Cote de pablo see through

FIFA Careers: All Things Career Mode

2012.04.28 22:32 buckdog FIFA Careers: All Things Career Mode

/FIFACareers is dedicated to the Career Mode of EA Sports' FIFA Series. Have a question about how to better your squad? Want to show off your lineup? Share your experiences and help others with what you know!

[link]

2009.07.08 18:25 linux4noobsmod ChromeOS

The largest independent, community-run forum for discussions related to Chromebooks and everything else ChromeOS.

[link]

2014.04.02 01:15 ninjaman145 Fashion Souls

Described by GQ magazine as the "hub for sartorially-conscious players" of FromSoft games, Fashion Souls is your one-stop shop for Elden Bling, Fashion Souls, and Demon's Drip.

[link]

2024.05.16 18:23 sayani1234 Good article. I was wondering why Cote de Pablo left the show. Now it looks everything has been sorted. She will be back soon.

Good article. I was wondering why Cote de Pablo left the show. Now it looks everything has been sorted. She will be back soon.

submitted by sayani1234 to NCIS [link] [comments]

2024.05.16 18:02 WestsideTy As Many Niche as Possible

Hi Everyone! I posted this on Colognes but figured I’d share here, too.
I’ve always loved good smelling stuff and for the last 15 years I’ve usually had one bottle of cologne, and would replace once it’s out. Only in the last few months have I really delved into this world and began filling out a modest collection. I’m definitely not an expert (so take my reviews with a big grain of salt) but I love smelling and writing so here ya go. (Fucking wall of text incoming lmao, I didn’t realize how lengthy this got)
I just got back from a three-hour mall trip to try and get my nose on as many niche fragrances as my senses would tolerate. I had already done a good bit of research so I had some picked out to try and others already crossed-off. Im a 30M for reference.
I also had the goal in mind to find a contender for a fall/winter scent that exudes class, sophistication and decadence. For that, I’ve already tried a few that I really enjoy, and kind of used these as a springboard to continue exploring:
Xerjoff Alexandria II- This is what I envision royalty wearing. Lavender and rosewood mix soooo nice in the open, and dries into a lovey rose/vanilla/essence of oud. The oud is really toned down here for those that dislike it. It’s kind of hard to pick out. Nuclear performance.
Initio Oud for Greatness- Another good starter oud, you could say (this was my introduction to oud). It lasts forever and the dry down is seriously heavenly. The wet, soily oud is at the forefront for 2-4 hours, but I’m absolutely in love with what’s left when it disappears. Lavender, saffron, nutmeg and musk mixes into the best dryer-sheet-like scent I’ve come across (what it reminds ME of at least).
Perfums de Marly Haltane- Quite similar in the opening to Oud for Greatness. Haltane is darker, though, where I get more leathesmoke. I think the oud in this is more subdued, or at least less moist smelling. It blends well and lasts a good while.
Initio Atomic Rose- Holy shit. Apparently rose gets my motor GOING. I tried a lot of rose-centric fragrances today, but this probably still takes the cake for its balance and strength, in addition to the scent itself being just gorgeous.
So with those in mind I was off to Neiman Marcus. I sampled a large amount more than what I’ve written, but stuck to the ones that were memorable; good or bad.
Frederic Malle - Portrait of a Lady- My favorite of the Frederic Malle. Sensual rose/clove/currant at the front, but it is kind of hard to pick out specific notes on this one. After looking, I can get the cinnamon in the background of the dry down, it blends perfectly with the sandalwood, rose and benzoin after drying down. - Carnal Flower- Some similarity to POAL, lots of tuberose and jasmine, which I personally like. A bright yet sensual floral, and you get some coconut and melon there, too. I typically dislike coconut but this is blended masterfully. - Lipstick Rose- Yeah, that’s what it smells like. Try this if you’ve seen people describe scents as lipstick-y or violet taking on that accord. Not my cup of tea, also leans more feminine to my nose than the other two. - Musc Ravageur- I really wanted to like this one. And for a split second I did! A clove-y vanilla sasparilla is what I first got, and it unfortunately turned into barnyard urine. I immediately remembered seeing some reviews stating this, and I couldn’t get my nose to move past it. I can tell there’s good stuff there, but not for me.
Amouage - Reflection- The only one I’d tried before, and remains one of my favs. Rosemary and pink pepper greet you with a deep, fresh spice. The vetiver and patchouli sit nicely at the bottom, and the combination of white florals mixes wonderfully. Another scent I could imagine on royalty, and seems pretty versatile, too. You could wear this year-round without feeling out of place. Insane staying power. - Lyric- Probably my favorite, but I need to smell again on another day. Compared to the other Amouage, I had to continually stick my nose in the coffe beans to pick up the scent from the test strip. When I did get it, it was a lovely light, fresh scent. Quite a departure from the other Amouage I’ve tried, but great. No surprise, the list of notes are some of my favorites: lime, bergamot, rose, orange blossom, saffron, nutmeg, musk, pine, vanilla, incense, sandalwood. Seriously, love each and all those individually and they come together beautifully. - Interlude- Another good one. Dark, mysterious. Definitely get the oregano/peppepatchouli/incense bomb off the top. Leather lurking behind. I typically don’t gravitate toward the leathery scents but this one’s good. - Enclave- This pretty much seals the deal for me that on me, mint just ain’t it. I liked Sedley at first, but the mint somehow gets too cloying to my nose after too long. I can tell I would get the same from the peppermint in the opening of Enclave. I almost liked this one, too. If you can even tolerate peppermint, you’ll enjoy this one.
Mind Games - Blockade- Wowww. First sniff love, here. Explosion of citrus, juicy fruit-y sex. I usually find myself staying away from citrus-forward scents but this shit is next level. This will be a contender for my next upscale summer buy. - Double Attack- Another love at first sniff. It’s familiar, though. Chocolate/orange/cinnamon/vanilla. You’ll want to eat it right up. I already have this box checked in my collection, but may come back to it in the future. - Checkmate- Another lovely scent. Champagne, red currant, rose, magnolia, little patchouli. It all comes together really nicely, and it was difficult for me to pick out specific notes before looking. Not a love, but I was really impressed with the quality and scent profile of the Mind Games I tried.
Clive Christian - Town & Country- Wow. No seriously, like fucking wow. Smells like an Italian fruit cart strolling through an English manor’s sprawling garden road. I look at the notes and I don’t understand how you get this smell supposedly out of Clary Sage, Ambergris, and Sandalwood. Like, what? This is high quality shit. I get some pear or grapes there, too. Try this. - Crab Apple Blossom- Yum yum yum this is goooood. Smells like it sounds. Bergamot, apple blossom and rhubarb dance around playfully together. Can’t help but have a big stupid smile on your face when you smell this. The more it dried down, the more it might be my favorite over Town & Country. - Matsukita- Another great scent. In the same vein as the other two since they are part of the same “Crown Collection.” You get some smokiness, here. Bergamot with nutmeg and mate give depth and a little mystery. White florals, woody ambers and musk at the base. Just quality stuff here. All three of these in the Crown Collection were available in 10ml travel size gift pack for $300. Good idea to put on my wish list. That shit is kiiiinda expensive.
Xerjoff - Erba Pura- I did not expect to like this as much as I did! Favorite that I sampled. Perfect combination of citrus and fruitiness off the top, layered over a bed of sweet musk. Something here is very familiar to my nose but I couldn’t place it. This will be another top contender for a future upscale summer purchase. - Accento- Soothing scent. Fruity white floral (usually dumb reach for me), and the iris gives it some powder but not overpowering. Not as feminine-leaning as I would have expected. - Iommi- Delicious! Sweet smoky rum off the top, and it’s a little surprising how forward the patchouli and leather is in this. It’s bordering on being a little overpowering, but it tames a bit on the dry down. I’d need to see how this goes on my skin, for sure. - Torino 21- Another one that I liked way more than expected. I’m going back and seeing mint listed as a top note here…I didn’t get that! And thank God since mint usually is a non-starter. Kind of an aquatic green to my nose. Again, just a lovely scent. - Naxos- Yeah ok this is good shit. I was expecting a sweet bomb, but this is definitely more restrained than what a lot of reviewers will have you believe. I’m a sucker for lavender and bergamot. Throw in honey and jasmine atop a bed of tobacco, vanilla and tonka bean? Yes please. - Erba Gold- Pretty good. To my nose more feminine than Erba Pura, likely due to the extra fruits in the middle. That combination of citruses, pear and melon is reminiscent of particular ladies’ scents.
Louis Vuitton - L’Immensité- Ohhhh yeahh. Relaxation in a bottle. My favorite besides maybe Fleur du Desert. This, Imagination and Météore all kind of dance to the same song, so to speak. More than one of these would be redundant, in my opinion. The quality speaks through each of these fragrances, though- really nice stuff. - Imagination- The name fits, as a lot of the notes here are almost fleeting like a word on the tip of your tongue. It’s a great, calming scent but it didn’t blow me away. Like I said, L’Immensité was the best of these and I don’t see the need to diversify within this collection. - Météore- Compared to L’Immensité, there’s a little more sweetness here. This leans closer to a shower gel-like scent in my opinion. Still great. - Fleur du Désert- This one started out reallly good. Honey and cinnamon into rose and orange blossom is an intriguing, sensual combination. Unfortunately, smelling it on my arm after a couple hours, the jasmine and honey turn into something my mind recognizes as an old lady scent. The POAL on my hand, by comparison, keeps mixing with my skin in a great pheromonic way. - Ombre Nomad- Disappointed with this one. I’m realizing I don’t gravitate toward darker scents like heavy oud, leather, incense. I can tell it’s put together really well and uses quality materials, but this isn’t one that was made for me.
All in all, my main take-aways include: Xerjoff scents living up to the name. I was definitely impressed with their offerings, and would have expected it to lean closer to overrated. Same with Mind Games. Really enjoyed everything I sampled from them, even if it wasn’t my cup of tea, I was impressed with the quality. Also, I need to get back and sample the rest of the Clive Christian house. I was absolutely blown away with what I tried.
A little bonus: I tried TF Noir de Noir, Extreme Noir, and Cafe Rose. Extreme Noir is excellent. A regal mix of saffron, nutmeg and cardamom on top of rose and white florals. Ahhhh, again, similar to what I imagine a king or king to smell like.
Cafe Rose is probably the second best rose-centric scent to my nose besides Atomic Rose. I’ll need to put those side by side.
Anyway, feel free to ask away if you’d like. I was bored and inspired so killed some time writing this out :)

submitted by WestsideTy to fragrance [link] [comments]

2024.05.16 17:02 TexanLoneStar Early conceptions of mental prayer in the Rosary

In the current day it seems like the most popular method of meditation on the mysteries of the Rosary is done through imagination. By imagination I don't mean the faculty of imagination in the traditional sense as a part of the soul, but in the sort of "composition of place" made popular by St. Ignatius of Loyola and Jesuit spirituality. Essentially closing your eyes, making a mental image, or placing yourself in the scene.
I am interested to learn as to whether or not this was the method by which Saint Dominic (and the early proponents of the Rosary as well as their revivalists like Blessed Alan de la Roche and St. Louis de Montfort) understood the methodology of mental prayer to be.
I have heard it said that since Saint Dominic was preaching to the Albegensians, Rosary equipped, that it was rather his sermons on the original 15 mysteries of the lives of Jesus and Mary that acted as the meditations; afterwhich he prayed 1 Lord's Prayer and 10 Angelic Praises. This actually seems quite plausible... but is there any evidence or insight as to if Saint Dominic actually thought things while he prayed the vocal prayers? Is there any evidence he had mental images? Looked at artwork?
I don't believe the popular method of mental imagery and composition of place are wrong to do in the Rosary of course; I am just moreso interested in a sort of historical investigation as to how Saint Dominic conceived (if at all) mental prayer during the Rosary to be, and how it progressed throughout the ages. Did the usage of mental images not come into place until the popularization of Jesuit spirituality? Obviously all vocal prayer is mental prayer in some way, for if we say something we must naturally think of it too.
The earliest sort of stuff I could find comes from St. Louis de Montfort's Secret of the Rosary, published in 1710:

THE ROSARY is made up of two things: mental prayer and vocal prayer. In the Holy Rosary mental prayer is none other than meditation of the chief mysteries of the life, death and glory of Jesus Christ and if His Blessed Mother. Vocal prayer consists in saying fifteen decades of the Hail Mary, each decade headed by an Our Father, while at the same time meditation on and contemplating the fifteen principal virtues which Jesus and Mary practised in the fifteen mysteries of the Holy Rosary.

This is around 200 years after the popularization of compisiton of place but even here St. Montfort does not say the meditation of the Rosary consists in mental imagery, but of a "meditation on and contemplating" the virtues. But he oddly enough doesn't give a specific method; but perhaps I'll have to re-read the whole book to see if he mentioned anything in that regard.
Thanks and God bless.

submitted by TexanLoneStar to Catholicism [link] [comments]

2024.05.16 16:45 RevolutionaryGrade25 Fires of Arcane: Chapter 4

Chapter 4: Fires of Damnation

[Previous] <<First>> [Next]

June 1, 2030, Tokyo, Japan - 1:00 am JST- 2 and a half hours post-invasion

Aquila Generalis scoured the ruined metropolis. She held a torch in her upper left hand and a gargantuan gladius in her upper right. She had large nets filled with writhing Japanese civilians in her lower left and right appendages. The civilians screamed and squirmed like fish in netting. Some humans were cradling streaming infants and crying children. Others cradled their spouses, elderly parents, or anyone nearby. Most just panicked. A few rational humans used small knives or their teeth to sever the netting, much to the amusement of an onlooking dragon. Movement from an apartment complex caught the attention of a tremendous soldier. The soldier stuck his hand into the ruined apartment complex while the rest stopped and stared at him.

"What are you doing?" Asked another soldier. She raised an eyebrow and gave her fellow soldier a puzzled look.

The giant stretched his right arm, straining himself. He pressed his left arm against the building to maintain balance.

"Need some help?" The amused dragon sneered.

The giant hissed in excretion and annoyance. He stretched his fingers, a determined fervor taking over him. He pushed a desk over, revealing a cowering human. The giant grabbed the human by its legs and dragged the Man toward his eye.

"Got him." The soldier hissed.

Some of the giants began crowding around the building. Most gathered to steal their compatriot's meal, while a few scoured the facility for more humans. The soldier's single eye widened with glee. He licked his lips with anticipation; the sight of fresh meat entranced him in a state of euphoria. A small gust of wind blew towards him as he dragged the screaming human towards his eye. The giants opened their maws in anticipation, a toothy grin plastered on their faces. The human revealed a small device, and the gigantic glutton paid no mind. The monster feasted on many humans when he entered the metropolis. He had never seen such a colossal city nor so many humans packed into one place. This human would be one of his many victims. When the human was before the titan, he sprayed a mysterious substance into the titan's eye. The giant released the human and covered his single elephantine eye. He wailed in pain and stumbled backward, knocking his comrades over. The Mammoth of a Monster cried like a newborn infant while his comrades groaned in pain.
Aquila Generalis glowered at her pathetic legion while the dragon erupted in laughter. Others stopped searching the building to see what the commotion was about. Upon seeing their fellow giant reduced to a weeping wimp, they laughed.

"I'm blind. I'm Blind! I'M BLII-I-I-IND!" The giant wailed.

"I CAN'T SEE. I. CAN'T. SEE-EE!!!" he whipped his eye furiously, Wailing all the while.

Aquila Generalis put the nets down. She marched toward the foolish giant, pulled him to his feet, and glared at her soldiers. They quickly stopped laughing. The dragon, on the other hand, was hooting and hollering.

"I'M bLiNd. I cAn'T sEe. Oh, HeLp MeE!" the dragon jeered.

The general ignored him for the sake of her health. She shook the crying Cyclops, then slapped him.

"What is wrong with you, soldier?"

The cyclops sobbed quietly. "The h-human sp-sprayed me with s-something." He said between sniffles.

The general clutched the bridge of her nose. I do not have time for this. As the general berated the legionnaire, Strange beasts dotted the night sky.

—-----
Japan Air and Space Self-Defense Force (JASSDF)

"I have a visual on the targets. Be advised targets have hostages. Do not fire unless you have a clear shot."
—-----

The dragon looked up while the commander chastised her soldier. Upon laying eyes on the strange flying contraptions, the dragon narrowed his eyes.

"Aquila"

"Aquila!"

"Not now, dragon!" The general continued berating the Cyclops.

"Look up, stupid giant."

"Not now, you serpentine-"

The dragon was blown to pieces. His scales, limbs, teeth, and other body parts were scattered on the roof he once stood on. Chaos ensued as the squadron of Mitsubishi F-2 fighters lit up the sky. Before General Aquila could react, A missile hit her head, detonating. Brain matter and skull fragments decorated the buildings, creating a collage of carnage. Most of the legion tried to bring out their slings, only for their bones and organs to paint the metropolis. The few remaining legionnaires fled, leaving their human hostages. Dragons from nearby, alerted by the explosions, came to investigate. A barrage of missiles shot down the dragons that flew toward the squadron. Blood, bone, and flesh rained down on the streets of northern Tokyo.

—-----
“Clear. Send evac for civvies.”

***

June 1, 2030, Tokyo, Japan - 2:00 am JST- 3 and a half hours post-invasion

North Gate- a park in northern Tokyo

The invasion was successful. Thousands of humans fell before the trollish legion of Luath and the elven legion of Grásta; hundreds more huddled in cages, ready to be processed into food or slaves. The trolls fought in ritualistic combat for their human trophies. At the same time, the elves watched, knowing they would be given most of the quarry due to their inherent superiority. The lesser fae were presented their trophies early: the elderly, infirm, and those too young to be used. With nothing better to do, most of the lesser fae reentered the gate while a select few remained. Ginearálta de Grásta, General of the Grásta legion, speaks with one of his soldiers.

"This is quite the nest."

"Agreed, Sir. It is almost…." The soldier marveled at the large city, its towering structures piercing the heavens. "Impressive," the soldier sighed.

"Uncanny? Yes. Impressive? No. These are intelligent animals capable of fabricating wonders, but animals nonetheless. They mimic our customs, art, and concepts but lack the capacity to create true marvels. True marvels are the domain of those who wield the arcane, for it is the arcane that elevates us to the realm of sapience. Only those capable of wielding the arcane can be called sapient and only sapients can build something impressive. Everything Man creates is a caricature of our achievements; remember that."

"Of course, sir." the soldier said hesitantly.

"You are a fine soldier; what is your title?"

"Saighdiúir giolcach, sir." the soldier hastily replied.

"I've seen you around, and you show great potential. Your loyalty to Tír na Nog and the elven race cannot be ignored. Follow me."

Saighdiúir Giolcach, The soldier of reeds, obeyed his general's command. The soldier caught glimpses of the dueling trolls from the corner of his eyes as he passed by. Ginearálta de Grásta and Saighdiúir Giolcach passed by some trees and bushes until they reached a clearing full of human cages. Ginearálta de Grásta stepped directly in front of a cage and knelt to get a closer look at the captives. Saighdiúir Giolcach slowed down and stopped a few feet from his commander.

"Come closer, soldier."

The soldier hesitantly stepped closer and looked inside the cages. Humans were tightly packed inside, shoulder to shoulder, shaking and quietly sobbing. Their clothing was torn and filthy, and their faces were stained with dust and tears. They inched away from the general, squishing each other in the process. The site disgusted him, but he maintained his composure.

"Have you ever seen a human before?" the general asked inquisitively.

"No, sir. My father showed me pictures and told stories, but that's it. My family doesn't have enough money to own half-bloods, let alone pure humans." the soldier replied.

"Well, boy, today is your lucky day. Pick one." The general commanded.

Saighdiúir Giolcach gazed upon the mass of frightened humans. "Humans are master mimics; they cannot wield the arcane. They're just beasts," he repeated to himself as he stared into the cage in front of him.

He stared at a frightened Japanese woman, an adolescent just like him. They're supposed to be animals, but their eyes ... their eyes. Anguish, anxiety, grief, sadness, and so many emotions swirled within those expressive eyes. The outside commotion faded as the soldier drowned in her eyes. As his breathing and heart rate accelerated, he began questioning everything he learned about humanity and the definition of sapience. This isn't right; nothing is right. The soldier of reeds remembered his father's stories of glorious manhunts and successful raids. He remembered his mother's proverbs on magic and how it separated them from their pets and livestock. The elves are the superior race, far superior to humans. Humans are pets, livestock, slaves, and —NO! He took three steps back. He was wrong, his family was wrong, everyone was wrong. This is ₩ⱤØ₦₲. I won't condone this.

"C̸̵̨̨̳͕̙̤̥̞͕͇̦͙̟̲ͭ̋͑ͥͮ̌ͬͬ́̃ͦ̾͆͢͡ē̸̸͇͇̣͓̣̖̲̘̋ͮ̓ͭ̀͑̏̓͗_̙̰͓̲̠̪̮͔̔̎͌ͪ͐̈́̆͘a̢͖̱̱̙̲̩̠̯͔̙̖͚ͤ̈́̇̋ͯͬ͆ͥ̆ͮń̴̡͍̘̠͍̩̺͖̟̲̉ͫ̀ͤͧ̆̈̅͆̂̐̒̋͊̒̋͟͢͟͞͞ͅn̸̛̘̫̯̘̝̱̬͉̝̲͈̿ͪ́́̽ͦ̈ͯ̄͒̈̅̍̚ d͖̣̬͈͚ḭ̛̘͚͕̱́́ͧͭ̓̐̍̽͞ͅl̚į̸̧̹̖͎̻͓ͮ̐̒ͮ̋̂̀ͯ̎̉͐ͦ̑ͦͩͤ͘͟͡s͇̿̃ d͉̬̂ͦ͗è̷̷̻͓̭͎̣̠̱̞̮̦ͤ̈́̓͑̍̒̈̏ͭͯ̕͘͘͜ Ģ̢̙̼̩̮̪̤̮͚̭͖͖̥͍͈̳̲̠͒̉̂ͥ̔ͨ́ͧ́ͬͤ́ͩ̍ͫ̃͌ͯͤ̕͟͢͝ī̷̡̢̨̧̦̩̩̙͕̦͖̞̠̘̬̰͕ͣͧ̑̾̚͢͠ͅ_̛̀̀̉́ͬ͝o̴̘̭͈̜͍͕͉̤̜̘͖͍̠̎͑́ͫ̍̎̔̏ͮ͂ͩ́͘͟l̸̴̵̵̛̫͎͍͔̜̘͉̭̭̳̻̮̖̉͐̆ͫ̇͑ͧ̿̄͑̍ͦ́̅̅ͯ̀̈ͫ̓̊̍̆̃ć̸̴̵̻̪̻̘̮͎̟̫͚͉̗̳̞̦̒ͪ̇̏̄̈́ͤ͗͘͢͝ͅaͮ̒c̡̡͉̮̟̤̭̻̥̩̗̭͔̺̎̀̀̊̃ͬ̀͆͋̆ͣ̐̄́͛͒̏ͩ̾͆̾ͯ̚͟͡ͅͅh͎̞͓̳̞͙̼̱͇͓͂ͨͧ̂ͩͣ̈́̈͗̿̓̆͂́̈́͗ͯ̆ͩ̕͝͞ͅͅ, you faithless fool." The general growled. Arcane power filled his lungs.

The general stood up, turned around, and scowled at the boy. At the invocation of his true name, the soldier froze. The general's magic seeped into his body, causing a sharp, burning pain to envelop him.

