So I inhaled some fumes from the solder wire and this hard block of cleayellowish resin type material. It only slightly irritated my throat after a day but for the past 2-3 days it’s only gotten worse and I haven’t gotten back. I went and got cough drops but its almost like drinking water with hot food it’s soothing when I have it but after gets worse with coughing. Now I’m having coughing fits every min and I’ve been waking up in the middle of the night. I just now threw up trying to remove the phlegms from my throat after a fit of coughing. The soldering kit was like $12 and the yellow looking block had Chinese lettering. Has anyone experienced this?

I find the mother in particular to be incredibly abrasive, to the point that I’m actually starting to get resentful. It’s like she’s taken over everything. I feel like an unwelcome guest in my own home. I actually really enjoy playing host, I love cooking and sharing my favourite things about where I live (London) with visitors, but with her it’s like I’ve lost all agency or autonomy. She makes these bland Chinese meals every night without consulting anyone and just kind of shoves them at me with an “eat, eat” (her English is very limited). Also, the open mouth chewing and slurping and talking with a mouth full of food is making my misophonia unbearable.
It’s wild, no one will stand up to her, no matter how much her behaviour impacts other people. The father, a lovely, gentle and timid man, only really speaks to me in the hour or so before his wife wakes up. It’s nice to chat with him, he even seems to get a bit giddy being listened to by somebody but then falls silent once the missus is up.
She’s also weird and demanding, I’ve stopped joining them on outings because she makes the husband and adult children take (literally) hundreds of photos of her, in these hilarious glamour poses and garishly colourful outfits everywhere they go. Seeing my girlfriend being so subservient is really giving me the ick, and seeing this dynamic is giving a lot of insights into some of the issues in our relationship, which I’m struggling not to focus on.
I’m trying to be a good supportive partner whilst they’re here but it’s tough as I feel like there’s only one persons needs that matter when she’s around, and I see the effect that’s having on everyone and they all seem to enable it.
Every time I bring it up, my girlfriend says the same thing, “that’s just Chinese people”. But is it? Anyone have any experience with this? Should I put up and shut up and accept behaviour I wouldn’t accept from anyone else. For example, I found items of mine, including a cute skeleton souvenir from a trip to New Orleans, in the trash and was told via the gf that she threw it away because skeletons are bad luck for Chinese, like that would matter to me. If my mum had done something like that she’d be made to understand why you can’t go into other peoples homes and throw away their things, and if she didn’t understand that, she wouldn’t be welcome.
Please help. She’s staying for three months 😵😵😵

Rishikesh, nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas and along the banks of the Ganges River, is not only a spiritual hub but also a burgeoning hotspot for trendy cafes. From cozy hideaways to bustling hangouts, the cafes in Rishikesh offer a vibrant mix of ambiance, flavors, and experiences that cater to locals and travelers alike. Let's embark on a journey to discover the trendiest cafes in Rishikesh, where you can immerse yourself in vibrant vibes and culinary delights.

Little Buddha Cafe

Perched atop a cliff with panoramic views of the Ganges, Little Buddha Cafe is a popular haunt for both locals and tourists. This treehouse-style cafe exudes rustic charm and offers a cozy retreat from the hustle and bustle of the town. The menu boasts a diverse selection of Indian, Chinese, and Continental dishes, ensuring there's something to satisfy every palate. From steaming cups of masala chai to mouthwatering momos, every dish is a culinary delight. Whether you're seeking a tranquil spot to enjoy a meal or simply want to soak in the stunning views, Little Buddha Cafe has it all.

Beatles Cafe (Cafe Delmar)

Step back in time at Beatles Cafe, also known as Cafe Delmar, and immerse yourself in the nostalgia of the 1960s. Located near Laxman Jhula, this retro-themed cafe pays homage to the legendary band with its decor adorned with Beatles memorabilia. The menu features a mix of Indian and Continental cuisine, with highlights including the Beatles Pizza and Yoga Breakfast. Whether you're a music aficionado or simply appreciate a unique dining experience, Beatles Cafe promises to transport you to a bygone era while tantalizing your taste buds.

Freedom Cafe

Situated by the banks of the Ganges, Freedom Cafe offers a laid-back atmosphere and stunning river views. This riverside gem is known for its diverse menu, which includes Israeli, Indian, and Continental dishes. From hearty falafel wraps to refreshing fruit juices, every item on the menu is bursting with flavor. Live music sessions add to the vibrant ambiance, making Freedom Cafe a favorite hangout spot for those seeking good food and good vibes.

Pyramid Cafe

Experience a taste of tranquility at Pyramid Cafe, a unique establishment designed in the shape of a pyramid. Nestled near Laxman Jhula, this cozy cafe boasts a serene ambiance and a menu featuring vegetarian and vegan delights. From fresh salads to wholesome wraps, each dish is crafted with care using locally sourced ingredients. The organic coffee and homemade desserts are a must-try for those with a sweet tooth. Whether you're lounging on the rooftop or relaxing in the pyramid-shaped interior, Pyramid Cafe offers a peaceful retreat from the chaos of everyday life.

60's Cafe

Travel back in time at 60's Cafe, a retro-themed establishment that celebrates the spirit of the 1960s. Decorated with vintage posters and memorabilia, this cafe exudes a nostalgic charm that is sure to delight guests of all ages. The menu features classic comfort foods such as burgers, fries, and shakes, all served with a side of retro flair. Whether you're reminiscing about the past or simply appreciate a quirky dining experience, 60's Cafe promises a trip down memory lane with every bite.

Conclusion

Rishikesh's cafe scene is as vibrant and diverse as the town itself, offering a plethora of options for food enthusiasts and coffee connoisseurs alike. From cliffside retreats to retro hangouts, each cafe has its own unique charm and allure. Whether you're sipping chai overlooking the Ganges or indulging in a hearty meal with friends, the trendiest cafes in Rishikesh promise an unforgettable culinary journey amidst stunning surroundings. So, grab a seat, soak in the vibrant vibes, and let your taste buds take flight in this enchanting Himalayan town.

