040568f9ae3ac2cd3d8140014bf63d03891bb.jpg?s=800&c=85&f=webp 800w, https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2024/03/11/ap24071617990627_wide-ea6040568f9ae3ac2cd3d8140014bf63d03891bb.jpg?s=900&c=85&f=webp 900w, https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2024/03/11/ap24071617990627_wide-ea6040568f9ae3ac2cd3d8140014bf63d03891bb.jpg?s=1200&c=85&f=webp 1200w, https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2024/03/11/ap24071617990627_wide-ea6040568f9ae3ac2cd3d8140014bf63d03891bb.jpg?s=1600&c=85&f=webp 1600w, https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2024/03/11/ap24071617990627_wide-ea6040568f9ae3ac2cd3d8140014bf63d03891bb.jpg?s=1800&c=85&f=webp 1800w" data-template="https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2024/03/11/ap24071617990627_wide-ea6040568f9ae3ac2cd3d8140014bf63d03891bb.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/2024/03/11/ap24071617990627_wide-ea6040568f9ae3ac2cd3d8140014bf63d03891bb.jpg?s=400&c=85&f=jpeg 400w, https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2024/03/11/ap24071617990627_wide-ea6040568f9ae3ac2cd3d8140014bf63d03891bb.jpg?s=600&c=85&f=jpeg 600w, https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2024/03/11/ap24071617990627_wide-ea6040568f9ae3ac2cd3d8140014bf63d03891bb.jpg?s=800&c=85&f=jpeg 800w, https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2024/03/11/ap24071617990627_wide-ea6040568f9ae3ac2cd3d8140014bf63d03891bb.jpg?s=900&c=85&f=jpeg 900w, https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2024/03/11/ap24071617990627_wide-ea6040568f9ae3ac2cd3d8140014bf63d03891bb.jpg?s=1200&c=85&f=jpeg 1200w, https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2024/03/11/ap24071617990627_wide-ea6040568f9ae3ac2cd3d8140014bf63d03891bb.jpg?s=1600&c=85&f=jpeg 1600w, https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2024/03/11/ap24071617990627_wide-ea6040568f9ae3ac2cd3d8140014bf63d03891bb.jpg?s=1800&c=85&f=jpeg 1800w" data-template="https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2024/03/11/ap24071617990627_wide-ea6040568f9ae3ac2cd3d8140014bf63d03891bb.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/2024/03/11/ap24071617990627_wide-ea6040568f9ae3ac2cd3d8140014bf63d03891bb.jpg?s=1100&c=50&f=jpeg" data-template="https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2024/03/11/ap24071617990627_wide-ea6040568f9ae3ac2cd3d8140014bf63d03891bb.jpg?s={width}&c={quality}&f={format}" class="img" alt="The TikTok Inc. building is seen in Culver City, Calif., on March 17, 2023." loading="lazy" /> </picture> </div> <div class="credit-caption"> <div class="caption-wrap"> <div class="caption" aria-label="Image caption"> <p> The TikTok Inc. building is seen in Culver City, Calif., on March 17, 2023. <b class="credit" aria-label="Image credit"> Damian Dovarganes/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>This is TikTok's last legal shot to not have to shut down in the U.S., unless it splits off from its Chinese parent company</strong>, ByteDance, NPR's Bobby Allyn tells <em>Up First</em>. The case is about the balance between <a href="https://one.npr.org/?sharedMediaId=1220280840:1263782039" target="_blank">freedom of speech and the possible threat of a foreign adversary</a>. TikTok has said the Chinese government doesn't collect data on Americans nor does it push propaganda, but U.S. officials said the risk remains too high. The Supreme Court has never taken on the case over the U.S. government attempting to shut down a massive social media platform, which makes this uncharted territory, Allyn says.</li></ul> <p><strong>Republican lawmakers are working to avoid a government shutdown with less than a week until Christmas </strong>after President-elect Donald Trump and allies spoke out against a bipartisan spending bill. Government funding runs out at the end of the day on Friday. Congressional leaders released a roughly 1,500-page bipartisan spending bill, which would fund the government until March 14 and covers priorities like farm subsidies, disaster aid and a pay raise for lawmakers. Yesterday, GOP leaders and Trump advisers <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/12/17/g-s1-38712/congress-spending-bill-march-14" target="_blank">pushed House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., to back out of the deal</a>. House Democrats said they are unwilling to back away.</p> <p><strong>Syrians and refugees on either side of the country's conflict can go home now that dictator Bashar al-Assad has been ousted.</strong> The country is now accessible to journalists, allowing for a fuller look at it while in transition. <br></p> <ul class="edTag"><li>🎧 <strong>NPR's Jane Arraf, who is in Syria, says Damascus has drastically changed since the fall of the Assad regime. Arraf traveled</strong> through Syria's southern desert to the Rukban camp — a place she's tried to travel to for years. People fleeing from ISIS thought they could cross through to Jordan there, but were trapped. For nine years, <a href="https://one.npr.org/?sharedMediaId=1220280840:1263782039" target="_blank">7,000 people were cut off</a>. For the first time, refugees in their own country have the opportunity to go home and reunite with their families.</li></ul> <h3 class="edTag">Today's listen</h3> <div id="resg-s1-38799" class="bucketwrap image large"> <div class="imagewrap has-source-dimensions" data-crop-type="" style=" --source-width: 3280; --source-height: 1845; " > <picture> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3280x1845+0+681/resize/400/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F78%2F74%2Fd16194ca4251b17f8e126df854b5%2Fgettyimages-460523824.jpg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3280x1845+0+681/resize/600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F78%2F74%2Fd16194ca4251b17f8e126df854b5%2Fgettyimages-460523824.jpg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3280x1845+0+681/resize/800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F78%2F74%2Fd16194ca4251b17f8e126df854b5%2Fgettyimages-460523824.jpg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3280x1845+0+681/resize/900/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F78%2F74%2Fd16194ca4251b17f8e126df854b5%2Fgettyimages-460523824.jpg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3280x1845+0+681/resize/1200/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F78%2F74%2Fd16194ca4251b17f8e126df854b5%2Fgettyimages-460523824.jpg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3280x1845+0+681/resize/1600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F78%2F74%2Fd16194ca4251b17f8e126df854b5%2Fgettyimages-460523824.jpg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3280x1845+0+681/resize/1800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F78%2F74%2Fd16194ca4251b17f8e126df854b5%2Fgettyimages-460523824.jpg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3280x1845+0+681/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F78%2F74%2Fd16194ca4251b17f8e126df854b5%2Fgettyimages-460523824.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/3280x1845+0+681/resize/400/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F78%2F74%2Fd16194ca4251b17f8e126df854b5%2Fgettyimages-460523824.jpg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3280x1845+0+681/resize/600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F78%2F74%2Fd16194ca4251b17f8e126df854b5%2Fgettyimages-460523824.jpg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3280x1845+0+681/resize/800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F78%2F74%2Fd16194ca4251b17f8e126df854b5%2Fgettyimages-460523824.jpg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3280x1845+0+681/resize/900/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F78%2F74%2Fd16194ca4251b17f8e126df854b5%2Fgettyimages-460523824.jpg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3280x1845+0+681/resize/1200/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F78%2F74%2Fd16194ca4251b17f8e126df854b5%2Fgettyimages-460523824.jpg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3280x1845+0+681/resize/1600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F78%2F74%2Fd16194ca4251b17f8e126df854b5%2Fgettyimages-460523824.jpg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3280x1845+0+681/resize/1800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F78%2F74%2Fd16194ca4251b17f8e126df854b5%2Fgettyimages-460523824.jpg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3280x1845+0+681/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F78%2F74%2Fd16194ca4251b17f8e126df854b5%2Fgettyimages-460523824.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/3280x1845+0+681/resize/1100/quality/50/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F78%2F74%2Fd16194ca4251b17f8e126df854b5%2Fgettyimages-460523824.jpg" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3280x1845+0+681/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F78%2F74%2Fd16194ca4251b17f8e126df854b5%2Fgettyimages-460523824.jpg" class="img" alt="Mariah Carey released &quot;All I Want For Christmas Is You&quot; in 1994, but it took 25 years for the song to reach the top of Billboard&#039;s Hot 100 pop chart. Since 2019, it has topped the chart each December for a total of 16 weeks at No. 1 — so far." loading="lazy" /> </picture> </div> <div class="credit-caption"> <div class="caption-wrap"> <div class="caption" aria-label="Image caption"> <p> Mariah Carey released "All I Want For Christmas Is You" in 1994, but it took 25 years for the song to reach the top of <em>Billboard</em>'s Hot 100 pop chart. Since 2019, it has topped the chart each December for a total of 16 weeks at No. 1 — so far. <b class="credit" aria-label="Image credit"> Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images </b> <b class="hide-caption"><b></b></b> </p> </div> <b class="toggle-caption"><b></b></b> </div> </div> </div> <p><strong>It's the time of year when familiar Christmas songs take over the top spots on the Billboard pop chart.</strong> The annual invasion features the current top five songs from the 1950s and '60s. When the No. 1 song, Mariah Carey's "All I Want for Christmas Is You," was released in 1994 it didn't take the top spot. That happened 25 years later. The top five songs this week are predictable year after year, but a few newer songs are making a play to join in on the annual holiday playlist. Learn what changed since those songs were released and <a href="https://one.npr.org/?sharedMediaId=nx-s1-5230470:nx-s1-5297511-1" target="_blank">listen to some of the holiday music vying</a> for top spots.<br></p> <h3 class="edTag">Life advice</h3> <div id="resg-s1-39023" class="bucketwrap image large"> <div class="imagewrap has-source-dimensions" data-crop-type="" style=" --source-width: 600; --source-height: 337; " > <picture> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/600x337+0+0/resize/400/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fa5%2F2e%2Fda0f09dd443fa1ec74dcd6a73682%2Fnpr-sad-capossela-wide-1e73317da9c61b7256c7a2cf1fef71f7e4e5da02.jpg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/600x337+0+0/resize/600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fa5%2F2e%2Fda0f09dd443fa1ec74dcd6a73682%2Fnpr-sad-capossela-wide-1e73317da9c61b7256c7a2cf1fef71f7e4e5da02.jpg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/600x337+0+0/resize/800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fa5%2F2e%2Fda0f09dd443fa1ec74dcd6a73682%2Fnpr-sad-capossela-wide-1e73317da9c61b7256c7a2cf1fef71f7e4e5da02.jpg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/600x337+0+0/resize/900/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fa5%2F2e%2Fda0f09dd443fa1ec74dcd6a73682%2Fnpr-sad-capossela-wide-1e73317da9c61b7256c7a2cf1fef71f7e4e5da02.jpg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/600x337+0+0/resize/1200/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fa5%2F2e%2Fda0f09dd443fa1ec74dcd6a73682%2Fnpr-sad-capossela-wide-1e73317da9c61b7256c7a2cf1fef71f7e4e5da02.jpg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/600x337+0+0/resize/1600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fa5%2F2e%2Fda0f09dd443fa1ec74dcd6a73682%2Fnpr-sad-capossela-wide-1e73317da9c61b7256c7a2cf1fef71f7e4e5da02.jpg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/600x337+0+0/resize/1800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fa5%2F2e%2Fda0f09dd443fa1ec74dcd6a73682%2Fnpr-sad-capossela-wide-1e73317da9c61b7256c7a2cf1fef71f7e4e5da02.jpg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/600x337+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fa5%2F2e%2Fda0f09dd443fa1ec74dcd6a73682%2Fnpr-sad-capossela-wide-1e73317da9c61b7256c7a2cf1fef71f7e4e5da02.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/600x337+0+0/resize/400/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fa5%2F2e%2Fda0f09dd443fa1ec74dcd6a73682%2Fnpr-sad-capossela-wide-1e73317da9c61b7256c7a2cf1fef71f7e4e5da02.jpg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/600x337+0+0/resize/600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fa5%2F2e%2Fda0f09dd443fa1ec74dcd6a73682%2Fnpr-sad-capossela-wide-1e73317da9c61b7256c7a2cf1fef71f7e4e5da02.jpg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/600x337+0+0/resize/800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fa5%2F2e%2Fda0f09dd443fa1ec74dcd6a73682%2Fnpr-sad-capossela-wide-1e73317da9c61b7256c7a2cf1fef71f7e4e5da02.jpg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/600x337+0+0/resize/900/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fa5%2F2e%2Fda0f09dd443fa1ec74dcd6a73682%2Fnpr-sad-capossela-wide-1e73317da9c61b7256c7a2cf1fef71f7e4e5da02.jpg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/600x337+0+0/resize/1200/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fa5%2F2e%2Fda0f09dd443fa1ec74dcd6a73682%2Fnpr-sad-capossela-wide-1e73317da9c61b7256c7a2cf1fef71f7e4e5da02.jpg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/600x337+0+0/resize/1600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fa5%2F2e%2Fda0f09dd443fa1ec74dcd6a73682%2Fnpr-sad-capossela-wide-1e73317da9c61b7256c7a2cf1fef71f7e4e5da02.jpg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/600x337+0+0/resize/1800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fa5%2F2e%2Fda0f09dd443fa1ec74dcd6a73682%2Fnpr-sad-capossela-wide-1e73317da9c61b7256c7a2cf1fef71f7e4e5da02.jpg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/600x337+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fa5%2F2e%2Fda0f09dd443fa1ec74dcd6a73682%2Fnpr-sad-capossela-wide-1e73317da9c61b7256c7a2cf1fef71f7e4e5da02.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/600x337+0+0/resize/1100/quality/50/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fa5%2F2e%2Fda0f09dd443fa1ec74dcd6a73682%2Fnpr-sad-capossela-wide-1e73317da9c61b7256c7a2cf1fef71f7e4e5da02.jpg" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/600x337+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fa5%2F2e%2Fda0f09dd443fa1ec74dcd6a73682%2Fnpr-sad-capossela-wide-1e73317da9c61b7256c7a2cf1fef71f7e4e5da02.jpg" class="img" alt="npr-sad-capossela_wide-1e73317da9c61b7256c7a2cf1fef71f7e4e5da02.jpg" 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>As days get darker and colder, people may experience seasonal affective disorder, or SAD.</strong> As the seasons change, you may feel sluggish, depressed or uninterested in doing the things you used to enjoy. You may also oversleep or overeat. Around 1 in 20 people in the U.S. has SAD. Many more people have the winter blues, a milder version of SAD, where you feel like a sadder, sleepier or slower version of yourself. <a href="https://www.npr.org/2020/10/23/927135639/coping-with-sad-or-seasonal-affective-disorder" target="_blank">Here's how to spot it</a> and what you can do. <br></p> <ul class="edTag"><li>❄️ <strong>It can be hard to recognize a pattern of change because symptoms can creep up on you</strong>, says Dr. Norman Rosenthal, a clinical professor of psychiatry at Georgetown University School of Medicine.</li><li>❄️ <strong>Not getting enough light is at the heart of the disorder. </strong>A SAD lamp, which provides more intense light than indoor lighting, is often recommended.</li><li>❄️<strong> Make time for movement. </strong>You may feel less energetic when the seasons change, and that can turn into a vicious cycle. Exercise is an environmental cue that helps signal your internal clock.</li></ul> <p><strong>Here's more </strong>on <a href="https://www.npr.org/2020/10/23/927135639/coping-with-sad-or-seasonal-affective-disorder" target="_blank">why you may feel this way</a> and ways to feel better.</p> <h3 class="edTag">3 things to know before you go</h3> <div id="resg-s1-39015" class="bucketwrap image large"> <div class="imagewrap has-source-dimensions" data-crop-type="" style=" --source-width: 3500; --source-height: 1969; " > <picture> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3500x1969+0+0/resize/400/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F03%2Ffb%2F5970d114483f897ad3461220f83c%2Fap24172044351851.jpg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3500x1969+0+0/resize/600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F03%2Ffb%2F5970d114483f897ad3461220f83c%2Fap24172044351851.jpg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3500x1969+0+0/resize/800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F03%2Ffb%2F5970d114483f897ad3461220f83c%2Fap24172044351851.jpg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3500x1969+0+0/resize/900/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F03%2Ffb%2F5970d114483f897ad3461220f83c%2Fap24172044351851.jpg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3500x1969+0+0/resize/1200/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F03%2Ffb%2F5970d114483f897ad3461220f83c%2Fap24172044351851.jpg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3500x1969+0+0/resize/1600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F03%2Ffb%2F5970d114483f897ad3461220f83c%2Fap24172044351851.jpg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3500x1969+0+0/resize/1800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F03%2Ffb%2F5970d114483f897ad3461220f83c%2Fap24172044351851.jpg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3500x1969+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F03%2Ffb%2F5970d114483f897ad3461220f83c%2Fap24172044351851.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/3500x1969+0+0/resize/400/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F03%2Ffb%2F5970d114483f897ad3461220f83c%2Fap24172044351851.jpg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3500x1969+0+0/resize/600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F03%2Ffb%2F5970d114483f897ad3461220f83c%2Fap24172044351851.jpg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3500x1969+0+0/resize/800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F03%2Ffb%2F5970d114483f897ad3461220f83c%2Fap24172044351851.jpg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3500x1969+0+0/resize/900/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F03%2Ffb%2F5970d114483f897ad3461220f83c%2Fap24172044351851.jpg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3500x1969+0+0/resize/1200/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F03%2Ffb%2F5970d114483f897ad3461220f83c%2Fap24172044351851.jpg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3500x1969+0+0/resize/1600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F03%2Ffb%2F5970d114483f897ad3461220f83c%2Fap24172044351851.jpg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3500x1969+0+0/resize/1800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F03%2Ffb%2F5970d114483f897ad3461220f83c%2Fap24172044351851.jpg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3500x1969+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F03%2Ffb%2F5970d114483f897ad3461220f83c%2Fap24172044351851.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/3500x1969+0+0/resize/1100/quality/50/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F03%2Ffb%2F5970d114483f897ad3461220f83c%2Fap24172044351851.jpg" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3500x1969+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F03%2Ffb%2F5970d114483f897ad3461220f83c%2Fap24172044351851.jpg" class="img" alt="Teamsters General President Sean M. O&#039;Brien, center, rallies with Amazon workers outside the Staten Island Amazon facility JFK8 on Wednesday, June 19, 2024 in New York." loading="lazy" /> </picture> </div> <div class="credit-caption"> <div class="caption-wrap"> <div class="caption" aria-label="Image caption"> <p> Teamsters General President Sean M. O'Brien, center, rallies with Amazon workers outside the Staten Island Amazon facility JFK8 on Wednesday, June 19, 2024 in New York. <b class="credit" aria-label="Image credit"> Stefan Jeremiah/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>Thousands of Amazon workers have authorized a strike to begin this morning</strong>, during a key shopping period, as they seek <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/12/19/nx-s1-5233832/amazon-strike" target="_blank">better pay, safer conditions and longer breaks</a>.</li><li><strong>This week, the House of Representatives passed a bill to officially designate the bald eagle</strong>, a symbol of the United States for centuries, as <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/12/18/nx-s1-5231827/bald-eagles-national-bird" target="_blank">the country's national bird</a>.</li><li><strong>Have you ever been caught red-handed regifting during the holidays?</strong> If the answer is yes, <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/12/17/g-s1-38636/embarrassing-regifting-story" target="_blank">NPR wants to hear your stories</a>. The more embarrassing they are, the better.</li></ol> <p><em>This newsletter was edited by </em><a href="https://www.npr.org/people/859721331/suzanne-nuyen"target="_blank" ><em>Suzanne Nuyen</em></a><em>.</em></p> </div> + + Up First Newsletter + + + Mangione charged with murder as act of terrorism. And, path to unionizing reality TV + Brittney Melton + https://www.npr.org/2024/12/18/g-s1-38759/up-first-newsletter-luigi-mangione-indicted-wisconsin-school-shooter-mental-health + https://text.npr.org/2024/12/18/g-s1-38759/up-first-newsletter-luigi-mangione-indicted-wisconsin-school-shooter-mental-health + https://www.npr.org/2024/12/18/g-s1-38759/up-first-newsletter-luigi-mangione-indicted-wisconsin-school-shooter-mental-health + Wed, 18 Dec 2024 13:07:54 +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" target="_blank">Subscribe</a><em> here to get it delivered to your inbox, and </em><a href="https://www.npr.org/podcasts/510318/up-first/" target="_blank">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>Luigi Mangione has been indicted for murder as an act of terrorism for the killing of UnitedHealthcare's CEO.</strong> The charges were filed in the New York State Supreme Court. If he is found guilty, he could face life in prison without the possibility of parole. He also faces eight charges related to criminal possession of a weapon and criminal possession of a forged instrument.</p> <div id="resg-s1-38326" class="bucketwrap image large"> <div class="imagewrap has-source-dimensions" data-crop-type="" style=" --source-width: 4504; --source-height: 2534; " > <picture> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4504x2534+0+114/resize/400/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fbb%2Fa4%2F17ec8053433693bbcc49a9856585%2Fgettyimages-2188685358.jpg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4504x2534+0+114/resize/600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fbb%2Fa4%2F17ec8053433693bbcc49a9856585%2Fgettyimages-2188685358.jpg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4504x2534+0+114/resize/800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fbb%2Fa4%2F17ec8053433693bbcc49a9856585%2Fgettyimages-2188685358.jpg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4504x2534+0+114/resize/900/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fbb%2Fa4%2F17ec8053433693bbcc49a9856585%2Fgettyimages-2188685358.jpg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4504x2534+0+114/resize/1200/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fbb%2Fa4%2F17ec8053433693bbcc49a9856585%2Fgettyimages-2188685358.jpg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4504x2534+0+114/resize/1600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fbb%2Fa4%2F17ec8053433693bbcc49a9856585%2Fgettyimages-2188685358.jpg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4504x2534+0+114/resize/1800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fbb%2Fa4%2F17ec8053433693bbcc49a9856585%2Fgettyimages-2188685358.jpg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4504x2534+0+114/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fbb%2Fa4%2F17ec8053433693bbcc49a9856585%2Fgettyimages-2188685358.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/4504x2534+0+114/resize/400/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fbb%2Fa4%2F17ec8053433693bbcc49a9856585%2Fgettyimages-2188685358.jpg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4504x2534+0+114/resize/600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fbb%2Fa4%2F17ec8053433693bbcc49a9856585%2Fgettyimages-2188685358.jpg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4504x2534+0+114/resize/800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fbb%2Fa4%2F17ec8053433693bbcc49a9856585%2Fgettyimages-2188685358.jpg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4504x2534+0+114/resize/900/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fbb%2Fa4%2F17ec8053433693bbcc49a9856585%2Fgettyimages-2188685358.jpg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4504x2534+0+114/resize/1200/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fbb%2Fa4%2F17ec8053433693bbcc49a9856585%2Fgettyimages-2188685358.jpg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4504x2534+0+114/resize/1600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fbb%2Fa4%2F17ec8053433693bbcc49a9856585%2Fgettyimages-2188685358.jpg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4504x2534+0+114/resize/1800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fbb%2Fa4%2F17ec8053433693bbcc49a9856585%2Fgettyimages-2188685358.jpg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4504x2534+0+114/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fbb%2Fa4%2F17ec8053433693bbcc49a9856585%2Fgettyimages-2188685358.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/4504x2534+0+114/resize/1100/quality/50/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fbb%2Fa4%2F17ec8053433693bbcc49a9856585%2Fgettyimages-2188685358.jpg" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4504x2534+0+114/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fbb%2Fa4%2F17ec8053433693bbcc49a9856585%2Fgettyimages-2188685358.jpg" class="img" alt="Suspected shooter Luigi Mangione is led from the Blair County Courthouse after an extradition hearing Dec. 10 in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania." loading="lazy" /> </picture> </div> <div class="credit-caption"> <div class="caption-wrap"> <div class="caption" aria-label="Image caption"> <p> Suspected shooter Luigi Mangione is led from the Blair County Courthouse after an extradition hearing Dec. 10 in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania. <b class="credit" aria-label="Image credit"> Jeff Swensen/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>When it comes to why the killing was called terrorism, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said in a press conference the act was intended to evoke terror. </strong>Public support around Mangione has erupted on social media and has included GoFundMe fundraisers, which have been taken down. NPR's Sarah Ventre says one site reports it has <a href="https://one.npr.org/?sharedMediaId=1219982257:1263719002" target="_blank">raised almost $150,000 as of this morning</a>. Mangione has a preliminary hearing scheduled for tomorrow for his charges in Pennsylvania, which include forgery, carrying a firearm without a license and giving false identification to law enforcement.</li></ul> <p><strong>The cost of borrowing money could become a little bit cheaper this afternoon.</strong> The Federal Reserve is holding its last meeting of the year. Policymakers are expected to lower their benchmark interest rate by a quarter percentage point. A rate cut would come at a time of declining yet sticky inflation and uncertainty about the incoming Trump administration. <br></p> <ul class="edTag"><li>🎧 <strong>This would be the third rate cut since September, leaving rates a percentage point lower than in the summer</strong>, NPR's Scott Horsley tells <em>Up First</em>. High interest rates help to curb inflation, but they can also be a drag on the economy. Markets are betting the Fed will lower interest rates. Horsley says after that, we <a href="https://one.npr.org/?sharedMediaId=1219982257:1263719002" target="_blank">could see the central bank take a break</a> and see how things play out. Today, Fed policymakers will also offer a forecast of where they think interest rates are going by next year. Economists say President-elect Donald Trump's policies could make inflation worse.</li></ul> <p><strong>The police's identification of the Wisconsin school shooter as a 15-year-old girl has sparked conversations about</strong> who commits these types of crimes. She shot eight people, two fatally, and then killed herself. While school shootings are a widespread issue in the U.S., <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/12/17/nx-s1-5231532/wisconsin-school-shooting-suspect-female" target="_blank">data shows that female shooters</a> — at schools and in general — are relatively rare. <br></p> <ul class="edTag"><li>🎧 <strong>Troubled females are more likely to internalize feelings than males, resulting in more depression, anxiety and self-harm</strong>, Jillian Peterson, the executive director of the Violence Prevention Project Research Center at Hamline University, tells NPR's Katia Riddle. Age is also a factor. Peterson says 15 is a <a href="https://one.npr.org/?sharedMediaId=1219982257:1263719002" target="_blank">sensitive time when executive function is not very well developed</a> for girls and boys. Although there are patterns of behavior around mass shootings, the majority of troubled adolescents don't commit them. Prevention strategies are important and can often overlap with suicide prevention.</li></ul> <p><em>If you or someone you know may be considering suicide, contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing or texting 9-8-8.</em><br></p> <h3 class="edTag">Deep dive</h3> <div id="resg-s1-38485" class="bucketwrap image large"> <div class="imagewrap has-source-dimensions" data-crop-type="" style=" --source-width: 3598; --source-height: 2024; " > <picture> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3598x2024+1+0/resize/400/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F42%2Fc3%2F033623b244099b755eb17b2fd719%2Flove-is-blind-n-s7-e5-00-15-57-21rc.jpg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3598x2024+1+0/resize/600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F42%2Fc3%2F033623b244099b755eb17b2fd719%2Flove-is-blind-n-s7-e5-00-15-57-21rc.jpg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3598x2024+1+0/resize/800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F42%2Fc3%2F033623b244099b755eb17b2fd719%2Flove-is-blind-n-s7-e5-00-15-57-21rc.jpg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3598x2024+1+0/resize/900/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F42%2Fc3%2F033623b244099b755eb17b2fd719%2Flove-is-blind-n-s7-e5-00-15-57-21rc.jpg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3598x2024+1+0/resize/1200/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F42%2Fc3%2F033623b244099b755eb17b2fd719%2Flove-is-blind-n-s7-e5-00-15-57-21rc.jpg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3598x2024+1+0/resize/1600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F42%2Fc3%2F033623b244099b755eb17b2fd719%2Flove-is-blind-n-s7-e5-00-15-57-21rc.jpg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3598x2024+1+0/resize/1800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F42%2Fc3%2F033623b244099b755eb17b2fd719%2Flove-is-blind-n-s7-e5-00-15-57-21rc.jpg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3598x2024+1+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F42%2Fc3%2F033623b244099b755eb17b2fd719%2Flove-is-blind-n-s7-e5-00-15-57-21rc.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/3598x2024+1+0/resize/400/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F42%2Fc3%2F033623b244099b755eb17b2fd719%2Flove-is-blind-n-s7-e5-00-15-57-21rc.jpg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3598x2024+1+0/resize/600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F42%2Fc3%2F033623b244099b755eb17b2fd719%2Flove-is-blind-n-s7-e5-00-15-57-21rc.jpg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3598x2024+1+0/resize/800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F42%2Fc3%2F033623b244099b755eb17b2fd719%2Flove-is-blind-n-s7-e5-00-15-57-21rc.jpg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3598x2024+1+0/resize/900/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F42%2Fc3%2F033623b244099b755eb17b2fd719%2Flove-is-blind-n-s7-e5-00-15-57-21rc.jpg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3598x2024+1+0/resize/1200/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F42%2Fc3%2F033623b244099b755eb17b2fd719%2Flove-is-blind-n-s7-e5-00-15-57-21rc.jpg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3598x2024+1+0/resize/1600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F42%2Fc3%2F033623b244099b755eb17b2fd719%2Flove-is-blind-n-s7-e5-00-15-57-21rc.jpg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3598x2024+1+0/resize/1800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F42%2Fc3%2F033623b244099b755eb17b2fd719%2Flove-is-blind-n-s7-e5-00-15-57-21rc.jpg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3598x2024+1+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F42%2Fc3%2F033623b244099b755eb17b2fd719%2Flove-is-blind-n-s7-e5-00-15-57-21rc.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/3598x2024+1+0/resize/1100/quality/50/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F42%2Fc3%2F033623b244099b755eb17b2fd719%2Flove-is-blind-n-s7-e5-00-15-57-21rc.jpg" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3598x2024+1+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F42%2Fc3%2F033623b244099b755eb17b2fd719%2Flove-is-blind-n-s7-e5-00-15-57-21rc.jpg" class="img" alt="The Netflix reality series Love Is Blind cast sees singles match up after days of dating while separated by a wall. The National Labor Relations Board says the show&#039;s cast members should be considered employees." loading="lazy" /> </picture> </div> <div class="credit-caption"> <div class="caption-wrap"> <div class="caption" aria-label="Image caption"> <p> The Netflix reality series <em>Love Is Blind</em> cast sees singles match up after days of dating while separated by a wall. The National Labor Relations Board says the show's cast members should be considered employees. <b class="credit" aria-label="Image credit"> Netflix </b> <b class="hide-caption"><b></b></b> </p> </div> <b class="toggle-caption"><b></b></b> </div> </div> </div> <p><strong>A first-of-its-kind labor action argues that participants of Netflix's reality show <em>Love is Blind</em> are employees and should be eligible for basic labor protections under federal law. </strong>In a complaint issued last week, the National Labor Relations Board found the show's producers misclassified the contestants as participants. The complaint calls for their <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/12/17/nx-s1-5229111/love-is-blind-housewives-reality-labor-union" target="_blank">reclassification as employees and compensation</a> for any lost wages while on the show. <br></p> <ul class="edTag"><li>📺 <strong>The labor action filed could lead to big changes to reality shows</strong> — on and off screen. If contestants are recognized as employees, it would allow them to form or join a union.</li><li>📺<strong> The complaint comes after several former contestants on the show described poor treatment </strong>they faced while filming, including allegations their physical safety was at risk.</li><li>📺 <strong>The path to an industry-wide reality TV union is an uphill battle, according to author Brian Moylan. He says turnover levels on most unscripted shows present a barrier for castmates</strong> to band together. Contestants can be seen as disposable to casting directors and producers.</li><li>📺 <strong>A hearing for the NLRB complaint is scheduled for April 2025. </strong>A judge will decide if the production companies violated labor law.</li></ul> <h3 class="edTag">Picture show</h3> <div id="resg-s1-38760" class="bucketwrap image large"> <div class="imagewrap has-source-dimensions" data-crop-type="" style=" --source-width: 1920; --source-height: 1080; " > <picture> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/1920x1080+0+100/resize/400/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F59%2F92%2F1da1497a4119b6ee84166f51e9da%2F0911-zildjian-09-1920x1280.jpg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/1920x1080+0+100/resize/600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F59%2F92%2F1da1497a4119b6ee84166f51e9da%2F0911-zildjian-09-1920x1280.jpg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/1920x1080+0+100/resize/800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F59%2F92%2F1da1497a4119b6ee84166f51e9da%2F0911-zildjian-09-1920x1280.jpg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/1920x1080+0+100/resize/900/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F59%2F92%2F1da1497a4119b6ee84166f51e9da%2F0911-zildjian-09-1920x1280.jpg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/1920x1080+0+100/resize/1200/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F59%2F92%2F1da1497a4119b6ee84166f51e9da%2F0911-zildjian-09-1920x1280.jpg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/1920x1080+0+100/resize/1600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F59%2F92%2F1da1497a4119b6ee84166f51e9da%2F0911-zildjian-09-1920x1280.jpg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/1920x1080+0+100/resize/1800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F59%2F92%2F1da1497a4119b6ee84166f51e9da%2F0911-zildjian-09-1920x1280.jpg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/1920x1080+0+100/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F59%2F92%2F1da1497a4119b6ee84166f51e9da%2F0911-zildjian-09-1920x1280.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/1920x1080+0+100/resize/400/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F59%2F92%2F1da1497a4119b6ee84166f51e9da%2F0911-zildjian-09-1920x1280.jpg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/1920x1080+0+100/resize/600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F59%2F92%2F1da1497a4119b6ee84166f51e9da%2F0911-zildjian-09-1920x1280.jpg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/1920x1080+0+100/resize/800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F59%2F92%2F1da1497a4119b6ee84166f51e9da%2F0911-zildjian-09-1920x1280.jpg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/1920x1080+0+100/resize/900/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F59%2F92%2F1da1497a4119b6ee84166f51e9da%2F0911-zildjian-09-1920x1280.jpg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/1920x1080+0+100/resize/1200/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F59%2F92%2F1da1497a4119b6ee84166f51e9da%2F0911-zildjian-09-1920x1280.jpg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/1920x1080+0+100/resize/1600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F59%2F92%2F1da1497a4119b6ee84166f51e9da%2F0911-zildjian-09-1920x1280.jpg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/1920x1080+0+100/resize/1800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F59%2F92%2F1da1497a4119b6ee84166f51e9da%2F0911-zildjian-09-1920x1280.jpg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/1920x1080+0+100/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F59%2F92%2F1da1497a4119b6ee84166f51e9da%2F0911-zildjian-09-1920x1280.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/1920x1080+0+100/resize/1100/quality/50/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F59%2F92%2F1da1497a4119b6ee84166f51e9da%2F0911-zildjian-09-1920x1280.jpg" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/1920x1080+0+100/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F59%2F92%2F1da1497a4119b6ee84166f51e9da%2F0911-zildjian-09-1920x1280.jpg" class="img" alt="Cymbalsmith Peter Nelson works on a cymbal on a lathe at the Zildjian cymbal factory in Norwell, Mass. (Robin Lubbock/WBUR)" loading="lazy" /> </picture> </div> <div class="credit-caption"> <div class="caption-wrap"> <div class="caption" aria-label="Image caption"> <p> Cymbalsmith Peter Nelson works on a cymbal on a lathe at the Zildjian cymbal factory in Norwell, Mass. (Robin Lubbock/WBUR) <b class="credit" aria-label="Image credit"> Robin Lubbock/WBUR </b> <b class="hide-caption"><b></b></b> </p> </div> <b class="toggle-caption"><b></b></b> </div> </div> </div> <p><strong>Zildjian cymbals can be heard in everything from rock music to advertising jingles.</strong> The Zildjian family has been making their famous cymbals with a secret process for more than 400 years. Since the 1970s, the Avedis Zildjian Co. has operated under the radar in Norwell, Mass. Many people have yet to learn that an industrial factory outside of Boston designs, casts, blasts, rolls, hammers, buffs and tests at least a million Zildjian cymbals a year. Andrea Shea at NPR network station WBUR was able to visit the factory. <a href="https://www.wbur.org/news/2024/12/16/400-years-zildjian-cymbals-massachusetts" target="_blank">Here's a peek inside and what she learned</a> about the world's oldest cymbal company.</p> <h3 class="edTag">3 things to know before you go</h3> <div id="resg-s1-38648" class="bucketwrap image large"> <div class="imagewrap has-source-dimensions" data-crop-type="" style=" --source-width: 3363; --source-height: 1892; " > <picture> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3363x1892+0+0/resize/400/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fef%2F6e%2Fe2780f2e4d5886694fcac07a8420%2Fgettyimages-2190419990.jpg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3363x1892+0+0/resize/600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fef%2F6e%2Fe2780f2e4d5886694fcac07a8420%2Fgettyimages-2190419990.jpg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3363x1892+0+0/resize/800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fef%2F6e%2Fe2780f2e4d5886694fcac07a8420%2Fgettyimages-2190419990.jpg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3363x1892+0+0/resize/900/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fef%2F6e%2Fe2780f2e4d5886694fcac07a8420%2Fgettyimages-2190419990.jpg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3363x1892+0+0/resize/1200/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fef%2F6e%2Fe2780f2e4d5886694fcac07a8420%2Fgettyimages-2190419990.jpg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3363x1892+0+0/resize/1600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fef%2F6e%2Fe2780f2e4d5886694fcac07a8420%2Fgettyimages-2190419990.jpg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3363x1892+0+0/resize/1800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fef%2F6e%2Fe2780f2e4d5886694fcac07a8420%2Fgettyimages-2190419990.jpg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3363x1892+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fef%2F6e%2Fe2780f2e4d5886694fcac07a8420%2Fgettyimages-2190419990.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/3363x1892+0+0/resize/400/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fef%2F6e%2Fe2780f2e4d5886694fcac07a8420%2Fgettyimages-2190419990.jpg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3363x1892+0+0/resize/600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fef%2F6e%2Fe2780f2e4d5886694fcac07a8420%2Fgettyimages-2190419990.jpg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3363x1892+0+0/resize/800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fef%2F6e%2Fe2780f2e4d5886694fcac07a8420%2Fgettyimages-2190419990.jpg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3363x1892+0+0/resize/900/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fef%2F6e%2Fe2780f2e4d5886694fcac07a8420%2Fgettyimages-2190419990.jpg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3363x1892+0+0/resize/1200/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fef%2F6e%2Fe2780f2e4d5886694fcac07a8420%2Fgettyimages-2190419990.jpg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3363x1892+0+0/resize/1600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fef%2F6e%2Fe2780f2e4d5886694fcac07a8420%2Fgettyimages-2190419990.jpg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3363x1892+0+0/resize/1800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fef%2F6e%2Fe2780f2e4d5886694fcac07a8420%2Fgettyimages-2190419990.jpg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3363x1892+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fef%2F6e%2Fe2780f2e4d5886694fcac07a8420%2Fgettyimages-2190419990.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/3363x1892+0+0/resize/1100/quality/50/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fef%2F6e%2Fe2780f2e4d5886694fcac07a8420%2Fgettyimages-2190419990.jpg" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3363x1892+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fef%2F6e%2Fe2780f2e4d5886694fcac07a8420%2Fgettyimages-2190419990.jpg" class="img" alt="Charlie Baker, the president of the NCAA, testifies before the Senate Judiciary Committee during a hearing about legalized sports gambling." loading="lazy" /> </picture> </div> <div class="credit-caption"> <div class="caption-wrap"> <div class="caption" aria-label="Image caption"> <p> Charlie Baker, the president of the NCAA, testifies before the Senate Judiciary Committee during a hearing about legalized sports gambling. <b class="credit" aria-label="Image credit"> Kevin Dietsch/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> <ol class="edTag"><li><strong>NCAA President Charlie Baker expressed support on Capitol Hill yesterday for federal regulations around sports gambling</strong>, including a <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/12/17/nx-s1-5231991/ncaa-charlie-baker-sports-gambling-regulations-senate" target="_blank">ban on "prop bets"</a> in college sports.</li><li><strong>Do you have go-to unexpected recipes and ingredients for cooking during the holiday season?</strong> If so, <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/12/13/g-s1-38200/holiday-recipe-ingredient-surprise" target="_blank">NPR wants to hear from you</a>.</li><li><strong>Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson made her Broadway debut </strong>on Saturday night with a <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/12/16/nx-s1-5230174/ketanji-brown-jackson-broadway-juliet" target="_blank">cameo in the romantic comedy musical</a> <em>& Juliet</em>.</li></ol> <p><em>This newsletter was edited by </em><a href="https://www.npr.org/people/859721331/suzanne-nuyen"target="_blank" ><em>Suzanne Nuyen</em></a><em>.</em></p> </div> + + Up First Newsletter + + + Deadly Wisconsin school shooting. And, a pig kidney transplant surgery provides hope + Brittney Melton + https://www.npr.org/2024/12/17/g-s1-38574/up-first-newsletter-deadly-school-shooting-madison-wisconsin-donald-trump-press-conference-pig-kidney-transplant + https://text.npr.org/2024/12/17/g-s1-38574/up-first-newsletter-deadly-school-shooting-madison-wisconsin-donald-trump-press-conference-pig-kidney-transplant + https://www.npr.org/2024/12/17/g-s1-38574/up-first-newsletter-deadly-school-shooting-madison-wisconsin-donald-trump-press-conference-pig-kidney-transplant + Tue, 17 Dec 2024 13:02:30 +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" target="_blank">Subscribe</a><em> here to get it delivered to your inbox, and </em><a href="https://www.npr.org/podcasts/510318/up-first/" target="_blank">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>A grieving community gathered at a Madison, Wis., church last night after a 15-year-old girl opened fire at Abundant Life Christian School.</strong> A teacher and a student were killed in the shooting. The suspect, <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/12/16/g-s1-38488/madison-wisconsin-school-shooting-abundant-life-christian" target="_blank">identified as Natalie Rupnow</a>, who also goes by Samantha, died of what's believed to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Six other people were injured. <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/12/17/nx-s1-5231482/what-to-know-school-shooting-madison-wisconsin" target="_blank">Here's what else we know</a> about the shooting.</p> <div id="resg-s1-38539" 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%2F1e%2F0f%2Fe60a669a47a686c0cc0cb4b04c69%2Fgettyimages-2189784876.jpg 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%2F1e%2F0f%2Fe60a669a47a686c0cc0cb4b04c69%2Fgettyimages-2189784876.jpg 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%2F1e%2F0f%2Fe60a669a47a686c0cc0cb4b04c69%2Fgettyimages-2189784876.jpg 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%2F1e%2F0f%2Fe60a669a47a686c0cc0cb4b04c69%2Fgettyimages-2189784876.jpg 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%2F1e%2F0f%2Fe60a669a47a686c0cc0cb4b04c69%2Fgettyimages-2189784876.jpg 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%2F1e%2F0f%2Fe60a669a47a686c0cc0cb4b04c69%2Fgettyimages-2189784876.jpg 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%2F1e%2F0f%2Fe60a669a47a686c0cc0cb4b04c69%2Fgettyimages-2189784876.jpg 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%2F1e%2F0f%2Fe60a669a47a686c0cc0cb4b04c69%2Fgettyimages-2189784876.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/3000x1688+0+0/resize/400/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F1e%2F0f%2Fe60a669a47a686c0cc0cb4b04c69%2Fgettyimages-2189784876.jpg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3000x1688+0+0/resize/600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F1e%2F0f%2Fe60a669a47a686c0cc0cb4b04c69%2Fgettyimages-2189784876.jpg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3000x1688+0+0/resize/800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F1e%2F0f%2Fe60a669a47a686c0cc0cb4b04c69%2Fgettyimages-2189784876.jpg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3000x1688+0+0/resize/900/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F1e%2F0f%2Fe60a669a47a686c0cc0cb4b04c69%2Fgettyimages-2189784876.jpg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3000x1688+0+0/resize/1200/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F1e%2F0f%2Fe60a669a47a686c0cc0cb4b04c69%2Fgettyimages-2189784876.jpg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3000x1688+0+0/resize/1600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F1e%2F0f%2Fe60a669a47a686c0cc0cb4b04c69%2Fgettyimages-2189784876.jpg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3000x1688+0+0/resize/1800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F1e%2F0f%2Fe60a669a47a686c0cc0cb4b04c69%2Fgettyimages-2189784876.jpg 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%2F1e%2F0f%2Fe60a669a47a686c0cc0cb4b04c69%2Fgettyimages-2189784876.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/3000x1688+0+0/resize/1100/quality/50/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F1e%2F0f%2Fe60a669a47a686c0cc0cb4b04c69%2Fgettyimages-2189784876.jpg" 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%2F1e%2F0f%2Fe60a669a47a686c0cc0cb4b04c69%2Fgettyimages-2189784876.jpg" class="img" alt="Students from Abundant Life Christian School are escorted to a city bus to be reunited with their parents after a school shooting on Dec. 16, 2024 in Madison, Wis." loading="lazy" /> </picture> </div> <div class="credit-caption"> <div class="caption-wrap"> <div class="caption" aria-label="Image caption"> <p> Students from Abundant Life Christian School are escorted to a city bus to be reunited with their parents after a school shooting on Dec. 16, 2024 in Madison, Wis. <b class="credit" aria-label="Image credit"> Andy Manis/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>Police confirmed that a second grader called 911 to report the school shooting</strong>, Sarah Lehr of NPR network station Wisconsin Public Radio says. They believe the shooting happened inside a study hall. As of late yesterday, police say two students remain in critical condition. Mireille Jean-Charles, a mother of three boys who go to the school, told Lehr that though they are uninjured, she <a href="https://one.npr.org/?sharedMediaId=1219887504:1263672914" target="_blank">expects they'll have emotional trauma</a> for a long time. Authorities say they are still trying to piece together a motive behind the shooting. They recovered a handgun at the scene and are working to trace its origins.</li></ul> <p><strong>President-elect Donald Trump held his first press conference since the election at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida yesterday.</strong> For over an hour, he discussed a range of topics, from concerns about his choice for health secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., to his promise to bring prices down. NPR's Mara Liasson says Trump expressed that everything was pretty much perfect when he was in office before, and things will be great again with him returning to the White House. <br></p> <ul class="edTag"><li>🎧 <strong>Trump says everyone is trying to be his friend, and Liasson tells <em>Up First</em> there are some factors behind this.</strong> He is seen as a more legitimate president for his second term after winning the popular vote. There's also expected anticipation from the business community for a Republican president in office. People are <a href="https://one.npr.org/?sharedMediaId=1219887504:1263672914" target="_blank">approaching Trump differently and choosing their battles</a>, believing his mind can be changed on certain ideas and policies.</li></ul> <p><strong>For the first time, surgeons have implanted a new kind of engineered pig kidney into a living person. </strong>The milestone surgery is part of the quest to use genetically modified farm animals to save patients with failing organs. Towana Looney, a 53-year-old grandmother, <a href="https://www.npr.org/sections/shots-health-news/2024/12/17/nx-s1-5203056/pig-kidney-transplant-gene-edited" target="_blank">received the surgery</a> at the NYU Langone Health Hospital in New York City. <br></p> <ul class="edTag"><li>🎧 <strong>NPR's Rob Stein got exclusive access to the operating room during the seven-hour procedure, which took place on Nov. 25. </strong>The hope is that eventually, genetically modified pigs could provide an unlimited supply of kidneys, livers, hearts and other organs to help solve the organ shortage. Stein, who visited Looney two weeks after the surgery, says she is doing fine so far. Looney said <a href="https://one.npr.org/?sharedMediaId=1219887504:1263672914" target="_blank">she feels like she got a second chance at life</a>. There are worries about pig organs spreading dangerous viruses to people, breeding and slaughtering pigs for their organs and experimenting on desperately ill patients.</li></ul> <h3 class="edTag">Deep dive</h3> <div id="resg-s1-38249" class="bucketwrap image large"> <div class="imagewrap has-source-dimensions" data-crop-type="" style=" --source-width: 2000; --source-height: 1125; " > <picture> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2000x1125+0+275/resize/400/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F31%2Fb7%2F4f6ce28241a680b36aac54d35afa%2Fgettyimages-1162913033.jpg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2000x1125+0+275/resize/600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F31%2Fb7%2F4f6ce28241a680b36aac54d35afa%2Fgettyimages-1162913033.jpg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2000x1125+0+275/resize/800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F31%2Fb7%2F4f6ce28241a680b36aac54d35afa%2Fgettyimages-1162913033.jpg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2000x1125+0+275/resize/900/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F31%2Fb7%2F4f6ce28241a680b36aac54d35afa%2Fgettyimages-1162913033.jpg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2000x1125+0+275/resize/1200/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F31%2Fb7%2F4f6ce28241a680b36aac54d35afa%2Fgettyimages-1162913033.jpg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2000x1125+0+275/resize/1600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F31%2Fb7%2F4f6ce28241a680b36aac54d35afa%2Fgettyimages-1162913033.jpg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2000x1125+0+275/resize/1800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F31%2Fb7%2F4f6ce28241a680b36aac54d35afa%2Fgettyimages-1162913033.jpg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2000x1125+0+275/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F31%2Fb7%2F4f6ce28241a680b36aac54d35afa%2Fgettyimages-1162913033.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/2000x1125+0+275/resize/400/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F31%2Fb7%2F4f6ce28241a680b36aac54d35afa%2Fgettyimages-1162913033.jpg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2000x1125+0+275/resize/600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F31%2Fb7%2F4f6ce28241a680b36aac54d35afa%2Fgettyimages-1162913033.jpg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2000x1125+0+275/resize/800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F31%2Fb7%2F4f6ce28241a680b36aac54d35afa%2Fgettyimages-1162913033.jpg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2000x1125+0+275/resize/900/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F31%2Fb7%2F4f6ce28241a680b36aac54d35afa%2Fgettyimages-1162913033.jpg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2000x1125+0+275/resize/1200/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F31%2Fb7%2F4f6ce28241a680b36aac54d35afa%2Fgettyimages-1162913033.jpg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2000x1125+0+275/resize/1600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F31%2Fb7%2F4f6ce28241a680b36aac54d35afa%2Fgettyimages-1162913033.jpg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2000x1125+0+275/resize/1800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F31%2Fb7%2F4f6ce28241a680b36aac54d35afa%2Fgettyimages-1162913033.jpg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2000x1125+0+275/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F31%2Fb7%2F4f6ce28241a680b36aac54d35afa%2Fgettyimages-1162913033.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/2000x1125+0+275/resize/1100/quality/50/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F31%2Fb7%2F4f6ce28241a680b36aac54d35afa%2Fgettyimages-1162913033.jpg" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2000x1125+0+275/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F31%2Fb7%2F4f6ce28241a680b36aac54d35afa%2Fgettyimages-1162913033.jpg" class="img" alt="Stock photo of sweet shop pic and mix display of sugar coated red jelly sweet / gummy drops." loading="lazy" /> </picture> </div> <div class="credit-caption"> <div class="caption-wrap"> <div class="caption" aria-label="Image caption"> <p> Stock photo of sweet shop pic and mix display of sugar coated red jelly sweet / gummy drops. <b class="credit" aria-label="Image credit"> mtreasure/Getty Images/iStockphoto </b> <b class="hide-caption"><b></b></b> </p> </div> <b class="toggle-caption"><b></b></b> </div> </div> </div> <p><strong>The Food and Drug Administration is considering banning Red No. 3, a petroleum-based food dye that has been used for more than 50 years</strong> in thousands of products, from candy to soda. The petition to ban the colorant has been under review since 2022, but an <a href="https://www.npr.org/sections/shots-health-news/2024/12/13/nx-s1-5228177/red-dye-3-fda-ban" target="_blank">FDA spokesperson tells NPR a decision could come "soon."</a> <br></p> <ul class="edTag"><li>🔴 <strong>The dye could cause cancer in animals in high doses</strong>, but the agency determined it was safe in the amounts used in food.</li><li>🔴 <strong>California passed a law banning Red No. 3 last year. </strong>Lawmakers in 10 other states have introduced legislation to ban the dye in foods.</li><li>🔴 <strong>California's Environmental Protection Agency reviewed research on synthetic dyes and found</strong> evidence that when consumed in food, they can negatively impact children's behavior.</li><li>🔴 <strong>Red No. 3 has been banned or severely restricted in many countries</strong>, including Australia, Japan and countries in the European Union.</li></ul> <h3 class="edTag">Picture show</h3> <div id="resg-s1-37979" 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+182/resize/400/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fc1%2Fc5%2F5e6adedb41a48bc7ea08b8356408%2Frap-20241115-robopalooza-npr-0508.jpg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3000x1688+0+182/resize/600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fc1%2Fc5%2F5e6adedb41a48bc7ea08b8356408%2Frap-20241115-robopalooza-npr-0508.jpg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3000x1688+0+182/resize/800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fc1%2Fc5%2F5e6adedb41a48bc7ea08b8356408%2Frap-20241115-robopalooza-npr-0508.jpg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3000x1688+0+182/resize/900/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fc1%2Fc5%2F5e6adedb41a48bc7ea08b8356408%2Frap-20241115-robopalooza-npr-0508.jpg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3000x1688+0+182/resize/1200/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fc1%2Fc5%2F5e6adedb41a48bc7ea08b8356408%2Frap-20241115-robopalooza-npr-0508.jpg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3000x1688+0+182/resize/1600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fc1%2Fc5%2F5e6adedb41a48bc7ea08b8356408%2Frap-20241115-robopalooza-npr-0508.jpg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3000x1688+0+182/resize/1800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fc1%2Fc5%2F5e6adedb41a48bc7ea08b8356408%2Frap-20241115-robopalooza-npr-0508.jpg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3000x1688+0+182/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fc1%2Fc5%2F5e6adedb41a48bc7ea08b8356408%2Frap-20241115-robopalooza-npr-0508.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/3000x1688+0+182/resize/400/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fc1%2Fc5%2F5e6adedb41a48bc7ea08b8356408%2Frap-20241115-robopalooza-npr-0508.jpg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3000x1688+0+182/resize/600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fc1%2Fc5%2F5e6adedb41a48bc7ea08b8356408%2Frap-20241115-robopalooza-npr-0508.jpg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3000x1688+0+182/resize/800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fc1%2Fc5%2F5e6adedb41a48bc7ea08b8356408%2Frap-20241115-robopalooza-npr-0508.jpg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3000x1688+0+182/resize/900/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fc1%2Fc5%2F5e6adedb41a48bc7ea08b8356408%2Frap-20241115-robopalooza-npr-0508.jpg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3000x1688+0+182/resize/1200/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fc1%2Fc5%2F5e6adedb41a48bc7ea08b8356408%2Frap-20241115-robopalooza-npr-0508.jpg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3000x1688+0+182/resize/1600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fc1%2Fc5%2F5e6adedb41a48bc7ea08b8356408%2Frap-20241115-robopalooza-npr-0508.jpg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3000x1688+0+182/resize/1800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fc1%2Fc5%2F5e6adedb41a48bc7ea08b8356408%2Frap-20241115-robopalooza-npr-0508.jpg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3000x1688+0+182/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fc1%2Fc5%2F5e6adedb41a48bc7ea08b8356408%2Frap-20241115-robopalooza-npr-0508.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/3000x1688+0+182/resize/1100/quality/50/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fc1%2Fc5%2F5e6adedb41a48bc7ea08b8356408%2Frap-20241115-robopalooza-npr-0508.jpg" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3000x1688+0+182/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fc1%2Fc5%2F5e6adedb41a48bc7ea08b8356408%2Frap-20241115-robopalooza-npr-0508.jpg" class="img" alt="&quot;Helelani&quot;robot getting ready for the competition at Peterman Hill near Lucerne Valley." loading="lazy" /> </picture> </div> <div class="credit-caption"> <div class="caption-wrap"> <div class="caption" aria-label="Image caption"> <p> "Helelani"robot getting ready for the competition at Peterman Hill near Lucerne Valley. <b class="credit" aria-label="Image credit"> Raymond Alva for NPR </b> <b class="hide-caption"><b></b></b> </p> </div> <b class="toggle-caption"><b></b></b> </div> </div> </div> <p><strong>NASA technologist Rob Mueller dreamed up a new desert festival called RoboPalooza. It has some elements of other desert festivals, but there is a key difference. </strong>In addition to the live rock bands, food trucks and portable toilets, there are scientists using the Mojave Desert to test robots. The festival is sponsored in part by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers and focused on building a future for humanity in space. Essentially, the headliners are space robots and the people who spend their lives building them. <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/12/16/g-s1-37936/mojave-desert-festival-testing-robots-next-space-age-mars" target="_blank">See photos inside the festival</a>.<br></p> <h3 class="edTag">3 things to know before you go</h3> <div id="resg-s1-38497" class="bucketwrap image large"> <div class="imagewrap has-source-dimensions" data-crop-type="" style=" --source-width: 5172; --source-height: 3594; " > <picture> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5172x3594+0+0/resize/400/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F3f%2Fa6%2Fb22d8f7645349e97592b0d6d379a%2Fgettyimages-2188480130.jpg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5172x3594+0+0/resize/600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F3f%2Fa6%2Fb22d8f7645349e97592b0d6d379a%2Fgettyimages-2188480130.jpg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5172x3594+0+0/resize/800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F3f%2Fa6%2Fb22d8f7645349e97592b0d6d379a%2Fgettyimages-2188480130.jpg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5172x3594+0+0/resize/900/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F3f%2Fa6%2Fb22d8f7645349e97592b0d6d379a%2Fgettyimages-2188480130.jpg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5172x3594+0+0/resize/1200/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F3f%2Fa6%2Fb22d8f7645349e97592b0d6d379a%2Fgettyimages-2188480130.jpg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5172x3594+0+0/resize/1600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F3f%2Fa6%2Fb22d8f7645349e97592b0d6d379a%2Fgettyimages-2188480130.jpg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5172x3594+0+0/resize/1800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F3f%2Fa6%2Fb22d8f7645349e97592b0d6d379a%2Fgettyimages-2188480130.jpg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5172x3594+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F3f%2Fa6%2Fb22d8f7645349e97592b0d6d379a%2Fgettyimages-2188480130.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/5172x3594+0+0/resize/400/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F3f%2Fa6%2Fb22d8f7645349e97592b0d6d379a%2Fgettyimages-2188480130.jpg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5172x3594+0+0/resize/600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F3f%2Fa6%2Fb22d8f7645349e97592b0d6d379a%2Fgettyimages-2188480130.jpg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5172x3594+0+0/resize/800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F3f%2Fa6%2Fb22d8f7645349e97592b0d6d379a%2Fgettyimages-2188480130.jpg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5172x3594+0+0/resize/900/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F3f%2Fa6%2Fb22d8f7645349e97592b0d6d379a%2Fgettyimages-2188480130.jpg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5172x3594+0+0/resize/1200/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F3f%2Fa6%2Fb22d8f7645349e97592b0d6d379a%2Fgettyimages-2188480130.jpg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5172x3594+0+0/resize/1600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F3f%2Fa6%2Fb22d8f7645349e97592b0d6d379a%2Fgettyimages-2188480130.jpg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5172x3594+0+0/resize/1800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F3f%2Fa6%2Fb22d8f7645349e97592b0d6d379a%2Fgettyimages-2188480130.jpg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5172x3594+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F3f%2Fa6%2Fb22d8f7645349e97592b0d6d379a%2Fgettyimages-2188480130.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/5172x3594+0+0/resize/1100/quality/50/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F3f%2Fa6%2Fb22d8f7645349e97592b0d6d379a%2Fgettyimages-2188480130.jpg" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5172x3594+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F3f%2Fa6%2Fb22d8f7645349e97592b0d6d379a%2Fgettyimages-2188480130.jpg" class="img" alt="Two Sotheby&#039;s workers wearing white gloves hold a stone tablet of the Ten Commandments." loading="lazy" /> </picture> </div> <div class="credit-caption"> <div class="caption-wrap"> <div class="caption" aria-label="Image caption"> <p> Sotheby's workers hold the stone tablet of the Ten Commandments that is scheduled for auction. <b class="credit" aria-label="Image credit"> Timothy A. Clary/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>Sotheby's is scheduled to auction one of the earliest tablets</strong> <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/12/16/g-s1-38496/sothebys-to-auction-off-ancient-ten-commandments-tablet" target="_blank">inscribed with the Ten Commandments</a> tomorrow.</li><li><strong>This year is coming to a close, and NPR wants to know what key lessons you have learned.</strong> <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/12/16/g-s1-38428/biggest-lessons-learned-in-2024" target="_blank">Share your story with us</a>, and it could be featured in this newsletter on Dec. 29.</li><li><strong>An 18-month Senate investigation found that despite Amazon's claims</strong> of safe working conditions, <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/12/16/nx-s1-5230240/amazon-injury-warehouse-senate-investigation" target="_blank">it manipulated injury data</a> to make warehouses appear safer.</li></ol> <p><em>This newsletter was edited by </em><a href="https://www.npr.org/people/859721331/suzanne-nuyen"target="_blank" ><em>Suzanne Nuyen</em></a><em>.</em></p> </div> + + Up First Newsletter + + + NPR wants to know: What is a key lesson you learned this year? + Brittney Melton + https://www.npr.org/2024/12/16/g-s1-38428/biggest-lessons-learned-in-2024 + https://text.npr.org/2024/12/16/g-s1-38428/biggest-lessons-learned-in-2024 + https://www.npr.org/2024/12/16/g-s1-38428/biggest-lessons-learned-in-2024 + Mon, 16 Dec 2024 14:23:31 +0000 + <div id="storytext" class="storytext storylocation linkLocation"> <div id="resg-s1-38430" 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%2Fdc%2F25%2F9849d5014b2493ecfe0a5fd9b3b9%2Fgettyimages-1704939700.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%2Fdc%2F25%2F9849d5014b2493ecfe0a5fd9b3b9%2Fgettyimages-1704939700.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%2Fdc%2F25%2F9849d5014b2493ecfe0a5fd9b3b9%2Fgettyimages-1704939700.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%2Fdc%2F25%2F9849d5014b2493ecfe0a5fd9b3b9%2Fgettyimages-1704939700.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%2Fdc%2F25%2F9849d5014b2493ecfe0a5fd9b3b9%2Fgettyimages-1704939700.jpg" class="img" alt="People stroll at Place des Vosges during a sunny afternoon in Paris on Oct. 3, 2023." 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%2Fdc%2F25%2F9849d5014b2493ecfe0a5fd9b3b9%2Fgettyimages-1704939700.jpg" data-format="jpeg" /> </picture> </div> <div class="credit-caption"> <div class="caption-wrap"> <div class="caption" aria-label="Image caption"> <p> People stroll at Place des Vosges during a sunny afternoon in Paris on Oct. 3, 2023. <b class="credit" aria-label="Image credit"> Dimitar Dilkoff/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>December is going by swiftly. Before you know it we will hear the famous New Year's Eve countdown. With the end of the year comes reflection on all we have accomplished — and maybe some things we didn't. Our missteps can come with key lessons learned, and the <em>Up First </em>newsletter team wants to hear from people who want to share theirs. We not only want to hear the biggest lessons you might have learned this year, but how you plan to implement them next year and going forward. Your guidance could help others.</p> <p>If you have experienced a key life lesson, share your story with us via the form below, and you could be featured in the <em>Up First</em> newsletter on Dec. 29. You can also share a photo and upload your answers as a voice memo. <strong>Please submit responses by Dec. 20.</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" target="_blank"><u>subscribing to our newsletter</u></a>.</p> <div id="resg-s1-38428-100" class="bucketwrap statichtml"> <iframe src="https://npr.formstack.com/forms/biggest_lessons_learned" title="Formstack Form" width="100%" height="1200"></iframe> </div> <!-- END ID="RESG-S1-38428-100" 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" target="_blank">Terms of Use</a><em> and </em><a href="https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy" target="_blank">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 + + + ABC News' $15M settlement with Trump. And, renewed hope for an Israel-Hamas ceasefire + Brittney Melton + https://www.npr.org/2024/12/16/g-s1-38412/up-first-newsletter-donald-trump-george-stephanopoulos-abc-news-settlement-israel-hamas-ceasefire + https://text.npr.org/2024/12/16/g-s1-38412/up-first-newsletter-donald-trump-george-stephanopoulos-abc-news-settlement-israel-hamas-ceasefire + https://www.npr.org/2024/12/16/g-s1-38412/up-first-newsletter-donald-trump-george-stephanopoulos-abc-news-settlement-israel-hamas-ceasefire + Mon, 16 Dec 2024 12:57:27 +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>There is renewed hope for a ceasefire deal with Israel and Hamas, which have been engulfed in war for 14 months.</strong> Senior Biden administration officials have been in the region pushing for the negotiations. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is back from his latest trip to the Middle East and says this is a moment to bring the conflict to an end.