Despite the agony, C̸̵̨̨̳͕̙̤̥̞͕͇̦͙̟̲ͭ̋͑ͥͮ̌ͬͬ́̃ͦ̾͆͢͡ē̸̸͇͇̣͓̣̖̲̘̋ͮ̓ͭ̀͑̏̓͗_̙̰͓̲̠̪̮͔̔̎͌ͪ͐̈́̆͘a̢͖̱̱̙̲̩̠̯͔̙̖͚ͤ̈́̇̋ͯͬ͆ͥ̆ͮń̴̡͍̘̠͍̩̺͖̟̲̉ͫ̀ͤͧ̆̈̅͆̂̐̒̋͊̒̋͟͢͟͞͞ͅn̸̛̘̫̯̘̝̱̬͉̝̲͈̿ͪ́́̽ͦ̈ͯ̄͒̈̅̍̚ d͖̣̬͈͚ḭ̛̘͚͕̱́́ͧͭ̓̐̍̽͞ͅl̚į̸̧̹̖͎̻͓ͮ̐̒ͮ̋̂̀ͯ̎̉͐ͦ̑ͦͩͤ͘͟͡s͇̿̃ d͉̬̂ͦ͗è̷̷̻͓̭͎̣̠̱̞̮̦ͤ̈́̓͑̍̒̈̏ͭͯ̕͘͘͜ Ģ̢̙̼̩̮̪̤̮͚̭͖͖̥͍͈̳̲̠͒̉̂ͥ̔ͨ́ͧ́ͬͤ́ͩ̍ͫ̃͌ͯͤ̕͟͢͝ī̷̡̢̨̧̦̩̩̙͕̦͖̞̠̘̬̰͕ͣͧ̑̾̚͢͠ͅ_̛̀̀̉́ͬ͝o̴̘̭͈̜͍͕͉̤̜̘͖͍̠̎͑́ͫ̍̎̔̏ͮ͂ͩ́͘͟l̸̴̵̵̛̫͎͍͔̜̘͉̭̭̳̻̮̖̉͐̆ͫ̇͑ͧ̿̄͑̍ͦ́̅̅ͯ̀̈ͫ̓̊̍̆̃ć̸̴̵̻̪̻̘̮͎̟̫͚͉̗̳̞̦̒ͪ̇̏̄̈́ͤ͗͘͢͝ͅaͮ̒c̡̡͉̮̟̤̭̻̥̩̗̭͔̺̎̀̀̊̃ͬ̀͆͋̆ͣ̐̄́͛͒̏ͩ̾͆̾ͯ̚͟͡ͅͅh͎̞͓̳̞͙̼̱͇͓͂ͨͧ̂ͩͣ̈́̈͗̿̓̆͂́̈́͗ͯ̆ͩ̕͝͞ͅͅ spoke.

"This-Ack ₩ⱤØ₦₲, you-ack, every-ack..." He sputtered as blue blood leaked from his mouth, nose, ears, and eyes. Tears tried to crawl from his pale yellow eyes, but he held them back. He could feel his skin turn to bark, lungs to heartwood, hair to leaves, and eyes to flowers.

"F̴̭̤̘̣̖̏̈͒̄ͫ̿͘͢a̢̰̳̦̺͓̥̗͉̦̻̖͇̯̹̺̓͆͗̀ͪ͌̈́ͧͯͧ͆̃̌̒̕͘͢͢͠͞͡i̛̩̙͕͌̉͂̇̃_̪̳̺͕̮͕̽͑t̸̶̿_̲͉͆h̶̷͚̣̠̥̪̳̲̝̳̱̟̫̯͍̝̩̱̱̦͎͇̳̯͇̱̜ͧ̃ͩ̐ͤ͆̏̈́̈ͪͪ͛ͧ͌̓̌͢͞f̷̘ͬ_̳̅ȕ̸̷̴̢̱͉̩̯̲̹̝̙͙̈ͣͨ̆͋͗̓͋̿͊̔͛̋̍̕͢ͅl̉̎͝͡ ǫ̧̺̲͍̯͖͙̥̦̦̮̇̑̈͆ͨ̈́̅̉̈ͯͥ́͌̃ͭ͘͜n̨̧̰̜̭̪͎ͥ̽ͪ̅̑ͦ͒͌̆ͮ̋͐͟͠e_̧̞͖͓̺͓̦̝̞̾͆̆͆̎̈ͬ̈́̑͗ͨ͟͠ͅ ǫ̷̴͎̙̥̝̝́̊ͫ̒͑͑ͨͥͨ̌̑͆̉͟͟f̲̗̜̤̪͉̪̮̘͙ͪͪͫͤ̄̂̌̐͑̽̉ͅ t̛̖̝̻͓̏͋̀̊̒͘͡͞h͔̜͕͖̼͋ͤ̇_̠̾e̡̳͉̟ͪ̍ͬ̊͡ r̷̨̛̛̘̦͓̭̙ͣ͑̍ͬ̈́̋̄ͮ̓ͦ͑͗͑̎̓͗͘͜͜ế̴̴̝̲̗͖̦̫̭͔͈̺̘̖̲̜̱͍͈̓͆͒̉̒ͫ̇̋̑ͧͮ̕͘͢͜͞͞͞ed̶̛̛̟̘̖̻̎̓ͯͨ̓͌̇͐̍̍͗̄̚̚͟ͅs̛͔̞̮̩̫̭̠̞̼̗̼ͮ̅̈̅ͯͧ̂̋̉̊̏͢͜,̨̡̠̰̰̇ͪ͊͂̏̈́ͮ̌̈ͪ̌̆̎͒͝ ẙ̵̷̡̡̛̛̬̺͈͎̭̟̲̻̲̥̩̗͉̔͋̑̏͐́ͥ͆̈̋ͪ͜͢͡ͅo̷̡̻̝̜̹̳͓͖̞ͯ̾͒̀́̇̍͂ͦ͘͘̚͟͢u̸̸̸̟͚̮͙͉̳̗̥̮̜̞͈͚͈̜̩̠̘̇̊ͥ͗ͣ̋̄͗̈́ͭ͆̾̈̃ͣ̔͆͑̑͐̽͟͢͝ ą̡̝̰͙̰̖͉͕̂ͨͬ̑͛́̂ͨ̋̏̾ͦ̑͠ŗ̴̠̭̦̺̖͍̘̖̦̗̞͕̦͉ͯ̂͐ͥͦ̀̒̀͊̄͌ͧ͊̄̾̍́̎̏ͩ̏ͮ͘̕͟ͅę̶̡̢͍̬͎̗̹̖̟̦͇̼̼͎͉̗̜̔̎́́̀ͪ͛ͪ͒̌͋͗̉̄̾͊̒̿̈ͪ̔͑̕̕͠͞ ń̵̢̨̧̹̲̮̮̝̣̩͙͚̠̥̻́̾ͤ́̀́̌̅̋͛̅̎ͩ̅̆͑ͧ͜͢͠͝͡_̡ͯ̎̎͑ͫ͛ơ̷̵̧̡͙͖͙̤͓͓̗̼͕͈̬̱̰̺̖ͣͩ͐͆͋̏̇́ͩ̈͐͗ͤ̾̎͗ͫ̑ͯͮ͂̉̃͘͜͠ f̟̞̥͇ͯ͛̄͆ͬ͒̊́á̯̬̄ͫ͝_̵̼̦̥͖͎͈̝̠̬̹̤̦̰̰͕͔̞̊̃͌ͦ̔̎̓̋ͯ̀ͫ͂͞͡ͅě̡̛̬̜̥̩͓͚̫̳̭̖͔̒̍͛ͨ̾̏̃̚͢͟͠.̵̡̟̲̗̤͙̺̌̍͐ͨ̌͂ͣ͂ͥ͋̑̾ͪ̈́̇ͣ͂͆̃͞"

BANG.

Ceann dílis fell to the ground, gasping for air and too weak to stand. Japanese soldiers, carrying strange sticks, came seemingly from nowhere. Most Japanese soldiers rushed to break open the cages. Some stood over the dead general and the child soldier, who openly wept, paralyzed, and petrified.

"Sir, we have a child in desperate need of medical aid." A Japanese soldier spoke through a strange object.

The boy sobbed loudly.

—-----

"It wasn't supposed to be like this." Ginearálta de Luath, general of the Luath legion, whispered.
The humans had unleashed something, which wiped out the Grásta legion in seconds by filling the soldiers with metal stones. The stones were so fast, he couldn't stop them. They tore through the elves with ease and left marks on his skin. He used his magic to find the killers, but before he could retaliate, what could only be described as metal beasts launched fire blasts at him, exterminating most of his legion. Now, all he could do was run and hide. He climbed over the crumbling remains of his troll brothers and past the lesser fae, who chose to surrender. He was the only one alive to make it through the northern gate. The humans of this world can do magic. Somehow, in 200 years, they acquired arcane power. He didn't know how it happened, but what he did know was that Man was no longer prey. The humans of this world would bring perdition to Tír na Nog.

{A/N: Hey guys, I did not die and this series was not canceled. These last two college semesters kicked my ass and burnt the heck out of me. It took me a while, but here it is chapter 4. I want to post as many chapters as possible before the next college semester starts. If you have any feedback or questions, I will happily respond.}

Aquila Generalis pronounced (Ah-KWEE-lah jen-eh-RAH-lis)
Luath pronounced (LOO-ah)
Ginearálta de Luath pronounced (Jin-ah-RAWL-tah deh LOO-ah)
Grásta pronounced (GRAH-stah)
Ginearálta de Grásta pronounced (Jin-ah-RAWL-tah deh GRAH-stah)
Saighdiúir Giolcach pronounced (SAH-ee-joo-ir gee-ul-kahkh)
Ceann dílis pronounced (Kyann DEE-lish)

C̸̵̨̨̳͕̙̤̥̞͕͇̦͙̟̲ͭ̋͑ͥͮ̌ͬͬ́̃ͦ̾͆͢͡ē̸̸͇͇̣͓̣̖̲̘̋ͮ̓ͭ̀͑̏̓͗_̙̰͓̲̠̪̮͔̔̎͌ͪ͐̈́̆͘a̢͖̱̱̙̲̩̠̯͔̙̖͚ͤ̈́̇̋ͯͬ͆ͥ̆ͮń̴̡͍̘̠͍̩̺͖̟̲̉ͫ̀ͤͧ̆̈̅͆̂̐̒̋͊̒̋͟͢͟͞͞ͅn̸̛̘̫̯̘̝̱̬͉̝̲͈̿ͪ́́̽ͦ̈ͯ̄͒̈̅̍̚ d͖̣̬͈͚ḭ̛̘͚͕̱́́ͧͭ̓̐̍̽͞ͅl̚į̸̧̹̖͎̻͓ͮ̐̒ͮ̋̂̀ͯ̎̉͐ͦ̑ͦͩͤ͘͟͡s͇̿̃ d͉̬̂ͦ͗è̷̷̻͓̭͎̣̠̱̞̮̦ͤ̈́̓͑̍̒̈̏ͭͯ̕͘͘͜ Ģ̢̙̼̩̮̪̤̮͚̭͖͖̥͍͈̳̲̠͒̉̂ͥ̔ͨ́ͧ́ͬͤ́ͩ̍ͫ̃͌ͯͤ̕͟͢͝ī̷̡̢̨̧̦̩̩̙͕̦͖̞̠̘̬̰͕ͣͧ̑̾̚͢͠ͅ_̛̀̀̉́ͬ͝o̴̘̭͈̜͍͕͉̤̜̘͖͍̠̎͑́ͫ̍̎̔̏ͮ͂ͩ́͘͟l̸̴̵̵̛̫͎͍͔̜̘͉̭̭̳̻̮̖̉͐̆ͫ̇͑ͧ̿̄͑̍ͦ́̅̅ͯ̀̈ͫ̓̊̍̆̃ć̸̴̵̻̪̻̘̮͎̟̫͚͉̗̳̞̦̒ͪ̇̏̄̈́ͤ͗͘͢͝ͅaͮ̒c̡̡͉̮̟̤̭̻̥̩̗̭͔̺̎̀̀̊̃ͬ̀͆͋̆ͣ̐̄́͛͒̏ͩ̾͆̾ͯ̚͟͡ͅͅh͎̞͓̳̞͙̼̱͇͓͂ͨͧ̂ͩͣ̈́̈͗̿̓̆͂́̈́͗ͯ̆ͩ̕͝͞ͅͅ pronounced (Kyann DEE-lish deh gee-ul-kahkh)

[Previous] <<First>> [Next]

submitted by RevolutionaryGrade25 to HFY [link] [comments]

2024.05.16 16:33 clearliquidclearjar TALLAHASSEE WEEKLY EVENTS, 5/16 – 5/22

Y’all, I’m really not sure what’s still around. This list is somewhat edited, but please still make sure to check on all the regular events before you make big plans – I may have missed something.
Events are listed by the day. Events that happen every week appear first, one time stuff after that. If you have anything you’d like people to know about, comment here or message me and I’ll add it in. If you’d like further info about any of the events, look it up! I usually don’t have any extra to add.
Large Scale, Ongoing, and Multi-Day Events

Local Running, Walking, and Biking Info: https://troubleafoot.blogspot.com/
Guided Paddling Outings all around the area: https://www.facebook.com/hsmithoutdoors
Tallahassee Film Society Showings: https://www.tallahasseefilms.com/tickets/
Book Clubs for all tastes: https://www.facebook.com/midtownreadeevents
Live Theater:

Making Light Productions: https://www.makinglightproductions.org/
Theatre Tallahassee: https://theatretallahassee.org/
Mickee Faust Club: https://www.mickeefaust.com/
Monticello Opera House: https://www.monticellooperahouse.org/
FSU School of Theatre: https://theatre.fsu.edu/productions/
Young Actors Theatre: https://www.youngactorstheatre.com/
Quincy Music Theatre: https://quincymusictheatre.com/
Tallahassee Hispanic Theater: https://tallahasseehispanictheater.wordpress.com/

OutdooFarmer’s Markets:

Lake Ella Grower's Market: Wednesday and Saturday, 11am-2pm. You can always find organic vendors, and foragers: The Holistic Cannabis Community, Artzi Farms, Hickory Nut Gifts, and others. Including Pita Queen! Farmer's Market Nutrition Program Coupons gladly accepted!
Tallahassee Downtown Market: Saturdays, 10am-2pm, Park Ave Parks. Vendors display their arts and fine crafts, jewelry, handmade soap, pottery, Fresh from Florida produce, hand-raised beef and pork, fresh baked bread, jams and jellies, and honey. Live music from different local musicians every Saturday.
Frenchtown Heritage Market: 524 N MLK Jr Blvd. Third Saturday of the month 10am to 2pm. Come grow community and support your local farmers and makers, while you get your groceries for the week! Don’t forget! We match SNAP/EBT, so you DOUBLE your money to go towards locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables! If the guy with the pineapple is there, get it. This is currently only happening on the third Saturday of the month for the next few months while road work is completed.
Tallahassee Farmers Market: 2904 Kerry Forest Pkwy, Saturdays, 8am to Noon. Come see us at Tallahassee's longest-running farmers market! We are a year-round market, featuring local farms and vendors that provide the best seasonal produce, meats, baked goods, and more. We welcome you and your whole family (leashed pets included) to come out and meet your local farmers! Ample parking is available between our lot and the shopping center lot next door (by Red Elephant). Come early for the best selection.

THURSDAY, 5/16

The Hub at Feather Oaks: Bingo. 6pm
Dreamland BBQ: Weekly Open Blues Jam. If you'd like to sing, please bring your own mic. 6pm
Honest Living Vape: Chess-Master Thursdays . Beginners and experts, join us every Thursday from 6-9 for Chess-Master Thursdays. All ages. Bring your board or play ours! Tournaments coming soon! 6pm
Lake Tribe: Trivia. 7pm
Takko Market Square: Bingo Night. 7pm
The Getaway Grille and Bar: Karaoke with Jared Walker. 7pm
Amicus Brewing: Trivia. 7pm
Smitty's Taphouse: Trivia Lab Thursdays. Teams of 6 or fewer players can compete for $30 / $20 / $10 Prizes + The Golden MacGuffin prize table! New format! Interactive smartphone answering for your comfort and safety! 6 Fun Rounds - 42 Total Questions. 7:30pm
Studio D: Bachata Fever. We always have a bachata workshop at 8 pm before Bachata Fever. We dance afterwards to the sounds of DJ Bacharod. The class is at 8 pm and Bachata Fever will start at 930 pm. Many times people are learning in class and may feel uncomfortable social dancing while they are still learning moves. We have a welcoming environment so stay and have fun and dance with everyone. That is how we learn. 8pm/Class $5/Bachata Fever $5.
The Sound Bar: Comedy Night. 8pm
Finnegans Wake: Open Mic. 8:30pm
Brass Tap in Midtown: Karaoke with DJ Rah. 9pm
926: Karaoke. 9pm
Bird’s: Karaoke with Nathan. 9pm

Fire Bettys: Slasher Bash. This week we'll be showing: "Zombeavers". Prepare for an evening of horrific hilarity with comedy narration and devilish drinking games!🍻 Hosted by local comedians. 8pm/21+
Blue Tavern: Seep's Gumbo Nation ft. Shanice Richards. 8pm

FRIDAY, 5/17

Blue Tavern: Happy Hour with Steve Malono. 5pm
Lake Tribe Brewing: Flannel Fridays with Live Music. 6pm
Hobbit West: Friday Night Dart Tournament. Anyone can Enter! Sign ups at 7:30, Darts fly at 8:00/$10 entry fee
Ouzts Too: Karaoke with DJ Nathan. Best karaoke DJ in town. 8pm
Just One More: Karaoke with DJ Rah. 9pm-11pm/21+
926: The Hot Friday Night Party and Drag Show. 9pm/$5/18+

The Hub at Feather Oaks: Rachel Hillman. 5:30pm
Lake Tribe: Ben Wentworth. 5:30pm
Amicus Brewing: The Tanglers. 6pm
The Getaway Grille and Bar: One Year Anniversary Celebration Featuring Queen of Hearts Band. 6pm
Southwood Golf Club: The Rhythm Remedy. 6:30pm
Goodwood: The Big Bash Havana Nights presented by Brent Hartsfield. The Big Bash is Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Big Bend's signature fundraising gala of the year and directly supports the agency's youth mentoring programs. Guests will enjoy Cuban Cuisine, champagne mojitos, cigars, flights, classic cars, photo opportunities, silent auction vacation packages, LIVE music and dancing, and an exciting LIVE salsa dance performance from 12 community volunteers! The event is a tremendous networking opportunity for Tallahassee's top business professionals, local community leaders and philanthropists to come together to enjoy an evening to celebrate the achievements of Big Brothers Big Sisters. 7pm
Blue Tavern: Wil Fulkerson Jazz Night. 8pm
House of Music: Belly Dancing: Journey From The Nile To The Tigris. Habibi, join us on a groovy carpet ride across ancient deserts: Disco Iskandar embarks on a voyage of belly dance, folklore, cinema, and history in a theatrical dance production, JOURNEY FROM THE NILE TO THE TIGRIS. Highlighting the prominence of belly dance in films of the Middle East from the 1940s through the 1970s, we present a live showcase exhibiting dances from Egypt, Turkey, Iraq, and beyond. It goes so much deeper than you think. Hookahs! Swords! Rhinestones, literally everywhere! This cross section of entertainment and education is the culmination of years of obsessive learning, two national tours, and travels to Egypt & Lebanon. JOURNEY FROM THE NILE TO THE TIGRIS is a trip unlike any other-- where the Middle East meets Vegas. This show’s cast is Gabi Corazon, Gia Bee, Liz Azi, Olya Clark, Vania Ojeda, director Veronica Lynn, and special guest star Omaris! 8pm/$15/21+
The Sound Bar: The Old Schoolers. 8pm
Vino Beano: Your Scumbag Neighbors. 8pm
The Bark: Medians, No Yeah, Sleep John B, and Cloud Storage. 8pm

SATURDAY, 5/18

Brinkley Glen Park: Invasive Plant Removal. Join Master Gardener Volunteers at this weekly invasive plant removal event. This is a great way to learn to ID our invasive plant species and how to remove them. We recommend wearing long pants and sleeves, closed-toed shoes, gloves, a hat and mosquito spray. Bring gardening tools such as hand clippers, loppers, trowels, etc. if you have them. We are removing coral ardisia bushes and berries, nandina, tung trees, Tradescantia flumenensis, cat's claw vine, winged yam, Japanese climbing fern, skunkvine and more. Directions: The best way to get there is to take Meridian Rd to Waverly Rd, go to the next intersection and turn left onto Abbotsford Way, then turn left at the next road called Woodside Dr. At the stop sign turn left onto Lothian. Lothian ends in a cul-de-sac and there is a sign that says Brinkley Glen Park. 8:30am-11:30am
Gamescape: Saturday Gaming. Gamescape has relocated from Railroad Square to the Huntington Oaks Plaza (Suite 302, next to the Library) at N Monroe St and Fred George Rd. Open gaming tables are available. Noon-6pm
Duke’s and Dottie’s: Line Dancing Plus Lessons. 7pm/21+
Bird’s Oyster Shack: Laughterday Night Fever. * Join us every Saturday at Bird's Aphrodisiac Oyster Shack for a free comedy show!* 8:30pm
926: Latin Night. Dance to the irresistible beats of Zeus and prepare to be dazzled by a spectacular drag show at midnight. It's more than a party, it's an experience. 9:30pm/$10 21+, $15 under 21

Crawfordville: Big Bend Biodiversity Tour. See why our area is so ecologically incredible! Get up close and personal with creatures and plants galore. Join expert guide and outdoor educator, Ryan Means for this limited opportunity to tour the Apalachicola Lowlands Preserve. The day-long trip stops at points along the way to the privately-owned preserve nestled deep in the Apalachicola National Forest near Sumatra, FL. Explore the longleaf pine ecosystem, pitcher plant bogs, ephemeral wetlands, and blackwater streams - home to some threatened and endangered species. Learn what makes the Florida Panhandle one of the five richest biodiversity hotspots in North America. Perfect tour for photographers, outdoor enthusiasts and ecologists. $75 tour fee includes round-trip transportation (from 46 Kinsey Rd, Crawfordville, FL) , complimentary beverages, and supports efforts to preserve the incredible biodiversity of the Southeastern Coastal Plain. Spaces limited. Register here: https://coastalplains.networkforgood.com/events/71083-big-bend-biodiversity-tour for full details. 8am
Dreamland BBQ: Rock Type One to None. Let's rock to find a cure for Type 1 Diabetes! The Unicorn Wranglers are back on Saturday, May 18th at Dreamland BBQ in Tallahassee, Florida for the 2024 "Rock One to None" show. This show is benefiting the Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund (JDRF) and will feature musical guests Midnight Caravan, Fallen Timber, and the Unicorn Wranglers. The show starts at 4 pm and runs until 7 pm at Dreamland BBQ in Music Alley, and is open to all ages. While the show is free, we encourage all rockers attending to donate to the cause. You can contribute at the show by visiting our donation station or by heading over to our online Unicorn Wranglers team page. Together, as one big mosh pit, we can help cure Type 1 Diabetes. 3pm
The Hub at Feather Oaks: Ethan Kyllonen. 4pm
Amicus Brewing: Beza Alford and Rev. Dr. Sheldon Steen. 5pm
Lake Tribe: Flamingo Party. 6pm
The Getaway Grille and Bar: Billy Rigsby Band. 6pm
Vino Beano: Brett & "Dangerous" Dave. 6pm
Salty Dawg: Hot Mess. 6:30pm
La Tiendita: Rhys Bennett & the Gringos as Vontade. Join us for an energetic evening filled with the vibrant sounds of Latin music, Brazilian beats, and jazz rhythms. Our local band, Rhys Bennett & the Gringos, will transform into the versatile ensemble Vontade, treating you to a delightful mix of rancheras, bossa nova, and more! Whether you're a seasoned dancer or a newcomer to the dance floor, you're in for a fantastic time at one of Tallahassee's hidden gems. Immerse yourself in a night of cultural fusion and musical celebration that is sure to create lasting memories! 6:30pm
The Sound Bar: Tillman & Taff. 7pm
Island Wings: Midnight Caravan. 7pm
The Bark: Saturnalia, Brass Wizard, Van Season, and Psycho Tropical. 8pm
Fire Bettys: 80's Video Dance Party. 8pm
Just One More: One Eyed JAK. 9pm

