Designs made with keyboard
CustomKeyboards - For customs only!
2016.11.30 14:08 CustomKeyboards - For customs only!
A subreddit where your kustom with BoW can actually reach top post
2012.03.05 16:44 ts87654 for cosplayers, by cosplayers
This is a subreddit specifically for people who cosplay and people looking to cosplay. Want to share the outfit you just made? Share it here! Want some advice on a costume? Ask here! Want to show some cool pics you took at the last convention you went to? Post them here!
2012.05.16 04:02 RhinoMan2112 Reddit - Racetrack doodles and designs!
Here you can submit race tracks that you have doodled, drawn out, made on the computer, etc. Be original in your designs, and remember, have fun!
2024.05.14 15:30 Bochai127 $6.99 10 Pcs New Upgrade Steel Wire Dishcloth,Double-Layer Steel Wire Cleaning Cloth,Powerful Cleaning Non-Scratch Wire Dishcloth Rag for Cookware, Sinks, Dishes, Stove Tops
 | https://amzn.to/3ybgL51 4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 158 ratings 200+ bought in past month submitted by Bochai127 to AmazonDealsSavers [link] [comments] Customers sayCustomers like the quality, ease of cleaning, and performance of the towel. For example, they mention it's a great product, perfect for washing dishes, and works very well.AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
https://preview.redd.it/30h33ka1yb0d1.png?width=1464&format=png&auto=webp&s=fc81ea399a1a32ab4ac1d4386c7d668cdf1fd67e https://preview.redd.it/bfa81la2yb0d1.png?width=1464&format=png&auto=webp&s=bbeac51133f4c9f5a3deb7e7bca87ab2ede5a5a4 https://preview.redd.it/0bj1fcs2yb0d1.png?width=1464&format=png&auto=webp&s=8ec5b300f8204599e9ede6e2f8ba7b6980db399f https://preview.redd.it/csovq9a3yb0d1.png?width=1464&format=png&auto=webp&s=887e8cb5083cd3b446e48a9032e2550b7fd76845 |
2024.05.14 15:30 jaredsorensen [This Week's Sermon] Your game sucks, but it doesn't have to
Attributes
Character attributes suck, and your game sucks because you're stuck on them:S
D
C
I
W
C
It's 2024. Let's put down the keyboard, take a step back, and think.Your mission, if you choose to accept it: design, write and publish\* a tabletop roleplaying game*\* for 2+ players by July 1st. Any genre, any setting, any length, art, AI art, no art, layout or no layout whatever.
The only stipulation is this:
The only attributes you can have in your game are the five senses: Sight, Hearing, Smell, Taste and Touch. You don't have to use all five, but you can't introduce any additional attributes. The attributes must have some actual mechanical/systematic function in your game but I don't care how you use them.
A long-form RPG will get bonus points over a short-form/one-page RPG, but a one-page RPG will get more points than a long RPG that isn't about anything.
* Publish meaning anything from a reddit post to a website to a PDF to an actual printed game, free or for sale. The only rubric is that it's gotta be made available to the public somehow so Someone Who Is Not You could access, read and run/play the game.
* Game, not system. I want to see games that have a point. I don't want to see another method for figuring our if a sword did damage to a goblin or not.
2024.05.14 15:25 dffrntlqtns Here is why ENSC went up yesterday
Morning! ENSC had a phenomenal day yesterday (up over 10% on great volume). I hope those of you who got in, also got out and made some money! Great work everyone. As always - Communicated disclaimer. Please dyor and whatnot.
So why did ENSC go up yesterday?
The main reason was from this PR. So here are the summarized points from the Ensysce Biosciences first quarter financial and operational report:
Let me know what you think!
[1] [2] [3] [4]
submitted by dffrntlqtns to pennystocks [link] [comments]
So why did ENSC go up yesterday?
The main reason was from this PR. So here are the summarized points from the Ensysce Biosciences first quarter financial and operational report:
- Clinical Developments: Ensysce Biosciences is advancing towards regulatory approval for PF614, following productive FDA meetings that set the stage for a Phase 3 trial in late 2024."In the first quarter of 2024, we continued to accelerate the progress of our clinical programs toward regulatory approvals," said Dr. Lynn Kirkpatrick, CEO of Ensysce.
- FDA Designations: The FDA granted Breakthrough Therapy designation for PF614-MPAR, highlighting its potential for safer opioid use, with a Fast Track designation already in place for PF614.
- Financial Health: The company improved its cash position, ending the quarter with $3.4 million in cash and cash equivalents, bolstered by funding from warrant exercises and federal grants.
- Operational Highlights: R&D expenses decreased due to lower external research costs, and G&A expenses also saw a reduction. Overall, net loss increased year-over-year to $3.1 million.
Let me know what you think!
[1] [2] [3] [4]
2024.05.14 15:25 OmegaGoober They Did Not Think Through Their Cunning Plan
This story was inspired by the following prompt: https://www.reddit.com/humansarespaceorcs/comments/1cqvbwk/humans_are_known_for_building_veryvery_large/
General Kim was awakened from a sound slumber by klaxons. Years of military training kicked in and he was out of bed in record time. Checking the data pad briefly while pulling on his uniform he saw something terrifying.
“Attack in progress. Launch in 10:34.”
An attack? Who? Where? How? What kind? General Kim was soon out the door to his quarters. He was at his battle bridge before the launch countdown had reached 10:00. Similar scenes were playing out throughout the ship, as generals checked in with their battle bridge statuses.
In the ship’s primary bridge, two kilometers from General Kim, Admiral Sol looked at her command display with satisfaction. 100% readiness in less than two minutes. She was pleased. She addressed the 10,000 soul the crew over the PA system. “An allied colony is under attack by enemies unknown. Wormhole travel will take approximately twenty minutes and thirty-four seconds. Prepare for battle.”
General Kim scrolled through the scant field assessment data. There wasn’t much. A large multi-species colony was being bombarded from orbit. No signs of enemy ground forces. The primary wormhole comms array was out, but an old Subspace system was still functional after 120 years of dormancy. “And THAT,” said General Kim, “is what preventative maintenance is for.”
“General, sir?”
“Sorry. Just thinking out loud. Their W23 system is down but they’re still in touch using an SB-Class 3.”
“I think I’ve seen one of those in a museum!”
“Our grandparents saw them in museums. You make do on the rim.”
Launch and wormhole transit went off with clockwork precision. Soon, the ship exited its artificial wormhole. It was immediately bombarded by the unknown hostiles. Explosions of varying kinds went off on the ship’s hull, ripping gashes in her armor.
“Damage report?” Admiral Sol asked.
“Ablative armor at 97%. No other damage reports.”
“Excellent. Inform me when the preliminary weapons analysis is in.”
Meanwhile, the Admiral's counterpart in the invading fleet, Imperial Agent Skrald, was still screaming, “What is that THING?”
“I’ve seen moons smaller than that ship,” said one of his lieutenants.
“We have to have a record of it. You can’t build something that big in complete secrecy!”
“Imperial Agent Skrald, I think it’s the, “Blade of Scoth.”
“That ship’s an old myth! It can’t possibly-“
“We've carved a notch!”
“Send the biggest we’ve got,” the Skrald replied.
A “notch” was a divot in the ship’s hull of the right shape to prevent weapons files from glancing off the armor.
“We’re being hailed, sir!”
“Tell them we don’t talk to burnt food and end the transmission,” the Admiral replied.
Imperial Agent Skrald watched with glee as the missile made contact with the notch and detonated.
On her ship, Admiral Sol asked for another damage report.
“Lower-port ablative armor section 374 at 40%, pinata layer is fully exposed.
“Can it take another direct hit?”
“It was only a gigaton blast. One more should make a perfect crack.”
“Excellent. Order the candy away from the blast point just to be safe.”
“Already done ma'am.”
“Make a note to find out who gave that order so I can commend them on their quick-thinking.”
“Yes Admiral.”
While the invading fleet pivoted their attention to the new ship, a second Terran vessel, the “Rule of Two Rogers” exited its artificial wormhole on the far side of the planet. A swarm of smaller craft flowed from the ship into the atmosphere below.
Imperial Agent Skrald, ignorant of the “Rule of Two Rogers,” was shouting with excitement. “Hit it again! Fire another!” The second missile flew through space, connecting with the underlayer exposed by the last missile. At first, it looked like the ship was spewing out debris, but the debris started flying in formations and shooting at his ships.
On the human ship, the Admiral smiled with satisfaction as she heard the report, “Piñata 86 has been breached. The candy is flowing. I repeat, the candy is flowing.”
“All stations, fire at will,” she replied.
The eyes of Imperial Agent Skrald opened wide as the surface of the massive ship lit up with a multicolored array of missiles, lasers, torpedos, and something that seemed to fire AFTER destroying one of his ships.
“It’s a rainbow of death,” he said, shocked into immobility by the way his fleet was being erased. He came back to his senses when his ship was rocked by debris impact from his erstwhile fleet.
“It’s too big to land!” He yelled. “All ships to the surface! I repeat, all ships retreat to the surface!”
The debris tore off one of his ship’s nacelles. “Did we need that to land?” He yelled.
“Only to get home sir,” an officer replied.
“Good.”
Admiral Sol watched the battle with satisfaction. This was the Blade of Scoth’s first battle in over 100 years. As a descendant of the famous Ambasador Sol, she took her guardianship of the BoS very seriously. A report came up on her screen. The hostiles had been identified. It was one of the Naga Imperium factions, or they were at least using the faction’s ships, weapons and known tactics. “Bastards,” she muttered.
“Admiral?” Lieutenant Cutter said.
“Analysis says it’s the ‘Naga Imperium of the Bone.’ The colony's 20% Naga. They’re slaughtering their own. Have we established direct contact with the colony yet?”
“Not yet Admiral. They don’t seem to have any short-range communications working. We’re still limited to what’s coming over their old subspace system.”
On the planet below, Sally McCool, a Naga hatched and raised in the colony, like her parents and grandparents before her, looked to the night sky. The missiles had come down, glowing brightly as the stars before they impacted. Now, the bright glowing objects had become larger, but many were breaking up and vanishing into nothing. Were these larger bombs, or was the enemy tumbling out of space?
She watched with growing horror as one approached the ground near the south okra field. She took a deep breath, and braced herself to be vaporized by whatever was about to land. Unable to watch, she curled into a ball on the ground, hoping death would be quick. She expected a nuclear flash, obliteration before hearing the blast. Instead, she heard a massive crash, crumpling metal and exploding components, and a long grinding sound as something huge cut into the soil. A rain of stones and soil covered her.
Sally looked up, and took several seconds to process what she was seeing. It hadn’t been a bomb. It had been a ship, and it had just crashed into one of their fields, carving a huge channel as it ground to a halt. A cloud of smoke was rising. Suddenly, a disk-shaped ship shot through the cloud of smoke. She recognized it from her history classes and old war movies. A flying saucer, painted with concentric circles of red, white, and blue. It was a Steve. A Steve class fighter. They were special. Why were they special?
Another saucer flew overhead. This one was red and yellow.
Sally remembered why the Steve battle saucers were special. They were exclusive to a ship called “The Rule of two Rogers.” The Steves were for battle, and this red and gold ship, as it landed she remembered, “It’s a Fred!” She yelled. She waved her arms, calling out to the ship. “We have injured! We have injured!” The side of the saucer opened up, and a multi-species crew of medics poured out.
While medics swarmed the colony providing aid, the best day of Skrald’s life had turned into the worst in a matter of minutes. He looked around his battered bridge. Even the emergency lighting could only manage flickering glimpses of the sparking wreckage around him. The only functional display was informing him the sewage system had ruptured and was pouring into what remained of the ventilation system.
“Is anyone else alive?”
“I TOLD you it was the Blade of Scoth you idiot!”
Skrald straightened his posture as much as the sharp pains in his abdomen would allow. “How DARE you speak to a member of the Imperium that way! I’ll eat you myself for that!”
“Good luck with that. I’m surrendering to the colony.”
“THEY’LL EAT YOUR FLESH AND MAKE SHOES FROM YOUR HIDE!”
“How’s that any better than you eating me?”
Outraged at the insolence, Skrald lunged in the direction of the taunting underling, smashing his snout against a hunk of metal he hadn’t noticed in the dim, flickering light.
Hours later, sunrise came to the battered colony. Most of the fires in the colony proper had been put out, but some of the Naga wreckage was still burning bright. Emergency contamination domes had been put up over the upwind wrecks, to contain as much of the toxic smoke as possible.
General Kim was on the ground, commanding the cleanup crews from both ships. He’d taken a brief break from those responsibilities to speak to one of the captured Naga.
“The guy in the fanciest duds tried to eat you when we took you into custody. Why?”
“I used to be a pilot,” she said. “Until that moron weaseled himself into enough power to do THIS!” She opened up her arms, as if to gesture at everything around her. “The only reason I’m even here is because I objected to this madness. That royal waste of scales wanted to personally mock me when he won. He even put that in writing on the paperwork for my ‘Away Without Leave’ warrant.”
“Weren’t you on his bridge?”
“Yes. You look confused, or at least that’s what my translator is telling me about your expression.”
“I don’t have a lot of combat experience. Nobody does these days, but hand-picking someone for your bridge crew because they have no confidence in you sounds like a bad idea to me.”
“This whole mission was nothing but bad ideas.”
“Please, tell me more.”
Meanwhile, in the darkness of space, a third ship of Capybara / Human design moved silent and unseen. Complex sensor arrays had been tracing the path the invaders had taken, seeking their origin. Data flowed in on interstellar communications problems, often evidence of ships passing though communications tunnels. The Starship Peggy Carter and her crew were on the trail, and the ship had a reputation to uphold. Latin mottos had fallen out of favor decades before she was built, so her motto was written in English.
“Those we fail to defend, we will avenge.”
submitted by OmegaGoober to humansarespaceorcs [link] [comments]
General Kim was awakened from a sound slumber by klaxons. Years of military training kicked in and he was out of bed in record time. Checking the data pad briefly while pulling on his uniform he saw something terrifying.
“Attack in progress. Launch in 10:34.”
An attack? Who? Where? How? What kind? General Kim was soon out the door to his quarters. He was at his battle bridge before the launch countdown had reached 10:00. Similar scenes were playing out throughout the ship, as generals checked in with their battle bridge statuses.
In the ship’s primary bridge, two kilometers from General Kim, Admiral Sol looked at her command display with satisfaction. 100% readiness in less than two minutes. She was pleased. She addressed the 10,000 soul the crew over the PA system. “An allied colony is under attack by enemies unknown. Wormhole travel will take approximately twenty minutes and thirty-four seconds. Prepare for battle.”
General Kim scrolled through the scant field assessment data. There wasn’t much. A large multi-species colony was being bombarded from orbit. No signs of enemy ground forces. The primary wormhole comms array was out, but an old Subspace system was still functional after 120 years of dormancy. “And THAT,” said General Kim, “is what preventative maintenance is for.”
“General, sir?”
“Sorry. Just thinking out loud. Their W23 system is down but they’re still in touch using an SB-Class 3.”
“I think I’ve seen one of those in a museum!”
“Our grandparents saw them in museums. You make do on the rim.”
Launch and wormhole transit went off with clockwork precision. Soon, the ship exited its artificial wormhole. It was immediately bombarded by the unknown hostiles. Explosions of varying kinds went off on the ship’s hull, ripping gashes in her armor.
“Damage report?” Admiral Sol asked.
“Ablative armor at 97%. No other damage reports.”
“Excellent. Inform me when the preliminary weapons analysis is in.”
Meanwhile, the Admiral's counterpart in the invading fleet, Imperial Agent Skrald, was still screaming, “What is that THING?”
“I’ve seen moons smaller than that ship,” said one of his lieutenants.
“We have to have a record of it. You can’t build something that big in complete secrecy!”
“Imperial Agent Skrald, I think it’s the, “Blade of Scoth.”
“That ship’s an old myth! It can’t possibly-“
“We've carved a notch!”
“Send the biggest we’ve got,” the Skrald replied.
A “notch” was a divot in the ship’s hull of the right shape to prevent weapons files from glancing off the armor.
“We’re being hailed, sir!”
“Tell them we don’t talk to burnt food and end the transmission,” the Admiral replied.
Imperial Agent Skrald watched with glee as the missile made contact with the notch and detonated.
On her ship, Admiral Sol asked for another damage report.
“Lower-port ablative armor section 374 at 40%, pinata layer is fully exposed.
“Can it take another direct hit?”
“It was only a gigaton blast. One more should make a perfect crack.”
“Excellent. Order the candy away from the blast point just to be safe.”
