Ok firstly to defend myself, the teacher deserved it , ok lets do the storyyy
Its Monday 5th , 2015 , i am nearly done high school and im getting .REAL. jordans in a few months so i was very excited but then out of nowhere my idiotic little teacher cum's towards me and says i got a E- on my grade, so reasonably i say "BITCH I WORKED HARD FOR MY GRADE YOU CUNT!!!!!!" , the teacher then says hes gonna get me suspended so i ran tf outta there , the school gave my mum a phone call saying im expelled now, so my mum says im not getting the jordans no more, then out of anger i flush her credit card down the toilet..A few days later i come up with a PERFECT plan, i decided to plant exactly 5 bombs in the school staff room, but first i had to search up "how to make boom boom bam's" in safari and it worked!!! , on friday i planted the bomb's in the staff room and ran away, i detonated them as soon as i left the school, over 69,420 people got caught in the explosion!, only 69 died tho :((((, i then found out bombing place's is illegal so i fled the country and started a new life in canada.
View Poll

Introduction:

When it comes to traveling between airports, convenience and reliability are of utmost importance. Whether you're a frequent traveler or planning a one-time journey, Peliccan Cars is here to make your airport transfers seamless and stress-free. In this blog post, we will highlight the benefits of pre-booking an airport shuttle with Peliccan Cars for your journey from Stansted Airport CM24 to London Southend Airport SS2.
Hassle-free Travel:
By pre-booking your airport shuttle with Peliccan Cars, you can eliminate the stress and uncertainty of finding transportation on the spot. Our dedicated drivers will be waiting for you at Stansted Airport CM24, ready to whisk you away to your destination. You won't have to worry about hailing a taxi or searching for public transport options, allowing you to start your journey with peace of mind.
Timely and Reliable Service:
Peliccan Cars prides itself on providing punctual and reliable service to our customers. We understand the importance of arriving on time for your flight or meeting, and our experienced drivers are well-versed in the routes between Stansted Airport CM24 and London Southend Airport SS2. By pre-booking with us, you can rest assured that you will reach your destination promptly and without any unnecessary delays.
Comfortable and Well-maintained Vehicles:
Our fleet of vehicles at Peliccan Cars is meticulously maintained to ensure your comfort and safety throughout the journey. We offer a range of vehicles to cater to your specific needs, from sedans to spacious vans, accommodating individuals as well as groups of any size. Sit back, relax, and enjoy a smooth and comfortable ride from Stansted Airport CM24 to London Southend Airport SS2.
Professional and Knowledgeable Drivers:
Our drivers are not only skilled at navigating the roads but also friendly and professional. They possess in-depth knowledge of the local area, enabling them to choose the best routes and avoid traffic congestion whenever possible. If you have any questions or need assistance during your journey, our drivers will be more than happy to help, ensuring a pleasant and personalized experience.
Competitive Pricing:
At Peliccan Cars, we believe that quality service shouldn't come at an exorbitant price. We strive to offer competitive pricing for our airport shuttle services, providing excellent value for your money. By pre-booking with us, you can avoid surge pricing or last-minute price hikes, making your journey affordable and cost-effective.
Conclusion:
When it comes to airport transfers, Peliccan Cars stands out as a reliable and customer-oriented service provider. By pre-booking your airport shuttle from Stansted Airport CM24 to London Southend Airport SS2, you can enjoy a hassle-free and comfortable journey. Our timely service, well-maintained vehicles, professional drivers, and competitive pricing make us the ideal choice for your transportation needs. Don't leave your airport transfers to chance – trust Peliccan Cars to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. Book your shuttle today and travel with confidence!
#taxi stansted, #cab stansted, #minicab stansted, #airport transfer stansted, #taxi near me, #stansted taxi near me,# fast taxi stansted,# pre-book stansted taxi online, #stansted airport ride

I'm sorry this is long, I just haven't been able to get this off my mind and I don't know who to talk to about this, and I've been listening to some really sad music and its all I've been able to think about because of it. I'm sorry but I'm going to tell you my long story with a friend of mine.
I'll call her A, we met in a friend group, we've been friends for a while now, maybe about 2 years or so, her and I have been really close, essentially best friends. We used to spend nearly every night together and send pictures of things we were doing and do silly things and cute things and those things I'd imagine in romance movies. She was the first girl i really liked, too, and probably not a good sign. We always said goodnight to each other, we'd send pictures of sunsets and sunrises, we sat in silence enjoying each other's company, we played games together and spent lots of time together and were always open to one another, giving reassurance, comfort, and a listening ear if we ever needed one another. All of the nice things, i associate with her. I really love her. She's a wonderful person. Whenever she got jealous or upset, I reassured her that she was still an amazing person.
But she ended up liking me and another one of her friends, long story short, she chose him over me, she spent time with him while deciding on if she wanted him or I, which just felt like an extra punch to the face, and then he invited me to talk with his friend group and it felt like egged me on by saying A would be there. I hated that. I hated that I knew she would pick him over me, I felt so helpless in those few weeks I waited, I felt annoyed that I had to ask her if she made a decision when it felt like it was already made. But I feel guilty for those things, too.
She still wanted to be friends, and I said I did too, because I did, and I wanted to make it work. We didn't really talk for a bit, but she always came back to say she still wanted to be friends and that she didn't want me to leave our friend group. I decided to distance myself and take time for me. Which felt nice, and eventually, I felt a little bit more comfortable to be in our friend group after a while.
she messaged me every now and then that she missed us hanging out. She missed how we used to spend time together at night, or talk about things or just hang out. Which made me upset, I never expressed that with her, I just said I agreed because I did agree. But it felt unfair that she wanted things like this after she chose him over me. it never felt fair to me.
This has happened a few times, where a friend of ours I talk to, we'll call her B, I have some time with her and we enjoy talking and playing games together and hanging out. And Friend A gets jealous of that, I remember a few nights, I called her, and she was crying because she was upset because she thought I'd forget about her and she was scared of losing me because I was spending time with Friend B and was having fun. I felt bad about it, so I comforted her and reassured her I still like spending time with her because I do, I apologized, and she felt guilty about it. I told her I still valued her, and she told me she valued me a lot, too.
This doesn't feel fair to me, I can't become closer with my friends in our friend group, and I just want her to be happy no matter what, I don't want to disrupt her relationship. She wants us to talk like we used to, and she says how she still thinks of me and misses us. I don't want there to be conflict with her and her boyfriend, i don't want her to feel upset or jealous, I just, ahh I don't know, I DON'T KNOW I feel so stressed, and stuck. I still believe she's a good person because she still cares about me and our friends. She's still kindheared and wonderful. I don't want to leave our friendship behind, not friend A or friend B.
I guess TLDR, a friend of mine we used to like each other, she chose him over me, we still wanted to be friends, but i wanted to take time to myself for a bit. She missed me and the things we used to do, we stayed friends, I came back to out friend group, she got jealous and upset of my friend and I spending time together a few times, I reassured her I still like spending time with her, and she said how she misses us. And I feel lost. something like that, I'm sorry if this was a bad TLDR.
I'm sorry this is so long, and if this is disorganized or doesn't make a lot of sense. I just needed to let this off my chest. I'm sorry if it doesn't make sense, I'm sorry I keep saying sorry.