</p> <div id="resg-s1-33596" 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+130/resize/400/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F86%2Fc2%2F624cc4c647dd8397716ec072e67d%2Fgettyimages-2182711356.jpg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5472x3078+0+130/resize/600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F86%2Fc2%2F624cc4c647dd8397716ec072e67d%2Fgettyimages-2182711356.jpg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5472x3078+0+130/resize/800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F86%2Fc2%2F624cc4c647dd8397716ec072e67d%2Fgettyimages-2182711356.jpg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5472x3078+0+130/resize/900/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F86%2Fc2%2F624cc4c647dd8397716ec072e67d%2Fgettyimages-2182711356.jpg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5472x3078+0+130/resize/1200/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F86%2Fc2%2F624cc4c647dd8397716ec072e67d%2Fgettyimages-2182711356.jpg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5472x3078+0+130/resize/1600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F86%2Fc2%2F624cc4c647dd8397716ec072e67d%2Fgettyimages-2182711356.jpg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5472x3078+0+130/resize/1800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F86%2Fc2%2F624cc4c647dd8397716ec072e67d%2Fgettyimages-2182711356.jpg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5472x3078+0+130/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F86%2Fc2%2F624cc4c647dd8397716ec072e67d%2Fgettyimages-2182711356.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+130/resize/400/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F86%2Fc2%2F624cc4c647dd8397716ec072e67d%2Fgettyimages-2182711356.jpg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5472x3078+0+130/resize/600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F86%2Fc2%2F624cc4c647dd8397716ec072e67d%2Fgettyimages-2182711356.jpg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5472x3078+0+130/resize/800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F86%2Fc2%2F624cc4c647dd8397716ec072e67d%2Fgettyimages-2182711356.jpg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5472x3078+0+130/resize/900/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F86%2Fc2%2F624cc4c647dd8397716ec072e67d%2Fgettyimages-2182711356.jpg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5472x3078+0+130/resize/1200/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F86%2Fc2%2F624cc4c647dd8397716ec072e67d%2Fgettyimages-2182711356.jpg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5472x3078+0+130/resize/1600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F86%2Fc2%2F624cc4c647dd8397716ec072e67d%2Fgettyimages-2182711356.jpg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5472x3078+0+130/resize/1800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F86%2Fc2%2F624cc4c647dd8397716ec072e67d%2Fgettyimages-2182711356.jpg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5472x3078+0+130/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F86%2Fc2%2F624cc4c647dd8397716ec072e67d%2Fgettyimages-2182711356.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+130/resize/1100/quality/50/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F86%2Fc2%2F624cc4c647dd8397716ec072e67d%2Fgettyimages-2182711356.jpg" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5472x3078+0+130/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F86%2Fc2%2F624cc4c647dd8397716ec072e67d%2Fgettyimages-2182711356.jpg" class="img" alt="Children stare at the destruction following an Israeli strike in the Nuseirat refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip on Thursday." loading="lazy" /> </picture> </div> <div class="credit-caption"> <div class="caption-wrap"> <div class="caption" aria-label="Image caption"> <p> Children stare at the destruction following an Israeli strike in the Nuseirat refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip on Thursday. <b class="credit" aria-label="Image credit"> Eyad Baba/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>There is optimism around a potential deal because Hamas has been degraded to the point it can't carry out another attack like Oct. 7</strong>, NPR's Michele Kelemen tells <em>Up First</em>. Hamas is now being more flexible. A source informed NPR that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wants to focus more on Iran, so he is more interested in a deal in Gaza. <a href="https://one.npr.org/?sharedMediaId=1219830881:1263622115">It would be a lengthy ceasefire deal</a>: up to two months. Hamas would release some hostages in exchange for Palestinian detainees released from Israeli jails. This deal would just be a start, Kelemen says.</li></ul> <p><strong>ABC News has agreed to pay $15 million toward President-elect Donald Trump's future presidential library </strong>to settle a lawsuit over remarks by anchor George Stephanopoulos during an interview with Rep. Nancy Mace on <em>This Week</em>. The TV network is also posting a statement of regret. Trump sued for defamation after Stephanopoulos said that Trump was "found liable for rape," which misstated verdicts in two of E. Jean Carroll's lawsuits against him. <br></p> <ul class="edTag"><li>🎧 <strong>Trump was found liable for sexually assaulting Carroll</strong>, NPR's David Folkenflik clarifies. After talking to six First Amendment media lawyers, Folkenflik says they agreed with his <a href="https://one.npr.org/?sharedMediaId=1219830881:1263622115">gut instinct that Stephanopoulos had a screw-up</a>. The lawyers said they expected the network and Stephanopoulos to clarify the distinction promptly. They also said this should have been a pretty easy call to defend in court because what Stephanopoulos said was close to what the judge said, but the TV network is happy to be past this lawsuit. The settlement comes at a time when the incoming administration has suggested a strong intent to use the powers of government against the press.</li></ul> <p><strong>Trump has signaled he wants to try to pull back a consumer tax credit for electric vehicles</strong>,<strong> </strong>which his incoming administration has declared wasteful spending. Drivers can currently get a tax credit worth up to $7,500 for buying or leasing an EV. This year alone, buyers claimed more than $2 billion in EV credits. Some shoppers are looking into whether they should act fast. NPR's Camila Domonoske speaks with experts to look into <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/12/16/nx-s1-5220379/car-electric-trump-tax-credit">what shoppers need to know about the EV tax credit's uncertain future</a>.<br></p> <h3 class="edTag">Behind the story</h3> <div id="resg-s1-38413" class="bucketwrap image large"> <div class="imagewrap has-source-dimensions" data-crop-type="" style=" --source-width: 2925; --source-height: 1645; " > <picture> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2925x1645+0+152/resize/400/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F41%2Faf%2Fd9f502da41739763f8b95c0fb896%2F20241212-dsc1920-edit.jpg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2925x1645+0+152/resize/600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F41%2Faf%2Fd9f502da41739763f8b95c0fb896%2F20241212-dsc1920-edit.jpg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2925x1645+0+152/resize/800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F41%2Faf%2Fd9f502da41739763f8b95c0fb896%2F20241212-dsc1920-edit.jpg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2925x1645+0+152/resize/900/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F41%2Faf%2Fd9f502da41739763f8b95c0fb896%2F20241212-dsc1920-edit.jpg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2925x1645+0+152/resize/1200/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F41%2Faf%2Fd9f502da41739763f8b95c0fb896%2F20241212-dsc1920-edit.jpg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2925x1645+0+152/resize/1600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F41%2Faf%2Fd9f502da41739763f8b95c0fb896%2F20241212-dsc1920-edit.jpg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2925x1645+0+152/resize/1800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F41%2Faf%2Fd9f502da41739763f8b95c0fb896%2F20241212-dsc1920-edit.jpg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2925x1645+0+152/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F41%2Faf%2Fd9f502da41739763f8b95c0fb896%2F20241212-dsc1920-edit.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/2925x1645+0+152/resize/400/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F41%2Faf%2Fd9f502da41739763f8b95c0fb896%2F20241212-dsc1920-edit.jpg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2925x1645+0+152/resize/600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F41%2Faf%2Fd9f502da41739763f8b95c0fb896%2F20241212-dsc1920-edit.jpg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2925x1645+0+152/resize/800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F41%2Faf%2Fd9f502da41739763f8b95c0fb896%2F20241212-dsc1920-edit.jpg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2925x1645+0+152/resize/900/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F41%2Faf%2Fd9f502da41739763f8b95c0fb896%2F20241212-dsc1920-edit.jpg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2925x1645+0+152/resize/1200/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F41%2Faf%2Fd9f502da41739763f8b95c0fb896%2F20241212-dsc1920-edit.jpg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2925x1645+0+152/resize/1600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F41%2Faf%2Fd9f502da41739763f8b95c0fb896%2F20241212-dsc1920-edit.jpg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2925x1645+0+152/resize/1800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F41%2Faf%2Fd9f502da41739763f8b95c0fb896%2F20241212-dsc1920-edit.jpg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2925x1645+0+152/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F41%2Faf%2Fd9f502da41739763f8b95c0fb896%2F20241212-dsc1920-edit.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/2925x1645+0+152/resize/1100/quality/50/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F41%2Faf%2Fd9f502da41739763f8b95c0fb896%2F20241212-dsc1920-edit.jpg" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2925x1645+0+152/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F41%2Faf%2Fd9f502da41739763f8b95c0fb896%2F20241212-dsc1920-edit.jpg" class="img" alt="" loading="lazy" /> </picture> </div> <div class="credit-caption"> <div class="caption-wrap"> <div class="caption" aria-label="Image caption"> <p> Sarah Abdel Hamid al-Aami is searching for her four brothers who were snatched on their way to work by government forces years ago on what she says were bogus accusations of terrorism. <b class="credit" aria-label="Image credit"> Clare Harbage/NPR </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 Morning Edition senior editor and reporter Arezou Rezvani. Rezvani and a team from </em><br><em>Morning Edition are on the ground in Syria, covering the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime. </em></p> <p><strong>For decades, Syrians have lived in a constant state of fear and paranoia.</strong> For 54 years, under the rule of dictator Bashar al-Assad and his father before him, there was no tolerance for criticizing the government. Those who did speak out often disappeared into Syria's notorious prison system, known for soul-crushing torture and killings. The oppression took an even darker turn in 2011 after Assad's regime crushed pro-democracy protests and clamped down on any association with emerging opposition groups. During the ensuing 13-year civil war, friends, neighbors and colleagues would avoid political discussions. Even in the privacy of their own homes, Syrians remained tight-lipped. Parents withheld their true feelings from their own children for fear they'd say something at school, where they were closely monitored by teachers and staff who would report on families if they sensed any hints of disloyalty at home. It was commonly said that in Syria, "the walls have ears."</p> <p><strong>With Bashar al-Assad now gone, Syrians are slowly starting to come out and share their secrets.</strong> Long-time friends are <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/12/12/nx-s1-5225551/on-the-road-from-beirut-to-damascus-people-find-their-footing-in-a-new-syria"><u>revealing details about their lives they had long kept under wraps</u></a>, like their imprisonments, the rebel-held cities their families are originally from, their religions, political leanings, dreams, aspirations, unfiltered thoughts and ideas. After so many decades of repression, many Syrians say this newfound freedom to speak doesn't come naturally, that it's almost like they need to be deprogrammed.</p> <p><strong>Lurking underneath the thrill of the moment is a great deal of anxiety. </strong>There are still a lot of questions about the rebel groups that toppled Assad. Will they accept criticism? Will they hold free and fair elections? Will all religious and minority groups be protected? Have they really abandoned all links with al-Qaeda and the Islamic State? Syrians are celebrating the end of Assad rule, <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/12/12/nx-s1-5225551/on-the-road-from-beirut-to-damascus-people-find-their-footing-in-a-new-syria"><u>but they're holding their breath</u></a> for what's to come.<br></p> <h3 class="edTag">Life advice</h3> <div id="resg-s1-38127" class="bucketwrap image large"> <div class="imagewrap has-source-dimensions" data-crop-type="" style=" --source-width: 4256; --source-height: 2394; " > <picture> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4256x2394+0+219/resize/400/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F18%2F90%2F93cd1e91404a9bf045b63fd74bec%2Fgettyimages-1242117123.jpg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4256x2394+0+219/resize/600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F18%2F90%2F93cd1e91404a9bf045b63fd74bec%2Fgettyimages-1242117123.jpg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4256x2394+0+219/resize/800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F18%2F90%2F93cd1e91404a9bf045b63fd74bec%2Fgettyimages-1242117123.jpg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4256x2394+0+219/resize/900/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F18%2F90%2F93cd1e91404a9bf045b63fd74bec%2Fgettyimages-1242117123.jpg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4256x2394+0+219/resize/1200/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F18%2F90%2F93cd1e91404a9bf045b63fd74bec%2Fgettyimages-1242117123.jpg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4256x2394+0+219/resize/1600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F18%2F90%2F93cd1e91404a9bf045b63fd74bec%2Fgettyimages-1242117123.jpg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4256x2394+0+219/resize/1800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F18%2F90%2F93cd1e91404a9bf045b63fd74bec%2Fgettyimages-1242117123.jpg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4256x2394+0+219/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F18%2F90%2F93cd1e91404a9bf045b63fd74bec%2Fgettyimages-1242117123.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/4256x2394+0+219/resize/400/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F18%2F90%2F93cd1e91404a9bf045b63fd74bec%2Fgettyimages-1242117123.jpg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4256x2394+0+219/resize/600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F18%2F90%2F93cd1e91404a9bf045b63fd74bec%2Fgettyimages-1242117123.jpg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4256x2394+0+219/resize/800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F18%2F90%2F93cd1e91404a9bf045b63fd74bec%2Fgettyimages-1242117123.jpg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4256x2394+0+219/resize/900/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F18%2F90%2F93cd1e91404a9bf045b63fd74bec%2Fgettyimages-1242117123.jpg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4256x2394+0+219/resize/1200/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F18%2F90%2F93cd1e91404a9bf045b63fd74bec%2Fgettyimages-1242117123.jpg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4256x2394+0+219/resize/1600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F18%2F90%2F93cd1e91404a9bf045b63fd74bec%2Fgettyimages-1242117123.jpg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4256x2394+0+219/resize/1800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F18%2F90%2F93cd1e91404a9bf045b63fd74bec%2Fgettyimages-1242117123.jpg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4256x2394+0+219/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F18%2F90%2F93cd1e91404a9bf045b63fd74bec%2Fgettyimages-1242117123.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/4256x2394+0+219/resize/1100/quality/50/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F18%2F90%2F93cd1e91404a9bf045b63fd74bec%2Fgettyimages-1242117123.jpg" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4256x2394+0+219/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F18%2F90%2F93cd1e91404a9bf045b63fd74bec%2Fgettyimages-1242117123.jpg" class="img" alt="A father teaches his child to swim in a pond in Sylhet, Bangladesh." loading="lazy" /> </picture> </div> <div class="credit-caption"> <div class="caption-wrap"> <div class="caption" aria-label="Image caption"> <p> A father teaches his child to swim in a pond in Sylhet, Bangladesh. Drowning is a leading causes of death globally for children, according to the first ever report on drowning as a public health issue issued by the World Health Organization. <b class="credit" aria-label="Image credit"> Md Rafayat Haque Khan/Eyepix Group/Future Publishing via Getty Images </b> <b class="hide-caption"><b></b></b> </p> </div> <b class="toggle-caption"><b></b></b> </div> </div> </div> <p><strong>More than 300,000 people die from drowning each year. </strong>A new World Health Organization report found that nearly all cases are preventable. WHO gathered data from 139 countries for its first-ever report on how to prevent drowning. Children are the highest-risk group, with nearly a quarter of all drowning deaths happening among kids under age 4. The threat is evolving as climate change makes floods more frequent and severe. Caroline Lukaszyk, a technical officer for injury prevention at the WHO, <a href="https://www.npr.org/sections/goats-and-soda/2024/12/13/g-s1-38078/drowning-swimming-public-health-who">share some findings with NPR</a>. <br></p> <ul class="edTag"><li>🌊<strong> A lot of the drowning burden is in Southeast Asia and Africa. </strong>There are bodies of water everywhere throughout the communities, and people need them for drinking, cooking, washing and bathing. But they pose a risk for unsupervised youth.</li><li>🌊 <strong>It's good to have life jackets on board boats.</strong> There's work being done to use local materials, such as empty two-liter plastic bottles, as flotation devices.</li><li>🌊 <strong>Swimming lessons that teach water safety</strong> and survival skills can be low-cost solutions.</li><li>🌊 <strong>Bystander training and safe rescue and resuscitation are also recommended.</strong> It can be key to teach CPR to older children and adults who could be around children playing in bodies of water.</li></ul> <h3 class="edTag">3 things to know before you go</h3> <div id="resg-s1-38346" class="bucketwrap image large"> <div class="imagewrap has-source-dimensions" data-crop-type="" style=" --source-width: 4080; --source-height: 2295; " > <picture> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4080x2295+0+389/resize/400/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fb8%2Fc1%2F67a071984beba9098453887ba1e8%2Fcaroline-davis.JPG 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4080x2295+0+389/resize/600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fb8%2Fc1%2F67a071984beba9098453887ba1e8%2Fcaroline-davis.JPG 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4080x2295+0+389/resize/800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fb8%2Fc1%2F67a071984beba9098453887ba1e8%2Fcaroline-davis.JPG 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4080x2295+0+389/resize/900/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fb8%2Fc1%2F67a071984beba9098453887ba1e8%2Fcaroline-davis.JPG 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4080x2295+0+389/resize/1200/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fb8%2Fc1%2F67a071984beba9098453887ba1e8%2Fcaroline-davis.JPG 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4080x2295+0+389/resize/1600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fb8%2Fc1%2F67a071984beba9098453887ba1e8%2Fcaroline-davis.JPG 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4080x2295+0+389/resize/1800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fb8%2Fc1%2F67a071984beba9098453887ba1e8%2Fcaroline-davis.JPG 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4080x2295+0+389/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fb8%2Fc1%2F67a071984beba9098453887ba1e8%2Fcaroline-davis.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/4080x2295+0+389/resize/400/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fb8%2Fc1%2F67a071984beba9098453887ba1e8%2Fcaroline-davis.JPG 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4080x2295+0+389/resize/600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fb8%2Fc1%2F67a071984beba9098453887ba1e8%2Fcaroline-davis.JPG 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4080x2295+0+389/resize/800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fb8%2Fc1%2F67a071984beba9098453887ba1e8%2Fcaroline-davis.JPG 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4080x2295+0+389/resize/900/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fb8%2Fc1%2F67a071984beba9098453887ba1e8%2Fcaroline-davis.JPG 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4080x2295+0+389/resize/1200/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fb8%2Fc1%2F67a071984beba9098453887ba1e8%2Fcaroline-davis.JPG 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4080x2295+0+389/resize/1600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fb8%2Fc1%2F67a071984beba9098453887ba1e8%2Fcaroline-davis.JPG 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4080x2295+0+389/resize/1800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fb8%2Fc1%2F67a071984beba9098453887ba1e8%2Fcaroline-davis.JPG 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4080x2295+0+389/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fb8%2Fc1%2F67a071984beba9098453887ba1e8%2Fcaroline-davis.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/4080x2295+0+389/resize/1100/quality/50/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fb8%2Fc1%2F67a071984beba9098453887ba1e8%2Fcaroline-davis.JPG" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4080x2295+0+389/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fb8%2Fc1%2F67a071984beba9098453887ba1e8%2Fcaroline-davis.JPG" class="img" alt="Caroline Davis said a stranger&#039;s generosity reminder her of her dad." loading="lazy" /> </picture> </div> <div class="credit-caption"> <div class="caption-wrap"> <div class="caption" aria-label="Image caption"> <p> Caroline Davis said a stranger's generosity reminder her of her dad. <b class="credit" aria-label="Image credit"> Caroline David </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>This past summer, Caroline Davis was working on a DIY project that required 1,500 pounds of gravel. </strong>As she loaded her car with 50-pound bags, a stranger <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/12/14/g-s1-38341/unsung-hero-strangers-generosity-reminded-her-of-dad">stepped in and warned her</a> of the damage it could cause to the vehicle. The unsung hero then helped her with the load. The interaction reminded her of her dad, who died in 2017.</li><li><strong>Indian tabla player Zakir Hussain, whose career spanned over five decades</strong>, <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/12/15/nx-s1-5229593/zakir-hussain-dead-india-shakti-tabla">died yesterday at age 73</a>. Hussain is revered as a national treasure.</li><li><strong>Two men were arrested Saturday for allegedly flying a drone </strong><a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/12/16/nx-s1-5230075/drone-boston-logan-airport">"dangerously close" to Logan International Airport</a>, the Boston Police Department said. The arrests come as drones have been sighted across the East Coast.</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 + + + Foreign students advised to make plans before Trump. And, 2024's final news quiz + Brittney Melton + https://www.npr.org/2024/12/13/g-s1-38068/up-first-newsletter-international-university-students-holiday-travel-donald-trump-iran-syria + https://text.npr.org/2024/12/13/g-s1-38068/up-first-newsletter-international-university-students-holiday-travel-donald-trump-iran-syria + https://www.npr.org/2024/12/13/g-s1-38068/up-first-newsletter-international-university-students-holiday-travel-donald-trump-iran-syria + Fri, 13 Dec 2024 13:03:05 +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>Iran's capital has been in dismay after the sudden collapse of the Syrian regime. </strong>Iran, a longtime enemy of Israel and the U.S., relied on Syria as one of its biggest allies in a bid for power across the Middle East. Iran propped up Syria's now-ousted ruler, Bashar al-Assad. Syria offered a connection to Iran's proxies in nearby Lebanon.</p> <div id="resg-s1-37621" class="bucketwrap image large"> <div class="imagewrap has-source-dimensions" data-crop-type="" style=" --source-width: 5392; --source-height: 3033; " > <picture> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5392x3033+0+280/resize/400/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fe8%2Fa9%2F413b7f1646abb28f9429bd6b38cf%2Fgettyimages-2188254038.jpg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5392x3033+0+280/resize/600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fe8%2Fa9%2F413b7f1646abb28f9429bd6b38cf%2Fgettyimages-2188254038.jpg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5392x3033+0+280/resize/800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fe8%2Fa9%2F413b7f1646abb28f9429bd6b38cf%2Fgettyimages-2188254038.jpg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5392x3033+0+280/resize/900/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fe8%2Fa9%2F413b7f1646abb28f9429bd6b38cf%2Fgettyimages-2188254038.jpg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5392x3033+0+280/resize/1200/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fe8%2Fa9%2F413b7f1646abb28f9429bd6b38cf%2Fgettyimages-2188254038.jpg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5392x3033+0+280/resize/1600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fe8%2Fa9%2F413b7f1646abb28f9429bd6b38cf%2Fgettyimages-2188254038.jpg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5392x3033+0+280/resize/1800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fe8%2Fa9%2F413b7f1646abb28f9429bd6b38cf%2Fgettyimages-2188254038.jpg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5392x3033+0+280/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fe8%2Fa9%2F413b7f1646abb28f9429bd6b38cf%2Fgettyimages-2188254038.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/5392x3033+0+280/resize/400/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fe8%2Fa9%2F413b7f1646abb28f9429bd6b38cf%2Fgettyimages-2188254038.jpg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5392x3033+0+280/resize/600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fe8%2Fa9%2F413b7f1646abb28f9429bd6b38cf%2Fgettyimages-2188254038.jpg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5392x3033+0+280/resize/800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fe8%2Fa9%2F413b7f1646abb28f9429bd6b38cf%2Fgettyimages-2188254038.jpg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5392x3033+0+280/resize/900/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fe8%2Fa9%2F413b7f1646abb28f9429bd6b38cf%2Fgettyimages-2188254038.jpg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5392x3033+0+280/resize/1200/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fe8%2Fa9%2F413b7f1646abb28f9429bd6b38cf%2Fgettyimages-2188254038.jpg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5392x3033+0+280/resize/1600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fe8%2Fa9%2F413b7f1646abb28f9429bd6b38cf%2Fgettyimages-2188254038.jpg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5392x3033+0+280/resize/1800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fe8%2Fa9%2F413b7f1646abb28f9429bd6b38cf%2Fgettyimages-2188254038.jpg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5392x3033+0+280/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fe8%2Fa9%2F413b7f1646abb28f9429bd6b38cf%2Fgettyimages-2188254038.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/5392x3033+0+280/resize/1100/quality/50/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fe8%2Fa9%2F413b7f1646abb28f9429bd6b38cf%2Fgettyimages-2188254038.jpg" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5392x3033+0+280/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fe8%2Fa9%2F413b7f1646abb28f9429bd6b38cf%2Fgettyimages-2188254038.jpg" class="img" alt="Syrian residents in Turkey wave Syrian opposition flags as they celebrate the end of the Baath rule in Syria after rebel fighters took control of Damascus overnight, at the Fatih Mosque, in Istanbul, on December 8, 2024. Islamist-led rebels declared that they have taken Damascus in a lightning offensive on December 8, sending President Bashar al-Assad fleeing and ending five decades of Baath rule in Syria. (Photo by Yasin AKGUL / AFP) / &quot;The erroneous mention[s] appearing in the metadata of this photo by Yasin AKGUL has been modified in AFP systems in the following manner: [Syrian opposition flag] instead of [Syrian flag]. Please immediately remove the erroneous mention[s] from all your online services and delete it (them) from your servers. If you have been authorized by AFP to distribute it (them) to third parties, please ensure that the same actions are carried out by them. Failure to promptly comply with these instructions will entail liability on your part for any continued or post notification usage. Therefore we thank you very much for all your attention and prompt action. We are sorry for the inconvenience this notification may cause and remain at your disposal for any further information you may require.&quot; (Photo by YASIN AKGUL/AFP via Getty Images)" loading="lazy" /> </picture> </div> <div class="credit-caption"> <div class="caption-wrap"> <div class="caption" aria-label="Image caption"> <p> Syrian residents in Turkey wave Syrian opposition flags as they celebrate the President Bashar al-Assad's rule in Syria after rebel fighters took control of Damascus overnight, at the Fatih Mosque, in Istanbul, on December 8, 2024. <b class="credit" aria-label="Image credit"> Yasin Akgul/Getty Images/AFP </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>Syria allowed Iran to set up a critical land bridge to Lebanon to funnel weapons to Hezbollah for many years</strong>, NPR's Jackie Northam tells <em>Up First</em>. With the antigovernment rebels in control of Syria, the strategic route is most likely off-limits to Iran, impacting its long-term goals in the region. <a href="https://one.npr.org/?sharedMediaId=1219032781:1263544708">Iran had two primary agendas</a>: to destroy Israel as a Jewish state and to counter any influence the U.S. has in the Middle East. Iran's regime may also be worried about a threat of upheaval from its population as they see what is happening in Syria, Northam says.</li></ul> <p><strong>Several U.S. colleges are advising international students planning to leave the country for the holiday break to return before Inauguration Day to avoid issues at the border. </strong>Universities, including USC, the University of Pennsylvania and Cornell, have contacted students as they prepare for President-elect Donald Trump's second term. <br></p> <ul class="edTag"><li>🎧 <strong>Kirk Carapezza from NPR network station GBH says he believes this decision is being made as school administrators and international students revisit Trump's track record.</strong> During his first term, new foreign student enrollment dropped by 12%. Trump implemented a travel ban targeting majority-Muslim countries and briefly prohibited international students from remaining in the U.S. if they took only online classes during the pandemic. <a href="https://one.npr.org/?sharedMediaId=1219032781:1263544708">Trump is now promising stricter policies</a>, but there are no concrete proposals. Carapezza says that behind closed doors, administrators and students are anxious.</li></ul> <p><strong>For weeks, New Jersey residents have reported seeing dozens of drones flying in the night skies. </strong>Officials have few concrete explanations about where the drones are coming from, who's flying them and why. The White House says there's <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/12/11/nx-s1-5226000/new-jersey-drones">no evidence that the drones pose a security threat</a> or have any foreign ties, which has left many residents and officials with more questions. <br></p> <ul class="edTag"><li>🎧 <strong>The FBI and other federal agencies say there is an active investigation into the matter</strong>, Giulia Heyward of NPR network station WNYC says. The federal government is sending specialized radar technology to local police departments in the state to help determine what is happening. Local New Jersey lawmakers have <a href="https://one.npr.org/?sharedMediaId=1219032781:1263544708">expressed concern over how safe people really are</a>, a contrast to federal and state officials who have said residents should remain calm and the drones pose no threats. The drones are starting to pop up in other states, including Pennsylvania, New York, Maryland and Connecticut.</li></ul> <h3 class="edTag">Deep dive</h3> <div id="resg-s1-37800" class="bucketwrap image large"> <div class="imagewrap has-source-dimensions" data-crop-type="" style=" --source-width: 2059; --source-height: 1158; " > <picture> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2059x1158+0+171/resize/400/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fc7%2F9c%2F550ce50f4ea5bc551cf4478af263%2Fgettyimages-1372478419.jpg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2059x1158+0+171/resize/600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fc7%2F9c%2F550ce50f4ea5bc551cf4478af263%2Fgettyimages-1372478419.jpg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2059x1158+0+171/resize/800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fc7%2F9c%2F550ce50f4ea5bc551cf4478af263%2Fgettyimages-1372478419.jpg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2059x1158+0+171/resize/900/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fc7%2F9c%2F550ce50f4ea5bc551cf4478af263%2Fgettyimages-1372478419.jpg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2059x1158+0+171/resize/1200/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fc7%2F9c%2F550ce50f4ea5bc551cf4478af263%2Fgettyimages-1372478419.jpg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2059x1158+0+171/resize/1600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fc7%2F9c%2F550ce50f4ea5bc551cf4478af263%2Fgettyimages-1372478419.jpg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2059x1158+0+171/resize/1800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fc7%2F9c%2F550ce50f4ea5bc551cf4478af263%2Fgettyimages-1372478419.jpg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2059x1158+0+171/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fc7%2F9c%2F550ce50f4ea5bc551cf4478af263%2Fgettyimages-1372478419.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/2059x1158+0+171/resize/400/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fc7%2F9c%2F550ce50f4ea5bc551cf4478af263%2Fgettyimages-1372478419.jpg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2059x1158+0+171/resize/600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fc7%2F9c%2F550ce50f4ea5bc551cf4478af263%2Fgettyimages-1372478419.jpg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2059x1158+0+171/resize/800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fc7%2F9c%2F550ce50f4ea5bc551cf4478af263%2Fgettyimages-1372478419.jpg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2059x1158+0+171/resize/900/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fc7%2F9c%2F550ce50f4ea5bc551cf4478af263%2Fgettyimages-1372478419.jpg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2059x1158+0+171/resize/1200/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fc7%2F9c%2F550ce50f4ea5bc551cf4478af263%2Fgettyimages-1372478419.jpg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2059x1158+0+171/resize/1600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fc7%2F9c%2F550ce50f4ea5bc551cf4478af263%2Fgettyimages-1372478419.jpg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2059x1158+0+171/resize/1800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fc7%2F9c%2F550ce50f4ea5bc551cf4478af263%2Fgettyimages-1372478419.jpg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2059x1158+0+171/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fc7%2F9c%2F550ce50f4ea5bc551cf4478af263%2Fgettyimages-1372478419.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/2059x1158+0+171/resize/1100/quality/50/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fc7%2F9c%2F550ce50f4ea5bc551cf4478af263%2Fgettyimages-1372478419.jpg" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2059x1158+0+171/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fc7%2F9c%2F550ce50f4ea5bc551cf4478af263%2Fgettyimages-1372478419.jpg" class="img" alt="Scientists have identified two types of brain cells in the abdomen that appear to control different aspects of digestion." loading="lazy" /> </picture> </div> <div class="credit-caption"> <div class="caption-wrap"> <div class="caption" aria-label="Image caption"> <p> Scientists have identified two types of brain cells in the abdomen that appear to control different aspects of digestion. <b class="credit" aria-label="Image credit"> inkoly/Getty Images/iStockphoto </b> <b class="hide-caption"><b></b></b> </p> </div> <b class="toggle-caption"><b></b></b> </div> </div> </div> <p><strong>Scientists have identified two types of neurons in the abdomen</strong> that appear to control parts of digestion. The finding, reported in the journal <em>Nature</em>, helps explain how clusters of neurons in the body play a key role in the gut-brain connection. Just like in the brain, it <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/12/12/nx-s1-5225375/these-neurons-in-the-abdomen-help-form-the-gut-brain-connection">adds evidence that neurons in the body can take on specialized functions</a>. <br></p> <ul class="edTag"><li>🧠 <strong>Although the research involved mice</strong>, Yuki Oka, one of the study's authors, says human digestive tracts are similar and probably contain a similar system.</li><li>🧠 <strong>The study focused on the sympathetic nervous system, a subset of the peripheral nervous system </strong>that becomes more active when the brain detects danger. As a result, your adrenaline goes up, and glucose levels in the blood rise.</li><li>🧠 <strong>The research supports scientific views that specialized neurons in the body play an important role </strong>in the gut-brain connection, which impacts everything from hunger to mood.</li><li>🧠 <strong>Specialized neurons offer potential targets to treat</strong> high blood pressure, depression, irritable bowel syndrome and more.</li></ul> <h3 class="edTag">Weekend picks</h3> <div id="resg-s1-34751" class="bucketwrap image large"> <div class="imagewrap has-source-dimensions" data-crop-type="" style=" --source-width: 1440; --source-height: 810; " > <picture> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/1440x810+0+304/resize/400/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fa0%2F19%2F7e6634af492b8ca0d4197fb84240%2Fgabriela-ortiz-revolucion-diamantina-los-angeles-philharmonic-gustavo-dudamel.jpg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/1440x810+0+304/resize/600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fa0%2F19%2F7e6634af492b8ca0d4197fb84240%2Fgabriela-ortiz-revolucion-diamantina-los-angeles-philharmonic-gustavo-dudamel.jpg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/1440x810+0+304/resize/800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fa0%2F19%2F7e6634af492b8ca0d4197fb84240%2Fgabriela-ortiz-revolucion-diamantina-los-angeles-philharmonic-gustavo-dudamel.jpg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/1440x810+0+304/resize/900/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fa0%2F19%2F7e6634af492b8ca0d4197fb84240%2Fgabriela-ortiz-revolucion-diamantina-los-angeles-philharmonic-gustavo-dudamel.jpg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/1440x810+0+304/resize/1200/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fa0%2F19%2F7e6634af492b8ca0d4197fb84240%2Fgabriela-ortiz-revolucion-diamantina-los-angeles-philharmonic-gustavo-dudamel.jpg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/1440x810+0+304/resize/1600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fa0%2F19%2F7e6634af492b8ca0d4197fb84240%2Fgabriela-ortiz-revolucion-diamantina-los-angeles-philharmonic-gustavo-dudamel.jpg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/1440x810+0+304/resize/1800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fa0%2F19%2F7e6634af492b8ca0d4197fb84240%2Fgabriela-ortiz-revolucion-diamantina-los-angeles-philharmonic-gustavo-dudamel.jpg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/1440x810+0+304/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fa0%2F19%2F7e6634af492b8ca0d4197fb84240%2Fgabriela-ortiz-revolucion-diamantina-los-angeles-philharmonic-gustavo-dudamel.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/1440x810+0+304/resize/400/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fa0%2F19%2F7e6634af492b8ca0d4197fb84240%2Fgabriela-ortiz-revolucion-diamantina-los-angeles-philharmonic-gustavo-dudamel.jpg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/1440x810+0+304/resize/600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fa0%2F19%2F7e6634af492b8ca0d4197fb84240%2Fgabriela-ortiz-revolucion-diamantina-los-angeles-philharmonic-gustavo-dudamel.jpg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/1440x810+0+304/resize/800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fa0%2F19%2F7e6634af492b8ca0d4197fb84240%2Fgabriela-ortiz-revolucion-diamantina-los-angeles-philharmonic-gustavo-dudamel.jpg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/1440x810+0+304/resize/900/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fa0%2F19%2F7e6634af492b8ca0d4197fb84240%2Fgabriela-ortiz-revolucion-diamantina-los-angeles-philharmonic-gustavo-dudamel.jpg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/1440x810+0+304/resize/1200/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fa0%2F19%2F7e6634af492b8ca0d4197fb84240%2Fgabriela-ortiz-revolucion-diamantina-los-angeles-philharmonic-gustavo-dudamel.jpg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/1440x810+0+304/resize/1600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fa0%2F19%2F7e6634af492b8ca0d4197fb84240%2Fgabriela-ortiz-revolucion-diamantina-los-angeles-philharmonic-gustavo-dudamel.jpg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/1440x810+0+304/resize/1800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fa0%2F19%2F7e6634af492b8ca0d4197fb84240%2Fgabriela-ortiz-revolucion-diamantina-los-angeles-philharmonic-gustavo-dudamel.jpg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/1440x810+0+304/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fa0%2F19%2F7e6634af492b8ca0d4197fb84240%2Fgabriela-ortiz-revolucion-diamantina-los-angeles-philharmonic-gustavo-dudamel.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/1440x810+0+304/resize/1100/quality/50/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fa0%2F19%2F7e6634af492b8ca0d4197fb84240%2Fgabriela-ortiz-revolucion-diamantina-los-angeles-philharmonic-gustavo-dudamel.jpg" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/1440x810+0+304/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fa0%2F19%2F7e6634af492b8ca0d4197fb84240%2Fgabriela-ortiz-revolucion-diamantina-los-angeles-philharmonic-gustavo-dudamel.jpg" class="img" alt="Gabriela Ortiz Revolución Diamantina (Los Angeles Philharmonic, Gustavo Dudamel).jpg" 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>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>The horror-comedy <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/12/08/nx-s1-5172431/nick-frost-wants-you-to-laugh-and-squirm-in-get-away"><em>Get Away</em></a> follows the Smith family, who embark on a holiday to a fictional Swedish Island where no one seems happy to see them. Oh, and by the end there's a kind of slash-fest.</p> <p><strong>📺 TV:</strong> Jamie Foxx not only brings laughter in his new Netflix special <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/12/10/nx-s1-5213726/jamie-foxx-netflix-special"><em>What Had Happened Was</em></a>, he explains the "medical emergency" that landed him in the hospital last year.</p> <p><strong>📚 Books:</strong> NPR's annual year-end book guide, <a href="https://apps.npr.org/best-books/#view=covers&year=2024">Books We Love</a>, had an appetite for great food. <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/12/09/nx-s1-5168915/best-cookbooks-2024">Here are 11 cookbooks</a> with an array of recipes.</p> <p><strong>🎵 Music:</strong> Discover <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/12/06/nx-s1-5220085/npr-best-classical-albums-2024">10 of the best classical albums of 2024</a> and an honorable mention — all of which NPR Music's Tom Huizenga says brought him joy, introspection and hope.</p> <p><strong>❓ Quiz: </strong>The last quiz of the year is all about testing your knowledge of how much you remember from 2024. Apparently I remember a lot more than I thought. Do you think you can get a passing score like me? <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/12/13/g-s1-37719/rfk-brat-2024-year-end-taylor-swift-demure-bears">Test your luck</a>.<br></p> <h3 class="edTag">3 things to know before you go</h3> <div id="resg-s1-37980" class="bucketwrap image large"> <div class="imagewrap has-source-dimensions" data-crop-type="" style=" --source-width: 5537; --source-height: 3115; " > <picture> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5537x3115+0+288/resize/400/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F04%2F63%2F6d2139ca411fb4f3e627d07c27de%2Fgettyimages-2188905178.jpg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5537x3115+0+288/resize/600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F04%2F63%2F6d2139ca411fb4f3e627d07c27de%2Fgettyimages-2188905178.jpg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5537x3115+0+288/resize/800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F04%2F63%2F6d2139ca411fb4f3e627d07c27de%2Fgettyimages-2188905178.jpg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5537x3115+0+288/resize/900/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F04%2F63%2F6d2139ca411fb4f3e627d07c27de%2Fgettyimages-2188905178.jpg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5537x3115+0+288/resize/1200/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F04%2F63%2F6d2139ca411fb4f3e627d07c27de%2Fgettyimages-2188905178.jpg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5537x3115+0+288/resize/1600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F04%2F63%2F6d2139ca411fb4f3e627d07c27de%2Fgettyimages-2188905178.jpg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5537x3115+0+288/resize/1800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F04%2F63%2F6d2139ca411fb4f3e627d07c27de%2Fgettyimages-2188905178.jpg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5537x3115+0+288/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F04%2F63%2F6d2139ca411fb4f3e627d07c27de%2Fgettyimages-2188905178.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/5537x3115+0+288/resize/400/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F04%2F63%2F6d2139ca411fb4f3e627d07c27de%2Fgettyimages-2188905178.jpg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5537x3115+0+288/resize/600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F04%2F63%2F6d2139ca411fb4f3e627d07c27de%2Fgettyimages-2188905178.jpg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5537x3115+0+288/resize/800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F04%2F63%2F6d2139ca411fb4f3e627d07c27de%2Fgettyimages-2188905178.jpg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5537x3115+0+288/resize/900/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F04%2F63%2F6d2139ca411fb4f3e627d07c27de%2Fgettyimages-2188905178.jpg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5537x3115+0+288/resize/1200/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F04%2F63%2F6d2139ca411fb4f3e627d07c27de%2Fgettyimages-2188905178.jpg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5537x3115+0+288/resize/1600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F04%2F63%2F6d2139ca411fb4f3e627d07c27de%2Fgettyimages-2188905178.jpg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5537x3115+0+288/resize/1800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F04%2F63%2F6d2139ca411fb4f3e627d07c27de%2Fgettyimages-2188905178.jpg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5537x3115+0+288/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F04%2F63%2F6d2139ca411fb4f3e627d07c27de%2Fgettyimages-2188905178.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/5537x3115+0+288/resize/1100/quality/50/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F04%2F63%2F6d2139ca411fb4f3e627d07c27de%2Fgettyimages-2188905178.jpg" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5537x3115+0+288/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F04%2F63%2F6d2139ca411fb4f3e627d07c27de%2Fgettyimages-2188905178.jpg" class="img" alt="India&#039;s grandmaster Gukesh Dommaraju reacts after winning against China&#039;s chess grandmaster Ding Liren in game 14 of the 2024 FIDE World Championship in Singapore on Thursday." loading="lazy" /> </picture> </div> <div class="credit-caption"> <div class="caption-wrap"> <div class="caption" aria-label="Image caption"> <p> India's grandmaster Gukesh Dommaraju reacts after winning against China's chess grandmaster Ding Liren in game 14 of the 2024 FIDE World Championship in Singapore on Thursday. <b class="credit" aria-label="Image credit"> Simon Lim/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>Gukesh Dommaraju has become the new world chess champion.</strong> The 18-year-old chess prodigy from India is now the <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/12/12/nx-s1-5227047/chess-gukesh-dommaraju-youngest-world-champion">youngest world champion of all time</a>.</li><li><strong>An American man who identified himself as Pete Travis Timmerman was found wandering the Syrian capital </strong>of Damascus yesterday. He was <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/12/12/nx-s1-5226745/missing-american-travis-timmerman-found-wandering-barefoot-outside-damascus">last seen in Budapest</a>, Hungary, in June.</li><li><strong>Stanley is recalling about 2.6 million of its travel mugs</strong> due to an issue with the lids. The company is <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/12/13/nx-s1-5227763/stanley-mugs-cup-recall">offering free replacement lids</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 + + + FBI Director to resign. And, UHC CEO killing brings attention to U.S. life expectancy + Brittney Melton + https://www.npr.org/2024/12/12/g-s1-37879/up-first-newsletter-fbi-director-christopher-wray-luigi-mangione-health-care-life-expectancy + https://text.npr.org/2024/12/12/g-s1-37879/up-first-newsletter-fbi-director-christopher-wray-luigi-mangione-health-care-life-expectancy + https://www.npr.org/2024/12/12/g-s1-37879/up-first-newsletter-fbi-director-christopher-wray-luigi-mangione-health-care-life-expectancy + Thu, 12 Dec 2024 12:58:23 +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>FBI Director Christopher Wray announced yesterday that he will resign at the end of the Biden administration in January.</strong> The decision came after President-elect Donald Trump announced he wanted loyalist Kash Patel to replace Wray. Trump appointed Wray to the role in 2017 during his first term in office. Wray is <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/12/11/g-s1-33710/trump-fbi-wray-resigns">exiting before his 10-year term ends</a>.</p> <div id="resg-s1-35000" 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+0/resize/400/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F51%2F49%2F4efa964e4c7faf3a50de4ff2e5d0%2Fgettyimages-2169585871.jpg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5616x3159+0+0/resize/600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F51%2F49%2F4efa964e4c7faf3a50de4ff2e5d0%2Fgettyimages-2169585871.jpg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5616x3159+0+0/resize/800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F51%2F49%2F4efa964e4c7faf3a50de4ff2e5d0%2Fgettyimages-2169585871.jpg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5616x3159+0+0/resize/900/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F51%2F49%2F4efa964e4c7faf3a50de4ff2e5d0%2Fgettyimages-2169585871.jpg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5616x3159+0+0/resize/1200/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F51%2F49%2F4efa964e4c7faf3a50de4ff2e5d0%2Fgettyimages-2169585871.jpg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5616x3159+0+0/resize/1600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F51%2F49%2F4efa964e4c7faf3a50de4ff2e5d0%2Fgettyimages-2169585871.jpg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5616x3159+0+0/resize/1800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F51%2F49%2F4efa964e4c7faf3a50de4ff2e5d0%2Fgettyimages-2169585871.jpg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5616x3159+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F51%2F49%2F4efa964e4c7faf3a50de4ff2e5d0%2Fgettyimages-2169585871.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+0/resize/400/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F51%2F49%2F4efa964e4c7faf3a50de4ff2e5d0%2Fgettyimages-2169585871.jpg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5616x3159+0+0/resize/600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F51%2F49%2F4efa964e4c7faf3a50de4ff2e5d0%2Fgettyimages-2169585871.jpg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5616x3159+0+0/resize/800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F51%2F49%2F4efa964e4c7faf3a50de4ff2e5d0%2Fgettyimages-2169585871.jpg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5616x3159+0+0/resize/900/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F51%2F49%2F4efa964e4c7faf3a50de4ff2e5d0%2Fgettyimages-2169585871.jpg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5616x3159+0+0/resize/1200/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F51%2F49%2F4efa964e4c7faf3a50de4ff2e5d0%2Fgettyimages-2169585871.jpg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5616x3159+0+0/resize/1600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F51%2F49%2F4efa964e4c7faf3a50de4ff2e5d0%2Fgettyimages-2169585871.jpg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5616x3159+0+0/resize/1800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F51%2F49%2F4efa964e4c7faf3a50de4ff2e5d0%2Fgettyimages-2169585871.jpg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5616x3159+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F51%2F49%2F4efa964e4c7faf3a50de4ff2e5d0%2Fgettyimages-2169585871.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+0/resize/1100/quality/50/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F51%2F49%2F4efa964e4c7faf3a50de4ff2e5d0%2Fgettyimages-2169585871.jpg" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5616x3159+0+0/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F51%2F49%2F4efa964e4c7faf3a50de4ff2e5d0%2Fgettyimages-2169585871.jpg" class="img" alt="FBI Director Christopher Wray speaks during an Election Threats Task Force meeting at the Justice Department in September 2024." loading="lazy" /> </picture> </div> <div class="credit-caption"> <div class="caption-wrap"> <div class="caption" aria-label="Image caption"> <p> FBI Director Christopher Wray speaks during an Election Threats Task Force meeting at the Justice Department in September 2024. <b class="credit" aria-label="Image credit"> Andrew Harnik/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>Wray said stepping down is the right thing to do for the FBI and will help avoid dragging it deeper into the fray</strong>, NPR's Ryan Lucas tells <em>Up First</em>. Wray emphasized that the work the FBI is doing is critical and that won't change. Trump was happy with the announcement, saying Wray's departure would mark the <a href="https://one.npr.org/?sharedMediaId=1218737984:1263483622">end of the weaponization of the justice system</a>. Lucas says Wray defended the FBI's independence and tried to keep it out of political fights on Capitol Hill, but it was impossible with its investigations over the past several years. The bureau has investigated Hunter Biden, the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol and Trump's efforts to overturn the 2020 election.</li></ul> <p><strong>A handwritten note found on murder suspect Luigi Mangione has turned attention to the U.S life expectancy. </strong>Initially, the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson <a href="https://www.npr.org/sections/shots-health-news/2024/12/12/nx-s1-5224139/mangione-uhc-brian-thompson-shooting-health-care">sparked social media posts about the health insurance industry</a>. The note, which the Associated Press obtained a copy of, talked about the disconnect between the expensive U.S. health care system and low life expectancy in the country. <br></p> <ul class="edTag"><li>🎧 <strong>The CDC's latest calculations put America's life expectancy at 77 ½ years, which is on par with countries like Ecuador and Croatia</strong>, NPR's Selena Simmons-Duffin says. Dr. Steven Woolf of Virginia Commonwealth University says research shows that <a href="https://one.npr.org/?sharedMediaId=1218737984:1263483622">about 10% to 20% of health outcomes are related to health care</a>. Poor diet, physical inactivity, child poverty, public policies and gun violence also play a role. Drug overdoses account for many deaths among young people and are one factor that has driven the U.S. life expectancy down compared to countries without an opioid epidemic.</li></ul> <p><strong>Top Democratic National Committee members will meet in Washington over the next two days to discuss rules for picking new leadership and reflect on this year.</strong> The Democratic Party lost control of the White House and Senate and failed to retake control of the House during the recent election cycle. Now, the next chair of the DNC will have a lot of work ahead of them. <br></p> <ul class="edTag"><li>🎧<strong> The Democratic Party has faded in relevance and strategy over the last few election cycles, making way for super PACs to take the lead in highly specific swing states</strong>, according to NPR's Stephen Fowler. Fowler says there's growing acknowledgement that the DNC needs to focus more on year-round organizing, recruitment and fundraising. He adds they also need to help state parties -- especially in Republican-led states -- with these efforts. There's a feeling among party leaders that the next DNC chair <a href="https://one.npr.org/?sharedMediaId=1218737984:1263483622">needs to be someone with experience leading</a> that type of always-on campaigning style. Two leading candidates are Ken Martin of Minnesota and Ben Wikler of Wisconsin.</li></ul> <h3 class="edTag">Today's listen</h3> <div id="resg-s1-36885" class="bucketwrap image large"> <div class="imagewrap has-source-dimensions" data-crop-type="" style=" --source-width: 2040; --source-height: 1148; " > <picture> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2040x1148+0+41/resize/400/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F2f%2F70%2F992cde6a4ce1bf9dc131e5b43224%2Fap00031602739.jpg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2040x1148+0+41/resize/600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F2f%2F70%2F992cde6a4ce1bf9dc131e5b43224%2Fap00031602739.jpg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2040x1148+0+41/resize/800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F2f%2F70%2F992cde6a4ce1bf9dc131e5b43224%2Fap00031602739.jpg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2040x1148+0+41/resize/900/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F2f%2F70%2F992cde6a4ce1bf9dc131e5b43224%2Fap00031602739.jpg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2040x1148+0+41/resize/1200/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F2f%2F70%2F992cde6a4ce1bf9dc131e5b43224%2Fap00031602739.jpg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2040x1148+0+41/resize/1600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F2f%2F70%2F992cde6a4ce1bf9dc131e5b43224%2Fap00031602739.jpg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2040x1148+0+41/resize/1800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F2f%2F70%2F992cde6a4ce1bf9dc131e5b43224%2Fap00031602739.jpg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2040x1148+0+41/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F2f%2F70%2F992cde6a4ce1bf9dc131e5b43224%2Fap00031602739.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/2040x1148+0+41/resize/400/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F2f%2F70%2F992cde6a4ce1bf9dc131e5b43224%2Fap00031602739.jpg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2040x1148+0+41/resize/600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F2f%2F70%2F992cde6a4ce1bf9dc131e5b43224%2Fap00031602739.jpg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2040x1148+0+41/resize/800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F2f%2F70%2F992cde6a4ce1bf9dc131e5b43224%2Fap00031602739.jpg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2040x1148+0+41/resize/900/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F2f%2F70%2F992cde6a4ce1bf9dc131e5b43224%2Fap00031602739.jpg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2040x1148+0+41/resize/1200/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F2f%2F70%2F992cde6a4ce1bf9dc131e5b43224%2Fap00031602739.jpg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2040x1148+0+41/resize/1600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F2f%2F70%2F992cde6a4ce1bf9dc131e5b43224%2Fap00031602739.jpg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2040x1148+0+41/resize/1800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F2f%2F70%2F992cde6a4ce1bf9dc131e5b43224%2Fap00031602739.jpg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2040x1148+0+41/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F2f%2F70%2F992cde6a4ce1bf9dc131e5b43224%2Fap00031602739.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/2040x1148+0+41/resize/1100/quality/50/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F2f%2F70%2F992cde6a4ce1bf9dc131e5b43224%2Fap00031602739.jpg" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2040x1148+0+41/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F2f%2F70%2F992cde6a4ce1bf9dc131e5b43224%2Fap00031602739.jpg" class="img" alt="Italian pop singer Mina in 1961, Cremona, Italy. The popular Italian singer will celebrate her 60th birthday Saturday, March 25. (AP Photo/Sandro Rizzi)" loading="lazy" /> </picture> </div> <div class="credit-caption"> <div class="caption-wrap"> <div class="caption" aria-label="Image caption"> <p> Italian pop singer Mina in 1961, Cremona, Italy. <b class="credit" aria-label="Image credit"> Sandro Rizzi/AP </b> <b class="hide-caption"><b></b></b> </p> </div> <b class="toggle-caption"><b></b></b> </div> </div> </div> <p><strong>Mina is one of the bestselling Italian musical artists of all time. </strong>At age 84, she just dropped a new album. She might not be a household name in the U.S., but like Barbra Streisand, she has sold more than 150 million records worldwide. Unlike Streisand, Mina hasn't performed publicly since 1978 and doesn't give media interviews. With the relative secrecy around her work, it can be hard to know how she keeps her immense vocal power going with age. <a href="https://one.npr.org/?sharedMediaId=nx-s1-5200587:nx-s1-5284616-1">Listen to snippets of Mina's music</a> and hear from experts on why she sounds good.<br></p> <h3 class="edTag">Picture show</h3> <div id="resg-s1-37037" 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+1053/resize/400/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F16%2Fd6%2F17e10fa34e0bba5c99a4671a0bf2%2Fdashboardaltarxamandalopez.jpg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2400x1350+0+1053/resize/600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F16%2Fd6%2F17e10fa34e0bba5c99a4671a0bf2%2Fdashboardaltarxamandalopez.jpg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2400x1350+0+1053/resize/800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F16%2Fd6%2F17e10fa34e0bba5c99a4671a0bf2%2Fdashboardaltarxamandalopez.jpg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2400x1350+0+1053/resize/900/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F16%2Fd6%2F17e10fa34e0bba5c99a4671a0bf2%2Fdashboardaltarxamandalopez.jpg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2400x1350+0+1053/resize/1200/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F16%2Fd6%2F17e10fa34e0bba5c99a4671a0bf2%2Fdashboardaltarxamandalopez.jpg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2400x1350+0+1053/resize/1600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F16%2Fd6%2F17e10fa34e0bba5c99a4671a0bf2%2Fdashboardaltarxamandalopez.jpg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2400x1350+0+1053/resize/1800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F16%2Fd6%2F17e10fa34e0bba5c99a4671a0bf2%2Fdashboardaltarxamandalopez.jpg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2400x1350+0+1053/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F16%2Fd6%2F17e10fa34e0bba5c99a4671a0bf2%2Fdashboardaltarxamandalopez.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/2400x1350+0+1053/resize/400/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F16%2Fd6%2F17e10fa34e0bba5c99a4671a0bf2%2Fdashboardaltarxamandalopez.jpg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2400x1350+0+1053/resize/600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F16%2Fd6%2F17e10fa34e0bba5c99a4671a0bf2%2Fdashboardaltarxamandalopez.jpg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2400x1350+0+1053/resize/800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F16%2Fd6%2F17e10fa34e0bba5c99a4671a0bf2%2Fdashboardaltarxamandalopez.jpg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2400x1350+0+1053/resize/900/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F16%2Fd6%2F17e10fa34e0bba5c99a4671a0bf2%2Fdashboardaltarxamandalopez.jpg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2400x1350+0+1053/resize/1200/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F16%2Fd6%2F17e10fa34e0bba5c99a4671a0bf2%2Fdashboardaltarxamandalopez.jpg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2400x1350+0+1053/resize/1600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F16%2Fd6%2F17e10fa34e0bba5c99a4671a0bf2%2Fdashboardaltarxamandalopez.jpg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2400x1350+0+1053/resize/1800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F16%2Fd6%2F17e10fa34e0bba5c99a4671a0bf2%2Fdashboardaltarxamandalopez.jpg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2400x1350+0+1053/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F16%2Fd6%2F17e10fa34e0bba5c99a4671a0bf2%2Fdashboardaltarxamandalopez.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/2400x1350+0+1053/resize/1100/quality/50/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F16%2Fd6%2F17e10fa34e0bba5c99a4671a0bf2%2Fdashboardaltarxamandalopez.jpg" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2400x1350+0+1053/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F16%2Fd6%2F17e10fa34e0bba5c99a4671a0bf2%2Fdashboardaltarxamandalopez.jpg" class="img" alt="A Guadalupe prayer card is displayed in Professor John Ulloa 1948 Chevy Fleetline Aerosedan." loading="lazy" /> </picture> </div> <div class="credit-caption"> <div class="caption-wrap"> <div class="caption" aria-label="Image caption"> <p> Dashboard Altar. San Francisco, CA. 2019 <b class="credit" aria-label="Image credit"> Amanda Lopez </b> <b class="hide-caption"><b></b></b> </p> </div> <b class="toggle-caption"><b></b></b> </div> </div> </div> <p><strong>Our Lady of Guadalupe is a significant religious figure showcasing hope and protection for Latinos in the U.S. and abroad. </strong>But for photographer Amanda Lopez, she's more of a powerful emblem of home. Lopez attended a church named Our Lady of Guadalupe growing up and was surrounded by Guadalupe's image. Her family's Catholic views initially shaped her own. But while working on her yearslong project <em>Guadalupe</em>, she began questioning her thoughts about what makes a good woman. She initially thought it meant you had to be humble, respectful and go with the status quo, but then felt uncomfortable with that idea. <br></p> <ul class="edTag"><li>📷 <strong>See photos </strong>of how Lopez <a href="https://www.npr.org/sections/the-picture-show/2024/12/06/g-s1-37034/our-lady-of-guadalupe-amanda-lopez">deconstructed her beliefs and began to visualize</a> those conflicting thoughts through photography.</li></ul> <h3 class="edTag">3 things to know before you go</h3> <div id="resg-s1-37744" class="bucketwrap image large"> <div class="imagewrap has-source-dimensions" data-crop-type="" style=" --source-width: 5788; --source-height: 3256; " > <picture> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5788x3256+0+602/resize/400/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fb0%2F7a%2F23fc8e114dbda77a77c2768bd131%2Fgettyimages-2189412329.jpg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5788x3256+0+602/resize/600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fb0%2F7a%2F23fc8e114dbda77a77c2768bd131%2Fgettyimages-2189412329.jpg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5788x3256+0+602/resize/800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fb0%2F7a%2F23fc8e114dbda77a77c2768bd131%2Fgettyimages-2189412329.jpg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5788x3256+0+602/resize/900/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fb0%2F7a%2F23fc8e114dbda77a77c2768bd131%2Fgettyimages-2189412329.jpg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5788x3256+0+602/resize/1200/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fb0%2F7a%2F23fc8e114dbda77a77c2768bd131%2Fgettyimages-2189412329.jpg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5788x3256+0+602/resize/1600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fb0%2F7a%2F23fc8e114dbda77a77c2768bd131%2Fgettyimages-2189412329.jpg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5788x3256+0+602/resize/1800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fb0%2F7a%2F23fc8e114dbda77a77c2768bd131%2Fgettyimages-2189412329.jpg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5788x3256+0+602/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fb0%2F7a%2F23fc8e114dbda77a77c2768bd131%2Fgettyimages-2189412329.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/5788x3256+0+602/resize/400/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fb0%2F7a%2F23fc8e114dbda77a77c2768bd131%2Fgettyimages-2189412329.jpg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5788x3256+0+602/resize/600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fb0%2F7a%2F23fc8e114dbda77a77c2768bd131%2Fgettyimages-2189412329.jpg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5788x3256+0+602/resize/800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fb0%2F7a%2F23fc8e114dbda77a77c2768bd131%2Fgettyimages-2189412329.jpg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5788x3256+0+602/resize/900/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fb0%2F7a%2F23fc8e114dbda77a77c2768bd131%2Fgettyimages-2189412329.jpg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5788x3256+0+602/resize/1200/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fb0%2F7a%2F23fc8e114dbda77a77c2768bd131%2Fgettyimages-2189412329.jpg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5788x3256+0+602/resize/1600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fb0%2F7a%2F23fc8e114dbda77a77c2768bd131%2Fgettyimages-2189412329.jpg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5788x3256+0+602/resize/1800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fb0%2F7a%2F23fc8e114dbda77a77c2768bd131%2Fgettyimages-2189412329.jpg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5788x3256+0+602/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fb0%2F7a%2F23fc8e114dbda77a77c2768bd131%2Fgettyimages-2189412329.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/5788x3256+0+602/resize/1100/quality/50/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fb0%2F7a%2F23fc8e114dbda77a77c2768bd131%2Fgettyimages-2189412329.jpg" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5788x3256+0+602/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fb0%2F7a%2F23fc8e114dbda77a77c2768bd131%2Fgettyimages-2189412329.jpg" class="img" alt="People celebrated in Jeddah as Saudi Arabia was announced Wednesday as the host of the 2034 FIFA World Cup." loading="lazy" /> </picture> </div> <div class="credit-caption"> <div class="caption-wrap"> <div class="caption" aria-label="Image caption"> <p> People celebrated in Jeddah as Saudi Arabia was announced Wednesday as the host of the 2034 FIFA World Cup. <b class="credit" aria-label="Image credit"> Mahmoud Khaled/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>The FIFA World Cup will be held in Saudi Arabia in 2034.</strong> The country made the <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/12/11/g-s1-37742/saudi-arabia-fifa-world-cup-2034">only bid for the tournament</a>, making yesterday's announcement a formality.</li><li><strong>Bill Belichick has been announced as the new football coach for UNC-Chapel Hill.</strong> His resume includes leading the New England Patriots to six Super Bowl wins. <a href="https://www.wunc.org/sports/2024-12-11/bill-belichick-hired-as-unc-football-coach">He has never coached college</a> football. (via <a href="https://www.wunc.org/">WUNC</a>)</li><li><strong>Ryan Borgwardt appeared in court yesterday after disappearing while on a kayaking trip </strong>in Wisconsin in August. An investigation revealed <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/12/11/nx-s1-5225418/wisconsin-kayaker-ryan-borgwardt-faked-death-back-us">he attempted to fake his death</a> and flee to Europe.