“Already done ma'am.”
“Make a note to find out who gave that order so I can commend them on their quick-thinking.”
“Yes Admiral.”
While the invading fleet pivoted their attention to the new ship, a second Terran vessel, the “Rule of Two Rogers” exited its artificial wormhole on the far side of the planet. A swarm of smaller craft flowed from the ship into the atmosphere below.
Imperial Agent Skrald, ignorant of the “Rule of Two Rogers,” was shouting with excitement. “Hit it again! Fire another!” The second missile flew through space, connecting with the underlayer exposed by the last missile. At first, it looked like the ship was spewing out debris, but the debris started flying in formations and shooting at his ships.
On the human ship, the Admiral smiled with satisfaction as she heard the report, “Piñata 86 has been breached. The candy is flowing. I repeat, the candy is flowing.”
“All stations, fire at will,” she replied.
The eyes of Imperial Agent Skrald opened wide as the surface of the massive ship lit up with a multicolored array of missiles, lasers, torpedos, and something that seemed to fire AFTER destroying one of his ships.
“It’s a rainbow of death,” he said, shocked into immobility by the way his fleet was being erased. He came back to his senses when his ship was rocked by debris impact from his erstwhile fleet.
“It’s too big to land!” He yelled. “All ships to the surface! I repeat, all ships retreat to the surface!”
The debris tore off one of his ship’s nacelles. “Did we need that to land?” He yelled.
“Only to get home sir,” an officer replied.
“Good.”
Admiral Sol watched the battle with satisfaction. This was the Blade of Scoth’s first battle in over 100 years. As a descendant of the famous Ambasador Sol, she took her guardianship of the BoS very seriously. A report came up on her screen. The hostiles had been identified. It was one of the Naga Imperium factions, or they were at least using the faction’s ships, weapons and known tactics. “Bastards,” she muttered.
“Admiral?” Lieutenant Cutter said.
“Analysis says it’s the ‘Naga Imperium of the Bone.’ The colony's 20% Naga. They’re slaughtering their own. Have we established direct contact with the colony yet?”
“Not yet Admiral. They don’t seem to have any short-range communications working. We’re still limited to what’s coming over their old subspace system.”
On the planet below, Sally McCool, a Naga hatched and raised in the colony, like her parents and grandparents before her, looked to the night sky. The missiles had come down, glowing brightly as the stars before they impacted. Now, the bright glowing objects had become larger, but many were breaking up and vanishing into nothing. Were these larger bombs, or was the enemy tumbling out of space?
She watched with growing horror as one approached the ground near the south okra field. She took a deep breath, and braced herself to be vaporized by whatever was about to land. Unable to watch, she curled into a ball on the ground, hoping death would be quick. She expected a nuclear flash, obliteration before hearing the blast. Instead, she heard a massive crash, crumpling metal and exploding components, and a long grinding sound as something huge cut into the soil. A rain of stones and soil covered her.
Sally looked up, and took several seconds to process what she was seeing. It hadn’t been a bomb. It had been a ship, and it had just crashed into one of their fields, carving a huge channel as it ground to a halt. A cloud of smoke was rising. Suddenly, a disk-shaped ship shot through the cloud of smoke. She recognized it from her history classes and old war movies. A flying saucer, painted with concentric circles of red, white, and blue. It was a Steve. A Steve class fighter. They were special. Why were they special?
Another saucer flew overhead. This one was red and yellow.
Sally remembered why the Steve battle saucers were special. They were exclusive to a ship called “The Rule of two Rogers.” The Steves were for battle, and this red and gold ship, as it landed she remembered, “It’s a Fred!” She yelled. She waved her arms, calling out to the ship. “We have injured! We have injured!” The side of the saucer opened up, and a multi-species crew of medics poured out.
While medics swarmed the colony providing aid, the best day of Skrald’s life had turned into the worst in a matter of minutes. He looked around his battered bridge. Even the emergency lighting could only manage flickering glimpses of the sparking wreckage around him. The only functional display was informing him the sewage system had ruptured and was pouring into what remained of the ventilation system.
“Is anyone else alive?”
“I TOLD you it was the Blade of Scoth you idiot!”
Skrald straightened his posture as much as the sharp pains in his abdomen would allow. “How DARE you speak to a member of the Imperium that way! I’ll eat you myself for that!”
“Good luck with that. I’m surrendering to the colony.”
“THEY’LL EAT YOUR FLESH AND MAKE SHOES FROM YOUR HIDE!”
“How’s that any better than you eating me?”
Outraged at the insolence, Skrald lunged in the direction of the taunting underling, smashing his snout against a hunk of metal he hadn’t noticed in the dim, flickering light.
Hours later, sunrise came to the battered colony. Most of the fires in the colony proper had been put out, but some of the Naga wreckage was still burning bright. Emergency contamination domes had been put up over the upwind wrecks, to contain as much of the toxic smoke as possible.
General Kim was on the ground, commanding the cleanup crews from both ships. He’d taken a brief break from those responsibilities to speak to one of the captured Naga.
“The guy in the fanciest duds tried to eat you when we took you into custody. Why?”
“I used to be a pilot,” she said. “Until that moron weaseled himself into enough power to do THIS!” She opened up her arms, as if to gesture at everything around her. “The only reason I’m even here is because I objected to this madness. That royal waste of scales wanted to personally mock me when he won. He even put that in writing on the paperwork for my ‘Away Without Leave’ warrant.”
“Weren’t you on his bridge?”
“Yes. You look confused, or at least that’s what my translator is telling me about your expression.”
“I don’t have a lot of combat experience. Nobody does these days, but hand-picking someone for your bridge crew because they have no confidence in you sounds like a bad idea to me.”
“This whole mission was nothing but bad ideas.”
“Please, tell me more.”
Meanwhile, in the darkness of space, a third ship of Capybara / Human design moved silent and unseen. Complex sensor arrays had been tracing the path the invaders had taken, seeking their origin. Data flowed in on interstellar communications problems, often evidence of ships passing though communications tunnels. The Starship Peggy Carter and her crew were on the trail, and the ship had a reputation to uphold. Latin mottos had fallen out of favor decades before she was built, so her motto was written in English.
“Those we fail to defend, we will avenge.”
2024.05.14 15:18 SnooRegrets8154 David Kim Pledges to Address Long-Standing Community Grievance with New Unit Reveal!
IRVINE, CA — In a surprising turn of events, David Kim, Senior Game Designer at Uncapped Games and former lead multiplayer designer for StarCraft 2, has promised to address a decade-old grievance just before the big reveal of his new game. Known for his controversial introduction of the Swarm Host unit in SC2—a unit widely blamed for ruining the game's balance and the sanity of countless players—Kim has announced a bold plan to make amends.
"I'm here to right a wrong," Kim proclaimed in a pre-reveal livestream, drawing in thousands of hopeful yet skeptical viewers. "For too long, the Swarm Host has been a source of contention. Many believe it broke the game, but I believe it broke something even more important: our spirits. Today, I give you all the chance you never had."
With a dramatic flourish, Kim unveiled the first new unit for his upcoming robot combat game: the Nano-Swarm Host. The reaction from the audience was immediate and visceral. Chatrooms erupted in a mix of horrified disbelief and cynical amusement.
"In StarCraft 2, the Swarm Host was misunderstood," Kim explained, showing off the sleek and metallic, mushroom-esque concept art for the Nano-Swarm Host on the screen. "It was nerfed far too soon and players didn't have the opportunity to truly learn how to counter it. That opportunity was taken from you, and for that, I apologize. But now, with the Nano-Swarm Host, you can finally reclaim your honor and master the strategy that eluded you for so long."
The Nano-Swarm Host, much like its predecessor, spawns endless waves of free units—this time, as a cloud made up of countless tiny robots—capable of gobbling up enemy units and rearranging their matter into new Nano-Swarm Hosts. "It's the ultimate test of your strategic prowess," Kim insisted. "This time, the meta will be given all the time it needs to work things out, I promise you.”
Reactions from the StarCraft community have ranged from uproarious laughter to resigned groans. "Is he trolling us?" asked seasoned gamer and noted critic of free units, beastyqt. "Free units that generate even more free units? Really?”
Many are already calling the Nano-Swarm Host "the pinnacle of trolling," while others believe it could be a brilliant stroke of marketing genius. "He's certainly succeeded in sparking conversation about the game," observed esteemed caster and veteran player Artosis. "Whether it's in anticipation or dread, people are curious to see how this plays out."
As the reveal date approaches, one thing is certain: David Kim has once again managed to capture the community's attention. Whether the Nano-Swarm Host will be a redemption arc or another chapter in the saga of frustration remains to be seen. But for now, players are gearing up to face their old nemesis in a new metallic form, ready to settle the score once and for all.
Satire, obviously! Also much of it is GPT generated
submitted by SnooRegrets8154 to starcraft [link] [comments]
"I'm here to right a wrong," Kim proclaimed in a pre-reveal livestream, drawing in thousands of hopeful yet skeptical viewers. "For too long, the Swarm Host has been a source of contention. Many believe it broke the game, but I believe it broke something even more important: our spirits. Today, I give you all the chance you never had."
With a dramatic flourish, Kim unveiled the first new unit for his upcoming robot combat game: the Nano-Swarm Host. The reaction from the audience was immediate and visceral. Chatrooms erupted in a mix of horrified disbelief and cynical amusement.
"In StarCraft 2, the Swarm Host was misunderstood," Kim explained, showing off the sleek and metallic, mushroom-esque concept art for the Nano-Swarm Host on the screen. "It was nerfed far too soon and players didn't have the opportunity to truly learn how to counter it. That opportunity was taken from you, and for that, I apologize. But now, with the Nano-Swarm Host, you can finally reclaim your honor and master the strategy that eluded you for so long."
The Nano-Swarm Host, much like its predecessor, spawns endless waves of free units—this time, as a cloud made up of countless tiny robots—capable of gobbling up enemy units and rearranging their matter into new Nano-Swarm Hosts. "It's the ultimate test of your strategic prowess," Kim insisted. "This time, the meta will be given all the time it needs to work things out, I promise you.”
Reactions from the StarCraft community have ranged from uproarious laughter to resigned groans. "Is he trolling us?" asked seasoned gamer and noted critic of free units, beastyqt. "Free units that generate even more free units? Really?”
Many are already calling the Nano-Swarm Host "the pinnacle of trolling," while others believe it could be a brilliant stroke of marketing genius. "He's certainly succeeded in sparking conversation about the game," observed esteemed caster and veteran player Artosis. "Whether it's in anticipation or dread, people are curious to see how this plays out."
As the reveal date approaches, one thing is certain: David Kim has once again managed to capture the community's attention. Whether the Nano-Swarm Host will be a redemption arc or another chapter in the saga of frustration remains to be seen. But for now, players are gearing up to face their old nemesis in a new metallic form, ready to settle the score once and for all.
Satire, obviously! Also much of it is GPT generated
2024.05.14 15:16 WorldlinessStock62 You think Krakoa will someday be nation again if they were to start over or will they find a new nation?
I was re-reading the Krakoa Era and all the best part of Krakoa and the X-Men while waiting for the next X-Men comics come out. And then the thought came to me and it's been bugging me as the end draws near. Will Krakoa return as a mutant nation in the future somehow?
Krakoa, with all it's mistakes and downs, has head a lot of ups and incredible parts and storyline. From mutants having their own language, to how well made Krakoa and all island's architecture and interior designs. There's the Summer house, The Sextant, The Grove, Blackstone, Red Keep, White Palace, etc. All of these and more are just so hard to let go. But hey, it's back to basics again.
Plus, in Fall of The House of X, Apocalypse saves Krakoa with a bloody sacrifice to restore it to full strength. And not only that, but its been stated that Krakoa has always been an important part of the X-Men legacy. So Apocalypse remembering how vital Krakoa is to mutantkind's legacy, and doing whatever he could to restore the mutant to its former strength, kind of makes it amazing.
So what do ya think? You think Krakoa should return someday in the future as a nation again, or should a new mutant nation be founded?
Me, as fan of the X-Men comics for years and this era, I would like to see if there's a way to bring the nation of Krakoa. But, if they do find a new nation, make sure it has good leadership and make it a permanent place.
submitted by WorldlinessStock62 to xmen [link] [comments]
Krakoa, with all it's mistakes and downs, has head a lot of ups and incredible parts and storyline. From mutants having their own language, to how well made Krakoa and all island's architecture and interior designs. There's the Summer house, The Sextant, The Grove, Blackstone, Red Keep, White Palace, etc. All of these and more are just so hard to let go. But hey, it's back to basics again.
Plus, in Fall of The House of X, Apocalypse saves Krakoa with a bloody sacrifice to restore it to full strength. And not only that, but its been stated that Krakoa has always been an important part of the X-Men legacy. So Apocalypse remembering how vital Krakoa is to mutantkind's legacy, and doing whatever he could to restore the mutant to its former strength, kind of makes it amazing.
So what do ya think? You think Krakoa should return someday in the future as a nation again, or should a new mutant nation be founded?
Me, as fan of the X-Men comics for years and this era, I would like to see if there's a way to bring the nation of Krakoa. But, if they do find a new nation, make sure it has good leadership and make it a permanent place.
2024.05.14 15:11 badwolf_on_rice Procreate users, I need help with canvas size.
Not sure I flaired this right. I use procreate to draw my designs. I tried making a canvas the same size as my cricut mat, thinking that when I upload into DS it will be roughly the size I want. But my 11cm×16cm procreate canvas made my test upload into DS 30cm wide! What am I doing wrong? I saved it as a png file on my iPad. I made the canvas half the size and that made the upload smaller, but I want to be accurate with my drawings and not have to guess if it will fit okay on my cricut mat.
submitted by badwolf_on_rice to cricut [link] [comments]
2024.05.14 15:10 flyfightandgrin Take charge of your life..............a guide to development
I posted a few days with steps for finding purpose at our age group. It had a LOT of great responses and follow up suggestions (plus a few batshit accusations/observations, that's Reddit for you).
I made a TikTok today about life design. I grew up with 90% of my family being drug addicts or in jail. I moved 16 times by the time I was 17, I failed out of high school and college. I moved out at 17 and moved out of state by 19. I had to figure it out on my own. Life is a challenging teacher.
Today I have a PhD, live in my dream apt with floor to ceiling windows, own two companies, and havent had a boss in 8 years. I wrote 12 books and have complete time freedom. I'm not Scrooge Mcduck rich, but comfortable.
Here is how to create the life you want:
Remember one core philosophy: You control your education, fitness level, relationship status, income, job, and where you live. ALL of these can be adjusted. At ANY age.
Most miserable people don't practice self leadership.
They get up and are reactive vs proactive. They have given up on a vision of who they could be.
Never stop dreaming (ex: Willy Wonka, tap into creativity)
Today I woke up at 430am, after I type this out, Ill be at the gym by 630am. Ill then go run, and start my work day at home by around 8:15am. Ill issue a press release for a Hollywood actor in Cobra Kai, create some PR content, and do some media pitches for clients. I'm going to sign up for a free PR cert online that will take 4 days, then Ill go to a business meetup tonight to catch up with friends.
Just by living like this, I tap into 5/6 of the areas above. This is how growth happens.
If you feel unfulfilled in life, here is how to design better: Health/Fitness
Eat more greens, exercise or walk 3x a week, journal or sketch for mental health, get outside more
Relationships
Reduce time on the dating apps, use Meetup.com to find events in your area, make a friend list and actively rotate and support your friend group
Education
Sign up for local classes or take free online courses at MIT/Harvard/Coursera
Income Create a course, write an Ebook, start a paid membership site, teach workshops, do consulting, write a paperback, create an event, develop a skill online and sell it. The internet gives you access to the world. Use it.
Job
I created my dream job. I had ZERO experience and none of my degrees are in my field. Once you nail down what you LOVE doing, you can create a business model around it. If you have a desired career and want to work for someone, Monster.com, placement agencies, and Linkedin is a great way to find it. Don't work for money, work for satisfaction.
I hope this resonates with many of you. Life design is not nearly as hard as people think. Doing the work takes effort, but over time you can live MUCH, MUCH better by simple planning.
Got tips for life improvement? Share below~! Got complaints or criticisms? Share them with your dog.
submitted by flyfightandgrin to GenX [link] [comments]
I made a TikTok today about life design. I grew up with 90% of my family being drug addicts or in jail. I moved 16 times by the time I was 17, I failed out of high school and college. I moved out at 17 and moved out of state by 19. I had to figure it out on my own. Life is a challenging teacher.