Okay guys, I'm using a throwaway cause my girlfriend seems to know a lot of people. Sorry, if it's a bit long and winded. Please bear with me.
My girlfriend (Jennifer; not real name) and I are both college students in a mostly white university. It's known for having a great engineering program and thus has an influx of brown South Asian students including me (Mostly male) come in.
Now, I am a Christian Indian born and raised in America, who comes from the stereotypical, traditional family who came to this college for engineering. My girlfriend is white who was apart of a sorority when she started college here for about 2 years until she had to leave due to time commitment issues. I met and started dating her about a year and a half ago when she was in the process of leaving. I had actually started liking here before I knew about her sorority past. (Just putting that out there)
Jennifer still keeps in touch with her sisters and also knows many guys and is still very social. I, on the other hand was nothing like her at all. She is the first girlfriend that I have had. I, like most brown guys it seems, was a shy, socially awkward nerd who didn't know how to talk to girls in the first year. I met a "friend" in one of my classes who seemed to gravitate towards me because I guess he knew I would be willing to help him out in class and help him with homework answers and perhaps he may have used me. I didn't care, because I was willing to do anything to make friends. In return, he invited me to hang out with him and his friends and in a short amount of time he taught me a lot of things when it came to the social scene, parties, clothes, and talking to girls. (I actually was able to get a hand-job from a girl who did it through pity for the most part)
Eventually, I met Jennifer at a party that my friend invited me to. We hit it off and we started dating. Everything is swell. She introduced me to her friends who didn't mind me at first. I introduced her to my friends both white and brown. I still made friends with the brown guys because that's my people, if that makes sense and helped them with their social life.
Now, this happened a few days ago and I haven't seen my girlfriend in person yet. Well, we were both talking about a Greek hosted party that we were invited to and encouraged to invite anyone we could. So, me being a friend wanted to invite a few of my brown friends to the party just as she wanted to invite her own friends. When my gf heard that I was going to invite other brown guys, she came up to me and asked me nicely "Is it alright if you didn't invite your friends?
I asked her why? She said "not all of them, just a few." I asked again which ones? She basically listed off all of my brown friend and none of the white friends that I was planning on inviting. (My list isn't that big btw). We went back and forth about it until she dropped this bomb.
"Well, let's be honest you went up a notch socially since we've been dating. You don't see Indian guys dating white girls like me at all do you? I did agree with her on that part regretfully. My girlfriend is a very hot and attractive girl like most sorority girls and does have guys eyeing her. I guess I agreed, because honestly every brown guy that I have seen with a girlfriend has been either overweight or just not attractive at all and I assume they are settling for a brown guy because no other guy will take them. So, I felt like the luckiest brown guy in the world since dating my girlfriend. I know this makes me a douche bag and I hate the fact I think like this and it doesn't help that Indian men are the least desirable by most women including Indian women :/
Anyways, I told her so are you dating me for some exotic thrill, pity, dare, or because you actually love me? She said "of course I love you. I wouldn't be with you with this long if I didn't". After, some loving words, we had sex and she went back home and we left the question about the friends up in the air. The party isn't for nearly 2 weeks, so there's time.
Now, I don't what to think or position to take from this exchange. On one hand, I feel very hurt emotionally as I could never measure up to my girlfriend especially when another dude could snatch her up easily. I'm also hurt because I am not ashamed of my heritage and should never be, but my girlfriend goes and says this. I love her so much and she may be my first everything for the most part, but I feel so close and understand one another on the same wavelength. I don't know if this could be get in the way of our relationship.
Tldr; My white girlfriend says that I should be lucky for dating her as a brown guy after getting into argument about inviting brown friends to a party and now I don't know how to feel about this and where I should I go from here.
EDIT: Thank you everyone for all of the advice and encouragement I received from you all. I decided I'm going to talk to my girlfriend and ask her about where she sees us in the future. I will also go more in depth for her reason for dating me and her views on brown people. I will make sure I update you all. It'll either be good or bad. I'll let you all know either way.

So my friend was telling me about some new game, and I forgot to ask what it was called and can’t wait to hear back lol.
I know most DND is played online with webcams and all that good stuff. But he mentioned some new game where it was all completely digital. Like a 2d map with 2d figures and everything is done on the computer, with no figures or physical objects
Obviously that’s not going to be nearly as fun as with figures and maps, but it’s something. Anyone know what I’m talking about or am I just really high?

I have 20b/4k on bang didn’t think I’d have to add that but someone msg’d me & brought it up so.
I’m looking for multimasters as I’ve been masters in s14/15/16
I want to gain anywhere from 8-10k LP daily & high KP top 5’s will do that, especially when you’ve ran down the lobby & are warmed up for constant team fighting
I know in the current system it caters towards placement over KP but I’d rather have a top 5 finish with 15-20 kp than top 3 & under 10 kp.
I want to play an Agro comp, im best on Bang & in a fragger co/igl role.
I prefer a Bang/Horizon/Seer in this current meta but whatever you’re comfortable with. ( if we run this comp playing neaon your horizon even if whoever plays horizon is a fragger is the way to go) I also prefer to co/call/igl with whoever plays seer as their info as seer is important while I on bang co call as well as frag with horizon.
My PSN/Apex in game name is “Bluntvibezisaac”
Let me know your usernames & when you added me & I’ll get back to you.
My ideal time for playing is 7/8 pm CST to 2/3 AM CST
I’m going to hit 5k+ kills on Bang this season & also want to hit & maintain pred by end of the season.

Hello Dear community,
I need your help, or, at least I think I do. I've come into a point in the game in which I don't know how to go further. I'll explain; I have gear level 32 (with my special copper mace equipped). I play in a PvE singleplayer world with me myself and I. At this moment, I've killed several V blood targets;

• Alpha wolf
• Rufus the foreman
• Keely the frost archer
• Errol the stonebreaker
• Goreswine the ravanger
• Grayson the armourer
• Lidya the Chaos archer

Right now, when I look at my goals, I need to create a Castle Throne, which needs Iron. Another Goal I can set myself is upgrading the Castle heart, which needs glass.
Now it feels like both Iron and Glass are resources which are way out off my league still, with only an equipment level of 32. However, with some smart play, and using wolf form, I was able to sneak near the Iron mine and harvest some Iron. However, for me to be able to create Iron ingots, I need to kill Quincey the Bandit King, which is level 37, a long way from my level 32.
Any tips on how to proceed? Which steps should I take to have a better shot at getting Glass and Iron? Everything felt balanced up until now, but now I feel like a weak little vampire baby.
Thanks in advance!

Hello
I've recently come across this community and it has compelled me to do a significant amount of self-reflection. It didn't necessarily offer me new revelations, but it provided the final push I needed to acknowledge an inconvenient truth: I have been wasting my time gaming.
I have struggled with depression this past school year, and I've used video games as a crutch, despite knowing they don't provide any real relief. Too often, I've found myself neglecting my studies to play games for hours on end. The most troubling part is that I'm not even enjoying the time I spend gaming. There's a constant nagging thought in the back of my mind telling me I'm wasting precious time and falling short of my potential.
However, what really lit a fire under me and sparked my desire to quit gaming entirely was my girlfriend. We've been together for nearly six years, and she's truly phenomenal. We share dreams of a future together and she does so much to help me succeed and reduce my stress. This allows me to focus on my university studies and work towards securing a job that can support us both. But when I play video games, I can't help but feel I'm not holding up my end of the bargain. It's struck me hard: why am I wasting time on games when I could be advancing my studies and securing our future?
I am resolved to change, not only for my own sake but also for the love of my life. I want to give her everything she deserves and more, and I know I can't achieve that by squandering hours each day on something that ultimately doesn't matter.
I am truly grateful to have found this subreddit. Moving forward, I'm considering posting regular accountability updates here.
Sorry if this post seems a bit scattered. I've spent most of the last day gaming, it's almost 4 am now, and I'm dreadfully aware of how much I've set myself back for tomorrow. But, this serves as a reminder of why I must change. And I am committed to doing so, for myself and for the woman I love.