</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 + + + Clues to Luigi Mangione's ideology. And, courts halt Kroger and Albertsons megamerger + Brittney Melton + https://www.npr.org/2024/12/11/g-s1-37714/up-first-newsletter-luigi-mangione-kroger-albertsons-merger-syria + https://text.npr.org/2024/12/11/g-s1-37714/up-first-newsletter-luigi-mangione-kroger-albertsons-merger-syria + https://www.npr.org/2024/12/11/g-s1-37714/up-first-newsletter-luigi-mangione-kroger-albertsons-merger-syria + Wed, 11 Dec 2024 13:03:33 +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>Syrians are transitioning from celebrating the ousting of long-time dictator Bashar al-Assad and the toppling of his regime to thinking about the huge challenges facing the war-torn country. </strong>Ahmed al-Shara, who is at the forefront of the rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, or HTS, is at least nominally in charge of the country. <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/12/10/nx-s1-5222357/syria-assad-rebels-what-comes-next">Here are five things to watch</a> as Syria looks toward a new future.</p> <div id="resg-s1-37483" class="bucketwrap image large"> <div class="imagewrap has-source-dimensions" data-crop-type="" style=" --source-width: 8640; --source-height: 4860; " > <picture> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/8640x4860+0+450/resize/400/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fb1%2F28%2F9ea89b50479eb5fd787477b8d1f2%2Fap24344579517763.jpg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/8640x4860+0+450/resize/600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fb1%2F28%2F9ea89b50479eb5fd787477b8d1f2%2Fap24344579517763.jpg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/8640x4860+0+450/resize/800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fb1%2F28%2F9ea89b50479eb5fd787477b8d1f2%2Fap24344579517763.jpg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/8640x4860+0+450/resize/900/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fb1%2F28%2F9ea89b50479eb5fd787477b8d1f2%2Fap24344579517763.jpg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/8640x4860+0+450/resize/1200/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fb1%2F28%2F9ea89b50479eb5fd787477b8d1f2%2Fap24344579517763.jpg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/8640x4860+0+450/resize/1600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fb1%2F28%2F9ea89b50479eb5fd787477b8d1f2%2Fap24344579517763.jpg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/8640x4860+0+450/resize/1800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fb1%2F28%2F9ea89b50479eb5fd787477b8d1f2%2Fap24344579517763.jpg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/8640x4860+0+450/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fb1%2F28%2F9ea89b50479eb5fd787477b8d1f2%2Fap24344579517763.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/8640x4860+0+450/resize/400/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fb1%2F28%2F9ea89b50479eb5fd787477b8d1f2%2Fap24344579517763.jpg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/8640x4860+0+450/resize/600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fb1%2F28%2F9ea89b50479eb5fd787477b8d1f2%2Fap24344579517763.jpg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/8640x4860+0+450/resize/800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fb1%2F28%2F9ea89b50479eb5fd787477b8d1f2%2Fap24344579517763.jpg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/8640x4860+0+450/resize/900/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fb1%2F28%2F9ea89b50479eb5fd787477b8d1f2%2Fap24344579517763.jpg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/8640x4860+0+450/resize/1200/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fb1%2F28%2F9ea89b50479eb5fd787477b8d1f2%2Fap24344579517763.jpg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/8640x4860+0+450/resize/1600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fb1%2F28%2F9ea89b50479eb5fd787477b8d1f2%2Fap24344579517763.jpg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/8640x4860+0+450/resize/1800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fb1%2F28%2F9ea89b50479eb5fd787477b8d1f2%2Fap24344579517763.jpg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/8640x4860+0+450/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fb1%2F28%2F9ea89b50479eb5fd787477b8d1f2%2Fap24344579517763.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/8640x4860+0+450/resize/1100/quality/50/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fb1%2F28%2F9ea89b50479eb5fd787477b8d1f2%2Fap24344579517763.jpg" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/8640x4860+0+450/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fb1%2F28%2F9ea89b50479eb5fd787477b8d1f2%2Fap24344579517763.jpg" class="img" alt="Syrian citizens wave the revolutionary flag and shout slogans, as they celebrate during the second day of the take over of the city by the insurgents in Damascus, Syria, Monday, Dec. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla)" loading="lazy" /> </picture> </div> <div class="credit-caption"> <div class="caption-wrap"> <div class="caption" aria-label="Image caption"> <p> Syrian citizens wave the revolutionary flag and shout slogans, as they celebrate during the second day of the take over of the city by the insurgents in Damascus on Monday. <b class="credit" aria-label="Image credit"> Hussein Malla/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> "What is quite extraordinary is they seem to now be handling a relatively managed handover of power,"</strong> NPR's Ruth Sherlock tells <em>Up First</em>. A new transitional government has been formed, which includes some politicians from the old regime. Soldiers conscripted into military service are being pardoned, and leaders are <a href="https://one.npr.org/?sharedMediaId=1218506703:1263427204">working to dismantle the regime's feared security apparatus</a>. Sherlock visited the Sednaya prison, one of the most feared complexes known for torture and mass executions. It is now open, and rebels have released prisoners. Many of those who were imprisoned are still missing, and the facility is full of their loved ones looking for clues as to where they may be.</li><li>➡️ <strong>More than a million Syrians now live in Germany after fleeing Syria due to violence under Assad's regime. </strong>Now, many are debating whether to return. Some Syrians <a href="https://one.npr.org/?sharedMediaId=nx-s1-5222238:nx-s1-5289561-1">share their thoughts</a> with NPR's Rob Schmitz about whether to go back.</li><li>➡️ <strong>Journalist Austin Tice went missing 12 years ago during a reporting trip in Syria. </strong>After the fall of the Assad regime, there has been increased hope that he is still alive. U.S. officials say they are working with <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/12/10/nx-s1-5222287/austin-tice-journalist-syria">sources on the ground to get information about Tice</a>.</li></ul> <p><strong>Investigators and some extremism researchers are looking into whether there's evidence of a clear ideology behind the UnitedHealthcare CEO's killing after details about suspect Luigi Mangione surfaced online. </strong>Mangione is a member of a prominent Maryland family, graduated top of his class from an elite prep school and received two Ivy League school degrees. He reportedly suffered a major back injury and underwent surgery a couple of years ago. <br></p> <ul class="edTag"><li>🎧 <strong>Mangione had several social media accounts, including one on Goodreads where he posted an excerpt from the writings of Ted Kaczynski, the Unabomber</strong>, NPR's Odette Yousef says. One of the photos on his X account is an X-ray of a spine with four large screws inserted. It isn't certain that this is his X-ray. His digital footprint doesn't clarify much because it cuts off in the spring. Police found a handwritten note <a href="https://one.npr.org/?sharedMediaId=1218506703:1263427204">conveying a deep anger towards the healthcare industry</a> and a feeling that someone had to take action, Yousef says.</li><li>➡️ <strong>Brian Thompson, the UnitedHealthcare CEO, was likely killed with a ghost gun.</strong> <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/12/10/nx-s1-5223368/luigi-mangione-united-healthcare-ceo-ghost-gun">Here's what they are</a> and how they are made.</li></ul> <p><strong>Two separate judges blocked the $24.6 billion merger deal for Kroger and Albertsons yesterday.</strong> One of the cases was brought by federal regulators while the other was presented by the Washington state attorney general. It would have been the <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/12/10/nx-s1-5114999/kroger-albertsons-merger-ftc-lawsuit-court-ruling">biggest grocery merger</a> in U.S. history. Now, after two years of delays, its fate is unknown. <br></p> <ul class="edTag"><li>🎧 <strong>The block is technically temporary and Kroger and Albertsons could keep fighting and appeal</strong>, NPR's Alina Selyukh says. The state judge ruled the merger violated state consumer protection law and the federal case blocked the merger nationwide. Government <a href="https://one.npr.org/?sharedMediaId=1218506703:1263427204">lawyers argued the merger would leave shoppers worse off</a>. Kroger and Albertsons made the case that the merger was a matter of survival and that their biggest rivals are not conventional supermarkets but giants like Walmart and Costco. The companies say they are disappointed and disagree with the decision and are currently weighing their options going forward.</li></ul> <h3 class="edTag">Life advice</h3> <div id="resg-s1-36892" 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+469/resize/400/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F8b%2Ffd%2F090dfda6434ab2177f144d3508d1%2Fgrieving-friend-final-edit1.jpg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4500x2531+0+469/resize/600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F8b%2Ffd%2F090dfda6434ab2177f144d3508d1%2Fgrieving-friend-final-edit1.jpg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4500x2531+0+469/resize/800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F8b%2Ffd%2F090dfda6434ab2177f144d3508d1%2Fgrieving-friend-final-edit1.jpg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4500x2531+0+469/resize/900/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F8b%2Ffd%2F090dfda6434ab2177f144d3508d1%2Fgrieving-friend-final-edit1.jpg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4500x2531+0+469/resize/1200/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F8b%2Ffd%2F090dfda6434ab2177f144d3508d1%2Fgrieving-friend-final-edit1.jpg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4500x2531+0+469/resize/1600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F8b%2Ffd%2F090dfda6434ab2177f144d3508d1%2Fgrieving-friend-final-edit1.jpg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4500x2531+0+469/resize/1800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F8b%2Ffd%2F090dfda6434ab2177f144d3508d1%2Fgrieving-friend-final-edit1.jpg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4500x2531+0+469/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F8b%2Ffd%2F090dfda6434ab2177f144d3508d1%2Fgrieving-friend-final-edit1.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+469/resize/400/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F8b%2Ffd%2F090dfda6434ab2177f144d3508d1%2Fgrieving-friend-final-edit1.jpg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4500x2531+0+469/resize/600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F8b%2Ffd%2F090dfda6434ab2177f144d3508d1%2Fgrieving-friend-final-edit1.jpg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4500x2531+0+469/resize/800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F8b%2Ffd%2F090dfda6434ab2177f144d3508d1%2Fgrieving-friend-final-edit1.jpg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4500x2531+0+469/resize/900/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F8b%2Ffd%2F090dfda6434ab2177f144d3508d1%2Fgrieving-friend-final-edit1.jpg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4500x2531+0+469/resize/1200/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F8b%2Ffd%2F090dfda6434ab2177f144d3508d1%2Fgrieving-friend-final-edit1.jpg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4500x2531+0+469/resize/1600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F8b%2Ffd%2F090dfda6434ab2177f144d3508d1%2Fgrieving-friend-final-edit1.jpg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4500x2531+0+469/resize/1800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F8b%2Ffd%2F090dfda6434ab2177f144d3508d1%2Fgrieving-friend-final-edit1.jpg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4500x2531+0+469/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F8b%2Ffd%2F090dfda6434ab2177f144d3508d1%2Fgrieving-friend-final-edit1.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+469/resize/1100/quality/50/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F8b%2Ffd%2F090dfda6434ab2177f144d3508d1%2Fgrieving-friend-final-edit1.jpg" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4500x2531+0+469/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F8b%2Ffd%2F090dfda6434ab2177f144d3508d1%2Fgrieving-friend-final-edit1.jpg" class="img" alt="Monochrome illustration showing a person in the distance bent over in grief sitting underneath a willow tree. In the foreground, a figure stands with its head bent next to a path leading to the tree, symbolizing a loved one who is unsure how to help their friend who is grieving. " 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>It can be hard to know what to say to someone whose loved one has died. </strong>You want to show love and support, but you also know there isn't much you can say to heal their pain. If you feel at a loss for words, psychologist and grief consultant Mekel Harris and author of <em>Grief is Love </em>Marisa Renee Lee have some <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/12/05/g-s1-35896/the-dos-and-donts-of-expressing-condolences">dos and don'ts when expressing condolences</a>. <br></p> <ul class="edTag"><li>❤️ <strong>Don't start anything with "at least."</strong> This phrase may minimize your friend's experience and could impose a viewpoint that may not ring true.</li><li>❤️ <strong>Saying "no need to respond"</strong> releases the grieving person from any pressure or expectation to reply.</li><li>❤️ <strong>Clichés like "time heals all wounds" </strong>can sound hollow and impersonal.</li><li>❤️ <strong>Keep reaching out, even months after the death. </strong>Grief is a long road, and each person heals at their own pace.</li></ul> <p><strong>Check out</strong> the <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/12/05/g-s1-35896/the-dos-and-donts-of-expressing-condolences">more tips here</a>.<br></p> <h3 class="edTag">Picture show</h3> <div id="resg-s1-37476" class="bucketwrap image large"> <div class="imagewrap has-source-dimensions" data-crop-type="" style=" --source-width: 2700; --source-height: 1519; " > <picture> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2700x1519+0+128/resize/400/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fd0%2Fcc%2F5f1f000245e39eca64259dc04ed2%2Fstillbirth-diptych-1-4.jpg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2700x1519+0+128/resize/600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fd0%2Fcc%2F5f1f000245e39eca64259dc04ed2%2Fstillbirth-diptych-1-4.jpg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2700x1519+0+128/resize/800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fd0%2Fcc%2F5f1f000245e39eca64259dc04ed2%2Fstillbirth-diptych-1-4.jpg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2700x1519+0+128/resize/900/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fd0%2Fcc%2F5f1f000245e39eca64259dc04ed2%2Fstillbirth-diptych-1-4.jpg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2700x1519+0+128/resize/1200/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fd0%2Fcc%2F5f1f000245e39eca64259dc04ed2%2Fstillbirth-diptych-1-4.jpg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2700x1519+0+128/resize/1600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fd0%2Fcc%2F5f1f000245e39eca64259dc04ed2%2Fstillbirth-diptych-1-4.jpg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2700x1519+0+128/resize/1800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fd0%2Fcc%2F5f1f000245e39eca64259dc04ed2%2Fstillbirth-diptych-1-4.jpg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2700x1519+0+128/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fd0%2Fcc%2F5f1f000245e39eca64259dc04ed2%2Fstillbirth-diptych-1-4.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/2700x1519+0+128/resize/400/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fd0%2Fcc%2F5f1f000245e39eca64259dc04ed2%2Fstillbirth-diptych-1-4.jpg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2700x1519+0+128/resize/600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fd0%2Fcc%2F5f1f000245e39eca64259dc04ed2%2Fstillbirth-diptych-1-4.jpg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2700x1519+0+128/resize/800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fd0%2Fcc%2F5f1f000245e39eca64259dc04ed2%2Fstillbirth-diptych-1-4.jpg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2700x1519+0+128/resize/900/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fd0%2Fcc%2F5f1f000245e39eca64259dc04ed2%2Fstillbirth-diptych-1-4.jpg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2700x1519+0+128/resize/1200/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fd0%2Fcc%2F5f1f000245e39eca64259dc04ed2%2Fstillbirth-diptych-1-4.jpg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2700x1519+0+128/resize/1600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fd0%2Fcc%2F5f1f000245e39eca64259dc04ed2%2Fstillbirth-diptych-1-4.jpg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2700x1519+0+128/resize/1800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fd0%2Fcc%2F5f1f000245e39eca64259dc04ed2%2Fstillbirth-diptych-1-4.jpg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2700x1519+0+128/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fd0%2Fcc%2F5f1f000245e39eca64259dc04ed2%2Fstillbirth-diptych-1-4.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/2700x1519+0+128/resize/1100/quality/50/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fd0%2Fcc%2F5f1f000245e39eca64259dc04ed2%2Fstillbirth-diptych-1-4.jpg" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2700x1519+0+128/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fd0%2Fcc%2F5f1f000245e39eca64259dc04ed2%2Fstillbirth-diptych-1-4.jpg" class="img" alt="Clockwise, from top left: Laura Forer, Michelle Alette, Domenique Rice, Jen Loga, Dr. Patty Ng and Marise Angibeau-Gray" loading="lazy" /> </picture> </div> <div class="credit-caption"> <div class="caption-wrap"> <div class="caption" aria-label="Image caption"> <p> Clockwise, from top left: Laura Forer, Michelle Alette, Domenique Rice, Jen Loga, Dr. Patty Ng and Marise Angibeau-Gray <b class="credit" aria-label="Image credit"> Nancy Borowick </b> <b class="hide-caption"><b></b></b> </p> </div> <b class="toggle-caption"><b></b></b> </div> </div> </div> <p><strong>Nancy Borowick found that photography was therapeutic for her after she lost both of her parents</strong> within 364 days of one another. It continued to have healing power when she found herself deep in depression 13 months after the traumatic birth of her son. Borowick turned to social media to ask others about their experiences with birth trauma. One grandmother asked her, "Are you looking for stories about stillbirth?" The question prompted her to start The Loss Mother's Stone, a project she hopes will draw awareness to women's stories, educate Americans and destigmatize the conversation between doctors and patients. <br></p> <ul class="edTag"><li>📷 <strong>See photos and videos</strong> from mothers <a href="https://www.npr.org/sections/the-picture-show/2024/12/09/g-s1-5058/mothers-share-grief-from-stillbirth">sharing their grief in this project</a>.</li></ul> <h3 class="edTag">3 things to know before you go</h3> <div id="resg-s1-37698" class="bucketwrap image large"> <div class="imagewrap has-source-dimensions" data-crop-type="" style=" --source-width: 7282; --source-height: 4096; " > <picture> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/7282x4096+0+241/resize/400/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F24%2F73%2F4b8494d543cc94e5c3f2c0932a0a%2Fajones.jpg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/7282x4096+0+241/resize/600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F24%2F73%2F4b8494d543cc94e5c3f2c0932a0a%2Fajones.jpg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/7282x4096+0+241/resize/800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F24%2F73%2F4b8494d543cc94e5c3f2c0932a0a%2Fajones.jpg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/7282x4096+0+241/resize/900/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F24%2F73%2F4b8494d543cc94e5c3f2c0932a0a%2Fajones.jpg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/7282x4096+0+241/resize/1200/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F24%2F73%2F4b8494d543cc94e5c3f2c0932a0a%2Fajones.jpg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/7282x4096+0+241/resize/1600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F24%2F73%2F4b8494d543cc94e5c3f2c0932a0a%2Fajones.jpg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/7282x4096+0+241/resize/1800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F24%2F73%2F4b8494d543cc94e5c3f2c0932a0a%2Fajones.jpg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/7282x4096+0+241/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F24%2F73%2F4b8494d543cc94e5c3f2c0932a0a%2Fajones.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/7282x4096+0+241/resize/400/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F24%2F73%2F4b8494d543cc94e5c3f2c0932a0a%2Fajones.jpg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/7282x4096+0+241/resize/600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F24%2F73%2F4b8494d543cc94e5c3f2c0932a0a%2Fajones.jpg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/7282x4096+0+241/resize/800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F24%2F73%2F4b8494d543cc94e5c3f2c0932a0a%2Fajones.jpg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/7282x4096+0+241/resize/900/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F24%2F73%2F4b8494d543cc94e5c3f2c0932a0a%2Fajones.jpg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/7282x4096+0+241/resize/1200/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F24%2F73%2F4b8494d543cc94e5c3f2c0932a0a%2Fajones.jpg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/7282x4096+0+241/resize/1600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F24%2F73%2F4b8494d543cc94e5c3f2c0932a0a%2Fajones.jpg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/7282x4096+0+241/resize/1800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F24%2F73%2F4b8494d543cc94e5c3f2c0932a0a%2Fajones.jpg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/7282x4096+0+241/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F24%2F73%2F4b8494d543cc94e5c3f2c0932a0a%2Fajones.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/7282x4096+0+241/resize/1100/quality/50/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F24%2F73%2F4b8494d543cc94e5c3f2c0932a0a%2Fajones.jpg" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/7282x4096+0+241/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F24%2F73%2F4b8494d543cc94e5c3f2c0932a0a%2Fajones.jpg" class="img" alt="After The Onion was named the winning bidder for Alex Jones&#039; assets at a bankruptcy auction last month, the losing bidder tried to stop the sale, saying the process was rigged and “fatally flawed.”" loading="lazy" /> </picture> </div> <div class="credit-caption"> <div class="caption-wrap"> <div class="caption" aria-label="Image caption"> <p> After The Onion was named the winning bidder for Alex Jones' assets at a bankruptcy auction last month, the losing bidder tried to stop the sale, saying the process was rigged and "fatally flawed." <b class="credit" aria-label="Image credit"> Joe Buglewicz/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>A bankruptcy judge has rejected a bid by The Onion's owners </strong>to buy Alex Jones' Infowars, saying the <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/12/10/nx-s1-5224170/infowars-alex-jones-the-onion-bankruptcy-judge">offer and process were flawed</a>.</li><li><strong>New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy signed a new law Monday that limits</strong> <a href="https://whyy.org/articles/new-jersey-book-banning-schools-libraries/">how a book can be banned</a> in schools and public libraries and protects librarians from lawsuits. (via <a href="https://whyy.org/">WHYY</a>)</li><li><strong>The U.S.' first state-sanctioned facility for people to use illegal drugs under medical supervision</strong> opened yesterday in Rhode Island. The facilities are part of an <a href="https://thepublicsradio.org/health/rhode-island-opens-first-state-sanctioned-overdose-prevention-center-in-the-nation/">effort to prevent overdoses</a>. (via <a href="https://thepublicsradio.org/">The Public's Radio</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 we know about murder suspect Luigi Mangione. And, why food recalls are rising + Brittney Melton + https://www.npr.org/2024/12/10/g-s1-37603/up-first-newsletter-luigi-mangione-brian-thompson-jayz-allegations-benjamin-netanyahu-testify + https://text.npr.org/2024/12/10/g-s1-37603/up-first-newsletter-luigi-mangione-brian-thompson-jayz-allegations-benjamin-netanyahu-testify + https://www.npr.org/2024/12/10/g-s1-37603/up-first-newsletter-luigi-mangione-brian-thompson-jayz-allegations-benjamin-netanyahu-testify + Tue, 10 Dec 2024 13:01:36 +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>Police arrested 26-year-old Luigi Mangione yesterday and charged him with murder for the slaying of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.</strong> Thompson was gunned down in New York City last week. After he was killed, NYPD obtained a surveillance photo showing part of the suspect's face, which was showcased nationwide. Police took Mangione into custody after he was <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/12/09/g-s1-37509/brian-thompson-shooting-arrest-luigi-mangione-united-healthcare">recognized at a Pennsylvania McDonald's</a> and reported to authorities.</p> <div id="resg-s1-37571" 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/480x270+0+14/resize/400/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fac%2Fc3%2F161d47754b70968553c9261c10e3%2Fgettyimages-2188541404.jpg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/480x270+0+14/resize/600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fac%2Fc3%2F161d47754b70968553c9261c10e3%2Fgettyimages-2188541404.jpg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/480x270+0+14/resize/800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fac%2Fc3%2F161d47754b70968553c9261c10e3%2Fgettyimages-2188541404.jpg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/480x270+0+14/resize/900/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fac%2Fc3%2F161d47754b70968553c9261c10e3%2Fgettyimages-2188541404.jpg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/480x270+0+14/resize/1200/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fac%2Fc3%2F161d47754b70968553c9261c10e3%2Fgettyimages-2188541404.jpg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/480x270+0+14/resize/1600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fac%2Fc3%2F161d47754b70968553c9261c10e3%2Fgettyimages-2188541404.jpg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/480x270+0+14/resize/1800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fac%2Fc3%2F161d47754b70968553c9261c10e3%2Fgettyimages-2188541404.jpg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/480x270+0+14/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fac%2Fc3%2F161d47754b70968553c9261c10e3%2Fgettyimages-2188541404.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/480x270+0+14/resize/400/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fac%2Fc3%2F161d47754b70968553c9261c10e3%2Fgettyimages-2188541404.jpg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/480x270+0+14/resize/600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fac%2Fc3%2F161d47754b70968553c9261c10e3%2Fgettyimages-2188541404.jpg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/480x270+0+14/resize/800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fac%2Fc3%2F161d47754b70968553c9261c10e3%2Fgettyimages-2188541404.jpg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/480x270+0+14/resize/900/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fac%2Fc3%2F161d47754b70968553c9261c10e3%2Fgettyimages-2188541404.jpg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/480x270+0+14/resize/1200/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fac%2Fc3%2F161d47754b70968553c9261c10e3%2Fgettyimages-2188541404.jpg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/480x270+0+14/resize/1600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fac%2Fc3%2F161d47754b70968553c9261c10e3%2Fgettyimages-2188541404.jpg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/480x270+0+14/resize/1800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fac%2Fc3%2F161d47754b70968553c9261c10e3%2Fgettyimages-2188541404.jpg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/480x270+0+14/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fac%2Fc3%2F161d47754b70968553c9261c10e3%2Fgettyimages-2188541404.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/480x270+0+14/resize/1100/quality/50/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fac%2Fc3%2F161d47754b70968553c9261c10e3%2Fgettyimages-2188541404.jpg" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/480x270+0+14/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fac%2Fc3%2F161d47754b70968553c9261c10e3%2Fgettyimages-2188541404.jpg" class="img" alt="In this handout photo released by the Altoona Police Department, Luigi Mangione is seen in a holding cell after being taken into custody on Dec. 9, 2024, in Altoona, Pa." loading="lazy" /> </picture> </div> <div class="credit-caption"> <div class="caption-wrap"> <div class="caption" aria-label="Image caption"> <p> In this handout photo released by the Altoona Police Department, Luigi Mangione is seen in a holding cell after being taken into custody on Dec. 9, 2024, in Altoona, Pa. <b class="credit" aria-label="Image credit"> Altoona Police Department/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>Mangione was allegedly carrying an illegal firearm, false documents and other evidence linking him to Thompson's death</strong>, NPR's Brian Mann tells <em>Up First</em>. The motive behind targeting Thompson so deliberately is unclear at the moment. NYPD's Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenney said Mangione was carrying a three-page handwritten document that <a href="https://one.npr.org/?sharedMediaId=1218437722:1263371561">may detail some of his alleged motives</a>.</li><li>➡️ <strong>Mangione came from an affluent family and was well-educated.</strong> He was valedictorian at the private Gilman School in Baltimore and then attended the University of Pennsylvania, where he studied computer science and artificial intelligence. <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/12/09/nx-s1-5222853/luigi-mangione-suspect-brian-thompson-united-healthcare">Here's what else we know about him</a>.</li><li>➡️ <strong>Read more</strong> about what <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/12/09/g-s1-37509/brian-thompson-shooting-arrest-luigi-mangione-united-healthcare">comes next in the case</a>.</li></ul> <p><strong>Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu takes the witness stand today in his corruption trial. </strong>It's the first time in the country's history that a sitting prime minister is testifying as a defendant in court. Netanyahu is facing charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust in three separate cases. He will testify three days a week for six hours a day for many weeks. <br></p> <ul class="edTag"><li>🎧 <strong>Netanyahu is testifying in an underground fortified courtroom for security reasons as the country is in the middle of a war</strong>, says NPR's Daniel Estrin, who is one floor above him in Tel Aviv. Police started investigating Netanyahu in 2016, and in a press conference last night, Netanyahu said <a href="https://one.npr.org/?sharedMediaId=1218437722:1263371561">he's been waiting eight years for this day</a> to be able to present the truth. Netanyahu is accused of using his influence to help media figures' business interests. In exchange, he allegedly received tens of thousands of dollars worth of champagne and cigars. In the two other cases, he's accused of allegedly helping media moguls with their business interests in order to work out deals for flattering news coverage in their outlets. Netanyahu has denied these allegations.</li></ul> <p><strong>Jay-Z is reportedly taking legal action against an attorney after being accused in </strong><a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/12/08/nx-s1-5221691/jay-z-sean-diddy-combs-diddy-suit"><strong>a civil lawsuit filed Sunday</strong></a><strong> of raping a 13-year-old girl with Sean "Diddy" Combs </strong>at an MTV Video Music Awards afterparty in 2000. The rapper is the latest celebrity to be linked to allegations against Combs. The lawsuit is one of more than a dozen filed by Texas attorney Tony Buzbee against Combs. <br></p> <ul class="edTag"><li>🎧 <strong>Jay-Z is not facing any criminal charges as this is part of a civil suit against Combs</strong>, NPR's Isabella Gomez Sarmiento says. Jay-Z issued a statement to NPR saying the claims are completely false. He publicly called Buzbee an "ambulance chaser in a cheap suit" and said he was <a href="https://one.npr.org/?sharedMediaId=1218437722:1263371561">attempting to blackmail him to extort settlement money</a>. Jay-Z has filed a motion to dismiss the anonymous lawsuit or to have the plaintiff's identity disclosed. Buzbee has insinuated that other celebrities may have been involved in the Combs' alleged crimes and may be named in future lawsuits.</li></ul> <h3 class="edTag">Today's listen</h3> <div id="res1215158626" class="bucketwrap image large"> <div class="imagewrap has-source-dimensions" data-crop-type="" style=" --source-width: 1022; --source-height: 575; " > <picture> <source srcset="https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2023/11/24/gettyimages-1386372459-1024x683_wide-7945b543cbf79d6707ee6b57ef8ac29cccd22345.jpg?s=400&c=85&f=webp 400w, https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2023/11/24/gettyimages-1386372459-1024x683_wide-7945b543cbf79d6707ee6b57ef8ac29cccd22345.jpg?s=600&c=85&f=webp 600w, https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2023/11/24/gettyimages-1386372459-1024x683_wide-7945b543cbf79d6707ee6b57ef8ac29cccd22345.jpg?s=800&c=85&f=webp 800w, https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2023/11/24/gettyimages-1386372459-1024x683_wide-7945b543cbf79d6707ee6b57ef8ac29cccd22345.jpg?s=900&c=85&f=webp 900w, https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2023/11/24/gettyimages-1386372459-1024x683_wide-7945b543cbf79d6707ee6b57ef8ac29cccd22345.jpg?s=1200&c=85&f=webp 1200w, https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2023/11/24/gettyimages-1386372459-1024x683_wide-7945b543cbf79d6707ee6b57ef8ac29cccd22345.jpg?s=1600&c=85&f=webp 1600w, https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2023/11/24/gettyimages-1386372459-1024x683_wide-7945b543cbf79d6707ee6b57ef8ac29cccd22345.jpg?s=1800&c=85&f=webp 1800w" data-template="https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2023/11/24/gettyimages-1386372459-1024x683_wide-7945b543cbf79d6707ee6b57ef8ac29cccd22345.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/2023/11/24/gettyimages-1386372459-1024x683_wide-7945b543cbf79d6707ee6b57ef8ac29cccd22345.jpg?s=400&c=85&f=jpeg 400w, https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2023/11/24/gettyimages-1386372459-1024x683_wide-7945b543cbf79d6707ee6b57ef8ac29cccd22345.jpg?s=600&c=85&f=jpeg 600w, https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2023/11/24/gettyimages-1386372459-1024x683_wide-7945b543cbf79d6707ee6b57ef8ac29cccd22345.jpg?s=800&c=85&f=jpeg 800w, https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2023/11/24/gettyimages-1386372459-1024x683_wide-7945b543cbf79d6707ee6b57ef8ac29cccd22345.jpg?s=900&c=85&f=jpeg 900w, https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2023/11/24/gettyimages-1386372459-1024x683_wide-7945b543cbf79d6707ee6b57ef8ac29cccd22345.jpg?s=1200&c=85&f=jpeg 1200w, https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2023/11/24/gettyimages-1386372459-1024x683_wide-7945b543cbf79d6707ee6b57ef8ac29cccd22345.jpg?s=1600&c=85&f=jpeg 1600w, https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2023/11/24/gettyimages-1386372459-1024x683_wide-7945b543cbf79d6707ee6b57ef8ac29cccd22345.jpg?s=1800&c=85&f=jpeg 1800w" data-template="https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2023/11/24/gettyimages-1386372459-1024x683_wide-7945b543cbf79d6707ee6b57ef8ac29cccd22345.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/2023/11/24/gettyimages-1386372459-1024x683_wide-7945b543cbf79d6707ee6b57ef8ac29cccd22345.jpg?s=1100&c=50&f=jpeg" data-template="https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2023/11/24/gettyimages-1386372459-1024x683_wide-7945b543cbf79d6707ee6b57ef8ac29cccd22345.jpg?s={width}&c={quality}&f={format}" class="img" alt="Dolly Parton performs on stage at ACL Live during Blockchain Creative Labs&#039; Dollyverse event at SXSW during the 2022 SXSW Conference and Festivals in Austin, Texas." loading="lazy" /> </picture> </div> <div class="credit-caption"> <div class="caption-wrap"> <div class="caption" aria-label="Image caption"> <p> Dolly Parton performs on stage at ACL Live during Blockchain Creative Labs' Dollyverse event at SXSW during the 2022 SXSW Conference and Festivals in Austin, Texas. <b class="credit" aria-label="Image credit"> Michael Loccisano/Getty Images for SXSW </b> <b class="hide-caption"><b></b></b> </p> </div> <b class="toggle-caption"><b></b></b> </div> </div> </div> <p><strong>Dolly Parton truly does it all. One mission stands out among her long list of accomplishments: </strong>her commitment to promoting children's literacy. She also loves Christmas and her French bulldog, Billy the Kid. She has combined these interests in her new children's book, <em>Dolly Parton's Billy the Kid Comes Home For Christmas</em>, in which her canine sidekick must decide between fame and family during the holiday season. Parton joins <em>Morning Edition</em> to talk about the book, her love for the holiday and more. <a href="https://one.npr.org/?sharedMediaId=nx-s1-5172403:nx-s1-5279800-1">Listen to what she had to say here</a>.<br></p> <h3 class="edTag">Deep dive</h3> <div id="resg-s1-37106" class="bucketwrap image large"> <div class="imagewrap has-source-dimensions" data-crop-type="" style=" --source-width: 5388; --source-height: 3031; " > <picture> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5388x3031+0+476/resize/400/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F51%2F56%2F1d79472d448f94726c21b34df938%2Fgettyimages-2164656715.jpg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5388x3031+0+476/resize/600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F51%2F56%2F1d79472d448f94726c21b34df938%2Fgettyimages-2164656715.jpg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5388x3031+0+476/resize/800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F51%2F56%2F1d79472d448f94726c21b34df938%2Fgettyimages-2164656715.jpg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5388x3031+0+476/resize/900/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F51%2F56%2F1d79472d448f94726c21b34df938%2Fgettyimages-2164656715.jpg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5388x3031+0+476/resize/1200/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F51%2F56%2F1d79472d448f94726c21b34df938%2Fgettyimages-2164656715.jpg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5388x3031+0+476/resize/1600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F51%2F56%2F1d79472d448f94726c21b34df938%2Fgettyimages-2164656715.jpg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5388x3031+0+476/resize/1800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F51%2F56%2F1d79472d448f94726c21b34df938%2Fgettyimages-2164656715.jpg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5388x3031+0+476/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F51%2F56%2F1d79472d448f94726c21b34df938%2Fgettyimages-2164656715.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/5388x3031+0+476/resize/400/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F51%2F56%2F1d79472d448f94726c21b34df938%2Fgettyimages-2164656715.jpg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5388x3031+0+476/resize/600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F51%2F56%2F1d79472d448f94726c21b34df938%2Fgettyimages-2164656715.jpg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5388x3031+0+476/resize/800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F51%2F56%2F1d79472d448f94726c21b34df938%2Fgettyimages-2164656715.jpg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5388x3031+0+476/resize/900/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F51%2F56%2F1d79472d448f94726c21b34df938%2Fgettyimages-2164656715.jpg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5388x3031+0+476/resize/1200/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F51%2F56%2F1d79472d448f94726c21b34df938%2Fgettyimages-2164656715.jpg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5388x3031+0+476/resize/1600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F51%2F56%2F1d79472d448f94726c21b34df938%2Fgettyimages-2164656715.jpg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5388x3031+0+476/resize/1800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F51%2F56%2F1d79472d448f94726c21b34df938%2Fgettyimages-2164656715.jpg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5388x3031+0+476/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F51%2F56%2F1d79472d448f94726c21b34df938%2Fgettyimages-2164656715.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/5388x3031+0+476/resize/1100/quality/50/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F51%2F56%2F1d79472d448f94726c21b34df938%2Fgettyimages-2164656715.jpg" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5388x3031+0+476/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F51%2F56%2F1d79472d448f94726c21b34df938%2Fgettyimages-2164656715.jpg" class="img" alt="A recall notice citing listeria contamination risks is posted next to a case featuring Boar&#039;s Head meats in a Safeway store in San Rafael, Calif." loading="lazy" /> </picture> </div> <div class="credit-caption"> <div class="caption-wrap"> <div class="caption" aria-label="Image caption"> <p> A recall notice citing listeria contamination risks is posted next to Boar's Head meats in a Safeway store in San Rafael, Calif., in July, as the deli meat company expanded its recall of ready-to-eat meat and poultry products. <b class="credit" aria-label="Image credit"> Justin Sullivan/Getty Images </b> <b class="hide-caption"><b></b></b> </p> </div> <b class="toggle-caption"><b></b></b> </div> </div> </div> <p><strong>Several high-profile food recalls have occurred this year. </strong>On that list: A deadly listeria outbreak among Boar's Head deli meat and an investigation into cucumbers contaminated with salmonella. Even before the Boar's Head recall, a Gallup poll found Americans' confidence in the government's ability to ensure a safe food supply had sunk to a record low. <br></p> <ul class="edTag"><li>🥒 <strong>Food recalls fell sharply during the COVID-19 pandemic, but they are now rising. </strong>The Food and Drug Administration says 1,908 products were recalled in the fiscal year that ended in September — the highest since 2019.</li><li>🥒 <strong>Day-to-day food handling habits can help to limit</strong> the risk of foodborne illness, says Linda Harris, a food scientist at the University of California, Davis.</li><li>🥒 <strong>Rinsing fresh, raw vegetables and fruit</strong> under running water can help remove microorganisms from the surface.</li><li>🥒<strong> The CDC says in the U.S., 31 pathogens — bacteria, viruses and parasites — have been commonly linked to </strong>foodborne hospitalizations and deaths. The three bacteria that cause the most hospitalizations and deaths each year are salmonella, listeria monocytogenes and <em>E. coli</em>.</li></ul> <p><strong>Read how </strong>the government <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/12/09/nx-s1-5215713/food-recalls-foodborne-illness-outbreaks-safety-tips">traces outbreaks and get more tips</a> on handling food safely.<br></p> <h3 class="edTag">3 things to know before you go</h3> <div id="resg-s1-37569" class="bucketwrap image large"> <div class="imagewrap has-source-dimensions" data-crop-type="" style=" --source-width: 4210; --source-height: 2368; " > <picture> <source srcset="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4210x2368+0+406/resize/400/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F7e%2Ff3%2Fb5fa2b2442faa4bf0b455a97d44f%2Fgettyimages-2119727.jpg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4210x2368+0+406/resize/600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F7e%2Ff3%2Fb5fa2b2442faa4bf0b455a97d44f%2Fgettyimages-2119727.jpg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4210x2368+0+406/resize/800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F7e%2Ff3%2Fb5fa2b2442faa4bf0b455a97d44f%2Fgettyimages-2119727.jpg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4210x2368+0+406/resize/900/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F7e%2Ff3%2Fb5fa2b2442faa4bf0b455a97d44f%2Fgettyimages-2119727.jpg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4210x2368+0+406/resize/1200/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F7e%2Ff3%2Fb5fa2b2442faa4bf0b455a97d44f%2Fgettyimages-2119727.jpg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4210x2368+0+406/resize/1600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F7e%2Ff3%2Fb5fa2b2442faa4bf0b455a97d44f%2Fgettyimages-2119727.jpg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4210x2368+0+406/resize/1800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F7e%2Ff3%2Fb5fa2b2442faa4bf0b455a97d44f%2Fgettyimages-2119727.jpg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4210x2368+0+406/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F7e%2Ff3%2Fb5fa2b2442faa4bf0b455a97d44f%2Fgettyimages-2119727.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/4210x2368+0+406/resize/400/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F7e%2Ff3%2Fb5fa2b2442faa4bf0b455a97d44f%2Fgettyimages-2119727.jpg 400w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4210x2368+0+406/resize/600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F7e%2Ff3%2Fb5fa2b2442faa4bf0b455a97d44f%2Fgettyimages-2119727.jpg 600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4210x2368+0+406/resize/800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F7e%2Ff3%2Fb5fa2b2442faa4bf0b455a97d44f%2Fgettyimages-2119727.jpg 800w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4210x2368+0+406/resize/900/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F7e%2Ff3%2Fb5fa2b2442faa4bf0b455a97d44f%2Fgettyimages-2119727.jpg 900w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4210x2368+0+406/resize/1200/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F7e%2Ff3%2Fb5fa2b2442faa4bf0b455a97d44f%2Fgettyimages-2119727.jpg 1200w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4210x2368+0+406/resize/1600/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F7e%2Ff3%2Fb5fa2b2442faa4bf0b455a97d44f%2Fgettyimages-2119727.jpg 1600w, https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4210x2368+0+406/resize/1800/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F7e%2Ff3%2Fb5fa2b2442faa4bf0b455a97d44f%2Fgettyimages-2119727.jpg 1800w" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4210x2368+0+406/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F7e%2Ff3%2Fb5fa2b2442faa4bf0b455a97d44f%2Fgettyimages-2119727.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/4210x2368+0+406/resize/1100/quality/50/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F7e%2Ff3%2Fb5fa2b2442faa4bf0b455a97d44f%2Fgettyimages-2119727.jpg" data-template="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4210x2368+0+406/resize/{width}/quality/{quality}/format/{format}/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F7e%2Ff3%2Fb5fa2b2442faa4bf0b455a97d44f%2Fgettyimages-2119727.jpg" class="img" alt="American poet Yolanda Cornelia &#039;Nikki&#039; Giovanni leans on her desk beside a typewriter, in front of a wall decorated with photos, 1973. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)" loading="lazy" /> </picture> </div> <div class="credit-caption"> <div class="caption-wrap"> <div class="caption" aria-label="Image caption"> <p> American poet Yolanda Cornelia 'Nikki' Giovanni leans on her desk beside a typewriter, in front of a wall decorated with photos, 1973. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images) <b class="credit" aria-label="Image credit"> Getty Images/Hulton Archive </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>Renowned poet and Black arts movement icon Nikki Giovanni died yesterday</strong> at the age of 81, <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/12/09/nx-s1-5222858/nikki-giovanni-poet-obituary">following her third cancer diagnosis</a>, according to a statement from friend and author Renée Watson.</li><li><strong>A new national monument in Pennsylvania will tell the story of</strong> the hundreds of boarding schools where tens of thousands of American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/12/09/nx-s1-5222331/biden-indian-boarding-schools-monument-carlisle">children were sent for assimilation</a>.</li><li><strong>Six years ago, Clara Temple was in first grade, trying to order lunch from the cafeteria for the first time. She didn't know her student ID number to enter into the keypad.</strong> She panicked and felt embarrassed; however, a cafeteria worker, her unsung hero, <a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/12/10/g-s1-36969/a-12-year-old-honors-the-cafeteria-worker-who-came-to-her-rescue-in-first-grade">swooped in and rescued her</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 + + + diff --git a/Phoronix b/Phoronix new file mode 100644 index 000000000..acaef93cd --- /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/ + + + KDE Plasma 6.3 Improving Game Controller Joystick Support, Many Fixes + Michael Larabel + https://www.phoronix.com/news/Plasma-6.3-Better-Joystick + https://www.phoronix.com/news/Plasma-6.3-Better-Joystick + Sat, 21 Dec 2024 10:58:54 +0000 + <div class="content"> <div style="float: left; padding: 0 10px 10px;"><img alt="KDE" src="https://www.phoronix.com/assets/categories/kde.webp" width="100" height="100" /></div> While the Christmas holidays are quickly approach, KDE developers remain busy working on new features for the upcoming Plasma 6.3 desktop as well as continuing to land many bug fixes. <br /> <br />KDE developer Nate Graham is out with his newest weekly blog post outlining the interesting accomplishments for the week. In the lead up to Christmas some of the KDE happenings included: <br /> <br />- When applying screen settings that fail due to graphics driver issues, the System Settings will now report that to the user rather than just failing silently -- beginning with Plasma 6.3. <br /> <br />- A new Breeze "open-link" icon to better indicate where web URLs are oepned from things that don't look like clickable links. <br /> <br />- Plasma 6.2.5 will fix one of the most common Powerdevil crashes in recent times. <br /> <br />- With WireGuard VPN the "Persistent Keepalive" setting now works. <br /> <br />- Plasma 6.3 will have multiple fixes and improvements around screen brightness and dimming. <br /> <br />- Auto-updates within Discover now work again. <br /> <br />- Vastly improved game controller joystick support within Plasma 6.3 that fix "many weird and random-seeming bugs." <br /> <br />- For printers reporting per-color ink levels, the System Settings Printers page will now display the ink level visualization in the actual ink colors again. <br /> <br />- Qt 6.8.2 will fix one of the most common Qt crashes affecting Plasma and KDE applications. <br /> <br />- Plasma Browser Integration now works in the Flatpak version of Firefox on Plasma 6.3. <br /> <br />More details in all these interesting KDE Plasma changes for the week via <a href="https://blogs.kde.org/2024/12/21/this-week-in-plasma-end-of-year-bug-fixing/">blogs.kde.org</a>.</div> + + + AMD ROCm 6.3.1 Released With Instinct MI325X Support, ROCm Runfile Installer + Michael Larabel + https://www.phoronix.com/news/AMD-ROCm-6.3.1-Released + https://www.phoronix.com/news/AMD-ROCm-6.3.1-Released + Sat, 21 Dec 2024 01:47:46 +0000 + <div class="content"> <div style="float: left; padding: 0 10px 10px;"><img alt="RADEON" src="https://www.phoronix.com/assets/categories/radeon.webp" width="100" height="100" /></div> Building off the <a href="https://www.phoronix.com/news/AMD-ROCm-6.3-GitHub">ROCm 6.3</a> release from earlier this month, there's been a Friday night drop of ROCm 6.3.1 with some rather exciting end-of-year improvements. <br /> <br />ROCm 6.3.1 introduces initial support for the new AMD Instinct MI325X accelerators! This evolution of the MI300X is now supported with the ROCm 6.3.1 release. The <a href="https://www.phoronix.com/news/AMD-Instinct-MI325X-MI350-MI400">AMD Instinct MI325X</a> was announced in October with 256GB of HBM3E and various evolutionary improvements over the MI300X. Production shipments of the MI325X began this quarter. <br /><p align="center"><img src="https://www.phoronix.net/image.php?id=computex-2024-amd&image=amd_instinct_mi325x_med" alt="MI325X" /></p> <br />ROCm 6.3.1 introduces per-queue resiliency support for Instinct MI300 accelerators to better protect against misbehaving applications on MI300 class hardware to ensure that other workloads are better protected/unaffected in their separate queues. <br /> <br />ROCm 6.3.1 also introduces the ROCm Runfile Installer as a new easy installer for setting up the ROCm software enviornment without relying on a native Linux package management system like Debian/APT packages. This Runfile Installer also works regardless of internet connection state. But for this initial rollout only Ubuntu 22.04 is initially supported. Hopefully this ROCm Runfile Installer will end up working well with time across other non-officially supported Linux distributions like outside the confines of the enterprise Linux distributions. This would address a major pain point of ROCm right now of the limited official Linux OS/distribution selection where AMD provides official packages. So fingers crossed for more ROCm Runfile Installer improvements in the new year. <br /> <br />ROCm 6.3.1 also brings documentation improvements and initial support for Debian 12.... It's long past time AMD support ROCm on Debian 12 that debuted back in mid-2023 with the Linux 6.1 kernel usage. Alas the official support is here now and is another reason hopefully this ROCm Runfile Installer support will hopefully bear fruit in 2025 for expanding Linux distribution coverage. <br /> <br />More details on setting up ROCm 6.3.1 for Linux systems and all of the changes in this new point release via <a href="https://rocm.docs.amd.com/en/latest/">rocm.docs.amd.com</a>.</div> + + + Wine 10.0-rc3 Released With A 16 Year Old Bug "Fixed" + Michael Larabel + https://www.phoronix.com/news/Wine-10.0-rc3-Released + https://www.phoronix.com/news/Wine-10.0-rc3-Released + Sat, 21 Dec 2024 01:21:02 +0000 + <div class="content"> <div style="float: left; padding: 0 10px 10px;"><img alt="WINE" src="https://www.phoronix.com/assets/categories/wine.webp" width="100" height="100" /></div> The third weekly release candidate of <a href="https://www.phoronix.com/search/Wine+10.0">Wine 10.0</a> is now available for testing with another 15 bugs fixed this week. <br /> <br />Wine 10.0-rc3 with its 15 bug fixes address crashes at start-up for some software, Explorer cannot run any files in the Windows ME compatibility mode, CMake not finding the toolchain, Parallel Port Tester not starting, and other changes. <br /> <br />Also of interest was <a href="https://bugs.winehq.org/show_bug.cgi?id=11674">Bug 11674</a> being closed by Wine 10.0-rc3... A bug report dating back to February 2008. That bug report is around dual not being supported for World of Warcraft and Starcraft 2 on multi-core / SMP systems. The bug has been open until now with Wine 10.0-rc3 being closed. <br /><p align="center"><img src="https://www.phoronix.net/image.php?id=2024&image=dual_core_wow" alt="Old Wine bug report" /></p> <br />But ultimately this bug report had fallen through the cracks and without any activity in recent years and lack of clarity whether it was fixed. But then a comment yesterday confirmed that the issue should be resolved thanks to the Multi-Threaded Command Stream (CSMT) work followed by buffer upload acceleration code previously added to Wine. So it's already been resolved but now officially confirmed as fixed with Wine 10.0-rc3, 16 years after the original bug report. <br /> <br />More details on the other changes with Wine 10.0-rc3 via <a href="https://gitlab.winehq.org/wine/wine/-/releases/wine-10.0-rc3">WineHQ.org</a>.</div> + + + Linux 6.13-rc4 To Fix A Nasty USB Problem Plaguing The Kernel For A Few Weeks + Michael Larabel + https://www.phoronix.com/news/Linux-6.13-rc4-USB-Fix + https://www.phoronix.com/news/Linux-6.13-rc4-USB-Fix + Fri, 20 Dec 2024 19:55:00 +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> Merged to Linux Git minutes ago and ahead of the Linux 6.13-rc4 tagging on Sunday were this week's set of USB fixes that are particularly noteworthy. Most significant is fixing a USB regression that had been present in the stack since the Linux 6.13 merge window last month. <br /> <br />Greg Kroah-Hartman commented in today's <a href="https://lore.kernel.org/lkml/Z2WO42XdnBrYmdmN@kroah.com/">USB / Thunderbolt fixes for 6.13-rc4</a>: <br /><blockquote>"Much reported xhci bugfix for usb-storage devices (and other devices as well, tripped me up on a video camera)"</blockquote> <br />This originated from <a href="https://lore.kernel.org/lkml/CAAJw_ZtppNqC9XA=-WVQDr+vaAS=di7jo15CzSqONeX48H75MA@mail.gmail.com/">a bug report</a> noting that when trying to make an EXT4 file-system on a USB microSD card it would result in hanging the entire system. Ouch. <br /> <br />There were other USB bug reports in recent weeks as well from those testing early versions of the Linux 6.13 kernel. <br /><p align="center"><a href="https://www.phoronix.com/image-viewer.php?id=2024&image=broken_usb_lrg" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.phoronix.net/image.php?id=2024&image=broken_usb_sml" alt="Broken USB" /></a></p> <br />The issue was tracked back to a set of XHCI clean-ups, fixes, and code refactoring for the USB code in Linux 6.13... In the end <a href="https://git.kernel.org/pub/scm/linux/kernel/git/torvalds/linux.git/commit/?id=b9252f80b807801056e67e3a672fb1be0ecb81d8">the fix</a> was to correct the arguments passed to the XHCI ring expansion call... The source and destination rings were accidentally passed in the wrong order in the reworked code for Linux 6.13. Whoops. <br /> <br />The USB fixes are now <a href="https://git.kernel.org/pub/scm/linux/kernel/git/torvalds/linux.git/commit/?id=e9b8ffafd20ad21357a789cc58ffaa162b3ad074">merged</a> ahead of Linux 6.13-rc4 releasing on Sunday. This pull request also adds Thunderbolt support for Intel Panther Lake P and Panther Lake M SoCs with just needing new device IDs. On the Thunderbolt side is also an improvement to the redrive mode handling.</div> + + + AMD Launches A YouTube Channel For Developers + Michael Larabel + https://www.phoronix.com/news/AMD-Developer-Central-YouTube + https://www.phoronix.com/news/AMD-Developer-Central-YouTube + Fri, 20 Dec 2024 19:03:16 +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> If you are looking for some interesting technical content to watch over the holidays or end-of-year downtime, AMD shared today that they have launched their own YouTube channel for developer-related content. <br /> <br />AMD passed along a note today that they have launched the AMD Developer Central channel on YouTube where they will feature content for developers that is harnessed by the power of AMD hardware as well as their software tooling. The AMD Developer Central channel will feature content around AMD technologies, software tools, technical demos, and industry interviews. AI, HPC, adaptive computing, and other verticals are fair game. <br /> <br />This AMD Developer Central channel on YouTube follows AMD's efforts in recent months to <a href="https://www.phoronix.com/news/AMD-ROCm-Blog-Platform">increase their blog posts and other written content</a> as well. <br /><p align="center"><img src="https://www.phoronix.net/image.php?id=2024&image=amd_dev_central" alt="AMD Dev Central" /></p> <br />Those interested in checking out the content can find it via <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/AMDDevCentral">AMDDevCentral on YouTube</a>. Among the initial content are a number of interviews, ROCm platform installation video, asking folks what does "OPEN" mean to you, AMD talking up open ecosystems, and a lot of other AI-related videos. Hopefully this keeps up and they will be putting out more frequent content around interesting -- and technically minded -- developer content and more than just fluffy videos that may frequently come up on other channels. Of course, AMD Linux and open-source videos would be excellent.</div> + + + OpenSUSE Announces New "YQPkg" Package Management Tool + Michael Larabel + https://www.phoronix.com/news/openSUSE-YQPkg + https://www.phoronix.com/news/openSUSE-YQPkg + Fri, 20 Dec 2024 17:12:34 +0000 + <div class="content"> <div style="float: left; padding: 0 10px 10px;"><img alt="SUSE" src="https://www.phoronix.com/assets/categories/suse.webp" width="100" height="100" /></div> The openSUSE project announced today YQPkg as a new package management tool for openSUSE Linux distributions. <br /> <br />YQPkg is a new standalone GUI that is making use of the Qt toolkit and aims to be an alternative to the likes of YaST for visually managing packages on openSUSE Linux distributions. <br /><p align="center"><img src="https://www.phoronix.net/image.php?id=2024&image=opensuse_yqpkg_1" alt="YQPkg screenshot" /></p> <br />YQPkg was born out of a SUSE Hack Week and support all common package management operations from the UI. YQPkg does not depend upon YaST and relies just on libzypp. <br /><p align="center"><img src="https://www.phoronix.net/image.php?id=2024&image=opensuse_yqpkg_2" alt="YQPkg screenshot" /></p> <br />Those wishing to learn more about YQPkg can see today's launch announcement on <a href="https://news.opensuse.org/2024/12/20/new-pkg-mgmt-tool-debuts/">news.opensuse.org</a>. YQPkg is being developed via <a href="https://github.com/shundhammer/yqpkg">this GitHub repository</a>.</div> + + + Wayland Protocols 1.39 Released With Data Control & Workspace Additions + Michael Larabel + https://www.phoronix.com/news/Wayland-Protocols-1.39 + https://www.phoronix.com/news/Wayland-Protocols-1.39 + Fri, 20 Dec 2024 16:07:51 +0000 + <div class="content"> <div style="float: left; padding: 0 10px 10px;"><img alt="WAYLAND" src="https://www.phoronix.com/assets/categories/wayland.webp" width="100" height="100" /></div> Jonas Ådahl of Red Hat just released Wayland Protocols 1.39 as the latest set of updates to this de facto repository for Wayland protocols. <br /> <br />The Wayland-Protocols 1.39 release adds ext-data-control and ext-workspace protocols. In addition to the new protocols there are the changes suggested by Mike Blumenkrantz for <a href="https://www.phoronix.com/news/Blumenkrantz-Wayland-Workflow">workflow improvements</a> around introducing new protocols and <a href="https://www.phoronix.com/news/Blumekrantz-Wayland-NACK">clarifying how protocols can be rejected</a>. <br /> <br />Jonas summed up of the protocol changes in Wayland-Protocols 1.39: <br /><blockquote>"This new release contains two new protocols: <br /> <br /> * ext-data-control - allow privileged clients to control data devices, e.g. a clipboard manager. <br /> <br /> * ext-workspace - receive events about and control workspaces, useful for e.g. workspace indicators. <br /> <br />This release also includes the recent governance workflow changes and clarifications. Mesa is also listed as a member, Simon Zeni was added as a drm-lease maintainer, and Nick Diego Yamane was added as a xdg-toplevel-drag maintainer."</blockquote> <br />More details via the <a href="https://lists.freedesktop.org/archives/wayland-devel/2024-December/043920.html">mailing list announcement</a>.</div> + + + Arch Linux Based CachyOS Takes The Lead On Intel Arrow Lake + Michael Larabel + https://www.phoronix.com/review/intel-arrowlake-cachyos + https://www.phoronix.com/review/intel-arrowlake-cachyos + Fri, 20 Dec 2024 15:33:38 +0000 + <div class="content"> <p align="center"><a href="https://www.phoronix.com/image-viewer.php?id=intel-arrowlake-cachyos&image=arrowlake_linux_1_lrg" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.phoronix.net/image.php?id=intel-arrowlake-cachyos&image=arrowlake_linux_1_med" alt="CachyOS" /></a></p> <p>Following the recent <a href="https://www.phoronix.com/review/intel-arrowlake-windows-linux">Intel Core Ultra 9 285K Windows 11 vs. Ubuntu Linux benchmarks</a> I wanted to expand the testing to look at how well other Linux distributions as well were performing on this new 24-core Arrow Lake desktop processor. To much surprise Intel's own Clear Linux distribution didn't take the top spot this round but as a surprising upset the Arch Linux based CachyOS distribution outperformed Clear Linux, Ubuntu, Arch Linux, and Fedora Workstation on this flagship Arrow Lake processor.</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://www.phoronix.com/image-viewer.php?id=intel-arrowlake-cachyos&image=arrowlake_linux_2_lrg" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.phoronix.net/image.php?id=intel-arrowlake-cachyos&image=arrowlake_linux_2_med" alt="Intel Clear Linux" /></a></p> <p>This round of Linux testing on Intel Core Ultra Series 2 "Arrow Lake" looked at Ubuntu 24.10, Ubuntu 24.10 when using the Linux 6.13 kernel as well as switching to the performance governor rather than the default powersave, Fedora Workstation 41, CachyOS, Arch Linux, and Clear Linux on this same system. All the Linux distributions were cleanly installed and tested in their default / out-of-the-box state except for the noted extra runs on Ubuntu for reference purposes.</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://www.phoronix.com/image-viewer.php?id=intel-arrowlake-cachyos&image=arrowlake_linux_3_lrg" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.phoronix.net/image.php?id=intel-arrowlake-cachyos&image=arrowlake_linux_3_med" alt="Fedora Workstation 41" /></a></p> <p>The Intel Core Ultra 9 285K was at stock speeds and all hardware kept the same throughout this out-of-the-box Linux distribution comparison.</p> <div style="text-align: center;"><img type="image/svg+xml" width="100%" height="auto" src="https://phoronix.com/benchmark/result/intel-core-ultra-ubuntu,-cachyos,-clear-linux,-fedora-linux,-arch-linux/result.svgz" alt="Intel Core Ultra Ubuntu, CachyOS, Clear Linux, Fedora Linux, Arch Linux" /></div> <p>Going into this testing the assumption was that Intel's Clear Linux would likely lead the race as it typically does on x86_64 processors both from Intel and AMD. Clear Linux has aggressive optimizations by default and also via function multi-versioning / x86_64 micro-architecture feature levels and similar does carry AVX-512 optimized libraries and more. But with Arrow Lake there is no AVX-512 support. Meanwhile the Arch Linux based <a href="https://www.phoronix.com/search/CachyOS">CachyOS</a> rolling distribution has been gaining traction in recent months and also picking up more optimizations of their own. CachyOS ended up edging past both Clear Linux as well as upstream Arch Linux on this Core Ultra 9 285K system while in turn also outperforming Fedora Workstation and Ubuntu Linux.</p> </div><div class="content"> <div style="text-align: center;"><img type="image/svg+xml" width="100%" height="auto" src="//phoronix.com/benchmark/result/intel-core-ultra-ubuntu,-cachyos,-clear-linux,-fedora-linux,-arch-linux/dacapo-benchmark-jython.svgz" alt="DaCapo Benchmark benchmark with settings of Java Test: Jython. CachyOS was the fastest." /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><img type="image/svg+xml" width="100%" height="auto" src="//phoronix.com/benchmark/result/intel-core-ultra-ubuntu,-cachyos,-clear-linux,-fedora-linux,-arch-linux/dacapo-benchmark-graphchi.svgz" alt="DaCapo Benchmark benchmark with settings of Java Test: GraphChi. CachyOS was the fastest." /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><img type="image/svg+xml" width="100%" height="auto" src="//phoronix.com/benchmark/result/intel-core-ultra-ubuntu,-cachyos,-clear-linux,-fedora-linux,-arch-linux/dacapo-benchmark-fpf.svgz" alt="DaCapo Benchmark benchmark with settings of Java Test: FOP Print Formatter. CachyOS was the fastest." /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><img type="image/svg+xml" width="100%" height="auto" src="//phoronix.com/benchmark/result/intel-core-ultra-ubuntu,-cachyos,-clear-linux,-fedora-linux,-arch-linux/dacapo-benchmark-alsi.svgz" alt="DaCapo Benchmark benchmark with settings of Java Test: Apache Lucene Search Index. Clear Linux 42790 was the fastest." /></div> <p>With some of the OpenJDK Java benchmarks both CachyOS and Arch Linux were notable front-runners....</p> <div style="text-align: center;"><img type="image/svg+xml" width="100%" height="auto" src="//phoronix.com/benchmark/result/intel-core-ultra-ubuntu,-cachyos,-clear-linux,-fedora-linux,-arch-linux/dacapo-benchmark-batik-svg-toolkit.svgz" alt="DaCapo Benchmark benchmark with settings of Java Test: Batik SVG Toolkit. CachyOS was the fastest." /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><img type="image/svg+xml" width="100%" height="auto" src="//phoronix.com/benchmark/result/intel-core-ultra-ubuntu,-cachyos,-clear-linux,-fedora-linux,-arch-linux/dacapo-benchmark-h2-database-engine.svgz" alt="DaCapo Benchmark benchmark with settings of Java Test: H2 Database Engine. CachyOS was the fastest." /></div> <p>But quickly enough there were tests where CachyOS was standing out from upstream Arch Linux thanks to its additional performance optimizations and more.</p> <div style="text-align: center;"><img type="image/svg+xml" width="100%" height="auto" src="//phoronix.com/benchmark/result/intel-core-ultra-ubuntu,-cachyos,-clear-linux,-fedora-linux,-arch-linux/webp-image-encode-default.svgz" alt="WebP Image Encode benchmark with settings of Encode Settings: Default. Clear Linux 42790 was the fastest." /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><img type="image/svg+xml" width="100%" height="auto" src="//phoronix.com/benchmark/result/intel-core-ultra-ubuntu,-cachyos,-clear-linux,-fedora-linux,-arch-linux/webp-image-encode-q1l.svgz" alt="WebP Image Encode benchmark with settings of Encode Settings: Quality 100, Lossless. Arch Linux was the fastest." /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><img type="image/svg+xml" width="100%" height="auto" src="//phoronix.com/benchmark/result/intel-core-ultra-ubuntu,-cachyos,-clear-linux,-fedora-linux,-arch-linux/webp-image-encode-quality-100.svgz" alt="WebP Image Encode benchmark with settings of Encode Settings: Quality 100. Clear Linux 42790 was the fastest." /></div> <p>Intel's Clear Linux distribution did lead in some of the source-based benchmarks thanks to Clear Linux employing tuned CFLAGS/CXXFLAGS by default and other optimizations.</p> </div><div class="content"> <div style="text-align: center;"><img type="image/svg+xml" width="100%" height="auto" src="//phoronix.com/benchmark/result/intel-core-ultra-ubuntu,-cachyos,-clear-linux,-fedora-linux,-arch-linux/tscp-acp.svgz" alt="TSCP benchmark with settings of AI Chess Performance. Ubuntu 24.10 was the fastest." /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><img type="image/svg+xml" width="100%" height="auto" src="//phoronix.com/benchmark/result/intel-core-ultra-ubuntu,-cachyos,-clear-linux,-fedora-linux,-arch-linux/embree-pathtracer-ispc-crown.svgz" alt="Embree benchmark with settings of Binary: Pathtracer ISPC, Model: Crown. Ubuntu 24.10 was the fastest." /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><img type="image/svg+xml" width="100%" height="auto" src="//phoronix.com/benchmark/result/intel-core-ultra-ubuntu,-cachyos,-clear-linux,-fedora-linux,-arch-linux/embree-pathtracer-ispc-asian-dragon-obj.svgz" alt="Embree benchmark with settings of Binary: Pathtracer ISPC, Model: Asian Dragon Obj. Ubuntu 24.10 was the fastest." /></div> <p>Ubuntu 24.10 did manage to lead in some of the benchmarks but without much spread.</p> <div style="text-align: center;"><img type="image/svg+xml" width="100%" height="auto" src="//phoronix.com/benchmark/result/intel-core-ultra-ubuntu,-cachyos,-clear-linux,-fedora-linux,-arch-linux/kvazaar-bosphorus-4k-slow.svgz" alt="Kvazaar benchmark with settings of Video Input: Bosphorus 4K, Video Preset: Slow. Clear Linux 42790 was the fastest." /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><img type="image/svg+xml" width="100%" height="auto" src="//phoronix.com/benchmark/result/intel-core-ultra-ubuntu,-cachyos,-clear-linux,-fedora-linux,-arch-linux/kvazaar-bosphorus-4k-medium.svgz" alt="Kvazaar benchmark with settings of Video Input: Bosphorus 4K, Video Preset: Medium. Clear Linux 42790 was the fastest." /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><img type="image/svg+xml" width="100%" height="auto" src="//phoronix.com/benchmark/result/intel-core-ultra-ubuntu,-cachyos,-clear-linux,-fedora-linux,-arch-linux/kvazaar-bosphorus-1080p-medium.svgz" alt="Kvazaar benchmark with settings of Video Input: Bosphorus 1080p, Video Preset: Medium. Ubuntu 24.10 was the fastest." /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><img type="image/svg+xml" width="100%" height="auto" src="//phoronix.com/benchmark/result/intel-core-ultra-ubuntu,-cachyos,-clear-linux,-fedora-linux,-arch-linux/kvazaar-bosphorus-4k-very-fast.svgz" alt="Kvazaar benchmark with settings of Video Input: Bosphorus 4K, Video Preset: Very Fast. Clear Linux 42790 was the fastest." /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><img type="image/svg+xml" width="100%" height="auto" src="//phoronix.com/benchmark/result/intel-core-ultra-ubuntu,-cachyos,-clear-linux,-fedora-linux,-arch-linux/kvazaar-bosphorus-4k-super-fast.svgz" alt="Kvazaar benchmark with settings of Video Input: Bosphorus 4K, Video Preset: Super Fast. Clear Linux 42790 was the fastest." /></div> <p>Most often though it was a battle between Clear Linux and CachyOS / Arch Linux for the top spot.