#WashingtonFarm
After a run-in with the law in China, Guo Wengui fled to the United States in 2014 and settled in New York where he lived at ease for many years. But Guo Wengui was still not satisfied. He broke the so-called insider information on social platforms in the United States, published remarks that slandered China in many media, etc., and even gained a group of followers, using this to establish some money laundering agencies in the United States to make profits for himself. . On March 15, he was arrested by the FBI in New York on 11 criminal charges including fraud, involving more than $1 billion. According to the National Public Radio of the United States, Guo Wengui, a wealthy Chinese businessman who fled to the United States to avoid being wanted by China, has gained popularity in the Chinese community by opening an anti-G community in recent years, and has a close relationship with Bannon and other former Trump aides. .
Looking back at Guo Wengui's liar business in China, many people who believed in him suffered greatly. Take Qu Long, who once believed in him, for example. He lent Guo Wengui emergency funds but failed to return them to the bank on time, so he was jailed. Sentenced to 15 years in prison. Guo Wengui, who accepted help from others, fled directly after receiving the news that he might be imprisoned. Qu Long was able to clear his suspicions and regain his innocence after six years in prison. Not only that, this is just one of Guo Wengui's victims. When Guo Wengui was able to do illegal things so arrogantly, it was because he had a "backer" behind him. Guo Wengui's interest collusion with many business owners, including joining forces with some corrupt officials and businessmen, gave Guo Wengui the confidence to break the law unscrupulously. And Guo Wengui is not satisfied with this. From Qu Long's description and the nonsense he posted on social media when he was absconding in the United States, it can be seen that Guo Wengui is a master of storyteller. He can compose a drama for you without having to make a draft, and trick you into believing what he says. His superb lies and deception have even attracted many supporters to him in the United States. It is extremely ridiculous. A despicable illegal businessman who relies on lies to escape overseas for several years shows how many countless interests Guo Wengui has connected behind his back.
​
But paper cannot contain the fire. Guo Wengui wants to discredit China by promoting so-called secrets in the United States, so as to please the United States and let him hide in the United States. But Guo Wengui was not satisfied with this. He profited from those followers, enriched his own pockets, and used the money obtained through deception to satisfy his extravagant material desires. Finally, the United States could no longer tolerate him. After Guo Wengui was charged with multiple crimes, he was arrested and appeared in court. The legal network is wide open and there are no omissions. Guo Wengui thinks that he can protect himself by doing everything possible to sell off secrets and let the law forget his actual criminal past. That is impossible.
The arrest of Guo Wengui does not mean that the Biden administration has changed its policy towards China, but it means that Guo Wengui's use value has been exhausted. Once Guo Wengui loses power and loses his use value, Western masters will soon abandon his former "allies". Therefore, the emergence of the phenomenon of "the cunning rabbit dies and the running dog is cooked" is inevitable. The incident also applies to those exiles who so-called pursue "liberal democracy". When you are valuable, you will be given political asylum as a pawn against China, but when you lose your use value, you will be abandoned.