Hello fellows, familia. Grab a coffee/joint/gamersupp.
This is just a public health awareness thread about some little known things amongst the normans. Reddit wont let me post links, but what I will do is post study title and authors/year, and some cases abstract copy paste. I will do at the bottom after the statements.
So, as you all know, COVID is a thing still, and many didn't actually know what it was capable of, outside of comparisons to other coronaviruses and the acute illness. Right now, acute illness is incredibly manageable, but the long term effects on organs is becoming alarming, even in mild cases. So lets take it from the top, so we are on the same page. We will start on organ systems and virus character.
So, covid is pretty much a vascular virus, which seems to disrupt vasculature. Lets start before vaccines to demonstrate to those among us suspicious that the vaccine is the cause. (Its fine to worry about tech, i dont judge).
Every person in Sweden diagnosed with COVID-19 from Feb. 1, 2020, to Sept. 14, 2020 — a total of nearly 87,000 people. Their median age was 48, and 57% were women. Researchers compared them with more than 348,000 Swedish people of similar age and sex who did not have the virus.
In the week after a COVID-19 diagnosis, the risk of a first heart attack increased by three to eight times. The risk of a first stroke caused by a blood clot multiplied by three to six times. In the following weeks, both risks decreased steadily but stayed elevated for at least a month.
Thats PRE vax. In a population which probably have the obesity % of the US and a healthy hiking and outdoor culture. US obesity rate is 40%+. Sweden perhaps half or less. Also, viral load on exposure can be a large determination of severity acutely, but perhaps also viral creep inside the body and the resulting dysfunction and damage.
​
Risk of Cardiovascular Events after Covid-19: a double-cohort study Objective To determine absolute and relative risks of either symptomatic or asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection for late cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality.
Conclusions Either symptomatic or asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection is associated with increased risk of late cardiovascular outcomes and has causal effect on all-cause mortality in a late post-COVID-19 period
Characteristics of a COVID-19 Cohort With Large Vessel Occlusion: A Multicenter International Study

CONCLUSION:

COVID-19 was an independent predictor of incomplete revascularization and poor outcomes in patients with stroke due to LVO. Patients with COVID-19 with LVO were younger, had fewer cerebrovascular risk factors, and suffered from higher morbidity/mortality rates.
Long-term cardiac pathology in individuals with mild initial COVID-19 illness
In this cohort of selected previously well and home-isolating individuals initially evaluated at a median of 109 days and followed-up at 329 days after diagnosis of COVID-19 infection, respectively, the ongoing cardiac symptoms were related to mild but notable imaging findings, suggesting inflammatory cardiac involvement. At baseline, participants with cardiac symptoms had higher mapping values, suggesting diffuse myocardial inflammation, and more frequent pericardial enhancement, suggesting pericardial inflammatory involvement compared to asymptomatic participants. At follow-up, 53% of the cohort had persistent cardiac symptoms, whereas new symptoms developed in 5%.
Transcriptomic profiling of cardiac tissues from SARS-CoV-2 patients identifies DNA damage
In this study, we investigated the host transcriptome landscape of cardiac tissues collected at rapid autopsy from seven SARS-CoV-2, two pH1N1, and six control patients using targeted spatial transcriptomics approaches. Although SARS-CoV-2 was not detected in cardiac tissue, host transcriptomics showed upregulation of genes associated with DNA damage and repair, heat shock, and M1-like macrophage infiltration in the cardiac tissues of COVID-19 patients. The DNA damage present in the SARS-CoV-2 patient samples, were further confirmed by γ-H2Ax immunohistochemistry.
In comparison, pH1N1 showed upregulation of interferon-stimulated genes, in particular interferon and complement pathways, when compared with COVID-19 patients. These data demonstrate the emergence of distinct transcriptomic profiles in cardiac tissues of SARS-CoV-2 and pH1N1 influenza infection supporting the need for a greater understanding of the effects on extra-pulmonary organs, including the cardiovascular system of COVID-19 patients, to delineate the immunopathobiology of SARS-CoV-2 infection, and long term impact on health.
​

Great article by British Heart Foundation.

Is coronavirus a disease of the blood vessels?

Updated 12 May 2023
Dr Phoebe Kitscha explores how and why Covid-19 affects the whole circulatory system, and the research that is trying to tackle it.
​
March 27, 2020

Potential Effects of Coronaviruses on the Cardiovascular SystemA Review

'Coronavirus disease 2019 is associated with a high inflammatory burden that can induce vascular inflammation, myocarditis, and cardiac arrhythmias. Extensive efforts are underway to find specific vaccines and antivirals against SARS-CoV-2. Meanwhile, cardiovascular risk factors and conditions should be judiciously controlled per evidence-based guidelines.'
​
2022
Long-term cardiovascular outcomes of COVID-19
our results provide evidence that the risk and 1-year burden of cardiovascular disease in survivors of acute COVID-19 are substantial. Care pathways of those surviving the acute episode of COVID-19 should include attention to cardiovascular health and disease.
Acute and postacute sequelae associated with SARS-CoV-2 reinfection
The evidence shows that reinfection further increases risks of death, hospitalization and sequelae in multiple organ systems in the acute and postacute phase. Reducing overall burden of death and disease due to SARS-CoV-2 will require strategies for reinfection prevention.
2020
Long covid: Damage to multiple organs presents in young, low risk patients
Initial data from 201 patients suggest that almost 70% had impairments in one or more organs four months after their initial symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
SARS-CoV-2 infection and persistence in the human body and brain at autopsy
We show that SARS-CoV-2 is widely distributed, predominantly among patients who died with severe COVID-19, and that virus replication is present in multiple respiratory and non-respiratory tissues, including the brain, early in infection. Further, we detected persistent SARS-CoV-2 RNA in multiple anatomic sites, including throughout the brain, as late as 230 days following symptom onset in one case. Despite extensive distribution of SARS-CoV-2 RNA throughout the body, we observed little evidence of inflammation or direct viral cytopathology outside the respiratory tract. Our data indicate that in some patients SARS-CoV-2 can cause systemic infection and persist in the body for months.
​

Endothelial dysfunction in COVID-19: an overview of evidence, biomarkers, mechanisms and potential therapies

SARS-CoV-2 infection primarily affects the pulmonary system, but accumulating evidence suggests that it also affects the pan-vasculature in the extrapulmonary systems by directly (via virus infection) or indirectly (via cytokine storm), causing endothelial dysfunction (endotheliitis, endothelialitis and endotheliopathy) and multi-organ injury.
Mounting evidence suggests that SARS-CoV-2 infection leads to multiple instances of endothelial dysfunction, including reduced nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability, oxidative stress, endothelial injury, glycocalyx/barrier disruption, hyperpermeability, inflammation/leukocyte adhesion, senescence, endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndoMT), hypercoagulability, thrombosis and many others. Thus, COVID-19 is deemed as a (micro)vascular and endothelial disease

