2024.05.15 00:11 The_LucinatorA quick primer on stealth
Boo I have seen a lot of people both here on reddit and on discord with questions on stealth or misconceptions on it. As a Docent and historian at the worlds largest private aerospace museum which has a lot of documentation on the subject and a few actual stealth aircraft, which helps in understanding this topic at a deeper level than most. This is meant to be a basic overview of how reduced Radar Cross Section, (RCS) is achieved. I’m not gonna go into detail about other features that matter in stealth such as Infrared signature reduction, or electromagnetic signature reduction both of which are just as critical to a proper stealth design. If anyone wants to do some light reading on the subject I recommend Stealth by Doug Richardson, or Stealth Aircraft by Bill Sweetman. Both can provide a basic overview of the technical aspects of RCS. If you have a Aviation Week subscription they did a couple of great primer articles on this a few years ago and are also worth reading. There are also numerous academic papers on this topic that can be found if you want something with a bit more meat on the bones. What will follow is even further simplified from those books but should at least be more accessible and easy to understand. The first thing I want to point out is how Radar actually works as this is something that a lot of people get wrong, and it can lead to many mistaken beliefs about how stealth works. People often think of a radar return as light reflecting off a object, and while in layman's terms this explanation suffices the actual quantum mechanisms are a bit more complicated and while the description is fine for basic knowledge knowing how it works at the smallest of scales is critical for getting your RCS to actually work. When Radar strikes a object it doesn't just bounce off, what actually happens is that the radar wave induces a current in the material it hits, this then creates waves of the same magnitude as the incoming waves. It is this re-emitted energy that is what the radar receiver actually pics up. The direction of emission is also related to the direction of the incoming energy. One important factor in this is that object with a length/diameter about one half the wavelength will create a much stronger return. This is why some objects are much more radar reflective than others. However this isn't the only thing the energy can do. Sometimes the energy is absorbed by the material struck, this is your standard Radar Absorbing Material (RAM). Another interesting feature of radar is scattering and wave travel. The energy does not have to be emitted right away, it can travel along the object it hits before being re-emitted. Sharp boundaries are more likely to emit this radiation than smooth rounded shapes. This is further compounded by scattering which is how the magnitude of the return varies by the relationship of the wavelength to the size of the object. When they are about the same size (note this means the area the wave can travel not the size of the whole plane) you get what is called resonance which greatly increases the return of the object. When the wavelength is smaller than the object then it starts to treat smaller and smaller sections independently of each other as the object. This is important and will be discussed later. The goal of RCS takes all of these considerations and more into the equation as some objects are also transparent to radar waves and others translucent. Furthermore the ability of a material to conduct electricity is important because this can help the waves propagate further before emitting. While on the surface this may seem bad and in some cases it is, it also allows for better control of where the emissions come from. Move over the angle of the surface being emitted dictates the strength of the signal and how it changes with direction, think this like a funhouse mirror, the cone/dome of radar can be emitted in a very different direction than it came from. This is not a easy thing to calculate and is a reason that early stealth aircraft were faceted as with the sharp lines were easier to predict where and in what direction the return waves would propagate. This has ironically led to many people thinking that faceted shapes are better for RCS, when in truth the opposite is true, however as stated earlier it is easier to model. This is why flat surfaces such as single vertical tail fins, and turbine blades are such big reflectors. The goal of any RCS is to reduce the amount of stuff making its way back to the emitting aircraft and being able to know exactly how the waves will travel is paramount to a successful RCS design. To complicate matters further as I mentioned earlier when a wavelength is smaller than the object you are trying to detect than it will treat different parts of the aircraft separately however this can be modified by increasing the distance the wave can travel in a object. This is where the most critical part of any proper RCS effort comes into play. This is one of tolerances. See gaps are the ultimate emitter of waves since they have sharp edges, and break the electrical current flowing through the material thus drastically increasing the chance of emission. This is by far the largest contributor to RCS. It has also proved the bane of countries trying to develop stealth since it is very hard to have manufacturers that can achieve such tight tolerances and it isn't something you can just steal like the shape or RAM materials. Since a plane needs to have at least some moving parts being able to make them close to one another is paramount, having seems be almost non existent on a moving part is very hard. Most stealth aircraft require special tape to bridge the gaps especially the ones between materials with different electrical properties like those around the cockpit. This tape had to be applied every mission perfectly and was (and to some degree still is) the part that added the most to the Maintenance of aircraft like the F-117 and B-2. You can see a good example of this on the photo below of the TACIT BLUE aircraft which was one of the first stealth aircraft.
those dark area's around any hatches is the tape As you probably well know part what is important is how the aircraft is structured and shaped, What isn't talked about is that most shapes that direct radar waves in a specific direction aren't the most conducive to good aerodynamics, thankfully for early stealth pioneers there are many materials that are very transparent to radar (such as the dome over most maritime radars). These materials can be used to smooth out the airflow and create a shape conducive to good flying characteristics (or even the ability to fly at all). Below is a good example of a photo showing the intricate sub surfaces on a aircraft control surface. You will notice that the underlying sawtooth shape would probably not be very aerodynamic but with the radar transparent leading edge the surface smooths out into the familiar shape you can recognize.
A great example of how the edges are smoothed over to create a clean wing Another part that needs to be considered is that there are a wide range of radar wavelengths that can be used. What is a good RCS shape to one wavelength might matter a lot less to another frequency. This is why most broadband stealth designs are created and coated with materials the work to harmonize as many different wavelengths of radar as possible into a more cohesive waveform. This is mostly seen in third and fourth generation designs like the F-22 and F-35. You will often note the metallic sheen their paint tends to have and this is indicative of attempts to do this.
Stealthy paint Not stealthy paint There is one last effect that is worth noting and that is that if a wavelength is larger than the object then a effect know as Reyleigh Scattering happens and the radar treats the aircraft as one homogeneous aircraft and shape and angles no longer really mater to the return just the size and composition of the object. This is why many countries looking to develop counter stealth technologies often look at low frequency radar as it can get around the shaping of the aircraft as well as issues with things like gaps, though the effectiveness of RAM isn't changed. Ok so you are probably asking why people don't just use long wave radar, well there are two problems while long wave radar has great range due to the energy required for a given distance is proportional to the wavelength it also comes at the price of accuracy and also needing a large antenna to pick up any receiving signals since the reception of radar signals generally requires a receiver proportional to the wavelength. Also effected is resolution which means that knowing that something is out there is easier but knowing where it is, is much harder. The lower resolution can have other unhelpful effects such as combining many small objects (like a flock of birds) into one.
Lastly as alluded to earlier there is a hierarchy to the importance of design features. In general it goes like this. By far the most important one is tolerance of the parts and elimination of gaps. Then in a distant second is RAM and other coatings. Lastly there is shape though unlike the other two this is still required by some degree to any stealthy aircraft whereas you can go without the other two but with a much more easily detectable object. It illustrate this and to show how all of this starts to fit together look below at the four aircraft's. Now rank them in order of smallest RCS to largest.......Scroll down past them for the answer. F-22A Raptor
so how many of you thought that the KF-21 would be 3rd, or that the Su-57 would be last? This illustrates the importance of both keeping tight tolerances and in the heavy use of RAM and other skin (and some sub-skin) treatments. Both of the planes have shaping that is conducive to having a low RCS but are not able to match the 4.5 gen Superhornet’s latest version due to the latter's better tolerance control and increased use of RAM materials. This much has been admitted by the Korean government which has admitted that the Block one KF-21 which has no RAM and looser tolerance levels than they would have wished. They do plan on incorporating those as well as including a full internal bay rather than the semi-recessed hardpoints it currently has. This shows the difficulty in mastering those two elements since the South Koreans have a lot of experience building and even decent experience designing planes. The Su-57 is a bit of the different case. Teasing out the failings of the Su-57 has taken more work given the Russian government claims that its stealth feature are some of the best in the world. However pictures of the Su-57 during construction shows a complete lack of sub-surface shaping, as well as a lack of RAM coating on many surfaces that should have it. Furthermore riveting and screw attachment of parts are massive no no’s in stealth and the Su-57 has those in droves. Furthermore the engine's turbine blades are visible through the air intake something even the KF-21 avoids limiting the ability to actually improve the RCS. It also has clearly visible gaps at locations where they would significantly contribute to increasing the RCS. Lastly the paint on the plane does not exhibit any metallic properties meaning that it likely is derived from first gen stealth paint, most likely from samples of the F-117 that was shot down in the Balkans. Based on this and knowledge that tolerances have always been a weakness of Russian manufacturing (though in the past this was deliberate as low tolerances allow for more rugged machines) thus the Su-57 probably doesn't have a ton of RCS reduction and is probably on the level of the Eurofighter in terms of RCS.
Ok so now withe the brief overview out of the way you are probably wondering how Flyout's “RCS” system fits into all of this. The answer is not at all. There is almost no connection between the games determination and reality. This can be deduced by the lack of most properties that are needed to define RCS. Some of the notable ones needed are wavelength of the radar used and given radar itself isn't in game we know that's not yet on the table, the electrical conductive properties of a aircraft's paint and skin/structures are very important to any radar return modeling and so far materials used in game are purely cosmetic. There also is no RAM material and even how that works is highly variable in real life but even a massively simplistic implementation doesn't exist so we can cross that out. There also is no setting for tolerances of parts of the plane and given that is the most important contributor to reducing RCS the lack of all these features means that the game’s RCS has no real connection with how real RCS works. Lastly, I don’t expect there to be a accurate system implemented. This is due to the massive computing power needed to model the subtle interactions of radar waves with all of these factors. As mentioned before there is a reason faceting was used heavily in early stealth aircraft despite it being less than optimal. It would take several months of using 1970’s supercomputers specially programed to just do this calculation to get a RCS model for a given aircraft shape. Even then it had to have data from real world RCS testing added to achieve this. While computing power has exponentially increased since then the ability to actively simulate a planes RCS in real time, is still well beyond anything a desktop computer can do. Especially given you would need a completely custom engine just for that part. And none of what I have said touches on other parts that can contribute to RCS like degradation of RAM coatings, or the fact that the exhaust from planes in afterburner shows up on radar (this is due to the lower density of hot air coupled with changes in the airs natural radar absorbing properties due to being at a different temperature). So for everyone out there, don't worry about or look too far into the RCS of your stealth plane be as creative as you want. That being said it is possible that IR reduction could be better simulated in game and might be a possible thing to have added. Real RCS will likely be limited to at best massively approximated stand-in values. Though there is a way to achieve a real world stealth parameter which is visual stealth, ie cammo or other tech that reduces a aircrafts visual signature. Along with some tech (like the hole material that is fictional but renders the plane truly invisible) Implementing the \"hole\" surface material to a plane in real life On a side tangent I want to point out that the exhaust phenomenon is something that has effected all stealth aircraft and the main reason the A-12 and SR-71 had no real RCS reduction since the massive amount of air the moved through the planes engines meant they were usually spotted at the maximum range of whatever radar they flew near. And while on the A-12 they tried to eliminate this through a combination of using a cesium fuel additive(which did absolutely nothing), and plasma stealth to shield the air intake so the fan blades would not reflect (which apparently worked ok but used a enormous amount of power, led to airflow disruptions that made the engine both less efficient, even more prone to flameouts, and caused the formation of nitric acid and other corrosive compounds the hurt the engine.). For the reasons I just showed the cesium and plasma stealth systems were disabled on the A-12 by the time it entered its brief service and not used at all on the SR-71, which instead used it’s extreme speed, altitude and what can be argued was the most extensive ECM suit ever fitted to a aircraft at the time, to ensure that any missile that got close could be jammed. Hope this helps people.
2024.05.14 23:53 Ready_Welder2877There’s a War Outside the Material Plane. Humanity is in Grave Danger and the Time is Near. [Part 1]
As much as I don’t want to share this sort of information, mainly for personal reasons, and perhaps for my own safety, I think it’s best everyone deserves to know what’s coming. “They” said it would happen in 2030, or perhaps much sooner or later than that. I’m talking about the great merger. No, it’s not a merging of all nations into a globalized civilization. It’s much worse than that. I’m talking about the merging of the material plane with the spiritual planes. The astral, mental, and ethereal plane for example, will become directly interactive with our physical plane. This would seem like ‘good’ news or even exciting news to some people, particularly new-agers and others wishing to see their deceased loved ones, or even those who wish for the coming of Cthulhu. It may surprise you of me to say that Cthulhu does exist, just not in the way you’d think. Let’s just say he's a thought-form created by the mind of Lovecraft and those who are fans of his work. However, I’m about to tell you that this is something we shouldn’t be happy about. While many of you will be seeing deceased loved ones with the naked eye, and even seeing angels, there are things which exist in these non-corporeal planes which many of you don’t have the courage nor capacity to deal with. I sure as hell didn’t have much capacity for the job, given that I couldn’t comprehend some of the things which existed from the minds of the most fucked up humans. The worlds and other horrors beyond all human comprehension exist there and given the fact our world is filled with much turmoil, war, hatred, and destruction, it no longer surprises me that the astral and ethereal planes surrounding earth are filled with so much ‘negative’ energies, thoughts, and emotions. Before I continue, allow me to introduce myself. My name is Dean Zenk. It’s an alias I like to use from time to time. I was a former soldier for a paranormal military operation which is top-secret. I’m well aware that our own military wouldn’t associate themselves with what may be considered ‘subjective’ belief, given that there’s no objective proof. However, even I’m aware that absence of proof is not proof of absence. Even God does exist, but he’s not this sky-daddy from religious beliefs. He’s Consciousness. Immaterial. Immeasurable. Just because we can’t perceive his existence with the naked eye, doesn’t mean he isn’t there. Going back to what happened, I was stationed at a military facility deep underground. It was a facility whom the location I was not aware of, other than seeing a vast, flat desert. They called this place ‘Base 42’ and according to the science nerds I overheard at the place, this wasn’t on earth. They weren’t wrong, since I was told to go outside, only to be met with that desert, and this world’s sun was blue in color. How I got here was an odd-looking jet that had no windows on any of its sides. Instead, there was only a glass windshield in the front. My guess was we were on another planet, or perhaps, another universe. It wasn’t until I finally got an answer and explanation from our drill instructor. “Welcome to Ganymede, team!” he said, putting me in a state of shock and awe. “I’m sergeant Genghis, your senior drill instructor. Most of you don’t know this, but you were selected by our organization for a specific purpose! You’re here because to them, you have the capacity and cohesiveness to deal with forces outside human understanding! Do you maggots understand that!?” “Sir yes sir!” everyone said, except for me. I was caught up in shock to even say a word, and without realizing it, I caught the drill sergeant’s attention. “What is your major malfunction, deaf ears!? You need hearing aids!?” he yelled. “Sir no sir!” I responded. “Then why the fuck didn’t you answer my question, deaf ears!?” he asked. “Sir, I’m sorry for not paying attention to you, sir! I was shocked and thinking about how we ended up in Ganymede, sir!” Then just like that, he gave me a hard slap in the face. “Let that slap be an imprint, a reminder to fucking pay attention! Understand, deaf ears!?” “Sir yes sir!” I responded. “Good! But from now on, your name is private deaf ears!” he told me before he continued. After our initial introduction, we were told training would begin with Sergeant Genghis in 4 hours’ time. So, for the moment, I decided to wander around the facility, trying to get a sense of familiarity with the place. That’s when I noticed a woman sitting at one of the desks behind an oval table. Of course, I felt guilty about what had come to mind next when I saw her. Why? It’s because it got her attention and she looked at me and smiled with a slight blush. “Nice to meet you, young man. I’m called colonel shapeshifter. I’d appreciate it if you’d kindly stop thinking such things about me in your little fantasy and keep your dick in your pants at all times. What is your name?” Colonel Shapeshifter told me. “Sorry about that. I get a bad habit of that sometimes. I’m called Private Deaf Ears. That’s what Sergeant Genghis called me.” I explained, feeling calm but also embarrassed for my thoughts. “Private deaf ears, huh? Of course, I can tell you’re not lying, and asking was simply a formality of mine to tell whether you’re lying or not. It seems you’re concerned about Ganymede, right? I should tell you that’s exactly what you think it is.” she told me. That shook me to my core. I believed that Ganymede was supposed to be a moon, an icy moon at that too. However, what I’m seeing is nothing like the Ganymede I learned about, and I received an explanation as to why. “We’re in the astral realm, private.” Colonel Shapeshifter. “The astral realm? But, how?” I asked her. “That jet plane you boarded under orders, is not just an ordinary plane. That plane is designed with the capacity to travel into the astral and ethereal realms. Your bodies de-materialize even without you realizing or noticing it. Then you were brought to Ganymede. Yes, the moon is as icy and cold as seen with the naked eye from NASA’s pictures. However, in the astral realms, the moon would appear different than what you’d expect. Even gas giants, ice giants and stars are teeming with life, yet that life is non-corporeal. There does exist planets and stars that are non-corporeal as well.” she then explained. “I see. Well, it might make perfect sense.” I said, thinking about that mythical planet we call, Nibiru. She laughed. “Nibiru is there, but non-corporeal in nature. Also, I know what else you are thinking. I’m called Colonel Shapeshifter, and no, this is not my false appearance. It’s my real appearance. I’m human like you. I received the title because I can shapeshift into anyone anytime I wish.” she explained before shapeshifting to look exactly like me. “Even you.” she said, with her voice now matching mine. This left me shocked and flabbergasted. She started laughing. “You stopped having those fantasies now. I guess I should look like you from now on.” she explained with a smirk. “Yeah, I’m sorry about those thoughts. I guess it’s something a guy like me does at times.” I said, embarrassed again. “Your concern is unwarranted. There are worse men out there.” she explained. She then lifted a finger up and emitted a small orb above her fingertip. If you like it, then you shoulda put a ring on it. A song emitted from that orb. It was a small snippet from one of Beyonce’s songs. Then she laughed and remarked how her husband put a ring on her first before the other guys fantasize about being with her. “Just don’t get frisky or touchy with me, or I’ll kick your ass.” she then told me before chuckling. Then, her chuckle was cut short. That’s when she looked up at the skies. “They’re here.” she said and then ordered me to go outside and meet up with Genghis. She and I both went outside to greet what was coming. When I went outside, I noticed small, triangular-shaped crafts heading towards our location. There were four of them from what I could tell. One of them landed, and when I got closer to get a better look, the ship itself was smaller than it looked. It was about the size of a mini cooper. This is when things got really interesting. From the craft, there appeared to be a small, white light, emitting from the top. Following it, multiple large figures materialized in front of us. There appeared to be 30 of them, with two figures being humans wearing black suits, while the others resembled small gray aliens with large heads and large eyes. I began to wonder if they all came from those crafts, and then I got my answer. “No, just that one that landed.” Colonel Shapeshifter told me. First, I land on a supposedly icy moon that seems to have a desert with a blue sun, now I see about 30 figures coming from that small craft? It didn’t make sense. How? Even to this day, it still doesn’t make sense to me, even though it should. I guess I’m just hard-headed to understand how things in the astral work, compared to the material plane we live in. When the beings came from the craft, one of the humans approached Colonel Shapeshifter to give her a message. I looked at her, wanting to see if she was smiling or calm. However, as I looked at her face, she actually looked anxious, as if something bad happened. Her eyes met mine after that. “Yes, it’s a bad sign that they’re here.” I realized she spoke to me telepathically, not moving her lips. The man finally came face to face with her. “Since you’re here, that means the mission was a failure, yes? How’s the situation?” she then asked. That’s when he replied: “Yes, and the situation is worse. Much worse. They’ve taken over our moon.” I then heard her breathing rapidly and sounding terrified. I noticed her eyes widened in fear. Then, I heard Genghis utter three words. “God help us.”