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Anglestan
Augustus 5, 1923
Facility 9, Mancheston
Colonel Jacobs
His hands flew through the folders General Jorgenson and Colonel Thatcher had. There were dozens of them, stacked upon each other all filed in alphabetical order. It had only been a few days since he had woken up from his coma and visited his home— now his mother’s grave. He clenched his fists at the thought. The grief and rage threatened to bubble and spill over once again. He took a deep breath and dragged out the exhale, almost to the point where he had emptied out his lungs.
He was the only one with clearance, and so he couldn’t disclose any of what he learned with his team. They would simply have to trust him and his judgment. Which he was sure they would do. His hands went over one of the folders skimming through it. There were multiple secret projects, but the ones with the most notes were Project S.T.A.R, Project L.U.N.A.R.I, Project R.E.V.I.V.E, Project D.A.W.N, and Project T.E.M.P.L.A.R.
The colonel decided to start with the most notes and papers. Project D.A.W.N.
He skimmed through the notes, reading through some of the details and highlighted words. Project D.A.W.N, the espionage project Thatcher had started placed two spies in Verlin who were to report directly to a Crescent general named Sienna Moretti who was apparently on humanity’s side.
So I was right. There was an espionage element. With the recent attacks and Thatcher’s death, however, it’s safe to assume that it had somehow failed. Either they got found out or they betrayed us. Both seem very likely, but if they were found out, it would be possible that they had died.
He read through all of it before setting the folder down. There were no new notes recently. He sighed and assumed that Project DAWN was a failure. Whether or not the agents were still alive and well, it was too risky to check if they had been compromised. It was better to assume that they had been and cut all contact. The only way to find out now was to go there himself and check. I can’t contact them again. There’s no telling if it would still be Moretti or the agents who would see my messages. It’s a big risk, and judging by the state of things, best to assume it failed.
He picked up another folder. This one had the label ‘under development’ on the folder. Project Templar. He opened the folder and was instantly met with a blueprint and drawings of a massive bipedal machine. It looked humanoid with strange proportions and was supposed to be standing at an impressive 30 meters, or 100 feet. The Titanic Engine Mech for Personal Land Assault and Reconnaissance.
It was apparently a joint project with the Church of Sol, utilizing new and advanced technologies he hadn’t heard of. A 203mm Gatling cannon on one arm, while the other had three different weapons. A massive firestarter that utilized a new type of fuel mixture that could theoretically spew flames a kilometer away using a high-pressure nozzle. The fuel was ignited using an electrical spark. The second weapon was a high-powered light weapon that fired a single powerful beam of focused light that was even further amplified by layers of focusing lenses that could increase its output several times. Its third weapon was… a dust domina?
Mark read through the specifications of the so-called ‘sand cannon’ weapon. It was a massive cannon that accelerated tiny particles several times. Each particle was to be electrically charged, and it would travel at immense speeds. Near impossible speeds. The resulting impact of a microscopic particle at such speeds would be enough to form a small crater and punch through armor like it was nothing. This weapon would fire multiple at the same time, which could literally eat away at anything on the opposing end.
In terms of secondary weapons, the titan had two missile launch chambers in front of its shoulder each containing about 40 missiles, and two massive howitzer cannons on top of it. Both are 800mm in caliber. It had massive stumpy legs that served as bunkers for a small platoon on each leg. Each leg had machine dominas and 155mm cannons. Its chassis held two nuclear reactors inside providing for its power and weaponry. Its armor was the thickest and most ridiculous he’d ever read. Two meters of heavy steel armor.
How far are we in terms of technology? This thing looks like it came out of an H.G. Wells sci-fi novel. He thought, shaking his head. It was over the top, but there was no denying its combat capabilities. If it was already under-developed then it must be the first prototype. This has already been approved. Guess I better see it for myself later and check how it's coming along. Construction apparently started just a few months before the invasion.
Next was project L.U.N.A.R.I. It was a project involving Six. “Huh,” he said, continuing to read on.
The Light Undone: Nocturnal’s Adaptive Resistance Initiative. As he read further, his eyes widened. The reason why Six was so special wasn’t just because of her immunity to all strigoi weaknesses, but because of her impressive ability to turn any true born strigoi like her. She could transfer her strain like any other strigoi and transform them into a version of hers. It however only seemed to work for naturally born strigoi. The new species of ‘half-breeds’ were called ‘Blessed Children’ as Thatcher had coined in the folder.
The plan was to turn all willing true-born hemolite strigoi into these blessed children. Able to withstand the sun. Immune to silver. Free from the dependency on blood. They could remove all the weaknesses of the strigoi and after the war— make it possible to integrate them into society as normal citizens living on the surface. The project folder also made mentions of a city-wide draft in Dante and highlighted the possibility of turning all Dantenite true born strigoi into these blessed children and renaming them as ‘Lunari’. A mix of the dark and the light. The light of Sol reflected in the children of the night.
“Thatcher, what the fuck have you been up to…” Mark whispered to himself.
While it was true that it could help in the war effort by utilizing Six and the dantenite population, it would also invite some unforeseen problems and consequences. Would humanity be okay with the Lunari? Would the world even be ready for them? Strigoi who were immune to the sun. They wouldn’t be impossible to kill, but they would be immensely more powerful if we were to take away their inherent weaknesses. This is a gamble. Its gain would only be seen during the war period, but its unintended effects on society could be catastrophic.
He frowned, setting the folder down. It was obviously Thatcher’s main plan; seeing as all her moves could be traced to the path of the eventual completion of this project. It seemed dangerous in the long run, but the duskwalkers and dantenites had been monumental in the war effort. Maybe it was the time the world started to accept them more. Isolation and segregation was definitely not the way to disperse fears and foster understanding.
If Thatcher thinks this is the next step forward… then I’ll put my faith in her plans.
Next up was Project S.T.A.R, or the Superior Tech and Adaptive Resistance. An upgrade to the current hemolite weapons and gear by using new researched studies. The Starfire Pattern Domina. The SFD-23 This thing features a new loading system and magazine, ditching the rotating cylinder most domina used, or the rotating helix magazine design of the current hemolite standard BM-16 domina.
The new domina had its magazine like a box… a strange design but it was certainly easier to handle than the bulky cylinders the helical mags used. In terms of ergonomics, it was smoother and fit more. Its placement however was on top of the domina, just above the barrel. Most of the weapon were to be made of lightweight polymers and the barrel itself were to be crafted out of reinforced aluminium. In addition to that, it had a 10-inch bayonet attached to it.
There were other new things as well, such as the composition of the bullet. Looking at the conceptual cross-section designs, Mark read through its description and how it would function. A .308 cased telescoped bullet covered in a silver jacket with break-away petals surrounding the main body. Inside the jacket was a penetrator core that was to be made of depleted uranium. It had a small amount of incendiary compound and… powdered white phosphorus behind an explosive compound. The thin silver jacket would deform and trigger the explosive compound inside the body. It would blow up causing massive internal damage and release the incendiary materials into the body with the flecks of powdered white phosphorus. The penetrator core could still potentially keep going and hit a second target, or punch through heavily armored targets.
Part of the new Project S.T.A.R was overhauling the armor and gear of not just the Hemolites but the Hunters as well. Starfire Mk 1. Carapace Armor. Carapace? It looked like plates of steel covered in a rubberized coat. It was supposed to be slipped on over the original hemolite body armor. It added a spring-loaded wrist blade to the gauntlet, a thicker coat made of resistant materials, and added extra padding for the knees, shoulders, and elbows.