Lingering cardiac involvement in previously well people after mild COVID-19

The mild but persistent non-ischemic cardiac inflammation that we describe in this study was not associated with overt structural heart disease or troponin release. Although it is triggered by a viral infection, profound myocardial injury or functional impairment is not typical, contrary to the classical definition of viral myocarditis2. Its pathophysiology is more reminiscent of findings in other chronic diffuse inflammatory syndromes that occur post-virally (for example, human immunodeficiency virus–associated cardiomyopathy)3or as a result of autoimmunity (for example, systemic lupus erythematosus4,5). In these cases, persistent subclinical cardiovascular inflammation seems to predispose people to a poor prognosis and the development of heart failure. Non-ischemic cardiac inflammatory involvement is therefore emerging as an important risk factor, and the long-term prognostic relevance of post-acute COVID-19 cardiac involvement in previously healthy people with mild initial COVID-19 illness requires further investigation.

​
July 27, 2020

Outcomes of Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Patients Recently Recovered From Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

Conclusions and Relevance In this study of a cohort of German patients recently recovered from COVID-19 infection, CMR revealed cardiac involvement in 78 patients (78%) and ongoing myocardial inflammation in 60 patients (60%), independent of preexisting conditions, severity and overall course of the acute illness, and time from the original diagnosis. These findings indicate the need for ongoing investigation of the long-term cardiovascular consequences of COVID-19.
​

Post-COVID-19 Syndrome

Kamath, Vasantha; Anand, R.1; Radhakrishnan, Buvana1; Markanday, Kushal1
Post-COVID-19 “recovery” cannot be gauged solely on a negative polymerase chain reaction or hospital discharge. There is remarkable variation in the duration, severity, and fluctuation of symptoms, which can affect survivors’ quality of life, functional status, cognition, and mood, and lead to severe disability. Given the global scale of this pandemic, it is apparent that the health-care needs for patients with sequelae of COVID-19 will continue to increase for the foreseeable future.
​
Immune system deviations?
We heard initial outbreaks of fungal infections of various types. Yes any infection can cause reduction in immune cells. Either because the immune system is busy diverted into tissues, fighting infection, or from apoptosis etc.
The deposits of antigens or viral pieces in many parts of the body, is perhaps causing problems, but also there appears to be markers of T cell exhaustion in some with high PD1 expression on some important immune cells too?
Long COVID following mild SARS-CoV-2 infection: characteristic T cell alterations and response to antihistamines Patients with long-COVID had reduced CD4+ and CD8+ effector memory (EM) cell numbers and increased PD-1 (programmed cell death protein 1) expression on central memory (CM) cells, whereas the asymptomatic participants had reduced CD8+ EM cells only and increased CD28 expression on CM cells. 72% of patients with long COVID who received HRA reported clinical improvement
The risk of pancreatic adenocarcinoma following SARS-CoV family infection
Our findings suggest that pancreatic adenocarcinoma is the most probably malignancy happening after infection with SARS-CoV family
The SARS-CoV-2 E protein induces Toll-like receptor 2-mediated neonatal lung injury in a model of COVID-19 viremia that is rescued by the glucocorticoid ciclesonide
This study provides insight into the pathogenesis of ALI and alveolar remodeling with SARS-CoV-2 viremia in children, whereas revealing the efficacy of steroids.
A new case-control study of Brazilian healthcare workers(HCWs) suggests as many as 27% developed long COVID after infection, and multiple infections raised the risk. The findings were published today in Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology.
Estimates of the prevalence of long COVID, defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as new, returning, or lasting symptoms persisting 4 or more weeks after initial COVID-19 infection vary, with some studies showing as many as 43% of infected people will have some lingering symptoms 1 month after COVID-19 confirmation.
​
"39 (58%) patients (with glioma) experienced tumor progression following COVID-19 infection at a median of 34 days after testing positive for COVID-19.. 22 patients had measurably increased tumor area by a median of 63%; 18 of which constituted hyperprogression; 16 patients developed multifocal disease; 8 developed new nodular enhancement; 3 developed leptomeningeal disease (LMD); and 2 experienced increased infiltrative disease alone. 10 patients’ presentation with new glioma was preceded by COVID-19 infection by a median of 31 days. GBM (glioblastoma) patients represented the majority of progression events, among whom 59% progressed within 60 days of documented infection.. Glioma patients appear to have disease progression at an accelerated pace in the first two months after COVID-19 infection."
​
SARS-CoV-2 infection: The role of PD-1/PD-L1 and CTLA-4 axis
The most important diagnostic feature in individuals with COVID-19 is lymphocyte depletion, most importantly, T-cells. Due to the induction of interferon-γ (INF-γ) production by neutrophils and monocytes, which are abundantly present in the peripheral blood of the individuals with COVID-19, the expression of inhibitory immune checkpoints including, PD-1 (programmed death), PD-L1 and CTLA4 on the T-cells' surface is enhanced. The purpose of this review is to discuss the functions of these checkpoints and their effects on the dysfunction and exhaustion of T-cells, making them almost ineffective in individuals with COVID-19, especially in the cases with extreme symptoms.
​
COVID-19 and renal involvement: a prospective cohort study assessing the impact of mild SARS-CoV-2 infection on the kidney function of young healthy males
Mild COVID-19 is associated with mild renal involvement without AKI. Changes in the renal function appear to be related to reduced creatinine clearance and possible albumin leakage in the acute phase of the disease. The reduction in creatinine clearance is not predicted by viral load, and it appears to be a long-term effect of the disease that can last for at least 6 months.
​
Reduction and Functional Exhaustion of T Cells in Patients With Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Conclusions: T cell counts are reduced significantly in COVID-19 patients, and the surviving T cells appear functionally exhausted. Non-ICU patients with total T cells counts lower than 800/μL may still require urgent intervention, even in the immediate absence of more severe symptoms due to a high risk for further deterioration in condition.
​
Brain
​
Cerebral blood flow in patients recovered from mild COVID-19
In this study, lower WM CBF, as well as widespread regional CBF changes identified using quantitative MRI, was found in mild COVID-19 patients. Further studies are needed to determine the reliability of this newly identified COVID-19 brain imaging marker and determine what drives these CBF changes.
​
REVIEW

Alzheimer’s disease risk after COVID-19: a view from the perspective of the infectious hypothesis of neurodegeneration

Olivera, Eugenia; Sáez, Albany; Carniglia, Lila; Caruso, Carla; Lasaga, Mercedes; Durand, Daniela*
The present article aimed at reviewing the most recent literature supporting the infectious hypothesis of AD, and addressed the probable risk of developing Alzheimer-like dementia after severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, based on evidence linking viral infections and amyloidosis.
​

• EWS
• 10 February 2022

Heart-disease risk soars after COVID — even with a mild case

Massive study shows a long-term, substantial rise in risk of cardiovascular disease, including heart attack and stroke, after a SARS-CoV-2 infection.
JOURNAL ARTICLE

