Paul jr design in financial trouble
Bothering warmongers since 2011
2011.10.08 05:12 crackduck Bothering warmongers since 2011
This subreddit is a watchdog group that monitors the nefarious activities and many sockpuppet accounts of reddit's small but dedicated pro-war neoconservative clique.
2024.05.14 20:15 Ton1206 Beyond Price Hype: Innovations like DUSK and ICONOMI Drive Web3 Adoption Cycle
 | Dusk is a blockchain platform designed for the compliant tokenization of securities, integrating privacy-centric technologies like Zero-Knowledge Proofs (ZKP) with a decentralized and performant Proof of Stake consensus. It supports secure, private financial transactions while adhering to regulatory compliance, enabling the issuance, trading, and management of programmable securities tokens. These tokens aim to reduce operational costs and enhance security for financial instruments such as shares and dividends. Featuring confidential smart contracts and a scalable, low-latency network with near-instant finality, Dusk offers institutional-grade functionality. This positions it as a pioneering force in decentralized finance (DeFi), appealing to businesses seeking to leverage blockchain for regulated financial markets, thus promoting wider institutional adoption without sacrificing privacy or compliance. By bridging the gap between blockchain technology and the needs of traditional finance, Dusk is poised to drive greater integration and mainstream acceptance of digital assets. submitted by Ton1206 to CryptoMarkets [link] [comments] |
2024.05.14 20:09 Boring_Waltz_9545 Weekly New Musical Grosses Analysis- Week Ending 5/12/2014
Source- Broadway Grosses, Broadway Box Office - 5/12/2024 (broadwayworld.com)
T-MINUS 33 DAYS TO TONYS.
Another good week for Broadway, $35 million is right about where the grosses were this time in those 2017/18/19 seasons that were so lucrative. Tony nominations are starting to take affect, Suffs posted their first earning week this week, and Hell's Kitchen sold incredibly well. I am including award wins roundups as well (Outer Critics Circle announced yesterday). As always, I have put the weekly operating cost (where known, and a rough estimation if not), and an estimated profit or loss for the week. I do not have all of the information for every (most) shows, but if you have access to information about shows and would like to share it with me, please do!
My methodology for estimating profit (or loss) is as follows:
Grosses (chronological order from opening)-
Back to the Future: The Musical - $872k gross, 78% capacity, $93 atp (Up ~$29k from last week)
Gross Less-Fees: $733k; Weekly Operating Cost: $815k/week; Estimated profit (loss): (106k)
Award Nominations Roundup: Outer Critics Circle (5), Tonys (2)
Another lackluster week for Back to the Future. No major Tony nominations, an upcoming tour which could be discouraging tourists. This is the first time they have had back-to-back loosing weeks during their run. Hopefully the summer is kind to this show.
Merrily We Roll Along - $1.5 million gross, 100% capacity, $196 atp (Up ~82k from last week)
Gross Less-Fees: $1.275 million; Weekly Operating Cost: $800k/week; Estimated profit (loss): $270k
2024 Award Nominations Roundup: Drama League (5), Tonys (7\)*
Award Wins: 2023 Outer Critic Circle (2)
Hot ticket does hot ticket things. This production has already recouped, anything else is just icing on the cake. It has profited a total of nearly $1 million by my estimates.
The Notebook- $786k gross, 82% capacity, $100 atp (Up ~$113k from last week)
Gross Less-Fees: 660k; Estimated Weekly Operating Cost: $620k/week; Estimated profit (loss): $12k
Award Nominations Roundup: Drama League (3\), Outer Critics Circle (1), Drama Desk (2), Tonys (3)*
Good rebound week for the Notebook, they're back in the black, and grosses this level could hold. Especially since the soundtrack seems to be being well received.
Water for Elephants - $1.0 million gross, 83% capacity, $115 atp (Up ~$64k from last week)
Gross Less-Fees: $902k; Weekly Operating Cost: $805k/week; Estimated Profit (Loss): $61k; Remaining Reserve: $2.6 million
Award Nominations Roundup: Drama League (1\), Outer Critics Circle (5*), Drama Desk (7), Tonys (7*), PETA (1)*
Award Wins: PETA (1), Outer Critics Circle (1)
Water for Elephants continues to chug along. It's posted essentially the same grosses the last three weeks, and this is a good place for it to stick around at. Congratulations to Jessica Stone for her Outer Critics Circle win for directing.
The Who's Tommy - $991k gross, 85% capacity, $123 atp (Up ~$80k from last week)
Gross Less-Fees: $832k; Estimated Weekly Operating Cost: ~$700k-750k/week; Estimated Profit (Loss): $40k-$75k
Award Nominations Roundup: Drama League (3\), Outer Critics Circle (6*), Drama Desk (1), Tonys (1*)*
Award Wins: Outer Critics Circle (1)
Good week for Tommy. Lukewarm Tony response nonetheless, they're doing just fine. Congratulations Peter Nigrini for his win for projections.
The Outsiders - $1.0 million gross, 100% capacity, $124 atp (Up ~$129k from last week)
Gross Less-Fees: $860k; Estimated Weekly Operating Cost: ~$700k-$750k/week; Estimated Profit (Loss): $68k-$108k
Award Nominations Roundup: Drama League (3\), Outer Critics Circle (3*), Drama Desk (9*), Tonys (12*)*
Award Wins: Outer Critics Circle (1)
Excellent week for Outsiders. Expect these grosses to hold for a while. Congratulations Brian MacDevitt for his win for lighting.
Lempicka - $419k gross, 87% capacity, $57 atp (Up ~$144k from last week)
Gross Less-Fees: $352k; Weekly Operating Cost: ~$660k/week; Estimated Profit (Loss): ($322k)
Award Nominations Roundup: Drama League (3\), Tonys (3)*
I'm glad to see that they're playing to mostly full houses as they come to the end of their run. Still took a 300k loss.
Suffs - $802k gross, 93% capacity, $110 atp (Up ~$171k from last week)
Gross Less-Fees: $674k; Estimated Weekly Operating Cost: ~$640k/week; Estimated Profit (Loss): $6k
Award Nominations Roundup: Drama League (4\), Outer Critics Circle (5*), Drama Desk (8), Tonys (6*)*
Award Wins: Outer Critics Circle (3\)*
This show is the first to really feel the impact of the Tony nominations, posting their first earning week this week. Not that Outer Critics Circle counts for much grosses wise or Tony predictions wise, but a massive congratulations to the production for winning Best Musical, as well as Shaina Taub for Book and Score.
Hell's Kitchen - $1.5 million gross, 101% capacity, $127 atp (Up ~$233 from last week)
Gross Less-Fees: $1.06 million; Estimated Weekly Operating Cost: ~$800k-$850k/week; Estimated Profit (Loss): $108k-$141k
Award Nominations Roundup: Drama League (3\), Outer Critics Circle (1), Drama Desk (5), Tonys (13*)*
Award Wins: Outer Critics Circle (1),
And this is what being the leading Tony nominee as well as having a massive IP will do. Congratulations Kecia Lewis for her win for featured performer. (And to the show for being Jesse Green's pick to win the Tony I guess)
Heart of Rock and Roll - $319k gross, 69% capacity, $54 atp (Up ~$31k from last week)
Gross Less-Fees: $267k; Estimated Weekly Operating Cost: $650k; Estimated Profit (Loss): ($407k)
Award Nominations Roundup: Drama League (1\), Drama Desk (1)*
After a good week last week HORAR faltered this week. Apparently, this is financed through June, and I'm always happy to see people keeping their jobs.
The Great Gatsby - $1.1 million gross, 90% capacity, $109 atp (Up $130k from last week)
Gross Less-Fees: $991k; Estimated Weekly Operating Cost: $800k-850k/week; Estimated Profit (Loss): 87k-$124k
Award Nominations Roundup: Drama League (1), Outer Critics Circle (4\), Drama Desk (1), Tonys (1)*
Award Wins: Outer Critics Circle (2)
This show is the current leader in the Broadway World fan awards in almost every category. They're going to be just fine with this cast, posting their best week yet. Congratulations Paul Tate dePoo III and Linda Cho for their wins in scenic design and costumes, respectively.
The Wiz - $1.5 million gross, 95% capacity, $128 atp (Up ~$109k from last week)
Gross Less-Fees: $1.316 million; Estimated Weekly Operating Cost: $800k-$850k/week; Estimated Profit (Loss): $309k-$344k
Award Nominations Roundup: Drama League (2\)*
The Wiz got no Tony nominations, but they don't need them. This show will be just fine on the Broadway stop of their tour.
Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club - $2.0 million gross, 99% capacity, $235 atp (Up ~$89k from last week)
Gross Less-Fees: $1.687 million; Weekly Operating Cost: $974k/week; Estimated Profit (Loss): 464k; Reserves Remaining: $2.2 million
Award Nominations Roundup: Drama League (5\), Outer Critics Circle (2*), Drama Desk (5*), Tonys (9*)*
I mourn the loss of accessible theater with this Cabaret revival. That said, glad to see it's doing well. This show also has some really strong advance ticket sales so it should continue to be just fine.
Illinoise - $679k gross, 94% capacity, $89 atp (Down ~$4k)
Gross Less-Fees: $570k; Estimated Weekly Operating Cost: $625k; Estimated Profit (Loss): ($64k)
Award Nominations Roundup: Drama League (1\), Outer Critics Circle (6*), Drama Desk (4*), Tonys (4*)*
Award Wins: Outer Critics Circle (1)
From a purely financial perspective, not sure if this gamble is going to pay off (it needs to average 1.05 mil to recoup, even with a Tony win that's unlikely), but it will likely play through its run, especially if it wins some Tonys. Congratulations Justin Peck for his win for choreography.
Discuss below!
submitted by Boring_Waltz_9545 to Broadway [link] [comments]
T-MINUS 33 DAYS TO TONYS.
Another good week for Broadway, $35 million is right about where the grosses were this time in those 2017/18/19 seasons that were so lucrative. Tony nominations are starting to take affect, Suffs posted their first earning week this week, and Hell's Kitchen sold incredibly well. I am including award wins roundups as well (Outer Critics Circle announced yesterday). As always, I have put the weekly operating cost (where known, and a rough estimation if not), and an estimated profit or loss for the week. I do not have all of the information for every (most) shows, but if you have access to information about shows and would like to share it with me, please do!
My methodology for estimating profit (or loss) is as follows:
- Subtract 16% from grosses. This is credit card fees, as well as the cut that the theater owners take off the top of the grosses, in addition to charging a flat rent. The weekly operating cost is usually the fixed cost for the production, which does not account for this cut%. If you get a chance to look at a show's offering papers, this number is the Net Operating Profit.
- Compare that new number to the weekly operating cost, if it's lower, subtract weekly minimum guarantees, and record the difference as the loss for that week. If the reserve is known for a show, I will record that as well.
- If it made money, subtract either 20% or 30% for royalties (after subtracting WMGs),
Grosses (chronological order from opening)-
Back to the Future: The Musical - $872k gross, 78% capacity, $93 atp (Up ~$29k from last week)
Gross Less-Fees: $733k; Weekly Operating Cost: $815k/week; Estimated profit (loss): (106k)
Award Nominations Roundup: Outer Critics Circle (5), Tonys (2)
Another lackluster week for Back to the Future. No major Tony nominations, an upcoming tour which could be discouraging tourists. This is the first time they have had back-to-back loosing weeks during their run. Hopefully the summer is kind to this show.
Merrily We Roll Along - $1.5 million gross, 100% capacity, $196 atp (Up ~82k from last week)
Gross Less-Fees: $1.275 million; Weekly Operating Cost: $800k/week; Estimated profit (loss): $270k
2024 Award Nominations Roundup: Drama League (5), Tonys (7\)*
Award Wins: 2023 Outer Critic Circle (2)
Hot ticket does hot ticket things. This production has already recouped, anything else is just icing on the cake. It has profited a total of nearly $1 million by my estimates.
The Notebook- $786k gross, 82% capacity, $100 atp (Up ~$113k from last week)
Gross Less-Fees: 660k; Estimated Weekly Operating Cost: $620k/week; Estimated profit (loss): $12k
Award Nominations Roundup: Drama League (3\), Outer Critics Circle (1), Drama Desk (2), Tonys (3)*
Good rebound week for the Notebook, they're back in the black, and grosses this level could hold. Especially since the soundtrack seems to be being well received.
Water for Elephants - $1.0 million gross, 83% capacity, $115 atp (Up ~$64k from last week)
Gross Less-Fees: $902k; Weekly Operating Cost: $805k/week; Estimated Profit (Loss): $61k; Remaining Reserve: $2.6 million
Award Nominations Roundup: Drama League (1\), Outer Critics Circle (5*), Drama Desk (7), Tonys (7*), PETA (1)*
Award Wins: PETA (1), Outer Critics Circle (1)
Water for Elephants continues to chug along. It's posted essentially the same grosses the last three weeks, and this is a good place for it to stick around at. Congratulations to Jessica Stone for her Outer Critics Circle win for directing.
The Who's Tommy - $991k gross, 85% capacity, $123 atp (Up ~$80k from last week)
Gross Less-Fees: $832k; Estimated Weekly Operating Cost: ~$700k-750k/week; Estimated Profit (Loss): $40k-$75k
Award Nominations Roundup: Drama League (3\), Outer Critics Circle (6*), Drama Desk (1), Tonys (1*)*
Award Wins: Outer Critics Circle (1)
Good week for Tommy. Lukewarm Tony response nonetheless, they're doing just fine. Congratulations Peter Nigrini for his win for projections.
The Outsiders - $1.0 million gross, 100% capacity, $124 atp (Up ~$129k from last week)
Gross Less-Fees: $860k; Estimated Weekly Operating Cost: ~$700k-$750k/week; Estimated Profit (Loss): $68k-$108k
Award Nominations Roundup: Drama League (3\), Outer Critics Circle (3*), Drama Desk (9*), Tonys (12*)*
Award Wins: Outer Critics Circle (1)
Excellent week for Outsiders. Expect these grosses to hold for a while. Congratulations Brian MacDevitt for his win for lighting.
Lempicka - $419k gross, 87% capacity, $57 atp (Up ~$144k from last week)
Gross Less-Fees: $352k; Weekly Operating Cost: ~$660k/week; Estimated Profit (Loss): ($322k)
Award Nominations Roundup: Drama League (3\), Tonys (3)*
I'm glad to see that they're playing to mostly full houses as they come to the end of their run. Still took a 300k loss.
Suffs - $802k gross, 93% capacity, $110 atp (Up ~$171k from last week)
Gross Less-Fees: $674k; Estimated Weekly Operating Cost: ~$640k/week; Estimated Profit (Loss): $6k
Award Nominations Roundup: Drama League (4\), Outer Critics Circle (5*), Drama Desk (8), Tonys (6*)*
Award Wins: Outer Critics Circle (3\)*
This show is the first to really feel the impact of the Tony nominations, posting their first earning week this week. Not that Outer Critics Circle counts for much grosses wise or Tony predictions wise, but a massive congratulations to the production for winning Best Musical, as well as Shaina Taub for Book and Score.
Hell's Kitchen - $1.5 million gross, 101% capacity, $127 atp (Up ~$233 from last week)
Gross Less-Fees: $1.06 million; Estimated Weekly Operating Cost: ~$800k-$850k/week; Estimated Profit (Loss): $108k-$141k
Award Nominations Roundup: Drama League (3\), Outer Critics Circle (1), Drama Desk (5), Tonys (13*)*
Award Wins: Outer Critics Circle (1),
And this is what being the leading Tony nominee as well as having a massive IP will do. Congratulations Kecia Lewis for her win for featured performer. (And to the show for being Jesse Green's pick to win the Tony I guess)
Heart of Rock and Roll - $319k gross, 69% capacity, $54 atp (Up ~$31k from last week)
Gross Less-Fees: $267k; Estimated Weekly Operating Cost: $650k; Estimated Profit (Loss): ($407k)
Award Nominations Roundup: Drama League (1\), Drama Desk (1)*
After a good week last week HORAR faltered this week. Apparently, this is financed through June, and I'm always happy to see people keeping their jobs.
The Great Gatsby - $1.1 million gross, 90% capacity, $109 atp (Up $130k from last week)
Gross Less-Fees: $991k; Estimated Weekly Operating Cost: $800k-850k/week; Estimated Profit (Loss): 87k-$124k
Award Nominations Roundup: Drama League (1), Outer Critics Circle (4\), Drama Desk (1), Tonys (1)*
Award Wins: Outer Critics Circle (2)
This show is the current leader in the Broadway World fan awards in almost every category. They're going to be just fine with this cast, posting their best week yet. Congratulations Paul Tate dePoo III and Linda Cho for their wins in scenic design and costumes, respectively.
The Wiz - $1.5 million gross, 95% capacity, $128 atp (Up ~$109k from last week)
Gross Less-Fees: $1.316 million; Estimated Weekly Operating Cost: $800k-$850k/week; Estimated Profit (Loss): $309k-$344k
Award Nominations Roundup: Drama League (2\)*
The Wiz got no Tony nominations, but they don't need them. This show will be just fine on the Broadway stop of their tour.
Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club - $2.0 million gross, 99% capacity, $235 atp (Up ~$89k from last week)
Gross Less-Fees: $1.687 million; Weekly Operating Cost: $974k/week; Estimated Profit (Loss): 464k; Reserves Remaining: $2.2 million
Award Nominations Roundup: Drama League (5\), Outer Critics Circle (2*), Drama Desk (5*), Tonys (9*)*
I mourn the loss of accessible theater with this Cabaret revival. That said, glad to see it's doing well. This show also has some really strong advance ticket sales so it should continue to be just fine.
Illinoise - $679k gross, 94% capacity, $89 atp (Down ~$4k)
Gross Less-Fees: $570k; Estimated Weekly Operating Cost: $625k; Estimated Profit (Loss): ($64k)
Award Nominations Roundup: Drama League (1\), Outer Critics Circle (6*), Drama Desk (4*), Tonys (4*)*
Award Wins: Outer Critics Circle (1)
From a purely financial perspective, not sure if this gamble is going to pay off (it needs to average 1.05 mil to recoup, even with a Tony win that's unlikely), but it will likely play through its run, especially if it wins some Tonys. Congratulations Justin Peck for his win for choreography.
Discuss below!
2024.05.14 20:02 Ton1206 Beyond Price Hype: Innovations like DUSK and ICONOMI Drive Web3 Adoption Cycle
| | Dusk is a blockchain platform designed for the compliant tokenization of securities, integrating privacy-centric technologies like Zero-Knowledge Proofs (ZKP) with a decentralized and performant Proof of Stake consensus. It supports secure, private financial transactions while adhering to regulatory compliance, enabling the issuance, trading, and management of programmable securities tokens. These tokens aim to reduce operational costs and enhance security for financial instruments such as shares and dividends. Featuring confidential smart contracts and a scalable, low-latency network with near-instant finality, Dusk offers institutional-grade functionality. This positions it as a pioneering force in decentralized finance (DeFi), appealing to businesses seeking to leverage blockchain for regulated financial markets, thus promoting wider institutional adoption without sacrificing privacy or compliance. By bridging the gap between blockchain technology and the needs of traditional finance, Dusk is poised to drive greater integration and mainstream acceptance of digital assets. submitted by Ton1206 to AltcoinTrader [link] [comments] |
2024.05.14 20:01 twiddledee31 6 Common LLC Setup Mistakes You MUST Avoid!
Starting a new business involves important decisions that can significantly impact the future of your venture.
Setting up your LLC is one of these areas.
Failure to navigate this process effectively can result in costly setbacks, both in terms of time and finances.
Here are six crucial mistakes to avoid:
Single-member, multi-member, and S-Corp classifications offer distinct advantages and considerations.
A single-member LLC provides simplicity in paperwork while ensuring liability protection.
Conversely, opting for an S-Corp designation entails different tax obligations, potentially offering tax-saving opportunities for higher earners.
Understanding the nuances of each entity type is paramount.
Seeking guidance from seasoned professionals can illuminate the optimal choice tailored to your business needs and goals.
NOTE: The LLC service I recommended that gives the most hands on assistance with this is ZenBusiness, (affiliate link). The team there are great for giving advice on exactly how to navigate the various steps to forming your LLC, or S-Corp.
While certain states like Delaware and Wyoming offer enticing legal and tax incentives, they may not be conducive to the needs of smaller enterprises or solo entrepreneurs.
Incorporating out of state may lead to increased paperwork, fees, and regulatory complexities, offsetting potential benefits.
Prioritize practicality and compliance by assessing the requirements of your home state and consulting legal counsel to navigate any jurisdictional considerations effectively.
Maintaining regulatory adherence safeguards against risks such as piercing the corporate veil and personal liability exposure.
Vigilance in areas such as using the business name consistently, fulfilling annual reporting requirements, and segregating business finances from personal funds is imperative.