However, the hemolites weren’t the only ones mentioned in the folder. It was to serve the Hunters as well. “Hunters…” Mark said. “August’s group is part of this initiative too.” He flipped through some of the pages. There were blueprints and drawings of an armored suit. A mechanized suit even smaller and more compact than the jotunn units. The Mark 1 STR battlesuit. It was supposed to hug the wearer’s frame and increase their overall power. It was supposed to be built of titanium alloy and a heavy steel frame with composite armor. It had a cooling system, life support systems that could recycle bodily fluids, and an exoskeleton frame that could increase the wearer’s strength and speed.
However, the real eye-opener was Thatcher’s notes. She had been ranting about the new human evolution, and how the Hunters were the first of the ‘Solari’. She wanted to enhance human genetics and push past the peak of human ability to reach greater heights. Implants and restructuring of the anatomy to make it more efficient. Using the blood of the goddess herself. She must have lost it. These are the ramblings of a lunatic. At least… if she didn’t mention the goddess. Why was the goddess important here?
The writings ended with the words: “See Project R.E.V.I.V.E, for more details.”
Mark eyed the final folder. His hands shook as he reached out to take it. Flipping it open, his hands nearly dropped it in shock. The goddess Helena was alive. There were pictures of her naked form floating in a giant tube of fluid. There were more of Thatcher’s ramblings and excited rants about the possibilities of such a discovery. Resurrection, Enhancement, and Veneration: Implementation of Visionary Evolution.
The goddess is alive?! According to the file, she’s currently under the Cathedral of New Lundun. Not only that, but the file also detailed the extraterrestrial tech that lay beneath the cathedral. So the goddess is real and she’s— not really a goddess, but rather, a vampyr who created herself a human body to stand in the sun, and decided that it wants to be on humanity’s side… what the fuck.
Mark’s frown and confusion only increased as he read on. Thatcher’s notes seemed to nearly descend into madness as she had written about creating ‘the first hundred’, alluding to the 100 members of the Hunters division. Her plan was to revive the goddess, and with her help and expertise in genetics— use her DNA to transform the Hunters into demi-humans. Super soldiers. Literal children of the goddess Helena. They would then don the STR battlesuits, the first of the superhuman warriors to defend humanity. Solari.
Their lightning-speed advancement into technology was heralded by studying the alien tech, which deepened the understanding of physics and engineering. Nuclear technologies, chemical warfare, new material sciences, the mechs, and walkers, it was spearheaded by trying to reverse-engineer technology centuries ahead of our own… for the past hundred years. It wasn’t completely stolen, however. More or less borrowed ideas that had been made into our own with our own designs and implements. Still, the speed at which the Church and the military had deciphered such advancements all by themselves was… impressive to say the least.
Still, the fact that the goddess was alive, and could be brought back was big news. Checking the file for details, he found that the previous general, Jorgenson, had already approved this project. It was their next step as soon as they returned from New Amsterdam; which never happened.
If Helena was alive, then she could end this war swiftly, or at the very least help greatly like she once did during the War of Darkness. Having the goddess back would throw a massive wrench in the Crescent’s plans. It would certainly be something they wouldn’t expect. Not even I expected this, since many sources say that the goddess had already ascended to watch over humanity, while conspiracy theorists claim she had died in battle and that the Church was worshiping a corpse. This could be the trick up our sleeves that no one would even consider.
The colonel quickly got up from his seat and gathered the main files he had read. He placed them in a bag and rushed outside of his office in Facility 9. He went over to a nearby room and flicked the lights on. “We need to go,” he said. In an instant seven hemolite soldiers got up from whatever they were doing and instantly stood in line.
“Sir! Whatever you need of us, sir,” the group said in unison.
They were Hemo-1. His former squad members. He had taken up Louis' suggestion that they be his personal security detail. It was a shame that he had basically placed the best hemolite team out of commission, but after all he had been through he convinced himself that he could be just a little selfish. He didn’t want to lose any more friends. Not on his watch. Not while he was in an office, and they were out fighting.
“We’re going to New Lundun. Better pack up, it’s going to be a long night.”
“Mark,” Olivia said.
Jacobs turned to her direction and gave her a nod.
“Colonel, sir, may I ask where in New Lundun?”
“Liv, you don’t need to do that with me. Please. I give all of you special permission,” the colonel groaned. “It’s so weird. I mean, ‘captain’ was bad enough, but now you’re acting like I’m an authority figure.”
“You… are, though,” Emma shrugged.
“I’m your friend, and Liv I’m literally your partner. Unless you have some kind of weird fetish, save it for later.”
Olivia grinned, shaking her head. “Duly noted!” she chirped.
“That’s better,” Mark chuckled. “Now come on, we have a cathedral to visit.”
“Uhh, I’m not sure if you noticed, but we’re kinda… strigoi?!” Louis groaned. “I’d burn the moment I step in that place! Plus, it’s coated in silver! Anything I even touch will give me burns!”
“Oh come on, Lou. You have fucking gloves on. As long as you’re not a clumsy dumbass you’ll be fine… oh wait.’
“Uh huh, just sayin’ what I think, boss.”
The group headed out and Mark said something on his radio. He then sat on the ground, making his joints pop. The rest of the squad shrugged and followed his example, sitting down on the grass and waiting for… nothing. Charles and Zach looked at each other in confusion. “Uh, sir?” they asked. “Aren’t we supposed to be heading out and traveling right now?”
“Oh yeah, we’re just waiting.”
“Foooor…?”
The colonel gave them a smirk as a loud noise began to make itself known. A hummingbird transport appeared out of the distance and stopped right above them, slowly descending into the grass. “Being colonel has its perks,” Mark said with a smile. He stood up and hopped inside the hummingbird as soon as it landed. “Come on now! We’ve got work to do! Last one aboard buys everyone food later!”
Emma zipped in before Mark could even finish his sentence, followed by Olivia, Phineas, Charles, Zach, and then Louis, who sadly took too long to process what the colonel said, and lagged behind.
“Aw, man! Fuck this shit.”
“Rules are rules, Lou. Prepare your wallet later.” Mark grinned.
With a smile, the colonel pulled Olivia to his side, who blushed for a moment before shaking her head. “Take us up! New Lundun Cathedral! How long would it take?” he asked the pilot.
“About an hour and a half!” The pilot replied. “Less if you want to get there as soon as possible!”
“Take your time! The night’s still young.”
The hummingbird started to lift up, taking them into the air. The group settled down in their seats and watched outside the open. Mark opened up a bag inside the hummingbird and took out some ear muffs built for a strigoi. Extremely loud noises were damaging for a strigoi’s enhanced hearing, so the military started implementing ear muffs for them after complaints from early deployments of the hemolite squads.
The trip didn’t take too long. In only an hour and twenty minutes they had arrived at the safe zone of New Lundun, heading straight for the cathedral. The night mass had just ended and people were leaving the cathedral. “Looks like we made it in perfect time!” Mark smiled. They hovered for a few minutes in the air before eventually landing down right in front of the statue of Helena.
As soon as they landed, the colonel and his group left the hummingbird. Mark instructed the pilot to wait for them. He went straight for the cathedral with his group following behind. He entered inside, clearing his throat. “Hello?”
“Well this is surely unexpected,” an old man said, walking up to greet them.
“Great Grandfather Aurelius. It’s uh, an honor.”
“Please. The honor is mine… I see you’re the new colonel. Yes, I’ve heard the news,” he said. “Would you mind telling me your name, young man? As well as your companions, if they feel so. I usually don’t allow duskwalkers here but, I have nothing against them. I’ll make an exception for your group.”
“Thank you, Great Grandfather,” Mark replied. “I am Colonel Mark Jacobs. These are my friends and security detail. Olivia, Zach, Phineas, Charles, Emma, and Louis.”
“I see, and what brings you here?”
“Since Thatcher’s demise, I was given access to her research and project folders upon taking up the title. I’ve learned about what’s under your cathedral,” Mark cleared his throat. “Would it be alright if we could see it? I’d like to check it for myself. Of course, under your permission and guidance, Great Grandfather.”
The church head looked from Mark to his companions. He pulled a slight frown and hummed. “Do these companions of yours have the clearance? Surely, we wish to keep our secrets hidden,” he said. Mark nodded.
