The mystery behind the disappearance of Amelia Earhart over the Pacific Ocean has fascinated people for years. But after a recent deep-sea sonar survey‚ some closure to the final chapter of her life may be forthcoming. 87 years after disappearing somewhere in the Pacific Ocean‚ Deep Sea Vision‚ an ocean exploration company based in Charleston‚ […] The post Explorers Say They Think They’ve Found Amelia Earhart’s Long-Lost Plane appeared first on Good News Network.

The post Pyrantel Pamoate for Cats: Dosage‚ Uses &; Side Effects (Vet Answer) by Dr. Iulia Mihai‚ DVM MSc (Vet) appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it‚ but all of these articles were assigned‚ contracted and paid for‚ so they aren't considered public domain. However‚ we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article‚ then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com. Click to Skip Ahead What Is It? How Is It Given? Potential Side Effects FAQ Pyrantel pamoate‚ or simply pyrantel‚ is an antiparasitic substance for treating certain types of intestinal worms in cats. This substance does not kill all intestinal worms‚ though‚ so certain dewormers have two or more substances in their composition (including pyrantel) for maximum effectiveness. Deworming your cat is necessary from their first weeks of life. Kittens can become infected with intestinal worms via their mother (transmitted through milk). It’s recommended to talk to your veterinarian about the best deworming treatment for your kitten. What Is Pyrantel Pamoate? Pyrantel pamoate or embonate is an antiparasitic substance used in the composition of certain medicines (alone or in combination with other antiparasitic substances) to kill intestinal worms. This substance does not kill all species of intestinal worms; it has no anthelmintic action on whipworms and tapeworms. Pyrantel pamoate has an effect on the following species of intestinal nematodes: Roundworms (Toxocara cati and Toxascaris leonina) Stomach worms (Ollanulus tricuspis and Physaloptera spp.) Hookworm (Ancylostoma spp.) To kill a wide variety of intestinal worms in cats (including whipworms and tapeworms)‚ vets can recommend drugs that contain a combination of anthelmintic substances. An example of a drug that’s effective against several types of intestinal worms is Drontal Allwormer‚ which contains praziquantel and pyrantel embonate/pamoate. Pyrantel pamoate is a depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agent that acts on intestinal worms by paralyzing them. As a result‚ the worms will no longer be able to move‚ and the body will eliminate them through the feces. The most popular brand names include Nemex® and Strongid®. Pyrantel pamoate is available in three pharmaceutical forms: tablets‚ liquid‚ and oral paste. Products should be stored below 30°C (86°F)‚ and oral suspensions must be shaken well before use because they might separate. How Is Pyrantel Pamoate Given? Image Credit: David Herraez Calzada‚ Shutterstock Pyrantel pamoate is available in three pharmaceutical forms‚ each with its own concentrations: Tablets (22.7 mg‚ 62.5 mg‚ and 113.5 mg) Suspension (2.27 mg/ml‚ 4.54 mg/ml‚ 50 mg/ml) Oral paste (180 mg/ml) For cats‚ the usual dose of pyrantel pamoate is 2.5–5 mg/lbs. (5–10 mg/kg). The dose is repeated after 2–4 weeks or as recommended by your vet. Pyrantel pamoate can be administered at any time: before‚ during‚ or after a meal. However‚ for increased efficiency‚ it is recommended to administer the medicine before meals (in the morning on an empty stomach)‚ and feeding should be done 1–2 hours after giving the medicine to your cat. If your cat experiences vomiting or diarrhea after being given the medication on an empty stomach‚ it is recommended to give the next dose with a small amount of food. What Happens If You Miss a Dose? If you miss a dose‚ give it to your cat when you remember‚ and then continue according to the usual schedule. Do not give your cat two doses at the same time because you risk doing more harm. If you give your cat too much pyrantel pamoate‚ they can experience severe side effects. If you ever have doubts‚ do not hesitate to contact the vet. Potential Side Effects of Pyrantel Pamoate Image Credit: Tunatura‚ Shutterstock Pyrantel pamoate is a safe drug with no or very rare side effects when administered correctly. However‚ there may still be cases when side effects may occur. The clinical signs may include: Nausea and vomiting Diarrhea Abdominal pain Decreased or lack of appetite Lethargy However‚ it is normal for a cat to have soft stools (or vomiting) for a while after taking pyrantel pamoate. Contact the veterinarian if the clinical signs do not disappear or worsen within 24 hours after administration. Moreover‚ cats with kidney or liver disease can experience long-term side effects. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) What Are the Clinical Signs of Intestinal Parasites in Cats? When a cat becomes infected with intestinal parasites‚ the clinical signs do not occur immediately‚ but a certain period must pass (depending on the parasite). In general‚ clinical signs occur about 2 weeks after infection and can include the following: Vomiting (sometimes with parasites) Coughing (in massive infestations‚ some cats even cough up worms) Hypersalivation Diarrhea Soft stools Presence of parasites in your cat’s stool Mucus in your cat’s stool Abdominal pain Distended abdomen Frequent grooming of the anal area Weight loss‚ even if your cat has an appetite Behavioral changes However‚ some cats may not show any clinical signs and are still infected with intestinal parasites. In addition‚ the clinical signs may vary depending on the parasite species. The appearance of one or more clinical signs indicates that something is wrong with your cat‚ and you should contact the veterinarian. Remember that many of these clinical signs are common to other diseases‚ and only the veterinarian can make a correct diagnosis. What Does a Deworming Schedule Look Like for Cats? Image Credit: frantic00‚ Shutterstock The deworming schedule for cats depends on several factors‚ such as: Their age (kitten or adult) The environment in which they live (indoor‚ outdoor‚ or indoor/outdoor) How often they make contact with the outside world How often they come into contact with wild animals and other cats Kitten Deworming Schedule Your kitten’s first deworming should be done at 6 weeks‚ then you should repeat it every 2 weeks until the age of 12 weeks. Between the ages of 3 and 6 months‚ deworming should be done once a month. After the age of 6 months‚ the kitten will be dewormed once every 3 months‚ twice a year‚ or as recommended by the veterinarian. Some veterinarians may recommend that your kitten’s first deworming should be done at the age of 3 weeks‚ then every 2 weeks until the age of 8 weeks‚ and then monthly until the age of 6 months. Adult Cat Deworming Schedule The deworming schedule for adult cats will depend on the environment in which they live. As a result‚ those that live outdoors or indoor/outdoor should be dewormed once every 1–3 months. These cats present a higher risk of infection with intestinal parasites. Cats that live only indoors should be dewormed once or twice a year. Conclusion Pyrantel pamoate is an effective anthelmintic substance in the treatment of certain species of intestinal parasites. This substance is not effective against whipworms or tapeworms. To cover these two types of intestinal worms‚ there are dewormers that contain another anthelmintic substance in addition to pyrantel. Pyrantel is available in several pharmaceutical forms‚ and the usual dosage for cats is 2.5–5 mg/lbs.‚ with repetition every 2–4 weeks or as recommended by the vet. Side effects are rare when the appropriate dose is administered. If you missed a dose‚ give your cat their medicine when you remember‚ and then follow the usual schedule. Do not give two doses at once because overdosing can lead to severe side effects. If your cat shows persistent or severe clinical signs after administration‚ contact your veterinarian immediately. Featured Image Credit: thodonal88‚ Shutterstock The post Pyrantel Pamoate for Cats: Dosage‚ Uses &; Side Effects (Vet Answer) by Dr. Iulia Mihai‚ DVM MSc (Vet) appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it‚ but all of these articles were assigned‚ contracted and paid for‚ so they aren't considered public domain. However‚ we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article‚ then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

