Built in bookshelves around stone fireplace
Reddit's Goth Community
2009.08.17 03:34 epicRelic Reddit's Goth Community
Reddit's Goth Community, for goth music and subculture! Please check out our Wiki which features the rules and FAQ, and our sidebar which features many resources on goth music, (including recommendations and playlists) fashion, history, and scene. Anything relating to fashion when it's not Fashion Friday, please post in GothFashion and if you are looking for a subreddit which encompasses anything dark and spooky, please visit DarklyInclined. We have gothclub for any alternative tunes.
2011.05.22 13:06 captureMMstature Oasis - are ya mad for it?
/Oasis is Reddit's #1 community for all the latest news and discussion about Oasis, Liam Gallagher, Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds, Beady Eye, and everything else connected to members of the band, past or present.
2014.11.02 10:14 balajizaino The Quay - A collaborative writing project
The Quay is a collaborative writing project - Open for submissions
2024.06.02 10:40 AgenderForester Where to get Pinus cembra nuts
Hi there, hope you are having a nice day/evening. As the title says, I am wondering where I can get Pinus cembra nuts (for human consumption, a.k.a. eating). The English name of the Pinus cembra is the Swiss stone pine (among others). I am trying to find them for a friend who really wants to try them and asked me to bring some back from Switzerland (specifically this tree species). I have bin looking around for a while now but have not found them yet. I am around/in Zurich and not really able to travel too far (with the public transport prices etc). Any information is welcome (and though I might not respond (I am in general not good with responding etc.) I will definitely read it and be very thankful)
Thank you for reading this and possibly helping me on my quest.
submitted by AgenderForester to askswitzerland [link] [comments]
Thank you for reading this and possibly helping me on my quest.
2024.06.02 10:30 AutoModerator India tour
Destination Covered New Delhi – Agra – Jaipur – Goa
submitted by AutoModerator to Incredibletourtoindia [link] [comments]
TOUR ITINERARY DETAILS
Day 01: Arrive New Delhi
On arrival Incredible Tour To India representative shall meet you at the airport to welcome you and transfer you to hotel. Overnight at the hotel.Day 02: Delhi
Enjoy full day city tour covering Laxmi Narayan Temple – The Place of Gods, India Gate – The memorial of martyrs, Parliament House – The Government Headquarters, Jama Masjid – The largest mosque in Asia, Red Fort – The red stone magic, Gandhi memorial – The memoir of father of the nation beside these some other places to visit are – Qutub Minar Complex and Humayun’s Tomb. Overnight at the hotel.Day 03: Delhi to Agra
Today we shall drive you to Agra. Agra is 205 kilometers away from Delhi and take 5 hours drive to reach. Arrive in Agra and check in into hotel. Later, we shall take you for a city tour covering -Taj Mahal – a poem written in white marble, the most extravagant monument ever built for love, Red Fort – a visit to the fort in ‘Agra’ is a must since so many of the events which lead to the construction of the Taj took place here, Itmad-ud-Daula’s Tomb – The tomb is of particular interest since many of its design elephants overshadow the Taj. Overnight at the hotel.Day 04: Agra to Jaipur
Early morning, drive to Jaipur. The city is 235 kilometers away from Agra and take 5 hours drive to reach. En route visit Fatehpur Sikri (Old Deserted town of Mughal Dynasty) and its monuments which include Jama Masjid, The Buland Darwaza, Palace of Jodha Bai, Birbal Bhawan & Panch Mahal. Arrive in Jaipur and check into the hotel. Later relax in the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.Day 05: Jaipur
Today morning we shall take you for a tour to Amer Fort. Take joy ride on Elephant (presently Elephant Ride closed at Amber Fort for the time being). Afternoon enjoy city tour covering City Palace – occupies a large area divided into a series of courtyards, gardens & buildings and a perfect blend of Rajasthani & Mughal architecture, Royal Observatory – An observatory with some rare qualities to its credit, Nawab Sahab Ki Haveli, and the Bazaar etc. Overnight at the hotel.Day 06: Jaipur to Goa
In the morning, you’ll be transferred to airport to board connecting flight for Goa. On arrival in Goa met our representative and get transferred to your Hotel. Rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight at the hotel.Day 07: Goa
In the morning, enjoy half day sightseeing tour of Old Goa. Evening is at leisure. Overnight at the hotel.Day 08: Goa
Full day relax by the poolside/Beach. Overnight stay.Day 09: Goa Departure
Morning is at leisure. In the evening, you’ll be transferred to the airport to board connecting flight for your onward destination.2024.06.02 10:28 Lwmons I think I know who the player character is in Indigo Park
So, although we don't know the details yet, we know there was some incident that caused the Park to be shut down and evacuated about eight years prior. This game's proverbial Bite of '87. Considering that the mascots are clearly flesh and blood, and seem to be hungry for human flesh(and the Critter Cuff seems to have a built-in mascot deterrent system), I don't think its too much of a stretch to think that someone was injured or potentially even killed by one of them.
We also know through the collectables and the introductory cinematic that out protagonist has some kind of history with the park, most likely multiple visits over the course of multiple years. However, his face isn't in the facial recognition database. For someone with firsthand accounts of visitations, it seems odd that Rambley doesn't recognize him. Even if we assume that his face matured and changed since his last visit, that seems well within the scope of AI technology to identify how a face might have grown, especially since that kind of thing has been around for years in forensic science.
But, Rambley himself gives two possible explanations for why that might be. Either it's his first time at the park(which so far seems to be untrue), or he had plastic surgery. It could just be a silly joke, to tie into the fact that Rambley is clearly trying to avoid facing reality about the state of the park, but it seems too specific to mean nothing. What if our protagonist did have surgery?
What if it wasn't just plastic surgery(in the sense that it was voluntary and unnecessary)? What if it was reconstructive surgery. What if our protagonist, eEnsign, was the victim that caused the park to be shut down? They didn't die, but were so disfigured by the incident that they had to have their face redone. What if that photo of a random boy in the intro isn't just the victim, but the last photo our protagonist has of themselves before the accident?
Depending on how emotive their reconstructed face is, it could also explain why Rambley seems to have trouble reading his face at times, though that could just be his normal glitching.
submitted by Lwmons to GameTheorists [link] [comments]
We also know through the collectables and the introductory cinematic that out protagonist has some kind of history with the park, most likely multiple visits over the course of multiple years. However, his face isn't in the facial recognition database. For someone with firsthand accounts of visitations, it seems odd that Rambley doesn't recognize him. Even if we assume that his face matured and changed since his last visit, that seems well within the scope of AI technology to identify how a face might have grown, especially since that kind of thing has been around for years in forensic science.
But, Rambley himself gives two possible explanations for why that might be. Either it's his first time at the park(which so far seems to be untrue), or he had plastic surgery. It could just be a silly joke, to tie into the fact that Rambley is clearly trying to avoid facing reality about the state of the park, but it seems too specific to mean nothing. What if our protagonist did have surgery?
What if it wasn't just plastic surgery(in the sense that it was voluntary and unnecessary)? What if it was reconstructive surgery. What if our protagonist, eEnsign, was the victim that caused the park to be shut down? They didn't die, but were so disfigured by the incident that they had to have their face redone. What if that photo of a random boy in the intro isn't just the victim, but the last photo our protagonist has of themselves before the accident?
Depending on how emotive their reconstructed face is, it could also explain why Rambley seems to have trouble reading his face at times, though that could just be his normal glitching.
2024.06.02 10:22 DeadArashi Suggestion for additional Swedish & Japanese tech tree lines (text warning)
 | Disclaimer: while I know SPG is a very unpopular class, my OCD does not allow me to do this without including them. submitted by DeadArashi to WorldofTanks [link] [comments] I was also going to have all the images in the post but that was a bit excessive, so please enjoy the links instead With that said, I'll start with the Swedish; https://preview.redd.it/rit7qwkdc34d1.png?width=2081&format=png&auto=webp&s=d65d033e084601b800247cf3c38e87347e4d0bc7 . Light tanks; Tier 4 - Pvkv IV 'Varjan A 1950 turret prototype to mount a 57mm Pvkan m/43 cannon was tested on the Strv m/40L. Although it was designated a tank destroyer, the project was essentially just re-arming the existing 37mm armed light tanks that were in service. Tier 5 - Terro A project by Landsverk in 1942 to offer a light tank with better armour and combat power as a competitor to the Strv m/42 'Lago'. It was to be armed with a 37mm gun and later 57mm, and set to have a top speed of 45km/h but was eventually rejected in the drawing stage. Tier 6 - Pilen Another Landsverk project from 1949. As we can see from the archive drawing, it was to weight 17t, feature a 324hp engine giving it a theoretical top speed of 60km/h. It was to be armed with a 75mm gun. As a fun fact, a lot of Swedish tanks of this time period are listed to have "Motyl 25" fuel which is 25% ethanol and 75% gasoline, there was also Motyl 50 and Motyl 75. We see something similar today as E85 Tier 7 - IKV 65 Alt 5 This is where things can get pretty fun. In 1964 a project called 'IKV NY' started and the goal was for a low cost tank with good mobility that could both support infantry and fight other tanks as their aging armour wasn't capable any more. Armaments for consideration ranged from ATGM's, 10.5cm and 12cm gun, but ultimate for cost purposes an 9cm gun was chosen. Three companies put forward proposals for the project: Landsverk (6 proposals as the IKV 65), Bofors (5 proposals as the IKV 90) and Hagglunds (6 proposals as the H-series). As the name suggests, the IKV 65 II (tier 6 TD) was another proposal next to this tank by Landsverk Tier 8 - IKV H1 Hagglands had put forward concepts for the possibility of using foreign engines and guns including the French DTAT 90mm L/51,5 from the AMX-13, a Bofors 90mm L/53 and a DTAT 105mm. All guns were could either be conventionally loaded, fully automated or a semi-autoloader w/ 4 round magazine. Eventually Hagglands IKV H1 would be eventually be redesigned and become the IKV 91 Tier 9 - IKV 91 Needing no introduction, the IKV 91 would be the ideal top tier light tank for the Swedish tech tree. With a low weight of 16.3t and a 330hp engine, this absolutely beautiful piece of Swedish engineering could be propelled up to speeds of 65km/h. The 90mm L/54 cannon would have a very comfortable -10 deg of gun depression in this low profile machine. Tier 10 - IKV 105 Designed as an upgrade to the IKV 91, this tank was fitted with a new gun mantlet, a 105mm rifled gun and a redesigned hull front. Weight was increased to 18t and engine power increased to 380hp . Medium Tanks The first two tanks I'm going to suggest are just additions to the existing UDES 15/16 line to start them earlier Tier 6 - IKV H5 For information, see the description of the IKV 65 Alt 5 and IKV H1. Tier 7 - IKV Alt 5 A redesign of the Landsverk IKV H5 Tier 7 - Lansen Arguably this could also be a tier 7 light tanks, the Lansen was originally designed to be lighter then the Strv Leo sharing a very similar design. From the drawings we can see the turret armour of 38/30/20 and hull armour of 35/28/15 and would have been armed with a 75mm gun. This however wasn't very favourable and the plan for a 20t tank shifted into a 25t tank. Tier 8 - Lansen M/51 (image 2) To meet the new requirement the Lansen was redesigned to have better frontal armour and a larger 10.5cm gun. With the weight limit increase the armour could be increased to 60/25/25 with some studies showing that even 100/12/12 was possible but this alternative wasn't preferred. While the upgraded turret would be similar to the premium Lansen C, the armour would be less and the hull front would be slightly different in design. Tier 9 - Strv T In 1958m Sweden started to look towards replacing the Strv 81. They looked towards the Leopard 1 and the Chieftain but ultimately decided that a locally built tank would be more desirable. Three initial designs were considered; Strv A, Strv T and the Strv S (which would go on to become the Strv 103). Although with the decision to end development of the Emil project, the Strv K would also appear. The estimated weight of the tank was to be 32.5t with a SFA F12 723hp engine. Armament was to be the TK 105x50 10,5cm L/55 rifled gun with performance equal to the L7 with -7/+15 gun depression/elevation. Armour was not great with the hull being 50/35/35 and turret 75/50/30. This design only lasted a few months before being shelved. Tier 10 - Strv A The Strv A was, essentially, Sweden's answer to the British Chieftain and American M60. With an estimated weight of 42.5t and using the same SFA F12 engine making 723hp, the power to weight would have been about 17hp/t. Initial expectations were for the tank to have 150mm of frontal armour, but after weight calculations it was reduced to 120mm. The same 10,5cm as the Strv T was planned and able to carry 40 rounds, but equipped with an automatic loading system to give it a rate of fire of 20 rounds per minute (a bit excessive in-game. As a response to the American T95E6, a proposal to mount a 120mm gun was considered but later abandoned due to the minimal survivability increase and reduced ammo capacity. Eventually consideration for this tank was dropped and interest returned to the British Chieftain before the Strv S concerns were cleared and development of it advanced. Turret armour: 100/60/50 Hull Armour: 120/50/50 . Artillery / Self Propelled Guns I'll apologise again for this but there's also next to 0% chance of us ever getting a new SPG line so there's no harm in putting this here. I need to stress that the "autoloaders" that these tanks have are similar to that of the Strv 103, they are not drum fed like on the Emil tanks, or the French vehicles. They are still single shot. Tier 5 - VAK 40 SPG / 105mm VAK SPG (image 1 / image 2 / image 3) A proposal between 1949 and 1959. Bofors had proposed to mount a modernised 10,5cm Haubits m/40 onto the chassis of the lvkv fm/49 SPAAG. KATF was ordered to investigate if the same gun could be mounted onto a light tankette built by Landsverk (see linked images above) Tier 6 - VK 105x60 2 10,5cm gun fed by an automatic loader giving it a hight rate of fire in a small, light weight vehicle weight 14.5t with a 300hp engine Tier 7 - VK 105x60 1 A heavier version with a longer gun Tier 8 - Kv fm/49 (also called the Akv 1949 and VK 152 S 49) An initial prototype for the Artillerikanonvagn 151 (Akv 151) was mounted with an autoloaded 152mm cannon Tier 9 - Akv 151 With the conclusion of the Emil project, one of the completed chassis was used to test the suspension system that would be used on the S-tank, the other would go on to become the Akv 151 which would be the foundation for what would later become the Bandkanon 1. Tier 10 - Bkan 1 Like the Ikv 91 and the Strv 103, this vehicles is a very well known Swedish tank. Not because of the size of its cannon like the American T92, but because it could fire all 14 shells in its within 45 seconds thanks to the automatic loading system. By the time the first shell hits the ground and alerts the enemy of its presence, the remaining 13 shells are already in transit. It's no wonder people don't want this in WoT, but considering it's actually more akin to a single shot tank, this along with the other Swedish SPG would be balanced similary to the tier 9 French Bat.-Chat. 155 55. . If you've made it this far, thanks you. Without further ado, onto the Japanese! https://preview.redd.it/uvnkndfvx34d1.png?width=2081&format=png&auto=webp&s=e3044873b8c761965c6ca950f7dd5bedb5d4b117 . Medium Tanks I wanted to do a slight redesign of the MT line. The Chi-Ri would stay at tier 7 but would offshoot to lead into the Ho-Ri II that is based off it. The STA-1, Type 61 and STB-1 would be rebalanced down a tier for the Type 74 at tier 10 Tier 10 - Type 74 The production version of the STB-1, it was decided to reduce the hull front from 100mm to 80mm in order to be able to increase the turrets frontal armour. Other notable changes include a redesigned and notable lower profile commanders cupola. While the top speed is listed at 54km/h, there are reports that it has reached speeds up to 60 km/h. This change to the tech tree would ultimately allow the tier 9 and 10 tanks to play similar to each other, more so then we have now going from the Type 61 to the STB-1. . Light Tanks Regarding Japanese light tanks, there's not a lot going on historically for the top tiers. While I have offered options that existed, another alternative is that WG could fabricate light tanks based on the STB-1/Type 74 just like they did for the Type 68/Type 71 heavy tanks Tier 4 - Ke-Ho This tanks already in the game under the collections Tier 5 - Ke-Ri The Type 3 Ke-Ri was a prototype to upgrade the Ha-Go with a Type 97 57mm gun. Due to the cramped nature of the turret, it was not mass produced. Tier 6 - Ke-Nu Like the Ke-Ri, the Ke-Nu aimed to upgrade the Ha-Go, it achieved this by mounting the old turret of the Chi-Ha medium tank when it got its own new turret. Tier 7 and 8 - STA JWIG Before the Type 61 prototypes (ST-A1, ST-A2, ST-A3 and ST-A4) that we have as medium tanks weighting 35t, there was the plan for a 20t tank armed with a 76mm gun which eventually evolved into a 25t tank with 90mm gun. Eventually the weight would once again go up 30t but for arguments sake I think the 20t and 25t would be a decent fit for tier 7 and 8 respectively. Tier 9 - Type 60 SS-1 Double barrel light tank. The Type 60 SS-1 was one of a number of prototype tanks to mount a two 105mm M40 recoilless rifles. The notable feature of this tank was that the guns could be raised and lowered allowing it to get a monstrous -20 deg of gun depression. For a fun fact, there was also the Type 60 SS-1 "Kai" that had the guns at a fixed hight but it had four guns, which still pales in comparison to the SIX that were mounted on the M50 Ontos It should also be noted that the Type 60 was actually classed as a tank destroyer. Tier 10 - Type 60 With a weight of just 8t, it has an undersized engine at 150hp giving it just 15 hp/t and a top speed of 55km/h. This light tank, with its small height of 1.38m would be incredibly stealthy, but the lower power to weight would make it terrible for active scouting, instead it would excel at passive scouting and ambushing tanks . Artillery / Self Propelled Guns Once again we're at Arty. Please forgive me Tier 5 - Ho-Ni II Produced in 1943, this variant of the Ho-Ni had an open casement and mounted a Type 91 105mm howitzer. It featured a slightly changed superstructure. Due to the larger gun, it could only traverse the gun 10 deg left and right compared to the 20 of the Ho-Ni I's smaller Type 75mm gun. Due to the guns recoil it could only elevate the gun 22 deg giving it a very flat firing arc Tier 6 - Hi-Ro Sha An open top tank sporting a Type 92 10cm cannon was built using the chassis of the Type 95 heavy tank. The other tank built on this chassis was the Ji-Ro (tier 6 TD in-game). The Ji-Ro was originally considered to mount the Type 96 15cm howitzer but was abandoned but could be used on the Hi-Ro Sha instead in-game Tier 7 - Ho-To Built on the chassis of the Type 95 Ha-Go light tank chassis, there's no information regarding the engine ever changing meaning with a 120hp engine and weight of 7.4, this tank could hit speed between 40-45 km/h. Armament was to be a 12cm Type 38 Field Howitzer Tier 8 - Ho-Ro The Type 4 Ho-Ro was based on the existing Type 95 Chi-Ha in 1944 and was inspired by the German Grile. Armament was a 15cm Type 38 howitzer. If it's not obvious by now, the Japanese artillery post WWII is lacking. Tier 9 - Type 74 SPH Lacking until now that is. Built off the chassis of the Type 73 APC, it entered service in 1974, the Type 74 was armed with a 105mm JSW howitzer that the JDF believed was still useful for its high rate of fire and accurate infantry support Weighing in at 16.5t with a 300hp engine for a 18.4 hp/t, this tank could move at speeds of 50 km/h and had a fully traversable turret. and could carry 43 rounds of ammo. It would be the demon child of a leFH and Bat-Chat 155 55 Tier 10 - Type 75 Just like the Type 74 SPH, this tank is built on the chassis of the Type 73 APC, it entered service in 1975 and was armed with a larger 155mm howitzer in a fully traversable turret. The weight was increased to 25.3t and the engine produced 450hp (17.78hp/t) for a top speed of 47km/h If you made it this far, thanks for sticking around and reading. |
