Natural gas window air conditioning units
HVAC Advice: Where HVAC Mechanics and Techs can offer advice.
2016.01.04 18:39 HVAC Advice: Where HVAC Mechanics and Techs can offer advice.
A place for homeowners, renters, tenants, business owners or anyone with a general question about their HVAC system. Please read rules before posting!
2024.05.18 22:37 KittyToLitty 💙 Allusive Roleplay │Custom Cars & Clothing │Immersive RP │ Semi-Allowlist
 | 𝔸𝕝𝕝𝕦𝕤𝕚𝕧𝕖 ℝ𝕠𝕝𝕖𝕡𝕝𝕒𝕪An inclusive community driven FiveM server. We strive for quality RP, and looking for talented live-streamers & RPers! - Civilians, Police Officers, Criminals, Gangs, DOJ, Real Estate; whatever you desire!► Join our Discord to apply for allowlist~ ► Check out our website for rules, forms, etc. 𝚂𝚘𝚌𝚒𝚊𝚕𝚜 ► Check out our latest X posts 🐦 ► Doom scroller? Hop over to our TikTok! ► Wanna see community pics? Head over to Instagram~ 𝚆𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚌𝚊𝚗 𝙰𝚕𝚕𝚞𝚜𝚒𝚟𝚎 𝚁𝚘𝚕𝚎𝚙𝚕𝚊𝚢 𝚘𝚏𝚏𝚎𝚛?🏢 Player Owned Businesses~ UWU Cat Cafe, HK Customs, East Side Autos, Pizza This, Baylor Arcade, Up-N-Atom, White Widow, Windsor Realty, Elixir Inn, PDM, Elite Vinewood Autos, Vanilla Unicorn, Harmony Repairs, WTF News, LS Flight School, Phoenix Entertainment, Shoulda Been Records, The Hen House, Digital Den, Sand Castle, Bean Machine🚗 A LOT of custom cars~ See below 🚙 Custom vehicle handling for the best experiences in races & chases 🤙 Gangs (Custom clothing, MLOs, Stashes etc. for allowlisted Gangs) 📈 Balanced economy 🎽Custom clothing 🚔🚑 Allowlist jobs 👓 Fully optimized
𝙰𝚕𝚕𝚘𝚠𝚕𝚒𝚜𝚝𝚎𝚍 𝙹𝚘𝚋𝚜► SAMS - San Andreas Medical Services FTO Program, Paramedics, Doctors, EMTs► LSPD - Los Santos Police Department Internal Affairs, Air One, FTO Program, Motorcycle Unit, Interceptor Unit, SWAT, K-9 Handler ► DOJ - Department of Justice District Attorneys, Public Defenders, Defense Attorney, Lawyers, Paralegals ► Windsor Realty - Real Estate Managers, Brokers, Agents 𝙲𝚒𝚟𝚒𝚕𝚒𝚊𝚗 𝙹𝚘𝚋𝚜► Garbage ► Mining ► Jewelry Making ► Gold Panning ► Post Ops Delivery ► Scuba Diving ► Taxi Driving ► Chicken Runs ► Newspaper Delivery𝙸𝚕𝚕𝚎𝚐𝚊𝚕 𝙰𝚌𝚝𝚒𝚟𝚒𝚝𝚒𝚎𝚜:► Chop Shop ► Boosting ► Racing ► House Robberies ► Gas & Liquor Store Robberies ► Fleeca Bank ► Paleto Bank ► Pacific Standard Bank ► Drug Runs ► Bank Trunks ˖˖˖ Plus more!𝔸𝕝𝕝𝕦𝕤𝕚𝕧𝕖 ℝ𝕠𝕝𝕖𝕡𝕝𝕒𝕪 𝕨𝕖𝕝𝕔𝕠𝕞𝕖𝕤 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕥𝕠 𝕛𝕠𝕚𝕟 𝕦𝕤!https://preview.redd.it/7skf9gkhx81d1.png?width=3840&format=png&auto=webp&s=409ace34e82e3ca2e59ce2595b7a270bdae8adb7https://preview.redd.it/f1tqbckhx81d1.png?width=2560&format=png&auto=webp&s=19f17c80a4786c62fdc138ffbc94ece8a1b86f77 https://preview.redd.it/ul1gh6lhx81d1.jpg?width=2505&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=24b73a77fa59fd41a1bbe065b86ff6472048a103 https://preview.redd.it/2i9xhdkhx81d1.png?width=1883&format=png&auto=webp&s=2c4d689fa09df94a128900fa6dfb6d804110983e https://preview.redd.it/axpbobkhx81d1.jpg?width=2560&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6887982da3811409af6b2acef0e5627a8d1fc6d5 https://preview.redd.it/3ykaqbkhx81d1.png?width=2560&format=png&auto=webp&s=a9e4d58bdb49ede2d48d0ceaef8491772d638c8b https://preview.redd.it/ylee3ckhx81d1.png?width=2560&format=png&auto=webp&s=bd80761e2e836f753da48b71b92da17284d20813 https://preview.redd.it/fqzridkhx81d1.png?width=2560&format=png&auto=webp&s=a1bd6f92fa83e1ef38506451681aa4c8f028a12a https://preview.redd.it/rrdkfdkhx81d1.png?width=2243&format=png&auto=webp&s=6a2bf33f27efd198e28db781b3650a3f4aaf1332 https://preview.redd.it/rdb35ckhx81d1.png?width=2560&format=png&auto=webp&s=a3d1d20294dc654816ecaf6578aeafac784f6055 |
2024.05.18 22:34 mtfinny [USA-DC] [H] Case, 3060Ti, Fans, M.2 SATA SSDs, Watercooling, networking, misc [W] Paypal or Cash
Timestamp: https://imgur.com/a/COy7zhZ
Give your zip code when contacting me so I can give you the shipping cost.
Gaming PC: Was my daily driver until I went ITX. I'm the original owener of all parts, non-smoking house, and I have the boxes and accessories for most of the items (except the cooler and CPU boxes). Not looking to part out for now. $750 local only.
submitted by mtfinny to hardwareswap [link] [comments]
Give your zip code when contacting me so I can give you the shipping cost.