2024.05.14 23:31 surprisedkinderChildish Gambino's "This is America" is Actually a Drake, Jay Z and Diddy Diss
Before going into it, I want to mention how this post was inspired by three things. One was user u/HastyvonFuego2 and their post on going down the rabbit hole on the Kendrick sub last week. It was also inspired by Childish Gambino’s first album release in nearly 6 years where I have been sitting on this idea for a while but he inspired me to finally post this week like he did (never posted on Reddit at all before so be gentle if I am not doing it right)! I was also inspired by an interview Bino gave to GQ about breaking down his most iconic characters. In this interview he says how This is America started out as a Drake diss but then he realized the song was too hard for just Drake so he kept working on it. He also talks in this interview about how all culture is about compression. Which means that yes, This is America is about the gun violence and police issues in America, but compressed in this video is also more about where that culture comes from which he shows is from a small handful of rap moguls, namely Drake, Diddy and Jay-Z (bear with me on this long post, I think/hope it will be worth it). At the end I talk briefly about how Little Foot Big Foot might be in this same vein of cultural compression. [Intro: Choir] Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah Yeah, yeah, yeah, go, go away The beginning of this song has no background music yet, which really gives it an ‘in the beginning’ feel. Then Gambino starts doing his dances with weird facial expressions. I will explain as we go through his video how those expressions and dance moves represent different famous rap moguls. One easy look to pick out right away is Jay-Z’s famous lip curl/growl look that Gambino gives with a head nod repeatedly. The colonial pants have been a hot topic, but since it’s only the pants that are colonial, Gambino is saying the bottom or basis for this violent culture in America is ultimately colonialism. The lyrics ‘Go Away’, are likely foreshadowing the rap moguls wanting other popular rap rivals to ‘go away’ or they will make them (aka murder them) for profit. [Bridge: Childish Gambino & Young Thug] We just wanna party Party just for you We just want the money Money just for you (Yeah) Usually you want money for yourself and to party for yourself, so this is a bit odd. But what Gambino is referring to is similar to these Diddy ‘freakoff parties’ we are hearing about where people who want to be famous are really partying for these rap moguls so they can get close to them. Where they suck up to them saying that they want to earn the mogul money from their songs. I know you wanna party Party just for free Girl, you got me dancin' (Girl, you got me dancin') Dance and shake the frame (Yeah) Then this almost feels like the Diddy rebuttal where he’s like ya I know you want to party and you want to do it for free. Like Katt Williams says, “you gotta tell Diddy no”, it is never free to go to those parties. There are always consequences. When you are partying you are dancing, but shaking the frame could refer to how those boundaries/edges are being crossed, lines are blurred, etc. Then in the video, the fellow who was playing the guitar gets shot and things turn dark from happy music. I believe that this guitar tune is meant to represent 2Pac and Nas’s song Thugz Mansion. It’s one of the original greats from ‘in the beginning’. Nas famously has always had major issues with Jay-Z too (More on why 2Pac and Nas later). It also represents how it was these moguls who murdered 2Pac like Jaguar Wright and Katt Williams keep saying. Where these murders only lead to more money and fame for the killers when the dead artists’ and their music are exploited more easily. Also note that the gun gets taken away by a school kid after the shooting, more on this later as well. [Verse 1: Childish Gambino, Young Thug, Blocboy JB & 21 Savage] This is America (Skrrt, skrrt, woo) Don't catch you slippin' now (Ayy) Look how I'm livin' now Police be trippin' now (Woo) Yeah, this is America (Woo, ayy) Guns in my area (Word, my area) There is a song called Guns in My Area by Lil Weiner and Baby Chapox that paints a vivid picture of the everyday struggles and conflicts faced by those living in communities affected by gun violence. More compression of other songs and the American gun culture. I got the strap (Ayy, ayy) I gotta carry 'em I am almost certain this line is referring to 2Pac’s song Changes. Throughout This is America, Gambino takes lines from Pac’s song: “They get jealous when they see you with your mobile phone” (referred to later in this a Celly, that’s tool) “That's the sound of my tool, you say it ain't cool, My mama didn't raise no fool” “And as long as I stay black, I gottastay strapped, And I never get to lay back” It seems like Gambino broke up these lyrics and scattered them throughout his song. This plays into the theme that everyone is using 2Pac and enriching themselves off of his image and music. I show below how this particular section of the video represents Diddy meaning that Diddy himself is exploiting his music (and alleging that Diddy killed Pac?). We could see this exploitation play out at length with how much Diddy milked the death of Biggie like in Every Breath You Take. Yeah, yeah, I'ma go into this (Ugh) Yeah, yeah, this is guerilla (Woo) Yeah, yeah, I'ma go get the bag The song Gorilla War by $uicideboy$ and Ramirez talks about getting a bag repeatedly in the course. Also in Otis with Kanye and Jay-Z their lyrics talk about going gorilla (I talk about this song more further down), so it could be referring to this as well. It seems like Gambino is trying to pull out lyrics from all across the rap culture and embed them in his song to highlight the ‘cultural compression’. Yeah, yeah, I'm so cold like, yeah (Yeah) I'm so dope like, yeah (Woo) We gon' blow like, yeah (Straight up, uh) I think that all of the school kids in the video represent all of the rappers that are signed with these big labels. Which is interesting because they are the ones facilitating the guns for the moguls in the video. You can see that the mogul is really focused on the kids and gets agitated and directs them to follow him whenever they stray off a bit like they are his pupils, or like he owns them. Then all of a sudden the camera comes into a scene where you can see more kids shooting a rap video and all shooting money from a Supreme gun. The camera zooms out almost to show you that this is the mogul’s whole rap empire they are looking over, all of their kids in one place (this empire already includes some chaos in the background). It’s subtle but hilarious, Gambino puts fricken chickens on the ground where the kids are filming the rap video. He is directly calling all of these rappers complete chickens for playing up this lifestyle and being the cause of so much chaos rather than coming out and telling somebody what’s really going on. Trying to get their money over everything else. [Refrain: Choir & Childish Gambino] Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh, tell somebody You go tell somebody Grandma told me Get your money, Black man (Get your— Black man) This is where things start to get interesting. Gambino is literally saying, go tell somebody about this! We all know what’s happening, why don’t you go let people know how bad it is? But like Jaguar Wright said, who do you tell when these moguls have the cops and feds paid off? This video is literally Gambino putting it all out there in this extremely popular song for everyone to see but yet we still just see the dancing and the violent chaos of people and police in the streets and not the root cause that is hidden in plain sight. The vast majority of those who reviewed this video until now think this scene represents the tragic church shooting in Charleston in 2015. I think it does, but we also have to look at this from an angle of compression. The people in the choir are all of the people who are currently singing the rap mogul’s praises and who are focused on going and getting what’s owed to them, get their money (who are also profiting off of the dead fellows music since it goes back to the original tune). You can see that each choir member has a distinct look to them. Think about who you are hearing about now who is about to be implicated in these freak offs and evil deeds. Is that Will Smith in the back left corner!? The short bald fellow in the front left maybe Kevin Hart? Rick Ross or TD Jakes maybe the bigger guy towards the back right? When the camera zooms in on the choir right at first to show their faces, doesn’t the guy in the bottom middle look like an uncanny version of Jordan Peele? Or is that meant to be Cuba Gooding Jr? Then just like the guitar fellow at the beginning, bang. You may be singing Diddy’s praises now, but he will cut you down whenever he suddenly feels like it. I think almost for sure this initial section of the music video is Gambino acting as Diddy, because right after he shoots the choir, he does the elbow pump/chicken dance. At 3:14 in Diddy’s video for P.E. 2000 he does the chicken dance (he is up first in the video and I think Gambino is trying to say here I first present to you the first public enemy of 3 in this song). That elbow dance signals that it was Diddy and this is the end of his section. [Chorus: Childish Gambino, Young Thug, Slim Jxmmi & Quavo] This is America (Woo, ayy) Don't catch you slippin' now (Woo, woo, don't catch you slippin' now) Don't catch you slippin' now (Ayy, woah) Look what I'm whippin' now (Slime!) There have been many accounts of celebrities being given fancy cars after suffering abuse at the hands of these moguls. So these lyrics are saying that you better not slip up and tell people what’s really going on. And if you don’t look at this sweet carecord deal/movie contract I am going to give you. Beiber told this story about Diddy wanting to give him a luxury car. Now suddenly, the dance switches from the chicken dance to a sudden bicep flex to signal us that we have now moved on from Gambino representing Diddy to our next mogul. [Verse 2: Childish Gambino, Quavo, Young Thug, 21 Savage & BlocBoy JB] This next chunk of the video is all about Jay-Z. I think this is the case because he throws his arms up in a bicep flex just like Jay does in the Otis music video at 2:38. And it makes sense Gambino would pick a dance move from a video with a huge American flag in the background to fit the ‘This is America’ theme. Gambino is mocking him saying, who are you really, the pretty guy or this hard gangster like Gambino shows in his dancing. Also right before they pan to the kids on the balcony, Bino also does Jay-Z’s signature lip curl look a couple times so we know it’s him and to signal the end of his section. Look how I'm geekin' out (Hey) I'm so fitted (I'm so fitted, woo) Jay-Z is famous for making the fitted Yankees cap famous, it’s his signature look. More signs this verse is about Jay. I'm on Gucci (I'm on Gucci) Jay-Z has been seen in full wallpaper Gucci sweat suits but could also be referring to Gucci Mane who he hung out with at Beyonce’s tour around the time this song was released. I'm so pretty (Yeah, yeah, woo) I'm gon' get it (Ayy, I'm gon' get it) Watch me move (Blaow) These lines are probably referring to Jay-Z having a hidden preference for men, especially with the way Gambino flicks his wrist in the video when he says I’m so pretty. This a celly (Ha) That's a tool (Yeah) On my Kodak (Woo) Black I think that “this a celly, that’s a tool” harkens back to 2Pac’s lyrics in Changes where he sings, “They get jealous when they see ya with your mobile phone” then shortly after that he sings about the sound of his tool, referring to shooting a gun. But Childish flips these lyrics on their head. He is saying that it’s really the phone that’s a tool to be using, not a gun. And pans up and shows (the school kids specifically) on the balcony filming everything going on below. He’s telling the kids/other rappers, use your phone as a tool, you can record these bad deeds when you get blackmailed into being at the freak off. That’s how you can kill them and their career, not with a gun. Go tell somebody! There is also the reference to Kodak which plays into the picture taking theme, but also because Kodak Black has been accused of assaulting a teenage girl in a hotel room. So we have a good idea of what Gambino suggests all the kids start filming and collecting evidence of. Ooh, know that (Yeah, know that, hold on) Get it (Woo, get it, get it) Ooh, work it (21) Now we are onto Drake’s part. In the video Gambino starts doing the BlocBoy JB dance called Shoot. Drake is known for doing these little viral dance moves like in Hotline Bling. But not only that, this dance is also used in the song that both BlocBoy JB and Drake collaborate on for their video Look Alive. It starts at 2:07 in the Look Alive video. So this is Drake’s dance to signal his part is now starting. Note this is where the pale horse rides by also potentially saying that Drake is one of the horsemen of the apocalypse. Interestingly, Drake’s collab with BlocBoy JB was pretty much the apocalypse for BlocBoy’s career, who hasn’t had a hit since. Hunnid bands, hunnid bands, hunnid bands (Hunnid bands) Contraband, contraband, contraband (Contraband) I got the plug in Oaxaca (Woah) They gonna find you like "blocka" (Blaow) Again, we know this is Drake’s section because his song 10 bands starts out by saying “10 bands, 50 bands, 100 bands” almost identical to Bino’s lyrics here. Also Blocka was famously used by Biggie in his song Gimme the Loot which could be referring to Biggie's demise like Pac’s and making money from his death. Everything in this industry originates from pushing drugs, which has been alleged through the trafficking that Diddy, Jay-Z and Drake do through their private jets likely connected to their bosses, the Clive Davises and Lucian Grainges of the world. This escalates rap beefs and the whole culture to the next level where murder is often a consequence for young rappers in their prime when international drug lord money is involved. An interesting point is this is the only time where Childish was about to shoot someone in the video, but where he didn’t have a school kid either handing him the gun or taking it away carefully from him. (Maybe also a diss at Drake that even though he acts hard he doesn’t shoot, he gets his horseman of the apocalypse to do his dirty deeds for him instead perhaps?). This is the beginning of the end for the rap mogul as he no longer has his kids doing his bidding for him. A simple message to show how the violence can be stopped, that these shootings can end when the kids stop enabling them. So then as soon as he can’t react in that moment and shoot someone his anger is forced to chill out, as shown by smoking a J, and to go back to exploiting the dead man’s music instead. If you don’t put a gun in someone’s hand when they are heated, those feelings too shall pass - kinda feel. [Refrain: Choir, Childish Gambino, & Young Thug] Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh, tell somebody America, I just checked my following list, and You mothafuckas owe me Whose voice does that sound like!? It sounds a lot like Diddy to me, public enemy #1. This is basically saying that the moguls are the ones who we all owe it to for all of this glorified gun violence in America. That we owe them way more follows and likes for what a massive influence they have had on the violence and chaos we see in America today. Grandma told me Get your money, Black man (Black man) (1, 2, 3—get down) In Moneybagg Yo’s song 1, 2, 3, he also has a line that says “1, 2, 3, let’s go!” in a similar vein. But something interesting I came across was Nas’s song Get Down where they use a sample from James Brown's “The Boss” that sounds extremely similar to the way Gambino screams “Get Down!” Which would fit well if the guitar singer from the beginning is meant to be Nas and Pac doing Thugz Mansion. Also make sure you check out Nas’s song Get Down so that you can hear how much Jay-Z outright copied this song for The Story of OJ. From the musical structure with the piano and interwoven samples right down to the theme reiterated by the sample at the end of Nas’s song: “If that’s how our people are gonna get down, how are we ever gonna get up?” SZA Finally to wrap up the video, I have been stumped for a long time as to why SZA is randomly at the end of this video sitting on one of the cars. But I think I finally know why and it reconfirms that this last scene is all about Drake. If you watch Drake’s music video for Worst Behavior (not very Canadian of him to spell behaviour that way I might add) you will see Drake rapping and dancing with a few cars surrounding him and one of those cars has other rappers making cameos in it. In Gambino’s video SZA represents that car with a famous cameo. I think this is further confirmed when the black edges of the video start closing inwards at the end of This is America, the exact same way that Worst Behavior ends. So why SZA as the cameo then? Cause it reminds people that Drake is a p*do. This is from an article in the Rolling Stone: In 2020, Drake revealed publicly that he and SZA had dated over a decade ago, well before she was an established artist (her earliest music goes back to around 2012; her critical breakthrough, Ctrl, came in 2017). On 21 Savage’s “Mr. Right Now,” Drake rapped about a newer fling who was a fan of SZA’s: “Yeah, said she wanna fuck to some SZA, wait / ‘Cause I used to date SZA back in ’08 / If you cool with it, baby, she can still play.” A few days later, SZA responded, corroborating Drake’s claim with a slight correction: they dated in 2009, when both would have been over 18. Since SZA would not have turned 18 until late 2008, she wanted to set the record straight. “in this case a year of poetic rap license mattered 🥴lol I think he jus innocently rhymed 08 w wait [sic],” she tweeted. “I just didn’t want anybody thinking anything underage or creepy was happening . Completely innocent . Lifetimes ago . [sic]” If you have to specifically say something isn’t creepy and distance yourself from it being lifetimes ago, it usually is creepy. Drake would’ve been 22 when she was 17. Metro Boomin also happens to be on the Mr. Right Now track. He is currently in trouble for resurfaced old tweets showing how Metro used to tweet disgusting things about what he wanted to do to underage girls. Interestingly, Metro Boomin is also now beefing with Drake. Drake doing his dance on the car of the original musician’s music seems to be accusing Drake directly of stealing 2Pac’s music. Orlando Brown recently said the cryptic statement that “Drake is Pac” which likely means he stole 2Pac’s approach/style/audience after his death. Gambino did some good foreshadowing here too with the recent AI release Drake put out of 2Pac. This dance scene also signals that the Drake section is now over. [Outro: Young Thug] You just a black man in this world You just a barcode, ayy You just a black man in this world Drivin' expensive foreigns, ayy You just a big dawg, yeah I kenneled him in the backyard No, probably ain't life to a dog For a big dog The outro lyrics speak to how these gatekeepers keep black men down and control them with things like being forced to wear a dress to become famous or to submit to homosexual/p*do acts.. In the video, as I mentioned above, the black edges close in on Drake’s dancing scene in This is America. But they don’t completely close and end things like they do in the Worst Behavior video. Instead, in Gambino’s video, the camera pans to show the mogul running for his life with Young Thug’s lyrics almost like a quiet echo in the background. He isn’t running from the cops though, he’s running from the kids and from the public. When I mentioned earlier that the kids not handing over the last gun before Drake’s scene signalled the beginning of the end for the moguls, this is that conclusion. Where it is showing that if all the kids come together to stop enabling and rather expose the moguls, people will be chasing these bastards down once we realize what has been going on behind the curtain. Then the song that Young Thug is singing can just be a quiet echo of the way things were in the past. If you don’t think Gambino would be this deep and that I went too far down the rabbit hole, do a Google search on the calculations that he came up with for why he sings about loving until 3005 in his song. He seems to go real deep with his lyrics. So a big question this leaves us with is, what did Childish Gambino witness in the rap industry? His whole rap career plays out like he is trying to avoid industry norms. Even in Sweatpants, he has lyrics like: No hands like soccer teams and y'all fuck boys like Socrates You niggas ain't coppin' these, niggas ain't lookin' like me (Nah) Nah, I ain't checkin' I.D. (Nah), but I bounce 'em with no problem Seems like he is trying to make it really clear across his catalogue of music that he isn’t a p*do but that other rappers are. Where he is saying that he doesn’t need to ID his potential partners because he can tell they are obviously too young and that’s not hard to do. Tell 'em, Problem (Problem!) I'm winnin', yeah, yeah, I'm winnin' (What?)... Rich kid, asshole, paint me as a villain So who was trying to paint him as a villain, Drake? And that’s why the diss was originally meant for him? Don't be mad 'cause I'm doing me better than you doing you… Better than you doing you Fuck it, what you gon' do? (What?!) He’s taunting the other rappers cause he knows they can’t say shit if they are creeps. He has the same sentiment in Bonfire “It’s a bonfire, turn the lights out, I’m burning everything you mother fuckers talk about.” Childish Gambino has always refrained from talking about the meaning of This is America whenever he is asked, and I can only assume that all of this is why. Little Foot Big Foot Now with his new release, Little Foot Big Foot and applying cultural compression to it, it has me wondering if he is referring to Megan Thee Stallion and the Nicki beef? People like Nicki (calling Megan Big Foot) have been claiming for some time she wasn’t even shot in the foot by Tory Lanez. There were many people laughing and making fun of Megan over getting shot. Which could be an interesting story for Childish to tell to represent how crazy this violent culture has gotten that people just laugh and blame the victim now when you get shot. Also a good metaphor for things like ‘shooting yourself in the foot’ for not having a lawyer look over potentially predatory industry contracts like in the beginning of his video. That you want to get in the cool kids club so bad you overlook it. Not as sure on this one though since the song just came out and I have only heard it a few times. One last thing that is really interesting, there have been tons of artists on podcasts like Shay Shay talking about the strings these ultra rich moguls can pull. Like buying awards or gatekeeping people from being in the industry at all. There was even a story, I think maybe it was Gene Deal who told it, that when Killer Mike won at the grammys that Jay-Z was so angry he made sure to mess up his night by getting him locked up as soon as he left the awards stage. These moguls are extremely powerful and have an incredible amount of sway in the world/industry. If you check out Gambino’s profile on Youtube, his old music videos keep getting taken down, like Bonfire for example is just gone. Fans have been having to upload the videos themselves. There is a reply to a comment, on one of the fan uploaded vids, from Gambino’s account himself when someone asks why the videos are being taken down. His account just replies “Noone knows why :(“ Seems a bit odd all things considered and like maybe he has been at the mercy of these gatekeepers for going against the system. I am so curious to know what the rest of you think about all of this!