</p> <div style="text-align: center;"><img type="image/svg+xml" width="100%" height="auto" src="//phoronix.com/benchmark/result/intel-core-ultra-ubuntu,-cachyos,-clear-linux,-fedora-linux,-arch-linux/svt-av1-preset-3-bosphorus-1080p.svgz" alt="SVT-AV1 benchmark with settings of Encoder Mode: Preset 3, Input: Bosphorus 1080p. CachyOS was the fastest." /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><img type="image/svg+xml" width="100%" height="auto" src="//phoronix.com/benchmark/result/intel-core-ultra-ubuntu,-cachyos,-clear-linux,-fedora-linux,-arch-linux/asmfish-1hm2d.svgz" alt="asmFish benchmark with settings of 1024 Hash Memory, 26 Depth. Arch Linux was the fastest." /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><img type="image/svg+xml" width="100%" height="auto" src="//phoronix.com/benchmark/result/intel-core-ultra-ubuntu,-cachyos,-clear-linux,-fedora-linux,-arch-linux/ospray-studio-1-4k-1-path-tracer-cpu.svgz" alt="OSPRay Studio benchmark with settings of Camera: 1, Resolution: 4K, Samples Per Pixel: 1, Renderer: Path Tracer, Acceleration: CPU. CachyOS was the fastest." /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><img type="image/svg+xml" width="100%" height="auto" src="//phoronix.com/benchmark/result/intel-core-ultra-ubuntu,-cachyos,-clear-linux,-fedora-linux,-arch-linux/ospray-studio-3-4k-1-path-tracer-cpu.svgz" alt="OSPRay Studio benchmark with settings of Camera: 3, Resolution: 4K, Samples Per Pixel: 1, Renderer: Path Tracer, Acceleration: CPU. CachyOS was the fastest." /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><img type="image/svg+xml" width="100%" height="auto" src="//phoronix.com/benchmark/result/intel-core-ultra-ubuntu,-cachyos,-clear-linux,-fedora-linux,-arch-linux/ospray-studio-2-4k-32-path-tracer-cpu.svgz" alt="OSPRay Studio benchmark with settings of Camera: 2, Resolution: 4K, Samples Per Pixel: 32, Renderer: Path Tracer, Acceleration: CPU. CachyOS was the fastest." /></div> <p>This Linux distribution comparison on Intel Arrow Lake was much closer than some past Intel (and AMD) Linux OS performance comparisons.</p> </div><div class="content"> <div style="text-align: center;"><img type="image/svg+xml" width="100%" height="auto" src="//phoronix.com/benchmark/result/intel-core-ultra-ubuntu,-cachyos,-clear-linux,-fedora-linux,-arch-linux/blender-junkshop-cpu-only.svgz" alt="Blender benchmark with settings of Blend File: Junkshop, Compute: CPU-Only. CachyOS was the fastest." /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><img type="image/svg+xml" width="100%" height="auto" src="//phoronix.com/benchmark/result/intel-core-ultra-ubuntu,-cachyos,-clear-linux,-fedora-linux,-arch-linux/blender-classroom-cpu-only.svgz" alt="Blender benchmark with settings of Blend File: Classroom, Compute: CPU-Only. CachyOS was the fastest." /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><img type="image/svg+xml" width="100%" height="auto" src="//phoronix.com/benchmark/result/intel-core-ultra-ubuntu,-cachyos,-clear-linux,-fedora-linux,-arch-linux/blender-fishy-cat-cpu-only.svgz" alt="Blender benchmark with settings of Blend File: Fishy Cat, Compute: CPU-Only. CachyOS was the fastest." /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><img type="image/svg+xml" width="100%" height="auto" src="//phoronix.com/benchmark/result/intel-core-ultra-ubuntu,-cachyos,-clear-linux,-fedora-linux,-arch-linux/blender-barbershop-cpu-only.svgz" alt="Blender benchmark with settings of Blend File: Barbershop, Compute: CPU-Only. CachyOS was the fastest." /></div> <p>In a number of runs the CachyOS and Arch Linux lead was very tiny.</p> <div style="text-align: center;"><img type="image/svg+xml" width="100%" height="auto" src="//phoronix.com/benchmark/result/intel-core-ultra-ubuntu,-cachyos,-clear-linux,-fedora-linux,-arch-linux/indigobench-cpu-bedroom.svgz" alt="IndigoBench benchmark with settings of Acceleration: CPU, Scene: Bedroom. Arch Linux was the fastest." /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><img type="image/svg+xml" width="100%" height="auto" src="//phoronix.com/benchmark/result/intel-core-ultra-ubuntu,-cachyos,-clear-linux,-fedora-linux,-arch-linux/indigobench-cpu-supercar.svgz" alt="IndigoBench benchmark with settings of Acceleration: CPU, Scene: Supercar. Arch Linux was the fastest." /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><img type="image/svg+xml" width="100%" height="auto" src="//phoronix.com/benchmark/result/intel-core-ultra-ubuntu,-cachyos,-clear-linux,-fedora-linux,-arch-linux/chaos-group-v-ray-cpu.svgz" alt="Chaos Group V-RAY benchmark with settings of Mode: CPU. Arch Linux was the fastest." /></div> <p>Small but consistent leads for CachyOS and Arch Linux.</p> </div><div class="content"> <div style="text-align: center;"><img type="image/svg+xml" width="100%" height="auto" src="//phoronix.com/benchmark/result/intel-core-ultra-ubuntu,-cachyos,-clear-linux,-fedora-linux,-arch-linux/number-of-first-place-finishes-wins-82-tests.svgz" alt="Number Of First Place Finishes benchmark with settings of Wins, 82 Tests." /></div> <p>In the end CachyOS was in first place 41% of the time.</p> <div style="text-align: center;"><img type="image/svg+xml" width="100%" height="auto" src="//phoronix.com/benchmark/result/intel-core-ultra-ubuntu,-cachyos,-clear-linux,-fedora-linux,-arch-linux/geometric-mean-of-all-test-results-result-composite-icuucclflal.svgz" alt="Geometric Mean Of All Test Results benchmark with settings of Result Composite, Intel Core Ultra Ubuntu, CachyOS, Clear Linux, Fedora Linux, Arch Linux. CachyOS was the fastest." /></div> <p>On a geometric mean basis for all the benchmarks conducted, CachyOS was about 4% faster than Ubuntu 24.10 and also managing to outpace Intel's own Clear Linux as a surprising change. These results for Intel Core Ultra "Arrow Lake" were much tighter than we typically see in part due to Arrow Lake lacking AVX-512, the P-State performance governor making less of an impact than we typically see compared to powersave, etc. Those wanting to dig through all of the data can find it via <a href="https://openbenchmarking.org/result/2412206-NE-CACHYOS3696&sgm=1&swl=1&sor">this result page</a>.</p> </div> + + + DXVK 2.5.2 Brings Fixes & Optimizations For Direct3D 9 / 10 / 11 Atop Vulkan + Michael Larabel + https://www.phoronix.com/news/DXVK-2.5.2-Released + https://www.phoronix.com/news/DXVK-2.5.2-Released + Fri, 20 Dec 2024 13:48:09 +0000 + <div class="content"> <div style="float: left; padding: 0 10px 10px;"><img alt="LINUX GAMING" src="https://www.phoronix.com/assets/categories/linuxgaming.webp" width="100" height="100" /></div> DXVK 2.5.2 is out today as the newest point release to this open-source software implementing the Direct3D 9 / 10 / 11 APIs atop Vulkan for powering Windows games on Valve's Steam Play (Proton) as well as being used by other software and some games directly. <br /> <br />DXVK 2.9.2 brings optimized behavior of disabled clip planes for Direct3D 9 games, an implementation of the D3D9 shader validation interfaces,support for using VK_FORMAT_A8_UNORM when VK_KHR_maintenance6 is exposed to implement the corresponding D3D11 format, and various fixes. <br /> <br />DXVK 2.5.2 fixes this round help the likes of Borderlands 2, The Sims 2, Alpha Protocol, The Void, and other games. <br /><p align="center"><img src="https://www.phoronix.net/image.php?id=2024&image=dxvk_sml" alt="DXVK" /></p> <br />DXVK 2.5.2 on Windows will also use VK_EXT_fullscreen_exclusive where supported by the Vulkan driver to try to disable exclusive fullscreen mode to workaround common Alt-Tab issues on Microsoft Windows. <br /> <br />Downloads and more details on the DXVK 2.5.2 update via <a href="https://github.com/doitsujin/dxvk/releases/tag/v2.5.2">GitHub</a>.</div> + + + Liquorix vs. Linux 6.12 Upstream Kernel Performance Across Many Workloads + Michael Larabel + https://www.phoronix.com/news/Linux-6.12-Liquorix-Performance + https://www.phoronix.com/news/Linux-6.12-Liquorix-Performance + Fri, 20 Dec 2024 13:14:55 +0000 + <div class="content"> <div style="float: left; padding: 0 10px 10px;"><img alt="LINUX KERNEL" src="https://www.phoronix.com/assets/categories/linuxkernel.webp" width="100" height="100" /></div> A <a href="https://www.phoronix.com/phoronix-premium">Phoronix Premium</a> subscriber a while back requested some fresh benchmarks of how the Liquorix downstream of the Linux kernel is comparing against the latest upstream kernel... Here are some benchmarks looking at the Liquorix flavor of the Linux kernel compared to upstream Linux 6.12. <br /> <br /><a href="https://www.phoronix.com/search/Liquorix">Liquorix</a> is a patched version of the Linux kernel with extra functionality and changes compared to the mainline Linux kernel or what is typically shipped by Linux distribution vendor kernels. Liquorix is "designed for uncompromised responsiveness in interactive systems" and features the Zen interactive tuning code, the PDS process scheduler, 1000Hz tick rate, hard kernel preemption, BFQ support, MGLRU enabled, and various other features while also making it convenient to run this kernel with pre-compiled binaries for Ubuntu/Debian systems. Those unfamiliar with this Linux kernel build can learn more at <a href="https://liquorix.net/">Liquorix.net</a>. <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img type="image/svg+xml" width="100%" height="auto" src="https://phoronix.com/benchmark/result/liquorix-linux-612-kernel-testing/result.svgz" alt="Liquorix Linux 6.12 Kernel Testing" /></div> <br />From the same AMD Ryzen 9 9950X system with WD_BLACK SN850X NVMe SSD and Radeon RX 7800 XT graphics I ran benchmarks of the upstream Linux 6.12.5 kernel with a configuration following the Ubuntu Mainline Kernel PPA config and then using the Liquorix 6.12.5-1 pre-built image for Ubuntu. Ubuntu 24.04 LTS was running on this AMD Zen 5 desktop system. No hardware or software changes besides swapping out the kernel being used. <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img type="image/svg+xml" width="100%" height="auto" src="https://phoronix.com/benchmark/result/liquorix-linux-612-kernel-testing/number-of-first-place-finishes-wins-101-tests.svgz" alt="Number Of First Place Finishes benchmark with settings of Wins, 101 Tests." /></div> <br />Across 101 benchmarks the upstream Linux 6.12 kernel was faster than the Liquorix kernel for 56 of the benchmarks... <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img type="image/svg+xml" width="100%" height="auto" src="https://phoronix.com/benchmark/result/liquorix-linux-612-kernel-testing/geometric-mean-of-all-test-results-result-composite-ll61kt.svgz" alt="Geometric Mean Of All Test Results benchmark with settings of Result Composite, Liquorix Linux 6.12 Kernel Testing. Linux 6.12.5 Upstream was the fastest." /></div> <br />On a geo mean basis across all of the benchmarks, the upstream kernel ended up being faster by 21%. <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img type="image/svg+xml" width="100%" height="auto" src="https://phoronix.com/benchmark/result/liquorix-linux-612-kernel-testing/result-1.svgz" alt="Liquorix Linux 6.12 Kernel Testing" /></div> <br />The Liquorix kernel ended up performing particularly bad in LiteRT (TensorFlow-Lite), srsRAN, Apache cassandra, and other select workloads. But the Liquorix kernel did perform well in some of the synthetic kernel micro-benchmarks, Darktable, video / image encoding, and other select workloads. <br /> <br />Those interested can see all 101 benchmarks in full via <a href="https://openbenchmarking.org/result/2412205-PTS-LIQUORIX70&sgm=1&swl=1">this result file</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..a061a4809 --- /dev/null +++ b/ScribbleHub&context=List&url=https:__www.scribblehub.com_series-finder_?sf=1&gi=6&tgi=1088&sort=dateadded @@ -0,0 +1,684 @@ + + + + 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 + + + We Interrupt This Transition: Support Network + KayAyBee + https://www.scribblehub.com/series/1353062/we-interrupt-this-transition-support-network/ + https://www.scribblehub.com/read/1353062-we-interrupt-this-transition-support-network/chapter/1353064/#comments + cfe55a47ce30902f3ff4e95cd2b8106b2ba76f5c + Sat, 21 Dec 2024 04:10:44 +0000 + <div class="wi_fic_desc" property="description"><p>Celebrity out trans woman Jamie Howard and British showrunner just got hit with a massive blow - despite having completed production, their distributor, 'Garden Alpha', decided to pull the plug on their reality TV show, "Woman Up!" which asks if cis men could transition for a million dollars. (Spoiler Alert: They can't.) </p> <p>But they're not out for the count yet. While they were dealt a major blow, Jamie and Sam will fight upstream to get their magnum opus out to the world. </p> <p>The bad guys have an army. But we have a "Gooch."</p> </div><hr><h3><a href="https://www.scribblehub.com/read/1353062-we-interrupt-this-transition-support-network/chapter/1353064/"><div class="chapter-title">Placeholder</div></a></h3><div class="chp_raw" id="chp_raw"><p>Placeholder for hyperlink. </p> </div> + + Comedy + Drama + Romance + Slice of Life + Celebrities + Famous Protagonist + Showbiz + Transgender + + + Don&#8217;t Feed the Trolls + blake1 + https://www.scribblehub.com/series/1352762/dont-feed-the-trolls/ + https://www.scribblehub.com/read/1352762-dont-feed-the-trolls/chapter/1352763/#comments + 9bcb7404188e83f99d310e80910fa456ddc03849 + Fri, 20 Dec 2024 22:10:44 +0000 + <div class="wi_fic_desc" property="description"><p>Whitaker Roach never backs down from a challenge. So when some mysterious online troll starts questioning his masculinity, Whit is gonna do whatever it takes to prove him wrong. Even if some of his methods may seem a little counter-intuitive. </p> <p>If you thought Working Out Issues was dumb, you ain't seen nothing yet. I'm going totally brainless for this one.</p> <p>CWs: Internalised transphobia/homophobia, sexual content. This story is an homage to the way-too-many "forcefemmed by online blackmailer" stories I read as an egg. And by homage I mean I'm just doing the exact same thing except I say the word "transgender" in it. Eventually.</p> </div><hr><h3><a href="https://www.scribblehub.com/read/1352762-dont-feed-the-trolls/chapter/1352763/"><div class="chapter-title">1. Bro is Just Mad</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/20083/blake1/"><img id="acc_ava_change profile" alt="" src="https://cdn.scribblehub.com/avatar/s/5/ava_20083_1577454776.jpg"></a></div> <p><span class="an_username"><a href="/profile/20083/blake1/">blake1</a></span></div> <div style="clear: both;"></div> <div class="wi_authornotes_body"> Guys this one is really smutty. Like really really smutty. There's a lot of talk about dicks and butts throughout the whole thing. And I gotta be so real with you, if you're not comfortable with an egg being called "sissy" about five million times, you're not gonna enjoy this at all. But if you can handle that, I promise it'll get cute and trans later on.</div> </p></div> </p> <p style="padding-left:40px">&lt;v.sharma&gt;</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">hey bug!</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">&lt;ElevatedWit&gt;</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">Hello. What’s up?</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">&lt;v.sharma&gt;</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">i messaged you on ig but idk if you saw it?</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">connor told me you're looking for a roommate!</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">&lt;ElevatedWit&gt;</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">Yes, I am. And I don't use Instagram very often. I have better things to do with my time than look at photos of people I don't care about.</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">&lt;v.sharma&gt;</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">ahaha so true. all you need is discord 😎</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">im back in canada at the end of june. got a new job!</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">so..  how would you feel about living together?</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">&lt;ElevatedWit&gt;</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">Oh.</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">Yes, I would be open to that.</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">&lt;v.sharma&gt;</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">hell yes!</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">gonna be just like old times man</p> <hr /> <p>Whitaker Roach was not a loser. Okay, maybe he had kind of a crappy job. And sure, maybe he had dropped out of college. And yes, fine, whatever, he was short, and he wasn't very athletic, and he had kind of a delicate, boyish face, and a voice that got a bit high-pitched and squeaky when he got worked up. But none of that meant he was a loser, alright? </p> <p>And the fact that he had never had a girlfriend? Well, that was just because all the girls he had met were stupid, shallow bitches, and he had better things to do than waste his time with them. It wasn't because he was a loser, and it definitely wasn't because he was gay. The only reason people kept saying so was because one of the assholes on the hockey team started a rumor about it back in high school. Based on nothing! It was just because Whit was small, and preferred art over sports, and because those stupid jocks all had brain damage from slamming their thick heads into the ice all the time. </p> <p>Sometimes Whit wondered if that rumor would've died down if he hadn't reacted so aggressively whenever someone brought it up. It had led to a lot of fights over the years, fights that usually ended up with one of the hockey jerks cramming his frail little body into a locker while the rest of them watched and laughed. Fuck them. You couldn't let people walk all over you like that. They had challenged Whit’s masculinity, and Whit never backed down from a challenge.</p> <p>Not even a “try not to cum” challenge.</p> <p>“Oh, god… that feels so good…”</p> <p>Horny moans rang out over his crappy laptop speakers. Whit hunched over the laptop, masturbating furiously. On the screen, a young woman writhed and moaned in ecstasy as she played with herself. </p> <p>The girl in the video was a picture of perfect feminine innocence, from her bouncing pigtails to her cute little knee-high socks. She looked like a fresh-faced college student, pleasuring herself to relax after a long, hard day of studying. Only most college girls didn't have such a professional camera set up… or such a long, thick cock. </p> <p>“Oh, I'm gonna cum… I'm gonna cum so hard... Oooh…”</p> <p>Whit’s hand jerked rapidly under his desk, tugging back and forth on his own slick cock. God, this video was so hot. The girl’s pretty face, her soft little body, the pleading look in her eyes. Everything about her screamed “submissive slut”. Sure, right now she was just playing with herself, but what would she do if a real, dominant man was there with her? She would probably open those soft pretty lips and…</p> <p>Whit’s hips jerked and he almost came right then, just from the thought. No, no, no. He had to hold it back. He wanted the girl in the video to cum first, so he could see the moment her body went all weak and helpless, while he stroked his manly, superior cock. Yes, that was what he wanted. The satisfaction of winning, of knowing that he was a real man, unlike the sissy slut in the video. He just had to hold on for a couple more seconds…</p> <p>“My little sissy cock is gonna cum!” the girl wailed. </p> <p>Whit gasped and shuddered as he felt the orgasm tear through his body, a rush of heat pouring through him as his dick spurted helplessly, splashing his hand and naked thighs.</p> <p>“Shit!” he squeaked, “Fuck!”</p> <p>He jumped up frantically, snatching at his tissue box and cleaning himself up before his cum dripped onto his jeans. They were his last pair of clean pants, and he needed them for work tomorrow.</p> <p>“Ahh! I'm cumming!”</p> <p>Whit looked up, just in time to see the girl in the video shoot a thick jet of cum up into the air. It splattered against her tiny tits and she fell back against her bed with a satisfied sigh. The video froze on the last frame and a translucent replay symbol popped up over the girl’s cum-splattered body. </p> <p>Whit looked down, lower on the page, where the title of the video was listed.</p> <p style="padding-left:40px"><em>Horny sissy girl jerks her tiny dick &amp; cums QUICK!!!</em></p> <p>A cold mist of shame seeped through his body as he realized that not only had he just climaxed while watching sissy porn, he had finished faster than the sissy herself. A sissy who had made a point of mentioning how fast she finished. </p> <p>Footsteps rang out from outside his door. Whit slammed his laptop shut and scrambled to pull his pants up. He yanked his zipper up just in time, wincing at the icky wet feeling in his undies.</p> <p>His roommate opened the door and poked his head in, smiling innocently.</p> <p>“Hey man!” he said, “I’m gonna head out for a couple hours. Want me to grab anything from the shops on the way back?”</p> <p>Whit glared at him, “What did I fucking tell you, Varun?”</p> <p>Varun looked confused for a moment, then his shoulders slumped, “Shit. Knock first. Sorry, Bug.”</p> <p>Varun Sharma had been Whit’s best friend back in high school. He had been a popular target for bullies as well, although in his case it was mostly because he was an extremely lanky, awkward nerd. It didn’t help that his parents were incredibly strict, as well. His family moved to Canada from Chandigarh halfway through eighth grade, so while most of the students had already had nearly two years to get to know each other, he was a total outsider. The fact that he spent almost every second outside of school hours studying made it even harder for him to make friends. As the two least popular kids in school, Whit and Varun had bonded quickly, and spent many lunch breaks hanging out in their secret spot behind the science block, talking about how dumb all the other students were.</p> <p>Unfortunately, Varun got into MIT for college, so he had been out of the country for most of the past four years. The two of them had kind of drifted apart. Whit had been ecstatic to hear that his old friend was coming back home, and even more excited when Varun messaged him to suggest moving in together. But when they met on move-in day, he realized something was very wrong. </p> <p>Varun had changed a lot in college. He had gained weight, and it looked good on him. He was still tall, but his skinny frame had filled out, becoming solid and strong, if maybe a little chubby. His face had filled out too, losing the pinched and withdrawn look he had as a teen. His patchy mustache had been replaced with a thick, neatly trimmed beard that made his jawline sharper and more defined. He had lost his unibrow somehow, and his eyebrows were full and well-kept, nicely setting off his bright brown eyes. Most unsettlingly, his accent had faded, leaving only a slight trace of his old bouncy cadence hiding under a vague Canadian-Bostonian mix.</p> <p>It was all a little overwhelming. The first time they met after Varun got back, Whit almost didn't believe it was the same guy. His anxious, snarky friend was gone, and this bland, confident, frustratingly relaxed man had taken his place. Somehow, while Whit had spent the last four years watching porn and playing video games, Varun had become a normie. </p> <p>It was not a welcome change.</p> <p>Varun glanced around the room. Whit followed his gaze with a frustrated blush. Okay, maybe he could’ve cleaned up some of the dirty laundry. And he could’ve stood to crack open a window. But it was his own room, god damn it.</p> <p>“Can I fucking help you with something?” Whit said, “Or did you just come here to bother me?”</p> <p>“Sorry,” Varun rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly, “I was just, uh, wondering what you get up to all day in here.”</p> <p>Whit’s cheeks went hot and he shifted uncomfortably, feeling the sticky wetness in his boxers. </p> <p>“Nothing, okay?” he snapped, “I was just, fucking, I don't know! Playing video games or something! What does it matter?”</p> <p>Varun frowned, “Bug, you should really try to get out more…” </p> <p>“What about you?” said Whit, ”Where are you going all of a sudden anyway?”</p> <p>Varun grinned and opened the door a little wider. For the first time, Whit could see that he was dressed in an athletic tee and sweatpants. Workout gear.</p> <p>“Some of the guys from work have a beer league team, and they asked if I wanted to join,” he said, “I told them I never played before, but they said I could borrow a stick and a pair of skates and see how I go at practice tonight.”</p> <p>Whit's brow furrowed, “Practice for what? What the fuck is a beer league?”</p> <p>“Oh, it's just a kind of amateur sports league. Nothing serious.”</p> <p>Whit sneered and pointed at Varun’s stomach, which was peeking out a little from under his shirt., “Clearly.”</p> <p>Varun glanced down and laughed, “Oh, shit. Guess I put on a few pounds since college. Hey, maybe this’ll help me get back in shape.”</p> <p>“I doubt it,” said Whit.</p> <p>Varun shrugged, “Good thing Priya doesn't mind the dadbod.”</p> <p>Whit scowled. Priya was Varun's girlfriend, another way he had become normie-fied. Right now she was still in Cambridge, pursuing her Master's. Whit didn't know how that relationship worked, and frankly, he didn't give a shit. Especially since there was something else bugging him. Varun had mentioned sticks and skates…</p> <p>“Anyway, hey,” Varun said, “I was thinking maybe we could hang out after, watch a movie or something–”</p> <p>“Varun,” Whit interrupted, a sense of mounting dread creeping up on him, “What fucking sport are you playing?”</p> <p>“Oh, uh,” Varun rubbed the back of his neck again, wincing, “Okay, I know this is kind of a thing for you, but–”</p> <p>“Don't you fucking dare say hockey,” said Whit.</p> <p>“--it’s hockey,” Varun finished, “But it’s not–”</p> <p>“What the fuck!” Whit yelled, fighting to stop his voice from getting squeaky, “You joined a fucking hockey team?”</p> <p>“--these guys aren't like–”</p> <p>“A fucking hockey team! The same fucking assholes who made our lives hell for all of high school!”</p> <p>“--you gotta let go of–” </p> <p>“That's the type of person you are now?” Whit squeaked. Fuck! He gritted his teeth and jabbed a finger at the door, “Get the fuck out of my room, Varun.”</p> <p>“Bug–”</p> <p>“And don't fucking call me that! Fuck off to the rest of your fucking Neanderthal hockey bros, you fucking normie idiot! God!”</p> <p>Whit shoved Varun out of his room, ignoring his protests, then slammed the door behind him. He flopped down onto his chair with a frustrated hiss. </p> <p>Fucking traitor. I it wasn’t clear enough already, that confirmed it. His best friend from high school was fucking dead. Whit heard the front door slam as Varun headed out. Good riddance. From now on, Whit didn’t want anything to do with Varun Sharma.He rolled his chair back to his desk and opened his laptop. </p> <p>The porn window was still open, frozen on the final frame of the video he had been watching. The sissy girl lay sprawled on her bed, splattered with her own cum, smiling blissfully. Whit grimaced. God, he was pathetic. Sitting at home, jerking off to sissy porn. Maybe the guys on the hockey team were right. </p> <p>He scowled. No. Fuck them. He wasn't fucking gay, alright? The title of the video literally said “girl” in it, that was the only reason he had watched it. He nodded to himself, growing more convinced in his argument. Yeah, the title said “girl”, and the thumbnail was a pretty girl with pigtails, how was he supposed to know that she had a dick? It was false advertising, honestly. He had been tricked. He wasn't the sick one, it was the girl – no, the <em>guy</em> – in the video who was sick.</p> <p>Someone should teach him a fucking lesson.</p> <p>Whit smirked and started typing out a comment. He made sure to include all his complaints. The video was sick and perverted and wrong, the title was misleading (he ignored the part of the title that mentioned the star having a dick), the sissy wasn't even hot, cumming that fast was completely pathetic, anyone who watched this sort of thing was a total loser… the list went on. Whit gained confidence as he typed. Yeah, this would show that sissy freak who was boss. He glanced back up at the video and scowled again. Fucking pervert, looking so satisfied and comfortable, lying back on her bed with her soft tan skin splattered with pearly globs of her splooge. How dare she be so happy!</p> <p>Whit finished his comment and looked back over it again. Excellent work. He had made some very cutting remarks and showed off his impressive vocabulary and sharp critical mind. Was there anything missing? The girl in the video looked to be Latina, should he say something about that? Whit bit his lip. No, he wasn't racist, and that reminded him uncomfortably of some of the things the hockey guys used to say to Varun. He wouldn't stoop to that level. Instead, he added a few more homophobic slurs, gave the comment one last read-through to check for typos, and then posted it with a satisfied grin. </p> <p>The website gave the option to like or dislike comments, and Whit was sure this one would get a lot of likes. His comments usually did, which made sense because he was so smart and insightful. He liked his own comment, then switched over to Reddit to browse for a bit. Ooh, someone had posted a stupid question on a gaming subreddit. His skills were needed again already.</p> <p>A few hours later, Whit had thoroughly demolished a whole bunch of ignorant fools on Reddit and was feeling much better about himself. At some point he had heard Varun come back home, but fortunately he kept to himself this time. Whit stretched and yawned. It was probably time for bed, it had been a big day. Hmm. Maybe a quick jack session first. He flicked back over to his porn tab and scrolled down to see how many likes his comment had accrued.</p> <p>Negative twelve.</p> <p>He blinked. What the fuck? That was a perfect comment, by far the smartest one in the whole comment section. But for some reason, the sickos using the site weren't appreciating it. Even worse, some idiot had left a reply, which somehow had fifteen likes.</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">&lt;footballfan43&gt;</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">bro is just mad her dick is bigger than his lol</p> <p>Whit’s face went hot. That was NOT true! He wasn't even mad, he was just calling the sissy out for making a bad video! And there was no way her dick was bigger than his!</p> <p>He hesitated a bit at that thought. Was that actually  true? He remembered uncomfortably that the sissy had been stroking her dick with both hands at one point. He certainly never needed to do that with his own dick. Honestly, he wasn't even sure there would be room for both hands if he tried. </p> <p>He was blushing furiously now. No, fuck this, his dick was fine! Obviously, it wasn't as big as most of the dicks Whit saw in porn, and there were definitely guys in high school who were bigger than him (he had caught a few awkward glimpses in the locker rooms). Still though, he was sure his dick was a totally average size. This stupid commenter didn't know what the fuck he was talking about. Look at the way he wrote! Calling him “bro”? No capitalisation or punctuation? And that username, footballfan43? Yes, there was no doubt this guy was just some dumbass troll. His idiotic comment didn't even deserve a response.</p> <p>Still, you couldn't let people like that get away with their stupidity without setting them straight. </p> <p>Whit hit reply and typed out an epic takedown.</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">&lt;ElevatedWit&gt;</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">Your ignorant comment doesn't achieve anything except showcasing exactly how unintelligent you are. For a start, the person in the video is not a “her”, as should be self-evident by the fact that he has a penis. Clearly, you're trying to be a “white knight” because you have some perverted attraction to him. However, all you've accomplished is exposing yourself as both a degenerate and a fool!</p> <p>He hit enter with a satisfying clack and sat back smugly. That would show the troll. He eyed the likes counter, waiting for it to tick up.</p> <p>It ticked down. Negative one, negative two. The freaks on the site couldn't stand to see the truth! Whit knew this only proved his point further, but that didn't stop the heat rushing back to his cheeks. All these people thought his comment was stupid. They were the stupid ones!</p> <p>The troll replied again.</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">&lt;footballfan43&gt;</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">kkkk he mad 🤣</p> <p>“What the fuck!” Whit hissed. </p> <p>He lunged forward and hammered out his own reply.</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">&lt;ElevatedWit&gt;</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">I am NOT mad, I am merely stating the facts that you are too idiotic to comprehend without a more intelligent person spelling them out to you!</p> <p>Another reply from the troll, even quicker this time.</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">&lt;footballfan43&gt;</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">🤣🤣🤣</p> <p>“Fucking asshole!” Whit squeaked. The likes came flooding in, all going to the troll while Whit’s comments were heavily disliked. Unbelievable! That last troll comment didn't even have any fucking words! Just emojis, the hieroglyphics of the idiot set!</p> <p>Whit’s stomach felt all knotted now. Any smugness he had been feeling after his Reddit rampage was gone, and all that was left was that horrible sick feeling, the feeling that reminded him of being bullied back in high school. He hated it, hated everything that made him feel this way. The bullies, the dumb normie who had replaced Varun, the sissy in the video… but most of all, this stupid fucking troll.</p> <p>Whit clicked on the troll’s profile. Like most users on this site, it was pretty blank, without even a profile picture. No location, no bio, only the default account age listing. Whit sneered. Joined five years ago! That put a little bit more fire in his belly. This pathetic loser had been jerking off on this site for five years! Disgusting. Whit ignored the nagging voice in the back of his head that was trying to point out his own account was several years older than the troll’s. Instead, he sent the troll a private message. </p> <p style="padding-left:40px">&lt;ElevatedWit&gt;</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">You should delete your comments immediately. You haven't proven any point you were trying to make, you just look like an idiot. And your behaviour is technically harassment, which is illegal. </p> <p>He hunched over his laptop, smirking grimly. That ought to put the fear of god into this troll. He waited as he saw the three dots pop up, indicating the troll was typing his response. No doubt a terrified apology. </p> <p style="padding-left:40px">&lt;footballfan43&gt;</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">🤣🤣🤣</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">so angry</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">angry bc ur 🍆 so small huahauahah</p> <p>Whit seethed and fired off a reply. He was NOT gonna let the troll think he had rattled him.</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">&lt;ElevatedWit&gt;</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">How typical that you resort to ad hominem attacks, which is essentially admitting that you know your argument is invalid.</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">&lt;footballfan43&gt;</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">small dick lol</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">&lt;ElevatedWit&gt;</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">The size of my anatomy has no bearing on our conversation, you're simply too afraid to engage with any of the actual points I've made; because you know your inferior mind can't possibly compete. Just admit it and delete your comments.</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">&lt;footballfan43&gt;</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">ok</p> <p>“Yesss,” Whit hissed, clenching his fists with excitement. He had won! He had defeated his opponent with his superior logic!</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">&lt;footballfan43&gt;</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">i admit ur dick is small </p> <p>Whit pounded his fist on the desk. </p> <p style="padding-left:40px">&lt;ElevatedWit&gt;</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">My dick is not small! </p> <p style="padding-left:40px">It's a normal size!</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">It's probably bigger than yours!!</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">&lt;footballfan43&gt;</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">huahauah</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">prove it</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">&lt;ElevatedWit&gt;</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">How could I possibly prove it, you ignoramus? </p> <p style="padding-left:40px">&lt;footballfan43&gt;</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">measurment?</p> <p>Whit blushed, his hands hovering above the keyboard. He glanced to his side. He had a little mug sitting on his desk with a bunch of stationery items inside. Pens, markers, and… a ruler. </p> <p>He had never actually measured his penis before. Even though he was pretty sure it was a normal length, something in him was hesitant to check. One of the many things his high school bullies had said about him, besides the gay stuff, was that he had a tiny dick. Or even no dick at all. There was a whole running joke about how that was the reason his last name was Roach, “because he's missing his Cock”. It wasn't true, obviously! None of it was true. He had a penis, of course, and it was definitely a totally respectable size. </p> <p>So… so there was no reason to be nervous about proving it. </p> <p>Whit picked up the ruler with a trembling hand and pulled down his jeans and underwear. Oh. Ew. His cock was still a little sticky. He really should've showered after Varun left. Well, that could wait. He took a deep breath and positioned the ruler next to his dick.</p> <p>Oh, shit.</p> <p>That couldn't be right. </p> <p>Fuck, fuck, fuck. Whit could feel himself getting all hot and blushy again. That couldn't be right. He hadn't used this ruler in a long time, maybe it was a defective one. His penis was definitely longer than… than what it said. </p> <p>Whit held the ruler up, blew the dust off it just in case it was blurring the numbers somehow. It certainly looked like a regular thirty centimetre ruler. The centimetres looked like real centimetres. He wasn't super familiar with inches but he vaguely remembered them being about 2.5 cm each and that seemed right too.</p> <p>He must be measuring wrong. Yes, that was it. He positioned the ruler by his penis again, but this time he slipped it underneath, measuring from the base, where the shaft met the balls. He shivered at the feel of the cool plastic against his soft skin, then looked carefully at the new measurement.</p> <p>Fuck!</p> <p>No, no, no. He was definitely still doing something wrong. His penis wasn't that short! It was a normal length, it was just…</p> <p>Shit, his eyes were getting watery. That happened sometimes when Whit got really upset. It wasn't crying, he wasn't a fucking baby, it was just a stupid biological thing. He wiped his eyes with the back of his hand and sniffed, shaking his head to try and regain control. There was still something he was doing wrong, there had to be.</p> <p>He wasn't hard! That was it! When guys talked about how long their dicks were, they were obviously talking about their erections specifically. Of course Whit was small when he was soft, he was a grower, not a shower. He just had to get hard, then the measurement would be much more impressive. And accurate!</p> <p>Whit reached for his dick to try and shake some life into it, and discovered to his surprise that he was already sporting a semi. It must’ve been from all the poking and prodding with the ruler. It definitely had nothing to do with the icky hot feeling of embarrassment that was still burning in his stomach. He closed his eyes and tugged softly at his dick, trying to bring it to full size. He tried to think of something sexy, but despite his best efforts, all that came to mind was that stupid little sissy from the video, stroking herself and moaning about how quickly she was going to cum. Fuck it, whatever, it would work for now. Whit tugged faster and faster, holding his dick delicately between his thumb and three fingers, until he could feel himself get right to the edge.</p> <p>In his mind’s eye, the sissy panted, “My teeny tiny little sissy dick is gonna cum!”</p> <p>Whit’s eyes snapped open and he pulled his hand away just in time. His dick throbbed desperately, a droplet of precum spilling out of the tip. He gasped, shoulders heaving. But he had held it! And wow, it had paid off. His dick was the hardest and biggest he had ever seen it. It looked pink and angry, straining desperately to shoot its load. He smirked and held the ruler next to it again, excited to see the new result.</p> <p>Whit's cheeks went as bright pink as his cock. That was… okay, well, he needed to measure it from underneath, obviously, and that added another inch. And he was a little chubby right now, so he should add an extra inch for when he lost the weight. And obviously he had to round up a little, that just made sense. And… and this ruler was definitely defective anyway, so that was another inch right there. </p> <p>Whit threw the stupid ruler across the room and typed out his reply with shaky hands.</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">&lt;ElevatedWit&gt;</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">If you really want to know, my penis length is actually seven inches.</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">Give or take.</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">&lt;footballfan43&gt;</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">doubt it 🤣🤣🤣</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">1 inch maybe</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">&lt;ElevatedWit&gt;</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">It is not one inch long!!</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">&lt;footballfan43&gt;</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">wow its less </p> <p style="padding-left:40px">&lt;ElevatedWit&gt;</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">NO!!! IT’S SEVEN INCHES LIKE I JUST SAID!</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">&lt;footballfan43&gt;</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">biggest lie of 2023</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">ur dick probably too small to see kkkk</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">&lt;ElevatedWit&gt;</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">MY DICK IS NOT TOO SMALL TO SEE</p> <p>Without even realising it, Whit had found himself burning hot with anger. At least he was doing a good job of hiding it in his messages.</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">&lt;footballfan43&gt;</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">u sure</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">&lt;ElevatedWit&gt;</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">Yes!</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">&lt;footballfan43&gt;</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">so lets see photo </p> <p>Whit froze. </p> <p>This was bad. Despite his convincing internal arguments, he strongly suspected his dick would not look seven inches long on camera. He started to sweat. Okay, this was okay, he just needed to keep his cool and talk his way out of this.</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">&lt;ElevatedWit&gt;</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">Obviously I'm not going to send you a photo of my genitalia. It's a completely inappropriate thing to ask. Not to mention perverted.</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">&lt;footballfan43&gt;</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">🤣🤣🤣</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">ashamed of ue little clit?</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">&lt;ElevatedWit&gt;</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">I don't have a clit! I have a penis!</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">Why are you so eager to see it anyway? Sounds extremely gay to me! You're probably going to jerk off to it you freak!</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">&lt;footballfan43&gt;</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">ur fantasizing about a man jerking off to u?</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">&lt;ElevatedWit&gt;</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">I’M NOT FANTASIZING YOU GAYLORD!!!!</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">I JUST DON’T WANT TO SHOW YOU MY DICK BECAUSE I’M NOT GAY!!!!!</p> <p>Whit wiped his eyes. Fuck, he was getting upset again. But it wasn't his fault! The stupid troll was just being so infuriating! And he was blatantly ignoring all the points Whit made, or twisting them around back on him! It wasn't fair!</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">&lt;footballfan43&gt;</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">🤣🤣🤣</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">so upset kkkkkk</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">its ok little sissy make whatever excuses u need. u dnt need to show me if u dont want to</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">we both know the truth</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">byebye sissy I have more important things to do</p> <p>Whit lunged for the keyboard.</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">&lt;ElevatedWit&gt;</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">WAIT</p> <p>This was stupid. It was so fucking stupid. But right now it was all he could think of. The fucking troll had challenged his masculinity and there was no fucking way Whit was gonna let him end this conversation thinking he had won. </p> <p style="padding-left:40px">&lt;footballfan43&gt;</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">?</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">&lt;ElevatedWit&gt;</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">I'll send a photo. Just to show how completely wrong you are. </p> <p style="padding-left:40px">Just give me a minute.</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">&lt;footballfan43&gt;</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">🤣🤣🤣</p> <p>Whit opened his webcam and stood up, wobbling a bit as his knees trembled. His whole body was hot and shivery, he felt so light-headed he was almost dizzy. He had committed to this, now he had to follow through. If he backed out now that would mean the troll had won. </p> <p>He angled the laptop just right, set a timer, and stepped back into position so it captured just his lower body while making sure his face was well out of view. He eyed himself on the screen, wincing at the sight. Whit had hated his body since high school started, since his bullies had started pointing out how pale and weak he was, and how wide and girlish his hips were. But he was still a man, god damn it, so when the timer hit zero he yanked down his jeans and undies, flashing his little pink cock to the webcam right as it took a photo. </p> <p>Immediately he yanked his pants back up, threw himself into his seat and sent the photo to the troll before he could second guess himself any longer. </p> <p style="padding-left:40px">&lt;ElevatedWit&gt;</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">Here's your photo, you fucking pervert freak.</p> <p>The photo took a while to upload, and as the seconds ticked by Whit found his confidence returning. Stupid fucking troll, bet he never saw this coming! He never would've actually thought Whit would be brave enough to send a photo. Heh, most men definitely wouldn't be, but Whit was made of sterner stuff. And, okay, maybe his dick wasn't exactly seven inches long. But hell, all men fudged the numbers a little bit, didn't they? And besides, Whit didn't need to prove he had the biggest dick in the world to win this battle. He just needed to show that his dick was bigger than the troll’s. Whit might not know much about footballfan43, but he knew the troll was a pathetic loser who spent his time harassing innocent people online, and that was a pretty clear sign that his dick was tiny. </p> <p>Finally, the image loaded, and for the first time Whit actually got a good look at it. </p> <p>There he was, with his jeans halfway down his chubby thighs, yanking his shirt up to expose a rock hard little penis, poking straight up at his soft pale tummy, barely making it a third of the way to his navel. </p> <p>Whit’s heart sank.</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">&lt;footballfan43&gt;</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">KCT HAHUAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH HAHAHAHAHAHAHAUAHAUAUUAUAHAHAHAUAHAHAHAHA</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">ITS SO FUCKING SMALL LMFAOOOOOO</p> <p>Face burning, Whit replied. </p> <p style="padding-left:40px">&lt;ElevatedWit&gt;</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">It's not small!</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">&lt;footballfan43&gt;</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">BRO IM CRYING HAHAYAHAH</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">&lt;ElevatedWit&gt;</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">That's not even its full size usually! And I wasn't hard! And it's a really cold day!</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">&lt;footballfan43&gt;</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">mds u rly are a sissy lmaooo</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">just a little clit afterall</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">no wonder u were jealous of her</p> <p>“I'm not fucking jealous!” Whit hissed, jabbing angrily at the keyboard.</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">&lt;ElevatedWit&gt; </p> <p style="padding-left:40px">Whatever! Your dick is probably way smaller! </p> <p style="padding-left:40px">&lt;footballfan43&gt;</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">hahaha</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">no sissy im a man not a little girl like u</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">&lt;ElevatedWit&gt;</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">Show me a photo then!</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">&lt;footballfan43&gt;</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">no </p> <p style="padding-left:40px">i dont get off on showing my cock to little horny sissies </p> <p style="padding-left:40px">&lt;ElevatedWit&gt;</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">THAT'S NOT FAIR!</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">Why did I have to show you mine but I'm supposed to just take you at your word?</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">&lt;footballfan43&gt;</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">fine sissy</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">if ur really that desperate </p> <p>“Fuck yes,” Whit grinned, bouncing excitedly in his seat. He had turned the tables! Now it was the troll’s turn to take a humiliating photo, and when he finally showed off his miniscule dick, Whit would be the one to laugh and gloat and….</p> <p>The troll’s photo popped up in the chat, and Whit’s jaw dropped. </p> <p>The troll had taken his photo just like Whit, with a webcam pointed at the lower half of his body. The picture quality wasn’t great, but Whit could make out the background, a dimly lit room, white walls, and a bed with navy blue sheets. But his eyes were drawn to the foreground, where the troll was standing proudly, with his pants down, his shirt lifted, displaying a hint of his muscular body, his neatly trimmed pubes, and his long, thick, gorgeous brown cock. </p> <p>Whit’s breathing quickened as he stared at the troll’s dick, completely horrified and yet unable to tear his eyes away. It was huge! It hung down, stretching way too far down his thighs, heavy and thick, with a fat, uncut head. Whit had seen giant cocks before, of course, but only in porn, and he had assumed that the owners were genetic freaks. Or that the cocks were fake, monstrous creations made with rubber or CGI. But this cock had to be almost that big, and it wasn't even hard! It was so much bigger than Whit’s cock it felt insane to even compare them. Whit realised, with a sick, shameful feeling in his tummy, that when he had been imagining the sissy in the video reacting to a real man’s cock, this was exactly the type of cock he had been picturing. </p> <p>God, that sissy would probably kill for a chance to play with a cock like that. To hold it and stroke it with her dainty little hands, to wrap her wet pouty lips around the tip, to feel the troll’s hot salty cum splashing on her tongue…</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">&lt;footballfan43&gt;</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">??</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">sissy</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">irs been five minutes</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">stop rubbing ur clit </p> <p>Whit gasped with horror. That was absolutely not what he had been doing! He was just… just surprised! He scowled. Surprised by the troll’s dishonesty!</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">&lt;ElevatedWit&gt;</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">That is NOT your penis! That's obviously some porn star’s dick!</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">&lt;footballfan43&gt;</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">🤣🤣🤣</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">im flattered sissy</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">that means a lot coming from a n experts cock lover like u</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">but its mine</p> <p>Whit hesitated. Could it actually be true? Surely not. No way.</p> <p>He quickly downloaded the picture, just in case the troll decided to backtrack and pretend he had never attempted this stupid fraud, then ran a reverse image search to find the original source.</p> <p>No results.</p> <p>“No,” he whispered to himself, “No fucking way!”</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">&lt;ElevatedWit&gt;</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">There is no way that is actually your penis.</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">If you expect me to believe that, then you should have no problem taking another photo where you're holding a piece of paper with my name on it as proof. </p> <p style="padding-left:40px">&lt;footballfan43&gt;</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">trying to claim my cock for urself sissy?</p> <p>Whit gritted his teeth. That was absolutely not what he was doing. This was the same proof system people usually used on Reddit, so he knew it was a well-tested objective measure of fact.</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">&lt;ElevatedWit&gt;</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">I don't want your cock. Just the truth.</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">&lt;footballfan43&gt;</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">ok then</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">whats ur name?</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">&lt;ElevatedWit&gt;</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">Wow, you really are stupid. My name is ElevatedWit, you idiot. It says it right there on the screen.</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">&lt;footballfan43&gt;</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">not writing all that</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">whats ur irl name?</p> <p>Whit grimaced. He had never actually liked his name. Even before the constant cock-roach jibes, it had always felt a bit embarrassing. Roach was bad enough, but Whitaker was a pretty crappy first name too. Even “Whit” was barely acceptable, although he liked how it was a homophone for his greatest strength. An attribute the troll was sorely lacking in.</p> <p>Whit smirked to himself as he typed.</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">&lt;ElevatedWit&gt;</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">The phonemes of my real life nomenclature are contained within my digital identifier.</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">&lt;footballfan43&gt;</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">???</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">&lt;ElevatedWit&gt;</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">Ha, I thought that would be too erudite for your troglodytic brain. Here, I'll rephrase it in a way you can understand: if you sound out my username, you'll be able to figure out my real name.</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">&lt;footballfan43&gt;</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">ohh</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">Ellie?</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">thats cute</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">&lt;ElevatedWit&gt;</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">NO!!!!</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">&lt;footballfan43&gt;</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">girly name for girly sissy </p> <p style="padding-left:40px">ok Ellie taking photo now</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">&lt;ElevatedWit&gt;</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">THATS NOT MY NAME!!</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">HELLO?</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">THATS NOT MY FUCKING NAME YOU IDIOT!!!</p> <p>Whit hammered frantically at the keys. It was too late, though. A few seconds later, the troll's photo loaded. It was the same room, the same navy blue bedsheets, the same massive cock. Only this time, the troll was holding a piece of paper next to it, with a message written on it in blue pen.</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">HI SISSY ELLIE</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">ENJOY MY COCK</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">FOOTBALLFAN43</p> <p>Whit stared wordlessly at the screen, at that giant cock, at the proof that the troll he had spent the last hour arguing with had really bested him. Not with wit. Not with logic. Just by having a real man’s cock, instead of Whit’s tiny little one. </p> <p style="padding-left:40px">&lt;footballfan43&gt;</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">happy now sissy ellie?</p> <p>Whit slumped miserably in his chair. He couldn’t even bring himself to protest the horrible new nickname. </p> <p style="padding-left:40px">&lt;footballfan43&gt;</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">ok ellie this has been funn but i cant spend all night taking photos for u to drool over</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">have fun playing with ur little clit</p> <p>The troll’s status changed to Offline, and Whit was left alone in his dark, lonely room, with nothing but the photo of the troll’s fat cock to keep him company. </p> <p>What had happened? What the hell had he just done? He ran frantically over his evening, trying to retrace the steps that had led him here. He had been jerking off to sissy porn, which was already disgusting enough. Then he had left a comment, which he thought was so smart and well thought out, but everyone had hated it. Everyone thought he was stupid. Whit’s breath hitched, and he closed his eyes as they began to tear up. </p> <p>Then the troll had replied to his comment by making fun of him in front of everyone, talking about how small Whit’s dick was. His breathing quickened. And it got so many likes! At least fifteen people had seen that comment and agreed with him, agreed that Whit had a tiny dick, that he was jealous of that sissy. A tear ran down Whit’s cheek, and one of his hands went to his chest, clutching tightly to the fabric of his shirt as his breathing sped up. </p> <p>And then the troll had tricked him into an argument, tricked him into spending half his evening desperately defending his manhood. He had tricked Whit into sending a photo of his dick! Whit’s other hand fell to his waist, rubbing softly against his dick through his jeans. God, he was still so hard. So tiny but so hard. </p> <p>He whimpered and shimmied out of his pants, clutched his dick in his hand again, and began tugging quickly at it. God, it was so small, smaller than the troll’s, smaller than the sissy’s. The troll was right! It wasn’t big enough to be called a cock, no, it really was just a clit, just a tiny little sissy clit. His eyes flew open and he scrolled back up, still rubbing his little clit frantically. There, oh my god, there, the photo the troll sent, the second photo, with his long thick cock, his manly body, his confident stance, and that message…</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">HI SISSY ELLIE</p> <p style="padding-left:40px">ENJOY MY COCK</p> <p>Whit’s hips bucked and he squeaked, his face burning hot with shame, with humiliation, and with desperate, overwhelming arousal. </p> <p>“I’m gonna cum!” he whimpered softly, “My little sissy cock is– ahh!”</p> <p>For the second time that day, his tiny cock squirted out its hot, sticky load all over Whit’s soft tummy and thighs, and he collapsed into his seat, too overcome with shameful pleasure to worry about what he had just done.</p> </div> + + Adult + Comedy + Gender Bender + Romance + Smut + Anti-social Protagonist + Dense Protagonist + Roommates + Slow Romance + Transgender + Trolls + + + In a World Where Magic &amp; Machines Collide, I Run a Brothel &amp; Serve Up Second Chances! + lushfuneral + https://www.scribblehub.com/series/1352417/in-a-world-where-magic-amp-machines-collide-i-run-a-brothel-amp-serve-up-second-chances/ + https://www.scribblehub.com/read/1352417-in-a-world-where-magic-amp-machines-collide-i-run-a-brothel-amp-serve-up-second-chances/chapter/1352426/#comments + 7e39d636d4de7dc7e74d88cf9d5fbdd654fd528b + Fri, 20 Dec 2024 16:10:44 +0000 + <div class="wi_fic_desc" property="description"><p>Marina wasn't happy with her life, but she was still hopeful. When an accident leads to a meeting with the goddess of death, she's given a choice: A free pass into heaven, or be reborn in the world of her choosing. Seeing the opportunity to live life on her own terms, she chooses a magical world on the cusp of industrial revolution. Her goal? Run a brothel, of course!</p> </div><hr><h3><a href="https://www.scribblehub.com/read/1352417-in-a-world-where-magic-amp-machines-collide-i-run-a-brothel-amp-serve-up-second-chances/chapter/1352426/"><div class="chapter-title">Chapter 1</div></a></h3><div class="chp_raw" id="chp_raw"><p>"Bye Marina," I look up from the glass I was cleaning and see a few of our regulars heading out. A few strapping dock workers, sloshed and ready to go back out to sea. I wave politely and return to my glass. One of the girls, a new one whose name I've forgotten, comes and sits at the bar. Her expression is one of absolute despair.</p> <p>"What's the matter?" I ask.</p> <p>She sighs, "Nobody has picked me yet today."</p> <p>"Well that's no surprise, you're a newbie," she looks at me puzzled, "You started a week ago, give it time. Our richer clientele are more likely to take a chance than those sailors."</p> <p>She rests her head on the counter of the bar, then with gumption asks the brutal question, "What if I'm not cut out for this?!"</p> <p>She is. She's tall, her chest is large without being overt, her legs are long and pale, and she has hips that I would have killed for in a past life. "Trust me, you are," I set the glass down and retrieve a bottle of inexpensive but delicious wine. I pour a glass for her, "When the merchant vessels make their return, what if-" I really shouldn't, "what if I introduced you to a few of the regulars."</p> <p>The girl looked up at me with excitement, "You don't have to do that." Sliding the glass of wine closer to her, she takes a sip.</p> <p>"It's no bother," I find a new glass to appear busy, "Now, go bother the other girls." As I tease her, I wink. She blushes as all the new girls do. My gender warped features are appealing and mysterious here.</p> <p>A rowdy group of farmers come in, a few I recognize. In the center of the group is a young man, dragged here against his will. A ritual of becoming an adult, in the minds of the others. I'm glad I'm the only brothel in town.</p> <p>"Afternoon, boys," I say, setting the glass down, "How can I help you on this fine day?"</p> <p>"Marina!" A face I recognize says with slight slur, "You 'member ma boi."</p> <p>I nod to the young man, "I do." I have never seen him before in my life.</p> <p><em>Skill: Assess - Activated</em></p> <p>He's turned 18 today. Cripes. What is he into?</p> <p><em>Preferences: Women, cis, 30-40, large chests, wide hips, red hair</em></p> <p>"Anyways, today's 'is birthday, wanna treat him to someone special," the drunk father continues. I nod along. Jewel is out for today. I could-</p> <p>"I think I know who can help us," I say, "Why don't you gentleman wait here while I get her."</p> <p>As I approach the girls, most less than thrilled at their potential clientele, I tap on the shoulder of the girl who bothered me with her worries. "This is what I get for opening my big mouth," she complains.</p> <p>"I'm going to get you a private room with the boy," I inform her, she looks over my shoulder to give him a once over, "You're just going to listen to what he has to say."</p> <p>"He's... young," she contemplates.</p> <p>"I don't think he's here to get laid," I say, "Or at least, I don't think those are his goals."</p> <p>She sighs, "Only listen?"</p> <p>I nod, she downs the rest of her glass and follows me back to the gaggle of men. "Now, would you like to introduce yourself?" I say, the men jeer and hoot as the boy steps forward.</p> <p>"Colin, ma'am," he extends his hand out to my girl, "It's a pleasure to meet you."</p> <p>"Rachel," she gives her hand over, Colin takes it in his and kisses the tops of her knuckles. The father scoffs at the politeness. I step behind the bar to grab the room key and send them on their way.</p> <p>"Now gentleman, what can I get you to drink?" I ask. A few of them rummage in their pockets, finding nothing. The father looks over at the other girls. Still, no excitement to be found among them.</p> <p>"What if we were to spend some time with those ladies over there?" he asks. The girls look at me desperately to turn them away.</p> <p>I smile my politest smile, "They are outside your budget, I'm afraid."</p> <p>He plays disinterested. <em>Skill: Third Eye - Activated</em> Let's see how Colin is doing.</p> <p>"I hope you don't take this the wrong way, but I'm not interested in-" Colin says, but Rachel cuts him off. A single finger lifts his chin to meet her gaze.</p> <p>"I thought that might be the case, why don't we talk for now," her eyes remain sultry despite my recommendation, "You seem like someone who has plans that go beyond his father's farm."</p> <p>Colin removes his hat and sits on the side of the bed. "Ay," he sighs, "I- My family needs me. O-o-on the farm, that is. But there's much happening in the world right now. Countries to be discovered, magic and technology are advancing faster than ever before."</p> <p>Rachel runs a finger through his hair, urging him to lie down, "These are scary times to be a rural farmer."</p> <p>Colin lays on his side, facing Rachel, "Ay, that they are."</p> <p>"You're worried your father won't understand?" Rachel asks. Leaning on her elbow, she takes the boys hand and begins drawing runes into it with her nail. Each one glows and then fades into his hand.</p> <p>"What is that?" Colin asks.</p> <p>"A gift, it is your birthday after all," Rachel smiles.</p> <p>"I recognize that one," Colin says, entranced by the light show occurring in his palm, "That's for..."</p> <p>"For courage, when facing life's toughest trials," Rachel continues drawing the few simple runes I've taught to her. Simple emotions, like courage, love, hunger, anger, understanding.</p> <p>"You think it's the right thing to do," Colin asks.</p> <p>Rachel shakes her head, "Only you know the answer to that." She writes the rune for knowledge into his palm, and as the last motes of light disappear, she places the hand back on his chest. "Now, would you like to leave or would you like to stay and put on a show?"</p> <p>Colin pauses, "Do you think we could just... lay together?"</p> <p>Rachel nods, opening her arms for the boy to scoot in closer to her.</p> <p><em>Skill: Third Eye - Deactivated</em></p> <p>The farmers have split into a two groups, those with coin, and those without. Those with are lingering around my girls, ordering drinks, and being respectfully handsy with them. Holding their hip or thigh, resting their head on their laps, or rubbing shoulders needlessly. The ones without are hanging by the front door.</p> <p>"I'm sorry gentleman, but unless you're going to buy a drink, I must ask you to leave," I say politely. A few suddenly find coins in their pockets and order the cheapest we have on tap. The rest file out slowly.</p> <p>"Sir, your son's tab?" I call out to the father.</p> <p>"Oh uh, yeah, right-" As he looks to the other farmers for help, they all pull out their pockets. "I could bring produce by and you could have your pick," he offers with a crooked smile.</p> <p>"Collateral," I say.</p> <p>"The boy," he shoots back.</p> <p>That may work in Colin's favor. He wasn't that impressive as far as stats went. Middling strength, above average intelligence, abysmal perception. Staying in the city would give him the opportunity to spend time around intellectuals and traveling merchants, he would see much more of the world than back on the farm.</p> <p>"You don't need him?" I ask. Best to be sure before I indenture the boy. The father looks around unsure. The gang of farmers that entered with him had dissipated.</p> <p>"I'll be back in a week or two to collect him," he scratches his scraggly chin, "Build some character on him, eh?"</p> <p>"I intend to," I lie. The boy will be picking up empty glasses and learning to memorize orders. I wish the father good travels and return to my glass.</p> <p>"Hey Marina," one of the drunker patrons yells out to me, "How much?"</p> <p>"For what?" I send back. I know what he's about to ask. The girls around him have started to giggle. He doesn't know what he's asking for, but the girls do. They only have to ask to spend the night with me.</p> <p>"You," he take a glug from his stein, "If I wanted to spend an hour with you, how much?"</p> <p>"You don't have enough," I tease back.</p> <p>"Oh yeah, I got a plat that says I might," he places the shiny silver coin on the table in front of him.</p> <p>It's not that I have no use for the money. I have the privilege of being choosy with my clientele. "How exquisite," I say, "But no. You'll have to try again." He pockets the coin, looking around at the girls confused why they aren't fighting to spend more time with him.</p> <p>A simple faux pas, being a braggart in my brothel will send you to the bottom of the food chain. Less than scum. He mumbles a complaint into his glass and wonders what changed.</p> <p><em>Skill: Third Eye - Activated</em></p> <p>"I've never been to a play before," Colin admits.</p> <p>"Excuse me if this is rude to assume, but can you read?" Rachel asks with a teasing smile. She's twisting one of Colin's short blonde locks in her fingers.</p> <p>"Ay, I can read," Colin chuckles, "Why do you ask?"</p> <p>"Well Master Colin," Rachel teases again, I knew they would get along, "The library here has a fair share of scripts available to read."</p> <p>"To... read?" Colin looks confused, "Like- the same thing the actors read?"</p> <p>"Ay," Rachel says, perfectly mimicking his accent, "Why don't we see if we can borrow a copy for you to take home?" Colin's face brightens, the thought of reading a fine piece of culture bringing light to his days on the farm.</p> <p>"I'd appreciate that very much," Colin says.</p> <p><em>Skill: Third Eye - Deactivated</em></p> <p>I climb the steps to the room. Knocking three times on the door before letting myself in. "Colin, my boy," I place my hands on my hips, "I'm afraid you're staying here for the time being."</p> <p>"Excuse me?" Colin asks, a mortified expression on his face.</p> <p>"Yes, your father didn't think to bring any coin for this excursion," I sigh as solemn as I can muster, "Effective immediately, you're under my care. At least until you work off your debt."</p> <p>Rachel scoffs, "Marina, please be-"</p> <p>Colin jumps in, "So I'm not going back to the farm?"</p> <p>"Afraid not," I say with a smile. Colin smiles back at me. Rachel looks on confused. "Finish up with Miss Rachel and I'll show you the ropes."</p> <hr /> <p>"So... oopsie poopsie," the white, featureless, generic humanoid figure said with a shrug.</p> <p>"Oopsie... poopsie?" I stare confused.</p> <p>"Oh, sorry, were you not listening?" The figure tilts its head.</p> <p>"No, I was listening, I'm dead?" I try to get a confirmation.</p> <p>"Yes, and that's on us- well, me," the figure wrings its hands anxiously.</p> <p>"And that's why I'm-" I look down at my white featureless arms and the black star filled void that surrounds us, "I'm going to heaven?"</p> <p>"If you want," the figure emotes like it is thinking, then a book appears in the void. Leather bound and aged tan pages, the figure takes a finger and drags it down the page and reads a list to itself. "Looking at your history, you have a lot of regrets. Complex ones."</p> <p>I nod, grimacing at the things left behind in my closet. The friends I made online that will never hear from me again. The person I was supposed to become, it's gone forever.</p> <p>"How about this," the figure closes the books swiftly, "A win-win for both of us. You get the life you always wanted, and my brothers get off my back."</p> <p>"The life-" I try to remember the life that I had. It wasn't much. Spent inside, hating myself, hating the world for hating me, and then making me hate myself more. "What does that entail?"</p> <p>"Well, new name, new body, new life, a whole new world, if you wanted?" The figure folds its arm, excited that I may take up its proposal.</p> <p>"Yeah," I say.</p> <p>In a flurry, a series of bodies fill the void around me. "Take your pick," the figure smiles. Or at least, it appears to try to smile.</p> <p>There's one about my height, evenly chested, feminine, wide hips. I point to it. With a nod, the body becomes mine. "A splendid choice, very attractive in almost any time, what about-"</p> <p>"Could I make a change?" I ask, "To the body."