Gaming PC: Was my daily driver until I went ITX. I'm the original owener of all parts, non-smoking house, and I have the boxes and accessories for most of the items (except the cooler and CPU boxes). Not looking to part out for now. $750 local only.
| Item | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Fractal Meshify C | Comes with everything, including original box | $60 |
| EVGA Power supply Cable Set | Full cable set for EVGA 850 T2 Titanium PSU. I RMAed the PSU, they asked for only the unit to be shipped to them, and they shipped me a whole new box. These are unused. | $25 |
| Crucial MX500 500GB M.2 SATA SSD (2) | I didn't check before I pulled them, but they should have ~75% life remaining | $30 ea |
| SATA M.2 Adapter | Fits 2 SATA M.2 cards in an expansion slot or a 2.5" bay. Includes 2 heatsinks | $20 |
| Noctua NF-A14 PWM Fans (3) | Great condition, moved so a SFF case that can't fit them | $20 ea, $50 for 3 |
| EVGA RTX 3060Ti FTW3 | Works great, just upgraded. | $250 |
| XSPC 360mm Radiator | Has been repaired (see picture) and worked fine. | $30 |
| Bitspower Reservoirs | Looks cracked near the threads, but hasn't leaked for years | $10 |
| Scythe Kaze Master Fan Controller | 3-pin fan controller 5.15" bay | $5 |
| Patriot 8GB (2x4GB) DDR3-1600 SODIMM | Part Number: psd38g1600sk | $20 |
| 2GB DDR3-1333 SODIMM | Single stick | $free |
| PCIe Wireless Card | b/g/n capability, RNX-N180PCe | $15 |
| ASUS AC1750 WiFi Router | Can include some CAT cables if desired | $30 |
| Qnap QXG-10G1T 10GbE NIC | 10gbe RJ-45 (AQN-107 chipset, should work with Windows/Linux) | $75 |
| EVGA GT740 SC | 2-slot full width card. Has 6-pin PCIe connector | $20 |
| DJI RC213 Controller | Has all cables. | $30 |
| Lume Cube Strobe Light | Unused. Opened for pictures | $30 |
| Energizer Smart WiFi Plugs | Brand new in box | $5 |
2024.05.18 22:33 JulianSkies Blackriver Cases - Season 10 “Days of Fury” - Episode 2 “Visiting Omen”
[ [FIRST] [NEXT>]
The first couple of days were boring, as usual- Blackriver is a small town, and the worst that had happened was Nila and Kessa making a few wellness checks after worried calls from neighbors. A couple of people in denial, a few ashamed at their own violent outbursts and a stern warning to Tamm about painting others’ properties without asking first.
This morning, however, began with an all-hands meeting. There were no meeting rooms in the office, so they made do in the general workspace room, they all stood there at the center while Keya looked them over.
“We have received a report from a neighboring city about a convoy of protestors making its way to Blackriver” she describes without tone. At this point nobody bothers interrupting.
“This convoy is comprised of approximately four hundred and seventy eight individuals of multiple species, primarily human and venlil but with operationally relevant representations of the entire spectrum of size and mobility types” her paws are behind her back, her ears focused directly ahead, her eyes centered to keep the entire team on the core of her focus “They have crossed multiple cities already, generally engaging in verbal sparring with any figure of authority, parading signs and banners denouncing all manners of authorities as well as occasionally engaging in physical altercations with officers.”
“They are also known to engage in vandalism. Though primarily aimed at exterminator and police precincts as well as public offices, they have already caused considerable collateral to others they have identified as ‘collaborators’” there’s a single heartbeat of waiting for breath before she continues “They have, however, not shown to be an incredibly organized group or one with a clear goal and objective. The convoy appears to contain only extremely emotionally charged people with no clear overarching goal.”
“We are incapable of dealing with the situation should they turn aggressive, as such we will be simply maintaining watch and relocating the populace should they become a problem.” Then, she picks up her holopad and passes it to Lunek beside her “They can only follow one path with the entire convoy, the central street, therefore I have divided it into four sectors. One of each will be assigned to a sector.”
First her ears turn to the first target “Lunek, sector one at the entrance. As the most approachable member of the precinct your task is to give an initial image of harmlessness. Do not engage first, do not take initiative against them. Ensure the members of the herd in the area are warned of their approach. If they become aggressive, retreat and focus on the escape of the herd.”
She tilts her head a little bit, turning her ears the other way “Marik, sector two. Mostly the commercial area, your task is ostensive protection to lower the chances of them initiating aggression. Whereas protection of the herd is first priority your second priority is ensuring Tenve’s Hardware Store as well as Sunbreeze Meals and Watchful Café remain capable of providing anyone whose residences become damaged.” suddenly, she turns her head entirely to face Marik “Ostensive protection means dissuasion, ensure that they know they are not under threat and as long as those specific areas are not engaged, do not provoke”
Next in her line of fire is Santos “As our human officer you will be in sector three, nearby the precinct. They are liable to become most agitated in this area and your presence may serve to calm them. You are not to engage, if deemed necessary the precinct’s materials are considered expendable, do not attempt to stop them”
“Sector four, the exit of town, will be with me to ensure that they have fully left Blackriver and will not attempt to turn back” then she tilts her ears again “Aren, you will gear up with a CCG and remain out of view range, your task will be quick emergency response should the need arise.” she then points her tail at the last three officers “Vess, your task will be to inform the herd and ensure a clear path for the convoy while Nila and Kessa will gather all of our medical supplies and set a staging area out of the convoy’s range. Organize ambulance assistance from Striped Hill and Everrain”
Then, she turns her ears around to focus each one in turn “As any attempt at aggression will end only in negative consequences, and in order to reduce the apparent levels of threat you will be unarmed. The estimated time of arrival is a third of a claw, ready yourselves and be at your post in time. Dismissed.”