Engage with legal professionals or regulatory authorities to stay abreast of compliance obligations and fortify your business's legal standing.
Failure to obtain mandated licenses can result in penalties and operational disruptions.
Whether at the local, state, or federal level, thorough due diligence is necessary to identify and fulfill licensing requirements pertinent to your business activities.
Prioritize regulatory compliance by proactively acquiring the necessary licenses and permits, thereby mitigating legal and financial risks.
Collaborating with legal professionals ensures comprehensive understanding and adherence to legal obligations, particularly in multi-state operations or partnership arrangements.
The upfront investment in legal counsel can yield invaluable dividends by preempting potential disputes or regulatory oversights.
Explore avenues for legal assistance, such as specialized services or legal consultations, to safeguard your business's legal integrity and mitigate future liabilities.
However, indiscriminate adoption of generic legal documents poses inherent risks.
Templates sourced from the internet may lack specificity or fail to address unique circumstances, potentially leading to contractual ambiguities or disputes.
Exercise prudence by scrutinizing online templates and supplementing them with professional legal review when necessary.
Customizing legal documents to align with your business's specific requirements enhances clarity and mitigates legal uncertainties.
submitted by twiddledee31 to LLChat [link] [comments]
Setting up your LLC is one of these areas.
Failure to navigate this process effectively can result in costly setbacks, both in terms of time and finances.
Here are six crucial mistakes to avoid:
1. Choosing The Wrong Entity
Selecting the appropriate type of LLC lays the foundation for your business's financial and operational framework.Single-member, multi-member, and S-Corp classifications offer distinct advantages and considerations.
A single-member LLC provides simplicity in paperwork while ensuring liability protection.
Conversely, opting for an S-Corp designation entails different tax obligations, potentially offering tax-saving opportunities for higher earners.
Understanding the nuances of each entity type is paramount.
Seeking guidance from seasoned professionals can illuminate the optimal choice tailored to your business needs and goals.
NOTE: The LLC service I recommended that gives the most hands on assistance with this is ZenBusiness, (affiliate link). The team there are great for giving advice on exactly how to navigate the various steps to forming your LLC, or S-Corp.
2. Incorporating in the Wrong State
Deciding where to incorporate your business involves weighing legal, financial, and administrative factors.While certain states like Delaware and Wyoming offer enticing legal and tax incentives, they may not be conducive to the needs of smaller enterprises or solo entrepreneurs.
Incorporating out of state may lead to increased paperwork, fees, and regulatory complexities, offsetting potential benefits.
Prioritize practicality and compliance by assessing the requirements of your home state and consulting legal counsel to navigate any jurisdictional considerations effectively.
3. Forgetting to Keep Your LLC Compliant
Establishing an LLC marks the beginning rather than the culmination of your compliance obligations.Maintaining regulatory adherence safeguards against risks such as piercing the corporate veil and personal liability exposure.
Vigilance in areas such as using the business name consistently, fulfilling annual reporting requirements, and segregating business finances from personal funds is imperative.
Engage with legal professionals or regulatory authorities to stay abreast of compliance obligations and fortify your business's legal standing.
4. Incorporating Without Required Licenses
Securing requisite licenses and permits is a prerequisite for conducting business lawfully in many industries and jurisdictions.Failure to obtain mandated licenses can result in penalties and operational disruptions.
Whether at the local, state, or federal level, thorough due diligence is necessary to identify and fulfill licensing requirements pertinent to your business activities.
Prioritize regulatory compliance by proactively acquiring the necessary licenses and permits, thereby mitigating legal and financial risks.
5. Failing to Get the Right Kind of Legal Assistance
While self-filing an LLC may suffice for straightforward cases, complex scenarios demand expert legal guidance.Collaborating with legal professionals ensures comprehensive understanding and adherence to legal obligations, particularly in multi-state operations or partnership arrangements.
The upfront investment in legal counsel can yield invaluable dividends by preempting potential disputes or regulatory oversights.
Explore avenues for legal assistance, such as specialized services or legal consultations, to safeguard your business's legal integrity and mitigate future liabilities.
6. Using Random Legal Documents Found Online
The proliferation of online resources offers convenience and accessibility in various facets of business management.However, indiscriminate adoption of generic legal documents poses inherent risks.
Templates sourced from the internet may lack specificity or fail to address unique circumstances, potentially leading to contractual ambiguities or disputes.
Exercise prudence by scrutinizing online templates and supplementing them with professional legal review when necessary.
Customizing legal documents to align with your business's specific requirements enhances clarity and mitigates legal uncertainties.
2024.05.14 20:00 Ton1206 Beyond Price Hype: Innovations And Use Cases Drive Web3 Adoption Cycle
| | Dusk is a blockchain platform designed for the compliant tokenization of securities, integrating privacy-centric technologies like Zero-Knowledge Proofs (ZKP) with a decentralized and performant Proof of Stake consensus. It supports secure, private financial transactions while adhering to regulatory compliance, enabling the issuance, trading, and management of programmable securities tokens. These tokens aim to reduce operational costs and enhance security for financial instruments such as shares and dividends. Featuring confidential smart contracts and a scalable, low-latency network with near-instant finality, Dusk offers institutional-grade functionality. This positions it as a pioneering force in decentralized finance (DeFi), appealing to businesses seeking to leverage blockchain for regulated financial markets, thus promoting wider institutional adoption without sacrificing privacy or compliance. By bridging the gap between blockchain technology and the needs of traditional finance, Dusk is poised to drive greater integration and mainstream acceptance of digital assets. submitted by Ton1206 to altcoin_news [link] [comments] |
2024.05.14 20:00 RateOdd93 How useful is CFA for someone that is working in international taxation ?
Hey folks,
I’m currently working in the field of transfer pricing, and I’ve been contemplating the potential benefits of pursuing the CFA. I’d love to hear from fellow transfer pricing professionals about their thoughts and experiences regarding the utility of CFA in our line of work.
Specifically, I’m curious about how obtaining the CFA designation could enhance my skill set as a transfer pricing advisor. Have any of you already pursued the CFA program, and if so, how has it impacted your career in transfer pricing?
From what I understand, the CFA curriculum covers a wide range of financial topics, including economics, financial reporting, and investment analysis, which seem relevant to transfer pricing work especially if you have to handle financial transactions. But I’m interested in hearing real-world perspectives on how these skills translate to the intricacies of transfer pricing analysis and strategy.
Do you believe that holding a CFA designation could provide a competitive edge in the transfer pricing field? Or perhaps you’ve found other certifications or educational paths to be more beneficial?
submitted by RateOdd93 to CFA [link] [comments]
I’m currently working in the field of transfer pricing, and I’ve been contemplating the potential benefits of pursuing the CFA. I’d love to hear from fellow transfer pricing professionals about their thoughts and experiences regarding the utility of CFA in our line of work.
Specifically, I’m curious about how obtaining the CFA designation could enhance my skill set as a transfer pricing advisor. Have any of you already pursued the CFA program, and if so, how has it impacted your career in transfer pricing?
From what I understand, the CFA curriculum covers a wide range of financial topics, including economics, financial reporting, and investment analysis, which seem relevant to transfer pricing work especially if you have to handle financial transactions. But I’m interested in hearing real-world perspectives on how these skills translate to the intricacies of transfer pricing analysis and strategy.
Do you believe that holding a CFA designation could provide a competitive edge in the transfer pricing field? Or perhaps you’ve found other certifications or educational paths to be more beneficial?
2024.05.14 20:00 Ton1206 Beyond Price Hype: Innovations like DUSK and ICONOMI Drive Web3 Adoption Cycle
Dusk is a blockchain platform designed for the compliant tokenization of securities, integrating privacy-centric technologies like Zero-Knowledge Proofs (ZKP) with a decentralized and performant Proof of Stake consensus. It supports secure, private financial transactions while adhering to regulatory compliance, enabling the issuance, trading, and management of programmable securities tokens. These tokens aim to reduce operational costs and enhance security for financial instruments such as shares and dividends. Featuring confidential smart contracts and a scalable, low-latency network with near-instant finality, Dusk offers institutional-grade functionality. This positions it as a pioneering force in decentralized finance (DeFi), appealing to businesses seeking to leverage blockchain for regulated financial markets, thus promoting wider institutional adoption without sacrificing privacy or compliance. By bridging the gap between blockchain technology and the needs of traditional finance, Dusk is poised to drive greater integration and mainstream acceptance of digital assets
submitted by Ton1206 to Crypto_General [link] [comments]
2024.05.14 19:53 LoansPayDayOnline Payday Loans for Bad Credit
 | Emergency loans are payday loans you use to pay for urgent, unexpected expenses such as medical care or home repairs. These loans are usually funded fast, and lenders can approve consumers with bad credit scores (typically between 550 and 629). Compare payday loans and other ways to get cash if you urgently need funds and have bad credit. submitted by LoansPayDayOnline to LoansPaydayOnline [link] [comments] All the lenders in our collection serve borrowers in a hurry (to cover an emergency auto repair, say, or an unexpected medical expense), and who have poor credit. We've included credit unions in the mix, because they are often the most consumer friendly, and you'll also find lenders with the most relaxed credit requirements (if not the most affordable rates). Payday Loans for bad credit are the same as the Payday Loans you can apply for in person. You can get the same amount of money and receive it via direct deposit just as quickly, making online Payday Loans for bad credit a solid loan option. Best Emergency Loans for Bad Credit: Compare Options for May 2024
Payday Loans for Bad CreditDid you know you may be able to get a Payday Loan with bad credit? In fact, Payday Loans are a viable option for people with all types of credit histories. Unlike most financial solutions, Payday Loans don’t solely rely on your credit score and consider other factors like your income and employment.Payday Loans also have other benefits. You typically get the loan funds fast and can use the money for whatever you need.Let’s dive deeper into Payday Loan options for people with bad or poor credit, what you can expect if you pursue one, and how to apply for a Payday Loan online.What is a Payday Loan for bad credit? A Payday Loan is designed to provide you with extra cash to hold you over until your next payday. This could make a Payday Loan for bad credit a good option for covering an emergency expense, like a car repair or medical bill, or simply paying for everyday essentials when money is tight. https://preview.redd.it/eku0bxzzjf0d1.png?width=900&format=png&auto=webp&s=9287a698d1a3854ca9c0fbb4fa41c8235c6388d7 How do Payday Loans for bad credit work? When you take out a Payday Loan, the amount you borrow is typically based on a portion of your expected paycheck – usually a couple hundred dollars or less. You then use the money for what you need and repay the loan in full on your next payday, which is usually within two to four weeks. Many payday lenders have less strict credit score requirements than banks and credit unions, so they rely on factors like your income and employment history when making their approval decision. This means you may still get approved for a Payday Loan without having good credit.
Pay your bills on timeEven one late payment can ding your credit. Focus on paying all your bills on time, including your mortgage, utilities, auto loans, and credit cards.If you struggle to remember your payment dates, enroll in automatic payments or set calendar reminders on your phone so you don’t forget and miss a payment. How to Choose the Best Emergency LoanWhen choosing an emergency loan for bad credit, some factors to consider include how much the loan will cost, the repayment terms you can get (which will determine your monthly payment), and how quickly you can apply and get funded.
Payday Loans for Bad Credit |
2024.05.14 19:52 Temporary_Noise_4014 Element79 Gold Corp Completes Maverick Springs Option Deal (CSE:ELEM, OTC:ELMGF)
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https://preview.redd.it/g3749b94kf0d1.png?width=461&format=png&auto=webp&s=a9b9096aaff750ac6f4a4541c2c552acaffad4d2 Element79 Gold Corp. (CSE: ELEM) (OTC: ELMGF) (FSE: 7YS) has successfully concluded the Binding Option Agreement with Sun Silver Limited, resulting in the transfer of ownership of the Maverick Springs Project to Sun Silver. This achievement marks a significant step in Element79 Gold Corp.’s ongoing strategy to enhance shareholder value through judicious asset management and partnerships. https://preview.redd.it/zk34dwj5kf0d1.jpg?width=982&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=bd001130b89e4f1d54f1a50f0ed0d830d82dfdef About Element79 Element79 Gold (CSE: ELEM) (OTC: ELMGF) (FSE: 7YS), a mining entity focused on gold and silver, is strategically positioning itself for significant operational advancements. The company is on track to recommence production at its Lucero project in Arequipa, Peru, targeting a restart by 2024. Lucero, known for its high-grade deposits, stands as a cornerstone in Element79 Gold’s portfolio. In addition to its developments in Peru, Element79 Gold holds an impressive suite of assets along the Battle Mountain trend in Nevada. This includes the promising Clover and West Whistler projects, which show potential for rapid resource development. Notably, three properties within this portfolio are poised for sale to Valdo Minerals Ltd., with the transaction expected to be finalized in the first half of 2024. Expanding its geographical footprint, Element79 Gold is also making strides in British Columbia. The company has initiated a drilling program and signed a Letter of Intent to acquire a private company holding an option for 100% interest in the Snowbird High-Grade Gold Project. This project comprises 10 mineral claims located strategically near Fort St. James, reinforcing the company’s asset base in central British Columbia. Further enhancing its asset management strategy, Element79 Gold has moved its Dale Property, located approximately 100 km southwest of Timmins, Ontario, into a spin-out process through its wholly owned subsidiary, Synergy Metals Corp. This strategic realignment is aimed at maximizing shareholder value through efficient asset utilization and focused corporate structuring. https://preview.redd.it/322fq3b6kf0d1.jpg?width=982&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=44a5d444b3a9b38587cdc29df877f32629682c9b Highlights of Element79 Gold’s Strategic Developments Since its acquisition in 2021, Element79 Gold has diligently advanced the Maverick Springs project, culminating in an updated 43-101 compliant inferred resource estimation of 3.71 million ounces of gold equivalent (AuEq). In pursuit of strategic partnerships to further develop Maverick Springs, Element79 Gold’s management successfully negotiated and entered into a Binding Option Agreement with Sun Silver in August 2023. This pivotal move aligns with the company’s strategic focus on the high-grade Lucero Project in Peru, which boasts near-term production potential. The transaction with Sun Silver not only shifts the company’s focus but also realizes significant value for Maverick Springs. Originally acquired and carried at CAD $3.337 million, the project was sold for CAD $5.033 million, reflecting an impressive return on investment of 51% within 28 months. The sale generated substantial financial gains for Element79 Gold, amounting to CAD $4,400,000 in cash and 3,500,000 ordinary shares in Sun Silver, valued at AUD $0.20 per share (fair market value of AUD $700,000). These shares are anticipated to be listed on the Australian Stock Exchange around May 15, 2024. A portion of the proceeds, CAD $2,200,000, will be allocated to settle the loan tied to the Waterton Contingent Value Rights Agreement. The remaining funds will be strategically used to further the development of other corporate projects and operations, reducing both capital debt and accounts payable. This strategic financial management underscores Element79 Gold’s commitment to optimizing its asset portfolio and enhancing shareholder value in the competitive mining sector. Key Financial Highlights
James Tworek, CEO of Element 79 Gold Corp https://preview.redd.it/1o7n5p47kf0d1.jpg?width=982&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=bf1a435e163dc9358b2f0169f1dff88449df0129 Collaboration with Artisanal Miners at Element79 Gold Element79 Gold (CSE: ELEM) (OTC: ELMGF) (FSE: 7YS) has actively engaged with local artisanal miners in Lomas Doradas to promote sustainable mining practices and community collaboration. In April, the company’s community relations team organized a significant meeting aimed at enhancing mutual support and establishing a formal collaboration for mineral extraction and ore sale processes. During this meeting, Element79 Gold presented draft contracts proposing 10-year surface access rights for exploration at the Lucero mine site, alongside similar access for local miners in designated areas. These agreements were intended to unify efforts and optimize ore market pricing, with the goal of creating mutual economic benefits. A critical follow-up meeting was held in Chachas on April 28th, where the community voted on these initiatives. This gathering aimed to solidify the partnership between Element79 Gold and the artisanal miners, moving towards formalizing their cooperative relationship and ensuring continued updates on the initiative’s progress. Conclusion Element79 Gold (CSE: ELEM) (OTC: ELMGF) (FSE: 7YS) is exemplifying strategic acumen and operational dexterity across its diverse portfolio. By actively managing its assets from the Lucero project in Peru to strategic ventures across Nevada and British Columbia, the company is effectively balancing exploration potential with financial stability. The successful negotiation and sale of the Maverick Springs project, alongside collaborative engagements like those with the artisanal miners of Lomas Doradas, highlight Element79 Gold’s commitment to ethical practices and community involvement. |
2024.05.14 19:51 Temporary_Noise_4014 Element79 Gold Corp Completes Maverick Springs Option Deal (CSE:ELEM, OTC:ELMGF)
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https://preview.redd.it/qknmstvzjf0d1.png?width=461&format=png&auto=webp&s=872e04eb5aa581fbc118aa2994b42f1b83897ab6 Element79 Gold Corp. (CSE: ELEM) (OTC: ELMGF) (FSE: 7YS) has successfully concluded the Binding Option Agreement with Sun Silver Limited, resulting in the transfer of ownership of the Maverick Springs Project to Sun Silver. This achievement marks a significant step in Element79 Gold Corp.’s ongoing strategy to enhance shareholder value through judicious asset management and partnerships. https://preview.redd.it/2n4bw4t0kf0d1.jpg?width=982&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2501656741a0c3aa623bce4df97e7802011f7266 About Element79 Element79 Gold (CSE: ELEM) (OTC: ELMGF) (FSE: 7YS), a mining entity focused on gold and silver, is strategically positioning itself for significant operational advancements. The company is on track to recommence production at its Lucero project in Arequipa, Peru, targeting a restart by 2024. Lucero, known for its high-grade deposits, stands as a cornerstone in Element79 Gold’s portfolio. In addition to its developments in Peru, Element79 Gold holds an impressive suite of assets along the Battle Mountain trend in Nevada. This includes the promising Clover and West Whistler projects, which show potential for rapid resource development. Notably, three properties within this portfolio are poised for sale to Valdo Minerals Ltd., with the transaction expected to be finalized in the first half of 2024. Expanding its geographical footprint, Element79 Gold is also making strides in British Columbia. The company has initiated a drilling program and signed a Letter of Intent to acquire a private company holding an option for 100% interest in the Snowbird High-Grade Gold Project. This project comprises 10 mineral claims located strategically near Fort St. James, reinforcing the company’s asset base in central British Columbia. Further enhancing its asset management strategy, Element79 Gold has moved its Dale Property, located approximately 100 km southwest of Timmins, Ontario, into a spin-out process through its wholly owned subsidiary, Synergy Metals Corp. This strategic realignment is aimed at maximizing shareholder value through efficient asset utilization and focused corporate structuring. https://preview.redd.it/2sulatf1kf0d1.jpg?width=982&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c805e2fdb4c741ce5fb84fe905df119c89514b14 Highlights of Element79 Gold’s Strategic Developments Since its acquisition in 2021, Element79 Gold has diligently advanced the Maverick Springs project, culminating in an updated 43-101 compliant inferred resource estimation of 3.71 million ounces of gold equivalent (AuEq). In pursuit of strategic partnerships to further develop Maverick Springs, Element79 Gold’s management successfully negotiated and entered into a Binding Option Agreement with Sun Silver in August 2023. This pivotal move aligns with the company’s strategic focus on the high-grade Lucero Project in Peru, which boasts near-term production potential. The transaction with Sun Silver not only shifts the company’s focus but also realizes significant value for Maverick Springs. Originally acquired and carried at CAD $3.337 million, the project was sold for CAD $5.033 million, reflecting an impressive return on investment of 51% within 28 months. The sale generated substantial financial gains for Element79 Gold, amounting to CAD $4,400,000 in cash and 3,500,000 ordinary shares in Sun Silver, valued at AUD $0.20 per share (fair market value of AUD $700,000). These shares are anticipated to be listed on the Australian Stock Exchange around May 15, 2024. A portion of the proceeds, CAD $2,200,000, will be allocated to settle the loan tied to the Waterton Contingent Value Rights Agreement. The remaining funds will be strategically used to further the development of other corporate projects and operations, reducing both capital debt and accounts payable. This strategic financial management underscores Element79 Gold’s commitment to optimizing its asset portfolio and enhancing shareholder value in the competitive mining sector. Key Financial Highlights