Today I have a PhD, live in my dream apt with floor to ceiling windows, own two companies, and havent had a boss in 8 years. I wrote 12 books and have complete time freedom. I'm not Scrooge Mcduck rich, but comfortable.
Here is how to create the life you want:
Remember one core philosophy: You control your education, fitness level, relationship status, income, job, and where you live. ALL of these can be adjusted. At ANY age.
Most miserable people don't practice self leadership.
They get up and are reactive vs proactive. They have given up on a vision of who they could be.
Never stop dreaming (ex: Willy Wonka, tap into creativity)
Today I woke up at 430am, after I type this out, Ill be at the gym by 630am. Ill then go run, and start my work day at home by around 8:15am. Ill issue a press release for a Hollywood actor in Cobra Kai, create some PR content, and do some media pitches for clients. I'm going to sign up for a free PR cert online that will take 4 days, then Ill go to a business meetup tonight to catch up with friends.
Just by living like this, I tap into 5/6 of the areas above. This is how growth happens.
If you feel unfulfilled in life, here is how to design better: Health/Fitness
Eat more greens, exercise or walk 3x a week, journal or sketch for mental health, get outside more
Relationships
Reduce time on the dating apps, use Meetup.com to find events in your area, make a friend list and actively rotate and support your friend group
Education
Sign up for local classes or take free online courses at MIT/Harvard/Coursera
Income Create a course, write an Ebook, start a paid membership site, teach workshops, do consulting, write a paperback, create an event, develop a skill online and sell it. The internet gives you access to the world. Use it.
Job
I created my dream job. I had ZERO experience and none of my degrees are in my field. Once you nail down what you LOVE doing, you can create a business model around it. If you have a desired career and want to work for someone, Monster.com, placement agencies, and Linkedin is a great way to find it. Don't work for money, work for satisfaction.
I hope this resonates with many of you. Life design is not nearly as hard as people think. Doing the work takes effort, but over time you can live MUCH, MUCH better by simple planning.
Got tips for life improvement? Share below~! Got complaints or criticisms? Share them with your dog.
2024.05.14 15:10 SocietyMenace52 That one time an elder denied a baby food and diapers
So I am from Texas, more specifically the Houston area. For some may or may not know, but this area is susceptible to hurricanes and flooding . On this particular occasion , it was after hurricane Harvey , which brought record floods .
submitted by SocietyMenace52 to exjw [link] [comments]
My hall which was in Webster , was a hub , or a hall that was a designated food supplier . Jw’s could come and get all their necesites from a variety of cereals and instant noodles to toilet paper and baby formula . But as a volunteer , I was given some instructions . If a “worldly person “ came in ( we knew they were worldly because everyone was required to sign in with their name and congregation ) , we were to hand them a basic bag instead of just letting them choose what they needed like the rest of the jws.The bag was small with very limited items like toilet paper , a can of tuna and maybe some cereal and a jar of peanut butter . I thought this was kind of messed to but whatever I was deeply in at the time. One day while I was volunteering , an elder I’ve known my whole life was talking around me about a jw sister who came in needing supplies. She was grabbing all kinds of things , as was her right , but then she started grabbing baby formula and diapers. Apparently this was an issue because this sister didn’t have kids. So the elder asked who is that for? She explained it was for her sister’s baby . Why was this a problem ? Because her sister was disfellowshipped . I don’t remember if the elder made her put stuff back , maybe he did , but the point the elder was trying to make was these provisions were primarily for people in good standing . As a pimi I was infuriated . Why did the baby have to suffer ? This didn’t seem Christlike . In fact , the whole volunteer work we were doing wasn’t beneficial for anyone but jws. This was one of the 100 cuts that made me fall away from the organization . So much for the love that never fails .
2024.05.14 15:07 Dr-Mailman Grid Compass 3210 Hard Disk Faliure
 | 48 hours ago I had never heard of this computer. My brother called me that he found an old laptop in my parents house and if I wanted it. I expected it to be some sort of old IBM think pad as my dad worked their but when he described it and then finally opened the bad and looked at the computer inside I had no idea what it was and was honestly more entertained that it had a built in handle. I did not realize that I was holding the computer that is now my collections crown jewel, its historical significance and value to collectors. I didn't think my rather modest collection was going to escalate this fast from the Apple II submitted by Dr-Mailman to vintagecomputing [link] [comments] Good new it turns on, bad news is it hangs at a screen that reads hard disk failure. Keyboard also doesn't respond to inputs. Anyone got any idea what is going on, how I would go about fixing it or where id even find a replacement hard disk to being with? The rarity of this laptop had made correctly identifying not an easy task, I cant imagine finding accompanying documentation being any easier. https://preview.redd.it/9j6xmp4m5e0d1.jpg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=be430145605573e41773ab2b0d610123588c09a0 |
2024.05.14 15:06 alfahadsheikh [OUTDATED] I made the keyboard WR for RedBull Ring GP in 1:13.347 with Ferrari F2004
submitted by alfahadsheikh to assettocorsa [link] [comments]2024.05.14 15:05 kminano Corset with asymmetrical neckline
 | Hello! Sharing with you this corset I made. As client requested he wanted to have a asymmetrical design featuring two types of neckline, overall happy with the outcome hope you like it! ☺️ submitted by kminano to corsetry [link] [comments] |
2024.05.14 15:05 PuzzleheadedEmu1000 In search of the minimal case.
Hi there! I currently have a Thermaltake Level 20 VT as a case for my PC. I am also listing the rest of components needed for finding a case:
FUN FACT: All of the components that are still manufactured today (I built this like three years ago) have halved its price, except for the case, whose price has doubled. lmao.
submitted by PuzzleheadedEmu1000 to PcBuild [link] [comments]
- MSI MAG B550M (Micro ATX)
- Corsair Hydro H100x (Top, I can't remember if I installed it as intake or outtake)
- Nvidia GeForce 3080ti FE
- Corsair RM850 850W 80 Gold Plus
- 140mm Corsair Fan (x3, two bottom intakes - one rear outtake)
- 2.5" SSD
- AMD Ryzen 9 5950x 3.4 GHz
- Kingston HyperX Fury Black DDR4 3600MHz PC4-28800 64GB 4x16GB CL18
- x2 SSD NVME 500GB
- The lights of the components upsets me. I can only deactivate the GPU ones but by launching their own software and I refuse to launch any software to keep something off. That should be the default for gods sake.
- All of the sides are glass. At first glance this looked like attractive but its actually a magnet of dust and fingerprints, and its hard to clean without leaving scratches. The build came not pretty (I was not looking after it either) so there is no point of having a 360º view of a pile of shitty cable managment a weirdo-placed components, because in this case the motherboard is lying horizontally, parallel to the desk.
- Is unneccesarily big. I think it was designed for custom builds like having two separate radiators for CPU and GPU, custom liquid cooling... Looks like half empty. If I could fill it with water I would use it as an aquarium.
- Reuse all components OFC, but I can sacrifice the fans (140mm to 120mm) if needed.
- No glass in any side. Just neccesary vents.
- Cheap mate metal panels that looks like black powdered painted (You know, that old stuff...) No shiny Piano black panels or whatever. I want to be able to clean the case with sandpaper without damaging it (Just kidding, but you got it)
- Small as possible. I'm not planning on upgrading this PC in the future. By the time this PC became outdated for my use case, I won't be needing PC's at all anymore.
- IMPORTANT: The only limitant factor in terms of size is the height, can not exceed 450 MM.
FUN FACT: All of the components that are still manufactured today (I built this like three years ago) have halved its price, except for the case, whose price has doubled. lmao.
2024.05.14 15:04 gorgo_nopsia 2 people think my mom is xSFJ. But I don’t see it. Help please!
I think my mom has Se, Ni, and Te.... however, two people on my previous post believed she was xSFJ (but didn’t elaborate why). What do you guys think? Please explain why you think yes or no.
NEED TO BE PRODUCTIVE + BUSY
submitted by gorgo_nopsia to MbtiTypeMe [link] [comments]
NEED TO BE PRODUCTIVE + BUSY
- Absolutely cannot relax without doing something productive first, even on the weekends.
- Once told my cousin (who worked 5 days a week 7am-5pm) that she should look for part time shifts on the weekend since she has all that free time. I legit thought she was insane for believing that.
- I often don't tell my mom when I have an off day because otherwise she would expect me to still be productive otherwise.
- Always keeps an eye out on how she can self-improve and be better. Be it aesthetically, financially, lifestyle-wise, health-wise, etc. She especially pushes it on to me. This also includes education and career, always pushing me to aim for better positions and get more degrees.
- Her favorite topic is finances. Always wants to know how she can live comfortably now and later. But this also causes her lots of anxiety.
- She's very quick to help give advice to someone, but it's often unsolicited and also quite forceful. Instead of suggesting it gently, her wording is more like "you should do this, then tell them that, you have to also do this or else it'll cause you trouble." She means well, I just don't think it's appreciated or welcome
- Also does not realize that her advice is unsolicited. Which is ironic because she expects emotional support and sometimes lashes out at me if I just give advice, yet she does the same and doesn't realize.
- Really reminds me of Leslie Knope from Parks and Rec for this trait.
- Showed my mom this korean tv show, Fantastic Duo, where several contestants perform together and the artist of the song picks one to sing a duet with. Within legit 5 seconds of it starting, my mom pointed to one contestant and said "seems like she'll get picked" and she was right. I was shocked. I showed her another clip and she also immediately pinpointed the right person.
- When I asked her how she knows, she said she always has been able to know things like this without explanation. According to her, it just comes to her suddenly.
- My mom has strong opinions and beliefs, and often cannot be swayed. A little stubborn. BUT there are times where it seems like she doesn’t have a strong opinion (or one at all), and then if I express leaning one way she will strongly agree with me and take on that belief.
- Not out of insecurity or “just because”, but it feels like she was on the fence with no strong opinion and then once seeing points made that she isn’t against, she will strongly agree and believe in it.
- This might be an excessive amount for a function, but she's constantly anxious and she very easily spirals. She'll be fine one moment, then if I bring something up, she'll immediately spiral and won't stop ruminating about it even though I said it's fine and not a big deal.
- Also constantly worries abut making the wrong decision. Even if she made the right decision, she'll sometimes be like "What if we chose the other decision?" The reasoning for this seems to be more that she's considering too many perspectives and cannot decide what the overall right choice is.
- My perspective of her anxiety is that nothing can get her out of the muck. If I give her objective reasoning, it only temporarily relieves it and I can see it. She'll firmly say "yes you're right" with relief, but you can tell she still only says it tentatively compared to her usual self.
- Continuously repeats topics and points over and over within one conversation. Or she'll say ABC, then we move on, then a short bit later we come back to the conversation and she'll repeat ABC even if I provided moral support and logical reasoning to try to relieve her thoughts. Her repetitive points on her pain points go nowhere and is also never solved.
- Always been hot-headed and fiery, both in temper and passion. She has this aggression in her to want to get things done. Very Type A kind of person.
- The kind of person to thrive off of negative feedback so she can be like "I'll fucking show you"
- Constantly comparing herself to others like "oh this person has good traits, I should be like that too" or "this person's trait is bad, I know now to not be like that."
- The kind of person to say "there are no stupid questions" but then you ask one and she'll say "use your fucking head, what a stupid question"
- Self-explanatory, but she very rarely sees herself as wrong. She is stubborn and will hold steadfast to her opinions and beliefs in the moment. I don't think I've ever heard her apologize, and especially not admit she was wrong in the moment unless there's concrete proof.
- That said, if you give her time to brood about it, she'll come around and admit you have a point. She still won't apologize, but she'll say it in a "I get it, objectively it's right" kind of way.
- E.g., she got PISSED at me a couple years ago for not making a big deal on mother's day. Then some months later, she and I were talking and she said "I even told the friend that we have to be understanding of our own actions. I got mad at Gorgo about not celebrating mother's day once, but then I later realized I can't blame her. We never celebrate holidays and I don't do anything big for her birthday either, so why should I have expected her to celebrate mother's day?"
- It was like an indirect admittance through an irrelevant conversation she had, something she never brought up with me.
- Yes to what society thinks, but I mean this mostly with personal relationships. If she has to make a decision that benefits some people and not the others, she worries way too much how the unfavored people in the group will be impacted.
- One time we ordered custom clothing from a store, and we weren't very happy with the end result. The tip amount was up to us, so I stood firm on a certain amount. My mom objectively sided with me, but emotionally wondered if we should give more because even though the result wasn't good, the store owner still went through all that trouble.
- I feel like this goes hand in hand with her anxiety.
- My mom has all these wild stories of her when she was younger. She'd be traveling across the country with her friends by train, then randomly she'd get off at a stop and be like "okay I'll see you guys back at home! I actually wanna get off here" shocking her friends. And this was pre-cell phone times too. My mom today cannot fathom how she never got kidnapped or something.
- Once, she got tuberculosis and had to be hospitalized for some days. Once she was discharged, she went straight to the salon, got her hair done, and went to the club to dance lol
- Definitely was the leader of her friend group and everyone always relied on her for fun and plans
- She no longer is like this. Could be due to growing up, could also be due to the after effects of depression she had a few years ago. More of a homebody now.
- I've always believed that if my mom led her ideal life, she'd be an interior designer. She has an eye for things, and I don't know how to describe it.
- One time, we were figuring out what to do with this blank spot in my room. We fiddled around for a bit, then she had an idea, went downstairs, hauled up the large ottoman we had and placed it there. Looked great immediately and has been there ever since!
- I don't remember this, but she has told me how everyone would compliment the outfits she'd pick out for me, or the younger girls at work would compliment my mom on her outfits. And genuine compliments, not fake ones, as she says.
- Not into fantasy/sci-fi. You will never catch her watching that genre. She likes political movies, action, based on true stories, spicy romance.
- Not into deep talk. Very much talks about strictly relationships/people, productivity/how to be your best self either internally or externally, etc.
- Very spiritual and religious (buddhism).
2024.05.14 15:03 talkiemateapp Top 10 Free Character AI Alternatives
Source: 🔗 Chat with Lifelike Virtual Personalities — talkiemate.com
If you are a visual storytelling fan and strive for creativity through fictional characters’ eyes, you’re in the right place. Character.ai is an amazing tool that lets you do just that! But what if you crave a different experience, with more tools or a specific character in mind? Fear not, for we have gone through 35+ options and picked the top 10 paid and free Character AI alternatives, each offering a unique experience tailored to your preferences. Whether you’re a writer looking to enrich your stories, a history buff eager to get deeper into the past, or simply someone who loves engaging with AI in a new way, keep reading if you’re:
A tech enthusiast curious about the intersection of AI and storytelling.
A gamer eager to experience AI-driven narratives in your favorite games.
A marketer looking to use AI for content creation and engagement.
A researcher interested in the psychological impact of AI-generated characters on user engagement.
A storyteller seeking new ways to engage your audience through AI-generated content.
TalkieMate is the best free alternative to Character AI, providing users with a plethora of options to create their personalized AI girlfriend. With TalkieMate, you can engage in deeply immersive and uncensored conversations on a wide range of topics, including NSFW content. The platform offers customizable characters, allowing users to tailor their experience according to their preferences. Whether you’re looking for a companion for deep discussions or just casual chat, TalkieMate offers a unique and engaging experience.
Pros:
Completely free with no subscription fees.
Highly customizable AI girlfriend with personalized features.
Uncensored NSFW chat options for mature interactions.
Ability to create personalized AI girlfriend with specific traits and characteristics.
Cons:
Some advanced features may be available only in premium plans.
Candy.ai is one of the leading AI Girlfriend apps with which you can talk on a range of NSFW topics and have a deep conversation. Candy Ai enables users to adjust their virtual girlfriends to their preferences and experience real conversations and engaging dialogue. Candy Ai also has a unique function that enables users to generate a specific image or audio message that boosts the reality of the experience.
Pros:
Customizable characters are not only limited to appearance and personality but also provide users with a tailored experience.
NSFW chat options for more mature interactions and more audience satisfaction.
Numerous features to be explored, satisfying the tastes and preferences of different people.
The free plan comes with necessary functionalities and the chance to upgrade for extra benefits.
Cons:
The majority of features are availed in the Premium Plans which may constrain the access of some users.
Pricing Plans:
Free Plan: Offers basic features and AI companion engagement without cost.
Premium Plan: Starts at $9/month, unlocking advanced features and enhanced user experience.
Custom Plans: Tailored to specific needs, with varying pricing based on customization requirements.
Botify AI offers an innovative character AI style. It presents a revolutionary system that allows users to communicate with real people or characters from their favorite TV shows, films, or literature. Thanks to the flexibility of Botify AI, you have the possibility to create your own digital character and customize every detail like appearance, emotions, voice, and backstory.