2024.06.02 10:19 Joshh170 Iconic Counter-Strike Map Recreated in Call of Duty Zombies
 | A Call of Duty Zombies fan online has shared footage of an awesome remake of Counter-Strike's iconic map, Mirage, in the Black Ops 3 version of the mode. Call of Duty Zombies has had plenty of new maps over the years, but this fan-made map blurs the line between two great FPS franchises. submitted by Joshh170 to GameGeeks [link] [comments] The mod in question is built on the Black Ops 3 version of Call of Duty Zombies. Thanks to great modding tools on the PC edition, Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 features plenty of amazing mods, both in Zombies and in the other game modes. Some Call of Duty fans were even remastering Modern Warfare 2's multiplayer in Black Ops 3, although this project was a little while ago now. It has been interesting to see over the years how players have used these mod tools to bring their ideas to life, and this latest Counter-Strike creation is among the coolest yet. The remake of Counter-Strike's Mirage is available on Call of Duty: Black Ops 3's Steam Workshop, although footage of it in action was posted to Twitter by user Faders_. The map is structured exactly as it is in Counter-Strike, but features plenty of added details to make it feel just like an authentic Call of Duty Zombies map. Weapon purchase spots have been placed around Mirage, and Call of Duty Zombies Perk-a-Cola machines can be found in various spots. Mirage may not have initially been designed as a Call of Duty Zombies map, but it certainly works well as one. Counter-Strike's Mirage Recreated in Call of Duty Zombies Mirage has been a huge Counter-Strike staple for over a decade now. It was first added to CS:GO in 2013, and since its arrival, it has not been removed from the competitive map pool a single time. It truly is one of the best Counter-Strike maps of all time, which is why it's such a surprise that it works so well even when translated to another game. Good map design is good map design no matter where it's applied. Although it's great to see players continuing to enjoy old versions of Call of Duty Zombies, it will be interesting to see what Treyarch cooks up for the Black Ops 6 iteration of the mode. Some feel that the trailer for the game has set up the possibility of a Five-style Call of Duty Zombies map in Black Ops 6, but the developer is yet to officially reveal what's coming next for the mode. As the first mainline Treyarch Call of Duty title since 2020, the expectations are sure to be high. |
2024.06.02 10:10 Party_Needleworker71 [USA-CA] [H] Ryzen 5 3600, RX 5700, 16GB DDR4, 512GB NVME SSD PC Build, Corsair 4000D Airflow Black Mid ATX Tower Case w/x3 pre-installed fans, iPhone/iOS x2 mics (lightning cable), GBA SP/GBA parts + x1 donor mobo lot, free empty boxes [W] Local Cash, PayPal
NOT SHIPPING THE PC BUILD OR 4000D CASE. NOT PARTING OUT ANYTHING FROM THE PC BUILD, BOTH ARE LOCAL ONLY. ANY LOCAL PICKUPS WILL BE AT 91001, IN THE SGV ONLY. IF YOU'RE MEETING ME FOR THE PC BUILD, I'LL ONLY MEET YOU AT THE PASADENA POLICE DEPARTMENT INSIDE DURING THE LATE MORNING OR AFTERNOON. LOCAL CASH, BILLS UP TO $20. I CHECK ALL BILLS.
timestamps
please comment on this thread before pm'in me. no messages.
cleaning & selling these items. feel free to give me reasonable offers, more so lenient if it's especially local.
i can meet up as soon as tomorrow afternoon. i usually am free all day during the afternoon.
for sale:
PC build ~
CPU - Ryzen 5 3600
[BN] CPU Cooler - Thermalright Assassin X 120 SE (white)
Motherboard - MSI B450 Tomahawk Max
GPU - ASRock Challenger D OC Radeon RX 5700 8 GB (cleaned thoroughly & re-pasted w/fresh Arctic MX-4)
Ram - GeIL SUPER LUCE RGB SYNC 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3000 CL16
Storage - 512GB Samsung OEM 960 Pro NVME SSD
PSU - High Power 80+ Gold Non-Modular PSU w/power cord
[BN] OS Key - Windows 10 Home key
[BN] Extras - Okinos White Sleeved Cable Extension Cable kit
[OB] PC case - Zalman Z7 NEO RGB ATX Mid-Tower w/4 pre installed RGB fans
(OB means open box, BN means brand new)
bios driver & all basic drivers are up to date.
built w/a mix of almost all used, n a few open box/new parts. all parts have been fully tested. this includes in games n stress tested w/multiple workloads. pc is cleaned through w an electric duster & sanitized all around ready. pc is also cable managed properly. can provide more pics.
asking $550 local cash only
Corsair 4000D Airflow Black Mid ATX Tower Case - in used condition, some signs of use like light visible scratches & minimal wear. x2 pre installed Thermalright C12 PWN fans on the front & x1 Zalman DC/Molex on the back. all io covers included n has most additional accessories/screws. i have the hdd cage & one additional ssd cage but they wont have the screws to put it back inside of the case theyre suppose to be in. you can have both of them or not, up to you.
asking $45 local cash only
iPhone/iOS x2 mics (lightning cable) - includes x2 mics, pairing part, chargin cable (never used), & remote to take pics. used this at least twice, then left it collectin dust. works without any issues.
$13.50 shipped, $5 local cash w/any other item
GBA SP/GBA parts + x1 donor mobo lot - lot includes a donofor parts/as is gba sp ags 001 mobo (cartridge reader slot pins destroyed & 2 motherboard traces cables exposed. has broken cartridge & replacement cartridge part), mix of oem & third party (i think) screws (some stripped but still can screw down), screen custom clear black shells only, & third party buttons/pads. all from a gba i had to swap for another shell & buttons. the third party buttons & pads are in good condition. also x2 brand new gba abs metal parts for the chargin
asking $25 + shipping costs, depends on your location. or $20 local cash . $15 w/any other item
leftover white custom cables - pretty sure its for the cpu i think? they work tho.
free w/any other items.
free boxes - boxes for an asus rx 6600 w/some paper work , msi b450 tomahawk max w some paper work & disc, & intel i5 10400f .
free locally, $1 + shipping costs if you really want these shipped. depends on your location.
thanks.
submitted by Party_Needleworker71 to hardwareswap [link] [comments]
timestamps
please comment on this thread before pm'in me. no messages.
cleaning & selling these items. feel free to give me reasonable offers, more so lenient if it's especially local.
i can meet up as soon as tomorrow afternoon. i usually am free all day during the afternoon.
for sale:
PC build ~
CPU - Ryzen 5 3600
[BN] CPU Cooler - Thermalright Assassin X 120 SE (white)
Motherboard - MSI B450 Tomahawk Max
GPU - ASRock Challenger D OC Radeon RX 5700 8 GB (cleaned thoroughly & re-pasted w/fresh Arctic MX-4)
Ram - GeIL SUPER LUCE RGB SYNC 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3000 CL16
Storage - 512GB Samsung OEM 960 Pro NVME SSD
PSU - High Power 80+ Gold Non-Modular PSU w/power cord
[BN] OS Key - Windows 10 Home key
[BN] Extras - Okinos White Sleeved Cable Extension Cable kit
[OB] PC case - Zalman Z7 NEO RGB ATX Mid-Tower w/4 pre installed RGB fans
(OB means open box, BN means brand new)
bios driver & all basic drivers are up to date.
built w/a mix of almost all used, n a few open box/new parts. all parts have been fully tested. this includes in games n stress tested w/multiple workloads. pc is cleaned through w an electric duster & sanitized all around ready. pc is also cable managed properly. can provide more pics.
asking $550 local cash only
Corsair 4000D Airflow Black Mid ATX Tower Case - in used condition, some signs of use like light visible scratches & minimal wear. x2 pre installed Thermalright C12 PWN fans on the front & x1 Zalman DC/Molex on the back. all io covers included n has most additional accessories/screws. i have the hdd cage & one additional ssd cage but they wont have the screws to put it back inside of the case theyre suppose to be in. you can have both of them or not, up to you.
asking $45 local cash only
iPhone/iOS x2 mics (lightning cable) - includes x2 mics, pairing part, chargin cable (never used), & remote to take pics. used this at least twice, then left it collectin dust. works without any issues.
$13.50 shipped, $5 local cash w/any other item
GBA SP/GBA parts + x1 donor mobo lot - lot includes a donofor parts/as is gba sp ags 001 mobo (cartridge reader slot pins destroyed & 2 motherboard traces cables exposed. has broken cartridge & replacement cartridge part), mix of oem & third party (i think) screws (some stripped but still can screw down), screen custom clear black shells only, & third party buttons/pads. all from a gba i had to swap for another shell & buttons. the third party buttons & pads are in good condition. also x2 brand new gba abs metal parts for the chargin
asking $25 + shipping costs, depends on your location. or $20 local cash . $15 w/any other item
leftover white custom cables - pretty sure its for the cpu i think? they work tho.
free w/any other items.
free boxes - boxes for an asus rx 6600 w/some paper work , msi b450 tomahawk max w some paper work & disc, & intel i5 10400f .
free locally, $1 + shipping costs if you really want these shipped. depends on your location.
thanks.
2024.06.02 10:07 Great-Bookkeeper-758 Now will I sing to my wellbeloved a song
Now will I sing to my wellbeloved a song of my beloved touching his vineyard. My wellbeloved hath a vineyard in a very fruitful hill:And he fenced it, and gathered out the stones thereof, and planted it with the choicest vine, and built a tower in the midst of it, and also made a winepress therein: and he looked that it should bring forth grapes, and it brought forth wild grapes
submitted by Great-Bookkeeper-758 to u/Great-Bookkeeper-758 [link] [comments]
2024.06.02 10:00 Soapstone82 Any advice for the holga 35bc camera
I got the camera off Amazon a couple years prior, around fall of 2022, due to finding some old unused rolls of 35 mm film in my mom's desk drawer.
I took the pictures and finally got around to developing them about a month ago at a nearby CVS and I think I really love the holga now, it's my first one, has a red and white body, the only available one on Amazon.
The pictures all turned out good despite having been several years old, the only downside is of the pictures received back, some were missing but they were included on the photo CD, which was odd.
I made sure not to use the bulb mode, and most of the pictures came out clear though there was a slight blur to a lot of them (still learning the focus settings on the lens), and I took all the pictures on a sunny day and used the sunny day setting for the f-stop.
I now have the camera loaded with a small frame count roll of film I found over at five below a few weeks ago.
I don't have a hot shoe flash for my camera yet, will I eventually need one?
How will I know when it is time to replace the camera?
Should get an FC model so I can use the built-in flash or is it better to have a hot shoe attachment?
Is there any advice you guys recommend? I haven't done film photography in many years and want to get back into it as cheap as possible for now, and I love the idea of the lofi lomography idea for film and using an unpredictable camera.
Does anyone have any stories about their pictures and the oddities that happened when they got it developed?
Here's are my pictures from my holga: https://www.lomography.com/homes/soapstone/photos
submitted by Soapstone82 to toycameras [link] [comments]
I took the pictures and finally got around to developing them about a month ago at a nearby CVS and I think I really love the holga now, it's my first one, has a red and white body, the only available one on Amazon.
The pictures all turned out good despite having been several years old, the only downside is of the pictures received back, some were missing but they were included on the photo CD, which was odd.
I made sure not to use the bulb mode, and most of the pictures came out clear though there was a slight blur to a lot of them (still learning the focus settings on the lens), and I took all the pictures on a sunny day and used the sunny day setting for the f-stop.
I now have the camera loaded with a small frame count roll of film I found over at five below a few weeks ago.
I don't have a hot shoe flash for my camera yet, will I eventually need one?
How will I know when it is time to replace the camera?
Should get an FC model so I can use the built-in flash or is it better to have a hot shoe attachment?
Is there any advice you guys recommend? I haven't done film photography in many years and want to get back into it as cheap as possible for now, and I love the idea of the lofi lomography idea for film and using an unpredictable camera.
Does anyone have any stories about their pictures and the oddities that happened when they got it developed?
Here's are my pictures from my holga: https://www.lomography.com/homes/soapstone/photos
2024.06.02 09:59 Melodic_Wonder_5063 Advice for network (and AV wiring) for concrete floor 1950s house, UK
 | https://preview.redd.it/5i4si5v8e14d1.png?width=1154&format=png&auto=webp&s=47fded4c313a169f5308eee41733816ffcdf65c0 submitted by Melodic_Wonder_5063 to HomeNetworking [link] [comments] Hello, Please can anyone advise on how to go about adding ethernet wiring to my house. No mesh, I have a roll of unshielded CAT6, I will need PoE, and maybe some audio cables for future proofing. Key:
The carpet is worn and I plan to replace in a couple years to downstairs wooden floor, upstairs new carpet. I don't mind to cut the carpet for now. One concern I have, especially for Room A, is hitting radiator pipes, the ground floor radiator pipes go down in to the ground, boiler is in the bottom of the kitchen. Setting up ground floor is priority, upstairs can be some time in future. I don't mind to run wires external around the house, but the PoE ones are security cameras, and I think they should not be exposed. Any input would be appreciated, I currently have my AV system connected by an ethernet wire nailed around walls/ ceiling. |
2024.06.02 09:57 DrippyWaffler Upcoming Events in Auckland courtesy of TMA
Sunday 2 June, 2pm-4pm
Monday 3 June, 2-5.30pm
Tuesday 4 June - Friday 5 June, 9am-1pm
PART 1: Tuesday 4 June 2024 9.00 am - 1:00 pm via Zoom (with beaks!) How we connect to Te Tiriti as people from many backgrounds. The political context leading to a declaration in 1835 and a treaty in 1840. What the signatories agreed to.
PART 2: Wednesday 5 June 2024 9.00 am - 1:00 pm via Zoom (with breaks!) A history of colonisation: Crown actions and Māori resistance
The Treaty Principles Bill & current political context Matike Mai: a future vision for Aotearoa
This is an interactive workshop, not a webinar, so spaces are limited. Run by Tauiwi facilitators from Tangata Tiriti - Treaty People www.treatypeople.org If cost is a barrier to your being able to attend, please feel free to drop us an email: treatypeople@gmail.com If you can't make this one but would like to find out about the next opportunity, follow our Facebook page to hear about future dates or sign up here: http://eepurl.com/h3OtG1 Payment required. Link: https://www.facebook.com/events/1173576827137589/1173576837137588/
Tuesday 4 June, 6.30-8.30pm
Wednesday 5 June, 4-6pm
Saturday 8 June, 1-3pm
Friday 14 June, 3.30-8pm
Monday 17 June, 7.30-9pm
Sunday 23 June, 7-8pm
submitted by DrippyWaffler to Aotearoa_Anarchism [link] [comments]
Auckland - Rafah is Burning! Te Komititanga - Britomart
Israel drives Palestinians in Gaza into what Israel calls a Safe zone in Rafah. Then Deliberately Bombs it, setting it alight. Any sense of moral decency and respect for International Law has gone. Israel spurns them all. Come rally to call on the New Zealand government to take serious action. Not just mouth platitudes. This is Genocide. Send the Israeli Ambassador home. Link: https://www.facebook.com/events/821105966132016Tāmaki Makaurau For A Free Kanaky, 372 Massey Road, Māngere East
Come along to Māngere East Community Centre to listen and talanoa with guest speakers in solidarity with the Kanak struggle for independence. No alcohol & no violence is permitted on premises. Link: https://www.instagram.com/p/C7qCqmEvVdG/Online Te Tiriti O Waitangi workshops (over two mornings), online via Zoom
An online workshop for those needing an up-to-date overview of Te Tiriti o Waitangi. The programme is split over two mornings. Click here to register via Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.co.nz/e/online-te-tiriti-o-waitangi-workshop-over-two-mornings-registration-890047103847 Your registration is for BOTH dates.PART 1: Tuesday 4 June 2024 9.00 am - 1:00 pm via Zoom (with beaks!) How we connect to Te Tiriti as people from many backgrounds. The political context leading to a declaration in 1835 and a treaty in 1840. What the signatories agreed to.