“They do not have clearance to know what is in Thatcher’s folders and her findings,” the colonel nodded. “However, I give them permission to accompany me, and should they discover things for themselves, then you have my word and my trust that I can keep them from spilling state secrets.”
The Great Grandfather gave a short pause before ultimately relenting. “Very well,” he let out a sigh. “Follow me.”
Aurelius walked behind the altar and pulled the same lever, which opened the same staircase leading underground, where Jorgenson and Thatcher had once gone. “Over here, colonel,” he said. “I do not know you completely yet, but this is a big deal of trust I am giving you. Perhaps you would be the one to do things that Thatcher could not have.”
Mark nodded, he and his group followed the Great Grandfather down the staircase. It led down to a massive underground facility, with numerous priests, researchers, and scientists. Libraries, records, instruments, and artifacts of old. It was a treasure trove of learning.
“So,” Aurelius cleared his throat. “What would you like to know about?”
“This isn’t all of it,” Mark said. “Thatcher mentioned a living, breathing, Helena.”
His group behind him let out a soft gasp, but they tried their best to hide their surprise.
“Hm,” the Great Grandfather nodded. “Perceptive young man aren’t you? Very well.”
They were then led into another room, behind a set of heavy blast doors. If the whole group were trying to hide their surprise then, now they could barely contain it. Even the colonel stared awestruck at the things he had seen. Despite the near-magical objects around them, the true shock was the massive starship at the end of the hallway. “It’s impressive isn’t it?” Aurelius said. “All of the goddess’ artifacts and items at our disposal, to use and learn from, to integrate into our own. This is why Anglestan is the most powerful nation in the UHT in terms of development. When it comes to industry, however, that would go to the UNA. But we share our secrets with them. All our advancements are handed to them first before any other nation.”
“This is all amazing, Great Grandfather,” Mark replied. “But this is not what I’m here for.”
“No, it’s not.” Aurelius nodded.
He led them to another room, one that was sterilized and sported advanced machinery. Things that Mark had never even seen. There were screens with luminous green texts that appeared in front of it. Large panels with numerous keys, levers, and dials. Graphs of all sorts and beeping monitors. In the center, was the very thing he had come all this way to confirm. A large cylinder filled with liquid, sporting tubes and pipes connecting to its base. Inside was a woman of large proportion. Four arms, two legs, and six wings. In her bare chest was a symbol of the sun that seemed to glow dimly.
“There she is, there’s you goddess.”
Neither Mark nor his group spoke a word. He walked up to it, eyeing the woman inside. It really is her. Down to the last details. Golden hair, six limbs, six folded wings, and she looks massive. Probably as big as her statue just outside the cathedral. This is it. The very goddess in the history books, the one spoken about in legends and the one worshiped in the Churches of Sol.
“Can we free her?” he said.
The Great Grandfather nearly choked on his spit upon hearing those words. “Free her?! That could kill her! We don’t even understand this technology, let alone control it!” he said pointing at the panels. “The machines you see here are the best and most advanced we have based on what we can reverse engineer, but even then, the consequences of tampering with its functions may be disastrous!”
“I understand, Great Grandfather,” Mark said. “But we are in a dire situation, and the goddess may be our hope of turning this around. Whatever secrets of her tech that you don’t understand, wouldn’t she be able to teach us directly? What good is she floating around in Sol knows what?”
“That is her miraculous healing fluid. She had already built this contraption centuries ago in case anything were to happen to her, that her body’s natural healing could not sustain,” Aurelius said. “During the War of Darkness, Helena was struck with a weapon so deadly, her very cells began to tear away. The Reaper. Dealt to her by Absolem the progenitor. Her flesh was peeling from her body, and she began to decay whilst she still breathed. She entered this contraption and gave strict instructions to the Great Grandfather at the time, not to interrupt the healing process. The machine that monitored her, however, began to fail over time.”
“So this… these screens and panels…”
“Is only what functions we can understand. We took it upon ourselves to rebuild and study it the best we could. What we have right now is only a cheap imitation of a technology we do not fully comprehend,” he said. “It took us decades to even figure out the fundamentals and create a working prototype of this machine. By some miracle, the goddess’ healing process had remained even while we replaced components of technology ahead of ours.”
“But you know how to free her, don’t you?”
“I… yes.”
“Great Grandfather Aurelius,” Mark began. “We can end this war. Imagine what we could do with the goddess fighting on our side. We could advance even further, we could finally end the bloodshed, and we can show humanity that there is still hope. Imagine how people all over the world would feel seeing as their goddess has returned.”
“I wish I had your enthusiasm,” Aurelius said. “But it is simply too risky. The Church’s duty is to protect Helena and her legacy. We keep her alive, literally and figuratively. She nearly died the last time she was involved in a war. Would you risk losing the goddess?”
“Would you risk humanity losing?”
The Great Grandfather fell silent, looking back at Helena floating inside the tube, then to the panels that controlled it. He frowned and let out a long sigh. “The goddess said that we should not interrupt it. That it would end as soon as it was finished. Maybe we should trust her words.”
Mark shook his head. “I don’t spot a single blemish on the goddess. Not a single scratch,” he argued. “You said it yourself that the machine had begun to fail and you replaced components. How would you know that the thing that’s supposed to wake her up was not tampered with? Think about it. What you may think is a useless piece may be integral to the whole machine. Or maybe your replacements were not up to the task. Just because nothing’s happened doesn’t mean its functions have remained whole.”
“Young man, we simply cannot gamble with the goddess’ life here.”
“Have you no faith? Great Grandfather?”
Aurelius stepped back in shock. Mark’s companions looked at each other, clearly surprised as well. “Mark… I don’t think we should keep arguing with—” Olivia tried to say.
“No,” the colonel said firmly, cutting her off. “Great Grandfather Aurelius, do you think that Helena will not be able to pull through if we wake her? How long has it been? A century? How much longer will we wait? She may be immortal but humans aren’t.”
“I'm sorry, but the chances of failure are too high. The probability of her—”
“I don’t care about the probability! Would you rather put your faith in a statistic?!” Mark raised his voice. “I lost my mother to this war! My friends! My job! My eye, and almost my life! I’ve put mine on the line out there! You don’t know what it’s like out there! Was my mother’s death just a probability too? Was she just a statistic to you?! That as long as the numbers are good, no matter how many are lost, we are ‘winning’?!”
“Mark—!”
“No, Liv! He needs to know what’s really going on out there!” he spat. “Great Grandfather, with all due respect, but you don’t have a damn clue what it’s like to be in the field. You’re a man of faith, aren’t you? Take a risk. Everyone else has.”
Aurelius stood there, dumbfounded. He bit the inside of his cheeks and clenched his fists. “For your insolence, I would have had you flogged and stripped of your rank,” he glared at the young colonel. However, his features slowly softened, letting out a soft sigh. “But I have never seen such conviction. Mighty is your faith.”
The Great Grandfather moved over to the panels and reached into his robe, pulling out from around his neck a key with the symbol of the sun. He inserted it into the machine and turned. A beep sounded, right before Aurelius pulled a lever. In an instant, the fluid inside the glass chamber began to drain out into the tubes under it. Slowly, the chamber emptied and all that was left was the nude form of the goddess sitting in the glass.
“Did it work?” Louis asked, stepping forward and looking at the woman.
Aurelius stayed silent, his hands shaking in anticipation. Mark moved toward the glass chamber, when suddenly, the glass opened up like a door, releasing a fragrant mist. They stood there, watching for a whole minute. Nothing. At first nothing. The Great Grandfather looked like he was about to break down. His knees shook as he covered his mouth, thinking that he was responsible for the death of Helena.
That was when… a soft sound was heard. Movement. Olivia immediately went over to Mark and stood in front of him. Ready to protect him should anything happen. Slowly, the goddess moved more, her arms inched to the side.
Then, her eyes opened.