The post Cat Pupils: Vet-Reviewed Guide to What Their Eyes Are Telling You by Chris Dinesen Rogers appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it‚ but all of these articles were assigned‚ contracted and paid for‚ so they aren't considered public domain. However‚ we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article‚ then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com. The proverb “The eye is the window to the soul‚” is fitting when it comes to cats. They use it to communicate a broad spectrum of emotions. We can even tell when something is wrong by looking at our pet’s pupils. Your pet may try to hide what’s going on inside‚ but their eyes are a good giveaway. Felines excel at non-verbal communication‚ as it’s one of their keys to survival. Part of the reason that a cat’s eyes are so revealing is their many facial expressions. Scientists have documented 276 distinct ones‚ with 26 unique muscle movements. These movements‚ combined with changes in pupil size‚ help to understand a cats’ body language even better.The potential exists for your kitty to tell you a lot about what’s going on behind their eyes. Feline Eye Structure A cat’s eye is similar to a human’s. After all‚ they do the same thing‚ albeit with varying results. The differences reflect a feline’s role as a crepuscular predator and an obligate carnivore. Cats’ superior night vision is thanks to some special features in their eyes. Their retinas have a larger proportion of rod photoreceptors‚ and these are light-sensitive cells that work in low light conditions. The pupils also respond to the available environmental light. They dilate in low-light conditions and narrow to slits when it’s bright or sunny. However‚ cats can see better than humans with less light. They also have an additional tissue layer‚ the tapetum lucidum‚ that reflects even more light back to the retina. These adaptations give them an advantage when hunting. Generally speaking‚ felines need to be seven times closer to see an object as clearly as we do‚ meaning they are near-sighted. This is calculated by the Snellen fraction‚ which in normal humans is 20/20 and in cats is approximately 20/150. This means that a cat can see objects clearly at 20 feet‚ while we can see from up to 150 feet away. We have richer color vision compared to the relatively dull range that felines have. Because of how their eyes are positioned‚ cats have a wider field of view‚ which gives them a competitive edge in locating prey. The anatomy and functionality of feline pupils is highly refined‚ providing them with the functions they need to survive. Image Credit: Anna-Azarenko‚ Shutterstock. Visual Communication The facial expressions we referenced earlier averaged four movements of the 26 unique ones in each case. They included actions involving their ear positions‚ whiskers‚ blinks‚ and lips. That opens up many possibilities of what the cat is trying to get across to a caregiver or another animal. We can make some generalizations about cat pupils based on their emotions‚ which include the following observations: Relaxed: Pupils normal to slits Alert: Pupils normal Tense: Pupils normal to somewhat dilated Anxious: Pupils dilated Fearful: Pupils fully dilated Extreme Fear: Pupils fully dilated One thing is apparent: Dilated pupils are more the status quo as the risk of a threat increases. Remember the function of this action. It allows more light into the animal’s eyes so they won’t miss anything potentially dangerous. It’s worth delving more into a cat’s relaxed state as communicated by pupils as slits. One study correlated half-blinks and narrowing of the eyes as being more attractive to cats when humans take these actions. The felines were more likely to mimic this movement when their owners did it. The animals were also more inclined to approach the researchers. These findings support the hypothesis that eye narrowing is a friendly gesture. It’s worth mentioning that dilated pupils can also be an indication of pain in pets. It undoubtedly makes sense that a cat would feel anxious and fearful because the animal is vulnerable from an inability to defend themself fully. That provides compelling evidence of the range of emotion conveyed by the state of a cat’s pupils. Remember that this action is also involuntary. The other visual signs accompanying the state of a cat’s pupils remove any uncertainty about their mood. For example‚ an animal that is extremely afraid is likely growling or hissing with their ears pinned back onto their head. A puffed-up tail is another indication of a highly agitated feline. You don’t necessarily need to look into a cat’s eyes to know what they’re telling you. Catnip may mimic the effects of an anxious or fearful pet. However‚ the accompanying behaviors make it clear this response isn’t sexual or aggressive. Their actions suggest that smelling the plant is a pleasurable experience. Some scientists theorize the insect-repelling properties may have made this reaction desirable to protect the felines from parasitism and disease. Image Credit: Africa Studio‚ Shutterstock When Something Is Wrong A cat’s pupils can convey more than how they’re feeling. Pupils also change size due to medical conditions. Anisocoria describes a condition when they are of different sizes. The odd appearance is indeed enough to set off alarms in any pet owner. However‚ it isn’t diagnostic in itself. Many things can cause it. They include the following: Uveitis Toxoplasmosis Cancer Retinal disease Glaucoma Eye or brain injury Of course‚ all point toward a severe medical condition requiring immediate veterinary attention. The treatment and prognosis depend upon the underlying cause. Blindness or more serious complications can occur if left untreated. It is also worth noting that abnormal pupils not only present as unevenly sized‚ but unresponsive‚ fully dilated pupils in both eyes can be an indication of high blood pressure. Whenever you notice any abnormality to your cat’s pupil(s)‚ make sure to contact your vet right away. Image Credit: Lebedko Inna‚ Shutterstock Final Thoughts Cats can communicate with people and other animals non-vocally. It benefits them from a survival standpoint in order to prevent life-threatening conflicts. Their pupils reveal a lot about their emotional state even if they can’t otherwise tell you what’s wrong. And they don’t lie because their movements are involuntary. They truly are a window into your pet’s soul. Sources https://www.science.org/content/article/cats-have-nearly-300-facial-expressions https://www.merckvetmanual.com/cat-owners/eye-disorders-of-cats/eye-structure-and-function-in-cats https://www.livescience.com/40459-what-do-cats-see.html https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/the-inner-life-of-cats/ https://www.nature.com/articles/s41437-022-00568-4 https://indoorpet.osu.edu/sites/indoorpet/files/assets/documents/hospital/indoorcat/ https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-73426-0 https://www.petmd.com/cat/behavior/cat-tail-language https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1480656/pdf/canvetj00079-0049.pdf https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/anisocoria-in-cats Featured Image Credit: Anne Richard‚ Shutterstock The post Cat Pupils: Vet-Reviewed Guide to What Their Eyes Are Telling You by Chris Dinesen Rogers appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it‚ but all of these articles were assigned‚ contracted and paid for‚ so they aren't considered public domain. However‚ we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article‚ then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