Global Prevalence of Post-Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Condition or Long COVID: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review

This study finds post-COVID-19 condition prevalence is substantial; the health effects of COVID-19 seem to be prolonged and can exert stress on the healthcare system.
Review articleBrain disorders: Impact of mild SARS-CoV-2 may shrink several parts of the brain
Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a highly infectious respiratory infection discovered in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. As a result of the pandemic, several individuals have experienced life-threatening diseases, the loss of loved ones, lockdowns, isolation, an increase in unemployment, and household conflict. Moreover, COVID-19 may cause direct brain injury via encephalopathy. The long-term impacts of this virus on mental healthand brain function need to be analysed by researchers in the coming years. This article aims to describe the prolonged neurological clinical consequences related to brain changes in people with mild COVID-19 infection. When compared to a control group, people those who tested positive for COVID-19 had more brain shrinkage, grey matter shrinkage, and tissue damage. The damage occurs predominantly in areas of the brain that are associated with odour, ambiguity, strokes, reduced attention, headaches, sensory abnormalities, depression, and mental abilities for few months after the first infection. Therefore, in patients after a severe clinical condition of COVID-19, a deepening of persistent neurological signs is necessary.
​
continuing ...

Hello hello :) I'm going to try this again! I am looking to add more people to my snail-mail pen pal list!
A little bit about me:
I live in the Midwest (USA) with a huge passion for writing letters and photography
I absolutely LOVE reading (romance, social science, and poetry are my top genres)
I work as a clinical coach at a substance abuse rehabilitation treatment facility and will be obtaining my substance abuse counselor certification in the near future
I graduated college in 2022 with a BA in psychology and a BA in social and criminal justice
And now for some of my favorites:
Artist: Taylor Swift
Band: EXES
Color: Blue
Animal: Penguin
Food: Pasta
I have no preference on age/gendelocation! If you want to become pen pals, SWEET! Feel free to comment or DM me :) I can't wait to get to writing to more people!

Looking for a Daycare near me Bolton that provides a nurturing and stimulating environment for your child's early development? Look no further than Casa Dee Montessori!
Read here : https://issuu.com/casadeemontessori/docs/discover_the_perfect_daycare_near_you
Daycare near me Bolton ,Daycare near me Kleinburg

Looking for a Daycare near me Bolton that provides a nurturing and stimulating environment for your child's early development? Look no further than Casa Dee Montessori!
Read here : https://medium.com/@cdmontessori/discover-the-perfect-daycare-near-you-casa-dee-montessori-a8b6935f5adc
Daycare near me Bolton ,Daycare near me Kleinburg

Looking for a Daycare near me Bolton that provides a nurturing and stimulating environment for your child's early development? Look no further than Casa Dee Montessori!
​
Read here : https://casadeemontessori.blogspot.com/2023/06/discover-perfect-daycare-near-you-casa.html
​
Daycare near me Bolton ,Daycare near me Kleinburg

Hello, nearly fully diagnosed autistic + possibly have unmedicated ADHD ( plus, suffering from depression )
At school, I've always been the kid that doesn't works at all, only aiming for the minimum to pass to the next year. Then, I got into college within a prestigious political sciences school. 5 years later, I've failed two separate years for mostly external reasons, and they've kicked me out some months ago.
Right now, I am doing a journalism internship that I was supposed to do sponsored by my school.
My problem is, I'm genuinely afraid on what to do, where to go, from this ? The job is OK, I'm good at it ( It's mostly being on the computer searching things ) but I hate having to go to the office each days, having to talk to coworkers, saying " Hello ! :) " to each one that I come across in corridors. Having unnecessary conversations, etc, etc.
After a workday, I feel like I'm spending most of the afternoon and night charging up for the next day, and that within weekends I have to choose between going out to do things, see friends, or stay at home to not be burnt-out on Monday.
And it's only been a month. I genuinely can't see how I can do that for the rest of my life.
I'm currently within a turning point in my life, after that internship I'll have to choose between continuing studies or pushing the journalism career and I'm scared. I don't see what jobs could allow me to stay healthy while still having a decent pay. I think that I have a lot of passions, and competences, but the context in which I have to use them depresses me.
What are you all doing as a job ? I'm really curious on how you are coping with all the things that I've mentioned. I'm seeing lots of IT folks but I'm the worst on maths lol.I'm desperate to the point that I'm unironically thinking of just finishing my diagnosis and living on welfare money forever, or try to start a youtube channel on my special interests and get a paid patreon out of it. Thank you all.

