The Internet is blowing up about a commencement speech given by a deeply, religious, traditional Catholic football kicker, Harrison Butker of the Kansas City Chiefs. If you haven't heard the speech (given to a class of graduates from a Catholic College), he asserts that women's joys don't come from academic achievements but from having children and taking care of their husbands and home. He goes on to lament the culture of the LGBTQ+ community and the acceptance thereof etc.. I'm sure you get the drift.
Setting aside the obvious misogyny, and homophobic world view, no matter how you slice it or dice it, in my opinion, his speech is not a religious speech, but rather a political speech. A speech designed to promote, and enrich the living conditions of one demographic over another. And here are my thoughts (sorry for the length! I've been pondering this for a while LOL):
I'll only address the two most commonly known traditions in the U.S. below, I'm not suggesting other religions do not have a political bent as well. But if I were to add those, that would be a much longer post (more like a dissertation LOL), and I don't want the mods, or readers to get entirely fed up with me LOL!
As it relates to his (Butker's) particular tradition (Catholicism), it makes sense his world view would be more from a political standpoint rather than a religious one. From the beginning, the Catholic church was a construct created by the Roman Empire. The Roman Empire was certainly not interested in feeding the poor, or turning the other cheek, or promoting peace. The Roman Empire was about conquest, subjugation and enriching the already wealthy even more. It was also about promoting the interests of powerful men, men who viewed anyone other than a Roman male citizen as chattel or a lesser human being. Even wealthy Roman women were understood as property of their husbands. In fact, there is NO evidence the Roman Empire EVER adopted the teachings of Jesus , but rather leveraged the manpower Christians brought to the table to further Rome's worldly interests. Sounds a lot like the political world view shared in that speech Butker gave!
The Protestant traditions were not much different. While they started with the intention of "fixing" the corruption coming from the Vatican (wealth accumulation, power influence etc..), the Protestant reformation quickly fell into politics as well, particularly when Henry the VIII broke away from the Catholic Church and formed the Church of England, declaring himself the head of the church and then granting himself a divorce.
From that point on, I think most of us are familiar with the centuries long wars and power struggles between Catholic and Protestant kingdoms in Europe.
From that arose the aspirations of the American Founding Fathers: a separation of church and state. But did we ever achieve that? Is it even possible?
For a collective people to be successful, you need a societal framework that includes a shared world view and values. In the U.S. secular values were to provide that shared world view (if we are to accept the separation of church and state).
But religion and in particular those who like the power of being leaders in religious organizations seem to be successful in leveraging the most basic human instincts and fears and shape those around a religious framework that appears to always involve benefiting on demographic over another.
So my question is - can we ever truly achieve a separation of church and state? Can the craving for power and influence ever be tamed such that people serve in government as an act of service to make a better world, or are we forever doomed to live in world where people use any means possible to accumulate power, wealth and influence (to include religion)?

Alright, buckle up because we're diving into why Vancouver's food scene is straight-up legendary. Forget the regular city vibes; Vancouver is a melting pot of flavors, a culinary carnival that beats anything else in North America. Join me on this personal quest to unravel why the combo of Asian influence, Pacific Northwest goodness, and chill dining vibes makes Vancouver the top pick for foodies.
Asian Culinary Delights: Tradition and Creativity Unleashed
Vancouver's streets resonate with the aromas of traditional Asian dishes, prepared with a touch of authenticity that transports you across borders. Picture slurping savory ramen in Chinatown or savoring hand-pulled noodles in a cozy corner of East Van. But what makes Vancouver's Asian food scene truly exceptional is its fusion of tradition with modern creativity.
In this city, innovation meets tradition on a plate. Take, for instance, squid ink brioche with sea urchin pâté – a daring yet harmonious blend of flavors that pushes the boundaries of culinary expectations. Vancouver's chefs are culinary artists, creating dishes that not only pay homage to traditional recipes but also elevate them into extraordinary, palate-pleasing experiences.
And let's not forget the matcha mochi croissants that have taken the city by storm. A fusion of Japanese mochi and French croissants, these delectable pastries are a testament to Vancouver's culinary diversity. Each bite is a dance of textures and tastes, showcasing the city's flair for seamlessly blending cultures and cuisines.
Pacific Northwest's Grocery List: Seafood Galore and More
Living next to the Pacific Ocean is like having a seafood aisle in your backyard. Fresh salmon, sweet Dungeness crab, and chubby spot prawns – Vancouver's seafood game is on point. And let's not forget the local veggies and meats, straight from the region's green landscapes. It's like nature’s way of saying, "Hey, enjoy the good stuff!"
Nature Vibes: Dining with a View
Vancouver's layout is like a dating app for food and nature; they're a match made in heaven. Whether you're brunching in a leafy neighborhood or devouring seafood with an ocean panorama, the city serves up an Instagrammable backdrop for every meal. Picture this: a patio, a breeze, and the scent of fir trees – eating out just got a whole lot cooler.
Neighborhood Chronicles: Culinary Adventures Off the Beaten Path
Downtown is cool, but venture out, and you'll hit foodie gold. Commercial Drive's eclectic spots or Richmond's legit Asian flavors – Vancouver's neighborhoods are like culinary treasure maps. Each area has its own flavor story, tempting you to be the food explorer you were born to be.
Conclusion
Vancouver isn't just a city with good food; it's a food fiesta waiting to happen. The Asian vibes, the Pacific Northwest's goodies, and the city's chill connection with nature make dining here a full-blown experience. Vancouver isn't just North America's food champion; it's a vibe, a journey through flavors, and a big, fat stamp on your foodie passport. So, next time you're craving a culinary adventure, Vancouver's got your back, fork, and knife.
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As far back as I can remember, I had always been passionate about the great outdoors. My love for the wilderness began when I joined the scouts, exploring the diverse landscapes of Southern California, Nevada, Arizona, and Utah. I was never a huge fan of the dry, barren landscapes, but camping provided a much-needed escape from the monotony of Orange County suburbia.
The first time I visited the Pacific Northwest, I was enchanted. The scenery was breathtaking—majestic mountains, lush fields, and meandering rivers. It was clear that anyone who praised the desert's beauty had never laid eyes on the Cascades. Seeing grass and wildflowers growing without irrigation was practically a revelation.
When I was old enough, I moved to Washington state, immersing myself in nature every weekend. My adventures took me hiking through dense forests, camping by serene lakes, and occasionally taking mushrooms under peaceful waterfalls.
I joined several online forums dedicated to outdoor enthusiasts. One community that particularly fascinated me was the Northwest Tomb Raiders. This group of history buffs and thrill-seekers was dedicated to uncovering artifacts, whether Native American relics or treasures hidden in modern ruins. Many members were collectors, fencing their finds to museums and archaeologists, which made it a rather profitable side gig, should you be lucky enough.
In the fall of 2009, an intriguing post appeared on the forum. A user named Lokk claimed to have discovered a cache of artifacts with Scandinavian origins. He couldn't carry everything back due to the treacherous terrain and his age, so he shared the coordinates, hoping someone else could retrieve the items. I scrolled down to see a few posts of people planning to loot it in the Spring, when the paths have reopened. One user, Patagooner, planned on going as early as possible.
Excited by the prospect, I gathered my two friends, Carl and Noah, for the expedition. They weren't as enthusiastic about camping as I was, but after I told them how much a single arrowhead goes for on the black market, they were on board. It was the start of winter now, which had its advantages and disadvantages. On the plus side, the rangers would have a harder time spotting us. On the downside, the harsh conditions posed a serious challenge for two inexperienced hikers.
I must’ve blown about four grand at REI on gear for them, justifying it with the knowledge of how much more I would make with two extra packs. That is of course assuming there really were as many artifacts as Lokk had said, and Patagooner hadn’t beaten me there.
The journey began like any other. We met in the pre-dawn darkness and went over our supplies, ensuring we had everything we needed. By mid-morning, we were on our way, my pickup truck winding up the mountain paths. The roads of Olympic National Park were the epitome of the raw, untamed beauty of the Pacific Northwest.
They snake through ancient forests, where towering Douglas firs and Western hemlocks create a verdant canopy overhead. Mist clings to the trees, giving the landscape an ethereal quality. Occasionally, the forest would open up to reveal breathtaking vistas of snow-capped peaks and deep, shadowy valleys.
As we climbed higher, the landscape grew increasingly desolate. The dense forest thinned out, replaced by rugged terrain and jagged rock formations. The air grew colder, and the first flurries of snow began to fall, dusting the ground in a thin, white layer. The road became narrower and more treacherous, winding precariously along the edge of steep cliffs.
Finally, a road closure blockade signaled the end of our journey in the truck. We unloaded three dirt bikes—one mine, two rentals—and continued up the trail. The bikes roared to life, carrying us several more miles into the wilderness. The trail twisted and turned, cutting through dense underbrush and over fallen logs. The snow began to fall more heavily, blanketing the forest floor and muffling the sound of our engines. The world around us grew quieter, more isolated.
Eventually, the snow became too deep to traverse by bike. We dismounted and prepared to continue on foot. The silence of the forest was profound, broken only by the occasional rustle of branches in the wind. I checked my modern GPS, its screen displaying the coordinates and a relief map of our destination.
The cold air bit into our cheeks as we trudged through the snow-laden forest. The silence was almost oppressive, broken only by the crunch of our footsteps and the occasional call of distant wildlife. The GPS indicated we were close to our destination, but the dense underbrush and uneven terrain made progress slow.
Suddenly, Carl's excited whisper cut through the stillness. "Hey, look at that!"
He pointed to a small, furry creature ambling through the trees. It took a moment to realize what it was—a bear cub, innocently exploring its surroundings.
My heart sank. "Carl, get back," I hissed, my voice low but urgent. "Where there's a cub, there's a..."
Before I could finish, a massive shape exploded from the trees. The mother bear, easily three times the size of the cub, charged at Carl with a ferocity. She was a blur of dark fur and powerful muscles, her roar echoing through the forest.