James Tworek, CEO of Element 79 Gold Corp https://preview.redd.it/bfpdqn62kf0d1.jpg?width=982&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=778ec66c0d2209ca193960cfbd82f2ec95bc0849 Collaboration with Artisanal Miners at Element79 Gold Element79 Gold (CSE: ELEM) (OTC: ELMGF) (FSE: 7YS) has actively engaged with local artisanal miners in Lomas Doradas to promote sustainable mining practices and community collaboration. In April, the company’s community relations team organized a significant meeting aimed at enhancing mutual support and establishing a formal collaboration for mineral extraction and ore sale processes. During this meeting, Element79 Gold presented draft contracts proposing 10-year surface access rights for exploration at the Lucero mine site, alongside similar access for local miners in designated areas. These agreements were intended to unify efforts and optimize ore market pricing, with the goal of creating mutual economic benefits. A critical follow-up meeting was held in Chachas on April 28th, where the community voted on these initiatives. This gathering aimed to solidify the partnership between Element79 Gold and the artisanal miners, moving towards formalizing their cooperative relationship and ensuring continued updates on the initiative’s progress. Conclusion Element79 Gold (CSE: ELEM) (OTC: ELMGF) (FSE: 7YS) is exemplifying strategic acumen and operational dexterity across its diverse portfolio. By actively managing its assets from the Lucero project in Peru to strategic ventures across Nevada and British Columbia, the company is effectively balancing exploration potential with financial stability. The successful negotiation and sale of the Maverick Springs project, alongside collaborative engagements like those with the artisanal miners of Lomas Doradas, highlight Element79 Gold’s commitment to ethical practices and community involvement. |
2024.05.14 19:51 Temporary_Noise_4014 Element79 Gold Corp Completes Maverick Springs Option Deal (CSE:ELEM, OTC:ELMGF)
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https://preview.redd.it/vw9ohgfvjf0d1.png?width=461&format=png&auto=webp&s=768843900362e2045e42e0b7c315efbb6ba80991 Element79 Gold Corp. (CSE: ELEM) (OTC: ELMGF) (FSE: 7YS) has successfully concluded the Binding Option Agreement with Sun Silver Limited, resulting in the transfer of ownership of the Maverick Springs Project to Sun Silver. This achievement marks a significant step in Element79 Gold Corp.’s ongoing strategy to enhance shareholder value through judicious asset management and partnerships. https://preview.redd.it/8vwq5cfwjf0d1.jpg?width=982&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=41130fe0637a273a353f07f8915baeb40263edb4 About Element79 Element79 Gold (CSE: ELEM) (OTC: ELMGF) (FSE: 7YS), a mining entity focused on gold and silver, is strategically positioning itself for significant operational advancements. The company is on track to recommence production at its Lucero project in Arequipa, Peru, targeting a restart by 2024. Lucero, known for its high-grade deposits, stands as a cornerstone in Element79 Gold’s portfolio. In addition to its developments in Peru, Element79 Gold holds an impressive suite of assets along the Battle Mountain trend in Nevada. This includes the promising Clover and West Whistler projects, which show potential for rapid resource development. Notably, three properties within this portfolio are poised for sale to Valdo Minerals Ltd., with the transaction expected to be finalized in the first half of 2024. Expanding its geographical footprint, Element79 Gold is also making strides in British Columbia. The company has initiated a drilling program and signed a Letter of Intent to acquire a private company holding an option for 100% interest in the Snowbird High-Grade Gold Project. This project comprises 10 mineral claims located strategically near Fort St. James, reinforcing the company’s asset base in central British Columbia. Further enhancing its asset management strategy, Element79 Gold has moved its Dale Property, located approximately 100 km southwest of Timmins, Ontario, into a spin-out process through its wholly owned subsidiary, Synergy Metals Corp. This strategic realignment is aimed at maximizing shareholder value through efficient asset utilization and focused corporate structuring. https://preview.redd.it/kg9kr14xjf0d1.jpg?width=982&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f8178d708b717b5a747cd4659ddc005e0456ea48 Highlights of Element79 Gold’s Strategic Developments Since its acquisition in 2021, Element79 Gold has diligently advanced the Maverick Springs project, culminating in an updated 43-101 compliant inferred resource estimation of 3.71 million ounces of gold equivalent (AuEq). In pursuit of strategic partnerships to further develop Maverick Springs, Element79 Gold’s management successfully negotiated and entered into a Binding Option Agreement with Sun Silver in August 2023. This pivotal move aligns with the company’s strategic focus on the high-grade Lucero Project in Peru, which boasts near-term production potential. The transaction with Sun Silver not only shifts the company’s focus but also realizes significant value for Maverick Springs. Originally acquired and carried at CAD $3.337 million, the project was sold for CAD $5.033 million, reflecting an impressive return on investment of 51% within 28 months. The sale generated substantial financial gains for Element79 Gold, amounting to CAD $4,400,000 in cash and 3,500,000 ordinary shares in Sun Silver, valued at AUD $0.20 per share (fair market value of AUD $700,000). These shares are anticipated to be listed on the Australian Stock Exchange around May 15, 2024. A portion of the proceeds, CAD $2,200,000, will be allocated to settle the loan tied to the Waterton Contingent Value Rights Agreement. The remaining funds will be strategically used to further the development of other corporate projects and operations, reducing both capital debt and accounts payable. This strategic financial management underscores Element79 Gold’s commitment to optimizing its asset portfolio and enhancing shareholder value in the competitive mining sector. Key Financial Highlights
James Tworek, CEO of Element 79 Gold Corp https://preview.redd.it/qyjy1cyxjf0d1.jpg?width=982&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3502cef4e7ca60ed7b10df212cb43a8383c77a03 Collaboration with Artisanal Miners at Element79 Gold Element79 Gold (CSE: ELEM) (OTC: ELMGF) (FSE: 7YS) has actively engaged with local artisanal miners in Lomas Doradas to promote sustainable mining practices and community collaboration. In April, the company’s community relations team organized a significant meeting aimed at enhancing mutual support and establishing a formal collaboration for mineral extraction and ore sale processes. During this meeting, Element79 Gold presented draft contracts proposing 10-year surface access rights for exploration at the Lucero mine site, alongside similar access for local miners in designated areas. These agreements were intended to unify efforts and optimize ore market pricing, with the goal of creating mutual economic benefits. A critical follow-up meeting was held in Chachas on April 28th, where the community voted on these initiatives. This gathering aimed to solidify the partnership between Element79 Gold and the artisanal miners, moving towards formalizing their cooperative relationship and ensuring continued updates on the initiative’s progress. Conclusion Element79 Gold (CSE: ELEM) (OTC: ELMGF) (FSE: 7YS) is exemplifying strategic acumen and operational dexterity across its diverse portfolio. By actively managing its assets from the Lucero project in Peru to strategic ventures across Nevada and British Columbia, the company is effectively balancing exploration potential with financial stability. The successful negotiation and sale of the Maverick Springs project, alongside collaborative engagements like those with the artisanal miners of Lomas Doradas, highlight Element79 Gold’s commitment to ethical practices and community involvement. |
2024.05.14 19:50 Temporary_Noise_4014 Element79 Gold Corp Completes Maverick Springs Option Deal (CSE:ELEM, OTC:ELMGF)
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https://preview.redd.it/ceol99o4jf0d1.png?width=461&format=png&auto=webp&s=ee1e71bcd527cb70dc4fbff8414e6780e8d34f52 Element79 Gold Corp. (CSE: ELEM) (OTC: ELMGF) (FSE: 7YS) has successfully concluded the Binding Option Agreement with Sun Silver Limited, resulting in the transfer of ownership of the Maverick Springs Project to Sun Silver. This achievement marks a significant step in Element79 Gold Corp.’s ongoing strategy to enhance shareholder value through judicious asset management and partnerships. https://preview.redd.it/nqdl7jebjf0d1.jpg?width=982&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=7bb1e9c09589083e4356420ef4f3bda27eabf5a0 About Element79 Element79 Gold (CSE: ELEM) (OTC: ELMGF) (FSE: 7YS), a mining entity focused on gold and silver, is strategically positioning itself for significant operational advancements. The company is on track to recommence production at its Lucero project in Arequipa, Peru, targeting a restart by 2024. Lucero, known for its high-grade deposits, stands as a cornerstone in Element79 Gold’s portfolio. In addition to its developments in Peru, Element79 Gold holds an impressive suite of assets along the Battle Mountain trend in Nevada. This includes the promising Clover and West Whistler projects, which show potential for rapid resource development. Notably, three properties within this portfolio are poised for sale to Valdo Minerals Ltd., with the transaction expected to be finalized in the first half of 2024. Expanding its geographical footprint, Element79 Gold is also making strides in British Columbia. The company has initiated a drilling program and signed a Letter of Intent to acquire a private company holding an option for 100% interest in the Snowbird High-Grade Gold Project. This project comprises 10 mineral claims located strategically near Fort St. James, reinforcing the company’s asset base in central British Columbia. Further enhancing its asset management strategy, Element79 Gold has moved its Dale Property, located approximately 100 km southwest of Timmins, Ontario, into a spin-out process through its wholly owned subsidiary, Synergy Metals Corp. This strategic realignment is aimed at maximizing shareholder value through efficient asset utilization and focused corporate structuring. https://preview.redd.it/jpa3liwfjf0d1.jpg?width=982&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6b8eb77e02d3a71db3c354c7f6dddefd54837aa6 Highlights of Element79 Gold’s Strategic Developments Since its acquisition in 2021, Element79 Gold has diligently advanced the Maverick Springs project, culminating in an updated 43-101 compliant inferred resource estimation of 3.71 million ounces of gold equivalent (AuEq). In pursuit of strategic partnerships to further develop Maverick Springs, Element79 Gold’s management successfully negotiated and entered into a Binding Option Agreement with Sun Silver in August 2023. This pivotal move aligns with the company’s strategic focus on the high-grade Lucero Project in Peru, which boasts near-term production potential. The transaction with Sun Silver not only shifts the company’s focus but also realizes significant value for Maverick Springs. Originally acquired and carried at CAD $3.337 million, the project was sold for CAD $5.033 million, reflecting an impressive return on investment of 51% within 28 months. The sale generated substantial financial gains for Element79 Gold, amounting to CAD $4,400,000 in cash and 3,500,000 ordinary shares in Sun Silver, valued at AUD $0.20 per share (fair market value of AUD $700,000). These shares are anticipated to be listed on the Australian Stock Exchange around May 15, 2024. A portion of the proceeds, CAD $2,200,000, will be allocated to settle the loan tied to the Waterton Contingent Value Rights Agreement. The remaining funds will be strategically used to further the development of other corporate projects and operations, reducing both capital debt and accounts payable. This strategic financial management underscores Element79 Gold’s commitment to optimizing its asset portfolio and enhancing shareholder value in the competitive mining sector. Key Financial Highlights
James Tworek, CEO of Element 79 Gold Corp https://preview.redd.it/imnt0n8mjf0d1.jpg?width=982&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ff8e64053a3e32b3d1ada611347e9bf6fedf8bca Collaboration with Artisanal Miners at Element79 Gold Element79 Gold (CSE: ELEM) (OTC: ELMGF) (FSE: 7YS) has actively engaged with local artisanal miners in Lomas Doradas to promote sustainable mining practices and community collaboration. In April, the company’s community relations team organized a significant meeting aimed at enhancing mutual support and establishing a formal collaboration for mineral extraction and ore sale processes. During this meeting, Element79 Gold presented draft contracts proposing 10-year surface access rights for exploration at the Lucero mine site, alongside similar access for local miners in designated areas. These agreements were intended to unify efforts and optimize ore market pricing, with the goal of creating mutual economic benefits. A critical follow-up meeting was held in Chachas on April 28th, where the community voted on these initiatives. This gathering aimed to solidify the partnership between Element79 Gold and the artisanal miners, moving towards formalizing their cooperative relationship and ensuring continued updates on the initiative’s progress. Conclusion Element79 Gold (CSE: ELEM) (OTC: ELMGF) (FSE: 7YS) is exemplifying strategic acumen and operational dexterity across its diverse portfolio. By actively managing its assets from the Lucero project in Peru to strategic ventures across Nevada and British Columbia, the company is effectively balancing exploration potential with financial stability. The successful negotiation and sale of the Maverick Springs project, alongside collaborative engagements like those with the artisanal miners of Lomas Doradas, highlight Element79 Gold’s commitment to ethical practices and community involvement. |
2024.05.14 19:32 gringogidget German Client Won’t Pay $30,000 CAD
I was hired by a German company as a freelancer to complete a website design and was verbally informed during onboarding of additional tasks including SEO analysis, content help, web development, and branding. My contract clearly states that I will bill a specified rate for any additional tasks requested.
Since starting in November 2023, I continued working under the terms that included 50% payment upfront and the remaining 50% upon completion or six weeks from the start date. Despite submitting my invoices since February to the marketing director, who was responsible for task assignments and project management, payment delays occurred, including being two months late for my initial deposit. I continued to work out of good faith, partly because a friend works at this company. The marketing Director had assured me before 2024 that there was a marketing budget for my additional expenses. I have this in a screen cap and this was also provided to the employer.
Two months ago, my direct supervisor, the marketing director, was fired, and a new project manager was assigned. Despite resubmitting my invoices through the new manager and providing ample evidence of my work, including screenshots from Asana and Jira and completed documents, I faced denial and gaslighting about my task completion. This is especially wild because I have been attending tech meetings and given Web development tasks by the owner himself, and he continues to gaslight that I had done any work, even further despite showing version control coding proof.
Currently, the website design is unfinished due to the extensive additional tasks, which (understandably) has greatly delayed this project. The company owes me about $30,000 CAD. They refuse to pay until the website is completed, but I lack confidence that they will pay even if I finish the work. Do I have any legal grounds or a case here? Financially, I am at a breaking point and considering cutting my losses. I cannot do any anymore work for them because if I don’t secure work or a job right now I will lose my entire livelihood. I’ve never encountered this before and made a stupid assumption that a company would pay me for the hours I worked.
This is so complicated because it’s Canada vs Germany.
submitted by gringogidget to legaladvicecanada [link] [comments]
Since starting in November 2023, I continued working under the terms that included 50% payment upfront and the remaining 50% upon completion or six weeks from the start date. Despite submitting my invoices since February to the marketing director, who was responsible for task assignments and project management, payment delays occurred, including being two months late for my initial deposit. I continued to work out of good faith, partly because a friend works at this company. The marketing Director had assured me before 2024 that there was a marketing budget for my additional expenses. I have this in a screen cap and this was also provided to the employer.
Two months ago, my direct supervisor, the marketing director, was fired, and a new project manager was assigned. Despite resubmitting my invoices through the new manager and providing ample evidence of my work, including screenshots from Asana and Jira and completed documents, I faced denial and gaslighting about my task completion. This is especially wild because I have been attending tech meetings and given Web development tasks by the owner himself, and he continues to gaslight that I had done any work, even further despite showing version control coding proof.
Currently, the website design is unfinished due to the extensive additional tasks, which (understandably) has greatly delayed this project. The company owes me about $30,000 CAD. They refuse to pay until the website is completed, but I lack confidence that they will pay even if I finish the work. Do I have any legal grounds or a case here? Financially, I am at a breaking point and considering cutting my losses. I cannot do any anymore work for them because if I don’t secure work or a job right now I will lose my entire livelihood. I’ve never encountered this before and made a stupid assumption that a company would pay me for the hours I worked.
This is so complicated because it’s Canada vs Germany.
2024.05.14 19:32 Sylesth Combat Artificer - 67
My car's transmission is on the fritz, so it's in the shop and I'm working from home for at least today. Thank goodness I can even work from home, or things would be a lot more complicated. Anyways, that's just a bit of a vent. I've also decided that I might do little lore-esque prechapter bits for some extra flavor. Hope you guys enjoy them! I find them to be fun little thought experiments on how people might perceive the world I've created from within vs from my own perspective. Enjoy some crafting and some romance!
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We know that the spots that are caused by looking at a source of light are, in fact, damage of some sort to the eye. This is confirmed by the spots rapidly disappearing should someone be healed whilst experiencing them. But why? Is there a divinity within light, beyond what our mortal eyes can withstand? Is there some sort of invisible emanation that comes alongside the light that damages us in some way? The discovery of light damaging the eye has opened more questions for me than it has closed.
-Musings on the Relations of Light and Fire, by Jarwic Leftun
\***
Xander carefully opened the door, finding Gabrelle already asleep, and sat down on a chair. Maybe he could get that adaptive camouflage to work right on bright colors. Surely he had some colorful things in his inventory.
He did in fact have a few colorful things in his inventory, and he whiled the rest of the night away making small adjustments to the runic array that was embroidered into the cloth. He was satisfied before dawn, the cloth now performing as well with light colors as it had with darker colors. Now he just needed to make a cloak out of it. He briefly considered coating his armor with the array, but discarded it. There might be times where he’d want to be seen. Besides, a hooded cloak would better break up the outline of his figure, the ripples of fabric, especially if he were to crouch or lay prone, obscuring his outline even more. In little time at all, he had a long, deep hooded cloak of the color shifting, runed cloth in his hands. He stashed it in his inventory for now, as he had no particular need to sneak up on something right now. The rest of the time before dawn he spent silently sitting in the chair he’d chosen, trying to keep his thoughts to a minimum, just daydreaming. Night dreaming? He couldn’t sleep anymore, but that didn’t mean he couldn’t try to let his mind wander.
As the dawn came and the sun began to shine through the window of the room, Gabrelle slowly awoke, once more finding Xander sitting in a chair rather than in bed.
“Mmf,” She grunted as she stretched. “Morning, Xander. You got back late.”
“Morning, yourself,” Xander said, turning his head to look at Gabrelle. “Yeah... Yeah, I guess I did.”
“What were you doing, anyway?” She asked, curious. “You didn’t mention that you’d be out late, just that you were going to go to see Valteria at her shop.”
“I uh... went on a date.”
“I knew it! ‘Comparing notes’ was a date!” Gabrelle exclaimed triumphantly.
“It was not!” Xander complained. “But we went to a tavern in the evening and it sort of... turned into a date on the way there.”
“Awhh, that’s so cute,” Gabrelle said. “Did it go well? Is she nice? Did you kiss?”
“I think it went well. We talked a lot about different projects and ideas we had. I also got to meet another [Godsmarked] - he owns the tavern we went to. I think she’s nice. Maybe a little shy. I think she’s gotten used to being treated differently by people. I don’t think she really believed that I wanted to go on a date with her, at first. ...And yes. We kissed.”
“Ooooh, look at you! You’re growing up so fast!” Gabrelle teased.
“Oh hush. I’m older than you!” Xander huffed, then returned to seriousness. “But ah, if I’m going to be dating someone... we need to have a conversation, Gabrelle.”
“We need to stop sleeping together?” Gabrelle quickly deduced before Xander could say it himself.
“Yeah... It doesn’t feel right, even though it’s just platonic between us. I don’t think I would appreciate being in Valteria’s situation and knowing that the person I was seeing was sleeping with someone else at night.”
“Well, I figured this would happen eventually,” Gabrelle said. “Either you or I were bound to find someone eventually. Don’t worry, I’m not upset. Don’t get me wrong, the snuggles were nice, but like I told you a while ago, I don’t have nearly as much trouble sleeping when I’m with the team.”
“Thanks for not being upset, Gabrelle.”
“You know this means you have to start paying for your own room, though, right?”
“Ah, shit, you’re right. I forgot.”
Xander left the room to allow Gabrelle some privacy to get dressed and meandered back down the stairs to see if any other members of the team were already up. Looking around, he spied Graffus eating breakfast at at table and moved to sit with the dwarf.
“Mornin’” Graffus greeted Xander through a mouthful of bread.
“Morning,” Xander greeted back.
“Glad to see you made it back, we were wondering if you’d be out all night,” Graffus told him, after swallowing his bread.
“I was out a bit late, I suppose. I let the time get away from me.” Xander said, not really wanted to be teased again about going out on a date. “So what are you planning to do today?”
“Bah, Frazay has roped me into helping her do research for the drakeling. So reading is what’s in store for me.” Graffus tore himself off another piece of bread from his plate and slathered it with jam. “You going to be going back to that [Tinker] you’ve been spending time with lately?”
“Yeah, that’s the plan. I’m supposed to learn more about converting mana types today, and also help her fix the suit of armor that I wrecked.”
“Welp,” Graffus said, now on his last piece of bread, “I hope ya learn something new. Never had much to do with [Tinker]s – not saying I dislike them, just that I haven’t had much experience with them – so it don’t make much sense to me. Using a hammer is about the only overlap in our professions.”
“I think your hammer is significantly larger than the one most [Tinker]s would use,” Xander chuckled. Thinking about what he should be doing before he headed to Valteria’s, he asked Graffus, “Hey, I might need to buy some monster parts or elemental cores, something like that, for practice. You know where I would go to find stuff like that?”
Graffus shrugged. “Dunno. My guess would be an alchemy and reagents shop. That’s generally what we’ve sold monster parts to that didn’t go to a smith or leatherworker.”
“Thanks, Graffus.”
The two of them chatted for a while longer, catching up on what each other had been doing. Graffus excused himself to finish getting ready for the day, saying he needed to tend to his beard, leaving Xander downstairs. Deciding to be productive and proactive, Xander stood as well and headed out of the inn to find an alchemy shop.