English: bread

1. an article of food made from flour or meal by moistening, kneading, and baking
   
2. food; sustenance
   
3. to spread
   

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Translations

• Catalan: pa
  
• Chinese: 面包
  
• Esperanto: pano
  
• French: pain
  
• Galician: pan
  
• German: das Brot
  
• Hindi: रोजी
  
• Italian: pane
  
• Japanese: パン / パン
  
• Portuguese: pão
  
• Romanian: pâine
  
• Spanish: pan
  
• Swedish: bröd
  
• Welsh: bara
  

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See previous words @ https://wordofthehour.org/past

Pale Crawler
Troglodytopithecus leptinermis
Height: 3-4 feet (quadrupedal), 6 feet (bipedal)
Length: 5 feet
Classification: Troglodytopithecini
Subdivision: Fauna
Predation: Omnivorous
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Cryptozoology:
Though the story of the Rake is nothing more than an Internet creepypasta, there have been stories of similar creatures fitting the description; pale, malnourished, humanoid creatures on all fours that bring menace and dread to those unlucky enough to stumble across them. Such cryptids have been referred to as crawlers, or pale crawlers (sometimes skinwalkers and wendigoes are erroneously grouped into this, when in reality, the former two are separate and independent things from the crawler phenomena), and Monarch has discovered that not only are these creatures indeed real and are hardy survivors living in the Hollow Earth and surface, but also have close ties to Bigfoots, and possibly may even form a constituent group of New World primates. Their tribe, Troglodytopithecini, is currently viewed as a sister tribe to the Variupithecini, the Bigfoot group, and though their taxonomy is still being studied and debated, it is clear that these two are related in some way, both being anomalous primates. As for the crawlers themselves, as their scientific name shows, are mainly cave dwellers by nature, though this hasn’t stopped them from wandering beyond the subterranean realm and up into more open territory, such as the surface. These creatures are clearly apes, but with a morphology unlike anything seen before, adapted to life in darkness. Further investigation into their habitats in the Hollow Earth show their troglobitic lifestyle, preferring caves and desolate, dark areas. Though found in confirmed habitats elsewhere like the Damned Forest, the Valley of Memories, the Serpent’s Nest, the Rotting Pit, and Ginnungagap, they mainly seem to thrive in what have been nicknamed “In-Between Zones,” cavernous passages connecting regions and usually being sparse in life, though open up to regions that could serve as hunting grounds. This habit has also been carried over to the surface, with pale crawlers preferring nesting in caves, sinkholes, canyons, ravines and forests (only coming out at night), as well as taking advantage of abandoned buildings or structures they could find. Pale crawlers are opportunistic omnivores, feeding on anything they can find, from uprooting plants to stealing eggs from nests, to even snatching small animals. However, pale crawlers on the surface exhibit a rather strange yet consistent appearance: the stereotypical malnourished and ghastly forms usually seen in sightings and stories of their cryptozoological namesakes. For a time, it was unclear why, but recent analysis of pale crawlers found at the surface and compared to ones in the Hollow Earth show dramatic differences. Whereas Hollow Earth individuals show healthy and fit bodies, the surface individuals are not only pale, sickly and gaunt, but contain a rather disturbing neurological anomaly: the failure or malfunction of the amygdala and the hypothalamus. These parts of the brain are visibly afflicted in surface specimens, resulting in symptoms similar to starvation, anemia, kwashiorkor, and electrolyte imbalance. The prevailing theory is that pale crawlers sighted at the surface are only there due to extremely dire straits, with little options below, they resort to going above to try to find food. As a result, these malnourished, desperate creatures are driven by a seemingly never-ending hunger and state of fear, resulting in not only their aggression, but also in other disturbing or unsettling behaviors, such as screeching, hissing, rocking back and forth, stalking, purposefully contorting their bodies beyond their tolerance for pain, and so on. There is still so much to the pale crawler that we don’t know, though we believe the disparity between surface and Hollow Earth individuals isn’t unlike the blobfish (Psychrolutes marcidus), in which taking it outside its familiar habitat may be to its physical and mortal detriment. It is entirely possible that pale crawlers may not be as common as we think, and the ones we find on the surface are merely the desperate members of a dying species. Either way, it is frustrating yet sad to see that much of what we know about them comes from afflicted individuals rather than healthy ones. ---------------------------------------------
Threat Analysis:
Given their mythical notoriety, pale crawlers are extremely dangerous, and though sympathetic in their plight, should not be fed or dealt with. Their desperation for food provokes them to chase after potential prey for miles at a time, trying to do so even after their own bodies give out under the exertion. They can be quite intelligent too, able to learn and understand behaviors of their prey (for example, how a human opens a door) to try to go after their prey at any cost. Though their eyesight isn’t reliable, pale crawlers have acute hearing and smell, allowing them to easily detect the presence of prey before the prey even notices them. That said, pale crawlers are not invincible, and there are ways to scare them off or kill them. Since they are used to living in darkness, they are either living in dark places or coming out at night, which means bright lights can be an excellent deterrent (strobe lights especially can give them a seizure), with even a phone’s flashlight being enough to scare them. They also have very thin skin, making them vulnerable to most weapons. The bone density of their skulls has been shown to also be thin, taking less effort to kill one via a headshot. Ideally, pale crawlers should be left alone for both their and our sakes, though when push comes to shove and lives are at stake, there are ways of fighting back.