2024.05.14 22:53 uninvitedthirteenthTravel Diary: Amsterdam, May 2-May 8
Travel Diary: I make $195,000 and spent $2149.75 (+49k points) while on a trip to Amsterdam Section One: Bio Age: 40 Occupation: Lawyer Hometown: DC Number of PTO days and how you accrue them: I earn 6 hours of annual leave every two weeks (19 days total a year), and used 36 hours for this trip Section Two: Assets + Debt Not super comfortable with a very detailed financial picture, but my NW is ~$750k. No SO. Section Three: Income Main Job Monthly Take Home: After all deductions and contributions to savings, my monthly take home is ~$6200 Section Four: Travel Expenses/Diary Trip planning - My (40F) best friend from college (39F) and I decide to go to Amsterdam on a birthday trip. We both turn 40 in 2024, and we decide to go in May because it's in between our birthdays and because it'll be tulip season in Amsterdam! Neither of us have been. We also haven't travelled together before, despite being friends for 20(!) years, so we are a little apprehensive, although we have spent a lot of time together over the past few years. We decide on a 6 day trip. For purposes of this diary I'm going to list my half of the expenses for things we split. Costs are in US dollars, despite paying using Euros. As a side note, I also am a little over one year post-Gastric Bypass, which has a limited effect on my diet (I try to eat low carb, but you'll see that I mostly fail at this on this trip!). Pre-trip expenses: $1193.15 total Flight: $255 + 49k points (from Capital One) Lodging: $1425.91 (split) - $713 Rijksmuseum: $40.28 Anne Frank House: $24.95 Keukenhof Gardens plus bus ticket: $36.20 Red Light District Tour: $50.52 Day trip to windmills tour: $43.20 Snacks: $30ish Day 1 (Total $21.17) Our flight is at 5:30pm, so we planned to be at the airport by 3:30pm, which actually turned out to be 4pm. Uber ($21.17). After checking bags (included in flight price) and getting through security we made it to our gate right as boarding was about to start. No time for food or drinks. On the plane I eat a snack of roasted chickpeas before dinner, which was chicken cacciatore with mashed potatoes, bread, cheesecake, cheese, and a salad. And two glasses of wine. I save the cheesecake and cheese for later. My friend and I watch a movie (Poor Things) and then try to sleep. I am reading A Fault In Our Stars, because Amsterdam. I try unsuccessfully to sleep for awhile and then go back to reading. At some point i eat the cheese and cheesecake. Breakfast is a cheese roll, which i eat a couple bites of (OMG does all of Amsterdam have this much cheese?? - spoiler alert… yes it does!). I wish I had slept more. Day 2 - Even though it feels like a continuation of day one. (Total $207.02) 7am - We land at 7 and then grab the bags and go through customs. Easy peasy. We are exhausted so we grab coffee at the airport before figuring out public transit ($5.10). I take out 60 euro for cash in case we need it ($65). We buy a train ticket to the central station ($6.33) and when we get there we buy a four day unlimited public transit pass ($28.44) so that we don’t have to worry about it later. We get to the hotel at around 9am. They tell us it will cost $50 to check in early, which we opt not to do. Instead we go get breakfast and coffee at a cafe nearby ($21.20). The hotel tells us that our prepaid amount did not include city taxes, which is another $183 (my half $91.88). 11:30am - Back at the room we decide to rest for 90 minutes. Enough to catch up on sleep but not to waste the day and get more jet-lagged. After a rest we decide to walk around and get a feel for the neighborhood and do some shopping. We find a bookstore, and I buy a copy of my favorite book from high school, Tess of the D’Ubervilles with a beautiful cover and gold edges ($21.46). We also buy fries with truffle, mayo, and Parmesan at a fry shop ($3.32) (that’s all they have and they are delicious!). We also stop a grocery store and pick up a few things including yogurt, cheese, salami, apples, and an energy drink ($13.19). We have some early days planned and nothing seems to open early. It’s very cold and rainy and semi unpleasant. 6pm - We drop stuff off, bundle up, and head off to dinner and a tour of the red light district. We try to find a place that serves Snert, a Dutch pea soup, but strike out. We end up at an Asian place instead. I get chicken satay and a beer and my friend gets Indonesian soup and wine ($16.10). Our red light tour is great, but we are exhausted after and head straight home to bed. 22k steps total Day 3 (Total $87.24) 7:30am - We have an early day planned, and have to be on a bus near the central station by 8am. I eat a yogurt and energy drink (from grocery store) for breakfast and we take public transit (covered on unlimited card) to the station. We find the right bus and head off! First stop is the windmills, which are beautiful! I am happy we get there early because we basically have the place to ourselves. My friend gets a coffee and we both use the restroom ($1.08!). Then we head to Edam and do a walking tour there. Next stop is a clog/cheese place, which feels very touristy but they do feed us lots of cheese. I buy a cheese slicer as a souvenir ($10.81). Next stop is another small town where we have lunch at a cafe. We basically pick one at random. My friend gets fried fish and I get a ham and cheese panini and a beer ($17.30). Final stop is an artificial island town called Maarken. We do another walking tour. 2:30pm - we arrive back in Amsterdam and get let off north of the water. I grab a coffee ($3.76). We go up to the Adam lookout and take a ride on the swing off the side of the building ($25.95 for swing plus ticket to lookout). We also grab a drink and sit on a pillow watching the city from very high up, which is lovely ($6.63). On the way out I buy a reusable water bottle at the gift shop ($4.87). After the lookout we take the tram over to a brewery at a windmill that was recommended to us by several people (including here on Reddit!). Cost was covered by the transit pass. We buy bitterballen and a small bottle of Genever (local whiskey) (paid by my friend) and a flight of beer ($16.84). We are a bit tipsy but enjoying the lovely weather. 6:30 - On the way back toward the hotel the weather turns and it starts raining so we dip into a pub for dinner. I have a burger ($16.12). We are there at 8pm, which is momentous because it’s a day of remembrance and the whole bar is silent for two minutes. It was very interesting to be there during this time. We are exhausted by this point and go home to bed. 19k steps total for the day. Day 4 (Total $104.33) 7am - Another early day as we have to be on a bus at 7:30 to go to Keukenhof for the tulips! (paid in advance). We wanted to take the first bus out there because we heard the crowds were bad. I eat a yogurt for breakfast and take a 5 hour energy (no cafes open this early!). We try to take public transit to the train station but didn’t realize that the trains do not run that early on a Sunday so we grab an Uber instead ($12.20). We tell the Uber driver we’re trying to catch a bus so he makes sure we find the right place and we pull up just as the bus is loading. Phew! 8:00am - we spend 5 hours in the gardens and take literally hundreds of pictures. We are glad that we get there early as the first few hours are lovely and empty. We get a coffee ($4.60) and lunch later ($25.36). By 1pm it’s getting very crowded so we start heading out. We grab the bus back to the train station. 2:30pm - We decide to go by the Rijksmuseum although not in it because we planning that later. Instead we stop off at the Van Gogh/Rijks gift shop that’s nearby. I get a couple souvenirs, including a foldable bag and a magnet ($20.44). I also get a coffee ($3.64) and my friend gets bubble tea. We sit on the hill on museumplein and people watch. After awhile it starts to get hot (we had dressed for the early morning) so we head back to the hotel to change. 5pm - we decide we are having an evening of drinking. We first grab a drink in the hotel bar because we get free vouchers for each day we choose not to have the room cleaned. Then we have dinner at an udon place, which is delicious. We have tempura, chicken katsu, and dumplings ($15.94). Then because it’s cinco de mayo we decide to have margaritas at the Mexican place near the hotel ($15.15)! Not Dutch but it’s fun. We head down the street to another bar and have a Genever cocktail called an Amsterdam mule ($9.91). I am happy with our choice of hotel because there are so many places in our neighborhood. On the way home we pass a fresh stroopwaffle place and must get in line for one ($5.92). By then we are exhausted and head to bed. 21k steps total for the day. Day 5 (Total $80.44) 8am - We have a slightly less early day but have tickets to the Anne Frank house at 9:15. (paid in advance). I eat some yogurt and cheese in the room before we leave. It’s walkable so we decide to head out early and grab coffee on the way. ($3.19). The house is sombering but I’m glad we did it. 11am - After the Anne Frank house we walk to the nearby cheese museum. We sample lots of cheese. I buy one cheese to take home ($15.18). We want to walk to a used bookstore, but decide to have lunch at a cafe on the way. We pick one at random. We split chicken tenders and a goat cheese and apple sandwich and I have a beer. ($15.14). The sandwich is one of the best things we have eaten. We spend about an hour in the bookstore and my friend buys one book. 3pm - We realize we are by the monkey bar (one of the oldest bars in Amsterdam that they told us about on our red light district tour). We stop in for a drink. Ok two drinks. ($12.50). We take the metro back towards the hotel and stop in at a tile store in our neighborhood so I can buy a magnet. I buy magnets from all my trips, but I like non-touristy handmade ones if I can find them, Van Gogh magnet from yesterday aside. I buy one with a windmill on it. ($14). We also stop at the grocery store for more yogurt ($3.05) and for Dutch apple pie at the cafe across the street from the hotel ($4). We get back to the hotel and have another free drink and then rest before dinner. 8pm - We go out to a Dutch restaurant for dinner. I am not super hungry from pie so I just get the snert (pea soup). My friend gets sauerkraut and potatoes. Sorry, but I thought it was pretty bland food in general. ($13.38). We head home. It’s a lighter day, only 14k steps today. Day 6 (Total $194.47) 8am - Today is our last full day in Amsterdam. We have planned to spend the day at the Rijksmuseum. We want to get there right when it opens for crowd reasons. We had bought “friend of the museum” passes ahead of time so that we can skip the line. I have a yogurt for breakfast and we walk to a cafe near the museum for coffee and breakfast for my friend ($3.78). The man at the cafe is very nice and we love sitting outside in the sunshine. It’s going to be a warm day! We spend about 5 hours at the museum. We rush to see the Van goghs and the main gallery where the Rembrandts are, including The Night Watch, which is probably one of the most famous paintings in there. We had downloaded the app so we shared a pair of earbuds and listened to audio notes about many of the works (they have a number you can enter in). We take a break outside for coffee ($7.29 - i pay) and skip the line again. Totally worth it for the more expensive ticket. Around 2 we are hungry and have seen almost everything. We stop in the gift shop and I buy a ring and earring set. ($64.76). I forget to use my 10% discount for being a friend. :( I wanted a necklace too but didn’t like the ones they had there so I’ll try to find a matching piece at home. 2pm - My friend has been trying to get herring for the whole trip so we make it a point to do that. The first place is a bust so we find a little stand that sells it a 15 min walk away. We are determined, so we head there. I don’t eat fish so I get a shawarma on the way, which is terrible (cash). I throw half away. After lunch we get ice cream. I get coffee ice cream, and it makes up for the bad shawarma ($6). We also stop at the peanut butter store, which is allegedly the first in the world, and I pick up 3 small jars for my mom for Mother’s Day ($8.11). We also stop at a thrift store and i buy a dress ($21.59). At some point this day (I think), we also stop at another bookstore, and I buy a few things including a card, a couple gifts, and a book ($39.71). 6pm - After resting a bit, we get two more free drinks at the hotel and then head out to dinner. We pick another Asian place. I get an aperol spritz at dinner and we share appetizers (satay, spring rolls, and bitterballen). We also get coconut ice cream with mango sauce for dessert. All yum! ($33.03). We get one final drink at a local bar near the hotel ($10.20) and I’m again grateful for our choice of neighborhood. Today has been all walking because our 4-day metro pass ran out yesterday. Total steps 13k. Day 7 (Total $36.93) 8am - this our last day. The plane was supposed to leave at 1:30pm, but we get a message that it’s delayed an hour. We decide to have a leisurely breakfast. We pick a place that’s at a hotel near our hotel. I get an egg sandwich and my friend gets French toast. We both get coffee. ($15.27) We decide to leave for the airport around 11. We walk to the central station about 20 min away, and I buy wooden tulips for my mom on the way (cash). We buy train tickets (cash) and get right on a train. We are proud of ourselves for our navigation on this trip. 12pm - we get to the airport and through security. We head to a lounge but there’s a line. We are 40th in line based on our QR code place. We decide not to wait and sit down for lunch at a random bar. I get a sausage and a beer ($20.66). We walk around some and get another message that our flight is delayed more, to 4pm. It’s finally our turn to get into the lounge at 2:30 (2 1/2 hour wait) so we go. I grab some water and a whiskey and coke but we just ate so we are not hungry. Around 3 we head to the gate. Unfortunately when we get there our flight is delayed more and will board at 4. They give us airport vouchers so we buy a book, beer, and some stroopwaffles ($1 after vouchers). We finally board and head off around 5. On the flight we are served dinner. They have run out of chicken by the time they get to me, but eventually find one and bring it to me later. I have a wine too. I read, watch a movie, and try to sleep a little. We have a whole row of four to ourselves so we can spread out. Dinner is a French bread pizza. 8pm - We land around 7pm (love time zone math!), grab our bags, and get a taxi to my car ($27.09). I drop off my friend and get home at 8:30. I am exhausted but cuddle my cats for about an hour before going to bed. 15k steps today After trip expenses - $225 cat sitting Total expenses: $2149.75 (+49k points) Flight: $255 + 49k points Lodging: $804.88 Food/drinks: $531.38 Travel: $101.56 Activities: $221.10 Souvenirs/gifts: $ 231.93 Final parting thoughts - I think just over $2k for an almost-week long trip to Europe is a pretty comfortable number for me. I am glad I could use points for most of the flight. We definitely didn't try to cheap out on anything. We spent a lot of money drinking (neither of us drink this much usually). I hope this was helpful to anyone, and I look forward to reactions/comments!
2024.05.14 22:47 amberarteaga78psychology statistics help Reddit Assignment Exam Homework Quiz Test Class Course Helper for Online Hire Reddit
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MY MATH SUBJECTS OF EXPERTISE: I am very knowledgeable and proficient in assisting students in a wide range of mathematics classes. I can help students complete their homework assignments and other projects get an A on quizzes, tests, and exams (including proctored assessments) answer online discussion posts write essays & papers in MLA APA Chicago format and provide general overall academic help in each math course listed below:
I have a master's degree in Applied Statistics from a university in New Jersey, USA. As a result, I am very proficient in helping students with various types of Statistics courses including Biostatistics Business Statistics Elementary Statistics Probability & Statistics Psychology Statistics.
I have extensive knowledge and skill with helping students get through various statistical concepts including all of the following in alphabetical order:
ANOVA Bar Graph, Boxplot, Dot Plot, Histogram, Pie Chart Bias Binomial, Exponential, Poisson, Gamma, Uniform Distribution Central Limit Theorem Chi-Square Test Coefficient of Determination (R^2) Conditional & Relative Probability Confidence Interval Correlation Coefficient (r) Critical Region Critical Value Descriptive & Inferential Statistics Effect Size Expected Value Experiment vs Observation Goodness of Fit Test Hypothesis Testing Interpolation & Extrapolation Interquartile Range (IQR) Kurtosis Left, Negative, Right, Positive Skewed Distribution Logistic Regression Mean, Median, Mode, Midrange Multiple Regression Nominal, Ordinal, Interval, Ratio I Population Parameter Normal, Symmetric & Bell Shaped Distribution Null & Alternate Hypothesis One & Two Sample T-Test One & Two Sample Z-Test Ordinary Least Squares Outliers P-Value Pooled Variance (Equal Variances) Proportion R^2 Range Regression Regression Line Reject & Fail to Reject Ho Relative & Cumulative Frequency Distributions Relativity & Reliability Right, Left, One, Two Tailed Tailed Hypothesis Test Sample Statistics Sampling Methods (Convenience, Stratified, Simple, Cluster, Systematic) Significance Level (1%, 5%, 10%) Skewness Standard Deviation& Variance T-Score Test Statistic Time Series Type I & Type II Errors Unbiased Estimators Z-Score
ALGEBRA HELP:
I am well-versed in helping students do well in Algebra 1 & 2 College Algebra Intermediate Algebra Pre-Algebra and I am very knowledgeable and proficient in the following algebra topics in alphabetical order:
Absolute Values Circle Equation Domain Exponents Graphing Horizontal & Vertical Asymptotes Inequalities, Equations & Functions Inverse Functions Linear, Exponential, Logarithmic, Quadratic Equations Logarithms Maximum & Minimum Values of a Graph Number Lines One-to-One Functions Parallel & Perpendicular Lines Plotting Points & Ordered Pairs Point-Slope Form Polynomial Division Polynomials Radicals Range Rational & Irrational Expressions Rational Functions Real Roots Real Zeros Relations & Functions Slope Slope-Intercept Form Square Roots Standard Form of a Line System of Equations System of Inequalities Variables X and Y Intercepts
CALCULUS HELP:
I am well-versed in helping students do well in Calculus I, II & III, Calculus 1, 2 & 3, Business Calculus, Multivariable Calculus, Vector Calculus and I am very knowledgeable and proficient in the following calculus topics in alphabetical order:
Absolute & Local Maximum and Minimum Antiderivative Area & Volume Chain Rule Concavity Continuity Convergence Test Critical Points Curvature Curve of Rotation Curve Sketching Derivatives Divergence Test First & Second Derivative Test Fourier Series Implicit Differentiation Increasing / Decreasing Functions Infinite Series Integrals Integration by Parts Jacobian Matrix Limits L’Hopital’s Rule Maclaurin Series Mean Value Theorem Partial Derivative Product & Quotient Rule Reiman Sum Related Rates Simpson’s Rule Solid of Revolution Substitution Rule Taylor Series
ATTRIBUTES THAT SET ME APART FROM OTHER TUTORS:
I firmly believe that I have many attributes and skills that set me apart from other tutors. Below is a list of qualities that makes me an ideal fit to help you master your coursework:
I CAN AID STUDENTS TAKING PROCTORED ASSESSMENTS:
Proficient in CollegeBoard AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC & AP Statistics exams.
Skilled with International Baccalaureate Math Exams: IB Maths HL & IB Maths SL
Can intentionally answer a few problems incorrectly at the student's request.
Can text solutions to the student while they are taking a proctored exam.
Upon request, can purposely obtain grades below an A (ex: B+, B, C+, C-).
I can stretch out the time to a plausible length for timed exams and assignments before submitting them.
Have reliable software that can change my IP address to match the closest major city near the student.
I have exceptional multiple-choice exam-taking skills. I have mastered the various techniques to make calculated guesses for the correct option in standardized exams such as the SAT & GRE.
I CAN VERIFY MY ACADEMIC KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS:
I have no problem with requests to solve sample problems upfront to prove my knowledge & proficiency of the course concepts.
I can provide glowing references & strong examples of work done for past clients to verify my academic skills.
I can also provide, upon request, complete detailed calculations with explanations for solutions to the problems worked on.
I am quite skilled and adept in using multiple modernized educational platforms and software, including but not limited to: Brightspace MyStatLab D2L WebAssign Canvas MyMathLab Blackboard ALEKS
Can format term papers and discussion posts in APA MLA Harvard Chicago Vancouver OSCOLA IEEE format.
I HAVE PAID ACCESS TO OVER 15 STUDY-HELP WEBSITES AND MATHEMATICAL SOFTWARE:
I have multiple paid subscriptions to a wide range of academic tutoring resources, including Chegg, Quizlet, CourseHero, Brainly, Grammarly, Study. com, Bartleby, Slader, Transtutors, Slideshare, StudocU, Turnitin, Academia, SymboLab, WolframAlpha, and Scribd to help guide to solve exam & homework questions that I may not immediately know.
However, I am smart enough not to blatantly plagiarize solutions online but instead write them in my own unique words, formatting, & mathematical terminology.
I have access to a very sophisticated graphing calculator and various mathematical software that provides step-by-step solutions to complex mathematical problems within seconds, allowing me to provide exact solutions to the student in a timely manner.
I have impeccable handwriting and a high-quality mobile scanner app that allows me to scan written solutions in very legible high-definition JPG, PNG, or PDF formats.
I ALWAYS ACCEPT CALLS:
I have no problem speaking with potential clients on the phone.
I have an authentic suburban upper-middle-class American accent, similar to the actor: Ben Stein.
However, be wary of so-called “tutors” who refuse to accept any phone calls or have a strict “text / email only” policy.
These “text-only” / “email-only” tutors are usually located outside the U.S. and are afraid their foreign accent will expose their true nationality.
I WRITE LIKE A PROFESSIONAL:
Approximately 98% of the time, I write all my texts & emails in grammatically correct U.S. English with proper punctuation and occasional typo.
Unlike some alleged “U.S.-based tutors,” I do NOT write using broken English or grammatically incorrect texting shorthand (example: "wut u need help wit??").