PART 2: Wednesday 5 June 2024 9.00 am - 1:00 pm via Zoom (with breaks!) A history of colonisation: Crown actions and Māori resistance
The Treaty Principles Bill & current political context Matike Mai: a future vision for Aotearoa
This is an interactive workshop, not a webinar, so spaces are limited. Run by Tauiwi facilitators from Tangata Tiriti - Treaty People www.treatypeople.org If cost is a barrier to your being able to attend, please feel free to drop us an email: treatypeople@gmail.com If you can't make this one but would like to find out about the next opportunity, follow our Facebook page to hear about future dates or sign up here: http://eepurl.com/h3OtG1 Payment required. Link: https://www.facebook.com/events/1173576827137589/1173576837137588/
Timebank Gathering: What’s been happening and what’s next, Gribblehirst Community Hub
The evening will be focused on reconnecting and sharing food. Timebank Auckland Central will also update on projects happening and a chance to hear about some exchanges. Newcomers welcome but it is a social evening rather than the usual offers and requests discovery session. Bring a dish if it’s easy. Timebank Auckland Central will sort out food closer to the time as they might like to set a meal theme. What is timebanking? Timebanking is a way to connect to your community while sharing and exchanging skills, goods and resources using time instead of money as the currency. All time is equally valued and this idea builds community and supports people in creative and interesting ways. Link: https://www.facebook.com/events/1591071891705984/Speaking truth to power & keeping your job, online via Zoom
This webinar by Stop Institutional Racism is for kaimahi who want to get an expert steer on speaking up about Te Tiriti and racism in the workplace at this time. Link: https://www.stirnz.org/event-details/speaking-truth-to-power-keeping-your-job-1March for Nature, Aotea Square
On Saturday, June 8, at 1 pm, environmentalists will March for Nature in a peaceful protest against this Government’s reckless attacks on environmental protection. Either RSVP and just show up on the day, or if you want updates and/or you're keen to get involved in promotion or help on the day, head over to www.marchfornature.nz Environmentalists will march against mining on conservation land, against new oil and gas exploration, seabed mining and they'll march against the Luxon Government's War on Nature and against the one-stop shop for environmental destruction that is the fast-track approvals bill. They'll march because the fast-track bill undermines our democracy and Te Tiriti o Waitangi. The march organisers are a broad coalition of environmental groups, led by Greenpeace, Forest & Bird, Coromandel Watchdog, Kiwis Against Seabed Mining, Coal Action Network Aotearoa, WWF New Zealand, Ours Not Mines - and they expect many more will join as they go. Link: https://www.facebook.com/events/458893309952335/June Cook Up, Gribblehirst Community Hub
Food Not Bombs Tāmaki Makaurau have been blessed with some wonderful food donations so this month's cook up is looking at being their most delicious yet!!!! Their next Cook up will be Friday 14 June. Food Not Bombs was started with the premise that food is a basic right. They rescue food that would otherwise be wasted and make vegan meals for the community. All are welcome to attend their cook ups of vegan food that has been rescued from landfill and donated by members of the community, as well as businesses who support our kaupapa of feeding the community through love, mutual aid and non-violence. Attendance is always free and open to everyone, and human kids and furkidsmore than welcome as long as they're okay in large groups and you can keep an eye on them. If you are attending please click going on this event and/or e-mail them at fnbvegankai@gmail.com so they can plan for the number of volunteers that are attending. They will start food prep at 3.30 pm and we will be serving dinner around 6pm. Any leftover food will be frozen and served to those in need when they request it through our page. Volunteers are also encouraged to bring their own containers to take home meals as koha for their hard work. Yhry appreciate you! If you know anybody that is having a tough time at the moment please let them know about this event. Any leftovers will be packaged and stored for distribution to those who need food. Link: https://www.facebook.com/events/1514963392422042Monday 17 June, 7.30-9pm
Practical strategies for effective Palestinian solidarity in the era of the IHRA, online via Zoom
The International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) Working Definition of Antisemitism calls anti-Zionism antisemitic. Its use distracts from the message of protest, and punishes expressions of Palestinian identity. This workshop aims to give activists practical strategies to communicate effectively. Alternative Jewish Voices-Dayenu, and Justice for Palestine, with support from ActionStation, are hosting a workshop for organisers and activists on undertaking Palestinian solidarity in the context of the IHRA definition of anti-semitism and responding to the threat the IHRA campaign poses to our movement. This session will involve a facilitated discussion, they will then workshop with participants anti-racist responses to common IHRA challenges, followed by Q&A. Who: Kate Stone, tangata Tiriti, co-convenor of Justice for Palestine, will facilitate the conversation between: Marilyn Garson is a co-founder of Alternative Jewish Voices (AJV). She has also lived and worked in Gaza. She has co-produced AJV's briefs for government and others on the IHRA definition of antisemitism, and in June she will be attending an international conference on this and related issues. Rand Hazou is a Palestinian theatre practitioner and scholar. His research explores arts engaging with rights and social justice. In Aotearoa, he has led teaching and creative projects engaging with prison, aged-care, and street communities All Palestinian solidarity and anti-racist organisers and activists are welcome. RSVP required. Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/registetZYocOiqrDMpE9XaAT-GLfipDd-bBIGXV3kQTina Ngata: Speaking Truth to Power, online via Facebook
Join Mana Wahine Aotearoa on Sunday 23rd of June on the Mana Wahine Aotearoa Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/manawahineaotearoa as they engage in a korero with indigenous, environmental, human rights advocate Tina Ngata. They will be diving into the impact proliferation and misinformation has on wāhine Māori. Join the Mana Wahine Aotearoa Facebook Group via: https://www.facebook.com/groups/manawahineaotearoa, see you there 🪴 Link: https://www.instagram.com/p/C7P8990yX6o/2024.06.02 09:56 JadeSpeedster1718 Medicine Cats Idea
Medicine Cats
((Don’t mind me, I don’t have the patience for a full fanfic. So just here’s an excerpt that won’t leave my head))
Leafpaw looked at the half moon in the sky, feeling a sense of excitement and apprehension. Paws took her next to her mentor, Cinderpelt, trembling a bit under her.
“Excited?” Cinderpelt purred softly to her apprentice as they walked together. Taking it slow so not to cause any agitation to her mentor’s leg.
Gazing down at the forest floor, Leafpaw took a shaky breath. “Maybe? I’m also a little.. scared?” Her ears flicked slightly. She heard a deep purring hum next to her.
“I was too when I first made their journey.” Cinderpelt said softly to her with a bright look to her eyes. “Yellowfang spoke of many things I’d learn. She was sure Starclan would accept me. And I know they will you too.”
Leafpaw tries to believe that, but the more they walked, the more she felt so far away. It was like with each step she grew farther from what she knew and into something she didn’t know yet.
The journey to the Moonstone was silent, as the sounds of the night grew. Cinderpelt said it was a surprise what she’d see. And the nervous butterflies were back.
Approaching the mouth of the cave and other medicine cats seemed eerie. While Cinderpelt spoke to them, Leafpaw could only gaze into the darkness. Yet despite the crickets, Leafpaw’s ears flicked to sounds. Voices, hushed cats talking, but not a word could be made out. It sounded like so many of them.
Leafpaw tried to strain her ears, but was jolted but a nudge from her mentor. “Come along. And stay close.” Cinderpelt said softly to her, her steady voice calmed the anxiety that gathered in the apprentice’s chest.
Taking a breath, they walked together with the others into the darkness. It was like passing a threshold of some kind. The only way Leafpaw could describe it was akin to entering another Clan’s territory. The tingling feeling of being watched by sharp eyes. Of being in an area that didn’t smell nor look like home. Strange tenseness that had her fur wanting to prickle on end.
Yet, unlike cats of flesh and blood, this felt stronger. Ancient. And powerful. Like gazing into the eyes of a predator. With heavy paws and a dry mouth, Leafpaw made her way forward. Until light entered her vision of the large glowing rock formation.
Her mouth gapped open at it as her mentor stood a few paw steps in front. Cinderpelt looked back at her “just touch your nose to it, and Starclan will come.” Her voice still steady and soft.
Leafpaw took a shaky breath, eyes of many other cats. Some she could see as the other medicine cats, others in the shadows of the low light casted by the Moonstone. Taking steps forward, she pressed her nose to the cold stone.
For a moment the cold spiked through, down her spine and tail, making it bristle. Then… darkness covered her vision.
That however only lasted a brief moment. Before she opened her eyes to a clearing. And the sunlight dappling down through the leaves. Casting warm amber glow on the large tree, the gathering tree. Leafpaw gazed up at the sunlight through the tree leaves. She was sure this was more than a dream, she could feel the warmth of the sunlight. The faint breeze that carried the scent of grass.
Then movement caught her eye, her amber eyes flicked to it. As there stood another cat, but one she didn’t recognize at all. But the unmistakable scent of Thunderclan was on her pelt. Smooth and silk grey fur and a tail that was rather bushy.
Amber eyes bored back into her own. “You wish to walk with your ancestors?” Her voice was soft, yet carried weight. Leafpaw stared at her. “Then walk, follow, for a Medicine Cat can’t longer long in one place.”
The plummed tail vanished into the bushes. Leafpaw hesitated only for a moment, yet the words echoed into her mind. Determination sparked and she bounced after the other cat.
She weaves through the thick leaves and bushes. Gliding over roots and rocks. Eyes ahead catching the faint hint of silver fur ahead of her.
“We walk and run down the path of many spirits.” The voice ahead told her. “We do not linger for long on one spot, flowing forward like the rising and setting sun and moon.”
Leafpaw twisted and turned through the thick undergrowth. Then she skidded to a stop in a clearing. Looking around, and seeing no one but herself in the clearing. Then she felt like someone was behind her.
Whirling around she saw another cat, speckled Tom cat. Bright blue eyes looked at her with mischief, “We are always aware of everything.” He meowed to her leading her onward down another path. Leafpaw followed after him, rushing through the leaves that smacked at her whiskers.
“The wind as it blows and brings with it omens of fortune and faith. The bones as they speak of destiny and strength.” He told her looking at her as he lead her to the river side.
Leafpaw oddly didn’t feel tired looking at the water that divided Thunderclan from Riverclan. A pure white cat leaned down drinking from the crystal clear waters. Yellow eyes glowed with starlight, “We see signs in the flow of the water, the taste of rain, and faces of many other cats.”
His voice was steady, as Leafpaw felt names start to come to mind. Featherwhisker, Goosefeather, Cloudberry. Names that she did not know physically, but on a much deeper level.
A pure black cat brushed against her and motioned to follow with her tail. This time at a quiet walk through the forest again down path that Leafpaw didn’t know but felt old and familiar. “We learn not only medicine, but of the very soul and spirit. The names of the stars,” a leaf fell in front of them. “Of the coming of season in the very fall of leaves.”
Blue eyes regarded her with approval, Ravenwing purred to her. “For lives we can’t give we instead provide a way for the spirits to come a way into the world.”
They broke through the clearing, Leafpaw’s eyes widen in awe at she was being told. “But how can I be sure I am the right own for this?” She asked in a trembling voice as Ravenwing paded into the camp of Thunderclan. A distorted mix of what it looked through time.
“You won’t, until you take that first step.” A new voice said as a cat with back fur and a white tuff approached her. Leafpaw’s ears flicked down at how this felt. Powerful. Old. Ancient. Green eyes glowed brighter than any car she had seen.
“The path is long, it is not for many. And some do not make it to the end.” Cloud Spot looked at her calmly “but the rewards are great young Kit, someday you will be able to sense the smallest of changes just from the passing of sunlight.”
Leafpaw looked around at many cats, many faces, and names in the mind she felt connections to despite never meeting them until now. Then back to the old medicine cat in front of her.
“It starts with herbs and moves on, as you hone into a set of skills all your own. There is no pressure to learn it all, but to pace at the start and following your spirit.” Cloud Spot purred to her and pressed his nose to her head.
“Only if you accept it.”
Leafpaw swallowed hard and took a shaky breath. Yet the determination was back, firm and steady with her own heartbeat. Somehow her very soul wanted to leap out of her fur. She met the gazes of medicine cats past, those who would walk with her and teacher her along side Cinderpelt.
And she found the eyes of her mentor, watching her with encouragement and strength.
“I accept it.” Leafpaw’s voice did not quiver once. Setting it in place as she warmth from the muzzle on her head. A tongue licked her ears.
“Then we’ll walk with you and welcome you to do the same.” A tail brushed her flank gently as Leafpaw sat there with the others. “We welcome you Leafpaw, to the start of your journey.”
Warmth surged through her as the course of cats voices welcomed her among them. Despite being far from her clan, Leafpaw felt closer to them than ever before.
submitted by JadeSpeedster1718 to WarriorCats [link] [comments]
((Don’t mind me, I don’t have the patience for a full fanfic. So just here’s an excerpt that won’t leave my head))
Leafpaw looked at the half moon in the sky, feeling a sense of excitement and apprehension. Paws took her next to her mentor, Cinderpelt, trembling a bit under her.
“Excited?” Cinderpelt purred softly to her apprentice as they walked together. Taking it slow so not to cause any agitation to her mentor’s leg.
Gazing down at the forest floor, Leafpaw took a shaky breath. “Maybe? I’m also a little.. scared?” Her ears flicked slightly. She heard a deep purring hum next to her.
“I was too when I first made their journey.” Cinderpelt said softly to her with a bright look to her eyes. “Yellowfang spoke of many things I’d learn. She was sure Starclan would accept me. And I know they will you too.”
Leafpaw tries to believe that, but the more they walked, the more she felt so far away. It was like with each step she grew farther from what she knew and into something she didn’t know yet.
The journey to the Moonstone was silent, as the sounds of the night grew. Cinderpelt said it was a surprise what she’d see. And the nervous butterflies were back.
Approaching the mouth of the cave and other medicine cats seemed eerie. While Cinderpelt spoke to them, Leafpaw could only gaze into the darkness. Yet despite the crickets, Leafpaw’s ears flicked to sounds. Voices, hushed cats talking, but not a word could be made out. It sounded like so many of them.
Leafpaw tried to strain her ears, but was jolted but a nudge from her mentor. “Come along. And stay close.” Cinderpelt said softly to her, her steady voice calmed the anxiety that gathered in the apprentice’s chest.
Taking a breath, they walked together with the others into the darkness. It was like passing a threshold of some kind. The only way Leafpaw could describe it was akin to entering another Clan’s territory. The tingling feeling of being watched by sharp eyes. Of being in an area that didn’t smell nor look like home. Strange tenseness that had her fur wanting to prickle on end.
Yet, unlike cats of flesh and blood, this felt stronger. Ancient. And powerful. Like gazing into the eyes of a predator. With heavy paws and a dry mouth, Leafpaw made her way forward. Until light entered her vision of the large glowing rock formation.
Her mouth gapped open at it as her mentor stood a few paw steps in front. Cinderpelt looked back at her “just touch your nose to it, and Starclan will come.” Her voice still steady and soft.
Leafpaw took a shaky breath, eyes of many other cats. Some she could see as the other medicine cats, others in the shadows of the low light casted by the Moonstone. Taking steps forward, she pressed her nose to the cold stone.
For a moment the cold spiked through, down her spine and tail, making it bristle. Then… darkness covered her vision.
That however only lasted a brief moment. Before she opened her eyes to a clearing. And the sunlight dappling down through the leaves. Casting warm amber glow on the large tree, the gathering tree. Leafpaw gazed up at the sunlight through the tree leaves. She was sure this was more than a dream, she could feel the warmth of the sunlight. The faint breeze that carried the scent of grass.
Then movement caught her eye, her amber eyes flicked to it. As there stood another cat, but one she didn’t recognize at all. But the unmistakable scent of Thunderclan was on her pelt. Smooth and silk grey fur and a tail that was rather bushy.
Amber eyes bored back into her own. “You wish to walk with your ancestors?” Her voice was soft, yet carried weight. Leafpaw stared at her. “Then walk, follow, for a Medicine Cat can’t longer long in one place.”
The plummed tail vanished into the bushes. Leafpaw hesitated only for a moment, yet the words echoed into her mind. Determination sparked and she bounced after the other cat.
She weaves through the thick leaves and bushes. Gliding over roots and rocks. Eyes ahead catching the faint hint of silver fur ahead of her.
“We walk and run down the path of many spirits.” The voice ahead told her. “We do not linger for long on one spot, flowing forward like the rising and setting sun and moon.”
Leafpaw twisted and turned through the thick undergrowth. Then she skidded to a stop in a clearing. Looking around, and seeing no one but herself in the clearing. Then she felt like someone was behind her.
Whirling around she saw another cat, speckled Tom cat. Bright blue eyes looked at her with mischief, “We are always aware of everything.” He meowed to her leading her onward down another path. Leafpaw followed after him, rushing through the leaves that smacked at her whiskers.
“The wind as it blows and brings with it omens of fortune and faith. The bones as they speak of destiny and strength.” He told her looking at her as he lead her to the river side.
Leafpaw oddly didn’t feel tired looking at the water that divided Thunderclan from Riverclan. A pure white cat leaned down drinking from the crystal clear waters. Yellow eyes glowed with starlight, “We see signs in the flow of the water, the taste of rain, and faces of many other cats.”