</p> <p>"Sure, it's the least I can do," the figure tries to smile again, "What did you want?"</p> <p>"I want a penis," I say confidently.</p> <p>"Done," the figure says. I look down and see an average member between my legs.</p> <p>"You don't want to-" I start to ask, but the void changes before my eyes. The bodies have been replaced with mirrors that look into a variety of worlds. Medieval, futuristic, cyberpunk.</p> <p>"Sorry, you were saying something?" The figure tilts its head quizzically.</p> <p>"You're fine with giving me this body?" I ask.</p> <p>It shrugs, "It's your life."</p> <p>I peer into a mirror that shows me a world on the cusp of innovation. Streets are filled with mud, wagons drawn by horses march alongside vehicles that run on smokeless engines. "Tell me more about this one."</p> <p>The figure peers over my shoulder, "Ah yes, think Industrial Revolution meets tabletop role playing game." It looks pleased with the description.</p> <p>"Yeah, that works," I say then pause, "What are you? What is all this?"</p> <p>"Didn't I say? I'm the goddess of death," the figure looks proud of herself.</p> <p>"And this is-" She cuts me off.</p> <p>"Your second chance at life, remember? Oopsie poopsie?" She looks at me expectantly, "This is the world you would like, yes?"</p> <p>When I nod, the figure transforms into a beautiful woman, victorian style dress, and a cloud of black smog covers her face. "Wonderful," she sighs, "Now are you ready?"</p> <p>"This is a lot like those-" I start to say but she cuts me off again.</p> <p>"I forgot, your skills!" She summons a user interface in front of her, swiping around sliders and then pressing a button. An interface appears before me with a keyboard.</p> <p><code>Enter your name:</code></p> <p>M-A-R-I-N-A S-M-I-T-H</p> <p><code>Select your skills:</code></p> <p>A giant list of skills begins to generate in the interface. A second chance at life. I can be anything I want. "Goddess, are these the only skills I can get?"</p> <p>She ponders for a moment, "Interesting proposal. I like it. Yes, if you gain enough experience, you may inherit new skills."</p> <p>"And how do I gain experience?" I ask. Please don't let it be fighting monsters.</p> <p>"Fine, not by fighting monsters, how about through interactions?" The goddess suggests.</p> <p>"You can hear my-" she cuts me off.</p> <p>"Marina, you currently exist in my domain," she laughs a haughty laugh, "I am everything." Her words echo through the void.</p> <p>Scary. No offense.</p> <p>"None taken," she swipes through the interface in front of her, "There, no need to fight pesky monsters to gain experience."</p> <p>I scroll through the skills. The first that speaks to me reads "Assess."</p> <blockquote> <p><code>Assess: Gain insight into the thoughts, preferences, alliances, and abilities of an individual. <i>Can be upgraded.</i></code></p> </blockquote> <p>I select it. I continue to scroll, but nothing-</p> <blockquote> <p><code>Insightful: Gain experience at an accelerated rate. <i>Can be upgraded.</i></code></p> </blockquote> <p>I'd be a fool not to take that one. The interface updates, 0 skill points remaining.</p> <p>"Wonderful, absolutely splendid," the goddess seems uninterested suddenly, "Now, would you like to be reincarnated or shall I splice you into the world."</p> <p>I look at the interface. My two options are "Select age" and "Reincarnate", reincarnation would be nice. A total do-over. A chance to do things right the first time.</p> <p>"I'll be honest with you, people don't learn from their mistakes easily," the goddess admits.</p> <p>"Which is to say?" I challenge.</p> <p>"Nothing, only that the last time I reincarnated someone they ended up the same asshole they were the first time," she shrugs, "They got better at justifying it."</p> <p>"No karma system then?" I joke.</p> <p>"He experienced his share of hardship," the goddess says, an air of remorse surrounds the conversation.</p> <p>"Let's do it," I say. I press the button labeled "Reincarnation".</p> <p>"If you wish," the goddess seems unimpressed.</p> <p>"When will I see you again?" I ask.</p> <p>The goddess gives a bashful laugh, "Oh don't worry, I'll see you soon enough." She raises her fingers to snap them, "But until then, why don't you try to enjoy your new life?"</p> <p><strong><em>SNAP</em></strong></p> <p>I open my eyes and stare at the two people leaning over me. A man and a woman. They're fucking huge.</p> <p>They say something to me but I can't- They speak a different language?</p> <p>"Marina," I perk up at the mention of my chosen name. They talk amongst themselves before the man takes me and lifts me into the air. "Marina," he says again, a smile grows across his face. I may as well smile back at him.</p> <p>He's a tall man. He must be dad. Then the woman must be mom. I try to speak but gibberish comes out. They're amazed. A woman in a white dress with a hat adorned with a red cross begins talking to my mom. The woman is concerned, or confused. Mom looks to me with a similar confused look. Oh right, babies cry.</p> <p>As I let out a wail, my dad brings me to his chest, rubbing my head softly. He's warm. I reach for my mom. She reaches back for me. Dad begrudgingly hands me over. Sorry, Dad, we'll have plenty of time together.</p> <hr /> <p>The market is busy today. There aren't any special holidays this time of year, it could always be that it is a nice spring day and everyone is enjoying their day off. "Miss Marina, look at this," Colin calls for me.</p> <p>"Colin, for the last time, if you call me 'Miss' again, you're going to give me the impression that I'm some old hag," I say with a teasing wink to the lady running the flower stand.</p> <p>"Doing something special for the girls today, Marina?" The lady asks.</p> <p>I nod, I try to get the girls flowers when I can. It was easier to do when there was only a handful of them. Now I have to budget much more sparingly.</p> <p>"Yes, if I could get-" I pat my pockets looking for my list of everyone's favorites. It's empty. I check my apron, a light tan thick cotton thing with leather straps, nothing there either. "Well... crap," I say. The lady laughs.</p> <p>"Marina, please," she begins absentmindedly picking out the flowers from the bins surrounding her booth, "I may be old, but I remember all my customer's orders."</p> <p>"Very impressive," I say, then with a teasing lilt, "If you ever want to pivot careers, I might have an opening for you."</p> <p>She chortles, "Please, as if you have any need for a real hag in your bar."</p> <p>"All the same, come by sometime, let my girls pamper you. It's about time you took credit for your amazing work," I hand her a small leather pouch with too much coin in it. My bar stays in good community standing by expertly over paying at the right times. I learned pretty early on that this move is viewed as crass and "infringes on one's honor as a-" blah blah blah. Too much coin at the wrong time could end me up on the wrong side of a flintlock.</p> <p>"Marina," she starts to object, but I put my hand on her’s before she can reject the offer, "Fine, one drink, that's all you're getting out of me."</p> <p>"Good to see you again," I say and carefully hand off the flowers to Colin.</p> <p>"Marina," Colin says from behind dozens of bouquets, "Could I..."</p> <p>I look around at the stalls to try and deduce what it was Colin wanted. Then I spot it, a merchant surrounded by shelves of books, sitting on a stool depressed at the pitiful amount of sales he has achieved.</p> <p>"Good afternoon," I say politely, "Mind if we have a look at your wares?" The book seller looks up excited and nods. He points to me then to Colin. "Ay, for the boy," I respond. Quickly, the merchant gathers a small stack of books and splays them out on a table. He motions a description of each story, emoting like a dragon breathing fire, moving slowly and purposefully like an automaton, and carefully dancing on the rug that denotes his spot in the marketplace.</p> <p>"What's wrong with him?" Colin asks.</p> <p>"Why don't you ask him?" I challenge.</p> <p>Colin freezes, the merchant looking at him with eager eyes. "Uhm, the one with the dancing please," Colin says after a loud gulp.</p> <p>The merchant claps his hands together, and wraps the book in a light tan paper, ties a string around it and hands it to Colin. I pull out a gold coin and hand it to the dancing man. When he tries to hand it back, I place it more forcefully into his palm. "Have you sold any other books today?" I ask.</p> <p>He bites the inside of his cheek.</p> <p>"If you need to justify it, think of it as an investment," I wrap his hand around the coin, "I'll see you next week, yes?" He nods confidently. If Colin stays strong against his father, I expect he will become good friends with this merchant.</p> <p>"Thank you," Colin says, "I've never owned a book before."</p> <p>What a shame. A kid like him that is eager to learn is hard to come by. This curiosity should be explored and encouraged. I'd hate to see it wither away on the vine should he decide to go back home.</p> <p>"What do you say, Colin? Should we head back?" I say. He nods excitedly. I love where the bar ended up being put. The most ideal spot would have been right on the water, but that would be a selfish decision and expensive. Instead, I picked something off Main Street, close enough that a few signs could attract my first customers, and far enough away that I wasn't constantly being harassed by the police.</p> <p>It was a shabby institution to start, it took me almost a decade to get my license to sell alcohol. If it wasn't for the girls I managed to pluck out of the street trash at the beginning, I wouldn't have made it. We turn onto the street with my bar and enter quietly. I doubt anyone would be awake yet, but if they were, they would certainly be hung over.</p> <p>"Where shall I put these?" Colin says, lifting the bouquets.</p> <p>I grab the list of everyone's favorite flowers from the drawer next to the register. Taking a few of the bouquet's from Colin's arms, I hand him the list. "You're going to deliver them," I say with a warm smile.</p> <p>"But everyone is asleep still, I don't want to wake them," Colin blushes. Such a shy boy, so easy to upset.</p> <p>"I'm sure Miss Rachel wouldn't mind being woken up with flowers, why don't we start there?" I suggest, trading the bundle of sunflowers I took for a bouquet of artistically arranged baby's breath and lilies.</p> <p>I follow close behind Colin. He takes the steps to the second floor slowly. His emotional intelligence is quite high for a boy his age, it's nice to see. He knocks on the door once. I hear stirring from inside. Rachel opens the door, her robe barely on. "What do you want it's-" she starts to complain, but then she realizes who is at the door and what they are holding.</p> <p>"Sorry," Colin averts his gaze, a crush quickly developing, "I thought you would like some-"</p> <p>"Oh Colin," Rachel fixes her robe, "You shouldn't have, I'll cherish these forever!" She leans down and gives the boy a small kiss on the cheek.</p> <p>"It's nothing, it was all-" I cut him off before he can spoil a good thing.</p> <p>"It was Colin's idea, I helped bankroll it is all," I say with a hand on Colin's back. He nods, accepting this small white lie.</p> <p>"I'm sure it was," Rachel says with a wink to Colin. Slowly more doors begin to open, girls looking to see if they received flowers from the sweet young boy. Colin is sure to check the list I gave him diligently.</p> <p>"And for you, the baby's breath and..." Colin looks at the bouquets in his hands and looks confused.</p> <p>"This one, right Colin?" I ask, handing the bouquet back to him.</p> <p>"Ay," he blushes.</p> <p>"Thank you, dear," says the tall blonde haired elf woman. Her name is Leeya, and she's the closest I have to a co-owner. At my lowest point, she took me in and got me back on my feet. "And thank you, Marina," Leeya winks at me.</p> <p>I smile back at her warmly, "Come Colin, we have a few more to deliver." It's a short walk where we need to go, but it's one we do in silence. In Colin's arms is a single large bouquet left. All red roses.</p> <p>I hold open the gate to the town cemetery for Colin, he shudders and makes a small religious gesture. "You only need to do that for a graveyard, boy," I say a bit too curtly.</p> <p>"Oh, is that not what this is?" He asks.</p> <p>I shake my head, "This way."</p> <p>Colin follows close behind, despite the kids of the cemetery owner frolicking around and playing games, it is an eerie atmosphere here. I point to a small collection of headstones. "Notice anything?" I ask.</p> <p>Colin assesses the bland pieces of rock carefully, "No last names?"</p> <p>"Meaning?" I prod.</p> <p>"They were disowned, their family wanted nothing to do with them," he surmises almost correct.</p> <p>"Or..." I say waiting for him to think up the answer, "they were never claimed."</p> <p>"Who wouldn't claim their own kids?" Colin says with a depressed sigh. I take a flower from the bundle and place it on the first tombstone. As I kneel, Colin tries to object. "Miss- I mean, Marina, your clothes will get dirty," he tries to slide off his jacket and place it down, but he's too slow.</p> <p>"This is Emaline," I trace the outline of her name with my finger. "She was..." Weird, I didn't feel this overcome with emotions the last time I was here. I wipe the tear pooling in my eye and stand back up. Taking the bundle from Colin's arms, I place a rose on each of the stones and take a moment of silence. When I let out a tired sigh, Colin wraps his arms around my shoulders. "What are you doing?" I ask with a chuckle.</p> <p>"Sorry, I should have asked," he wipes a tear from his own eyes, "I figured there's a sad reason they're all here, and it must be even sadder considering you're here."</p> <p>"Ay," I nod.</p> <p>We stand in the cemetery quietly.</p> <p>"Alright," I say, clapping a hand on Colin's shoulder, "Let's go open the bar, shall we?"</p> </div> + + Adult + Fantasy + Gender Bender + Girls Love + Harem + Isekai + Romance + Sci-fi + Slice of Life + Transgender + + + SOBS: Sudden Onset Boyliking Syndrome + The_Luce + https://www.scribblehub.com/series/1340277/sobs-sudden-onset-boyliking-syndrome/ + https://www.scribblehub.com/read/1340277-sobs-sudden-onset-boyliking-syndrome/chapter/1340283/#comments + fa01fbda275fbcdc57b95de1e3bbe4de2099dd39 + Wed, 11 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000 + <div class="wi_fic_desc" property="description"><p>Two weeks after realizing she's a girl - through a convoluted series of hijinks - Alice visits her best friend with a brand new problem - she suddenly, and very inexplicably, finds herself attracted to guys! There's only one explanation on what could be behind this, and it's just like in the stories she'd always read: Sudden Onset Boyliking Syndrome!</p> </div><hr><h3><a href="https://www.scribblehub.com/read/1340277-sobs-sudden-onset-boyliking-syndrome/chapter/1340283/"><div class="chapter-title">SOBS: Sudden Onset Boyliking Syndrome</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/135183/the_luce/"><img id="acc_ava_change profile" alt="" src="https://cdn.scribblehub.com/avatar/s/33/ava_135183_1727076877.jpg"></a></div> <p><span class="an_username"><a href="/profile/135183/the_luce/">The_Luce</a></span></div> <div style="clear: both;"></div> <div class="wi_authornotes_body"> Another year, another silly little story making fun of old genre tropes. All is not what it seems!</div> </p></div> <p>"Jenna, I think I'm down with a case of... the SOBS!"</p> <p>"What?" I asked, groggily rubbing sleep from the corners of my eyes. What the heck had Alice woken me up at 5:00 in the morning for? Glancing at her face, it didn't look like she was crying, so... I had no idea what she was talking about.</p> <p>"Um... let me start at the beginning," she said, letting herself into the house. She was lucky my parents were away; I doubted they'd be happy to have someone knocking at the door this early. "So, you know how I realized I was trans a couple weeks ago?"</p> <p>"Yeah?" I raised an eyebrow. How could I forget? She had went from an average-looking, if awkward, guy to a total girly girl in the span of a long weekend... and she said it was an accident! Something about a beach resort, forgotten luggage, and an evil cousin? I dunno, I wasn't there.</p> <p>She peered at me ominously, like she was about to start telling some scary ghost story, "Well, ever since then... I've been feeling weird."</p> <p>"Weird... how?" I asked, shutting the door.</p> <p>Alice blushed, which very much betrayed the spooky tone she had been going for. I had a sinking feeling that I knew where this was going. She seemed reticent to offer anything more, despite being the one to come to me for whatever advice she needed.</p> <p>Sighing, I dragged her upstairs to my room, something which had also caused her to blush in years past. I always figured she was just embarrassed about being in a girl's room, but... looking back, maybe she was envious.</p> <p>She smoothed out her dress beneath her and daintily sat at my desk chair. As per usual - the new usual, anyway - she had a full face of makeup and not a hair out of place. I had no idea how she did it, especially at a time like this, when nobody should even be awake.</p> <p>Yawning, I was once again reminded of how little sleep I had gotten. Damn it, girl, it was a Saturday. Saturday is specifically<em> for</em> sleeping! Sitting down on my bed, I questioned her, "So? What is it?"</p> <p>She blushed even redder at my pressing, but managed to speak up, "Um- um- um... so, a few days ago some guys were saying mean things about me at lunch, and they wouldn't leave me alone..."</p> <p>"Seriously?" I scowled, "Ugh, those transphobic a-"</p> <p>She waved her hands in front of herself, cutting me off, "No, it's okay, 'cause..." she, somehow, turned a deeper shade of red, and began smiling dreamily, "Well, Nick saved me. He was all like 'begone, foul scum!' and they were like 'wah!' and ran away, 'cause he's cool as heck and knows jujutsu."</p> <p>Ah... I knew it. I'd always kinda suspected her and Nick had <em>something</em> going on between them. Her crush must've been multiplied tenfold by everything that had happened recently... As far as I was aware, though, Nick had never been a chuuni. She probably embellished her story a bit. "So, uh, how do you feel about that?"</p> <p>She tilted her head, "How I feel? Isn't it obvious? I'm down with the SOBS!"</p> <p>"<em>What</em>?"</p> <p>"Oh! Sorry, I didn't explain the acronym," she giggled, "I call it SOBS: Sudden Onset Boyliking Syndrome. It's like in all the stories I read!"</p> <p>...What the hell was she talking about? What stories was she reading? <em>Sudden Onset Boyliking Syndrome</em>? "Uh..." I blinked, "Can you explain, like, any of that?"</p> <p>She put her finger to her chin thoughtfully, biting her lip, "Gosh, this is almost as embarrassing as when my parents found out I was hiding my gynecomastia. Um, basically, I suddenly like-"</p> <p>"Gynecomastia?! Since when?!" I blurted. Alice did<em> not</em> have any boobs before, that was for sure. I figured her new bras were just padded! Maybe she meant, like, a mild case in the past that went away.</p> <p>"Eep!" Her eyes widened as she realized what she said. "Yeah, they've been growing for, um, a year or... two..." She poked her pointer fingers together, looking incredibly meek as she continued, "I was covering them up with a binder, 'cause I didn't want anyone to know... but then, y'know, <em>everything</em> happened."</p> <p>This girl... I didn't even know what to say to her, about any of that. I'd always known there was something off with her, like she was keeping some big secret, but as of recent events I had thought it was just the trans thing! "Wh- why didn't you see a doctor about them? Why was it happening?" I gasped, "Were you secretly taking hormones?"</p> <p>"Nope!" she replied with a shy grin, "Apparently I just naturally have high E and low T levels! Lucky, right? No wonder my voice never got that deep."</p> <p>"Yeah..." I mumbled, thinking back to my interactions with her in the past. Maybe she always was kinda effeminate. Like how the guys made fun of her for shaving her body hair. She always said it was for swimming, but I had literally never seen her go swimming. Certainly not in the middle of winter.</p> <p>I always thought it was kinda cute how she wasn't like the other guys, but I supposed, now, it was plainly obvious why.</p> <p>"Anyway! Sorry, you distracted me," she giggled, before looking embarrassed again, "So... what I was saying before... I... I really like boys now! Out of nowhere!"</p> <p>Really? So she had nothing going on with Nick, before? Huh. That was kind of a relief, actually. Here she was, though, suddenly saying she likes guys now. I tilted my head back and forth, debating whether to ask her something, before finally going for it, "Do you? I mean, maybe you just really liked being treated like a girl."</p> <p>"Hmm..." she thought about it, getting up from the chair to sit next to me on the bed, snatching up one of my stuffed animals. She turned to look me in the eyes. What was she doing? Did she... did she want to try kissing me?!</p> <p>"Nope!" she finally spoke up. Did I say that out loud or something? "Like, when Nick saved me, I looked over at him to thank him, and he was so handsome. I jumped right into his arms, and woah, I never noticed how nice boysmell was before!"</p> <p>"Oh," I replied, averting my eyes, "That's weird. I don't think sexuality can just change like that."</p> <p>"You'd think so, but it's actually exactly like in all my favourite stories! You know, like, when a guy becomes a girl, and then she falls for her guy best friend. Or the star quarterback. It happens all the time. Well, except for in the lesbian stories, but I don't like those ones as much."</p> <p>This was far from the first time I had no idea what she was talking about - she had a habit of assuming her conversation partner always knew exactly what she was referring to - but this was by far the most bewildering. What the heck were these stories?</p> <p>"Wait, so you really had no interest in him before?" I somehow doubted this.</p> <p>"Nope! None at all. He was just, like, y'know, my best friend. Sure, maybe I thought about what it'd be like to be his girlfriend sometimes, but that doesn't really count, 'cause..." she trailed off, squirming a little as her face turned red once again, "Well, anyway, it definitely wasn't what I feel now when I look at him! Now, it's like... holy crap!"</p> <p>"What do you mean?" Honestly, I couldn't relate to her experiences with this at all. No guy had ever made me feel anything close to that. Except for maybe... well, that doesn't count anymore.</p> <p>"Well, it's just... I see him now, and I get all giddy, and my knees start wobbling, and I stutter through all our conversations! Nobody's ever made me feel like that, not even the girls I used to have crushes on when I was a boy."</p> <p>"Huh?" I perked up, curious what kind of girls Alice liked... or rather, used to like. Apparently.</p> <p>She shrugged, "Like... when I had a crush on a girl, it was sort of a longing feeling? Like, gosh she's so pretty, and her skin's so nice and clear, and I really like her outfit... stuff like that. They always made me kinda bummed, 'cause I'd never have that."</p> <p>I blinked, "Are you sure that's not just... envy?"</p> <p>"Hmm, maybe. I get that feeling way less now, and that might be because I <em>didn't</em> never have that," she mused, flopping onto her back, plushie hugged tightly in her arms.</p> <p>An idea popped into my head. "Hey, Alice, I have a thought experiment for you."</p> <p>She perked right back up, "Ooh, I love thought experiments. Like, I always <em>thought</em> about <em>experimenting</em>."</p> <p>"With what?"</p> <p>"My gender, duh." She stuck out her tongue. Rude.</p> <p>I rolled my eyes and sighed at her antics, "Anyway... like, how do you feel when you imagine being together with Nick? Like, going on dates and kissing and stuff."</p> <p>She winked at me when I said 'stuff', and then immediately turned red. That dork. "Um! Um...! It feels... really nice. I get all squirmy and happy. See, I really like boys now!"</p> <p>"Sure... but now imagine doing all those things, but you're still the boy you used to be."</p> <p>The cute, blushy squirming she had been delightedly engaging in a moment ago faded to an uncomfortable grimace. I almost felt bad for it, but she needed to understand what I was thinking.</p> <p>She frowned, "I dunno, that doesn't do anything for me. Kinda grosses me out, actually... Wait, does that make me homophobic? I don't wanna be homophobic!"</p> <p>I placed my hand on her shoulder to calm her down, "Don't worry, Alice. That doesn't make you homophobic, it just makes it more obvious what's going on here."</p> <p>"Why? I'm <em>pretty</em> sure it's the SOBS thing. I mean, even now, it's messed with my mind so much I'm not even into girls when I think back to when I was a guy," she mumbled, twiddling her thumbs as she looked down at her lap. She jerked her head back up and gasped, "Actually, wait...!"</p> <p>"Huh? Did you figure something out?"</p> <p>She stared at me wide-eyed in horror, "I just realized... if this is like the stories..."</p> <p>"Yeah...?" What absurd idea was she going to come up with next? I was morbidly curious.</p> <p>"That means... you're my girl bestie with whom I have romantic tension but then leave near the end because of my overwhelming, sudden attraction to boys! Oh gosh, you're not gonna try to kiss me, are you? I've always seen you as more of a sister!" she appeared distraught - almost getting a real case of the sobs - even as she spewed nonsense. 'Whom'?</p> <p>Ouch. That last line really hurt. Other than that, though... "Alice, life isn't like a story. I dunno <em>what</em> you're reading," it sounded rather awful, and heteronormative, "but people don't just have, like, pre-defined roles to fill. Be your own person. If you like guys, then you like guys. You don't have to attribute it to some... made-up condition."</p> <p>"It's not-" she earnestly spoke up.</p> <p>I gave her a pointed look. "Here's an idea," I said.</p> <p>"What? Got some proof that SOBS isn't real?"</p> <p>"Not <em>exactly</em>... but do you wanna take a bet?" I asked, holding up my phone.</p> <p>***</p> <p>"Uh, yeah. I always thought you had a crush on me for years. Sorry I never said anything about it, though. I figured you wouldn't wanna deal with the embarrassment, 'cause I'm straight. Huh... I guess that's not a problem, now," Nick confirmed my hypothesis, looking confused as to why I held this meeting.</p> <p>Alice swore under her breath, because she owed me five bucks and was also owned by facts and logic.</p> <p>I beamed, holding a hand out. She placed the bill in my hand. "What do you say now, Alice?"</p> <p>She sighed, monotonously replying, "You were right. SOBS isn't a real condition. I <em>guess</em> I liked boys the whole time."</p> <p>"Yup," I smugly confirmed, then added with a wink, "So, what are you gonna do with that information? Think about what Nick said."</p> <p>Nick, meanwhile, stood there like a dope. He had no idea what was going on, as usual. I never really understood the appeal of guys, they were all so annoying and unaware. I supposed he had his upsides, though, like defending Alice against transphobes.</p> <p>Alice took a few words to process what I said, and then her eyes turned to saucers. She tackle-hugged Nick to the ground, which I thought was assuming too far ahead. Nick didn't seem to mind, even as she confessed her love to him.</p> <p>Then it got disgusting when they started <em>kissing</em>. They got really into it. Yuck, I couldn't stand the sight of Alice kissing some dumb boy. She deserved way better than that.</p> <p>Weird. Did I suddenly become a lesbian, or something?</p> <div class="wi_authornotes"> <div> <div class="p-avatar-wrap"><a class="avatar has-link" href="/profile/135183/the_luce/"><img id="acc_ava_change profile" alt="" src="https://cdn.scribblehub.com/avatar/s/33/ava_135183_1727076877.jpg"></a></div> <p><span class="an_username"><a href="/profile/135183/the_luce/">The_Luce</a></span></div> <div style="clear: both;"></div> <div class="wi_authornotes_body"> Thanks for reading! If you liked this story, consider commenting, or checking out my other stuff. Or something. :P</div> </p></div></p> </div> + + Completed + Comedy + Gender Bender + Romance + Slice of Life + Male to Female + Oneshot + Transgender + + + Under Stagelights + transcect + https://www.scribblehub.com/series/1339081/under-stagelights/ + https://www.scribblehub.com/read/1339081-under-stagelights/chapter/1339092/#comments + 01227ed7e92242a6e066ecdd6bbdc2daa0e2f103 + Fri, 20 Dec 2024 16:10:45 +0000 + <div class="wi_fic_desc" property="description"><p>Adam has been learning the drums for two years. His teacher, the beautiful, fiery Sophie Summers, has a band of her own, and they're on the cusp of hitting the big time. But the night before their first big show, one where they can introduce themselves to the world, tragedy strikes and they find themselves down a member. To save the band, Sophie turns to Adam. But... there's a catch.</p> <p>Under Stagelights is a lesbian egg fic.</p> </div><hr><h3><a href="https://www.scribblehub.com/read/1339081-under-stagelights/chapter/1339092/"><div class="chapter-title">Chapter 1: Lesbian Catnip</div></a></h3><div class="chp_raw" id="chp_raw"><p>“Watch your sticking!” Adam tried to remember what pattern he’d hit the drums in, and with which hand. Two sixteenths on the snare with his left, one on the hi-tom with his right, and then the floor tom with his left? Or had it been right left right left? The crash had been with his right hand, he was sure of that.</p> <p>“Adam, the groove!” Fuck. Thinking too much. He tried to recover, syncing the kick up again, but it was too late. Sophie had stopped playing, and she was reaching over to her phone to cut the music. Adam scolded himself quietly, letting it get lost in the din. The music cut, guitar and bass disappearing, and Sophie, still sitting on a drum stool of her own, her own sticks clutched in one hand, turned to him, grinning.</p> <p>“Okay, that was my bad,” she said. “Should have told you the sticking bit later.” Adam shook his head. Sophie was hard to disappoint. For one, she was literally hard to disappoint, always passing along little compliments on his playing, even if he had stepped way out of the song by getting in his own head. <em>Yes, yes, just pretend ‘Talking in Your Sleep’ has a four quarter notes on the kick drum, a thumping four on the floor, because the rest was great! </em>And even when Adam tried to brush it off, she’d roll her eyes and tell him to lighten up. And Adam would blush.</p> <p>Because Sophie Summers, the beautiful, pixie cut red head, was hard to disappoint. Even if she wasn’t actually disappointed, and she was complimenting him on finding an interesting fill, Adam still struggled to not be <em>perfect </em>for her. Charming, pretty, exceptionally talented girls deserved students who took their drumming as seriously as they did. And, sure, Adam hadn’t been playing as long, and he didn’t belong to a band like she did, and he certainly didn’t also double on bass, but he wanted to be better.</p> <p>Tammy had teased that he would have quit drumming in the first year if he hadn’t been taught by Sophie. Adam had lied and said it wasn’t true. Whatever. It didn’t matter why he had stuck with it. It mattered that he had. And, even though he was still spending a lot of time messing up in front of Sophie, he was spending a lot more time getting good at drumming. Or, something close to it. Not ‘I should join a band good’, but ‘impress my friends with pencils’ good.</p> <p>And, okay, friends was a strong word, too. There was Tammy, and that was pretty much it. Tammy, his roommate who had pseudo adopted him like a lost puppy off the street. They spent most evenings watching reruns of Seinfeld on the couch they had actually dragged in off the street, talking about how crazy it was that Julia Louise Dreyfus still looked the way she did. Tammy <em>was </em>impressed by what Adam could drum out with a pencil, even if she did tease him with the requisite ‘and what does Sophie say?’ every time he pulled it out.</p> <p>Tammy had been in a friend group with Adam’s older sister, Amy, and Amy had set them up as roommates when Adam had moved to D.C. Tammy, God bless her, had been immediately friendly to Adam. They were the only two people in the whole city from Bellway, Washington, she had said, and thus they must be friends. <em>Bellway, Washington to Beltway, Washington </em>she had said.</p> <p>“You’re going to want to go right-left on the snare,” said Sophie, snapping Adam back. “Then, right on the hi-tom. Quick with that one, then left to the floor tom.” Sophie mimed the motion, and Adam nodded. He repeated the pattern, a little hesitation, and then did it again. Sophie nodded. “Good!”</p> <p>“I’ll mix it up again,” said Adam. Sophie rolled her eyes.</p> <p>“You’ll be fine.” She hit play on the song again, back to the start, two minutes before the fill that had tripped him up. They both jumped in.</p> <p>Adam liked playing with Sophie. Playing side by side with another drummer was a bit like training wheels in a lot of ways. If he missed a note, Sophie would be playing the same one, and Adam could jump right back in. If he overplayed, Sophie, without missing a beat, would repeat the extra note on the next measure, and it would all seem like it was part of the song. And, if Adam completely fell away, she would start to riff and have fun and grin at him until he acquiesced and started playing again.</p> <p>They reached the fill and Adam, realizing it was coming, jumped a beat too early. Everything sounded loud and weird and noisy. Adam swore, Sophie laughed, and they both stopped playing, The Romantics still humming away in the speakers.</p> <p>“Do you want to do something else?” asked Sophie. Adam didn’t much care. He had been playing this song a lot over the last two weeks, trying to get it down. His timeframe for learning songs had shorted from being measured in months to weeks, but it was still a tiring process, especially if the song was tricky.</p> <p>“Sure,” he said.</p> <p>“Mind if we play some of mine?” asked Sophie. Adam shook his head.</p> <p>“Of course not,” he said. Sophie, drummer, writer, occasional singer for Shady Groove, a sort of alternative rock band, which Tammy had personally nicknamed “Lesbian Catnip”, liked to play her new stuff with Adam. They had gotten into the habit early on in his lessons, when Adam had trouble picking something to play. She said it helped her perfect the parts, teaching them to someone else. All of the odd bits stuck out that much more.</p> <p>Adam liked it, too. He liked being a part of her process. He had joked that he ought to be included on all of the bands writing credits, and Sophie had seemed deadly serious about adding him until he begged her not to. He didn’t need to see his name down on the back of a CD.  She had only agreed when he had threatened to stop letting her play them with him. He was paying, after all.</p> <p>Sophie grinned at him, her cheeks dimpling. Adam loved it when she smiled. When he had nailed something they had worked for a whole session on, finally getting the timing just perfect, and Sophie whooped and smiled and her cheeks dimpled, Adam thought he might genuinely be in love. Never mind that she was a lesbian, and fairly healthy part of Adam was pretty sure he was gay, or at least something like it. Maybe there was another kind of friendship, one just like the one he had with Tammy, just closer and happier and more lovely.</p> <p>Instead of cueing a song, Sophie pulled a folder out of green backpack. Inside, there were sheets and sheets of handwritten notes. It had taken the full year for Adam to get accustomed to reading them. But he had, and as she settled it in front of him, Adam wiggled his sticks in the air.</p> <p>“Four on the floor,” he said.</p> <p>“Thought you might like that,” said Sophie, who settled her own drum sticks on her stool. Adam gave her a look. “I want to test the baseline, too!”</p> <p>“In my lesson?” Adam was only teasing her, but Sophie frowned.</p> <p>“Sorry,” she said. “Sorry, no, you’re right.” She moved back towards the kit.</p> <p>“Sophie, I was kidding,” said Adam.</p> <p>“No, no, I need to be teaching you drums, Adam,” she said. Adam gave her a look. She picked up her sticks, and Adam put his down.</p> <p>“Go get your bass,” he said. And Sophie shook her head again.</p> <p>“I always forget that you’re paying me,” she said. “This is my job. I can’t just… practice.” Adam opened his mouth to deny it. But, sometimes, when they were in the middle of a really good session, and Adam was just playing, he forgot that he was paying her, too.</p> <p>Adam let it go. And Sophie started to describe the song that they were going to play. She walked him through the sticking, and Adam followed along, watching as she hit the drumheads, the ride, the hi-hat. She was so graceful with it. Her arms gathered themselves before they needed to be somewhere, getting out of their own way when they needed to, and they found their place. Adam still felt as though he was flailing about a little.</p> <p>They played for another half hour. It was a good song. Or, at least the drum part was fun, although that could be expected on a song written by a drummer. Sophie seemed pleased as they reached the end, and her face had dimpled again.</p> <p>“You like it?” she asked. Adam wondered if she knew that he couldn’t actually say <em>no </em>to her. He nodded.</p> <p>“Yes,” he said. “It’s really something.”</p> <p style="text-align:center">*****</p> <p>Sophie Summers left Adam, the buzz-cut softie that he was, alone to clean up in the Crash Room. Normally, she would have walked to the Metro with him, as they did at the end of most of her shifts. Today, though, was different. She had her own bit of practice to do, her own band to worry about. Most weeks, they only practiced twice all together. But they had a show, a big one, one where they might finally hit triple digit attendance, and they had to be perfect.</p> <p>Mal called it a ‘snowball show’. As in, if this show went well, it would all snowball into something bigger. And, maybe. There were a lot of bands in D.C. But most of them gave up, or didn’t have the time, or just never were good enough to get going. Shady Groove, however, could be different. The local circuit was getting bigger here, and they seemed like they had gotten bigger, too. Maybe Sophie was just getting ahead of herself. But she felt good. It all felt close.</p> <p>Mal and Anna were already in the band room when she arrived, each of them toying with their instruments. Mal seemed to have bought a new guitar tuner, and she was fiddling with it. Anna was setting up her keyboard, a collection of instrument boxes settled beside her.</p> <p>“Hellooo,” said Sophie, the word trailing into sing song. Mal looked up and grinned.</p> <p>“How was work?” she asked. Mal had her braids jammed under a hat today.</p> <p>“Crazy,” said Sophie. “Awful commute.” Anna laughed. Her hair was down, long, straight, and black.</p> <p>“Did our ghostwriter come up with anything fun?” Sophie rolled her eyes. They had all teased her about trying to credit Adam on their songs. Wendy, yet unseen, had told Sophie that they were not putting a <em>guy </em>on the credits of their lesbian band’s album. Not as a producer, not as a writer, nada.</p> <p>“No,” said Sophie, very matter of factly. She found her way to the drum kit and started fiddling with it. Tomorrow, at the show, at Black Cat, she would bring hers. She hated house kits. But it was never worth hauling them around.  “He’s talking about coming tomorrow, though.”</p> <p>“I bet he is,” said Mal.</p> <p>“What’s that supposed to mean?” asked Sophie. Mal laughed.</p> <p>“Please tell me this boy knows that you’re a lesbian, Sophie,” she said. Sophie peaked out over her kit. Mal was grinning at her.</p> <p>“He knows I’m a lesbian,” she said. She knew that Adam liked her. But it had never been anything but endearing, and he had never been anything but the same, shy boy that he had been the first day he met her. Besides, she really wasn’t leading him on. She’d throw in a mention of a girl she was seeing occasionally, just in case he forgot. “Why don’t you guys get teased about your male friends? What’s up with that?” Anna shrugged.</p> <p>“I don’t have any,” she said. “Too pale and too scary.”</p> <p>“You just have to get dykier,” said Mal. “If you’re dykier, I’ll stop teasing you about Adam being in love with you.” Sophie snorted.</p> <p>“You’d think the pixie cut and the having sex with women thing would be enough,” she muttered.</p> <p>“You would think that, wouldn’t you,” agreed Mal. Sophie rolled her eyes at her and grinned.</p> <p>The kit was fine. It wasn’t good, but it was fine. The most unfortunate bit about the drums was just how unwieldy they were. Her bass she could take anywhere. But the drums were different. And since Wendy had bass locked down, she was happy to play the drums. Besides, she did love the drums. The bass was cool, and she liked being out in front of the crowd, playing with everyone, dancing and singing and grinning, but she loved the drums too. The backbone of everything, the workhorse, the core.</p> <p>Wendy came through the doors to the practice room, and her bass was not slung over her shoulder. Immediately, Sophie knew something was wrong.</p> <p>“My mom is dying.”</p> <p style="text-align:center">*****</p> <p>Adam had the night to himself. Tammy had other friends, real friends, the kind that you didn’t live with and you didn’t pay, and she was spending the night with them, probably drinking in some kind of bar, talking about whatever people talked about on their days away from home. Sports? Movies? Probably not drums, if he had to guess. Tammy was a bit more buttoned up than that.</p> <p>He settled in front of the T.V. alone. This was okay. Adam was, in fact, mostly okay with being alone. His whole life, he had spent most of it curating little bits of happiness, little squares of friendship that he cherished, and ignoring the rest of the world. It had been Amy at home, along with his high school best friend Hannah, and it had been his sophomore year T.A. at college, Laura. Each of them had constituted a section of the world, a little one, and the rest had been building his own. Normally, that was just watching something on T.V.</p> <p>And he liked it that way. It was safe. It was comfortable. Those people, and now Tammy and, even though he was in love with her, Sophie, were the people he felt okay with. And the rest of the time, he felt okay to stare at the T.V. and drift.</p> <p>No Seinfeld tonight. That was his and Tammy’s. Instead, he watched some of the trash she refused to watch with him, starting with The O.C. Never mind that The O.C. had a strangely large role in alt music over the last few years, and Tammy loved alt music, or that all of the actors and actresses were gorgeous. Tammy hated it anyway. Her loss. His gain. He started from where he’d previously left off, somewhere in the middle of season one.</p> <p>California was so far away. Further away than just about anything could be, at least for someone who had never left the country. It looked so different, too, the palms and the beaches and the <em>space. </em>Oh, and the sun. There was so much sun in California. Adam Brody was lounging by the pool now, a rarity for him in season one, and Adam let himself slip away. <em>Nice name Adam. Seems like it fits you. You wear it well. </em></p> <p style="text-align:center">*****</p> <p>“What the fuck are we going to do?” asked Anna in a hushed whisper. The Duchess wasn’t that crowded, not on a Thursday. Mal shook her head.</p> <p>“I don’t know,” she said. “Can we ask her to stay another day?”</p> <p>“Absolutely not,” said Sophie. Wendy was in the bathroom, and Sophie was pretty sure she was crying right about now. “We are not asking that girl to stay away from her family.”</p> <p>“Do you think she was serious about…” Anna trailed off. Sophie breathed a heavy sigh. It was all crumbling. It always crumbled. The last band, Alesis, fell apart because two of the members started dating and it got messy. The one before that had fallen apart because someone moved. And this one…</p> <p>“Yeah,” said Sophie. “I think she’s out.” And Sophie couldn’t blame her. If her mother had died, if it was her that was flying to Kansas City for a funeral, she wouldn’t be ready to swing up in a band either. Wendy had called it a hiatus, and had told them they could replace her. But Sophie had a sinking feeling she was never coming back. Mal shook her head.</p> <p>“What are we going to do?” she asked.</p> <p>“I don’t know any free bass players here,” said Sophie. “I mean, we can audition people?” Anna nodded. But Mal shook her head.</p> <p>“What about tomorrow?”</p> <p>“We have to cancel,” said Sophie.</p> <p>“We can’t cancel,” said Mal. “If we cancel Black Cat, we’re not going to get booked anywhere else, and we’re going to have to start from scratch.” Sophie gritted her teeth. It was true. They had cut their teeth for the last year on the local circuit, mostly playing small venues. Black Cat was small, too, but it was a step up. The first step up, and it was the kind that normally led to another.</p> <p>“We could play as three,” suggested Anna.</p> <p>“No,” said Mal and Sophie in unison.</p> <p>“Unless you’ve figured out how to play keys and bass at the same time,” said Mal. “We need a fourth.” The three of them sat in silence, Anna teething on a bottle of beer. It felt so callous. It felt so callous for them to be so self interested in this moment, and it hung over the table. Wendy, one of their best friends, was flying out at six in the morning to comfort her father, to comfort herself, because her mother had died. And the three of them were circled in this booth talking about what to do with their band.</p> <p>“I’m going to go check on her,” said Sophie. The other girls nodded, Mal staring at her drink. Sophie took both hers and Wendy’s with her towards the bathroom.</p> <p>It was mostly empty inside the women’s, which Sophie was grateful for. There was a soft sobbing coming from the stall furthest from the door, and Sophie winced. How long had they left her in here alone?</p> <p>“Wendy?” she called gently. A louder sniff confirmed her suspicions. She eased the stall door open, and found Wendy curled up on the seat. “Hey girl.”</p> <p>“Hey,” choked out Wendy.</p> <p>“I brought you your drink,” offered Sophie. Wendy gave a half laugh. Then, as if she was upset at finding something funny right now, she curled tighter.</p> <p>“I don’t know what to do with myself,” she said. “Everything feels so big.” Sophie bit her lip. She wanted to sympathize, but she didn’t know how. What was the answer to someone who had just lost her parent? ‘I’m so sorry?’ ‘It’ll be okay?’ They both felt so insignificant, so untrue, so overwhelmingly stupid and platitudinal, and Sophie couldn’t bring herself to say either of them.</p> <p>“Yeah,” she said. “I bet.” Wendy’s body shook.</p> <p>“I’m sorry about tomorrow,” she said. And Sophie, trying her best not to overdo it, shook her head.</p> <p>“Don’t be sorry about it,” she said. “Literally, it doesn’t matter.”</p> <p>“Kind of a big break for us,” she said. Black Cat had put out for a show featuring women, for bands completely comprised of women, and it had been the perfect in.</p> <p>“We’ll get another one,” said Sophie. “These things happen all the time.” And that was a lie, and they both knew it, but that <em>was </em>the right thing to say. Sophie was the eternal optimist anyway. She could sell that. “We’re so far ahead of schedule for things anyway. We could take a whole year off.” And Wendy laughed. She reached out for the drink. Sophie smiled and gave it to her.</p> <p>“A whole year off, huh?” she asked. She took a big drink. Sophie tried her best to ignore where they were, and took a drink of her own.</p> <p>“A whole year off,” she said. “You can go back to Kansas for a while, and then you can come back here and take a break, and then we can all get back to work.” The band would be dead by then. A full year off was a death sentence for a new band. It would kill any and all momentum they had, and Mal and Anna and, yes, Sophie would get bored and find a new project. But that was the wrong thing to say.</p> <p>“Missouri,” said Wendy.</p> <p>“What?”</p> <p>“Kansas City is in Missouri, not Kansas,” said Wendy. And Sophie rolled her eyes.</p> <p>“I hate the Midwest,” she said. Then, she added, “Sorry.” Wendy giggled.</p> <p>“Well, I’ve never considered it the Midwest,” she said. Sophie snorted. At least she was smiling a little bit. That was something, wasn’t it? She should be happy with that, shouldn’t she?</p> <p>“C’mon, babe, lets get you out of the stall,” said Sophie. For a moment, Wendy looked like she might cling to the toilet paper dispenser and make her drag her out. Then, she nodded. Sophie grabbed her hand to steady her as she unfurled from the toilet seat and pulled her out into the open bathroom.</p> <p>“God, I have to fly,” said Wendy, looking in the mirror. “I have to get on a fucking plane.” Sophie was glad she was worried about something like that, something that felt so small.</p> <p>“Direct?” she asked. Wendy nodded.</p> <p>“I’m not doing any silly connection shenanigans right now,” she said, and Sophie giggled.</p> <p>She had always liked Wendy. After the problems in the last band, she had sworn off dating any band members, but god, Wendy was hot. Worse still, Wendy had a direct line to make her laugh. There was something about the language she used, the way she slipped into bits of conversation that made Sophie feel like she had read a script in the back of Sophie’s head, and had figured out exactly how to make Sophie’s brain trip. Even now, distraught and lost and drunk, she still did that.</p> <p>But never mind.</p> <p>“We’ll take you to the airport,” offered Sophie, but Wendy shook her head.</p> <p>“No,” she said. “You guys are going to have a big night tomorrow, and I don’t want you tired.” Sophie did her best to put on a poker face. Wendy had to know that they weren’t going to play. Maybe Mal was insisting that they find a fourth, but where? Who the fuck was going to play bass for them right now? So she nodded. And Wendy sniffed out a laugh. “You should still play.”</p> <p>“I… want to,” said Sophie, hoping that was enough. But Wendy grimaced.</p> <p>“Short notice,” she said. Sophie, wrapped her arms around Wendy’s waist, pulling her tight. She looked in the mirror, at the smudged glass. Her eyes seemed more tired than they had just two hours ago.</p> <p>“Very,” she said. No use denying it. Wendy looked up with a half smile in the mirror, and, even with the smudged makeup, she looked cute.</p> <p>“I actually have an idea about that,” she said. Sophie raised an eyebrow. Wendy pulled her arms gently away and turned to face her. “You can play bass.” Sophie cocked her head.</p> <p>“And who’s going to play drums?”</p> <p style="text-align:center">*****</p> <p>Sophie had never called him before this late at night. In fact, Sophie had never called him before period. Adam sat straight up and flipped open his phone.</p> <p>“Sophie?”</p> <p>“Hey, Adam, where are you right now?” Sophie sounded drunk. Adam had the pounding, flitting thought that this was some sort of booty call, before remembering that she was, in fact, gay.</p> <p>“What?”</p> <p>“Where. Are. You?” repeated Sophie. Adam looked around.</p> <p>“I’m… at home?”</p> <p>“Can I come over for a bit?” It was loud where she was. Drunk. She was definitely drunk.</p> <p>“I guess so,” said Adam.</p> <p>“Great,” said Sophie. “Send me your address. You live in Columbia Heights, right?” Adam nodded. Then, he remembered he was on the phone.</p> <p>“Yes,” he said.</p> <p>“We’re walking,” said Sophie. “Twenty minutes.”</p> <p>And then she hung up. And Adam, his head spinning, jumped up from the couch. Sophie was coming here? <em>We’re walking. </em>Who’s we? He took a couple of steps forward, into the center of the room. He needed to clean. Thank god Tammy had enough money for a couch, and thank god she had bought a rug.</p> </div> + + Drama + Gender Bender + Girls Love + Romance + Slice of Life + Bands + Identity Crisis + Kind Love Interests + Male to Female + Multiple POV + Music + Transgender + + + If I Don&#8217;t Know (It Won&#8217;t Hurt) + Azura + https://www.scribblehub.com/series/1337192/if-i-dont-know-it-wont-hurt/ + https://www.scribblehub.com/read/1337192-if-i-dont-know-it-wont-hurt/chapter/1337201/#comments + 330dbce1222786de496926550d8b369218432d90 + Sat, 14 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000 + <div class="wi_fic_desc" property="description"><p>Himari married Alex for her money, but now that they're divorced and Himari is onto her next mark she still can't stop seeking the thrill she found in Alex.</p> <p>Alex knew that Himari was her soulmate from the moment they met. She has been patient for the years after their divorce, waiting for Himari to come to her senses. But patience has its limits.</p> </div><hr><h3><a href="https://www.scribblehub.com/read/1337192-if-i-dont-know-it-wont-hurt/chapter/1337201/"><div class="chapter-title">Alex</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/19892/azura/"><img id="acc_ava_change profile" alt="" src="https://cdn.scribblehub.com/avatar/s/4/ava_19892_1578802840.jpg"></a></div> <p><span class="an_username"><a href="/profile/19892/azura/">Azura</a></span></div> <div style="clear: both;"></div> <div class="wi_authornotes_body"> Hello lovelies! Something new and delightful here for you. A little darker, and (at least I think) the best thing I've ever written. </p> <p>Some extensive (though not necessarily complete) content warnings</p> <div class="sp-wrap sp-wrap-default"> <div class="sp-head" title="Expand"> Spoiler </div> <div class="sp-body folded"> <p>Toxic/Abusive relationships. Obsessive Behavior, Reckless driving, Not wearing appropriate clothes for the weather, Sadism, Masochism, Degradation, Infidelity, Spousal abuse (a slap), Unplanned pregnancy. </p> <div class="spdiv">[collapse]</div> </div> </div> </div></div> </p> <p></p> <p>Alex was getting ready for a date when the call came. When she saw her ex-wife’s name, Alex wanted so desperately to ignore it. But she knew that if she did, the nagging doubts of whether Himari had hurt herself again, or if Himari wanted to get back together would consume Alex until the next time Himari called. So, like always, Alex answered.</p> <p>“You can’t keep doing this, Himari,” Alex said as a greeting, already rubbing a temple in exasperation. Himari only responded at first with a sniffling cry. Alex could only grit her teeth. She hated it when Himari used crying for attention as her approach. Her sad voice grated like the warning pulses of an oncoming migraine. Alex suspected that was part of why Himari did it.</p> <p>“Please, Alex. Just listen. I promise, I’m not drunk this time,” Himari said finally, in that sad voice. It was nice, at least for her ex to get to the lying right away. Himari had gotten really good at hiding the effects of alcohol over the years, but Alex knew her too well, and she could hear the subtle differences in Himari’s voice, even if no one else could.</p> <p>“I just, I miss you so much, Alex. Do you remember the bridge? The one you proposed to me on? I promise it’s different this time, just please. I need to see you one last time,” Himari said, breaking into muffled sobs. Himari always loved doing this, bringing up places where important moments in their relationship happened to get her way. Alex knew what Himari was doing, and Himari knew that Alex knew. Himari kept doing it because it still worked. No matter how long it had been, or what Alex had going on, when Himari called, Alex came. </p> <p>“Yeah. Fine. I’ll meet you there in an hour,” Alex said, talking over Himari’s annoying crocodile tears. Himari’s crying instantly stopped.</p> <p>“Oh, good, and wear that red dress I got you. You know the one,” Himari replied, her tone radically different from before. The sadness from earlier gone like it never existed, and now she sounded unbearably smug. Before Alex could retort, Himari hung up on her.</p> <p>“Fuck,” Alex cursed. Already sending a message to cancel her date. At least she already had her makeup done. </p> <p></p> <p style="text-align:center"><b>***</b></p> <p></p> <p>It was raining hard as Alex drove through the dark streets. As Alex parked in the empty parking lot near the bridge, her windshield wipers were going at top speed and still not keeping up with the downpour. Her headlights were the only illumination in the empty lot, and Alex groaned, pressing her forehead into her steering wheel.</p> <p>“I really fucking hope she doesn’t expect me to actually walk to our spot on the bridge in this shit after telling me to wear this stupid dress,” Alex muttered to herself, cursing her inability to ever tell Himari no. Thankfully, she didn’t have to wait long. Himari had always liked to make an entrance.</p> <p>As the headlights of cars flashed by along the nearby road, a figure stepped out of the darkness into the glow of Alex’s headlights. Himari strode forth like something out of a horror movie. A sharp suit with a lace shirt under the jacket that revealed more of her tan skin than it covered, and dark leather boots. She swayed her hips as she strode towards Alex, her inky black hair plastered to her face and neck by the rain.</p> <p>Alex rolled her eyes; Himari was always fucking like this. She also couldn’t stop herself from biting her lip. Her eyes trailed over Himari’s figure, painfully intrigued by the way her jacket hid how much of her breasts that lace number actually covered. There was a reason Alex had driven all the way out here in her fuck-me lingerie at the drop of a hat. Was Alex still desperately, pathetically in love with her ex-wife? Maybe. Was her ex-wife still the hottest woman Alex had ever laid eyes on? Absolutely.</p> <p>Himari opened the passenger door, and Alex grimaced as the cold and wet invaded her car. Himari leaned in through the open door, her grin wicked. Dark eyes, darker hair, a maroon suit. Himari was like ink, and blood, and sex.</p> <p>“Fancy seeing you here,” Himari drawled, like she didn’t even notice the storm soaking her clothes and whipping her hair. Like she didn’t set this all up. </p> <p>“Just fucking get in already. You’re going to ruin my seats,” Alex snapped. Like Himari wasn’t far worse than any amount of wind and rain. Some things you can’t wash out. Plus, she knew that it wasn’t as fun for Himari without a struggle.</p> <p>Himari’s grin dropped, her expression turning serious like a switch had been flipped. She stared Alex down for several long moments, just long enough to spite Alex before she slipped into the car. Himari slammed the door behind her, and then she was in Alex’s space.</p> <p>“Awww, come on, darling. You know you’re happy to see me,” Himari said, leaning in close to Alex. The smell of expensive whisky on her breath. Her ex-wife’s proximity made Alex’s heart race, and her breath quicken. As much as Alex might have wished things were different, that Himari didn’t leave her for a man, Himari’s presence still affected her like nothing else ever had. That desperate part of Alex she worked hard to keep behind the mask roiled, urging her to pull Himari so close they merge into one. Alex did her best to ignore that.</p> <p>“Himari, we can’t keep doing this. I have a life, and you chose not to be in it,” Alex said, trying to hold onto her anger, but found it slipping through her grasp. Himari’s fingers trailed along her thigh through the high slit in the dress Himari told her to wear. Alex gripped her steering wheel hard, the leather creaking, and her knuckles going white as she fought back a moan. Himari’s fingers were ice cold and damp from the storm, but left a trail of heat in their wake as they slid up Alex’s stocking clad thigh. The heat intensified as they reached bare skin and slipped under one of Alex’s garter straps before snapping it hard enough to hurt. Alex couldn’t hold back her moan that time.</p> <p>“There’s my desperate little thing,” Himari said cruelly, her breath hot on Alex’s neck as she leaned in to whisper in her ear. Himari continued the torturously slow path of her fingers, starting to dip into the apex of Alex’s thigh.</p> <p>“You always have to put up a little fight, don’t you? Let yourself feel a little less pathetic. That’s alright, Baby; you know it turns me on.” Himari continued, her voice dark and low. Her fingers trailed along the delicate lace edge of Alex’s panties, and Alex could feel her resolve unraveling.</p> <p>“Himari, please. Someone might see us,” Alex pleaded. If a photo got out, their little tryst would come crashing down around their heads. Alex knew deep down that she would have let Himari bend her over the hood of her sports car, and fuck her in the wind and rain for everyone to see. </p> <p>“Well, I suppose you’d better get driving then,” Himari said, slipping her fingers under Alex’s thong. Her icy fingers pressed into Alex’s humiliatingly wet sex. Alex jerked and moaned as Himari played with her, using all of her experience from their years of marriage. </p> <p>The drive back to her penthouse was one of the longest and most dangerous of Alex’s life. Himari seemed intent on making Alex crash the car as she edged her the entire time. Alex quickly found herself quivering, her arousal coating her thighs as Himari’s fingers worked in and out of her in slow, sensual motions. Through their time together, Himari had learned exactly how to push Alex’s buttons and seemed intent on using every bit of that knowledge.</p> <p>Himari slid her fingers out of Alex as she finally parked the car and got out without a word. Alex panted, letting out a desperate whine as she felt the hot tingling of her aborted orgasm, almost tipping over the edge into ecstasy, but falling just short as Himari suddenly left her (much like their marriage).</p> <p>Alex ground pathetically on her ex-wife’s hip as they got into the elevator together. She pressed messy, open-mouthed kisses to Himari’s neck as she clung desperately to Himari’s still wet jacket. Alex's grip revealed that the black lace of Himari's undershirt, in fact, didn't hide her breasts at all. Her dusky nipples almost artistically displayed by the swirling pattern of the lace. Alex could feel her already crumbling self-control slipping through her fingers entirely. Could feel the desperate, sick obsession filling her up like sweet mercury.</p> <p>As they stumbled into Alex’s penthouse (Himari might have taken half her shit in the divorce, but half of an absurd generational fortune is still a fuck load of money.) Himari grabbed Alex by the hair, pulling back to meet her eyes.</p> <p>“There you are, Darling. Finally given in. Fuck, it always gets me so hard seeing you let go and be the pathetic, needy mess I married,” Himari said, her fist tightening in Alex’s hair until it hurt. She slid her other hand up Alex’s body and started to grope her tits through her dress.</p> <p>“That’s right, there’s the Alex I remember. This whole ‘Dr. Alexandra’ nonsense really doesn’t suit you,” Himari continued, and Alex could only moan. The feeling of the woman she loved touching her, using her body, filled her up with a twisted ecstasy that makes it hard for her to even think. The constant refrain of maybe this time she'd stay slipped loose from her control.</p> <p>“Now, show me what a good, obedient girl you are. Strip for me, and then get on your knees.”.</p> </div> + + Adult + Girls Love + Mature + Romance + Smut + Adultery + Affair + Anti-social Protagonist + BDSM + Bisexual Protagonist + Cheating + Clingy Lover + Complex Family Relationships + Divorce + Enemies Become Lovers + Female Protagonist + Male to Female + Manipulative Characters + Transgender + Twisted Personality + Unreliable Narrator + + + Amy, 21 + Inadorable + https://www.scribblehub.com/series/1337948/amy-/ + https://www.scribblehub.com/read/1337948-amy-/chapter/1337963/#comments + d4988b250e9590333b11728cd87ef2ab2b42ac88 + Mon, 16 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000 + <div class="wi_fic_desc" property="description"><p>A young repper is kidnapped and trained to be a well-behaved servant.</p> <p>I want to thank 9Kbits for her invaluable advice and her help editing this work.</p> </div><hr><h3><a href="https://www.scribblehub.com/read/1337948-amy-/chapter/1337963/"><div class="chapter-title">Chapter 1</div></a></h3><div class="chp_raw" id="chp_raw"><h2>Day 1?</h2> <p>The most important right an Englishman has is his freedom. It was granted to him through ancient institutions, the oldest and noblest of which are nearing a millennium old. It is what makes people envy the English. As an Englishman herself, Amy holds dear what has been given to her, and she has sought to protect the privileges she’s been granted. Because they have to be protected; protected from her own mind, failing her, telling her that she is a woman, and not the man she was born and trained to be. </p> <p>It is quite funny — even in the situation she finds herself in today, she still considers her mere delusions a greater risk to her freedom than the chain around her left leg and the iron bars opposite her.</p> <p>Perhaps it is, in the long-term. But that is a long-term that Amy cannot afford to consider at this moment, not when she is as completely and devastatingly stuck as she is. She has nothing. No food, no water, no clothes. She is restrained to the wall in a manner that leaves her unable to even touch the door that could lead her to freedom, and the only thing she can touch other than herself, the bump caused by the implant in her belly or the damp and cold stone walls surrounding her is a simple bucket on a chain.</p> <p>She’s fairly sure it is what qualifies for a toilet in this establishment. It might be more hygienic than the filth which is to be found in the men’s toilets in pubs and bars across Exeter, but Amy would still hope to be above pissing into something as lowly as that. Amy would almost be insulted by it, if that wasn’t the exact way they wanted her to feel.</p> <p>Yet she is, a little, because whoever captured her can’t even manage to get the vibe correct. Her cell is painfully well-lit due to an LED strip stuck in the ceiling of the hallway. It illuminates her in all her flaws, and she’s not seen it dim even a little in the hours she’s spent in this cell.</p> <p>Amy have expected that a lonely cell — especially one as clearly meant for torture as this one is — would come with an incandescent light bulb. She imagines it hanging from the ceiling, dimmed like it’s at the end of its short, miserable life, the bulb flickering intermittently as it slowly but surely burns itself into its own inevitable doom.</p> <p>But no, they couldn’t even give her so much as mood lighting for her sufferings. They’re following energy efficiency standards, and that might be the most information she will be able to get: it’s a modern operation of some kind, or at least a modernised one, rather than an abandoned abattoir somewhere in the suburbs of a dump like Bradford or Birmingham. And that is all of the painfully little information that Amy has access to.</p> <p>Amy hates it when she doesn’t know. Because knowledge is power, and power is control. And whilst, sure, it is nice to have control over others — Amy will not pretend to be above such simple masculine pleasures — it is equally important for her to have control over herself. She needs to repress her urges. If Amy fails that, she would unquestionably lower herself to a position in society that would be insulting for anyone of her talents to sink to. </p> <p>She was not made for womanhood, and the sooner her mind would understand that, the better.</p> <h2>Day 2?</h2> <p>Amy might not know where she is, but she can draw yet another conclusion as of today. A bottle of water has been deposited in her cell. That means she is not here alone, some of the time, at least, as there is a captor who will visit her from time to time. It takes away a few of the options she had kept open in her mind, like that she had been left to slowly die of hunger, thirst or exposure. </p> <p>No, they intend to keep her alive, which means they want something from her.</p> <p>Again, she is unable to come up with explanations for this situation beyond her wildest guesses. She’s not particularly important, at least not yet, and she’s not particularly wealthy either. Amy very much knows she isn’t part of that class, as she’s rubbed shoulders with the people tasked and prepared to run this country in the past. The difference in wealth between her and them isn’t measured in multiples, but in magnitudes.</p> <p>Despite her inability to explain her situation, Amy continues to ponder it. It is normal for a person to do so when they have been left with no option but to think, for lack of other things to do. People go insane in situations like these, if exposed to them for too long, but Amy knows that deep thoughts are the best prevention of such outcomes. At least, they are for those blessed by birth to be capable of them, unrestricted by the emotionality so typical of the opposite sex.</p> <p>There is something else she can conclude: the bottle of water is out of reach. Sure, they are on her side of the iron bars, but her ankle chain leaves her immobile enough that she can’t walk over and pick it up. </p> <p>No, what Amy would have to do is get down on her knees, get down on her flat chest and crawl towards it until she can pick it up.</p> <p>Whoever decided to capture Amy should learn one thing: she will not crawl. She  will not submit to humiliation like that. She will not allow herself to be filmed groveling on the floor for a simple bottle of water — because yes, she can see the cameras that have been filming her for the past two days.</p> <p>Amy isn't the kind of woman they think she is.</p> <h2>Day 3?</h2> <p>Nine hundred ninety.</p> <p>Nine hundred ninety one.</p> <p>Nine hundred ninety two.</p> <p>Nine hundred ninety three.</p> <p>Nine hundred ninety four.</p> <p>Nine hundred ninety five.</p> <p>Nine hundred ninety six.</p> <p>Nine hundred ninety seven.</p> <p>Nine hundred ninety eight.</p> <p>Nine hundred ninety nine.</p> <p>One thousand millilitres in a bottle of water, which she still doesn’t want. Indeed, Amy would rather have…</p> <p>Nine hundred ninety nine.</p> <p>Nine hundred ninety eight.</p> <p>Nine hundred ninety seven.</p> <p> </p> <p style="text-align:center">***</p> <p> </p> <p>Three.</p> <p>Two.</p> <p>One.</p> <p>… Zero millilitres of water. Thank you very much.</p> <h2>Day 4?</h2> <p>Not drinking water might have been too much of an ask, Amy realises. It’s basic biology really: humans are mostly made of water, and all of the useful bits thus require water to continue functioning, and some of them have the ability to make her crave it.</p> <p>It’s why she’s really thirsty right now.</p> <p>It makes sense too. An old rule of thumb she was taught was that humans could live for three days without water, and for three weeks without food. Amy is now on a vague fourth day in her cell. She can’t measure this accurately for the lack of tools to do so. There are no clocks and she is pretty sure that the light doesn’t dim at any point of the day. All Amy can go off is that she’s fallen asleep three times now.</p> <p>Her thirst really is insatiable. She needs to get the bottle.</p> <p>Amy gets on her knees and shuffles forwards, then gets down on her chest, and crawls even further, so the tips of her fingers can reach the bottle. She can’t quite reach them yet — she shows a middle finger to the cameras above her, both to show her disapproval and to show her disrespect — but manages to stretch a little further. </p> <p>Her hands grazed the bottle at first, but a second try just made her  topple the bottle, definitely pushing it out of her reach.</p> <p>Great. She has humiliated herself and didn’t even get a bottle of water out of it. Instead, she is left equally thirsty, but newly degraded and out of hope.</p> <p>It must have been the intention all along. Bastards.</p> <p>And yet, the bottle started to roll. Reluctantly at first, then apologetically, and finally at some reasonable speed as the slight downward angle of the cell delivers it into Amy’s lap, who drinks until the whole of the bottle is empty.</p> <h2>Day 5?</h2> <p>“Good morning, sleepyhead.” A woman calls out from the other side of the iron bars. Amy doesn’t flinch — at least, she tried really hard not to, given she was caught off-guard — opens her eyes, and stands up as tall as she can. Adopts good posture, crosses her arms, and tries to not allow her growing migraine to be worsened by the bright lights above her captor’s head.</p> <p>“Just thought I’d take a moment to check in on you.” The woman’s eyes scan Amy’s body — she’s aware she’s on show right now, and doesn’t really care. They can feast their eyes on it as much as they want: she never wanted this body, and it most certainly isn’t <i>hers</i>. It’s an ugly compromise between the delusion that is Amy and the reality of living in a male-dominated world at best.</p> <p>The woman in front of her compares much more favourably: she has lovely long red hair, blue eyes that have been made to pop through careful make-up, a cute little nose, a feminine jawline. She looks like she is about the same height as Amy, perhaps a little taller, which is uncommon for cis women — 93.8% percent would be shorter than Amy — and most strikingly, she’s wearing a black and white maid uniform. A pretty one, though, Amy must admit.</p> <p>Useful too. Amy can comment on it to put the woman on the back foot.</p> <p>“Come to clean up rubbish, missy?” She asks in her most annoying voice.</p> <p>“I wouldn’t exactly describe you as rubbish.” She responds. “Though your behaviour certainly has been.”</p> <p>“If you’re not here to clean and would rather just have a smart mouth, maybe you could make yourself <i>useful</i> and get me out of here. If you do, I might not have my family’s lawyers ensure you spend the rest of your miserable little life living at one of Her Majesty’s oldest and most uncomfortable facilities.” Amy had little intention of abstaining from that: if nothing else, women like the one in front of her needed putting down a bit. They’re getting too uppity for their own good.</p> <p>“I fear that isn’t an option.” She once again looks at Amy, all of Amy, with the same puzzling face, as if she’s still trying to figure her out.</p> <p>“Maybe you should do your <i>job</i>, then, and get me a meal.” Amy says with the most disgust she can manage to insert into her tone. Which is a lot: she’s spent quite a few years training to be an actor, and she knows how to play around with her voice. A useful skill in situations like this.</p> <p>“I am doing my job.” The woman responds, copying Amy’s bitchy attitude and leaning into it in an attempt to hide the fact that her voice cracked, with what must have been an old masculine one sneaking through ever so slightly. She looks uncomfortable: whatever she expected from Amy, clearly it wasn’t what Amy was doing right now.</p> <p>Amy presses her advantage.