I write my ad in proper American English, the same way I always text and email people.
I can guide students on formatting & writing term papers, essays, and discussion posts in APA MLA Chicago Harvard format.
If the tutor you’re checking out consistently writes using egregiously horrendous grammar, do you honestly think it’s a good idea to trust them to help you do well in your class?
MY EDUCATIONAL SOFTWARE OF EXPERTISE:
I am very knowledgeable and well-versed in a wide range of educational software to tutor students in including but not limited to: Acellus ALEKS APEX Learning Aplia Blackboard Brightspace Canvas Cengage CengageNow Connect ConnectMath Connexus CPM D2L Discord Edmentum Eviews Examity Excel Hawkes Learning Honorlock Khan Academy Knewton LimeSpring Lumen Maple MasteringChemistry MasteringPhysics MathXL (XL) MATLAB McGraw-Hill Microsoft Word Minitab Moodle MyAccountingLab MyEconLab MyITLab MyLab My Lab MyMathLab My Math Lab MyOpenMath MyPsychLab MySocLab MyStatLab My Stat Lab NCSS Open Source Software Pearson PERT PlatoWeb PowerPoint Prezi R Respondus Lockdown Browser with Webcam Sapling SPSS Stata StraighterLine Straighter Line WebAssign Web Assign Webex (Cisco) WebWork Wiley WileyPlus Wonderlic Zoom
SCHOOLS FROM WHICH I'VE HELPED STUDENTS IN : As of 2021, I have tutored and helped students enrolled at the following U.S. universities community colleges county & city colleges schools for-profit institutions listed below in alphabetical order:
A - C: American Public University System (APUS) Arizona State Ashford Brigham Young Brown Broward California State (Fullerton) Capella Chamberlain (Illinois) Colorado Technical Columbia Columbia Southern Cornell
D - K: Dallas College Dartmouth DeVry Excelsior College Florida International Florida State Full Sail Georgia State Grand Canyon Harvard Houston Community College Ivy Tech Community College Kaplan Kennesaw State Kent State
L - T: Liberty Lone Star College System Kaplan Miami Dade Michigan State CUNY State University of New York (SUNY) Northern Virginia Ohio State University of Phoenix (UOP) Penn State Princeton Purdue (Davenport) San Diego State San Francisco State San Jose State Southern New Hampshire Southern Nevada Stanford St. Petersburg Strayer Texas Tech
UNIVERSITY OF: Alabama Arizona California (UC) Central Florida Chicago Cincinnati Florida Houston Illinois (Urbana-Champaign) Iowa Maryland Minnesota Michigan North Texas Pennsylvania Southern Florida Texas Toronto
U - Z: UCLA Extension Utah State Utah Valley Valencia Walden U Wake Technical Western Governors Wilmington Yale
I OFFER FLEXIBLE PAYMENT PLANS:
I offer several unique payment plans, including a weekly plan, a discounted monthly plan, a discounted half-now / half-later plan, and highly discounted up-front rates.
I can accept the following payment methods for my services: PayPal Debit Cards Square Cash Credit Cards Cash App Venmo.
Only people located in North America have access to Venmo Cash App Zelle.
This is an excellent way to determine if the person you're dealing with is from the United States.
Within reason, I offer a partial or full money-Back guarantee if the student is very unsatisfied with my academic services.
HELP AVAILABLE FOR OTHER SUBJECTS:
For other subjects, you can reach out to me, and I can connect you with one of my tutoring partners who can provide general academic assistance for the following subjects:
Art & Design: Art History Design Film Studies
Business: Accounting (Acc) Biz Courses Business Administration (Biz Admn) Business Calculus Business Law Business Statistics Corporate Finance Economics (Econ) Finance (Fin) Financial Accounting Intermediate Accounting Intermediate Microeconomics (Micro) Macroeconomics (Macro) Management (Mgmt) Managerial Accounting Marketing MBA
Computer Science: C C++ Computer Programming (Comp) Java Python R (Introduction & Intermediate Level Only)
Humanities: Communications (Comm) English Literature Essay & Term Paper Writing, Editing, Proofreading Essays History Papers Philosophy (Phil) Religious Studies Theology (Theo)
Mathematics: A.P. Calculus AB & BC Psychology Statistics AP Statistics Bio statistics Calculus I (1) Calculus II (2) Calculus III (3) College Algebra Differential Equations Discrete Math Finite Math Functions General Math Geometry Liberal Arts Math Linear Algebra Multi-variable Calculus Partial Differential Equations Precalculus Probability Quantitative Reasoning Real Analysis Statistics Trigonometry (Trig) Vector Calculus
Science & Medicine: Anatomy & Physiology (A & P) Biochemistry Biology (Bio) Biostatistics Earth Science Environmental Science General Chemistry (Chem) Healthcare Medicine Nursing Nutrition Organic Chemistry Physics (Phys)
Social Sciences: Anthropology Economics (Econ) Geology Law & Justice Liberal Arts Liberal Studies Political Science Psychology Sociology
THE OBLIGATORY "IS THIS A SCAM?" QUESTION: Considering the fact that you found my contact information online, it’s understandable to be skeptical regarding the legitimacy of my services. Therefore, I’m willing to do all of the following to help you feel more secure in trusting me with your academic needs:
1) Speak with you on the phone and answer any questions you may have so that you have the opportunity to assess and analyze my tone, articulation, accent, diction, dialect, regionalisms, pitch, vocabulary, word choice, intonations, and inflections.
NOTE: I’m a New Jersey-born Irish/Italian-American, but I have been told that I speak in an erudite & articulate suburban American accent with a “professor style” voice somewhat resembling the voice of actor: Ben Stein.
2) Agree to do some homework questions of yours upfront with the work fully shown in real-time to prove my mastery of the course content.
3) Send you screenshots of at least five past scores I attained from completing exams & homework assignments for other students in the same type of class you need help with.
4) Send you full screenshots of written exam solutions I wrote up by hand for students in the past in the same course that you need help with so that you can see my neat handwriting.
5) Provide you with the contact information of students who have utilized my services in the past who would be more than willing to vouch for my skills.
HOW TO CONTACT ME:
If you are interested in my services and would like to learn more info, please feel free to reach out to me.
Text messages and email are the fastest and easiest ways to get in touch with me. However, I gladly accept phone calls.
If I don't respond right away, I am most likely helping a student at the time and not currently available to speak on the phone. But I always make a solid effort to reply to texts, emails, and phone calls within an hour.
CONCLUSION:
I take my work as a tutor very seriously, and I always aim to do my best to help my students excel in school. I have a solid and sincere passion for academic achievement, and with my help, I am positive that I can help students obtain very high grades with minimal stress and effort.
Please feel free to contact me if you're interested in my services and would like to learn more. I'm available 24/7 via phone call, email, and text. Again, thank you for taking the time to read my Reddit tutoring ad, and I hope to hear from you soon!
OCT 2021 UPDATE: I am currently offering discount deals for requests for assistance with completing a student's entire course for the Fall 2024 semester (14 - 20 week courses acceptable), as well as discounts for students seeking help with multiple exams and/or multiple classes for Fall 2024. My availability for the Autumn 2024 / Fall 2024 semester will likely become limited very quickly as I receive more and more academic requests. Therefore it would be very advantageous to reach out to me for academic assistance before my schedule becomes too full. MY CONTACT INFO: WhatsApp: +1 (213) 594-5657 Call: +1 727 456 9641 Website: hiraedu. com Email: [info@hiraedu](mailto:info@hiraedu). com
2024.05.14 22:42 GwiyomiJessi[21/F] I’m Jess from England ✨ Please message me!
Hi 👋 I’m Jess, 21F from England. If i sound like your kind of person, message me and if things go well we can move over to discord! I’m looking to find long term friends, and someone who I can rely on to be there for me. I’m also looking for someone interesting who replies pretty fast. So here’s a bit about me:
I’m a university student with only a month left to go until i’m finished
I love listening to music, I seem to always have my earphones in
I also love watching movies, my favourite genre is thriller. But i do also like cringey netflix movies
I really want to travel all over the world but the place i want to go to the most is South Korea
and if you want to find out more about me, you’ll have to message me 😜 (ps. i will ignore anyone who asks me my name, age or where i’m from, because you’ve clearly not read my post at all)
2024.05.14 22:15 SoninetzSimpleTexting vs. TextMagic: In-Depth Comparison Ever?
Did you know that text messages have an open rate of over 98%? When it comes to business communication, choosing the right platform, especially mobile platforms, is crucial for businesses. SimpleTexting and TextMagic are two popular options that offer unique features and benefits. In this comparison, we'll delve into the key highlights, strengths, and weaknesses of each service, helping businesses make an informed decision for their needs. From pricing to functionality, key highlights, email, customer support, and bulk SMS software, we'll break down the differences between SimpleTexting and TextMagic so you can choose the best fit for your communication strategy. Useful Links:
Evaluate your specific needs, compare key highlights and customer support to choose the service plan that best aligns with your goals.
Cost-Effective Solutions
Consider not just the initial costs but also long-term expenses to ensure you are getting the most value for your money.
MMS Messaging Advantage
Leverage the power of multimedia messaging to engage your audience with visually appealing content.
Advanced Features and Tools
Explore the advanced features offered by each service, platform, or software to enhance your messaging campaigns and reach your audience more effectively.
User Feedback and Reviews
Pay attention to user feedback and reviews to understand real-world experiences and make an informed decision based on others' perspectives.
Both services boast user-friendly interfaces, but SimpleTexting stands out for its intuitive platform suitable for beginners. Meanwhile, TextMagic offers advanced functionalities that cater to more experienced users.
SimpleTexting: Beginner-friendly interface.
TextMagic: Advanced features for experienced users.
Customer Support
For those prioritizing customer service, SimpleTexting shines with phone support during business hours. Conversely, TextMagic primarily offers email support with extended response times.
Cost-Effective Solutions
Affordability
SimpleTexting offers various pricing plans starting from $25 per month for 500 credits, with additional charges for extra credits. TextMagic, on the other hand, provides a pay-as-you-go option where you only pay for the messages you send. SimpleTexting's tiered pricing structure allows businesses to choose a plan that aligns with their specific needs and budget constraints. In contrast, TextMagic's flexible payment model enables users to control costs based on their messaging volume.
Features vs. Costs
When comparing SimpleTexting and TextMagic, it's crucial to consider the balance between features and costs. While SimpleTexting may offer more advanced features in its higher-priced plans, TextMagic's straightforward pricing appeals to budget-conscious users. Both services have their strengths in terms of cost-effectiveness. SimpleTexting's feature-rich plans cater to businesses looking for comprehensive messaging solutions, while TextMagic's transparent pricing is attractive for those seeking a no-frills approach.
MMS Messaging Advantage
Multimedia Benefits
SimpleTexting provides a significant advantage over TextMagic through its support for Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS). With MMS, users can send not only text but also multimedia content like images, videos, and audio files. This feature enhances communication by allowing businesses to engage customers with visually appealing content.
Enhanced Engagement
By incorporating multimedia elements into messages, SimpleTexting enables businesses to create more engaging and interactive communication with their audience. Visual content tends to capture attention more effectively than plain text, leading to higher engagement rates and improved brand visibility.
Increased Conversion Rates
The use of multimedia in messaging has been shown to boost conversion rates for businesses. By leveraging MMS capabilities, companies can deliver compelling visuals that drive customer actions. Whether it's showcasing products through images or providing video demonstrations, SimpleTexting empowers businesses to enhance their marketing strategies and achieve better results. Useful Links:
SimpleTexting offers seamless integration with popular platforms like Zapier, allowing users to connect their texting campaigns with various apps. This feature enables automation and streamlines workflows for enhanced efficiency. On the other hand, TextMagic provides robust API documentation for developers, facilitating custom integrations with internal systems or third-party applications. This flexibility caters to businesses with specific integration requirements.
Analytics and Reporting
Both SimpleTexting and TextMagic offer detailed analytics tools to track campaign performance. SimpleTexting provides real-time insights into open rates, click-through rates, and overall engagement metrics. Conversely, TextMagic offers in-depth reporting on delivery statuses, replies, and opt-out rates.
Two-Way Communication
With SimpleTexting, users can engage in interactive conversations through two-way messaging capabilities. This feature allows businesses to gather feedback, answer customer queries promptly, and build stronger relationships. Similarly, TextMagic supports two-way communication, enabling recipients to respond directly to messages. This functionality enhances customer engagement and facilitates seamless communication between businesses and their audience.
User Feedback and Reviews
Customer Satisfaction
Users praise simpletexting for its user-friendly interface, making it easy to navigate and set up campaigns quickly. The platform's robust analytics tools also receive positive feedback for providing valuable insights into campaign performance. On the other hand, some users find textmagic's interface slightly less intuitive compared to simpletexting. However, textmagic excels in customer support, with many users highlighting the quick response times and helpful assistance provided by their team.
Pricing Comparison
simpletexting is often favored for its transparent pricing structure, allowing users to easily understand costs and choose the best plan for their needs.
In contrast, some users find textmagic's pricing model a bit complex, with additional charges for certain features that are included in simpletexting's plans.
Reliability and Performance
Both platforms are known for their reliability, ensuring that messages are delivered promptly without delays or errors. Users appreciate this consistency as it helps maintain effective communication with their audience.
Final Remarks
In weighing SimpleTexting against TextMagic, you've seen the key aspects to consider. From cost-effectiveness and MMS advantages to advanced features and user feedback, both platforms offer distinct benefits. Now, armed with this knowledge, you can confidently select the messaging service that best aligns with your needs. Choose wisely based on your priorities and objectives. Your selection between SimpleTexting and TextMagic will significantly impact your communication strategy. Make an informed decision to leverage the power of SMS marketing effectively. Streamline your communication with SimpleTexting's automation tools! Sign up for a free trial now and start sending out-of-office texts effortlessly. 📲
Frequently Asked Questions
Which factors should I consider when choosing between SimpleTexting and TextMagic?
When choosing between SimpleTexting and TextMagic, consider factors like pricing, features, ease of use, customer support, and scalability. Evaluate your specific needs to determine which platform aligns best with your messaging goals.
Are there significant cost differences between SimpleTexting and TextMagic?
SimpleTexting and TextMagic offer different pricing structures based on usage volume and features required. It's essential to compare plans, considering factors like message volume, additional services needed, and any potential overage charges to determine the most cost-effective option for your business.
How does MMS messaging benefit my business when using SimpleTexting or TextMagic?
MMS messaging allows you to send multimedia content like images, videos, and audio files along with text messages. This can enhance engagement, convey information more effectively, and create a more interactive experience for your audience when using either SimpleTexting or TextMagic.
What advanced features and tools are offered by SimpleTexting and TextMagic?
Both platforms offer advanced features such as automation tools, contact segmentation, analytics reporting, API integrations, scheduled messages, two-way messaging capabilities, and customizable templates. These tools can streamline your messaging campaigns, improve efficiency, and enhance overall communication effectiveness.
How can user feedback and reviews help me decide between SimpleTexting and TextMagic?
User feedback and reviews provide valuable insights into the user experience with both platforms. By analyzing testimonials, ratings, case studies, and reviews from current users of SimpleTexting and TextMagic, you can gain a better understanding of each platform's strengths and weaknesses to make an informed decision based on real-world experiences. Useful Links:
2024.05.14 22:03 SoninetzSimpleTexting vs. Twilio: Best SMS Solutions Battle
When it comes to SMS marketing platforms, the battle between SimpleTexting and Twilio is a clash of titans in sending texts. While both offer robust features for businesses to engage with customers through texting and sms apps, they differ significantly in terms of user-friendliness, pricing structures, and customization options. SimpleTexting shines with its intuitive interface and all-in-one solution tailored for small to medium-sized businesses. On the other hand, Twilio stands out for its extensive developer tools and scalability, making it a top choice for larger enterprises seeking advanced customization capabilities. Useful Links:
Consider Ease of Use: When deciding between SimpleTexting and Twilio, prioritize the platform that offers a user-friendly experience to streamline your communication processes.
Evaluate Integration Options: Assess the integration capabilities of both platforms to ensure seamless connectivity with your existing tools and systems for enhanced efficiency.
Analyze Features for Future Needs: Look beyond current requirements and assess the feature sets of SimpleTexting and Twilio to align with your anticipated needs in 2024 and beyond.
Listen to User Feedback: Pay attention to user reviews and feedback on both platforms and apps to gain insights into real-world experiences and make an informed decision based on user satisfaction.
Choose Wisely: Select the platform that best meets your specific communication needs, budget constraints, and long-term goals after thorough consideration of all factors.
Trial and Compare: Conduct a trial or demo of both SimpleTexting and Twilio to directly experience their functionalities and make a well-informed choice based on your firsthand experience.
Ease of Use Overview
User Interface
SimpleTexting offers a user-friendly interface, making it easy for beginners to navigate and send messages efficiently. The platform's layout is intuitive and straightforward, enhancing the overall user experience.
SimpleTexting excels in providing excellent customer support services, offering quick responses to queries and technical assistance when needed. Users can rely on their support team for guidance and troubleshooting.
Training Resources
Twilio stands out with its extensive training resources, including documentation, tutorials, and webinars. These resources empower users to maximize the platform's capabilities and explore advanced features effectively.
Accessibility
Both platforms prioritize accessibility, ensuring that users can access their services across different devices seamlessly. This flexibility enables users to manage their messaging campaigns conveniently from anywhere.
Integration and Flexibility
Customization Options
SimpleTexting offers a range of customization options for sms, texts, and messages, allowing users to tailor their messaging experience to suit their specific needs. From personalized messages to branded templates, including SMS and apps, the platform provides flexibility for businesses to create unique communication strategies.
API Integration
With Twilio, users have access to a robust API that enables seamless integration with existing systems and applications to send SMS messages. This allows for efficient communication workflows and the ability to automate processes, enhancing overall productivity. Both platforms support integration with popular CRM systems like Salesforce, ensuring a smooth flow of data between different tools for enhanced customer engagement.
Scalability
When it comes to scalability, Twilio stands out with its ability to handle high volumes of messages without compromising speed or performance. This makes it an ideal choice for businesses looking to expand their reach and accommodate growing customer bases. In contrast, SimpleTexting offers a user-friendly interface that simplifies the process of scaling up messaging campaigns. While it may not match Twilio's capacity for large-scale operations, it provides a straightforward solution for smaller businesses looking to grow steadily with sms, apps, marketing, and messages.
Feature Comparison for 2024
Messaging Capabilities
SimpleTexting: Known for its user-friendly interface, SimpleTexting offers seamless SMS marketing tools for businesses of all sizes. It provides features like mass texting, scheduled messages, sms, auto-replies, and use. Twilio: Twilio, on the other hand, is a robust platform that not only supports SMS but also offers a wide range of communication channels such as voice calls, emails, and chat. It provides extensive customization options for messaging workflows. Useful Links:
Integrates with popular CRMs like Salesforce and HubSpot.
Offers API access for developers to create custom integrations easily.
Twilio:
Provides a flexible API that allows integration with various third-party apps.
Supports integration with cloud platforms like AWS and Google Cloud.
Automation and Scalability
Both platforms offer automation features, but Twilio stands out in terms of scalability. With its pay-as-you-go pricing model and global reach, it's ideal for businesses looking to scale their messaging operations efficiently with sms and text.
User Feedback Analysis
Customer Satisfaction
SimpleTexting: Customers praise the user-friendly interface and excellent customer support. They appreciate the ease of creating and sending messages. Twilio: Users value Twilio's robust features for advanced messaging solutions, text, and apps. However, some find the platform complex for beginners.
Pricing Feedback
SimpleTexting: Users highlight SimpleTexting's transparent pricing structure, suitable for small to medium businesses.
While Twilio offers scalable pricing options for messages and text, some users mention high costs for additional features.
Feature Requests
Customers using both apps and platforms express a desire for enhanced automation features to streamline messaging processes efficiently.
Technical Support
Users commend SimpleTexting's prompt and helpful customer service, resolving queries effectively. On the other hand, feedback on Twilio's technical support varies, with some experiencing delays in issue resolution. In analyzing user feedback between SimpleTexting and Twilio, it is evident that both platforms have strengths and areas for improvement based on customer experiences.