His voice was steady, as Leafpaw felt names start to come to mind. Featherwhisker, Goosefeather, Cloudberry. Names that she did not know physically, but on a much deeper level.
A pure black cat brushed against her and motioned to follow with her tail. This time at a quiet walk through the forest again down path that Leafpaw didn’t know but felt old and familiar. “We learn not only medicine, but of the very soul and spirit. The names of the stars,” a leaf fell in front of them. “Of the coming of season in the very fall of leaves.”
Blue eyes regarded her with approval, Ravenwing purred to her. “For lives we can’t give we instead provide a way for the spirits to come a way into the world.”
They broke through the clearing, Leafpaw’s eyes widen in awe at she was being told. “But how can I be sure I am the right own for this?” She asked in a trembling voice as Ravenwing paded into the camp of Thunderclan. A distorted mix of what it looked through time.
“You won’t, until you take that first step.” A new voice said as a cat with back fur and a white tuff approached her. Leafpaw’s ears flicked down at how this felt. Powerful. Old. Ancient. Green eyes glowed brighter than any car she had seen.
“The path is long, it is not for many. And some do not make it to the end.” Cloud Spot looked at her calmly “but the rewards are great young Kit, someday you will be able to sense the smallest of changes just from the passing of sunlight.”
Leafpaw looked around at many cats, many faces, and names in the mind she felt connections to despite never meeting them until now. Then back to the old medicine cat in front of her.
“It starts with herbs and moves on, as you hone into a set of skills all your own. There is no pressure to learn it all, but to pace at the start and following your spirit.” Cloud Spot purred to her and pressed his nose to her head.
“Only if you accept it.”
Leafpaw swallowed hard and took a shaky breath. Yet the determination was back, firm and steady with her own heartbeat. Somehow her very soul wanted to leap out of her fur. She met the gazes of medicine cats past, those who would walk with her and teacher her along side Cinderpelt.
And she found the eyes of her mentor, watching her with encouragement and strength.
“I accept it.” Leafpaw’s voice did not quiver once. Setting it in place as she warmth from the muzzle on her head. A tongue licked her ears.
“Then we’ll walk with you and welcome you to do the same.” A tail brushed her flank gently as Leafpaw sat there with the others. “We welcome you Leafpaw, to the start of your journey.”
Warmth surged through her as the course of cats voices welcomed her among them. Despite being far from her clan, Leafpaw felt closer to them than ever before.
2024.06.02 09:55 AdInteresting2401 Sick through meditation? - German media
For some, intensive meditation can cause mental suffering. The predominantly positive image of meditation makes it difficult for those affected to be heard in the event of side effects, as SWR research shows.
By Linda Huber, SWR
Millions of people in Germany meditate regularly. The offerings range from apps and online courses to meditation in studios and multi-day retreats. According to a Statista Consumer Survey, almost one in four people between the ages of 18 and 64 have a meditation app on their cell phone. A Buddhist tradition has long since become a mass phenomenon and the market for mindfulness is booming, with meditation often being praised as a cure for stress and mental health problems. However, recent scientific studies show that intensive meditation can also trigger serious psychological side effects. This side effect is often ignored or trivialized, as research by the investigative format Vollbild revealed.
One in ten meditators suffers from side effects
In a ten-year long-term study, US psychologist Willoughby Britton from Brown University was able to prove that around one in ten meditators develop side effects that severely restrict them in their everyday life. According to Britton, anxiety, traumatic flashbacks and hypersensitivity are the most common side effects of meditation. German studies also point to undesirable side effects of meditation: a study by a working group at Charité Berlin found that a total of 22 percent of 1,397 meditating test subjects had undesirable effects. Of these, around nine percent were classified as mild and temporary, while 13 percent had moderate to extreme adverse effects that required treatment, were permanent or even required hospitalization.
Negative effects often underestimated
Research on meditation over the past 20 years has mostly shown positive effects such as the reduction of stress or depression. Psychologist Britton criticizes the research on contemplative practices and points out that the negative effects of meditation are often underestimated.
In Germany, the first contact point for victims of meditation side effects has been open for two years at the Institute for Frontier Areas of Psychology and Mental Hygiene in Freiburg. Psychologists Ulrich Ott and Liane Hofmann set up the contact point. They report that the consultation hours are already very popular and that the level of suffering of many of those affected is high. The psychologists suspect a high number of unreported cases and assume that there is a great need for counseling in Germany.
Panic attacks, hospitalization, suicide after meditation
Fullscreen has spoken to several people who have developed severe psychological problems after intensive meditation and had to be treated in a clinic. A 26-year-old student from Wiesbaden describes how he developed panic attacks after intensive meditation with an app and had to be treated in a clinic. A 28-year-old doctoral student from Düsseldorf reports that she developed delusions after an intensive retreat and had to be hospitalized, while a particularly drastic case from Canada shows extreme consequences: A young woman left a ten-day meditation retreat early and took her own life. Her mother reports that her daughter already felt unwell during the retreat. When asked, the meditation center explained that it was deeply saddened by the tragic incident. Teachers are trained to recognize signs of mental imbalance, and students are not asked to continue meditating if they are in distress.
Responsibility seen in meditators
The predominantly positive image of meditation often means that those affected have difficulty being heard and understood when side effects occur, and that providers often see meditators as being responsible.
US researcher Britton also observes this: "Blaming the victim is probably the most common reaction. It comes in many different varieties." It is often said that the person has already brought the problems with them. The retreat or the provider are therefore not responsible. Or the person has meditated incorrectly. "The normal meditation teacher wants to be helpful, and then to hear that you have caused harm is a very difficult kind of feedback," says Britton.
The psychologists Ott and Hofmann criticize the fact that meditation providers often deny responsibility for possible side effects: "It is of course also the responsibility of the providers to check in advance whether the people are mentally healthy, whether they are stable and not to deny all responsibility with such a disclaimer," says Ott. However, the offers often state: "Participation at your own risk. This clearly places the responsibility on the participants," says Ott.
No mandatory training, no monitoring
How little attention is paid to risks is also shown by an undercover investigation: in a self-experiment, Vollbild asked around 20 meditation providers for a course and stated that the supposed interested party had mental health problems. Only a few advised her to consult a doctor or therapist beforehand. The providers' websites did not provide any information on the risks and side effects of meditation in advance. In Germany, there is the Association of Mindfulness Teachers with eight training institutes and around 1,000 mindfulness teachers. According to full-screen research, undesirable side effects of meditation are an issue in training here. However, the training is voluntary. Anyone who wants to can offer meditation. There are no controls. This is another reason why many meditation teachers are apparently overwhelmed by the psychological damage and side effects of meditation.
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
https://www.tagesschau.de/investigativ/swmeditation-risiken-nebenwirkungen-100.html
Comments to the video:
"The fact that meditation or Buddhist practice in general (not just sitting) has dark sides has always been described. In Buddhist sutras, entire texts are dedicated to the spiritual decline of some practitioners. In Zen, "meditation sickness" is a well-known term, as is "lung" in Tibetan Buddhism. Various studies prove that there are often psychological problems, especially during intensive meditation sessions. For example, one psychologist describes that deprivatized sitting without movement can stress the neurons to such an extent that psychosis-like states can be reached. If you need help or would like more information on the possible symptoms and side effects (based on scientific data), please visit Cheetah House, they can also help those affected. What Micki describes at the beginning is also something that I consider extremely dangerous, if any teacher says to you "you have to go through this", then you should distance yourself as quickly as possible. Meditation should never be associated with thoughts of self-optimization or the desire for eternal happiness, in Zen they say "Zen brings nothing", or you could say, seek neither happiness nor unhappiness, only in this way can an authentic path be realized, with in my opinion clearly more serenity. Unfortunately, it is not without reason that many practitioners have been saying for a long time that 80 percent of Buddhist offerings are not authentic. Just look at the charlatans who serve as role models these days: Hinnerk Polenski, Shi Heng Yi, Zensho W Kopp... All people who are self-proclaimed masters."
"Shi Heng Yi has never studied Shaolin Buddhism, but has a martial arts master title under an American, yet the Otterberg Temple claimed to teach people on official behalf of the Henan Mother Temple, the warning then came quickly, officially Shi Heng Yi has recently made the first pin in the Warrior Monk Duan Pin System, so he is at the level of a novice. Nevertheless, he sells books on Zen Buddhism and the like. (Shaolin is Chan, Japanese Zen) and also meditation courses with dubious people for thousands of euros, which of course has nothing to do with Zen or Shaolin. Then Hinnerk, could never prove his mastery, like many others of the controversial Oi Saidan lineage he was only in the monastery for a few weeks. Zensho W Kopp, claims to have received Zen mastery from a teacher, but as I said, this man is only a teacher and not a master and therefore cannot confer mastery, but has never claimed to do so. It is clear that this can only result in spiritual confusion, but people who have no prior knowledge of religious integrity find it difficult to differentiate. In the end, a spiritual ego is built. But that doesn't mean that the “authentic” path isn't full of stumbling blocks. Who wants to let go of their ego? For some it can actually brighten up life again, but I think it is much more difficult to find an authentic guru these days than the danger on the path itself. For Buddhist practice, at least in Zen, sitting meditation is not necessary.
“I do not wash my hands or shave my head, I do not read sutras or observe precepts, I do not burn incense, I do not do sitting meditation, I do not perform memorial ceremonies for a master or Buddha.”
Chin'g gak Kuksa Hyesim (1178-1234)
How about that? :)"
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
submitted by AdInteresting2401 to zenbuddhism [link] [comments]
By Linda Huber, SWR
Millions of people in Germany meditate regularly. The offerings range from apps and online courses to meditation in studios and multi-day retreats. According to a Statista Consumer Survey, almost one in four people between the ages of 18 and 64 have a meditation app on their cell phone. A Buddhist tradition has long since become a mass phenomenon and the market for mindfulness is booming, with meditation often being praised as a cure for stress and mental health problems. However, recent scientific studies show that intensive meditation can also trigger serious psychological side effects. This side effect is often ignored or trivialized, as research by the investigative format Vollbild revealed.
One in ten meditators suffers from side effects
In a ten-year long-term study, US psychologist Willoughby Britton from Brown University was able to prove that around one in ten meditators develop side effects that severely restrict them in their everyday life. According to Britton, anxiety, traumatic flashbacks and hypersensitivity are the most common side effects of meditation. German studies also point to undesirable side effects of meditation: a study by a working group at Charité Berlin found that a total of 22 percent of 1,397 meditating test subjects had undesirable effects. Of these, around nine percent were classified as mild and temporary, while 13 percent had moderate to extreme adverse effects that required treatment, were permanent or even required hospitalization.
Negative effects often underestimated
Research on meditation over the past 20 years has mostly shown positive effects such as the reduction of stress or depression. Psychologist Britton criticizes the research on contemplative practices and points out that the negative effects of meditation are often underestimated.
In Germany, the first contact point for victims of meditation side effects has been open for two years at the Institute for Frontier Areas of Psychology and Mental Hygiene in Freiburg. Psychologists Ulrich Ott and Liane Hofmann set up the contact point. They report that the consultation hours are already very popular and that the level of suffering of many of those affected is high. The psychologists suspect a high number of unreported cases and assume that there is a great need for counseling in Germany.
Panic attacks, hospitalization, suicide after meditation
Fullscreen has spoken to several people who have developed severe psychological problems after intensive meditation and had to be treated in a clinic. A 26-year-old student from Wiesbaden describes how he developed panic attacks after intensive meditation with an app and had to be treated in a clinic. A 28-year-old doctoral student from Düsseldorf reports that she developed delusions after an intensive retreat and had to be hospitalized, while a particularly drastic case from Canada shows extreme consequences: A young woman left a ten-day meditation retreat early and took her own life. Her mother reports that her daughter already felt unwell during the retreat. When asked, the meditation center explained that it was deeply saddened by the tragic incident. Teachers are trained to recognize signs of mental imbalance, and students are not asked to continue meditating if they are in distress.
Responsibility seen in meditators
The predominantly positive image of meditation often means that those affected have difficulty being heard and understood when side effects occur, and that providers often see meditators as being responsible.
US researcher Britton also observes this: "Blaming the victim is probably the most common reaction. It comes in many different varieties." It is often said that the person has already brought the problems with them. The retreat or the provider are therefore not responsible. Or the person has meditated incorrectly. "The normal meditation teacher wants to be helpful, and then to hear that you have caused harm is a very difficult kind of feedback," says Britton.
The psychologists Ott and Hofmann criticize the fact that meditation providers often deny responsibility for possible side effects: "It is of course also the responsibility of the providers to check in advance whether the people are mentally healthy, whether they are stable and not to deny all responsibility with such a disclaimer," says Ott. However, the offers often state: "Participation at your own risk. This clearly places the responsibility on the participants," says Ott.
No mandatory training, no monitoring
How little attention is paid to risks is also shown by an undercover investigation: in a self-experiment, Vollbild asked around 20 meditation providers for a course and stated that the supposed interested party had mental health problems. Only a few advised her to consult a doctor or therapist beforehand. The providers' websites did not provide any information on the risks and side effects of meditation in advance. In Germany, there is the Association of Mindfulness Teachers with eight training institutes and around 1,000 mindfulness teachers. According to full-screen research, undesirable side effects of meditation are an issue in training here. However, the training is voluntary. Anyone who wants to can offer meditation. There are no controls. This is another reason why many meditation teachers are apparently overwhelmed by the psychological damage and side effects of meditation.
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
https://www.tagesschau.de/investigativ/swmeditation-risiken-nebenwirkungen-100.html
Comments to the video:
"The fact that meditation or Buddhist practice in general (not just sitting) has dark sides has always been described. In Buddhist sutras, entire texts are dedicated to the spiritual decline of some practitioners. In Zen, "meditation sickness" is a well-known term, as is "lung" in Tibetan Buddhism. Various studies prove that there are often psychological problems, especially during intensive meditation sessions. For example, one psychologist describes that deprivatized sitting without movement can stress the neurons to such an extent that psychosis-like states can be reached. If you need help or would like more information on the possible symptoms and side effects (based on scientific data), please visit Cheetah House, they can also help those affected. What Micki describes at the beginning is also something that I consider extremely dangerous, if any teacher says to you "you have to go through this", then you should distance yourself as quickly as possible. Meditation should never be associated with thoughts of self-optimization or the desire for eternal happiness, in Zen they say "Zen brings nothing", or you could say, seek neither happiness nor unhappiness, only in this way can an authentic path be realized, with in my opinion clearly more serenity. Unfortunately, it is not without reason that many practitioners have been saying for a long time that 80 percent of Buddhist offerings are not authentic. Just look at the charlatans who serve as role models these days: Hinnerk Polenski, Shi Heng Yi, Zensho W Kopp... All people who are self-proclaimed masters."
"Shi Heng Yi has never studied Shaolin Buddhism, but has a martial arts master title under an American, yet the Otterberg Temple claimed to teach people on official behalf of the Henan Mother Temple, the warning then came quickly, officially Shi Heng Yi has recently made the first pin in the Warrior Monk Duan Pin System, so he is at the level of a novice. Nevertheless, he sells books on Zen Buddhism and the like. (Shaolin is Chan, Japanese Zen) and also meditation courses with dubious people for thousands of euros, which of course has nothing to do with Zen or Shaolin. Then Hinnerk, could never prove his mastery, like many others of the controversial Oi Saidan lineage he was only in the monastery for a few weeks. Zensho W Kopp, claims to have received Zen mastery from a teacher, but as I said, this man is only a teacher and not a master and therefore cannot confer mastery, but has never claimed to do so. It is clear that this can only result in spiritual confusion, but people who have no prior knowledge of religious integrity find it difficult to differentiate. In the end, a spiritual ego is built. But that doesn't mean that the “authentic” path isn't full of stumbling blocks. Who wants to let go of their ego? For some it can actually brighten up life again, but I think it is much more difficult to find an authentic guru these days than the danger on the path itself. For Buddhist practice, at least in Zen, sitting meditation is not necessary.
“I do not wash my hands or shave my head, I do not read sutras or observe precepts, I do not burn incense, I do not do sitting meditation, I do not perform memorial ceremonies for a master or Buddha.”
Chin'g gak Kuksa Hyesim (1178-1234)
How about that? :)"
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
2024.06.02 09:54 Key_Penalty6545 34 yo female trying to gain muscle!
Wanting to gain muscle
Im a 34 yo female 5’10” 185 lbs. I’ve been working out consistently for quite some time now. I’ve managed to lose around 85-90 lbs putting in the work for the last 2 years. I absolutely love lifting and prefer it over any cardio. At this point in my fitness journey I want to start getting more define muscle. I clearly have built muscle mass over time but it doesn’t seem aaas significant as it should. I don’t really follow any diet just try to eat clean throughout the day with my occasional “cheat meal” here and there. What should I start focusing on to start increasing my muscle growth? I can see definition starting in my biceps and back just want to figure out how to increase this! Should I start creatine?
submitted by Key_Penalty6545 to WeightTraining [link] [comments]
Im a 34 yo female 5’10” 185 lbs. I’ve been working out consistently for quite some time now. I’ve managed to lose around 85-90 lbs putting in the work for the last 2 years. I absolutely love lifting and prefer it over any cardio. At this point in my fitness journey I want to start getting more define muscle. I clearly have built muscle mass over time but it doesn’t seem aaas significant as it should. I don’t really follow any diet just try to eat clean throughout the day with my occasional “cheat meal” here and there. What should I start focusing on to start increasing my muscle growth? I can see definition starting in my biceps and back just want to figure out how to increase this! Should I start creatine?