“Not sure if I like or I don’t that we had the cold bastard right now” Aren says, as soon as Keya had left the room “Maybe we should move in closer when the convoy gets to sector four?”
“Probably a good idea to be nearby” Santos adds with a sigh “They might take umbrage with her demeanor, hopefully they won’t be set off too hard.”
And with silent signs of agreement all of the officers of Blackriver depart for preparations. The first ones to leave the precinct are the ones in charge of support, the two girls set off early to find someone willing to permit usage of their lawn as a possible impromptu field hospital and a little while later Aren leaves with a heavy CCG.
Slowly, the clock ticks to the appointed claw… And soon enough, Lunek can see in the distance the incoming omen of people. At first a distant line in the horizon, slowly the dark mark on the road coalesces into distinct shapes, the shapes of hundreds of vehicles slowly rolling down the road.
When the first few get close to the initial buildings of the main street, the entire convoy slows down. Their process of preparation is seemingly laborious, each vehicle houses multiple people at a time, smaller cars full to the brim, flatbeds with more people on their cargo space than can safely be contained, even buses conscripted for the effort. They carry with them signs, flags, a multitude of symbols as they dismount their vehicles and start spreading out to fill the street.
They seem to naturally form two distinct yet highly mixed groups, at its most distinctive is the pack of humans who keep a good distance from each other. But they are not alone in this group as takkan, mazic, yotul, zurulian and even drilvar form this central group. But flowing around them, not avoiding their presence but never infringing in their space is the grey mass of venlil, packed tight together, and mixed in there adding color to the monochromatic flux are krakotl, tilfish, sulean, iftali, sivkit and even a seemingly very confused duerten.
And at the very core of the moving group are their vehicles, which gently start rolling forward again as the group starts moving. Lunek simply waits, silently, by the side of the road, his ears attentively swiveling from one side to the other, expression having given way to function. Before the first of the convoy even arrives close he turns to the side, making a pointing sign with his tail. A woman who had been watching from her yard flicks her right ear and runs back inside.
He continues to wait, scanning around at all times for the presence of… Anything. The street is empty of locals when the first visitors start to alight. The convoy is loud, their symbols carry a loudness of colors and their vehicles make as much noise as they can to draw attention, but those who walk seem content in allowing their tools to speak for them, for now. Lunek tries to make sense of the banners and signs, but the messages are disparate as the group- Some speak of injustices against their people, some speak of anger at invaders, some speak of betrayal.
“Fuck off, fireman!” comes the harsh bark of a human, causing Lunek to flinch. But flinch is all he does, he simply starts walking alongside the moving convoy.
The exterminator’s attention is drawn to the details of the few people he can distinguish amongst the mass. Something tickles at his pattern-recognition but he cannot quite ascertain what for a while, until a lightly limping mazic makes her way to the edge of the mass “Want to finish the job?!” she trumpets, her form towering over his.
“I’m just observing, ma’am.” Though the tremor of his voice is noticeable, he remains stoic. But her proximity makes him notice something about her body, marks in her wrists, neck and feet. Though mazic have powerful wrists and knuckles upon which they support the front half of their weight, her left wrist seems completely incapable of it, giving her a limp particular to a three-point walk. “To make sure there’s no impediment on your path” he notices the leathery skin around her left wrist is deeply blackened.
“Oh, ‘no impediment’ is that it? So everyone that lives here is an impediment?!” her voice booms.
“Ma’am” still, he does not yield nor does he break his pace following the convoy “We have not done anything other than inform our people of your presence…” for a half second all he hears is the sound of his own heart “We can’t do anything else.”
Those words, then, sealed his fate. The first shout to echo in his direction was a yotul howling “Yeah you’re useless!” and soon the avalanche came in multiple voices and languages “Can’t do shit!” “You’re just here to hurt people!” “Useless crap!” “Idiot!” and many more.
With every step and twitch the very average exterminator puts all of his focus on just being there. He lets himself cower a little bit, against the barrage it is difficult not to, but he continues to accompany. A few curious coats step out from their houses to watch, but the front of the convoy seems far too focused on the sole exterminator in view to bother anyone else.
A few steps ahead, an older venlil with a cane has moved the closest to the convoy as any watcher has up to now. Seeing her proximity to the increasingly rowdy crowd causes Lunek to speed up, quickly approaching her “Leva-”
But his words are stalled when she puts a paw on his shoulder, she gently puts her head against his for just a second “You’re doing good pup, keep at it” she mutters to him before breaking contact and turning around to walk back inside. He can spy her grandchildren looking on through the door. Lunek looks back at the still-shouting moving convoy, takes a deep breath, and continues to accompany them forward. A small pawful of them, however, seem to have fallen silent.
Once having reached the limit of his assigned zone, however, Lunek stops. He watches the convoy move forward, past the houses, now noisier than before. The initial hollering at him had turned into disjointed screams at some indistinct foe- Though the herd had been noticed of a foe, it was yet unaware of who, or what, said foe was. So for now it howled at the ineptitude of… Someone. And as the last of the convoy passes beyond the imaginary line of his duty, Lunek lets out a deep sigh and allows himself to sit down on the ground.
He stays there for a moment, without thought, simply letting the tension, confusion and fear permeate his body until a gentle paw touches his arm. He doesn’t need to look to identify it, he lets his lover use her strength to prop him up, raising him to his feet “Keina you shouldn’t-”
“Neighbor’s looking over Tiss” his wife wraps her arms and tail around him “I’m not leaving you alone.” she stays like that for a second, before breaking off “Do you need to go after them?”
“No”
Marik stalks through the sidewalk, moving with energy. His speed outpaces the movement of the convoy, his paws twitch to grasp at something that isn’t there and a deep and intense motion makes his short fur stand on end. He had let the convoy’s head move in front of him, simply standing still as he assessed as many as he could in the mass, and now he had begun to move towards the front again.
As he stalked forward he focused his sight on every member of the convoy that seemed of interest. A human whose clothes seemed suspiciously loose, a venlil whose movements were far too stiff, a gojid who kept his claws behind his back. He stared at each like they were his quarry, analyzing every piece of movement they made for threats, and yet aside from the challenge in the human’s gaze he saw no danger arise.