Choosing the Right Platform
Integration Options
SimpleTexting offers seamless integration with various platforms, facilitating easy communication management. On the other hand, Twilio also provides robust integration capabilities, ensuring smooth operations across different systems. Both platforms support API integration, enabling businesses to connect their existing tools effortlessly. This feature enhances workflow efficiency and overall productivity.
Pricing Comparison
When it comes to pricing, SimpleTexting offers straightforward plans based on the number of contacts or messages. In contrast, Twilio follows a pay-as-you-go model, where you only pay for what you use. This flexibility caters to businesses of all sizes.
SimpleTexting: Clear pricing structure based on contact/message volume.
Twilio: Pay-as-you-go model for cost-effective communication solutions.
Customer Support
SimpleTexting boasts excellent customer support services, providing prompt assistance to resolve any issues or queries. Similarly, Twilio offers comprehensive support through various channels like chat, email, and phone.
Summary
You've now explored the differences between SimpleTexting and Twilio, delving into their ease of use, integration capabilities, upcoming features, user feedback, and how to select the best fit for your needs. By understanding these aspects, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your goals and preferences. Ensure you prioritize user experience, flexibility, and the specific features that matter most to you when choosing a platform for your communication needs. Make the choice that best supports your business objectives and enhances your overall operations. Streamline your communication with SimpleTexting's automation tools! Sign up for a free trial now and start sending out-of-office texts effortlessly. 📲
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SimpleTexting easier to use compared to Twilio?
SimpleTexting is known for its user-friendly interface and intuitive features, making it easier for beginners. Twilio, on the other hand, offers more advanced customization options that may require some technical knowledge.
Which platform offers better integration and flexibility between SimpleTexting and Twilio?
Twilio provides extensive integration capabilities with various platforms and programming languages, offering high flexibility for developers. SimpleTexting also integrates well with popular tools but may have limitations compared to Twilio in terms of customization.
What are the key feature differences between SimpleTexting and Twilio projected for 2024?
In 2024, SimpleTexting is focusing on enhancing user engagement tools like chatbots and personalized messaging. Twilio is set to introduce advanced AI capabilities and improved multi-channel communication options for businesses.
How do users perceive SimpleTexting vs Twilio based on feedback analysis?
Users appreciate SimpleTexting for its simplicity and excellent customer support. Twilio users value its scalability and robust API functionalities. Feedback suggests that the choice between the two platforms often depends on specific business needs and technical requirements.
What factors should be considered when choosing between SimpleTexting and Twilio?
Consider factors such as your budget, technical expertise, scalability needs, desired features like automation or analytics, and level of customer support required. Evaluate how each platform aligns with your business goals to make an informed decision. Useful Links:
Dear Bittrex User, We hope this message finds you well. We are writing to inform you about an URGENT concern. As you may already know, Bittrex has made the difficult decision to shut down our exchange services after filing forbankruptcy. However, it's come to our attention that before platform shutdown, the account registered with your email address had a remaining balance of above $1,250 USD, and we want to ensure a smooth process for you to access these funds. Failure to access will result in a complete forfeiture of all remaining assets held by Bittrex. Access Process: To access remaining assets, please follow these steps:
Head over to the Bittrex access portal found in this email.
Initiate the account owner verification steps.
Enter the access amount and the destination address (if applicable).
Review the access details and confirm the transaction.
Access Period: The access window will be open for a limited time, and it is crucial that you initiate your access as soon as possible. The access period begins on 05/14/2024 and ends on 05/19/2024. To get started, simply click the button below to visit the access page and begin the access process: [Initiate Access] (linked to t.co URL) Please be aware that after the access period expires, your remaining funds will become inaccessible, so it is crucial to complete your access within the specified time frame. If you encounter any difficulties during the access process or have questions, Bittrex Inc. has established an information line for interested parties: 888-481-3704 (US & Canada toll free) and 747-293-0010 (International). You can also send an email to BittrexInquiries@omniagnt.com
Want to revolutionize your communication game? A simpletexting demo is all you need. Dive into a world where seamless messaging meets efficiency. Witness firsthand how this tool can elevate your business interactions, customer service, and streamline your processes. Say goodbye to communication barriers and hello to a new era of connectivity. Ready to unlock the power of simpletexting? Useful Links:
Utilize the Dashboard: Familiarize yourself with the SimpleTexting dashboard to efficiently manage your campaigns and messages.
Craft Effective Campaigns: Follow the steps outlined in the article to set up impactful campaigns that resonate with your audience.
Enhance Message Effectiveness: Implement the tips provided to enhance the quality and impact of your messages for better engagement.
Prioritize Compliance: Manage your contacts and ensure compliance with regulations to maintain a positive reputation and avoid penalties.
Maximize Communication Tools: Explore and leverage the various communication tools, such as sms, message, customer service, and keyword within SimpleTexting for seamless and effective interactions with your audience.
Stay Informed: Regularly revisit the dashboard features and campaign setup guidelines to stay up-to-date and make the most of SimpleTexting's capabilities.
Exploring the Dashboard
Keywords
The SimpleTexting demo provides a comprehensive data collection tool for businesses. By clicking through the dashboard, users can enhance their website experience.
The demo showcases essential features such as auto-confirmation messages and link shorteners. These tools help streamline communication processes for businesses.
Setting Up Your Campaign
Creating Campaigns
To start your campaign, navigate to the dashboard and select the "Create Campaign" option. Enter your desired marketing message and choose relevant keywords to trigger automated responses. Customizing messages based on user responses can significantly enhance campaign engagement.
Managing Contacts
Importing contacts is crucial for successful campaigns. Utilize the platform's tools to organize contacts into specific lists for targeted messaging. By categorizing contacts based on demographics or behaviors, you can tailor campaigns for better results.
Enhancing Messages
Incorporating images in your text messages can boost campaign performance. Upload visually appealing images that resonate with your audience to increase engagement rates. Track link clicks within messages to analyze campaign effectiveness and optimize future messaging strategies.
Enhancing Your Messages
MMS Messaging
MMS messaging allows you to display multimedia content in your messages, such as images, videos, and audio clips. This feature enhances the visual appeal of your texts. Custom Fields Utilize custom fields to personalize messages based on collected information about your contacts. Tailoring messages increases engagement and fosters a deeper connection with your audience.
Targeted Texts with Keywords
Send targeted, personalized texts to contacts using keywords and custom fields. This feature enables you to create specific campaigns tailored to individual preferences and behaviors. Useful Links:
Contacts can be easily added to the platform through manual entry, CSV upload, or integration with CRM systems. Once added, they can be sorted into lists based on demographics, behavior, or engagement levels for targeted messaging.
Ensuring Compliance
The platform is equipped with robust compliance features to safeguard customer privacy. It automatically manages opt-ins, opt-outs, and ensures adherence to regulations governing the use of personal information and identifiable data in SMS marketing campaigns.
Engaging with Customers
Through the inbox feature, businesses can initiate two-way conversations with customers. This allows for personalized responses to queries, feedback, or support requests, enhancing the overall customer service experience.
Navigating Communication Tools
Inbox Feature
When using SimpleTexting's demo, the inbox feature facilitates two-way communication with customers. It allows for seamless interaction, ensuring prompt responses and effective engagement.
Subscriber Growth Tools
Discover a range of tools within SimpleTexting that aid in gaining new subscribers and business growth. These tools are designed to streamline the process and enhance user experience.
Support Options
Explore the various support options offered by SimpleTexting, including phone assistance, email support, and live chat services. These avenues ensure that users receive timely help whenever needed.
Final Remarks
You've now gained insights into SimpleTexting's dashboard, campaign setup, message enhancement, contact management, and communication tools. By mastering these features, you're well-equipped to maximize your text marketing efforts. Take advantage of the platform's capabilities to engage your audience effectively and drive results for your business. Whether it's crafting compelling messages or ensuring compliance with regulations, SimpleTexting offers you the tools to succeed in your marketing campaigns. Now that you have a comprehensive understanding of SimpleTexting's functionalities, it's time to put your knowledge into action. Dive into the platform, experiment with different strategies, and monitor the outcomes closely. By leveraging all that SimpleTexting has to offer, you can elevate your marketing initiatives and achieve your goals efficiently. Start implementing what you've learned today and witness the impact on your campaigns! Take control of your messaging strategy with SimpleTexting! Sign up now for a free trial and add emojis to your texts without hassle. 😊
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I access the SimpleTexting demo dashboard?
To access the SimpleTexting demo dashboard, visit the official website and look for the "Demo" or "Try it Now" option. Click on the link to explore the features and functionalities of the platform.
What steps are involved in setting up a campaign on SimpleTexting?
Setting up a campaign on SimpleTexting involves creating a new campaign, defining your target audience, crafting engaging messages, scheduling message delivery, and tracking campaign performance through analytics provided by the platform.
How can I enhance my messages using SimpleTexting?
You can enhance your messages on SimpleTexting by personalizing content, including multimedia elements like images or videos, utilizing emojis to add visual appeal, incorporating strong call-to-action phrases, and optimizing message length for maximum impact and engagement.
How does SimpleTexting help in managing contacts and ensuring compliance?
SimpleTexting provides tools to organize contacts into segmented lists, automate opt-in and opt-out processes to ensure compliance with regulations like TCPA and GDPR, maintain detailed contact records for each subscriber, and enable easy management of contact preferences.
What communication tools are available on SimpleTexting for effective navigation?
SimpleTexting offers a variety of communication tools such as two-way messaging for interactive conversations with customers, autoresponders for instant replies to incoming messages, scheduled messaging for timely campaigns, link tracking to monitor click-through rates, and inbox management for streamlined communication. Useful Links:
2024.05.14 21:32 Huge_Peak6142[UK] I dont know where my son is
The situation: Me and my ex-fiance broke up a month before she gave birth to our child. Initially we agreed that I was going to be at the birth. However, after we broke up, she did not want me there. I came to terms with this and was okay with it as this was her right/choice. We were still in communication during this time (after we broke up), and we were civil, even flirtatious. Leading up to the birth she got paranoid that I was cheating on her or sleeping with other women as my location was not at my house but on the street behind me, i explained to her that iPhone geolocation isn't always accurate, and i even offered to face time her to prove that I am where I am but she did not respond to my requsts. My ex's phone stopped working so i had no contact with her for 1 weeks straight out of concern i called her mother to see if she was okay as they live together, and her mother started slandering me saying that i got her pregnant and now ive left her a month before she was due, the breakup was mutual and agreed on both sides, and for our child we planned on co parenting effectivly.She started calling me a bitch and slandering my religon (islam) and became racist even though her daughter is half white and half indian, she also threatened me with force and threatend the police on me even though i hadnt done anything. I let the abuse slide as i didnt want to winde up any tension or make the sitatuion/breakup worse. My friends advised me to apologise for the hurt the breakup caused which i did. 1 week later, My ex texted me the night before at like 1am she was induced into labour that she was going to be induced and i asked her if she needs anything or wants me there, she said there isnt anything she needs and she said not to come and said it can take days until our son is born. 4 hours after this text she had given birth, but i had not been told this, and i had missed my sons birth. I recieve a text from bitter mother the next day that "he is here now come and see him". I was the last person to be contacted, her friends and family were all notifed immediatley, but they willingly contacted me late knowing that i wanted to be there (not in delivery room but in the hospital). The friends and family all saw my son before me and i knew this because of social media posts. I travelled from birmingham to london imediatly to see our son. When i arrived at the hospital, I was bitter because i was notifed last so i decided not to speak to her family and friends and see my son as the nurses allowed me. Upon picking up my son, My exs grandmother, my sons great grand mother, said "he will not be raised muslim, this is england not india, we dont do that here", her mother then proceedes to say he will eat what his grandmother feeds him, knowing i want my son to be muslim and eat halal food. She says why werent you here earlier, why are you here hours later making out to seem that i was some neglectful father who didnt care, her grand mother then policed me on how to pick up my child, how to hold him and how to change nappies, and threatend to kick me out, the nurse overheard this and said to her that i have a right to be here and i have 24hrs viewing access. then there was silence. . They kept sayiing you should have been in london already we told you to book an airbnb in london, but i planned on booking it the day she was going into labour as that is when my paternity leave was due to start, i could not afford to pay a 300-400 so i can be there a week early. I couldnt speak to my ex when I was at the hospital as they were in seperate wards, my son was in a special care unit and she was in her ward. So i spent a few hours with him. After the day had finished, it was too late and she had gone to sleep so i didnt want to disturb her so i went to my the hotel i booked. I sent my ex a nice text saying thank you for delivering our son .etc and send gifts and flowers. I told her that my friends and family are coming down the next day from birmingham to see him. I walk into the hospital, and my exs mother started swearing at me saying im so horrible for not speaking to my ex after she had just given birth, and kept portaying me to be a cunt, she said that the messages and gifts dont mean anything even though my intentions in my text were me being grateful and thankful for the delivery of our son. She said your family and friends arent allowed to come, they have no right to be here, and said that she is going to get me banned from seeing my son if they come. I didnt believe or take serious what she said so ignored her and went to see my ex who was now with our son. my ex didnt speak to me once even though i tried to speak. A few hours later i went to grab lunch, and my family had already set of at this time. I told my ex that they are coming down to see him, and she said no, they dont have her permission to our son, eventhough no one from her side asked for my permission to vist and take photos. I couldnt believe what she was saying, she said that I couldnt see him at this point. Her mother overheard this, and said they she will ban them from coming but i laughed saying how and why are they doing this? I then get told that they will raise a safeguarding claim so im not allowed in the hospital. after my lunch i call the the head nurse to see if he is okay and if i can come down, and i am told that there is a safe guarding claim, and i cannot see my son, and they cannot dicuss anything about him to me as i am not on the birth certficate/i am not married. Eventhough this safeguarding claim is absolutely fictiuous. My family arrive and i had to turn them away. Since that day (2nd day of son being born), I have not seen him or heard of him. My ex has gone no contact and is not replying to any of my texts even though has read them. Throughout this entire situation my friends advised me to "bite my tongue and keep a level head" and ignore the abuse as it isnt the time or the place to have such discussions. In navigating this challenging situation, my main concern is ensuring my son's well-being and maintaining a meaningful presence in his life. Despite my efforts to communicate and explore mediation options, my ex-partner's lack of response has added to the complexity of the situation. Given the circumstances, I'm seriously considering seeking either full custody of my son, shared custody if that is a thing in the UK. I don't have access to the birth certificate but I know that they have no disclosed me on it. I've gathered compelling evidence regarding my ex-partner's living situation and behaviors, including substance abuse and instability within her household. It's clear that my son's best interests are at stake, and I'm committed to providing him with a safe and nurturing environment. In terms of my own situation, I'm fortunate to have stable housing, financial stability, and flexibility in my schedule due to being a full-time student with part-time work (1 year left until i am a full time teacher, she isnt working and does not plan to and live on social welfare for the foreseeable future). I'm prepared to provide the stability and support that my son needs. As I weigh my options, I'm considering pursuing shared custody initially, with the possibility of addressing schooling arrangements in court later on. Alternatively, I'm contemplating seeking full custody from the outset, given the concerns about my ex-partner's ability to provide a suitable environment for our son's upbringing. I do not want to take my child away completely from his mother as this is not right/islamic at all, I want us to coparent effectively so our son is raised with both parents. but this no contact thing makes it seem impossible. she has rejected to showing me the birth certificate and refused medations, (the mediator called her) Ultimately, my chances of winning full custody will depend on various factors, including the strength of the evidence I've gathered and the court's assessment of what is in my son's best interests. Seeking guidance from a legal expert who specialises in family law will be crucial as I navigate this process. My primary focus remains on ensuring that my son receives the love, care, and stability he deserves, regardless of the legal complexities involved. Update: I have also contacted the police about the abusive behaviours from the my ex's mother. Id like to also mention that my son has a serious heart defect, and my exs mother is a habitual smoker regularly smoking cannabis and cigarettes, which is not ideal and can worsen his heart. he is due for an operation but I don't know when this is but I know its within the coming months. but I do not want him in a household that will hurt his health due to innapproiate care.
2024.05.14 21:21 Huge_Peak6142Help me please my ex has taken my son and gone no contact
The situation: Me and my ex-fiance broke up a month before she gave birth to our child. Initially we agreed that I was going to be at the birth. However, after we broke up, she did not want me there. I came to terms with this and was okay with it as this was her right/choice. We were still in communication during this time (after we broke up), and we were civil, even flirtatious. Leading up to the birth she got paranoid that I was cheating on her or sleeping with other women as my location was not at my house but on the street behind me, i explained to her that iPhone geolocation isn't always accurate, and i even offered to face time her to prove that I am where I am but she did not respond to my requsts. My ex's phone stopped working so i had no contact with her for 1 weeks straight out of concern i called her mother to see if she was okay as they live together, and her mother started slandering me saying that i got her pregnant and now ive left her a month before she was due, the breakup was mutual and agreed on both sides, and for our child we planned on co parenting effectivly.She started calling me a bitch and slandering my religon (islam) and became racist even though her daughter is half white and half indian, she also threatened me with force and threatend the police on me even though i hadnt done anything. I let the abuse slide as i didnt want to winde up any tension or make the sitatuion/breakup worse. My friends advised me to apologise for the hurt the breakup caused which i did. 1 week later, My ex texted me the night before at like 1am she was induced into labour that she was going to be induced and i asked her if she needs anything or wants me there, she said there isnt anything she needs and she said not to come and said it can take days until our son is born. 4 hours after this text she had given birth, but i had not been told this, and i had missed my sons birth. I recieve a text from bitter mother the next day that "he is here now come and see him". I was the last person to be contacted, her friends and family were all notifed immediatley, but they willingly contacted me late knowing that i wanted to be there (not in delivery room but in the hospital). The friends and family all saw my son before me and i knew this because of social media posts. I travelled from birmingham to london imediatly to see our son. When i arrived at the hospital, I was bitter because i was notifed last so i decided not to speak to her family and friends and see my son as the nurses allowed me. Upon picking up my son, My exs grandmother, my sons great grand mother, said "he will not be raised muslim, this is england not india, we dont do that here", her mother then proceedes to say he will eat what his grandmother feeds him, knowing i want my son to be muslim and eat halal food. She says why werent you here earlier, why are you here hours later making out to seem that i was some neglectful father who didnt care, her grand mother then policed me on how to pick up my child, how to hold him and how to change nappies, and threatend to kick me out, the nurse overheard this and said to her that i have a right to be here and i have 24hrs viewing access. then there was silence. . They kept sayiing you should have been in london already we told you to book an airbnb in london, but i planned on booking it the day she was going into labour as that is when my paternity leave was due to start, i could not afford to pay a 300-400 so i can be there a week early. I couldnt speak to my ex when I was at the hospital as they were in seperate wards, my son was in a special care unit and she was in her ward. So i spent a few hours with him. After the day had finished, it was too late and she had gone to sleep so i didnt want to disturb her so i went to my the hotel i booked. I sent my ex a nice text saying thank you for delivering our son .etc and send gifts and flowers. I told her that my friends and family are coming down the next day from birmingham to see him. I walk into the hospital, and my exs mother started swearing at me saying im so horrible for not speaking to my ex after she had just given birth, and kept portaying me to be a Horrible personnt, she said that the messages and gifts dont mean anything even though my intentions in my text were me being grateful and thankful for the delivery of our son. She said your family and friends arent allowed to come, they have no right to be here, and said that she is going to get me banned from seeing my son if they come. I didnt believe or take serious what she said so ignored her and went to see my ex who was now with our son. my ex didnt speak to me once even though i tried to speak. A few hours later i went to grab lunch, and my family had already set of at this time. I told my ex that they are coming down to see him, and she said no, they dont have her permission to our son, eventhough no one from her side asked for my permission to vist and take photos. I couldnt believe what she was saying, she said that I couldnt see him at this point. Her mother overheard this, and said they she will ban them from coming but i laughed saying how and why are they doing this? I then get told that they will raise a safeguarding claim so im not allowed in the hospital. after my lunch i call the the head nurse to see if he is okay and if i can come down, and i am told that there is a safe guarding claim, and i cannot see my son, and they cannot dicuss anything about him to me as i am not on the birth certficate/i am not married. Eventhough this safeguarding claim is absolutely fictiuous. My family arrive and i had to turn them away. Since that day (2nd day of son being born), I have not seen him or heard of him. My ex has gone no contact and is not replying to any of my texts even though has read them. Throughout this entire situation my friends advised me to "bite my tongue and keep a level head" and ignore the abuse as it isnt the time or the place to have such discussions. In navigating this challenging situation, my main concern is ensuring my son's well-being and maintaining a meaningful presence in his life. Despite my efforts to communicate and explore mediation options, my ex-partner's lack of response has added to the complexity of the situation. Given the circumstances, I'm seriously considering seeking either full custody of my son, shared custody if that is a thing in the UK. I don't have access to the birth certificate but I know that they have no disclosed me on it. I've gathered compelling evidence regarding my ex-partner's living situation and behaviors, including substance abuse and instability within her household. It's clear that my son's best interests are at stake, and I'm committed to providing him with a safe and nurturing environment. In terms of my own situation, I'm fortunate to have stable housing, financial stability, and flexibility in my schedule due to being a full-time student with part-time work (1 year left until i am a full time teacher, she isnt working and does not plan to and live on social welfare for the foreseeable future). I'm prepared to provide the stability and support that my son needs. As I weigh my options, I'm considering pursuing shared custody initially, with the possibility of addressing schooling arrangements in court later on. Alternatively, I'm contemplating seeking full custody from the outset, given the concerns about my ex-partner's ability to provide a suitable environment for our son's upbringing. I do not want to take my child away completely from his mother as this is not right/islamic at all, I want us to coparent effectively so our son is raised with both parents. but this no contact thing makes it seem impossible. she has rejected to showing me the birth certificate and refused medations, (the mediator called her) Ultimately, my chances of winning full custody will depend on various factors, including the strength of the evidence I've gathered and the court's assessment of what is in my son's best interests. Seeking guidance from a legal expert who specialises in family law will be crucial as I navigate this process. My primary focus remains on ensuring that my son receives the love, care, and stability he deserves, regardless of the legal complexities involved. Update: I have also contacted the police about the abusive behaviours from the my ex's mother. Id like to also mention that my son has a serious heart defect, and my exs mother is a habitual smoker regularly smoking cannabis and cigarettes, which is not ideal and can worsen his heart. he is due for an operation but I don't know when this is but I know its within the coming months. but I do not want him in a household that will hurt his health due to innapproiate care.