It wasn’t long before he found one, a familiar scene of an eclectic collection of powders, liquids, crystals, and strange organic things floating in jars inside the building. The proprietor was a dwarf, seated at a workbench. They were grinding something into a powder as Xander entered. He received a distracted greeting before the dwarf returned to his work.
Xander wandered about the shop for a few minutes, looking at the various materials throughout the shop. He identified what he thought might be an elemental core, a jagged piece of crystal looking material that seemed to have an inner flame. As for the monster parts in jars, Xander had no idea what was what. He finally felt he’d waited long enough and moved closer to the worktable that the dwarf was still sitting at, working away at the mortar and pestle.
“Excuse me,” Xander said, grabbing the shopkeep’s attention.
“Mm?” The dwarf said questioningly. “Can I help you find something?”
“I was wondering if you had any elemental cores. Something small, I just need one to practice with.”
“Aye, I’ve a few of them around the shop. You want something to practice with? So a relatively weak core, then – not all the small ones are weak. Do you need any particular type?” The dwarf stood up and stretched, moving to one of the shelves.
“Uhm no, just whatever is cost effective, I suppose.”
The alchemist rifled through the various bits and bobs on one of the shelves nearby before producing a small chip of what looked to be a semi-translucent stone. It was tinged slightly yellow with streaks of white. “This here is a chip off a lightning attuned core. Pretty weak, but it does still produce mana.”
Xander could see the dwarf’s arm hair standing up as if from static electicity as he held up the stone. “How much?” He asked.
“Twenty gold.”
Xander shrugged. Twenty gold wasn’t an issue for him anymore, and he didn’t feel like haggling. He always hated haggling. “Sure.” He fished out the coin and handed it over to the dwarf.
The dwarf handed over the stone to Xander and the pop of a static electric shock could be heard as a tiny arc passed between the two of them. The dwarf grunted and shook his hand. “Thanks for the business,” he told Xander. “Anything else you find yourself in need of?”
“Not at the moment, but thanks for asking.” Xander waved goodbye to the dwarf and pocketed the tiny elemental core. He continued down the street in the direction of Valteria’s shop, thinking about how he was going to undo the welding job he’d done on Valteria’s armor. He’d need her to guide his repair efforts.
Xander returned to the inn momentarily to grab one of his golems. He settled on Atlas for now, as it was the most basic of the humanoid forms he’d created. No extra arms or weird feet on him, no sir.
Arriving at the building that contained Valteria’s home and shop, Xander knocked before opening the door. “Morning,” he called out.
“Xander! Hello!” Valteria called out. She was at the same work bench she’d been at yesterday. Jarrett didn’t seem to be in the shop at the moment, as Xander wasn’t able to spot the man.
Commanding Atlas to follow him in and closing the door behind him, Xander started walking towards Valteria. “How’s it going?” He asked.
“Good, it’s going good,” Valteria responded as Xander brought a stool over to her workbench. “How about yourself?”
“Not bad. The upside of not sleeping is that I never struggle in the mornings now. I used to hate waking up.” Xander laughed. “I even ran an errand before I came here! Picked up this.” Xander fished around in his pocket until he found the small chip of elemental core and held it up for Valteria to see.
“Core?” She asked distractedly, staring at Atlas. She tore her eyes away and looked closely at the small crystalline stone. “Lightning attuned?”
“That’s what the [Alchemist] at the shop said,” Xander affirmed. “Said it was a very weak one, but that it did still produce mana.”
“Mmm, a good practice piece, then.”
“I thought it would be, too. Not that I know what to do with it, yet.”
“Well, how about this: I teach you to set the stone and make some conduit, and then you can help me fix my armor. All the glue has turned to dust by now, thank the gods.”
“Sounds fair enough. So, how do mana conduits work?”
“Well, the concept is simple enough. It’s a tube which conducts mana,” Valteria began to explain.
“Mmhm.” Xander nodded along.
“What you need is a setting – usually of silver, as it has good mana conductivity – which will be the first step of conduction, taking the mana from the stone. Simply wrapping the core in silver wire can work well enough, drawing in the mana that the core puts out through its surface, but for a more effecient setting, small holes are usually drilled into the core to set the wire into as well, giving more surface area to draw from.”
“So we care about the mana conductivity of the material, then? That makes sense, I just hadn’t thought about it. I actually did a little experiment with my rune work to test which fillings were the most conductive.”
“Oh really?” Valteria said, interested. “What were your results?”
“Well, gold and silver were high up there in conductivity, and probably make the most sense for someone who has to physically manipulate material without use of a skill – both for a core setting and for inlaying a rune – but I did find that sapphires and rubies were even more efficient at transferring mana than gold and silver.”
“Mmm... interesting. I’ve heard of gemstones being used in very high-grade settings, as well as various other exotic materials. I read an account of one [Mechanist] who used tubes of mercury to conduct mana, though the relative effectiveness compared to silver wasn’t mentioned.” Valteria cleared her throat. “Uhm, now, where was I? Right, basic settings. Once you have your core – or monster organ, if you’re going that route – you connect it to the conduit. Usually, this is also silver wiring. I like to braid several smaller wires together, personally. I find it to be sturdier and hold up to flexing better. From there, it needs to be tied into a device. Which is a topic for tomorrow.” Looking around the shop, Valteria seemed to identify something on one of the shelves nearby. “I have a core that you could watch me set, and then you could try setting your own, if you’d like.”
“That sounds good to me,” Xander said. “I always love to see a master as work,” he added, opting for a little flattery.
“Follow me, then.” Valteria said, standing up from her stool and waving for Xander to follow.
Xander followed Valteria as she walked over to the shelf she’d been looking at earlier and took a palm sized, bright green stone from it. “Nature attuned core,” She explained, holding it for Xander to see. “I’m told it was taken from some kind of moving tree.” Valteria then moved to another worktable, on which were several of what looked to be drill bits to Xander. There was also an apparatus that look like it was designed to hold the bits, which was confirmed for him when Valteria slotted one of the small drill heads into the device. “This thing,” Valteria said, waving the drill a little bit, “is a life saver. I used to have to drill holes with a hand cranked one. Worth every single coin I paid for it to get an enchanted one.” She turned a dial on one side of the handheld device, which Xander was coming to think of as a magic dremel tool, and it began to come to life, the drill bit beginning to spin with a quiet whirring sound.
“Neat.” Xander commented. He watched patiently as Valteria drilled a series of shallow holes in the stone, the distinct screeching of metal on stone echoing through the shop floor. “So where’s Jarrett today?” He asked.
“Oh, he has the day off today. He asked for it about a week ago, not sure what for, though,” Valteria said distractedly. Soon she was finished with the holes she was drilling into the core, and moved to another workbench. “Now we create a setting for the core. This is a fairly simple way of doing it, mind you, but it is effective.”
Xander watched as she took sections of pre-braided silver wire and fitted the ends into the holes she had drilled. Once each hole was filled with a section of wire, Valteria began to pull wire from a spool, wrapping the stone until it was completely covered with silver wire and binding the braided sections to the stone in the process. “There,” she said, setting the stone down on the workbench. “A perfectly serviceable setting."
“So, if I understand correctly, you coat the core in a mana conductive material – the more surface area, the better, hence the holes – to create a setting?”
“Mmhmm,” Valteria said, nodding.
“Seems fairly straighforward. And then you connect the silver wiring that’s wrapped around it to more wiring, and attach that to your device? Why the distance? Why not just connect the setting directly to the device?”
“You absolutely can, if space isn’t an issue. Technically, the connection between the mana battery and the device, even if it’s just a single point with no distance, is still referred to as a conduit, though, so it’s considered a three part creation.”
“Oh, I see.”
“Do you want to try making your own, now? I don’t mind lending you a little wire.”
“Sure, but I should be good on material, I can produce it with my skills. Doesn’t last without a source of mana, but I guess the core itself might provide enough. Think this little chip is a bit small to put holes in, though.”
Xander looked at the small piece of crystal in his hand. If he just need as much contact as possible with a mana conductive material, his best bet would be to embed it into a sapphire or ruby. He decided on ruby, for no particular reason. Still holding the chip of core in his hand, he concentrated on his [Creation] ability. Valteria watched, amazed, as a ruby began to take form and grow around the piece of core until it was completely coated in a thin layer of gemstone.
“So, you can just... make things?” Valteria asked, sounding jealous.
“Well, it costs mana, and anything I make that isn’t provided a source of mana that leaves my person disintegrates in a day, but, yes. I can just make things with my skills. But,” he added, cutting off Valteria’s complaint of unfairness, “I have never received a skill that actually lets me improve a material. Sure, I have runes, which generally makes up the difference, but I don’t have any skills that improve the things I make. So, if you made a mana battery, and I made a mana battery the same way with identical materials, yours is going to be better, I assume, because you have skills that passively improve the things that you make, am I right?”
“Okayyy,” Valteria huffed. “I guess that does make it a little less unfair. But ugh! It would be so nice not having to source materials.” She looked at the ruby with a piece of core set inside it that Xander had made. “Well, I guess that about does it for making a setting... I thought it might have taken you longer to make one. I guess we can move on to fixing my armor even sooner! It’ll be nice to have it up and moving again.”
“Sure, sure, we can do that. Where is it, anyway?” Xander asked, looking around the shop again like he somehow would have missed the eight foot tall suit of armor.
“It’s in a shed behind the house,” Valteria explained. “I have it on a hoist so I can work on it.”
“Ah, that would explain why I haven’t seen it around.”
Exiting the shop, stopping for Valteria to put a small ‘closed’ sign on the door, the two of them made their way around the building, where Xander saw the small shed that presumably held Valteria’s armor. It looked like it could just barely hold the armor and one person – two, if they were comfortable with each other – inside it.
“So this is where the magic happens?” Xander asked.
“If by ‘magic’ you mean maintenance and upgrades, then yes,” Valteria agreed. She opened the door of the shed, which comprised most of the front of the tiny little building, revealing her suit of armor, which was currently hanging from several chains attached to pulleys on the ceiling. Plates of armor were laying strewn about the suite, leaving the joints and inner workings more exposed.
Xander whistled, looking at the inner workings of the suit. He could see gears, cogs, and joints, and throughout the entirety of the armor were running filaments of silver wire, which he assumed were mana conduits running to and from elemental cores and the various mana powered aspects of the suit. “This thing really is impressive. Almost as impressive as the woman who made it,” he said.
Valteria giggled, “Stop it! You’re supposed to be fixing this mess, not flirting with me!”
“Awh, can’t I do both?” Xander asked, trying to sound as saccharine as possible.
“Mmm, I suppose that if you are sufficiently skilled at multitasking, I might allow it,” Valteria said in a mockingly thoughtful tone.
“Well, I just so happen to be an expert, so flirt away I shall,” Xander replied. “Now, how about the beauty in front of me shows me exactly where the other beauty in front of me needs some repairs?”
Valteria sighed at Xander’s antics, but he could see the slight flush in her face. “Well, you welded the wrist joints, elbows, and knees. They aren’t welded all the way round, it’s more like you smoothed over a portion of it like it was wet clay. So if you could just... put it back? Shape it back to how it was, that’s should be all that’s needed.”
“Pretty straightforward,” Xander said, standing behind Valteria as she pointed out each joint. He could see the misshapen parts where he’d slapped a weld onto the metal. He leaned over her and put his hands on the elbow joint that they were closest to and began to shape the metal back to its original form.
“You’re... very close,” Valteria murmured to him as he formed the metal.
“Would you like me not to be?” He asked, carefully.
Valteria was silent for a moment before answering, “No...” quietly.
Xander carefully shifted to be a little closer, but still not quite touching, as he moved on to the wrist joint of the same arm. The process itself was simple, but he was enjoying taking his time. As he finished the wrist, he turned to look at Valteria. He found himself looking right into her eyes, as she was staring back at him. Unable to resist the temptation he leaned in a little closer, gauging Valteria’s reaction. When she, too, leaned towards him, he closed the small gap between them, drawing her into another kiss. Valteria pressed herself against him, the shed hiding them from any prying eyes on the street, and let out a small noise as Xander squeezed her tight. She was breathing a little bit harder than before the kiss as they separated again.
Valteria let out a breath. “You’re… a really good kisser.”
“Yeah?” Xander said, pleased with himself. “You’re not so bad yourself.”
“And you’re a tease, looming over me like that in this tiny little shed,” Valteria continued. “Now you’ve got me all flustered, how am I supposed to work now?” She mock complained.
Xander was glad to see that Valteria was comfortable enough with him to joke like that. “Forgive me,” he said formally, making a deep bow, “How ever can I make it up to the lady?”
“Oh stop it, I will tolerate no bowing and scraping, even in jest,” Valteria said, slapping him lightly on the shoulder, as he was still holding the bow. “You can make it up to me by fixing the rest of these joints! And by taking me out to dinner?” She added, hopefully.
“I think that can be arranged,” Xander said. “Is there anywhere you have in mind? I will admit, I haven’t become very familiar with the local restaurant scene, what with my… dietary restrictions.”
“It doesn’t… make you feel bad to go out to a restaurant, does it?” Valteria asked softly, watching his face for a reaction.
“Nah, don’t worry,” Xander said, waving off the question with one hand. “It doesn’t bother me too much. Sure, I miss the taste of a good cut of steak, but I was never that into food. Eating was more of a thing I did because I had to, so I’m not completely devastated by the loss. And I can still get some vicarious enjoyment out of watching someone else enjoy their food. Really the worst part is awkwardly having to refuse ordering anything,” he said with a laugh.
“Alright, if you say so,” Valteria said, letting out a slight breath of relief. “I was just worried that it might be upsetting to you, is all. I know I would miss eating.” She paused for a moment, something clearly on her mind. “What do you miss? If you don’t mind my asking. I just… well, I’m curious what it’s like for you.”
“Mmm, in a lot of ways, life is still the same, and in other ways, I’m technically doing better than I was before. I’m incredibly resistant to damage now, even without my armor. I do miss sleeping, though. I try to give my mind a rest and just sort of daydream and let my thoughts wander or do some meditation during the nights, but it’s just not the same. Also means I’m the one that pulls guard duty through the night,” he grumbled. “Let’s see, what else, what else. Ah, right. I can’t smell anything. Or taste. I haven’t worked out how to recreate those senses, yet. Though no sense of smell can be handy sometimes, I suppose. I don’t know if you’ve done much merc work – you mentioned being surprised that I’m not just moonlighting – but uh… the smells that you encounter on a battlefield are… unpleasant. To say the least. It was weird not having a sense of touch either, but I’ve resolved that. It’s a little bit different than my previous, natural sense of touch, but I’ve become accustomed to it to the point that I don’t much think about the difference anymore. I think I’ve even got the density of receptors down in certain areas compared to others, so I'm more sensitive in some areas than others now, just like I used to be. I’m still immune to being tickled though, so don’t even think about it – that’s a fight you’ll lose.” Growing a bit more somber, Xander continued on. “I think… the biggest thing I miss is just the feeling that I fit in more. Now I always worry about being different, there’s that nagging fear that anyone I get to know well is going to reject me once they find out what I am. Like I’m secretly lying to everyone around me with this façade I have going on.”
Valteria nodded sadly. “I get that. I’ve been… rejected before, too. At least it happens or not right from the beginning for me. I get to know if they look down on me for being different immediately instead of fearing they might later down the road.”
“Yeah,” Xander said. “People can really suck sometimes. But at least I can just, like, not tell people what I am if I so chose. You, my teammates, and the guild, since it’s on my status sheet, are really the only people who know. I keep it pretty private. You can’t do that, so I think you probably have to deal with a lot worse than I do. Not that I’d want you to hide what or who you are,” he added. “I happen to be quite enamored with who you are,” he said, teasing a smile from Valteria’s sad face.
“Sorry to bring up such a dour topic,” Valteria apologized. “I didn’t think much on it before I asked.”
“No worries,” Xander told her. “Honestly, I think it’s good to be able to talk about it with someone. It’s healthy to be able to get you feelings out there. And it helps that I feel like you understand where I’m coming from with it, though from a slightly different perspective.”
“You’re surprisingly thoughtful sometimes,” Valteria said, only half teasing.
“Only sometimes?” Xander asked with a faux expression of hurt on his face. “By the way, you didn’t react much to my comment about moonlighting as a merc. Do you ever go on contracts?”
Valteria shrugged. “I certainly wouldn’t describe myself as a professional mercenary. Moonlighter is an apt descriptor, for me, I think. I have gone on a couple, here and there, mostly on kill contracts that would net me a core or organ that would be useful for my work.”
“Mm, that makes sense. I suppose it could be handy having access to the ability to take contracts that would give you access to specialty materials,” Xander said.
“It’s also good for business,” Valteria explained. “Mercs tend to like to buy from someone who has at least been out on a contract or two before.”
“Ah, that makes sense. What kind of things do you sell to mercenaries, anyways? I saw Jarrett with a crossbow yesterday, but I imagine you make other things, too.”
“Oh all kinds of little things. Portable, flameless heaters for cooking. Water purification sieves. Mm, let’s see… I’ve made a few custom order devices, too. One customer wanted to be able to shoot a jet of flame from their gauntlet, that was a fun one.”
“Ooh, that does sound fun… reminds me of my flamethrower.”
“Your flamethrower?”
“Yeah, it’s basically a big tank with a hose attached to it. At the end of the hose is a pump that causes the flammable liquid – I use dragon’s tar – to shoot out. Add a flame that the tar passes over and bam! You’ve got a giant stream of flame that will coat anything it hits with sticky, flammable tar,” Xander said, excitedly describing the device.
“That’s… impressive. And kind of horrifying,” Valteria responded.
“Mm… I guess you’re right. I mostly use it on giant spiders. Blugh,” Xander shuddered. “But yeah, I suppose it’s not the nicest of ways to go. Very effective for area denial, though. Ah, actually I have an idea for crossbow bolt head that would ignite when it shatters! We should make that sometime and see if it sells.”
“Hmm, I think that would draw some buyers. A flaming bolt head you didn’t have to light first could be desirable to certain buyers.”
“Put that on the list and we’ll get around to it sometime.”
“We have a list?” Valteria said confusedly.
“We should!” Xander said with a laugh. “Now let’s get the rest of these joints done.”
The repair of the other arm and the leg joints that Xander had locked into position during the tournament was a short affair. Looking over the bare metal frame of the armor still hanging from the ceiling, Xander clapped his hands together, mimicking dusting them off. “Good as new!” He exclaimed. Looking over to Valteria he asked concernedly, “It is good as new, right?”
Valteria had been staring at the armor as well, lost in thought about how she was going to improve it next. “Hmm? Oh, yes. It’s right as rain again, ready for use. Thank you, by the way. For fixing it,” She said awkwardly.
“Well I’m the one who broke it, so it’s only fair that I fix it. So what do you want to work on next?” Xander asked. “I could do some rune work for you. Orrr… we could kiss some more?”
Valteria flushed at the question, but didn’t immediately say no.
A few minutes later, she found herself on her tip toes and lightly pressed against the interior wall of the shed, her lips pressed against Xanders.
Once the two of them were done acting like teenagers parked in a secluded parking lot, they made their way back into the shop. Stepping inside and closing the door behind them, Valteria let out a breath. “I think… you are going to have to do a lot of rune work to make up for how much you just kissed me, Xander.”
“What, you didn’t like it?” He said with a raised eyebrow.
“I didn’t say that,” Valteria said with a smirk.
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-Musings on the Relations of Light and Fire, by Jarwic Leftun
\***
Xander carefully opened the door, finding Gabrelle already asleep, and sat down on a chair. Maybe he could get that adaptive camouflage to work right on bright colors. Surely he had some colorful things in his inventory.
He did in fact have a few colorful things in his inventory, and he whiled the rest of the night away making small adjustments to the runic array that was embroidered into the cloth. He was satisfied before dawn, the cloth now performing as well with light colors as it had with darker colors. Now he just needed to make a cloak out of it. He briefly considered coating his armor with the array, but discarded it. There might be times where he’d want to be seen. Besides, a hooded cloak would better break up the outline of his figure, the ripples of fabric, especially if he were to crouch or lay prone, obscuring his outline even more. In little time at all, he had a long, deep hooded cloak of the color shifting, runed cloth in his hands. He stashed it in his inventory for now, as he had no particular need to sneak up on something right now. The rest of the time before dawn he spent silently sitting in the chair he’d chosen, trying to keep his thoughts to a minimum, just daydreaming. Night dreaming? He couldn’t sleep anymore, but that didn’t mean he couldn’t try to let his mind wander.
As the dawn came and the sun began to shine through the window of the room, Gabrelle slowly awoke, once more finding Xander sitting in a chair rather than in bed.
“Mmf,” She grunted as she stretched. “Morning, Xander. You got back late.”