"Run!" I yelled, but it was too late. The bear was upon Carl, swiping at him with her massive paws. He screamed as he fell to the ground, the bear towering over him. Desperation and adrenaline surged through me. I grabbed the nearest heavy branch and swung it at the bear, hoping to distract her.
Noah joined in, shouting and waving his arms. We had to be careful; one wrong move and she would turn on us. The bear snarled, turning her attention away from Carl for just a moment. It was enough for him to scramble backwards, clutching his bleeding arm.
"We have to get him out of here," I shouted to Noah, who nodded, fear etched on his face. The bear, still enraged, seemed torn between attacking us and protecting her cub.
Using the brief respite, we hauled Carl to his feet. His face was white, and he was clearly in shock. Blood soaked his sleeve, dripping onto the snow. "There's a ranger station about two miles from here," I said, my voice shaking. "We need to get him there. Now."
We half-carried, half-dragged Carl through the forest, every shadow and sound heightening our paranoia.
Finally, after what felt like forever, the small, wooden structure of the ranger station came into view. We had been avoiding the rangers to keep our expedition secret, but now it was our only hope.
Pounding on the door, I prayed for a quick response. The door creaked open, and a weathered face appeared. "What happened?" the ranger demanded, taking in the sight of Carl's bloodied form.
"Bear attack," I gasped. "We need help."
The ranger's expression shifted from suspicion to urgency. "Get him inside. We've got a first aid kit and a radio."
As we eased Carl onto a makeshift bed, the ranger inspected his wounds. "You're lucky," he said after a moment. "The cuts are deep, but they missed any major arteries. He'll need stitches, but we can handle that here. No need for an airlift."
The ranger's face darkened as he turned to me. "What the hell are you boys doing out here?”
I hesitated, "We... we were just exploring."
The ranger's eyes narrowed, his anger palpable. "Exploring? In a restricted area? In the middle of winter? Are you out of your minds?"
He worked quickly and efficiently, cleaning and stitching Carl's wounds. Carl winced but stayed silent, his eyes closed in pain.
"Do you have any idea how dangerous it is out here?" the ranger continued, his voice rising. "The storm, the wildlife... This area is off-limits for a reason! You should have known better." he said, pushing a finger into my chest.
"We'll stay here for the night," he continued, "The storm's getting worse, and it's too dangerous to move him now. We'll reassess in the morning. And count yourself lucky I don't arrest your asses."
Night fell quickly, the storm outside growing more ferocious with each passing minute. The howling wind battered the small ranger station, and the walls creaked under the pressure. We huddled in the main room, the tension thick in the air.
The ranger looked at us sternly. "I need to check the perimeter and make sure everything is secure. There are things out there you don’t want to encounter, especially in this storm."
"Things? What do you mean?" Noah asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
The ranger's expression hardened. "Just stay put. No matter what you see or hear, do not leave this cabin. Understood?"
We nodded, the seriousness in his tone leaving no room for argument. "We'll stay put," I said, trying to sound more confident than I felt.
The ranger grabbed his coat and shotgun. "I'll be back in an hour. Do not leave this cabin." With that, he opened the door and stepped into the raging storm, disappearing into the darkness.
As soon as the door closed, I turned to Noah. "We need to go. Now."
Noah's eyes widened. "Are you crazy? He said to stay put."
"If we wait until morning, we'll be escorted out of here and lose our chance. This might be our only opportunity to find those artifacts."
Noah hesitated with uncertainty "But... what about Carl?"
"He'll be fine here. The ranger can take care of him. We have to do this now."
Reluctantly, Noah nodded. "Alright. Let's take what we can and go."
We quickly looted extra gear from the cabin. I checked the GPS one last time before we slipped out into the storm, the cold wind battering us.
The snow fell heavily, obscuring our vision as we slogged through the forest. The ranger was nowhere in sight as we made our way towards the our destination, each step filled with trepidatious excitement.
The storm began to die down as we approached the coordinates. We stepped into a clearing where the undisturbed snow lay like a pristine white blanket. In the center stood an ancient, weathered stone altar, encircled by intricate wooden carvings, delicate metalwork, and beautifully crafted statues. The sight was breathtaking, a treasure trove, a veritable museum of paganism.
Noah and I exchanged glances, our eyes wide with amazement. "Do you see this?" I whispered, barely able to contain my excitement.
"We're going to be rich," Noah replied, his voice trembling with awe. "These must be worth a fortune!"
We approached cautiously, as if the vision before us might disappear. The craftsmanship was stunning. I reached out to touch a carved wooden idol, marveling at the detail. "This is incredible," I said, my voice barely audible.
We began to load our packs with as many artifacts as we could carry, each one more exquisite than the last. It was beyond our wildest dreams. We were so engrossed in our task that we didn't notice the small figure watching us from the ridge.
It wasn't until I turned to leave that I saw her. A young girl, maybe eight years old, stood there, her blue eyes wide with curiosity. She was dressed in simple, rustic clothing, her blonde straight hair blowing gently in the wind. For a moment, we just stared at each other.
"Noah," I whispered urgently, nudging him. "Look."
He turned, his eyes following my gaze. "What the...?" he muttered, his voice trailing off.
The girl took a tentative step forward, her eyes fixed on the items in our hands. There was no fear in her gaze, only a quiet intensity that made my skin crawl.
"Who are you?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.
She tilted her head slightly. "My name is Sigyn."
"What are you doing out here, Sigyn?" Noah asked, his voice shaky.
"I live here,"
"You live here?" I echoed, incredulous. "Is there anyone else around?"
"Yes," she whispered.
"Where?" Noah demanded, looking around nervously.
"Everywhere," she said with a giggle.
The way she said it, so matter-of-factly, bothered me deeply. Noah and I exchanged a look, both of us trying to figure out what to do next.
"We can't take her back to the ranger," Noah started, "We'll lose everything."
I nodded, my mind racing. "Sigyn," I said slowly, "we need to know who else is here. Can you help us?"
She looked at me with her piercing blue eyes, then said, "I'm sorry."
"For what?" Noah asked.
"For what's going to happen to you," she replied, her voice tinged with sadness.
"You need to tell us what's going on," Noah said, grabbing her arm roughly. "Why are you out here alone?"
She looked up at him, unperturbed. "I am not alone," she said softly.
Before we could press her further, a loud, guttural mooing sound echoed through the clearing. We turned towards the direction the girl had come from, and there, emerging from the shadows, was the silhouette of an elk. As it approached, my stomach dropped. Its body was a grotesque amalgamation of life and decay. Its skull was fully exposed, the eye sockets dark and empty. Large patches of its ribs were visible, the flesh around them rotted away.
The elk's movements were slow and deliberate, its head swaying as if in a trance. It walked directly towards us, its hollow eyes fixed on Sigyn. The closer it got, the more the stench of death filled the air—a nauseating mix of decay and earth. I fought the urge to retch.
Sigyn stood up, her expression calm. The monster sniffed her gently, its nostrils flaring. Without a word, she climbed onto its back, mounting it like a horse. It was a surreal and horrifying scene ripped straight from a nightmare.
As she settled onto the elk, she looked back at us, "A thief in the night shall reap what he sows," she said, her voice carrying an otherworldly echo. "Beware the price of stolen dreams."
With that, the beast turned and began to walk away, Sigyn riding it into the shadows of the forest. We stood there, frozen in place. The realization that we were in far over our heads began to sink in. This started to feel like a trap.
We need to get out of here," My voice trembling. "Now."
We turned to leave, our packs heavy with the pilfered goods. But as we took our first steps, the forest around us seemed to come alive. Shadows moved among the trees, and whispers floated on the wind. I quickened my pace, glancing nervously over my shoulder.
"Did you hear that?" Noah asked sharply,
"Just keep moving," I commanded.
A figure emerged from the shadows, blocking our path. It was a man, tall and gaunt, his eyes burning with an intense light. "Where do you think you're going?" he asked, his voice cold and menacing.
"We're leaving," I stammered. "We didn't mean any harm."
The man smirked, and with a swift motion, he raised his hand. More figures appeared, closing in on us from all sides. We were surrounded.
"Run!" I shouted, shoving Noah forward.
We sprinted through the forest, branches whipping at our faces and legs. The figures pursued us, their footsteps silent and relentless.
Noah stumbled and fell, his pack spilling open. Statues scattered across the ground, glinting in the moonlight. "Help!" he cried, scrambling to gather the items.
"Leave them!" I shouted, pulling him to his feet. "We have to keep moving!"
But it was too late, their hands seizing us. I struggled, kicking and thrashing, but their grips were too strong. They forced us to the ground, binding our hands with rough, coarse ropes.
"Please," I begged, "Don't hurt us."
The man who had first appeared stepped forward, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "A thief in the night," he mocked.
They dragged us through the forest, the trees closing in around us like a cage. We were at their mercy.
In the distance, I could see the elk standing at the edge of the clearing, Sigyn still astride its back. Her eyes met mine, and for a moment, I thought I saw a flicker of pity. But then they turned away, disappearing into the shadows once more.
We were dragged into the heart of the forest, our struggles futile against the unyielding grip of our captors. As we broke through the treeline, a massive bonfire came into view, its flames licking the night sky. Shadows danced around the clearing, cast by the flickering light. A woman stood at the forefront, her presence commanding.
Her eyes were milk white, devoid of pupils, and her long, flowing white hair cascaded down her back. She was completely naked, her skin pale and marked with intricate symbols. Atop her head, she wore an elk skull, its antlers extending like eerie, skeletal fingers. She beat a drum emblazoned with more of the same cryptic symbols, each thud resonating deep within my chest.
Around the fire, about two dozen people stood, all drinking from crude, horned cups. Their faces were solemn, eyes fixed on the woman as she led them in a haunting chant. The atmosphere was thick with a mix of reverence and intoxication.
We were forced to our knees before the woman, who paused her drumming to look down at us. Her gaze was haunting, as if she could see into the very depths of our souls.
"Who are you?" Noah demanded, his voice trembling.