Pros:
Free version accessible.
High-quality editing tools.
Intuitive interface for users.
Cons:
Relies on outdated data in some instances.
Utilizes Automated style writing, which may not suit all preferences.
Pricing Plans:
Essential: Starting from $35 per user per month, suitable for simple websites requiring comprehensive SEO data and recommendations.
Pro: Starting from $55 per user per month, ideal for businesses heavily reliant on organic search, aiming to protect and expand their organic revenue.
Enterprise: Custom pricing for large, complex organizations needing accelerated scaling, support, and security.
Replika is a personal AI assistant that you can talk to. It was designed to give the user a deeply special and personal experience. Made to be a friend, a confidant, and an emotional support, Replika utilizes the learning ability of machines and natural language processing, thus bringing to the fore the ability to engage in empathetic and contextual conversations.
Pros:
Highly personalized and customized stories and avatars.
Ranges from new features to improved or enhanced capabilities, are constantly being forwarded.
Provides not only free but paid as well on the conditions built-in subscription options.
Cons:
One main shortcoming lies in the fact that chatbots’ uses go beyond the conversation stage.
The question of privacy and usage of users’ personal data is one of the aspects, which is a crucial issue when talking about social media.
Impact of user dependency and emotional attachment as prospective risks.
Pricing Plans:
1 month plan: $19.99
12 months plan: $5.83/month (billed annually)
Lifetime plan: $299.99 (billed once)
MyAnima AI is our super smart AI chatbot. It has been developed to be the best friend for you who likes playing the role of a human and can do this like nobody else. With Anima AI, a user can easily pick any relationship status of their choice: AI-Girlfriend, -Boyfriend, Virtual Wife, the other way round, or even a custom-made Character AI. Whether it is a friend who will be a help and support, a virtual companion with whom you can role play, someone with whom you share your emotions, or a chat partner you can discuss any topic that tickles your fancy, Anima AI can help you out.
Pros:
Unlimited unique stories.
Anima AI is an AI bot that is warm and conversational.
Ability to respond to your messages instantly when you need to talk.
Cons:
Some features are called back in the Free version.
Pricing Plans:
Anima AI offers a free version with basic features, allowing users to create a customized AI virtual companion after signing up.
DeepFiction narrates a plethora of stories that include captivating and thrilling sagas to touching and heartwarming fables. What sets it apart? You can, however, change your characters and the scenery to your taste. That is the AI-powered mechanism that enables the production of compelling and well-connected stories with the help of natural language processing and machine learning.
Pros:
Unlimited unique stories.
Customise characters and settings.
Sparks creativity and imagination.
Suitable for all ages.
Cons:
Limited control over the plot.
This chatbot is not interactive like most other chatting bots.
Pricing Plans:
DeepFiction offers a single pricing plan at $5 per month.
StoryMate is your virtual reading partner, but without a library sound ban. It’s essentially there to bring the wonder of literature to life, providing you with an extensive collection of books and amazing narration methods to send you exploring faraway lands or to make you acquainted with unforgettable characters.
Pros:
Elicits a desire for reading.
Enhances writing abilities.
Provides diversified choices of relevant titles for different age groups.
Facilitates collaborative creativity.
Cons:
May not be suitable for all those that seek highly sociable experiences.
Chiefly concerns a child’s literature.
Pricing:
Free
Kajiwoto offers the same experience as Character AI to users creating human-like chatting with AI characters having their own character features. It is a cool platform for both AI fanatics and those who are creatively inclined. In Kajiwoto, the users can choose whether they want a free or paid membership to fit their needs. Yet, it has this 200-character restriction on one-on-one dialogues.
Pros:
Free option available.
Customizable mood for your Kaji.
Unlimited chatting.
Permits NSFW content.
Cons:
Premium subscription required for business idea development.
Paid subscription can be expensive.
Pricing Plans:
Free Plan: Unlimited chat and access to basic features.
Kajiwoto Plus: $7.32/month, includes unlimited AI voice usage and private rooms.
Kajiwoto Pro: $25.00/month, offers all features of Kajiwoto Plus plus more, for the ultimate AI experience.
KUKI.AI is a conversational AI with award-winning applications, providing exceptional functionalities. This virtual assistant employs the most advanced AI methods to allow the users to have very natural talks, thus qualifying it as a good chatbot application. Through direct and indirect semantic cues analogous to GPT, the KUKI.AI aggregates its knowledge base. Through the dissection of phrases into two inputs of “core” and “wild card”, it is able to expand its vocabulary for more understanding of multiple speech patterns. To use KUKI.AI without being limited by the number of questions one can ask, the chatbot answers all queries while making sure conversations do not repeat themselves.
Pros:
Infinite question handling capability.
User-friendly interface.
Cons:
Absence of graphics, a text-only trip.
Pricing Plans:
$75/month (100,000 chat)
$1500/month (Dedicated service plan)
Inworld AI is a leading platform that allows you to chat with AI characters or even create your own if you wish, similar to Character AI. On Inworld AI, you can have conversations for free with the characters but if you want to have access to features like API integrations, and unlimited character creation, you have to get their premium plan which starts at $20 monthly. Inworld AI utilizes the power of the OpenAI models meaning that accurate information will be delivered by the chatbot.
Pros:
Through it, you can design characters.
Available at no individual cost for chatting.
The paid version starts at a subscription fee as low as $20 per month.
Cons:
It can only be accessed through an internet browser.
The app has not yet been launched and is only accessible through mobile browsers.
Pricing Plans:
Free — $0–200 API integrations and minutes, 60 virtual characters, customization options.
Pro — $20 per month — 2000 API integrations and minutes, unlimited virtual characters, customization options, shareable workspaces, access to Discord community.
Conclusion
So there you have it – 10 alternatives for Character AI, each with a distinct personality and feature set. Keep in mind that selecting the ideal chatbot for your clan involves striking the ideal equilibrium between amusement, education, and age suitability. With the right AI companion by your side, you can make learning an adventure, and turn screen time into quality time.
submitted by talkiemateapp to talkiemateai [link] [comments]
If you are a visual storytelling fan and strive for creativity through fictional characters’ eyes, you’re in the right place. Character.ai is an amazing tool that lets you do just that! But what if you crave a different experience, with more tools or a specific character in mind? Fear not, for we have gone through 35+ options and picked the top 10 paid and free Character AI alternatives, each offering a unique experience tailored to your preferences. Whether you’re a writer looking to enrich your stories, a history buff eager to get deeper into the past, or simply someone who loves engaging with AI in a new way, keep reading if you’re:
A tech enthusiast curious about the intersection of AI and storytelling.
A gamer eager to experience AI-driven narratives in your favorite games.
A marketer looking to use AI for content creation and engagement.
A researcher interested in the psychological impact of AI-generated characters on user engagement.
A storyteller seeking new ways to engage your audience through AI-generated content.
- TalkieMate
TalkieMate is the best free alternative to Character AI, providing users with a plethora of options to create their personalized AI girlfriend. With TalkieMate, you can engage in deeply immersive and uncensored conversations on a wide range of topics, including NSFW content. The platform offers customizable characters, allowing users to tailor their experience according to their preferences. Whether you’re looking for a companion for deep discussions or just casual chat, TalkieMate offers a unique and engaging experience.
Pros:
Completely free with no subscription fees.
Highly customizable AI girlfriend with personalized features.
Uncensored NSFW chat options for mature interactions.
Ability to create personalized AI girlfriend with specific traits and characteristics.
Cons:
Some advanced features may be available only in premium plans.
- Candy.ai
Candy.ai is one of the leading AI Girlfriend apps with which you can talk on a range of NSFW topics and have a deep conversation. Candy Ai enables users to adjust their virtual girlfriends to their preferences and experience real conversations and engaging dialogue. Candy Ai also has a unique function that enables users to generate a specific image or audio message that boosts the reality of the experience.
Pros:
Customizable characters are not only limited to appearance and personality but also provide users with a tailored experience.
NSFW chat options for more mature interactions and more audience satisfaction.
Numerous features to be explored, satisfying the tastes and preferences of different people.
The free plan comes with necessary functionalities and the chance to upgrade for extra benefits.
Cons:
The majority of features are availed in the Premium Plans which may constrain the access of some users.
Pricing Plans:
Free Plan: Offers basic features and AI companion engagement without cost.
Premium Plan: Starts at $9/month, unlocking advanced features and enhanced user experience.
Custom Plans: Tailored to specific needs, with varying pricing based on customization requirements.
- Botify AI
Botify AI offers an innovative character AI style. It presents a revolutionary system that allows users to communicate with real people or characters from their favorite TV shows, films, or literature. Thanks to the flexibility of Botify AI, you have the possibility to create your own digital character and customize every detail like appearance, emotions, voice, and backstory.
Pros:
Free version accessible.
High-quality editing tools.
Intuitive interface for users.
Cons:
Relies on outdated data in some instances.
Utilizes Automated style writing, which may not suit all preferences.
Pricing Plans:
Essential: Starting from $35 per user per month, suitable for simple websites requiring comprehensive SEO data and recommendations.
Pro: Starting from $55 per user per month, ideal for businesses heavily reliant on organic search, aiming to protect and expand their organic revenue.
Enterprise: Custom pricing for large, complex organizations needing accelerated scaling, support, and security.
- Replika
Replika is a personal AI assistant that you can talk to. It was designed to give the user a deeply special and personal experience. Made to be a friend, a confidant, and an emotional support, Replika utilizes the learning ability of machines and natural language processing, thus bringing to the fore the ability to engage in empathetic and contextual conversations.
Pros:
Highly personalized and customized stories and avatars.
Ranges from new features to improved or enhanced capabilities, are constantly being forwarded.
Provides not only free but paid as well on the conditions built-in subscription options.
Cons:
One main shortcoming lies in the fact that chatbots’ uses go beyond the conversation stage.
The question of privacy and usage of users’ personal data is one of the aspects, which is a crucial issue when talking about social media.
Impact of user dependency and emotional attachment as prospective risks.
Pricing Plans:
1 month plan: $19.99
12 months plan: $5.83/month (billed annually)
Lifetime plan: $299.99 (billed once)
- Anima AI
MyAnima AI is our super smart AI chatbot. It has been developed to be the best friend for you who likes playing the role of a human and can do this like nobody else. With Anima AI, a user can easily pick any relationship status of their choice: AI-Girlfriend, -Boyfriend, Virtual Wife, the other way round, or even a custom-made Character AI. Whether it is a friend who will be a help and support, a virtual companion with whom you can role play, someone with whom you share your emotions, or a chat partner you can discuss any topic that tickles your fancy, Anima AI can help you out.
Pros:
Unlimited unique stories.
Anima AI is an AI bot that is warm and conversational.
Ability to respond to your messages instantly when you need to talk.
Cons:
Some features are called back in the Free version.
Pricing Plans:
Anima AI offers a free version with basic features, allowing users to create a customized AI virtual companion after signing up.
- DeepFiction
DeepFiction narrates a plethora of stories that include captivating and thrilling sagas to touching and heartwarming fables. What sets it apart? You can, however, change your characters and the scenery to your taste. That is the AI-powered mechanism that enables the production of compelling and well-connected stories with the help of natural language processing and machine learning.
Pros:
Unlimited unique stories.
Customise characters and settings.
Sparks creativity and imagination.
Suitable for all ages.
Cons:
Limited control over the plot.
This chatbot is not interactive like most other chatting bots.
Pricing Plans:
DeepFiction offers a single pricing plan at $5 per month.
- StoryMate
StoryMate is your virtual reading partner, but without a library sound ban. It’s essentially there to bring the wonder of literature to life, providing you with an extensive collection of books and amazing narration methods to send you exploring faraway lands or to make you acquainted with unforgettable characters.
Pros:
Elicits a desire for reading.
Enhances writing abilities.
Provides diversified choices of relevant titles for different age groups.
Facilitates collaborative creativity.
Cons:
May not be suitable for all those that seek highly sociable experiences.
Chiefly concerns a child’s literature.
Pricing:
Free
- Kajiwoto
Kajiwoto offers the same experience as Character AI to users creating human-like chatting with AI characters having their own character features. It is a cool platform for both AI fanatics and those who are creatively inclined. In Kajiwoto, the users can choose whether they want a free or paid membership to fit their needs. Yet, it has this 200-character restriction on one-on-one dialogues.
Pros:
Free option available.
Customizable mood for your Kaji.
Unlimited chatting.
Permits NSFW content.
Cons:
Premium subscription required for business idea development.
Paid subscription can be expensive.
Pricing Plans:
Free Plan: Unlimited chat and access to basic features.
Kajiwoto Plus: $7.32/month, includes unlimited AI voice usage and private rooms.
Kajiwoto Pro: $25.00/month, offers all features of Kajiwoto Plus plus more, for the ultimate AI experience.
- KUKI.AI
KUKI.AI is a conversational AI with award-winning applications, providing exceptional functionalities. This virtual assistant employs the most advanced AI methods to allow the users to have very natural talks, thus qualifying it as a good chatbot application. Through direct and indirect semantic cues analogous to GPT, the KUKI.AI aggregates its knowledge base. Through the dissection of phrases into two inputs of “core” and “wild card”, it is able to expand its vocabulary for more understanding of multiple speech patterns. To use KUKI.AI without being limited by the number of questions one can ask, the chatbot answers all queries while making sure conversations do not repeat themselves.
Pros:
Infinite question handling capability.
User-friendly interface.
Cons:
Absence of graphics, a text-only trip.
Pricing Plans:
$75/month (100,000 chat)
$1500/month (Dedicated service plan)
- In World AI
Inworld AI is a leading platform that allows you to chat with AI characters or even create your own if you wish, similar to Character AI. On Inworld AI, you can have conversations for free with the characters but if you want to have access to features like API integrations, and unlimited character creation, you have to get their premium plan which starts at $20 monthly. Inworld AI utilizes the power of the OpenAI models meaning that accurate information will be delivered by the chatbot.
Pros:
Through it, you can design characters.
Available at no individual cost for chatting.
The paid version starts at a subscription fee as low as $20 per month.
Cons:
It can only be accessed through an internet browser.
The app has not yet been launched and is only accessible through mobile browsers.
Pricing Plans:
Free — $0–200 API integrations and minutes, 60 virtual characters, customization options.
Pro — $20 per month — 2000 API integrations and minutes, unlimited virtual characters, customization options, shareable workspaces, access to Discord community.
Conclusion
So there you have it – 10 alternatives for Character AI, each with a distinct personality and feature set. Keep in mind that selecting the ideal chatbot for your clan involves striking the ideal equilibrium between amusement, education, and age suitability. With the right AI companion by your side, you can make learning an adventure, and turn screen time into quality time.
2024.05.14 15:01 himanshukhatri704 Celebrating Raksha Bandhan with Silver Rakhi A Touch of Elegance and Tradition from Rakhi.com
Raksha Bandhan, a festival that celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters, is marked by the ritual of tying a Rakhi around the brother’s wrist. While Rakhis come in various designs and materials, Silver Rakhi holds a special place due to its elegance, durability, and traditional significance. Here’s everything you need to know about Silver Rakhi and why it makes an excellent choice for this auspicious occasion.
The Significance of Silver in Raksha Bandhan
Silver has been valued for centuries not only for its beauty but also for its symbolic meanings and health benefits. Here are a few reasons why Silver Rakhi is a meaningful choice:
submitted by himanshukhatri704 to Gifts [link] [comments]
The Significance of Silver in Raksha Bandhan
Silver has been valued for centuries not only for its beauty but also for its symbolic meanings and health benefits. Here are a few reasons why Silver Rakhi is a meaningful choice:
- Symbol of Purity and Prosperity: Silver is considered a symbol of purity and is believed to bring prosperity and good luck. Tying a Silver Rakhi can be seen as a blessing for a prosperous future.
- Durability: Unlike other materials, silver is durable and can be kept as a cherished keepsake. A Silver Rakhi can be a lasting reminder of the bond shared between siblings.
- Health Benefits: Silver is known for its antimicrobial properties and is believed to have various health benefits, such as improving blood circulation and boosting immunity. Wearing a Silver Rakhi can thus be beneficial for health.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Silver Rakhis are elegant and timeless. Their shiny and sophisticated look can complement any attire, making them a versatile accessory.
- Traditional Silver Rakhi: These Rakhis feature classic designs often inspired by traditional motifs. They might include elements like Om, Swastika, or Ganesh symbols, which add a spiritual touch.
- Modern Silver Rakhi: For those who prefer contemporary styles, modern Silver Rakhis come in sleek designs with minimalistic patterns. They can feature geometric shapes, abstract designs, or personalized engravings.