The post National Foster A Pet Month 2024: When &; What Is It? by Kristin Hitchcock appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it‚ but all of these articles were assigned‚ contracted and paid for‚ so they aren't considered public domain. However‚ we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article‚ then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com. National Foster a Pet Month is a month-long celebration in June. This campaign encourages people to open their homes to animals in need. Fostering involves taking care of an animal until a forever home can be found for it. Often‚ this is done to clear out shelters and provide a place for at-risk pets‚ such as those with underlying health conditions and very young pets. Fostering helps shelters find a place for these pets and makes room for more pets looking for homes. What is National Foster a Pet Month? This month focuses on the benefits of fostering a pet‚ which includes: Saving a life: Overcrowding in shelters isn’t good for anyone. Even in no-kill shelters‚ it can increase the risk of diseases and force the shelter to turn pets away. Fostering can help open up more spots at the shelter and decrease disease transmission‚ especially in at-risk pets. Improve socialization: Fostering also helps socialize pets. Kittens do much better in homes where they can be introduced to the world. This improves their friendliness‚ increasing the odds of them getting adopted. Even older pets can benefit from some practice being in homes. Trail run: Fostering a pet can also help you “trial run” many kinds of cats and cats. You can learn what cats work best in your family and which don’t without the extended responsibility of caring for any of them. If you’re interested in owning a pet but don’t want to dive straight in‚ fostering can be an easy middle-ground. Image Credit: U__Photo‚ Shutterstock What Are the Different Types of Foster Care? There are two main types of foster care: short-term and long-term. Short-term foster care usually lasts only a few weeks to a few months. Often‚ these pets are suitable for adoption‚ and the organization may be readily looking for an adoptee. However‚ for one reason or another (often because the shelter is filling up)‚ fostering may be better for this animal. These animals often don’t have many special needs or requirements. Often‚ this is where most fosterers start. Long-term fostering can last several months or even years. You’ll need to commit to providing long-term care for an animal. In many cases‚ these animals have health or behavioral risks that make them unadoptable currently. However‚ with some time‚ they will become adoptable in the future. A pregnant cat is a good example of this. A pregnant cat cannot be adopted‚ but she often does best in a home environment. After giving birth‚ the pregnant cats and kittens can be adopted once they are old enough. However‚ the foster owner must commit to several months of care for both the mother and kittens. Sometimes‚ senior cats also fall into this category. It is very hard to find someone to adopt senior cats. Therefore‚ they are often the first to be put into a foster home. In many cases‚ these cats may not be adopted at all‚ and they shouldn’t spend their last days in a shelter. What are the Responsibilities of a Foster Pet Parent? You’ll have several responsibilities as a pet parent‚ but different programs work differently. Some may provide all the food your cat needs‚ while others may require you to purchase it but provide the money to do so. Still‚ the less money you require from the program‚ the more cats it can help. Even if the program provides food‚ you’ll have to provide water and shelter. Your home has to be big enough for a dog‚ for instance. You should be able to provide enough outdoor access for the dog‚ as well. You’ll also need to take the cat to vet checkups and other medical services. A pregnant cat may need more visits than others‚ for instance. Often‚ the not-for-profit will cover the fees of these visits‚ but you’ll need to take the cat to them. The main point of fostering is also to teach the animals basic house manners. You should start with some basic training‚ which can make the cat more adaptable. You should also socialize the animals well. Often‚ this is the main hiccup for many of these cats being adoptable. Therefore‚ this should be one of your main focuses when fostering. Image Credit: LightField Studios‚ Shutterstock How Can I Find Foster Pet Opportunities in My Area? There are a few main ways you can look for fostering options in your area. First‚ contact your animal shelter. Many of these may have their own foster programs. If they don’t‚ they likely work with an external organization that does. They can point you to the sign-up or classes you may need to take before fostering. Local rescue groups are also reliable options. They often rely on fostering‚ as they don’t have a shelter of their own. They may also work with local shelters to provide fostering and step in when the shelter gets too full. Once you have found an organization that suits you‚ you’ll likely have to fill out an application and even be interviewed before they allow you to foster. Some also require training classes‚ even if they are only online. If approved‚ you’ll be put on the list of available fosters and will be contacted when an appropriate animal is available. How Many Animals Are Saved Each Year Through Foster Care? It is difficult to determine exactly how many animals are saved through foster care‚ as there is no centralized place that collects data on pet foster care. Furthermore‚ it can be hard to determine when it was the foster care in particular that caused the animal to be adoptable. Many shelters do have reports on how many animals they save per year‚ but these do not go through foster care (all the time). It’s likely that foster care helps millions of pets per year‚ though. The number is growing as fostering programs become more and more popular. Conclusion Pet Fostering Month provides an opportunity for many animals around the world to get adopted instead of languishing in a shelter. All cats benefit from fostering. However‚ some cats do benefit from others. Younger cats and cats can be socialized in a fostering setting‚ while they can’t be socialized in a shelter. Ill and sick cats tend to do well in a home setting‚ too‚ especially if they need particular care. June is a great month to start fostering or at least looking into it. Organizations are always in need of more foster care so that they can help more pets. Featured Image Credit: Karpova‚ Shutterstock The post National Foster A Pet Month 2024: When &; What Is It? by Kristin Hitchcock appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it‚ but all of these articles were assigned‚ contracted and paid for‚ so they aren't considered public domain. However‚ we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article‚ then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

The post National Cat DNA Day 2024: What Is It &; How To Celebrate by Kristin Hitchcock appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it‚ but all of these articles were assigned‚ contracted and paid for‚ so they aren't considered public domain. However‚ we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article‚ then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com. National Cat DNA Day falls on September 19th of each year. It celebrates advancement in feline genetics‚ which can help prevent health problems and help cat breeders pair their felines more accurately. This day also raises awareness about the importance of genetic testing when breeding cats. This national day is exceptionally new—only coming about in 2020. This day isn’t as widely celebrated as others‚ but that doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate it. Why Is Cat DNA Testing Important? Testing a cat’s DNA may seem a bit excessive. However‚ DNA testing can help eliminate many genetic health conditions before breeding. If a breeder knows what cats carry what traits‚ they can better decide who to pair that cat with. Many genetic traits are recessive. This means that a cat with only one copy of the trait won’t show any symptoms. However‚ if two cats with the recessive trait breed‚ kittens would have a 25% chance of developing the genetic condition. Without genetic testing‚ it can be nearly impossible to determine what cats are recessive and which aren’t. In this way‚ genetic testing can go a long way to preventing recessive traits that may harm the cat. Similarly‚ genetic testing can help prevent dominant traits that don’t appear until later in life. Sometimes‚ a cat will develop the condition if they have one copy of the trait‚ but it may not become apparent until after breeding age. Therefore‚ knowing whether a cat has this trait before you breed them can be impossible unless you do genetic testing. Sadly‚ genetic testing in cats has not gotten as much attention‚ especially compared to dogs. Many breed organizations and kennel clubs highly recommend genetic testing for dogs‚ but recommendations for cats have lagged. This day seeks to change that by bringing awareness to the benefits of genetically testing breeding cats. Image Credit: Impact Photography‚ Shutterstock Who Created National Cat DNA Day? This day was created by Basepaws‚ a company that sells cat DNA testing. As you might imagine‚ this company focuses on feline DNA‚ so it makes sense that they would create a day surrounding their focus. Basepaws offers many different testing kits for cats (and dogs). However‚ it’s pretty clear that research in cat DNA has fallen behind based on their offerings. For instance‚ their comprehensive health kit for dogs checks 280 markers‚ while their complete