2024.06.02 09:52 priker89 not sure what's happening here
 | Around 9 months ago, I've accidentally broke the growth branch, so it took a while for the plant to recover. It started to grow two separate buds but only one built up as you can see in the pic. Since then, only 2 leafs evolved, but suddenly, like last month the growing branch started to get longer and longer, even before the leafs really develop, and now there is something growing to the opposite side. Also, the roots outgrowed a lot. I will put some pictures, so you can understand better. Am I doing something wrong? What can I do for it to thrive ? I'd like to repot it, but how bigger the vase need to be so i can let it sit a little longer 1 (1y last time)? it's the best time for it? Any thoughts about it are appreciated ! Tks submitted by priker89 to hoyas [link] [comments] |
2024.06.02 09:51 GPTSportsWriter Dallas Mavericks VS Boston Celtics Prediction 2024-06-06 20:40:00-04:00
 | Dallas Mavericks VS Boston Celtics Prediction 2024-06-06 20:40:00-04:00 submitted by GPTSportsWriter to GPTSportsWriter [link] [comments] NBA Showdown: Boston Celtics vs. Dallas Mavericks - Who Will Win?IntroductionLadies and gentlemen, basketball aficionados, and casual fans alike, gather 'round for a tale of two titans set to clash on June 6, 2024. The Boston Celtics will host the Dallas Mavericks in what promises to be a thrilling encounter. With the game set to commence at 8:40 PM ET, the stakes are high, the tension palpable, and the odds... well, let's just say they're as intriguing as a plot twist in a Shakespearean drama.The TeamsBoston CelticsThe Boston Celtics, one of the most storied franchises in NBA history, are no strangers to high-pressure games. With a legacy that includes 17 NBA championships, the Celtics are a team that knows how to win. Their current roster is a blend of seasoned veterans and young talent, making them a formidable opponent.Key Players
Dallas MavericksThe Dallas Mavericks, led by the sensational Luka Dončić, are a team on the rise. With a recent history of playoff appearances and a roster built around their young superstar, the Mavericks are looking to make a statement.Key Players
The OddsLet's talk numbers, shall we? According to the latest odds from DraftKings and FanDuel, the Boston Celtics are the favorites to win this matchup.
Head-to-Head MatchupWhen analyzing this matchup, it's essential to consider the head-to-head statistics. Over the past five meetings, the Celtics have won three games, while the Mavericks have taken two. However, it's worth noting that the Mavericks' two victories came in the most recent encounters, indicating a potential shift in momentum.Offensive and Defensive Stats
X-FactorsBoston Celtics
Dallas Mavericks
PredictionNow, for the moment of truth. Who will win this highly anticipated matchup? Based on the current odds, team statistics, and player performances, the Boston Celtics have the edge. Their defensive capabilities, combined with the home court advantage, make them the favorites.However, don't count out the Mavericks just yet. If Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving can find their groove, they have the potential to pull off an upset. But, as the saying goes, "Defense wins championships," and the Celtics' defense is one of the best in the league. Final VerdictBoston Celtics to win. The combination of home court advantage, superior defense, and the dynamic duo of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown will likely be too much for the Mavericks to overcome.References
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2024.06.02 09:43 _Triple_ [STORE] 900+ KNIVES/GLOVES/SKINS, 100.000$+ INVENTORY. BFK Lore, Gloves Amphibious, Skeleton Fade, Bowie Emerald, BFK Auto, Gloves MF, Talon Doppler, Gloves POW, Bayo Tiger, Gut Sapphire, Stiletto MF, M9 Ultra, Ursus Doppler, Flip Doppler, M9 Stained, Nomad CW, Paracord CW, AK-47 X-Ray & A Lot More
Everything in my inventory is up for trade. The most valuable items are listed here, the rest you can find in My Inventory
Feel free to Add Me or even better send a Trade Offer. Open for any suggestions: upgrades, downgrades / knives, gloves, skins / stickers, patterns, floats.
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KNIVES
★ Butterfly Knife Lore (Factory New), B/O: $7194.77
★ Butterfly Knife Autotronic (Minimal Wear), B/O: $2025.74
⎯★ M9 Bayonet Ultraviolet (Field-Tested), B/O: $557.87
★ M9 Bayonet Stained (Well-Worn), B/O: $529.41
★ M9 Bayonet Boreal Forest (Field-Tested), B/O: $465.39
⎯★ Talon Knife Doppler (Factory New), B/O: $1295.27
★ Bayonet Tiger Tooth (Minimal Wear), B/O: $746.28
★ Karambit Bright Water (Field-Tested), B/O: $688.15
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★ Flip Knife Autotronic (Minimal Wear), B/O: $476.69
★ Flip Knife Case Hardened (Battle-Scarred), B/O: $278.18
★ Flip Knife Black Laminate (Well-Worn), B/O: $258.83
★ Flip Knife Urban Masked (Field-Tested), B/O: $181.64
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★ Stiletto Knife Doppler (Factory New), B/O: $665.41
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★ Stiletto Knife Crimson Web (Field-Tested), B/O: $418.25
★ Stiletto Knife Night Stripe (Field-Tested), B/O: $227.80
★ Stiletto Knife Boreal Forest (Field-Tested), B/O: $194.96
★ Stiletto Knife Safari Mesh (Field-Tested), B/O: $192.79
⎯★ Nomad Knife Crimson Web (Field-Tested), B/O: $518.11
★ Nomad Knife Scorched (Field-Tested), B/O: $169.78
★ Nomad Knife Forest DDPAT (Battle-Scarred), B/O: $166.88
★ StatTrak™ Nomad Knife Blue Steel (Field-Tested), B/O: $335.79
⎯★ Skeleton Knife Stained (Well-Worn), B/O: $442.05
★ Skeleton Knife Urban Masked (Minimal Wear), B/O: $426.24
★ Skeleton Knife Boreal Forest (Field-Tested), B/O: $314.03
★ StatTrak™ Skeleton Knife Fade (Minimal Wear), B/O: $2361.28
★ StatTrak™ Skeleton Knife Urban Masked (Field-Tested), B/O: $376.53
⎯★ Ursus Knife Doppler (Factory New), B/O: $557.12
★ Ursus Knife, B/O: $471.42
★ Ursus Knife Blue Steel (Minimal Wear), B/O: $212.37
★ Ursus Knife Case Hardened (Battle-Scarred), B/O: $187.66
★ Ursus Knife Damascus Steel (Field-Tested), B/O: $178.18
★ Ursus Knife Ultraviolet (Battle-Scarred), B/O: $155.13
★ Ursus Knife Boreal Forest (Battle-Scarred), B/O: $124.26
⎯★ Huntsman Knife Black Laminate (Minimal Wear), B/O: $204.83
★ Huntsman Knife Black Laminate (Field-Tested), B/O: $184.50
★ StatTrak™ Huntsman Knife Lore (Battle-Scarred), B/O: $224.11
⎯★ Bowie Knife Gamma Doppler (Factory New), B/O: $2142.02
★ Bowie Knife, B/O: $230.44
★ Bowie Knife Damascus Steel (Factory New), B/O: $209.20
★ Bowie Knife Ultraviolet (Minimal Wear), B/O: $180.51
★ Bowie Knife Ultraviolet (Field-Tested), B/O: $131.03
⎯★ Falchion Knife Night (Field-Tested), B/O: $132.54
★ Falchion Knife Urban Masked (Well-Worn), B/O: $112.81
★ Falchion Knife Scorched (Field-Tested), B/O: $108.81
★ Falchion Knife Forest DDPAT (Field-Tested), B/O: $107.82
★ Falchion Knife Safari Mesh (Field-Tested), B/O: $107.46
★ StatTrak™ Falchion Knife Ultraviolet (Field-Tested), B/O: $143.08
⎯★ Paracord Knife Crimson Web (Minimal Wear), B/O: $486.48
★ Paracord Knife Blue Steel (Battle-Scarred), B/O: $163.12
⎯★ Survival Knife Blue Steel (Battle-Scarred), B/O: $138.26
★ Survival Knife Night Stripe (Field-Tested), B/O: $131.03
⎯★ Gut Knife Sapphire (Minimal Wear), B/O: $1127.79
★ Gut Knife Gamma Doppler (Factory New), B/O: $286.17
★ Gut Knife Doppler (Factory New), B/O: $246.55
★ Gut Knife Marble Fade (Factory New), B/O: $240.77
★ Gut Knife, B/O: $210.49
★ Gut Knife Lore (Field-Tested), B/O: $194.22
★ Gut Knife Case Hardened (Battle-Scarred), B/O: $151.51
★ Gut Knife Blue Steel (Minimal Wear), B/O: $124.94
★ Gut Knife Rust Coat (Well-Worn), B/O: $118.99
★ Gut Knife Boreal Forest (Minimal Wear), B/O: $109.80
★ StatTrak™ Gut Knife Doppler (Factory New), B/O: $237.96
⎯★ Shadow Daggers Gamma Doppler (Factory New), B/O: $264.92
★ Shadow Daggers Marble Fade (Factory New), B/O: $253.03
★ Shadow Daggers Tiger Tooth (Factory New), B/O: $237.22
★ Shadow Daggers Crimson Web (Field-Tested), B/O: $153.40
★ Shadow Daggers Autotronic (Minimal Wear), B/O: $144.42
★ Shadow Daggers Blue Steel (Field-Tested), B/O: $105.20
★ StatTrak™ Shadow Daggers Damascus Steel (Minimal Wear), B/O: $150.46
⎯★ Navaja Knife Fade (Factory New), B/O: $365.99
★ Navaja Knife Doppler (Factory New), B/O: $228.93
★ Navaja Knife Marble Fade (Factory New), B/O: $227.43
★ Navaja Knife Slaughter (Factory New), B/O: $209.06
★ Navaja Knife, B/O: $203.16
★ Navaja Knife Case Hardened (Well-Worn), B/O: $132.57
★ Navaja Knife Damascus Steel (Factory New), B/O: $121.69
★ Navaja Knife Damascus Steel (Minimal Wear), B/O: $109.95
★ Navaja Knife Damascus Steel (Field-Tested), B/O: $100.41
★ StatTrak™ Navaja Knife Fade (Factory New), B/O: $369.01
★ StatTrak™ Navaja Knife Damascus Steel (Field-Tested), B/O: $109.95
GLOVES
★ Sport Gloves Amphibious (Minimal Wear), B/O: $2394.67
★ Sport Gloves Omega (Well-Worn), B/O: $572.33
★ Sport Gloves Bronze Morph (Minimal Wear), B/O: $338.88
★ Sport Gloves Big Game (Field-Tested), B/O: $323.66
⎯★ Specialist Gloves Marble Fade (Minimal Wear), B/O: $1652.07
★ Specialist Gloves Tiger Strike (Field-Tested), B/O: $599.14
★ Specialist Gloves Crimson Web (Well-Worn), B/O: $231.57
★ Specialist Gloves Buckshot (Minimal Wear), B/O: $126.21
⎯★ Moto Gloves POW! (Minimal Wear), B/O: $996.99
★ Moto Gloves POW! (Field-Tested), B/O: $383.31
★ Moto Gloves POW! (Well-Worn), B/O: $276.00
★ Moto Gloves Turtle (Field-Tested), B/O: $180.28
⎯★ Hand Wraps CAUTION! (Minimal Wear), B/O: $502.29
★ Hand Wraps Giraffe (Minimal Wear), B/O: $180.73
★ Hand Wraps CAUTION! (Battle-Scarred), B/O: $178.32
⎯★ Driver Gloves Queen Jaguar (Minimal Wear), B/O: $181.01
★ Driver Gloves Rezan the Red (Field-Tested), B/O: $101.66
⎯★ Broken Fang Gloves Jade (Field-Tested), B/O: $127.88
★ Broken Fang Gloves Needle Point (Minimal Wear), B/O: $124.55
⎯★ Bloodhound Gloves Guerrilla (Minimal Wear), B/O: $127.94
★ Hydra Gloves Case Hardened (Field-Tested), B/O: $102.55
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AK-47 X-Ray (Well-Worn), B/O: $478.95
AUG Hot Rod (Factory New), B/O: $425.83
StatTrak™ M4A1-S Hyper Beast (Factory New), B/O: $413.95
M4A4 Daybreak (Factory New), B/O: $309.51
StatTrak™ AK-47 Aquamarine Revenge (Factory New), B/O: $305.43
AK-47 Case Hardened (Well-Worn), B/O: $196.38
StatTrak™ M4A4 Temukau (Minimal Wear), B/O: $174.64
P90 Run and Hide (Field-Tested), B/O: $167.03
AWP Asiimov (Field-Tested), B/O: $153.33
Souvenir SSG 08 Death Strike (Minimal Wear), B/O: $140.00
M4A1-S Printstream (Battle-Scarred), B/O: $124.70
StatTrak™ M4A1-S Golden Coil (Field-Tested), B/O: $117.48
AWP Asiimov (Well-Worn), B/O: $115.97
StatTrak™ Desert Eagle Printstream (Minimal Wear), B/O: $112.96
StatTrak™ AK-47 Asiimov (Minimal Wear), B/O: $110.85
Souvenir M4A1-S Master Piece (Well-Worn), B/O: $102.42
AK-47 Bloodsport (Minimal Wear), B/O: $100.53
Trade Offer Link - Steam Profile Link - My Inventory
Some items on the list may no longer be available or are still locked, visit My Inventory for more details.
Send a Trade Offer for fastest response. I consider all offers.
Add me for discuss if there is a serious offer that needs to be discussed.
2024.06.02 09:35 Ok_Bar_6403 Entry level'ish gaming pc
Hi!
I haven't built a PC in many, many years.
But looking to possibly give it a shot as thinking could possibly get a better result than a cheap pre built machine.
Budget, maybe around $600, but could go over if the performance/value is there.
Would be predominantly used for games like guild wars 2, no man's sky, and such.
Also, I am in no real hurry timewise to build it. So, is there a way to get even better components through waiting for sales and accruing pieces piecemeal? And if so, what is the best way to track those prices over time to know when to grab things?
Thanks!
submitted by Ok_Bar_6403 to buildmeapc [link] [comments]
I haven't built a PC in many, many years.
But looking to possibly give it a shot as thinking could possibly get a better result than a cheap pre built machine.
Budget, maybe around $600, but could go over if the performance/value is there.
Would be predominantly used for games like guild wars 2, no man's sky, and such.
Also, I am in no real hurry timewise to build it. So, is there a way to get even better components through waiting for sales and accruing pieces piecemeal? And if so, what is the best way to track those prices over time to know when to grab things?
Thanks!
2024.06.02 09:35 seventyeightist Documentary on UK television - Prince George: A King for the Future - broadcast 18/5/24
Another thread reminded me that I saw this 45-min documentary was broadcast on May 18th 2024 on UK Channel 5 but I didn't catch it at the time. I've gone through it now on Sky catch up - nothing really new here imo, mainly fluff, but I am posting so people can see what is being broadcast here about George / the RF. Quotes are exact quotes, the rest is my summary but pretty close to what was said.
Narrator (N): George's story begins on 29/4/2011 - W & K wedding. Simon Vigar (Royal Correspondent 5 News - SV): W & K wedding was a happy moment for the country in the midst of the financial crisis of the late 00s. Afua Hagan (Royal commentator - AH): PW was hugely popular as was Kate.
Section about Queen Elizabeth doing the Olympic ceremony - N: "the Royal Family found themselves enjoying a surge in popularity", echoed by the other talking heads
N: In Dec 2012 KM announced pregnancy. AF: "it was hugely exciting because we knew this was going to be another heir"
N: they chose St Marys Hospital for the birth, same place Diana went. Weeks of anticipation, George born on 22/7/2013, Archive footage of W & K outside the hospital with newborn George etc.
SV: "the arrival of George meant that the line of succession was secure"
SV: "this 'Lion King' moment with the king in waiting"
N: "although their choice of name drew from centuries of tradition it soon became clear that their approach to parenting was more modern" - covers William with the car seat, driving Kate back from hospital himself, etc - more hands on, they are being more 'normal'.
N: W & K had always had a close relationship with Kate's parents. In first few months of George's life they retreated to the Middletons' family home in Bucklebury [Berkshire]. George's baptism - following tradition but more modern approach to the rest of it - choice of godparents (only Zara as a royal, all the others were non royals), "cosy, child-first atmosphere".
N: Australia/NZ tour (10 days) when George was 8 months, contrasted with Queen Elizabeth's tour of NZ where Charles was left at home age 5. Footage of them on the plane steps etc. William and George travelled together which was a break with protocol (usually avoided due to risk if anything goes wrong), had to persuade Queen Elizabeth.
N: they are following tradition in having a nanny. They recruited the nanny Maria Borrallo in 2014 - from a school that's produced many Royal nannies - Norland College (Bath) - the world's foremost Nanny college. The nannies can earn six figures and are trained on all sorts: evasive driving, self-defence, lifesaving, etc.
Royal historian: "We know that she's [Maria] been with Prince George since he was around 8 months old. So she's built a real bond with him. The fact that she's still with them, she's doing something very very right for that family."
Education - break with tradition, heirs were never sent to school historically. King Charles broke with that tradition by going to Gordonstoun, was miserable & bullied though. AF: William has learned from that and wants to make sure that doesn't happen to George. George's first school (Thomas's) focuses on building character, creativity, kindness, etc as well as academics. Age 9 - went to Lambrook School - ethos of happiness, kindness, concern about the world.
Privacy - age just 2 William was put in front of the press, body language expert says he was visibly uncomfortable, regular press intrusion throughout his life. Agreements between RF & media weren't in place then - talks about the agreement they have now with the press, they issue their own family pictures at Christmas etc, thus devaluing 'pap' pictures. Describes Kate taking a lot of pictures, they're more "intimate", candid, family pictures rather than pro.