SUNDAY, 5/19

Bicycle House: Sunday Ride. Ride at 10:30 AM from Bicycle House. We will ride the Cascades trail to the St Marks trail and down to Wakulla station and return, about 31 miles. Ride speed is 12 to 14 mph, with periodic regroups. Vernon Bailey is the ride leader. Vernon is a new CCC member who’s been biking for 50 years enjoys riding with small groups and weekend touring. 10am
E Peck Greene Park (Behind the LeRoy Collins Library): Food Not Bombs Free Mealshare. We offer free vegetarian/vegan food, water, coffee, personal care & hygiene products, bus passes, and clothing when we have some available to those in need. Contact foodnotbombstally@gmail.com to find out about getting involved. Noon-2pm
LeRoy Collins Library: Tallahassee Go Club Meetings. Come play the captivating ancient game of Go, also known as Baduk, with some friendly games and discussions. Beginners welcome. Visit https://www.tallahasseegoclub.com for more information. 1pm
Gamescape: Pokémon League. Come learn, play, and trade with the Pokémon Trading Card Game and the Pokémon video games! We LOVE seeing new players, so come learn how to play! We play both the Trading Card Game and the Video Game casually and competitively. The store offers lots of different seating arrangements to meet our group's needs, as well as food, drinks, and Pokémon products for purchase. We are also hold regular, officially sanctioned tournaments for Pokémon Trading Card Game and Video Game Competitions! 2-4pm
The Plant: Open Jam. All instruments, all players welcome. 4pm-9pm
Pedro’s: Mariachi Clasico. 6pm
Fermentation Lounge: Open Mic Night Hosted by Conor Churchill. 7pm

Ology Powermill: Marauders Market. Noon
The Hub at Feather Oaks: The Barber Bros. 1pm-4pm
Goodwood: Ice Cream Social. Get ready for a spectacular day of family fun at Goodwood Museum & Gardens! Treat your taste buds to a family fun day of FREE ice cream, FREE crafts for the kids, FREE activities, and more, all on the beautiful Goodwood grounds. Family-friendly musical entertainment will be provided by The Safari Man, who will have everyone tapping their feet and dancing along to his whimsical tunes. 1pm
Common Ground Books: Contemporary Queer Poetry Book Club: Time is a Mother. This month, we’ll be reading “Time is a Mother” by Ocean Vuong. “In this deeply intimate second poetry collection, Ocean Vuong searches for life among the aftershocks of his mother's death, embodying the paradox of sitting within grief while being determined to survive beyond it. Vivid, brave and propulsive, Vuong's poems contend with personal loss, the meaning of family, and the value of joy in a perennially fractured American spirit. The author of the critically acclaimed poetry collection Night Sky with Exit Wounds, winner of the 2016 Whiting Award, the 2017 T. S. Eliot Prize and a 2019 MacArthur fellow, Vuong writes directly to our humanity without losing sight of the current moment. Bold and prescient, and a testament to tenderness in the face of violence, Time is a Mother is a return and a forging-forth all at once.” 6pm

MONDAY, 5/20

Just One More: Bingo. 5pm-6:30pm
The Getaway Grille and Bar: Margarita Monday, Open-Mic Night hosted by The Saltwater Cowboy. 5:30pm-8pm
American Legion Hall: Cha Cha - Weekly Lessons. 6:15pm/$5
Hangar 38: Bingo. 6:45pm
Vino Beano: Tipsy Trivia. 7pm

TUESDAY, 5/21

Blue Tavern: Happy Hour. 5pm
The Getaway Grille: Tuesday Night Bikes and Trikes. 6pm
Crafty Crab: BOOMIN' Karaoke. 7pm
Gamescape: Hobby Night. Slay the grey together! Join your fellow gamers and turn your pile of grey miniatures into a battle ready army. Need some painting tips? Feel free to ask at hobby night. You can bring any miniature for any game to paint. 7pm
Ology Midtown: Jazz Jam Sessions. 7pm
Island Wings: Trivia. 7pm
Brass Tap in Midtown: Trivia. 1st Tuesday of the month is General Knowledge with rotating themes the rest of the month. 7pm
House of Music: Tuesday Trivia & Karaoke. 7pm
American Legion Hall: Tallahassee Swing Band Tuesday Night Dance. 7:30pm
Fire Bettys: Comedy Night. 8pm
Poor Pauls: Trivia. 8pm/21+
Blue Tavern: Bluesday Tuesday with Bill Ricci. Every Tuesday is Blues Day @ the Blue Tavern and Blues Meets Girl is a Tallahassee favorite. This perfect, intimate venue provides just what you need for both a mid-week break and authentic blues music experience. 8pm/$5
4th Quarter: Professor Jim's Tuesday Night Trivia. Popular for a reason! 8pm
Argonaut Coffee: Trivia Tuesday. 8pm
The Sound Bar: Karaoke. 8pm
Fire Betty’s: Open Mic Comedy Night. 8pm/21+
926: Tacos and Trivia. 9pm

Tallahassee Junior Museum: Basic Blacksmith Skills Program. Light your curiosity at our upcoming Basic Blacksmith Skills Program! Join our resident blacksmith, Michael Murphy, as he shares his history of being a Smitty. Participants will be able to keep the fire going, sling a hammer, and throw knives during this two hour lecture program. This is an outdoor event. Must preregister online at tallahasseemuseum.org/events. This program is free for members and regular admission price for non-members. 10am

WEDNESDAY, 5/22

Sugar and Spice Tally: Game Night. Join us every Wednesday Night for community game night. Bring your own or use ours! Let me know if you need to reserve space for a large group. Free to attend! 5pm
Goodwood: Wonderful Wednesday. 6pm/$5
Level 8 Rooftop Lounge: Trivia. 6pm
La Florida Coffee & Wine: Trivia Night. 6pm
The Great Games Library: Open Game Night. 6pm/free
American Legion Hall: Sue Boyd Country Western and More Dance Class. Session 2 - Beginner 6:30 to 7:45 pm What: East Coast Swing and Waltz. Cost: $8.00 per person. Wear comfortable shoes you can turn in. 7:45 to 8:15 - Practice dance with paid admission. 8:15 to 9:30: Intermediate - 2 Step and WCS. $8.00 per person or $13.00 for both classes. Vaccines are required. Face masks are optional. Changing partners is optional. 6:30pm
Perry Lynn’s Smokehouse in Quincy: Wed Night Open Mic w/ Steven Ritter and Friends. 6:30pm
Hangar 38: Trivia. 6:45pm
Proof: Trivia. 7pm
Vino Beano: Wine Bingo. 7pm
Fermentation Lounge: Trivia. 7pm
Blue Tavern: Wednesday Open Mic with Doc Russell. The open mic night that has run continuously for almost 20 years, once housed at the Warehouse, lives on at the Blue Tavern. Doc Russell continues as the host with the most. Sign up starts at 7:45pm/free to attend
House of Music: Bar Bingo! Free to Play & Late Night Karaoke. 7pm
Fire Betty’s: Karaoke! 8pm/21+/free
Dukes and Dotties: College Night and Line Dancing Lessons. 8pm
Finnegans Wake: Trivia. 8pm
The Sound Bar: Open Mic Night. 8pm
The Bark: Karaoke with DJ Nathan. Best karaoke DJ in town. 9pm
Peppers: Karaoke. 9pm
926: Dragged Out Wednesday. 10pm

submitted by clearliquidclearjar to Tallahassee [link] [comments]

2024.05.16 15:49 djminger007 CKB and BTC L2

https://hackernoon.com/how-ckbs-public-blockchain-tech-accelerates-bitcoins-orthodox-layer-2

How CKB's Public Blockchain Tech Accelerates Bitcoin's Orthodox Layer 2

by [Nervos CKB]()

May 15th, 2024EN RU TR KO DE BN ES HI ZH VI FR PT JA

1xRead by Dr. OneAudio Presented by

When I first heard about Nervos Network's dedication to building a BTC Layer 2, I wasn't surprised. That's because the CKB public blockchain technology not only matches but also goes beyond BTC. It not only maintains BTC's native UTXO features but also allows for more complex programmable extensions. While surpassing BTC may seem challenging for CKB public chain, aiming to be a top-notch BTC Layer 2 seems like a smart choice. Why? Let's delve into my take on CKB.

The current BTC Layer 2 market is constrained by the mainnet’s limited validation capabilities, resulting in diverse alternative solutions. The simplicity of BTC's scripting language, combined with its near-zero computation and validation power, has created significant opportunities for market innovation.
As of now, aside from limited transaction validation and multisig functionalities within UTXO unlocking conditions, the BTC mainnet is incapable of directly handling more complex transaction logic involving data validation, state changes, etc. It relegates BTC to an asset settlement layer, relying on extending through a powerful public chain for local consensus and computational validation capabilities.
This leads to a lack of uniform standards or 'orthodoxy' for BTC Layer 2 solutions, making it challenging to rank them.
However, distinctions can be made based on the community's perception between narrow and broad interpretations:
Narrowly defined, only solutions like the Lightning Network state channels and the one-time seal approach of RGB qualify as truly 'orthodox' BTC Layer 2s. They effectively utilize BTC's limited script validation capacity without relying on or minimally depending on external local consensus.
In a more general sense, any extension chain that gains acceptance for its local consensus, along with a cross-chain bridge solution that ensures the safe migration of assets, can theoretically serve as a BTC Layer 2. This includes contemporary Ethereum EVM chains, Solana with its high-concurrency capabilities, and others.
Clearly, the BTC Layer 2 market is divided: on one end are highly-specific solutions like the slowly evolving Lightning Network and RGB, facing substantial challenges; on the other end are broadly defined solutions, where any performance chain capable of securely interacting with the BTC mainnet qualifies as a BTC Layer 2.
But is there a 'middle-of-the-road' option? Yes, and it lies in the Nervos Network, which adheres to the UTXO model at its core, enhancing its performance. Notable features include:
The CKB Network aligns closely with BTC, sharing the same 'UTXO model and mining consensus mechanism,' unlike the account balance model of mainstream public blockchains like Ethereum. The UTXO model has distinct advantages in transaction privacy, flexible transaction structuring, and parallel processing capabilities to prevent double-spending, which may be one of Satoshi Nakamoto’s most brilliant inventions. This is why post-Ethereum projects like Sui and Aptos have also adopted similar UTXO models. Bitcoin's capacity and block speed may be constrained by its era, but the UTXO model is remarkably forward-thinking. CKB adopts this UTXO model, evolving it into the 'Cell model', which preserves the pure transactional nature of Bitcoin’s UTXO model while also supporting the data states found in account models like Ethereum’s.
To simplify: In the Bitcoin UTXO model, the creation and destruction of coins resemble a continuous minting and melting process. The Cell model, however, omits the destruction aspect, focusing on verifying and persistently storing states. Each Cell includes Capacity and Data: Capacity measures the balance in bytes, similar to UTXO, while Data holds any kind of information, including the history of transaction states. Thus, the Cell model can accurately represent balances and manage asset transfers, and also handle a variety of complex smart contract states.
In summary, the Cell model is a more persistent and flexible transaction model that greatly broadens the scope of the UTXO model. It is crucial for CKB’s ability to maintain the security of the BTC mainnet while offering a 'speed boost' to slower Bitcoin expansion initiatives like the Lightning Network and RGB.
For instance, the recent rollout of RGB++ by CKB illustrates this. In the BTC ecosystem, developing a mature RGB solution involves challenges that are not so much about the one-time sealing process of the BTC mainnet, but rather the communication, coordination, and mutual state maintenance among off-chain client validation nodes, particularly in a decentralized setting. In simpler terms, RGB's theory might seem straightforward, but its practical implementation is hindered by foundational infrastructural limitations and various barriers. Recognizing this, CKB integrates these off-chain client validation nodes into its on-chain public validation process. This approach significantly accelerates the intended UTXO client extension pathway that RGB aims to achieve. Complex P2P consensus among off-chain nodes is notoriously challenging, fraught with complexity and obstacles such as potential data synchronization delays or inconsistencies, and susceptibility to fraud and attacks. Transposing this process onto the blockchain can simplify these issues.
With the increasing discussions around RGB++, let’s also look at CKB's Open Transaction data format, showcasing the chain's forward-thinking features. Open Transaction allows multiple participants to collaboratively build and aggregate different transactions over time. It supports partial construction, amendability, and incremental build-up and aggregation. For example, Alice initiates an Open Transaction to exchange a certain amount of Token A for Token B with Bob. The transaction, once started, remains in an editable state. Bob, upon agreeing to the transaction terms, can then add his Token B and finalize the conditions.
It might initially seem abstract. Take cross-chain scenarios as an example: Alice and Bob could independently execute asset trades on various distinct chains, significantly boosting the CKB chain's cross-chain interaction capabilities. In the realm of complex DeFi transactions, where market-driven dynamic adjustments are often necessary, Open Transaction allows contract participants to adapt trading conditions fluidly during the contract's execution. This undoubtedly enhances the ability to manage transactional complexities.
From my perspective, Open Transaction mirrors the UTXO transaction unlocking conditions, capable of amalgamating intricate unlocking conditions, multi-party signatures, and complex transactional environments. This represents an evolutionary and valuable innovation that builds on the foundational principles of the BTC main chain.
Interestingly, Jan Xie, a core developer from the Ethereum team, chose to embrace the BTC UTXO model for his inaugural major project. Despite the broader application of Ethereum's smart contract model, Jan and his Nervos team decisively chose to expand and refine the BTC UTXO model. This choice reflects a deep respect for Satoshi Nakamoto’s simplistic UTXO transaction model and also subtly lays the groundwork for its transformation into a native BTC Layer 2.
In conclusion, I am quite bullish about CKB’s potential as a BTC Layer 2. In the short term, it certainly has the potential to expedite the implementation of projects like the Lightning Network and RGB within UTXO-based chains, offering valuable insights for these 'orthodox' expansion solutions on the BTC mainnet. Looking long-term, the inherent features of CKB's chain and its innovative architectural compatibility may enable it to excel in the complex and standardless arena of BTC Layer 2s.
Note: There’s much more to explore regarding the technical nuances and standout features of CKB, which I plan to analyze in greater depth later. It's fascinating to see how BTC Layer 2 not only provides a platform for new chains to rise but also opens up endless possibilities for rejuvenation within established chains.How CKB's Public Blockchain Tech Accelerates Bitcoin's Orthodox Layer 2

submitted by djminger007 to NervosNetwork [link] [comments]

2024.05.16 15:04 CrayyZGames Change

300 years ago citizens would take to the streets in Town square to spread news opinions and perceptions of current events.
Not everybody benefits from news being spread. People would be arrested or worse for spreading the "wrong" news.
When the United States of America was founded along with its constitution, One of the most sacred rights was the freedom of speech and it was not to be infringed, allowing these people to take to the streets ans Town squares without the fear of arrest or death.
Fast forward 300 years and The majority of people no longer ride slow-moving horse and buggies through busy streets and town squares, people no longer go to Town square markets to get their daily goods or meet their friends, as a result, The news is no longer spread on the streets or Town squares.
Where is news spread now a days? We have modernized, the information space has modernized, the government has modernized, yet the protections of the people have not.
People drive in their cars and listen to the podcast/daily news of their choosing.
They watch YouTube, they chat to their friends at work who also listened to the same regulated news outlets etc.
We are right back where we started.
People are deplatformed or charged for "misinformation" (information that the powedominate doesn't want reported)
Almost Everything you see or read has been filtered so as to not let your easily deceived mind be tricked and confused by all the "misinformation" like you are a little child needing to be coddled due to a disability/inability to process real world information. This is how you are treated every time you let the government or corporations control what information/comments/news gets to you. And it is justified because it's not a direct infringement on our first amendment solely because at the time of its founding, the internet And what the information space has become, could have never been imagined, And it is not the government directly (publicly) involved.
Of course how would we know if they EVEN WERE since any news reporting that information would be regulated and de-platformed?
What needs to change ? What CAN change without interfering in a private companies equally as important right and freedom to regulate What is and isn't allowed to be represented on their platform?
This is a serious question/problem that our current generation is faced with, let it not be too late before a solution is found.

submitted by CrayyZGames to conspiracy [link] [comments]

2024.05.16 15:04 CrayyZGames Change

submitted by CrayyZGames to conspiracy [link] [comments]

2024.05.16 15:00 Gear4Vegito Off-Day Boredom: Let's catch-up with recent former Blue Jays and see how they are doing 25% into the 2024 season...

First lets take a quick look at some of the trades the Blue Jays have done mid-season in 2024:

IF Tanner Morris (26) to MIN for $$$
- Some sad news off the get go...after hitting just .149/.281/.213 with a .494 OPS in AAA, Morris has retired from baseball mid-season. Placed on the voluntary retirement list until his current contract expires at the end of the season.
LHP Jimmy Robbins (26) to TEX for $$$
- Has taken the role of emergency depth for the Rangers AAA team and has pitched just 7.1 innings and is rocking a 8.59 ERA, .321 OBA & 2.18 WHIP.
RHP Wes Parsons (31) to CLE for $$$
- Filling in his usual role as he uses up his last year of options. Has pitched 4.0 innings in MLB allowing 0 ER and 14.2 innings in AAA having a solid 1.84 ERA. Solid depth pitcher for them but not a mainstay.
RHP Mitch White (29) to SFG for $$$
- After allowing 6 ER in 10.0 IP with TOR he was DFA/Traded to SFG where he allowed 7 ER in 5.1 IP before again being DFA/Traded to MIL where has has allowed 2 ER in 3.2 IP. Seems like teams think they can fix him considering they are trading for him. MIL has also been hampered with injuries and internal demotions to their bullpen so his stay might not be long when arms return.

Now lets take a look at some of the players that left the organization in the off-season through trade/waivers that were at one point on the 40-Man roster:

IF Santiago Espinal (29) to CIN for RHP Chris McElvain (23)
- Not a great season for Espinal as he has declined even further from his past seasons in all aspects of the game. He is hitting just .200/.252/.284 with an .536 OPS. His defensive metrics suggests he is now a negative player on defence as well. Due to injury he has been given a solid amount of playing time too. McElvain has been solid in A+ but still looks likely to be a future reliever.
UTL Otto Lopez (25) to SFG for $$$
- DFA due to the middle-infleid depth the Jays had was then DFA by the SFG even when they were awarded another option year with him. MIA got him for free on waivers as the only claiming team and he has been very solid for them. He earned a quick call-up after having a 1.526 OPS in a week and is carving himself a role in the Majors with some solid hitting and strong defence. He is batting .282/.333/.564 with an .897 OPS in 39 PA. His early power display is very unsustainable though. He is already half way to his career minor league high.
RHP Yosver Zulueta (26) to CIN via DFA Waivers
- There was a lot of anger amongst the fanbase with his loss on waivers and while his stuff is still good the production is still no where near where it should be. In 14.1 IP in AAA he has a 5.65 ERA, .267 OBA & 2.02 while striking out 18 and walking 13. Still not sure how he remained on prospect lists as long as he has. He just hasn't been good for awhile now. He does give the vibes off the guy that will randomly break out at age 30/31.
C Tyler Heineman (32) to NYM to BOS via DFA Waivers
- Remains the trusty #3 catcher we knew him as. He is just 0-for-1 with 1 HBP at the Major League level but is staying warm in the Red Sox minor league system until he is needed once again. Batting .257./395/.286 with a .681 OPS in AAA. Severn is an upgrade in all departments though except the lack of magic tricks.

Finally, lets take a look into the players that left the organization in free-agency:

3B Matt Chapman (31) to SFG (3 Y x $18 M w/ Two Player Opt-Outs)
- Easily the most talked about departure this season and it feels like beating a dead horse at this point but Chapman has been super terrible. Hitting just .206/.258/.341/.599 with a 73 wRC+ (1.0 bWAR / 0.1 fWAR). His strikeout rate remains as high as ever but his BB% has been nearly cut in half. He has already made 6 errors and his defence has dipped further for the 4th straight season. Chapman has just 2 extra-base hits over his last 82 PA despite having some of the best swing-rates and exit velocities in baseball. Looks like Chapman will be a SFG for the full 3 seasons.
RHP Jordan Hicks (27) to SF (4 Y x $11.0 M)
- Arguably the only "big" contract the Giants have signed that have given them their value for their money. Converting back to a starter has worked wonders for him as he has posted a 2.44 ERA / 3.21 FIP, .220 OBA & 1.15 WHIP. He has taken a good 3 mph off his fastball which has led to a decrease in strikeouts, whiffs and more harder contact against but it has led to an increase and sustained improvement in control. 5.0 IP does seem to be his limit most nights and there are some long-term questions about stamina and durability but so far he has been worth ever penny. If things do now wrong e can always be converted back to an RP and his contract still won't look bad.
2B/OF Whit Merrifield (35) to PHI (1 Y x $7 M w/ Club Option for $8.0 M)
- Age seems to have properly caught up to Whit who is just hitting .188/.261/.300 with a .561 OPS in 80 AB with is just a 62 wRC+ (0.1 bWAR / -0.1 fWAR). His savant page portrays him as one of the worst hitters in baseball and his defence is now of negative value. Phillies had him hitting lead-off for 3 straight games recently where he went 1-for-15 before being demoted again.
RHP Adam Cimber (33) to LAA (1 Y x $1.65 M)
- After struggling with injuries and inconsistency at the end of his Jays tenor he has rebounded back with LAA to being a solid mid-usage arm. Posting a respectable 4.00 ERA, .214 OBA & 1.00 WHIP. His numbers are misleading though as outside of 2 meltdowns he has been shutdown. He is one of the heaviest used bullpen arms in baseball and has only allowed an ER in 3-of-19 appearances. Should fetch the Angels a decent prospect at the trade deadline.
RHP Jay Jackson (36) to MIN (1 Y x $1.3 M w/ Club Option for $3.0 M)
- Jackson has not had a great season with MIN as he is rocking a 6.20 ERA, .244 OBA & 1.28 WHIP.He has allowed at least 1 ER in more than half his appearances. It seems like MIN will likely not pick-up their club option on his contract at this rate. It is unfortunate to see after how important he was for us last season. Glad he got his money though.
SP Hyun Jin Ryu (37) to Hanwha Eagles (KBO) (8 Y x $1.6 M)
- Ryu signed the largest contract in KBO League history this offseason which keeps him in the organization until his mid-40's. In 49.0 IP he has 5.33 ERA, 1.45 WHIP & 47 SO vs. 14 BB. Haven't watched him nor seen his game-to-game production but the face value numbers don't look great. To be fair he was likely never playing most of the contract anyways.

Just to reassure everyone of someone productive not slipping through the cracks here are all the minor-league departures:
Free Agency:

C Rob Brantly (34) to TBR (AAA) is hitting .310/.375/.466 with a .841 OPS
LHP Paul Fry (31) to SDP (AAA) is pitching a 6.43 ERA, .317 OBA & 1.76 WHIP
SS Mason McCoy (29) to SDP (AAA) is hitting .259/.342/.363 with a .705 OPS
C Lyle Lin (26) to ARI (AA) has just 3 GP due to being on the Developmental List

Releases:

RHP Jiorgeny Casimiri (22) to BAL (A) is pitching 12.91 ERA, .436 OBA & 3.26 WHIP

Rule 5 Draft (Minor League Portion):

3B Angel Del Rosario (21) to MIN (A) is hitting .271/.364/.292 with a .656 OPS
SS Trevor Schwecke (26) to PHI (AA) is hitting .182/.282/.227 with a .509 OPS

Just for completion here is a list of players who left from the organization that are not active in professional baseball right now (as far as I know):
Free Agents Un-signed (13):

1B/DH Brandon Belt, RHP Anthony Bass, SP Gabe Klobosits, C Jamie Ritchie, SS Abiezel Ramirez, RP Rowan Wick, RP Matt Peacock, SP Zach Thompson, RP Roither Hernandez, RP Jol Concepcion, RP Joe Jones, RP Deigo Linares & C Stevie Berman

Minor League Releases:

Off-Season (20): RHP Darwin Cruz, RHP Michael Brewer, C Victor Mesia, RHP Christopher Rodriguez, 3B Endri Garcia, RHP Julio Ramirez, RHP Ben Baggett, RHP Winder Garcia, RHP Tony Rosario, RHP Cesar Ayala, OF MacKenzie Mueller, SS Luis Garcia, RHP Francisco Lucumi, CF Jaun Pizarro, RHP Jackson Rees, SS Martin Gimenez, RHP Davis Feldman, LHP Cooper Benson, RHP Sam Ryan & SS Rikelbin De Castro
Spring Training (3): IF Eduardo Escobar, RHP Alan Zhang Carter & RHP Nolan Long
Mid-Season (4): RHP Leam Mendez, RHP Gabriel Ponce, RHP Jerry Huntzinger & RHP Fitz Stadler

submitted by Gear4Vegito to Torontobluejays [link] [comments]

2024.05.16 13:40 Incman [long read, ~10 mins] I delivered "goodbye for now" letter to nMom that I still rent a room from, and I'm feeling vulnerable but also hopeful for my own future.