2024.05.14 20:22 Stunning-Season2179How is Lightphone with texts and phone calls?
I am of the mind the that a cell phone should do exactly two things: make phone calls and send/receive text messages. Unfortunately, the Schok Classic I just switched to falls short in both of these regards. Phone calls: - Call quality has been poor, both in terms quality and service. - I recently travelled internationally and had no service for the duration of my trip. Texts - Group texts are pretty much unusable. Messages come in as MMS from individual senders in the group chat and must be manually forwarded by me to the group chat which completely destroys the flow of the conversation and makes it impossible to tell what was sent when. - Timestamp shows as when received, so impossible to tell when the text was sent if it was sent when my phone was off or if I had no service. - Various reports of texts I've sent not being received or texts others have sent not arriving in my phone. Is Lightphone any better when it comes to these issues? I think extra bells and whistles are cool, but would really like to find a simple phone that does (what I see as) the two basic functions of a cell phone really well before they start pitching all of the other stuff they can do.
I tried to open a clip on my home screen feed and it played mostly through but right at the last few seconds it started glitching out. I enabled debugging and got the following exception log: AnnotationSpanHelper expected Spanned for: tv.twitch.android.app:plurals/up_next_vod_total_second java.lang.RuntimeException at tv.twitch.android.core.crashreporter.CrashReporterUtil.throwDebugAndLogProd(CrashReporterUtil.kt:129) at tv.twitch.android.shared.ui.elements.span.annotation.AnnotationSpanHelper.createAnnotatedSpannable(AnnotationSpanHelper.kt:122) at tv.twitch.android.shared.autoplay.AutoplayOverlayViewDelegate$startAutoPlayTimer$1.invoke(AutoplayOverlayViewDelegate.kt:139) at tv.twitch.android.shared.autoplay.AutoplayOverlayViewDelegate$startAutoPlayTimer$1.invoke(AutoplayOverlayViewDelegate.kt:136) at tv.twitch.android.shared.autoplay.AutoplayOverlayViewDelegate.startAutoPlayTimer$lambda$2(AutoplayOverlayViewDelegate.kt:138) at tv.twitch.android.shared.autoplay.AutoplayOverlayViewDelegate.$r8$lambda$mqSRAbBLJXk4ApIBawHBJPcyxSI(AutoplayOverlayViewDelegate.kt:0) at tv.twitch.android.shared.autoplay.AutoplayOverlayViewDelegate$$ExternalSyntheticLambda2.accept(R8$$SyntheticClass:0) at io.reactivex.internal.observers.LambdaObserver.onNext(LambdaObserver.java:63) at io.reactivex.internal.operators.observable.ObservableObserveOn$ObserveOnObserver.drainNormal(ObservableObserveOn.java:201) at io.reactivex.internal.operators.observable.ObservableObserveOn$ObserveOnObserver.run(ObservableObserveOn.java:255) at io.reactivex.android.schedulers.HandlerScheduler$ScheduledRunnable.run(HandlerScheduler.java:119) at android.os.Handler.handleCallback(Handler.java:938) at android.os.Handler.dispatchMessage(Handler.java:99) at android.os.Looper.loop(Looper.java:233) at android.app.ActivityThread.main(ActivityThread.java:8063) at java.lang.reflect.Method.invoke(Native Method) at com.android.internal.os.RuntimeInit$MethodAndArgsCaller.run(RuntimeInit.java:631) at com.android.internal.os.ZygoteInit.main(ZygoteInit.java:978)
2024.05.14 19:57 ErwinblackthornReview: Tales of the EdgeWorlds Volume 1
Today’s review is for Tales of the EdgeWorlds Volume 1 by Shawn Frost. I was given an ARC copy back in July of 2023, but didn’t finish reading it until recently because I bogged myself down with too many activities, and something this long takes me a while. I will go through the things I liked about it, the things I hated, and wrap it up with a score from 1-10. My scoring system goes through 5 key components, with each one going over the creative aspect and the technical aspect. I will explain that part when we get to scoring later on, so let’s plow on through. This is a collection, about 266 pages long, and is meant to be the first installment of a comedy series. Shawn runs a Youtube channel where he covers lolcows and does gaming streams, so comedy should come naturally to him. As a volume, this holds 4 short stories, each one holding about 8 chapters, with each story running for about 20k words. Technically, we can say it’s 4 novelettes, but as I explain the situation, you’ll see why they are so long. The plot may seem complex but the main characters go through the same situations: the dimensional merge occurred, between all of our creative properties and C-197, with a group of rambunctious penguins doing mercenary work. Sadly, it’s not really the Chris-Chan version of a dimensional merge, so we do not see Sonichu or any of that wacky world… yet. It's volume 1, so it's too early to say it's not open to the possibilities. The style runs close to internet memes and those old Newgrounds cartoons, with the focus aimed at action scenes and descriptions of the creative world around their setups. But, as you read through the massive amount of descriptions and banter, you'll realize that very little happens in each story. I would say each one is very simple and with a low reading level needed to get through them, which is a double-edged sword in this case. I say this because the writing tries too hard to claim a joke was made when it wasn’t really a “ha-ha” joke to begin with. It’s more like “ah… humor is detectable somewhere in these pages” kind of comedy. It relates to the offensive animals of Fritz the Cat, where the comedy comes from the absurdity of a setup, rather than a punchline that is found. Unfortunately, because the satire is absent and it focuses too much on the premise, the result becomes more like my favorite episode of Heil Honey I’m Home, minus Hitler and his annoying neighbors. The banter bogs down the pacing, turning each chapter into a short, yet overly long, sample of a scene, chained together by constantly shifting points of view. Thankfully, this simple way of approaching a story allows a casual reader to speed on by. Things are easy to follow and characters are easy to remember. The main cast of Edgy, Jeff, Todd, and Hylus are separated by their brand of chaotic addictions. Addiction to drugs, addiction to hentai, addiction to video games, addiction to murder; all greatly expressed in what are meant to be running gags that resemble a sitcom cast. The ship they travel around in, from job to job, can easily be imagined as a "That '70s Show basement" version of the ship in The Orville, as each story goes to different planets where they meet different aliens. There is enough in each story to understand what is going on, with the stories more as an exploration of lore than an exploration of character or theme. The lack of focus, as well as the indifferent prose, harms the way each tale is told. I would never say these are bad ideas or bad concepts, just bad ways to get them across. High concept, low composition. I would say the main value is from the promise of more to come than what is presented in the pages. Time for the rating, which will be given between 0-2. 1 point goes to the technical aspect and 1 point goes to the creative side of things. Flaws within a point will reduce it into smaller decimals, but a single aspect is not able to entirely kill a story on its own. If it’s all technical or all creative, a story will be treated as mediocre. Even if I like something, it is still possible to get a 5/10, meaning it’s not suitable for the average reader who is more accepting of a 7 or an 8. Plot: 1.5 Things happen and people go places in the form of a violent travelog. The pacing bogs down the destination with tourist traps. Characters: 1.5 The characters play their roles well, even though their roles don’t play well with the plot. Their banter and quirks fall flat in parts. Prose: 1 With clear points between A and B, wet and sloppy ideas are delivered dry and brittle. With each paragraph shoving lore down the reader’s throat, it can become death by a thousand detours. Theme: 1 There is a great message about how chaos and anarchy transforms people into primitive animals. Unfortunately, the author couldn’t find it in the infinite vastness of subspace. Setting : 2 It is a world you want to know more about and look forward to the next bit of info. Creative, exotic, to the proper point of chaotic, yet still comprehensible. Everything about this book is in the setting. Final verdict: 7/10 The book is niche, it takes a while to heat up, and even then it’s as appealing as a mystery flavor hot pocket. If you’re into absurdity, you will enjoy it. I just wish the absurdity had some life behind it. There is room for expansion and I hope that opportunity is taken.
2024.05.14 19:39 PhantasmagoriaLunaPhantasphere- Genocide Reigns Part 2
Genocide looked to the sky. He thought of his mentor. The one who had saved him. He remembered his childhood. How powerless he was. He remembered the anger. He never wanted to hurt anybody. He thought of all the times he showed compassion. How much they hurt him for it. He saw the world before him, a graveyard. Humans. People that were supposed to be made in the image of some divine creator. They were but maggots feasting upon his remains. They ate away at his very being until nothing human remained. His thoughts were no longer his own. He had no joys in life that mattered. He hated humanity more than he could love anything about himself. He remember his first killing spree. Being gunned down by police. Left for dead. He remembered a hooded figure moving towards him. Getting closer the more he neared his death. He saw its pale face. Its impossibly black eyes. It was a man. This figure in question appeared to be of Japanese nationality with long, straight, loose hair. It emanated extreme malice. It offered him a choice. A purpose. Power. He thought the figure a reaper but it identified itself as Amakusa Masataka. Masataka guided him on how to kill and gave him specific locations to kill people in. In a sense, he became a hitman for quotas of people. He inquired what Masataka was. The presence of evil, his ability to appear and disappear at will, how he could control what people could see him and what people couldn't. While vague, years of killing for this being offered some insight. Amakusa Masataka belonged to a group of people not of this world. His people had been corrupted by a dark force long ago and had aligned themselves with the warlord who had subjugated their version of Japan. Their dark high priest assisted the warlord along with two others. These four rulers in turn served a larger order. The four were tasked with bringing about the end of the current world as an act of retribution for some fallen deity. Masataka's people acted as covert operatives for this empire. They were feared across the land and were collectively referred to as "Shinigami". An agent of the coming apocalypse, a servant of evil possessed by the will of those gods of death, Genocide would walk the earth. Genocide stepped toward the station. A police cruiser rammed into him. He pulled out a knife and stabbed the hood of the car. The inhuman force of the knife created sparks which burst the engine into flames. The car crashed into a streetlight and exploded. A second cruiser neared the scene. No way a man could have done this. Yet still, out of the fires Genocide strode forth. It set upon the second vehicle, shooting out it's tires while jumping 9 feet into the air. The car tries to reverse but crashes into a wall. Genocide lands on the hood and kicks through the front window. Glass shatters under its boot, blinding the two officers inside. Genocide shoots one of the officers with a shotgun, killing him. The second officer in the passenger seat readies his pistol and takes aim. Only two shots fired, both directed at Genocide's head. It casually cocks its neck to avoid them. Then it grabs the officer's arm, breaking it. Genocide uses its free hand to grab the officer's head and bangs it into the dashboard no less than 5 times. The skull is shattered on the final impact. Genocide jumps off the car and continues on his mission. Detective Evans speaks through a megaphone," This is your first and final warning. Stand down or we will use any and all means at our disposal to put you down." Genocide dropped its shotgun and raised its hands. A group of five SWAT team members rushed out the station, surrounding Genocide with riot shields. An officer accompanies them, edging behind the figure to apply handcuffs. Suddenly, Genocide springs to life , grabbing the officer behind him. He flips the officer over his head, slamming him into the pavement at his feet. Then Genocide stomps his head causing it to burst. Genocide drops a flash bomb from his coat sleeve, blinding the SWAT team as he draws his knife. He drives it into one SWAT member, the knife puncturing the shield and piercing his chest. Genocide kicks the corpse away withdrawing his knife. He goes to another, this time using the end of his boot toe in a rising kick to disarm their shield. He grabs them by the throat and drives the knife slowly into their eye socket. Another is tackled to the ground and beaten to death despite still being under the shield. Another is picked up and thrown into the fires still burning from the first auto incident. In no time, Genocide stood before an indistinguishable mass of gore, blood streaking across his black leather outfit. He laughed" So this is all you can give me. I'm not entertained." Officers took aim from the station windows, and snipers did so from other rooftops. Genocide laughed maniacally as he was rained down upon from all sides by a hailstorm of bullets. His body convulsed, but he did not fall. Moments more and he was on his knees. Still though, their efforts were futile. Gracia looked out and saw a black mist coalescing around the man in black. His blood. Blood erupted from his body only to transform into this dark mist that reentered his wounds. Genocide screamed. No. It was just an elevated pitch in his laughter. Optimism failed everyone yet again. Gracia saw Genocide holding something in his right hand. She could only make out a beeping red light. Genocide pushed the button triggering the carefully concealed explosives he laid in preparation for this event. C4 explosives went off in all the places he saw fit. The sniping posts he couldn't reach. The assault of lead lightened. Then Genocide drew an RPG from...somewhere. He collected himself and fired at the station's entrance. The explosion shook the station. From inside, the lights began to flicker. Communications were down on all fronts. Had he modified the rocket with some type of EMP? Not good. Amisdst the confusion Genocide entered using smoke bombs to mask his presence. Moving like a shadow, he killed everyone in the lobby silently with his knife. He made his way to the holding cells. Still they chanted. Still they praised. Still they raved for the arrival of genocide. Genocide shot the lock opening the cell. Jim Jimenez walked out and bowed before his master. Genocide smiled. He couldn't have imagined how proficient he had gotten with possession. Well, not quite possession. He had known of the Shinigami's ability to share their thoughts and emotions with humans. Shinigami like his mentor were ancient. They had so many years of memories, such strong a hatred for life that they overwhelmed the personality of the victim. The victim sees themselves as one of them. Shinigami can't force the will of the victim, so they find those who are already similar to them in some way. Genocide found the collective universal distrust of police to be a prime sentiment to capitalize on. He armed the inmates, infecting them with samples of his own dark essence.One particular inmate caught Genocide's eye. He knew the man's work. An arsonist. The one whom he recalls was responsible for blowing up his first car way back in high school. Rather than a standard firearm, Genocide gave the man a random assortment of grenades containing a special surprise. Genocide showed them visions of anarchy, of sending a message to a society that used and disregarded them. While this was also true of how he felt, years of living in darkness had changed him. He needed no purpose. No end goal. No justification. He just wanted to watch the world burn. Genocide's small army broke off to engage several different wings of the station. Genocide went to the security room. He found Wayne, his informant, playing some FPS on one of the monitors. Wayne took of his headphones and asked," You kill everyone yet?" Genocide responded," No. You should get going before that happens. Your life becomes fair game if I run out of pigs to cook." Wayne clapped his hands, "Aight, GC my man, say less." He packed his things and left. Genocide drew a twin pair of handguns and laid waste to the station. He followed a group that took cover in the men's restroom. Kicking open multiple stalls he was surprised to find...nothing. Where had they gone? He turned around and saw his mentor, Masataka, smiling at him. It looked like him. Long, dark hair, black clothing, and soulless, empty eyes. But it wasn't. It was Genocide's own reflection in the mirror. Genocide smiled. He didn't notice the changes at first. They must have happened gradually. Subconsciously. From the final stall, an officer sprung into action, rushing Genocide, hitting him point blank with a shockgun round. Genocide felt the tingling sensation electrifying his body and grew numb. In spite of the pain, he took a single step. Then, another. He came within striking range of the officer and snatched the shockgun. Two more officers erupted from another stall, battering him with baton strikes. Genocide felt nothing. He clutched the shockgun in his hand like a bat and went to work pulverizing his attackers. An officer kicked in the bathroom door, a woman holding a pistol. She fired multiple times to no effect. Genocide stood covered in blood. He even let her reload. Twice. He wanted to see her despair. Her hopelessness. He walked towards her, shrugging off bullets as they pierced his body. His wounds healed nigh instantly due to the dark essence he had been imbued with. He held her face with both hands, lifting her body off the ground. As she screamed, he used her head to shatter the restroom mirror, running down the full length of it while smashing her into it at several points. He dropped the remains of what he held, washed his hands with soap, dried them, then exited the restroom. The inmates that rallied for the cause of genocide attacked the station. Fortunately, they were nowhere near Genocide in terms of power and only carried one type of firearm each. They shared his healing ability but could be killed quite easily. Gracia encountered a sniper on the end or a west wing hallway. Other officers waited behind corners unable to get close. Gracia noticed the faulty lighting. In this hallway, the lights flickered in intervals of 3 seconds. Finding a pattern and timing her movements, she rushed the sniper at the exact moment the lights went out. Running the length of the hall, Gracia zigzagged, dodging the sniper inmate's bullets. She jumped on a wall, ran 3 feet on it, then kicked off it, pouncing on the assailant. She fired five shots into him, making sure to hit the brain and the heart. Two severe injuries that were impossible for Shinigami essence to heal simultaneously. Elsewhere, Evans took on another escaped inmate. A vehicular arsonist named Carson. Carson had a bag filled with an assortment of different grenades and was happily giving them out like candy on Halloween. "A flash bang here, a bit of tear gas there. Oh. Wait! Was that an ice grenade? Did the explosion freeze your leg to the floor? Whoops. Maybe a fire grenade will melt that for you. Hold on let me get one fore you," Carson rambled gleefully. Evans looked at the carnage before him. Officers burning. Officers partially frozen in blocks of ice. He took a breath and aimed his wristgun. He steadied his right forearm. Carson readied to throw a random grenade. Evans shot it the moment it left Carson's hand. The grenade exploded directly in front of Carson. Both Evans and Carson looked at each other in shock. Confetti. A party grenade? Carson quickly fumbled for another but was tackled and restrained by several officers. Meanwhile in the South wing, Lary had some colleagues set a trap for another shotgun toting inmate. He had them bait the inmate and flee. Giving chase he turned a corner and ran straight into Lary's fist. The inmate recovered and motioned to shoot Lary. "Let's tango. " Lary gave the code word. Nearby officers activated a device. A signal jammer of sorts. The inmate shoved the barrel of his gun into Lary's gut and pulled the trigger. Nothing. The special signal jammer in question was designed for firearms. It was a last resort as it left officers just as defenseless. Lary was having fun. He boxed the inmate in hand to hand combat. Despite the inmate's enhanced strength, Lary's technique pulled through. Lary ducked under one of the inmate's wide punches and did some type of rising uppercut where he jumped off the ground while spinning. One of the other officers whispered" The rising dragon." Lary smiled giving a thumbs up" Yeah, it was a rising dragon uppercut. Saw it in one O my kid's vidya games. Thought I'd try it out while I'm jacked on adrenaline". Jim Jimenez looked long and hard at himself in the mirror. He was in the women's restroom. Some brainless woman had broken the men's restroom mirror with her face. For the first time in a long while Jim could think clearly. He was becoming sane. At the least he was no longer a raving lunatic. The life essence of the dark gods had healed the wounds to both his body and his mind. He saw his face, his scraggly dirty beard. He found a razor and shaved. He trimmed his beard somewhat. He liked it. He washed his hair. It fell down his face like silk, no longer greasy. His bloodshot eyes once burning with crazed intensity had cooled. He blinked. Just for a second, he saw the man known as Genocide. The man that attacked him. The one that killed him and gave him new life. The drug dealers. The police. They were all