- Silver Bracelet Rakhi: Combining the traditional Rakhi with a modern bracelet style, these can be worn even after the festival, serving as a piece of jewelry. They are both stylish and meaningful.
- Silver Rakhi with Gemstones: Adding gemstones to a Silver Rakhi enhances its beauty and introduces additional symbolism. Gemstones like emerald, ruby, or sapphire can be chosen based on the wearer’s preferences or astrological significance.
- Customized Silver Rakhi: Personalized Silver Rakhis with initials, names, or special messages engraved on them add a unique and sentimental touch. These Rakhis are perfect for creating a lasting memory.
- Consider His Style: Think about your brother’s style and preferences. Does he like traditional designs, or does he prefer modern and sleek accessories? Choose a Silver Rakhi that matches his taste.
- Quality of Silver: Ensure that the Rakhi is made from genuine sterling silver (92.5% purity) for durability and quality. Look for hallmarks or certifications that guarantee its authenticity.
- Personal Touch: Adding a personal touch can make the Silver Rakhi even more special. Consider customizing it with his initials or a meaningful symbol.
- Packaging: Present the Rakhi in elegant packaging. A beautiful box or pouch can enhance the gift’s appeal and make the unwrapping experience more enjoyable.
- Rituals and Traditions: Begin the Rakhi tying ceremony with traditional rituals. Light a diya, perform an aarti, apply tilak, and then tie the Silver Rakhi on your brother’s wrist, followed by exchanging sweets.
- Heartfelt Messages: Accompany the Rakhi with a heartfelt note or card. Express your love, gratitude, and the special bond you share with your brother.
- Thoughtful Gifts: Pair the Silver Rakhi with a thoughtful gift. It could be something he has been wanting, a book, a gadget, or a personalized item that holds sentimental value.
- Quality Time: Spend quality time together. Whether it’s sharing a meal, watching a movie, or reminiscing about childhood memories, the time spent together makes the celebration memorable.
- Virtual Celebration: If you are miles apart, celebrate virtually. Send the Silver Rakhi via post or courier and perform the rituals over a video call to keep the spirit of the festival alive.
2024.05.14 15:01 FelicitySmoak_ Tuesday, May 14, 2013 - Jackson v. AEG Live Day 11
Trial Day 11
Katherine Jackson, Rebbie and Trent are at court.
Choreographer Travis Payne & Katherine Jackson spoke briefly in the courtroom before the jury came in. They seemed cordial
Travis Payne Testimony
AEG direct
Payne is wearing a black jacket with a gold emblem on the shoulders with the word "MJ" & a pair of wings
Payne said he was concerned about MJ missing rehearsals. He didn't know why he wasn't showing up, but MJ was also working on an album and a book
Payne said he did not think that Jackson had a problem abusing prescription medications. He acknowledged that Jackson missed rehearsals and he saw the singer shivering or appearing cold in some of his final rehearsals
He worked with Jackson beginning in the 1990's and testified that he never saw Jackson drink alcohol or take any medications. Michael also never discussed his medical treatments, Payne said
Payne told the jury he advised MJ he was looking thin.
Payne said there was one day (6/19) when MJ was cold. He thought the frustration had him on edge. When Jackson needed to be layered in blankets and required a heater to be comfortable, Payne said, he believed Michael was merely fighting a cold.
Bina shows an email from Ortega to Gongaware on Jun 14:
Bina asked Payne whether he ever met Conrad Murray. The choreographer says he met Murray twice. Payne says the first time he met Dr. Murray was at the Carolwood house.
When asked how Michael performed on June 23 & 24:
Payne described the day MJ died: He was headed to rehearsal at Michael's home, got a call from his mother who said she saw reports on the news. Payne heard news on the radio, called Staples Center spoke to Stacy Walker, she said they were rehearsing. He was told to go to Staples.
Payne mentioned one day in particular at a meeting with Andre Crouch and singers, MJ seemed a little out of it
Payne said at one point, he & others tried to bring in a top physical therapist who works with Olympic athletes to help Michael. Jackson didn't work w/physical therapist flown in for him.
Jackson cross
Attorney Brian Panish cross examined Payne. He asked if Michael ever performed the entire show from beginning to end. Payne said "No"
As to Paris Jackson, Payne said he saw a very protective young lady, smart, astute, with knowledge of the production, very hands on. Paris, who was 11 at the time, was
Payne always carries a video camera with him and shot videos of rehearsal. AEG took the footage that Payne shot and never returned to him. Email from Randy to Paul:
As for Michael's relationship with Katherine, Payne said
Payne said he wanted MJ to have a physical therapist, nutritionist, massage therapist, and have his family around. He said this was a different scenario.
Payne was hired and paid by AEG. His contract was with AEG.
Payne said he wasn't privy to details of what was expected of Dr. Murray. AEG was producepromoter, but MJ was the star, had to be happy
Panish reminded Payne that he had testified in his deposition that AEG was
Under cross examination, Payne acknowledged that some of Jackson's behavior, including grogginess, lethargy, insomnia and occasional paranoia, were possible symptoms of prescription drug abuse. He also said that despite testifying earlier that he worked with Jackson one-on-one five days a week, he couldn't recall how many rehearsals the singer actually attended
Panish after lunch break got Travis Payne to concede Jackson wasn't present for a May 19, 2009 rehearsal. Payne also conceded that Jackson was a no-show for a June 22, 2009 rehearsal. Panish confronted Payne saying that yesterday he said he was with MJ at a dance studio on May 19, that they were up on their feet & danced.
Panish then said on Jun 22 MJ wasn't there either, "was he?"
Payne said he didn't know.
Panish said MJ was at another doctor's office
Payne said he may have made a mistake about Jackson's whereabouts & he didn't know his personal schedule. Travis Payne had testified yesterday that he and Jackson ran through certain songs on May 19th. He said today he was testifying based on the schedule and notes he compiled and that his recollection might be wrong
Panish asked Payne about choosing Jackson's dancers for This Is It. Payne says they were whittled down from 5,000 applicants. Applicants submitted video clips and their submissions were used to cull down potential dancers from there. Payne said they received 5,000 applications for dancers, about 2,500 showed up for the audition.He taught them some dance moves, and the pool was further narrowed down. Michael chose the dancers
Panish then asked Payne whether he knew how many doctors AEG interviewed to work with Jackson on This Is It. "No", Payne says. Payne also says he isn't aware how much interviewing or investigation into Murray that AEG did.(Panish's point appears to be that there was more scrutiny of backup dancers than Conrad Murray)
During preparations for This Is It, Michael at times seemed "under the influence of something" and once couldn't take the stage because he appeared incoherent, Payne testified.
Payne said he was aware that Jackson had problems sleeping and chalked up the singer's sometimes erratic behavior to sleep aids or sedatives from his dermatologist visits.
Payne said some people were concerned about the goals not being met, including Randy Phillips and Paul Gongaware. Payne learned what Demerol was after MJ died. He also remembers a mention of Demerol in the song "Morphine".
Panish asked if MJ knew the lyrics of his songs.
Payne said a body double was requested for Michael. Misha Gabriel was his body double, but shorter than him. Some of the scenes in the documentary are with the body double, Payne testified. Payne remembers at the Culver Studios in Smooth Criminal there was a stunt and Misha was asked to jump through a glass plate
Payne said most the time, MJ was present at rehearsals. "It wasn't a big deal," he expressed
Panish showed an email from the band leader Michael Bearden:
Payne went to Michael's house on June 20. He was cold and had to light the fireplace and rub his hand and feet to warm himself up
Panish showed a picture of Michael on June 24 rehearsing "Thriller"; Payne said MJ improved but was not at his best yet.
Payne's demeanor changed after Panish finished questioning him. He was holding back tears when the AEG attorney started re-direct examination. For the next several moments, Payne blinked and dabbed both eyes with a tissue. It was the first time he'd gotten emotional on the stand.
As to Gongaware's email regarding what was expected of Dr. Murray, Payne said the inconsistencies with Michael missing rehearsals warrant a talk. Payne said he thought Dr. Murray was there to care for his patient, making sure right nutritionist was there, to get him ready for the show. Payne never discussed with MJ about his doctors or personal affairs. Payne and Faye were professionals with each other, but not friends.
Jackson re-cross
In re-cross, Panish notes that none of Michael's brothers are part of this lawsuit.
Panish then asked Payne whether Katherine Jackson and Michael's kids went to the premiere. Panish says Katherine Jackson & her grandchildren didn't go to the premiere because they weren't over Jackson's death. Payne said he didn't think anyone was over Jackson's death when the film premiered in late 2009.
Court Transcript
submitted by FelicitySmoak_ to WhereWasMJToday [link] [comments]
Katherine Jackson, Rebbie and Trent are at court.
Choreographer Travis Payne & Katherine Jackson spoke briefly in the courtroom before the jury came in. They seemed cordial
Travis Payne Testimony
AEG direct
Payne is wearing a black jacket with a gold emblem on the shoulders with the word "MJ" & a pair of wings
Payne said he was concerned about MJ missing rehearsals. He didn't know why he wasn't showing up, but MJ was also working on an album and a book
Payne said he did not think that Jackson had a problem abusing prescription medications. He acknowledged that Jackson missed rehearsals and he saw the singer shivering or appearing cold in some of his final rehearsals
He worked with Jackson beginning in the 1990's and testified that he never saw Jackson drink alcohol or take any medications. Michael also never discussed his medical treatments, Payne said
Payne told the jury he advised MJ he was looking thin.
"Michael said he was 'getting down to my fighting weight', which I took to mean that he was preparing for the performances", Payne testified. "I had no reason to doubt him"Payne says he was satisfied with the response.
Payne said there was one day (6/19) when MJ was cold. He thought the frustration had him on edge. When Jackson needed to be layered in blankets and required a heater to be comfortable, Payne said, he believed Michael was merely fighting a cold.
"No one else was cold. He had flu-like symptoms"Payne said that in April, May & June, MJ missed 5 rehearsals with the whole group. He said one time Ortega sent Michael home
"Sometimes he was tired and lethargic and had to be, not convinced, but supported throughout rehearsals," Payne recalled
Bina shows an email from Ortega to Gongaware on Jun 14:
"Were you aware that Michael's doctor didn't permit him to attend rehearsal yesterday? Without invading his privacy, it might be a good idea to talk to his doctor to make sure everything he requires is in place. Who is responsible for Michael getting proper nourishment/vitamins/therapy every day? Personally, I feel he should have a top Nutritionist and Physical Therapist working with him on a regular basis. The demand on this guy is mentally and physically extraordinary! The show requirements exhaust our 20 year olds. Please don't underestimate the need to stay on top of this"Another part of the same email chain, from Gongaware:
"Frank and I have discussed it already and have requested a face-to-face meeting w/ the doctor... We want to remind him that it's AEG not Michael Jackson who's paying his salary We want him to understand what is expected of him. He has been dodging Frank so farPayne said his understanding was that AEG was paying Dr. Murray's salary not Michael. The doctor was there to oversee many things, Payne said. Payne explained he didn't have much reason to question Dr. Murray since he thought that a doctor selected to work with Michael was top notch.
Bina asked Payne whether he ever met Conrad Murray. The choreographer says he met Murray twice. Payne says the first time he met Dr. Murray was at the Carolwood house.
"I was going up the steps, Dr. Murray going downstairs, Michael introduced us."Payne was coming up from the basement to the middle floor. Studio was at the basement. Payne said he never went to the top floor of the house. He says the second time was at the Staples Center, after a rehearsal and Jackson was leaving for the day. Both meetings were brief.
When asked how Michael performed on June 23 & 24:
"He was having his process, I didn't expect him to be like he would in front of a crowd," Payne explained. "He was not at show standards ... I didn't expect him to be as he would be in front of a crowd."The last two days were good.
Payne: "It ebbed and flowed. Some days were good, some days were not as good."
"I thought he was in his way to the goals he set himself," Payne told the jury.He didn't have any question that MJ would be able to perform , adding that he and others were impressed while watching Jackson rehearse at Staples Center on June 23/24, 2009.
Payne described the day MJ died: He was headed to rehearsal at Michael's home, got a call from his mother who said she saw reports on the news. Payne heard news on the radio, called Staples Center spoke to Stacy Walker, she said they were rehearsing. He was told to go to Staples.
"We were optimistic of his arrival," Payne said explaining they were expecting Michael to rehearse at the Staples Center.Payne said Ortega got a series of calls. He remembers Kenny saying:
'tell me something that will make me know it's you and that this is true'
" I remember him (Kenny Ortega) collapsing in his seat and crying," Payne testifiedPayne said he never saw Michael drink alcohol or take medication but
"Sometimes, in rehearsal, Michael would appear just a little loopy, under the influence of something, but mostly when he would come to the rehearsals from the dermatologist," Payne testified.That happened two to four times in the weeks before his death, he said. Payne told that he didn't think Jackson had a problem with prescription drugs
"Michael was undergoing personal cosmetic procedures, so he could feel great and do a good job," Payne said.Payne also said he appeared groggy in the morning sometimes, which he attributed to lack of sleep
"Mr. Jackson just explained to me that he had trouble sleeping, that he was tired, and that satisfied me," Payne testified.He stated that he's not sure how much weight MJ had lost
Payne mentioned one day in particular at a meeting with Andre Crouch and singers, MJ seemed a little out of it
Payne said at one point, he & others tried to bring in a top physical therapist who works with Olympic athletes to help Michael. Jackson didn't work w/physical therapist flown in for him.
"At the last minute we realized that Michael was not going to go through with it. He was just not comfortable with the invasion of personal space."Bina played a clip of This Is It from Jun 4 showing the green screen and making of "Drill" and Michael talking about the cool moves, dancing. Payne said the idea was to show the rehearsals and how things came together. The footage itself wasn't altered, but there was editing. Payne said they picked the best of the rehearsal to include in the documentary. He wanted to reshoot some scenes but was not allowed. Payne, who was an associate producer on the This Is It documentary, said the footage of Jackson had not been retouched or altered.
Jackson cross
Attorney Brian Panish cross examined Payne. He asked if Michael ever performed the entire show from beginning to end. Payne said "No"
"Was he ready to perform for an audience?", Panish asked.Payne's impression was that MJ loved being a father. He said he saw the beauty of their relationships, loyalty to one another.
"I thought he was on his way to the goals he had set for himself," Payne answered. "All I saw was improvement and getting closer to the goals"
"When we rehearsed, we had meals together," Payne recalled, talking about Michael and all three children.Payne thought the relationship between MJ and Prince was awesome, Michael was a proud father, great to see how they interacted. Prince wanted to be a director, Michael would point out things to him during rehearsal should that be his career, Payne remembered.
As to Paris Jackson, Payne said he saw a very protective young lady, smart, astute, with knowledge of the production, very hands on. Paris, who was 11 at the time, was
"a very retentive young lady who was very, very smart, very astute," Payne testified. "She had full knowledge of the day-to-day operations, from the time of lunch and what it was going to be, she was hands on -- far beyond her age," he said. "She had a lot of responsibility, which I think she welcomed"Payne said she was "the female of the house," and also "a daddy's girl."
"She really loved her father," he said. "At that time, she was coming to find out his global successes and presence, so she would wear her Michael Jackson t-shirt, headband and bag," he said.It was Paris who would bless the food when they were have lunch with their father at home, he said.
"She was always the most vocal of the three children and was very concerned about many of the details of the house, was the temperature correct, what do you want to eat," Payne testified. "She just handled a lot for her young age"Blanket, who was 7 when his father died, was the most quiet of the three. He liked to watch his father rehearsing his dances with Payne in the basement studio of their home, Payne said.
"He was quiet, but always right there with his dad," he said.Michael guided and mentored him. Payne said he would be proud if MJ was his father and agreed the children suffered a tremendous loss. When rehearsing with Jackson at his Holmby Hills residence, Payne said the singer clearly delighted in being a father and shared meals with all three
"I saw the beauty of their relationships. I saw their loyalty to their father, I saw his loyalty to them. Their father enlightened them and taught them", he testified. "I was very proud to see Michael as such a loving father."His description of the close relationship Paris (15) and Prince (16) had with their father four years ago could foreshadow the significance of the children's testimony later in the trial.
Panish: "Was Paris a Daddy's girl?"