“Morning, yourself,” Xander said, turning his head to look at Gabrelle. “Yeah... Yeah, I guess I did.”
“What were you doing, anyway?” She asked, curious. “You didn’t mention that you’d be out late, just that you were going to go to see Valteria at her shop.”
“I uh... went on a date.”
“I knew it! ‘Comparing notes’ was a date!” Gabrelle exclaimed triumphantly.
“It was not!” Xander complained. “But we went to a tavern in the evening and it sort of... turned into a date on the way there.”
“Awhh, that’s so cute,” Gabrelle said. “Did it go well? Is she nice? Did you kiss?”
“I think it went well. We talked a lot about different projects and ideas we had. I also got to meet another [Godsmarked] - he owns the tavern we went to. I think she’s nice. Maybe a little shy. I think she’s gotten used to being treated differently by people. I don’t think she really believed that I wanted to go on a date with her, at first. ...And yes. We kissed.”
“Ooooh, look at you! You’re growing up so fast!” Gabrelle teased.
“Oh hush. I’m older than you!” Xander huffed, then returned to seriousness. “But ah, if I’m going to be dating someone... we need to have a conversation, Gabrelle.”
“We need to stop sleeping together?” Gabrelle quickly deduced before Xander could say it himself.
“Yeah... It doesn’t feel right, even though it’s just platonic between us. I don’t think I would appreciate being in Valteria’s situation and knowing that the person I was seeing was sleeping with someone else at night.”
“Well, I figured this would happen eventually,” Gabrelle said. “Either you or I were bound to find someone eventually. Don’t worry, I’m not upset. Don’t get me wrong, the snuggles were nice, but like I told you a while ago, I don’t have nearly as much trouble sleeping when I’m with the team.”
“Thanks for not being upset, Gabrelle.”
“You know this means you have to start paying for your own room, though, right?”
“Ah, shit, you’re right. I forgot.”
Xander left the room to allow Gabrelle some privacy to get dressed and meandered back down the stairs to see if any other members of the team were already up. Looking around, he spied Graffus eating breakfast at at table and moved to sit with the dwarf.
“Mornin’” Graffus greeted Xander through a mouthful of bread.
“Morning,” Xander greeted back.
“Glad to see you made it back, we were wondering if you’d be out all night,” Graffus told him, after swallowing his bread.
“I was out a bit late, I suppose. I let the time get away from me.” Xander said, not really wanted to be teased again about going out on a date. “So what are you planning to do today?”
“Bah, Frazay has roped me into helping her do research for the drakeling. So reading is what’s in store for me.” Graffus tore himself off another piece of bread from his plate and slathered it with jam. “You going to be going back to that [Tinker] you’ve been spending time with lately?”
“Yeah, that’s the plan. I’m supposed to learn more about converting mana types today, and also help her fix the suit of armor that I wrecked.”
“Welp,” Graffus said, now on his last piece of bread, “I hope ya learn something new. Never had much to do with [Tinker]s – not saying I dislike them, just that I haven’t had much experience with them – so it don’t make much sense to me. Using a hammer is about the only overlap in our professions.”
“I think your hammer is significantly larger than the one most [Tinker]s would use,” Xander chuckled. Thinking about what he should be doing before he headed to Valteria’s, he asked Graffus, “Hey, I might need to buy some monster parts or elemental cores, something like that, for practice. You know where I would go to find stuff like that?”
Graffus shrugged. “Dunno. My guess would be an alchemy and reagents shop. That’s generally what we’ve sold monster parts to that didn’t go to a smith or leatherworker.”
“Thanks, Graffus.”
The two of them chatted for a while longer, catching up on what each other had been doing. Graffus excused himself to finish getting ready for the day, saying he needed to tend to his beard, leaving Xander downstairs. Deciding to be productive and proactive, Xander stood as well and headed out of the inn to find an alchemy shop.
It wasn’t long before he found one, a familiar scene of an eclectic collection of powders, liquids, crystals, and strange organic things floating in jars inside the building. The proprietor was a dwarf, seated at a workbench. They were grinding something into a powder as Xander entered. He received a distracted greeting before the dwarf returned to his work.
Xander wandered about the shop for a few minutes, looking at the various materials throughout the shop. He identified what he thought might be an elemental core, a jagged piece of crystal looking material that seemed to have an inner flame. As for the monster parts in jars, Xander had no idea what was what. He finally felt he’d waited long enough and moved closer to the worktable that the dwarf was still sitting at, working away at the mortar and pestle.
“Excuse me,” Xander said, grabbing the shopkeep’s attention.
“Mm?” The dwarf said questioningly. “Can I help you find something?”
“I was wondering if you had any elemental cores. Something small, I just need one to practice with.”
“Aye, I’ve a few of them around the shop. You want something to practice with? So a relatively weak core, then – not all the small ones are weak. Do you need any particular type?” The dwarf stood up and stretched, moving to one of the shelves.
“Uhm no, just whatever is cost effective, I suppose.”
The alchemist rifled through the various bits and bobs on one of the shelves nearby before producing a small chip of what looked to be a semi-translucent stone. It was tinged slightly yellow with streaks of white. “This here is a chip off a lightning attuned core. Pretty weak, but it does still produce mana.”
Xander could see the dwarf’s arm hair standing up as if from static electicity as he held up the stone. “How much?” He asked.
“Twenty gold.”
Xander shrugged. Twenty gold wasn’t an issue for him anymore, and he didn’t feel like haggling. He always hated haggling. “Sure.” He fished out the coin and handed it over to the dwarf.
The dwarf handed over the stone to Xander and the pop of a static electric shock could be heard as a tiny arc passed between the two of them. The dwarf grunted and shook his hand. “Thanks for the business,” he told Xander. “Anything else you find yourself in need of?”
“Not at the moment, but thanks for asking.” Xander waved goodbye to the dwarf and pocketed the tiny elemental core. He continued down the street in the direction of Valteria’s shop, thinking about how he was going to undo the welding job he’d done on Valteria’s armor. He’d need her to guide his repair efforts.
Xander returned to the inn momentarily to grab one of his golems. He settled on Atlas for now, as it was the most basic of the humanoid forms he’d created. No extra arms or weird feet on him, no sir.
Arriving at the building that contained Valteria’s home and shop, Xander knocked before opening the door. “Morning,” he called out.
“Xander! Hello!” Valteria called out. She was at the same work bench she’d been at yesterday. Jarrett didn’t seem to be in the shop at the moment, as Xander wasn’t able to spot the man.
Commanding Atlas to follow him in and closing the door behind him, Xander started walking towards Valteria. “How’s it going?” He asked.
“Good, it’s going good,” Valteria responded as Xander brought a stool over to her workbench. “How about yourself?”
“Not bad. The upside of not sleeping is that I never struggle in the mornings now. I used to hate waking up.” Xander laughed. “I even ran an errand before I came here! Picked up this.” Xander fished around in his pocket until he found the small chip of elemental core and held it up for Valteria to see.
“Core?” She asked distractedly, staring at Atlas. She tore her eyes away and looked closely at the small crystalline stone. “Lightning attuned?”
“That’s what the [Alchemist] at the shop said,” Xander affirmed. “Said it was a very weak one, but that it did still produce mana.”
“Mmm, a good practice piece, then.”
“I thought it would be, too. Not that I know what to do with it, yet.”
“Well, how about this: I teach you to set the stone and make some conduit, and then you can help me fix my armor. All the glue has turned to dust by now, thank the gods.”
“Sounds fair enough. So, how do mana conduits work?”
“Well, the concept is simple enough. It’s a tube which conducts mana,” Valteria began to explain.
“Mmhm.” Xander nodded along.
“What you need is a setting – usually of silver, as it has good mana conductivity – which will be the first step of conduction, taking the mana from the stone. Simply wrapping the core in silver wire can work well enough, drawing in the mana that the core puts out through its surface, but for a more effecient setting, small holes are usually drilled into the core to set the wire into as well, giving more surface area to draw from.”
“So we care about the mana conductivity of the material, then? That makes sense, I just hadn’t thought about it. I actually did a little experiment with my rune work to test which fillings were the most conductive.”
“Oh really?” Valteria said, interested. “What were your results?”
“Well, gold and silver were high up there in conductivity, and probably make the most sense for someone who has to physically manipulate material without use of a skill – both for a core setting and for inlaying a rune – but I did find that sapphires and rubies were even more efficient at transferring mana than gold and silver.”
“Mmm... interesting. I’ve heard of gemstones being used in very high-grade settings, as well as various other exotic materials. I read an account of one [Mechanist] who used tubes of mercury to conduct mana, though the relative effectiveness compared to silver wasn’t mentioned.” Valteria cleared her throat. “Uhm, now, where was I? Right, basic settings. Once you have your core – or monster organ, if you’re going that route – you connect it to the conduit. Usually, this is also silver wiring. I like to braid several smaller wires together, personally. I find it to be sturdier and hold up to flexing better. From there, it needs to be tied into a device. Which is a topic for tomorrow.” Looking around the shop, Valteria seemed to identify something on one of the shelves nearby. “I have a core that you could watch me set, and then you could try setting your own, if you’d like.”
“That sounds good to me,” Xander said. “I always love to see a master as work,” he added, opting for a little flattery.
“Follow me, then.” Valteria said, standing up from her stool and waving for Xander to follow.
Xander followed Valteria as she walked over to the shelf she’d been looking at earlier and took a palm sized, bright green stone from it. “Nature attuned core,” She explained, holding it for Xander to see. “I’m told it was taken from some kind of moving tree.” Valteria then moved to another worktable, on which were several of what looked to be drill bits to Xander. There was also an apparatus that look like it was designed to hold the bits, which was confirmed for him when Valteria slotted one of the small drill heads into the device. “This thing,” Valteria said, waving the drill a little bit, “is a life saver. I used to have to drill holes with a hand cranked one. Worth every single coin I paid for it to get an enchanted one.” She turned a dial on one side of the handheld device, which Xander was coming to think of as a magic dremel tool, and it began to come to life, the drill bit beginning to spin with a quiet whirring sound.
“Neat.” Xander commented. He watched patiently as Valteria drilled a series of shallow holes in the stone, the distinct screeching of metal on stone echoing through the shop floor. “So where’s Jarrett today?” He asked.
“Oh, he has the day off today. He asked for it about a week ago, not sure what for, though,” Valteria said distractedly. Soon she was finished with the holes she was drilling into the core, and moved to another workbench. “Now we create a setting for the core. This is a fairly simple way of doing it, mind you, but it is effective.”
Xander watched as she took sections of pre-braided silver wire and fitted the ends into the holes she had drilled. Once each hole was filled with a section of wire, Valteria began to pull wire from a spool, wrapping the stone until it was completely covered with silver wire and binding the braided sections to the stone in the process. “There,” she said, setting the stone down on the workbench. “A perfectly serviceable setting."
“So, if I understand correctly, you coat the core in a mana conductive material – the more surface area, the better, hence the holes – to create a setting?”
“Mmhmm,” Valteria said, nodding.
“Seems fairly straighforward. And then you connect the silver wiring that’s wrapped around it to more wiring, and attach that to your device? Why the distance? Why not just connect the setting directly to the device?”
“You absolutely can, if space isn’t an issue. Technically, the connection between the mana battery and the device, even if it’s just a single point with no distance, is still referred to as a conduit, though, so it’s considered a three part creation.”
“Oh, I see.”
“Do you want to try making your own, now? I don’t mind lending you a little wire.”
“Sure, but I should be good on material, I can produce it with my skills. Doesn’t last without a source of mana, but I guess the core itself might provide enough. Think this little chip is a bit small to put holes in, though.”
Xander looked at the small piece of crystal in his hand. If he just need as much contact as possible with a mana conductive material, his best bet would be to embed it into a sapphire or ruby. He decided on ruby, for no particular reason. Still holding the chip of core in his hand, he concentrated on his [Creation] ability. Valteria watched, amazed, as a ruby began to take form and grow around the piece of core until it was completely coated in a thin layer of gemstone.
“So, you can just... make things?” Valteria asked, sounding jealous.
“Well, it costs mana, and anything I make that isn’t provided a source of mana that leaves my person disintegrates in a day, but, yes. I can just make things with my skills. But,” he added, cutting off Valteria’s complaint of unfairness, “I have never received a skill that actually lets me improve a material. Sure, I have runes, which generally makes up the difference, but I don’t have any skills that improve the things I make. So, if you made a mana battery, and I made a mana battery the same way with identical materials, yours is going to be better, I assume, because you have skills that passively improve the things that you make, am I right?”
“Okayyy,” Valteria huffed. “I guess that does make it a little less unfair. But ugh! It would be so nice not having to source materials.” She looked at the ruby with a piece of core set inside it that Xander had made. “Well, I guess that about does it for making a setting... I thought it might have taken you longer to make one. I guess we can move on to fixing my armor even sooner! It’ll be nice to have it up and moving again.”
“Sure, sure, we can do that. Where is it, anyway?” Xander asked, looking around the shop again like he somehow would have missed the eight foot tall suit of armor.
“It’s in a shed behind the house,” Valteria explained. “I have it on a hoist so I can work on it.”
“Ah, that would explain why I haven’t seen it around.”
Exiting the shop, stopping for Valteria to put a small ‘closed’ sign on the door, the two of them made their way around the building, where Xander saw the small shed that presumably held Valteria’s armor. It looked like it could just barely hold the armor and one person – two, if they were comfortable with each other – inside it.
“So this is where the magic happens?” Xander asked.
“If by ‘magic’ you mean maintenance and upgrades, then yes,” Valteria agreed. She opened the door of the shed, which comprised most of the front of the tiny little building, revealing her suit of armor, which was currently hanging from several chains attached to pulleys on the ceiling. Plates of armor were laying strewn about the suite, leaving the joints and inner workings more exposed.
Xander whistled, looking at the inner workings of the suit. He could see gears, cogs, and joints, and throughout the entirety of the armor were running filaments of silver wire, which he assumed were mana conduits running to and from elemental cores and the various mana powered aspects of the suit. “This thing really is impressive. Almost as impressive as the woman who made it,” he said.
Valteria giggled, “Stop it! You’re supposed to be fixing this mess, not flirting with me!”
“Awh, can’t I do both?” Xander asked, trying to sound as saccharine as possible.
“Mmm, I suppose that if you are sufficiently skilled at multitasking, I might allow it,” Valteria said in a mockingly thoughtful tone.
“Well, I just so happen to be an expert, so flirt away I shall,” Xander replied. “Now, how about the beauty in front of me shows me exactly where the other beauty in front of me needs some repairs?”
Valteria sighed at Xander’s antics, but he could see the slight flush in her face. “Well, you welded the wrist joints, elbows, and knees. They aren’t welded all the way round, it’s more like you smoothed over a portion of it like it was wet clay. So if you could just... put it back? Shape it back to how it was, that’s should be all that’s needed.”
“Pretty straightforward,” Xander said, standing behind Valteria as she pointed out each joint. He could see the misshapen parts where he’d slapped a weld onto the metal. He leaned over her and put his hands on the elbow joint that they were closest to and began to shape the metal back to its original form.
“You’re... very close,” Valteria murmured to him as he formed the metal.
“Would you like me not to be?” He asked, carefully.
Valteria was silent for a moment before answering, “No...” quietly.
Xander carefully shifted to be a little closer, but still not quite touching, as he moved on to the wrist joint of the same arm. The process itself was simple, but he was enjoying taking his time. As he finished the wrist, he turned to look at Valteria. He found himself looking right into her eyes, as she was staring back at him. Unable to resist the temptation he leaned in a little closer, gauging Valteria’s reaction. When she, too, leaned towards him, he closed the small gap between them, drawing her into another kiss. Valteria pressed herself against him, the shed hiding them from any prying eyes on the street, and let out a small noise as Xander squeezed her tight. She was breathing a little bit harder than before the kiss as they separated again.
Valteria let out a breath. “You’re… a really good kisser.”
“Yeah?” Xander said, pleased with himself. “You’re not so bad yourself.”
“And you’re a tease, looming over me like that in this tiny little shed,” Valteria continued. “Now you’ve got me all flustered, how am I supposed to work now?” She mock complained.
Xander was glad to see that Valteria was comfortable enough with him to joke like that. “Forgive me,” he said formally, making a deep bow, “How ever can I make it up to the lady?”
“Oh stop it, I will tolerate no bowing and scraping, even in jest,” Valteria said, slapping him lightly on the shoulder, as he was still holding the bow. “You can make it up to me by fixing the rest of these joints! And by taking me out to dinner?” She added, hopefully.
“I think that can be arranged,” Xander said. “Is there anywhere you have in mind? I will admit, I haven’t become very familiar with the local restaurant scene, what with my… dietary restrictions.”
“It doesn’t… make you feel bad to go out to a restaurant, does it?” Valteria asked softly, watching his face for a reaction.
“Nah, don’t worry,” Xander said, waving off the question with one hand. “It doesn’t bother me too much. Sure, I miss the taste of a good cut of steak, but I was never that into food. Eating was more of a thing I did because I had to, so I’m not completely devastated by the loss. And I can still get some vicarious enjoyment out of watching someone else enjoy their food. Really the worst part is awkwardly having to refuse ordering anything,” he said with a laugh.
“Alright, if you say so,” Valteria said, letting out a slight breath of relief. “I was just worried that it might be upsetting to you, is all. I know I would miss eating.” She paused for a moment, something clearly on her mind. “What do you miss? If you don’t mind my asking. I just… well, I’m curious what it’s like for you.”
“Mmm, in a lot of ways, life is still the same, and in other ways, I’m technically doing better than I was before. I’m incredibly resistant to damage now, even without my armor. I do miss sleeping, though. I try to give my mind a rest and just sort of daydream and let my thoughts wander or do some meditation during the nights, but it’s just not the same. Also means I’m the one that pulls guard duty through the night,” he grumbled. “Let’s see, what else, what else. Ah, right. I can’t smell anything. Or taste. I haven’t worked out how to recreate those senses, yet. Though no sense of smell can be handy sometimes, I suppose. I don’t know if you’ve done much merc work – you mentioned being surprised that I’m not just moonlighting – but uh… the smells that you encounter on a battlefield are… unpleasant. To say the least. It was weird not having a sense of touch either, but I’ve resolved that. It’s a little bit different than my previous, natural sense of touch, but I’ve become accustomed to it to the point that I don’t much think about the difference anymore. I think I’ve even got the density of receptors down in certain areas compared to others, so I'm more sensitive in some areas than others now, just like I used to be. I’m still immune to being tickled though, so don’t even think about it – that’s a fight you’ll lose.” Growing a bit more somber, Xander continued on. “I think… the biggest thing I miss is just the feeling that I fit in more. Now I always worry about being different, there’s that nagging fear that anyone I get to know well is going to reject me once they find out what I am. Like I’m secretly lying to everyone around me with this façade I have going on.”
Valteria nodded sadly. “I get that. I’ve been… rejected before, too. At least it happens or not right from the beginning for me. I get to know if they look down on me for being different immediately instead of fearing they might later down the road.”
“Yeah,” Xander said. “People can really suck sometimes. But at least I can just, like, not tell people what I am if I so chose. You, my teammates, and the guild, since it’s on my status sheet, are really the only people who know. I keep it pretty private. You can’t do that, so I think you probably have to deal with a lot worse than I do. Not that I’d want you to hide what or who you are,” he added. “I happen to be quite enamored with who you are,” he said, teasing a smile from Valteria’s sad face.
“Sorry to bring up such a dour topic,” Valteria apologized. “I didn’t think much on it before I asked.”
“No worries,” Xander told her. “Honestly, I think it’s good to be able to talk about it with someone. It’s healthy to be able to get you feelings out there. And it helps that I feel like you understand where I’m coming from with it, though from a slightly different perspective.”
“You’re surprisingly thoughtful sometimes,” Valteria said, only half teasing.
“Only sometimes?” Xander asked with a faux expression of hurt on his face. “By the way, you didn’t react much to my comment about moonlighting as a merc. Do you ever go on contracts?”
Valteria shrugged. “I certainly wouldn’t describe myself as a professional mercenary. Moonlighter is an apt descriptor, for me, I think. I have gone on a couple, here and there, mostly on kill contracts that would net me a core or organ that would be useful for my work.”
“Mm, that makes sense. I suppose it could be handy having access to the ability to take contracts that would give you access to specialty materials,” Xander said.
“It’s also good for business,” Valteria explained. “Mercs tend to like to buy from someone who has at least been out on a contract or two before.”
“Ah, that makes sense. What kind of things do you sell to mercenaries, anyways? I saw Jarrett with a crossbow yesterday, but I imagine you make other things, too.”
“Oh all kinds of little things. Portable, flameless heaters for cooking. Water purification sieves. Mm, let’s see… I’ve made a few custom order devices, too. One customer wanted to be able to shoot a jet of flame from their gauntlet, that was a fun one.”