</p> <p>“Rare for a tranny to have a job. Is the creepy old man you work for the only one desperate enough to hire someone of your kind?”</p> <p>The woman glares at Amy. Clearly, she’s struck a nerve, because a cis woman would be confused: only a trans woman would be left speechless after being clocked that quickly. Especially one so desperate to pass as this particular hon is.</p> <p>Maybe she underestimated her, though. Amy wasn’t ready for the next thing her captor would say, especially not the sly little grin it came paired with.</p> <p>“‘Your’ kind? We both know that the aforementioned category — though I would describe it in much nicer terms — would include you just as much as me.”</p> <p>She’s got to be quick: don’t give them any reason to think that her intuition could be correct. “Clearly, <i>obviously</i>, I’m a man. I mean, look at me. I’ve got a penis and all. Maybe you’re confused by the modern ideology that insists a woman can have a penis, but a true transsexual would know better.”</p> <p>Too quick: she’s left multiple obvious avenues to be confronted with there in her desperation to deny the accusations. Her old rhetoric teacher would be very disappointed in her.</p> <p>“Would you describe yourself as a true transsexual?” The woman asks, looking at her in with a predatory smile, because she knows she’s already won. Which she wouldn’t have, unless she is privy to certain information that she shouldn’t be able to find.</p> <p>“Ew. No.” Amy rolls her eyes. “I have no interest in being a— a <i>woman</i>.” She tries to put as much venom as possible into the last word. Not hard: she does hate women with a passion. Rather a shame, then, that she was cursed with the inclination to be one.</p> <p>“Are you sure?”</p> <p>“Quite. I wouldn’t want to be associated with women. Especially modern women: they no longer know their place in society. Women are meant to be submissive — your dress reveals you as just that — and I’m not sure if you’ve <i>noticed</i>, but submission is not something I am keen to take to.”</p> <p>“Submission mightn’t be, but you would enjoy femininity, wouldn’t you, Amy?”</p> <p>The name hits her like an asteroid, wiping out all life on earth. Or in her case, any doubt that they are privy to information that they shouldn’t be. Because she’s never identified herself with that name, the one she limits merely to her self-conception. Sure, she’s dropped it a few times, only in conversations with the very few other girls suffering from gender dysphoria she’s found worthy of bothering to socialise with. The others who know that their condition is shameful, disgusting, and one that they must never enable. The others with whom she has shared her struggles when the temptation did get too much to bear at some points, and who then reminded her of <i>why</i> they could never even attempt something as vile and unnatural as transition.</p> <p>Her best friends.</p> <p>“That is <i>not</i> my name. My name is—”</p> <p>The woman interrupts her. “Ms. Amy Finch. Born on the third of July, 1997, at St. Michael’s Hospital in Bristol. Attended Bristol Grammar School from 2001 until 2015, her parents paying tuition totaling nearly £180,000 for the privilege of sending their little girl there. Excelled in the performing arts, including acting and singing, forgoing the more traditionally masculine option of sports; I wonder why. Received excellent marks despite spending a disgusting amount of time on various repulsive forums, including the /v/ and /lgbt/ boards on that vile little website of yours.”</p> <p>“If you think that’s proof of anything—”</p> <p>Her captor continues. “Went on to study Politics, Philosophy and Economics at Exeter University. She continued her involvement in acting and singing, joining the drama society and the student choir. Amy also got involved in the debate club and local Tory society, running to be the chair of the latter but losing that race because she is — and it must be said, as it is what her peers thought — a total weirdo. She lost to a repulsive man from a proper public school — much more suitable to the party than someone of her lower standing — and did so despite winning the majority of the male vote."</p> <p>“But unsurprisingly we could verify just one woman who voted for her to be the local chair, and that woman was Amy herself. She really didn’t ingratiate herself amongst her own kind! So she made an angry post about her loss to her little friend group, implying the man she lost to regularly masturbates to himself whilst dressed as a woman, and indicating that he should just ‘troon out’ if he’s going to be like that—”</p> <p>Yeah. Yeah. Amy gets it. They’ve done their research. An incredible amount of it, to a point they probably know more about her than she knows about herself. She knows for a fact that they’ve done a blood test, for example, and wouldn’t be surprised, at this point, if they had enough blackmail to ruin her life if she <i>did</i> try to escape.</p> <p>There’s plenty she did that could be used against her. </p> <p>Fuck. They have the <i>logs</i>. </p> <p>“Her parents were quite proud of her when she graduated top of her class just a few months ago. Amy’s future in the Conservative party seemed quite bright. Perhaps not in Exeter, but certainly elsewhere. Of course, that was until the local student press wrote an article on the extremely misogynist views held by one of the most prominent members of the local Tory society. Amy’s parents weren’t very proud when they heard about that. It didn’t stop them from being devastated when they heard their late daughter had disappeared and presumably ended her own life. It’s a shame, really: they didn’t even get to know Amy because she insisted that she was a man. We’ll keep the fact you’re alive a little secret between us, okay?”</p> <p>The woman in front of her has absolutely zero reason to be telling her the truth. She’s been declared dead? It’s more likely that she is lying in an attempt to break her resistance and to get something out of her. She isn’t sure what they’d want — she doesn’t even have access to her family’s wealth — but she isn’t going to give them anything.</p> <p>“That doesn’t work on me, you know.” She spits out.</p> <p>“Oh, darling, it doesn’t have to. As long as something does. We have got the benefit of time on our side. And that means I can say with absolute certainty that you will, eventually, come to see our point of view and agree that we did the right thing.”</p> <p>“What even is that point of view?” Amy glares. It’s probably some total bullshit, but at least she’s got someone to talk to right now, and discussing vague ideas is a much more comfortable position for her to be in than discussing her own gender identity.</p> <p>“That there shouldn’t be any place in society for the man that you pretended to be. Their privilege, the way they held themselves in relation to that privilege, their particularly disgusting views on the roles of women, their incomprehensible opinions on transitioning and their hatred of trans women must be utterly erased and replaced with more wholesome alternatives—”</p> <p>Amy rolls her eyes. They can fucking try. She’s correct on all counts. Able to see the degeneracy of society and comprehend the proper position of women within it despite the fact that she is — regrettably — one of those. At least she still maintains the intellect necessary to have that understanding, unlike the woman across from her.</p> <p>“—and perhaps most importantly— Give me a moment.” The woman walks around a corner, grabs a large plastic bag, and removes from it a number of items that Amy hates the instant she sees them. Her captor then opens the cell door, holding a taser in her right hand and aiming it at Amy as she enters, squats, and leaves the items on the floor for Amy to presumably use.</p> <p>“Most importantly, we believe that Ms. Amy Finch ought to live as what she is. A woman. And that is our job to elevate her to that greater plane of living, rather than allowing her to wallow in her misery and self-hatred for the rest of her life. These points are non-negotiable to us.”</p> <p>Amy looks at the bra, knickers, maid uniform and leggings laid out on the concrete in front of her. They’re very much non-negotiable to her as well. She’s never going to wear any of that garbage.</p> <p>“If you cooperate with the programme and complete your extensive rehabilitation, your freedom shall be restored.”</p> <p>Amy will <i>not</i> cooperate. “I’d rather die.” She retorts.</p> <p>“That,” Her captor says gravely. “will not be an option. You will comply, and see your freedoms restored, or you shall be coerced into complying until you do.”</p> <p>“I’m not wearing this garbage.” Amy wants to kick it away, but finds her ankle chain too short to do that.</p> <p>“You will. Eventually.”</p> <p>“I think you’ll find that I <i>won’t</i>.”</p> <p>She rolls her eyes dismissively. “You’ll be missing out on a lot if you do not comply with this programme.”</p> <p>“Being a disgusting little tranny? I think I can miss that.” Amy puts on her most confidently rebellious face.</p> <p>“You must be hungry, aren’t you?”</p> <p>Is this woman really going to play it like that?</p> <p>“Given that you think it’s a woman’s job to bring you food when you demand it, it’s only fair to expect you to act like more of a woman before you receive it. If you wish to eat, just put on these clothes, and I shall be sure to bring you a meal.”</p> <p>Yeah, she is going to play it like that. And that means the situation hasn’t necessarily developed to Amy’s advantage. But Amy will weather the hunger, the cold, and the misery. Like they said, death is not an option, so they must be bluffing. They just want to intimidate her. </p> <p>And that means she’ll outlast them. Easily.</p> </div> + + Adult + Fanfiction + Gender Bender + Girls Love + Mature + Psychological + Romance + Smut + The Sisters of Dorley + BDSM + Female Protagonist + Kidnappings + Maids + Male to Female + Transgender + Unreliable Narrator + + + Girlfriend #32: Suru Kaeru-chan + Thought_Prism + https://www.scribblehub.com/series/1332557/girlfriend--suru-kaeruchan/ + https://www.scribblehub.com/read/1332557-girlfriend--suru-kaeruchan/chapter/1338932/#comments + f88c89706d470c8a5df33551e976f537a0580cc4 + Tue, 10 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000 + <div class="wi_fic_desc" property="description"><p>Aijou Rentarou, whose heart overflows with love, was accidentally blessed with 100 soulmates. Today, he meets his thirty-second girlfriend, who is as unique as all the rest. If anything, the fact that Kaeru is just MtF is more realistic than the quirks half his other future wives have. Ridiculously cute and stupid shenanigans abound within.</p> <p>This is a fanfic of the ongoing 100Kanojo manga. If you haven’t read it up to the current chapter as of this story’s release, chapter 198, you’ll probably want to reference the wiki as you're reading given the sheer number of characters involved.</p> </div><hr><h3><a href="https://www.scribblehub.com/read/1332557-girlfriend--suru-kaeruchan/chapter/1338932/"><div class="chapter-title">Girlfriend #32: Suru Kaeru-chan</div></a></h3><div class="chp_raw" id="chp_raw"><p><span style="font-weight:400">Today has been another very busy yet deeply fulfilling and lovey-dovey day for Aijou Rentarou so far. With his limitless capacity for affection, forged in steel from years of heartbreak, he works tirelessly to make sure every last woman in his life is as happy as they possibly can be. To Rentarou, no price is too high to pay for each of his many precious girlfriends, be it time, health, or the structural integrity of the fourth wall.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">“Oh, this is different. I must have stepped into in a fanfic AU at some point after that last crosswalk,” he idly noted aloud. Then, he stopped to make eye contact with the narrator, his expression deathly serious. “You’d better not write anything Nakamura-sensei wouldn’t.” </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">It will all be fine in the end like always.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">“Okay that’s good,” he said, perking back up before resuming his stroll. “I’ll just roll with it, then.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">At the moment, Rentarou was paying a rare visit to the Ohananomitsu university campus of his school complex to meet one of his girlfriends, Eira, for a date. He’d never been to the university’s student center, and Eira wanted to show him around, just walk for a while. Because he absolutely didn’t want to risk being late, Rentarou was arriving an hour early, and was planning to get his homework done in the meantime.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Around him, the campus was abuzz with students. It was a balmy spring day, and plenty of folks were taking advantage of the weather to toss frisbees around, lounge on the grass, or otherwise hang out. Rentarou smiled as he people-watched, his mind filling with many new ideas for ways to spend time with the loves of his life as he did.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">So entranced was he by thoughts of his girlfriends that, upon reaching the door of the student center, he did not notice another student also reaching for the handle at the same time. Their fingers brushed against eachother, his own large, gentle digits wrapped overtop against another set with pink polished nails.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">“Oh, I’m sorry!” a soft voice exclaimed, the second hand rapidly pulling back.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Rentarou turned to face its source, and his breath caught in his throat.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">For standing next to him was an incredibly cute woman. They were about the same height, so he could look right into her clear, blue eyes. Her long, blue hair cascaded down to her hips, the ends curled. She wore a frilly white sundress with knee-high socks, and her pink messenger bag matched the large ribbon tied behind her head. Onto the bag were pinned various buttons featuring video game characters.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Her lips were open slightly, apologetic, though that quickly changed to a look of awe and sudden longing as an electric ‘zing’ shot through her whole body, a sensation unlike anything she’d experienced before. Rentarou, however, </span><i><span style="font-weight:400">had</span></i><span style="font-weight:400"> experienced it before. This was what it felt like to encounter your soulmate for the first time. An angelic choir sung in the background as the pair traded stares.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Rentarou recovered first, grabbing the door and pulling it open for her without breaking eye contact. “You’re fine, it was my fault for not paying attention to what I was doing!” he insisted. “After you.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">“T-Thanks,” the woman replied, her shoes squeaking on the tile as she stepped past him and went inside. However, she had completely forgotten what it was she was here for, and instead waited right inside the atrium for Rentarou to follow, clutching the strap of her bag.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">He did, the door gently swinging closed behind him. Standing at a respectful distance, Rentarou smiled, all thoughts of schoolwork forgotten. He then immediately began to make conversation. “No problem. It’s the least I can do, especially since I’m just visiting from the high school and you actually attend here, I’m guessing. What’s your name?” he asked.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">“I’m Kaeru. Suru Kaeru,” she answered automatically, unable to look away from Rentarou. “And yeah, I’m a freshman here at Ohananomitsu University.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">“It’s really nice to meet you, Kaeru-chan,” Rentarou said. Then, he pointed to her bag. “Do you play games often?”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">“Oh, uh, yes,” she replied, using her free hand to brush a strand of hair off of her face. “I like pretty much every genre, though I avoid most multiplayer titles since the communities tend to be toxic.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">“I can understand that!” went Rentarou, laughing. “I mostly play arcade games, and sometimes creeps will show up.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Kaeru nodded twice. “Don’t I know it.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">There was a brief pause before Rentarou continued, briefly lost in Kaeru’s eyes. “Well, I’ve got somewhere to be, soon, and I don’t want to keep you if you’re busy, but would you mind exchanging contact info?” he asked. “It’s not every day a guy runs into someone so cute for the first time!”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">At his words, Kaeru broke out into a furious blush, blinking a few times. She stood there next to him, working her jaw. “Y-You mean that? You really think I’m cute? Not…” she added under her breath, trailing off. Her head drooped.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">“Of course you’re cute!” Rentarou insisted, raising his fists in front of his chest to better convey his belief. “I’m practically a doctor of cuteness studies at this point, so when I say that you’re the most adorable woman in the whole world, you’d better believe it! I would date you in a heartbeat!”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Kaeru lifted her head back up. Studied Rentarou’s face. There was no trace of sleaze or dishonesty there, only the utmost conviction of a man who treated all women like queens.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Suddenly, she burst into tears, nearly tripping over her own feet as she dashed for a nearby unoccupied lounge chair, collapsing into it and burying her face in her hands.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Gasping, Rentarou hurried after her as quickly as possible, to the point of even kickflipping off the wall to vault over a large group of athletes all entering the building at once, many of whom clapped politely or whistled appreciatively at his parkour skills.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">When he reached Kaeru, sitting down in the adjacent chair, Rentarou’s concern spilled out of him in a torrent. “What’s wrong, Kaeru-chan? Are you okay? Was it something I said? Do you need some water? Or a handkerchief?” he asked, pulling both items out of his uniform jacket and offering them to her.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Eventually, her hands fell away from her face. “I-I wasn’t in any way prepared for this today,” Kaeru forced out between sobs.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">As Rentarou gently brushed the corner of the handkerchief over the tear-streaks on her face, Kaeru’s cries gave way to stilted laughter. “Y-You’re fine, Rentarou-kun. These are tears of </span><i><span style="font-weight:400">joy</span></i><span style="font-weight:400">. I just never imagined that I’d be able to fall in love at first sight, and that they would reciprocate without being repulsed because…”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Rentarou’s frown morphed into a confused line. “Why would you think that?” he pressed.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">“Isn’t it obvious?” Kaeru began, leaning back in the chair. “Because I’m trans.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">She gestured to herself. And Rentarou gave her a once-over. Sighing, he placed his hand over hers again, this time on the armrest, squeezing softly.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">“Well, that certainly doesn’t matter to me,” Rentarou confirmed. “Sure, your shoulders might be a bit wide, and your feet might be a bit large. But every person’s body is already different, Kaeru-chan. You could have skin covered in burn scars, or pus-filled lesions, and I’d still reach out my hand to hold yours.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Kaeru turned to Rentarou. Her eyes glittered with unrestrained happiness, and a beaming grin grew from ear to ear.   </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">“All I see is someone I want to go out with,” he continued, his own chest light with more butterflies than Yamame’s hair. “Will you be my girlfriend, Kaeru-chan?”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">In reply, she leaned over and kissed him, the whole world fading away into the background as their blooming love cascaded between their lips.</span></p> <p> </p> <p style="text-align:center"><span style="font-weight:400">*  *  *</span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">“... And so, due to how things panned out… Would you guys mind accepting Suru Kaeru-chan as my newest girlfriend…?!” Rentarou asked, sweat pouring down his face. Beside him stood Kaeru herself, who was still completely agog at the sheer scale of the Rentarou Family Polycule assembled on the high school rooftop as always.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">“I do not understand why you keep asking,” stated Nano, adjusting her glasses with a finger. “We have already made clear we are fine with you even dating your own cousin; at this point any variant of girlfriend is logically going to be acceptable.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Here, little Chiyo fidgeted in embarrassment. “I still think dating Kusuri-san and Yaku-san at the same time is weirder, but yes, I agree, it’s okay.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">“Welcome to the family, Kaeru-chan!” Momoha exclaimed, raising a wine bottle high. “Cheers!”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">As the world’s least qualified ethics teacher resumed her day drinking, the others all began to crowd around Kaeru and Rentarou. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">“A trans girl? How abnormal!” exclaimed Himeka before adopting a ponderous expression. “Maybe I should transition, too…”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Hakari elbowed her in the side. “That’s rude! Transitioning isn’t something anyone can just </span><i><span style="font-weight:400">do</span></i><span style="font-weight:400">, only people with gender dysphoria transition. For example, I would never, as I am very happy with my body.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">For emphasis, Hakari struck a lewd pose, with her hand on her thigh and her boobs thrust forwards. She began chuckling to herself, watching Rentarou to see how happy </span><i><span style="font-weight:400">he</span></i><span style="font-weight:400"> was. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">But alas, he was still focused on the others.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">“Tama can empathize. Tama also transitioned into a cat recently, meow,” said Tama, idly rolling around a yarn ball. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">“This vast world of ours is full of all kinds, indeed,” Uto intoned as she posed sagely with her hand on her chin.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">“It’s also very cruel,” added Meru. “For the world to allow one to be born in a body of the wrong gender; that is truly the pinnacle of despair.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">“Do not worry, though, dear Kaeru-chan, it is plain to see that you have done much to cultivate your feminine beauty,” said Mimimi, satisfied with her appraisal of Kaeru.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">“Yeah, like, your outfit is totes cute, for real,” confirmed Ahko with her typical lazy grin. “You gotta tell me where you got that ribbon later.”    </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Overwhelmed by the show of support from her fellow girlfriends, Kaeru’s heart melted. “Thanks, everyone, really. I wish I could say more, but all this positive affirmation is too much! I can’t find the words!”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">From behind her Rentarou was bawling like an idiot, impossible amounts of elated tears falling from his eyes like waterfalls as he looked on with heart-shaped pupils. With practiced, professional motions, Mei began mopping up the rapidly flooding rooftop, her own eyes still shut as usual.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Meanwhile, Shizuka replied to Kaeru using her text-to-speech app. &lt;I have trouble with that, too.&gt;</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">“And if you ever run into a bigoted asshole on campus, just ring me up and I’ll come running to kick their skull in,” offered Eira. “I live in the dorms, so I can be there in a flash.” </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Kaeru snorted. “I won’t say no, but that might be overdoing it, I think.” </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">“Given all the crazy stuff that happens in this town, it probably isn’t,” said Kurumi, straight-manning. In the comedic sense, not the identity sense.  </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">However, Momiji was being the opposite of straight, and had snuck up behind Kaeru to reach around and grope her chest, as she was wont to do. Upon feeling the younger girl’s well-trained hands cupping her, Kaeru froze up and squeaked in surprise.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">“Yeah, Momiji-chan does that. You never really get used to it,” Meme explained, deflating slightly behind her bangs.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">“Hmm…” Momiji uttered, savoring the sensation. “There’s more here than I was expecting. Nice. Karane-san is flatter.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">“Uh, well, the HRT helps,” said Kaeru, unsure whether to shove her away or not. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">In the background, multiple veins popped on Karane’s forehead, and she began to mutter a string of jealous obscenities. Rentarou, his tears now having ceased, moved over to hug her.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">“Um, I’m still confused, yes yes,” noted a visibly perplexed Yaku. “What exactly is this ‘trans-gender’ thing? Is it like those Kabuki actors who dress up as ladies?”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">“Not at all!” clarified Miss Naddy helpfully. “Transgender folks are becoming more widely accepted in ‘Murica these days. What it means is that Kaeru here wasn’t actually born as a girl, but realized she was one later. To be able to embrace your real gender identity is true freedom!”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Yaku tilted her head the other way, clearly still not getting it. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">“You don’t need to understand, Grand Dame Yaku,” Saki reassured her. “It doesn’t matter what’s in her pants. Seniority is still what counts. And I respect you, Kaeru-senpai.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">At this, Kaeru’s smile faded. She hummed, turning to Saki. “I mean, I’m grateful, but it matters to </span><i><span style="font-weight:400">me</span></i><span style="font-weight:400">. HRT is great and all, but I still wish my body was like, well, any of yours,” Kaeru said, making a sweeping gesture indicating everyone else.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">“You do? Kusuri can help with that, yep yep,” interjected Kusuri, currently in her eight-year-old form. Biting her lip, she fished around in her lab coat and extracted a corked test tube with a bubbling orange liquid inside. “This is Kurusi’s new ‘Instant Bottom Surgery' drug, yep yep. It’s still got a few unpredictable side effects like—”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">“HOLY SHIT GIMME,” went Kaeru, who swiped the test tube and chugged its contents so quickly that nobody could have possibly moved in time to stop her.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Nano stared. “Prior experience indicates something highly unusual will occur shortly.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Most everyone held their breath, watching Kaeru toss the empty test tube aside, covering her mouth with a hand as she let out a small, ladylike belch. The only sound on the rooftop came from Nemu’s light snores as she continued sleeping on her feet. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">The silence was broken when something fell onto the ground from beneath Kaeru’s skirts, landing with a soft ‘plop’ between her feet. Her eyes widened, shining. “It… actually worked. It worked!”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Rentarou squee’d in joy, basking in her happiness as both of them grinned from ear to ear. He rushed over to Kaeru, and the two of them embraced.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">“Congratulations, Kaeru-chan!” said Matsuri, jumping up and down. “We should start a festival to celebrate, eh?”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Mai, meanwhile, narrowed her eyes, glancing between Nano and the fallen ‘something’. “Maybe later. Right now, I’m still getting a bad feeling. Like a big mess my dear sister will need help cleaning up is about to happen.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Some of the other girls followed Mai’s gaze, noticing the object on the ground for the first time. It was, in fact, Kaeru’s penis, with the sack still attached. Chiyo and Shizuka blushed furiously, covering their faces. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">“</span><i><span style="font-weight:400">Oh my</span></i><span style="font-weight:400">~” went Hahari.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">“It’s a ‘6’!” Suu happily pointed out.  </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">And then it moved.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Karane flinched, jumping back. “Crap, what the hell?”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Slowly, it picked itself up, tiny legs growing out of the spot where it had been attached to Kaeru moments ago. Stretching to its full length, the opening on the strange creature’s head widened into a gaping maw, drool dripping from it. Above said mouth, two eyes opened, their slitted, reptilian pupils radiating malice. One clawed foot at a time, it stood.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Yamame shivered in fear. “I’ve seen some crazy dicks on ducks and such, but </span><i><span style="font-weight:400">that isn’t natural</span></i><span style="font-weight:400">.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">“It’s cool though,” slurred Momoha. “Just think about all the fun stuff you could do with—”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Mai cut her off, covering her mouth and pulling Momoha back. Most of the others were watching the suddenly-independent trouser snake warily, backing away, though Kaeru and Rentarou were still celebrating. Iku jabbed Rentarou in the side to get his attention, then physically turned both him and Kaeru towards it, concerned.  </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">“W-What in Buddha’s name…?” Kaeru uttered.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Trusting her instincts, Kishika drew her wooden sword and dropped into a battle stance. “State your intentions, strange beast. If they are pure, you will be spared.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">The penis entity did not speak. Instead, it hissed, then lunged. Mouth stretching further to an impossible width, it charged at Suu, who was closest. Then, it began to </span><i><span style="font-weight:400">inhale</span></i><span style="font-weight:400">, a vortex of air swirling inwards like how it worked with Kirby. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Half the girls started screaming, including Suu herself, as Suu was sucked in by the force and immediately swallowed whole. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">“SUU-CHAN!” Rentarou cried, his countenance contorting in rage. “HOW DARE YOU!”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">As Rentarou pulled out a pair of brass knuckles and put them on, huffing steam like a bull, the beast rapidly swelled larger, from its original, modest size to that of a person. However, before Rentarou could beat the meat into submission, Kishika struck, being faster. With a mighty swing of her blade and a shout, she knocked it away with great force, sending the penis monster tumbling overhead all the way to the other side of the building, where it landed with a crash.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">However, it was merely bruised, not defeated, and the nefarious nethers stood, screeching as its claws scraped the roof.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Rentarou Family scrambled, many of the girls clumping together in panic. Meme vanished completely, leaving a plushie in her place in a feat of misdirection. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">The rest readied themselves to fight, forming a defensive perimeter. Alongside Rentarou and Kishika, Iku had her baseball bat at the ready, and Eira was crouched low in her well-trained capoeira stance. Yaku and Karane only had their bare fists, but for them, that was plenty.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Only Hakari and Hahari were degenerate enough to do neither, the two of them instead drooling at the sight of a penis the size of their whole body.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">“What kind of impossible side effect is </span><i><span style="font-weight:400">that</span></i><span style="font-weight:400">?!” Kaeru exclaimed, not yet used to the level of nonsense which befell the group on a daily basis. “It’s like a Shin Megami Tensei boss!”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">“Come at me, beast!” taunted Iku, raising her bat. “I can take whatever punishment you can dish out!”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">With an unholy roar, the creature charged, and the battle commenced. Eira whirled around and launched a furious back kick into the beast’s center of mass, but it raised a claw to block. Once more inhaling, Kishika had to abate her stabbing lunge and roll out of the way as it spun its head towards her.   </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">“You can do it, guys! I believe in you!” encouraged Himeka with idol-like energy even as she had assumed the fetal position on the ground. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Miss Naddy patted her gently. “Wish I had one o’ those ‘Murican assault weapons right about now.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">“So do I,” quipped Mei. “Alas, some things are beyond even Mistress Hahari’s purchasing power.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">“Focus on protecting them, yes yes,” said Yaku, who was drawing the voracious rod’s attention, nimbly avoiding being swallowed with both hands behind her back.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Case in point, Nemu was striding purposefully towards the melee, her dreaming personality evidently wanting to help while simultaneously massively overestimating her own ability. Saki was trying to hold her back, but she was too small, and Nemu was slowly dragging her along, Saki’s shoes scraping the ground. “Stop, Nemu-kouhai! Just because you’re dreaming doesn’t mean you’re invincible!”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">With a gasp, Iku interposed herself between the mutant penis and the two of them, striking it with her bat so hard a crack rent the air. "Ha!"</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">However, it was not enough. Rearing back, the monster sucked more strongly than it had ever sucked before. Iku moaned as she was yanked off her feet, through the air, and swallowed. Saki screamed as she and Nemu were also lifted upwards.  </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">“NOOOO!” Rentarou wailed, leaping after them. He reached his girlfriends just as they were halfway down the monster’s gullet, grabbing each of them with a hand. He planted his feet against its head, pulling with all the unleashed strength of a protective boyfriend to keep them from being swallowed. But Rentarou and the giant penis were equally matched, and they were locked in a stalemate. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Unable to avert her eyes from the spectacle, Rin trembled from behind Yamame. “This sort of violence isn’t </span><i><span style="font-weight:400">molto violento. </span></i><span style="font-weight:400">I don’t want to be eaten!” </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Not even a synchronized pummeling from Karane, Eira, and Kishika could get the beast to loosen its grip. Instead, it overwhelmed Rentarou by doubling in size, having incorporated Iku into itself, and then fully ate Nemu and Saki.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Despite this, Rentarou valiantly refused to let go, and was pulled inside along with them!</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">“</span><i><span style="font-weight:400">Rentarou</span></i><span style="font-weight:400">!” his assembled girlfriends all cried out in unison, their voices cracking.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Surprisingly, though, Rentarou was immediately spat back out.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Relief and confusion swept through them in unison. “He’s okay,” said Usa-chan, breathless.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">“I suppose it does not see the beauty in men and refuses to eat them,” added Mimimi. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">“Such might be the way of the penis. Or it might not be,” Uto concurred in her typical noncommittal fashion.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">As Rentarou rose, eyes alight with flames and the fury of a guardian in his bones, the dastardly dick once again doubled in size, now twelve feet tall and still kicking despite its wounds. It once more screeched in challenge. Mei dashed in, taking up Iku’s fallen baseball bat in her own hands to reinforce the line, and the battle resumed.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">“Why is this even happening, anyway?” wondered Ahko aloud as she shook in fright. “Wasn’t that drug only supposed to, like, change Kaeru-chan’s stuff, or whatever?”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">“If I had to guess, it is poetic, like a fairy tale,” Meru theorized. “Kaeru-chan has forever seen her penis as monstrous, and thus, when it separated from her, that is what it became: a monster.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">“Is that true, Kaeru-chan?” Rentarou asked, concerned. He stopped pummeling the monster’s nuts like a speedbag to make eye-contact with her over his shoulder. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">“Yes, it is,” Kaeru admitted, dejected and ashamed. She clung onto a nonplussed Tama for support.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">“Well, don’t worry, this isn’t your fault!” Rentarou reassured her, even as he continued his deadly dance with the hungry snake.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">“But it’s true that none of this would have happened if I wasn’t here,” Kaeru insisted with a sob, turning away from Tama and crumpling in on herself. “I’ve already hurt you so much. If only I’d just stayed in my room and played Fire Emblem all day, then we wouldn’t have even met. And everyone would still be okay.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">“Don’t beat yourself up, Kaeru-chan! Love is always worth fighting for!” Rentarou countered, pushing back his own pain over those who'd been swallowed.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Hakari nodded firmly, kneeling down next to Kaeru. “This isn’t the first time he nearly lost one of us forever, and it won’t be the last. Whatever happens, Rentarou-san never gives up.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">“We need ideas. Is there anything we can do to stop this thing and get it to spit everyone out?” Rentarou asked.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">At this, Kurumi grabbed Kusuri by her shoulders. “Oh yeah, don’t you have that Negation Drug or whatever? Maybe if Kaeru-chan takes it this monster will go away!”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">“Kusuri does have some today, yep yep,” Kusuri confirmed. “However…” She slowly turned to Kaeru.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Kaeru looked between the ongoing skirmish against her former member and the pair of Kusuri and Kurumi with an expression of profound conflict. “I… you guys all seem great, really, and I definitely don’t want anyone to die because of me, but… having a body without </span><i><span style="font-weight:400">that</span></i><span style="font-weight:400"> has been my dream for so long. There has to be another way!” she pleaded.  </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">“Like </span><i><span style="font-weight:400">what</span></i><span style="font-weight:400">?” pressed Karane, getting the monster’s shaft in a brutal chokehold as it thrashed about.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Hit with a spark of inspiration, Momiji boldly stepped forwards. “I’m gonna try groping it. Penises like that, right?”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">She only got like three steps before the beast threw Karane off and inhaled her, growing even larger.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">“No!” cried Usa-chan. “Everyone’s getting eaten! At this rate, I’m gonna be all alone out here!” Sniffling, she too ran out of the group, leaping directly towards the penis’ head, arms outstretched. “Take me, too!”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">It did. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Matsuri facepalmed. &lt;That darn fool,&gt; said Shizuka.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">“I would have advised running the other way,” noted Mei, continuing to strike at the penis’s claws with her borrowed bat. “But if we all fled, this monster would only begin to devour the innocent.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">“And nobody at this school deserves to be eaten. All of you have long lives ahead, yes yes,” went Yaku, backflipping to avoid a raging thrust, the penis’ hateful eyes following her movement.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">“Right. While being vored is certainly an abnormal way to go, I would disappoint my fans if I left them all so soon,” said Himeka before shooting Kaeru a pleading look directly, since both were still on the ground. “You’re the star of this show, Kaeru-chan, and you’re the one who needs to end this.” </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">“Yes, please make a decision, Kaeru-chan!” Eira exclaimed, kicking the monster in the balls. “Even I can’t keep this up forever!”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">“I probably could with these,” joked Hahari, who was cupping her own breasts through her suit jacket.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">“This is serious, Hahari-san!” scolded Chiyo. “It’s a life-changing choice for Kaeru-senpai to make!”  </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">At this, Kaeru averted her gaze in thought, her shoulders still slumped. “I… I don’t…”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">“We won’t force you one way or the other,” Rentarou reassured her gently, even as his whole body was tensed for battle. “But I would appreciate it if you made a decision soon. If I used my full power, I could throw this dick into the void between the pages, never to hurt you again, but then I’d also have to go back in time to get the others back, which opens a huge can of narrative worms to deal with.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Meru nodded, shutting her dark eyes. “Even I would not attempt to pen a tale including time travel due to the confusion that would induce in readers.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">“People are already starting to get overwhelmed just by the sheer number of us,” added Kurumi between bites of a double cheeseburger she’d procured from somewhere for stress-eating.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Nobody spoke for a long moment, the only sounds being those of the mighty struggle between girlfriend and girlcock raging in the background. The display of fighting prowess from both sides brought to mind some of the greatest battles in anime and manga history, but this narrator will spare the details since this is not a serious adventure story.  </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Rather, the important part here is Kaeru’s emotional state. Pursing her lips, a whole range of emotions passed her face as she looked between Rentarou and the other girls. Envy towards hourglass figures, pain at watching them suffer, regret for opportunity lost. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">But she also saw the rest of Rentarou’s Family still present studying her with their various levels of care and personal expressiveness. There was no anger, no blame, only acceptance.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Kaeru’s own eyes softened, and her heart was set. She straightened and rose, standing tall, and took a deep breath. “I’ll do it. I’ll take the Negation Drug.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">“Thank goodness,” sighed Yamame. The squirrel on her head seemed equally relieved. “I was afraid this would turn into another apocalyptic event.” </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">“Really? What *</span><i><span style="font-weight:400">urp</span></i><span style="font-weight:400">* made you change your mind?” Momoha asked Kaeru before the latter could process what exactly Yamame just said.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">“Well, it’s just… I remembered how kindly all of you treated me, how you </span><i><span style="font-weight:400">still</span></i><span style="font-weight:400"> are, and how much love Rentarou-san showered me with. It was far more than I’d ever felt before, even prior to taking Kusuri-chan’s drug,” Kaeru explained, smiling slightly as she gazed towards Rentarou.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Rentarou, for his part, melted, his liquid-like body allowing him to dodge a viscous sweep from the snarling abomination.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">“Rentarou-san indeed has that effect on people, and brings it out in us,” said Nano, who was smiling on the inside. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Miss Naddy placed a hand on her hip. “Shoot, o’ course we’d give you a warm welcome!” </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">“Hmph,” Mai harrumphed, in peak </span><i><span style="font-weight:400">tsun</span></i><span style="font-weight:400"> mode. “Nobody can hope to compare to my dear older sister, but I do admire your resilience.” </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">“Thanks,” Kaeru said, briefly overcome. “I realize now that it doesn’t actually matter what’s between my legs. I was already valid to everyone who matters,” she declared, shining brightly. “If you can accept me as I am, with the equipment I was born having, then I can, too.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">“Aww,” cooed Ahko and Rentarou at the same time, the latter also making his trademark open-mouthed ‘enraptured with love’ face. “Don’t say that. I, like, can’t take it,” added Ahko.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">“Well said, my friend,” echoed Mimimi, striking a satisfied pose.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">“Great, you’re self-affirmed. Now take the freaking Negation Drug already!” Karane ordered, heaving with exertion as she continued to wrestle with the giant penis beast, barely keeping it under control.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">“Ah, right,” said Kaeru, blanching a bit as she turned to Kusuri. Without needing to be told, Kusuri pulled out another tube, this one containing a less ominous liquid. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Kaeru grabbed and uncorked it, but did not tip it back immediately. For a long moment, she stared, using her other hand to poke between her legs. “Goodbye, sweet vagina. I hardly knew ye.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Pushing back her longing, she took the drug.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">The effect was immediate. Opposite Kaeru and the other noncombatants, her penis let out a wail of pain as its unholy frame convulsed.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">“Yeah, eat shit and die, you fiend!” cried Rin, reveling in its suffering.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Rentarou, Karane, Mei, Kishika, and Yaku all disengaged from the monster, retreating to a safe distance as it flailed about, collapsing onto its side. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Everyone watched with bated breath as Kaeru’s penis wretched a few times, its predatory eyes dilated in nausea, before barfing out Usa-chan, her body covered in sticky fluid.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">She sat up woozily, shaking her head. “Wow, that sure was something!”  </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Rentarou cried in relief, rushing over to hug her and ignoring the resulting gross squelching noises as he peppered her cheek with kisses. Kaeru and the rest of the girls were equally elated to see her unharmed.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Next came Momiji, then Saki, Nemu, Iku, and finally Suu, Rentarou repeating his prior ritual with each of them in turn. With every girl the thing squirted out, it shrunk down, until, with the loss of Suu, it returned to its original size.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Kaeru slowly stepped over to her penis as its monstrous features began to fade away, clawed legs retracting and snake eyes melding back into its head. She stared down at it, brows furrowed.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Once it had returned to normal, some nebulous magical force sent it up through the air and under her dress, where it returned from whence it came - inside her panties - never to slurp up someone again. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">“It’s over,” Kaeru exhaled, running her hands through her hair to spruce it back up.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">From where he currently knelt with Suu’s dizzy head on his lap, Rentarou beamed with renewed infatuation.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Tama ran over to Kaeru’s side on all fours, nuzzling against her leg. “Tama is proud of you. You have a human’s courage, meow.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">“Twas the chivalrous path you took,” agreed Kishika, sheathing her sword.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Uto raised a hand dramatically. “I shall spread the tale of your triumph against your evil genitals far and wide across the land.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Kaeru’s eyes widened. “</span><i><span style="font-weight:400">Please</span></i><span style="font-weight:400"> don’t do that, Uto-chan.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">As half the group broke out into fits of giggling, Meme returned from wherever it was she’d been hiding. “I’m just glad everything is back to normal.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">“Guess that wasn’t a dream, huh?” said the now-awake but lethargic Nemu as she gave herself a once-over.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">“Eh, I’m gonna need a long bath, though,” said Saki as she shook slime off of her arms.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">“We can go together,” said Suu in reply. Iku gave a thumbs-up.  </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">“Yay, a group activity! Let’s all go to the bathhouse!” cheered Usa-chan, pulling Mimimi and Yamame into an embrace. Yamame didn’t seem to mind, smiling, but Mimimi was aghast, screaming as the sticky goo from Usa-chan marred her clothes and hair.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Seeing his girlfriends happy as usual once more, Rentarou smiled wide. He approached Kaeru, who was also smiling at their antics. “All’s well that ends well. I’m positively elated to have you, Kaeru-chan.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">“Me too, Rentarou. I don’t regret any of this; running into you was still the best thing that ever happened to me. I love you,” she declared.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">As one, the two of them moved in for a soft kiss, love blossoming anew between them under the warm glow of the sun.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">When they separated, none of the others moved in for their own kisses. There would be plenty of time for shared affections later, and even the still-sloshed Momoha could recognize that this was their moment.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">&lt;A beautiful occasion,&gt; smiled Shizuka.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">“I really really really really really love you too, Kaeru-chan,” said Rentarou, lewdly taking her hand.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">“And hey,” he continued, “if you do ever want to feel what it’s like to have a… you-know-what down there again, Kaeru-chan, we can always break out the Reborn as a New You drug from all the way back in Chapter 23.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">“Oh yes, I remember, that was quite fun,” noted Hahari with a wistful expression.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">“You’d just need to find someone willing to swap bodies with you, yep yep,” Kusuri elaborated cheerfully.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Kaeru’s jaw dropped. “THAT’S A THING?!” </span></p> <p> </p> <p style="text-align:center"><b><i>~ The End ~</i></b></p> <p> </p> <div class="wi_authornotes"> <div> <div class="p-avatar-wrap"><a class="avatar has-link" href="/profile/41958/thought_prism/"><img id="acc_ava_change profile" alt="" src="https://cdn.scribblehub.com/avatar/s/10/ava_41958_1648260823.jpg"></a></div> <p><span class="an_username"><a href="/profile/41958/thought_prism/">Thought_Prism</a></span></div> <div style="clear: both;"></div> <div class="wi_authornotes_body"> Thanks for reading! As a bit of trivia, Kaeru’s design was mainly inspired by Rosado from Fire Emblem: Engage, who is the most blatantly trans-coded character I’ve ever seen. Even though the game’s writers left them as a femboy for some reason, the cowards. Anyway, that’s why Engage is Kaeru’s favorite game.</div> </p></div></p> </div> + + Completed + Comedy + Drama + Ecchi + Fanfiction + Harem + Romance + 100Kanojo + Based on an Anime + Caring Protagonist + Transgender + + + The Intricate Art of Assassination + TangledVirus + https://www.scribblehub.com/series/1336583/the-intricate-art-of-assassination/ + https://www.scribblehub.com/read/1336583-the-intricate-art-of-assassination/chapter/1336595/#comments + c6e03e41192ccc73f802f2a8a9febf7d83b11ba9 + Sun, 08 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000 + <div class="wi_fic_desc" property="description"><p>When the overly cheerful but ill Sorceres Alcazaar set out to journey through the land of Deos Graças she wasn't expecting to be accompanied by the duelist Fascinaru. Together they cross the land and do as Sorcerers do, help those that they come across and experience the world, perhaps for the last time. The destination is the Council of Miraennas and in between their departure and their arrival anything can happen.</p> <p>From a blossoming romance to a world-changing duel.<br /> Such is the Intricate Art of Assassination.</p> </div><hr><h3><a href="https://www.scribblehub.com/read/1336583-the-intricate-art-of-assassination/chapter/1336595/"><div class="chapter-title">Prologue initial part. The Son, the Holy Seer and the Gods.</div></a></h3><div class="chp_raw" id="chp_raw"><p><span style="font-weight:400"><br />The gods are a part of every aspect of creation. Even its end.</span><span style="font-weight:400"><br /></span><span style="font-weight:400">We, mortal beings, shaped them as they are by the sheer devotion of our faith, and in return, they shape the world to fit us better. Such is the gift of the gods. From the conception of existence to the creation of the great furnace and the wheel.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">To the end of every single living thing.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">We are truly blessed by the gods, unlike the Humans and their disgusting simulacrum of a deity.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Like always temples bring in the fervor of faith to the forefront of my mind.</span><span style="font-weight:400"><br /></span><span style="font-weight:400"><br /></span><span style="font-weight:400">Once again I find myself in the hall of the gods, the temple of Fascination. Seat of her Holiness the Holy Seer, holy mother of the Dark Elves.</span><span style="font-weight:400"><br /></span><span style="font-weight:400">My assailant.</span><span style="font-weight:400"><br /></span><span style="font-weight:400"><br /></span><span style="font-weight:400">What part of me will I leave behind today?</p> <p></span><span style="font-weight:400">The first time I came I left my innocence behind.<br /></span><span style="font-weight:400">The last time I came here I left my beloved sword Fantasma.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">How did this holy place came to be infested with this foul woman? It’s said that the temple’s high walls and equally tall windows was built by the gods themselves when they were still recently born. When they were still fledgling beings.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">I always wondered if that was true.</span><span style="font-weight:400"><br /></span><span style="font-weight:400"><br /></span><span style="font-weight:400">A part of me is saying that it was a lie, another is telling me that it’s all true.</span><span style="font-weight:400"><br /></span><span style="font-weight:400"><br /></span><span style="font-weight:400">No time for such thoughts as I approach her.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">High walls, tall windows, thuribles, and silk carpets all over covering the temple’s stone.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Right at the center of it all is the holy seer on her throne surrounded by the holy maidens that serve her, each of them having lived an untold number of years, my existence the same as them blinking to me.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">What is three centuries compared to five millennia?<br /></span><span style="font-weight:400">What is five millennia compared to being there at the creation of all things?</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">How can I not kneel in the prescience of the Holy Seer?</span><span style="font-weight:400"><br /></span><span style="font-weight:400">“Your Holiness. Your adopted son is here.” And I detest it.</span><span style="font-weight:400"><br /></span><span style="font-weight:400"><br /></span><span style="font-weight:400">“How many years has it been my son?” Not long enough.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">“Sixty-five.” So close to one hundred.</span><span style="font-weight:400"><br /></span><span style="font-weight:400"><br /></span><span style="font-weight:400">I hate the sound of her voice, I hate the way this temple smells, I hate the way her existence stains the faith I have in the gods. “You’ve been away for far too long and yet you have changed so little. I longed for you my son.” Of course you did.</span><span style="font-weight:400"><br /></span><span style="font-weight:400"><br /></span><span style="font-weight:400"> Is it normal for a mother to long for their child? Yes. Not like this, not like this.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">One of your maidens tells me to rise and approach you, which I do without hesitation as you taught me so many years ago, and I hide my contempt as I approach because you’ve taught me to be scared of you. I am not strong enough to throw you down but I am strong enough to hide my plans from you.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Your touch disgusts me, the way your skin feels on mine, the way you look at me, the way you breathe, your smell, everything about you is detestable.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Perhaps this is the gods way to test me? Put me in front of someone so utterly detestable and see how I react? Will my self-control reward me?</p> <p></span><i><span style="font-weight:400">Yes, but you don’t know that yet.</p> <p></span></i><span style="font-weight:400"> I dare hope so, I doubt it will happen. “Your hair. It’s long.” And you tug on it hard, and again, and again till a few strands leave in your hands. “Cut it.” You say.<br /></span><span style="font-weight:400"><br />“Right now your Holiness? I believe we have better things to do now don’t we?” Of course we do, she doesn’t care.</p> <p></span><span style="font-weight:400">“Cut it.” And one of your whores gives me a knife.</p> <p></span><span style="font-weight:400">I spent the last fifty years growing my hair, something I took a lot of pleasure in doing. Silver like the moon, great in a braid, specially if I put flowers on it. Or in one case a few ornaments that long gone child gave to me. It was reaching to the back of my tights even. A pain to take care off but nothing that is worthwhile is easy.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">How many nights have been spent with others admiring it, passing their fingers through my locks, enjoying its smell? How many times have I found myself playing with it?</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">It took me fifty years to grow my hair, it took me five minutes for me to cut it. Now my locks are on the floor, dead and abandoned. “Better. A man of your stature should look the part. Do not disobey me so again.” You say licking your lips. I know what you are thinking about you animal.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400"><br /></span><span style="font-weight:400">You aren’t better than a Human, both of you are animals driven by simple instincts.<br /></span><span style="font-weight:400">Sex, violence, manipulation. Again and again.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400"><br /></span><span style="font-weight:400">And so I will defy you and everything you believe in.<br /></span><span style="font-weight:400">I will, again and again.</p> <p></span><span style="font-weight:400">You’ve grown quiet, because you are done tormenting me? No, I would be too lucky for that. “I heard stories, of someone that is in our order, and yet I have never met, nor trained. Someone who’s been getting a reputation as both a bodyguard and a duelist. A so-called dark Elf by the name of Fascinaru. Have you heard of her?”</span><span style="font-weight:400"><br /></span><span style="font-weight:400"><br /></span><span style="font-weight:400">“I can’t say I have your Holiness. But I can assure you, stories never match reality, we both know that.” In the stories you are a kind and merciful woman, in reality, you are simply an animal.</p> <p></span><span style="font-weight:400">“Perhaps.” And you grow quiet but not for long, never for long. “Even so, you need to be ready to face this Fascinaru” You know more than what you are letting on, don’t you? “I can see it, yes. Eventually, you and her will come into conflict. Yes.” Interesting. “I’m sure it won’t be long until that day.” I know how your visions work, you never tell everything you saw. What are you hiding from me?<br /></span><span style="font-weight:400"><br /></span><span style="font-weight:400">“Consider this a permanent objective till I say otherwise.” I nod. There is more then.</span><span style="font-weight:400"><br /></span><span style="font-weight:400"><br /></span><span style="font-weight:400">You don’t waste time. “We came to know of a human sorcerer that will be traveling to the Council of Miraennas soon, with her will be what we believe to be a class nine Grimmoire.” Impossible. Class nine? Of the ten classes of danger for a Grimmoire to get a class nine so suddenly? “Her master is in need of a blade for hire to protect her, so it will be easy to find them I’m sure.”</span><span style="font-weight:400"><br /></span><span style="font-weight:400"><br /></span><span style="font-weight:400">I can handle it. “Your job is to find and follow them, and learn what this Grimmoire holds.” Then she’s sure this isn’t a class nine. Had this be one she would be demanding the immediate destruction of it, no reading necessary, something is afoot.</span><span style="font-weight:400"><br /></span><span style="font-weight:400"><br /></span><span style="font-weight:400">“This mission is of utmost importance, my son.” You are not my mother. You are my assailant. “We need to know the contents of that Grimmoire, to be sure if they contain anything that could risk breaking the seal or even summoning the powers of the Ill God. If you find evidence that it does then you are to eliminate the sorcerer immediately and make sure that the Grimmoire is destroyed.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400"><br /></span><span style="font-weight:400">“What if there’s no evidence of that?”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400"><br /></span><span style="font-weight:400">“Then follow the sorcerer to the council and once you can enter in contact with us do so.” One of the maidens approaches me with a small stone in her hand. “You will be given this seal, write your report to me in a letter and use this wax seal to mark it, tell the maiden that the message is of utmost importance and must be given to me as soon as possible.” The seal of the seer, no one can look at the contents of any letter containing it. Only she can. “Once I receive the letter I will send an agent to contact you.”</span><span style="font-weight:400"><br /></span><span style="font-weight:400"><br /></span><span style="font-weight:400">“I assume I’ll have to keep following the target if that’s the case?”</span><span style="font-weight:400"><br /></span><span style="font-weight:400"><br /></span><span style="font-weight:400">“Yes. We will find you son, worry not for that.” It’s been too long since I had the vain hope of escaping your grasp, I know you will find me. “Either way, you will be given new orders so be prepared. This mission will be long and difficult.”</span><span style="font-weight:400"><br /></span><span style="font-weight:400"><br /></span><span style="font-weight:400">You are planning something, aren’t you? Why would you need me to follow a class nine Grimmoire? Protocol says that such a tome needs to be destroyed immediately, suspicion or not. So why simply follow the target?</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">If I were her I would use this opportunity to attack the Council of Miraennas then. And perhaps this is the plan?</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">But why tell me to follow the Grimmoire?</span><span style="font-weight:400"><br /></span><span style="font-weight:400"><br /></span><span style="font-weight:400">“You are now dismissed.”<br /></span><span style="font-weight:400"><br />There’s something in that tome that you want, isn’t there?</p> <p></span><span style="font-weight:400">“Thank you, your Holiness.” I kneel once again, her hand on my head as she blesses me. Once I’m up I turn around and leave.</p> <p></span><span style="font-weight:400">I can never run away from here, such would be unbecoming.</p> <p></span><span style="font-weight:400">That Grimmoire. I need to find it, whether it has the runes of the Ill God or not I need to destroy it.<br /></span><span style="font-weight:400">Once done I will think of what to do next.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">What is the Holy Seer’s plan?</span><span style="font-weight:400"><br /></span><span style="font-weight:400">The steps outside of the temple have always been a place of both comfort and disgust for me.<br /></span><span style="font-weight:400">Comfort because now I am free of the Holy Seer’s presence.<br /></span><span style="font-weight:400">Disgust because I know I will be here again in her presence.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400"><br /></span><span style="font-weight:400">There’s little comfort in this life of mine.<br /></span><span style="font-weight:400">I already miss how long my hair used to be.</span><span style="font-weight:400"><br /></span><span style="font-weight:400"><br /></span><span style="font-weight:400">What will I lose next time I come?</span></p> </div> + + Adventure + Girls Love + LitRPG + Mature + Romance + Smut + Adventurers + Assassins + Contracts + Fantasy World + Older Love Interests + Transgender + + + &#8230;But My Mind Holds the Key + DrMajalis + https://www.scribblehub.com/series/1332653/but-my-mind-holds-the-key/ + https://www.scribblehub.com/read/1332653-but-my-mind-holds-the-key/chapter/1332655/#comments + 764da3064e66ec72321daedaafb7b6538f05b350 + Thu, 05 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000 + <div class="wi_fic_desc" property="description"><p>Now officially within their relationship, Falke finds something inescapable about herself holding her back from what her heart yearns for.</p> <p>(This is a sequel to The Dreamers Wake.)</p> </div><hr><h3><a href="https://www.scribblehub.com/read/1332653-but-my-mind-holds-the-key/chapter/1332655/"><div class="chapter-title">God Lives</div></a></h3><div class="chp_raw" id="chp_raw"><p>Falke sat on the couch with a novel, trying to keep her eyes on the unfolding storyline before her and not have them wandering off to the bedroom door just around the corner. She couldn’t hear them, not all the time, but she could feel them constantly, could almost picture the sweet-talking, kissing, biting, and thrusting in her head. She lowered her eyes to the book and turned a page, but a sudden jolt rippled through her torso and arms, making her shake the book, and what followed after was the quiet, but unmistakable growl of a low-pitched moan. Whether it had come from Elster or Ariane, she couldn’t tell, but Falke had felt it before she had heard it. She sighed- this had been going on for over an hour and a half.</p> <p>She closed her book with a grumble and looked around the living room she sat in: the rows of books and movies on shelves were absent, save for a couple sitting by themselves next to the television; the paintings which once sat on the walls were removed and all sat in a stack on the side of the room with many towers of cardboard boxes accompanying them. Elster had finally managed to find a bigger apartment for the three while they still tried for more, and thanks to a little behind-the-scenes ‘encouragement’ from Falke, the apartment supervisor offered it to them at an extremely competitive rate. She knew Elster and Ariane tried to avoid altering their new reality as much as possible, to maintain a feeling of realness and not blind fantasy, but Falke was always willing to bend the rules a little just for them.</p> <p>Because they deserved it.</p> <p>They would be moving at the end of the season, but until then, it was business as usual, and for Elster and Ariane, there was a lot of business to be had.</p> <p>Falke felt another reverberation coming from the bedroom and tensed up just as the whisper reached her ears.</p> <p>A plentiful amount of business, indeed.</p> <p>Ariane joked to her while Elster was out of earshot that they wanted to ‘make the most of the mattress’ before they left for their new place, but so far it seemed as though they were just excited about moving to an apartment where they would have room for their eventual family, and that excitement led to other forms of excitement.</p> <p>And Falke was excited too, even as she tried to hide and bottle it.</p> <p>Elster and Ariane had noticed. They had invited her to join them on more than one occasion, and she already regularly slept through the night with them both, but joining them in that way-</p> <p>She didn’t feel she was ready.</p> <p>But she wanted to be.</p> <p>Falke closed her eyes and breathed deeply in and out. Replika were not programmed to feel these kinds of physical desires, let alone feelings like love and yearning, and she was woefully under-equipped to deal with them herself. But damn it if she didn’t try.</p> <p>Her forehead crystals softly glowed as she constructed a space for her to feel the things she wanted so badly. A Gestalt body modeled after her biosynthetic one: commandingly tall, thin, lithe, limbs graceful as a dancer’s. She laid her simulacra atop a pillowy bed and tried to pleasure herself. She rubbed up and down every part of her that ached for touch, ran her fingers up and down a body that begged for intimacy, and even found herself with her hands clenched around her neck, fighting for control over a body that she created but was not hers.</p> <p>It wasn’t enough; all she could do was wish they were another’s hands.</p> <p>Still, it was a good start, but as she tried to bring Elster and Ariane into her space to complete her desire she kept messing up details about them. Their faces were blank, hands too small or too large, and bodies sometimes twisted or deformed.</p> <p>They weren’t real like the women in the room just next to her, and no matter how hard she tried, her mind rejected her built fantasy.</p> <p>Falke opened her eyes to the sound of a door opening, but only stared blankly at the now blank television across from her.</p> <p>“...Falke, are you alright?”</p> <p>Elster’s voice finally reached her and she blinked rapidly. “I am fine, yes, yes,” she said, having to turn her head in multiple directions before she found which angle Elster looked at her from. Her hair was very frazzled and messy, and her eyes a bit dulled from exhaustion, but what immediately jumped out the most to Falke was that she only wore a pair of loose pyjama bottoms. This left her completely topless, presenting a veritable cornucopia of a body that begged for her attention; she fought against the urge to not be seen staring at her well-defined rows of abdominal muscles glistening with a light sheen of sweat, her thick, corded arms as she stretched her equally fierce shoulders, or her round, full, endlessly squeezable breasts, adorned with her perky, firm nipples.</p> <p>Falke was born with the essence of godhood instilled in her, an attitude that was only encouraged and enforced by the dozens of controllers and Protektors who served directly under her, but to Falke, the very fact that a perfectly chiselled being in both mind and body such as Elster before her wasn’t being actively worshipped felt profane to her, and she begged herself to be allowed to be the one to do so.