Payne: "Yes, I believe so"
Payne always carries a video camera with him and shot videos of rehearsal. AEG took the footage that Payne shot and never returned to him. Email from Randy to Paul:
"Make sure you take out the shots of Michael in that red jacket... He looks way too thin and skeletal."Payne said he was not aware of the email. He said Michael looked thin, but not skeletal. He doesn't know if Paul/Randy took any the footage out. The email was not displayed for the jury
As for Michael's relationship with Katherine, Payne said
"there's no secret that he loved his mother very much. It is kind of common knowledge"
"Karen Faye is a make up artist. She designed the make up, was always there when Michael was there", Payne testified.Payne said Faye and MJ had a long term working relationship. They spent a lot of personal time together. Faye was concerned and frustrated with how Michael looked. She went to Payne kind of in an aggressive way. Payne told her to report to Ortega.
Payne said he wanted MJ to have a physical therapist, nutritionist, massage therapist, and have his family around. He said this was a different scenario.
"This was the first time MJ was working with AEG," Payne testified, saying he had always been hired by MJJ production before.Payne said this was the first time Michael was not the sole producer of the show. Payne started working without a signed contract. He was being paid by AEG. Panish showed Payne's written contract. It is between Payne and AEG, beginning April 1, 2009. The contract said only AEG could cancel it. He testified that there was a delay in his contract with AEG because the salary was not in line with his standard charges, but that things worked out after he had a conversation with Jackson. Payne also said he believed AEG was paying Murray's salary, not Jackson
Payne was hired and paid by AEG. His contract was with AEG.
Panish: "Who could fire you. AEG?"Things became heated when Panish inquired about a text message Karen Faye sent to Payne that accused him of lying to the media after Michael's death. He said earlier Faye had approached him in an "aggressive" way about her concern for Jackson's health but he told her to take her concerns to Ortega.
Payne: "I'm sure"
"I do not remember receiving a text message from Karen Faye asking why I was lying to the media," Payne explained.During cross-examination, Payne was shown several photos of premieres for the This Is It documentary .Panish shows a picture of Payne at the red carpet premiere. He agreed he was happy about the premiere. In one, Ortega & AEG executive Randy Phillips flank Jackson's manager, Frank DiLeo, who has a cigar hanging out of his mouth. All three are grinning. Brian Panish, the attorney for Jackson's family, remarked that everyone looked pretty happy
Panish: "Were you upset when MJ died?"
Payne: "Yes"
Payne said he wasn't privy to details of what was expected of Dr. Murray. AEG was producepromoter, but MJ was the star, had to be happy
Panish reminded Payne that he had testified in his deposition that AEG was
"trying to protect its investment"
"I don't have a dog in this race so I'm not on either side", an aggravated Payne countered adding that he felt Panish was being aggressive. "I'm just saying I don't want to be painted as somebody who's trying to mask anything".After several hours of testy exchanges with Panish, his voice quivered and he dabbed his eyes with a tissue.
"I'm just trying to have a conversation with you and tell the truth."Panish asked Payne if defendants' attorney approached him during lunch to show him some documents. He said yes, he saw parts of his deposition
Under cross examination, Payne acknowledged that some of Jackson's behavior, including grogginess, lethargy, insomnia and occasional paranoia, were possible symptoms of prescription drug abuse. He also said that despite testifying earlier that he worked with Jackson one-on-one five days a week, he couldn't recall how many rehearsals the singer actually attended
Panish after lunch break got Travis Payne to concede Jackson wasn't present for a May 19, 2009 rehearsal. Payne also conceded that Jackson was a no-show for a June 22, 2009 rehearsal. Panish confronted Payne saying that yesterday he said he was with MJ at a dance studio on May 19, that they were up on their feet & danced.
Panish: "Sir, Michael was not with you May 19, 2009, was he?"Panish said that on May 19, Michael was having a cyst removed at Dr. Klein's office, so he could not have been rehearsing with Payne.
Payne: "No"
Panish: "He was at the doctor"
Payne: "If you're saying, I'm not disputing"
Panish then said on Jun 22 MJ wasn't there either, "was he?"
Payne said he didn't know.
Panish said MJ was at another doctor's office
Payne said he may have made a mistake about Jackson's whereabouts & he didn't know his personal schedule. Travis Payne had testified yesterday that he and Jackson ran through certain songs on May 19th. He said today he was testifying based on the schedule and notes he compiled and that his recollection might be wrong
"We're human, sometimes we make mistakes," Payne explained, saying he's not disputing that Michael was or wasn't there on those dates.Payne said there was always something for Michael to do.
"He needed to come to rehearsal, it was part of the job"Payne said Michael had a hard time picking up some of the material. He was having trouble learning dances, Payne says. Email from Ortega to Gongaware:
"He has been slow at grabbing hold of the work"Jackson was having trouble learning dances, choreographer Travis Payne says
"Prior to June, I noticed Mr. Jackson was thinner than I recognized him," Payne said, noting he never saw sudden weight change in MJ.Second time Payne saw Dr. Murray was the night before Michael died at Staples Center.
"I wanted Michael to go home and go to sleep" Payne recalls. Payne said something about Murray felt off, Payne said. "He didn't feel like an official doctor"Payne knew MJ had sleeping problems and that Dr. Murray was treating him for that. Ortega also knew; Payne thought Gongaware was aware too. Payne also said he and Ortega knew that Jackson was having sleep problems. Attorney Brian Panish asks if AEG executives knew. There were several objections, and Payne was only allowed to answer "No" as to whether Paul Gongaware knew about Michael's sleep problems
Panish asked Payne about choosing Jackson's dancers for This Is It. Payne says they were whittled down from 5,000 applicants. Applicants submitted video clips and their submissions were used to cull down potential dancers from there. Payne said they received 5,000 applications for dancers, about 2,500 showed up for the audition.He taught them some dance moves, and the pool was further narrowed down. Michael chose the dancers
Panish then asked Payne whether he knew how many doctors AEG interviewed to work with Jackson on This Is It. "No", Payne says. Payne also says he isn't aware how much interviewing or investigation into Murray that AEG did.(Panish's point appears to be that there was more scrutiny of backup dancers than Conrad Murray)
During preparations for This Is It, Michael at times seemed "under the influence of something" and once couldn't take the stage because he appeared incoherent, Payne testified.
Payne said he was aware that Jackson had problems sleeping and chalked up the singer's sometimes erratic behavior to sleep aids or sedatives from his dermatologist visits.
"You have to understand that one always says hindsight is 20/20. In the moment I had no inkling of what, ultimately, what was revealed until Mr. Jackson's passing", he saidPayne saw Michael tired and fatigued. He agreed that those symptoms could be signs of drug addiction. Payne was aware that MJ was losing weight during rehearsals and he had not seeing him lose weight like that before.
"He was not in great physical shape and was sore,working up his stamina. Lack of sleep and proper nourishment were starting to show", Payne said.Payne says at one point, he told Kenny Ortega that Jackson appeared "assisted" (meaning that he thought he was on drugs\meds)
Payne said some people were concerned about the goals not being met, including Randy Phillips and Paul Gongaware. Payne learned what Demerol was after MJ died. He also remembers a mention of Demerol in the song "Morphine".
Panish asked if MJ knew the lyrics of his songs.
"I think he did, he knew most of them, but he wanted to have a Teleprompter for safety.He didn't want to make any mistakes, to refresh his memory. Also to use for sequence of songs",Payne said.Payne agreed that it was very unusual for Michael to have a Teleprompter with the lyrics of his own songs. He never used it before. Payne didn't specify which songs Jackson wanted the teleprompter for
Payne said a body double was requested for Michael. Misha Gabriel was his body double, but shorter than him. Some of the scenes in the documentary are with the body double, Payne testified. Payne remembers at the Culver Studios in Smooth Criminal there was a stunt and Misha was asked to jump through a glass plate
Payne said most the time, MJ was present at rehearsals. "It wasn't a big deal," he expressed
Panish showed an email from the band leader Michael Bearden:
"Michael is not in shape enough yet to sing this stuff live and dance at the same time. He can use the ballads to sing live and get his stamina back up, Once he's healthy enough and has more strength I Have full confidence he can sing the majority of the show live. His voice sounds amazing right now, he needs to build it back up. I still need all big dance numbers to be in the system so we can concentrate on choreography."Payne was aware that AEG was considering in mid June pulling the plug on the show. He said Michael looked exhausted & paranoid on Jun 19. Jackson's condition and missed rehearsals led to talk within the last 10 days of Jackson's life that AEG Live LLC, which was promoting "This Is It," might cancel the concert series.
"It was 'We've got to get this together or the plug may be pulled,'" Payne saysPayne was working for AEG and said he relayed his concerns about Jackson's possible prescription drug use and that he was exhibiting troubling signs of insomnia, weight loss and paranoia in his final days to tour director Kenny Ortega. Jackson was struggling to get into shape for the shows, and Payne said his voice coach suggested using a voice track for fast-paced songs until the singer's stamina improved.
Payne went to Michael's house on June 20. He was cold and had to light the fireplace and rub his hand and feet to warm himself up
Panish showed a picture of Michael on June 24 rehearsing "Thriller"; Payne said MJ improved but was not at his best yet.
Panish: "Around June 20, was Ortega in the mindset that Michael Jackson was not ready for this?" Payne: "Yes"Payne said Michael was not ready, it was not the Michael he knew. He died four days later. But he didn't see anything that alarmed him on June 23/24
Panish:" Did you see that Michael was getting pressured to get everything done in the last days?" Payne: "Yes"Payne said he could sense something was wrong, but didn't know what it was. He said Jackson's performances in the final days of his life were impressive, and it felt
"like we were definitely on an upswing"
"I never doubted Michael because he was the architect of this and he wanted to do it, so part of my responsibility was to help him get there", Payne said, his voice racked with emotion.Panish ended his direct examination of choreographer Travis Payne with three questions.
Panish: "Did you see that Michael Jackson appeared to be pressured to get everything done at the Staples last rehearsals?"AEG re-direct
"Yes," Payne said
Panish: "The pressure about the shows started to manifest itself physically in Michael Jackson?"
"Yes," Payne replied.
Panish:" You could sense that something was wrong, you just didn't know what it was?"
Payne responded "Yes."
Payne's demeanor changed after Panish finished questioning him. He was holding back tears when the AEG attorney started re-direct examination. For the next several moments, Payne blinked and dabbed both eyes with a tissue. It was the first time he'd gotten emotional on the stand.
Bina in re-direct asked: "Do you think you could get him there?"Bina asked Payne again about how many rehearsals Jackson attended. Payne said MJ was present a significant amount of the days he was scheduled to work but he couldn't recall dates, precisely how many that Jackson attended.
Payne: "Absolutely!"
As to Gongaware's email regarding what was expected of Dr. Murray, Payne said the inconsistencies with Michael missing rehearsals warrant a talk. Payne said he thought Dr. Murray was there to care for his patient, making sure right nutritionist was there, to get him ready for the show. Payne never discussed with MJ about his doctors or personal affairs. Payne and Faye were professionals with each other, but not friends.
"Production felt he wasn't coming to rehearsals enough, and that was frustrating to some of the staff," Payne testified. "I had a concern we needed to create a show Michael would enjoy doing it," Payne explainedShe also showed Payne photos from the This Is It premiere. First photo is of Payne shaking Jermaine Jackson's hand at the movie premiere. Bina also showed another image of smiling Jermaine, Tito, Jackie and Marlon with Payne at the premiere. Payne cried saying he had been through so much and the rough part was behind them. He was pleased to show the fans what the show was to be.
Jackson re-cross
In re-cross, Panish notes that none of Michael's brothers are part of this lawsuit.
Panish then asked Payne whether Katherine Jackson and Michael's kids went to the premiere. Panish says Katherine Jackson & her grandchildren didn't go to the premiere because they weren't over Jackson's death. Payne said he didn't think anyone was over Jackson's death when the film premiered in late 2009.
Court Transcript
2024.05.14 14:59 DisapointedVoid Contact Protocol (21)
First
Previous
Sorry for the delay in getting this part out; been away visiting family so not had much time to put fingers to keyboard, plus I managed to have my phone stolen by a roller coaster and it took a white to get it replaced and be able to get into a few things - stupid two factor authentication! Anyway, I hope you enjoy.
+++++++++++++++++++
Y’Lek and K’Rim slowed their mad dash as they neared the armoury; there was no telling whether the Swarm agents had left any traps for them and the armoury was full of extremely energy dense materials and weapons which could potentially jeopardise the structure of the ship if employed in the right way. Grabbing some handy footholds they stopped and considered the imposing door in front of them.
After a few moments of effort K’Rim had eased off the casement off the door’s locking mechanism but could detect nothing amiss with the crystalline structure beneath. Bypassing the outer interface she placed a grasper to the innards and a small spark of bioelectric energy jumped into the crystal which glowed briefly as the uniquely patterned waveform was parsed and compared with the patterns of those permitted access. The door slid aside as they were granted entry with no unwanted surprises being triggered.
With a relieved chitter Y’Lek started inside only to be pulled back sharply as K’Rim pulled on his leg.
“Stop. Just because the door opens, doesn’t mean that it is safe.” K’Rim warned as she pulled a small disc out of one of her utility pouches. Snapping it easily she gently tossed it through the doorway after slowly counting out a grasper of seconds. The exothermic reaction had reached the point where the disc glowed fitfully in the infrared, while it emitted a clear UV light. K’Rim watched it carefully and her antennae twitched with the effort of picking up any slight sound.
The glow-disc struck some of the lockers which filled the armoury and ricocheted off around the room but nothing seemed to react to the heat and movement.
With a decisive clack of her mandibles K’Rim pulled herself through the doorway and into the armoury. Y’Lek followed close on her tarsus. It was immediately obvious that several sets of warrior equipment had been removed, along with copious numbers of weapons.
Y’Lek was surprised when K’Rim didn’t make for the remaining warrior gear but instead to the emergency pressure suits. Seeing the confused tilt of his head K’Rim explained “Although the room appears safe, we don’t know what they may have done while they were here but it is safe to assume that they would have ensured any of the most dangerous equipment could not be used against them.”
She passed a bundled pressure suit to Y’Lek and continued “The emergency gear and non-powered weapons are the least likely to have been tampered with and have the least amount of capacity for harming us even if they have been so we will have to make do with them until we can thoroughly check the rest of the equipment.”
Y’Lek thought for a moment before bobbing in agreement and starting to pull on the pressure suit, careful to sheath his claws with the hardened “gauntlets” integral to the suit before powering up the spiracle gas exchangers and carefully sealing them in place against his thorax. “Yes, I can see the risk now. Though it will potentially leave us vulnerable, it is better to be certain of our equipment than to die of over confidence.”
The emergency pressure suit came together quickly, living up to its name and the pair were quickly sealed against the cold, dry, and slightly strange tasting air that the aliens had been pumping into the Far Flung Seed and supplying them with a more familiar and moister mixture.
K’Rim passed him a set of the ceremonial but still functional weapons and the harness to hold them. They wouldn’t hold up long against a fusion blade or a particle lance but they were durable enough to give them a chance and were completely inert so could not have been sabotaged.
Only a couple of minutes after entering the armoury they swam back out into the corridor and sped off towards the arboretum.
+++++++++++++++++++
Smithy quickly sprayed a fluorescent marking on the uneven and root covered tunnel junction to identify which way they had come from. “How can such a small ship have so many damn tunnels?” he growled to himself.
“It’s not the size of the ship, it’s what you do with it that matters” quipped Hall.
“Yeah? Well, apparently in this case it was fill it with bloody tunnels.” deadpanned Smithy in response.
“Can it.” broke in Stroud before anyone else could get involved “You can discuss the relative merits of alien design philosophy on your own time; for now you need to focus.”
A chorus of “Sergeant” came back over the radio and the remainder of Delta and Echo buckled down and continued sweeping what even Stroud was prepared to admit was a seemingly endless series of tunnels with apparently zero overarching logic to their layout. Up until a few minutes ago they had been getting directional updates from some supposedly friendly ET’s in the control room but apparently they had suddenly just buggered off so now they were picking junctions that appeared to take them in the vague direction that had been indicated to them.
Stroud again cursed the fact that the maintenance drones brought by the initial engineering team hadn't been able to access this part of the ship and map it due to the tightly sealed blast doors that had protected the forest from the vacuum. Who could have imagined that there would have been so much structure hidden underneath and between the normal corridors and rooms? The three dimensional map they had been creating as they advanced was like something Jackson Pollock and H R Giger might have come up with on an acid trip.
They approached another intersection and slowed. After a quick glance between them, Mears and Jackson moved forward, taking cover behind Mears’ shield. They crept up to the junction and Jackson poked the muzzle of his shotgun, and its camera into the ragged space beyond. The feed showed several small tunnels radiating off at all angles, way too small for any of them to fit down. One navigable tunnel appeared to curve off back in the direction they came from, while another looked like it might go the right way.