The woman ignored him, raising her arms to the sky. The chanting grew louder, the rhythm of the drum faster and more frenzied. The air around us seemed to vibrate with energy, the flames of the bonfire growing higher and more intense.
I glanced at Noah, fear mirrored in his eyes. The woman began to speak, her voice low and melodic, but filled with power, in a language I couldn't understand. Suddenly, she stopped, lowering her arms. The chanting ceased, and an silence fell over the clearing. She looked directly at me, her white eyes unblinking.
En tjuv i natten skördar vad han sår, akta dig för drömmar som du stjäl och får.
Hans skratt bevakar lundens gömda stig, där skuggor sveper över skogens liv.
För varje stulet andetag och svek, måste en tjuv möta sitt smärtsamma ödelek.
Tricksterns vilja, vår ande här, så i hans nåd, våra liv bär.
I was terrified and confused. She started again, softer, in a way I could understand.
A thief in the night shall reap what he sows, beware the price of stolen dreams.
His laughter guards our hidden groves, where shadows cloak the forest's seams.
For every stolen breath and lie, a thief must meet his painful end.
The tricksters will, our spirits tie, so in his grace, our lives suspend.
The crowd surged forward, grabbing Noah first. He screamed, his terror echoing through the trees as they pulled him towards a makeshift altar beside the bonfire. The woman chanted louder, her voice rising in a hypnotic rhythm as they began their gruesome work.
They stripped him of his shirt and bound his arms to a wooden frame. I tried to move, to help him, but the grip on my shoulders tightened, pinning me to the ground.
The woman approached Noah, holding a knife with a blade that gleamed in the firelight. She started to slice into his back, her movements deliberate and unhurried. Noah's screams pierced the night as she methodically carved the shape of wings into his flesh.
Blood poured from the wounds, soaking the ground beneath him. The crowd's chant grew louder, almost drowning out his cries. I watched in horror as the woman reached into the incisions, breaking the ribs and pulling them outward, creating a parody of wings.
Noah's agony was unbearable to witness. His screams turned to whimpers, his body convulsing in pain. The woman didn't stop until the work was complete, his lungs exposed and hanging grotesquely from his back.
They lifted Noah's broken body and placed him over the fire. The smell of burning flesh filled the air, making me gag. His life ebbed away as the flames consumed him, the once vibrant light in his eyes fading to nothing.
The woman turned to me, her expression devoid of mercy. "You will meet the same fate," she said, "He demands it."
The smell of burning flesh and the sight of his broken body over the fire was seared into my mind. Despair settled over me as I closed my eyes.
A deafening blast shattered the night. My eyes flew open to see the shaman stumbling backward, a gaping wound in her chest. She collapsed to the ground, her white eyes staring lifelessly into the void.
The villagers turned in shock as another shot rang out, this time hitting one of the men holding me. I twisted free from their grasp and saw the park ranger standing at the edge of the clearing, a pump-action shotgun in his hands. He fired again, the sound echoing through the forest, before one of them tackled him to the ground.
"Run!" he shouted, his voice raw and desperate. "Get the hell out of here!"
I didn't need to be told twice. I sprinted into the darkness, the chaos of the clearing fading behind me. Branches whipped at my face, and the snow underfoot made every step a struggle. I could hear the sounds of fighting and gunshots, but I forced myself to keep moving.
The cold air burned in my lungs, but adrenaline pushed me forward. I didn't stop until I reached the station, my legs threatening to give out from under me. I burst through the door and slammed it behind me.
Inside, Carl lay where we had left him, his face pale and twisted in pain. I stumbled to the radio, my hands trembling as I fumbled with the controls.
"Mayday, mayday!" I yelled into the microphone. "This is an emergency! We need help! Please, someone, come quickly!"
Static filled the room, punctuated by my ragged breaths. I repeated the call, my voice growing more frantic with each passing second. Finally, a voice crackled through the speaker. "This is Ranger Station Bravo. What's your location? Over."
I could barely form the words. "Olympic National Park! The ranger station near mount Christie! We're under attack! Please, send help!"
"Copy that. Help is on the way. Stay put and stay safe. Over."
I collapsed to the floor, my body trembling with exhaustion and fear. Carl moaned softly, his eyes fluttering open. "What… What happened? Where's Noah?”
Tears streamed down my face and I found myself choked up. “He’s gone, man. Help is coming.”
The minutes stretched into an eternity as we waited. The wind howled around the station, and every creak and groan of the structure set my nerves on edge. I couldn't shake the feeling that we were being watched, that the forest itself was closing in on us.
The radio crackled again, this time with a different voice. "Helicopter en route, ETA fifteen minutes. Prepare for extraction."
I glanced at Carl, his eyes filled with confusion. "Hang on. We're getting out of here."
As the minutes ticked by, I couldn't help but think about the ranger. He had saved my life, but he hadn't made it back. My mind conjured up images of what might have happened to him, the cultists overwhelming him in the darkness. A sense of guilt gnawed at me, knowing he had sacrificed himself for us.
The sound of rotors cut through the night, growing louder as the helicopter approached. I ran to the window and saw its searchlight piercing the treetops, scanning for the station.
I helped Carl to his feet, supporting his weight as we made our way to the hatch. The helicopter hovered above, lowering a rescue basket. The wind from the rotors whipped the snow into a frenzy, but I didn't care. Salvation was finally here.
We secured Carl in the basket first, and I watched as he was hoisted up, disappearing into the safety of the helicopter. My turn was next. I realized that I was now alone and exposed. Fear coursing through me as I scanned around the edge of the forest, expecting to be grabbed and taken seconds before my rescue. But the moment never came. As I gripped the rope, I took one last look at the forest below. The flames of the bonfire still flickered in the distance.
I was lifted into the air, the ground falling away beneath me. The helicopter's crew pulled me inside, and I collapsed onto the floor still holding onto my pack, my body finally giving in to exhaustion. The doors closed, and the helicopter banked away, leaving the horrors of the park behind.
Weeks had passed since the harrowing events, but the memories clung to me like the bitter cold. I had returned to civilization, seeking solace in the familiar chaos of the city. I found a wealthy collector through a network of contacts. The artifacts fetched a price tenfold the cost of gear. The money was substantial, but as I held the cash, it felt like a hollow victory.
Noah's absence weighed heavily on me. His disappearance was chalked up as a missing persons case, and despite my best efforts to explain what had happened, no one believed me. The authorities conducted a search of the area, but they found no trace of the cult, the artifacts, or the clearing. It was as if the forest had swallowed up all the evidence.
I returned to the site where we had parked the truck. The dirt bikes were gone, stolen by opportunistic thieves, but the truck remained. I drove back in silence, the road winding through the dense forest. For a moment, I thought I saw the girl watching me from atop a ridge until I realized it was just paranoia. I stepped on the gas a little harder.
Back home, I checked the Tomb Raiders forum again. The post that had led us into the forest was gone, deleted without a trace. I messaged the mods, but apparently, they don’t keep records to maintain confidentiality. I wrote about our experience, detailing every terrifying moment, but the responses were skeptical at best. Most dismissed it as a work of fiction or a desperate cry for attention.
Time passed, and I tried to return to a semblance of normalcy. Yet, the wilderness called to me stronger than ever. It was my sanctuary, the only place where I could find peace amidst the turmoil. I spent more and more time outdoors than ever before, but now it always felt like I was just running from something.
Determined to prove what had happened, I returned to the forest with a camera and recording equipment. This time, I documented every step, capturing footage of the trees, the snow, and the eerie silence that hung in the air. I retraced our path, hoping to find the clearing again. But each night, as I reviewed the footage, something strange would happen. The files would be corrupted or entire segments missing.
I pressed on. I found the site where Noah had fallen, the ground still bearing faint traces of what had happened. I set up the camera and began to speak, recounting the events in detail. As I spoke, a cold wind swept through the clearing, and the camera's screen flickered. I finished my account and turned to check the recording, only to find the file corrupted once again, the footage replaced by static and a faint, mocking laughter.
I returned home, defeated and exhausted. My attempts to share what I had experienced were met with disbelief and ridicule. The files I managed to save were corrupted beyond recognition. It was as if the forest itself was conspiring against me.
Almost exactly one year later, as I browsed the forums, a new post caught my eye. It was cryptic, eerily similar to the one that had led us into the nightmare. It spoke of another trove of artifacts, hidden deep within the wilderness, waiting to be claimed.
The post was signed with a new name: Skygge. Different handle, same style. Another trap. They had taken so much from me, left scars that would never heal. I opened my drawer, my fingers brushing over the cold metal of my weapons. This was the moment I had been waiting for. This time, I'll be ready.
The forest’s secrets won't remain hidden forever.

I will start this post by saying I do not work in any level of government so maybe this is a stupid question.
If the plan to repair the gardiner expressway is going to take 3 years with x number of personnel, why can't The City of Toronto engineering and construction services simply hire more people/crews to complete the work?
Unless they already have 100+ people working on this, which from what I've seen while driving I don't think is the case, could the work not be cut in half by simply doubling the number of workers, cutting the time they would be working in half, and coming in around the same budget figure this work will cost anyway?
I know that for every one person working, there are roughly six or seven supervisors ensuring the person actually completing the physical work is taking their union mandated breakfast, brunch, lunch, tea, dinner and supper breaks (not to mention re-certifying the trowels and shovels every 10 - 15 minutes), but this seems like a fairly reasonable solution.
Thoughts?