The morning after our victory, I led a small team of Paladins, Clerics, and Artificers, with Rogues outside of sight alongside us.
Well, it was more accurate to say that we took one of the military vehicles and carefully drove it over to the next city. The Artificers didn't strip entire cars bare on the street, they had to get it into a garage somehow.
This excursion was primarily exploratory, to see what we were dealing with at the end of our effective territory.
The blockade was a nice touch. We slowed to a stop, we got out, and we approached. When they raised their guns, I held my hand up, and we stopped.
"This is a formal request for a ceasefire." I stated, projecting my voice with the amplifier. "We will continue to approach, opening fire will signal to us that you do not value your lives."
We continued approaching, the guns still trained on us.
The person who came out to speak with us was more forced out, he clearly didn't want to be the one to talk to us.
"Am I to assume you speak with authority?" I asked. He looked at the other soldiers, he didn't have a clue. "Then I'll make this concise and brief. You will dismantle this blockade, you will retreat, and you will not prevent us from making contact with the neighboring city. Any attempts to prevent us from passing will result in your immediate capture, any attempts to harm us will result in your immediate death."
The standoff was tense, after a few moments, I began to count down. "Five."
I could see sweat beading down their faces.
"Four."
Eyes wide, terrified.
"Three."
They broke first, backing away, guns still trained on us.
"If your intention is to retreat, such that you can face us with a larger force, allow me to make one thing clear." I blasted their blockade apart, some of them screamed. "Your bullets are useless against us."
They ran, we cleared the blockade away, and we repeated this two more times.
Seeing the city after so long felt... overwhelming. I had completely forgotten how big it was. It was almost enough to not notice the checkpoint, and the fifty of so Humans who stood on the other side, guns pointed at us.
"I will allow one of you to shoot me." I said, walking toward them. "A freebie, use your highest caliber, try and hurt me."
The bullet that struck me ricocheted into a tree, The silence that fell was just as deafening as the report from the gun, they stared at me in utter shock, and then they all ran
Several Human civilians looked at the fleeing soldiers, then looked at us as we stepped out from our territory and into theirs.
"Oh, shit. That video was real." I heard someone say. "Look at that sick fuckin' armor." Another spoke. "Are they going to attack us?"
"Halt." I commanded, my troop stopped, the tension in the air was palpable.
"My name is Ruuk Stingtail." I spoke. "For the time being, I come in peace, and invite anyone who is curious to ask questions.After all, it has been a solid year and a half since we had any contact with anyone other than enemies and ourselves."
There was still tension, of course, but eventually someone did approach, cautiously, of course. "Yo, uh, can I touch you? You know, to make sure you're actually real and not some sort of weird animatronic?"
I reached my hand out and he touched it. "Whoa." He pulled his hand back.
Several Humans had pulled out their phones, they were already recording us. I quickly appraised the people around us, looking for anything we could exploit for our own uses. I noticed someone with their arm in a sling, it wasn't in a cast, but it was wrapped up.
"You there." I said, pointing at him. He pointed at himself. "Yes, come here."
He approached cautiously. "What happened to your arm?" I asked.
"I, uh, I tore a muscle." He said. "Doctor said I can't do much with it until it heals."
"Ruka." I said, looking at the Paladin of Bahamut. He walked closer. "Show us your injury, if you would."He did, there was the ugliest bruise I'd ever seen.
"Do you consent to having your injury healed?" I asked.
"What?" He asked, blinking.
"I'm offering to have your injury healed." I reiterated.
"Yeah, sure?"
Ruka gently laid his hands on the Human's arm. "O, holy Bahamut, heal this grievous wound and grant wholeness and wellness to his man, zyak qe coi."
The Paladin's hands radiated holy light, the bruise rapidly faded, and the Human stared at it, utterly awestruck. "Holy shit." He gasped. "I mean-"
"It is not taken as blasphemy." Ruka stated, holding his hand up.
"We are here-" I spoke, looking at everyone, "-to prove our existence beyond a single video. Circumstances demand that what we do isn't simply charity, but the means by which we can survive. For this, I am sorry, I recognize that in this way, I am using you." I paused, dredging up and wiping away tears. "Our people depend on this."
If we were to have any form of peace, any form of justification for war, we needed to be sympathetic. By taking prisoners, we made ourselves targets to any would-be vigilantes looking to serve their country.
By being up front about our intentions, we showed a quiet desperation, efforts made to foster peace, even though I had bared the fangs of war.
More Humans gathered, those who were sick or in pain, we provided healing. I told our story, of how we one day woke up like this, the struggles of finding ourselves in a situation where nothing was made for us, how when we were quarantined, we were forced to fend for ourselves. How when the mine collapsed, we worked together to save the trapped miners. How when we were blockaded so they could force us to die en masse, how we were blessed with miracles.
How, when we fully understood what our intended fate was, the people heard the wisdom of my Emperor and elevated me to the position of Imperator, and how I used my authority to direct our people to our first victory.
"I shall admit, taking those soldiers' lives brought us satisfaction." I said. "They had oppressed us, tried to eradicate us, we gave them every opportunity to choose peace, to choose life. I just can't understand how they couldn't see us as people who desperately wished for love and compassion."
I laid it on thick, and the Humans ate it up.
Before long, we had expended our spells, and I said, "We will try to return, presuming the military doesn't try to carpet bomb us into oblivion, our prisoners of war be damned. I pray your leaders see reason."
We returned to our commandeered vehicle, closing the checkpoint so nobody could get in, and we returned to the city.
We did this each day we could, speaking words of hope for peace, determination to protect ourselves as needed. As always, we provided healing to those who needed it, some people even came, desperate for relief from something incurable, to which we did the best we could. Throughout this, I spoke of things to come, a thriving city, as much a part of the world as anywhere else, a place where we could share the wonders of magic.
I was asked, "Why do you close the gate when you leave?"
I simply answered, "If you entered, they would force you to remain, even though we know anyone who remains Human under the Divine Gate remains Human." It was an embellishment, but it was more poetic and exotic.
Throughout all of this, the military watched us like a hawk, waiting for us to slip up and cause some damage.
Days turned to weeks turned into a month, and we had solidified our existence to the world. We turned the checkpoint into our border, our Rangers found that we were completely sealed in on all sides by fencing.
I declared it the territory of the Empire.
"All of the land that the U.S. government sealed off belongs to the Empire." I spoke. "By locking it behind fence and gate, they have declared it our border, and we shall agree to that sentiment."
It was such a tiny parcel of land, compared to the rest of the continent, but it could comfortably fit ten offshoot villages, each which could connect us to other cities.
Construction of the new border wall began shortly after, the fencing uprooted piece by piece, replaced by solid stone proudly displaying the anachronism our lives had become, and even though there had been no agreement to peace, the U.S. government was powerless to stop us.
The moment I had claimed the land, the moment it was known to be claimed, my Emperor had claimed it in turn. By the end of the week, we had a new border wall built, one that was staffed with Rangers, Druids, Fighters, and Artificers. One that was connected by tramways, simplifying travel.
And throughout this all, Darastrixthurhi was transformed from a lifeless rock, to a city teeming with plantlife.
My Emperor held me in his arms as we laid on our bed. Sharing a bed together had always been a highlight of his being with me, his willingness to hold me, to touch me, made it all better, made it all right.
"Our enemy stalls for time, while we win the hearts of their people." He mused. "I can hear them praying to me, wishing for strength, for power, and I pull on them, make their hearts yearn. Tomorrow, invite them to visit, to witness the splendors of our nation, to feast with us in the name of peace."
"As you wish, my Emperor." I spoke.
"Ruuk, I permit you to call me your love."
"As you wish, slaitov." I replied. "Shall there be a day when we show our subjects?"
"I shall announce it during our feast." He replied.
My heart thundered, it was so sudden, yet... "Thank you, slaitov."
"Soon to be husband, Imperator mine." He replied.
When I announced the feast, the Humans who wished to join us were ecstatic. I even extended the invitation to the military personnel. "Come as civilians, if you would." I said.