Tenve had closed his shop, so as the convoy moved forward Marik simply continued to follow along, scanning the crowd for threats. But the next point of interest arrives, and he rushes ahead placing himself in front of the only restaurant of the town. Sunbreeze Meals wasn’t a very common sort of restaurant, Blackriver did not have enough visitors for a normal restaurant to be profitable and was small enough most people had their meals at home, it most often served takeout for those farmers who’d spend so long in the field they would return home without the energy to feed themselves.
Sparing a look inside at the only five tables, Marik couldn’t keep a small thought away from his mind. How most who got their meals from Sunbreeze these days did so because they enjoyed the cooking rather than their need of work, ever since the sunspeck population has been brought under control and the maintenance of the fields had become much smaller. He feels the presence long before he can recognize what led him to feel it and turns to stare at a group of six that approach the entrance: Two humans, a tilfish, two gojids and a takkan had broken off from the convoy and approached the restaurant.
He traces his color band over each in turn, and they all bristle at his stare. One of the humans hesitates before continuing to walk inside, and Marik simply remains by the door with his arms crossed, left ear twisted as far back as he could to listen to the inside.
“What have you got here?”
“W-we mostly ha-have ready ma-made meals to go or- or- Or you can look over the menu”
“There’s no need to stutter, y’know”
“So-sorry-”
“Really, after everything y’all are still with this predator crap?”
The chimes on the door echo for the second time in sequence as Marik makes his way inside. The tilfish had started to lean over the counter while the other five had arrayed themselves behind her. They all turn their attention to him as he enters, including the venlil manning the counter. Marik keeps his gaze directly on the tilfish for a few uncomfortable seconds, before looking at the man behind the counter and making a simple sign with his tail, a short vertical bob with the tip and a slow horizontal swipe. It’s meaning simple: >Safe<.
After a few seconds someone else appears from the kitchen. The tall venlil carries a large stack of plastic boxes in his arms, all of them seemingly designed to attach to themselves so as to be carried with ease. He puts them down with a resounding crash on the counter, and opens up his voice with ice “Farmer’s Pots, good meal when you’re working and can’t go home.” With each word the owner of the restaurant and main cook comes closer and closer to the tilfish, until the last “Ten credits each.”
Nobody moves for a couple of seconds, and then one of the humans steps closer and brings a holopad over to the credit reader. There’s a noise indicating payment, and then the owner raises his head and tilts it to focus his favored eye and both of his ears at the man who paid “Now,” he shifts register in his voice and the language he speaks in “fuck off” he finishes.
With no small amount of surprise the group of six retrieve the stack of packaged meals, carefully walking out and back into the convoy. Marik stays behind for a moment “Didn’t know you spoke human”
“Pup’s enamored with their languages. Of course, first greek words he learns is swearing.”
Outside, Marik stalks further ahead to the next point of interest. He moves faster than the convoy, and has time to move in front of it. For a few meters the street is still clear as he arrives to find a group of people standing in front of the Watchful. Standing there were all of its employees, and even all of its regulars, twenty people total standing there as if they were having the most normal day. If not for their raised ears tracking every noise coming from down the street and their swaying tails swinging about like angry beasts.
One of them simply points his tail at the other side of the street as Marik comes closer, and the hunter doesn’t need a second command to understand the meaning. They have this, he has a less practical but just as important duty. He crosses the street quickly before the convoy starts coming closer, and heads towards the park.
As the regulars of the Watchful had feared, it took little time until a large group had broken off from the convoy. With the town on alert about the convoy they had found themselves bereft of prey and now this group had set out to find some, anyone who might be willing, or not, to listen to their grievances. And what is clearly a place designed for people to congregate looked most appetizing.
Marik shadowed the group as they moved through the park, but they were accompanied by nothing but silence. It wasn’t until they ran into the centerpiece of the park that he took initiative, stepping ahead of the group and simply… Standing there a distance away from the tree of many scions, between it and the group.
“What’s so important over there, fireman?” it was a venlil who asked, but his usage of an english word was not lost on Marik.
“A place you will respect” the exterminator has his arms crossed, the one good portion of his gaze set on the man who asked “This is a grave.”
Though the group that now prowled was large, those who heard were taken aback. One such, however, approaches closer. He was a venlil whose fur shifted between a soft, brownish color and a dirty white “A tradition of the tenets right? One of those family trees?” The man would have been distinctive in any other group due to his missing patches of fur around neck, wrists, even portions around his head. But such signs of long term damage were common in the convoy.
Interest. They had shown true interest, or at least one of them had. “No, but similar… The forgotten tree is a grave for the forgotten.” He felt like these people, at least the ones before him, could probably understand the meaning of this place “It is of no tradition. Someone, a long time ago, wanted to honor someone who was gone but whose name was not meant to be remembered. Someone who had disappeared in the system… So they borrowed on another’s tradition, and added a scion to this tree, with something in their memory. Others have done so similarly, until it became… A grave for the forgotten”
“Didn’t think you’d be worried about this kind of place” it’s a human that speaks up this time
“Our duty is to protect this town, what you think-” but Marik’s words are interrupted by that same venlil who had asked before. His demeanor suddenly shifts, his ears perk up and his entire body shifts forward for a moment. He hesitates, for a second everyone’s focus is on him, and then he runs towards the tree.
Marik follows behind, stopping just by the man’s side as he finds himself at the base of the tree. The man makes a direct line to somewhere, something he had found from the distance, as if it had called him. He finds a thick and heavy branch that had been bent down by the weight of its scions and memories, near its base and speaking of a memory left behind long ago is a braid of fur made of three colors, a dirty white, a soft brown and a dark grey, bound by the braids are two beads.