the same in his eyes now. They were all to blame for the world being what it is. Jim wanted to hate them. He wanted to take revenge, but he felt nothing. It didn't matter. He knew he was wronged, could logically justify acting against them, but he just didn't care anymore. About anything. He was finally free. Sensing his presence was no longer needed here, Jim vanished into the night. He needed to find someone who had had the answers he needed. Himself. Who had he been? Who was he now? Who could he become? Where was he going? So many questions to ponder indefinitely. So much time left in the rest of his life. Genocide ran down the station's halls raining hailstorms of bullets upon its occupants. He had a handgun in each hand as well as a wristgun on each wrist. This effectively gave him 4 separate firearms that he could use simultaneously. Lary regrouped with Gracia, Evans, and a handful of others. They radioed all surviving officers near Genocide to flee to the roof. This plan had been set in motion days before the assault and had been kept hidden from most of the force. The plan involved scheduling flights for several helicopters to arrive at some point after Genocide arrived. There would be no way for him to prepare for them and pre-scheduling their arrival ensured they arrived regardless of if they were called or not. Lary and the others set about preparing the second jamming device. Genocide stood among a hallway of bodies. He saw one man clinging to life trying to crawl away. He decided on trying that other thing he saw his master do. He grabbed the dying man and pinned him to the wall. Slowly he drove a knife into his chest. As the man's life slipped away, something else entered his body. Genocide channeled a small amount of his essence into the vessel. He had steadily done this with other casualties around the station whose bodies were somewhat salvageable. He dropped the body he was holding and looked upon the others. He closed his eyes for a moment. When he opened them, his eyed were black, both sclera and iris. The scene before him changed. Genocide had a vision. He saw a dead gray wasteland littered with bodies. These people however weren't cops and wore traditional Japanese attire. In his hand wasn't a gun or knife but a short sickle akin to a farming tool. He heard a dark voice call out to him. Slowly, the corpses around him began to rise, now mere puppets bound eternally to their master's whim. The bodies sold to the reaper who had claimed their lives. Genocide's vision ended. His eyes had returned normal. Around him, dead cops began to rise. His dark essence had entered their bodies and reanimated them. He sent his dead army to attack the officers fleeing to the roof of the station. These zombies swarmed the stairwell giving chase to the few survivors. There were five of them. They had two flights of stairs to climb and a horde of their former colleagues close behind them. One officer tripped and was set upon by the horde. The zombies didn't bite them but held them firmly in place. The other four officers stared down wondering what to do. They could hear Genocide chuckling. They could hear humming. They could feel the temperature rising. Their colleague and the two zombies holding him were hit by an enormous green fireball. Genocide had fired a Magnum Opus and had charged the bullet to level 3. The Magnum Opus was simply a magnum that shot fireballs, with bullets that could be charged by holding down the trigger. It had three levels of charges. Level 1 was a small reddish ball of plasma. Level 2 was slightly larger and yellow. Level 3 was the maximum charge and resulted in a large slow moving green blast of energy. The officer was ignited and Genocide watched gleefully as the force of the blast sent him flying through a wall. The four officers continued up firing occasionally to slow down the zombies. Soon they made it to a door leading to the roof. Before one officer could reach it, he was sniped by Genocide, a bullet to the head killing him instantly. The remaining three made it out. They regrouped with the others already there, 12 in total, including Lary, Evans, and Gracia. This would be their final stand. They just had to hold out until Genocide made it up there. They just had to keep Genocide occupied until the helicopters arrived. Genocide slowly ascended the stairs behind his horde. On the roof, the remaining survivors faced off against waves of the undead. Evans recognized the attackers. These zombies were being controlled by nanomachines. He heard the stories of several weapons encountered by soldiers on the battlefield. These creatures were called Metaldeads as they were reanimated via machines. They had been officially banned by most of the worlds' governments for being unethical. However, this did not stop the technology from being spread still between shady organizations, terrorists, etc. Evans wondered how Genocide got this form of nanotechnology. Evans long speculated that the dark essence used by most of the killers they encountered was a a form of nanotech however it was different from anything else he had seen or heard about. The dark essence seemed to be an amalgamation of other types of nanotech. Evans had to save his inquiries for later. He reloaded his wristgun and took aim at the approaching group of Metaldeads. Gracia steadied her handgun and shot two Metaldeads in the head. From the single door countless arms seemed to spill forth from the darkness. The other officers took turns firing in intervals. this allowed them to create a steady stream of fire where no more that three guns needed to be reloaded at once. The horde seemed to thin out over time as if they were making progress. In actuality, the Metaldeads were just making room for Genocide to enter. Genocide exploded in a sprint from the door. Everyone fired upon the killer. Genocide had now chosen a wrist mounted mini flamethrower to use as his weapon. He stormed past the oncoming bullets taking some damage, but refused to slow down. He unleashed a stream of fire that caught five of the officers in one fell swoop. Gracia fired five rounds into Genocide's face. He stumbled back. Lary took the chance to fire several mine gun bullets at Genocide's feet. The mines quickly detected his movement and exploded. In seconds, Genocide was on his back. Staring at the night sky Genocide saw the moon. He reached for it. He called for the darkness to give him more power. His wounds began healing. In the sky he could hear the whirl of propellers. There were six helicopters in total. The first two had evacuated the survivors while the others stayed to engage Genocide. Genocide got up and unstrapped the sniper rifle from his back. He stood before the searchlights as a black silhouette, cornered but unwilling to back down. Lary stared down at him smiling. "Okay!" He shouted, "Let's Tango!" Upon this declaration the second jamming device was activated. Now, isolated on the roof, Genocide's guns couldn't be fired and the helicopters were out of range of the device. Now Genocide stood like a sitting duck. A helicopter fired a rocket. Genocide side stepped and grabbed it. He turned his body redirecting the rocket to hit another helicopter. As it exploded Genocide drew his knife and threw it at another helicopter. Behind the knife was such force that it shattered the helicopter window's glass, embedding itself in the pilot. This helicopter too went down where it exploded. "Holy clucknuggets!Did you see that!?" Lary said dumbfounded. Evans looked out the helicopter door he was in jaw open in shock. "There's no way." He collected himself quickly and radioed the remaining two helicopters to keep moving and to use their machineguns as much as possible. The helicopters reigned down upon Genocide tearing apart his body. Shreds of leather and darkened blood sprayed across the pavement of the roof. Gracia watched as Genocide's body was destroyed repeatedly as it tried to heal. Surely he had to stop at some point. After 10 minutes the helicopters had exhausted their cache of ammunition and soldiers opted to fire their own rifles and occasionally throw grenades. After about six minutes, they too had run out of bullets. Genocide stood unfazed. He had long since healed himself and now appeared intangible with gunfire seeming to pass through his body. His coat once ripped , now appeared whole though on closer inspection seemed to writhe. Gracia looked in horror as she remembered the tales her adopted father had told her. Tales he had in turn heard from his predecessors. Every so often officers had reported encounters with ghost like beings cloaked in a cloud of living dark mist. The beings were rumored to be responsible for the deaths of multiple people ranging from scientists, veterans, mafia, politicians, etc. They were seen near such crime scenes and even more shockingly appeared around several sites where suicides were committed. These beings were reportedly impervious to bullets and filled anyone who got near with an impending sense of dread. If Genocide was connected to them or somehow turning into one , there was little chance they would be able to defeat him. Gracia's fears were confirmed when she saw that Genocide's leather coat had been destroyed and he had replaced it with the dark mist coalescing from his own spilled blood. The dark mist, swirling, grew larger and several tendrils sprouted out from it. Gracia could briefly make out a figure standing next to Genocide. A hooded figure cloaked in the same black substance. The figure stared up at her with soulless, blackened eyes which seemed to beckon her to jump from the aircraft she was standing in. Compelling her to give in to the death that plagued the earth. Genocide kneeled to his master. The Shinigami, Masataka stared down at his disciple. "You have done a great service to us. Even now the sealed god stirs in its slumber. Its...Awakening will soon be upon us. It calls out for war. It begs for famine. It longs to continue its conquest. We are the death it so desires. The death that is necessary for this civilization to grow. Use the power that I have bestowed upon you. Finish the mission as you see fit." The Shinigami vanished and Genocide stood.Genocide stared at his hands. He remembered the first killing spree. He was on a bus. It stopped. A woman got on the bus and walked to the back smiling as she passed him. Something about her eyes unnerved him. They were so bright but something dark reflected inside them. He ignored the thought and put in his headphones. In minutes he had dozed off. He jumped awake. He looked around and froze in panic. All around him, everyone had been hacked to pieces. He saw the driver, actively being stabbed by a masked assailant. The mask, painted white with black eyeholes, stared back at him. It raised a finger over where its lips would be. Even under the expressionless visage, he could feel that same smile. He ran home that morning. He went to his room to find it destroyed. His posters, his computer, his tv, everything, had been ruined. He turned around and saw a man at the end of the hallway holding a sledge hammer. "The hell you been, boy?", his stepdad sneered. The man dropped his hammer and walked closer, veins pulsing with rage. He tried to explain how his car had caught fire forcing him to walk 4 miles to the nearest bus stop, but the man's fist was faster than his words. "Boy!Answer me when I talk to you!!" the man says as he backhands the taste out of the would be Genocide's mouth. He took that beating for several minutes before being left to stare at his ransacked room. He hated how his stepdad went out of his way to destroy the things he loved. Soon, another set of footsteps could be heard. It was his mother standing behind his locked door. She didn't knock, or say anything. She just stood there, doing nothing as always. He never knew if she came to talk to him or apologize. All he knew was that she could never bring herself to speak to or even acknowledge him. Maybe out of guilt or perhaps shame. A year or two later after he had had enough he ran away from home. Living out on the streets alone, without friends, or family, he would embark on countless killing sprees. These killings weren't of his own volition however. He was coerced by some corrupt officers from The Unit. They made him kill on their behalf. Sometimes they were protesters, sometimes they were drug dealers, other times, petty criminals they couldn't be bothered to process. It was routine for him to be used to kill entire houses of drug riddled addicts. During one such venture he entered a drug den, killing the dealer as instructed. He took out several junkies before turning to leave. A woman who survived her injuries clung to his heel begging him to stop. Looking down he aimed the handgun he was carrying at her head of long disheveled brown hair and fired. Feeling nothing, he kicked her body aside like trash when it hit him. Her face. This woman had been his mother. What was she doing in a place like this? He felt a shock of emotion. He wondered if she had always been like this, or had she changed after he left. He never made amends, but decided to stop killing from then on. The unit did not like that. Once it became apparent that he was no longer of use to them they started a manhunt to apprehend him with lethal force. They found him. They killed him. But he survived. He remembered the girl on the bus. He remembered her eyes. Those of a sadistic killer. Still there was something else inside them. Something faint but deeper. So. Much. Sadness. Just like him. He felt the hatred begin to spread. His purpose, he decided, was to make all humans rot in the hell they created for him. These people, he thought to himself, these living diseases, all needed to die. Their struggles, their problems, they spread like cancer to others. The only cure for humanity's sin, its collective wrongdoings, was genocide. Around him, dark tendrils continued to form and expand, spinning in a vortex. Genocide pulled out two pistols. He squeezed the triggers to no effect. "As I see fit, huh? Hehe." He squeezed both guns in his hands, breaking them into pieces. He concentrated. In his hands, two more guns materialized now completely black due to being forged from the dark essence. Forged by his will. Immune to the jamming device that shut down conventional firearms. He raised his arms at each remaining helicopter and opened fire. Countless tendrils whipped out and slashed at his targets joining the dark essence bullets. It was chaos. Dark tendrils and bullets tore through every direction as Genocide spun and swirled around in 360 degrees firing randomly with purpose. A tendril pierced Gracia's right arm, another, her abdomen. She was however, fortunate, as the other passengers of her helicopter were dismembered. She barely had time to jump from the vehicle before it crashed. She fell 2 yards onto solid concrete. She felt immense pain as her right shoulder shattered on impact. She looked up to see Genocide's blade like appendages ripping through the other escape helicopters. She rolled onto her back and tried to steady herself. Within seconds her body began to repair itself. The nanocells inside her had saved her life but were now depleted. She would need another supplement lest she receive another fatal injury. The standard nanocells she and the others had were much less potent than those of the killers they faced. In truth, they had only minimal strength boosts being able to lift 5-8 more pounds than before and healing being limited to one or two fatal injuries so long as death didn't occur instantly. Gracia blacked out. She awoke the next morning in a hospital. There the doctors refilled her nanocells. She learned that the station had been left in ruins. Genocide had detonated some type of minature nuke following his rampage. He always blew up the stations as if to send a message. Gracia looked out the window thinking about why she became a cop. Twice her family had been murdered by them. Her biological family had been killed in an on record drug raid committed by a group of corrupt officers called The Unit. She had been adopted by another officer that arrived at the scene who found her as a child hiding in a closed. Sadly, he too was killed for trying to expose the activities of The Unit. Gracia joined the force to avenge both losses and bring justice to the killers that disguised themselves as normal people. Law enforcement was neither good, nor bad. It depended upon the people that made it up. In the dying corrupt world Gracia lived in, she vowed to be a beacon of light. Evans laid in a bed adjacent to Lary. "That damn Genocide's somethin else in' he?Like the stories you told us were understatements. That man could legit not die at this point in the story. Like he has friggin plot armor or somthin.'' Evans cut him off" I get it. We all got our asses handed to us. But did you see that ..thing that appeared next to him. Right before he created that black vortex that wiped us out. That must have something to do with his power. Maybe there's a still a way to stop him."Lary chimed in," That fella looked like he was on the way to a black metal concert wit all the black facepaint he was wearin' Creeped me out to be honest." As the survivors mulled over their predicament, the cycle of evil continued to spread elsewhere. Budley flips through the pages of a magazine. He checks his watch. He looks around the gas station and doesn't see any customers. Seizing the opportunity, he puts in his headphones and begins playing an imaginary guitar as he jams to a progressive deathcore album. Oblivious to the screams coming from outside, the store clerk moves on to thumping two candy bars on the counter to simulate drums. Budley sees that his shift has ended and begins locking up the store. He sweeps the aisles and jumps as a shadow appears behind him. He turns and sees a well groomed bearded man dressed in a black hoodie, black shirt, and black and gray camo pants. The man holds out his hand and smiles. Budley rings up the pack of nicotine substitute gum. "Tryin to kick the habit huh?" Budley asks. The man replies, "Somethin like that. Gotta get my priorities back in check. Focus on the things that really matter. That damn KonCreep's a hell of a band aren't they?" He nods to the playlist on Budley's phone. "Yeah, they're killer. just got into them a month back." Budley answers. "You know, I'm something of a musician myself. Maybe you'll hear of me on the news someday." Jim Jimenez says as he sees himself out. He walks to the back of the building and passes an ominous form of graffiti. A woman lays unmoving and above her, written on concrete in red is a message that simply says "Genocide Reigns".
2024.05.14 19:31 jravitz[WTS] 280+ Bottles - USA SELLER - Niche, Designer, Hard to Find, Discontinued and Vintage (Bottle)
Post here and/or PM me with any questions. Shipping is $5. International is available, please discuss. Free samples with every purchase! Payment is by Venmo, CashApp or Zelle, PayPal must inquire. Only swapping for 200mL Baccarat Rouge 540 Extrait and Louis Vuitton Symphony at this time. All of my contact info as well as all of my bottles for sale, are available in my spreadsheet which you should bookmark and look at for a more updated inventory Spreadsheet
2024.05.14 19:13 marvelousmsmaiselHigh CRP no underlying conditions or injuries which consultant can I reach out to?
I’m 37 years old female, 155cm height 62kg weight, Indian origin, no international travel in the last 4 years, non smoker, social drinking 1-2 units a week but none in the recent weeks. Living in the UK for the last 10 years. I’m Non diabetic, non hyper tensive, no allergies, never undergone any medical surgeries and no other medical condition other than this. Since 2023 I have twice had severely elevated CRP levels (both times >400mg/l) presenting meningitis/ sepsis like symptoms but without no underlying infections. Along with high CRP I have high temperature, chills, high heart rate, skin mottling, light sensitivity, vomiting , debilitating pain / reduced mobility on forearms and wrists. Inflammation levels eventually goes down with hospitalisation in acute care IV antibiotics, vit D, pain medication and magnesium. (each time 6+ days hospitalisation was required as they are unable to safely release me until inflammatory levels showed a consistently decreasing trend) 2024 hospitalisation episode placed me on sepsis watch and I was in extreme pain(upper body - restricted movement, locked jaws in addition to symptoms I experienced in 2023 - also described above such as fever chills vomiting light sensitivity followed through) Currently I’m home it is 5+ weeks since I came back from hospital but muscle stiffness still remains, I had a rebound attack (fever, chills, skin mottling) and was again placed on 5 days antibiotics but I was able to recover at home. Currently it is more like a slow recovery. CRP although had dropped to 36mg/l 5 weeks ago. GP is already aware and does not know what to do with me, A&E knows to contain my situation from worsening but not able to diagnose what is causing this kind of inflammatory response. In 2023 when this happened for the first time i thought it was a one- off abnormal inflammatory response but after the second attack in April this year I’m very afraid. I tried to approach immunologists to consult but many number of them happen to be allergists and don’t take my case. Who should I approach? I’m listing below diagnoses: 1/ tested negative for ANA, Genetic factors 2/ tested negative for rheumatoid factors (rheumatology team cleared me off any RA/ Auto immune disorders after a year long study of my test results during 2023) 3/ tested negative for lupus related diseases 4/ tested negative for myelitis although my creatine kinase levels were 18u/l as of 5 weeks ago (against normal range 20-200u/l) 5/ Globulin levels were at 41g/l as of 5 weeks ago. 6/ tested negative for a wide variety of viral and bacterial infections (including Covid, influenza, meningitis) , extensive CT and MRIs were done of abdomen, chest, pelvic and brain and nothing remarkable came up to warrant this inflammatory response.