Trial requests on Discord https://mee6.xyz/i/GOrRCgaVe2 Discord Group https://discord.gg/ygh87phpwx
Screwdatt, [5/16/2024 8:00 AM]
=== PPV FLO RUGBY PACK ===
PPV FLO RUGBY 00 : 2024 Hurricanes vs Moana Pasifika start:2024-05-17 08:00:00 stop:2024-05-17 12:00:00
PPV FLO RUGBY 01 : 2024 Melbourne Rebels vs Chiefs start:2024-05-17 10:35:00 stop:2024-05-17 14:35:00
Screwdatt, [5/16/2024 8:00 AM]
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PPV MOLA EVENT 00 : PGA Championship - Round 1 start:2024-05-16 19:00:00 stop:2024-05-17 05:10:00
PPV MOLA EVENT 01 : LPGA - Mizuho Americas Open - Round 1 start:2024-05-16 19:50:00 stop:2024-05-17 01:10:00
PPV MOLA EVENT 01 : Universidad Catolica vs Alianza FC start:2024-05-17 02:50:00 stop:2024-05-17 07:10:00
PPV MOLA EVENT 02 : Rosario Central vs Caracas FC start:2024-05-16 22:50:00 stop:2024-05-17 03:10:00
PPV MOLA EVENT 03 : Fluminense vs Cerro Porteno start:2024-05-16 22:50:00 stop:2024-05-17 03:10:00
PPV MOLA EVENT 04 : Racing Club vs Coquimbo Unido start:2024-05-16 22:50:00 stop:2024-05-17 03:10:00
PPV MOLA EVENT 05 : Universitario vs Botafogo start:2024-05-17 00:50:00 stop:2024-05-17 03:10:00
PPV MOLA EVENT 06 : 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs - Round 2 Game 6 : New York Rangers at Carolina Hurricanes start:2024-05-17 00:00:00 stop:2024-05-17 05:10:00
Screwdatt, [5/16/2024 8:00 AM]
PPV MOLA EVENT 07 : Sao Paulo vs Barcelona SC start:2024-05-17 00:50:00 stop:2024-05-17 05:10:00
PPV MOLA EVENT 08 : San Lorenzo vs Liverpool FC start:2024-05-17 00:50:00 stop:2024-05-17 05:10:00
PPV MOLA EVENT 09 : Cruzeiro vs Union La Calera start:2024-05-17 00:50:00 stop:2024-05-17 05:10:00
PPV MOLA EVENT 10 : Sportivo Luqueno vs RB Bragantino start:2024-05-17 00:50:00 stop:2024-05-17 05:10:00
PPV MOLA EVENT 11 : 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs - Round 2 Game 5 : Edmonton Oilers at Vancouver Canucks start:2024-05-17 03:00:00 stop:2024-05-17 08:10:00
Screwdatt, [5/16/2024 8:00 AM]
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PPV FLO SPORTS TV 00 : FloWrestling Radio Live start:2024-05-16 17:00:00 stop:2024-05-16 21:00:00
PPV FLO SPORTS TV 00 : 2024 FHSAA Outdoor Championships start:2024-05-16 22:00:00 stop:2024-05-17 02:00:00
PPV FLO SPORTS TV 00 : 2024 Blazers vs Gerrihattricks start:2024-05-17 03:15:00 stop:2024-05-17 07:15:00
PPV FLO SPORTS TV 00 : 2024 Hurricanes vs Moana Pasifika start:2024-05-17 09:00:00 stop:2024-05-17 13:00:00
PPV FLO SPORTS TV 00 : 2024 CAA Rowing Championship start:2024-05-17 15:30:00 stop:2024-05-17 19:30:00
PPV FLO SPORTS TV 00 : 2024 UCI BMX Racing World Championships start:2024-05-17 19:45:00 stop:2024-05-17 23:45:00
PPV FLO SPORTS TV 00 : 2024 Charleston vs Elon start:2024-05-18 00:00:00 stop:2024-05-18 04:00:00
PPV FLO SPORTS TV 00 : 2024 Brumbies Rugby vs Crusaders start:2024-05-18 06:30:00 stop:2024-05-18 10:30:00
Screwdatt, [5/16/2024 8:00 AM]
PPV FLO SPORTS TV 00 : 2024 Western Force vs NSW Waratahs start:2024-05-18 11:30:00 stop:2024-05-18 15:30:00
PPV FLO SPORTS TV 00 : 2024 Ospreys vs Dragons start:2024-05-18 16:00:00 stop:2024-05-18 20:00:00
PPV FLO SPORTS TV 01 : 2024 Giro dItalia start:2024-05-16 12:15:00 stop:2024-05-16 16:15:00
PPV FLO SPORTS TV 01 : 2024 Lancaster Stormers vs Southern Maryland Blue Crabs start:2024-05-16 16:35:00 stop:2024-05-16 20:35:00
PPV FLO SPORTS TV 01 : 2024 North Carolina A&T vs Towson start:2024-05-16 21:00:00 stop:2024-05-17 01:00:00
PPV FLO SPORTS TV 01 : 2024 Gateway Grizzlies vs Evansville Otters - Doubleheader - Doubleheader start:2024-05-17 01:35:00 stop:2024-05-17 05:35:00
PPV FLO SPORTS TV 01 : 2024 Melbourne Rebels vs Chiefs start:2024-05-17 11:35:00 stop:2024-05-17 15:35:00
PPV FLO SPORTS TV 01 : 2024 NMAA Outdoor Championships 4A-5A start:2024-05-17 16:00:00 stop:2024-05-17 20:00:00
PPV FLO SPORTS TV 01 : 2024 Zebre Parma vs Scarlets start:2024-05-17 20:35:00 stop:2024-05-18 00:35:00
PPV FLO SPORTS TV 01 : 2024 Seton Hall vs Creighton start:2024-05-18 01:00:00 stop:2024-05-18 05:00:00
PPV FLO SPORTS TV 01 : 2024 Blues vs Highlanders start:2024-05-18 09:00:00 stop:2024-05-18 13:00:00
PPV FLO SPORTS TV 01 : 2024 Vodacom Bulls vs Benetton Rugby start:2024-05-18 14:00:00 stop:2024-05-18 18:00:00
PPV FLO SPORTS TV 02 : FloRacing 24/7 start:2024-05-12 10:00:00 stop:2024-11-10 06:59:59
PPV FLO SPORTS TV 03 : 2024 4 Jours de Dunkerque start:2024-05-16 16:00:00 stop:2024-05-16 20:00:00
PPV FLO SPORTS TV 03 : 2024 UConn vs Butler start:2024-05-16 21:00:00 stop:2024-05-17 01:00:00
PPV FLO SPORTS TV 03 : 2024 Ice Scrappers vs Yellow Jackets start:2024-05-17 03:30:00 stop:2024-05-17 07:30:00
PPV FLO SPORTS TV 03 : 2024 NCHSAA Outdoor Championships start:2024-05-17 16:00:00 stop:2024-05-17 20:00:00
PPV FLO SPORTS TV 03 : 2024 Edinburgh Rugby vs Munster Rugby start:2024-05-17 20:35:00 stop:2024-05-18 00:35:00
PPV FLO SPORTS TV 03 : 2024 Lexington Legends vs Gastonia Baseball Club start:2024-05-18 01:00:00 stop:2024-05-18 05:00:00
PPV FLO SPORTS TV 03 : 2024 Frank E. Rader Southeast Regional Champs start:2024-05-18 14:00:00 stop:2024-05-18 18:00:00
PPV FLO SPORTS TV 04 : 2024 Vuelta a Burgos Féminas start:2024-05-16 14:30:00 stop:2024-05-16 18:30:00
PPV FLO SPORTS TV 04 : 2024 OSAA Outdoor Championships start:2024-05-16 19:00:00 stop:2024-05-16 23:00:00
PPV FLO SPORTS TV 04 : 2024 William & Mary vs Campbell start:2024-05-17 00:00:00 stop:2024-05-17 04:00:00
PPV FLO SPORTS TV 04 : 2024 CA Assoc Duals start:2024-05-17 17:00:00 stop:2024-05-17 21:00:00
PPV FLO SPORTS TV 04 : 2024 York Revolution vs Lancaster Stormers - Doubleheader start:2024-05-17 22:00:00 stop:2024-05-18 02:00:00
PPV FLO SPORTS TV 04 : 2024 Fargo Force vs Dubuque Fighting Saints start:2024-05-18 02:05:00 stop:2024-05-18 06:05:00
PPV FLO SPORTS TV 04 : 2024 Veenendaal-Veenendaal start:2024-05-18 14:45:00 stop:2024-05-18 18:45:00
PPV FLO SPORTS TV 05 : 2024 CHSAA Outdoor Championships start:2024-05-16 16:00:00 stop:2024-05-16 20:00:00
PPV FLO SPORTS TV 05 : 2024 Monmouth vs Hofstra start:2024-05-16 21:00:00 stop:2024-05-17 01:00:00
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PPV FLO SPORTS TV 05 : 2024 NCAA Baseball Midwest Regional - #3 start:2024-05-17 18:00:00 stop:2024-05-17 22:00:00
Screwdatt, [5/16/2024 8:00 AM]
PPV FLO SPORTS TV 05 : 2024 William & Mary vs Campbell start:2024-05-18 00:00:00 stop:2024-05-18 04:00:00
PPV FLO SPORTS TV 05 : 2024 Montpellier Herault Rugby vs Stade Toulousain start:2024-05-18 15:00:00 stop:2024-05-18 19:00:00
PPV FLO SPORTS TV 06 : 2024 Long Island Ducks vs York Revolution start:2024-05-16 17:00:00 stop:2024-05-16 21:00:00
PPV FLO SPORTS TV 06 : 2024 UNC Pembroke vs Young Harris - NCAA SE Regional start:2024-05-16 21:30:00 stop:2024-05-17 01:30:00
PPV FLO SPORTS TV 06 : 2024 Monmouth vs Hofstra - Doubleheader start:2024-05-17 19:00:00 stop:2024-05-17 23:00:00
PPV FLO SPORTS TV 06 : 2024 Weekly Racing at Stafford Speedway start:2024-05-18 00:00:00 stop:2024-05-18 04:00:00
PPV FLO SPORTS TV 06 : 2024 Central Regional Championships start:2024-05-18 15:00:00 stop:2024-05-18 19:00:00
PPV FLO SPORTS TV 07 : 2024 Ashland vs Northwood University - NCAA MW Regional start:2024-05-16 17:00:00 stop:2024-05-16 21:00:00
PPV FLO SPORTS TV 07 : 2024 Charleston vs Elon start:2024-05-16 22:00:00 stop:2024-05-17 02:00:00
PPV FLO SPORTS TV 07 : 2024 Continental Tour: Andujar start:2024-05-17 19:15:00 stop:2024-05-17 23:15:00
PPV FLO SPORTS TV 07 : 2024 NCAA Baseball Southeast Regional - #3 start:2024-05-18 00:00:00 stop:2024-05-18 04:00:00
PPV FLO SPORTS TV 07 : 2024 New Jersey Freestyle State Championship start:2024-05-18 15:00:00 stop:2024-05-18 19:00:00
PPV FLO SPORTS TV 08 : 2024 Quebec Capitales vs Sussex County Miners start:2024-05-16 17:05:00 stop:2024-05-16 21:05:00
PPV FLO SPORTS TV 08 : 2024 Ottawa Titans vs New Jersey Jackals - Doubleheader start:2024-05-16 22:05:00 stop:2024-05-17 02:05:00
PPV FLO SPORTS TV 08 : 2024 Stony Brook vs Northeastern start:2024-05-17 20:00:00 stop:2024-05-18 00:00:00