kit for cats tests 45 markers. There is a huge discrepancy between these two kits. They can also identify the area your cat’s genetics might be from. However‚ they do not check for the specific breed of feline your cat might be due to the complexity of cat breeding. This company isn’t one of the most popular DNA testers for pets. However‚ their comprehensive offerings have slowly increased in popularity over the last few years. What Can Cat DNA Tell Me About My Cat? Cat DNA can tell much about your feline‚ even if you aren’t a cat breeder. For instance‚ most cat DNA tests can tell you where your cat’s ancestors may be from. However‚ this isn’t as precise as a dog DNA test‚ as cat breeds tend to be less varied with fewer genetic distinctions. DNA is best at predicting health risks. While DNA cannot determine the exact illnesses your cat will get‚ it can indicate that it carries certain genetic predispositions. Sometimes‚ having a trait means that your cat will get a condition. Other times‚ their genetics may make them more prone to a condition. Temperament isn’t genetically driven‚ but DNA can hint at some predispositions. These tests will typically tell you your cat’s blood type‚ which can be beneficial in an emergency. Having the DNA information can also be helpful if your cat gets lost. DNA is unique to every cat‚ so it may help you reunite with your feline. Image Credit: Csaba Deli‚ Shutterstock How to Celebrate National Cat DNA Day This day isn’t widely celebrated. If you want to celebrate it‚ you’ll often need to make your own celebration. The easiest way is to share information about cat DNA on social media. You can share information about why selecting kittens from breeders who do genetic testing is essential‚ especially in less healthy breeds. You can get your cat’s DNA tested if you haven’t already. Preferably‚ you should do it before this day and then share the results on this day‚ which can also prompt others to share the results. Donating to organizations researching cat illnesses can also be a great celebration of this day. While not all illnesses are related to genetics‚ many of them are. Plus‚ all health research can help save lives. Conclusion National Cat DNA Day isn’t widely celebrated. However‚ that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t celebrate it. If you’re interested in getting your cat’s DNA tested‚ now is a great time to do so. It’s also a great time to educate yourself and others about the importance of feline DNA testing‚ especially in cats that are being bred. DNA testing is an easy way to prevent kittens from inheriting genetic conditions from their parents. Featured Image Credit: lev.studio‚ Shutterstock The post National Cat DNA Day 2024: What Is It &; How To Celebrate by Kristin Hitchcock appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it‚ but all of these articles were assigned‚ contracted and paid for‚ so they aren't considered public domain. However‚ we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article‚ then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

Rereads and Rewatches Terry Pratchett Book Club Terry Pratchett Book Club: Making Money‚ Part II Back to Moist von Lipwig and the Royal Mint… By Emmet Asher-Perrin | Published on February 2‚ 2024 icon-comment 0 Share New Share Twitter Facebook Pinterest RSS Feed This week‚ we are all subject to the whims of Mr. Fusspot‚ and why would we have it any differently. Summary A week previous‚ a man named Heretofore is nearly blackmailed by a master craftsman who has made him a duplicate of Lord Vetinari’s signet ring‚ and has the craftsman killed (though he doesn’t want to do it). Presently‚ Cosmo Lavish offers to buy Mr. Fusspot‚ which Moist refuses. He heads to the palace to find out if Lord Vetinari somehow made this happen‚ which the Patrician resents. Vetinari explains that Topsy did Moist a favor and that he needs to start his new job and make the city money. Moist heads to the bank and finds Sacharissa Crisplock waiting to interview him. He tells her that he plans to get rid of the gold and spruce the place up. Then he meets the canine chefs for Mr. Fusspot‚ Aimsbury and Peggy. Aimsbury can’t hear the word “garlic” without throwing a knife and speaking Quirmian before he comes back to himself. Then Moist is taken to his new apartments‚ a large and lovely space‚ and given his “master of the Royal Mint” hat‚ which is a sad‚ worn black top hat. Moist thinks about how to fix the bank and realizes that value is in the city itself. He starts making plans. The person who wanted Vetinari’s ring forged turns out to be Cosmo Lavish‚ who is trying to become Vetinari. Heretofore has been employed to get old items belonging to Vetinari‚ while Cranberry kills anyone who might give away the plot. Adora Belle’s mining operation appears to have been successful in retrieving many more golems‚ puzzling the dwarfs. The Lavishes attend Topsy’s funeral‚ and Cosmo is given a hard time for “his side” of the family losing the bank. He realizes that Lipwig’s lack of history is the key to solving this problem‚ and so is Mr. Bent‚ provided he can get the man on his side. Moist takes the first dollar note to Tenth Egg Street to try it out on the merchants there and see if they’ll buy into the concept. They seem to like it‚ but still have difficulty with the idea of a bank not backed by gold‚ so Moist knows he still has more work to do. He gets into a cab in Losing Street containing Cosmo’s sister‚ Pucci‚ trying to catch him in a “honey trap”-looking situation. He jumps out the window‚ with Colon and Nobby on the street watching. Nobby tells Fred that no one will bet against Moist in his usual book for the Watch—they all think he’s going to win. Back at the bank‚ Gladys almost kills Moist by trying to give him a back rub‚ and the Times believes Moist is just the man to run the mint. A few people want to close their accounts after seeing the article… but hundreds more want to open them. Pucci Lavish tries to disrupt the scene‚ deriding Moist’s new bank notes; this ignites a bidding war to buy the one she has. Mr. Bent doesn’t like what Moist is doing and doesn’t understand what’s needed of him in this new world. They interview people for loans; Moist lends a small about to Dibbler and a very large amount to Harry King‚ who is looking to consolidate his businesses. Mr. Bent is besides himself at how Moist is running things‚ but Moist points out that they’ve taken in a lot of money today‚ mostly from people he’d consider too poor to do business at the bank. He goes to Temper and Spools to ask if they can start making bills‚ but Mr. Spools doesn’t think they can manage it without major issues in forging and the like… not without the artist who Moist testified against for forging stamps‚ who’s about to be hanged. Cosmo goes to visit Mr. Bent at Mrs. Cake’s boarding house where the clerk lives and asks him to do something about Moist. At night‚ Moist steals a Watch uniform and takes paperwork forms he’s stolen from Spools’ office to get the forger out of prison. The man‚ by the name of Owlswick Jenkins‚ kicks him in the groin and runs off. Moist thinks on it and figures that the man’s a bit off and has probably gone back home. He find Jenkins in his old place‚ painting again. When Jenkins threatens to kill himself with poisonous paint rather than go back to jail‚ Moist talks to him of angels. Entering through a secret door that only Igor knows about‚ Moist asks Igor to give Jenkins a shave and haircut to change his appearance. They change his name to Exorbit Clamp‚ and Moist asks the forger to design the first note‚ telling him all the various bits he’ll need to render (because the man can’t come up with it on his own). Moist heads to bed and is summoned to see Vetinari in the morning; the Patrician insists that Jenkins was hanged and Moist wonders if he didn’t accidentally steal the forger Vetinari had intended to keep for himself. Vetinari shows Moist his signet ring and notes all the strange deaths occurring around him lately‚ but Moist can’t figure out why any of it should be happening. The Patrician also asks Moist to lend the city a half million dollars. Igor helps the new Mr. Clamp store his old bad memories and Clamp has already designed the new note. On the floor of the bank‚ Moist runs into a figure from his past by the name of Cribbins. He gives the men in the Mint their new deal‚ where they look after the new printing press fellows from Temper and Spools and get nice new uniforms. They agree to the deal‚ to Bent’s dismay. Adora Belle arrives and takes Moist to the Unseen University to look inside the Cabinet of Curiosity‚ a thing that