The man raises up a paw, but does not touch it. As if cradling it, he recites the words engraved in one of the beads “I will cross every star to return home” others have come closer to listen to the man’s hoarse voice “There will always be a home for you” he reads of the second one. The names on the beads have been scratched out. The man falls on his knees “S-she kept her promise and… I couldn’t keep mine…”
Marik steps back as he watches two others come closer to comfort the man. He looks as a few others approach with more caution, looking up at the tree with a bit more reverence than they had before. Then, he turns around and starts heading back towards the main street.
Gazing out as the convoy gains a new flux, some leave it as it passes to move towards the park while others leave the park to rejoin the convoy, Marik simply stays there at the side of the street looking as stern as he could. Though the noise of the convoy remains great, here in this portion it seems to die down a little. A thought crosses his mind as he turns an ear as far back as he can, a thought he can’t help but voice “I wonder how many are looking at their own graves…”
As the convoy progresses, Santos simply stands by the front of the precinct, hands in his pockets. He watches the convoy arrive, heart beating fast, constrained hands the only reason he hasn't started shaking quite yet. He starts tapping his right foot as he watches the first few people cross by without noticing what this place is yet, everyone knows where the precinct is, so aside from the words printed on the sign by the entrance there is no other marker of what this building’s purpose might be.
Of course, it is impossible for nobody to notice. The entire convoy seems to stop as soon as a zurulian riding on the shoulders of a human points a claw at the building and says something. A large group breaks away at the command, all of them holding disparate signs and messages. They turn on the building with enough roars that whatever they are attempting to transmit is lost on him.
Santos is thankful his hearing isn’t nearly as good as his coworkers’, as the cacophony is already overwhelming him. He changes stances slightly, taking his hands out of his pockets and crossing his arms. This prompts a small group to turn their looks at him, the focus easily identifiable with the humans in their midst, focus which made the hair in the back of Santos’ neck stand on end. Living in this place had refined his sense of danger, but he didn’t need that to realize what could happen.
It was a group of five that approached, four humans and a venlil. “Didn’t think they’d be letting humans live out here in the boonies” said one of his kin.
Santos just shrugs “Got hired to work here. Honestly, rural folk get a needlessly bad reputation, most of the time they just don’t care as long as you’re not bothering them”
“Really? In my-”
Santos interrupts the man “Cut it out” there are many ways in which humans make themselves obvious, many of which are their eyes. Santos did understand the fear of them and why it was primal, it was not the fear of the eyes but the fear of attention, it was knowing you were under the scrutiny and judgment of another that set off that emotion. It was rarely the eyes that showed this attention for most species, but for humans it was, and the man’s clear gaze on his badge made the entire situation clear to him “Stop beating around the bush and say it already.”
Someone else is who speaks. The tall woman starts not with words, however, but by spitting on Santos’ uniform “You fucking traitor” her voice is both fierce and cold at the same time. A very emotional coldness.
“There we go” he sighs “Just… Move on. We’re not getting anything out of this conversation”
“Why?” It was the venlil in the group that started this time “These people hate you, they hate you for what you are! Why do you work for them?!”
Santos rubs his eyes and sighs “Because someone has to. Change only happens when you make it happen, simple as that”
“Change?!” another one of the humans howls “Do you think those people can change?! You know the truth, those fuckers have never done anything good!”
“You know, if you had read your history books…” Santos stares at the one who had just had their outburst “You’d remember that we once thought the very same about the police” there’s the sound of glass breaking, but he doesn’t reaction “And a lot of us still do”
The human staring him down shifts their gaze slightly at the broken window of the precinct, then back at Santos “A broken window is easy to fix” he shrugs “As I was saying. Same shit.” he crosses his arms again “There’s a role those people play, a role that needs to be played because it’s important. Different name, different problems, still the same shit. Gotta fix this, I’m doing my part” he then stares at the venlil in the group “You do yours. Simple as that.”
“Role?!” the venlil of the group steps closer “What role could they possibly have?! They only exist to hurt people!”
Santos steps back, and raises his eyes a little bit. Of course, the classics had shown themselves in this instance. With as many humans as there are in the crowd there were now quite a few objects in the air, most clearly aimed at the precinct behind him. Though given the failed arc of some of them it was clearly not just the humans indulging in such a tried and true method.
“I used to be a wildlife preserve ranger” Santos then focuses his gaze on the aggravated venlil “This is a frontier town, if you walk in the brushes with shorts you’ll walk out with your ankles numb. The athai out there are rather harmless, but they keep the sunspecks under control.” He takes another step back “Since coming here I’ve been pest control, had to catch an exotic animal set loose, investigated a murder, helped stop a child from taking her own life, stopped large scale fights, helped a dozen people avoid being arrested for self defense and helped break a fucking siege”
Santos cracks his knuckles “There’s roles. Jobs that need done and there is one fucking organization doing it all. That is a problem.” Then, he sighs and takes a few more steps to the side, offering indifference from this point on “There’s nothing I can say that would make you calm down.” he says one final time “Just make sure not to injure yourselves in the process, alright?” His words seemed to be enough to make the small group cease trying to interact, as the convoy had begun moving again. Though the one human who had called him a traitor gets one final parting shot at the precinct “Where the hell did you get an egg in this planet…” Santos says with a raised eyebrow as the projectile impacts the front door.
Keya stands by a large sign, the same one that welcomes you into Blackriver on one side and sees you out at the other, the official limit of the town. Her arms behind her back, her attention directly towards the front of the convoy as they march. Something gains the whole of her attention, the car in the front. Someone draws her focus, a human with a megaphone on top of the car. The man shouts words of encouragement at the people behind him with the megaphone before turning to his holopad, then he bends over downwards to discuss something with the driver.
She simply remains there, waiting for the convoy to pass. But instead of moving on out of the city, here the convoy stops completely. Keya observes as the further end of the convoy starts to slowly compact upon itself, and her ears pick up something “Alright everyone, start getting ready, next town over is more than a claw away, make sure you’ve left nothing behind” the words were not meant for her, nor for anyone too far. They come from the same man she had seen standing on top of the car, but he had now climbed down and was talking with a group of multiple species.