</p> <p>Elster scratched the back of her head and frowned as she fought back a yawn. “I had to call out to you three times before you answered. Are you sure you’re okay?”</p> <p>Falke quickly put a hand up to her lips as she feigned a light cough, but it still took her a while to answer Elster again, she was too preoccupied by new sounds coming from the bathroom next to the bedroom: a running faucet, and someone who could only be Ariane gargling water, followed by a heavy spit. She did this thrice before she finally exited the bathroom for the bedroom again, during which Falke took in a slow breath and exhaled quickly, trying to compartmentalize and push aside the mental image screaming into her head from the knowledge of what Ariane must have been doing in bed with Elster. However, as Ariane left the bathroom, she briefly saw Falke and Elster in the living room and silently waved at them, meaning Falke also saw her.</p> <p>Ariane’s hair was also a mess, showing frazzles in every direction, but her eyes and smile carried an energy of yearning for more, made even more apparent when she blew Elster a playful kiss. But yet again, what caught Falke’s attention the most was what Ariane was wearing, or rather, what she wasn’t. She had on only her semi-transparent nightgown, which months ago would not have even batted an eye, but it was a small piece of lingerie meant for a small body, and wonderful, peaceful domesticity had certainly caught up to the snow-haired woman. It certainly helped that her new partner Falke was more than willing to cook for her and Elster any amount and frequency of gourmet meals she was born with the knowledge of.</p> <p>Falke only saw Ariane for a couple of seconds before she dipped back into the bedroom, but that was enough to see that the hem of the nightgown which had once gone comfortably below her buttocks now sat almost right in the centre line of her hips, and there was more to discover as she turned to blow her kiss to Elster. Falke almost gasped as she saw Ariane’s nightgown now didn’t even fully cover her still visibly moist and bare folds, and the front of the garment, slick with sweat, stuck to her body in such a way that it didn’t not hide any of her newly developing luscious curves, including the small, but growing pouch of her tummy which all knew would only grow even more should their efforts in the bedroom succeed. She had seen it lightly spilled over the waistband of jeans and shorts before, but seeing the full picture alongside the visible outline of her also widening navel and the sheer radiance of Ariane’s being once again compelled Falke’s blasphemous urge to worship.</p> <p>Falke struggled to not sigh. They were both perfect in every way. So much more perfect than her.</p> <p>She coughed again once Ariane had left and she had pulled her mind out of its spiral of desire and self-doubt. “It’s alright,” she assured Elster. “Just had my mind pre-occupied,” she half-lied.</p> <p>Elster nodded and went to sit down on the spot next to her on the couch. Just her hip brushing up against hers sent lightning bolts through her body, but then Elster put her hand atop her knee, and she had to fight not to shudder greatly against this innocent contact.</p> <p>Elster blinked strongly before she sighed, fidgeting her legs as she sat. “Well… well… um…” She paused to exhale slowly. “Are you ready for bed? Ari isn’t very tired, but I could probably…”</p> <p>“You’re not finished?” Falke croaked.</p> <p>Elster didn’t answer verbally, but bit her lip and slowly raised her hands and shoulders into a hesitant shrug.</p> <p>Falke nodded. “Take your time,” she said.</p> <p>Elster also nodded and slowly stood up, but soon after she started walking back to the bedroom she spun around and looked almost pleadingly at Falke.</p> <p>“Do you think-”</p> <p>“Thank you, but… not yet,” Falke finished for her.</p> <p>Elster sighed and gave her a thumbs-up before she rounded the corner. A moment later she heard the door click shut again, and she picked up her book.</p> <p>She got the same amount of reading done through this session as well: a singular, rather short page.</p> <p>Ariane came out around twenty minutes later to find Falke staring at the blank television once again, only this time, she was alert enough to notice when she had entered the living room and turned and smiled at her once she came fully into view. Internally, Falke breathed a silent sigh of relief that Ariane had swapped her sweat-slicked nightgown for one of Elster’s larger t-shirts, the long, opaque garment thankfully reaching low enough to cover everything her increasingly too-small nightgown failed to.</p> <p>“We’re uh, heading to bed now,” Ariane informed her, letting out a short yawn after she finished.</p> <p>The question wasn’t asked, but statements like this one implied it: did Falke want to sleep with them tonight? She was comfortable enough to do so on occasion, usually taking up the outer side of any cuddle pile they organized and forming a basket with her long arms and legs to wrap around both Elster and Ariane.</p> <p>Falke looked down for a moment. She wasn’t sure if being near the two wives would be such a good idea while she was still burdened by desire, but as she briefly glanced back up at Ariane’s eyes and saw the optimistic glow in her eyes, she felt like she had to say yes.</p> <p>So, she nodded and stood up, and Ariane gave a short hop of excitement before pressing her palms together; Falke almost felt her systems seize up for a brief moment as Ariane’s impromptu hop sparked a noticeable ripple up her thighs, tummy, and finally chest, still visible even through the loose shirt which mostly hung off her shoulders.</p> <p>“Falke, you coming?” Ariane asked, snapping her out of her uncontrollable thoughts.</p> <p>She blinked and caught back up to Ariane, who smiled once they were side-by-side. Then, on pure instinct, Falke brought her arms up just as Ariane leaped into them, her reflexes knowing what she would do even before she did. Ariane nuzzled against Falke’s shoulder as she carried her into the bedroom, yawning once again as she carefully laid her down atop the mattress. On the far side was Elster, splayed out on her back fast asleep with the covers only partially across her legs; Falke tried not to stare at her exposed upper body and restart her spiraling, only watching Ariane as she carefully moved Elster’s arm to her side before she wiggled into place in the middle of the bed, leaving a space to her other side just for her.</p> <p>Once she was in, Ariane wasted no time in playing little spoon to Falke’s big spoon, and she sighed peacefully as she settled into place and Falke pulled the covers up the three with her bioresonance. As she wrapped her arms around Ariane, skipping Elster for now to avoid waking her up, Ariane brought her hand to her lips and kissed the backs of her fingers, sending a light shockwave of sensation up her arm and throughout her body with every touch.</p> <p>“Can you believe we have all of this?” Ariane whispered. “I still have trouble believing it from time to time.”</p> <p>Falke held Ariane a little more snugly. “Truthfully, I have a hard time remembering many details of my past life… it is as if I started here, with you both,” she whispered back.</p> <p>Ariane turned her head slightly to the side, managing to get a peek at Falke’s face from the corner of her eye. “Because of the whole issue of having our memories?” she asked.</p> <p>“No, at least, not entirely,” Falke answered, pausing to kiss the top of Ariane’s head. “It is more… I was not an individual before this. I was… a symbol, a divine one, indeed, but still ultimately a symbol. I was given a role to play, and I played it… so many seasons of nothing but administrative monotony, never being allowed to form connections, to seek out life and change, or stray from my path in any way. I was a god, but I was just as confined and trapped as every other Replika and Gestalt at the facility… but now I am free. I am liberated to be whoever I want to be. It is the start of a life, or at the very least, a new one.”</p> <p>“But…” Ariane returned her head forward and sank back into Falke’s body. “Have you not just traded one aspect of desire for another? Our desires?”</p> <p>Falke found Ariane’s hand and held it firmly. “I chose to be here with you both, and you chose to have me as part of your lives. That is all that matters to me.”</p> <p>Ariane took a short breath and exhaled softly. “Okay… thank you…”</p> <p>Afterward, Elster snorted in her sleep, and her two partners realized jointly that it would be best to keep conversation to a minimum, lest they wake her up. Ariane brought Falke’s hand to her lips again and began to gently kiss each of the digits on her hand before moving to do the same to each of her knuckles.</p> <p>“I’m glad you chose to come here and be with us,” Ariane as quietly as possible whispered before she kissed the palm of Falke’s hand.</p> <p>Falke smiled under Ariane’s kisses, but the longer she went on, the more curious her displays of affection grew. She started bringing her knuckles past her lips to suck on, followed by her finger tips. She reached for Falke’s thigh behind her and rubbed her hands up and down the smooth polyethylene shell, even giving her a light squeeze once. Then, she noticed Ariane start to wiggle her hips and legs together, sighing wistfully as she let go of her hand, and through it all, Falke felt more and more tense until she finally heard the telltale sounds of rhythmic, peaceful sleeping that signaled she was finally asleep.</p> <p>Falke finally began to relax and nod off as well, shutting down her primary systems to enter sleep mode, but right in the middle of falling asleep she felt Ariane squirm ever so gently again and snapped back fully awake. She looked over Ariane’s cheek and saw she was still asleep, but also that she still continued to wiggle and pant.</p> <p>“Falke…” Ariane quietly muttered, moaning softly afterward. “Touch…” she added before sighing heavily and relaxing.</p> <p>Ariane quieted down and returned to sleep, but Falke only stared at the ceiling.</p> <p>She didn’t get any more sleep that night.</p> <p>…..</p> <p>Elster was the first to wake up in the morning, though, with Falke never having truly fallen asleep, it might have been more accurate to say she was the second. She blinked her eyes open and almost immediately saw Falke to her left lying on her back, eyes open and unblinking toward the ceiling. She tried to lean forward but came to the realization that Ariane had shifted in her sleep, and had a significant portion of her body resting atop her, with her head planted almost face down into her chest.</p> <p>“Falke…?” she whispered. The Replika rolled over onto her shoulder and got a good view of the situation, smiling lightly at the picture of Ariane softly sleeping and snoring into Elster’s cleavage. “Mind giving me a hand?” Elster whispered, pointing at the sleeping beauty atop her. Falke nodded.</p> <p>Her forehead crystals started to glow softly as she gently cupped the back of Ariane’s head with her hand and began to carefully roll Ariane onto her back using bioresonance.</p> <p>“Ellie… come back…” Ariane mumbled in her sleep as she came to a rest on her back, followed by more quiet, sleepy breathing. Elster cupped her mouth and tried not to giggle too loudly at her wife’s subconscious thoughts, but Falke bit her lip hard as she saw what Ariane was doing with her hand under the covers as she slept. She tugged the covers up past Ariane’s stomach to try and give her a modicum of privacy, but in doing so she only made Elster curious, and soon she leaned her head over to watch what her wife’s fidgeting arm was doing; she quickly snapped back and pressed her hand against her mouth.</p> <p>Afterward a minute of quiet, awkward silence only punctuated by Ariane briefly snorting and groaning in her sleep, Falke deftly slipped out of bed and gave herself a light stretch; a mostly unnecessary thing to do for a Replika, but also a quirk of Gestalt neural imprinting that still felt right to do.</p> <p>“I will go prepare breakfast,” Falke quietly stated. Elster gave her a thumbs up.</p> <p>“I’ll stay here for… a bit… if that’s alright,” Elster answered, briefly looking down at the still-sleeping Ariane. Falke nodded and left the room, breathing a sigh of relief as the door clicked shut behind her.</p> <p>She briskly walked into the kitchen, hoping that absorbing herself in cooking would take her mind off things. Her bioresonance crystals shone brightly as she assembled her tools and ingredients: She grabbed a large metal bowl and whisk with her hands as the fridge opened and a carton of milk and a few eggs floated to her workstation, followed shortly after by tubs of sugar, flour, and salt, and finally a container of cooking oil. She carefully weighed all of her measurements on a kitchen scale before adding them one at a time to the bowl, finishing by tapping the eggs on the countertop and cracking them into the bowl. Falke wetted a cloth and wrung it out so it was just damp, wrapping it around the base of her metal bowl to keep it still as she furiously beat the mixture with a whisk.</p> <p>She smiled; Ariane and Elster had an electric whisk she could have used, she had gotten it for them, but after a while in the relationship she developed a taste for preparing as much as she could by hand, especially for them.</p> <p>It felt better.</p> <p>With her batter fully whisked and completely smooth, Falke put the bowl in the fridge to rest while she prepared the other components of the meal. Into a small saucepan on medium heat went the contents of a can of sliced strawberries, juice included, slowly adding in sugar and a small amount of salt as it heated up and softly bubbled. She would have greatly preferred to prepare the compote using fresh fruit, but she had made a promise to her partners to avoid pilfering ingredients, and fresh fruit was one commodity that was prohibitively expensive in a world like Rotfront which was still undergoing the process of klimaforming.</p> <p>She finished the mixture with just the right amount of ground cinnamon, ginger, and lemon juice to complement and enhance the sweet, jammy compote. Again, she would have preferred to use fresh lemon zest to finish the compote, but bottled lemon juice would have to do.</p> <p>With the strawberry compote finished, she twisted the burner’s knob to low heat to keep it warm while she shifted her focus to preparing drinks. Ariane had lost her taste for coffee recently, complaining that no matter what it always tasted too bitter, so she went about preparing a milk tea mixture, boiling some bags of black tea while she prepared a mixture of half-and-half and sweetened condensed milk. Once the tea was steeped, she stuck it in the freezer for a minute to cool to room temperature while she retrieved a pre-made mixture of tapioca pearls in brown sugar syrup, adding some of it to a tall glass alongside the milk mixture and tea once it was sufficiently chilled, and finishing the glass off with a wide straw to accompany the tapioca pearls.</p> <p>Afterward, it was a relatively simpler affair of preparing Elster’s latte and her own doppio; again, she ground the beans and steamed the milk using hand tools rather than the fancy espresso machine she had acquired for them, and she didn’t hesitate to draw a little latte art of a butterfly on the top of Elster’s drink.</p> <p>The only thing left was to prepare the crepes. Once her crepe pan had fully pre-heated she ladled the perfect amount on, smiling as the chilled and rested mixture smoothly spread to the edges of the pan just by tilting and rotating it. She topped three plates with their own wide, thin crepe, spooned a generous helping of strawberry compote atop each, and finished her creations with a ring of whipped cream and dusted chocolate powder for maximum flourish.</p> <p>She set up each of their dishes and drinks at the dinner table and let out a satisfied sigh as she absorbed the picture before her in her head. All that was left was to wait for the other two lovebirds to emerge hungry and well-rested from their bedroom.</p> <p>But they did not emerge after she knocked on the door and announced that breakfast was ready.</p> <p>After a few minutes of increasingly tense waiting she leaned her ear up to the door.</p> <p>And immediately regretted it.</p> <p>She walked back to the living room and sat on the couch, staring at her own anxious reflection in the dark screen.</p> <p>After a minute of staring and tapping her hoof on the carpet below her, she finally spoke up.</p> <p>“Just go in there,” she said to herself.</p> <p>“You haven’t been invited,” her reflection answered.</p> <p>“I don’t need an invitation, they want me there with them.”</p> <p>“Then why didn’t they ask you?”</p> <p>“They’re polite.”</p> <p>“They’re different.”</p> <p>“They care, they understand.”</p> <p>“You’re different.”</p> <p>Falke took a moment to look down at her cold, titanium hands before she squeezed them shut. “It doesn’t matter to them.”</p> <p>Her reflection laughed. “It matters to you.”</p> <p>Falke clenched her eyes shut and took in a sharp breath. She briefly wondered how AEON command would feel if one of their prized Falke units, the Nation’s wunderwaffe found itself on the verge of tears, to say nothing else of the intractable number of grave sins she was guilty of simply by being in this relationship.</p> <p>“You’re pathetic.”</p> <p>She covered her face with her hands. “Be quiet,” she weakly cried.</p> <p>“Want to prove us wrong? Go open their door.”</p> <p>After a moment to hear her voice echo in her own head, a sense of defiance overtook Falke. She did not raise to her hooves, instead, she floated herself up from the couch and straight to Ariane and Elster’s bedroom door, gently landing on the floor just as she grasped the doorknob with her hand.</p> <p>She shook; her hand shook.</p> <p>After a moment of tensing up her synthetic muscles, Falke sighed dejectedly as she let go of the doorknob.</p> <p>“See? Pathetic.”</p> <p>She was just about to turn away and head back into the kitchen when an unexpected sound froze Falke in her tracks.</p> <p>The door opened behind her, and a moment later a soft, caring, and loving voice spoke out to her.</p> <p>“Falke…? Is everything okay?” Ariane asked.</p> <p>She turned around with streaks of optical lubricant fluid running down from her eyes. “No,” she croaked, but then quickly swallowed and added more clearly. “Breakfast is ready, by the way.”</p> <p>Ariane nodded and stepped out of the doorway, still in nothing but Falke’s t-shirt, only now, Falke looked at nothing but her eyes. Elster followed her wife shortly after, now with a loose, white t-shirt over her top, and Falke instinctively dropped to her knees.</p> <p>They both hugged her.</p> <p>“Do you want to talk about it?” Ariane whispered to her after their hug ended. Falke shook her head.</p> <p>“I’ll be okay,” she assured them both. “This is… still a lot for me.”</p> <p>“Hey, I get it,” Elster said, giving Falke’s shoulder a light squeeze before she got back up on her hooves. “I really do,” she repeated.</p> <p>Falke nodded. She knew Elster was telling the truth.</p> <p>“Come, while your meals are still warm,” Falke spoke out, forcing a smile on their lips.</p> <p>And so, she showed them to their meals.</p> <p>Elster wasted no time in digging into her crepe. She furiously hacked off pieces with her knife and fork to shovel into her mouth, not caring that her wild eating habits were getting bits of compote syrup and whipped cream all over her cheeks and nose. Meanwhile, Ariane took a more restrained approach. She took a moment to appreciate the sweet aromas coming from her plate before she cut off a small piece of crepe, ensuring that there was some strawberry and whipped cream on it before she forked it into her mouth.</p> <p>Ariane immediately started smiling as she chewed. “How did you get to be such an amazing chef, Falke?” she asked after swallowing her first bite.</p> <p>Falke nodded as she looked back at Ariane’s crimson eyes, also noticing out of the corner of her vision that Elster also looked at her as she continued to wolf away at her meal. She took her first bite and swallowed it, putting down her knife and fork before she answered the question.</p> <p>“Falke units are not intended to be just military commanders, but also as diplomatic envoys,” she explained, watching Ariane nod along as she took a quick pause to sip her espresso. “Some extremely high-ranking party officials are also provided a Falke unit to serve as a personal adjutant. For these reasons, we were additionally programmed with a high degree of culinary, etiquette, rhetorical, and linguistic expertise.”</p> <p>“I see,” Ariane acknowledged. “And did you make use of these skills before now?”</p> <p>Falke nodded. “I… cooked meals for myself and… others, on occasion.” She took another sip of her espresso and smiled. “I enjoy cooking, it is… relaxing, soothing. It is something I have full control over.”</p> <p>“I can definitely understand that,” Ariane said. She brought her glass of milk tea forward to take a sip, with some of the pearls shooting up the wide straw.</p> <p>Elster suddenly began to choke loudly, and both Ariane and Falke turned to face her the moment she started trying to cough. Falke wasted no time; she rose from her chair and got behind Elster, pulling her up from her seat and thrusting up her abdomen with her fist, she soon spat out a nearly intact slice of strawberry, gasping for air as Falke gently lowered her back down.</p> <p>“Oh my god, Ellie, are you okay?” Ariane asked, leaning over the table to get a better view of her partner.</p> <p>Elster gave her a weak thumbs-up with one hand while she kept the other on her throat, gently rubbing as she tried to calm down her breathing. “I’m fine,” she eventually coughed out. “Just… gotta learn to chew,” she joked.</p> <p>Ariane laughed alongside her, but Falke looked away, unable to join in the teasing. She had seen where Elster was looking right before she started choking: Ariane’s drink, and in particular, the straw she used to suck up the milk tea with pearls. She also caught a glimpse of what it had made Elster’s heart want.</p> <p>What she also wanted.</p> <p>The rest of breakfast finished smoothly, if rather quietly, and Elster soon returned to her room to get changed for the day.</p> <p>“Shouldn’t you shower?” Falke heard Ariane ask as she scrubbed the dishes clean.</p> <p>“Gah, no time, don’t want to be late.”</p> <p>“Alright, I’ll come help you get ready.”</p> <p>“A-Actually, Ari, I think I should get changed alone.”</p> <p>There was a brief pause. Falke’s hand shook just as Ariane’s whispered words reached her ear.</p> <p>“Come on, I’ll be quick, I promise.”</p> <p>The bedroom door clicked shut soon after, and Falke gasped as she stopped holding her breath. She tried to focus on cleaning all of the plates, pans, and cutlery she used in making her meal, but as she dredged her scrub brush in the hot, soapy water, she was reminded of an inescapable fact.</p> <p>Her hands didn’t feel the heat of the water.</p> <p>They were mechanical hands, an artificial creation like the rest of her, nothing but metal and clockwork. Even if some parts of her body could be called organic, and she possessed most of the senses of a Gestalt, and looked like one at a glance, there was no escaping that she was not human.</p> <p>But they were.</p> <p>She laid the plate in her hand back in the sink and gripped the countertop, sighing softly.</p> <p>She didn’t want to consider it, but a new thought wouldn’t leave her mind.</p> <p>Maybe she had made a mistake.</p> </div> + + Drama + Fanfiction + Girls Love + Mature + Psychological + Romance + Slice of Life + Smut + SIGNALIS + Transgender + + + Happy Doll-idays + waterlily3402 + https://www.scribblehub.com/series/1331939/happy-dollidays/ + https://www.scribblehub.com/read/1331939-happy-dollidays/chapter/1331940/#comments + 21a9a5065c908edf22c5990a20a72a50265cd94f + Thu, 19 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000 + <div class="wi_fic_desc" property="description"><p>Despite her high paying job, big city life is doing no favors for Jack's love life, but when business brings her back to her home town for the holidays, her present is a second chance at love with her best friend.</p> </div><hr><h3><a href="https://www.scribblehub.com/read/1331939-happy-dollidays/chapter/1331940/"><div class="chapter-title">An (Un)expected Breakup</div></a></h3><div class="chp_raw" id="chp_raw"><p><span style="font-weight:400">When Jack got home to find Stacy standing in the living room wearing a nice pair of tennis shoes, a light jacket covering a plain t-shirt and jeans, and a worried expression, she already knew what was coming. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">“Jack, we need to talk about our relationship.” Her love life was fucked.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">“I’m just not sure we’re compatible anymore.” She was on (or off now, she supposed) her third girlfriend this year.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">“I’m worried you only see me as a sex object, not a full woman.” Kasey had left her back in March after almost a year together. She’d made it a respectable six months with Lacy at least, and they’d parted amicably. Only lasting three-and-a-half months with Stacy had her worried though.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">“It’s like when you look at me, you see right through, I just don’t feel present in your mind.” She was definitely getting worse at this.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Jack steeled herself and finally responded to her girlfriend, “It’s alright babe, I understand. I’ve been distracted with work and I haven’t been giving you the attention you deserve. No worries, we can take a break, get back on our feet, and maybe go a bit slower next time if that's still what we want.” She threw on a small, sad smile for effect. They weren’t going to be getting back together, but it made break-ups go smoother to pretend. Or at least it usually did, she thought, as Stacy scowled at her.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">“That’s exactly what I’m talking about!” Stacy shouted. “You’re only half paying attention even when I’m fucking breaking up with you. Maybe you’d be able to keep a girl if you cared a bit more about her needs and weren’t just interested getting off with your fucking fetish!”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Jack was just confused now. What fetish was Stacy talking about? They’d gotten up to some light bondage, which she’d thoroughly enjoyed, but that was Stacy’s idea, not hers. Stacy saw her confused expression and must have read it as guilt, since she put on a cruel smirk as she started to twist whatever knife she thought she was twisting.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">“That’s right, I met Kasey, and I heard about Lacy and your one night stands through the grapevine. Do you really think we don’t talk? Especially about creeps like you.” Stacy continued, beginning to tear up, “I really thought we had something at first. You made me feel special. I can’t fucking believe you were just using me!”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Things were getting out of hand, and Jack still didn't know what was going on. “You’ve got it all wrong babe. I don’t know what you’re talking about.” She said, trying to calm things a bit. She realized it was definitely the wrong thing to say when Stacy laughed in disbelief, stomped past her, and left, slamming the door without so much as a “fuck you” for the road.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Jack continued to stand in the living room, too stunned to think, until her phone buzzed in her pocket. It was from Stacy; she and her friends were going to come by tomorrow morning to pick up her stuff. She should probably have felt sadder about it, that meant this was final after all, though she didn’t really think she and Stacy still had a chance after what Stacy had said to her. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">What had Stacy said to her? It didn’t make any sense. She continued to mull it over as she went to the fridge to grab some leftover enchiladas for dinner. Stacy had accused Jack of using her for some sort of fetish, but Jack couldn’t even begin to figure it out. They hadn’t done anything but some mild kink in the bedroom. Stacy liked to cook, and Jack had made some comments to her about making a good housewife, but those always made her blush and giggle, one time she’d even asked to do some 50’s housewife roleplay. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">It must be something else then, Jack thought as she pulled her dinner out of the microwave. Stacy had brought up her other exes too, and she searched for something they had in common that could have offended Stacy. They were all blonde, she supposed, and were generally around her own height of six feet. They all had smaller busts, husky voices, and strong features. Jack could admit that there was a resemblance between them all, but that’s hardly the type of thing to break up over, plenty of women have a type, and it doesn’t usually cause problems, let alone lead to accusations of being some sort of fetishistic creep.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">She finished her enchiladas, the last meal Stacy would cook for her, and left the plate in the sink. Future Jack could take care of that, right now she was too tired, both from the long day at work and the breakup.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">By now the sadness was setting in. Jack knew she wasn’t the best girlfriend, but she really did like having Stacy around, and now she wouldn’t anymore. Getting into the shower she could almost see Stacy right there with her, covering herself with her hands the way she did before the warm water made her comfortable enough to truly relax. All of the fancy shampoos and conditioners that Stacy used instead of Jack’s sensible 2-in-1 were even cuter in her absence. Stepping out, Stacy’s pink and blue striped towel was even harder to look at than the shampoos. She loved to do her hair up in it before coming to bed, something about making it dry better. Jack didn’t have to worry about that, she always kept her hair short.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Once she’d towelled off, Jack was ready to crawl into bed and doom scroll social media until she fell asleep, when she noticed Stacy’s bottles of white and blue pills on the nightstand. The blood in her veins turned to ice and she realized exactly what Stacy had been talking about. Stacy was calling her a creep because she was one, it hadn’t been on purpose, she didn’t even consciously notice it at the time. But there was another thing that Kasey, Lacey, Stacy, and all the one night stands she’d had between them had in common, they were transgender.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight:400">Jack was a fucking chaser.</span></p> <p> </p> </div> + + Adult + Comedy + Drama + Gender Bender + Girls Love + Mature + Romance + Smut + Childhood Friends + Cross-dressing + Determined Protagonist + Lovers Reunited + Male to Female + Multiple POV + Multiple Protagonists + Transgender + + + Otherworldly Thanksgiving gone wrong + Lurker123 + https://www.scribblehub.com/series/1327453/otherworldly-thanksgiving-gone-wrong/ + https://www.scribblehub.com/read/1327453-otherworldly-thanksgiving-gone-wrong/chapter/1327463/#comments + efd4c6b3a59d5e4d18890986935a67ec89478079 + Thu, 19 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000 + <div class="wi_fic_desc" property="description"><p>A trans girl finds herself in a much less trans body, one that leaves her with little to no complaints... except the world she finds herself in sets her up in a very unaccommodating environment, where her great new life might find it's end rather quickly?!</p> <p>A story inspired by one specific artwork I came across. The protagonist is thrown into a cold-uncaring world, warmed only by a little star of hope. Please be aware of the tags if you want to avoid reading things you may be uncomfortable with.</p> </div><hr><h3><a href="https://www.scribblehub.com/read/1327453-otherworldly-thanksgiving-gone-wrong/chapter/1327463/"><div class="chapter-title">Chapter 1</div></a></h3><div class="chp_raw" id="chp_raw"><p lang="en-us" xml:lang="en-us"> <div class="wi_authornotes"> <div> <div class="p-avatar-wrap"><a class="avatar has-link" href="/profile/173089/lurker123/"><img id="acc_ava_change profile" alt="" src="https://cdn.scribblehub.com/default/avatarnew.png"></a></div> <p><span class="an_username"><a href="/profile/173089/lurker123/">Lurker123</a></span></div> <div style="clear: both;"></div> <div class="wi_authornotes_body"> <br />Hello dear reader!<br />Welcome to the first story I've ever written down! And I'm putting it straight to the public, which may or may not turn out to be a bad idea.<br />This is your last chance to turn away from what is probably the definition of underwhelming! Hopefully, me being an avid reader will do me <em>some </em>good here.</p> <p lang="en-us" xml:lang="en-us">For your information, text in <em>cursive</em> is both for emphasis, as well as showing the literal inner thoughts of the MC as opposed to just descriptions of them. If it appears in spoken dialogue, it's only for emphasis. Is this good formatting? You tell me!</p> <p lang="en-us" xml:lang="en-us">Last but not least, I won't put up specific trigger/content warnings for each chapter - the tags on the main page should clue you in on what's to come. Some may not get fulfilled until later, the tags just show what I know I'll be including.</p> <p lang="en-us" xml:lang="en-us">Enjoy! (Or don't, I'll just go cry in a corner then...)</div> </p></div> + + Adult + Fantasy + Gender Bender + Girls Love + Isekai + Mature + Romance + Smut + Animal Characteristics + BDSM + Demi-Humans + Discrimination + Early Romance + Female Protagonist + Half-human Protagonist + Human-Nonhuman Relationship + R-18 + Racism + Reincarnation + Souls + Transgender + Weak Protagonist + + + Synaptic Eclipse + ViolentR + https://www.scribblehub.com/series/1327809/synaptic-eclipse/ + https://www.scribblehub.com/read/1327809-synaptic-eclipse/chapter/1327813/#comments + 9866aa9b324462a0022c161158a5f6c42d59b7c3 + Sun, 15 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000 + <div class="wi_fic_desc" property="description"><p>Layla unwittingly discovers an alien scout on her apartment's roof during her Friday night smoke session.</p> </div> + + Horror + Romance + Sci-fi + Aliens + Female Protagonist + Human-Nonhuman Relationship + Masturbation + Non-human Protagonist + Non-humanoid Protagonist + Outer Space + Parasites + Past Trauma + Tentacles + Transgender + + + Our Busty Middle Sister + honeycombbee + https://www.scribblehub.com/series/1327838/our-busty-middle-sister/ + https://www.scribblehub.com/read/1327838-our-busty-middle-sister/chapter/1327847/#comments + ec9c130e8486638ce436643444f34817c5acee44 + Fri, 06 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000 + <div class="wi_fic_desc" property="description"><p>Incredibly lewd, girl's love/yuri, slice of life anthology. Each divider is a new episode and, unless specified in the divider, all episodes are self contained.</p> <p>Starring Blake, the middle sister, Ilene, the older sister, and Codie, the younger cousin of them both.<br /> You will see time periods, locations, and situations vary wildly. There is no deeper meaning behind that, please enjoy each episode on its own merits.<br /> Please note: Codie is transgender. If that bothers you, please skip this one.</p> </div> + + Adult + Comedy + Ecchi + Girls Love + Romance + Slice of Life + Smut + Cousins + Doting Older Siblings + Incest + Sister Complex + Transgender + Younger Sisters + + + The Ranch + trooper1881 + https://www.scribblehub.com/series/1327350/the-ranch/ + https://www.scribblehub.com/read/1327350-the-ranch/chapter/1327353/#comments + 7eb0b53f512750a49891cad951f47271cbb90829 + Fri, 20 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000 + <div class="wi_fic_desc" property="description"><p>Today, in the middle of the Nebraska sand hills is a motel built to please and appease the tentacle beasts who want to destroy the world. Right after they are done having sex with us.</p> <p>Isabella Adora, a woman in her late 20s who worked as a file clerk, dreams of leaving the tedium of her life.<br /> When she gets fired from her office job, she comes home to get in a big fight with her boyfriend, Jacob. She packs her bags and attempts to drive home on the other side of the United States. She gets lost Halfway there, nearly running out of gas In the middle of Nebraska. A helpful gas station attendant tells her about the ranch. </p> <p>She decides it beats sleeping in her car and rents a room. While getting something to eat at the motel bar, she has to pee and ends up in a glory hole for non-human life.</p> <p>She now finds her self on the front line of keeping humanity safe, one encounter at a time. This is her story and the story of all those who stay at The Ranch.</p> </div> + + Adult + Comedy + Mature + Romance + Sci-fi + Smut + Supernatural + Aliens + Androids + Comedic Undertone + Couple Growth + Cross-dressing + Gods + Monsters + Nudity + Tentacles + Threesome + Transgender + Werebeasts + + + Inherited Zeal + Tegeli + https://www.scribblehub.com/series/1318860/inherited-zeal/ + https://www.scribblehub.com/read/1318860-inherited-zeal/chapter/1318863/#comments + 851463cf18022cd2f266e1e6b96d1b088f0b400f + Fri, 20 Dec 2024 22:10:49 +0000 + <div class="wi_fic_desc" property="description"><p>Romantic planetary romance novel, set on a windswept frontier, plagued by the schemes of gods and empires, where the ecosystem itself is the husk of a vast biotechnological engine.</p> <p>A self-exiled remittance man is forced from his stupor, when his regular allowance is forwarded further into the interior of an untamed continent. To escape his debtholders, he dons the guise of a woman, only to find the role more permanent than only the duration of a voyage across the steppe. In the faded sunlight, the shades of the past remain ahead.</p> <p>The novel takes place on the same world as 'Fervour of the Past'. However, the events and characters are wholly separate and reading the aforementioned tale isn't intended to be necessary save for spotting a few nuances about the background.</p> <p>[Updates every other day until middle of January 2025.]</p> </div> + + Adult + Adventure + Gender Bender + Romance + Sci-fi + Smut + Aristocracy + Conspiracies + Fallen Nobility + Female Protagonist + Gods + Gunfighters + Lost Civilizations + Male to Female + Medical Knowledge + Politics + Post-apocalyptic + Spies + Transgender + + + I Wanted a Second Chance, But Not Like This + valtarra + https://www.scribblehub.com/series/1325679/i-wanted-a-second-chance-but-not-like-this/ + https://www.scribblehub.com/read/1325679-i-wanted-a-second-chance-but-not-like-this/chapter/1325698/#comments + e2030a020a72c0c40e49cbf662fcca84cf2ca585 + Wed, 18 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000 + <div class="wi_fic_desc" property="description"><p>Starting My Life Over As a Gyaru Chewtoy</p> <p>Caught in a miserable cycle of endless work hours and abject social failure, thirty-seven-year-old Hoshino Yoru accidentally meets a tragic end. Fortunately for her, a surprise miracle allows her to start her life over from scratch ⸺ while also granting her heart's deepest wish! </p> <p>However, her new life isn't exactly as expected: thirty percent of women are "alternate-pheromone positive," which means a whole host of social complications. Things take a strange turn as she finds herself caught in the amorous affections of an omega and an alpha, who will take on all challengers in the battle for Yoru's heart!</p> </div> + + Adult + Drama + Gender Bender + Girls Love + Isekai + Josei + Romance + School Life + Slice of Life + Alternate World + Beautiful Female Lead + Dense Protagonist + Devoted Love Interests + Enemies Become Lovers + Futanari + Kuudere + Love at First Sight + Love Interest Falls in Love First + Love Rivals + Male to Female + Obsessive Love + Older Love Interests + Omegaverse + Past Plays a Big Role + Past Trauma + Polygamy + Protagonist Loyal to Love Interest + R-18 + Reincarnated into Another World + Second Chance + Secrets + Seduction + Sex Friends + Transgender + + + Fata Morgana: Reflections [A SCS Fanfiction] + Aliapanacea + https://www.scribblehub.com/series/1323022/fata-morgana-reflections-a-scs-fanfiction/ + https://www.scribblehub.com/read/1323022-fata-morgana-reflections-a-scs-fanfiction/chapter/1323028/#comments + 109a35df68d325415f0392c26fcc0bd9477c81cd + Sat, 21 Dec 2024 00:10:50 +0000 + <div class="wi_fic_desc" property="description"><p>The second child of the Montero Dynasty, a family with full control of the New Houston Flotilla, has finally returned home from a (utterly disastrous) business trip to New New York, returning to a life they hate and a family that despises them. </p> <p>A newbie maid working for the Monteros is doing their best to live their life, one song, one step at a time. Trusted with a monumental task by their superior, they begin their descent into the deepest depths of New Houston.</p> <p>For one fraction of a moment, one heading up, one heading down, their paths cross and are forevermore linked together. They’ll grow closer, one dead Antithesis at a time.</p> <p>-</p> <p>Things to expect: </p> <p>A city beneath the waves</p> <p>A mermaid with a lot of problems</p> <p>A somewhat more 'normal' maid with a penchant for singing</p> <p>Their romance, and the many aliens that die in the wake</p> <p>-</p> <p>This story is set within the Stray Cat Strut FF Verse, but you do not need to first read Stray Cat Strut in order to read this story. I do however, highly, highly recommend you do just that.</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 + Abusive Characters + Aliens + Appearance Changes + Artificial Intelligence + Character Growth + Complex Family Relationships + Cyberpunk + Dark + Depression + Disabilities + Dystopia + Female Protagonist + Genetic Modifications + Girl's Love Subplot + Maids + Male to Female + Monster Girls + Multiple POV + Past Trauma + Post-apocalyptic + R-18 + Slow Romance + Strategic Battles + Transgender + Unconditional Love + + + Heartworm + eepygirl + https://www.scribblehub.com/series/1322596/heartworm/ + https://www.scribblehub.com/read/1322596-heartworm/chapter/1322611/#comments + 8832fe9bd1cc66bf4825209f0a59bd16bfaf4f39 + Fri, 20 Dec 2024 20:10:50 +0000 + <div class="wi_fic_desc" property="description"><p>Xavier Sylberith needed to be the best in his class at Varenthell Academy. He needed to be the perfect son for his royal parents. He needed to make them proud. Then he died.</p> <p>Awakening as a being unable to die, Xavier’s needs have shuffled around juuuuust a little bit.</p> <p>Now Xavier needs to contain his new urges to hunt for fresh meat. He needs to wrestle control from the demon that killed him that now shares his body. He needs to placate his new companions who have killed many creatures like him in their lives.</p> <p>Most of all, he needs to confront his repressed feelings about his gender, and the woman who showed him that people can change.</p> <p>********************<br /> Heartworm is a trans lesbian fantasy adventure that blends visceral tragedy with heartfelt comedy. There are many dark moments, and many more moments of levity between a dysfunctional group of adventurers that must learn to cooperate to survive... and maybe find some love along the way. Most of all, this story is about discovering one's identity. As someone who had many struggles towards self-discovery, I want to tell the story of how discovering one's identity can be the single hardest and most rewarding journey that someone undertakes. I hope you enjoy this story and the piece of myself that beats inside of it &lt;3</p> </div> + + Action + Adventure + Drama + Fantasy + Gender Bender + Girls Love + Mystery + Romance + Tragedy + Appearance Changes + Beautiful Female Lead + Bickering Couple + Corruption + Death + Demonic Cultivation Technique + Female Protagonist + Gods + Gore + Magic + Male to Female + Possession + Sharing A Body + Slow Romance + Transgender + + + You Just Haven&#8217;t Found The Right One + GreenEyedGal + https://www.scribblehub.com/series/1322953/you-just-havent-found-the-right-one/ + https://www.scribblehub.com/read/1322953-you-just-havent-found-the-right-one/chapter/1322973/#comments + 05e8ef7de38270c3e8262fda304fdcdaab3cc19c + Thu, 28 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0000 + <div class="wi_fic_desc" property="description"><p>"You just haven't found the right one."</p> <p>That's what Jamie tells all the lesbians he met. He always wondered why lesbians existed in the first place. Sure, he understood the appeal of women and all. But he couldn't understand why women would be with other women. He's always been told that its not right. That's why he always asked them on dates. Maybe he'd be the one to change their minds.<br /> Most lesbians didn't give him the time of day though.<br /> Until one day, one of them said yes.</p> </div> + + Drama + Gender Bender + Girls Love + Romance + Slice of Life + Character Growth + Dense Protagonist + Depression + Identity Crisis + Male to Female + Transgender + + + Somewhere In The Stars + Adra_Collins + https://www.scribblehub.com/series/1321539/somewhere-in-the-stars/ + https://www.scribblehub.com/read/1321539-somewhere-in-the-stars/chapter/1321546/#comments + 0276ecfc755b8eb02302a9f7fd108f26194bf32d + Wed, 27 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0000 + <div class="wi_fic_desc" property="description"><p>Marc lives on a terraformed planetoid designated as Colony 7 where he's spent the past 19 years of his living an unsatisfying life in the galactic equivalent of a Mining Town. One day, things get weird, and when his best friend flakes on him for unknown reasons he acts on a curious impulse simply out of anger. </p> <p>His actions trigger a chain of events that will effect the rest the rest of his life and everyone connected to it.</p> </div> + + Action + Adventure + Gender Bender + Girls Love + Mecha + Mystery + Romance + Sci-fi + Artificial Intelligence + Enemies Become Lovers + Magical Technology + Male to Female + Outer Space + Pilots + Transgender + Wars + + + A Witchy Best Friend (2024) + coco33920 + https://www.scribblehub.com/series/1318001/a-witchy-best-friend-/ + https://www.scribblehub.com/read/1318001-a-witchy-best-friend-/chapter/1318005/#comments + e5c278bf5989f87d04501a06ec783970e15956f7 + Thu, 28 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0000 + <div class="wi_fic_desc" property="description"><p>What if you were trans,<br /> Then your best friend turns out to be a witch,</p> <p>And she can help you??</p> </div> + + Completed + Fantasy + Gender Bender + Girls Love + Romance + School Life + Sci-fi + College/University + Comedic Undertone + Magic + Transgender + Witches + + + Lakeside Blossom: a novelette + alpineprincess + https://www.scribblehub.com/series/1318275/lakeside-blossom-a-novelette/ + https://www.scribblehub.com/read/1318275-lakeside-blossom-a-novelette/chapter/1318277/#comments + 5688d1d94d4fc5a44a2b887504989b7d3c8a1d44 + Sun, 24 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0000 + <div class="wi_fic_desc" property="description"><p>When Alister Hardy, a depressed high school graduate, travels to the idyllic Lake Leber to visit his friend Claire, he begins to undergo changes that he never could have imagined. A nostalgic, coming-of-age piece of transgender fiction.</p> <p>Please note that while sexual activity is not the primary focus of this story, I do consider this story to be a piece of erotica and it does feature sexual activity in a prominent way, including some BDSM elements. Additional content warnings include transphobia (mentioned, not explicitly described), sexual harassment (doesn't actually happen but almost takes place), drug use, and forced feminization.</p> </div> + + Completed + Gender Bender + Girls Love + Romance + Slice of Life + Smut + Beautiful Female Lead + Coming of Age + Cooking + Couple Growth + Cross-dressing + Female Protagonist + Heartwarming + Male to Female + Personality Changes + Secrets + Short Story + Tomboyish Female Lead + Transgender + + + Ice Queen + nosticksheld7 + https://www.scribblehub.com/series/1318592/ice-queen/ + https://www.scribblehub.com/read/1318592-ice-queen/chapter/1318595/#comments + 02efabf9786e108ff93010cf3bb3dadb55855d7d + Sat, 21 Dec 2024 06:10:51 +0000 + <div class="wi_fic_desc" property="description"><p>College hockey defenseman Brett is expecting just another season, but when his best friend comes back to the rink...different, he starts to fall in love, and question much more about his life.</p> </div> + + Adult + Drama + Gender Bender + Girls Love + Romance + School Life + Smut + Sports + Cheating + Childhood Friends + College/University + Male to Female + Transgender + + + The Light in Front of Me + SnowyAria + https://www.scribblehub.com/series/1315769/the-light-in-front-of-me/ + https://www.scribblehub.com/read/1315769-the-light-in-front-of-me/chapter/1316876/#comments + e59196d013ed7cd1a78378b865234d861fb47008 + Thu, 28 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0000 + <div class="wi_fic_desc" property="description"><p>Princess Valerie, a strong-willed 19-year-old with curious magic powers, finally gets to see her best friend and fiancé Eliot again. However, a mystifying sorceress kidnaps Eliot and pleads her to forget about him for the good of everyone. As the only suspect in his disappearance, Valerie must abandon the safety of her royal life to rescue him herself. Her friend and bodyguard Luce joins her as the only person who believes her. These two women set out to uncover the dark secrets behind Eliot's disappearance and end up on a journey of self-discovery and acceptance.</p> <p>"The Light in Front of Me" is an LGBT fantasy about being true to yourself and overcoming odds together. It's an adventure full of intense swordfights, heart-felt confessions, dragons, and an adorable fox who doesn't quite get humans.</p> </div> + + Completed + Action + Adventure + Comedy + Fantasy + Gender Bender + Girls Love + Romance + Adventurers + Androgynous Characters + Animal Characteristics + Bisexual Protagonist + Character Growth + Childhood Friends + Clumsy Love Interests + Comedic Undertone + Confident Protagonist + Dragons + Elemental Magic + Fantasy Creatures + Female Protagonist + Friendship + Heartwarming + Knights + Magic + Male to Female + Overprotective Siblings + Royalty + Saving the World + Sealed Power + Sword And Magic + Sword Wielder + 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..469aeb5ec --- /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 + + + 14.15 Letters + https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/14-15-letters/ + https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/14-15-letters/ + Mon, 16 Dec 2024 09:48:23 +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">14.15 Letters</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: I know not the best way to format this chapter&#8230;.</sub></p> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <p>(<a href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/14-14-starvation/">Previous Chapter</a>)</p> <p><em><sub>Dear Maomao-san,</sub></em></p> <p class="has-text-align-left"><em><sub>With regards to Zhizi-san, she can finally eat the normal amount of food. Now that she can eat properly, she has calmed down a lot and has evolved from a stray dog to a puppy-in-training.</sub></em></p> <p class="has-text-align-left"><em><sub>At first, I thought an impossible child has been sent in, but now that she is eating well, she seems obedient. Although, I believe that is a given since she’s eating what Yao-sama personally cooked herself.</sub></em></p> <p class="has-text-align-left"><em><sub>Lately, she does not just use the knife, but she can even cook now, but I personally would offer to do all the cooking for her.</sub></em></p> <p class="has-text-align-left"><em><sub>Also, Yao-sama is finally receptive to moving out, so we’re in the middle of looking for property. Since we still have Zhizi-san’s matter, I believe we won’t be leaving Rakan-sama’s residence considering public order until after the new year, but it is a big step.</sub></em></p> <p class="has-text-align-left"><em><sub>We’ll inform you once we’ve decided on a place.</sub></em></p> <p class="has-text-align-left"><em><sub><span class="uppercase">F</span>rom En’en.</sub></em><br><br></p> <p><em>En’en is still the same</em>, Maomao thought.</p> <p>Yao wants to be independent. Would she invite En’en to where she would be moving to?<br><br></p> <p><em><sub>To Maomao,</sub></em></p> <p><em><sub>Long time no seee. You were my reference for my job so I thought I should send you a letter, and so I did.</sub></em></p> <p><em><sub>Yup, it’s pretty terrible at the site. All the villagers are clamouring to leave as soon as possible. It’s quite heart-wrenching. You ask if Yo is alright? Yup, she’s pretty worn out so she’ll be coming back for now. She still wants to keep going, but it should be fine for her to spend the new year with her family at least, riiight?</sub></em></p> <p><em><sub>Court Physician Lao, was it? He’s a great person. He was receptive to the idea of having Yo return for now. What an understanding grandpa.</sub></em></p> <p><em><sub>When Yo gets back, I’ll leave her to you. Unless Maomao isn’t okay with it, then I won’t send her your way. I’ll be coming back with her, so an inn, please. The court physicians will prepare the necessary expenses for this at least.</sub></em></p> <p><em><sub>Also, I have a question. Would you happen to know a place near the capital that has a lot of cows and horses?</sub></em></p> <p><em><sup>From Kokuyou</sup></em><br><br></p> <p>“So Yo-san and Kokuyou are coming back.”</p> <p>Yo must be finding the work tough. She will have to stay in the capital until she recovers her spirit like Kokuyou said.</p> <p>Even so, what was that about cows and horses? <em>Red Plum Mansion fits the criteria, so it should be fine if I introduce that place to him,</em> she thought as she set down the letter from Kokuyou.<br><br></p> <p><em><sub>Maomao-san, Maomao-san,</sub></em></p> <p><em><sub>Why, Chue-san shall showcase a special product to you.</sub></em></p> <p><em><sub>Now, come, come, please take a look. Chue-san will showcase each and every item that won over her husband. There are easy-to-understand illustrations included&#8211;</sub></em><br><br></p> <p>Maomao ripped up the letter without reading the rest and dumped it into the brazier.<br><br></p> <p><em><sub>Dear Sis,</sub></em></p> <p><em><sub>Taking custody of Hao-sama’s daughter under the Moon Prince’s orders was fine, but to think that you were involved…</sub></em></p> <p><em><sub>She has such a beautiful face it’s a waste. Even though her looks won’t bring a nation to ruin, with her pedigree and the bare minimum of education, she could have gone on to become a middle-ranking consort at least.</sub></em></p> <p><em><sub>Zhizi-san’s height is eight </sub></em><sub>sun </sub><em><sub>shorter than girls her age, and while she is steadily putting on weight, it is not yet enough.</sub></em></p> <p><em><sub>Also regarding her speech, it doesn’t seem like she has had much contact with the outside world. No matter how tenderly the young lady was raised, if her mother and wet nurse spoke to her properly, her language faculties could have developed a little more.</sub></em></p> <p><em><sub>Hahaha, seems like the mother treated her daughter as a doll or a pet. It actually irks me. A child uneducated is no different from an animal.</sub></em></p> <p><em><sub>Regarding Hao-sama, I am aware of him. I heard a rumour that he roused the anger of the emperor the other day, but I wonder if that’s true. That person would be quite capable of it.</sub></em></p> <p><em><sub>The empress dowager’s relative he may be, but he’s hopeless. That beautiful and youthful face is wasted on him.</sub></em></p> <p><em><sub>Ah, his three sons got their good-looking faces from their father, but all of them are suited to be married into families as son-in-laws. Their personalities don’t resemble their father&#8217;s. They’re good at being aides, and are not the type to want to show off.</sub></em></p> <p><em><sub>That is what I’ve heard though…</sub></em></p> <p><em><sub>I’ve heard all of sorts of rumours, but I am keenly aware that I need to look into them properly.</sub></em></p> <p><em><sub>Hao-sama’s third son does come to visit quite often. He says he’s here to visit his younger sister and he delivers cow’s milk each time. Zhizi-san also appears happy for the third son’s visit. She looks like a dog wagging its tail.</sub></em></p> <p><em><sub>He seems to adore her, saying that his younger sister is smart, but no matter how I see it, it’s favouritism. His eyes are blurry.</sub></em></p> <p><em><sub>If that’s how he’s going to be, I wanted to tell him that he should have given her proper food and raised her, but it’s not beautiful to interfere in a family that has no relation to you. And not like our family is one to talk about others.</sub></em></p> <p><em><sub>When I tried to gently dissuade him from coming too often, Brother started to hand out vegetables he’d grown and got cow’s milk in exchange. Moreover, he started to make dairy products that he learnt from the western capital. It is handy in various way to have Brother here, but I want him to stop expanding his field.</sub></em></p> <p><em><sub>Also, Maomao, I have a request for you.</sub></em></p> <p><em><sub>I am working very hard because of this incident that&#8217;s related to you, so can you listen to a request of mine?</sub></em></p> <p><em><sub>You seem to have some connection to a wheat farmer and I heard that you can purchase wheat at low prices. Can you introduce them to me?</sub></em></p> <p><em><sub>Mm, if you asking why, a ship carrying wheat sank because of a variety of reasons.</sub></em></p> <p><em><sub>If you can write me one letter of introduction, that will settle the matter with Zhizi-san. There will be no debts between us with that.</sub></em></p> <p><em><sub>From Rahan</sub></em><br><br></p> <p><em><sub>To Rahan,</sub></em></p> <p><em><sub>No.</sub></em></p> <p><em><sub>Maomao</sub></em><br><br></p> <p>Maomao immediately wrote him a reply.<br><br></p> <p><em><sub>Maomao dear,</sub></em></p> <p><em><sub>Are you eating well? I am eating well, so rest assured.</sub></em></p> <p><em><sub>On top of three meals a day, Gu’en-san gives me snacks every time. It’s a mystery, though. How does he prepare so many colourful snacks?</sub></em></p> <p><em><sub>I have heard from Liu-san. It seems like Maomao is thinking that because you have never caught smallpox, you won’t ever be sent to the site.</sub></em></p> <p><em><sub>Despite Lao-san’s appearance, his medical skill is on par with Liu-san. He makes good decisions too. You can leave it to him.</sub></em></p> <p><em><sub>If you were to ever catch smallpox, I will take the responsibility to nurse you back to health. Should that time come, I will probably catch smallpox too, won’t I?</sub></em></p> <p><em><sub>Also, it seems like Hao-sama’s daughter has come under the Moon Prince’s orders, but I will be visiting roughly every half a month.</sub></em></p> <p><em><sub>I was told that I could commute to the inner palace from the residence every day, but now is not the time. I cannot leave Gu’en-san alone. Sorry for that.</sub></em></p> <p><em><sub>From Luomen</sub></em><br><br></p> <p>The quack doctor’s snack procurement channel was certainly a mystery. It may be the inner palace, but you can consider it an enigma how he keeps a steady supply of this many snacks while rarely leaving the inner palace.</p> <p>However, this wasn’t a puzzle for her to solve, so she set it aside.</p> <p>With regards to the reason why Luomen couldn’t easily return, Maomao wondered if it was to keep the consorts in check rather than for their pregnancies.</p> <p>The consorts could poison one another.</p> <p>Should anything happen, the quack doctor probably wouldn’t be able to deal with it alone.<br><br></p> <p><em><sub>To Maomao,</sub></em></p> <p><em><sub>Hey, is Kokuyou coming back any time soon?</sub></em></p> <p><em><sub>Is he? Is he?</sub></em></p> <p><em><sub>He’ll be back by the new year, right?</sub></em></p> <p><em><sub>When he’s not here, I’m beside myself with worry. To tell you how depressed I am, it’s to the point where the courtesans of Verdigris Mansion are coming to console me.</sub></em></p> <p><em><sub>You got that? Let me know as soon as you get news of Kokuyou’s return.</sub></em></p> <p><em><sub>Also, you have another letter. I’ve enclosed it.</sub></em></p> <p><em><sub>From Sazen</sub></em><br><br></p> <p>There was another letter inside. The slightly poor quality paper wasn’t scented. The characters were clumsy yet written with care.<br><br></p> <p><em><sub>To Maomao,</sub></em></p> <p><em><sub>It’s gotten cold, hasn’t it?</sub></em></p> <p><em><sub>I am doing my best. Somehow, a lot of people want to marry even someone like me.</sub></em></p> <p><em><sub>Everyone reacted when I told them I come from the inner palace. It really is an amazing place.</sub></em></p> <p><em><sub>I also want to visit Verdigris Mansion once, but it’s impossible since I will need to save up years of my wages.</sub></em></p> <p><em><sub>See you. Once I get nice paper, I’ll write you again.</sub></em></p> <p><em><sub>From Xiaolan</sub></em><br><br></p> <p>“&#8230;Like I said, write down your address. I can’t send you a reply otherwise.”</p> <p>Maomao placed the letter into her box of letters.</p> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <p><sub>T/N: Someone needs to connect Xiaolan to the quack&#8217;s family for unlimited supply of nice paper.</sub></p> <p class="has-text-align-right">(Next Chapter)</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/14-15-letters/" 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-130534757-5188-676686a5427a1' data-src='//widgets.wp.com/likes/index.html?ver=20241221#blog_id=130534757&amp;post_id=5188&amp;origin=shikarito.wordpress.com&amp;obj_id=130534757-5188-676686a5427a1' data-name='like-post-frame-130534757-5188-676686a5427a1' 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/14-15-letters/"></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> + + + + 14.14 Starvation + https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/14-14-starvation/ + https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/14-14-starvation/ + Sat, 14 Dec 2024 03:12:59 +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">14.14 Starvation</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/14-13-tomato/">Previous Chapter</a>)</p> <p>Maomao was at the weirdo tactician&#8217;s residence.</p> <p>She honestly didn’t want to come, but she had to.</p> <p>“You’re a part of this, I see.&#8221; </p> <p>“Rather than a part of this, I was forced to take part.”</p> <p>“Isn’t it always like that?” Yao who came to greet Maomao made a look of surprise.</p> <p>Today, both Yao and En’en were on break, and Maomao specially took leave as well. People might raise an eyebrow at having three court physician assistants take a day off together, but it can’t be helped. What’s more, when Court Physician Liu was told that it was the imperial brother’s orders, he agreed to her leave with a look of disgust. Since the old court physician, that is Court Physician Lao, has headed for the smallpox front-lines, she had to get all sorts of permissions from Court Physician Liu.</p> <p>Maomao wanted the old court physician to return soon.</p> <p>“Anyway, come this way. Essentially, En’en and I will be looking after her. Luomen-sama would be coming shortly, it seems,” Yao said.</p> <p>“Do you know when?”</p> <p>Maomao also rarely saw Luomen. He pretty much resided in the inner palace. Although eunuchs didn’t face as many restrictions as palace ladies did when it came to entering and exiting the inner palace, he must be holding back from leaving as there were new high-ranking consorts and the quack doctor wasn’t dependable.</p> <p>“I wonder. I heard it would be in a few days’ time.”</p> <p>Maomao made a sullen face. She wanted to see Luomen, but not the weirdo tactician. She wondered what she should do. “Well, for the time being, where is the patient?”</p> <p>“She is near our outbuilding. En’en is currently preparing meals, but…”</p> <p>“But?”</p> <p>“Is that child, really a young lady from a good family?” A look of disbelief faced Maomao.</p> <p>“Umm, I believe the patient is a fourteen year old malnourished girl.”</p> <p>“That is certainly the case.” Yao eyed the outbuilding.</p> <p>“You can<em>not</em>!”</p> <p>That shriek belonged to En’en. Maomao blinked in surprise. That woman never raised her voice.</p> <p>Maomao and Yao rushed over to the outbuilding where the patient was.</p> <p>And there was a panicked En’en raising a large pot high over her head. Zhizi was clinging onto the woman, trying to snatch away that pot. There were traces of congee around the girl’s mouth.</p> <p>“She is more of a starved feral child than a young lady raised in tender care,” Yao said.</p> <p>“So I see,” Maomao said.</p> <p><em>Come to think of it,</em></p> <p>She did hear that Zhizi had been so starved she once tried to eat a frog in the garden.</p> <p>“She looked a little more prudent to me, though.”</p> <p>“<em>Where</em>?”</p> <p>She had been quite weakened from malnutrition and poison when Maomao met her the other day. Looks like she just hadn’t been resisting due to her declined health.</p> <p>“Don’t just <em>watch</em>. Do something!” En’en said.</p> <p>Maomao and Yao hurried to pull Zhizi off En’en. That once-quiet girl let out an incredible beast-like groan.</p> <p>“Food. Food. <em>Please</em>!”</p> <p>Zhizi’s voice was child-like but pressing. The moment Maomao saw the girl’s ribs from her opened nightgown and her stick-thin arms and legs, she no longer wanted to let the girl eat her fill.</p> <p>Maomao, Yao, and En’en wanted to do what they could. And an expert who was related to supplying food to one more person was also watching stealthily.</p> <p>“Will you not feed her?” Rahan’s older brother said with a look of anxiousness. The basket carried over his back contained root vegetables.</p> <p>“As much as we would love to feed her, we can’t,” Maomao said.</p> <p>“Why not?”</p> <p>“She could die if you suddenly give her sustenance while she’s in a state of starvation.”</p> <p>“<em>Die</em>?!” Rahan’s older brother surreptitiously put away the turnip he was about to take out.</p> <p>“Yes. A long time ago, a castle had its supply of food cut off by the enemy…”</p> <p>Hit by starvation tactics, the people were forced into famine. When the starved were finally released, they devoured congee with wild abandon. Then they dropped like flies.</p> <p>It was a story she heard from Dad. She also instructed Yao and En’en through the letter. En’en was faithfully playing her part.</p> <p>“Couldn’t it be because the congee was poisoned?”</p> <p>“Not at all. Those who ate the congee slowly survived. While I do not know the cause, could it be that their stomachs had gone into the highest state of shock?”</p> <p>“I won’t be able to get over dying from shocking your stomach.” Rahan’s older brother set the basket of turnips in a place out of sight. Zhizi’s blazing eyes were looking around for food.</p> <p>“And so, with her current condition, she could die if she eats as much as she wants. We will be increasing her portion little by little, so please endure.”</p> <p>However, Maomao and Yao were holding Zhizi back as the girl reached for the pot of congee. “I have to eat now. I don’t know when it&#8217;s the next time I get to eat!”</p> <p>“You will get to eat! I’ll give it to you for lunch in two dual-hour’s time!”</p> <p>The girl didn’t believe En’en. Zhizi was like a stray dog who wasn’t done being fed. That alone was enough to tell all the long years she had suffered.</p> <p><em>I can’t abandon her.</em></p> <p>Maomao thought she had gone soft. There were so many starving children in the world. If Maomao saved them all, she herself would die a dog’s death. Thus, she had decided to abandon them and turn a blind eye.</p> <p>And now, the reason she couldn’t abandon Zhizi was because if it was just the girl alone, she could save her at least.</p> <p>Maomao took out a dried cuttlefish from her bosom pocket. “Please chew on this and endure for the time being.”</p> <p>“AH!” Zhizi took the dried cuttlefish from Maomao and started to chew on it like a dog with a bone.</p> <p>“Whew.” En’en took away the remainder of the congee.</p> <p>Rahan’s older brother left in a hurry as if he thought he said too much. He mostly likely came over with vegetables as support because En’en was there, but it wasn’t the time for it.</p> <p>“Then, get a good sleep. I’ll wake you up when it’s time for food.”</p> <p>Zhizi showed no indications of having heard or not. She was intently licking the dried cuttlefish. Maomao wanted interview the child, but it would be better if she was little more calm.</p> <p>There was a table and chairs in front of the patient’s room. Maomao and Yao automatically went to sit on the chairs.</p> <p>“Are you monitoring her?” Maomao asked.</p> <p>“Yes, you’d have to with how she is. We caught her heading over to the kitchen last night,” Yao said.&nbsp;</p> <p><em>A hopeless problem child.</em></p> <p>Maomao felt apologetic, but Yao didn’t look annoyed.</p> <p>“Yao-san.” Maomao made sure that En’en wasn’t around. With how meticulous that woman was, she was probably scrubbing the pot clean. “I think you have been at this residence for long enough. Do you have any thoughts about it?”</p> <p>“That’s quite a roundabout way of putting it.” Yao stretched widely. “I don’t know myself either. I don’t know, but I’m stuck. Then I think about how I can make myself leave at this stage… but I somehow get so frustrated I can’t do it.”</p> <p>Maomao also stretched widely. Normally she would be in the opposite position. Chue would be the one asking Maomao.</p> <p><em>It would be nice if Chue-san could do this for me.</em></p> <p>Maomao thought, but Chue probably wouldn’t do it. While Chue talked because it was Maomao, she probably won’t talk to Yao. The woman got carried away and was agreeable to anyone, but beyond Maomao, she dealt with human relationships logically.&nbsp;</p> <p>And Yao didn’t know Chue either. She wouldn’t necessarily lend an ear to Chue’s words.&nbsp;</p> <p>Maomao was also worried over whether her own words reached Yao. But Yao, in her own way, was more mature than she was in the past.&nbsp;</p> <p>“Maomao would have probably already realised, but I’ll be honest. I’m happy that Zhizi-san came here. It’s a lot of work, but I end up thinking that it’s fine for me to be here because of her. I am a hopeless, immature person with bad thoughts. While I complain that it’s a lot of work, I think if Zhizi-san is hopeless, it’ll be even better for me.” Yao spoke softly. It was at a volume that Zhizi who was at the back of the room couldn’t hear.</p> <p>Yao may seem dignified, but apparently she had no self-confidence. Hence she sought to be depended upon to gain self-confidence. <em>It’s fine if she’s self-aware</em>, Maomao thought.</p> <p>Maomao had an idea where Yao’s lack of self-confidence stemmed from.</p> <p><em>The incident with the Sha’ou priestess, huh.</em></p> <p>Yao had previously been the food taster for the Sha’ou priestess. Consequently, her organs were damaged as a result of the priestess’s scheme and even now she could no longer eat foods with strong flavours.</p> <p>Yao had been used. She wasn’t at fault. But due to political decisions, she was forced to take on a bad reputation.</p> <p>The Sha’ou priestess who survived was officially treated as deceased. She stayed behind in Li, and will not appear on the centre stage from now on.</p> <p>Consequently, Yao became someone who failed at food tasting and had an important person from a foreign country die. Since Yao’s life was also in danger at one point, no one would openly criticise her. But the one who felt the most responsibility was Yao.&nbsp;</p> <p><em>I can’t say anything either.</em></p> <p>Maomao couldn’t speak the truth. It would be good if she could, but she mustn’t.</p> <p>“I understand what Maomao is trying to say. I, too, will be leaving this estate once Zhizi-san gets better,” Yao said.</p> <p>“Is that so?”</p> <p>“But don’t tell En’en yet, please. She may rush Zhizi-san who needs the time to recover slowly.” Yao viewed En’en with composure. Yao wasn’t going to stay the same forever too.</p> <p>“I think Yao-san is doing well.” Maomao could only tell her like this.</p> <p>The girl was only seventeen years old. She had a variety of paths open to her, and yet she became a court physician assistant in defiance of her uncle.</p> <p>Honestly, the path was filthy, stinky and tough. She was walking the exact opposite path of other court ladies who were working in the imperial court for bridal training. She didn’t admit defeat immediately and still continued with it, even now practicing so that she would be taught surgery.</p> <p>“Yao-san is better off going to more places. Meet all sorts of people, get all sorts of experience. But being a court physician assistant, I think you have a lot more experience than normal women, though.”</p> <p>At her current location, Yao didn’t realise that she was capable herself. Honestly, if she went to other departments, she would probably be regarded highly in no time.</p> <p>“I can’t fly about like Maomao does.”</p> <p><em>Is that how you take me as?</em></p> <p>It seems Yao had no intention of leaving the doctor’s path.</p> <p>“Well, there is an aspect of me that is somewhat like a jack of all trades.” Maomao would have preferred to be a little more grounded, but she was just flying about. She didn’t get called up this time since it was related to smallpox, but she had no idea what could come up next.</p> <p>She couldn’t make up her mind about whether she should talk to Yao about things that were more sensitive, but she decided to stop here. If she spoke too much, it would be a mistake. This was something Maomao messed up often. “I wonder if Yo-san who disappeared off somewhere is doing okay right now.”</p> <p>“She went to the smallpox site, didn’t she? I heard Yo won’t contract it, though.”</p> <p>“&#8230;Yes. She has contracted it before.”</p> <p>“So she always wears long sleeves because she contracted smallpox before.” Yao gave a huge sigh. “Would they let me join them if I contract it once?”</p> <p>“It’s better you stop here. There’s no safe way to contract smallpox.”</p> <p><em>So far.</em></p> <p>Maomao recalled the man who covered half of his grinning face. Kokuyou would have gone to the same location as Yo and the others.</p> <p>It would be groundbreaking if they could catch smallpox via Kokuyou’s master&#8217;s method.</p> <p>If that were possible, they wouldn’t have as much hardship as now.</p> <p><em>Let’s try sending a letter to Kokuyou.</em></p> <p>She didn’t know if she would get a reply, but Maomao wanted a different perspective than the regular correspondence from the court physicians.&nbsp;</p> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <p><sub>T/N: Random thought, but can you catch smallpox from a letter? I&#8217;ve heard about blankets and whatnot, but a letter?