wizards wish she didn’t know they had. Bigger on the inside and full of about eleven dimensions‚ the cabinet once showed Adora Belle an ancient golem foot that matches the markings on the ones she just found… Commentary Not saying that it’s surprising‚ but it’s definitely bemusing how many of the Ankh-Morpork-centered stories have several arms branching from the main action‚ one of which is inevitably: Someone is enacting a poorly-conceived plot against Lord Vetinari that he may or may not know everything about‚ and while said plot should be about taking control of the city‚ there’s frequently some unhinged aspect to it that involves people wanting to somehow sap/rob/absorb his innate powers through increasingly desperate and hilarious means. You know‚ we started out normal‚ with him getting shot. And then the slightly more involved poisoning plot. And then he basically deposes himself for a bit to stop a war from happening while Old Money guys grouse about it. And then a bunch of one-percenters find a guy who can easily pass for him by daylight and try to frame him for murder and embezzlement using the imposter. And now another one of those one-percenters has decided that he can somehow commune with the man through his belongings and then assume his power and abilities and position? Gotta love the escalation; it makes my heart so happy. And it’s the perfect sort of distraction against all the more serious workings of Moist figuring out how to make money… happen. It’s second nature in the art of the con‚ but there’s such an ease and preternatural likability to Moist when he’s working that feels almost superhuman? We start the book and he’s more than a little bit pathetic‚ all the shine rubbed off him‚ and the instant that his brain starts turning over‚ the charisma reasserts itself at brute force. I can’t really think of another character who elicits that sort of reaction from me: I like him better when he’s working‚ when his back is up against the wall. We get the rudimentary economics conversation when Moist goes on about potatoes being worth more than gold‚ which is a good place to start‚ and then a slightly more involved economics lesson as he starts to piece together the city’s value and the need to move away from gold. But again‚ money is being made fun in this context because it’s part of his con. Even Moist is aware of how he’s manipulating the system and people to his advantage‚ and as readers‚ we want to see him succeed because we already know him. You had to do the stories in this order—if Vetinari had started Moist out at the bank before the post office‚ it wouldn’t be as enjoyable of a ride. With the newly minted Mr. Clamp‚ Moist basically gets his own Leonard de Quirm—someone he can rely on to create the complicated mechanisms to make his plans work. (Igor is helping‚ of course‚ because Igors always do. They are one of the greatest gifts Pratchett gave himself‚ an easy solution to any number of narrative problems because there’s very little they can’t figure out.) But we’re currently in the thick of it‚ and there are key tenets to how Moist operates that are true in cons‚ in business‚ and in life in general: Making something look good is half the battle to getting people invested; if change happens quickly enough‚ it doesn’t seem like change at all; being a bit “real” with people will always help them to trust you. Moist pointedly gives his first two loans to the sort of people that make the city run‚ but on very different scales: Dibbler and Harry King. The bank wouldn’t have let either of them set foot inside before he took over‚ and the bank was wrong. But changing the system doesn’t mean it’s better now in this particular instance—it only means that it can take advantage of more people. Where that leads us will come clear as we continue… Asides and little thoughts Yet again‚ the fatphobia in this book gets pretty egregious between the descriptions of Cosmo and Pucci. It feels repetitive to keep noting it‚ but it’s one of the few things Pratchett does that I can’t help but find disappointing. There’s comedy enough in the fact that Cosmo is forcing a ring that’s too small for him onto his hand! But there’s always this extra layer to the avarice with fatness that gets used‚ and they’re plain cheap shots (that are obvious to boot)‚ particularly with how often it comes up. I think this is the first time it’s confirmed that Quirmians speak French? So Quirm is France‚ for all intents and purposes. Which is somehow weirder to me than all the other not-other-country parallels on the Disc. As a person with ADHD‚ it’s fairly obvious that Pucci Lavish has it. The way she bounces between topics is‚ uh‚ reminiscent‚ shall we say‚ of talking to my mother. Again‚ it’s so enjoyable to get character’s opinions on characters from other books‚ and Moist noting that William de Worde is likely the same age as him but writes editorials “that suggested his bum was stuffed with tweed” is a beautiful thing. In the annals of Vetinari’s carefully curated preferences toward nothingness‚ eating the egg white off your hard boiled egg while leaving the yolk is a new level of blandness‚ I salute him. (And also agree that the grain gravel Drumknott eats is worse.) I couldn’t find any evidence that the phrase “drop-dead gorgeous” actually came from people painting their faces with arsenic to look paler‚ as Moist suggests to Owlswick Jenkins. People did paint their faces that way‚ I just couldn’t find a correlation to the term drop-dead gorgeous. I’m assuming this was done on purpose‚ as a sort of anachronistic malaphor‚ for lack of a better way of putting it? Pratchettisms He probably had a note from his mother saying he was excused from stabbing.He somersaulted happily around the floor‚ making faces like a rubber gargoyle in a washing machine.It would have worked for Vetinari‚ who could raise his eyebrow like a visual rim shot.Is it some kind of duplex magical power I have‚ he wondered‚ that lets old ladies see right through me but like what they see?He made razzamatazz sound like some esoteric perversion.Mr. Bent liked counting. You could trust numbers‚ except perhaps for pi‚ but he was working on that in his spare time and it was bound to give in sooner or later.“You’re putting his brain into a… parsnip?” Next week we’ll read Chapters 7-9! The post Terry Pratchett Book Club: <;i>;Making Money<;/i>;‚ Part II appeared first on Reactor.

News World Breaker Clash of the Cheekbones: Luke Evans and Milla Jovovich Will Star in World Breaker Creatures from another world will wreak havoc in director Brad Anderson’s film. By Molly Templeton | Published on February 2‚ 2024 icon-comment 0 Share New Share Twitter Facebook Pinterest RSS Feed To be in this film‚ you clearly must have incredible bone structure. Variety reports that Luke Evans and Milla Jovovich are set to star in World Breaker‚ a “sci-fi action thriller” from director Brad Anderson. That is a lot of genres to mash together‚ but these three people’s combined talents should be able to cover it. Anderson has directed a ton of television episodes‚ from Fringe to Treadstone to Peacemaker‚ and also directed the Christian Bale film The Machinist. Evans’ long‚ colorful‚ and thoroughly entertaining career includes roles as Zeus (The Immortals)‚ Dracula (Dracula Untold)‚ Bard (The Hobbit movies)‚ Gaston (Beauty and the Beast)‚ and a very angry Shaw brother (Fast &; Furious franchise). As Variety rudely reminds us‚ he and Jovovich previously starred together in a Three Musketeers film that is better left in the past. Jovovich‚ of course‚ has been in more action films than one can count on both hands‚ including her very memorable turn as Leeloo in The Fifth Element‚ a whole host of Resident Evil movies‚ the recent and infuriating Hellboy‚ Monster Hunter (pictured above)‚ and Ultraviolet. (Let us never forget her Dazed &; Confused character‚ either.) World Breaker is about a father and daughter; presumably Evans plays the father‚ though the summary shared by Variety leaves Jovovich’s role unclear: “Five years previously‚ a tear in the fabric of reality brought creatures to our world from an alternate dimension bent on our destruction. The father hides his daughter on an island to keep her safe‚ while he prepares her for survival and the battles to come. But no place is safe.” Maybe she’s a creature from another world? Who can say! The film is the first screenplay by Joshua Rollins‚ an actor with small roles in The Dark Knight and Contagion. No release date has been announced. [end-mark] The post Clash of the Cheekbones: Luke Evans and Milla Jovovich Will Star in <;i>;World Breaker<;/i>; appeared first on Reactor.