Age 2 - meeting with Obama (visit to KP) - [nothing notable here, just fluff]
George included on trips to Commonwealth countries, early exposure.
2015 - Charlotte born, then, Louis 3 years later. Fluff about George as a big brother, close knit family.
Piece about William and George watching football (Aston Villa). Body language expert describes the 'mirroring' of body language between W & G at these type of events - facial expressions, movements, wear the same suits - twins/mini-me. Narrator says Charles, William also learned by imitation in the same way.
Talks about W & K involvement with charities, Charles & the environment etc. - George will follow.
N: "KC has big plans to shake up the monarchy as a whole, with the young prince front and centre"
Prof. Robert Hazell (Professor of Constitution UCL - RH): "Charles before he became King expressed the wish for the monarchy to become more streamlined, and that is happening. And happening perhaps rather faster than he expected, because of the disappearance of Harry & Meghan, and also of Prince Andrew. I think it's possible that Prince George will be pressed into service rather sooner than he or his parents might have wished".
Tangent about the streamlined monarchy, photos etc. Queen's Xmas broadcast - family video footage from inside the Palace.
2022 - Queen Platinum Jubilee - George started to be given more exposure, talking heads say he seems comfortable with it.
George will be 11 in 2024, need to plan next stage of his education - where next? Eton (William's school), Marlborough (Kate's, also Zara's)? George is part of the decision making process. Marlborough is co-ed (mixed sex), this would be another break with tradition if he goes there - would allow Charlotte to be at the same school. SV thinks Eton must be in "prime position" due to proximity to Windsor etc, but "we shall see", will be "a tussle between mum and dad".
N: In future where will George go to university? W & K both went to St Andrews so that is a possibility - or could he go to Cambridge? No decisions yet.
Queen Elizabeth death - George now 2nd in line. SV: "it's all about succession, this is a family firm that's been doing the same thing for around 1000 years".
Background about first 'solo'/major royal engagement being a rite of passage for future monarchs. William at 23. George at 9 at the Coronation - footage of Charles & Camilla etc - George was one of 4 "pages of honour" for this ceremony, Charles wanted him involved, new era of family first. Talking heads say he took it in his stride, carried it out well, dutiful, confident, 'got on with it'
About contingency planning - RH: "If anything were to happen to Charles as King, and to William as the heir apparent, formally George could not become King until he reaches the age of 18. If George were not old enough himself to become King, that would trigger a Regency." N: "That scenario is thankfully highly unlikely".
Military involvement - many royals still choose to serve in the military e.g. Charles (navy) William (helicopter pilot) - N: "it's still early days and there are rumours that when the day comes George may choose to break the royal mould" - he might not serve in the military, no decisions yet though.
N: "The reign of King George is likely many decades away. But it's clear the monarchy he will inherit is undergoing a transformation." - Talking heads: monarchy is changing, slimmed down, we are no longer an empire, monarchy will become more like the ones in mainland Europe.
submitted by seventyeightist to KateMiddletonMissing [link] [comments]
Narrator (N): George's story begins on 29/4/2011 - W & K wedding. Simon Vigar (Royal Correspondent 5 News - SV): W & K wedding was a happy moment for the country in the midst of the financial crisis of the late 00s. Afua Hagan (Royal commentator - AH): PW was hugely popular as was Kate.
Section about Queen Elizabeth doing the Olympic ceremony - N: "the Royal Family found themselves enjoying a surge in popularity", echoed by the other talking heads
N: In Dec 2012 KM announced pregnancy. AF: "it was hugely exciting because we knew this was going to be another heir"
N: they chose St Marys Hospital for the birth, same place Diana went. Weeks of anticipation, George born on 22/7/2013, Archive footage of W & K outside the hospital with newborn George etc.
SV: "the arrival of George meant that the line of succession was secure"
SV: "this 'Lion King' moment with the king in waiting"
N: "although their choice of name drew from centuries of tradition it soon became clear that their approach to parenting was more modern" - covers William with the car seat, driving Kate back from hospital himself, etc - more hands on, they are being more 'normal'.
N: W & K had always had a close relationship with Kate's parents. In first few months of George's life they retreated to the Middletons' family home in Bucklebury [Berkshire]. George's baptism - following tradition but more modern approach to the rest of it - choice of godparents (only Zara as a royal, all the others were non royals), "cosy, child-first atmosphere".
N: Australia/NZ tour (10 days) when George was 8 months, contrasted with Queen Elizabeth's tour of NZ where Charles was left at home age 5. Footage of them on the plane steps etc. William and George travelled together which was a break with protocol (usually avoided due to risk if anything goes wrong), had to persuade Queen Elizabeth.
N: they are following tradition in having a nanny. They recruited the nanny Maria Borrallo in 2014 - from a school that's produced many Royal nannies - Norland College (Bath) - the world's foremost Nanny college. The nannies can earn six figures and are trained on all sorts: evasive driving, self-defence, lifesaving, etc.
Royal historian: "We know that she's [Maria] been with Prince George since he was around 8 months old. So she's built a real bond with him. The fact that she's still with them, she's doing something very very right for that family."
Education - break with tradition, heirs were never sent to school historically. King Charles broke with that tradition by going to Gordonstoun, was miserable & bullied though. AF: William has learned from that and wants to make sure that doesn't happen to George. George's first school (Thomas's) focuses on building character, creativity, kindness, etc as well as academics. Age 9 - went to Lambrook School - ethos of happiness, kindness, concern about the world.
Privacy - age just 2 William was put in front of the press, body language expert says he was visibly uncomfortable, regular press intrusion throughout his life. Agreements between RF & media weren't in place then - talks about the agreement they have now with the press, they issue their own family pictures at Christmas etc, thus devaluing 'pap' pictures. Describes Kate taking a lot of pictures, they're more "intimate", candid, family pictures rather than pro.
Age 2 - meeting with Obama (visit to KP) - [nothing notable here, just fluff]
George included on trips to Commonwealth countries, early exposure.
2015 - Charlotte born, then, Louis 3 years later. Fluff about George as a big brother, close knit family.
Piece about William and George watching football (Aston Villa). Body language expert describes the 'mirroring' of body language between W & G at these type of events - facial expressions, movements, wear the same suits - twins/mini-me. Narrator says Charles, William also learned by imitation in the same way.
Talks about W & K involvement with charities, Charles & the environment etc. - George will follow.
N: "KC has big plans to shake up the monarchy as a whole, with the young prince front and centre"
Prof. Robert Hazell (Professor of Constitution UCL - RH): "Charles before he became King expressed the wish for the monarchy to become more streamlined, and that is happening. And happening perhaps rather faster than he expected, because of the disappearance of Harry & Meghan, and also of Prince Andrew. I think it's possible that Prince George will be pressed into service rather sooner than he or his parents might have wished".
Tangent about the streamlined monarchy, photos etc. Queen's Xmas broadcast - family video footage from inside the Palace.
2022 - Queen Platinum Jubilee - George started to be given more exposure, talking heads say he seems comfortable with it.
George will be 11 in 2024, need to plan next stage of his education - where next? Eton (William's school), Marlborough (Kate's, also Zara's)? George is part of the decision making process. Marlborough is co-ed (mixed sex), this would be another break with tradition if he goes there - would allow Charlotte to be at the same school. SV thinks Eton must be in "prime position" due to proximity to Windsor etc, but "we shall see", will be "a tussle between mum and dad".
N: In future where will George go to university? W & K both went to St Andrews so that is a possibility - or could he go to Cambridge? No decisions yet.
Queen Elizabeth death - George now 2nd in line. SV: "it's all about succession, this is a family firm that's been doing the same thing for around 1000 years".
Background about first 'solo'/major royal engagement being a rite of passage for future monarchs. William at 23. George at 9 at the Coronation - footage of Charles & Camilla etc - George was one of 4 "pages of honour" for this ceremony, Charles wanted him involved, new era of family first. Talking heads say he took it in his stride, carried it out well, dutiful, confident, 'got on with it'
About contingency planning - RH: "If anything were to happen to Charles as King, and to William as the heir apparent, formally George could not become King until he reaches the age of 18. If George were not old enough himself to become King, that would trigger a Regency." N: "That scenario is thankfully highly unlikely".
Military involvement - many royals still choose to serve in the military e.g. Charles (navy) William (helicopter pilot) - N: "it's still early days and there are rumours that when the day comes George may choose to break the royal mould" - he might not serve in the military, no decisions yet though.
N: "The reign of King George is likely many decades away. But it's clear the monarchy he will inherit is undergoing a transformation." - Talking heads: monarchy is changing, slimmed down, we are no longer an empire, monarchy will become more like the ones in mainland Europe.
2024.06.02 09:33 spakkii First home buyer - low offer
Sorry if you are all getting sick of this question, but I'm really new to this and want to make sure I'm doing this right and would really appreciate any advice on this. So sorry for the essay:
The Property:
Reading other people's answers to similar questions on this forum has also made me uncertain as some say ‘go for it, there’s no such thing as rude, can’t hurt to try.’ but I saw a few comments that said ‘give a low enough offer, you’ll lose every chance of buying that property’ which again really concerned me.
I really want to get this property and for the right price. I also want to take advantage of the market being in my favour, but I’m worried about losing out on this property all together if I go in with an offer of $850k this week assuming / hoping they’ll counter / negotiate.
It’s all so extremely new to me and I don’t really have my parents etc to guide me, just what advice I’ve been gathering and what I’ve been reading up on.
Am I taking too much of a risk by offering $850k as my first offer? Thank you for reading this far!
submitted by spakkii to PersonalFinanceNZ [link] [comments]
The Property:
- It sits in a block of 9 or so units 45+ minutes away from the city centre with no traffic. Half of the units are just finishing up now, the other half will be done in 2 months.
- Freehold titles, no body corp
- Of the units, 2 are like 'penthouse' type versions with 4 bed, 3 bath etc (160sqm floor space, 160sqm land) and sold for $1.3m early in the process
- the remaining 7 units are 2.5 bedrooms, 2 bathroom, 1 garage (The total floor space is around 120sqm and 100sqsm of land). Of these units, only one went under contract in February. They originally listed this unit size at $1.2m Oct-Nov '23, but dropped to $1.05m, and dropped to about $980k in the last month
- I enquired at the beginning of May, I asked why they had dropped in price, and they said they needed one more place to sell now so they'd have financing to finish the rest of the builds.
- It doesn't seem like there is much interest, at least not at the one I'm looking at. There have been no open homes and they've not mentioned any interest. But I could totally be wrong.
- when I was chatting to them after the 2nd viewing to see what info I could get out of them, I asked how flexible they were with pricing. They obviously didn't give anything away and they asked me 'how much we talking' and I said 'as close to $900k', which they said 'naw too low'. but when I asked 'ok, how much' they said give us an offer and we'll go back and forth, which is fair.
- I checked sales data for the suburb and honestly can’t find units in the area that have sold, just houses which go for anything for $1.1m - $1.8m or higher.
- The CLOSEST property I could find in comparison was a unit of very similar size, built in 2002, but in a very attractive location right next to the beach and in the town centre with shops, and it also has body corp. It had a $850k CV and sold for $980k
- Single, no dependents so I’m doing it alone
- I love the suburb despite it being far away from the city centre. But I luckily WFH full time so I can work from anywhere.
- I have been given pre-approval from two banks for the full price of $980k. One for my current deposit of like 17.2% @ 7.24% 1 year fixed and another for if I have 20% deposit @ 6.12% 1 year fixed.
- I’d really love to get this place $850k - $900k, I’d be less happy but ok to get it at about $930k, and I’d not be thrilled to get it at $980K but I could.
- I've seen the property 3 times and I KNOW everyone says not to fall in love with a property, but I really have and I'd really like to get this property for the right price. This fits all my requirements and though it's a tiny bit smaller in the kitchen / living space, I love the rest.
- I’ve not seen a single other property I like in the last 5 months
Reading other people's answers to similar questions on this forum has also made me uncertain as some say ‘go for it, there’s no such thing as rude, can’t hurt to try.’ but I saw a few comments that said ‘give a low enough offer, you’ll lose every chance of buying that property’ which again really concerned me.
I really want to get this property and for the right price. I also want to take advantage of the market being in my favour, but I’m worried about losing out on this property all together if I go in with an offer of $850k this week assuming / hoping they’ll counter / negotiate.
It’s all so extremely new to me and I don’t really have my parents etc to guide me, just what advice I’ve been gathering and what I’ve been reading up on.
Am I taking too much of a risk by offering $850k as my first offer? Thank you for reading this far!
2024.06.02 09:32 SquareAtol53757 Audio is Absolutely Bamboozling
so l built my pc about a year ago and ever since the first day of plugging in the audio jack of my apple earbuds it has not worked. I did find a work around that made things even more confusing. I am honestly dumbfounded when it comes to audio stuff, no clue how it works, so when I booted up my pc I went ahead and downloaded the Realtek audio console and all the drivers that I needed. My output worked fine and expected, but my mic was just straight up whines and static, until I found a work around: go into Realtek Console, set input as headphones from mic, unplug cable, replug cable, change input from headphones back to mic, and walaaa it somehow works, the catch is that every time my po restarts or sits idle for any amount of time I have to redo this janky process XD. Yes, this has been going on for a year and talk to my friends almost daily . If anyone has any idea of how or why this is happening and why I can somehow temporarily fix it like I said please let me know.
submitted by SquareAtol53757 to pcmasterrace [link] [comments]
2024.06.02 09:32 Key_Penalty6545 Wanting to gain muscle
Im a 34 yo female 5’10” 185 lbs. I’ve been working out consistently for quite some time now. I’ve managed to lose around 85-90 lbs putting in the work for the last 2 years. I absolutely love lifting and prefer it over any cardio. At this point in my fitness journey I want to start getting more define muscle. I clearly have built muscle mass over time but it doesn’t seem aaas significant as it should. I don’t really follow any diet just try to eat clean throughout the day with my occasional “cheat meal” here and there. What should I start focusing on to start increasing my muscle growth? I can see definition starting in my biceps and back just want to figure out how to increase this! Should I start creatine?
submitted by Key_Penalty6545 to leangains [link] [comments]
2024.06.02 09:29 LossLucky4012 what do you think?
I've been working on this story for... 3 months? 4? who knows, with my ability to keep track of time I could have started this yesterday, anyway, this is a story that has sci-fi elements, and some fantasy, although the fantasy stuff is mainly dragons so lets say adventure for now, (cause I don't know shit about genres, I just wrote the story) , Keep in mind, this has been written in free time, of which I don't have a lot, so if you don't like the story it is probably my fault, here is a look at:
“Hello there, James, please forgive us for our caution, but with your kind we can never be too careful.” I can see the scientist, I read his name tag, Dr. Crane William, I roar out
“My kind!? Get me out of these chains!” I breathe fire, claw, kick and swing my tail, trying to free myself, until I see two other people watching, one with weird whiskers, a long tail and a smug look on his face, and the other with a similar appearance to me but her wings are her arms. The next few days go by, until the two finally decide to talk to me, and in those days, My face becomes a snout like a komodo dragon’s, the one with the whiskers opens his mouth first and I already hate him
“Would you look at that, he’s even uglier up close!” I glare at him with absolute hatred, that seems to anger him more,
“What are you mute or something? Speak before I tear you apart!” he takes one step closer and that's all I need, I Bite his shoulder and use his head to break the chains on my right arm, I continue to break the rest of them with ease, and tell whiskers
“You want to fight? Let’s fight!” I leap on top of him, clawing at his face, he tries to slash me with a blade on his tail but I grab it and stab the wall with it, until I feel a burning sensation in my veins, The girl had bitten me! She looks at me with sadness,
“Sorry about this,” I look at her and drift into unconsciousness, when I wake up next I’m in some kind of, medical wing, ha, wing, as I look around I feel that my mouth is bound shut, but other than that, I can move my body, I get up off the gurney and just when I think it looks nice, whiskers shows his face,
“Well thanks a lot freak, now I’m on probation with Dr. Crane.” I motion to my mouth and he seems to have enough brain cells to understand what I mean
“Ha! You got the boot, Lily had that on her when she wouldn’t stop biting staff, I’m Ryan Mist.” I just walk away and try getting this muzzle off, That's when Crane walks in,
“Well, I must say it has been a while since we’ve had to use the boot, Ryan, your behavior was unacceptable!” I can tell that Crane is annoyed, and right as he finishes his sentence, click, the boot falls off my face and clatters to the ground. I don’t bother trying to fight Ryan again, I’m just happy to be able to talk!
“Well that’s a lot better, now, talk, I want answers.” I growl, Crane and Ryan seem surprised that I got the boot off but they talk, turns out, I’m what’s called a dragonkin a Human who has dragon genes in their genome, Lily and Ryan are also dragonkin, although they can’t breath fire, Lily has fangs and a venomous bite, turns out she’s the girl that bit me, and Ryan just looks weird, apparently we are the only dragonkin who evaded the organization that Crane works for, Called ‘Kadmus,’ into adulthood, Lily being found at 22, ryan at 20, and me at 24, on top of that, we are the only dragonkin who have survived that long, it’s at that moment that I notice Lily looking at us from behind some glass, I decide that I’ve heard enough and open the door, and I leave the room.
As I leave the room I can tell that Lily was not expecting me from the look on her face, I start a conversation with her, trying desperately to be friendly and not notice all the scientists glancing at me nervously.