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PPV FLO SPORTS TV 09 : 2024 Joliet Slammers vs Lake Erie Crushers start:2024-05-16 17:05:00 stop:2024-05-16 21:05:00
PPV FLO SPORTS TV 09 : 2024 Kubota High Limit Racing at Outlaw Speedway start:2024-05-17 00:30:00 stop:2024-05-17 04:30:00
PPV FLO SPORTS TV 09 : 2024 North Carolina A&T vs Towson start:2024-05-17 21:00:00 stop:2024-05-18 01:00:00
PPV FLO SPORTS TV 09 : 2024 Quebec Capitales vs Lake Erie Crushers start:2024-05-18 01:05:00 stop:2024-05-18 05:05:00
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PPV FLO SPORTS TV 10 : 2024 Florence Yalls vs Windy City Thunderbolts start:2024-05-16 17:35:00 stop:2024-05-16 21:35:00
PPV FLO SPORTS TV 10 : 2024 UNC Wilmington vs Delaware start:2024-05-17 00:30:00 stop:2024-05-17 04:30:00
PPV FLO SPORTS TV 10 : 2024 UConn vs Butler start:2024-05-17 21:00:00 stop:2024-05-18 01:00:00
PPV FLO SPORTS TV 10 : 2024 Ottawa Titans vs Sussex County Miners start:2024-05-18 01:05:00 stop:2024-05-18 05:05:00
PPV FLO SPORTS TV 10 : 2024 Aviron Bayonnais vs Perpignan start:2024-05-18 17:00:00 stop:2024-05-18 21:00:00
PPV FLO SPORTS TV 11 : 2024 IHSA Girls Outdoor Championships start:2024-05-16 18:00:00 stop:2024-05-16 22:00:00
PPV FLO SPORTS TV 11 : 2024 Washington Wild Things vs New England Knockouts start:2024-05-17 00:30:00 stop:2024-05-17 04:30:00
Screwdatt, [5/16/2024 8:00 AM]
PPV FLO SPORTS TV 11 : 2024 USA Cycling Pro Road National Championships start:2024-05-18 00:15:00 stop:2024-05-18 04:15:00
PPV FLO SPORTS TV 11 : 2024 ASM Clermont Auvergne vs Castres Olympique start:2024-05-18 17:00:00 stop:2024-05-18 21:00:00
PPV FLO SPORTS TV 12 : 2024 Stony Brook vs Northeastern start:2024-05-16 20:00:00 stop:2024-05-17 00:00:00
PPV FLO SPORTS TV 12 : 2024 Charleston Dirty Birds vs Gastonia Baseball Club start:2024-05-17 00:30:00 stop:2024-05-17 04:30:00
PPV FLO SPORTS TV 12 : 2024 USAC East Coast Sprints at Georgetown Speedway start:2024-05-18 00:20:00 stop:2024-05-18 04:20:00
PPV FLO SPORTS TV 13 : 2024 Saginaw Valley vs TBD - NCAA MW Regional start:2024-05-16 20:00:00 stop:2024-05-17 00:00:00
PPV FLO SPORTS TV 13 : 2024 Staten Island FerryHawks vs Hagerstown Flying Boxcars start:2024-05-17 00:30:00 stop:2024-05-17 04:30:00
PPV FLO SPORTS TV 13 : 2024 UNC Wilmington vs Delaware start:2024-05-18 00:30:00 stop:2024-05-18 04:30:00
PPV FLO SPORTS TV 14 : 2024 Lexington Legends vs High Point Rockers start:2024-05-17 00:35:00 stop:2024-05-17 04:35:00
PPV FLO SPORTS TV 14 : 2024 Washington Wild Things vs Tri-City ValleyCats start:2024-05-18 00:30:00 stop:2024-05-18 04:30:00
PPV FLO SPORTS TV 15 : 2024 Trois-Rivieres Aigles vs New York Boulders start:2024-05-17 01:00:00 stop:2024-05-17 05:00:00
PPV FLO SPORTS TV 15 : 2024 Staten Island FerryHawks vs Hagerstown Flying Boxcars start:2024-05-18 00:30:00 stop:2024-05-18 04:30:00
PPV FLO SPORTS TV 16 : 2024 Catawba vs TBD - NCAA SE Regional start:2024-05-17 01:00:00 stop:2024-05-17 05:00:00
PPV FLO SPORTS TV 16 : 2024 New York Boulders vs New Jersey Jackals start:2024-05-18 00:35:00 stop:2024-05-18 04:35:00
PPV FLO SPORTS TV 17 : 2024 Charleston Dirty Birds vs High Point Rockers start:2024-05-18 00:35:00 stop:2024-05-18 04:35:00
PPV FLO SPORTS TV 18 : 2024 Florida Everblades vs Adirondack Thunder start:2024-05-18 01:00:00 stop:2024-05-18 05:00:00
PPV FLO SPORTS TV 19 : 2024 New England Knockouts vs Trois-Rivieres Aigles start:2024-05-18 01:05:00 stop:2024-05-18 05:05:00
PPV FLO SPORTS TV 20 : 2024 Long Island Ducks vs Southern Maryland Blue Crabs start:2024-05-18 01:05:00 stop:2024-05-18 05:05:00
PPV FLO SPORTS TV 21 : 2024 MARS Late Models at Kankakee County Speedway start:2024-05-18 01:15:00 stop:2024-05-18 05:15:00
PPV FLO SPORTS TV 22 : 2024 Kansas City Mavericks vs Toledo Walleye start:2024-05-18 01:15:00 stop:2024-05-18 05:15:00
PPV FLO SPORTS TV 23 : 2024 Lucas Oil MLRA Late Models at Benton Speedway start:2024-05-18 01:30:00 stop:2024-05-18 05:30:00
PPV FLO SPORTS TV 24 : 2024 USAC Huncovsky Classic at Belleville High Banks start:2024-05-18 01:30:00 stop:2024-05-18 05:30:00
PPV FLO SPORTS TV 25 : 2024 Windy City Thunderbolts vs Gateway Grizzlies start:2024-05-18 01:30:00 stop:2024-05-18 05:30:00
PPV FLO SPORTS TV 26 : 2024 Florence Yalls vs Schaumburg Boomers start:2024-05-18 01:30:00 stop:2024-05-18 05:30:00
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PPV FLO SPORTS TV 28 : 2024 Joliet Slammers vs Evansville Otters start:2024-05-18 01:35:00 stop:2024-05-18 05:35:00
PPV FLO SPORTS TV 29 : 2024 IMCA Weekly Racing at Marshalltown Speedway start:2024-05-18 01:45:00 stop:2024-05-18 05:45:00
PPV FLO SPORTS TV 30 : 2024 Black Sox vs Billings Mustangs start:2024-05-18 02:30:00 stop:2024-05-18 06:30:00
PPV FLO SPORTS TV 31 : 2024 Sherwood Park Crusaders vs Brooks Bandits start:2024-05-18 03:00:00 stop:2024-05-18 07:00:00
Screwdatt, [5/16/2024 8:00 AM]
=== UK-AUSTRALIA OPTUS PACK ===
UK-AU OPTUS 02 : Las Palmas v Real Betis start:2024-05-16 17:20:00 stop:2024-05-16 21:10:00
UK-AU OPTUS 02 : Almeria v Barcelona start:2024-05-16 20:15:00 stop:2024-05-16 22:50:00
UK-AU OPTUS 03 : Real Sociedad v Valencia start:2024-05-16 20:45:00 stop:2024-05-16 23:20:00
Screwdatt, [5/16/2024 8:00 AM]
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AU STAN SPORT AU EVENT 03 : Rebels v Chiefs - Super Rugby Pacific Round 13 2024 start:2024-05-17 10:00:04 stop:2024-05-17 12:53:24
Screwdatt, [5/16/2024 8:00 AM]
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UK DAZN UK 03 The dazn boxing show live press conference // UK Thu 16 May 6:58pm // ET Thu 16 May 1:58pm
UK DAZN UK 04 Al khaleej vs. Al ittihad // UK Thu 16 May 6:58pm // ET Thu 16 May 1:58pm
Screwdatt, [5/16/2024 8:00 AM]
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UK NRL LIVE 02: Manly vs Brisbane // UK Fri 17 May 11:03am // ET Fri 17 May 6:03am
Screwdatt, [5/16/2024 8:00 AM]
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Screwdatt, [5/16/2024 8:00 AM]
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UK VIA PLAY 03 NHL Nhl tonight // UK Thu 16 May 2:00pm ET Thu 16 May 9:00am
Screwdatt, [5/16/2024 8:00 AM]
UK VIA PLAY 03 Ice Hockey World Championship Kazakhstan sweden // UK Thu 16 May 3:15pm ET Thu 16 May 10:15am
UK VIA PLAY 03 Ice Hockey World Championship Canada norway // UK Thu 16 May 7:15pm ET Thu 16 May 2:15pm
UK VIA PLAY 03 NHL Carolina ny rangers // UK Fri 17 May 12:05am ET Thu 16 May 7:05pm
UK VIA PLAY 04 LALIGA Laliga news // UK Thu 16 May 2:00pm ET Thu 16 May 9:00am
UK VIA PLAY 04 LALIGA Las palmas real betis // UK Thu 16 May 6:25pm ET Thu 16 May 1:25pm
UK VIA PLAY 04 NHL Vancouver edmonton // UK Fri 17 May 2:35am ET Thu 16 May 9:35pm
UK VIA PLAY 05 LALIGA Almería barcelona // UK Thu 16 May 8:25pm ET Thu 16 May 3:25pm
UK VIA PLAY 06 LALIGA Real sociedad valencia // UK Thu 16 May 8:55pm ET Thu 16 May 3:55pm
Screwdatt, [5/16/2024 8:00 AM]
=== CANADA DAZN PACK ===
CA DAZN CA 13 Rome open day 10 session 1 16th 9:00am/Leeds vs norwich 16th 3:00pm
CA DAZN CA 14 Al khaleej vs al ittihad // UK Thu 16 May 7:00pm // ET Thu 16 May 2:00pm
CA DAZN CA 15 The dazn boxing show live press conference // UK Thu 16 May 7:00pm // ET Thu 16 May 2:00pm
CA DAZN CA 16 Rome open day 10 session 2 // UK Thu 16 May 7:30pm // ET Thu 16 May 2:30pm
Screwdatt, [5/16/2024 8:00 AM]
=== USA TRILLER PACK ===
US TRILLER TV 01 Paradigm Pro Wrestling & Wrestlearts Starting Something // UK Fri 17 May 12:00am // ET Thu 16 May 7:00pm
US TRILLER TV 02 OVW Live #1292 // UK Fri 17 May 12:00am // ET Thu 16 May 7:00pm

FYI, this is a story COLLECTION. Lots of standalones technically. So, you can basically start to read at any chapter, no pre-read of the other chapters needed technically (other than maybe getting better descriptions of characters than: Adam Vir=human, Krill=antlike alien, Sunny=tall alien, Conn=telepathic alien). The numbers are (mostly) only for organization of posts and continuity.