It is clear they have some degree of leadership, though the convoy does not stop cleanly nor does it begin to organize with alacrity they do respond to the group’s organization. So Keya keeps her focus on them as they point, wave and talk between themselves, others and devices. But at least one of them has noticed her attention, a gangly and light-skinned human with fire-red hair, the man that was atop the car. He starts walking in her direction, before turning around for one final set of commands as he walks backwards “And make sure the guys at the back got all the crap! We’re here to be heard, not to trash the city!” he says before turning back again to head towards her. A venlil with pure white fur erupts from inside the car he was riding, quickly dashing to his side as they notice where he was going.
In a few moments both have come up to her, the human looking down at her with the venlil bristles at his side “Saw anything interesting, fireman?”
“What are you doing here?”
“What? Isn’t it obvious?!” it was the venlil that roared a response “You saw all of it! You know what they’ve done to us! What they’ve done to everyone! And you still work for those brahking monsters! It’s like you’re thankful they made you a cripple!”
The human puts a hand on the venlil’s shoulder, calming her demeanor just a little bit “We’re here because honestly, we’re all too tired of being fucking ignored is what. So what the fuck are you gonna do?!”
“I have put the wrong emphasis” Keya says with her lack of tone. She can see the human shiver just a little bit “My task is to ensure the safety of this town. Your convoy is a danger. We have eight field-capable officers, we cannot ensure the safety of the residents against a group like yours. People will take actions for reasons, you have broadcast your reasons clearly. You have chosen this place for a reason which I cannot ascertain.”
She makes sure her ears are trained towards both the human and the venlil, an action which causes the venlil to cower behind her partner “We do not house government agencies. This is a farming town of little note. The local precinct is a simple precinct, we have no regulatory or command authority. The town population is approximately double that of the number of your convoy. We have no individuals of appreciable social or political reach. There is nothing in Blackriver of interest to people attempting to change government policy, nor have there been actions taken here that I can identify as being cause for retaliatory actions within the context of your message.”
“I must ensure this does not happen again and the only way of doing so is minimizing our attractivity as targets. A logical assumption of your choice of quarry would be a town with the presence of politicians, a large city with constant news coverage, cities housing important government agencies or those containing the Regional Firebases”
“So I ask again. What are you doing here?”
The two remain silent for a few seconds, before the human turns around with a mouth noise “Whatever, I don’t need to explain myself to someone that won’t listen. Come on!” he starts to stalk back towards the car, but stops once he notices his venlil companion wasn’t moving.
The snow-white venlil has their focus on Keya, who offers a simple low forward swipe of her tail, a sign to proceed. Still, the venlil seems frozen in place until the human comes back and grabs hold of their paw with a gentle touch. At which point both finally return to the convoy.
Keya remains at the side of the road, watching as the convoy readies itself again to leave. People get back inside cars, they hop on the back of trucks and load themselves into buses. She continues to watch as the convoy takes its time riding out, making their way out of the town.
Once it is finally gone, multiple footsteps sound behind her. When she turns around she meets her officers, having returned from their assigned positions “They have left. I expect your reports of what happened in each sector by the end of your shifts” she states plainly, before looking at Santos “They did not appear to have a specific reason for targeting Blackriver.” The question remains unspoken.
The human officer just shrugs “Sometimes, you don’t know what you’re doing. We’re just a little town, I doubt they even know what exactly they’re angry about.” He looks at the tail end of the convoy as it leaves “Town was probably just a place they felt safe going to.”
“D-do you think we might get more like that” Lunek says, at the back of the group.
“Who knows…” Santos sighs “But if human history applies anywhere here… This is just a sign of worse things to come”
[ [FIRST] [NEXT>]
And thus the omen passes by. Feelings, emotions of all sorts, without a plan or a reason other than just their own rage and distress.
Did any of these even know what they were doing? And how much worse can it be when they do?
submitted by JulianSkies to NatureofPredators [link] [comments]
Season 10 “Days of Fury” - Episode 2 “Visiting Omen”
He had hoped for a boring day. Boring days are good at work, and Santos was already expecting to not have many of them for a while.The first couple of days were boring, as usual- Blackriver is a small town, and the worst that had happened was Nila and Kessa making a few wellness checks after worried calls from neighbors. A couple of people in denial, a few ashamed at their own violent outbursts and a stern warning to Tamm about painting others’ properties without asking first.
This morning, however, began with an all-hands meeting. There were no meeting rooms in the office, so they made do in the general workspace room, they all stood there at the center while Keya looked them over.
“We have received a report from a neighboring city about a convoy of protestors making its way to Blackriver” she describes without tone. At this point nobody bothers interrupting.
“This convoy is comprised of approximately four hundred and seventy eight individuals of multiple species, primarily human and venlil but with operationally relevant representations of the entire spectrum of size and mobility types” her paws are behind her back, her ears focused directly ahead, her eyes centered to keep the entire team on the core of her focus “They have crossed multiple cities already, generally engaging in verbal sparring with any figure of authority, parading signs and banners denouncing all manners of authorities as well as occasionally engaging in physical altercations with officers.”
“They are also known to engage in vandalism. Though primarily aimed at exterminator and police precincts as well as public offices, they have already caused considerable collateral to others they have identified as ‘collaborators’” there’s a single heartbeat of waiting for breath before she continues “They have, however, not shown to be an incredibly organized group or one with a clear goal and objective. The convoy appears to contain only extremely emotionally charged people with no clear overarching goal.”
“We are incapable of dealing with the situation should they turn aggressive, as such we will be simply maintaining watch and relocating the populace should they become a problem.” Then, she picks up her holopad and passes it to Lunek beside her “They can only follow one path with the entire convoy, the central street, therefore I have divided it into four sectors. One of each will be assigned to a sector.”
First her ears turn to the first target “Lunek, sector one at the entrance. As the most approachable member of the precinct your task is to give an initial image of harmlessness. Do not engage first, do not take initiative against them. Ensure the members of the herd in the area are warned of their approach. If they become aggressive, retreat and focus on the escape of the herd.”