Excerpts Excerpt Read an Excerpt From S.E. Porter’s Projections Love may last a lifetime‚ but in this dark historical fantasy‚ the bitterness of rejection endures for centuries. By S.E. Porter | Published on February 2‚ 2024 icon-comment 0 Share New Share Twitter Facebook Pinterest RSS Feed We’re thrilled to share an excerpt from Projections by S.E. Porter‚ a dark historical fantasy publishing with Tor Books on February 13. As a young woman seeks vengeance on the obsessed sorcerer who murdered her because he could not have her‚ her murderer sends projections of himself out into the world to seek out and seduce women who will return the love she denied—or suffer mortal consequence. A lush‚ gothic journey across worlds full of strange characters and even stranger magic. Angus at the Door There has to be a reason why I do these things. My eyes sort of slur into waking. I’m upright‚ a backpack hunched over my shoulders and my hand lifted‚ forefinger up and eager—not what you’d expect for someone who’s been asleep. I didn’t just ring the doorbell next to this pale green‚ rust-mottled door‚ did I? I have a feeling that maybe I did. So it might be good if I could remember what I’m doing here before somebody opens it? Something’s clutched in my left hand. Phone. I swing it reflexively in front of my face‚ and there’s a text message bubbled blue on the screen. It’s from someone named Tom Monroe‚ and I don’t think I recall anyone with that name‚ unless maybe I do? Angus hey buddy heard you’re in Chicago! My mom’s friend Carmen has jobs in her warehouse. 2021 West Street. Just show up. Below that there’s a reply‚ which I presumably typed myself: Thanks buddy. On it. A job! What a valid‚ incontestable‚ normal-person reason to be standing here. I love it. This is definitely a warehouse in front of me. Those skanky mylar parallelograms are clearly marked with 2021. And Chicago? That seems like useful information too. The clouds hang low above‚ sallow and heavy with September heat. The door jerks open. A woman looking fifty-some is standing there‚ all square jaw and boxy shoulders and giant puff of hair as thick and sticky-looking as freshly poured tar‚ but with more gray. Brilliant blue eyes screwed into a censorious scowl. “Carmen?” I say‚ but it’s obvious she can’t be anyone else. “Tom Monroe sent me. He said you need workers? I’m Angus Farrow.” There. I’m pleased with myself for getting it together so quickly‚ for acting so much like people are supposed to do. But Carmen throws back her head and laughs. “You’re Gus?” It’s a hilarious piece of information. She laughs again and looks me over‚ shaking her head in what seems like disbelief. I laugh‚ too‚ just to cover the awkwardness of it all. “I really prefer Angus. I guess Tom told you about me?” Another head shake. “Angus. Well‚ in that case you’re hired‚ little boy. Come on in and we’ll get you settled.” “Just like that?” I say. And then‚ “Settled?” “Just like that‚” Carmen agrees‚ already walking away into a mush of vague shadows. I hurry to follow her. “And settled‚ because the job comes with an apartment. Nothing too nice‚ but it’ll keep you in the running. That plus minimum wage. I don’t expect an argument.” “Are you sure you don’t have me mixed up with someone else?” Carmen laughs again. “You’re Gus Farrow. It’s a small‚ stale‚ indigestible fact. Not something I’m likely to find confusing.” Angus‚ I think. But it seems like I’ve already lost that argument. She’s walking away‚ and I scamper after her. “It’s not that complicated of a job‚” she says without looking around. “You follow instructions‚ you don’t screw it up on any kind of major scale‚ and you don’t bitch where I can hear you. Why would I waste time interviewing you over that?” Catherine at Home To call my removal to Nautilus an unsettling transition would hardly do it justice. I had lost my life and my person and become a shrieking hant‚ flapping unwillingly after my sullen murderer‚ and besides that been dragged to a city I found highly uncongenial. From a lovely day in July‚ 1859‚ from my insignificant little town in western New York‚ I had passed to its luminous nowhere‚ its bleary nowhen. Time as we know it does not apply in Nautilus‚ so I cannot say how long it was that insensate rage took up all my attention and spared none for my circumstances. I seemed to spin in my own flashing black and shine‚ detached from all external happenings. But at a certain point‚ I woke from the violence of my own feelings and looked about me‚ a bit numb and drained at first: at the pearlescent city‚ and at Gus’s doings within it. However harshly I assessed my old friend’s character‚ even I could not call him lacking in diligence. Gus had secured a large room—I gathered from scraps of conversation that money as I knew it was not required for that purpose‚ only the same uncanny powers that had obtained his citizenship—and set to work. Buy the Book Projections S.E. Porter Buy Book icon-close Projections S.E. Porter Buy this book from: AmazonBarnes and NobleiBooksIndieBoundTarget “I have the advantage‚ dearest Catherine‚” Gus hissed at me‚ as if continuing a conversation that had never truly stopped. “You see‚ I age only when I leave Nautilus. If I make my visits sparingly‚ I can endure here for centuries of ordinary time—more! In that span I can achieve anything.” Of his ambitions‚ I knew only what he had told me on my arrival here: that he meant to extract love from young women he deemed my surrogates‚ or scatter death among them if love was not forthcoming. On the former count he was right to think me skeptical. On the latter I did not have the luxury of doubt. He paced‚ yanking my spirit after him. His pivots set me wagging like washing on the line. How I hated the bend of his neck with its pale bristles‚ the sharpness of his steps‚ the pretended wisdom of his somberly shaken head! Around us the glowing walls rippled and light spun in their depths‚ but even then I had glimpsed enough of Nautilus to guess that his room was modest by local standards. He had not bothered with furniture‚ nor had any been supplied beyond a pallet on the floor. His clothes lay about in heaps of variable cleanliness‚ and he had an ill-fed look that made his pointed face positively vulpine. The diffuse glow of the room erased every trace of shadow and made his dirty underthings appear to float‚ dimensionless and bright. It also showed the stains with eerie emphasis‚ like a sort of reverse phosphorescence. “Look!” he exclaimed‚ pointing across the room at what appeared to be a hovering blot near one fluid wall. “See what I can do already!” The blot was not on the wall‚ but perhaps a yard before it. It was low and hunched‚ like a child with its arms wrapped around its knees. Rather than being flat‚ as I had first supposed‚ the thing was sculptural and translucent‚ a shadow inflated into rounded cylinders and bulges. My insubstantial being churned with terrible cold‚ though I did not yet understand what I was seeing. Then the blot raised its head and looked up at me with eyes like greenish dewdrops‚ its mouth wide and imploring. I would have liked to scream at the sight‚ but had no way to differentiate that shriek from the one I was emitting already. I knew that face. The pointed nose‚ poking far forward of both brows and chin‚ the round eyes tinted with the palest green arrogance‚ the tow-blond bristling hair that no brush could induce to lie smooth: I was looking at Gus himself as he had appeared at four or five years of age. The child-apparition opened its mouth as if to keen‚ but no sound came out. The air tensed with its silent plaint. The grown Gus turned from the mournful little thing to me‚ his head nodding with furious satisfaction. “You observe‚ Catherine? I made that. With nothing but the abilities you reviled‚ I made the semblance of a living being!” I would have liked to inform him that this ghost of his own past was so evidently miserable that even I‚ who wished him all the ill in the world‚ nonetheless pitied it. Why had he made it‚ though? What use could he find for this creature? Gus was staring fixedly at me. I realized he was inspecting my flickering visage for indications of what he considered proper awe‚ and found it wanting. “Future versions can be made more substantial‚” Gus told me in defensive tones. “I’m still practicing with appearances‚ but once I’ve