[I just recently learned of this community after I had shared this in the raisedbynarcissists sub, and I couldn't figure out how to crosspost it so I'm just copy&pasting]
As the title states, (and despite the existential risk to myself - as I am disabled, impoverished, and my survival is reliant on the room I rent in her attic - given her recent threat to have have me thrown out by the police because she could not handle the feelings she had during the argument that she initiated), I have finally drawn a bright red line in the metaphorical sand regarding my nMom's treatment of me. This is the culmination of 8+ years of sustained, one-sided, unreciprocated, and unsuccessful effort on my part to sustain, salvage, repair, or improve our "relationship".

Reading through some of the posts on this sub over the past day or so has been very validating, as one thing she's always been extremely committed to is making sure she's the loudest voice in my life telling me how invalid all of my emotions and experiences and realities are.

I am very grateful for anyone who takes the time to read this post, and any input, commentary, criticism, insight, commiseration, etc, is welcome and appreciated (especially on the topic of being NC-except-as-a-tenant). Her lifelong response to my needs or inconvenient requests for respect or attempts to hold her accountable for her behaviour (throughout literally hundreds and hundreds of interactions that she has walked away from or hung-up on) has essentially been "tl;dr 🖕". So I'm acutely aware of the length of what I'm written, and I'm very used to her cold (or even mocking) avoidance and dismissal of valid issues by commenting on the length or format of my communications without ever engaging on the merits.

Anyways, enough preamble, here's the full letter (all of the square-bracketed disclaimers and AI-summary are part of the letter as delivered to her, to try and counter the acute and selective illiteracy she develops whenever she begins to read something she doesn't like):

[Start of Letter]

[This document begins with a 382 word AI-generated summary (titled "AI- GENERATED SUMMARY:" below the square-bracketed opening remarks), estimated at 1m23s time required to read. If you are unable or unwilling to make it through even this brief summary, then there is literally nothing else I could possibly do to assist in your comprehension of my positions. The full message following the summary is approximately 2100 words, estimated at approximately 8 minutes to read.]

[If you would like assistance in understanding things I've written that you're struggling to interpret or comprehend, you can go to chatgpt.com (no account necessary), or download the ChatGPT app from the Google Play Store on your phone. You can simply interact with the chat in natural language (in other words, type as though you were texting another person) and it will understand what you are saying. If you are struggling to understand how to interact with it effectively, you can simply inform it of that (in any wording you choose) and it will assist you with altering your approach to receive more effective results.]

AI-GENERATED SUMMARY:

Your son's message is a powerful declaration of his boundaries, grievances, and intentions within your relationship. Here's a breakdown to help you understand:

Preface: He advises you to read with an open mind and, if needed, with assistance due to the emotional complexity.

Declaration of Disengagement: He firmly states his decision to disengage from any form of interaction or acknowledgment outside of essential landlord-tenant matters.

Condemnation of Abuse: He accuses you of perpetuating a cycle of abuse that has deeply impacted his health and stability.

Rejection of Coercion: He dismisses the idea that being evicted is a viable solution to the abuse, highlighting the coercive nature of such a choice, and how it leaves him vulnerable to further harm.

Criticism of Your Behavior: He unreservedly condemns your actions, particularly your exploitation and manipulation, emphasizing the gravity and effects of your conduct.

Challenges to Your Claims: He directly confronts your claims regarding his efforts in the relationship, asserting that he has consistently made extensive attempts to maintain it, despite your accusations to the contrary.

Commitment to Compliance: He unequivocally affirms his commitment to compliance with all landlord-related demands, demonstrating his unwavering respect for your authority as the homeowner.

Demand for Clarity: He demands clear and unambiguous knowledge of the requisite terms when any changes to living arrangement paradigms are demanded, underscoring his willingness to comply with any directives you may issue.

Defense Against Gaslighting: He firmly asserts his unwavering commitment to respecting your property and authority, preemptively refuting any attempts to accuse him otherwise.

Insights into Your Behaviour: He offers insights into patterns in your behaviour, linking them to moments of vulnerability or distress in your life.

Call for Self-Reflection: He urges you to seek professional help for your narcissism and unresolved childhood traumas.

Caution Regarding Gravity: He states that failing to address your responsibilities would be a missed opportunity for both of you to salvage the relationship and resolve underlying issues.

Reiteration of Hope: Despite his current stance, he leaves the door open for reconciliation if you undergo necessary personal growth.

Closure on Unequal Effort: He firmly states that he can no longer sustain the one-sided effort in the relationship and won't continue to do so.

It's evident that he's deeply hurt and demanding acknowledgment, change, and resolution in your relationship.

[end of AI-generated summary; my full, non-AI-generated message follows below]

[I recommend that you read this in its entirety at a time and capacity level where your literacy and comprehension are at their highest level, and preferably with the interpretational assistance of a knowledgeable and competent support person or technological assistant.]

[Presumably, after reading a few sentences or less, your defense mechanisms will be activated and you will eject. However, as with the vast majority of the things I have said to you that have gone unacknowledged, I am completely certain that the contents are cogent and comprehensible, and I believe that with competent support and vulnerable effort you undoubtedly have the raw cognitive capacity necessary for comprehension if you are able to stabilize your emotional reactions and put real effort into the actions necessary for you to understand my words.]

I will not talk to you.
I will not look at you.
I will not approach you.
I will not acknowledge you.

If you attempt to interact with me on any interpersonal level not related to your role as a landlord, I will reserve the right to express just how fucking despicable it is to treat such a vulnerable person with such utter disregard and abuse for so fucking long.

The cycle of abuse you have maintained to destabilize me for your own pathological reasons has caused - and continues to cause - extensive damage to my health, stability, and existence. However, since I know your response to this would likely be some variation of "you're not a victim here [my name], so if I treat you so bad, just leave", I'll preemptively and unequivocally condemn such coercive and abusive tactics, and state again (as I did the other day), that the forced choice between your abuse and life-threatening-homelessness is obviously no choice at all, and leaves me perpetually subject to your coercion and abusive control.

Such exploitation by you is absolutely disgusting, and honestly I understand why you run away from yourself at every single instance where you're in danger of having your lifelong house-of-cards ego even slightly threatened. I know if I treated another human being the way you treat me for even a moment, let alone for the literal years you have done so, I would not be able to face myself in the mirror either. You should be fucking ashamed of yourself.

You say I "don't want to be your son anymore", as though it has been someone other than me making hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of hours of efforts and attempts in order to try and single-handedly keep our relationship alive, and as though it has been someone other than you who has stonewalled me for years about every single legitimate and valid time I attempted to gain even the slightest foothold as a full human being in the owner-pet relationship you have fought so hard to maintain. You siphon, in fact demand, emotional supply whenever you so choose, and then fucking discard me as soon as it appears that I might do anything that would result in you losing even a fraction of a percent of the 99% to 1% imbalance you believe is an immutable part of our "relationship".

I will do my absolute best to be in my room as much as physically possible when you are home, so as to minimize the need to be physically adjacent to you in the course of our respective activities of daily living.

I, again, remain unequivocally committed to my position of deference and compliance towards any rules/demands related to my existence, presence, or activities as your tenant.

As you refuse to provide any sort of unambiguous guidance or clarification whatsoever regarding your shifting demands affecting my ability to access/perform basic activities of daily living, I will continue to act in good faith with respect to my adherence to all previously-established arrangements and protocols (whether codified or de facto) regarding such activities. To the full extent of my abilities, and to the extent that it is physically possible, I will immediately and unequivocally comply with any alterations, additions, or excisions you choose to impose regarding the nature of our physical coexistence as landlord and tenant, regardless of your disregard or intent for any harm to my stability that will ensue as a result.

If you intend to attempt to manipulate or threaten or gaslight me to illegitimately and dishonestly accuse me of failing to comply with your rights and demands as the homeownelandlord, then I can assure you that such efforts will be ineffective and inadvisable. The extensive history of my genuine, documented, and unwavering commitment to absolute respect of your home, property, and landlord-tenant authority is unassailable, and nothing has or will change about the good faith nature of my efforts to simply live peacefully and work on stabilizing my health and continuing to attempt to develop basic protocols that offer me the opportunity to seek the ways and means required to sustainably exist, survive, and seek meaning and fulfilment as a human being.

To try and make it a bit more bite-sized (without warranty as to the efficacy of said efforts), since I know when your ego is threatened you conveniently - and dishonestly - become completely unable to read a couple thousand words:

I have never been more disgusted by the actions of anyone or anything more in my entire fucking existence.

I will continue to be an absolute model tenant, despite the harmful effects of your constant abuse, and I will unequivocally comply with any demands you make with your authority as my landlord. I will explicitly and aggressively defend against any attempts to gaslight me, or attempt to dishonestly accuse me of failing to comply with any such demands.

Feel free at anytime in your life to decide that maybe it might be time to face the fact that - though skillful in your delusion - you are the same scared child you were 40 years ago, and if you ever want to truly and meaningfully experience what it's like to be secure with yourself beneath the false veneer of superficial and ego-protecting interactions you surround yourself with at the exclusion of true and honest existential vulnerability, then you need to seek, engage with, and be honest and vulnerable with, professional clinical care for your intractable narcissism and the lifelong effects and deficits associated with same. In other words, to reductively and rhetorically restate what you disgustingly told me the other day as a means of deflecting from the fact that you couldn't go more than two seconds without contradicting yourself, “get your fucking meds adjusted”.

When faced with any sort of challenge to your control or authority, your lifelong fear of abandonment has caused you to push people away before they have the opportunity to leave you, resulting in premature, self-created, and misdirected sabotage of significant relationships at the first sign of disturbance or genuine vulnerability. I know you're terrible at recognizing or interpreting patterns or facts, but think, for example, about when your efforts to remove me from your life and/or house have been at their most intense:

(a) in 2016(ish) when conflicts about my role in helping with the [redacted address][job of cleaning out my grandpa's apartment after Alzheimer's took hold] triggered feelings of grief and fear in you at the decline of your father's health and the inevitability of his then-upcoming death,

(b) in late 2019 through 2020ish, in the leadup to and aftermath of your father's death, where you threatened or demanded my removal from your house during damn-near every single minor conflict about utterly insignificant household disputes. The vulnerability and grief you felt surrounding his death triggered the core-level unresolved sense of abandonment you carry as a result of the lack of parental affection you received because of, inter alia, the level of care required by your [editor's note: dying of CF as a teenager] sister and resultant lack of parental support available to you as a result,

(c) in 2021ish, surrounding your mother's acute medical events and her subsequent death, where your treatment of me followed effectively the same patterns and underlying causes as the item above (sans explicit threats of eviction, opting instead for the more oblique and covert references that have been your MO until the recent regression to explicit threats within the past few days).

(d) in 2024, surrounding the final decline and subsequent death of [dog], where all of the same behaviours described above returned and steadily escalated, culminating in telling me to get the fuck out of your house because I wouldn't stop moving some boxes for 30 minutes, and then telling me that you were going to call the police to have me removed from your house as a result of your inability to force me to stop making accurate statements that damaged your ego and need for unquestioned interpersonal control in your self-appointed role as the sole ruler of the relational hierarchy you fought so hard to maintain.

You need to actively and vulnerably seek and participate in professional clinical treatment for the lifelong effects of the hollow narcissism that has maladaptively protected you from your deepest childhood injuries and vulnerabilities, at the expense of truly genuine connection with, at the very least, your firstborn and only son.

[note that the contents of this bullet point are neither a threat of suicide, nor an indication of any intent whatsoever to harm myself or others. I am including this disclaimer to preemptively remove your ability to selectively manipulate my words in order to further gaslight me]
If you want me gone from your house, and life (and possibly my own life, given the extreme existential risk posed by homelessness for a vulnerable person with the significant disabilities I am faced with), then you will have to have me physically removed from your house in cold blood, and until the day you (or I, depending on the order) die you will live with that being the last time you ever saw the son that you took for granted and abused for 32 fucking years while he groveled at your feet begging for even scraps of affection or humanity from the person who constantly love-bombed and discarded him at her convenience to serve her own narcissistic desires worth no regard for the whole entire person she was subjugating to the role of, barely, a pet.

Be aware that if you choose to remove me from your life as a pathological and assuredly-ineffective avoidance mechanism to try and preemptively shield yourself from the fear of abandonment that is triggered in you as a result of my overwhelmingly valid and necessary actions to demand that you cease your lifelong efforts to subjugate me in your self-created hierarchical position at the top of our unequal relationship, then you will be doing yourself an irreparable disservice by extinguishing whatever sliver of opportunity might remain for you to get the help you need to allow you to finally see me as a real person and begin making real decisions and changes and efforts to participate in efforts to salvage whatever scraps of hope might remain for us to have a relationship before both/either of us die.

Feel free to ignore and/or conceal the tens of thousands of words of documented history in order to share contextless excerpts of this text within your self-serving echo chambers in your efforts to receive false validation of your delusional victimhood. Or, alternatively, feel free to vulnerably share this in its entirety - along with the full corpus of my messaging regarding the severity of the harms caused by your behaviours - with a competent and knowledgeable mental health professional(s) for the purposes of seeking treatment for your underlying pathologies and working towards genuine growth.

In the unlikely (though incomprehensibly-or-perhaps-delusionally-still-hopeful) event that you are still reading, I will conclude by saying that the possibility for any hope of salvaging our relationship lies firmly and solely within your control.

After over 8 years of significant, relentless, documented, often-vilified, and absolutely unreciprocated efforts to single-handedly to put 100% of the effort into a relationship that you reaped the benefits of while remaining unwavering in your abdication of even the slightest of responsibilities, I have run out of ways, means, ideas, and capacity to continue unsuccessfully trying to do both of our parts.

I am not closing the door to the possibility of reconciliation if/once you have undertaken the extensive individual work you need to do if you are ever going to be able and willing to put the necessary effort into repairing our relationship. But neither am I continuing to continue working outside your closed door hoping that one day I might be able to do enough to influence you to treat me like a full, real, EQUAL, human being.

I love you, and goodbye for now. I hope to see you on the other side, but I cannot force you to undertake the journey.

- [my name]

[/End of Letter]
(any edits are fixing formatting/copy&paste errors)

submitted by Incman to EstrangedAdultKids [link] [comments]

2024.05.16 13:26 SteveBolduc Father, may they be one in us

John 17:20-26
Jesus raised his eyes to heaven and said:
‘Holy Father, I pray not only for these, but for those also who through their words will believe in me.
May they all be one. Father, may they be one in us, as you are in me and I am in you, so that the world may believe it was you who sent me.
I have given them the glory you gave to me, that they may be one as we are one. With me in them and you in me, may they be so completely one that the world will realise that it was you who sent me and that I have loved them as much as you loved me. Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, so that they may always see the glory you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world.
Father, Righteous One, the world has not known you, but I have known you, and these have known that you have sent me. I have made your name known to them and will continue to make it known, so that the love with which you loved me may be in them, and so that I may be in them.’
Reflection on the painting
Painted in 1907 during the golden period of Gustav Klimt’s career, Bauerngarten is a masterpiece of Viennese fin-de-siècle art. The canvas depicts a multitude of different flowers. The many different types and colours convey the natural, harmonious beauty of nature. The thousands of individual flowers somehow make a unified beautiful garden.
Starting in 1900, Klimt regularly ventured outside of Vienna during the summer months, seeking respite and creative inspiration at Litzlberg on the Attersee with his friends and family. It was amidst the rustic charm of the Mayr-Hof garden that Klimt discovered the subject matter for this painting. Surrounded by a delightful assortment of poppies, daisies, zinnias, and roses, the artist was captivated by the informal beauty of the scene, which he translated into a mesmerising tapestry of vibrant colours and textures on his canvas.
Each of us is akin to a unique flower, blossoming within the divine garden tended by God's loving hand. Just as flowers come in a myriad of shapes, colours, and fragrances, we too possess our own distinct qualities and talents bestowed upon us by God. Some of us may be like vibrant roses, radiating beauty and passion, while others may resemble delicate daisies, exuding simplicity and humility. We pray that each of us, each flower, may contribute to the oneness and overall splendour of a garden. In fact, when we embrace our uniqueness and bloom to our fullest potential, we glorify God, participating in the beauty of his divine garden.
Taken from: https://christian.art/daily-gospel-reading/john-17-20-26-2024/

submitted by SteveBolduc to CatholicSocTeaching [link] [comments]

2024.05.16 13:18 PDX_LadyDzra Stellaris Dev Diary #344 - The Art of The Machine Age (Part II: Art Blast Edition)

https://preview.redd.it/zgbqdjzfsr0d1.png?width=2108&format=png&auto=webp&s=c17f493515d8a4996cc79a5e3043ed87cdc8ad23
Read this post on the Paradox forums! Dev replies here!
Strap in to your acceleration couches, this one's a going to be a big one. - E
Hello there!
I’m Anton, the Art Manager & Producer on Stellaris, and I would like to welcome you all to this absolute monster of a Dev Diary we have prepared for you!
I just want to use this opportunity to mention how amazing it is to work with these fantastic artists on a day to day basis and how extremely proud I am of the team. We managed to do a lot for this DLC, more than we’ve done for an expansion or DLC ever before.
In fact the total logged art work time (I just looked at our stats in JIRA) for The Machine Age is over 2 years and 41 weeks.
Truly spectacular. Great job Team!
In the last The Art of The Machine Age dev diary, we showed you (and talked about the process of) a lot of what we had been doing - but far from it all.
So get comfortable, take out your favorite snack and get ready to look at a lot of art. Almost everything we did for The Machine Age will be showcased - but first, some words from our Art Director.
Alright! Here we go! We hope you enjoy this!

Scott Austin - Art Director

As you have heard countless times already, our latest project, The Machine Age, is the largest pack we’ve ever put out for Stellaris. The reason that you’ve heard it countless times is because we think it’s worth repeating. We have well over double the amount of ships and FX, triple the amount of characters and animation, and probably quadruple the amount of 2D/Icon work. As daunting as that might seem, we pulled it off. And not just pulled it off, but did it without losing any quality and with an unbelievably tight schedule. Sure things were busy, but we can proudly say that we didn’t have to burn the midnight oil or resort to overtime or crunch.
While I would love, as the AD, to just take credit for all of that hard work and bask in the amazing light of glorious praise, the real credit goes to our “Little Art Team That Could”. In the boundless expanses and the incomprehensibly infinite universe of game design, our small art team shines like a supernova of talent and efficiency. Though few in number, our art team possesses a galaxy's worth of skill and dedication, crafting the most awe-inspiring sci-fi visuals that breathe life into every pixel, every polygon and every frame of Stellaris. Each artist possesses a bewildering array of talents, with skills so sharp they could slice through space-time, creating shortcuts to other dimensions where deadlines don't exist and cups of caffeinated beverages never run dry. They churn out masterpieces with such alarming speed and regularity that one begins to suspect they've cloned themselves and are operating in shifts spanning multiple parallel universes (Please, do not let HR in on this…).
I am ever thankful for the chance to voyage through the cosmos of Stellaris with such brilliantly unhinged minds. Their talent and relentless dedication are the warp drive to our projects, and their visionary artistry is the very soul of our games. I am ever grateful for their dedication and downright chuffed to navigate the nebulous realms of creativity alongside such splendidly imaginative life forms.
Together, we continue to chart courses that boldly go where no game has gone before. And, as always, to the players, I say: “You ain’t seen nothing yet!”
-Scott Austin- Art Director, Paradox Interactive
[Note from your friendly Stellaris Community Ambassador: Reddit will not allow us to include all 150+ images the Art Team has shared in this Dev Diary, so please visit the Paradox forums if you want to see it all!]

Alec Beals - Concept Artist

Synthetic Portraits
https://preview.redd.it/5n89wuqxtr0d1.png?width=1600&format=png&auto=webp&s=41074f1565682e0778e9c7c386fe6af69f92b68f
The Synthetic Queen
https://preview.redd.it/h9ny5hlkur0d1.png?width=1600&format=png&auto=webp&s=2f6d5de8a619d4b9078b9b6431e31f66c082730f
Concept Art, Illustrations and Vis Dev
https://preview.redd.it/y6clz51mur0d1.png?width=1600&format=png&auto=webp&s=ffbcfe5e5d921fe55f9b7ec218ef57a03b535f27

Lloyd Drake-Brockman - Concept Artist

Illustrations
https://preview.redd.it/ym3rywwour0d1.png?width=1600&format=png&auto=webp&s=dc035d933cdee5be2428e6bf6f5afbd5be4174b9
Super Structures & The Synthetic Queen Ships Concepts
https://preview.redd.it/i1wf4vppur0d1.png?width=1600&format=png&auto=webp&s=0adbd149e69102ffeaf1c1d3485450282e851264

Felix Englund - Concept Artist

Cybernetic Portraits
https://preview.redd.it/s2j79c3wur0d1.png?width=1600&format=png&auto=webp&s=32a00625f953c0e4d168cf7f02f32621a4fe5c22
Synthetic Portraits
https://preview.redd.it/ax9kkepzur0d1.png?width=1600&format=png&auto=webp&s=9c28446fb6c95ba13aa6b8ab74a19cbf20cda5e5
Illustrations
https://preview.redd.it/16e28qpyur0d1.png?width=1600&format=png&auto=webp&s=efe954712d67c849f51d87054bd71527926a4e83

Tim Wiberg - 3D Artist

Cybernetics Ship Set
https://preview.redd.it/1cprafn3vr0d1.png?width=1600&format=png&auto=webp&s=7f76e19871a369baf8f3cb58a89e94a2b666a070
The Synthetic Queen Ship Set
https://preview.redd.it/n3esg1c6vr0d1.png?width=1600&format=png&auto=webp&s=2a0795128dd46dc494293a421167158a990cfdd9
Emma Quer - 3D Artist
Cybernetics Ship Set
https://preview.redd.it/ll2y8rx8vr0d1.png?width=1600&format=png&auto=webp&s=31f7f413d395c2871788096c95d8002978e98b9e
Machines ship set
https://preview.redd.it/thoz76w9vr0d1.png?width=1600&format=png&auto=webp&s=3275a03c38dfb6a1ac10f57633396631e6c99ba5

David Strömblad Lindh - 3D Artist

Cybernetics Ship Set
https://preview.redd.it/8vmbnd7cvr0d1.png?width=1600&format=png&auto=webp&s=c2aaefe91446f5cb0de4d5f38a667000b964690f

Erik Forsström - VFX Artist

Horizon Needle
https://i.redd.it/qmb8ceegvr0d1.gif

Erick Ramirez Mota - Animator

https://i.redd.it/7lyh875lvr0d1.gif

Cassandra Lindquist - UI Artist

Achievements, Technologies, Buildings, Authorities, Traits & Civics
https://preview.redd.it/6btth58mvr0d1.png?width=1600&format=png&auto=webp&s=828ad956385a9296262b770d3b5f6d20822ff1e9
Synthetic Fertility Event Image
https://preview.redd.it/lxgh8f2nvr0d1.png?width=1600&format=png&auto=webp&s=43a7ae3f10a5cf9586f93ecd4127142d0b86b612

Gabrielle Rodrigues - UI Artist

The Machine Age UI Art - The Synaptic Lathe
https://preview.redd.it/i0w0igxnvr0d1.png?width=1600&format=png&auto=webp&s=3b80fd0eb6444ab777e6aa73d4923751f34700df

Ingela Hallberg - UI Artist

Building Icons - Part I
https://preview.redd.it/dw50wexpvr0d1.png?width=1600&format=png&auto=webp&s=80da01d9a5b2dfe4c09e2ab89c46eae50bd65a0c

Let’s Talk About AI

Eladrin here. There has been an ongoing discussion about the responsible use of AI tools in game development.
As mentioned in our Steam AI generated content disclosure, during the development of The Machine Age the Stellaris team used text and image generative AI tools for ideation purposes to inspire creativity in a developer, or to aid in explaining a designer’s intent to other members of the development team. We subscribe to the legal opinion that there is no copyright or ownership attached to the output of generative AI, and our team is disallowed from putting any such generated text or image directly into the game.
Everything you see or read in The Machine Age has been created, developed, or written by our creative staff in the Studio.
We have used an advanced text-to-speech AI tool to create a voice for Cetana and the Cyberpunk advisor. The scripts and lines for these voices were created by our Content Design team, and the voice actors that created any voice models that are used by this tool receive payment for each line generated, and will continue to receive payments if more lines are generated using their voice models in the future. The use of this tool allowed our Audio team (with quite a bit of effort as described in Dev Diary #340) to fully voice Cetana, and will allow us to keep the advisor voice up-to-date should new mechanics be added to Stellaris over the upcoming years. This will prevent the voice from needing to fall back to the default VIR voice, as many of our other advisors did when Galactic Paragon added Council Agendas.
These technologies are evolving quickly, and personally I have great hopes for further improvements and potential uses of this text-to-speech technology in particular. In the 3.6 “Orion” update we added support for text-to-speech in events as a major accessibility improvement, but currently it is limited to the use of operating system based voice packs. While these audio tools are not yet at a point where we can use this technology to improve that experience, I look forward to a day some years from now where AI-based advanced text-to-speech could replace these relatively crude voices with more thematically appropriate ones, and be able to better handle languages other than English.