“Hey, Lily, Right?” I say in the friendliest tone I can, “I’m James.” Lily looks at me with a calculating look before answering
“Hello, yeah my name is Lily, Lily Megan.” she clearly is wary of me, but I can tell a few things about her, making herself look small, clearly smarter than she lets on, seems shy,
“How did you get it off?” Lily breaks into my train of thought with the question,
“What?” I ask her, confused,
“The Boot, how did you get it off?” She gestures to the room where Crane and Ryan were having an argument, but more specifically to The Boot, laying on the ground
“Oh that? I once took a lockpicking class when I was younger.” I explain
“Huh, you mind teaching me that sometime?” She catches me off guard with that one, I can tell that she is being genuine so I agree, And we begin working out what time works best.
“Sorry guys, Dillian, isn’t up for it.” Lily looks at me disappointed,
“Aw man, and we're even watching Dune!” I just look at her with a sad look, but Ryan manages to lift the mood a little bit,
“Last time we let Crane pick the movie!” Crane just glares at Ryan, I can tell he’s about to lecture him so I just start the movie, around one hour in, boom, everything is blurry, and there is dust swirling, everything hurts. I see Lily and Ryan helping evacuate the scientists, I don’t see Crane anywhere! But that's when I see it, Cranes lab coat, soaked red and underneath a piece of rubble, I try to run towards it, but I can't stay on my legs, I call out,
“CRANE!” My friends hear me, they rush towards me and they see the lab coat, Lily tears up, Ryan is too stunned to speak, then we hear it, we hear him. Dillian, he’s laughing, laughing at the lab coat, laughing at us, My head snaps toward him, I feel the rage burning, my wings flare out, fire rises in my throat, I grab Dillian by the collar, and I roar,
“Do you think this is funny?!” Dillian just keeps laughing, “Crane is deadI!” Dillian looks at me, and he finally stops laughing, he pushes me off and spikes erupt from his skin, his tail wraps around my throat, and he growls,
“Don’t touch me you cretin, my ancestors were nearly wiped out by yours, I’m just returning the favor.” I look at him confused, Ryan seems to have been just as confused as me because he asked,
“What do you mean? The Eastern long tails have never had an issue with the Flying flame drakes.” Dillian just flicked his wrist and one of the spines shot out and nearly sliced Ryan’s head off!
“Do not compare the Wyrms to those foolish sky beasts! They have ruled the land for centuries!” Dillian roars, at this point I finally manage to choke out,
“Wyrm? Like the dragon inside the mountain Wyrm?” I struggle against his tail, I finally get a claw hooked under it and pull, it takes all of my strength to get my head loose and retreat, and then I see Dillian fully for the first time, pale skin covered in red spines and a long tail that could probably crush a normal humans windpipe, if I wasn’t a dragonkin I’d be dead.
“So, you do have a brain. Indeed, my ancestors were the Wyrms, Masters of the land, and the only dragons to be nearly forgotten by time, if it weren’t for the colony under Australia, I would not be a dragonkin.” Dillian snorts, and after saying his piece he leaped up, dived down, and bore through the earth, I try to go after him, but Lily holds me back,
“James you're hurt, and you would not stand a chance against him in your current state!” I hate to admit it, but it’s true, I would not stand a chance against Dillian, oh man, my leg hurts, I look at my left leg and I see that it has a shard of metal sticking out of it, and then everything feels heavy, I hear Lily yell out my name, but she sounds so far away, I don’t try and fight it, I just let the darkness envelope me, at least in the dark I can’t hurt, when I wake up I’m in the medical wing ha, it’s still funny, I have a bandage around my leg and then it all rushes back to me, Crane’s lab coat, Dillian laughing, the rage, everything, replaying over and over in my mind, I immediately try and stand up and I find a lot of difficulty in that, but I manage to stumble off the bed, I avoid putting weight on my leg, and I use my wings when necessary,
‘Well it’s about time you woke up, and here I was thinking that we had wasted time and resources.” I spin around to see a lady in a suit and glasses looking at me with a look of disdain,
“Hello, I am Dr. Leanne Vern, but you can call me Leanne. I am your new head researcher, I hope you are ready for your next few tests, Dr. Crane wasted a lot of time ‘bonding’ with you.” It’s right as she finishes that sentence when I feel the urge to make it her last, I feel rage burning under my skin and I glare at her with every last ounce of anger possible,
“What.” Either she didn’t get the memo or she is just a jerk, because she did not care, but either way I continued,
“Do you think that now is a good time to either ridicule Crane, or tell me that you need to run tests on me? I am not your lab rat” I grab her collar “I am not something you just get to boss around, If you say something like that again I will send you straight to the underworld where you belong.” I shove her back and go look for Lily and Ryan, I find them in the cafeteria, I get some food and sit down across from them,
“Mind if I sit here?” It clearly lightened the mood, but not even Ryan found the humor to reply, but we started to talk turns out I had been knocked out for two weeks, when I asked about Dillian Ryan tensed up, he explained to me that Dillian goes by ‘Death Wyrm’ now, he’s spent the last two weeks tormenting the city, and eventually I brought up Leanne,
“That Dr. Leanne is a jerk though, when I got out of the medical wing she just introduced herself, told me that she would run some tests and insulted Crane.” Lily seemed to agree because she replied,
“Yeah the first day she got here she told me I was ugly, and had me escorted into the testing chamber and forced me to fly for as long as I could or else I would get shocked.” Upon hearing this I feel rage flare up inside me, I flare out my wings and fly straight towards Leanne's office,
“You threatened Lily with being shocked?! What is wrong with you?” Leanne just looked at me stone faced and told me,
“You dragonkin are nothing but freaks that look interesting, you should not be treated like humans, you are tools.” I just stand there, shocked until the dam just breaks, I roared, I grabbed her by the collar and I slash her face with a claw,
“Tools? TOOLS?! The only tool in here is you! First you insult Crane, someone who died only two weeks ago! Then I learned you threatened one of my friends with a shock if they stopped playing your sick little game!” I feel the fire rise in my throat, I open my mouth, but then I see the look in her eyes, fear, absolute, paralyzing fear, I hesitate, and think to myself, oh my god, what am I doing? I release Leanne and walk out of the room, as I’m leaving I hear Leanne bellow from behind me,
“Where do you think you’re going?” I glare back, I don’t need to answer her, but because I know she will hurt my friends if I don’t I tell her what I’m doing, I explain.
“I’m going after Dillian, don’t try to stop me.” I can tell that Leanne is angry, I can feel her eyes shooting daggers at me, she clearly disagrees with me,
“Oh no you don’t, listen to me you bloated gecko, we did not spend millions tracking you down for you to play superhero!” I just walk away from her and go to the cafeteria to tell Lily and Ryan, they of course freak out at me, saying that I should not go after Dillian, that he’d kill me, and that I should stay here, but I look at them with all of the emotion in the world, I tell them
“Look, I know that Dillian would probably kill me, but I at least might tire him out enough for the police or military to stop him, but it’s more than that, I can’t let him hurt innocent people.” Lily and Ryan look at me, Lily hugs me, and tells me,
“Don’t you dare die or I will kill you.” I look at her, And I say to Ryan,
“I hope she’s joking.” Ryan looks at me and punches my arm,
“You are a good friend man, I hope you live through this.” I look at Ryan and Lily, knowing that this might be the last time I see them, I hug them both, and I flare out my wings and I fly off.
I look at the message and wait for it to continue, until a small piece of paper slips out of the metal box that is the message, when I open it I find out that in the beginning of the dragons, there were supposedly four species, the Flying flame drakes, the Eastern long tails, the Wyverns, and the Wyrms, until the Wyrms struck out, they had felt as though due to there inability to fly, that the other dragons thought less of them, the dragons were forced to lock away the Wyrms deep beneath what would one day be called Australia, and then man arose, and along with them the first dragonkin, Tiamat, a Flying flame dragonkin, as my dad called him, but the humans lived in fear of the dragons, eventually driving them to the bleeding cut edge of extinction using their advancing technology, eventually humans all but forgot about dragons, reducing them to myth or fairy tales. That was more or less all that was written, I committed all of this knowledge to memory, and then I heard a loud boom and some maniacal Dr. Doom esc laughing, I peer out of the window to see Death Wyrm, tormenting people, I leap out of the window and into the air, getting a good angle before dive bombing Death Wyrm, breathing fire on him and slashing him with my claws,
“Hey Dillian, did you miss me?” I laugh, I tried to pull a Ryan and joke myself into feeling confident, and it kinda helped, Death Wyrm roars out in rage,
“Why didn’t you stay out of my way?” He whips his tail up, shooting spines out at me, although thanks to my practice I manage to dodge them, I decide to not make a joke and just stay quiet for now, I remember something a security guard once told me, if the enemy is in range so are you, don’t just talk, actually attack, I know that I am in range for a fireblast but Dillian doesn’t know that, I shout out,
“Those spines must really hurt, but not as much as my claws!” I suddenly make a sharp turn and get in close with my talons, I first duck beneath Death Wyrms hook, and slash at his stomach, I then dodge a spine shot, and quickly follow up and through with a tail whip, knocking him off balance, then quickly blast fire right at his feet, but I didn’t see that Death Wyrms tail had grabbed my leg before it had already thrown me two blocks away, I was getting up when I felt a Burning pain in my arm, when I looked to see, it was one of Death Wyrms spines, It had only penetrated the outermost muscle tissue, I would heal in a few weeks but that doesn’t mean it didn’t hurt like hades, I rip the spine out and breath fire on the wound in order to cauterize it, when I suddenly feel Death Wyrms tail around my throat, choking me, and I am all of a sudden pinned to a wall, with my mouth bound shut, great it’s the boot all over again, I see Death Wyrm, he’s grabbing the spine I ripped out, he walks towards me, and he gives me a small speech,
“You know James, if you weren’t so noble I’d actually have let you join me, I never wanted to kill you, but you leave me no choice.” He lifts the spike up, when all of a sudden he is blasted back seemingly by a freakishly strong gust of wind, wait, that's a thermal updraft, I turn to see the best sight I could have seen, Ryan and Lily! Ryan opens his mouth first and I couldn’t be more thankful for his humor,
“Nobody treats James like that but me!” He then flies into battle riding on a thermal, while Lily freed me, she slices through the binding on my mouth and I immediately ask,
“What are you guys doing here?” Lily opens her mouth to answer but Ryan cuts in with being thrown into a wall
“Me and Lily are saving you, idiot, speaking of which a little help here?” Me and Lilly help Ryan up and we all get ready for a fight, but before we can charge in, Lily hands me a headmic,
“Here put this on,” I do as she says and suddenly Leanne's voice buzzes in through the speaker,
“Well it’s about time,” I am just happy to have some help with knowing my surroundings,
“Whatever happened to ‘we didn’t spend millions tracking you for you to play superhero?’” If Leanne heard me she didn’t answer, I just started to run towards Death Wyrm, before I took off alongside Lily and Ryan, I felt a familiar rage build up in my veins, I allow the rage to drive me forward, I feel the heat, the fire, rushing to every vein in my body, building along with all of the rage in my life, I gather my thoughts, a raging body is good for combat but a raging mind is bad for victory, when this feeling washes over me, I finally feel calm, I feel at peace, I never want this feeling to end, I open my snout, and unleash a twisting, flowing, blooming tunnel of flames,wounding Death Wyrm and distracting him long enough for Ryan to swing in with a bladed tail to his back, followed by Lily, biting into Death wyrms tail, as Death Wyrm roars I dive in and I do something unexpected, I talk to him,
“Dillian, I thought of you as a little brother, but you killed someone I cared about, I am sorry but, we need to take you in.” Death Wyrm roars, he writhes, up until Lily’s venom takes hold and he falls to the ground, defeated, a news reporter had been, well reporting, nearby and walked up to me, and asked me for an interview,
“Under normal circumstances I would agree, but not right now.” I wave as I signal to Ryan, it takes an embarrassingly long time for him to get the hint that I want him to create a thermal under Death Wyrm in order to transport him, but he follows my lead, and before we know it, we are flying toward the Kadmus site, but as we fly, I yell behind me,
“Hey, go ahead, I’ll… I’ll catch up.” Lily looks at me while Ryan just zooms ahead, no questions asked,
“Okay what are you doing?” I just look at her, feeling conflicted about telling her about my dad, for all I know this could get me in trouble, or worse, I make a split second decision,
“I… I think I saw something.” surprisingly it works, I swoop back towards the city and back to my old apartment and I grab the message from my dad, his keycard and the papers, I then fly off with them clenched between my arms and my body, I then fly into the Kadmus site, and discreetly go to my room, in order to hide them, I then get out of the site, and fly back into it acting like nothing happened, and to my surprise, there was a celebration waiting for me, there was cake, and wine, and even a nice Irish whiskey, eventually I asked about Death Wyrm, and turns out he was placed in a secure facility, deep under the site, and that anyone with high enough clearance could go down there, I decide that that is probably for the best.
After the celebration, I go into my room, and pull out the message, I look over it, Dad was a big fan of puzzles, so maybe this message is a puzzle? After several minutes fiddling with it, the message began to whir, and it then showed a place for a fingerprint, gotcha, I placed my thumb on the finger print and it pricked me, like I was getting my blood drawn. After that a key fell out of the message box, and a keyhole on the side, I of course used the key, which then played a different message,
*1 WIP
submitted by LossLucky4012 to writingcritiques [link] [comments]
Dragons wing
I slowly drift from my sleep and think to myself, ow, why is everything warm? I check the thermostat and see that it is at a temperature as cool as Canada and when I turn back to go back to bed so that I can sleep in, I see that my stuff has been knocked over? Oh sorry, where are my manners? I'm James O’Maley, I put everything back into place, and lay down on my bed but nothing is comfortable! I just decide, you know what, whatever, I’m just gonna get ready for work, and with that i get dressed, everything feels harder to put on, but it really hits me when I go to brush my teeth, when I looked into the mirror, I saw that their were, wings on my back, and a tail, growing out my butt like a lizard, I obviously spend several minutes having an existential crisis about this shocking revelation, and I decide to look at what these wings can do, I open a window, crawl out, with some difficulty and some slamming the window on my tail. I go to the edge of the fire escape railing, hop on, and jump, and I flew, higher and higher, until i nearly flew into a mountain but that's when I suddenly breathed fire, from my mouth, and bore a hole straight through the cliffside, I could spend all day flying, breathing fire, and fiddling with my tail, but I began to feel as tired as if I’d just gotten back from lifting weights with tigers, I landed on a cliffside and fell asleep. When I woke up I wasn’t on the cliffside anymore, there were monitors and scientists all around me. I tried to show some sign that I was awake, but I was chained up! I spent several moments struggling to get free, I must be free, I am not something they can chain down! I struggle, I roar, I attempt to move my head enough to burn the surrounding area, but I can’t, until someone finally talks to me,“Hello there, James, please forgive us for our caution, but with your kind we can never be too careful.” I can see the scientist, I read his name tag, Dr. Crane William, I roar out
“My kind!? Get me out of these chains!” I breathe fire, claw, kick and swing my tail, trying to free myself, until I see two other people watching, one with weird whiskers, a long tail and a smug look on his face, and the other with a similar appearance to me but her wings are her arms. The next few days go by, until the two finally decide to talk to me, and in those days, My face becomes a snout like a komodo dragon’s, the one with the whiskers opens his mouth first and I already hate him
“Would you look at that, he’s even uglier up close!” I glare at him with absolute hatred, that seems to anger him more,
“What are you mute or something? Speak before I tear you apart!” he takes one step closer and that's all I need, I Bite his shoulder and use his head to break the chains on my right arm, I continue to break the rest of them with ease, and tell whiskers
“You want to fight? Let’s fight!” I leap on top of him, clawing at his face, he tries to slash me with a blade on his tail but I grab it and stab the wall with it, until I feel a burning sensation in my veins, The girl had bitten me! She looks at me with sadness,
“Sorry about this,” I look at her and drift into unconsciousness, when I wake up next I’m in some kind of, medical wing, ha, wing, as I look around I feel that my mouth is bound shut, but other than that, I can move my body, I get up off the gurney and just when I think it looks nice, whiskers shows his face,
“Well thanks a lot freak, now I’m on probation with Dr. Crane.” I motion to my mouth and he seems to have enough brain cells to understand what I mean
“Ha! You got the boot, Lily had that on her when she wouldn’t stop biting staff, I’m Ryan Mist.” I just walk away and try getting this muzzle off, That's when Crane walks in,
“Well, I must say it has been a while since we’ve had to use the boot, Ryan, your behavior was unacceptable!” I can tell that Crane is annoyed, and right as he finishes his sentence, click, the boot falls off my face and clatters to the ground. I don’t bother trying to fight Ryan again, I’m just happy to be able to talk!
“Well that’s a lot better, now, talk, I want answers.” I growl, Crane and Ryan seem surprised that I got the boot off but they talk, turns out, I’m what’s called a dragonkin a Human who has dragon genes in their genome, Lily and Ryan are also dragonkin, although they can’t breath fire, Lily has fangs and a venomous bite, turns out she’s the girl that bit me, and Ryan just looks weird, apparently we are the only dragonkin who evaded the organization that Crane works for, Called ‘Kadmus,’ into adulthood, Lily being found at 22, ryan at 20, and me at 24, on top of that, we are the only dragonkin who have survived that long, it’s at that moment that I notice Lily looking at us from behind some glass, I decide that I’ve heard enough and open the door, and I leave the room.
As I leave the room I can tell that Lily was not expecting me from the look on her face, I start a conversation with her, trying desperately to be friendly and not notice all the scientists glancing at me nervously.