Suddenly the camera and the end third of Jackson’s gun disintegrated into a cloud of superheated vapour, shards of glowing metal and smoking composites. With a scream Jackson jumped back, the outer weave on the gauntlet of his left hand shredded and smouldering. In a stunning display of muscle memory he ejected the internal magazine and disconnected the weapon from the backpack feed almost before his mind had caught up with what was going on.
Hands grabbed him as he was yanked further back into the corridor. He flung the remains of his shotgun down and it clattered and bounced down the tunnel in the vague direction of the junction. Jackson was conscious of Mears backing up towards him, shield held protectively to block as much of the tunnel as possible, while Smithy grabbed his forearm and inspected his hand. Stroud stepped over him and took up guard on Mears’ shoulder, weapon trained forward and sweeping what could be seen of the slightly larger space beyond this section of the tunnel.
Another “FOOOM!” as the tumbling wreckage of the shotgun was vaporised as it spun across the opening of the tunnel.
“Fuuuuuuuck me!” said Jackson, at last able to form words as the adrenaline induced tunnel vision started to clear.
“Well, how about you start by showing me whether you can still use your fingers and we can take it from there, eh?” Smithy said from where he was turning his hand from prone to supine again. “Looks like the inner layer of your glove is intact but both Simmonds and Jones complained of numbness after being hit. How’re you feeling?”
Jackson gingerly flexed his fingers and made a fist a few times but grunted as he felt the tips of his fingers tingle where they pressed into the material of his gloves “Feels weird - tingly like I sat on my hand or something.”
Smithy grunted to acknowledge this “OK, well shout out if it gets any worse; got it?”
He pulled Jackson to his feet and slapped him on the shoulder before they both turned back to face down the tunnel again. Jackson surreptitiously flexed his hand a few more times as he pulled out his sidearm and secured its retaining strap to his right wrist. He wasn’t too hopeful that the small pistol would be able to do too much against the ET’s, but it was better than walking around with nothing.
Stroud backed away from the junction where he had been very gingerly checking all the passageways with a camera barely poking out from the mouth of the tunnel they were in.
He stood up and turned to the security team “Ok, looks like there is something stuffed into one of the narrow tunnels - kind of like those shoulder guns the ET’s have, along with a stand and power supply. My guess is it has some kind of automated fire mode and decided that it really didn’t like Jackson’s gun waving around in front of it. Question is, how are we going to get rid of it? We can’t leave it behind in case we need to come back this way in a hurry.”
“I guess it will probably shoot anything we throw at it so grenades are out?” mused Mears
There followed a number of suggestions and comments.
“Can we get an angle on it and just shoot it?”
“How about we let Jackson distract it some more while the rest of us blow it away?”
“We need to avoid the power pack if the two dead ET’s from the corridor are anything to go by.”
Stroud listened for a minute before cutting the chatter short. “Ok, so I think our best bet is to use the ballistic shield to bait it, while someone else blows the top off it from the other side of the tunnel; Mears you and Jackson handle the shield; keep a tight hold on it as those shots release a lot of energy when they hit. Smithy - I’ve marked its location so you hug the other side of the tunnel and draw a bead on it. Wait for it to hit the shield before popping out and taking your shot; and for the love of all that you hold dear do it fast, Ok?”
The team nodded in agreement.
“I will be there to pull Smithy back as soon as he has popped out of cover, just in case.” concluded Stroud before ushering them to their positions. After a few moments of shuffling around each other in the tight space they were ready.
Smithy led the countdown. “Ready. Steady. Go!” Instantly Mears and Jackson shoved a third of the ballistic shield out into the corridor and planted themselves on top of the section remaining in the corridor only a moment ahead of a bright flash and the shield heaving under the impact.
Seemingly almost simultaneously Smithy leaned out and fired, the boom of his shotgun mingling with the “foom!” of the vaporising surface of the shield. Stroud almost bodily lifted him as he pulled him back from the edge.
For a second they were still as they sprawled around the opening.
“A good hit!” called Stroud as he reviewed the few frames of footage from Smithy’s gun camera between jumping out and back in again.
Mears stood up and inspected the sorry remains of his ballistic shield, now missing most of the top edge. “Great, well I hope there aren’t too many more of those hidden around as I’m running out of shield.”
+++++++++++++++++++
N’Dar’s antennae quivered inside his protective suit. That last series of weapons fire had been far too close for comfort and he still had two more locking systems to bypass. With a furious click of his mandibles he redoubled his efforts, running his bioelectric patterns through a series of filters, amplifiers and other signal processing systems to trick the door into thinking he had a right to open it.
The rot take the claw that had been delaying the aliens! He was supposed to have more time than this!
Next
submitted by DisapointedVoid to HFY [link] [comments]
Previous
Sorry for the delay in getting this part out; been away visiting family so not had much time to put fingers to keyboard, plus I managed to have my phone stolen by a roller coaster and it took a white to get it replaced and be able to get into a few things - stupid two factor authentication! Anyway, I hope you enjoy.
+++++++++++++++++++
Y’Lek and K’Rim slowed their mad dash as they neared the armoury; there was no telling whether the Swarm agents had left any traps for them and the armoury was full of extremely energy dense materials and weapons which could potentially jeopardise the structure of the ship if employed in the right way. Grabbing some handy footholds they stopped and considered the imposing door in front of them.
After a few moments of effort K’Rim had eased off the casement off the door’s locking mechanism but could detect nothing amiss with the crystalline structure beneath. Bypassing the outer interface she placed a grasper to the innards and a small spark of bioelectric energy jumped into the crystal which glowed briefly as the uniquely patterned waveform was parsed and compared with the patterns of those permitted access. The door slid aside as they were granted entry with no unwanted surprises being triggered.
With a relieved chitter Y’Lek started inside only to be pulled back sharply as K’Rim pulled on his leg.
“Stop. Just because the door opens, doesn’t mean that it is safe.” K’Rim warned as she pulled a small disc out of one of her utility pouches. Snapping it easily she gently tossed it through the doorway after slowly counting out a grasper of seconds. The exothermic reaction had reached the point where the disc glowed fitfully in the infrared, while it emitted a clear UV light. K’Rim watched it carefully and her antennae twitched with the effort of picking up any slight sound.
The glow-disc struck some of the lockers which filled the armoury and ricocheted off around the room but nothing seemed to react to the heat and movement.
With a decisive clack of her mandibles K’Rim pulled herself through the doorway and into the armoury. Y’Lek followed close on her tarsus. It was immediately obvious that several sets of warrior equipment had been removed, along with copious numbers of weapons.
Y’Lek was surprised when K’Rim didn’t make for the remaining warrior gear but instead to the emergency pressure suits. Seeing the confused tilt of his head K’Rim explained “Although the room appears safe, we don’t know what they may have done while they were here but it is safe to assume that they would have ensured any of the most dangerous equipment could not be used against them.”
She passed a bundled pressure suit to Y’Lek and continued “The emergency gear and non-powered weapons are the least likely to have been tampered with and have the least amount of capacity for harming us even if they have been so we will have to make do with them until we can thoroughly check the rest of the equipment.”
Y’Lek thought for a moment before bobbing in agreement and starting to pull on the pressure suit, careful to sheath his claws with the hardened “gauntlets” integral to the suit before powering up the spiracle gas exchangers and carefully sealing them in place against his thorax. “Yes, I can see the risk now. Though it will potentially leave us vulnerable, it is better to be certain of our equipment than to die of over confidence.”
The emergency pressure suit came together quickly, living up to its name and the pair were quickly sealed against the cold, dry, and slightly strange tasting air that the aliens had been pumping into the Far Flung Seed and supplying them with a more familiar and moister mixture.
K’Rim passed him a set of the ceremonial but still functional weapons and the harness to hold them. They wouldn’t hold up long against a fusion blade or a particle lance but they were durable enough to give them a chance and were completely inert so could not have been sabotaged.
Only a couple of minutes after entering the armoury they swam back out into the corridor and sped off towards the arboretum.
+++++++++++++++++++
Smithy quickly sprayed a fluorescent marking on the uneven and root covered tunnel junction to identify which way they had come from. “How can such a small ship have so many damn tunnels?” he growled to himself.
“It’s not the size of the ship, it’s what you do with it that matters” quipped Hall.
“Yeah? Well, apparently in this case it was fill it with bloody tunnels.” deadpanned Smithy in response.
“Can it.” broke in Stroud before anyone else could get involved “You can discuss the relative merits of alien design philosophy on your own time; for now you need to focus.”
A chorus of “Sergeant” came back over the radio and the remainder of Delta and Echo buckled down and continued sweeping what even Stroud was prepared to admit was a seemingly endless series of tunnels with apparently zero overarching logic to their layout. Up until a few minutes ago they had been getting directional updates from some supposedly friendly ET’s in the control room but apparently they had suddenly just buggered off so now they were picking junctions that appeared to take them in the vague direction that had been indicated to them.
Stroud again cursed the fact that the maintenance drones brought by the initial engineering team hadn't been able to access this part of the ship and map it due to the tightly sealed blast doors that had protected the forest from the vacuum. Who could have imagined that there would have been so much structure hidden underneath and between the normal corridors and rooms? The three dimensional map they had been creating as they advanced was like something Jackson Pollock and H R Giger might have come up with on an acid trip.
They approached another intersection and slowed. After a quick glance between them, Mears and Jackson moved forward, taking cover behind Mears’ shield. They crept up to the junction and Jackson poked the muzzle of his shotgun, and its camera into the ragged space beyond. The feed showed several small tunnels radiating off at all angles, way too small for any of them to fit down. One navigable tunnel appeared to curve off back in the direction they came from, while another looked like it might go the right way.
Suddenly the camera and the end third of Jackson’s gun disintegrated into a cloud of superheated vapour, shards of glowing metal and smoking composites. With a scream Jackson jumped back, the outer weave on the gauntlet of his left hand shredded and smouldering. In a stunning display of muscle memory he ejected the internal magazine and disconnected the weapon from the backpack feed almost before his mind had caught up with what was going on.
Hands grabbed him as he was yanked further back into the corridor. He flung the remains of his shotgun down and it clattered and bounced down the tunnel in the vague direction of the junction. Jackson was conscious of Mears backing up towards him, shield held protectively to block as much of the tunnel as possible, while Smithy grabbed his forearm and inspected his hand. Stroud stepped over him and took up guard on Mears’ shoulder, weapon trained forward and sweeping what could be seen of the slightly larger space beyond this section of the tunnel.
Another “FOOOM!” as the tumbling wreckage of the shotgun was vaporised as it spun across the opening of the tunnel.
“Fuuuuuuuck me!” said Jackson, at last able to form words as the adrenaline induced tunnel vision started to clear.
“Well, how about you start by showing me whether you can still use your fingers and we can take it from there, eh?” Smithy said from where he was turning his hand from prone to supine again. “Looks like the inner layer of your glove is intact but both Simmonds and Jones complained of numbness after being hit. How’re you feeling?”
Jackson gingerly flexed his fingers and made a fist a few times but grunted as he felt the tips of his fingers tingle where they pressed into the material of his gloves “Feels weird - tingly like I sat on my hand or something.”
Smithy grunted to acknowledge this “OK, well shout out if it gets any worse; got it?”
He pulled Jackson to his feet and slapped him on the shoulder before they both turned back to face down the tunnel again. Jackson surreptitiously flexed his hand a few more times as he pulled out his sidearm and secured its retaining strap to his right wrist. He wasn’t too hopeful that the small pistol would be able to do too much against the ET’s, but it was better than walking around with nothing.
Stroud backed away from the junction where he had been very gingerly checking all the passageways with a camera barely poking out from the mouth of the tunnel they were in.
He stood up and turned to the security team “Ok, looks like there is something stuffed into one of the narrow tunnels - kind of like those shoulder guns the ET’s have, along with a stand and power supply. My guess is it has some kind of automated fire mode and decided that it really didn’t like Jackson’s gun waving around in front of it. Question is, how are we going to get rid of it? We can’t leave it behind in case we need to come back this way in a hurry.”
“I guess it will probably shoot anything we throw at it so grenades are out?” mused Mears
There followed a number of suggestions and comments.
“Can we get an angle on it and just shoot it?”
“How about we let Jackson distract it some more while the rest of us blow it away?”
“We need to avoid the power pack if the two dead ET’s from the corridor are anything to go by.”
Stroud listened for a minute before cutting the chatter short. “Ok, so I think our best bet is to use the ballistic shield to bait it, while someone else blows the top off it from the other side of the tunnel; Mears you and Jackson handle the shield; keep a tight hold on it as those shots release a lot of energy when they hit. Smithy - I’ve marked its location so you hug the other side of the tunnel and draw a bead on it. Wait for it to hit the shield before popping out and taking your shot; and for the love of all that you hold dear do it fast, Ok?”
The team nodded in agreement.
“I will be there to pull Smithy back as soon as he has popped out of cover, just in case.” concluded Stroud before ushering them to their positions. After a few moments of shuffling around each other in the tight space they were ready.
Smithy led the countdown. “Ready. Steady. Go!” Instantly Mears and Jackson shoved a third of the ballistic shield out into the corridor and planted themselves on top of the section remaining in the corridor only a moment ahead of a bright flash and the shield heaving under the impact.
Seemingly almost simultaneously Smithy leaned out and fired, the boom of his shotgun mingling with the “foom!” of the vaporising surface of the shield. Stroud almost bodily lifted him as he pulled him back from the edge.
For a second they were still as they sprawled around the opening.
“A good hit!” called Stroud as he reviewed the few frames of footage from Smithy’s gun camera between jumping out and back in again.
Mears stood up and inspected the sorry remains of his ballistic shield, now missing most of the top edge. “Great, well I hope there aren’t too many more of those hidden around as I’m running out of shield.”
+++++++++++++++++++
N’Dar’s antennae quivered inside his protective suit. That last series of weapons fire had been far too close for comfort and he still had two more locking systems to bypass. With a furious click of his mandibles he redoubled his efforts, running his bioelectric patterns through a series of filters, amplifiers and other signal processing systems to trick the door into thinking he had a right to open it.
The rot take the claw that had been delaying the aliens! He was supposed to have more time than this!
Next
2024.05.14 14:58 himanshukhatri704 Rakhi Gift Ideas Thoughtful Presents to Celebrate the Bond of Siblings from Rakhi.com
Raksha Bandhan, commonly known as Rakhi, is a cherished Indian festival that celebrates the unique bond between brothers and sisters. Along with tying the Rakhi, exchanging gifts is an integral part of the celebration. Choosing the perfect gift can make the occasion even more special and memorable. Here are some thoughtful Rakhi gift ideas to help you show your love and appreciation for your sibling.
For Brothers
submitted by himanshukhatri704 to Gifts [link] [comments]
For Brothers
- Personalized Gifts: Personalized gifts always carry a special touch. Consider customized mugs, photo frames, keychains, or even custom-made jewelry with your brother’s initials or a heartfelt message.
- Gadgets and Electronics: If your brother is a tech enthusiast, gadgets like wireless earphones, smartwatches, or portable chargers can make great gifts. Look for the latest tech trends to surprise him.
- Fashion Accessories: A stylish watch, sunglasses, or a wallet can be both practical and fashionable. Choose something that matches his style and personality.
- Grooming Kits: A high-quality grooming kit with razors, trimmers, shaving creams, and aftershaves can be a thoughtful gift. Consider brands that he prefers or introduce him to a premium grooming line.
- Books: If your brother loves to read, a book by his favorite author or a bestseller in his preferred genre can be a wonderful gift. Consider also e-readers like Kindle for a tech-savvy reading experience.
- Sports Gear: For the sporty brother, gifts like a new cricket bat, football, fitness tracker, or gym accessories can be perfect. Tailor the gift to his favorite sport or fitness routine.
- Subscription Services: Give the gift of entertainment or knowledge with subscriptions to services like Netflix, Audible, or a magazine he loves. These can be enjoyed throughout the year.
- Jewelry: Jewelry is a classic and cherished gift. Consider elegant pieces like earrings, bracelets, or pendants that she can wear on special occasions or daily.
- Beauty and Skincare Products: A luxurious skincare set or a beauty hamper with her favorite brands can be a delightful treat. Look for products that suit her skin type and preferences.
- Handbags and Accessories: A stylish handbag, scarf, or a pair of designer sunglasses can make a thoughtful and fashionable gift. Choose items that match her style.
- Home Décor: Beautiful home décor items like scented candles, photo frames, or decorative cushions can add charm to her living space. Personalized home décor items can make it even more special.