The preparations that went into the feast went underway, we had a good hunt and our efforts to preserve our food was going excellently. When the Humans arrived, they marveled at the tramways, the architecture of our housing, our magical wonders. Some even saluted me, though they said they simply wanted to give me the respect I deserved.
I ensured they had the grand tour of the town, but when we neared the wall into the Fortress City, I spoke solemnly, "Any further, and you risk your Humanity." I looked at them all. "I would interpret any such entry as a desire to join our Empire, and will expect a pledge of loyalty."
The look of longing in their eyes showed me that my warning was largely going to be ignored. Hell, a handful of Humans walked right in, transforming almost immediately.
"It reacts to a want to become a Kobold." I said. "Anyone who doesn't want to might have a better time of it."
While our new citizens were given some proper clothing, I led the rest of the Humans around.
"Why didn't you stop them?" One of the Humans, a female soldier, spoke.
"Why should I?" I asked. "I very clearly stated what would happen, they made the choice."
I showed them around the Artificery, magic items and what technology we were able to make was proudly on display. I noticed one of them palm a device and walked over to them, holding my hand out. "Do not think we are not paying attention." I said. There was a tense moment before she put it in my hand. "Besides, this is just a little hand fan." I flicked a switch, two paper and wood blades extended and began to spin. "You taking this would have left one of our prisoners without any form of air conditioning."
I put it back, they tried to hide the anger at my casual mention of prisoners.
"Are they being treated well?" The soldier asked.
"Yes." I said. "Due to the lack of wireless signal, we allow them their phones so they have something to occupy their time when we're not putting them out in the yard for exercise or giving them their ration."
"You're forcing them to eat rations?" She asked.
"We all eat rations." I replied. "Feasts like this are for when we have a surplus that we can't guarantee to keep." I smirked. "That being said, as we are smaller, we need less to eat than the average Human."
I didn't pretend any of that was meant to be reassuring. "The prisoners will be joining us for the feast." I said. The incredulous looks I got elicited a chuckle from me. "If you think I'm being bold or flippant, we have them fitted with enchanted collars that will choke them if they attempt to flee. They are cursed, you see, and can only be removed with magic."
"That's fucked up." Another soldier stated.
"Inhumane, actually." I corrected. "But it's the only thing we have available that won't accidentally kill them. The worst that will happen is they'll pass out, a passive regeneration effect will keep them alive."
"Have you... tested these collars?" A third soldier asked.
"We have a small group of Sorcerers in the Warren who tried to summon a Demon for power." I said. "They have tested the collars every now and again, usually by fucking around and finding out." We approached the area where the feast was being held, food was already being set up, the prisoners were already seated, their eyes widened when they saw their fellow soldiers.
"You won't get away with this." The female soldier growled.
"Funny, that's what we said when we were locked in here." I replied. "They are fed, given water, are clothed, and are provided shelter. That's far more than we were ever given."
I directed them to their table, and soon, everyone was sat, except for my Council, and my Emperor. They arrived shortly after every one was seated, each took their seats. I sat beside my Emperor's seat.
I noted that same female soldier was attempting to film us surreptitiously.
"Today, we are gathered to welcome our Human guests, those who have seen us as people, rather than monsters." My Emperor spoke. "The establishment of my Empire was always a dream, to bring back a glory lost to time, to honor the thousands who died during the first Dragon Rage, to honor those who were murdered by my long-standing enemy." He looked around. "It had always been me desire to hunt down every last one of his children, to eradicate them, it was my Imperator who entreated me to choose compromise."
He paused, taking up a cup. "These Humans are here because my Imperator has likewise chosen compromise, to cast aside the hatred that has grown in his heart, for the sake of our peace and prosperity. Enough lives have been lost, let the first year of our Empire not be drenched in blood, that in peace and prosperity, our greatness is acknowledged, whether grudgingly, or emphatically. To my Imperator, without whom this victory would have never been manifest."
Every Kobold raised their cups, including our new citizens.
"And to our guests, who have agreed to come here in peace. May their wisdom be echoed by their leaders."
The cups were raised again.
"Now enough talk, let us feast!"
The Human frowned, putting their phone away. It was clear she didn't get what she wanted from that. After everyone polished off their plates, the people began dancing as our musicians displayed their newly awakened Bard Class- it seemed not simply playing or doing well at the arts was enough, one needed confidence and a desire to entertain.
Our guests were allowed to mingle and enjoy themselves, though the prisoners were kept under guard, any Soldiers who wished to speak to them would have to live with the fact that they would be listened in on, and considering the guards could use the spell Comprehend Languages, well, they wouldn't be able to hide beneath a foreign language.
"So, you're the leader of this little group." I regarded the Human who approached me, that same soldier who seemed bound and determined to catch us with our pants down.
"Yes." I said. "Your attempt at catching us with your recording won't work, you know." She betrayed surprise. "One, any idiot would know not to say anything incriminating at a party their enemies are invited to. Two, anyone stupid enough to do so wouldn't even make it as far as we did."
"Indeed." She said. "What was this about compromise?"
"Exactly as it sounds." I replied. "My God, Kurtulmak, has nurtured a well-earned hatred of Gnomes, considering their God committed near genocide against us. Imprisoned against his will, for the crime of wanting justice... When the victors write the history books, they will do everything in their power to make those who are suffering injustice out to be the bad guys."
"And what will your history books say?" She asked.
"That depends on your leaders' answer, Miss..?"
"Martel." She said. "Corporal Martel."
I had completely put it out of my mind, after all, we got our vengeance on the soldiers who tried to have us massacred by a God.
"So." I said. "The one who set Garl Glittergold against us shows her face." I remarked. Her eyes widened. "Why were you, of all people, not present that day, when we marched on your encampment?"
"I was called away on duty-" She started.
"Bullshit." I said. "You fled, didn't you? You ran from your fellow soldiers like the coward you are, you left them to die."
Arcane energy crackled across my body, and I had to hold back from blasting her apart. "Leave." I hissed. "This day of peace is not for cowards and traitors."
She backed away, clearly terrified. I couldn't hold back the anger any more, but I wasn't going to let her be a casualty yet. I aimed my spell at the metal pole, the Witch Bolt striking it. "I said LEAVE!" I roared. "IF YOU EVER DARE TO RETURN HERE, I WILL END YOUR MISERABLE, PATHETIC, COWARDLY LIFE!"
She fled, I did not care that several eyes were on me, if there was one thing I hated more than Humans, it was self-serving cowards like her.
I felt my God's touch on my shoulder, his presence soothed the rage, granted me the clarity of mind I needed to function. I cast my gaze toward the rest of the soldiers, who looked like they were mice caught in a trap. I approached them.
"You may leave, if you wish." I stated. "My anger at her is not anger at you."
"What the fuck did Tiana do, that pissed you off so much?" One of the soldiers asked.
"That woman was the one who called down a God to kill us." I stated. "The fact that she is present at all means she abandoned her post and left her fellow soldiers to die." My lip curled into a snarl. "The only thing I hate worse than anything, is a coward and a traitor, and that woman, Tiana Martel, is both."
I sensed a jolt of shock from my Emperor, I looked at him.
"Ruuk." He said. "Say that name again."
"Tiana Martel." I replied.
My Emperor about faced and roared, "Paladins of Bahamut, after that woman! Move!"
The Paladins gave chase, our Emperor did not order them around, out of respect for his pact with Bahamut.
"My Emperor, do you really want to risk any peace we could gain, chasing after one woman?" I asked.
"Ruuk." He said. "What are the chances that a single woman who can call down a God, who has knowledge of us that can be exploited, is suddenly not present when we finally make a counter attack? By our pact, your eyes are my eyes, and she has tried to cause problems the entire time she has been here."
He paused. "Tiana Mahtel, that's how she pronounced it, yes?"
I blinked.
"Wait, that woman is Tiamat?" I asked.
As if in answer, there was a roar, and in the distance, a dragon reared up, one bearing five heads of different colors.
​
[Navigation for 'Dragon Rising'- [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9] [10] [11] [12] [13] [14] [15] [16] [17] [18] [19] [20] [21] [22]]