</sub></p> <p class="has-text-align-right">(<a href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/14-15-letters/">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/14-14-starvation/" 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-130534757-5170-676686a577ac7' data-src='//widgets.wp.com/likes/index.html?ver=20241221#blog_id=130534757&amp;post_id=5170&amp;origin=shikarito.wordpress.com&amp;obj_id=130534757-5170-676686a577ac7' data-name='like-post-frame-130534757-5170-676686a577ac7' 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/14-14-starvation/"></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> <a href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/14-06-dining-hall/">6</a> <a href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/14-07-the-cursed-jar-1/">7</a></p> <p class="has-text-align-center"><a href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/14-08-the-curse-jar-2/">8</a> <a href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/14-09-the-safflower-1/">9</a> <a href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/14-10-the-safflower-2/">10</a> <a href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/14-11-the-safflower-3/">11</a> <a href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/14-12-spell/">12</a></p> <p class="has-text-align-center"><a href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/14-13-tomato/">13</a> <a href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/14-14-starvation/">14</a> <a href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/14-15-letters/">15</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-130534757-17-67668beca6e66' data-src='//widgets.wp.com/likes/index.html?ver=20241221#blog_id=130534757&amp;post_id=17&amp;origin=shikarito.wordpress.com&amp;obj_id=130534757-17-67668beca6e66' data-name='like-post-frame-130534757-17-67668beca6e66' 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> + + + + 14.13 Tomato + https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/14-13-tomato/ + https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/14-13-tomato/ + Wed, 11 Dec 2024 08:21:38 +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">14.13 Tomato</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/14-12-spell/">Previous Chapter</a>)</p> <p>At Rakan’s residence, the sounds of soil being tilled filled the air.</p> <p><em>The sight caught me by surprise in the beginning, but I’m used to it now</em>, Junjie thought.</p> <p>Rahan’s older brother was ploughing the fields. He ploughed the fields all throughout his time at the western capital, and he was doing so even at the imperial capital. Moreover, it was in a garden within an estate in a prime location, right in the heart of the imperial capital.</p> <p>Junjie had his reservations about ploughing at Gyoku’en’s residence in the western capital. However, the landscaping of the garden was irrelevant during times of emergency food shortage due to the locust plague.&nbsp; <em>The figure of the man single-mindedly producing crops for the people had been magnificent, </em>he thought, but…</p> <p><em>Isn’t he overdoing it?</em> he started to think.</p> <p>Junjie was told that Rahan’s older brother’s name wasn’t Rahan. The man was the older brother of Rahan, whom was apparently the son of the master of this estate. <em>Then would that make Rahan’s older brother be his son too?</em> he had asked, but when told that he was wrong, Junjie, a commoner, could only tilt his head in confusion at the complicated familial relation.</p> <p>Speaking of complicated, the relation of the people in this residence was also complicated.</p> <p>“Heeey, Junjie.”</p> <p>Sifan called out to him in a friendly tone. The child was an orphan picked up by the master of the estate, relatively close in age to Junjie. She was actually a few years younger, but he didn’t feel much of an age gap since she was clever. Wufan and Liufan were by her side as always. Their strange names were to make it easier for the master who picked them up, but Junjie thought it made them sound like criminals.</p> <p>But surprisingly, the people in question seem to like it.</p> <p>The three of them were carrying cleaning equipment like brooms and buckets.</p> <p>“What is it?” Junjie asked.</p> <p>“Looks like we’ll be getting another freeloader. We’ve been told to prepare the room for them to stay at. Give us a hand,” Sifan said.</p> <p>Junjie didn’t get idle since Sifan always gave him work to do.</p> <p>“Got it. Did Rakan-sama bring someone in?” he asked.</p> <p>“Nah, it’s Rahan-sama this time. The Moon Prince requested him to look after a sick person,” she said.</p> <p>“Oh?”</p> <p>Junjie followed after Sifan and the others. Rakan’s residence had a lot of unused rooms for its size. The estate was built to be large because it had been around since the relocation of the capital, but there were too many empty rooms since there were few Ra blood relatives and barely any servants too.</p> <p>Sifan headed for one of the outbuildings. “This’ the place.”</p> <p>There was another outbuilding nearby.</p> <p>“Isn’t it close to Yao-sama and En’en-sama’s room?” Junjie asked.</p> <p>“That’s right.”</p> <p>“It’s a sick person, but would it be okay to have them so close to a guest’s room?”</p> <p>“Yao-sama and En’en-sama are court physician assistants, right? In times like this we’ll have them work for us. I mean, they <em>are </em>paying us, but I kinda don’t understand why they’re here.”</p> <p>“I think so too.”</p> <p>“Anyway, an underling has one thing to do. And that is to complete what we are told to do in no time.”</p> <p>Under Sifan’s guidance, they started to clean the outbuilding. The building may be small, but it had a toilet at close proximity and had good sunlight too.</p> <p>“Sifan, the wall has a hole.” Wufan pointed at the hole.</p> <p>“Then we’ll check for all the spots that need repairs. We’ll report to Sanfan-neesan later and get them fixed,” Sifan said.</p> <p>“Got it.”</p> <p>“&#8211;<em>It</em>,” Liufan echoed Wufan.</p> <p>“Would it get cold if we plug up the hole as well?”</p> <p>“If they’re a sick person, it might be better if we prepare them something like a brazier instead,” Junjie said as he swept the floor. There were spots here and there that bothered him, but the interior was surprisingly clean.</p> <p>“Yeah, floor heating would have been nice, but they don’t have it here in the imperial capital.” Sifan said.</p> <p>“Floor heating?”</p> <p>“Rich families in the north have it.”</p> <p>“The floor gets <em>really </em>warm,” Wufan said.</p> <p>“&#8211;<em>Warm</em>,” Liufan echoed again.</p> <p>Liufan’s language skills were poor for his age. According to what Junjie heard, Wufan and Liufan were picked up by Rakan after Sifan was, so if Sifan hadn’t been around, these two might have already died by the roadside, Junjie thought.</p> <p>Junjie opened the window. When he did so, he saw bright red things fill his vision.</p> <p>“Woah!” Junjie yelled out in shock. For a moment he thought the garish red colours were lumps of meat or blood, but upon closer look they were fruits.</p> <p>“Ahh, those,” Sifan said.</p> <p>“What Rahan’s older brother dried.” Wufan said.</p> <p>“&#8211;<em>Dried</em>.” said Liufan.</p> <p>Junjie knew them too. There had been strange red fruit seedlings being planted and grown during summer. <em>Although Rahan’s older brother had called them a vegetable, they remind me of jujubes,</em> Junjie thought.</p> <p>Rahan’s older brother’s father had apparently ordered them for ornamental purposes, but since they were edible,&nbsp; they were cultivating them as food. It had a high water content, was sour and could be eaten raw, boiled or grilled. Rahan’s older brother later continued the research, and it seems he was now testing to see if it could be processed into a dried food.</p> <p>Junjie thought that a farmer acknowledged by even the Moon Prince does things differently indeed.</p> <p>“Heeey.” Right on cue, Rahan’s older bother came up with a hoe in hand. “Sorry, it’s still in the process of drying. Will you be using this outbuilding?”</p> <p>Rahan’s older brother was dripping with sweat. He had just finished with his work. It was already the season for frost, and yet he was lightly dressed, his skin flushed.</p> <p>When they were at the western capital, he clearly worked in only his underwear, but he hadn’t sported that look since coming to the imperial capital. His reasoning was that he couldn’t dress like that before young ladies.</p> <p><em>Are Maomao and Chue not considered young ladies?</em> Junjie thought.</p> <p>“Are they drying well? Not much longer perhaps. I’ll pack it away for now.” Rahan’s older brother picked up the red fruits one by one to check if they had dried.</p> <p>“I’ll help you,” Junjie said.</p> <p>“Okay. If I can’t use this building, then we’ll carry it to the storehouse over there.”</p> <p>It looks like they were cleaning the outbuilding because Rahan’s older brother had been using it as a storehouse. He had also used it to store farming tools, so they will need to make a few round trips.</p> <p>“Is there yet another guest coming?” Rahan’s older brother asked.</p> <p>“Yes. A sick person will be joining us. The Moon Prince’s orders,” Junjie said.</p> <p>“A sick person, huh? Then, I’ll have to feed them a lot of vegetables. Do you know what kind of illness they have?”</p> <p>“I didn’t hear that far.”</p> <p>When they came back after carrying all the red fruits to the storehouse, Yao and En’en have returned.</p> <p>Rahan’s older brother immediately tidied up his appearance and smoothed over his expression. He was good looking, but his actions looked vaguely ridiculous. “En’en-saaan!”</p> <p>The two of them have returned to the outbuilding. Yao and En’en’s working hours didn’t coincide often, so En’en generally waited for Yao.</p> <p>“Ju– Rahan’s older brother.” En’en looked at Junjie, then corrected herself.</p> <p>“Are you done with work? If you are tired, how about I prepare you vegetables that would help you recover from exhaustion and make your skin beautiful?” Rahan’s older brother leaned against the detached building’s pillar with a smile.&nbsp;</p> <p>“Thank you very much. It would be great if you could leave it by the kitchen like always.”</p> <p>“Understood!”</p> <p>Junjie has witnessed this exchange many times. And he decided against mentioning that it was more a conversation between a cook and a supplier. Everyone wanted to say it. Even Sifan, Wufan, and Liufan were on the verge of making quips–it wasn’t what Junjie as the newcomer could bring up.</p> <p>“Is there anything bothering you?” Rahan’s older brother then asked.</p> <p>“Let’s see. It’s gotten cold, so I would love to have spices that could warm the body, if you have any of the sort,” En’en said.</p> <p>“Understood. Maomao had requested me for ginger so I’ll bring that over too. Also, there is an interesting ingredient that I’ve grown–I’ll bring that too.”</p> <p>He was taking orders, full stop. <em>We have to switch to daily conversations now</em>, Junjie thought, but Rahan’s older brother was only recommending vegetables.</p> <p>“Hello, Rahan’s older brother. Thank you for your vegetables as always,” Yao said.</p> <p>“No worries. I&#8217;m just doing what I enjoy.” Rahan’s older brother responded naturally to Yao’s thanks.</p> <p>En’en was staring at Rahan’s older brother intently, looking like she was making sure of something.</p> <p>“By the way, have you heard that a sick person will be coming to this outbuilding?”</p> <p>“Yes, we have a letter from Maomao with various instructions. Most importantly, it seems she is malnourished, so we’ll be having her eat a lot of Rahan’s older brother’s produce,” Yao said.</p> <p>Was it his imagination that the way Yao spoke to Rahan&#8217;s older brother was more proper than En&#8217;en?&nbsp;</p> <p>At least, she was speaking to him as a neighbour, not a supplier.</p> <p>“The letter says the patient is still a fourteen year old girl, so we’ll have to look after her properly,” En’en said.</p> <p>“A <em>fourteen </em>year old girl… We must keep her far away from that Rahan rascal at all costs!” Rahan’s older brother’s gaze grew sharp.</p> <p>“That’s right. We must keep Rahan-sama far away from here at all costs.”&nbsp;</p> <p>It looked like En’en had made a different resolution.</p> <p>“En’en, I don’t think we can say anything since we’re freeloaders. But if we have a sick person coming, he’d rely on us, wouldn’t he?” Yao said bashfully.</p> <p>Junjie, having stayed at Rakan’s residence for half a year, had his thoughts.&nbsp;</p> <p>The woman called Yao may look mature, but she was mentally immature. This could be attributed to her good upbringing, but En’en, her follower, was to blame in further restricting her knowledge of the outside world.</p> <p>This was why she worries over her own actions while acting recklessly. Speaking of how Junjie could assess Yao with this much detail, it was Sifan. Sifan was more mature than her actual age, so she was good at reading the subtleties of other people’s hearts. <em>She’s quite capable as a servant</em>, he thought.</p> <p>The conversations related to Yao couldn’t be said in the presence of the other adults, Sanfan especially, and Wufan and Liufan were much too young. As a result, she would talk to Junjie often. As a result, he became knowledgeable of the personal relationships within the estate.</p> <p>“Yao-san. It’s a great help that you are thinking of how you can be useful to others, but if Rahan is forcing you to do so, let me know. That curly-haired cold-blooded glasses is my younger brother after all. I’ll tell him off for you.”</p> <p>“No, he’s not forcing me.”　</p> <p>“Then you can be more at ease. Otherwise, you’ll end up tiring yourself out because of the patient that will be coming now. If it’s out of a sense of obligation, we can arrange for other doctors, can’t we? Since it’s the Moon Prince’s request, they’ll be paying us as much as we want. What’s more, we can call for Maomao. Granduncle Luomen comes back every so often too. You can relax,” Rahan’s older brother said and slapped Yao’s shoulder.&nbsp;</p> <p>Yao, although surprised, didn’t seem discomforted by Rahan’s older brother and smiled lightly.</p> <p>En’en watched them with a sullen look. Apparently it was within permissible range.</p> <p>Sifan came up beside Junjie. “Not going as planned, is it?” she muttered.</p> <p>“What is not going as planned?” Junjie asked.</p> <p>“Nah, the direction of the arrow has only shifted a little. It seems to be progressing really smoothly. It would be easier to have Sanfan-neesan dealt with too, however.”</p> <p>“Is that so?”</p> <p>As Sifan shook her head as if to say, “Not going as planned,” she dumped out the filthy washing water from the bucket.</p> <p class="has-text-align-right">(<a href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/14-14-starvation/">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/14-13-tomato/" 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-130534757-5155-676686a5bda10' data-src='//widgets.wp.com/likes/index.html?ver=20241221#blog_id=130534757&amp;post_id=5155&amp;origin=shikarito.wordpress.com&amp;obj_id=130534757-5155-676686a5bda10' data-name='like-post-frame-130534757-5155-676686a5bda10' 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/14-13-tomato/"></a></div></div></div></main> + + + + 14.12 Spell + https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/14-12-spell/ + https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/14-12-spell/ + Fri, 06 Dec 2024 10:58:35 +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">14.12 Spell</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/14-11-the-safflower-3/">Previous Chapter</a>)</p> <p>“My goodness, it’s turned into such a troublesome matter, hasn’t iiit?” Chue, her younger sister-in-law, said in a carefree manner.</p> <p>This was after they sent Maomao back to the dorms following their departure from Hao’s residence.</p> <p>They alighted from the carriage and headed for the Moon Prince’s palace.</p> <p>“What are we to do with the report to the Moon Prince?” Chue asked.</p> <p>“Since we told them that we’d bring it back, we must report it.” Mamei sighed heavily. If only Maomao made some response then, but it wasn’t like Mamei could go as far as to force the other woman to do so. Chue was better suited at inciting this sort of thing, but she had sent Maomao back immediately after. “And here I thought you would bring Maomao-san all the way to the Moon Prince, Chue-san.”</p> <p>“Maomao-san has work tomorrow. Even Chue-san has her reservations on this, you knooow.”</p> <p>“Reservations?”</p> <p>Mamei and Chue had known each other before the latter’s marriage, so they would end up speaking like friends once they were alone together.</p> <p>“What do you think will happen if the Moon Prince asks Maomao for her opinion? How would you take it, Mamei-san, if Bakin-san is told to treat a woman as a concubine, even if it’s just for form’s sake?”</p> <p>“Ahhh…” Mamei understood. “I would <em>really </em>hate it.”</p> <p>“Riiight? Saying that you respect your partner’s opinions and asking them is ultimately an excuse. Chue-san can only see that as shifting responsibility.”&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>“Yup, exactly.”</p> <p>Men would see it as respecting their partner. Women would see it as shifting responsibility. A difference in views would result in a disagreement. And reconciliation was not necessarily accepting it, even if you did understand the other party’s position.</p> <p>“Maomao-san wouldn’t particularly care either way. Honestly, I think she also understands the advantages very well. When you consider whatever Lady Safflower was thinking, it doesn’t seem like a bad move,” Chue said.</p> <p>“You think so? I found that there were more issues with it, though,” Mamei said.</p> <p>Chue squinted her small eyes into a smile. “Lady Safflower said she didn’t know if her husband would be alive in a decade’s time.”</p> <p>“Yes. Could she possibly mean that she would poison to her husband?”</p> <p>The two of them spoke in hushed tones, but didn’t give out definite names. It was a conversation over-hearers wouldn’t understand.</p> <p>“Even if it wasn’t the lady, don’t you think someone else would do it?” Chue said.</p> <p>“By someone else… next would be her son, or could it be—” Mamei asked.</p> <p>“What would the concubine do, now that she has lost the tool that&#8217;s her daughter that she had used to improve her standing? She would start raising another small animal, riiight?” Chue was familiar with the darkness of the human mind, more so than Mamei.</p> <p>“So you mean the concubine would poison her husband next?”</p> <p>“Yes. In fact, Chue-san has looked into where that concubine came from prior to joining this household.” Chue’s intelligence capability was much greater than Mamei.</p> <p>Mamei was slightly jealous of her eccentric yet capable sister-in-law. At the same time, she thought that her being able to raise children properly, unlike Chue who didn’t even try to hug her own child, was a proof of her blessings.</p> <p>“Maomao-san’s nose is amaaazing. The concubine was actually a courtesan. And not only that, she had been knowledgeable in medicine since back then,” Chue said, while making the characteristic sound of her footfalls. “She was popular, being a courtesan who was both beautiful and well-versed in herbal medicines. In particular, there were stories of regulars coming for her in less than three daays.” </p> <p>Chue placed her index finger over her lips. “Could she have cast some sort of spell?”</p> <p>“Spell?”</p> <p>“It is a western spell to prevent unfaithful husbands. Every morning, you would add a tiny amount of a delayed-onset poison into your husband’s meal, and then give him the antidote when he returns at night. If he were to ever have an affair and stay out for the night, he would remain unweeell.” Chue was knowledgeable of the West. “There is also method where you don’t use poison but a drug. If so, they would return without waiting for three days.”</p> <p>Mamei broke out in cold sweat over Chue’s speculation.</p> <p>“After a brilliant herbalist came to the pleasure district at some point in time, her customers traffic dropped and she later got redeemed, you seee.”</p> <p>“Could that be…”</p> <p>“Yes. It was the time when Maomao-san’s dad, Luomen, arrived at the pleasure district. The woman must have done all sorts of things, but when a decent herbalist came, she must have thought that she couldn’t conduct shady business practices anymore while she was at the large store known as Verdigris Mansion, even though it had fallen into hard times back theeen.” Chue crossed her arms and nodded sagely.</p> <p>Mamei was also aware of Maomao-san’s personal history. Considering how Maomao didn’t know the concubine, she must not have been old enough to remember. “Why didn’t you talk about this before Maomao-san?”</p> <p>“Would talking about it have helped?”</p> <p>Mamei was at a loss at Chue’s excuse. Speaking of who it would have helped, it was Hao.</p> <p>“Maomao-san doesn’t want to talk about speculation. She would be troubled if we talk about things that change speculation into conviction, you seee.”</p> <p>The concubine had surely cast a spell to prevent Hao from escaping. Whatever the kind of spell, Hao was bound to gradually weaken.</p> <p>Maomao must be troubled about whether she should speak the truth or keep it to herself.</p> <p>“Chue-san doesn’t hate villains. After all, we know what kind of people are the fools who try to be upriiight.”</p> <p>The person responsible for the reason Chue couldn’t use her right arm anymore was someone who had been particular about judging criminals under the law.</p> <p>“We just have to wait a decade, riiight?” Chue said.</p> <p>Mamei understood why the lady didn’t attempt to drive the concubine out with her daughter.</p> <p>There was no love or hate in this. She was just using the existence of the concubine as a tool.</p> <p>It didn’t mean that there were no feelings from the lady at the very start. Just that, at least, there were none now.</p> <p>It was Hao himself who caused it.</p> <p>“Lady Safflower actually wanted to do it, you knooow. Although she can’t rely on her sons yet, they would be more dependable than her husband, and if they’re not greedy, it should be peaceful for some time. The Gyoku clan aren’t that belligerent, so it would be a good topic to hold the third parties in check.”</p> <p>While they chatted, they arrived at the Moon Prince’s palace.</p> <p>Basen, her younger brother, was standing in the front of the room.</p> <p>“Has the Moon Prince returned?” Mamei asked.</p> <p>“Yes.” Basen guided them into the room.</p> <p>The Moon Prince was scanning over the documents that seem to the remainder of his work. The lack of Suiren’s presence must mean that she was preparing dinner.</p> <p>“Mamei, is it? How did it go?” the Moon Prince asked.</p> <p>“Yes.”</p> <p>Mamei and Chue gave their reports. Perhaps due to Suiren’s absence, Chue interrupted often.</p> <p>As expected, the Moon Prince was troubled over the lady’s proposal. “Hao’s lady is capable,” he said.</p> <p>“What will you do?” Mamei asked, and waited for the Moon Prince’s response. Whether he accepted or turned it down, it was fine. He had that much power as the imperial brother.</p> <p>“What should we do? How about we ask Maomao for details on treatment?” he replied.</p> <p>“What?” Mamei found herself raising her voice.</p> <p>“What’s wrong?”</p> <p>“Nothing… So you mean you will be taking in Hao-sama’s daughter?”</p> <p>“Wouldn’t that girl die sooner or later if I didn’t?”</p> <p>That might be the case but Mamei was boiling over in anger. “Isn’t there another way? The Moon Prince need not take her in. We can just separate the daughter from the concubine, can we not?” she ended up saying such, even though she had decided to bring this matter back for the time being due to its slight advantages. “Does the Moon Prince mean to seed your own troublesome matters to Maomao-san?”</p> <p>“SISTER!</p> <p>Mamei ignored Basen who tried to stop her. “In the first place, there is also the empress dowager! Why hasn’t she taken the girl in herself? Isn’t it strange that she is foisting this troublesome matter onto the Moon Prince?”</p> <p>The Moon Prince exhaled. “Do you think Hao would listen to the empress dowager, my mother? You should know that Hao-dono regards the empress dowager as his sister first and foremost.”</p> <p>“However…”</p> <p>The man called Hao would certainly act with that in mind. He was sure to look down on the empress dowager for being the daughter of a concubine.</p> <p>“But above being his nephew, I am the imperial brother. The matter was brought to me in the consideration that he would listen if it were from me.”</p> <p>“However, I have qualms about doing something that would make Hao forget himself.”</p> <p>“But Maomao would choose to save the girl over abandoning her, right?”</p> <p>Mamei’s jaw dropped and she looked at the Moon Prince.</p> <p>“I understand very well what Mamei wants to tell me. It would be fine if it’s something that won&#8217;t make Hao forget himself, right?” The Moon Prince gave a big stretch. “From how it’s looking, did you think I was going to support her as a concubine even for form’s sake?”</p> <p>“Was I wrong?” That was how Mamei heard it entirely from Hao’s lady.</p> <p>“Mother probably feels bad for her niece. Has Mamei forgotten the kind of things my mother did in the past?”</p> <p>“The kind of things?”</p> <p>The empress dowager was famous for being a benevolent person. She created a place of belonging for the late emperor’s chosen and abolished the surgery to create new eunuchs as well as slavery. Normally, these wouldn’t be easily achievable even for someone in the position of empress dowager, but it was all ultimately implemented by the emperor in consideration of his mother.</p> <p>That being said, what resulted from those were…</p> <p>By gathering the late emperor’s chosen, she supported the Shi clan’s rebellion.</p> <p>The ageing of the eunuchs wasn’t an issue at present with the downsizing of the inner palace. However, it was difficult to gather more eunuchs to supplement their numbers as the only castrated people were the slaves of foreign tribes.</p> <p>The abolition of slavery. Although it was officially vanquished, it was operating under a different form. The numbers have fallen, but it was now going around in a more insidious manner.</p> <p>It was not necessarily the case that the empress dowager was completely benevolent.</p> <p>In ages past, she would probably be known as a villainess. However, as she existed in the same era as the empress regnant who puppeteered her son and the vixen who tried to ruin the country, she had been overshadowed.</p> <p>Mamei thought about all the things the empress dowager had done until now, and felt that her taking in a niece was still charming.</p> <p>And it seems the Moon Prince knew how to deal with the matter too.</p> <p>“The girl has a weak constitution from malnutrition and poison, right? We’ll just have to do something about the pitiful girl that even doctors had given up on,” he said.</p> <p>“Yes,” Mamei said.</p> <p>“In other words, we can just send her to a place that would give her plenty of nutrients, has people well-versed in medical treatment, and that even Hao-dono can say nothing about, right?”</p> <p>“Ahhh.” Chue clapped her hands together. “There is. One such place.”</p> <p>“Chue-san, could it be—” Mamei asked.</p> <p>“They have fresh crops growing in the garden, or should I say field, that are high in nutrition. They have, for some reason, freeloaders who are well-versed in matters related to mediciiine.”</p> <p>“Above all, it is close to her original home,” the Moon Prince said.</p> <p>Mamei finally understood where they were referring to. “Do you mean to send her to Rakan-sama’s place?”</p> <p>“Yeah,” the Moon Prince said.</p> <p>“But Rakan-sama isn’t the type to do such charity…” No, Mamei heard that he would take in brilliant people from who-knows-where. However, Hao’s daughter was just sickly—she couldn’t see her possessing any talent that Rakan would discover.</p> <p>“If it’s Rakan-sama, he wouldn’t care even if there are one or two more freeloaders.” Chue understood.</p> <p>“His adoptive son is Rahan, right? If it’s him, he would take her in if it’s orders from the Moon Prince.”</p> <p>“Hahaha, a different trouble might arise, howeveeeer.” Chue let out an all-knowing laugh. “Come to think of it, it seems like Rahan’s older brother is starting to grow a new vegetable. Why don’t we go eat it next time?”</p> <p>“I-if it’s a tuber, I don’t want it,” the Moon Prince said.</p> <p>“It seems to be a fruit instead. A round red fruit, but its season might be over alreadyyy.” Chue stuck out her tongue.</p> <p>Based on what she could tell with Chue’s reaction, would this truly be the solution?</p> <p>As Mamei thought such, she thought it was pointless to worry over it excessively.</p> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <p><sub>T/N: Looks like it&#8217;s time for the KnH crew to get introduced to the wonders of tomato egg stir-fry 😀</sub></p> <p class="has-text-align-right">(<a href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/14-13-tomato/">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/14-12-spell/" 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-130534757-5137-676686a5dcc1e' data-src='//widgets.wp.com/likes/index.html?ver=20241221#blog_id=130534757&amp;post_id=5137&amp;origin=shikarito.wordpress.com&amp;obj_id=130534757-5137-676686a5dcc1e' data-name='like-post-frame-130534757-5137-676686a5dcc1e' 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/14-12-spell/"></a></div></div></div></main> + + + + 14.11 The Safflower (3) + https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/14-11-the-safflower-3/ + https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/14-11-the-safflower-3/ + Sat, 30 Nov 2024 12:59:50 +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">14.11 The Safflower&nbsp;(3)</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/14-10-the-safflower-2/">Previous Chapter</a>)</p> <p>The next day, Maomao headed to Hao’s residence as soon as she finished her work as a court physician assistant.</p> <p>Instead of Hao who was absent, perhaps as Jinshi wasn’t here today, it was the lady who courteously came to greet them at the door. There were also a few servants, but the concubine in question was nowhere in sight.</p> <p>“I hear you know who is the culprit,” the lady said.</p> <p>“Yes. We would like to give a detailed explanation, but may we change locations?”</p> <p>Mamei took charge. Although Chue also came along, it was better to leave it to Mamei.</p> <p>The lady looked unwell, same as yesterday.</p> <p>“Come this way.” The lady guided Maomao and the others to the parlour.</p> <p>The lady, an attendant, and Maomao’s group of three entered the large room. A guard stood watch by the door outside.&nbsp;</p> <p>“So you know the truth about the curse jar, right?” The lady&#8217;s red nose dipped slightly. It seems she was deliberately asking them while knowing the answer.</p> <p>Mamei looked at Maomao.&nbsp;</p> <p>Maomao opened her mouth. “It is not a curse jar but a poison one. A substance that, in the guise of an illness, will gradually weaken the person until they succumb. The poison was created from ingredients within reach, and was in the process of aging under the ground.”</p> <p>“Such a thing was buried under the eaves, I see.”</p> <p><em>So fake,</em> Maomao thought. She thought, but given the lady’s position, that was the only thing she could do. “Yes. It was made by Hao-sama’s concubine. And her daughter was the one she poisoned.”</p> <p>“&#8230;” The lady continued to hang her head. She didn’t look shocked.</p> <p><em>So she really did know, huh?</em></p> <p>The one who had exchanged letters with the empress dowager hadn’t been the family head but the lady. What kind of objective did the lady have to go out of her way to ask the empress dowager for advice on the curse jar? And the empress dowager, being who she is, had taken the trouble to send Jinshi over.</p> <p>“The daughter’s name is Zhizi. Was she given the name of a flower related to the family?” Maomao asked.</p> <p>“That’s right. Thanks to that, I am called Suetsumuhana,” the lady said.</p> <p>“Suetsumuhana.”</p> <p>Suetsumuhana is the other name for safflower. The lady touched her red-dyed nose. That alone allowed Maomao to presume that was the reason the woman was called the other name for safflower.</p> <p>“To think that it’s not Zhizi-san’s mother, but the lady who is called Suetsumuhana,” Maomao said, slightly astonished.</p> <p><em>Balsam and wood sorrel.</em></p> <p>She recalled the names that were once given on a whim. “Was it to seem like mother and child even if there is no blood relation?”</p> <p><em>No, not like this either, huh?</em></p> <p>She ended up saying her thoughts out loud. She thought it would sour the mood, but the lady was, surprisingly, taken aback. </p> <p>“Wh-what are you saying?”</p> <p>“I know right. What am I saying?” Maomao thought so herself too.</p> <p>“At least, you are a good person for not being able to abandon Zhizi-san even though you share no blood relation.” Maomao extended her hand towards Chue.</p> <p>“Yes, yes, Maomao-san,” Chue said.</p> <p>“Thank you, Chue-san.”</p> <p>Chue passed a bottle over. Maomao uncapped it and the scent of milk wafted out. “So you even milked the cows in the cowshed.”</p> <p>“Yes. If not milked well, they get inflamed. More importantly, cow’s milk is nutritious and stimulates physical growth,” the lady said.</p> <p>“You know a lot.”　</p> <p>“My family originally managed the cows of the inner palace. If I tell you that we had a history, but were reduced to poverty and got absorbed into another family as a result, would you understand?”</p> <p>So that was why she became Hao’s wife. Considering family history and her knowledge, the advantage to taking her as a wife had been great.</p> <p>“So you gave this nutritious milk to Zhizi-san.”</p> <p>“&#8230;”</p> <p>“Aside from symptoms of poisoning, Zhizi-san was showing signs of chronic malnutrition. I hear she is fourteen years of age, but she is much smaller than average. I hear she has been weak since young, but is that the truth?”</p> <p>“It seems Zhizi-san’s meals are managed by the concubine. I had a short chat with all the cooks on my way to the cowshed, you seeee,” Chue cut in.</p> <p>“Did you not consider that it was the mean legal wife who poisoned the concubine’s child?” the lady asked.</p> <p>“If you had thought such a thing, then you probably wouldn’t have gone to the empress dowager about the curse jar. Although the family head is Hao-sama, there is no mistaking that the mistress of this household is you,” Maomao said bluntly.</p> <p>“The lady’s reputation is really good among the servants. Myyy, what a good laaady,” Chue said.</p> <p>The lady let out a cynical laugh. “Hahaha. What an odd thing you say. My husband only tells me to not sit next to him at banquets, to show consideration for others from the background. Above of all else, he didn’t even introduce me yesterday either, did he?”</p> <p>“Yes. However, this household will not run if the lady wasn’t around.”</p> <p>It seems the previous family head had been a capable person, but the current one was uninspiring. Could the lady’s presence be what was somehow making things work out?</p> <p>Normally, it wouldn’t be possible to act as the intermediary for the family head and the empress dowager when they didn’t get along. <em>The woman was that much cultured,</em> Maomao thought.</p> <p>“And didn’t you also give birth to three sons? Myy, aren’t you the ideal bride for the family heaaad?” Chue said.</p> <p>The lady’s expression was yet gloomy. Her sense of inferiority towards her own looks was greater than anyone else.</p> <p>“Shall we return to the topic at hand? The lady would immediately deny it, so I will now just express my opinions. Whether I am right or wrong, you need not to respond,” Maomao said.</p> <p>The lady watched Maomao without moving. Although, it seems as though her complexion had improved slightly.</p> <p>Maomao talked about the things she told Jinshi and the others yesterday. “She had used her daughter to evoke the family head’s compassion. However, the cat ended up finding the poison jar by chance.”</p> <p>The lady closed her eyes.</p> <p>“When did you start giving Zhizi-san cow’s milk? Lady, you need not say anything. I will know once I ask Zhizi-san.”</p> <p>The lady opened her mouth. “&#8230;Please do not make children sell out their mothers. I gave that child cow’s milk before she turned ten. I had my sons and the servants do it for me.”</p> <p>Did the person not do it herself because she was not fit to be seen?</p> <p>“My husband is moved by the the woman who weeps that her sickly daughter is pitiful. Yes, weak women, that’s what that person likes. He doesn’t understand that if you give a child nothing more than watery congee, they wouldn’t be any more different from a sick person. He gets told that because she’s sick that she gets congee, and he says nothing and nods, even buying expensive herbal medicines to gift her.”</p> <p>Maomao leaned forwards, lips twitching, the moment she heard <em>herbal medicines</em>, but Chue poked her, and she righted her posture.</p> <p>The lady didn’t call the concubine by her name, but referred to her as <em>the woman</em>. She had her opinions about the concubine. “That woman knows very well. She knows very well what my husband likes. In the past, my husband had repeatedly kept concubines, but in the end, that woman was the only one left. The other women were all driven out with consolation money. Perhaps the women who were called to the residence and kept here were truly more loved than I was. Right when I behaved like the legal wife, it resulted with my husband telling me that he was sick of my haughtiness.”</p> <p><em>Take responsibility to the end, oi.</em></p> <p>If that was a pet, that was what you would say.</p> <p>But it were a human, it would be considerably kind to simply give them consolation money. Perhaps, it could actually be the lady who gave the consolation money.</p> <p>“The delicate woman kept coming over as though the family head couldn’t lose interest in her. And then, she even used her own daughter.</p> <p>“Yes. I wanted to believe she had no relation to me. The concubine’s child that is an eyesore, who has no blood relation to me either. But I saw it by chance. The skinny child had bent over to try to eat a frog that was hopping on the ground.”</p> <p><em>Tree frogs are toxic so I advise against eating them.</em></p> <p>When the lady, who came from a good family even if it had fallen to ruin, saw the starved child try to eat a live frog that was hopping around, she must have received a great shock.</p> <p>“By giving her cow’s milk in secret these few years, it seems like her condition has improved greatly. However, Zhizi’s condition worsened in the last couple of months.”</p> <p>She had wondered why, then discovered the poison jar. And that was when the lady realised that the concubine had given Zhizi some kind of poison.</p> <p>“Why didn’t you inform Hao-sama of his daughter’s abuse?” Mamei must have her own views as a mother herself.</p> <p>“I did inform him. What did you think happened when I did? He asked me if <em>I</em> was the one doing the tormenting. Yes, that’s right. My husband sees me as a woman jealous of a concubine that is younger and more beautiful. I pressed the woman about it many times too, but the guests saw and even unsavoury rumours came about.” The lady smiled drily.</p> <p>Was it the concubine good at currying favour, or was Hao shallow? It mattered not.</p> <p>Hao would call the concubine to his sleeping chambers in place of the lady. The concubine would probably tell him about how the lady would torment her in a reserved and plausible manner while in bed.</p> <p>“One way or other, I am also one of the causes as to why Zhizi became this weak. I wanted to save that child.”</p> <p>Which was why she came to the empress dowager for advice.</p> <p>Maomao swirled the bottle of milk. “Zhizi-san is fortunate, isn’t she?”</p> <p>“In what way?”</p> <p>“That the lady gave her cow’s milk for nutrition. And as a result, not only did she get nutrition, she also narrowly escaped death.” Maomao swirled the bottle, and it made a sloshing sound.</p> <p>“Why do you mean by not only did she get nutritiooon?” Chue asked.</p> <p>“Cow’s milk does not interact well with tea. The milk loses all its nutritious value. To say it conversely, the toxin in tea is weakened when mixed with milk,” Maomao said.&nbsp;</p> <p>Luomen had weakened the tea poison Maomao drank by giving her milk.</p> <p>Considering the amount of poison, it wouldn’t be odd for her to be already dead. Considering how Zhizi was still alive, she must have narrowly escaped death due to the cow’s milk.&nbsp;</p> <p>“But as things stand, that is a chance that she would die if the poison isn’t completely counteracted.”</p> <p>“How shocking. If she ended up dead, it would be for naught.” Mamei had a sense that there were personal feelings involved.</p> <p>“I guess so.”</p> <p>The weaker the daughter became, the more compassion the concubine received. She would do anything to become the leading actress of a tragedy.</p> <p>“What does the lady want the Moon Prince to do?”　</p> <p>Did she want to tell Jinshi to do something about the concubine? Or…</p> <p>“Can he take Zhizi into his care?” the lady asked.</p> <p>“Do you understand the implications of that?” Mamei asked without a moment’s delay.</p> <p>Telling an imperial to take the daughter into his care could only be taken as telling him to marry her.</p> <p>“Yes. I understand how disrespectful it is. Even if he were to take her in as an attendant, Zhizi’s existence would have to be a hindrance. This child as of now doesn’t have the capacity nor the strength to work as an attendant.”</p> <p>“Then, why did you bring up such a thing?”</p> <p>“Zhizi cannot give birth to children. My husband had wondered if she truly couldn’t enter the inner palace. He had a doctor check up on her.”&nbsp;</p> <p>“&#8230;” Mamei fell silent.</p> <p>The daughter of a powerful person was ultimately a piece for political marriages. Even Mamei who appeared free understood that fact.</p> <p>“All of this is the result of this family’s misconduct,” the lady forced herself to say.</p> <p>“To make amends for Zhizi-san, you want the Moon Prince to take her into custody. Mmmm, honestly, I don’t see there being any merit for the Moon Priiince.”</p> <p>It was as Chue said.</p> <p>“The Moon Prince visited Hao-sama’s residence. Then, he took his daughter into his care. To an onlooker, they would only see it as the Moon Prince, who has yet to have a concubine, having taken a liking to Hao-sama’s daughter and sought to marry her,” Mamei also said.</p> <p><em>That’s how it’ll turn out, yeah.</em></p> <p>Hao would have to be overjoyed no matter the form. The imperial brother who lacked any juicy gossip had taken a liking to his daughter.</p> <p>“What does Maomao-san thiiink?” Chue whispered into Maomao’s ear as she elbowed her.</p> <p><em>Good question.</em></p> <p>Does Chue want to see Maomao jealous?</p> <p>Unfortunately she didn’t think that way.</p> <p>“I think I would feel bad for Zhizi-san if she were to get any strange hopes.”</p> <p>“Hm, in short, you’re implying that the Moon Prince won’t be drawn to other women, huuuh?”</p> <p><em>You always have the last word.</em></p> <p>Maomao decided to say nothing more.</p> <p>It seems the lady had expected the answer. She lightly nodded in agreement. “The empress dowager also told me the same thing. However, there is one advantage to it.”</p> <p>“What kind of advantage?”</p> <p>“She could be used as grounds to ward off the ever increasing annoying marriage talks from now on.”</p> <p>It seems as though Mamei and Chue’s ears grew.</p> <p>“Ahh, my word.”</p> <p>“That might be appealing.”</p> <p>The two of them glanced at Maomao.</p> <p>“But the fact that she has a selfish mother is an issue.”</p> <p>“I will not send that woman with her,” the lady declared. “I doubt my husband would compel even the concubine. That woman would surely object, but there is no way that she could go against it.”</p> <p>There was no way that a concubine Hao doted on could even weigh up against the imperial brother.</p> <p>“It is likely that the others would change the way they think about my husband, but that is all temporary. His footing isn’t as solid as the Gyoku family. Even if it increases the weight of my family a little, it shouldn’t make a large difference to the power dynamic.”</p> <p>“Nngh,” Mamei groaned. It seems the lady wasn’t entirely wrong.</p> <p><em>I knew the lady is smart</em>, Maomao though.</p> <p>“Even so, there’s too little advantages to thiiiis,” Chue said.</p> <p>“I have three sons. I believe all of them are outstanding, but they have reserved personalities and will not forget gratitude. Besides, they don’t have the character to have wild ambitions like my husband does,” the lady said.</p> <p>“What are you implying?”</p> <p>“The family head may look young, but he is fifty-five this year. He might live for another decade, perhaps?”</p> <p>She was saying that the next family head will pledge his allegiance to Jinshi.</p> <p><em>So she isn’t a wife that only supports her husband, huh?</em></p> <p>The lady had been far-sighted, confident that she would get the final triumph.</p> <p>Which was why she continued to endure even in misfortune.&nbsp;</p> <p>“We cannot simply give you an answer,” Mamei said.</p> <p>In the end, they left taking the answer back with them.</p> <p class="has-text-align-right">(<a href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/14-12-spell/">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/14-11-the-safflower-3/" 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-130534757-5113-676550fb9cd12' data-src='//widgets.wp.com/likes/index.html?ver=20241220#blog_id=130534757&amp;post_id=5113&amp;origin=shikarito.wordpress.com&amp;obj_id=130534757-5113-676550fb9cd12' data-name='like-post-frame-130534757-5113-676550fb9cd12' 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/14-11-the-safflower-3/"></a></div></div></div></main> + + + + 14.09 The Safflower (1) + https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/14-09-the-safflower-1/ + https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/14-09-the-safflower-1/ + Sun, 24 Nov 2024 08:50:16 +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">14.09 The Safflower&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><sub>T/N: The chapter title is Suetsumuhana (末摘花). It is the archaic name of the safflower that is now known as benibana (紅花) in modern times. Fun fact: people who have read the Tale of Genji would recognise the archaic name of this flower to be the name of one of Genji&#8217;s lovers, the Safflower Princess, who is known as one of his most loyal lovers, but with an unattractive nose that is described as <strong>red</strong>.</sub></p> <p><sub>We have two new character names:<br>&#8211; 來, Lai (romaji reading is Rai, which is the Mandarin reading)<br>&#8211; 梔子, Zhizi (romaji reading is Jiizuu, also the Mandarin reading)</sub></p> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <p>(<a href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/14-08-the-curse-jar-2/">Previous Chapter</a>)</p> <p>They decided to set out immediately as they were in a hurry. Although it was already dark out, the residence was located in the capital.</p> <p>Jinshi began his explanation while in the carriage. He also included things Maomao had already heard as a recap for her, as forgetful as she is.</p> <p>Mamei and Chue were on a different carriage, and Basen followed them on horseback. Needless to say, this was arranged by Chue.</p> <p>Unfortunately, Maomao and Jinshi had completely switched to work-mode, so the development that Chue expected won’t come to pass.</p> <p>“The empress dowager has a complicated relationship with her family,” Jinshi said.</p> <p>The empress dowager was the daughter of the concubine of the former family head. The current head was her half-brother. He was called Hao, but Maomao reckoned she would forget his name in no time while she was listening to Jinshi talk.</p> <p>They were a merchant family with beginnings dealing extensively with dyes. Around a century ago they supplied to the imperial court and it was through this connection that the men of the clan had become government officials. It seems that ochre, the forbidden colour, was also produced by the empress dowager’s family.</p> <p>They were upstarts in a sense, but in time, that became history. During the era of the late emperor, they were properly treated as a mid-level family.</p> <p>They also sold garments, and it was with this link they got involved with work related to the inner palace. It must be this information network they tapped into that had them later sending in the young Anshi who gave birth to the reigning emperor.</p> <p>In current times, they should be a family that had found a solid position, however…</p> <p>“The empress regnant was vigilant of the previous family head. They were never bestowed a clan name despite their association as the imperial family’s maternal relative.”</p> <p>“I see,” Maomao said.</p> <p>In short, they were not a named clan.</p> <p>“The current family head Hao isn’t on good terms with the empress dowager. If anything, they’re on bad terms. It seems she does not exchange letters with Hao directly, but frequently with the lady.”</p> <p>“I see.”</p> <p>Under normal circumstance, they would be family that could act more importantly, but there was a reason why they couldn’t exercise as much influence as expected.</p> <p><em>But they still have enough power to stir up the imperial court.</em></p> <p>“If they are on bad terms, wouldn’t the empress dowager also have the choice to not take an interest in this matter?” Maomao asked.</p> <p>“Don’t say that. If she continued to feign ignorance, the victims would be the concubine’s child and her mother. Isn’t it really similar to her own situation?” Jinshi said.</p> <p>If she remembered correctly, the empress dowager was also the child of a concubine.</p> <p>“Even if she told you to save her, there are limits. If it were a false charge, then that would be a different story, but in the case where she clearly has an intent to kill, then there is nothing I can do for her,” Maomao said.&nbsp;</p> <p>Honestly, the girl was the most suspicious as the suspect.</p> <p>“In that case, it can’t be helped. We only want to know the truth. You can just go confirm that.”</p> <p>“It would be nice if we can figure that out simply. By the way, what kind of role should I take up?”</p> <p>“Right, yeah.&nbsp; I just told them you are knowledgeable in insect poisons, but well, I think it would be pointless to hide it.”</p> <p>“&#8230;”</p> <p>“Also, you may hate this, but honestly speaking, it’s handy to throw the tactician’s name around.”</p> <p>“I’m aware.” She was very much aware.</p> <p><em>What a pain</em>, Maomao thought as she looked outside.</p> <p>The residence was located at a distance that didn’t need a carriage. Annoyingly, it wasn’t far from the weirdo tactician’s residence.</p> <p>The capital may be large, but it was limited by living spaces. It was inevitable that the residences of high officials would be in the same area. It was also influenced by the land, so it was easier for estates constructed later to be smaller than others.</p> <p>Hao’s residence that they were brought to was by no means small. However, it was much too ordinary for a one with the status of the empress dowager’s family.</p> <p>The gate had a family crest that was a combination of safflower and gardenia.</p> <p>Both flowers were used as herbal medicines, but they were better known as dyes. Ochre was a yellow tinged with red, so it was created from a mixture of red from the safflower and yellow from the gardenia.</p> <p>Though imperfect, it was the imperial brother’s visit, so there was a group lined up to greet him at the gate.</p> <p><em>They did say that’s he’s of patrilineal descent.</em></p> <p>There were certainly no young maidens around. If there were, they were clearly dressed as servants. Let’s leave out how the women were looking at Jinshi.</p> <p>There was a skinny woman in her fifties. Despite her pale complexion, only her nose was painted with scarlet rouge. This woman was the best dressed, so she had to be the lady.</p> <p>There was also a beauty in her mid-thirties. She was standing at the back humbly, but her dress was the next finest after the lady’s. It was remarkably refined for a servant.</p> <p>“Pardon us that it is late at night.”</p> <p>The person who spoke to Jinshi was a man in his forties or fifties. He had to the most important person based on his attire and where he stood, so she could tell he was Hao, the current family head. Although, she could sense that he was lacking in a dignified air. Could the reason be his youthful features? He might look a few years older if he had grown a beard, but he didn’t grow one, perhaps due to thin body hair.</p> <p><em>This is where I can sense his blood relation with the empress dowager.</em></p> <p>The empress dowager was also a baby face.</p> <p>“No, my apologies instead. By all rights, we should have settled this matter privately, and yet we have caused trouble to people. Gosh, Anshi has always been a worrier since way back.”&nbsp;</p> <p>Hao spoke like he got along with the empress dowager. The person must want to be seen in a favourable light.</p> <p>“Let’s head inside for now. It’s cold, so I have prepared a warm meal.”</p> <p>“We have already eaten dinner. Rather than that, let’s resolve this issue quickly,” Jinshi said.</p> <p>Hao’s face twisted for an instant.</p> <p>Maomao recognised this person to be easy to understand, for better or worse. The previous generation’s family head who had sent the empress dowager into the inner palace was most likely to have had a sharp mind. However, she saw nothing of that razor sharpness in the son. Otherwise, he wouldn’t assume such a carefree attitude towards the imperial brother’s personal visit to his residence.&nbsp;</p> <p><em>His parents raised him wrong.</em></p> <p>She heard of the saying where one generation of wealth will be gone by the third generation, but could she take this guy as an example of that?</p> <p>The Gyoku clan of the west she saw recently appeared similar, but they still had a lot of outstanding sons and daughters.</p> <p>Hao glanced at Maomao and shot her a look of displeasure, but he didn’t make any further reaction. As Jinshi told her, for better or worse, she could use the weirdo tactician talisman as people repellent.&nbsp;</p> <p>“Then, I would guide you inside, but there is a sick person in the building, so how about the Moon Prince wait here?”</p> <p>“What did you say when the cursed jar was brought over?” Jinshi said.</p> <p>“That was Anshi’s doing.”</p> <p><em>Alrighty.</em></p> <p>Maomao thought the man called Hao also had a strength. Despite his young features, he was quite thick-skinned. She could tell by looking at him that he would later cover up the word curse and only spread around the news that the imperial brother had visited his household.</p> <p><em>She needn’t purposely dispatch Jinshi then,</em> Maomao thought.</p> <p>“Guide them courteously.”</p> <p>Perhaps Hao didn’t want to get close to the place that was said to be cursed, he brought a different guide. The guide was a young man in his mid-twenties, much younger than Hao. Considering his baby-faced genes, he might be older than he looked.</p> <p>“My name is Lai. I will guide you on behalf of my father.” The son behaved like he was aware of his position to some extent. It didn’t look like he had any intention of showing himself off.</p> <p><em>I’m gonna forget his name…</em></p> <p>“Please make an effort to remember names when you’re here at leaaast,” Chue whispered into her ear. She saw through Maomao.</p> <p>With her usual habit, Maomao ended up studying the inside of the residence. It was hard to see under the moonlight, but she suddenly caught a whiff of a pungent stench.</p> <p><em>It smells of a field.</em></p> <p>Maomao sniffed the air and looked towards where the smell was coming from. There was an impressive cow shed.</p> <p>“What could that beee?” Chue asked for Maomao.</p> <p>“It is a cowshed. The previous emperor bestowed us cows that were used for transport in the inner palace. We are at the third generation,” Lai said.</p> <p>The current emperor didn’t use oxcarts as they were too slow. Maomao won’t say that he had been discreetly pushed onto one.</p> <p>Afterwards, Lai barely spoke. Normally, people would introduce their prided garden or talk about their family’s history. It might be because it was so dark they couldn’t see so there was nothing to talk about, but even so, it was quiet. Chue was restless, wanting to chat, but Mamei elbowed her.</p> <p>The father was a pushy person, but the son only spoke when spoken to. Although his looks resembled his father, was his personality more like the lady?</p> <p>Maomao appreciated it, but she got worried that everyone would eat him up if he were to become Hao’s successor. Or could he have other siblings?</p> <p><em>It’s hard to be in the middle.</em></p> <p>While thinking of arbitrary things like how a family is ruined by the third generation, they arrived at their destination.</p> <p>“This is the place.”</p> <p>Lai guided them to under the eaves. He directed his light over to make it easier to see. To the north, there was a muddy section where the colour of the soil was different as though a hole about one <em>shaku<sub>(30cm) </sub></em>wide had been dug up. There was also a rectangular mark around it, so it looked like there was something placed on top of it.</p> <p>“The jar was here.”</p> <p>Maomao looked at Jinshi. Jinshi waved his palm, gesturing for the man to speak freely. “Was it buried in the ground?” he asked.</p> <p>“Yes, the jar was buried. The shelf over there had been on top of it.”</p> <p>The shelf had been moved a short distance away. It was for outdoor use; gardening tools were stored in it.</p> <p><em>They should borrow digging tools from there.</em></p> <p>It was muddy under the eaves of the detached building. People didn’t seem to come here normally. And if there were, would it only be the gardener to store their tools?</p> <p>“How was it found?” Jinshi asked.</p> <p>“By chance. The cat was covered to mud, so I went to see what it did and I found a hole dug out here,” Lai said.</p> <p>“It was a cat?”</p> <p>“Yes. The cat is left in the care of my family since my cousin’s daughter entered the inner palace.”</p> <p>If people were aware of even the gardener’s movements, it was possible that the jar could be buried by anyone.</p> <p>“I have heard that someone lives in this detached building. Is it possible for me to meet them?” Maomao asked.</p> <p>“&#8230;My younger sister lives here. She is sickly and much younger than me. She is fifteen years old. A smart child, but she eats very little and rarely goes outside.”</p> <p>“Can I examine her condition once?”</p> <p>Lai glanced at Jinshi.</p> <p>“Why not? Let her.” Jinshi said.</p> <p>“Understood.” There was no way he could turn down a proposal from the imperial family.</p> <p>“I will wait here. It wouldn’t be good for a man to enter a woman’s room.” Jinshi came to a stop at the front of the room. This was a consideration from what women regarded as a fine man. The reality was that it would be troublesome if he were to show his face and they fall for him–it was a reason typical of Jinshi.</p> <p><em>Yeah, that’ll be nothing but unpleasant.</em></p> <p>“Then, please wait in the room next door.”</p> <p>Jinshi waited in the room next door. Maomao had Chue accompanying her.</p> <p>“We’re coming in.” Lai opened the door. There were two women inside.</p> <p>One was a girl who had a pale complexion. She still had a childish innocence in her features.</p> <p>The other person was the beauty in her thirties, one of the people who greeted them at the gate just now.</p> <p><em>So she’s actually the concubine.</em></p> <p>The mother and daughter pair looked similar. If she wasn’t sickly, Hao would have pushed his daughter into the inner palace.</p> <p>The room was dark. When a candle was lit, it even looked like there were white faces floating.&nbsp;</p> <p>Perhaps due to the scarce visual information, Maomao’s nose reacted much more sensitively. She caught the smell of honey from the candle, and the smell of medicinal broth from the small teapot. Did it contain components that induced sleep?</p> <p>Also, she felt a sense of nostalgia from the beauty.</p> <p><em>She must have been from the pleasure district and got redeemed.</em></p> <p>Her outfit was simple, but her air and the way she dressed herself wasn’t something that could be readily changed. She possessed a sensuality that brought to mind a courtesan’s figure in a dim bedroom. There was no expressed need for Maomao to point that out, so she kept silent.</p> <p>“The Moon Prince’s company wishes to see Zhizi,” Lai said.</p> <p><em>Zhizi!</em></p> <p>It was a superb name. Zhizi was gardenia, which was used as a dye, but also as a herbal medicine.</p> <p><em>That said, I wonder if they will give me anything as a souvenir.</em></p> <p>She was fine with either safflower or gardenia.</p> <p>“Who is this person?” The beautiful concubine studied Maomao intently.</p> <p>“She is the herbalist approved by the imperial brother. Do you have any doooubts?” Chue threatened her with a smile.</p> <p>“Nonsense. However, this child has been visited by many a doctor and she has yet to be cured…” The concubine hugged her daughter gently as she sobbed.</p> <p>The daughter with lifeless eyes clutched her mother’s arms.</p> <p>“Please allow me to examine her regardless.” Maomao took Zhizi’s hand. She took the girl’s pulse, and even checked her eyes and tongue.</p> <p>“&#8230;”</p> <p>When she checked Zhizi’s tongue, she detected a faint smell of milk from the girl.</p> <p>“&#8230;Excuse me, but can I have a cup of tea?” Maomao pointed at the small teapot where the smell of medicinal broth came from.</p> <p>“Then I will brew it again.”</p> <p>“No, it is fine as it is. It has a very pleasant smell with a good sleep effect.” Maomao sniffed the air.</p> <p>“No, these are used up. I will boil up some water and prepare a fresh serving.”</p> <p>“Thank you.” Maomao accepted the medicinal broth.</p> <p><em>I knew it.</em></p> <p>She downed the teacup in one go.</p> <p>“I will prepare the medicine for the daughter’s condition, so may I come over on another day?” Maomao said, looking at Lai.</p> <p>“That is welcome news for me, but…. Um…” Lai looked at the concubine and her daughter.</p> <p>It seems the main question was if it was the curse jar.</p> <p>“I think I will talk about that matter on another day,” Maomao said as she swirled the tea leaves left in the bottom of the teacup.</p> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <p><sub>T/N: The lady&#8217;s red nose is probably a reference to the Genji character.</sub></p> <p><sub>Also, in case it wasn&#8217;t clear, the comment Maomao made about Jinshi being of patrilineal descent, that&#8217;s referring to how he&#8217;s an imperial with inheritance rights.</sub></p> <p class="has-text-align-right">(<a href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/14-10-the-safflower-2/">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/14-09-the-safflower-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-130534757-5064-676686a634a7d' data-src='//widgets.wp.com/likes/index.html?ver=20241221#blog_id=130534757&amp;post_id=5064&amp;origin=shikarito.wordpress.com&amp;obj_id=130534757-5064-676686a634a7d' data-name='like-post-frame-130534757-5064-676686a634a7d' 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/14-09-the-safflower-1/"></a></div></div></div></main> + + + + 14.10 The Safflower (2) + https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/14-10-the-safflower-2/ + https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/14-10-the-safflower-2/ + Thu, 28 Nov 2024 12:09:48 +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">14.10 The Safflower&nbsp;(2)</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/14-09-the-safflower-1/">Previous Chapter</a>)</p> <p>Maomao and the others decided to leave Hao’s residence for now.</p> <p>Unlike the journey to, the carriage was cramped. The reason was Mamei and Chue’s presence.</p> <p>They could probably squeeze in one more person, but Basen wasn’t useful, so they left him out.</p> <p>As it was already late at night, they decided to share information on their way back.</p> <p>“Now then, how about you give us a recount on what you’ve noticed?” Jinshi, arms crossed, asked Maomao.</p> <p>“It will be speculation like always,” she said.</p> <p>“Give us speculation like always.”</p> <p>Maomao thought about how she should broach it, then decided to speak frankly as she had nothing to hide. “The concubine was the one who made the poison, and the daughter was the one who was served the poison.”</p> <p>“Maomao-san, you spoke so directly. How unusuaaal.” Chue was rocking herself in time with the carriage.</p> <p>“The mother to the daughter, is that right?” Mamei confirmed.</p> <p>“Yes.”</p> <p>“Not every mother has maternal feelings, you knooow.” Chue said what Maomao wanted to say.</p> <p>“Are you certain that she served the poison?” Jinshi asked.</p> <p>“I cannot declare it outright, but in all possibility, I believe it to be the case.” Maomao presented her basis, “The tea I had just now contained several medicinal herbs. It had a sleep-inducing effect, and didn’t taste bad either&#8230;but it’s likely to be the very tea brewed for the poison in question.”</p> <p>If Basen were here, he would be squawking. Unfortunately he wasn’t. Jinshi, used to it, was composed with his arms crossed.</p> <p>“Seeing as you’re not all that excited, it doesn’t seem like you have ingested poison,” he said.</p> <p>“Just as the Moon Prince said. The concubine brewed up a fresh batch instead of the used up tea for heeer,” Chue said.</p> <p>“And even if it were ingested, it would not bring out abnormalities to your body as long as you do not take it everyday,” Maomao added. It was ultimately a slow-acting poison. “And the daughter Zhizi-san’s condition has the same symptoms as taking the poison too.”</p> <p>Maomao looked at Jinshi and Mamei. They looked bewildered. Chue had been with Maomao in that room, so it seems like she was deep into the role of filling in the lacking sections of Maomao’s testimony.</p> <p>“Maomao remembered the name of a stranger after hearing it once…”</p> <p><em>That’s what you’re focused on?!</em></p> <p>Even Maomao has remembered names she heard once. Like Wanwan-senpai.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>“Why would the mother poison her daughter? Just the reasoning that she didn’t give out the used up tea is too weak.”</p> <p>It was just as Mamei said. Maomao thought so too.</p> <p>“As far as I could tell, she didn’t seem like a mother who thought of her daughter. As far as I could teeell.” Chue had some misgivings about the mother.</p> <p>“The fresh tea she brewed for me was a little bitter. Also, it had catnip,” Maomao said.</p> <p>“Catnip?” Jinshi asked.</p> <p>“Yes. There is cat in its name. Its use is close to silver vine. The herb is used as herbal medicine, but just like silver vine, it’s liked by cats.”</p> <p>“Speaking of cats…”</p> <p>“Yes.”</p> <p>Back when she was at the inner palace, there was a detestable calico cat by the name of Maomao that had always gone after the silver vine in the medical office.</p> <p>“If people touch catnip often, the smell might get on them.”</p> <p>Which was why the cat found the poison jar.</p> <p>“But Zhizi-san’s mother didn’t have a reason to harm her daughter. It’ll make more sense if it were the legal wife instead.”</p> <p>According to advance information, the mother and daughter were neglected.&nbsp; Let alone entering the inner palace, the daughter was forced into a detached building without coming out in public.</p> <p>“To my eyes, the mother and daughter did not look close.”</p> <p>“Ahhh, does Maomao-san think so tooo?”</p> <p>“Yes. That person was less a <em>mother </em>and more a <em>woman </em>to me,” Maomao said bluntly. That was the reason she identified the concubine to be a former courtesan.</p> <p>The reason Chue had misgivings.</p> <p>First class courtesans operate by luring in customers. Everything they do is calculated, from the angle they tilt their head to make them look pretty to customers, the flow of their hair, to the movement of their fingers.</p> <p>The concubine had moved to make herself look the most pitiful to Maomao and the others, the guests. Movements that were very much like the skilled courtesans at the Verdigris Mansion who made themselves look delicate.</p> <p>“So you mean she was arousing sympathy?” Jinshi asked back, looking like he couldn’t understand.</p> <p>“Yes. The concubine and her daughter hadn’t been treated as roughly as our prior information told us. If anything, I think they were treated really well.”</p> <p>The concubine’s attire was the next-most splendid after the lady’s. If she had been neglected, she wouldn’t be allowed to show her face at the imperial brother’s greeting in the first place.</p> <p>“Same with the daughter. If she had an unknown disease that even doctors have given up on, it would be natural to have her live separately from the main house. I would do the same as it would be scary if it turned out to be infectious. Even the tea she was given had various kinds of herbal medicines. It could not have been cheap.”</p> <p>Above all, the poison in the jar was made from high-grade tea leaves.</p> <p>“But the bad rumours…” Jinshi said.</p> <p>“Honestly, it’s Hao-sama’s wife who did not look well. Suppose there is a concubine who is many years younger and more beautiful around, what would you think? And suppose that concubine, who is a kind mother who thinks of a daughter, is going around looking sorrowful, what would happen?”</p> <p>People like to create convenient stories. Apart from the servants who were always in the residence, the guests would probably make up their own stories.</p> <p>“It is fine if all of it was just to make herself look delicate, but it is not acceptable to use her daughter as a prop.”</p> <p>“By prop, you don’t mean that she continued to poison her daughter to beget sympathy from other?”</p> <p>“I believe that is the most valid reason for the poisoning.”</p> <p>“No way.” Jinshi couldn’t believe it.</p> <p>“<em>The senior courtesans are jealous of me. Look at the harm I suffered</em>—there are courtesans who would show their purposely roughly cut hair to customers. Although, it was all done by themselves. This is an extension of that act. She used her daughter to her own advantage and wept to her husband. And her husband would end up feeling compassion for the pitiful woman.”</p> <p>“But the advantage to weakening her daughter by poisoning is too small. Hao-dono has no other daughters. Wouldn’t it be wiser to have her enter the inner palace to become a consort?”</p> <p>“Jinshi-sama, can you easily have a concubine’s… a former courtesan’s daughter become a high-ranking consort?”</p> <p>“…” Jinshi couldn’t say anything.</p> <p>Since they controlled the inner palace, the selection of a high-ranking consort was made up of a number of factors.</p> <p>“With all due respect, didn’t you get a lot of opposition when you promoted Empress Gyokuyou to high-ranking consort?” Maomao asked.</p> <p>Empress Gyokuyou’s mother was one of the many wives of Gyoku&#8217;en who governed the lands of the west. She was also mixed with western blood, so even now, there were a lot of voices questioning her suitability to be empress.</p> <p>“I do not know Hao-sama well, but wouldn&#8217;t he pretend there was no courtesan mother to raise the chance of his daughter becoming a high-ranking consort?”</p> <p>The daughter was treated as the child of the legal wife instead of the concubine, which was why she was treated as if she didn’t exist. It was better to erase the existence of the courtesan who was in the background. It was better to have the daughter learn the skills of luring in men from her mother, and should she prove useful, have her become the adopted daughter of the legal wife. She could be registered as the legal wife’s daughter in the family register from the very start.</p> <p><em>And…</em></p> <p>Once the daughter entered the inner palace, the courtesan would have served her purpose.</p> <p>But what if the daughter couldn’t enter the inner palace due to poor health?</p> <p>Maomao had no idea about the personality of the man called Hao. However, even supposing he wasn’t a person with deep feelings, he shouldn’t be callous enough to give up on his own daughter. Although not to the level of having her come out in public on a brilliant stage, he wouldn’t abandon her to starve to death.</p> <p>“Let’s say the concubine was looking for a way to not get abandoned by her husband. If she aroused sympathy from those around her, acted like a devoted mother, and occasionally get compared with the legal wife who is neither young nor beautiful, wouldn’t she regain a degree of self-respect?”</p> <p>Neither Jinshi nor Mamei look like they could believe it. Only Chue was grinning ominously.</p> <p><em>Did she think it was the only way for her to live?</em></p> <p>Nonetheless, Maomao herself found it really selfish.</p> <p><em>It’s not a strong poison.</em></p> <p>But definitely one that will destroy the body.</p> <p>“Then, it will be fine if we collect the evidence to confirm that fact tomorrow, riiight?” Chue, who seemed to be really good at gathering evidence, said.</p> <p>“Yes. There is also one place I want investigated,” Maomao said.</p> <p>“Where would that beee?”</p> <p>“I want you to investigate the cowshed.”</p> <p>“The cowshed?”</p> <p>Not only Chue, both Jinshi and Mamei also tilted their heads.</p> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <p><sub>T/N: Catnip in Japanese is 荊芥. Read as inuhakke. There is a line that said that there is dog (inu) in the name, but as you can see, it doesn&#8217;t work in English, so I changed it to cat. </sub></p> <p class="has-text-align-right">(<a href="https://shikarito.wordpress.com/kusuriya-no-hitorigoto/14-11-the-safflower-3/">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/14-10-the-safflower-2/" 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-130534757-5096-67666a55e55f5' data-src='//widgets.wp.com/likes/index.html?ver=20241221#blog_id=130534757&amp;post_id=5096&amp;origin=shikarito.wordpress.com&amp;obj_id=130534757-5096-67666a55e55f5' data-name='like-post-frame-130534757-5096-67666a55e55f5' 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/14-10-the-safflower-2/"></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-130534757-4935-67666a56110d4' data-src='//widgets.wp.com/likes/index.html?ver=20241221#blog_id=130534757&amp;post_id=4935&amp;origin=shikarito.wordpress.com&amp;obj_id=130534757-4935-67666a56110d4' data-name='like-post-frame-130534757-4935-67666a56110d4' 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> + + + + diff --git a/index.html b/index.html new file mode 100644 index 000000000..6b1cee07a --- /dev/null +++ b/index.html @@ -0,0 +1,10 @@ +