“Ooh, that does sound fun… reminds me of my flamethrower.”
“Your flamethrower?”
“Yeah, it’s basically a big tank with a hose attached to it. At the end of the hose is a pump that causes the flammable liquid – I use dragon’s tar – to shoot out. Add a flame that the tar passes over and bam! You’ve got a giant stream of flame that will coat anything it hits with sticky, flammable tar,” Xander said, excitedly describing the device.
“That’s… impressive. And kind of horrifying,” Valteria responded.
“Mm… I guess you’re right. I mostly use it on giant spiders. Blugh,” Xander shuddered. “But yeah, I suppose it’s not the nicest of ways to go. Very effective for area denial, though. Ah, actually I have an idea for crossbow bolt head that would ignite when it shatters! We should make that sometime and see if it sells.”
“Hmm, I think that would draw some buyers. A flaming bolt head you didn’t have to light first could be desirable to certain buyers.”
“Put that on the list and we’ll get around to it sometime.”
“We have a list?” Valteria said confusedly.
“We should!” Xander said with a laugh. “Now let’s get the rest of these joints done.”
The repair of the other arm and the leg joints that Xander had locked into position during the tournament was a short affair. Looking over the bare metal frame of the armor still hanging from the ceiling, Xander clapped his hands together, mimicking dusting them off. “Good as new!” He exclaimed. Looking over to Valteria he asked concernedly, “It is good as new, right?”
Valteria had been staring at the armor as well, lost in thought about how she was going to improve it next. “Hmm? Oh, yes. It’s right as rain again, ready for use. Thank you, by the way. For fixing it,” She said awkwardly.
“Well I’m the one who broke it, so it’s only fair that I fix it. So what do you want to work on next?” Xander asked. “I could do some rune work for you. Orrr… we could kiss some more?”
Valteria flushed at the question, but didn’t immediately say no.
A few minutes later, she found herself on her tip toes and lightly pressed against the interior wall of the shed, her lips pressed against Xanders.
Once the two of them were done acting like teenagers parked in a secluded parking lot, they made their way back into the shop. Stepping inside and closing the door behind them, Valteria let out a breath. “I think… you are going to have to do a lot of rune work to make up for how much you just kissed me, Xander.”
“What, you didn’t like it?” He said with a raised eyebrow.
“I didn’t say that,” Valteria said with a smirk.
2024.05.14 19:27 Ancient_Tart_7695 On SSI, received TPD discharge without consent, applied for FASFA and didn't know I couldn't take out another loan. Help.
Hello,
To preface I am on SSI not SSDI. I was told to contact a lawyer by somebody who told me this is a legal matter so I'd figure I'd start here first and pay for a lawyer if I really have to.
So I'm currently in school to get a Master's. I had applied for financial aid last year and I applied again this year not knowing that I couldn't get a new loan because I god TPD discharge. I didn't request the TPD it just happened on it's own. I'm at a cross roads because I'm unsure what to do as my school gave me a form for my doctor to determine whether I can participate in GSA or not. Until I get this form filled out my aid is on hold. My dilemma is that if he/she puts 'yes' would I lose my SSI? Would I have to report this to SSI or would it be something I mention when I'm up for review? If he puts I am disabled I won't get a loan. Now, I did call my loaner and request for a reinstatement as I never requested I had a discharge. They told me it automatically happened for me. Had I known I would have reinstated it sooner because they said they don't know when it will be reinstated so currently it's just in a request period and not reinstated yet.
I do also have a family member that is willing to pay for my tuition. not give me money personally, but pay my school the tuition which I understand is allowed as I've looked through this reddit for days and found somebody provided a link that it's allowed for people to pay your tuition and doesn't count as income: https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0500830520#:\~:text=Gifts%20used%20to%20pay%20tuition%2C%20fees%2C%20or%20other%20necessary%20educational%20expenses&text=Income%20%2D%20Gifts%20(or%20a%20portion,education%2C%20are%20excluded%20from%20income. If I'm understanding this correctly or not please let me know.
Additionally I did talk to someone who has told me taking out a loan when you had one discharged is illegal. My only goal here is to do the right thing while also keeping myself alive and not end up in prison because i'm not trying to get by on anybody. Like if I have to get the form filled out and my dr puts I can do GSA I'll tell SSA if I'm supposed. If I lose SSI I can apply to medicaid through my state so that is what I'll just have to do. I just don't want to do the wrong thing or get in trouble.
So I was wondering should I get this form filled out? I dont know what my doctor will put seeing as he isn't the one who initially helped me get on SSI. The person I spoke to doesnt think my doctor will put I can't do GSA because of a new medication that came out that has drastically improved people's lives. While it has improved my life it hasn't increasingly improved it. I'm still a very borderline case, but according to the person I spoke to she said my dr won't help anybody on this medication to get disability. should I simply call up my financial aid office and tell them I didn't know, I made a mistake and ask if they can cancel it and just see if my family member is still willing to pay? Any other advice that I didn't mention would be greatly appreciated.
submitted by Ancient_Tart_7695 to legaladvice [link] [comments]
To preface I am on SSI not SSDI. I was told to contact a lawyer by somebody who told me this is a legal matter so I'd figure I'd start here first and pay for a lawyer if I really have to.
So I'm currently in school to get a Master's. I had applied for financial aid last year and I applied again this year not knowing that I couldn't get a new loan because I god TPD discharge. I didn't request the TPD it just happened on it's own. I'm at a cross roads because I'm unsure what to do as my school gave me a form for my doctor to determine whether I can participate in GSA or not. Until I get this form filled out my aid is on hold. My dilemma is that if he/she puts 'yes' would I lose my SSI? Would I have to report this to SSI or would it be something I mention when I'm up for review? If he puts I am disabled I won't get a loan. Now, I did call my loaner and request for a reinstatement as I never requested I had a discharge. They told me it automatically happened for me. Had I known I would have reinstated it sooner because they said they don't know when it will be reinstated so currently it's just in a request period and not reinstated yet.
I do also have a family member that is willing to pay for my tuition. not give me money personally, but pay my school the tuition which I understand is allowed as I've looked through this reddit for days and found somebody provided a link that it's allowed for people to pay your tuition and doesn't count as income: https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0500830520#:\~:text=Gifts%20used%20to%20pay%20tuition%2C%20fees%2C%20or%20other%20necessary%20educational%20expenses&text=Income%20%2D%20Gifts%20(or%20a%20portion,education%2C%20are%20excluded%20from%20income. If I'm understanding this correctly or not please let me know.
Additionally I did talk to someone who has told me taking out a loan when you had one discharged is illegal. My only goal here is to do the right thing while also keeping myself alive and not end up in prison because i'm not trying to get by on anybody. Like if I have to get the form filled out and my dr puts I can do GSA I'll tell SSA if I'm supposed. If I lose SSI I can apply to medicaid through my state so that is what I'll just have to do. I just don't want to do the wrong thing or get in trouble.
So I was wondering should I get this form filled out? I dont know what my doctor will put seeing as he isn't the one who initially helped me get on SSI. The person I spoke to doesnt think my doctor will put I can't do GSA because of a new medication that came out that has drastically improved people's lives. While it has improved my life it hasn't increasingly improved it. I'm still a very borderline case, but according to the person I spoke to she said my dr won't help anybody on this medication to get disability. should I simply call up my financial aid office and tell them I didn't know, I made a mistake and ask if they can cancel it and just see if my family member is still willing to pay? Any other advice that I didn't mention would be greatly appreciated.
2024.05.14 19:21 LiseEclaire [Leveling up the World] - Nobility Arc - Chapter 936
Out there - Patreon (for all those curious or wanting to support :))
At the Beginning
Adventure Arc - Arc 2
Wilderness Arc - Arc 3
Academy Arc - Arc 4
Nobility Arc - Arc 5
Previously on Leveling up the World...
Reality shifted, transforming into an endless forest of purple glowing vines among green and yellow trees. Minuscule creatures of all shapes and sizes flew about. To the untrained eye they seemed charming, even beautiful, yet they were all parasites taking advantage of the richness of magic threads for sustenance. They weren’t the problem, though. Other entities were also present in force—aether golems.
Summoning a clay cylinder, Dallion unleashed a ray of destruction, shattering hundreds of the crimson-purple constructs like glass. The spell was followed by a spark infused spiral attack directly below.
Realm section damaged!
Overall completion 78%
Large chunks of land erupted at the impact, transforming into clouds of dirt high up in the air. Thankfully, there didn’t seem to be any more golems hidden in the soil.
“Seventy-eight,” Dallion said as he gently floated to the ground. “Mages really don’t maintain anything, do they?”
The life of academia is filled with its own challenges, dear boy, Adzorg protested, practically admitting the statement. That’s a domain ruler’s job.
“I suppose it is.”
Dallion looked at his feet. They were there, along with his shoes and the lower part of his trousers. Nothing seemed to be wrong with them, yet this was only a fake projection. In the real world, they no longer existed.
There’s no reason to be alarmed. With your magic and body levels, you should be able to have them restored in a matter of months. Until then, you’ll just have to use aether stand-ins, or even a good illusion, if you prefer.
Dallion considered it. If there was someone who’d know, that would be Adzorg. The mage had his hands severed not too long ago. Looking at him now, no one would be able to guess that they had been gradually restored over the course of months.
REALM INVASION
Red rectangles filled the sky.
“Seems like they’ve taken me seriously.” Dallion stood up. His real-life troubles would have to wait.
Knowing Alien, he probably only modified the golems to treat you as an intruder. The area guardian must have stepped in.
“Doesn’t the emperor control this? Or an overseer?”
The Academy has always been sort of different, dear boy, Adzorg explained. While we serve the emperor, we’re technically autonomous.
“Like the Order.”
To a certain degree. Think of this realm as isolated. That’s why moving it around isn’t as easy as moving everything else. Due to the magic concentration and frequent experiments, the area has become… more susceptible to other worlds. That’s why I did my experiments here—it’s far easier to break through the protective barrier here than elsewhere. Well, except the fallen south, possibly. The old mage added with a brief laugh. To prevent anything spilling out into the rest of Tamin’s domain, the Academy is isolated from everything else.
“That shouldn’t stop him from coming here in case he wants to,” Dallion said.
Not in the least. That doesn’t make it desirable, though.
That was a strange statement. There were too many benefits for the emperor not to get involved. Even if he were afraid that someone might do what he had done to the archbishop. Either way, the faster Dallion could take control of the domain, the better. He knew he couldn’t keep it, but that wouldn’t prevent him from transporting a few pieces to his own territory. As for what was left, he’d make sure that no one could take advantage of it in the future.
Aqui, he said within his personal realm.
The orange-scaled dragon emerged within seconds. Ten times larger than in the real world, she was doing her best to present herself larger than she actually was. Even so, her present level was clearly visible should anyone look at her white rectangle.
“Grasped the concept of eating?” Dallion looked at her.
The large dragon snarled.
“Can you do it from within the realm?”
The anger changed into bewilderment.
“No one can consume magic from within a realm,” she said defensively. Dallion knew for a fact that wasn’t the case. He himself had done so many times and he wasn’t the only one.
“What about outside? How fast can you drain the area of magic?”
“Why?” She lowered her head, bringing it to Dallion’s level.
“I’m going to do something and when I do, we’ll have to get out of here quickly.”
The dragon snorted right at Dallion.
“It would be nice if you can reach level ten at least.”
Pride filled the dragon’s body, as blue blobs the size of houses emerged within her. There was no way that she would only level up to such a low level. Of course, Dallion’s subtle use of music skills had also helped in the making of the decision.
Before anyone could say anything more, a cluster of aether cones flew straight at him. Free of the confines of reality, the armadil shield teleported between him and the projectiles, growing three times its size.
Unable to counter the force, Gem was pushed back dozens of feet to the point it reached Dallion himself. Extending one hand, the otherworlder easily countered the attack.
Aquilequia, on her part, had used her natural speed to move away before the cones even got close.
“Best leave.” He said, glancing at her new location. “After I’m done, I’ll need you to be at least as strong as this.”
The dragon didn’t respond, yet didn’t leave the realm, either. Curious as every low-level companion, she moved a safe distance away, eager to see exactly what was referred to. Meanwhile, Dallion sprang into action. With speed surpassing that of Aquilequia, he dashed around the shield, heading straight for the source of the aether cones. To little surprise, they were being released from five spell circles, at huge intensity. More curious was the entity that had cast them.
LEARNING HALL GUARDIAN
Species: COPYETTE
Class: SHADOW
Health: 78%
Traits:
- BODY 45
- MIND 60
- REACTION 55
- PERCEPTION 50
- MAGIC 100
Skills:
- ATTACK
- GUARD
- ACROBATICS
- SCHOLAR
- CARVING
- MUSIC
- SPELLCRAFT
Weakness: NONE
“Never thought you’d be a copyette,” Dallion said as he performed a series of slashes targeting vital points on the guardian.
Each of them hit, yet instead of red rectangles, the form transformed into cyan sludge that splashed onto the ground.
“Lucky coincidence?” Dallion split into instances, using his music skills to add doubt and weight into his words. “Or were you working for the Order all this time?”
“Nice to see you too, apprentice.” A new figure formed. It was very different from the first, taking on the form of Alien. Spells circles formed in different spots hundreds of feet from Dallion, each releasing anything from lightning to aether shards.
Despite the overwhelming amount, not a single one of Dallion’s instances got harmed. Performing a three-sixty line attack with his harpsisword, he sliced through the new appearance of the guardian, breaking the spell circles in the process.
Don’t be overconfident, Giaccia said. Experience trumps level every time.
There was no way Dallion could disagree. There was a time when he, too, had defeated opponents many levels above him. While it was said that a ten-level difference was insurmountable, the guardian was a copyette with a very high magic trait.
“You can always surrender,” Dallion said, looking in all directions with his instances.
“It’s just like you to offer.” Two forms of the guardian appeared in different locations, now taking on the forms of children in Dallion’s class. “And no, I’m not working for Simon, even if he put me here.”
Dallion dashed, appearing next to one of his former classmates, slicing it to bits using a multi attack.
“Wrong one.” The other form laughed.
Dallion was fully aware that both of them were wrong. His real goal was to try and figure out where the rest of the guardian was hiding. As a copyette, he could create dozens of copies, all an insignificant part of his overall body. Destroying each individual one wouldn’t do anything; harming the one considered the main one might.
He’s stalling for time, Giaccia said.
“Your music attacks are rather good.” Two more copyette forms emerged. “Sadly, it doesn’t depend on me. You’ll have to deal with the main guardian for that. I’m just here to obtain information. Being a hunter, you should know that.”
“It’s been a while since I was a hunter,” Dallion replied. “I’m not an apprentice, either.”
“That’s true. You made full mage, didn’t you? Also, I heard that you were an archduke shortly before rebelling. Quite the achievement.”
“Yeah, yeah. I’m just like my grandfather.” Dallion let it slip.
“Your grandfather?” Confusion emanated from the copyette. “I was about to say that you’re like Jeremy. A lot more straightforward, to be sure, but the drive is there along with the skill.”
Going by large areas, there had to be roughly ten guardians responsible for the realm. Defeating them would effectively make Dallion the new owner. A faster and more challenging way, though, was taking on the main guardian.
No time to hesitate, the harpsisword Guardian reminded Dallion.
It would be a lie to say that Dallion wasn’t. Even with all the copyette’s tricks, he had enough raw power to defeat the guardian, destroying a large part of the realm in the process. It was no accident that of all the key guardians, this one had been sent to reveal his skills. Dallion had spent a significant part of his life in the Learning Hall. While not particularly long in terms of time, it had marked a significant change in Dallion’s life. Before that he was little more than a skill game piece—barely defeating the Star, he was on the run from Countess Priscord, and in debt to the void. His life at the learning hall of the Academy had elevated him to the point that the emperor, the Order, and even the Moons themselves had taken notice.
“Yes.” Dallion sighed. “There’s no time for hesitation.”
Summoning his aura sword, he slashed the air, casting a flight spell that propelled him up like a rocket. Half a mile above the ground, he stopped.
“Sorry, Learning Hall,” he said, slashing the air in what appeared to be a multi attack. Magic symbols and connections were drawn, yet instead of casting multiple five-circle spells, Dallion cast one complex spell chain.
A vortex of spell circles emerged beneath him, shooting bolts of magic draining lightning.
Realm section damaged!
Overall completion 77%
Realm section damaged!
Overall completion 76%
Red rectangles popped up as the ground became covered in craters. Aether projectiles shot up to him in response, most of them blocked by the aether shield before reaching Dallion himself.
“Thanks, but no need,” Dallion unsummoned the shield, unwilling to have it be accidentally affected by his magic draining spell.
CRITICAL STRIKE
Dealt damage is increased by 200%
A few purple rectangles appeared among the mass of red. At the current rate, the Learning Hall guardian would be defeated in a matter of seconds. Hopefully, there would be enough left for Dallion to restore afterwards. Were this to be the Hall’s realm, there would be no concern on the matter—defeating a guardian merely improved it. In this case, the realm was the Academy, though, not the Learning Hall itself.
Suddenly, a sun gold colossus emerged less than a few hundred feet away. A massive hand reached out and grabbed the vortex from beneath Dallion. Sparks of lightning enveloped the fingers, yet had no effect whatsoever.
A second hand reached for Dallion himself, but he had already darted further back, safely avoiding the attack.
So, that’s the Academy? Dallion looked at the glittering mountain of gold. When it came to the colossus, he shared many of the same characteristics. The one major difference was the colossus’ “attire.” Not the usual Roman-Greek design that Dallion had seen before, the design followed twenty century Earth norms.
“It’s been ages since a domain ruling mage has ventured in this realm,” the colossus said in a booming voice. “You’re the second so far.”
“What happened to the first?” Dallion concentrated. Not a single domain marker appeared anywhere along the guardian’s body.
“He created this area and made sure that no other mage will be able to take it.”
submitted by LiseEclaire to redditserials [link] [comments]
Adventure Arc - Arc 2
Wilderness Arc - Arc 3
Academy Arc - Arc 4
Nobility Arc - Arc 5
Previously on Leveling up the World...
Summoning a clay cylinder, Dallion unleashed a ray of destruction, shattering hundreds of the crimson-purple constructs like glass. The spell was followed by a spark infused spiral attack directly below.
Realm section damaged!
Overall completion 78%
Large chunks of land erupted at the impact, transforming into clouds of dirt high up in the air. Thankfully, there didn’t seem to be any more golems hidden in the soil.
“Seventy-eight,” Dallion said as he gently floated to the ground. “Mages really don’t maintain anything, do they?”
The life of academia is filled with its own challenges, dear boy, Adzorg protested, practically admitting the statement. That’s a domain ruler’s job.
“I suppose it is.”
Dallion looked at his feet. They were there, along with his shoes and the lower part of his trousers. Nothing seemed to be wrong with them, yet this was only a fake projection. In the real world, they no longer existed.
There’s no reason to be alarmed. With your magic and body levels, you should be able to have them restored in a matter of months. Until then, you’ll just have to use aether stand-ins, or even a good illusion, if you prefer.
Dallion considered it. If there was someone who’d know, that would be Adzorg. The mage had his hands severed not too long ago. Looking at him now, no one would be able to guess that they had been gradually restored over the course of months.
REALM INVASION
Red rectangles filled the sky.
“Seems like they’ve taken me seriously.” Dallion stood up. His real-life troubles would have to wait.
Knowing Alien, he probably only modified the golems to treat you as an intruder. The area guardian must have stepped in.
“Doesn’t the emperor control this? Or an overseer?”
The Academy has always been sort of different, dear boy, Adzorg explained. While we serve the emperor, we’re technically autonomous.
“Like the Order.”
To a certain degree. Think of this realm as isolated. That’s why moving it around isn’t as easy as moving everything else. Due to the magic concentration and frequent experiments, the area has become… more susceptible to other worlds. That’s why I did my experiments here—it’s far easier to break through the protective barrier here than elsewhere. Well, except the fallen south, possibly. The old mage added with a brief laugh. To prevent anything spilling out into the rest of Tamin’s domain, the Academy is isolated from everything else.
“That shouldn’t stop him from coming here in case he wants to,” Dallion said.
Not in the least. That doesn’t make it desirable, though.
That was a strange statement. There were too many benefits for the emperor not to get involved. Even if he were afraid that someone might do what he had done to the archbishop. Either way, the faster Dallion could take control of the domain, the better. He knew he couldn’t keep it, but that wouldn’t prevent him from transporting a few pieces to his own territory. As for what was left, he’d make sure that no one could take advantage of it in the future.
Aqui, he said within his personal realm.
The orange-scaled dragon emerged within seconds. Ten times larger than in the real world, she was doing her best to present herself larger than she actually was. Even so, her present level was clearly visible should anyone look at her white rectangle.