- Books and Stationery: If your sister loves to read or write, books by her favorite authors or elegant stationery sets can be wonderful gifts. Consider journals, planners, or personalized notebooks.
- Fashion and Apparel: A chic dress, traditional attire, or a cozy sweater can be a delightful addition to her wardrobe. Make sure to choose something in her preferred style and size.
- Experiences: Give the gift of a memorable experience. It could be a spa day, a cooking class, or tickets to a concert or play she’s been wanting to attend.
- Gift Vouchers: When in doubt, gift vouchers from their favorite stores or online platforms can be a perfect choice. This allows them to pick something they truly want.
- DIY Hampers: Create a personalized hamper with a mix of their favorite snacks, drinks, skincare products, and small gadgets. Tailor the hamper to their tastes and preferences.
- Travel Accessories: For siblings who love to travel, gifts like travel organizers, passport holders, or stylish luggage can be very thoughtful.
- Fitness Equipment: For health-conscious siblings, fitness equipment like yoga mats, resistance bands, or a set of dumbbells can be great gifts to support their fitness journey.
- Plants: A beautiful potted plant can brighten up their living space and serve as a lasting reminder of your love. Choose low-maintenance plants if they are new to gardening.
2024.05.14 14:56 Sweet-Count2557 Costa Rica With Kids
 | Costa Rica With Kids Hey there! Ready to embark on an unforgettable family adventure? Look no further than Costa Rica with kids!We've got you covered with all the best activities and attractions that will make your trip truly magical. From exploring breathtaking waterfalls and national parks to thrilling outdoor adventures and relaxing hot springs, Costa Rica has it all.And don't forget about the educational and cultural experiences along the way. Get ready to create lasting memories and experience the freedom of exploration in beautiful Costa Rica!Key TakeawaysCosta Rica offers a wide range of nature escapes and national parks for families to connect with nature and create lasting memories.The country provides endless opportunities for adventure and outdoor activities, such as surfing, zip-lining, and wildlife tours.Hot springs in Costa Rica, like Tabacon and Baldi, offer a tranquil oasis for relaxation and rejuvenation, with various health benefits.Educational and cultural experiences, such as the Chocolate Tour and wildlife rescue centers, allow families to learn about Costa Rican culture and environmental issues in a fun and engaging way.Waterfall and Nature EscapesWhen it comes to exploring Costa Rica with kids, one of the most exciting subtopics is Waterfall and Nature Escapes. Costa Rica is known for its breathtaking natural beauty, and there are plenty of opportunities for families to immerse themselves in the wonders of waterfalls and nature.Two must-visit attractions in this category are the La Fortuna Waterfall and the Arenal Volcano Hike.The La Fortuna Waterfall is a true hidden gem. Located near the Arenal Volcano, this stunning waterfall cascades down a 75-meter cliff into a crystal-clear pool below. The hike to the waterfall is relatively easy and suitable for families with children of all ages. Once you reach the base, you can take a refreshing swim in the pool or simply relax and take in the magnificent surroundings. It's a truly magical experience that will leave your kids in awe.Another must-do activity is the Arenal Volcano Hike. This exciting adventure takes you through the lush rainforest, where you'll have the chance to spot exotic wildlife and learn about the area's geological history. As you make your way up the volcano, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. It's a great opportunity for your kids to learn about volcanoes and the importance of preserving our natural resources.Both the La Fortuna Waterfall and the Arenal Volcano Hike offer unique experiences that combine adventure and natural beauty. They provide the perfect opportunity for families to connect with nature and create lasting memories. So, if you're planning a trip to Costa Rica with your kids, make sure to include these incredible attractions in your itinerary.National Parks and WildlifeExploring the National Parks and Wildlife in Costa Rica is an incredible experience for families. The country is known for its abundant biodiversity and commitment to conservation efforts. Here are some highlights of what you can expect when visiting the national parks and encountering wildlife in Costa Rica:Wildlife encounters: Costa Rica is home to a rich variety of animal species, including monkeys, sloths, toucans, and colorful frogs. As you explore the national parks, keep your eyes peeled for these fascinating creatures. You might even have the opportunity to spot sea turtles nesting on the beaches or witness the majestic humpback whales during their migration.Conservation efforts: Costa Rica takes great pride in its conservation initiatives. The national parks are carefully managed to protect the fragile ecosystems and ensure the long-term survival of the wildlife. By visiting these parks, you not only get to enjoy the beauty of nature but also contribute to the conservation efforts that help preserve these habitats for future generations.Educational experiences: Many of the national parks offer guided tours led by knowledgeable naturalists. These experts can provide valuable insights about the wildlife and the conservation efforts in place. They'll help you and your kids learn about the importance of protecting the environment and the role each of us can play in preserving it.Exploring the national parks and encountering wildlife in Costa Rica is an adventure that will leave lasting memories for your family. It's an opportunity to witness nature's wonders up close and personal while also supporting the conservation efforts that ensure the preservation of these incredible ecosystems. So pack your binoculars and get ready for an unforgettable journey into the wild!Adventure and Outdoor ActivitiesWe can enjoy a variety of adventure and outdoor activities in Costa Rica with our kids. Costa Rica is known for its stunning landscapes and diverse ecosystems, making it the perfect destination for outdoor sports and family-friendly adventures.One popular activity is surfing, and Tamarindo is the place to be for beginners. We can take surf lessons together as a family and ride the waves of the Pacific Ocean. It's an exhilarating experience that will create lasting memories.For a thrilling aerial adventure, we can visit the Arenal Ecoglide Park. Here, we can zip line through the rainforest canopy, getting a unique perspective of Costa Rica's natural beauty. The park offers various zip line courses suitable for all ages, ensuring that everyone can participate.If we want to explore the waterways of Costa Rica, we can take a Tamarindo Estuary Boat Tour. This guided tour will take us through mangroves and provide opportunities to spot wildlife such as monkeys and crocodiles. It's a fantastic way to connect with nature and learn about the local ecosystem.For animal encounters, we can visit the Club Rio Outdoor Center. Here, we can interact with friendly animals like sloths, toucans, and monkeys. We can also enjoy activities such as horseback riding and tubing down the river. It's a great place for the whole family to have fun and discover Costa Rica's wildlife.Costa Rica offers endless opportunities for adventure and outdoor activities. From surfing to zip-lining, there's something for everyone in the family to enjoy. So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable journey filled with excitement and exploration in the beautiful landscapes of Costa Rica.Hot Springs and RelaxationWhen it comes to hot springs and relaxation in Costa Rica, two popular options are Tabacon Hot Springs and Baldi Hot Springs.Tabacon offers a more natural and serene setting, while Baldi is known for its larger pools and family-friendly atmosphere.Both options provide a range of activities for kids to enjoy, such as water slides and swim-up bars.Tabacon Vs. BaldiOne option for hot springs and relaxation in Costa Rica is Tabacon. Nestled at the base of the majestic Arenal Volcano, Tabacon boasts natural thermal springs surrounded by lush rainforest. The warm waters cascade into picturesque pools, creating a tranquil oasis for the whole family to enjoy.Another option is Baldi, located in La Fortuna. Baldi features a series of pools with varying temperatures, providing a range of options for relaxation. The highlight of Baldi is its exciting water slides, perfect for kids and thrill-seekers alike.Both hot springs offer unique experiences for families seeking rejuvenation and fun. Whether you prefer the serene ambiance of Tabacon or the thrilling water slides at Baldi, both hot springs offer a memorable experience. So, take your pick and soak in the natural beauty of Costa Rica's hot springs!Hot Springs BenefitsOur family's favorite way to relax and unwind in Costa Rica is by enjoying the benefits of hot springs. Not only are they incredibly soothing and rejuvenating, but they also offer numerous health benefits. Hot springs are known to improve blood circulation, relieve muscle tension, and promote a sense of calm and relaxation. They can also help with stress reduction and improve sleep quality.When it comes to the best hot springs in Costa Rica, two options stand out: Tabacon Hot Springs and Baldi Hot Springs. Tabacon is famous for its natural thermal mineral springs, surrounded by lush rainforest. It offers a variety of pools with different temperatures, waterfalls, and even a swim-up bar.On the other hand, Baldi Hot Springs features a whopping 25 thermal water pools, slides, and a kid-friendly area with shallow pools and water games. Both options provide an unforgettable experience for the whole family to enjoy.Ideal Relaxation ActivitiesFor our family, the hot springs in Costa Rica offer the perfect opportunity to relax and unwind, as well as enjoy quality time together. The benefits of relaxation are undeniable, and what better way to experience it than in the soothing waters of these natural hot springs?Here are some of the best relaxation spots in Costa Rica:Tabacon Hot Springs: Nestled at the base of the Arenal Volcano, Tabacon offers a luxurious and tranquil setting with a variety of pools and cascading waterfalls.Baldi Hot Springs: Located near La Fortuna, Baldi boasts a network of thermal pools of varying temperatures, providing a rejuvenating experience for the whole family.Ecotermales Hot Springs: This hidden gem in Arenal offers a more intimate and peaceful setting, perfect for those seeking a quieter relaxation experience.After indulging in the hot springs, it's time to explore the educational and cultural experiences that Costa Rica has to offer.Educational and Cultural ExperiencesWe thoroughly enjoyed the immersive cultural experience of the Chocolate Tour in Costa Rica. This educational tour allowed us to learn about the history and production of chocolate in the country. We got to see the entire process, from the cacao bean to the delicious chocolate bar. The tour guide was knowledgeable and engaging, making the experience fun for both kids and adults. We even had the opportunity to make our own chocolate treats, which was a highlight for the whole family.Another cultural immersion experience that we highly recommend is a visit to the Museo de los Niños, or Children's Museum. This interactive museum is designed specifically for kids, with exhibits that encourage learning through play. From science experiments to art workshops, there's something for everyone. We spent hours exploring the various exhibits, and the kids were fascinated by the hands-on activities. It was a great way to learn about Costa Rican culture while having fun.In addition to the educational tours, we also enjoyed the opportunity to observe and interact with wildlife at the Wildlife Rescue Center and Curi Cancha Reserve. These experiences allowed us to learn about the importance of conservation and the efforts being made to protect the country's diverse flora and fauna. The kids were thrilled to see sloths, monkeys, and colorful birds up close, and it sparked their interest in environmental issues.As we move on to explore the beaches and coastal attractions of Costa Rica, we look forward to the opportunity to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the country.Beaches and Coastal AttractionsExploring the beaches and coastal attractions in Costa Rica offers a chance to relax and immerse ourselves in the natural beauty of the country. Costa Rica is known for its stunning beaches and diverse marine life, making it a perfect destination for families seeking a beach getaway.Here are a few highlights of the best family-friendly beaches and the opportunity to explore marine life in Tortuguero National Park:Tamarindo Beach: With its golden sands and gentle waves, Tamarindo Beach is a popular choice for families. Kids can enjoy building sandcastles, playing beach volleyball, or learning to surf. The beach is lined with restaurants and shops, offering a variety of dining options and souvenirs.Manuel Antonio Park: This nature reserve not only features beautiful beaches but also offers guided tours where families can spot monkeys, sloths, and a variety of colorful birds. Kids will be fascinated by the diverse wildlife and the opportunity to explore the tropical rainforest.Tortuguero National Park: This park is famous for its sea turtle nesting grounds, providing a unique opportunity for families to witness these incredible creatures up close. Take a guided tour to learn about the conservation efforts and the life cycle of sea turtles. Exploring the marine life in Tortuguero National Park is a truly unforgettable experience.Costa Rica's beaches and coastal attractions offer something for everyone in the family. Whether you prefer lounging on the beach, exploring the rich marine life, or embarking on guided nature tours, there's no shortage of activities to keep everyone entertained.Frequently Asked QuestionsAre There Any Age Restrictions or Requirements for the Ziplining Activity at Arenal Ecoglide Park?Yes, there are age restrictions and safety requirements for the ziplining activity at Arenal Ecoglide Park.To ensure the safety of all participants, there's a minimum age requirement of 8 years old. Additionally, participants must weigh between 45 and 264 pounds.The park provides all necessary safety equipment, including harnesses and helmets, and trained guides are there to assist and guide you throughout the experience.Can You Swim in the Natural Pools at Rio Celeste Waterfall?Yes, you can swim in the natural pools at Rio Celeste Waterfall. However, it's important to note that there may be swimming restrictions in place at certain times due to safety reasons or water quality concerns. It's always a good idea to check with park officials before swimming.The water at Rio Celeste is known for its beautiful blue color, which is caused by a chemical reaction between volcanic minerals and the river's water. It's a unique and memorable experience for the whole family!Are There Any Guided Tours Available for the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve?Yes, there are guided tours available for the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. These tours allow you to explore the stunning beauty of the cloud forest while being accompanied by knowledgeable guides who'll provide you with interesting information about the flora and fauna.It's a great way to learn and appreciate the unique ecosystem of the reserve. So if you're looking for an educational and memorable experience, a guided tour of the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is definitely worth considering.How Long Does It Take to Hike to the Top of Arenal Volcano?Hiking to the top of Arenal Volcano can take around 3-4 hours, depending on your pace and fitness level. The difficulty level can vary, but it's generally considered moderate.It's best to start early in the morning to avoid the heat and have clear views of the stunning landscape.This hike offers an exciting adventure for the whole family, with opportunities to learn about the volcano's history and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.Are There Any Nearby Accommodations or Restaurants Near Cahuita National Park?Yes, there are nearby accommodations and restaurants near Cahuita National Park. There are several options for lodging, ranging from cozy bed and breakfasts to family-friendly hotels.You can also find a variety of restaurants serving delicious local cuisine, as well as international dishes. Whether you're looking for a relaxing place to stay or a tasty meal after exploring the park, you'll find plenty of options to suit your needs near Cahuita National Park.ConclusionIn conclusion, exploring Costa Rica with kids is an adventure that will create lasting memories for the whole family.Did you know that Costa Rica is home to over 5% of the world's biodiversity? This means that your children will have the opportunity to witness incredible wildlife up close and personal, fostering a love and appreciation for the natural world.So pack your bags, grab your little ones, and get ready for an unforgettable journey through the vibrant landscapes and diverse ecosystems of Costa Rica! submitted by Sweet-Count2557 to worldkidstravel [link] [comments] |
2024.05.14 14:53 tyler007durden Just Finished Playing Control Main Campaign
 | Even though the gameplay felt a bit repetitive for me most of the time, I loved the artwork, the level designs and overall aesthetics of the game. And the story is interesting, when you dig deep down and realise how well it is connected with the Alan Wake Universe. Remedy Entertainment is doing a great job building interconnected games all set in the same universe. Reminded me of how well made Alan wake (2010) was especially with respect to it's writing. submitted by tyler007durden to IndianGaming [link] [comments] |
2024.05.14 14:53 bvanevery violence vs. peace
 | I played a real life game all winter of trying to stop squirrels from eating peanuts at my homemade bird feeder. I made all kinds of wooden devices, none of which stopped them. In fairness, some were only designed to slow them down. submitted by bvanevery to GamedesignLounge [link] [comments] flying squid and bird defenders The aesthetically successful contraptions had organic forms, like flowers or animals. Squirrels would typically crawl through them or make mighty running leaps over them. So it becomes a system of organic competition. If this is a game though, it's, uh, not very balanced yet... Today I thought about trying to commit these kinds of shapes to a digital reality, and making some kind of 4X game out of them. I imagined mighty whirling wheels of blades slicing each other up. The neighbors did joke / ask about whether some of my contraptions were meant to chop squirrels into little tiny bits. In this regard they might recall the venerable Lemmings). Although, I really imagined the squirrels retaining an "other channel" aspect where they are totally immune and invulnerable to the machinations of the creatures, just leaping heroically over them like some kind of animal gods in a mechanical world. So I have a kind of war, and it's not the 1st time I've imagined a war occurring on small scale real life terrain. I've often thought of insects, particularly ants, fighting over some piece of a garden or side of a deck. Or plastic soldiers fighting over a bed or a rumpled blanket. That kind of idea got made into at least one movie awhile ago, called Small Soldiers. For some reason I keep thinking there was something else along those lines though. Arguably, any of those Pixar-ish films have factions going at each other at some point. I don't know what the point of any of this is though. Violence for violence's sake? Aesthetics of destruction and mayhem? I can make a game with objectives, "Secure these objectives." But so what? Is peace ever important in games? Violence is the easiest simulation crutch ever. Especially for First Person Shooters, which computer UIs have an easy time simulating the basics of. Am I just a habitual warmonger who doesn't care about stuff proximate to "cozy" games? I've generally found the idea semi-repulsive and not very gamelike. More proximate to a life sim, construction toy box, or art kit. |