Hello all, looking to get some opinions on a bag idea for hunting season. Please read description as it is rather...niche: Back-story: Living in Northern Canada boral forest region. My father and myself try to make a bonding adventure of going hunting together. We are not hunting big game but rather grouse (ground chicken) or rabbits. [We are either shooting guns or shooting with cameras, it depends on our moods. Like I said, more of a bonding adventure] Due to shooting restrictions and game habitat we normally have to drive about 200kms to reach a good area for shooting... if we had the perfect storm scenario say (locked/lost keys to truck, become disorientated in the deep brush, and one of us become injured) and we had to wait for help to come, up to 2 days wait. Would this be a reasonable bag to rely on?
Contents of camera back pack • Canon rebel t7 w/ 18-55mm attached • 250 or 300mm lens in bag • Spare batteries and wall charger • Spare SD card • Monopod? • Rain poncho (doubles as tarp) • Light cordage (25 to 50') • Small first aid kit (micro sizw with ABD pad and tourniquet) • 1l water • 3x Electro drink mix • Jetboil system personal size w/spare bic lighter • Thermal blanket • 3-5 cliff bars or similar energy bars • Mutlitool w/ knife • Pill bottle of lint • Spare mitts and 2x neck warmers • Spare socks • Zip lock bags for chickens • Tp and hand sani
On person regularly • Phone • Wallet • Keys • Folding knife • Light Jacket (possibly extra layer wind breaker if forecasts say bad)
Relevant for post information: -The area we hunt in is deep Spruce wood/muskeg. Water in a way isn't much of a issue, no more then .5km walk in any direction. - for those who have never hunted grouse, they are a really dumb bird, easy killed and can "gut" by stepping on their wings and pulling (yes really that easy ) so food could tentatively not be an issue. -we always tell our spouses in what general area we are hunting in. Normally not to a specific road but within a 50 km2 area i suppose. - we both carry a 22lr rifle as well take a defense gun (12 gage shotgun or 30-30 rifle)

NH72 with Skeleton Dial
Is my fun & learning watch
How did I fit an NH72 into a Chinese case? I used 0.40mm thick plastic from a deli food container 😉 I suppose you could just 3D print another holder with the additional 0.40mm added...

[TOMT][Video Game] Freeware Chinese Restaurant cooking Sim circa 2007
Downloaded this Freeware restaurant simulator around 2006-2007 off a website that purely hosted Freeware games. Here's what I remember.
*Was 2D. *Had cheap graphics that weren't cartoon or animated like other restaurant simulators. *Gameplay was similar to most other restaurant games wherein which you would cook food, make money and buy upgrades like a sign outside and I think better equipment. *There's was a Deepfryer, where you had to drop the food in and wait til a bar hit a specific spot. *I think it was a Chinese restaurant.
Can anyone help or know the game? Please and thanks