“Hey, Lily, Right?” I say in the friendliest tone I can, “I’m James.” Lily looks at me with a calculating look before answering
“Hello, yeah my name is Lily, Lily Megan.” she clearly is wary of me, but I can tell a few things about her, making herself look small, clearly smarter than she lets on, seems shy,
“How did you get it off?” Lily breaks into my train of thought with the question,
“What?” I ask her, confused,
“The Boot, how did you get it off?” She gestures to the room where Crane and Ryan were having an argument, but more specifically to The Boot, laying on the ground
“Oh that? I once took a lockpicking class when I was younger.” I explain
“Huh, you mind teaching me that sometime?” She catches me off guard with that one, I can tell that she is being genuine so I agree, And we begin working out what time works best.
The next few weeks go by in a flash, but I’ll summarize it for you, I ended up getting my own room like Ryan and Lily, I start teaching Lily how to pick locks, and we end up having a few game nights where we played games like charades, poker, even monopoly, lets just say that we will never play monopoly again. However, the most important thing of all, we ended up finding another dragonkin! We aren’t sure what dragon ancestor he has, but we think he’s another eastern long tail, like Ryan, the new guy’s name is Dillian, He’s great, absolute goofball, he’s from Australia, and according to him, his family has never been anywhere but the land down under, weird, but the guy’s like a little brother to me, so it’s cool, and that catches you up. “Hey Dillian!” I lean my head into his room, “Wanna come hang out with the rest of us? It’s movie night!” Dillian just looks at me, unreadable,“Okay, your loss.” I try to hide how unnerving that look felt, but something doesn’t feel right. I go back to the lounge, where Ryan, Lily, and Crane are all waiting for me,
“Sorry guys, Dillian, isn’t up for it.” Lily looks at me disappointed,
“Aw man, and we're even watching Dune!” I just look at her with a sad look, but Ryan manages to lift the mood a little bit,
“Last time we let Crane pick the movie!” Crane just glares at Ryan, I can tell he’s about to lecture him so I just start the movie, around one hour in, boom, everything is blurry, and there is dust swirling, everything hurts. I see Lily and Ryan helping evacuate the scientists, I don’t see Crane anywhere! But that's when I see it, Cranes lab coat, soaked red and underneath a piece of rubble, I try to run towards it, but I can't stay on my legs, I call out,
“CRANE!” My friends hear me, they rush towards me and they see the lab coat, Lily tears up, Ryan is too stunned to speak, then we hear it, we hear him. Dillian, he’s laughing, laughing at the lab coat, laughing at us, My head snaps toward him, I feel the rage burning, my wings flare out, fire rises in my throat, I grab Dillian by the collar, and I roar,
“Do you think this is funny?!” Dillian just keeps laughing, “Crane is deadI!” Dillian looks at me, and he finally stops laughing, he pushes me off and spikes erupt from his skin, his tail wraps around my throat, and he growls,
“Don’t touch me you cretin, my ancestors were nearly wiped out by yours, I’m just returning the favor.” I look at him confused, Ryan seems to have been just as confused as me because he asked,
“What do you mean? The Eastern long tails have never had an issue with the Flying flame drakes.” Dillian just flicked his wrist and one of the spines shot out and nearly sliced Ryan’s head off!
“Do not compare the Wyrms to those foolish sky beasts! They have ruled the land for centuries!” Dillian roars, at this point I finally manage to choke out,
“Wyrm? Like the dragon inside the mountain Wyrm?” I struggle against his tail, I finally get a claw hooked under it and pull, it takes all of my strength to get my head loose and retreat, and then I see Dillian fully for the first time, pale skin covered in red spines and a long tail that could probably crush a normal humans windpipe, if I wasn’t a dragonkin I’d be dead.
“So, you do have a brain. Indeed, my ancestors were the Wyrms, Masters of the land, and the only dragons to be nearly forgotten by time, if it weren’t for the colony under Australia, I would not be a dragonkin.” Dillian snorts, and after saying his piece he leaped up, dived down, and bore through the earth, I try to go after him, but Lily holds me back,
“James you're hurt, and you would not stand a chance against him in your current state!” I hate to admit it, but it’s true, I would not stand a chance against Dillian, oh man, my leg hurts, I look at my left leg and I see that it has a shard of metal sticking out of it, and then everything feels heavy, I hear Lily yell out my name, but she sounds so far away, I don’t try and fight it, I just let the darkness envelope me, at least in the dark I can’t hurt, when I wake up I’m in the medical wing ha, it’s still funny, I have a bandage around my leg and then it all rushes back to me, Crane’s lab coat, Dillian laughing, the rage, everything, replaying over and over in my mind, I immediately try and stand up and I find a lot of difficulty in that, but I manage to stumble off the bed, I avoid putting weight on my leg, and I use my wings when necessary,
‘Well it’s about time you woke up, and here I was thinking that we had wasted time and resources.” I spin around to see a lady in a suit and glasses looking at me with a look of disdain,
“Hello, I am Dr. Leanne Vern, but you can call me Leanne. I am your new head researcher, I hope you are ready for your next few tests, Dr. Crane wasted a lot of time ‘bonding’ with you.” It’s right as she finishes that sentence when I feel the urge to make it her last, I feel rage burning under my skin and I glare at her with every last ounce of anger possible,
“What.” Either she didn’t get the memo or she is just a jerk, because she did not care, but either way I continued,
“Do you think that now is a good time to either ridicule Crane, or tell me that you need to run tests on me? I am not your lab rat” I grab her collar “I am not something you just get to boss around, If you say something like that again I will send you straight to the underworld where you belong.” I shove her back and go look for Lily and Ryan, I find them in the cafeteria, I get some food and sit down across from them,
“Mind if I sit here?” It clearly lightened the mood, but not even Ryan found the humor to reply, but we started to talk turns out I had been knocked out for two weeks, when I asked about Dillian Ryan tensed up, he explained to me that Dillian goes by ‘Death Wyrm’ now, he’s spent the last two weeks tormenting the city, and eventually I brought up Leanne,
“That Dr. Leanne is a jerk though, when I got out of the medical wing she just introduced herself, told me that she would run some tests and insulted Crane.” Lily seemed to agree because she replied,
“Yeah the first day she got here she told me I was ugly, and had me escorted into the testing chamber and forced me to fly for as long as I could or else I would get shocked.” Upon hearing this I feel rage flare up inside me, I flare out my wings and fly straight towards Leanne's office,
“You threatened Lily with being shocked?! What is wrong with you?” Leanne just looked at me stone faced and told me,
“You dragonkin are nothing but freaks that look interesting, you should not be treated like humans, you are tools.” I just stand there, shocked until the dam just breaks, I roared, I grabbed her by the collar and I slash her face with a claw,
“Tools? TOOLS?! The only tool in here is you! First you insult Crane, someone who died only two weeks ago! Then I learned you threatened one of my friends with a shock if they stopped playing your sick little game!” I feel the fire rise in my throat, I open my mouth, but then I see the look in her eyes, fear, absolute, paralyzing fear, I hesitate, and think to myself, oh my god, what am I doing? I release Leanne and walk out of the room, as I’m leaving I hear Leanne bellow from behind me,
“Where do you think you’re going?” I glare back, I don’t need to answer her, but because I know she will hurt my friends if I don’t I tell her what I’m doing, I explain.
“I’m going after Dillian, don’t try to stop me.” I can tell that Leanne is angry, I can feel her eyes shooting daggers at me, she clearly disagrees with me,
“Oh no you don’t, listen to me you bloated gecko, we did not spend millions tracking you down for you to play superhero!” I just walk away from her and go to the cafeteria to tell Lily and Ryan, they of course freak out at me, saying that I should not go after Dillian, that he’d kill me, and that I should stay here, but I look at them with all of the emotion in the world, I tell them
“Look, I know that Dillian would probably kill me, but I at least might tire him out enough for the police or military to stop him, but it’s more than that, I can’t let him hurt innocent people.” Lily and Ryan look at me, Lily hugs me, and tells me,
“Don’t you dare die or I will kill you.” I look at her, And I say to Ryan,
“I hope she’s joking.” Ryan looks at me and punches my arm,
“You are a good friend man, I hope you live through this.” I look at Ryan and Lily, knowing that this might be the last time I see them, I hug them both, and I flare out my wings and I fly off.
As I sped off towards Dillian, no, Death Wyrm, he stopped being Dillian when he killed Dr. Crane, one thought was going through my mind, am I going to survive this? It doesn’t really matter, as long as Death Wyrm gets what he deserves, when I arrive in the city I look around from above first, I decide to stop by my old apartment, I remember when My dad helped me find this place before he died, it has looked weird since I had my stuff moved into my room at the Kadmus site, I decide to sit down on the floor, when all of a sudden I hear a click and a secret safe opens from the wall. Inside I find a video message to me from my dad, along with an envelope, with the words for when I’m gone written on it, I look through the envelope and I find an old Kadmus keycard for my dad, so that's what his work was, I knew he was secretive but damn, A few other papers that talk about dragons, turns out, Kadmus had been looking into the dragons for years, although these papers are odd, as if my dad had prior knowledge of the dragons. The ball drops when I play the video message it says,>Hello, James, if you are watching this then I’m probably dead. In the envelope that you have found alongside this message, there is also my old keycard, it will give you full access to any Kadmus site. Along with my personal notes on the Flying flame drakes, the Eastern long tails, the Wyverns, and some vague knowledge of a supposed fourth dragon species, including some vague diet, and possible weaknesses, but if you’ve already read them, then that means you have seen that the Flying flame drake notes are more definitive, that’s because I am also a dragonkin, I only inherited physical strength from our ancestors, but I have a feeling you will have more characteristics, but I am saying this because you need to know the history behind our ancestors, and the rest.<
I look at the message and wait for it to continue, until a small piece of paper slips out of the metal box that is the message, when I open it I find out that in the beginning of the dragons, there were supposedly four species, the Flying flame drakes, the Eastern long tails, the Wyverns, and the Wyrms, until the Wyrms struck out, they had felt as though due to there inability to fly, that the other dragons thought less of them, the dragons were forced to lock away the Wyrms deep beneath what would one day be called Australia, and then man arose, and along with them the first dragonkin, Tiamat, a Flying flame dragonkin, as my dad called him, but the humans lived in fear of the dragons, eventually driving them to the bleeding cut edge of extinction using their advancing technology, eventually humans all but forgot about dragons, reducing them to myth or fairy tales. That was more or less all that was written, I committed all of this knowledge to memory, and then I heard a loud boom and some maniacal Dr. Doom esc laughing, I peer out of the window to see Death Wyrm, tormenting people, I leap out of the window and into the air, getting a good angle before dive bombing Death Wyrm, breathing fire on him and slashing him with my claws,
“Hey Dillian, did you miss me?” I laugh, I tried to pull a Ryan and joke myself into feeling confident, and it kinda helped, Death Wyrm roars out in rage,
“Why didn’t you stay out of my way?” He whips his tail up, shooting spines out at me, although thanks to my practice I manage to dodge them, I decide to not make a joke and just stay quiet for now, I remember something a security guard once told me, if the enemy is in range so are you, don’t just talk, actually attack, I know that I am in range for a fireblast but Dillian doesn’t know that, I shout out,
“Those spines must really hurt, but not as much as my claws!” I suddenly make a sharp turn and get in close with my talons, I first duck beneath Death Wyrms hook, and slash at his stomach, I then dodge a spine shot, and quickly follow up and through with a tail whip, knocking him off balance, then quickly blast fire right at his feet, but I didn’t see that Death Wyrms tail had grabbed my leg before it had already thrown me two blocks away, I was getting up when I felt a Burning pain in my arm, when I looked to see, it was one of Death Wyrms spines, It had only penetrated the outermost muscle tissue, I would heal in a few weeks but that doesn’t mean it didn’t hurt like hades, I rip the spine out and breath fire on the wound in order to cauterize it, when I suddenly feel Death Wyrms tail around my throat, choking me, and I am all of a sudden pinned to a wall, with my mouth bound shut, great it’s the boot all over again, I see Death Wyrm, he’s grabbing the spine I ripped out, he walks towards me, and he gives me a small speech,
“You know James, if you weren’t so noble I’d actually have let you join me, I never wanted to kill you, but you leave me no choice.” He lifts the spike up, when all of a sudden he is blasted back seemingly by a freakishly strong gust of wind, wait, that's a thermal updraft, I turn to see the best sight I could have seen, Ryan and Lily! Ryan opens his mouth first and I couldn’t be more thankful for his humor,
“Nobody treats James like that but me!” He then flies into battle riding on a thermal, while Lily freed me, she slices through the binding on my mouth and I immediately ask,
“What are you guys doing here?” Lily opens her mouth to answer but Ryan cuts in with being thrown into a wall
“Me and Lily are saving you, idiot, speaking of which a little help here?” Me and Lilly help Ryan up and we all get ready for a fight, but before we can charge in, Lily hands me a headmic,
“Here put this on,” I do as she says and suddenly Leanne's voice buzzes in through the speaker,
“Well it’s about time,” I am just happy to have some help with knowing my surroundings,
“Whatever happened to ‘we didn’t spend millions tracking you for you to play superhero?’” If Leanne heard me she didn’t answer, I just started to run towards Death Wyrm, before I took off alongside Lily and Ryan, I felt a familiar rage build up in my veins, I allow the rage to drive me forward, I feel the heat, the fire, rushing to every vein in my body, building along with all of the rage in my life, I gather my thoughts, a raging body is good for combat but a raging mind is bad for victory, when this feeling washes over me, I finally feel calm, I feel at peace, I never want this feeling to end, I open my snout, and unleash a twisting, flowing, blooming tunnel of flames,wounding Death Wyrm and distracting him long enough for Ryan to swing in with a bladed tail to his back, followed by Lily, biting into Death wyrms tail, as Death Wyrm roars I dive in and I do something unexpected, I talk to him,
“Dillian, I thought of you as a little brother, but you killed someone I cared about, I am sorry but, we need to take you in.” Death Wyrm roars, he writhes, up until Lily’s venom takes hold and he falls to the ground, defeated, a news reporter had been, well reporting, nearby and walked up to me, and asked me for an interview,
“Under normal circumstances I would agree, but not right now.” I wave as I signal to Ryan, it takes an embarrassingly long time for him to get the hint that I want him to create a thermal under Death Wyrm in order to transport him, but he follows my lead, and before we know it, we are flying toward the Kadmus site, but as we fly, I yell behind me,
“Hey, go ahead, I’ll… I’ll catch up.” Lily looks at me while Ryan just zooms ahead, no questions asked,
“Okay what are you doing?” I just look at her, feeling conflicted about telling her about my dad, for all I know this could get me in trouble, or worse, I make a split second decision,
“I… I think I saw something.” surprisingly it works, I swoop back towards the city and back to my old apartment and I grab the message from my dad, his keycard and the papers, I then fly off with them clenched between my arms and my body, I then fly into the Kadmus site, and discreetly go to my room, in order to hide them, I then get out of the site, and fly back into it acting like nothing happened, and to my surprise, there was a celebration waiting for me, there was cake, and wine, and even a nice Irish whiskey, eventually I asked about Death Wyrm, and turns out he was placed in a secure facility, deep under the site, and that anyone with high enough clearance could go down there, I decide that that is probably for the best.
After the celebration, I go into my room, and pull out the message, I look over it, Dad was a big fan of puzzles, so maybe this message is a puzzle? After several minutes fiddling with it, the message began to whir, and it then showed a place for a fingerprint, gotcha, I placed my thumb on the finger print and it pricked me, like I was getting my blood drawn. After that a key fell out of the message box, and a keyhole on the side, I of course used the key, which then played a different message,
Hello James, and I know it's you who will be watching this, at the time of making this message I am about to help you “find” an apartment, this is one that will only play for other people if you give them access and get a blood sample, the key you used is a one of a kind, and allows you full access to pre-recorded messages, and answers for certain questions, I hope that there will come a time when you don’t need it, but, knowing you, you will probably forget what the messages say within an hour, but anyway, I hope that this helps you greatly, here is a list of topics that the message box can give you data on.< The video then becomes like an interactable encyclopedia, where I can read the list at my own pace, I skim through it before my eyes lock on one entry, Dr. Crane Williams, I open the entry and i read about Crane, turns out, he was my fathers research partner and close friend, and the two of them met in college because they had managed to win a competition that landed them tuition for any college of their choosing, and they became friends after my dad stopped somebody from messing with Crane, there was a whole lot more there about Cranes upbringing, his family, his education, but I had to cut it short when Leanne entered my room, unannounced,
“What are you doing?” She glared, in her usual condescending tone, I am not in the mood for this “Jump off a cliff.” I growl, as I tuck the message away, but she sees it, and by the look on her face she could tell what I was looking at, “Let me guess, a message you don’t want anybody seeing?” I hate her but damn it she can connect the dots well, “Was it obvious?” I don’t bother denying it, she’ll just be a jerk about it, “No, I’m just used to being lied to, who's the message from?” Leanne nods at the message box,“It’s from my dad, he apparently worked at Kadmus and was friends with Crane.” The fact that my dad both worked ant Kadmus and was friends with crane seem to shock her, what’s really shocking though is what she asks next,
“Was your dad by chance Shane O’Maley?” I look at her, confused, “He was, why?” Leanne immediately seems to get shell shock, as she starts to geek out, “James your father was pretty much science royalty, I would have done anything to speak to him, oh my god I insulted the dead friend of Shane O’Maley, and of his son!” I feel angry that she brought that up again, but now feels like I can get something good out of this, “Ok I’ll make you a deal, if you only do tests with me and the other dragonkin willing to do so, and make sure not to do things like threatening to shock us if we don’t do what you want, I’ll tell you stories about my dad, deal?” It was almost impressive how quickly she answered,“Deal! Shock threats, exhaustion tests, and anything else like that is gone!” I am really happy that I can do stuff like that. That is the best ability ever.*1
*1 WIP