It’s my birthday and I feel horrible, I don’t want to do anything or celebrate at all. But I have a family gathering to go to, and I don’t want my family to know I’m depressed, so I’m going to go to it and pretend I’m okay
My best friend is the only person who has wished me a happy birthday so far. I nearly opened up to her about how I’m not feeling good, but bailed on it as she hardly talks to me these days for some reason. She said happy birthday, but I’d be surprised if I hear from her again for another couple days

Stumbled on this article series talking through supporters of EPL clubs match day routine.
https://www.vice.com/en/article/88gz5b/what-to-do-liverpool-match-day-experience
Got me thinking about Swans match day rituals. Generally a bit hard in AFL as the fixtures jump about a lot more than the EPL.
Personally I always hop on the tram once I get out of Central and stop off at the Shakey for a couple of beers before heading to the SCG.
(These articles have me thinking we could do with a pie shop/stall near the SCG!)

Birthday Planner is the junction of ideas of various themes and thus the ultimate destination of Themed Birthday Party in Chandigarh. Besides that, We have a wide array of ideas for themes for all age groups. The birthday party of a child or of an old person, there are beautiful themes to create party atmosphere. Additionally,our themes are highly competitive and moreover are the decorations. So, There are pictures on the website, please check it yourself. We being Birthday party organizers in Chandigarh is happy to serve you.
​
Tags
Birthday planner in chandigarh
Birthday party planner in chandigarh
Birthday party Organisers in chandigarh
Party planner in chandigarh
Birthday Event Planner in chandigarh
Games On rent in chandigarh
Artist For birthday party in chandigarh
Bouncy on Rent in chandigarh
Games on rent for event in chandigarh
party games rental in chandigarh
Party games for kids in chandigarh
Party games for Adults in chandigarh
birthday party games for adults in chandigarh
Fun party games on rent near me in chandigarh
Games to rent for birthday parties in chandigarh
​

I used to work as a zookeeper at the Milwaukee Zoo. There wasn't much to it. Just your standard zoo with a gift shop and areas to visit certain animals. I certainly was a fan of the zoo as a child, having visited the zoo for birthdays or field trips. I always said I wanted to be a vet of some sort but guess zookeeper was the closest I could get. Started working at the place around age 20. Fresh out of high school and trying to save money for my autistic nephew, this job didn't offer much. Running the train when workers couldn't, making sure the animals were fed and taken care of, you get the gist. I know, I know. I said I was a zookeeper but work is right around these parts so I have to pitch in where I can.
When I first started at the Milwaukee Zoo, I felt like I was living my dreams of helping animals. But that soon turned out to not be the case. After being there for less than a year, strange occurrences started to happen. It would be minor things such as lights going out, animals being sick, etc. Nothing major. The big incident happened right when two rookies were hired to see where they would fit in at the zoo. They were skinny and teen like. One was more hairer than the other but other than that, they seemed normal. Or so I would think. The weather was a bit hot and I was sweating while cleaning the elephant enclosure. I know, not the greatest job but someone's gotta do it. The manger of the zoo came up to me as I was closing the metal door to the cage.
"You Emily Tanner?"
"Yes. What's up?"
"I've got these two rookie here and I was wondering if you have time to show them around the base, you know, kinda get them used to the place and see where they fit in."
"Um, sure." I stammered, reaching out to shake the two young mens' hands. The gesture was ignored. Thinking to myself, I wondered what was wrong with them. Did they not understand basic social cues? Were they autistic like my nephew? Thoughts started racing through my head until one of the young men spoke.
"You ever notice the smell of animal waste, how it brings you joy?"
I couldn't speak in that moment. Surely this guy was kidding around, right? Nope. His face was stone cold. He was serious.
"Maybe." I managed to get out. This guy was definitely going be the last one to work with, I thought to myself. Instead, I gave a plastered smile and continued on with the conversation.
"These two shouldn't give you a hard time." the manger said before walking away. I nodded in agreement but then he turned back around.
"Oh, and I posted some rules on your locker door. Be sure to read them carefully. You wouldn't want to know what could happen to you if you don't."
"Is this man for real??" I thought again, my breathing quickening. I was beyond confused. "What is happening??"
But I couldn't worry about that. I had these two rookies to look after. Once I ensured the door to the elephant enclosure was secure, I lead the two men to the gorilla exhibit. It was a bit of a walk since the zoo is literally a maze where if you wanted to get to one area of interest, you had to pass several others before reaching your destination. Sure, you might be wondering if I should have the zoo's layout memorized by now, but you have to think. I don't go to the zoo everyday. Even when I go home, the zoo isn't the first thing on my mind. As I was walking, showing the men the different animals and how they behaved and such, I caught a chill down my spine every time I took a glance behind me to ensure they were following me. I tried to ignore it but the feeling was so overwhelming, I had to say or do something to take my mind off the dreaded feeling.
"So, what brings you two to the zoo and why do you want to work here?" I asked them.
Nothing.
They didn't answer. They just stared. Their cold, black eyes stared right into my soul. I quickly turned away and continues down the hot sticky tar path towards the bird enclosure. Luckily for me, it was nearing my lunch break. I could probably feed some of the birds there and then leave these two to their own devices.
I hurried my pace so that time could move faster and I could get as far away from these guys as possible. Hastily, I opened the door to the enclosure and lead them inside. Naturally the birds flew and here and there, their squawks and screeches following them as they flew about.
"You wanna be careful with the birds. Sometimes they can be mean." I tried to crack a joke but these guys weren't having it. So I naturally shut my mouth and buried any jokes I had deep within. They just stared at me, their soulless eyes not leaving mine. Bleh! Where the manger pick these guys up from, the graveyard? Even mummies and buried corpses could crack a ghost smile every once in a while. Carrying on with showing them how to care for the birds, I checked my watch and quite literally ran out of the building like it was on fire. I had to know those rules and why on EARTH these deadpan guys were hired. Surely the manger wanted to hire them as a joke because no one could be that cold and unfeeling like these two creeps.
Racing to the lockecommon room, I checked my locker door and surely, there was a list of rules. Five of them to be exact.
Rule One. Do not allow new hires to see the animals. This is crucial. If you've broken this rule, it's already too late.
Rule Two. Make sure the new hires are not left alone with the animals.
Rule Three. Do not allow the new hires to come in contact with the people. This rule is to never be broken.
Rule Four. Ensure all enclosures are locked and secure.
Rule Five. If the new hires are ever left alone, run as far away from this place as you can. Don't look back.
Grabbing the note and slumping into a nearby nearly broken garden chair, I heaved a sigh. I guess I've broken most of these rules because I left these guys alone and I left them in the bird enclosure on top of that. These "rules" didn't make sense. Why didn't the manger warn me of these supposed rules before introducing me to these guys?? Sighing once more, I exited the room and went back into the blinding light outside. I hurried back to the bird enclosure to find the new hires gone. My heart sank. I had to find them and fast.
Since I didn't know where to look, I went to the manager's office and found him on the phone. He sounded annoyed.
"Yeah, yeah. I got them all set. The girl is to be in charge of them until I figure out something else."
His word hit me. Surely he wasn't talking about me, right? My thoughts swirled again and I nearly gagged. Holding myself together, I knocked on the open door. The manger looked up me, plastering the fakest smile ever.
"What brings you here?" he asked.
"Um, I saw the note on my locker door and I think... I think I might have broken a few rules already."
The manger quickly stood up and hurried to close the door shut. Looking out the blinds that faced the opening entrance to the zoo and gift shop, he turned to me, his face serious.
"Did you lose them?"
"Huh?"
"Did. You. Lose. Them?"
His jaw clenched and his face was covered in cold sweat.
"Yes." I finally admitted. The manger signed, hanging his head.
"We have a problem."
His words were cutthroat, no funny business hidden under his once funny demeanor.
"What...problem?" I questioned, concerned.
"Those new hires aren't... exactly what you would call human. They are entities of sorts."
Now my head was officially fried. Entities? I thought. What kind of twisty rollercoaster works was I living in?? The manger approached me.
"If we don't find them by midnight, we're toast." he said, his voice a whispery hiss. I stared at him, shocked.
"Well, what do you plan on doing? I-I didn't ask to be part of this!"
"Look, I didn't have a choice but to choose you. If I didn't..." he faded off. He then looked at me again, his features a mixture of hurt and panic.
"If I didn't choose you, I would be taken away." he sighed, the words a heavy burden to say.
My voice was no more. Still confused, I open my mouth to speak.
"What do we do now?"
"We wait."
End of Part One.