“Grasped the concept of eating?” Dallion looked at her.
The large dragon snarled.
“Can you do it from within the realm?”
The anger changed into bewilderment.
“No one can consume magic from within a realm,” she said defensively. Dallion knew for a fact that wasn’t the case. He himself had done so many times and he wasn’t the only one.
“What about outside? How fast can you drain the area of magic?”
“Why?” She lowered her head, bringing it to Dallion’s level.
“I’m going to do something and when I do, we’ll have to get out of here quickly.”
The dragon snorted right at Dallion.
“It would be nice if you can reach level ten at least.”
Pride filled the dragon’s body, as blue blobs the size of houses emerged within her. There was no way that she would only level up to such a low level. Of course, Dallion’s subtle use of music skills had also helped in the making of the decision.
Before anyone could say anything more, a cluster of aether cones flew straight at him. Free of the confines of reality, the armadil shield teleported between him and the projectiles, growing three times its size.
Unable to counter the force, Gem was pushed back dozens of feet to the point it reached Dallion himself. Extending one hand, the otherworlder easily countered the attack.
Aquilequia, on her part, had used her natural speed to move away before the cones even got close.
“Best leave.” He said, glancing at her new location. “After I’m done, I’ll need you to be at least as strong as this.”
The dragon didn’t respond, yet didn’t leave the realm, either. Curious as every low-level companion, she moved a safe distance away, eager to see exactly what was referred to. Meanwhile, Dallion sprang into action. With speed surpassing that of Aquilequia, he dashed around the shield, heading straight for the source of the aether cones. To little surprise, they were being released from five spell circles, at huge intensity. More curious was the entity that had cast them.
LEARNING HALL GUARDIAN
Species: COPYETTE
Class: SHADOW
Health: 78%
Traits:
- BODY 45
- MIND 60
- REACTION 55
- PERCEPTION 50
- MAGIC 100
Skills:
- ATTACK
- GUARD
- ACROBATICS
- SCHOLAR
- CARVING
- MUSIC
- SPELLCRAFT
Weakness: NONE
“Never thought you’d be a copyette,” Dallion said as he performed a series of slashes targeting vital points on the guardian.
Each of them hit, yet instead of red rectangles, the form transformed into cyan sludge that splashed onto the ground.
“Lucky coincidence?” Dallion split into instances, using his music skills to add doubt and weight into his words. “Or were you working for the Order all this time?”
“Nice to see you too, apprentice.” A new figure formed. It was very different from the first, taking on the form of Alien. Spells circles formed in different spots hundreds of feet from Dallion, each releasing anything from lightning to aether shards.
Despite the overwhelming amount, not a single one of Dallion’s instances got harmed. Performing a three-sixty line attack with his harpsisword, he sliced through the new appearance of the guardian, breaking the spell circles in the process.
Don’t be overconfident, Giaccia said. Experience trumps level every time.
There was no way Dallion could disagree. There was a time when he, too, had defeated opponents many levels above him. While it was said that a ten-level difference was insurmountable, the guardian was a copyette with a very high magic trait.
“You can always surrender,” Dallion said, looking in all directions with his instances.
“It’s just like you to offer.” Two forms of the guardian appeared in different locations, now taking on the forms of children in Dallion’s class. “And no, I’m not working for Simon, even if he put me here.”
Dallion dashed, appearing next to one of his former classmates, slicing it to bits using a multi attack.
“Wrong one.” The other form laughed.
Dallion was fully aware that both of them were wrong. His real goal was to try and figure out where the rest of the guardian was hiding. As a copyette, he could create dozens of copies, all an insignificant part of his overall body. Destroying each individual one wouldn’t do anything; harming the one considered the main one might.
He’s stalling for time, Giaccia said.
“Your music attacks are rather good.” Two more copyette forms emerged. “Sadly, it doesn’t depend on me. You’ll have to deal with the main guardian for that. I’m just here to obtain information. Being a hunter, you should know that.”
“It’s been a while since I was a hunter,” Dallion replied. “I’m not an apprentice, either.”
“That’s true. You made full mage, didn’t you? Also, I heard that you were an archduke shortly before rebelling. Quite the achievement.”
“Yeah, yeah. I’m just like my grandfather.” Dallion let it slip.
“Your grandfather?” Confusion emanated from the copyette. “I was about to say that you’re like Jeremy. A lot more straightforward, to be sure, but the drive is there along with the skill.”
Going by large areas, there had to be roughly ten guardians responsible for the realm. Defeating them would effectively make Dallion the new owner. A faster and more challenging way, though, was taking on the main guardian.
No time to hesitate, the harpsisword Guardian reminded Dallion.
It would be a lie to say that Dallion wasn’t. Even with all the copyette’s tricks, he had enough raw power to defeat the guardian, destroying a large part of the realm in the process. It was no accident that of all the key guardians, this one had been sent to reveal his skills. Dallion had spent a significant part of his life in the Learning Hall. While not particularly long in terms of time, it had marked a significant change in Dallion’s life. Before that he was little more than a skill game piece—barely defeating the Star, he was on the run from Countess Priscord, and in debt to the void. His life at the learning hall of the Academy had elevated him to the point that the emperor, the Order, and even the Moons themselves had taken notice.
“Yes.” Dallion sighed. “There’s no time for hesitation.”
Summoning his aura sword, he slashed the air, casting a flight spell that propelled him up like a rocket. Half a mile above the ground, he stopped.
“Sorry, Learning Hall,” he said, slashing the air in what appeared to be a multi attack. Magic symbols and connections were drawn, yet instead of casting multiple five-circle spells, Dallion cast one complex spell chain.
A vortex of spell circles emerged beneath him, shooting bolts of magic draining lightning.
Realm section damaged!
Overall completion 77%
Realm section damaged!
Overall completion 76%
Red rectangles popped up as the ground became covered in craters. Aether projectiles shot up to him in response, most of them blocked by the aether shield before reaching Dallion himself.
“Thanks, but no need,” Dallion unsummoned the shield, unwilling to have it be accidentally affected by his magic draining spell.
CRITICAL STRIKE
Dealt damage is increased by 200%
A few purple rectangles appeared among the mass of red. At the current rate, the Learning Hall guardian would be defeated in a matter of seconds. Hopefully, there would be enough left for Dallion to restore afterwards. Were this to be the Hall’s realm, there would be no concern on the matter—defeating a guardian merely improved it. In this case, the realm was the Academy, though, not the Learning Hall itself.
Suddenly, a sun gold colossus emerged less than a few hundred feet away. A massive hand reached out and grabbed the vortex from beneath Dallion. Sparks of lightning enveloped the fingers, yet had no effect whatsoever.
A second hand reached for Dallion himself, but he had already darted further back, safely avoiding the attack.
So, that’s the Academy? Dallion looked at the glittering mountain of gold. When it came to the colossus, he shared many of the same characteristics. The one major difference was the colossus’ “attire.” Not the usual Roman-Greek design that Dallion had seen before, the design followed twenty century Earth norms.
“It’s been ages since a domain ruling mage has ventured in this realm,” the colossus said in a booming voice. “You’re the second so far.”
“What happened to the first?” Dallion concentrated. Not a single domain marker appeared anywhere along the guardian’s body.
“He created this area and made sure that no other mage will be able to take it.”
2024.05.14 19:20 DANJCOLEMAN1991 Sound Like ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION Pt.2: Kensuke Kita (2024 version)
 | IntroductionKensuke Kita performing live, 2017^(\This article is an updated version of my "Sound Like" article from 2021. I have reposted this article due to difficulties editing the original version*, and have included additional information and recommendations based on the increased popularity of amp simulator pedals*)*Hello fellow musicians and Ajikan fans! I have been a fan of ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION for roughly 16 years and as a guitarist was greatly inspired by the band's alt rock sound. After a few years of research I have written a series of "sound like" articles for ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION. The purpose of these articles is to provide context on how the band create their signature sound, and to support beginning musicians or tribute acts who may wish to replicate it. At the end of each article I have drafted a Budget Rig, which you could use for both at home and in a live environment. I have also provided some general amp settings to tweak and try, which are based on the band's live sound and be can used to help replicate their tones. This is a 3-part series and if you enjoy this article I would recommend checking out the other articles: Sound Like ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION Pt.1: Masafumi Gotoh (2024 version) : AsianKungFuGeneration (reddit.com) ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION Sound Like Part 3: Yamada : AsianKungFuGeneration (reddit.com) To help you recognise the individual guitar tones, Gotch's guitar parts are normally panned to the left earphone and Kita's are panned to the right earphone on the band's albums. (On 2016's Sol-Fa, Hometown and some of the Planet Folks singles the panning was swapped, with Gotch instead in the right ear and Kita on the left) Kensuke KitaKita during the Hometown UK/FR tour 2019In this article we are focusing on lead guitarist and backing vocalist Kensuke Kita. Responsible for many of the band's iconic melodies and riffs, Kita's rig setup is a classic rock setup: A Gibson Les Paul into a Marshall-esque amp. Inspired by 90's alt rock and Brit Pop groups such as Supergrass, Blur, Manic Street Preachers and Radiohead, Kita has constantly evolved as a musician and became more involved with the song writing process from Fanclub onwards. (Kita has writing credits on Blue Train) This evolution can be seen clearly when you compare the punk rock style of Houkai Amplifier with the more experimental, pop inspired Planet Folks. While the earlier records reflected a focus on riffs and octave chord melodies, Kita now prefers playing major and minor third chords, triad chords and arpeggios, reflecting his "melody-maker" role in the band. A triad chord is a chord made of 3 separate notes. They are commonly played on the higher strings and Kita uses them a lot, in tracks such as Aru Machi no Gunjou, Sayonara Lost Generation and Gekkou. Major and Minor third chords are sometimes referred to as Dyads.During live performances Kita will experiment with ambient tones, but remains the lead guitar sound, with Gotch acting as a anchor for the overall band. GUITARSKita's primary guitar is a Gibson Les Paul. You want to capture the power and sustain of the humbucker pickups, so single coils will generally not work. Furthermore, I would not recommend active pickups, such as EMG pickups, and to avoid anything that creates too much gain. Remember, Kita sound is rooted in a traditional rock setup.His most recognisable and iconic guitar is his Historic Collection 1959 Les Paul Standard Reissue. Kita bought the 59's reissue in 2004 and has been a mainstay ever since, using it on every Ajikan album from Fanclub onwards. Kita's Historic Collection 1959 Les Paul Standard Reissue Kita's backup guitar is a Historic Collection 1958 Les Paul Standard Reissue, which is also used for Eb/D# standard tuning for songs such as After Dark, Yoru No Call and Empathy. Kita's other standout guitar is his Gibson ES-335, which is used occasionally for songs with a capo. A good example of this would be the live performance of Natsu no Hi, Zanzou from the 10th Anniversary shows and live performances of Juuni Shinhou no Yuukei and Maigo Inu to Ame no Beat. Kita has also experimented with Fender Telecasters, Jazzmasters and Stratocasters on the band's albums, although neither have been seen on stage so far. In a interview with Guitar Magazine, Kita confirmed that he used a Fender Jazzmaster on Empathy. Kita with his Gibson ES-335, during the Quarter Century Tour If you are looking to capture Kita's guitar sound, a Les Paul style guitar with vintage sounding pickups would be the best place to start. Between 2002-2007, Kita armed his Les Pauls with Gibson Burstbucker 2 in the bridge position and the Burstbucker 1 in the neck position. Since 2007, Kita has used Custombuckers in both positions. Like Gotch, Kita uses Tortex Flex picks and are most likely .73mm or .88mm variants AMPLIFIERSIn the band's early years of success, Kita used a Marshall JCM 900-4100 head with a Marshall 1960A cabinet. In late 2005, Kita replaced the Marshall amp with the Bogner Ecstasy 101b and Bogner 4x12 Cabinet, which he has used ever since as his main live amplifier.Kita's JCM900 amp, used during the early 2000's and Sol-Fa 2004 tour The Bogner has 3 channel settings, with the "green" channel based on traditional Vox amp, the "blue" channel based on a Marshall JCM800 & Marshall Plexi and the "Red" channel as a higher drive channel. The Bogner also has a boost feature that Kita uses for solos. Both the JCM900 and Ecstasy amps are based on vintage Marshall sounds, whereas the modern Marshall amps have a darker, more compressed sound. Between 2000-2011 Kita would only use the Marshall or Bogner stack for live performances and simply switch between the amp channels. In 2012, Kita introduced the Shinos Luck 6V combo to his live setup. The Shinos amps were set up by a former VOX Chief engineer and in general has a blend of Fender and Vox amps sound wise. They have also been compared to Matchless amps, which Kita has used occasionally on international tours. Kita's Bogner Ecstasy 101b and Shinos Luck V6 Kita has experimented with more amplifiers in the studio and has been known to use JCM800's, VOX and Matchless amps on albums, but for the purpose of this article we will keep the focus on matching his vintage Marshall & Bogner tone. Kita's clean sound can be heard on Angou No Waltz, Mustang and Yuugure no Aka, while his distorted sound can be heard on Standard, Re:Re: and Kouya wo Aruke. Kita used 4x12 Greenback speakers in his Marshall cabinet (this was 2004 sound & since 2005 he has likely use Celestion Vintage 30 speakers. The Shino is likely set up with a Celestion Classic Lead 80 speaker.) PEDALSAlongside the amp pairing, Kita uses a wide variety of pedals that has only grown in recent years. Previously, Kita stuck to a small collection of pedals which included a delay pedal and a preamp pedal.Kita's 2004 pedalboard, used during the Sol-Fa tour This collection has since rapidly grown, but has generally included a compressor, phaser, wah and a delay. During the Eizo Sakushin Shu Vol. 6 performance, where he used a Boss DD-20 Giga Delay, an MXR M-132 Super Comp, Boss PH-2 Super Phaser, a Guyatone WR3 Wah Rocker and VoxV847 Wah pedal. Kita also used a BOSS TR-2 Tremolo at this time. Kita's 2009 Pedalboard, which was used during the Eizo Sakushin Shu Vol. 6 performance The Super Comp is used as a boost for lead melodies and solos, and the Super Phaser can be heard in performances of Mustang and Shinkokyuu. The Giga Delay can be heard in tracks such as Night Diving, Re:Re: and Mugen Glider, as well as the band's ambient jams. The Wah Rocker can be heard in Kugenuma Surf & Enoshima Escar Since 2010 Kita's pedal board has gradually evolved to include more delay & modulation effects. (Such as the Boss Harmonist and BOSS MD-200 Modulation) He has also used fuzz and distortion pedals from time to time. For example, he has added the BOSS Tone Bender and Earthquaker Transmisser for ambient noises between tracks. In recent years, Kita has also used octave pedals for lead parts (which recreates what the guitarist plays but at a higher or lower pitch), such as Blood Circulator, Boys & Girls and Clock Work. The Electro Harmonix POG2, which can be seen on his current rig below, is used for the intro of Kakato de Ai o Uchinarase. Kita's current 2022 Pedalboard: (1) FREE THE TONE/JB-41S (Junction Box) (2) Jim Dunlop/535Q Crybaby Multi-Wah (Wow Pedal) (3) Custom Audio Japan/RS 616 (Programmable Switcher) (4)MXSuper Comp (Compressor) (5) Electro-Harmonix/POG2 (Octave) (6) BOSS/TB-2W (Fuzz) (7)EarthQuaker Devices/Transmisser (Modulation/Reverb) (8) strymon/ZELZAH (multi-phaser) (9) BOSS/MD-200 (multi-modulation) (10)(11) BOSS/DD-20 (multi-delay) (12) BOSS/FRV-1 (reverb) (13) Electro-Harmonix/FREEZE (sustainer)(14) BOSS/FS-5U (foot switch) (15) BOSS/TU-2s (tuner) (16) RJM/Amp Gizmo (amplifier channel switcher) (17) FIREGLOW/PPS-05 (power supply) (18) Vital Audio/VA-08 Mk-II (Power Supply) To help manage his massive pedalboard on stage, Kita has been using a Custom Audio Switcher to control his pedals, which also allows him to create "loops" of saved settings for each song. I've included a list of his pedals from the current board on the picture below. The guitar runs into the Junction box (top right) and wah pedal before going into the switcher. Kita can control the Comp and reverb from the switcher, along with the amp settings. The guitar line then runs from the Dyna Comp through the rest of the pedals, which are controlled in separate loops by the switcher, before running into an amp switcher for the Bogner and Shinos. You can see these loops below: Loop 1: Dyna Comp Loop 2: Dyna Comp, POG 2, Tone Bender, Transmisser Loop 3: Dyna Comp, Zelzah Loop 4: Dyna Comp, BOSS MD-200 (using the tremolo effect) Loop 5: Dyna Comp, 2x BOSS DD-20s Loop 6: Dyna Comp, 63' Fender ReverbKita has a few additional pedals on the board, such as the Electro Harmonix Freeze, which can hold a note for a sustained amount of time and a separate BOSS footswitch to tap in a count for his delay sound. While this may seem complicated (and it is!) bear in mind that many of the pedals are to recreate certain sounds from the band's 10 albums, or to allow Kita to experiment during live performances. You do not need to build a pedalboard this big to sound like Kita. Instead, I would focus on Kita's main pedals, which include the MXR Super Comp, his two Boss DD-20 Giga Delay pedals, the Dunlop535Q Crybaby Multi-Wah, the Strymon ZELZAH (phase) and BOSS MD-200. (phase/auto-wah/tremolo) Sound Like Kita ...On a BudgetKita, Quarter Century tour, 2022To buy Kita's current rig would cost thousands of pounds (the 59' Les Paul alone could be worth £5,000) so much like the Gotch's post we have a few more affordable options that could get you close. The idea is to create a rig that can be used at home or in small venues to perform live. Also bear in mind that information provided are based on Kita's Live setup, which is aimed at finding a medium between all of the sounds formed on the albums. Please also note that these are personal suggestions as a fan and if you find that works better for you, then great! The main areas to consider are:
In terms of guitar options there are plenty of Les Paul copies, but for look and sound Epiphone is a no-brainer. The Epiphone 1959 Les Paul Standard is the newer, more expensive option but is based on the 59' Les Paul model, much like Kita's main guitar. You can buy one for around £749. Epiphone 1959 Les Paul Standard The more affordable option is the Epiphone Les Paul Standard '50s, which is also a solid pick and goes for around £500. AMPLIFIER In terms of affordable amps, Bogner have recently released the Ecstasy Mini 30W Head which costs around £349. You would need a speaker to plug the head into, this solid-state amp would get you close to Kita's sound and could be used for gigging with a big enough speaker. Bogner Ecstasy Mini 30W Head You could also try out the Marshall MG50 and Marshall Origin amps as affordable Marshall amps with a classic sound, closer to the JCM900/Bogner style. Another approach you could take would be to use the Bogner Ecstasy pedals, which are pedals designed to emulate the Bogner Ecstasy amps. (Please bear in mind that you would need to tweak the settings more to work with the amp you use) The BOSS Katana series and Blackstar amps (which have a dial to set a more British sound) have Marshall-esque settings and could also work, but would require more tweaking. PEDALS There are a wide variety of pedals to choose from, but to keep the pedal suggestions simple but versatile. Because of its importance to Kita's sound, I would recommend the MXR Super Comp. MXR Super Comp A great example of how this would sound can be on tako wasa YouTube channel, who demonstrated the pedal on this live stream. (tako also has a solid pedal board that is worth taking inspiration from!) An alternative approach would be to buy a Booster pedal to create the same effect, such as the Xotic EP-3 Boost A delay pedal is also must for a sound like rig (Especially those keen to play the Re:Re: 2016 intro) and so the recommendation would be a Boss DD Delay pedals. The DD-6 or DD-8 are more affordable options that can definitely do the job, while the DD-200 gives you a more versatile option and the ability to save pre-sets for different tracks. Boss DD-8 Cheaper alternatives that you could also consider are the Tone City Tape Machine and the TC Electronic Flashback 2 Mini, which are both good options for the price. Another pedal for Kita's sound to consider would be a Wah pedal. As the Dunlop535Q Crybaby is quite a steep price for casual players, so I would recommend the Vox 845 Wah Wah Pedal. At £69 its considerably cheaper than the Dunlop535Q and should get close to Kita's original Wah sound. Finally, we are going to focus on the modulation sounds for Kita, and ultimately this is down to preference and what songs you would like to emulate. BOSS MD-200 If you wanted to have a mix of sounds, the BOSS MD-200, which Kita uses, covers many of the sounds he uses, including the phaser, auto-Wah and tremolo sounds. For more specific roles, the BOSS PH-3 Phase Shifter will get you close to his original phase sound (try to avoid the Phase 90 style pedals for Kita's sound), while the BOSS Harmonist or a different Octave pedal would help capture some of his lead tones for the current era. You could also consider a reverb pedal if you want to capture some of the ambient sounds Kita creates live or if the amp you choose doesn't include reverb. AMP SIMULATOR PEDAL OPTIONS? The final option to consider would be a Amp Simulator pedal. This type of pedal has become increasingly popular in the last few years and would be used in place of a traditional amp and effect pedals. You would then use the Amp Simulator with a IR Cabinet (a powered cabinet speaker) or with a Power Amp in between the Amp Simulator and a traditional cabinet. They can be fairly expensive to buy and I would only advise buying one if you do intend to move on from your traditional amp/pedal setup, however the Quad Cortex DSP & Headrush Pedalboard would be good starting points. They are both aimed at capturing more traditionally hi gain amps such as the Bogner and Marshall amps, so should be able to do a good job at capturing Kita's sound. Recommended Amp SettingsThe following amp settings were based on photos from live performances and you should bear in mind that the volume may be quite loud for home use, so I would suggest bringing it down. Also bear in mind that every musician and amp will slightly differ so you may need to tweak with your settings to find the right blend.My personal advice is to keep the gain around the middle and to use the volume to crunch up the sound. Kita does use a cabinet, so you may need to add more low end for a combo amp, and again bear in mind that the volume may need to be lower for home use. Shino Luck V6: Vol: 5, Treble: 5, Middle: 5, Bass: 3.5, Master: 3.5, Boost: 7, Level: 4 Bogner Green Setting: Presence A: 8.5, Presence B: 8, Vol. 1: 5, Treble: 4:5, Mid: 4, Gain 1: 5.5 Bogner Blue Setting: Vol. 2: 5.5, Vol. 3: 5.5, Treble: 5, Middle: 5/5.5, Bass: 5, Gain 2: 4.5, Gain 3: 5.5 ConclusionThank you again for reading this and I hope it's been insightful for you. Feel free to leave feedback below and any of your own tips |
2024.05.14 19:17 Ancient_Tart_7695 On SSI, received a TPD discharge for aid and requested new FASFA not knowing I wasn't allowed to. Help please.