Next Week

Next week we’ll be looking at post-release support, and may have a preliminary list of release notes for the next planned patch.
See you then!

submitted by PDX_LadyDzra to Stellaris [link] [comments]

2024.05.16 13:11 Sweet-Count2557 The Best Babymoon In Saint Augustine Florida 2023

The Best Babymoon In Saint Augustine Florida 2023
We are planning an unforgettable babymoon in Saint Augustine, Florida!
This historic city is a perfect destination for couples seeking a relaxing and romantic getaway. With its beautiful ocean views, charming attractions and delicious cuisine, Saint Augustine is sure to provide an unforgettable experience.
Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll through the city’s streets, a boat tour of the harbor, or a day trip to the nearby beaches, Saint Augustine has something for everyone. Plus, with its luxurious resorts and spas, you’ll be able to unwind and enjoy the experience of a lifetime.
Explore the Historic City
With its rich history, the city provides the perfect backdrop for a romantic getaway. St. Augustine, Florida is home to charming cobblestone streets, Spanish colonial buildings, and centuries of stories.
Exploring the city by foot is the best way to truly take in the sights and sounds of this historic destination. For those looking to immerse themselves in the culture, a sunset stroll is a must. Take a walk along the Matanzas River and discover ruins of the old Spanish fort, or wander through the cobblestone streets and catch glimpses of the old city walls.
In addition to history, the city offers a variety of activities that are perfect for a romantic babymoon. Take a boat tour on the Matanzas River and see the city from a different perspective, or spend a day on the beach and watch the sun set over the sparkling ocean.
With its charming atmosphere and scenic views, St. Augustine is the perfect destination for a romantic adventure. For a truly memorable experience, book a stay in one of the city’s many bed and breakfasts. Enjoy a romantic dinner at one of the local restaurants, or take a romantic stroll through the city’s cobblestone streets.
Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or an adventure filled with exploration and discovery, St. Augustine is the perfect destination for your babymoon.
Relax and Enjoy the Ocean Views
Enjoy the stunning ocean views – a perfect way to make the most of your special pre-baby getaway! From soaking sunsets to romantic strolls, Saint Augustine is the perfect destination for a babymoon.
Take a leisurely drive along the coast to enjoy the picturesque views, or spend a romantic evening watching the sun go down over the horizon. Relax on the beach, take a dip in the ocean, or just take in the serene atmosphere while watching the waves rolling in.
The A1A Scenic Highway stretches from Jacksonville to Key West and passes through Saint Augustine. This scenic highway is full of breathtaking views, and its many stops are perfect for some restful sightseeing.
Take a romantic stroll along the beach or through the historic downtown area and take in the sights and sounds of the old city. Enjoy the best of both worlds with the bustling downtown area and the nearby beaches.
Saint Augustine is the ideal destination for a babymoon. With its stunning ocean views and romantic strolls, it is the perfect place to relax and enjoy time together before the arrival of your bundle of joy.
Spend time soaking up the sun and the atmosphere, and make the most of your special pre-baby getaway.
Visit the Local Attractions
You won't want to miss out on all the incredible attractions that Saint Augustine has to offer—it's the perfect spot for a pre-baby vacay! Pack light and leave room in your suitcase for souvenirs, because you won't want to miss out on any of these must-visit attractions:
Castillo de San Marcos: This 17th-century fort is the oldest masonry fort in the United States and provides a fascinating history lesson.
St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum: Climb the 219 steps of the lighthouse to get a breathtaking view of the city and surrounding area.
St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park: Get up close and personal with crocs, alligators, and other reptiles.
Ponce de Leon's Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park: Follow in the footsteps of Ponce de Leon, who purportedly discovered the fountain in 1513.
Old Town Trolley Tours: Take a guided tour of Saint Augustine's top attractions, including the Old Jail and the Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse.
What are you waiting for? Saint Augustine offers so much to explore and experience, so don't miss out on the opportunity to make memories that will last a lifetime. Plan the ultimate babymoon getaway and visit these incredible attractions!
Take a Boat Tour
Discover the city's beauty from the water with a fun boat tour - perfect for a pre-baby getaway! A boat tour is a great way to experience the sights and sounds of Saint Augustine from a different perspective.
From the comfort of your own boat you can take in the sights of the historic Castillo de San Marcos, the Bridge of Lions, and the beautiful waterfront homes. For a more leisurely experience, there are a variety of cruise excursions that include a guided tour of the area, complete with narration and interesting facts.
For your safety, there are a few important boat safety rules to keep in mind. Life jackets are mandatory on all boats, and boats must be equipped with fire extinguishers and navigation lights. Additionally, a boat must be registered with the state of Florida if it is used for navigation.
A boat tour is a great way to explore the city and enjoy its beauty. Make sure to take the time to familiarize yourself with the boat safety rules and regulations, so that you can have a safe and enjoyable experience.
Sample the Local Cuisine
Indulge in the culinary delights the city has to offer and sample the local cuisine on your pre-baby getaway. From the traditional to the exotic, Saint Augustine offers something for everyone. Take your taste testing to the next level with these four amazing dining options:
Raintree Restaurant: The Raintree Restaurant is a local favorite, offering a variety of fresh seafood and traditional eats with an upscale twist.
Mango Mango's Caribbean Grille: Enjoy the flavors of the Caribbean with a wide selection of jerk chicken, curried goat, and all the other flavors that come with eating out in the islands.
The Floridian: Satisfy your cravings with some classic southern comfort food. Choose from options like fried green tomatoes, collard greens, and shrimp and grits.
O.C. White's Restaurant and Bar: Enjoy the view of the Matanzas Bay while dining on an array of seafood entrées and sandwiches.
Saint Augustine offers something for every palate. Whether you're looking for a traditional Southern meal or something a little more exotic, there's something for you to enjoy.
With so many delicious options to choose from, the hardest part might just be deciding what to eat!
Visit the Nature Parks
After sampling the local cuisine, we headed to explore the nature parks in Saint Augustine on our babymoon. There are over two dozen parks in the area, offering an abundance of beauty to experience!
We started with a visit to Anastasia State Park, which is one of the most popular parks in the area. It boasts over 1,600 acres of land, making it an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. We spent the day bird watching, star gazing, kayaking, and exploring the miles of trails. We even spotted a few gopher tortoises!
The next day, we visited Fort Matanzas National Monument. This park is situated on a small island and offers a unique opportunity to explore the historic fort and view local wildlife. We were able to take a boat tour and learn about the history of the fort, as well as view a variety of wildlife including ospreys, bald eagles, and dolphins. It was a wonderful experience that we won’t forget.
Enjoy the Nightlife
As the sun set, we enjoyed the vibrant nightlife of the charming city and indulged in the lively atmosphere. Whether we were bar hopping along the lively downtown district or taking romantic strolls along the Intracoastal Waterway, Saint Augustine offered plenty of evening entertainment.
We decided to start our night off at The Milltop Tavern, a staple in Saint Augustine. With live music and a lively atmosphere, The Milltop Tavern was the perfect place to get the night started.
After a few drinks, we took a short walk to the historic district where we explored the quaint cobblestone streets and the local shops.
The night ended with a romantic dinner cruise along the Matanzas River. Relaxing under the starlit sky, we watched the lights of the city twinkle against the water as we enjoyed a delicious dinner and live music.
It was the perfect way to end our night and the perfect way to celebrate our babymoon.
Experience the Arts and Culture
We're excited to explore the Arts and Culture of Saint Augustine, Florida on our babymoon!
First, let's visit the Colonial Spanish Quarter Museum, which offers a great opportunity to explore the city's Spanish colonial past and artifacts.
We'll also visit the St. Augustine Amphitheater, which hosts some of the area's most exciting live events and performances.
The Colonial Spanish Quarter Museum
You'll be amazed by the history of the Colonial Spanish Quarter Museum - it's been around for more than 270 years!
Located in the heart of St. Augustine, this museum gives you an immersive experience as you explore the Spanish Quarter of the city’s past and discover the history of the area.
Visitors can explore artifacts, watch reenactments, and learn about the people who lived in the area during the period of colonization.
Learn about the unique architecture, customs and traditions of the Spanish colonists and the native tribes who lived here before.
This museum offers a unique and educational experience that gives insight into the culture and history of the area and will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the past.
The St. Augustine Amphitheater
Head over to the St. Augustine Amphitheater for an unforgettable experience - it's perfect for your next night out!
Enjoy amazing concerts and performances, explore the lush parks, get lost in the breathtaking sunsets, and take in all that the St. Augustine Amphitheater has to offer:
Live Music: From national touring acts to local bands, you can enjoy the best music around at the St. Augustine Amphitheater.
Events: Enjoy a variety of events, such as comedy shows, festivals, and movies.
Parks: Explore the lush parks surrounding the amphitheater, perfect for a romantic stroll or a picnic with friends.
Sunsets: Marvel at the breathtaking sunsets from the amphitheater, a perfect way to end a night.
No matter what you choose to do, you're sure to have an unforgettable experience at the St. Augustine Amphitheater.
Shop at the Local Boutiques
If you're looking for something unique, you'll find no shortage of local boutiques in the area - in fact, Florida is home to over 5,000 independent retail stores! With so many options, you're bound to find something that you love during your babymoon in St. Augustine. Here's a look at just a few of the local boutiques that you can explore during your time in the area:
BoutiqueLocationDescriptionTanger OutletsSt. Augustine, FLA large outlet mall with over 120 stores and plenty of great dealsBoutique du JourSt. Augustine, FLA trendy boutique with a wide selection of clothing, accessories, and giftsBlue Heron Home BoutiqueSt. Augustine, FLA home decor store with unique pieces to spruce up any room
If you're looking to try out some new styles, the local boutiques are the perfect place to start. From the designer labels at Tanger Outlets to the unique finds at Boutique du Jour, you'll be sure to find something that speaks to you. And if you're looking to find great deals, you can always check out the clearance section of any of the stores. The great thing about the local boutiques is that you can take your time browsing the selection and find something that's truly unique to you.
Whether you're looking for the perfect piece of clothing or the perfect gift, you'll be sure to find something special at one of the local boutiques in St. Augustine. With so many options and so much to choose from, you're sure to have a great time shopping during your babymoon. So get out there and explore the shops - you never know what you might find!
Take a Day Trip to the Beaches
Take a break from the boutiques and spend a day at the beautiful beaches near your destination - you won't regret it!
St. Augustine is blessed with picture-perfect beaches that offer a perfect combination of activities and relaxation. Soaking up the sunsets on the beach is a great way to end your day and watch the sun dip into the horizon.
Take a romantic stroll along the shoreline as you exchange sweet nothings, or maybe even a picnic in the sand. The beaches here are perfect for swimming and sunbathing in the warm Florida sun.
Depending on your preference, you can find a beach that offers more seclusion or more attractions. If you're looking for more of the latter, the St. Augustine Beach Pier and the St. Augustine Beach Park are both great choices. Here, you can find many activities such as volleyball, mini-golf, and even a playground for the kids.
No matter where you choose to go, you'll be sure to make some amazing memories. From peaceful moments of tranquility to fun beach activities, St. Augustine's beaches have something for everyone.
So, don't forget your sunscreen and dive into the waves for an adventure you won't soon forget.
Book a Spa Treatment
For a truly pampering experience, book yourself a spa treatment to truly relax and unwind during your getaway.
There are a number of spa treatments to choose from in Saint Augustine. Whether you're looking for a luxury package to enjoy with your partner or a private session to take some time for yourself, there's something for everyone.
To ensure you get the most out of your spa experience, there are a few spa etiquette tips to keep in mind.
Before your appointment, make sure to arrive at least 10-15 minutes early to check-in and fill out any paperwork. Be sure to wear comfortable clothing and refrain from wearing jewelry, as you'll be asked to remove it.
Once you are in the treatment room, you may be asked to undress depending on the type of treatment. Your therapist will provide you with a robe and leave the room to give you privacy.
To get the most out of your spa experience, be sure to speak up if you have any discomfort. Whether it's the pressure of the massage, the temperature of the room, or anything else, your therapist will be more than happy to accommodate.
Additionally, take your time and really savor the moment. Enjoy the relaxation and let go of any worries or stress.
Unwind at the Hotels and Resorts
Now that we've looked at the different spa treatments available in Saint Augustine during your babymoon, let's look into the different hotels and resorts that are in the area. Planning a staycation at one of the beautiful hotels and resorts in Saint Augustine is a great way to relax and unwind during your babymoon.
Go beachcombing, take long walks, or just spend time lounging around the pool; there are so many ways to relax and unwind during your stay.
From luxurious 5-star resorts to cozy boutique hotels, Saint Augustine has something for everyone looking for a place to stay on their babymoon. Whether you're looking for a romantic getaway or a family-friendly vacation, there are plenty of hotels and resorts to choose from in Saint Augustine.
From modern beachfront properties to historic inns, you'll be sure to find the perfect accommodation to make your babymoon unforgettable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to visit Saint Augustine Florida for a Babymoon?
If you're looking for a romantic getaway for your babymoon, St. Augustine, Florida is the perfect destination! With its beautiful beaches, historic sites, and plenty of outdoor activities, it's a great place to visit any time of year.
However, the best time to visit is during the spring and fall, when the weather is more mild and tourist crowds are smaller. Whether you're looking for a relaxing beach escape or a city adventure, St. Augustine has something to offer everyone.
Travel tips include booking your hotel in advance, taking advantage of the many walking tours, and exploring the city's romantic spots. With its rich history and array of activities, St. Augustine is a great choice for a romantic babymoon.
What are the safety precautions for visiting tourist attractions in Saint Augustine?
We're visiting Saint Augustine and ready to explore the tourist attractions, but we're also mindful of the safety precautions we need to take.
It's like walking a tightrope between having a good time and being safe.
We've read up on the sanitation guidelines, COVID policies, and other safety protocols so we can enjoy our visit and still stay healthy.
We're aware that many places have limited capacity and require reservations, so we've made sure to plan ahead and be prepared.
We're also wearing masks, washing our hands regularly, and keeping a respectful distance from other visitors.
With the proper precautions, we can have a safe and enjoyable time in Saint Augustine.
Are there any special discounts for couples visiting Saint Augustine for a Babymoon?
Couples looking for budget-friendly options for their babymoon in Saint Augustine, Florida, will be pleased to know that there are plenty of discounts to be had.
From pregnancy-friendly accommodations to discounts on attractions, there are plenty of ways to save when visiting Saint Augustine.
Many hotels offer special packages for couples expecting a baby, while some attractions offer discounts when purchased in advance.
Doing some research and asking around can help you find the best deals for your babymoon.
What activities are suitable for expecting couples in Saint Augustine?
We've all heard the saying 'love is in the air,' and that couldn't be more true in Saint Augustine, Florida.
From romantic restaurants to beach walks, there are plenty of activities suitable for expecting couples looking for a 'babymoon'.
Whether it's a stroll on the beach as the sun sets, a romantic dinner for two, or simply enjoying the sights and sounds of the city, Saint Augustine has something special for every couple.
Take a break and enjoy the beauty of this city, and your babymoon will be a truly unforgettable experience.
Are there any special requirements for visiting the nature parks in Saint Augustine?
Visiting the nature parks in Saint Augustine is a great way to enjoy the beauty of the area. As many of these parks are pet-friendly, you can bring your furry friends along with you. Additionally, there are plenty of baby-friendly activities, so you can involve the whole family.
However, you should be aware that there may be special requirements for visiting the parks. For example, certain times of day or proof of ID may be necessary. Make sure to check with your local park before visiting.
Conclusion
We had an unforgettable experience on our babymoon in Saint Augustine.
From exploring the historic city to taking a boat tour, we were able to experience the unique beauty and charm of the area.
We enjoyed the ocean views and felt like we were standing in a postcard.
The local cuisine was like a gourmet feast and the boutiques were like a treasure trove of finds.
We also took a day trip to the beaches, where the sand was as soft as silk.
Finally, we pampered ourselves at the spa with relaxing treatments, and stayed at a luxurious hotel, allowing us to completely unwind and recharge.
Our babymoon was an incredible experience and one we'll always remember fondly.

submitted by Sweet-Count2557 to worldkidstravel [link] [comments]

2024.05.16 11:54 z3pp89 Winning the Ekstraklasa after 7 seasons pt.3

Season 6:
After losing the league on head to head recruitment plan was to add better attacking players. My scouts had some good suggestions and DoF had a few interesting suggestions as well. Also new addition to recruitment was bringing Polish players from other European Leagues.
I had a decent transfer budget of €3,000,000 and for the first time wage budget was not that good. That left me in a situation where I had to sell some players that were just average in last couple of seasons, but had high wages.
Transfers out:
Lawrence Ennali, (left winger) - €1,400,000 to Korona Kielce
Iwo Kaczmarski, (defensive midfielder) - €800,000 to Gaziantep FK
Lamine Correa, (striker) - free to Prostejov
Kacper Chelmecki, (striker) - €1,000,000 to Piast Gliwice - winter
With 3 high earnes leaving in summer, there was much more flexibility with wage budget so I got into the transfer market.
Players in:
Dawid Bugaj, (right back) - free transfer from US Lecce
Filip Rozga, (left winger) - €2,500,000 from Legia
David Kurminowski, (striker) - €1,000,000 from Kocaelispor
Sebastian Jorgensen, (right winger) - €2,000,000 from Malmo FF
Catalin Cirjan, (attacking midfielder) - loan from AEK Athens
Junior, (defensive midfielder) - free from NK Kustosija Zagreb
Talles Wander, (striker) - free transfer from Sao Paolo FC - winter
Season started early with Europa League qualifiers. We destroyed KR from Iceland 11-1 on aggregate. In between those two game, we played Legia in Polish Super Cup.
I was expecting a difficult game, but it was nothing like that. We beat them 4-0 and TSP got their second major trophy. Penalty, two goals from corners and well executed counter attack and that was it. Legia did made a lot of chances in last 15 minutes but we kept the clean sheet.
Super cup
In Europe qualifying rounds we beat FC U Craiova (Romania), TSV Hartberg (Austria) and, FC Zurich (Switzerland) to book our spot in league phase of Europa League.
We had a tough schedule in Europe League, but despite that we managed to get through Knock Out play off round with the record of 3 wins, 3 draws and two losses.
https://preview.redd.it/wlxalr8njq0d1.png?width=1920&format=png&auto=webp&s=5445ebcb41bc1ae9301943255e4db1875bbbbbf7
In the Knock Out round we faced SK Rapid from Austria and beat them. First game at home TSP won 3-0, going into the away game with lot of optimism. Away game proved to be tricky, we scored first in first half but by the end of the half Rapid was 2-1 up. Second half started good, as we scored for to tie the game 2-2, but then Rapid got into another gear. They were creating a lot of chances and scored two goals in 80's minutes. Last few minutes of the game were very nervy. We advanced with that result and were to face Tottenham Hotspurs in Round of 16.
First leg was at home. We drew the game 2-2, which wasn't encouraging. Game in London was one of the toughest games in this save so far. They scored in first 10 minutes of the game and just kept attacking. Our goalie was having the game of his life. That's how the first half ended, going into second half they immediately scored for 2-0. We managed to get the one goal, but the final result was 2-1 for Tottenham. We were eliminated from Europa League.
Polish Cup, with good additions in transfer window plan was to go for domestic treble. Cup was taken really seriously even in the early stages of it, while playing teams from lower leagues. In quarter finals we faced Wisla Plock. Even though they were in division below us they played amazing. We had to comeback twice to draw the game 2-2, only to win on penalties. In semifinals we faced Lechia, dominated the game and somehow only beat them 2-1.
It was time for Final of Polish cup for two straight seasons. We played against KGHM Zaglebie. They were the favourites to win the game, but we played another amazing game and destroyed them 4-1. That was the second Polish Cup in a row, and one step closer to domestic treble.
Polish Cup finals
Ekstraklasa campaign was quite successful, but no trophy again. Even though we had a strong squad that could potentially play in three different competitions simultaneously, somehow we still lacked quality to win the league. First part of the season was really successful, we only lost two games, which of course one of them was to Legia. Second part of season was more trickier, slump in March where we lost two games. Drawing 4 a wining 3 in our last seven games did not help. Legia was champions of Ekstraklasa once again.
Signing from couple seasons ago Juan Carlos Arana broke the club record of most goals scored in one season, with 31 goals. New signing Sebastian Jorgensen broke the club record of assist in one season with 15 assist. Despite whole squad scoring plenty of goals, Legia was still untouchable.
Season 6 League
Best XI for this season:
https://preview.redd.it/16ywduwjoq0d1.png?width=1920&format=png&auto=webp&s=10aceae9a9705347ef1b8a90b88c502737d262c4
Season 7:
This was it, now or never. I had a clear idea what needed to be done, who to sell and who to bring. With an good transfer budget of €5,500,000 and sales of few players, good wage budget, my DoF and I went shopping.
Players out:
Dawid Kurminowski, (striker) - €1,000,000 to Ruch Chorzow
Marcel Krayewski, (right back) - €600,000 to Slask Wroclaw
Ziga Lipuscek, (central back) - €1,000,000 to Al-Shabab FC
Ben Lederman, (defensive midfielder) - €3,000,000 to Al-Markhiya SC
Talles Wander, (striker) - €5,000,000 to Bristol City - winter
Players in:
Ilaix Moriba, (attacking midfielder) - free transfer from RB Leipzig
Ronaldo Deacounu, (attacking midfielder) - free transfer from Korona Kielce
Efe Sarikaya, (central back) - €2,200,000 from Cracovia
Nicola Profeta, (defensive midfielder) - €900,000 from Deportivo Cali
Petar Serdarski, (right back) - €2,500,000 from Lokomotiv Plovdiv
Kacper Tobiasz, (goalkeeper) - €1,100,000 from HSV
Karol Sakwa, (striker ***wonderkid***) - €2,000,000 from Lechia Gdansk
Mamadou Doumbia, (striker) - €3,000,000 from Cracovia - winter
Vadik Murria, (central defender) - free transfer from Prostejov - winter
I went into this season with one goal, win Ekstraklasa. First part of the season went really well, two losses and couple of draws rest were wins. I was extremely optimistic that this is the season. There was a problem, even though we were winning, our strikers were struggling to score. A lot of mediocre performances from strikers, despite me thinking this is the best 3 strikers throughout the save. Talles Wander was particularly disappointing. Plan was to sell him and buy whoever was top scorer of Ekstraklasa at the time. Out goes Talles Wander in comes Mamadou Doumbia. With already 14 goals scored in first half of the season, I thought he was the answer. But he also struggled, missing some easy one-on-ones. On the other hand, new goalkeeper and new central back pairing Hoyo-Kowalski and Efe Sarikaya were on fire. Troughout the season we were battling Legia, but surprisingly Widzew Lodz came out of nowhere and at one point they were 1st with five points clear.
Second part of the season, started with mixed results. First three games we had one loss and two wins, after that there was no stopping us. In last 12 games lost one and won 11. Most impressive thing was that Kacper Tobiasz kept 10 clean sheets in those 12 games. In fact he was so good that he broke previous cleen sheet record (held by Lukasz Fabianski with 19 cleans sheets) with his 22.
We have finally won the Ekstraklasa.
Champions!
My favorite part of this was the fact last game of the season was against Legia, so they had to give as a a proper champions walk out (and we beat them 4-3). Here is a photo of this:
Champions!
Super Cup was played in beginning of the season and we faced Legia. Really tough game, 0-0 in full time and no goals in extra time. Not a lot of chances for either team, and low XG's. Penalties were deciding who would win. They missed two, we missed one and scored the rest and trophy was ours.
Super cup
Polish Cup, dream of domestic treble was looking more possible than ever. We went easy through first few rounds until we met Lech Poznan in semi finals. We were the better team, scored multiple clear cut chances, but as mentioned earlier our strikers weren't scoring. In the end TSP got FM'd and we lost on penalties.
European football was back, we beat AaB (Denmark), Dnipro-1 (Ukraine) and SK Rapid (Austria) to book our place in Europa League - league stage. There we had some good performances. Four wins, two draws and 2 losses and we ended in 15th position to advance to Knock Out Play off round. There we met FC Utrecht (Holland). They were one of the teams the we won against in leagues stage.
In first leg, away, our strikes couldn't score, on the other hand Utrecht scored almost every good chance they had. Game ended 3-0 and it was time to prepare for the home game. TSP dominated the game, 17 shots to their 2, but we only scored one. In the end they advanced to the next round.
Europa league
Best XI for this season:
XI
Bonus - Season 8:
After winning the Ekstraklasa, my plan was to resign and find another long term project. Playing in champions league, and in back of my head fact that we could do domestic treble was really appealing.
So, I decided to stay for one more season. Immediately I knew that team needed players who previously have played in Champions league. In my opinion team was good, but not Champions League good. So I dove in deep in scouting reports and asked DoF for suggestions.
Transfers out:
Nicola Profeta, (defensive midfielder) - €2,000,000 to Abha Club
Kristoffer Velde, (left winger) - €2,000,000 to Vitesse
Petar Serdarski, (right back) - €4,000,000 to ESTAC Troyes
Camilo Mena, (right wing) - €3,000,000 to Standard de Liege
Fernando Fonseca, (right back) - free transfer to Karvina
Vadik Murria, (central back) - €200,000 to Slask Wroclaw
Ronaldo Deaconu, (attacking midfielder) - free transfer to Aris Salonika
Transfers in:
Aljoscha Kemlein, (defensive midfielder) - free transfer from FC Augsburg
Myron Van Brederode, (left wing) - free transfer from Panathinaikos
Sadiou Sow, (central defender) - free transfer from Antwerp FC
Frederik Nyheim, (right back) - €2,500,000 from Molde FK
Miguel Maga, (right back) - free transfer from AGF
Karol Borys, (attacking midfielder) - €2,500,000 from Legia
All the players that were brought in played in Champions League at some point, I was still not happy with the quality of the squad. Even though I had clear target and money to buy new right winger, just to check with my buddy Artur Platek (DoF) to see if he has any suggestions for right winger and attacking midfielder.
Here comes the fun part!
He suggest the 33-year old Ousmane Dembele as a right wing and 34-year old Marco Asensio as targets. Both of them were out of contract, so I check the with their agents and surprisingly they were interested in joining TSP. Problem were wages, even though I had money in transfer budget it was not enough cover their wages. Hard decision needed to be made, sell someone for a lot of money and adjust budgets to bring these two. This made sense, both experienced, played and won Champions League, so I got to work.
Only player who could generate a lot of money was 21-year old, former wonderkid, Damian Urbanik. After transfer listing him, best offer came from VfB Stuttgart. After negotiations final offer was €17 million upfront, €7 million after 20 games, and cheeky 20% sell on clause was included.
With this money I definitely had enough to offer both Dembele and Asensio contracts. Also team needed another left back.
Transfers out: (part two)
Damian Urbanik, (left back) - €17,000,000 to VfB Stuttgart
Transfers in: (part two)
Ousmane Dembele, (right winger) - free transfer from PSG
Marco Asensio, (attacking midfielder) - free transfer from FC Girondins de Bordeaux
Kamil Pestka, (left back) - €3,000,000 frm FC Luzern
Everything was set for the new season.
First up were qualifications for Champions League, Paide LM (Estonia) were brushed away with 13-1 aggregate. Next team was Dinamo Batumi (Georgia), 13-0 on aggregate. Final obstacle before the league phase of Champions League were IF Elfsborg (Sweden). Home TSP won 2-0, and with 2-2 draw away we were official playing Champions League football.
We did surprisingly well in the league phase. Four wins, three draws and 5-3 defeat at home versus PSG put us 11th place. Next up was Knock Out Play off round versus Olympique de Marseille. Tough draw, but I was optimistic.
League phase
Optimism didn't last long.
First game was away, I played 5-4-1 formation. They easily scored 3 goals in first half in what was dreadful performance by whole TSP team. After adjusting the formation, making couple of subs, pressing more we started of second half really good. Scored two goals, but then Marseille started attacking, in last five minutes they scored their 4th goal and final score was 4-2. Second leg, we played really well, had better XG and made lot of chances. Unfortunatly best we could do is draw 1-1. That was the end of TSP campaign in Champions League. I was satisfied how it went, got lot of money for participating and wins during the league phase.
I still dreamed of winning the domestic treble. After first game of domestic season (Polish Super Cup) that stayed just a dream. We played Cup winner Lech. Totally dominated the game, made great chances, had better XG. Full time it was 2-2, game went to extra time and then to penalties. Two of our players missed their penalties and Lech won the thropy.
Super Cup
Polish Cup was another heart break. We went all the way to finals where we played versus Widzew. After finishing 2nd last season, they had an horrible league campaign, they were in relegation zone most of it. Saved them selfs in last two games of the season. Cup final was a boring game, TSP played horrible and we couldn't do anything right. Widzew scored a goal from a free kick in 78th minute and that was the final score.
Polish Cup finals
After realizing that domestic treble is going to stay just a dream, I was totally focused on winning the Ekstraklasa. In first part of the season, we had one defeat, two draws and rest of the games were wins. Strikers were scoring goals again, and so did the wingers. Second part of season was a bit more complicated. Due to playing in 3 different competitions team had to be rotated, and sometimes players that would step in didn't perform well. With that being said, 4 defeats 3 draws and rest wins were enough for TSP win the Ekstraklasa second year in row. Radomiak, Piast and Legia came close few times to almost taking over the first place, but somehow we would score important goals and win the games. One thing that we had this season compared to previous years was consistency. Defenders and strikers were finally all producing some good performances. Wingers were lethal from wide areas. In the end, nine players had double figure goals and Sebastian Jorgensen broke his own record for assists by providing 18 to his teammates. Only player who stayed with the club during this whole save is Marcel Misztal. He went from playing in Polish second tier to playing Champions League football.
League table
Champions!
Best XI season 8:
Best XI
Full squad - season 8
This is the end of this amazing save. Probably had most fun in last couple of years playing manager. With (self imposed) transfer and recruitment restrictions, it was quite challenging sometimes but thoroughly enjoyable. This post probably won't be seen by many people but I had to share this save with someone.
Trophies won during this save:

Polish First Division: 2024
Polish Cup: 2028, 2029
Polish Super Cup: 2028, 2029
Ekstraklasa: 2030, 2031

All the facilities have been upgraded several times, there is €60,000,000 on bank balance. I have resigned from the manager role of TS Podbeskidzie Bielsko-Biala, but will continue this save with another long term project.
One last thing that would maybe be interesting to share is Overall Best XI:
Overall XI
THE END!

submitted by z3pp89 to footballmanagergames [link] [comments]

2024.05.16 09:50 markoj22 Personal Perspective: New lessons learned about THC long into a medical career.

KEY POINTS

The therapeutic interactions between doctors and cannabis patients can be extremely gratifying.
Having time to deeply explain and then followup with cannabis patients and caregivers creates a special bond.
Working in the world of medical cannabis is provocative and challenging as more is learned about the plant.
People's interactions with cannabis provoke a fascinating mix of medical and spiritual benefits.

Working with patients and their families for the past nine years as a medical cannabis practitioner has been extremely gratifying in many surprising ways.
After 30-plus years in the ER and urgent care setting, providing one-time, episodic interventions and rarely seeing the same patient again, I now have accrued a roster of hundreds of ongoing patients, many of whom I have continued to treat since I began as a registered cannabis practitioner in 2016.
The conversations we have, mostly about their positive responses to using medical cannabis but about so many other aspects of life, politics, and their illnesses, have become a very important part of my own life. These dialogues have brought me closer to the patients, their families, and their caregivers and have been instrumental in my ever-deepening understanding of and appreciation for the vast array of benefits that medical cannabis provides.
It’s been a tremendously important and enriching experience and, in addition, has rekindled my interest in biochemistry, neurotransmitters, and brain anatomy, subjects that I last explored during medical school.
Most remarkable has been the array of patients I’ve met who have taken me into their lives. Advising patients about medical cannabis has brought me into contact with a stratum of people I would otherwise probably never have access to. They have ranged from corporate CEOs, attorneys, and others wanting a medical cannabis card so they wouldn’t get arrested with illicit products to people with devastating and debilitating autoimmune diseases or those with terminal cancer.
Regardless of where along the health and socioeconomic spectrum my patients lie, there has been a consistent attitude that I became aware of early on when the law legalizing medical cannabis first went into effect.
I’m referring to an openness to trying cannabis. These patients, their families, and their caregivers haven’t been taken in by the nearly 90-year-old propaganda onslaught against the plant. Either they laughed at the “killer weed” characterizations, were open-minded enough to see or know others for whom it worked, or, especially in the many elderly patients I see, they’d already tried everything else before they came to me. They clearly had not gotten relief for an array of symptoms caused by their underlying diseases and were willing to give medical cannabis a shot.
As they have seen its benefits, this has formed a unique bond between many of us, an understanding and camaraderie in that we are partaking in something still considered forbidden and illegal in many corners of the globe. Yet we know that despite that condemnation, we have access to something that, as so many of them say, is “life-changing.”
I had realized early on in the ER and Urgent Care setting the need for abbreviated interactions. The conversations and observations that transpired in those settings helped my interventions there to provide the best immediate therapeutic relief. Even though they were often brief (of necessity), these experiences also led to many of the stories I wrote and were published. Now, in this late-in-life career choice, the longer conversations that I can pursue provide me incredible insights into the workings of the cannabis plant and provoke me to try to understand what I’m being told by patients or their caregivers about their observations on what taking cannabis is like.
I seem to learn the most from my “cannabis naive” patients, those who have never used the plant. They will describe the process of finding that “sweet spot,” discovering the therapeutic regimen that gives them the relief they seek, bringing them back to where they’d been before their illness struck. And, whether this happens in a day or a week or longer, the story is similar to hearing someone describe an epiphany.
I can no longer count the times I’ve been told: “I now go through the day without pain and have to remind myself that it’s from the cannabis tincture I take every morning.”
I’m reminded of a patient who’d come to me for treatment of severe chronic back pain. When I asked, with concern, how the high THC product he took every morning for that pain affected him at work, he recounted how, as a computer programmer, he was tasked with coming up with solutions to various program challenges. He told me that using cannabis allowed him to find answers he would not have seen otherwise.
Or the successful businessman with Crohn’s disease who, before using cannabis at work, would be debilitated by his flares. Now, four or five years into his involvement in the program, when he senses a flare coming on, he uses a very well-controlled dose of his high-THC cannabis, and shortly thereafter, he dives right back into caring for his customers, pain-free and focused.
I also have a patient with USHER 3 syndrome, a degenerative disease ultimately causing deafness and blindness. She has compared her taking cannabis to being in a dark room and having the lights go on.
Several patients with severe pain syndromes, overweight and out of shape (and scheduled to have surgery for resolution of their symptoms), have found that as cannabis increasingly resolved their pain, they became more active, lost weight, had even less pain, and ultimately (for several, now six or seven years into using cannabis) have been able to avoid going under the knife.
I have another patient, a writer with severe anxiety and some cognitive issues, whom I saw recently in follow-up, a year into treatment with cannabis. She is much more focused, conversant, and happy, interacting with family and caregivers in a much more positive way, and no longer abusing alcohol.
Another, a teacher with Autism Spectrum Disorder, told me he has been able to escape the destructive route older generations in his family had chosen, using alcohol to try and treat their symptoms. Instead, he has adopted a cannabis regimen to effectively control his ASD.
I also must mention the great help my colleagues and I are seeing that cannabis can provide for many of the symptoms of dementia.
It is my hope that those of us practitioners in the world of medical cannabis can continue to educate the public and break down the stigma surrounding cannabis. Hopefully, as well, governments will move forward in rescheduling (or de-scheduling) cannabis so that more patients can benefit from its therapeutic potential.
This brings me back to my last patient and the question about THC and wisdom:
I recently saw a middle-aged man, a Hasidic Jew, with inflammatory bowel disease. He found that medical cannabis could be very helpful in controlling his IBD flares. In addition, when we were on a follow-up call a few months after he began taking medical cannabis, he asked me something.
“Dr. Weinberg,” he asked, “does THC give you wisdom?”
I was intrigued by the question and asked back, “Why, what do you mean?”
“Well,” he said, “I’ve been reading Talmud all my life, and there have always been passages I don’t understand.” He paused. “But when I take my medical cannabis, and I go back to my studies, I get it! I understand the meaning of those passages. And it’s not because I’m high! Both my wife and the rabbi agree that my insights are valid and profound.”
Knowing the many references to cannabis in ancient Hebrew (and other spiritual) texts, I shouldn’t have been surprised at his question. I was delighted, however, and am eager to pass this insight along to others as we hopefully advance our knowledge of the many benefits of the cannabis plant.

submitted by markoj22 to MedicalCannabis_NI [link] [comments]

2024.05.16 08:10 Sad-Pop6649 Lunetten, Utrecht, Netherlands, a higher density green suburb?

https://preview.redd.it/8yds0x4mdq0d1.png?width=1482&format=png&auto=webp&s=92f6de754e519475997b6af36b838a95b80ae404
This might end up as a bit of a weird post. But mostly a very long one. I don’t think this place I’m presenting here is heaven, but without Suburbs Heaven Thursday this subreddit may give viewers the idea that we’re all just hating, and this case study may help illustrate some of the alternatives and what one could like and dislike about them. I know that yelling “the Netherlands!” on any urbanist platform is overdone and so 2 years ago, but I also feel like the available “Netherlands!” content is giving people an incomplete picture. So I’m going to discuss a suburban neighborhood, Lunetten, in Utrecht, where I’ve lived for about a year now. It’s a place built in the 70’s and 80’s, housing about 11,000 people in 5,500ish homes, for a density of just over 4,000 people/km², 10,000 per square mile.
Obviously that’s pretty dense. In a North American context Lunetten may count more as an example of the “missing middle” than a true suburb, but I feel it still works as a comparison because it is situated at the edge of a city* and it offers features people often look to the suburbs for, like a low noise environment, plenty of green and child oriented features. So, what can we find in this example that people may like or dislike in their suburban areas?
If you want to look along on your favorite online map: 52° 3'53 N, 5° 8'13 E.
Traffic and transit
Lunetten has a clear main road (middle left image, bright pink line on the map) that serves as the main way of getting around by car. It is the only road where the limit is 50 km/h (30 mph), not 30 km/h. The main road has priority over all side roads, indicated by the exits of all side streets being raised a bit. The speed bump automatically makes one slow down to yield to the traffic on the main road. In the places where people’s front doors open towards this main ring there are service roads for them to do their parking and loading and such on. In the busiest part of the ring the road was raised a few meters so pedestrians and cyclists can pass underneath through tunnels. So while the maximum speed cars can go on most of the roads in this place is quite low, the time to destination is pretty good, because a lot was done to ensure a good flow of traffic.
A more debatable feature is the lack of through-traffic options. If you want to leave Lunetten by car there are two roads leading West, connecting to the rest of the city and to the 70km/h raised road that serves as the exit from the city. There is also one small road going South-East along the train line, and that’s it. Despite being next to two highways Lunetten has no direct on- and off-ramp accessing it, and even no direct way across the highways for cars. Cyclists and pedestrians do have options leading in basically all directions. On the one hand this does wonders for how quiet the neighborhood is, but on the other hand that one road taking people in and out of the city is still more prone to blocking than a direct ramp to the highway, so car owners will experience some travel delays because of this.
Lunetten is no public transit hotspot, but there are like two bus lines both going to more connected places including the city’s central hub, and the train station is two stops from said hub as well, which happens to be the biggest train station in the Netherlands.
Public Spaces
Even by Dutch standards Lunetten has a pretty urban-ish density. There’s a mix of mostly rowhouses and midrise apartment buildings, mostly gallery flats up to 5 stories tall, including the ground floor. To give you an idea of Dutch standards for density: I grew up in a commuter town of about the same size as Lunetten, housing 1,000 less people (present day numbers) on roughly 1.25 times the surface**. But what I find interesting is what that space is used for. In Lunetten, on the outer ring of the neighborhood, adjacent to the two highways, busy raised road and train line that surround the neighborhood, there are quite sizable parks (bottom right picture). There’s plenty of space for dogs to run off their leash, there are football/play fields, there are two skate parks, two ponds for amphibians to spend the winter in (granted: that’s an amenity most people could live without) and an entire petting zoo, in case you had doubts this was a suburb. Together with a football/soccer club, a tennis club, some allotment gardens and a small business park near the train station these parks take up most of the space where traffic noise is an issue. There is room for recreation and other daytime activities in the noisy bits (there are sound screens, but that’s not blocking all of the noise) so that peoples’ homes can mostly be in the quiet parts, shielded from noise by trees and stuff. And then there’s the neighborhood interior. You’ll see on the map a few yellow locations marked as “playground/square”, but in reality many, probably most, of the dark green “courtyards” contain a little playground too. All of the courtyards have grass, most if not all of them have trees, many of those trees being taller than the midrises. Some of the courtyards feature parking space as well***. The middle right image is far from the greenest example. The combination of the parks and the courtyards make Lunetten much greener than the actual smallish town I lived in mentioned previously. Plenty of birds live here too, including a bunch of water birds who enjoy the ditches and canals. In the smallish town much more of the space was simply used for row houses with pretty large gardens, and in the newer parts a bunch of four home and two home units and free standing homes as well****.
Which brings me to the reality check. With all these pedestrianized public spaces around and loads of playgrounds, is Lunetten actually a good neighborhood to raise kids? From what I can tell, opinions are mixed. Because one thing that does tend to come with density of people is density of crime. In my year here I have personally witnessed a man snorting coke off his bicycle saddle, in broad daylight, in the middle of a bike lane near a skatepark with playing children in it*****. There is also the occasional lost shopping cart dumped in a canal and apparently there was a pretty shocking supermarket robbery just before I moved in. Especially if your budget only allows for an apartment and not a house I could imagine feeling a little scared to let young children wander around near the house on their own, also maybe because of the canals and ditches they might fall into. The sweet spot age for children in Lunetten is probably around 9-12, old enough to be trusted with their own safety around water and some minor drug use and vandalism, yet young enough to fully enjoy all the outdoor play space.
The blame for the crime is often put on the street pattern that is said to attract drug dealers and the like who love having good get away options, and the many green public spaces and nice dry apartment building entrances are certainly not the worst place a homeless person could go to for another night of hopefully not being bothered by the police. More recently developed neighborhoods have tried to avoid these effects by using a “cauliflower pattern” for their streets, branched streets ending in a bunch of (at least to cars) dead ends. The downside of that pattern seems to be less sense of community. The more direct neighbors you have, the more interaction. That’s why cul-de-sacs can be so isolating after all. Lunetten is not the worst crimey part of its parent city by a long shot, but it’s noticeable enough to be worth mentioning.
A planned neighborhood
The big advantage I think Lunetten has over a lot of other places is that it was designed in one go. The land it was built on was part of the Dutch Water Line******, and had to stay free of buildings and obstructions that would block the firing lines of defending artillery. (That’s what the two weird shapes in the northern park are: old fortifications, called Lunette 3 and 4. Hence the suburb’s name.) When the line was legally disbanded in 1963 Utrecht started planning to build a new neighborhood here. Because of the highways (current configuration built at the same time as the suburb) and the train line that surround the place it was very clear to where the neighborhood would stretch. And it shows. The suburb is designed as a cohesive whole. There’s a neighborhood shopping center (bottom left image and the main soft pink blob on the map) at the heart of the neighborhood. It has two supermarkets, some small other shops, several small fast food/lunch places in different styles, two bicycle shops and repair places (it’s the Netherlands), a restaurant (there’s another one on one of the forts in the park, which doubles as a sort of social work place), a community center which houses some clubs and such (not the scouts, those have a place in one of the parks) as well as a library. There’s even a bar (I think, I should maybe go there ones), and some space where small neighborhood markets and events turn up with some regularity. The other main soft pink and yellow blob in a convenient central location on the map is two elementary schools*******. In many more organically grown neighborhoods or places the amenities wouldn’t be so conveniently centralized or would eventually be “centralized” on the outskirt of town.
The Bijlmer comparison, what not to do
Another interesting point of comparison I think is the Bijlmer (Bijlmermeer officially) in Amsterdam, another green neighborhood designed as one big plan outside of its parent city’s core, yet quite different. The Bijlmer is nationally famous as a bit of a ghetto, a place where you don’t want to live. (To be fair: the plane falling down on it didn’t help its case.) A lot of work has been done to improve the place, but its initial “ghettoization” was surprising because the Bijlmer was never intended to even be particularly affordable, but more of a vertical suburb, spacious family apartments (around 120 m²) for 100,000 people or more in large highrise buildings with between them plenty of green. A quiet place, with quick access to the city, using density to save on land use and travel time. There are three main differences I see between the struggling Bijlmer and “doing pretty well” Lunetten: 1 The Bijlmer has a higher density through the use of massive apartment buildings, literally and figuratively increasing the distance between people’s homes and the public space. 2 The Bijlmer is a much bigger place, I’m not sure they ever got to those 100,000 inhabitants, but it certainly loses that towny vibe. 3 They’ve been correcting this in the rebabilitation, but as designed the Bijlmer had basically no amenities. It wasn’t a town or city, it was people storage, housing for people who mentally lived several kilometers away but couldn’t afford it there. See the rest of this subreddit for why that doesn’t work for many people.
Interdependency with other suburbs
Looking back on growing up in that smallish town I notice that there really isn’t that much of a difference in amenities. The town offered much of the same things Lunetten does. But Lunetten’s status as a suburb gives it a big advantage over that town. Because while suburbs mostly serve themselves, they also serve each other. Take sports: there’s a football and tennis club and two indoor sports halls in Lunetten, but what if I want to swim or throw spears instead? Well, there’s a pool in a suburb to the North, as well as an athletics stadium. After elementary school there’s no middle/high school in Lunetten, but there are in nearby neighborhoods, and there are even college options******** spread throughout different suburbs and neighborhoods. These things are closer than they are in a small town not because the suburb is associated with a city center, but because it is associated with other suburbs. There are things I liked about the commuter town, but having to take either an honestly too long bike trip or a bus ride that only went whenever it was not convenient for me whenever I wanted to do something my town didn’t provide, like going to school, wasn’t one of them. And I say that even as a spoiled person whose commuter town at least had buses and bicycle paths.
Conclusion
And that is I think the main takeaway from this absolute wall of text: suburbs don’t have to be places where there’s nothing to do and you feel disconnected from the world. That’s the entire point of living in a suburb instead of in a town: there are other places nearby. There is a balance to be found between private space, public space and connectivity. Essentially, in a neighborhood of 10,000 people, for every 100x100 meters of public space or amenities either every person gets 1 square meter less private space or everybody gets maybe a few meters of extra travel distance on the average trip. Lunetten probably provides too little private space for the taste of many North American suburbanites, but it does show I think that there is quite a bit of room on those sliders. A green place with amenities sort of near other places can still be built with more spacious houses. (Just maybe go easy on the sea of lawns?) And that’s when all the separated bike lanes and other urbanist talking points really start making sense: when you found the balance between having your own place, having local places worth going to and being close enough to other places worth going to, then you want a good way to get there.
The other takeaway I feel is that it pays to design neighborhoods as a unit. And that’s another reason why suburbs can be better than towns. A town of 10,000 residents can’t plan ahead for the next 10,000, but a city of several hundred thousand people can. And it pays off. Don’t lose track of the human scale though, planning 10,000 residents ahead might actually be better than planning 100,000 or 1,000,000 residents ahead when it comes to suburbs. It is still supposed to feel like a quiet little place with maybe a bit of its own identity.
* On the other side of one of the highways there’s a bit of forest tied to several historic estates that’s very nice for walking in as well as a golf course half as big as this entire neighborhood, this really is the edge of town and will be for the foreseeable future.
** I’ve also lived in several other cities since then, near the city center, further out and on the far edge in a highrise neighborhood. Honestly I might still prefer the smaller cities I’ve lived in, being near everything the city offers and even to some of the stuff outside of it. But work took me back to a larger city (pretend I said “less tiny” if you’re from Mexico City or something), and I could honestly have landed in a much worse place than this particular suburb.
*** Fun fact: this is one of the very few neighborhoods of Utrecht where parking is currently still free, because of enough parking space and enough distance to the city center. It really is a suburb.
**** In the 90’s a style of more expensive neighborhoods called “Vinex” set standards for the ratio of more expensive to cheaper houses in those neighborhoods, and ever since both contractors and local politicians refuse to let go of those ratios everywhere. A newer, competing vision is that we shouldn’t be building new neighborhoods at all, just filling in the gaps in our cities. So now we mostly build quite large houses, but only in very small spaces. We’re still not sure where that massive housing shortage came from, somehow.
***** I stopped and addressed him because I thought he was having bicycle trouble, chain ran off or something. Quite a chill dude, very apologetic, but still maybe not exactly what the average parent is looking for in a neighbor.
****** More accurately: Holland Waterline, because it wasn’t the only Dutch waterline, but it was the main one defending the part called Holland. But that sounds a bit off in English.
******* We have a bit of a weird school system, for every public elementary school there is at least one other founded on religious grounds or based on some specific didactic theory. That’s why there are two schools in the same central location instead of just one bigger school or two in separate locations.
******** If I start going into the differences in advanced education systems we’ll be here all day, but there are options within cycling distance ranging from trade school to university, depending on the field you actually want to study *********.
********* I could start using other symbols instead of these confusingly long rows of asterisks, but where would be the fun in that?