OC Written by Charlie Stastarrfallknightrise,
Typed up and then posted here by me.
Proofreading and language check for some chapters by u/Finbar9800 u/BakeGullible9975 u/Didnotseemecomein and u/medium_jock
Future Lore and fact check done by me.
*Starts to cry* I am so so happy! Isn’t that great? Finally some good news and great things to go forward!
Previous First [Next](link)
Want to find a specific one, see the whole list or check fanart?
Here is the link to the master-post.
Breaking News tonight from the Apollo 11 memorial landing site, as Admiral Adam Vir and Captains Warren Richards and Mary Chavez were rescued from the Pacific Ocean, following a journey that was supposed to be historical, turned harrowing. Amy Grey comes to us this morning with the story.
Thank you Julie, it was only a week ago here on the historic Cape Canaveral launch site, that the reconstructed Saturn V rocket was launched by the UNSC International Space and Aeronautics Division on the two thousand and fifty first anniversary of the original Apollo 11 mission. On board The reconstructed rocket were astronauts Fleet Admiral Adam Vir, head of the UNSC deep space exploration division, Captain Warren Richards five year veteran and historical aeronautics expert, and Mary Chavez, six year shuttle pilot veteran, and communications specialist.
The reconstructed Saturn V rocket took off thirty minutes behind schedule at 10:03 GMT July 16 after delays attributed to engineering standbys. However, reports by UNSC investigation early this morning indicate that the delays were called for by engineering head Jade Clein who noticed something strange during her final checks of the Saturn V recreated rocket.
In an interview early today, flight director, Aaliyah Seif of the Apollo re-creation mission informed outlets that there was evidence of attempted tampering on the hull of the Saturn V rocket. The tampering case in the shape of these small silver tape strips covering loosened bolts along one of the Saturn V side panels. Engineers stated that the tape was not heat resistant and would have burned off in time to rattle the bolts loose and, likely, cause a devastating spin that would destroy the rocket.
While this attempted tampering was thwarted, the mission would only become more dire. A sudden and shocking report by Mericanda News 5 showed an uncut image of an unknown alien hybrid woman claiming that the UN President had ordered the attempted assassination of Admiral Vir, in conjunction with an audio recording by Admiral Colter Massie, Head of the Galactic intelligence division and known isolationist, that admitted to the attempted assassination of Admiral Vir, and the acquisition of twenty Thunderhawk’s, which were used to harry the Saturn V on its way to the moon. Admiral Kelly, longtime friend of Admiral Vir, corroborated the story, saying she caught General Massie just after he ordered the deployment of the twenty Thunderhawk’s. During their conversion, he attempted to kill her, before being detained by two members of Admiral Vir's crew, and was later seen being escorted into custody by Military Police.
Indeed, footage has been captured from the hull of the Saturn V, showing approximately twenty Thunderhawk’s attempting to destroy the rocket while Rundi remote piloted drones and an unknown group of what appear to be racing jets, fought back to delay the attack, while word was sent to the UNSC to deploy F-90 Darkfire pilots to assist. This all after communications between Houston and the rocket were sabotaged shortly after leaving orbit. The F-90 Darkfire pilots were able to arrive on time to rescue the rocket, though a hole was reportedly torn in the hull, sucking Admiral Vir out into space. Luckily, he was later recovered and returned to his ship without any injuries. Patch teams were then able to repair the torn hull and the astronauts completed their mission landing to crowds on the moon and returning to earth on time, landing in the Pacific Ocean only nine miles away from the waiting ship.
All three astronauts were recovered and are reported to be in good health.
The investigation into the UN president's involvement is still ongoing at this time, however preliminary reports from the Global Bureau of Investigation suggest evidence is both staggering and damning to the current UN president, who earlier today, attempted to cut all ties to the sabotage efforts, saying she was framed. Political experts report that, even assuming her innocence, she will likely not last to the end of her term.
International News Network was able to interview Admiral Vir shortly after his landing while still on board the rescuing ship UNSS Victory.
Here is what the Admiral had to say:
"I find it... Really very disheartening that someone we all trusted, and someone that we all should have looked up to could do something like this. It really is a heinous demonstration of what political corruption can lead people to do."
"And how do you feel, personally about all of this?"
"Personally, I... well to be honest I am hurt and appalled. Not to mention that I fear for the safety of my family and my friends. Every day I wonder if my involvement with them is going to get someone I love killed... The thought haunts me, but I hope after all of this is over I... and all of us can breathe a little easier."
"Were you scared?"
"I don't think that even needs to be a question. Of course I was scared, getting sucked out of your spaceship isn't ideal."
"What do you hope will happen now?"
"I hope that justice can be upheld to those who deserve it."
"What do you have to say to the UN president."
”...”
”So?”
"I have nothing to say. Wouldn't want to waste the air.”
[…]
What followed would be one of the largest scandals in recent political history. At some point an unknown number of classified government documents was leaked onto the internet, and after that it was all over for the Presidency. Thousands of enterprising humans, and aliens alike, viewed the documents to discover all the underhanded and dirty things which had been going on in the UN governmental body over the past few years. Forensic accounting experts (mostly Tesraki), uncovered plenty of fiscal tampering which shed light on plenty of isolationist related projects and bank accounts. There was even evidence that they had something to do with the original assassination attempt against Admiral Vir so many months ago. The drama had even managed to capture the attention of Rundi political experts and Vrul computer science geniuses, and together they unearthed a world of unfathomable, but not unexpected corruption. The process to remove the UN president from office was probably one of the fastest movements of human government ever seen by UN congressional leaders, who were likely trying their very best to distance themselves from association with the president, who despite not being the only one involved, had become the political scapegoat for everyone else that had a supposed link with isolationism.
Even the VP fell under suspicion and was watched closely for the rest of his term.
Admiral Massie and the UN President were placed under arrest and set up for court dates in the nearing future, though everyone saw a long and arduous litigation process ahead. Even Ramirez's family had filed for damages against the government after the news came to light, confirming that their son had been shot as collateral in one of the UN presidents plans to assassinate Admiral Vir. They settled out of court to the tune of an unknown, but impressive sum of money.
No one really knew how much, but a couple months later Ramirez's younger sister was seen training at one of the most prestigious Olympic academies on earth.
Ramirez himself was suddenly able to afford housing on the moon in a condo just next door to his best friend, though no one else inquired further.
The Rundi chairwoman came forward with her own investigation, admitting to being suspicious for a long time though she feared accusations without proper proof. Admiral Vir was seen having lunch with her not so many months after the events took place, suggesting that the trust between the two of them had not been completely dissolved. With much of the isolationist element gone from government, public policy began to lean heavily towards integration with the alliance. The occasional isolationist demonstration or protest was held, but none of them managed to gain traction.
Admiral Vir was finding himself more important than ever, though it was to his chagrin that his ship was grounded for the intervening months while the investigation continued.
No one was entirely sure what the future held.
[…]
Admiral Vir stepped into Admiral Kelly's office. The last time he had actually visited her here had been over a few years ago, before his promotion to captain of the Harbinger. It seemed so distant now, and he never expected to walk into her office with a star on his shoulder. She stood as he entered, and the two of them shook hands, ignoring all the stuffy formalities that usually come with the meeting of two military officers.
The wall behind her was decorated with a myriad of metals and awards she had received over her career, and he couldn't help but note the slight tinge of grey he could see forming in her hair. He knew that feeling, he was going prematurely white much to his chagrin. She stood and the two of them shook hands.
"Vir."
"Kelly."
She motioned him to sit, and he sat, sighing lightly as he had been on his feet all day consulting with political figures and other members of the UNSC.
"A strange couple months wouldn't you say?”
"Tell me about it."
Kelly reached under her desk and withdrew an amber bottle which she placed between them,
"I always forget; do you drink?"
"On occasion."
"Well consider this an occasion."