made them thoroughly persuasive I can begin collecting materials to give them all the solidity of actual persons. I’ve seen what masters of the form can do with these projections; no one uninitiated would ever imagine they were anything but living men and women. No one‚ Catherine. No matter how clever she thought herself.” Tethered together as Gus and I were‚ had I seen such beings before? I tried to search my memory‚ but it was no use; I had been too remote‚ too obliterated‚ to recall any examples of what Gus might mean. But now I was back‚ aware‚ and curious. I found that wanted to act again‚ to put my arms around his creature‚ to claw out Gus’s throat. My bodiless state mocked me‚ restrained me at every turn. I could neither embrace nor assault. Gus had said that he would age only outside of Nautilus‚ in the warm and breathing world now lost to me. And he had intimated as well that he meant to live a very long time. I considered the possible uses to which embodied echoes of himself might be put‚ and felt an icy clenching. I thought he wanted emissaries‚ beings who could return to the world in his stead‚ and I feared I could guess why. But a child? How could this dismal boy‚ all jagged features and inaudible whining‚ serve Gus’s purpose? Gus was nodding again as he turned his back on me. He approached the huddled child-thing with a few curt steps‚ and I of course billowed along with him. Gus dropped to one knee and stretched out a hand to his feeble simulacrum. For a moment I entertained the hope that he meant to comfort it as I longed to do. Enemy or not‚ human or not‚ the sight of a wretched child was unendurable to me. “Here‚ Angus! Come to me at once.” The little Angus showed a marked reluctance to obey. Meanwhile I considered how Gus had never allowed anyone but Margo to call him by his full name. Gus leaned forward impatiently. There were no corners to the room—nor to any other in Nautilus—but its scrolling contours still served to trap the little wraith in a hollow. A projection‚ Gus had called it. An image that might be made flesh. Gus grabbed it by its shoulder and yanked it forward. It writhed and thrashed‚ but without much energy. Perhaps it knew already the futility of resistance. Gus’s two hands spread on the dim head and chest; he had always had very long hands relative to his build‚ blond and deft with prominent bones: a pianist’s hands. The Angus’s small shadowy mouth opened in hollow protest‚ and I flapped above in the futile conviction that I must do something on the instant. Then Gus’s hands squeezed in. The apparition crumpled. It looked for a moment like strange glassy paper with the image of a terrified child printed on it‚ or like a child-shaped balloon of fine silk deflating. I could still see one green dewdrop eye staring directly at me in voiceless longing‚ as if I were its last hope. Gus wadded it up like a handkerchief and stuffed it in his left trouser pocket. I had a last glimpse of dim fingers clutching at his wrist‚ then it was gone. My scream remained the same‚ much as I would have preferred to scream more loudly. Gus glanced at me over his shoulder. “The creation of such beings is demanding‚” he explained‚ and I detected a note of embarrassment. “It draws much less on my resources if I reuse the power invested in the old ones to make the new.” It was at this juncture that a knock sounded‚ oddly resonant. It was not a knock at the door‚ for I realized in surprise that no such thing could be seen in the room. Rather there was an area of wall defined by a lintel and doorstep but otherwise identical to the rest‚ and under that lintel an opalescent light spread in concentric circles that pulsed in time with the knock. The wall then wavered and admitted a figure. A minotaur. In a dandyish frock coat of bright peacock blue. Had I been able I would have burst into uncontrolled laughter‚ and tears as well‚ at such a visitor arriving so soon after the unfeeling destruction of the shadow-child. Was it still aware‚ still in some way itself‚ where it sat crushed against Gus’s hip? The minotaur recoiled slightly and turned an appraising gaze on me. “No wonder no one will take the rooms near yours‚ Gus‚” he said‚ nearly shouting over my permanent clamor‚ then gave a low chuckle. “How could they possibly sleep with all this racket? It would cost a fortune to be forever paying for silencing spells; no one would put themselves in such a position if they could help it. And it must be exceedingly awkward at parties. There’s nothing worse than a woman who doesn’t know when to shut her mouth‚ eh?” With that he clapped Gus on the back with loathsome bonhomie. The blow reverberated from Gus’s shoulders into me‚ so that I pitched windily beneath the ceiling. “Oh‚ I can go nowhere. The number of invitations I’ve had to turn down‚ only because she can’t be quiet—” Gus waved his hands as if all these unattended dinners and balls hung about him like a cloud of gnats. “I’m sure. Your talent has attracted attention already. In Nautilus power is the only currency‚ and if you are not rich yet‚ it seems likely that effort will make you so in time.” The hairy mouth bent into an ingratiating smile‚ quite human in character. I could not justify the conviction‚ but I felt certain that I was looking at a man‚ albeit one with magical abilities like Gus’s‚ and no authentic monster. “I’m not pursuing my studies in the interest of anything as coarse as wealth or social position‚” Gus said loftily‚ contradicting the complaints uttered only moments before. “I have a calling.” He raised his chin. In the vaporous glow of his room his profile stood out‚ sharp and brittle as the edge of a broken plate. How thin he was! For the first time it occurred to me that Gus’s death might spell release from my unspeakable suspension. I looked at his sunken cheeks with new interest. What could I do to hurry matters along? “Of course you do‚” the minotaur soothed. He cast about with bobbing horns as if seeking someone to gore‚ though I suppose he only wanted a chair. He shifted uncomfortably. “But what you are attempting is no simple feat‚ Mr. Farrow. If I understand your objectives correctly‚ a projection that lasts only a few days will not serve. Neither will one that lacks bodily substance. Even more difficult‚ you will need to endow your creations with minds of their own‚ with a certain amount of education‚ and with enough memories to convince them of their own reality. It might take dozens of attempts before you have one ready to commit to the field‚ even assuming that you can obtain the materials.” The word materials was delivered with a slippery emphasis I did not like. “I don’t see why they require independent minds or memories‚” Gus rejoined fretfully. I noted that he had no argument with the other items listed. “The appearance should suffice.” “It won’t.” The bovine eyes rolled toward Gus’s dingy pallet with a look of combined longing and revulsion. That gigantic horned head was no doubt burdensome. “Why not?” Gus demanded. “I have work enough to do on their appearance and durability without worrying about what they think. They belong to me‚ and they have only to follow my orders.” “You told me that your Catherine was clever. Clever above all else. A poor girl who taught herself Latin and Greek‚ who was fascinated by natural history. Or did I misunderstand you?” The creature at last stopped swiveling about and settled for leaning on the nearest wall‚ then glanced at me again. I noted that the wall now supported him; was it permeable only where there was a suggestion of an entrance? His immense nostrils narrowed. “I grant that she gives no particular impression of wit at present.” Didn’t I? Well‚ the minotaur gave the impression of carrying an absolute labyrinth of self-satisfied dullness about with it‚ as a snail transports its shell. “Oh‚ she was! Catherine was a lighthouse in the wastes to me. She was the flash that glides through the dark‚ that looks through in any direction. The excitement I used to feel when she had trained her attention on any question at all‚ as I waited to hear what she would say—it was exquisite.” Oh‚ was Gus still moved to lyricism on the subject of my perfections? How nice to be remembered so fondly. “And you are seeking to win her love‚ are you not? At least‚ the love of some reasonable facsimile‚ since hers is no longer”—the