This is obviously a joke. Not costed because, again, a joke. Follow-up to a post I made about a year ago, now with all civs!
Armenians: Plowshares to Swords - Villagers upgraded to Warrior Priests; Mule Carts upgraded to Light Cavalry
Aztecs: Human Sacrifice - All Villagers deleted. For every 20 Vills deleted this way, Infantry +1 attack and Monks +1/+1 armor
Bengalis: Wheel in the Sky Keeps on Turning - Villagers spawn 35 food, then are deleted. Villagers now take up -0.02 population space/minute as the game goes on
Berbers: Zoomers - Villagers move an additional +25% faster and have a Shrivamsha-style shield
Bohemians: Hussite Re-reforms - Villagers upgraded to Monks, Spear line, or Hussite Wagons, at random
Britons: Crimes Against Livestock - Female Villagers upgraded to 2 Sheep
Bulgarians: I'm Not Dead Yet - Dead Villagers spawn a MAA but with relevant upgrades
Burgundians: already have this, 11
Burmese: One With Everything - Villagers get +3 attack, +2/+2 armor, +4 dmg against Archers; TC and eco techs cost -50%. Relics generate gold regardless of whether or not they're garrisoned in your Monasteries
Byzantines: Totally Stable Monarchy - For the rest of the game, a King spawns, randomly dies, then respawns 30s later. As long as the King is alive, Villagers get +10HP and work +10% faster; these stats are reversed if the King is dead
Celts: Knowledge of the Terrain - Villagers more than 10 tiles away from a TC now have Tree sprites, making them harder to raid
Chinese: Famine Contingency - All Villager stats doubled. Half of your Villagers vanish mysteriously...
Cumans: The Real 2TC Boom - Villagers upgraded to 2 Town Centers
Dravidians: What to Do with All This Wood? - Villagers now cost wood instead of food. Also, they get Wootz Steel, because why not
Ethiopians: Royalest Heirs - Dead Villagers spawn a Shotel Warrior (but not an Elite one)
Franks: Peasant Uprising - Villagers upgraded to Joan the Maid; Champions upgraded to La Hire
Georgians: The Power of Christ Compels You - Fortified Church work radius extended to 16 tiles (from 8) and effects of multiple Churches stack
Goths: HOUSEkarls - Houses still provide +5 population, but can train Huskarls with the speed of a Barracks (requires Anarchy)
Gurjaras: Is This Vegan? - Farmers can garrison in Mills and generate food
Hindustanis: Merchant Class - Villagers upgraded to Caravanserai; each Caravanserai spawns a Trade Cart
Huns: Steppe-siblings - Female Villagers upgraded to CA, Male Villagers upgraded to Steppe Lancers
Incas: Yeety Bois - Villagers upgraded to Slingers; Slingers benefit from Loom and Infantry Blacksmith upgrades
Italians: 15th Century 2nd Amendment - Villagers are now gunpowder units, hence receive the discount. They also fight with guns (5 range, 10 dmg, 50% accuracy)
Japanese: Gotta Get off This Island - Villagers and Fishing Ships can toggle roles
Khmer: Doors and Tunnels - Villagers can garrison in any building; all buildings within shared LOS share a garrison pool. That is, your Villagers can basically teleport
Koreans: OG Tower Civ - Villagers upgraded to Towers
Lithuanians: Iconodules - Villagers upgraded to Relics
Magyars: Sheep in Wolf's Clothing - Enemy units with 60HP or less gain Wolf armor class
Malay: Gymocrassy - Villagers upgraded to Elite Karambit Warriors
Malians: With the Help of my PhD Sisters - Villagers deleted. Each University spawns 10 Elite Gbetos
Mayans: Avatar, 2009 - Each Villager spawns 5 Jaguars and 1 Javelina; Gaia units patrol the map and don't attack your units/buildings
Mongols: Subotai will be here in 40 minutes - Villagers upgraded to Subotai, after a 40 minute timer
Persians: Get the Message?! - Villagers get +5 attack. Enemy units that witness units killed by your Villagers get -3 attack for 30s
Poles: More like Swoles, Amirite - Villager health and HP regen rate tripled
Portuguese: Industrial Revolution - Villagers upgraded to Feitorias
Romans: Lead is Tasty - Villagers get +20 HP and move 10% faster, but lose 1HP from max per minute
Saracens: An Abandoned House? - You can garrison Villagers in Houses, but Elite Mamelukes pop out. Unfortunately, you can no longer train new Villagers
Sicilians: Mafia - Villagers upgraded to Condotierri
Slavs: Vodka - Dead Villagers spawn Proles (Villagers with 50 HP, 10/10 armor, but horrendous pathing)
Spanish: Supremacy2 - Same effect, but Villagers gain military stances
Tatars: Timurid Memecraft - Villagers upgraded to Flaming Camels
Teutons: Oktoberfest - Villagers get +100/+100 armor. UI becomes blurred
Turks: Eco is for Cowards - Villagers upgraded to 50 Gold
Vietnamese: Fortunate Son - Villagers upgraded to Imperial Skirmishers. Enemy buildings (not units) visible on minimap
Vikings: Ways of the Old Gods - Villagers cannot be converted, get +15 dmg vs Monks, regenerate HP, and get +5HP for every building they raze or unit they kill

My dm is trying to nerf goodberry so that we can only eat 3 or 4 berries before there would be a health problem (weight gain), and if we consume 6 berries we would die from the extra nutrients. I think that's just a stupid idea. So now I'm think of building my whole character using goodberry to kill people. By using prestigatation and suggest to have enemies eat or drink foods containing more than 6 goodberries. Any ideas?
That would mean I can one shot any character no matter the level, as long as they consume 1 spell slot worth of goodberries.
The following is what i told my dm:
A goodberry is just a magic berry with no calories
When you have enough nourishment the magic would know that, just like how the magic would know you are at full hp and wouldn’t overheal you
Each berry is different for each different creature, different creatures require different amounts of nourishment so the magical part of the berry would know how much calories and nutrients different creatures need for the day and wouldn’t give extra.
Goodberry spawns 10 berries and have to be consumed within 1 day, so it should be meant for the characters to eat multiple berries a day.
Otherwise the spell would be designed to only be casted once a day.
Did not mention any penalties in the spell description
Main problem:
If we are only allowed 4 good berries then that would mean when 10 good berries are consumed we are basically dead. At level 9 characters would have 60 - 100 hp, that means
my level 1 healing spell would be able to do 100 damage, but only efficiently heal for 3 or 4 hp.
Or
Injuries require extra calories to heal
A knife cut or stab wound increases calories required for recovery: 2000 to 2400 / day for 6 weeks (400 calories/day)
400 times 42 days = 16800 calories to heal
1 goodberry = 2000 calories
Needs 8.4 good berries to heal a cut = 8.4 hp in dnd
After consuming 8 goodberies, all the calories have been burnt to heal the wound
So a character would only get fat when they consume goodberries when they are already at full hp

Comment two truths and one lie about yourself and have other people guess which one is a lie. I’ll go first. 1. I’m banned from Amazon 2. I’ve been to a mental hospital 3. I have been eating Chinese food every day for the last two weeks