submitted by Sad-Pop6649 to Suburbanhell [link] [comments]

2024.05.16 07:56 Sweet-Count2557 Fun Things to Do in Aruba With Kids

Fun Things to Do in Aruba With Kids Attention all adventure-seeking families! Are you ready to embark on an unforgettable journey to Aruba?Join us, a team of travel enthusiasts, as we reveal the most thrilling and family-friendly activities this tropical paradise has to offer.From exploring hidden cave pools to horseback rides along picturesque beaches, Aruba has something for everyone.Get ready to create lasting memories and experience the freedom of fun with your loved ones.Let's dive into the best things to do in Aruba with kids!Key TakeawaysArikok National Park offers diverse plant and animal species, hiking trails, and stunning landscapes for outdoor adventures with kids.The Cave Pool UTV Adventure allows families to explore hidden caves and natural pools in Aruba's rugged terrain, providing a thrilling experience for children.Horseback riding tours to Wariruri Beach offer a unique opportunity for kids to ride horses along the coastline and enjoy the sea breeze.The Donkey Sanctuary Aruba provides an interactive and educational experience for children, allowing them to interact with friendly donkeys, learn about their history, and even feed and pet them.Outdoor AdventuresWe love exploring the beautiful landscapes of Aruba through exciting outdoor adventures. When visiting Aruba with kids, there are plenty of thrilling activities to keep the whole family entertained. From exploring hidden caves to riding horses on the beach, Aruba offers a wide range of outdoor adventures that are perfect for families seeking fun and freedom.One of the top things to do in Aruba with kids is to embark on a Cave Pool UTV Adventure. This exhilarating tour takes you deep into the rugged terrain of Aruba, where you'll discover hidden caves and natural pools. Kids will love splashing around in the crystal-clear water and exploring the unique rock formations.Another exciting outdoor adventure is the Horseback Ride Tour to Wariruri Beach. Imagine riding horses along the coastline, feeling the sea breeze in your hair and the sand beneath your feet. It's an experience that will create lasting memories for the whole family.For those who love nature, a visit to Arikok National Park is a must. This protected area is home to diverse plant and animal species, and offers hiking trails that wind through stunning landscapes. Kids will have the opportunity to learn about Aruba's flora and fauna while enjoying the freedom of the great outdoors.And let's not forget the Guadirikiri Caves in Arikok National Park. These mysterious caves are filled with fascinating rock formations and ancient petroglyphs. Exploring the caves with your kids will be an adventure they won't soon forget.Water ActivitiesLet's dive into the exciting world of water activities in Aruba with kids by taking a sunset cruise or exploring De Palm Island. Aruba offers a plethora of water adventures that will surely make your family vacation unforgettable.Hop aboard a sunset cruise and embark on a magical journey as the sun sets over the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean Sea. Relax on the deck, feel the gentle sea breeze on your face, and watch as the sky transforms into a stunning tapestry of colors. It's the perfect way to unwind and spend quality time with your loved ones.For a day filled with excitement and water fun, head to De Palm Island. This private island paradise is a haven for water enthusiasts of all ages. Splash around in the crystal-clear lagoon, snorkel with colorful tropical fish, or try your hand at kayaking or paddleboarding. The island also features thrilling water slides, a lazy river, and a dedicated children's water park, ensuring that everyone in the family has a blast.As we wrap up our water adventures, get ready to dive into the next section about animal encounters. Aruba offers unique opportunities for your kids to get up close and personal with fascinating creatures. From visiting the Butterfly Farm to the Donkey Sanctuary Aruba and the Aruba Ostrich Farm, there's no shortage of animal encounters on the island. Your children will have the chance to learn about different species, interact with friendly animals, and create lasting memories.Animal EncountersNow it's time to get up close and personal with some amazing animals in Aruba! Our family loves interactive animal encounters where we can learn all about wildlife while having a blast.From the colorful butterflies at the Butterfly Farm to the friendly donkeys at the Donkey Sanctuary Aruba, there's something for everyone to enjoy.Get ready for a wild adventure!Interactive Animal EncountersThere are several interactive animal encounters in Aruba that offer a unique and educational experience for families. These encounters allow children to get up close and personal with a variety of animals, while also learning about their habitats and behaviors. Here are three interactive animal encounters that are sure to delight and educate the whole family:Butterfly Farm: Step into a tropical paradise filled with colorful butterflies fluttering around you. Learn about the life cycle of butterflies and witness the magic of their metamorphosis up close.Donkey Sanctuary Aruba: Visit this sanctuary and interact with the friendly donkeys that roam freely. Learn about their history on the island and even get the chance to feed and pet them.Aruba Ostrich Farm: Take a guided tour of the farm and meet these fascinating creatures. Learn about their unique adaptations and behaviors, and even have the opportunity to feed and ride an ostrich.These interactive animal encounters provide a fun and memorable experience for families visiting Aruba. It's a great way to connect with nature and create lasting memories together.Learning About WildlifeWe thoroughly enjoyed exploring the interactive animal encounters in Aruba, for they provided a unique and educational way to learn about wildlife.One of our favorite experiences was visiting the Butterfly Farm, where we'd the opportunity to see hundreds of colorful butterflies up close. The knowledgeable staff taught us about the life cycle of butterflies and how they contribute to the ecosystem.Another highlight was the Donkey Sanctuary, where we got to interact with and learn about these gentle creatures. We fed them, petted them, and even had the chance to adopt one.Lastly, the Aruba Ostrich Farm was a fascinating place to visit. We learned about the behavior and habits of ostriches and even had the chance to ride one.These animal encounters allowed us to connect with nature and gain a deeper appreciation for wildlife.Educational ExperiencesOne of the educational experiences that we highly recommend in Aruba is visiting the Aruba Aloe Factory and Museum. This is a fantastic opportunity for kids to learn about the cultivation and production of aloe vera, which is one of the island's most important industries. Here, they can explore the factory and museum, and even see how aloe vera is processed into various products. It's a fascinating and interactive experience that will teach children about the importance of sustainable farming practices and the benefits of natural skincare.Explore the Aloe Fields: Take a guided tour of the aloe fields surrounding the factory and learn about the different varieties of aloe vera plants. Kids can see firsthand how these plants are grown and harvested, and gain a deeper appreciation for the hard work that goes into producing aloe vera products.Factory Tour: Step inside the factory and discover the various stages of aloe vera processing. From the initial extraction of the gel to the final packaging of the products, kids can witness the entire production process. They can also learn about the different uses of aloe vera, from skincare to health supplements.Interactive Museum: The museum offers a wealth of information about the history and uses of aloe vera. Kids can engage with interactive exhibits, watch educational videos, and even try out some aloe-based products. It's a fun and educational experience that will leave them with a greater understanding of the natural world around them.Visiting the Aruba Aloe Factory and Museum isn't only educational but also a great way to support sustainable agriculture and local businesses. It's a must-visit attraction for families looking for a unique and informative experience in Aruba.Scenic and Cultural ExperiencesAre you ready for some breathtaking views and cultural immersion?Aruba offers a multitude of scenic and cultural experiences that the whole family will love.Explore the stunning landscapes of Arikok National Park, where you can hike through rugged terrain, spot unique wildlife, and even discover ancient caves.Take a horseback ride tour to Wariruri Beach, where you can feel the wind in your hair and admire the beauty of the coastline.And don't forget to visit Renaissance Island, a private oasis with pristine beaches and flamingos roaming free.Get ready for an unforgettable adventure in Aruba!Arikok National ParkLet's explore the scenic and cultural experiences of Arikok National Park. This sprawling protected area is a must-visit destination for families seeking adventure and a deeper understanding of Aruba's natural and cultural heritage.Here are three highlights to check out:Natural Wonders: Discover the park's stunning landscapes, from rugged desert terrain to dramatic cliffs and hidden caves. Marvel at the unique rock formations and explore the Guadirikiri Caves, where you can find ancient Arawak Indian drawings.Wildlife Encounters: Encounter a variety of fascinating wildlife species, including lizards, birds, and even wild goats. Keep an eye out for Aruba's iconic divi-divi trees, which are shaped by the constant trade winds.Cultural Insights: Immerse yourself in the history and culture of Aruba at the park's visitor center. Learn about the island's indigenous people, the Arawaks, and the importance of preserving the natural environment.Arikok National Park is an ideal destination for families who want to explore, learn, and create lasting memories together.Renaissance IslandWe can experience the scenic and cultural wonders of Renaissance Island during our trip to Aruba. This private island is a paradise that offers something for everyone in the family.As we step onto the island, we'll be greeted by pristine white sand beaches and crystal clear turquoise waters. We can relax under the shade of a palm tree, build sandcastles, or swim in the calm waters.For those looking for a cultural experience, we can visit Flamingo Beach, where we can observe these beautiful birds in their natural habitat.The island also offers a variety of water sports activities, such as snorkeling and paddleboarding.With its stunning scenery and cultural attractions, Renaissance Island is a must-visit destination for families seeking freedom and adventure in Aruba.Wariruri Beach TourOne of the best ways to experience the scenic and cultural wonders of Aruba is by taking a horseback ride tour to Wariruri Beach. As a family, we were thrilled to embark on this adventure and discover all that this beautiful beach has to offer. Here are three reasons why this tour is a must-do for families:Immerse in nature: Riding on horseback allows you to fully immerse yourself in the stunning natural surroundings of Wariruri Beach. Feel the warm breeze on your face as you gallop along the shoreline and take in the breathtaking views of the crystal-clear turquoise waters.Explore ancient history: Wariruri Beach isn't only a picturesque setting, but it's also steeped in history. During the tour, you'll have the opportunity to learn about the ancient rock formations and indigenous culture that have shaped the area for centuries.Create lasting memories: This horseback ride tour isn't just a sightseeing experience, but a chance to create lasting memories with your family. Whether it's the excitement of riding a horse or the awe-inspiring beauty of the beach, this tour is sure to be a highlight of your time in Aruba.After an adventurous day at Wariruri Beach, it's time to satisfy our hunger with some delicious family-friendly dining options.Family-Friendly DiningLinda's Dutch Pancakes Palm Beach is a top choice for family-friendly dining in Aruba. At Linda's, we believe that dining should be a fun and enjoyable experience for the whole family. Our menu is filled with delicious Dutch pancakes that are sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. From classic flavors like apple and bacon to more adventurous options like Nutella and banana, there's something for everyone to enjoy.Not only do we offer a wide variety of pancakes, but we also have a special menu just for kids. Our kids' menu features smaller portions of our most popular pancakes, as well as other kid-friendly options like chicken nuggets and macaroni and cheese. We understand that sometimes little ones can be fussy eaters, so we're happy to accommodate any dietary restrictions or preferences.In addition to our tasty food, Linda's Dutch Pancakes Palm Beach also offers a family-friendly atmosphere. Our restaurant is bright and colorful, with plenty of space for kids to move around and play. We even have a small play area where kids can entertain themselves while waiting for their food. We want families to feel relaxed and comfortable dining with us, so we strive to create a welcoming and inclusive environment.Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat Are Some Recommended Family-Friendly Hotels or Resorts in Aruba?We've done some research on family-friendly hotels and resorts in Aruba. There are plenty of great options to choose from! Whether you're looking for a beachfront paradise or a resort with lots of activities for the kids, Aruba has it all.From the luxurious Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino to the family-friendly Divi Aruba All Inclusive, you're sure to find the perfect place to stay.Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Outdoor Adventures and Water Activities Mentioned?Yes, there are age restrictions for some of the outdoor adventures and water activities mentioned. The specific age restrictions vary depending on the activity.It's important to check with the tour operator or activity provider to determine the age requirements. This will ensure that everyone in the family can participate in the activities that are suitable for their age group.Safety is a top priority, and these restrictions are in place to ensure a fun and secure experience for everyone.Are There Any Discounts or Special Offers Available for Families Visiting Aruba?Yes, there are discounts and special offers available for families visiting Aruba.Many resorts and attractions offer family packages or promotions that include discounted rates for accommodations, activities, and dining.It's always a good idea to check the official websites of the attractions or contact the resorts directly to inquire about any current deals or promotions specifically tailored for families.This way, you can make the most of your family vacation and save some money too.Are There Any Safety Precautions or Guidelines to Keep in Mind When Participating in the Animal Encounters?When participating in animal encounters in Aruba, there are some safety precautions and guidelines to keep in mind.It's important to follow the instructions of the staff and not approach the animals too closely.Remember to be gentle and respectful towards the animals, as well as mindful of their natural behaviors.Also, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly after any interactions.Are There Any Local Customs or Cultural Traditions That Families Should Be Aware of When Visiting Aruba?When visiting Aruba, it's important for families to be aware of the local customs and cultural traditions.The people of Aruba are known for their friendly and welcoming nature, so it's always a good idea to greet locals with a smile and a friendly 'bon bini' (welcome).Additionally, it's customary to dress modestly when visiting religious sites or attending cultural events.Remember to be respectful of the local customs and traditions, and you'll have a wonderful time immersing yourself in Aruban culture.ConclusionAs our family adventure in Aruba comes to an end, we can't help but feel grateful for the incredible memories we've made together.From exploring hidden cave pools and riding horses along stunning beaches to encountering fascinating wildlife and immersing ourselves in the island's rich culture, Aruba truly has something for everyone.The laughter, excitement, and joy we experienced will forever be etched in our hearts.Thank you, Aruba, for an unforgettable family vacation!

submitted by Sweet-Count2557 to worldkidstravel [link] [comments]

2024.05.16 07:47 Caroline_channing22 Freebies with purchase

Hii everyone🤗so I am giving away some freebies with purchases. So all you have to do is, you have to go through my profile and see the available products and when you buy them, I will be giving away some freebies along with the purchase. So now when you buy the product, you are going to receive any of the following freebies. Some of these freebies are from the Luxe category, so those freebies will be given according to the cost of the product that you’re purchasing, so the higher the amount of product the more there are the chances that you will be receiving a freebie from Luxe category. You might also be lucky enough to receive more than one freebie🤭The following are the freebies- 1. L’Oréal brow artist expert pencil

Mac prep plus prime, natural radiance base in the shade, radiant pink.
DOT & KEY cica+niacinamide oil free moisturiser
Bobbi Brown, vitamin enriched face base.
Nail press ons
Holika holika damask rose sheet mask
Miniso charcoal blotting sheets
SOL DE JANEIRO bom dia bright cream
MAC magic extension Mascara
Silver heart anklet(can be worn as bracelet)
Mirabelle sea buckthorn ultra facial sheet mask
Zara rose gourmand perfume
Miniso travel set
SNA STUDIOS hypoallergenic,anti tarnish, stainless steel anklet(can be worn as bracelet)
Rings

submitted by Caroline_channing22 to IndiaThriftCorner [link] [comments]

2024.05.16 07:01 EUGsk8rBoi42p "Just check out Eugene’s Reddit section any day, but don’t say I didn’t warn you."

Admitting we have a problem is the first step in solving it! Author is a Eugenean talking about her experience with rising crime in the city, never saw this story but hey, still relevant today. Found this little gem by random chance. Title is a hopefully relatable quote from the article. You can agree or disagree with the author, but it's actually pretty well written with sources included. (just including the whole article, for people who don't want to click links!)

I Caught Two Men Stealing From My Home. The Aftermath Was Absurd—and All Too Typical.

This experience crystallized Oregon’s deeper problems.

BY REBECCA SCHUMANJUNE 21, 20225:40 AM
Typically, guys wearing power-company vests don’t leave the houses they’re working on laden down with backpacks—let alone power tools, a scooter, and a Nintendo Switch. But that was the scene I happened upon at 6:30 p.m. on a Tuesday in mid-April when I puttered into my driveway in Eugene, Oregon, my 7-year-old ensconced in the back seat.
For a second, my brain tried to normalize the incident: This is just my daughter’s dad stopping by—except there are two of him, and they’re dressed as electricians for some reason? Then, a second later, everything whooshed into place: Oh, wait, I’m being robbed. Or, rather, I was being burgled. I would get reminded of this distinction later, when I made the dubious choice to join the chorus of aggrieved buttinskies on Nextdoor, where my well-meaning post to warn the neighborhood would turn me into an accidental vigilante hero for a day.
Unfortunately, it’s true: My reaction to this burgle was the lived-out fantasy of many who have been on the business end of a property crime. As the two goons took off on foot down my street, I went into fight-or-flight mode—and I chose fight.
“Well,” I said to my confused child, “let’s go see if we can get our stuff back.”
I peeled my 2005 Subaru back onto the street and easily overtook my two targets, who then hurtled themselves into an alley, whereupon I cornered one by the driver’s side window as the other made haste across the adjacent parking lot.
“Just give it back, bro!” I yelled out my window. “Just give it back! I’m a single mom! Just give it back.”
I repeated this until either I reminded him too much of his meanest teacher or he realized he’d been caught in broad daylight. “Fine,” he said. “Just fucking take it.”
He shoved a backpack through my driver’s side window. Inside it was both my laptops and my daughter’s iPad from school. Back at home, I would discover these guys had used channel lock pliers to force open the back door, but that the general chaos of my home had prevented them from locating my passport, jewelry, or sole item of irreplaceable value: the Montblanc fountain pen that my father, who died in a bicycle accident two years ago, had gotten for his law school graduation. My cat was unfazed.
I can honestly tell you that this little caper of mine was thrilling and deeply satisfying. It was also the exact wrong thing to do. Even this fanatical open-carry gun website implores: “Don’t chase criminals.” What if these two dipsticks had been armed? As unlikely as that was—property crime in my town is often driven by addiction, and weapons are worth money, which can buy drugs—I put myself and my child in potential danger. And for what? Three grand worth of electronics. As any reputable expert will tell you, you’re never to give chase to a thief, because human life is not worth possessions. As much as I admit to enjoying being called a “badass” by everyone I told this story, plus the listeners of KLCC Oregon, I should not have done this.
I did call the police, on the nonemergency line, because the dudes were long gone and nobody was hurt. I declined the dispatcher’s offer to send two officers to fingerprint a bunch of stuff I’d already touched. At best, that would have just added two more sets of prints to my town’s burgeoning roster of perennially at-large property criminals.
There are larger issues here, issues much more important than my would-be cool story. First, it’s an example of how in Eugene, small-scale property crime is now de facto legal. It is largely nonviolent, so it’s rarely seen as worth police resources to track down the goods. At the same time, it is so prevalent that any time one vest-wearing bozo gets nabbed, three more spring up in his place. This was my house’s second break-in in six months, and my fourth property crime total in the three years I’ve lived here as an adult. Eugene is my hometown, so I can also add the four times my childhood house, where my mother still lives, has been burgled since the early 2000s. When I was little, we left our front door unlocked so regularly that I wasn’t aware front doors had locks on them until I was much older. By the time I turned 30, however, every door in my parents’ house had been pried open at least once. (“Time to finally get that alarm system!” said my dad for three straight decades.)
Still, it’s a mistake to treat this trend solely as a vexing crime problem. Eugene’s descent into its property crime epidemic has been concurrent, unsurprisingly, with two addiction epidemics: First, the methamphetamine nightmare of the 1990s—when pseudoephedrine pills were still unregulated—hit Oregon and other Western states particularly hard. That wave segued all too naturally into the opioid and fentanyl crisis of the present. Meanwhile, not only did meth never really leave, but its use in Oregon also surged with the pandemic, with three Oregonians per day currently dying a drug-related death.
Since our conversation was necessarily brief, I don’t know the housing or drug situation of the guys who broke into my place. But local statistics point to them as two more casualties of these plagues. (Granted, those statistics are from nearby Portland, and they are police-sourced, so take them how you wish.)
For all the ambivalent empathy that the opioid epidemic has engendered, the local property crime scourge has set off a fierce public backlash. My incident brought out an unsurprising chorus of bloodlust on Nextdoor and elsewhere, when I shared it because I wanted to give my immediate neighbors a heads-up: “You should have kicked their asses,” they wrote. “We need to rise up and defend our property.”
This town’s petty crime is often attributed, at least in the national conservative press, to our West Coast government’s decision to temporarily allow urban camping during the pandemic. (That policy has now officially ended, for what it’s worth.) Towns like mine have often been characterized in the popular imagination as unlivable crime-addled hellholes. I will be the first to admit that our tent cities are sometimes blatant open-air drug markets, but this is the case even as our property values inflate to absurd proportions—and our crime is actually on the decline. Still, Oregonians like me currently have about a 2.7 percent chance of being burgled, which, at almost 30 percent higher than the national average, is very high. I learned very efficiently how anecdotes like mine get around (I can’t help it if I’m a dynamic storyteller!) and attract the righteous indignation of other former victims, so many often feel, incorrectly, like we few honest vanguards are awash in a sea of riffraff.
This atmosphere, in turn, inspires my locality’s equally unreasonable political extremists to put forth and exacerbate their own untenable solutions. Even in a hyperpolarized American environment, Oregon is more polarized than most. For decades, our liberal enclaves have made Portlandia look understated, while our conservative areas make Texas’ look progressive.
For example, during the heyday of Eugene’s recently dismantled and infamous Washington Jefferson Park tent city, a larger break-in at a bicycle store was traced at least partially back to the encampment. The police swept the tents and made a flurry of arrests. Some of the bikes were found. This resulted in part in outrage over using resources to hassle the city’s most impoverished residents: “A stolen bike, yes, that sucks,” an advocate for the unhoused told a local news outlet. “But what are your priorities? And I’m sorry, but a stolen bike isn’t the priority.”
Well, trust me, in this town, it definitely isn’t. Recovering those bikes was an anomaly; in Eugene, most of these burglaries go unsolved. In fact, 87 percent of burglaries in the whole country do, too. The get-tough-on-property-crime proponents assert that statistically, this sends a message that stealing is fair game, and sure, that is a message I do not condone. But I also agree with a somewhat less rabid version of the opposing view: Property is replaceable, these crimes are nonviolent, and everyone currently rifling through houses and dealing drugs out of tents in my town is human. They deserve a chance to get their lives on track.
So, what should be the town’s priority? Fixing the addiction epidemics is a perilously long way away from happening, for reasons that are as polarizing as addiction’s consequences. In the sobering and excellent Dopesick, author Beth Macy goes into painfully exacting detail about opioids’ near-inescapable hold on the human brain. Macy argues that the true way out of this epidemic is “low-barrier treatment,” which includes supportive housing and medical interventions such as safe injection supplies, fentanyl testing strips, buprenorphine access, and supervised consumption sites. All of these options, however, are a tough sell even in a “progressive” town like Eugene, where supervised consumption sites are what NIMBY nightmares are made of, and low-barrier treatment can run up against deeply held moral stigma: Gas is $5 a gallon, and my taxes are going to some junkie?
In the meantime, while some admirably advocate and vote and wait for those breakthroughs, what should we do about the burglaries themselves? Should we pursue more law enforcement, or more compassion toward the burglars? More arrests that allegedly might deter this, or policies that might alleviate income inequality? Does—as approximately 83 percent of the suggestions from my Nextdoor thread contended—every house in town need a tripwire that handcuffs trespassers on sight? Or should all businesses be taxed at 500 percent, and the proceeds used to furnish every fentanyl dealer in town with a nice apartment and mad cash? The debate has degenerated such that these are the sorts of cartoonish positions each side believes they’re fighting—and, in fact, are the only available choices. Just check out Eugene’s Reddit section any day, but don’t say I didn’t warn you.
The actual blight on small American towns like mine isn’t property crime. It’s that any tenable solution to it has been swallowed up into a churning abyss of extremism and perceived counterextremism. No one seems to have a convincing answer to the most basic question: So what should we do? What should I do?
Burglaries don’t have to be largely unsolvable, and more property criminals could be apprehended. But while I don’t want those dudes or any of their buddies to come back to my house, I also don’t want them in an American prison, where their “rehabilitation” will consist largely of learning better ways to commit even bigger crimes when they get out, and their options for alternative forms of acquiring money will be even more limited than they are now. Lacking any meaningful restorative justice program for petty thieves in my town (which would, in turn, necessitate locating and apprehending them), I decided my own problems could be solved, for now, with a padlock on my back gate.
And then, not long after the break-in, a Nintendo Switch appeared on my town’s Craigslist. Its included components and color combination were identical to the set stolen from my house. I debated, briefly, bringing my vigilante justice alter ego Super Annoying out of retirement, answering the ad and showing up to shrill my wrongdoers into returning what was mine. But this time, I thought better of it. My life is not worth much, but it’s probably worth more than Mario Kart. I can only hope the console’s new owners enjoy it as much as my daughter did—at least until someone steals it again.