2024.05.14 18:15 Many-Patient2894I think my cousin was replaced, and I think I know when it happened. I don't know what to do
To be honest, I wasn't sure that the Advice sub would let me post this there so I'm posting it here because it's so fucked up. And it didn't seem right for Let's Not Meet, either. But I do need advice, because I feel I'm losing my fucking mind. So I (30F) have always been very close to my cousin (30F), let's call her Angela. Because we're the same age, our parents (my mom and her father are siblings) went through all the same stages with us and as such, we were more or less raised like siblings due to how much time our families spent together. We even had homes in the country in the same township, which is where I think this happened. And I can't really tell my family this because it will make me sound legitimately crazy. And some part of me even doubts this memory, but at the same time I know in my heart that it's true. It's a complicated feeling, and this memory was brought to light last week when my suspicion I've had for years was more or less confirmed. One winter, sixteen years ago, when Angela and I were both fourteen, both of our families were at our cottages, a twenty minute drive from each other. Angela and her little brother (my cousin, let's call him James) parents (my aunt and uncle) were going skiing one morning, and I wanted to go too. So I spent the night at their cottage, like I often did when we all went up north. Angela's bedroom had two single beds in it, and James' room was down the hall. The whole house was open concept, so the hall from Angela's room to James' room did not have walls, but rather was bordered by two railings over which you could see down into the main floor, the open concept living and dining rooms. James is four years younger than us, and when he was 10, he was such a typical little boy/little brother, it's almost cartoonish to look back on. Like, I'm talking *constantly* bothering us, putting a stink bomb on a remote control car that he would sneak into our rooms, trying to read Angela's diary when we weren't in her bedroom, just all the stuff. But never anything cruel or out of the ordinary or sinister, just a massive handful. The basement of James and Angela's cottage was filled with storage and old toys, and sometimes (on the rare occasion) that we'd willingly play with James, we'd all go down to the basement and try to freak each other out. Anyway, one of the toys in the basement was your typical Raggedy-Ann doll from the 60s or something. I think it belonged to my uncle when he was a kid and then Angela when she was a baby. Her name was Trilly. I forget who named it. Anyway, I have vague memories of playing with it when we were much younger and pretending it was our third cousin or our little daughter. But since then she'd sat in storage in the basement. But, what great nightmare material! Right?! A creepy, limp, smiling doll. So the night I stayed over, before we went skiing in the morning, James, Angela and I were up to our playing in the basement, and I remember we tried to freak James out by pretending Trilly was alive or something like that. Whatever. Game over, we all had dinner with the parents, then watched a movie as a family and went to bed. James to his room and Angela and me to Angela's room. Now this is the thing. Angela and I still joke about this night, and she remembers it just like I do, which is why I sort of wrote off my hypothesis until last week. That night, in the middle of the night, I started tossing and turning. I woke up and could tell that Angela was stirring as well. One of us said to the other, "are you awake?" and the other said "yes," and we realized that we both couldn't sleep or were woken up by the same thing or were both just feeling restless. But then, at the other end of her room, Trilly was sitting in the fucking desk chair. I think it was Angela who pointed it out. We saw a shadow, thinking it was a person, freaked out, and then relaxed briefly when we saw it was just the doll. But then we got freaked out all over again and were like, "why the FUCK is this FUCKING doll in your room!?!?", murderously standing up and going over to it to pick it up and throw it in James' room and pound the living Christ out of him. We turn on all the lights, turn on the hall light, stomp down the hall into his room and turn on his lights, and see he's not in his bed. We then go downstairs (my aunt and uncle's room was on the main floor), Trilly still in Angela's hands, and hear my aunt and James in the washroom. Turns out James had been sick for the last few hours and my aunt had been up all night with him as he was throwing up in the washroom. And when we saw the scene we immediately could tell that James had nothing to do with Trilly. Like, it was just one of those really believable situations where we could tell James truly had no idea what was going on. We even felt bad for him. And, to top it off, when we told him the story in the morning it scared him so much that he didn't go into the basement for like a year. Anyway, it just seemed really sincere. So Angela and I went back up to her room and we were like, "are we *sure* we didn't bring this up here last night? Are we sure? We must have." Anyway, while we were really freaked, we figured that it was explainable. We knew the doll obviously didn't walk itself upstairs like it was some horror movie. But, because we were fourteen and all for the drama (and I remember us having the "better safe than sorry" mindset) we called her dog upstairs (Bella, a poorly behaved black poodle). We started playing tug-of-war with Bella, using Trilly as the toy, and eventually Bella ripped her to shreds. Anyway, funny memory, making the dog rip up the doll, we laughed and thought we were tough and cool, then we went back to bed. The next morning, instead of all of us going skiing, it was just Me, Angela, and my Uncle, because James stayed home with my aunt on account of his stomach flu. But when we woke up, Angela was acting weird. Nothing too noteable, just really bizarrely quiet as she moved around her room to get her clothes out of her drawers and get changed. She didn't, like, acknowledge me in her room. I said something like "morning" when she didn't acknowledge me, and she looked at me and then turned back to her drawers and kept getting changed. And she was looking around weirdly, I remember that too. Almost like she'd misplaced something, but a little more dazed than that. Just moving strangely. Then she went downstairs without saying anything to me at all. I thought maybe she was just super groggy... but it still felt really weird. When I went downstairs, she was standing at the island in the kitchen buttering toast that my uncle had put in for us. I distinctly remember walking up beside her and the toaster, pulling a piece of toast out of it, putting it on the plate that had been set out for me, and when I dipped the knife into the container of butter, Angela smacked my hand away, hard, and looked at me and snapped, "what are you doing? Don't take things that aren't yours". I was shocked. It honestly felt like being struck in the face. She'd never spoken to me like that before, and even though we were like siblings, I still felt that kind of mortifying embarrassment you feel when someone calls you out on misbehaving, even though I wasn't doing anything wrong; but it *was* her family's butter and bread? I don't know. That's what I remember thinking. But it was awkward and weird and I just said, "um, what?" and then she didn't say anything, just kept buttering her toast, and I mumbled some apology. The three of us then drove to the ski hill and, I kid you not, Angela and I didn't speak the whole way there. I had no idea what was up, but I didn't want to ask with her dad in the car. Then when we got to the ski hill, we went skiing just the two of us and on the chairlift during the first run I mustered up the courage to say "Hey, did I do something wrong? I feel like you're really mad at me or something". And she turned to look at me and was confused. Not friendly, not warm, not reassuring, but confused. It was almost as if I was a stranger and she looked at me as if to say, "sorry, who are you? why are you talking to me?" And she responded in a formal way: "Sorry, I have no idea what you're talking about". The distance in her voice was really eerie, and I started to think maybe this had to do with the doll incident the night before and either she was trying to extend the prank, and she was the one who had put the doll on the chair, OR she felt guilty that we ruined this family doll and she resented me for being a part of it. Anyway, when we got to the top of the hill, she skied down quickly and didn't wait for me to go back up again, and we ended up skiing separately. I felt awkward and embarrassed like I'd done something wrong. I ended up skiing with my uncle who asked me what was up with us, and I just said I didn't know. Then after our day of skiing, he dropped me off at my family's cottage and continued on home with Angela. For the rest of that whole school year (we were in ninth grade), Angela and I didn't really speak. It was really sad. We were like sisters before, but better because we weren't actually sisters, but cousins, and so we were like best friends that were related. Seriously, we were really close. And it really messed me up, I felt like she just ghosted me. I would text her and call her house but she was always "fine" or "with Jessica" (her best friend). I chalked it up to her just outgrowing me, and it really fucking sucked. But, to be honest, it was so jarring and such a stark shift that I was more confused than hurt. I talked to my mom about it and she explained to me how rough it can be to be a teenage girl. But that following summer, we were up at our cottages again, and our family had a barbecue and invited over my aunt and uncle and Angela and James. I had seen Angela at family things a couple of times since and she would just kind of ignore me and spend the whole time texting, which is what I expected this time. Sure enough, that's what happened for the first bit of the barbecue. But then when the food was ready, she came up beside me as we were dressing our hamburgers at the condiment table and said, "oh my god, remember that night we got Bella to ruin Trilly?" and I was so shocked by her friendly tone, by her acting as though she were picking up a conversation we just were having, that I just stared at her and said, "yeah, that was crazy". And she said, "yeah, so funny. Anyway, how've you been?" again, really different and formal. I almost couldn't get past how altered her tone was, like we'd never even met. In fact she seemed so sprightly and kind that I thought she was mocking me. And our relationship since that barbecue carried on just like that. She started talking to me more, but I'd reference inside jokes or ways we used to be or things we used to do and she never really latched on to any of them. I was caught between thinking she'd outgrown me and thinking she was like embarrassed of our closeness before or something and was trying to move on. I talked to my mom about this, and again got the speech about how teenage girls can be really cruel/strange sometimes. So until we were about 22, we were like that. Nice to each other, talking sometimes, not that close, and I learned to not try and act like we were all close or that we had been close. I talked to my friends about it too and they said it was normal for friendships to change like that. But something felt off about this. I started to honestly feel crazy for hanging on to this "before" memory of Angela so much. Then when we were 22, we grew apart. This time, it was mutual and natural. I moved cities, and she got engaged and became a real estate agent and we just had nothing to talk about. It was gradual and I didn't notice it much. Which brings us to eight years later, just last week. I was travelling in Iceland. I had to be there (very randomly) for a conference/workshop I was leading for work, and turned it into a vacation. Rented a car, decided I was going to drive across the island after the conference was over and stay on the east part and explore a bit. Day four of my seven-day long road trip. It's mid-afternoon, I'm hungry. I've been driving for three hours and have come across no sign of civilization at all, and it was fifty miles to the next town. But then, voila! A little gas station/general store/cafe! Perfect! Ah, fuck. I literally can't believe I'm writing this. It makes me sound fucking crazy. But here I go. I park in the little three-car parking lot. I get out of my car, step onto the gravel, the sky is white, expansive, there are mountains everywhere around me, fields, sheep. The air is fresh. Seriously middle of nowhere. I walk up the wooden rickety steps and push open the door and hear the door chimes go. A man walks out from the back room and greets me, and the place is cute. There's a little handwritten menu above the cash register and I asked him in my pathetic Icelandic/English mix if I could have the gravlax toast. He's very friendly and kind and says yes, asks if I want a coffee, I say yes please, blah blah, he rings me up at the cash register, and I go and sit at the one table they have and wait for my food. I look around - it's mostly a fishing supplies store with some general groceries. The man opens the door to the room from which he came, the kitchen I suppose, and says the order to the lady in the back who looks like she's doing some prep cooking. Immediately I stop. It's freaking Angela!!!! Or I thought it was. Now, remember, I hadn't seen Angela in about eight years. Since her dad passed away when we were twenty-three, and because I'd moved cities, we just had no reason to really see each other especially after growing so far apart. So, like, OH MY GOD, it's Angela! She's working at a random little general store in middle-of-nowhere Iceland! But wait, I thought. No. This is obviously not-fucking-Angela. Angela is a real estate agent in my hometown. I'd obviously know if she lived in Iceland lol. Right? I don't really use social media but the odd time I do, she'll pop up here and there. But I guess not enough for me to *confirm* she still lived in my hometown. But anyway, she looked enough like Angela that I went right up to the cash register and rang the little bell and the guy came back out and when he opened the door I was able to get another look at her, and my heart skidded. A chill spread across my crown. It was one hundred percent Angela. Like, my full-on cousin. So, looking over the guys' shoulder, RIGHT AT ANGELA, I smile and say, "Angela!! Oh my god!!" and before she could respond, the door shut again. And the guy at the cash smiled really big, a nice, friendly, smile and he looked surprised as well, and pointed back over his shoulder and then at me, as if to say, "you two know each other?!" which confirmed for me that her name was Angela, because he seemed really delighted at the coincidence. Expecting her to emerge from the kitchen, I walked around to behind the cash register (the invitation was implied by the guy) and he put his arm back to open the door for me, or for Angela, whom we both expected to be making her way over to me, too. When he opened the door, she was head-down again, chopping vegetables. I walked through the door and said, "Angela? Angela!" smiling, thinking she hadn't seen me yet or realized who I was, all context considered. She looked up at me, and then quickly, as though avoiding my eyes, looked down. "Hey", she said, quietly, at the cutting board. WHAT THE FUCK WAS GOING ON? Before I could ask anything, she said, "I'm really sorry, okay?" What? She repeated herself and then continued: "I'm really sorry okay? But we can't talk". I actually, like, had no clue what was happening. I was looking into the eyes of my cousin whom I hadn't seen in forever in some random fucking shack in Iceland and she was acting skittish and afraid. I opened my mouth to protest and she said, "I need you to leave," then she called the guy's name and said something to him in Icelandic. She can speak Icelandic??! The guy came in, his demeanour totally different. Almost like he was a bouncer. He gestured to my coffee and toast that were ready to go, took them in his hands and ushered me out of the kitchen and I could tell I no longer was welcome. Either I wasn't welcome or I was in danger, or both. It felt more like the former. And I don't think the guy had any idea what was going on, either. I think she must have said something to him like "I don't know this person, this person is crazy" or something. That's how he was acting toward me. I got in my car, I drove five minutes down the road, and pulled over. I miraculously had service and I called my mom and told her everything. She kind of just laughed at me and was like "Many-Patient2894, that obviously wasn't Angela". And joked about me making some poor Icelandic woman feel extremely weird. But based off the guy's reaction when I said her name, her name was Angela, and the way she spoke to me and said sorry and said we couldn't talk, like, she knew me too. I told my mom all of this and I sounded fucking crazy and she just was basically like, "Haha, yeah, weird". I think she thinks I was making up the part about the apology. I told all of my friends this, when I was still in Iceland, and they all reacted like my mom did. At this point, I had four days left in the country, and I kept wanting to return to the cafe/general store. But I didn't. I started to think maybe the woman thought I was someone else. But then I kept coming back to, but wait, this person was Angela. Her name, her body, her face, like I just didn't know what to do. This brings me to two days ago, the day before yesterday, when I returned to Canada, where I live. It's eight o'clock in the morning and I'm on my way to work. In my car. Just picked up a coffee. Exhausted. Not thinking about Angela at all. Thinking about my laundry, my bills, what I'm going to make for dinner. The traffic is bad and it's a miserable day outside. My phone dings. It's a random number. The text reads: "Hey! It's Angela! How was your trip?" Haven't heard from her in eight years (except for our run-in in Iceland, if indeed it was one). No "how have you been??", no "I miss you!!" no "long time no talk/see!". I also hadn't posted anything about my trip on social media. Unless you were a friend of mine, you didn't know I was there. I immediately call my mom, who follows Angela on Instagram, and ask her to look at her profile. Sure enough, Angela (not at all to my mother's surprise), is posting stories of the bachelorette party she's at in Miami. She's, like, not at all in Iceland. I have no idea what's going on. And the way Angela/the woman spoke to me in the cafe had the cadence and softness that Angela had, and in my memory, lost, starting the morning of the skiing after the incident with Trilly and the dog. For some reason I'm fully back there in my memory now, realizing that that was the first morning of "the new Angela", the one that seemed to have no emotional memory of me at all. Like, the Iceland Angela seemed more like the "before" Angela. I haven't replied to the text. I have no idea if it was bachelorette party Miami Angela or Iceland Angela that sent me the message, the area code is from neither Angela's hometown or Iceland. I need advice, I have no idea what to do or who to talk to. Do I reply to the text? What do I say? I feel like the real Angela is fucking trapped in Iceland or something and has been for a long time. Or I don't even know. I have no idea what to do.
2024.05.14 18:02 SocialDemocraciesMegapost: A list of statements, press releases, and other sources reporting and expressing concern and criticism about Israel's war in Gaza and related aspects of the war. (Part 4)
Megapost: A list of statements, press releases, and other sources reporting and expressing concern and criticism about Israel's war in Gaza and related aspects of the war. (Part 4)
2024.05.14 17:52 KanimalZHigh School Career Project!
Yellow y’all, I am a Junior in High School currently in a program my public school has where they send us to another school to take a class. I am taking the Veterinary Science Class and we have been working on a project for a bit now. It is a career project were we research a career we are interested in. There are 2 parts to the project. The first part is the research portion. We research what education we need and were we can go to get it to reach our career goal as well as information about the career relating to what it requires, does it involve travel, how laborious is it, what is needed for it, what are the patient relationships like, what is the social aspect like, the requirements for the career, etc. This is the easier portion for me, but the harder portion I have found is the second part. For the second portion is a grade by itself and contributes to the first parts grade. (Both summative grades) What is required for this second portion is we must find someone who works in the field and contact them about interviewing them on their experiences in the field. (What it has been like for them, what I should know about it, and any tips, tricks, or forewarnings I should know) I had ended up finding a farrier in the area that seemed nice and who is exspeinced and licensed. I had emailed them emailed them explaining who I am, the project I was doing this for, and where I go to school with the class the project was for. I covered everything my teacher had told everyone in the class to do. She had given us a template to use and base our emails off of and I did while changing it up a little bit to be friendly, but keeping the main necessary content in it. I singed off at the bottom of the email with my name again, my email that was used to send this email, and my phone number if she would prefer to use that instead. After about 2 - 3 weeks with no response I sent a follow up email that my teacher also gave us a template for. The email templates we had were made in class as a class. It was part of the creative/business aspect in the project. After about 10 days with no response I was ready to tell my teacher about the situation and ask what to do when I finally got my first and, spoiler alert, only response. She explained that she was traveling and didn’t check her email in that amount of time. She said that she was now trying to ketchup on her email now. In her email to me she said and I quote “Are you interested in learning about traditional horse shoeing? I am a natural hoofcare provider with my focus being barefoot trims. I only have a handful of horses in composite type shoes that I strictly glue on. I do not use nails or work with metal shoes so I am not sure I’d be the best fit if you are planning to attend a horseshoeing school. I can recommend other traditional farriers locally to shadow if that is the direction you may want to pursue. However, if you are interested in a natural barefoot approach then I am happy to chat with you and have you join for shadowing.” End quote. I showed my teacher the email the next day looking for advice as to how I should respond. My teacher said to continue to try and make plans for an interview and potential job shadow that she seemed interested in taking on. My teacher also told me to try and get the other recommendations as well. I then replied to her email saying how I would be happy to learn from her and job shadow with her or at the very least do an interview with her. I also then said how my teacher suggested I ask if I could have the other farrier recommendations. After that I mentioned again how much it would mean to me if she gave me the chance and for her to have a wonderful night. That’s was sent march 17th. Still no reply. After a bit of waiting for a response I tried calling her because in her email she left her number. It went to voicemail so I left a voicemail message saying who I am, my number, project information from my first email, and that I am still interested in the interview and at least a job shadow. I haven’t received a return call or any missed calls. In her voicemail she said if she isn’t able to get back to you within a few days to message her through text, so I did. I was then left on read for about a week until I asked my teacher what to do. She suggested I ask if I can at least interview her over the phone or have her just send me a message of answer to my questions. So that is what I asked her sending the same message through both text and email. I also provided her with example questions that I would be asking in the message. I have been since left on read with no reply. I am now turning to searching for someone new on here to help me. I just need someone to answer a few questions on their experience being a farrier. It would mean so much to me if someone could help me here. I understand everyone here has their own lives and must be busy with such, but this assignment is due may 22nd and today is may 14. I only have 8 days left for this second portion and I hope y’all understand. Sorry this came out to be so long. Please, have a wonderful rest of your day and my email is katelynnzannoni99@gmail.com if anyone can help. Thank you.
2024.05.14 17:48 spearmintsanitationMy aunt [43F] invited herself and my cousin on my [30F] wedding anniversary trip. How do I uninvite her?
Hi all. I am honestly so flabbergasted about this that I am having trouble coming up with a reply to this woman. My [30F] wife [32F] and I are going on a trip for our wedding anniversary—nothing too fancy, just some domestic travel to California (we live in the Northeast). My aunt [43F] is a single mom to a 12 year old and shares custody with the child’s father, which means that dad gets custody for the entire summer save for one week. Aunt asked what my plans were for that week and I was honest and told her we’d be out of town in San Diego. Aunt then said that that was great because that’s somewhere she and Cousin were considering traveling to that same week. I then told her we’d actually be there for our wedding anniversary, and she seemed to drop the idea. I was relieved—Aunt is very…difficult to vacation with. She believes family should help with her child and gets angry if we don’t do what she and Cousin want to do or if we aren’t entertaining Cousin enough for her to get in some relaxation time. She is rude to waitstaff/rude in general and her temper has me on edge whenever I am around her. I don’t want people to think that I’m judgmental for mentioning this next part, but she has also been the mistress to a man for the past ~11 years and I don’t really want to pretend I support that on my WEDDING ANNIVERSARY TRIP. Needless to say, I was overly optimistic that she’d get the hint. She’s now asked for the exact dates we’ll be there so that “we can meet up,” but of course she “doesn’t want to intrude on [my] anniversary trip”. I genuinely don’t know what to say to her—Reddit, what would you tell your aunt? tl;dr - my aunt invited herself and my tween cousin on my wedding anniversary trip to California. She’s pushy and can be mean when told no. I don’t know how to get out of the situation and need some advice on how to uninvite her. UPDATE: I used the response of u/UsuallyWrite2 and my aunt replied with a 2 paragraph message saying that I was hurting her because all she wanted was to meet up for lunch or dinner and I shot it down immediately and that I (an adult with a mortgage and full time job) never fly home to see my cousin who adores me and that nobody in our family seems to care about Cousin. Some other choice sentiments include that she supports me trying to set boundaries but that I need to be flexible for people I love…ahh, I love a good guilt trip.