snout vibrated delicately—“a realistic goal?” “And?” Gus was beginning to fidget. His left hand contracted in his pocket and the fabric bulged as if his fingers were worrying something inside it. “The heart of such a woman won’t be won by a puppet. That ought to be obvious. Your projections will need freedom of thought and action and a fair conviction of their own humanity‚ or these not-quite-Catherines you envision will recoil at the first word they speak.” Gus’s shoulders slumped and his eyes turned skyward‚ with exactly the exasperated air my mother would have assumed at the sight of a freshly washed nightgown flung into the mud. “That will require an entirely separate course of study.” “Indeed it will.” The minotaur looked at me again‚ his mouth contorting in a bestial approximation of a smile. He presumably imagined that his form conveyed all the terror of myth brought to life‚ but to me he was never more than a cow in a coat. “Hardly anyone has achieved a truly independent mentality in their projections—and most of the claims that have been made don’t hold up on examination. You can expect decades of labor ahead of you.” A huffle escaped Gus’s lips; he sounded like an expiring horse. “Then what course do you recommend? If what I intend is really so difficult—but I can’t let that put me off!” “Oh‚ your dedication is admirable‚ no doubt. Continue practicing with children; their minds are simpler. Once you’ve mastered the projection of a thinking‚ dreaming child‚ you can turn your hand to young men‚ even change and refine their faces if you like. A pity you can’t consult Catherine as to her preferences.” Practice. I wondered how many infantile wraiths Gus had already crushed like sketches that hadn’t come off‚ and how many more would cringe away from him in vain. I thought I could feel the little thing’s suffering like a vibration humming in his pocket‚ fancied that I caught the glint of a welling eye. Gus‚ meanwhile‚ drew himself up‚ no doubt offended by the insinuation that I might have liked him better with a different appearance. He flashed a glance at me that was positively plaintive‚ as if my ghost might be persuaded to stop screaming long enough to reassure him of his personal attractions. “And there was already the bother of obtaining the materials.” Gus was fretting outright now. The minotaur’s lips flattened as he repressed a smile. This was the moment he’d been anticipating‚ I realized; he had induced Gus’s weariness at the prospect of his undertaking on purpose‚ so that any offer of assistance would be received eagerly. “Possibly I can help you there.” An outright grin opened on blocky teeth. “The occasional Athenian youth isn’t too much to spare for my friends.” Gus looked sharply at that‚ as indeed did I. “On what consideration?” “Nothing just now. Possibly you can repay the favor in the future.” Gus was not so easily put off. “I cannot possibly spare talens for you in any significant amounts. My own projects require every drop I can muster. Already I barely sleep. Instead of resting I’m always drawing from myself‚ and using all my concentration to do so.” “As to that‚ you have a tremendous source of wealth close at hand.” The tone was not lost on me‚ jocularity half concealing the fervent intent behind. I could not guess what source he was referring to until Gus glanced up at me‚ his lips pursed in distaste. “That would be most unseemly. Possibly even dangerous‚ if I understand the mechanism correctly.” The minotaur smiled. “Well‚ then‚ we can forget the question of payment for now—though many ghosts make an excellent wellspring‚ depending on the type. All that bottled fury packs a punch!” Then his eyes rolled sidelong at me and his lips flattened in concern. “The walls do repel her‚ I assume? She doesn’t pass through?” “Through the walls? No‚ she doesn’t. I hadn’t considered—” “The walls recognize anyone—or anything—seeping magic. She’s definitely generating talens‚ then.” Gus gave a startled laugh. “The walls mistake her for a citizen? They think my poor Catherine is paying taxes?” “She is‚ in effect‚” the minotaur said with studied carelessness. “Not that it alters her legal status‚ and that’s very much to your benefit. Ghosts are nonentities under the law‚ so you can do as you like with your Catherine. Shall we meet at the Nimble Fire soon and discuss this further?” “That would mean carrying her through the streets. It’s only when I return to the unworld that no one seems to hear or see her. She’s quieter in my ears there as well.” The unworld. In all its beauty‚ intricacy‚ splendor‚ that was what he called it. A single fallen leaf‚ a bit of robin’s eggshell in the grass‚ I rated more precious than this whole enchanted city. The sheer waste of it all choked me: the waste of my life‚ of the child‚ of vast power turned to nothing good or useful. The minotaur shrugged. “I advise you to give up your seclusion regardless. You are hardly the only citizen encumbered in such a manner. Charles Rollins‚ for one‚ has a miniscule sky-blue child‚ no bigger than a lizard‚ forever attempting to wring his neck and wailing. So Charles wears a muffler and gets on with his business.” Naturally he did‚ I thought. So many things were different here in Nautilus‚ but society’s habit of winking at monsters—that was quite unchanged. Gus was nodding in acknowledgement of the minotaur’s wisdom. They exchanged more pleasantries‚ more assurances‚ and then our visitor left‚ the wall rippling behind him. “Terrible vanity‚” Gus muttered at the wall‚ and then confirmed all my guesses regarding the minotaur’s original form. “Imagine the expense of keeping up such an excessive appearance—an entire bull’s head‚ and probably improvements to his physique as well! It must drain his magic at a dreadful rate. One would think there were no serious matters to attend to.” I would have liked to tell him that he was mistaking his own cruelty for gravity; that everything he himself did was as senseless‚ as wasteful and absurd‚ as that bull’s head. There was a brief lull while Gus shifted about‚ oddly furtive‚ as if there was something he wished to do unobserved. Several times he glanced at me‚ perhaps hoping I would do him the courtesy of disappearing. He was so frank on the subject of his proposed crimes that this new discomfort baffled me. What could he intend that was so much more vile than what I knew already? And here a change in my own outlook struck me: I was anxious what Gus meant to do. I cared‚ and cared to see if I could‚ what? Stop him? I understood then that withdrawing as I had was no longer an option for me. Perhaps I could do nothing‚ but that was irrelevant. I must observe‚ must consider any avenues I could find. I must try. Thrash‚ flail‚ or fail as I might; it was all as nothing compared to that child’s green eye squeezed between his fingers. At last he sighed loudly and began stuffing his soiled linens into a sack. “My mother and father are away‚” Gus informed me. “Visiting for a few weeks with my Hathaway cousins. We’re going to see Margo.” He paused‚ scowling. “Don’t look at me like that!” Oh‚ Margo! So she was spending her old age scrubbing her fugitive nephew’s underclothes? I could not scream with laughter‚ so I simply screamed. Excerpted from Projections‚ copyright © 2024 by S.E. Porter. The post Read an Excerpt From S.E. Porter’s <;i>;Projections<;/i>; appeared first on Reactor.

In Palworld‚ we are told and led to believe that using Lifmunk effigies to improve our Capture Power would… increase our Capture Power. Shocking‚ I know. Well‚ it turns out that they may actually be doing the opposite. The Catch Rate dilemma of Palworld Many players have been recently speaking up about how the further they get into the game‚ the lower their catch chance mysteriously becomes. For many‚ this has ruined the experience for them‚ as catching Pals that they used to catch with a 100% chance are now requiring more effort. Screenshot: PC Invasion Some believed this to be the result of an inverse relationship between the capture rate and their level‚ so the higher their level‚ the harder it becomes to catch Pals. Whether this is a bug or a feature remains to be seen. However‚ a YouTuber by the name of Chalenor recently underwent an experiment to see if it were actually the Lifmunk Effigies at fault here‚ not the level. Related: How to capture Pals in Palw...