She tilts her head a little bit, turning her ears the other way “Marik, sector two. Mostly the commercial area, your task is ostensive protection to lower the chances of them initiating aggression. Whereas protection of the herd is first priority your second priority is ensuring Tenve’s Hardware Store as well as Sunbreeze Meals and Watchful Café remain capable of providing anyone whose residences become damaged.” suddenly, she turns her head entirely to face Marik “Ostensive protection means dissuasion, ensure that they know they are not under threat and as long as those specific areas are not engaged, do not provoke”
Next in her line of fire is Santos “As our human officer you will be in sector three, nearby the precinct. They are liable to become most agitated in this area and your presence may serve to calm them. You are not to engage, if deemed necessary the precinct’s materials are considered expendable, do not attempt to stop them”
“Sector four, the exit of town, will be with me to ensure that they have fully left Blackriver and will not attempt to turn back” then she tilts her ears again “Aren, you will gear up with a CCG and remain out of view range, your task will be quick emergency response should the need arise.” she then points her tail at the last three officers “Vess, your task will be to inform the herd and ensure a clear path for the convoy while Nila and Kessa will gather all of our medical supplies and set a staging area out of the convoy’s range. Organize ambulance assistance from Striped Hill and Everrain”
Then, she turns her ears around to focus each one in turn “As any attempt at aggression will end only in negative consequences, and in order to reduce the apparent levels of threat you will be unarmed. The estimated time of arrival is a third of a claw, ready yourselves and be at your post in time. Dismissed.”
“Not sure if I like or I don’t that we had the cold bastard right now” Aren says, as soon as Keya had left the room “Maybe we should move in closer when the convoy gets to sector four?”
“Probably a good idea to be nearby” Santos adds with a sigh “They might take umbrage with her demeanor, hopefully they won’t be set off too hard.”
And with silent signs of agreement all of the officers of Blackriver depart for preparations. The first ones to leave the precinct are the ones in charge of support, the two girls set off early to find someone willing to permit usage of their lawn as a possible impromptu field hospital and a little while later Aren leaves with a heavy CCG.
Slowly, the clock ticks to the appointed claw… And soon enough, Lunek can see in the distance the incoming omen of people. At first a distant line in the horizon, slowly the dark mark on the road coalesces into distinct shapes, the shapes of hundreds of vehicles slowly rolling down the road.
When the first few get close to the initial buildings of the main street, the entire convoy slows down. Their process of preparation is seemingly laborious, each vehicle houses multiple people at a time, smaller cars full to the brim, flatbeds with more people on their cargo space than can safely be contained, even buses conscripted for the effort. They carry with them signs, flags, a multitude of symbols as they dismount their vehicles and start spreading out to fill the street.
They seem to naturally form two distinct yet highly mixed groups, at its most distinctive is the pack of humans who keep a good distance from each other. But they are not alone in this group as takkan, mazic, yotul, zurulian and even drilvar form this central group. But flowing around them, not avoiding their presence but never infringing in their space is the grey mass of venlil, packed tight together, and mixed in there adding color to the monochromatic flux are krakotl, tilfish, sulean, iftali, sivkit and even a seemingly very confused duerten.
And at the very core of the moving group are their vehicles, which gently start rolling forward again as the group starts moving. Lunek simply waits, silently, by the side of the road, his ears attentively swiveling from one side to the other, expression having given way to function. Before the first of the convoy even arrives close he turns to the side, making a pointing sign with his tail. A woman who had been watching from her yard flicks her right ear and runs back inside.
He continues to wait, scanning around at all times for the presence of… Anything. The street is empty of locals when the first visitors start to alight. The convoy is loud, their symbols carry a loudness of colors and their vehicles make as much noise as they can to draw attention, but those who walk seem content in allowing their tools to speak for them, for now. Lunek tries to make sense of the banners and signs, but the messages are disparate as the group- Some speak of injustices against their people, some speak of anger at invaders, some speak of betrayal.
“Fuck off, fireman!” comes the harsh bark of a human, causing Lunek to flinch. But flinch is all he does, he simply starts walking alongside the moving convoy.
The exterminator’s attention is drawn to the details of the few people he can distinguish amongst the mass. Something tickles at his pattern-recognition but he cannot quite ascertain what for a while, until a lightly limping mazic makes her way to the edge of the mass “Want to finish the job?!” she trumpets, her form towering over his.
“I’m just observing, ma’am.” Though the tremor of his voice is noticeable, he remains stoic. But her proximity makes him notice something about her body, marks in her wrists, neck and feet. Though mazic have powerful wrists and knuckles upon which they support the front half of their weight, her left wrist seems completely incapable of it, giving her a limp particular to a three-point walk. “To make sure there’s no impediment on your path” he notices the leathery skin around her left wrist is deeply blackened.
“Oh, ‘no impediment’ is that it? So everyone that lives here is an impediment?!” her voice booms.
“Ma’am” still, he does not yield nor does he break his pace following the convoy “We have not done anything other than inform our people of your presence…” for a half second all he hears is the sound of his own heart “We can’t do anything else.”
Those words, then, sealed his fate. The first shout to echo in his direction was a yotul howling “Yeah you’re useless!” and soon the avalanche came in multiple voices and languages “Can’t do shit!” “You’re just here to hurt people!” “Useless crap!” “Idiot!” and many more.
With every step and twitch the very average exterminator puts all of his focus on just being there. He lets himself cower a little bit, against the barrage it is difficult not to, but he continues to accompany. A few curious coats step out from their houses to watch, but the front of the convoy seems far too focused on the sole exterminator in view to bother anyone else.
A few steps ahead, an older venlil with a cane has moved the closest to the convoy as any watcher has up to now. Seeing her proximity to the increasingly rowdy crowd causes Lunek to speed up, quickly approaching her “Leva-”
But his words are stalled when she puts a paw on his shoulder, she gently puts her head against his for just a second “You’re doing good pup, keep at it” she mutters to him before breaking contact and turning around to walk back inside. He can spy her grandchildren looking on through the door. Lunek looks back at the still-shouting moving convoy, takes a deep breath, and continues to accompany them forward. A small pawful of them, however, seem to have fallen silent.