submitted by EUGsk8rBoi42p to Eugene [link] [comments]

2024.05.16 06:57 ChibiMaster42 My (29m) partner (29f) of 5 years left me for a long distance job

I... dont really know where to begin, so I'll start with background. I've had flings in the past, but this is my first long time relationship. To be 5 years this August. We live in california.
Tldr: I recieved a phone call after having just seen her the previous day asking to talk, essentially during this reasons boiled down to
"Everything, the long distance, and (i, 29m) dont have initiative" "(i've, 29m) been talking about becoming an electrician, but havent done anything about it"
Back story.
I (29m) have supported my partner (29f) in their passion for Renaissance Faire for the entire time we had been together. She treats this as her livlihood. Has been clear about this, but I had no qualms. Her income is padded from her father at 1000$ a month, a vestige of an agreement to earn a degree (which she still has not, and has not been in school since before we began dating)
I have voiced wishing to become an electrician, i love working with my hands, and circuitry is enthralling. I have known people in the field, who have helped me get interviews and attempt entry level positions but each time have been told, the slot was filled before onboarding trully happened for me. Student loans kinda terrify me cause of debt, the trade schools i've found in cali be expensive. Most of my savings before hand went to assisting my grandma with issues that were taken care of.
We both talked about how neither of us was fully in the career we wanted, and how we wanted to see the other grow into it.
When we got together, @24 years old, i was an assistant manager in a deli, after multiple instances of being passed for applied promotions and training those who recieved those promotions.... I had enough. This was only the first year of our relationship
I got a job at a Hyatt Hotels, becoming a front end (lobby) manager. Hyatt at the time had excellent student programs and loan rates, which fizzled when the location franchised, and we lost a majority of benefits. Found a new job
I've been at a shipping company that works out of a single location for a tech company, Juniper networks. Have DOT driving certs, and multiple forklift certs. Mon-fri 9-5, making good money (close to 30/hr) feel ALOT more comfortable with loans now. Have more time that i can set aside for things. This was the last barely two years, my annual was literally a week ago.
The primary reason i havent begun said process of loans is the amount i have been trying to support her in her passion and stay connected. But even with that I was beginning to figure out times for school.
She had begun with 1 faire, then two, then some smaller ones. Trying out different Faires at different times. Just this year attempting all of them.
She has progressively added more and more faires, to the point where she we will not be at home .... 9 months? Of this year. 3 months roughly each faire, back to back at times. One faire is out of state, all the rest are driveable easy.
I say roughly as all the faires dates are up for debate, between the build, run, and teardown, there is variance of up to several weeks. Making planning outside of Faire difficult. I find out these dates through her, but with very little time in between to plan anything
I visit during the close faires, Casa de fruta Northern Ren faire, every weekend. During the farther Faires, like LA southern faire, every other weekend. Of my own volition and wish to see her.
Long distance it may be, but the longest actual time we've been apart for these is only a couple weeks at a time. Literally 2.
I text and call, not quite everyday, but no longer than a few (3ish), most of the time with no response. Again no qualms, just different things happening at different times, blind love yaknow?
I purchased essentially her entire camp, carport, cots, portable matress (trifold queen), tents, tables, stove, etc.
I drove her throughout our relationship, not just to and from Faire, literally everything. She has refused to get a drivers license out of fear. I have mobilized her supplies and camp.
We talked frequently, enjoyed shows, board games, we started heading to amusement parks, (she loves rollercoasters), we would go dancing while she was home, build lego display sets, like i could keep on going.
The last couple times shes come home from Faire, things have felt off. Like i have to reconnect with her at home. When i visit has seemed like either shes masking for me, or at faire.
She started getting too tired to do anything in between the Faires, and would refuse my assistance to get ready. Which was basically laundry and maintenance for camp things.
Sometimes these last couple months i would respond with the energy i recieved. Im human. I dont really know what else to say for that. We would talk about it Then things would go back to how they were.... for a time
Ill admit i have resting grumpy face, and on occaision am grumpy. But I never took it out on her. We had arguments, but never anything that lasted or made us truly angry. Sometimes i would say i need some alone time, just to cool off. But that never lasted for more than an hour or two.
When we began dating, she asked me bring my tone down a bit. Kinda made me realize unintended inflections.
Again these last couple months, she hasnt been rude, nor abusive... just sharp... to the point i feel like i have to apologize for ideas or actions. I brought this up, and things got better.... for a bit
I have dropped the ball on occaision with cleaning around the house, and she brought it up when they happened, but it honestly went both ways.
She ruled over laundry, i ruled over dishes, we'd help each other wipe down surfaces and vacuum. We have cats, and took turns cleaning litter.
We'd helped each other cook, but unless I laid very clear intentions i wanted to cook for her, she'd take over. She preferred cooking, saying "ocd"
Her love languages is much more touch oriented than mime are.
I have never claimed to be fast at anything. In fact literally have compared myself to the Tortoise, from tortoise and the hare. And feel very judged on it all of a sudden.
Looking back... maybe I could have initiated more... but as i began to do so more and more this last year together, i was met with more and more, "tired" or "faire".
I just... feel like a wrung out rag..... and ... i dont know... Used?
She mentioned it not being fair to either of us... just making me wonder if this might actually be better off...
Doesnt feel like it now

submitted by ChibiMaster42 to BreakUps [link] [comments]

2024.05.16 06:50 vaticidalprophet Theorycrafting an extremely droisoning-heavy, but hopefully playable, script

So: I really, really dig the aesthetic/concept/vibe of BotC. I'm not sure what I think of the game, which I've only played a little of. I feel like I feel similarly towards it as I do to D&D 3.5, which I don't play but love optimizing. I'd like to play a lot more BotC (and probably more 3.5), but in lieu of that, I really enjoy reading the wiki/discord/subreddit.
I'm curious if it's possible to construct a script that does the following:

Is extremely, ludicrously disinfo-based, to "1960s government conspiracy" levels
Is fun to play, and can at least in theory be won by good

I say "disinfo" rather than "misinfo" here to get at a certain idea. A psychological warfare script, kind of. Lots of droisoning, but lots of misdirection in general -- non-droisoned false info, the threat of misdirection, etc.
To this end, I've created the script Anti-Pattern. It has 13 townsfolk, is in SAO, etc.
Thought processes behind choices:

Steward is a fairly simple role, which both has value in its own right and serves as a great bluff/Marionette. There are shenanigans that can emerge with the Steward seeing the Drunk, or seeing the Recluse that pings evil most of the game.
Chef is another simple role that both has utility and can be complicated by various Marionette/Recluse/Cult Leader combinations.
Librarian helps narrow down Drunks (and allows the classic Drunk-Librarian play). It can help distinguish a Drunk from a puzzledrunk character, which could be game-solving in the right circumstances. It can see the Recluse and the Demon as Recluses, which seems fun. Seeing 0 can strongly suggest a Vigormortis world...or hide Outsiders behind a droisoned Librarian.
Balloonist is fun. Balloonist droisoning shenanigans on this script are a feature, not a bug, but one reason for Gardener is to avoid particularly undesirable combinations (e.g. seating the Balloonist far away from the Vigormortis minions). Powerful info role, extremely droisoning-vulnerable, adds outsiders, funny to bluff, one of the core roles of this script. Also makes a great Marionette.
Cult Leader is Dark Empath, allows for another win condition (potentially useful in Oops All Droisoning setups), and is funny to sit between a Demon and a Recluse. Or a Marionette and a Recluse. Or anyone and a Recluse. Also, I love this role's flavouring.
Fortune Teller is a classic for a reason. Can be too strong with some Balloonist or Juggler setups, but is checked by having the Recluse in addition to the usual red herrings, plus the amount of droisoning. Multiple characters on this script make for very good herrings, for the same reasons they make good droisoning targets.
Savant is great, generally-insane info that needs to be disentangled from everything else going on here. Has more creative droisoning potential than most roles (double-true info as well as double-false, plus straightforwardly "your ability is working correctly").
Amnesiac fills gaps. Most Amnesiacs would have either sobriety-related abilities (toy model: "choose a player, their ability works correctly tomorrow and tomorrow night") or protection-related abilities (more reasons for executions and deaths to fail). "You are sober and healthy" should be a rider on Amne abilities unless something is very strange. Amnesiac becomes unfun if droisoned, but having a guaranteed permasober Amne adds clarity and can overcome certain evil schemes (e.g. if Widow poisons Amne, it doesn't take).
Juggler allows for "everyone juggles d1" chaos, gets great info, is accordingly fun to droison.
Slayer can kill the Demon, kill the Recluse, or kill anyone in a Yaggababble game. Allows for particularly impressive plays where the Yagga-bluffing-Slayer shoots the actual Slayer and they die. Useful Marionette.
Fisherman is great if sober, funny if droisoned, and "why yes, I will give you some info to help your team win" if Marionette.
Philosopher both fills gaps and adds droisoning. In a script with multiple forms of starting droison, there's lots of potential in "droisoned Philosopher thinks they picked the ability of an in-game role". For similar reasons, makes an especially good Marionette.
Pacifist is sort of a leftover from a prior version of the script that had Lleech, and might be a little too hard-confirmable these days. I think it's useful, though. Balloonist/Savant/Amnesiac all want longer games, while there are multiple possibilities for multikills, so it helps slow things down. It can keep alive roles that need keeping alive (e.g. Fishermen and Slayers that haven't proc'd yet). It can strongly suggest a Cult Leader's current alignment, and by extension multiple other alignments. It can disambiguate the Recluse from real evil if the game is getting too confusing. If there are protection-related Amnes, it's not as confirmable.
Puzzlemaster adds droisoning. In practice, most Puzzlemasters will be "Once per game, you learn someone who is not the Demon", which I think is fine -- it's an Outsider, after all. Librarian makes it possible to find the actual puzzledrunk and win. Puzzledrunkenness is ST-controlled and can affect any alignment, which can balance difficult situations.
Sweetheart adds droisoning. Sweetheart drunkenness is ST-controlled and can affect any alignment, which can balance difficult situations.
Recluse is Recluse. A bunch of shenanigans on this script de jure or de facto require Recluse.
Drunk is Drunk, see "Recluse is Recluse".
Widow adds droisoning and gets evil some particularly targeted info. Excellent synergy with Vigormortis. Widow calls can solve the game, or lose it if the recipient is distrusted. Evil can bluff Widow calls, obscuring the minion setup (and in particular the existence of a Marionette).
Godfather adds multikills, muddying the waters of whether it's a Yagga world or not. This spot is tricky. I want some source of multikills to cover Yagga, but without making the game too fast (the info roles want longer games). Previous versions of the script had various combinations of Gossip/TinkeAssassin/Witch. Tinker takes a precious Outsider spot, Assassin only acts once, Gossip probably makes the game too fast, Witch has great Vigormortis synergy but kills during day (night kills feel intuitively better). I've landed on Godfather for now, because it works with Vigormortis and manipulates Outsider count (in particular, sidesteps the "Baron+Balloonist at base 2 Outsiders forces Vigormortis" issue). Also, I kind of like having two male-coded and two female-coded Minions.
Baron is Baron. PuzzleSweetheartRecluseDrunksayswhat?
Scarlet Woman is mandatory with Slayer, otherwise if someone dies to a Slayer shot and the game continues they're hard confirmed not Demon (and said Slayer will be the recipient of several questions, given the Yagga world possibility). I know the synergy with Vigormortis is awful. There are other Demons.
Marionette adds yet more disinfo without technically being droisoning. Is there something wrong with your info? Time to work out what team you're playing for! Allows various shenanigans with tons of roles on this script (Cult Leader, Drunk, and Recluse especially). Serves as No Dashii extension cord. Works well in some roles that an ordinary Drunk isn't as good in (e.g. Balloonist, Steward). As Marionettes think they're "good characters" rather than Townsfolk, Marionette-Puzzlemaster, Marionette-Sweetheart, and Marionette-Recluse are all intriguing options.
Yaggababble is psychological warfare. As the one Demon that doesn't add poisoning itself, it can be used to control the amount of starting droisoning. Plays very well with some roles (e.g. Slayer). Leaves everyone looking for weird phrases, which is especially funny in non-Yagga games. ST-decided kills can balance if necessary.
No Dashii adds droisoning. A lot of droisoning. Baron and Marionette can stretch extension cords out remarkably far.
Vigormortis adds droisoning and buffs the hell out of Widow. Because it's more about droisoning than it is about anything else, Baron and Marionette are perfectly fine Vig kills. (Scarlet Woman doesn't work, but that's why there are five Minions.)
Gardener avoids awkward table setups (Balloonist next to Vig minions, Amnesiac and Cult Leader neighbouring the No Dashii, etc).

It has been through...a lot of variations (I have 11 png files saved, which are just for various major versions). There are a lot of characters I'd like to fit on, but can't make space for.
Does this work? Is this at all on the right track for its goal? Could it be played without being horrible? What could improve it? Is this a viable script idea at all?

submitted by vaticidalprophet to BloodOnTheClocktower [link] [comments]

2024.05.16 06:05 drakeredflame REVOLUTION PPV 2024

ROH/WOH REVOLUTION PPV
Tony Schiavone and Ian Riccaboni welcome us to tonight's Revolution PPV and send us right to the opening match!!
…..
ROH Tag Titles Champs: Breakker and Alexander w/ Robert Stone vs New Catch Republic
NCR look to reclaim their titles from Robert Stone clients Josh Alexander and Bron Breakker. Alexander's ability to withstand punishment and Breakker's raw make that a tough ask.
NCR has deep technical ability and experience teaming together, while the new Champs are still learning their Rhythm. Everytime it looks too close, Stone can be seen distracting the referee or pulling someone out of the ring.
Late in the match, the referee tosses Mr Stone for excessive interference!! Unfortunately, Tyler Bate turns into a Breakker spear that nearly cuts him in half and the champs retain!!
Winners: Bron Breakker and Josh Alexander
…..
Austin Theory vs Jimmy Uso
From the opening bell, both competitors demonstrated their exceptional skills and determination, trading high-impact moves and near falls. Theory, known for his technical prowess and agility, seemed to have the upper hand at several points during the match, showcasing his ability to outmaneuver Jimmy with precision strikes and calculated offense. Jimmy never backed down as he is used to high-pressure situations.
Despite the relentless assault from Theory, it was the unwavering support of the crowd that proved to be the deciding factor for Jimmy Uso. The fans in attendance were firmly behind him, their cheers and chants creating an electric atmosphere that reverberated throughout the arena. Every time Jimmy looked to be on the verge of defeat, the deafening roar of the audience seemed to reignite his fighting spirit. Theory was able to land Ataxia, but Jimmy kicked out a split-second before the 3 count.
In the final moments, the crowd's energy reached a fever pitch, fueling Jimmy’s final surge of offense. A completely unexpected Full Nelson Bomb caught Theory off guard and Uso scored the 3!!
Winner: Jimmy Uso
…..
WOH International Title Sol Ruca vs Tegan Nox
Salina de la Renta joins Commentary for this one. She proudly points out the talent of the two competitors looking for their first title in WOH. Sol is somewhat hesitant in the early going, as she saw what Tegan Nox did to her last opponent.
Tegan takes full advantage of this, and starts laying in some heavy blows.. every cry of pain from Sol seems to derive a cry of joy from Tegan!!
Salina de la Renta is a little unsure of Tegan’s new attitude, but complements her on finding a way to push herself up the ladder in WOH.
Moments later a wicked looking Shiniest Wizard lands and Tegan Nox is the winner.
Winner and New WOH International Champion: Tegan Nox
…..
Renée Paquette approaches, to get a word with the new Champion, but Tegan brushes her off and stalks up the rampway with her title .
……
ROH International Title Damian Priest vs Marcel Barthel
In a match for the newly unified International Championship, Damian Priest faces Marcel Barthel. Priest is known for his imposing size and strength, giving him a significant power advantage. Barthel is a master technician, excelling in grappling and submission holds.
And that is what plays out. Barthel doing his best to outwrestle Damian, and his opponent using his power and agility to stay out of his grasp. Barthel does manage a couple of Near-falls but the match is definitely Priest's when he wants to end it.
A big boot staggers Barthel and a huge South of Heaven chokeslam wins the match.
Winner and New International Champion: Damian Priest
……
A strange music erupts that commentary is able to identify as a hybrid of Imperium and Ringkampf’s themes mixed together.. A spotlight shines on the entrance ramp. The crowd grows silent. Damian Priest looks up angrily as his celebration is cut short.
Damian is shocked as none other than GUNTHER himself steps through the curtain. The crowd doesn't know how to react. He smiles darkly and points at Damian, then steps back through the curtain. Priest rolls out of the ring and races after him with a look of pure rage on his face!
…..
Pentagon Jr vs Nic Nemeth w/ Robert Stone
The third match in this recent series of matches starts like the others have.. Penta taking to the Sky, showcasing his Lucha skills and Nemeth using a ground based offense. As we have seen, these 2 talented veterans are very evenly matched.
The referee is watching Robert Stone like a hawk after the opening match shenanigans. Stone raises his hands and says he's just there to advise his client. What he misses is Nic punting Penta low and hitting a Danger Zone for the tainted victory.
Winner: Nic Nemeth
…..
WOH Tag Titles Open Challenge Champs: Sky Pirates vs ????
The Sky Pirates, the WOH Tag Team Champions, come out to the roar of the crowd!! They raise their titles in the air and bask in the love of the crowd.
We all await their opponents. First through the curtain is a woman wearing a demon mask! The bigger shock is her partner, a larger woman dressed in black and wearing a dragon mask!!
Io and Kairi have no Idea who the masked women are, but they start the match Kairi vs the Demon mask. Cat and mouse seems to be the idea here, as Kairi plays hit and run with the much stronger Demon. A tag to Io keeps things moving at a fast pace.
The Demon woman does manage to knock down Io and makes a tag to her masked partner. Things slow down as the dragon masked one grabs Io in a bear hug and starts to squeeze. A belly to belly suplex from the bear hug stuns Io. A Powerbomb crumples up Io and suddenly we have New WOH Tag Team Champions!!
Winners and New WOH Tag Team Champions: The Masked Women
…..
WOH World Title Champ: Jamie Hayter vs Asuka
As everyone tries to figure out who the new Women's Tag Team Champions are, the introductions for the WOH World Title Match begin. The challenger, Asuka, comes out first.
The leader of the Queens of Violence and our WOH World Champion - Jamie Hayter is out next . Both combatants are a touch slow after what they witnessed in the last match. But within minutes, the match is going in earnest.
Asuka makes the first move, catching the champ in an octopus stretch!! Hayter gets to the ropes after several minutes of pain. Asuka doesn't want to release the hold, but eventually does. A pair of clotheslines take Asuka down, and the champ starts raining down the fists.
Just as it seems like the champion is going to kick it into a higher gear, the arena goes black. When the lights come back up, four masked women stands over a downed Asuka and Jamie Hayter!!
The new Tag Champs are now joined by a fox mask and a black masked woman wearing a crown. They start to remove their masks.
The Fox mask is new International Champion Tegan Nox !!
The Demon is Zoey Stark!! The Dragon is none other than Salina de la Renta's enforcer Kris Statlander!!
The Crown now produces a microphone and speaks..
“Do you see how easy this was? Tegan is the International Champion. Zoey and Statlander are the Tag Team Champions, and soon - I will be the Women's Champion!!” She drops her mask to reveal, in the biggest shock of the night - Charlotte Flair!!!
“We are The Standard And You Don't Measure Up!!”
……
As The Standard leaves the ring, we head to a brief PPV commercial break - hyping up Anarchy in ROH, next month's PPV. Commentary let's us know that both Jamie Hayter and Asuka have been taken to a local medical facility for observation.
We also hear from GM Nigel McGuiness. He let's us know that Anyone who interferes in the Main Event will be automatically FIRED !!!
…..
MAIN EVENT
ROH World Title Champ: Jay White vs Malakai Black
In the highly anticipated Main Event clash of Superstars, Malakai Black faced off against Jay White. Both competitors brought their unique styles to the ring, with Black's striking martial arts contrasting sharply with White's cunning and technical prowess. The match began with a series of rapid exchanges, showcasing the agility and precision of both men. Black's swift kicks and devastating strikes kept White at bay, but "Switchblade" countered with his own brand of methodical offense, targeting Black's limbs to slow his momentum.
As the match progressed, the intensity only escalated. White, known for his cerebral approach, tried to wear down Black with a series of submissions and suplexes, aiming to weaken his opponent. However, Black's unyielding spirit shone through. He absorbed the punishment and retaliated with vicious knees and kicks that echoed throughout the arena. The turning point came when White attempted his signature Blade Runner, only for Black to counter mid-move, stunning the crowd. With an almost supernatural agility, Black slipped out and delivered a lightning-quick Black Mass that left White reeling.
The climax of the bout saw both men exhausted, each digging deep into their reserves. White, in a last-ditch effort, went for another Blade Runner, but Black evaded it with one fluid motion.
In a moment of sheer brilliance, Malakai Black delivered a second Black Mass, catching Jay White flush on the jaw. The impact was definitive, and White crumpled to the mat. Black covered for the pin. The referee's hand hit the mat for the third time, and the arena erupted in applause, as they realized they have a New ROH World Champion in Malakai Black!
Winner And New ROH World Champion: Malakai Black

submitted by drakeredflame to RedflamesBookingNow [link] [comments]

http://swiebodzin.info

Cote de pablo see through

FIFA Careers: All Things Career Mode

BANG.

How CKB's Public Blockchain Tech Accelerates Bitcoin's Orthodox Layer 2

May 15th, 2024ENRUTRKODEBNESHIZHVIFRPTJA

Let’s Talk About AI​

Next Week​

KEY POINTS

I Caught Two Men Stealing From My Home. The Aftermath Was Absurd—and All Too Typical.

This experience crystallized Oregon’s deeper problems.

May 15th, 2024EN RU TR KO DE BN ES HI ZH VI FR PT JA

Let’s Talk About AI

Next Week