She said, popping off the top and pouring two glasses for them. She handed his across the desk and he leaned back in his seat cupping the cool glass in both hands.
She swirled the amber liquid around in her glass,
"So what are your plans after all this?”
He took a sip of water warmed by the burning liquid,
"Hoping things will go back to normal and I can go back to traveling the galaxy."
Kelly grunted,
"A simple man with simple motivations."
He laughed,
"Sometimes I think a stupid man with simple motivations."
She chuckled then grew serious,
"A lot of people make the mistake of assuming simple people don't have the intelligence to match. Some people assume that trusting means gullible means dumb. Just because we are trusting and expect others to do the right thing is not necessarily a fault. I believe there is a kind of beauty in assuming the fundamental goodness of humanity."
Admiral Vir shook his head,
"How can you after seeing what we have seen?”
"How can you not?"
She shrugged,
"We always knew that politicians were corrupt, but think about everything else we have seen."
Admiral Vir nodded slowly,
"The enthusiasm for the Apollo 11 recreation mission, the people who flew up to help us. All of those people who went digging through years of information just to uncover the truth."
She raised her glass,
"Precisely. Goodness in humanity is all around us, but we tend to overlook the good in favor of the bad."
She placed her hat on the desk and sighed,
"It is up to good people to keep their goodness going even when it might seem easier to give into the bad. I have and will always believe in the fundamental good of humanity. Some may call it naive, or even stupid. Others have said I have a romanticized view of a species that is fundamentally broken."
She turned her head to look out the window, a contemplative expression on her face before turning back to look at Adam.
"You understand me, I think."
He nodded slowly.
"People need to be believed in. You tell someone for long enough that they are fundamentally bad at their core and they will begin to believe you. For thousands of years pessimists have gotten it into our heads that we are no better than animals, worse even since animals don't fight in wars. But I believe that is wrong, I have seen people, I have met people, and I have interacted with people who prove to me that humanity cannot just be fundamentally bad or else these people wouldn't exist."
She tapped her nails against the glass,
"I think it is easier to corrupt purity than wash away a stain."
He listened quietly as she continued.
"Humans are born good, Adam, and life stains us. We aren't born stained while some of us are wiped clean."
She shook her head,
"Doesn't make sense to me."
She caught him with a look, pinning him to the spot with her intense stare,
"People like you convince me of this every day."
"Me!?..."
She held up a hand.
"Adam Vir, I am convinced that the best outcome this universe ever had, was when a happy go lucky science fiction freak was lucky enough to be the first man to meet aliens. Any other way things would have gone horribly wrong."
She leaned across her desk,
"The universe needs men and women like you, and not only that but the universe needs people who are going to support men and women like you."
She sat back,
"Which is why I have made a decision…"
He raised an eyebrow in curiosity, not entirely sure where this could be going.
She smiled,
"I have decided to run for UN President."
He nearly spit his mouthful of expensive scotch onto the table, but managed to choke it mostly down.
Eyes wide he set his glass down,
"Are you serious?”
She smiled,
"Seriously serious."
"Well shit, you have my vote for sure."
He raised his glass to her,
"I couldn't think of a better outcome."
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Intro post by me
OC-whole collection
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Thanks for reading! As you saw in the title, this is a cross posted story written by starrfallknightrise and I'll just upload some of it here for you guys, if you are interested and want to read ahead, the original story-collection can be found on tumblr or wattpad to read for free. (link above this text under "OC:..." ) It is the Empyrean Iris story collection by starfallknightrise. Also, if you want to know more about the story collection i made an intro post about it, so feel free to check that out to see what other great characters to look forward to! (Link also above this text). I have no affiliations to the author; just thought I’d share some of the great stories you might enjoy a lot!
Obviously, I have Charlie’s permission to post this and for the people already knowing the stories, or starting to read them: If you follow the link and check out the story you will see some differences. I made some small (non-artistic) changes, mainly correcting writing mistakes, pronoun correction and some small additional info here and there of things which were not thought of/forgotten or even were added/changed in later stories (like the “USS->UNSC” prefix of Stabby, Chalar=/->Sunny etc). As well as some "biggemajor" changes in descriptions and info’s for the same stringency/continuity reason. That can be explained by the story collection being, well a story collection at the start with many standalone-stories just starring the same people, but later on it gets more to a stringent storyline with backstories and throwbacks. (For example Adam Vir has some HEAVY scars over his body, following his bones, which were not really talked about up till half the collection, where it says it covers his whole body and you find out via backflash that he had them the whole time and how he got them, they just weren't mentioned before. However, I would think a doctor would at least see these scars before that, especially since he gets analyzed, treated and goes shirtless/in T-shirts in some stories). So TLDR: Writing and some descriptions are slightly changed, with full OK from the author, since he himself did not bother to correct these things before.

Hello, I am a non EU citizen currently residing and studying in Germany. My maternal grandfather (also not an EU citizen) used to work in Germany until his death (around 30 years back). He died in an accident outside Germany while visiting family back home. He had no will at the time of his death. At the time, there were not enough means for my family to get in touch with German authorities to pursue this and we all just left the matter.
Since I am now here, I wanted to check if I can claim any assets he held here. I only know the company he worked for and the city he resided in. I have the power of attorney from his heirs (my grandmother, mother and uncle) to make the legal aspects easier.
Is there any way I can check what bank accounts or properties he might have had control of? Do I have to individually contact every bank in the area to inquire or is there some centralised agency which handles such situations?
The only thing I found out from preliminary research is that I need an "Erbschein" from the Nachlassgericht from the city of last residence. Is getting a lawyer the only way to proceed from here?
Thank you!

So basically, I had a childhood friend texting me out of nowhere and calling me a sht person, telling me I should go f** myself. I truly don't understand what triggered her or what she is going through. A lot of our classmates and friends back then stopped being friends with her and called her crazy, a bad person, self-obsessed, etc. She burned bridges with most of them, made a lot of mistakes, and used to act as the victim, claiming she "forgives them" now. But it was high school, and we were kids; you tend to move on from these things with time, especially when you're 31. It was ironic to me, but I kept her as a friend throughout the years, connecting once or twice a year. We were friends for almost 21 years, since 2003.
Now, to the "juicy stuff." Back in 2004, we were around 10/11 years old. She used to date a lot of guys in school, and it was already known that Karen fooled around. She was relatively good looking, "hot" by high school standards, and everyone had a crush on her. Back then I was a stupid, shy, introverted overweight kid, and was good friends with her. One time, I was out with the guys, and a couple of them started talking about her and how she is a bitch. I said that I know her really well and the that she is actually a slut. I can't remember why, but I think I thought I was being cool just like the other guys. It was a stupid mistake from an 11-year-old kid. Word got out that I said those things about her; she confronted me about it, and I apologized, saying that I didn't mean it. We stopped being friends.
Fast forward 10 years pass by after that incident, and now it's 2013. We were 20/21 years old. I went to Canada to visit my best friend, and she was also living in that same city. We all went out to grab a bite and reminisced about the old days. We also talked about that specific incident, and I apologized from the bottom of my heart. We said that it was 10 years ago, we were kids, and we moved on and even became closer than ever. After that, everything was great, and we talked about our dating lives. I was telling her about my struggling with dating girls and that I get nervous and insecure (which is completely normal for a 20-year-old boy). She used to call me in the middle of the night crying about what her boyfriends used to do to her, and I was there for her. Keep in mind that I wasn't attracted to her at that point, and I didn't consider myself "friend zoned" because she wasn't my type of girl – the depressed and drama all the time type of girl. So, I was just being a good friend and being there for her when she needed me, and vice versa. I texted her and asked her what to do with girls when I needed an opinion.
Fast forward another 9 years pass by. During those years, I heard from another friend that one of our female friends at high school is getting married and Karen called the husband and told him not to marry that girl because she was a slut and she won't be a good wife for him. I was shocked but didn't do anything about it because it wasn't my concern. Throughout those years, she would come to town every 2/3 years. I would go out and see her and catch up. We drifted apart, which is normal for any two friends that live in different countries/time zones, but nothing major happened. We rarely texted and weren't that close anymore.
In 2023, we were 30 years old. She comes to town, and I was about to get married. She texts me and tells me she's in town and would love to see me and meet my fiancée. I told her it would be my pleasure, and we went out for coffee, and she met her. It went fine; she was a bit awkward and seemed miserable and definitely not as good looking as before. Keep in mind that my wife is a physician, and I work at a big 4 accounting firm. She does fitness training and volunteers at a government facility for the veterans, still single, or was seeing someone on and off. I honestly don't think that she got jealous, but I told my fiancée back then that she's a bit weird, and a lot of my friends call her "crazy" till this day.
Now, a year later, last night, she texts me out of nowhere, telling me "you are a sht person," and that she is just speaking her mind. I told her, "excuse me? Where is this coming from?" She said that she just felt like saying it and that she isn't hacked or drunk and completely aware of what she's doing. I told her honestly if you truly feel like that I don't care or don't want to know why since I didn't do anything wrong to her and told her I don't know what she's going on with her and that I wish her the all best in life and truly hope that she's doing fine. She started bringing up that I called her a bitch 20 years ago! And I should go f** myself!! And that after all that she's done to me and standing up to me when some girls made fun of me being overweight and that I was a shy kid and didn't know how to get girls, and that I used her all these years and only connected with her when I wanted or needed anything from her. And she tells me it's karma and to go f*** myself again. I was shocked and told her I'm not going to waste my energy on something in the past, and she shouldn't either, and told her that it was a mistake, and that we talked about it years ago and we moved on, and that we are now grown ups and I'm sure she should know something or two about making mistakes in her past. She said “Oh do I??” And started texting me paragraphs; I didn't read them and told her "wish you all the best in your life, bye" and completely blocked her.