Hello,
To preface I am on SSI not SSDI
So I'm currently in school to get a Master's. I had applied for financial aid last year and I applied again this year not knowing that I couldn't get a new loan because I god TPD. I didn't request the TPD it just happened on it's own. I'm at a cross roads because I'm unsure what to do as my school gave me a form for my doctor to determine whether I can participate in GSA or not. Until I get this form filled out my aid is on hold. My dilemma is that if he/she puts 'yes' would I lose my SSI? Would I have to report this to SSI or would it be something I mention when I'm up for review? If he puts I am disabled I won't get a loan. Now, I did call my loaner and request for a reinstatement as I never requested I had a discharge. They told me it automatically happened for me. Had I known I would have reinstated it sooner because they said they don't know when it will be reinstated so currently it's just in a request period and not reinstated yet.
I do also have a family member that is willing to pay for my tuition. not give me money personally, but pay my school the tuition which I understand is allowed as I've looked through this reddit for days and found somebody provided a link that it's allowed for people to pay your tuition and doesn't count as income: https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0500830520#:\~:text=Gifts%20used%20to%20pay%20tuition%2C%20fees%2C%20or%20other%20necessary%20educational%20expenses&text=Income%20%2D%20Gifts%20(or%20a%20portion,education%2C%20are%20excluded%20from%20income. If I'm understanding this correctly or not please let me know.
Additionally I did talk to someone who has told me taking out a loan when you had one discharged is illegal. My only goal here is to do the right thing while also keeping myself alive and not end up in prison because i'm not trying to get by on anybody. Like if I have to get the form filled out and my dr puts I can do GSA I'll tell SSA if I'm supposed. If I lose SSI I can apply to medicaid through my state so that is what I'll just have to do. I just don't want to do the wrong thing or get in trouble.
So I was wondering should I get this form filled out? ( I dont know what my doctor will put seeing as he isn't the one who initially helped me get on SSI) or should I simply call up my financial aid office and tell them I didn't know, I made a mistake and ask if they can cancel it and just see if my family member is still willing to pay? or should I contact a lawyer?
edit: by the way I am still disabled. I'll never not be disabled. My condition just varies in intensity and some medication I've gotten access to has improved my life but I'm not suddenly cured. SO I am still disabled
submitted by Ancient_Tart_7695 to SocialSecurity [link] [comments]
To preface I am on SSI not SSDI
So I'm currently in school to get a Master's. I had applied for financial aid last year and I applied again this year not knowing that I couldn't get a new loan because I god TPD. I didn't request the TPD it just happened on it's own. I'm at a cross roads because I'm unsure what to do as my school gave me a form for my doctor to determine whether I can participate in GSA or not. Until I get this form filled out my aid is on hold. My dilemma is that if he/she puts 'yes' would I lose my SSI? Would I have to report this to SSI or would it be something I mention when I'm up for review? If he puts I am disabled I won't get a loan. Now, I did call my loaner and request for a reinstatement as I never requested I had a discharge. They told me it automatically happened for me. Had I known I would have reinstated it sooner because they said they don't know when it will be reinstated so currently it's just in a request period and not reinstated yet.
I do also have a family member that is willing to pay for my tuition. not give me money personally, but pay my school the tuition which I understand is allowed as I've looked through this reddit for days and found somebody provided a link that it's allowed for people to pay your tuition and doesn't count as income: https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0500830520#:\~:text=Gifts%20used%20to%20pay%20tuition%2C%20fees%2C%20or%20other%20necessary%20educational%20expenses&text=Income%20%2D%20Gifts%20(or%20a%20portion,education%2C%20are%20excluded%20from%20income. If I'm understanding this correctly or not please let me know.
Additionally I did talk to someone who has told me taking out a loan when you had one discharged is illegal. My only goal here is to do the right thing while also keeping myself alive and not end up in prison because i'm not trying to get by on anybody. Like if I have to get the form filled out and my dr puts I can do GSA I'll tell SSA if I'm supposed. If I lose SSI I can apply to medicaid through my state so that is what I'll just have to do. I just don't want to do the wrong thing or get in trouble.
So I was wondering should I get this form filled out? ( I dont know what my doctor will put seeing as he isn't the one who initially helped me get on SSI) or should I simply call up my financial aid office and tell them I didn't know, I made a mistake and ask if they can cancel it and just see if my family member is still willing to pay? or should I contact a lawyer?
edit: by the way I am still disabled. I'll never not be disabled. My condition just varies in intensity and some medication I've gotten access to has improved my life but I'm not suddenly cured. SO I am still disabled
2024.05.14 19:15 eveacrae I(20f) want to die for no reason in particular .. what do i do??
I have been depressed/ill as long as i can remember, my childhood was crappy but nothing to make anyone shocked or feel much pity. I was smart and had friends but i couldn't get close to anyone. I cant be close with people because i just assume they don't like me and stop talking to them. Im in college and had a job, i went to inpatient recently and decided to not go back to that job because it sucked. I have a dog and my mom and sister love me, i like to read and like plants and kpop, we travel and i have a good extended family, i also have a bike i like to ride. So my life is pretty good in general.
Despite that, i just want to die. I dont find any happiness or joy in living. Things that should make me feel content just dont. I have moments of excitement or happiness but most of the time i just feel dead inside. A lot of days i dont find joy in things im supposed to like and just want to lay in bed. Inpatient was difficult because I missed home but it was great, I felt happy like i think I should feel, I met so many different people and felt like I belonged. I also got put on mood stabilizers that I think really helped. But ever since I got discharged i feel just like before i went in. If i didnt go, I 100% would have killed myself. I attempted suicide before by hanging, but when i dropped, the noose of bed sheets came loose and i fell down after a few seconds. Because of that, I know that I could do it. I felt happy that finally I wouldnt have to live anymore. I finally felt peace the moment I stepped off the cliff. Before inpatient, I ordered rope but I texted my therapist last minute and was taken to the hospital.
Im not scared of dying, the thought of infinite nothing makes me happy. But my mom already lost her parents and is sensitive, my sister and I are her world, she told me she couldnt survive without me. It was hard on her when I went to inpatient because she missed me badly and was so scared and worried. Thats the only thing that is stopping me. But sometimes i feel selfish and want to just do it anyway.
Therapy barely helps because theres no gut wrenching trauma to overcome. No awful living conditions that drag me down. No legal trouble or financial trouble or addictions. I just wasnt meant to be here. I was premature and wouldnt have lived without freakish machines. I feel like an accident and the universe needs correcting. I dont want a happy or "fulfilling " life, im tired and just want to die. What can someone like me do? Is suicide just the only answer?
submitted by eveacrae to LifeAdvice [link] [comments]
Despite that, i just want to die. I dont find any happiness or joy in living. Things that should make me feel content just dont. I have moments of excitement or happiness but most of the time i just feel dead inside. A lot of days i dont find joy in things im supposed to like and just want to lay in bed. Inpatient was difficult because I missed home but it was great, I felt happy like i think I should feel, I met so many different people and felt like I belonged. I also got put on mood stabilizers that I think really helped. But ever since I got discharged i feel just like before i went in. If i didnt go, I 100% would have killed myself. I attempted suicide before by hanging, but when i dropped, the noose of bed sheets came loose and i fell down after a few seconds. Because of that, I know that I could do it. I felt happy that finally I wouldnt have to live anymore. I finally felt peace the moment I stepped off the cliff. Before inpatient, I ordered rope but I texted my therapist last minute and was taken to the hospital.
Im not scared of dying, the thought of infinite nothing makes me happy. But my mom already lost her parents and is sensitive, my sister and I are her world, she told me she couldnt survive without me. It was hard on her when I went to inpatient because she missed me badly and was so scared and worried. Thats the only thing that is stopping me. But sometimes i feel selfish and want to just do it anyway.
Therapy barely helps because theres no gut wrenching trauma to overcome. No awful living conditions that drag me down. No legal trouble or financial trouble or addictions. I just wasnt meant to be here. I was premature and wouldnt have lived without freakish machines. I feel like an accident and the universe needs correcting. I dont want a happy or "fulfilling " life, im tired and just want to die. What can someone like me do? Is suicide just the only answer?
2024.05.14 19:12 Budget-Song2618 In 1983, Paul Newman explained that the truth has no kind of importance for the American state, it will always manufacture or designate an exaggerated enemy to justify wars and massacres for profit and to ignore the crimes committed by other nations like Israel.
 | submitted by Budget-Song2618 to WayOfTheBern [link] [comments] |
2024.05.14 19:08 Frequent-Ad-264 MSA C & R settlement proposal with CAREGUARD as an administrator
So, I hoped I was coming into the home stretch. But I find myself in a heads you lose, tails you lose sort of predicament. I previously posted about the attorney wanting me to attend a Zoom meeting with the insurance company attorney about the MSA. Apparently the Zoom meeting was held with the two opposing attorneys and two representatives from "CAREGUARD" about the MSA. The attorneys did attend and were given a presentation about CAREGUARD and what they do, by two representatives from this MSA administrator (a financial company). My attorney told me that he spent time, maybe 30 minutes, listening to the presentation by the representatives. He said he fought very hard to get the other side to agree with a lump sum, but they simply will not consider that. He also told me he was very impressed with the representatives from the MSA administration company.
When he told me about this presentation, I got a sinking feeling. I have attended many sales meetings in my career and it is pretty clear to me that this is a product being sold to the attorneys and the insurance company. Not to me and not for my benefit. I was tempted to ask him if they gave him some pens or something to be so enthusiastic about them. If I want to exit the WC system and be in charge of my own care, this is my only option, I am being told. I told the attorney, I would agree with this today, if I got to select the MSA administrator, he did not respond to that . I never asked for a lump sum.
It is very strange that they would spend this time to present this product. What they do, according to their flyer is give you a card and tell you to give it to the provider and it is like an insurance card. They distribute the funds, they get billed by the provider. You can go to any provider. So I am doing some research and I called some providers to see if they accept this arrangement. However, it is essentially hypothetical until I am signed up with the "service". Some places seem to accept this, but I won't know for sure until I agree to this arrangement. At that point I am stuck and if there are any bumps I will be out of luck for getting any care. The funds have to be depleted before I can use Medicare. At that point I would have to probably switch doctors because the billing will change from providers that accept this to Medicare providers. Oh so messy.
I have multiple concerns; 1. If they don't pay, or don't pay quickly enough, am I going to have to pay out of pocket? That is being reported by a number of people. 2. They have a provider network - which is weird. They say you can go to any doctor, but then they have this network. Why? 3. The provider can charge very high rates because they are going by WC prices, not Medicare prices. How can I avoid this? 4. If I move to another state or live outside of the US what happens to the funds? Can it follow me to another area for use for treatment of the injury? 5. They seem to take their time reporting funds depletion to Medicare. And they have to report it. Apparently, they would not take a report from me (with documentation), it would have to be from the MSA company. Is that correct? 6. What happens to those funds if they are not fully depleted, in say 5 or 10 years? If the reports I read from people using this system are true, there may be millions of dollars sitting in banks, who oversees this and how?
I have emailed the company and asked them if there is anyone I can contact or speak to about my specific situation. Honestly, this appears to me to be a ridiculous additional layer in our system that is designed to prevent individuals from receiving care and enriching 3rd parties for filling out forms. Some have reported that the company earns a percentage of the interest in the MSA account. The suggestion is that they are motivated to leave the funds in the account for their financial benefit. These are some of the experiences I found reported from others about this system and this company:
https://www.sitejabber.com/reviews/careguard.com#reviews
https://www.bbb.org/us/ma/burlington/profile/healthcare-management/ametros-0021-463074/customer-reviews
My attorney will not give me anything in writing about the settlement until I have agreed to it. He gave me a flyer from CAREGUARD, but no specifics about the settlement that I would be agreeing to. So I can't find out the details and how exactly this will work. I intend to ask him again, but I do not typically get a response when I ask them things in writing. So not holding out much hope for learning more. I do know what my option if I don't agree to the settlement. I think I also have the option of dismissing the attorney. Has anyone done that and how did it work out?
Tl/DR Anyone have experience with this company that they would be willing to share? How can I avoid the bad experience other people seem to have had (if I agree to the settlement)?
submitted by Frequent-Ad-264 to WorkersComp [link] [comments]
When he told me about this presentation, I got a sinking feeling. I have attended many sales meetings in my career and it is pretty clear to me that this is a product being sold to the attorneys and the insurance company. Not to me and not for my benefit. I was tempted to ask him if they gave him some pens or something to be so enthusiastic about them. If I want to exit the WC system and be in charge of my own care, this is my only option, I am being told. I told the attorney, I would agree with this today, if I got to select the MSA administrator, he did not respond to that . I never asked for a lump sum.
It is very strange that they would spend this time to present this product. What they do, according to their flyer is give you a card and tell you to give it to the provider and it is like an insurance card. They distribute the funds, they get billed by the provider. You can go to any provider. So I am doing some research and I called some providers to see if they accept this arrangement. However, it is essentially hypothetical until I am signed up with the "service". Some places seem to accept this, but I won't know for sure until I agree to this arrangement. At that point I am stuck and if there are any bumps I will be out of luck for getting any care. The funds have to be depleted before I can use Medicare. At that point I would have to probably switch doctors because the billing will change from providers that accept this to Medicare providers. Oh so messy.
I have multiple concerns; 1. If they don't pay, or don't pay quickly enough, am I going to have to pay out of pocket? That is being reported by a number of people. 2. They have a provider network - which is weird. They say you can go to any doctor, but then they have this network. Why? 3. The provider can charge very high rates because they are going by WC prices, not Medicare prices. How can I avoid this? 4. If I move to another state or live outside of the US what happens to the funds? Can it follow me to another area for use for treatment of the injury? 5. They seem to take their time reporting funds depletion to Medicare. And they have to report it. Apparently, they would not take a report from me (with documentation), it would have to be from the MSA company. Is that correct? 6. What happens to those funds if they are not fully depleted, in say 5 or 10 years? If the reports I read from people using this system are true, there may be millions of dollars sitting in banks, who oversees this and how?
I have emailed the company and asked them if there is anyone I can contact or speak to about my specific situation. Honestly, this appears to me to be a ridiculous additional layer in our system that is designed to prevent individuals from receiving care and enriching 3rd parties for filling out forms. Some have reported that the company earns a percentage of the interest in the MSA account. The suggestion is that they are motivated to leave the funds in the account for their financial benefit. These are some of the experiences I found reported from others about this system and this company:
https://www.sitejabber.com/reviews/careguard.com#reviews
https://www.bbb.org/us/ma/burlington/profile/healthcare-management/ametros-0021-463074/customer-reviews
My attorney will not give me anything in writing about the settlement until I have agreed to it. He gave me a flyer from CAREGUARD, but no specifics about the settlement that I would be agreeing to. So I can't find out the details and how exactly this will work. I intend to ask him again, but I do not typically get a response when I ask them things in writing. So not holding out much hope for learning more. I do know what my option if I don't agree to the settlement. I think I also have the option of dismissing the attorney. Has anyone done that and how did it work out?
Tl/DR Anyone have experience with this company that they would be willing to share? How can I avoid the bad experience other people seem to have had (if I agree to the settlement)?
2024.05.14 18:35 Saint_Bastion_ There’s only so many ways I can tell you “that isn’t my job” before I snap. Today I snapped.
I’ll try to keep this simple and short as possible but there is some explaining required.
My IT department does not support printers in my company beyond basic installation and making sure they’re connected to the network. This is because every god d*mn company has settings and configuration menus and processes for their products arranged in their own specific ways and we have too many issues to worry about then those printers.
For the CEOs Admin department of my company, they have a new copier and scanner they have purchased. A few weeks ago, I set up the printer, it was connected to the network 👍 my job is done, people can print and scan.
The reception for the CEOs department called me today asking for someone to be on sight. When I asked why, she said it was because she said the vendor technician was visiting to enable an auditing feature. I told her that we don’t support that, but apparently the vendor insisted an IT rep be there so for ease of mind I went.
The vendor was able to square away things on the copiers no problem, but there was a step that involved making sure every user connected to this printer copier enable a setting within printing preferences so that the copier recognizes the jobs received as approved. The receptionist insisted I learn this process so I can show others, and I told her no, we don’t support it.
USUALLY, I’m a nice guy, and will do it anyway. But when the printers were first set up I got in trouble for something similar with another feature they wanted enabled that I worked on. My boss very explicitly told me in the future not to say yes.
Fast forward to today- I’m setting boundaries, and informed her the CEO and my boss already designated someone in their office to be the person to learn this process and help people with it, but she kept arguing with me. She was giving me sass. She accused me first of not doing my job, then said why does the person in their department not get two paychecks for doing IT and their normal role.
Finally, I snapped, and said “I’m going to go. I’m not explaining my job to you.”
As I started to walk away, the receptionist said “you did explain your job” to which I responded “yet you’re not understanding it”.
I think I’m going to get reported by her and maybe in trouble because it’s the CEO admin receptionist not a normal one. But I couldn’t help it. I can only tell you so many times, previously and today, that this isn’t my job. I guess today I snapped.
submitted by Saint_Bastion_ to talesfromtechsupport [link] [comments]
My IT department does not support printers in my company beyond basic installation and making sure they’re connected to the network. This is because every god d*mn company has settings and configuration menus and processes for their products arranged in their own specific ways and we have too many issues to worry about then those printers.
For the CEOs Admin department of my company, they have a new copier and scanner they have purchased. A few weeks ago, I set up the printer, it was connected to the network 👍 my job is done, people can print and scan.
The reception for the CEOs department called me today asking for someone to be on sight. When I asked why, she said it was because she said the vendor technician was visiting to enable an auditing feature. I told her that we don’t support that, but apparently the vendor insisted an IT rep be there so for ease of mind I went.
The vendor was able to square away things on the copiers no problem, but there was a step that involved making sure every user connected to this printer copier enable a setting within printing preferences so that the copier recognizes the jobs received as approved. The receptionist insisted I learn this process so I can show others, and I told her no, we don’t support it.
USUALLY, I’m a nice guy, and will do it anyway. But when the printers were first set up I got in trouble for something similar with another feature they wanted enabled that I worked on. My boss very explicitly told me in the future not to say yes.
Fast forward to today- I’m setting boundaries, and informed her the CEO and my boss already designated someone in their office to be the person to learn this process and help people with it, but she kept arguing with me. She was giving me sass. She accused me first of not doing my job, then said why does the person in their department not get two paychecks for doing IT and their normal role.
Finally, I snapped, and said “I’m going to go. I’m not explaining my job to you.”
As I started to walk away, the receptionist said “you did explain your job” to which I responded “yet you’re not understanding it”.
I think I’m going to get reported by her and maybe in trouble because it’s the CEO admin receptionist not a normal one. But I couldn’t help it. I can only tell you so many times, previously and today, that this isn’t my job. I guess today I snapped.