This is high school bs that people move on from, and clearly, she's still hung up on the past and still struggling with all the things that happened to her, not just with my incidents in particular but with everyone from her past. She is clearly ill and going through stuff in her life. And I'm not getting myself into drama and negative energy in this stage of my life. Maybe because she is seeing people from school starting to settle in, having successful lives, and marrying good partners, on the other hand she is still struggling with her life and relationships, and not doing good overall in her life. I told my wife about what happened and told her to be careful if she contacts her and to block her. I'm truly speechless and shocked, but I think I did the right thing because it looks like it's true what everyone was saying about her, that she's a pain in the butt and crazy and negative. I should've cut her off years ago. Even though I was truly sorry to say these things about her, but I was a kid! And wanted to be there for her whenever she needed me. That's crazy!

MANILA – The Philippine aviation industry is poised to soar to new heights and become a frontrunner among Asian counterparts by 2028 through increased investment and private sector participation in infrastructure, human capital, and sustainable development.
This will be the highlight of the 2024 Aviation Summit, which will be held at the Marriot Hotel Manila in Pasay City on Oct. 2-3 this year, European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) president Paulo Duarte said in a press conference in the same venue on Wednesday.
“We are thrilled to co-organize the 2024 Aviation Summit, alongside AsBAA (Asian Business Aviation Association) and our event partners from both the government and the private sector, building on the momentum generated by the resounding success of the inaugural Summit,” Duarte said.
“The aviation sector serves as a catalyst for trade, investment, commerce, and connectivity in the country. Through this year's installment, we aim to facilitate meaningful discussions that will shape the future of Philippine and regional aviation. We look forward to fruitful dialogue and collaborations."
Among others, the summit seeks to highlight the importance of meeting global standards, capacity building, and private sector involvement in the aviation sector, as well as address challenges, such as pending legislative reforms.
AsBAA vice chairperson Maximilian Motschmann noted that last year’s Aviation Summit brought significant awareness of the challenges and opportunities faced by the aviation industry.
“This vital aspect will be further explored during the upcoming 2024 Aviation Summit, the second leg of this series, which will leverage this success and chart a way forward for a comprehensive climb to higher heights in the country's aviation sector," Motschmann said.
Representatives of the government, airlines, and aviation organizations also emphasized during the press conference the need for collaboration and strategic partnerships to drive progress and ensure the long-term success of the industry.
"We collectively keep on our flight through the waypoints towards sustainable, safe, and smart Philippine Aviation. As a sector, we all know we are here for the long haul. The Aviation Summit is one of these annual waypoints. As One PH Aviation, we can only go far if we go forward together," Department of Transportation Undersecretary for Aviation and Airports Roberto Lim said.
The 2024 Aviation Summit is one of the platforms for dialogue, collaboration, and action to further develop the Philippine aviation sector.
Participants can register for the event by emailing avsummit@eccp.com.
Philippine Airport Corporation
Meanwhile, Lim said the DOTr is currently lobbying for the passage of a measure that would create Philippine Airport Corporation (PAC).
He said the key principle in the creation of PAC is the separation of the regular authority function from the responsibility of constructing and operating airports, which are both undertaken by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP).
"You need a law to undertake this, to execute this. And the vehicle that has been examined by Congress is the creation of Philippine Airport Corporation whose main responsibility is to run and operate government airports," Lim said.
Lim said he already mentioned the proposal to Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri whom he said is open to discuss it with the aviation sector.
"This is one of the key bills that we would like to seek his support, together with the establishment of the Philippine Independent Transportation Safety Board (PITSB)," he said.
Senator Grace Poe has earlier filed Senate Bill No. 1121, or the Philippine Transportation Safety Board (PTSB) Act, which seeks to establish an agency in charge of investigating transportation-related accidents and other incidents. (PNA)

Last year I was travelling around Europe and was in Copenhagen for a week. There is a 'freetown' in the center of the city named Christiania that openly sells weed at stalls, even though it is illegal in the country the freetown is allowed to create it's own laws although it apparently raided often by police. Anyway, during the first couple of days I visited with the freetown with some friends as it's very popular with tourists, it's quite interesting to see this fully functional hippy commune in operation. Needless to say I bought a gram of weed and we smoked at had some beers and enjoyed the day. I ended up smoking half the gram as I'm not a big smoker and put the rest in my bag.
Five days go by and I'm due to stay with a friend across the border in Sweden, so i catch a coach as it's only a 2 hours journey. Since then I haven't touched or thought about the weed, completely forgetting about it all together. Whilst crossing the border the coach pulls into border control and we're asked to wait a few minutes whilst they check everything is in order. A few minutes go by and a police officer comes onto the coach holding my backpack asking who is the owner, I claim it's mine and i'm asked to step off the coach. They ask my if I have anything in my backpack that I shouldnt such as narcotics as their sniffer dog has picked up on something. My heart immediately drops out my ass as I suddenly remember the weed. I say yes and pull out the 0.5 and hand it over. I'm then asked to hand over my passport and escorted into another room my some officers to be searched and interrogated. After about 15 minutes they say I'm free to go and hand me my passport back saying that if it happens again you will be arrested.
This was honestly the dumbest thing i've ever done and I have no prior history with illegal drugs apart from the occasional joint once or twice a year at a gathering. I believe i was let off as I have nothing on my criminal record and also the fact is was such a small amount. Recently I applied for a government position and received a provisional offer subject to background checks. I suddenly remembered this event from last year and now i'm very anxious. I know the border patrol likely checked my criminal record when they took my passport, since they warned me that a repeated offence would result in prosecution I'm assuming they put a mark on my identity so that next time I will be flagged in the system. I'm wondering if this was a mark on my criminal record and would it show up in a background check?

Rishikesh, a serene retreat nestled in the lap of the Himalayas along the banks of the sacred Ganges River, is not only a haven for spiritual seekers but also a paradise for those seeking culinary delights. While exploring the tranquil beauty of Rishikesh, finding the perfect place to stay is essential for an unforgettable experience. In this article, we'll delve into the best places to stay in Rishikesh, each offering a peaceful escape, and highlight the rooftop restaurants where you can savor delectable cuisine while soaking in breathtaking views of this enchanting city.
Riverside Retreats: Embracing Nature's Serenity
Riverside retreats in Rishikesh offer an unparalleled opportunity to immerse yourself in the serene beauty of the Ganges River while enjoying luxurious accommodations and top-notch hospitality. These tranquil sanctuaries provide a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, allowing you to unwind and rejuvenate amidst nature's splendor.
After a day of exploring Rishikesh's spiritual sites and natural wonders, head to the rooftop restaurants at riverside retreats for a memorable dining experience. Here, you can indulge in a variety of cuisines ranging from traditional Indian dishes to international favorites, all while enjoying panoramic views of the river and surrounding mountains. Whether you're savoring a leisurely breakfast at sunrise or enjoying a romantic dinner under the stars, rooftop restaurants at riverside retreats in Rishikesh offer an unforgettable culinary journey.
Ashrams: Nurturing the Spirit and the Palate
For those seeking a deeper spiritual experience, staying in an ashram in Rishikesh provides an opportunity to connect with your inner self while enjoying simple and wholesome meals prepared with love and care. Ashrams offer a serene and contemplative environment where guests can immerse themselves in yoga, meditation, and spiritual practices under the guidance of experienced teachers and gurus.
While the focus of ashram life is on inner transformation and self-discovery, many ashrams in Rishikesh also offer rooftop dining areas where guests can enjoy delicious vegetarian meals while taking in panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Whether you're savoring a nourishing meal after a yoga session or enjoying a quiet moment of reflection as you gaze out at the mountains, rooftop restaurants at ashrams in Rishikesh provide a peaceful and rejuvenating dining experience.
Guesthouses: Charming Retreats with a View
Guesthouses in Rishikesh offer a cozy and intimate setting where travelers can experience the warmth of Indian hospitality while enjoying comfortable accommodations and personalized service. These charming retreats are often located in quiet residential neighborhoods or scenic countryside settings, providing a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Many guesthouses in Rishikesh boast rooftop restaurants where guests can dine alfresco while enjoying stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Whether you're savoring a homemade meal prepared with locally sourced ingredients or sampling authentic Indian cuisine, rooftop restaurants at guesthouses in Rishikesh offer a delightful culinary experience in a relaxed and inviting atmosphere.
Resorts: Luxurious Dining with a View
For travelers seeking luxury and indulgence, resorts in Rishikesh offer a perfect blend of opulence and natural beauty. Set amidst sprawling gardens and lush greenery, these upscale accommodations provide a tranquil retreat where guests can relax and rejuvenate in style.
Rooftop restaurants at resorts in Rishikesh offer a sophisticated dining experience with panoramic views of the Ganges River and surrounding mountains. Whether you're enjoying a sumptuous buffet breakfast, savoring a candlelit dinner under the stars, or toasting to your adventures with handcrafted cocktails, rooftop restaurants at resorts in Rishikesh provide an unforgettable culinary journey in a luxurious setting.
Budget-Friendly Hostels: Vibrant Dining and Socializing
For budget-conscious travelers and backpackers, hostels in Rishikesh offer affordable accommodations and a vibrant social atmosphere where guests can connect with like-minded travelers from around the world. These lively establishments often feature rooftop dining areas where guests can enjoy delicious meals while soaking in panoramic views of the city.
Rooftop restaurants at hostels in Rishikesh offer a casual and laid-back dining experience with a focus on local flavors and international cuisine. Whether you're swapping travel stories with fellow guests over a shared meal or enjoying a solo dining experience with a view, rooftop restaurants at hostels in Rishikesh provide a fun and memorable culinary adventure without breaking the bank.
Conclusion: A Culinary Journey in Tranquil Surroundings
In Rishikesh, the best places to stay offer more than just comfortable accommodations—they provide a tranquil escape where you can unwind, recharge, and reconnect with yourself and the world around you. Whether you choose a riverside retreat, an ashram, a guesthouse, a resort, or a hostel, rooftop restaurants in Rishikesh offer a delightful culinary experience with panoramic views of this enchanting city. So pack your bags, embark on your journey, and discover the best places to stay in Rishikesh for a tranquil escape and a culinary journey you'll never forget.