Once having reached the limit of his assigned zone, however, Lunek stops. He watches the convoy move forward, past the houses, now noisier than before. The initial hollering at him had turned into disjointed screams at some indistinct foe- Though the herd had been noticed of a foe, it was yet unaware of who, or what, said foe was. So for now it howled at the ineptitude of… Someone. And as the last of the convoy passes beyond the imaginary line of his duty, Lunek lets out a deep sigh and allows himself to sit down on the ground.
He stays there for a moment, without thought, simply letting the tension, confusion and fear permeate his body until a gentle paw touches his arm. He doesn’t need to look to identify it, he lets his lover use her strength to prop him up, raising him to his feet “Keina you shouldn’t-”
“Neighbor’s looking over Tiss” his wife wraps her arms and tail around him “I’m not leaving you alone.” she stays like that for a second, before breaking off “Do you need to go after them?”
“No”
Marik stalks through the sidewalk, moving with energy. His speed outpaces the movement of the convoy, his paws twitch to grasp at something that isn’t there and a deep and intense motion makes his short fur stand on end. He had let the convoy’s head move in front of him, simply standing still as he assessed as many as he could in the mass, and now he had begun to move towards the front again.
As he stalked forward he focused his sight on every member of the convoy that seemed of interest. A human whose clothes seemed suspiciously loose, a venlil whose movements were far too stiff, a gojid who kept his claws behind his back. He stared at each like they were his quarry, analyzing every piece of movement they made for threats, and yet aside from the challenge in the human’s gaze he saw no danger arise.
Tenve had closed his shop, so as the convoy moved forward Marik simply continued to follow along, scanning the crowd for threats. But the next point of interest arrives, and he rushes ahead placing himself in front of the only restaurant of the town. Sunbreeze Meals wasn’t a very common sort of restaurant, Blackriver did not have enough visitors for a normal restaurant to be profitable and was small enough most people had their meals at home, it most often served takeout for those farmers who’d spend so long in the field they would return home without the energy to feed themselves.
Sparing a look inside at the only five tables, Marik couldn’t keep a small thought away from his mind. How most who got their meals from Sunbreeze these days did so because they enjoyed the cooking rather than their need of work, ever since the sunspeck population has been brought under control and the maintenance of the fields had become much smaller. He feels the presence long before he can recognize what led him to feel it and turns to stare at a group of six that approach the entrance: Two humans, a tilfish, two gojids and a takkan had broken off from the convoy and approached the restaurant.
He traces his color band over each in turn, and they all bristle at his stare. One of the humans hesitates before continuing to walk inside, and Marik simply remains by the door with his arms crossed, left ear twisted as far back as he could to listen to the inside.
“What have you got here?”
“W-we mostly ha-have ready ma-made meals to go or- or- Or you can look over the menu”
“There’s no need to stutter, y’know”
“So-sorry-”
“Really, after everything y’all are still with this predator crap?”
The chimes on the door echo for the second time in sequence as Marik makes his way inside. The tilfish had started to lean over the counter while the other five had arrayed themselves behind her. They all turn their attention to him as he enters, including the venlil manning the counter. Marik keeps his gaze directly on the tilfish for a few uncomfortable seconds, before looking at the man behind the counter and making a simple sign with his tail, a short vertical bob with the tip and a slow horizontal swipe. It’s meaning simple: >Safe<.
After a few seconds someone else appears from the kitchen. The tall venlil carries a large stack of plastic boxes in his arms, all of them seemingly designed to attach to themselves so as to be carried with ease. He puts them down with a resounding crash on the counter, and opens up his voice with ice “Farmer’s Pots, good meal when you’re working and can’t go home.” With each word the owner of the restaurant and main cook comes closer and closer to the tilfish, until the last “Ten credits each.”
Nobody moves for a couple of seconds, and then one of the humans steps closer and brings a holopad over to the credit reader. There’s a noise indicating payment, and then the owner raises his head and tilts it to focus his favored eye and both of his ears at the man who paid “Now,” he shifts register in his voice and the language he speaks in “fuck off” he finishes.
With no small amount of surprise the group of six retrieve the stack of packaged meals, carefully walking out and back into the convoy. Marik stays behind for a moment “Didn’t know you spoke human”
“Pup’s enamored with their languages. Of course, first greek words he learns is swearing.”
Outside, Marik stalks further ahead to the next point of interest. He moves faster than the convoy, and has time to move in front of it. For a few meters the street is still clear as he arrives to find a group of people standing in front of the Watchful. Standing there were all of its employees, and even all of its regulars, twenty people total standing there as if they were having the most normal day. If not for their raised ears tracking every noise coming from down the street and their swaying tails swinging about like angry beasts.
One of them simply points his tail at the other side of the street as Marik comes closer, and the hunter doesn’t need a second command to understand the meaning. They have this, he has a less practical but just as important duty. He crosses the street quickly before the convoy starts coming closer, and heads towards the park.
As the regulars of the Watchful had feared, it took little time until a large group had broken off from the convoy. With the town on alert about the convoy they had found themselves bereft of prey and now this group had set out to find some, anyone who might be willing, or not, to listen to their grievances. And what is clearly a place designed for people to congregate looked most appetizing.
Marik shadowed the group as they moved through the park, but they were accompanied by nothing but silence. It wasn’t until they ran into the centerpiece of the park that he took initiative, stepping ahead of the group and simply… Standing there a distance away from the tree of many scions, between it and the group.
“What’s so important over there, fireman?” it was a venlil who asked, but his usage of an english word was not lost on Marik.
“A place you will respect” the exterminator has his arms crossed, the one good portion of his gaze set on the man who asked “This is a grave.”
Though the group that now prowled was large, those who heard were taken aback. One such, however, approaches closer. He was a venlil whose fur shifted between a soft, brownish color and a dirty white “A tradition of the tenets right? One of those family trees?” The man would have been distinctive in any other group due to his missing patches of fur around neck, wrists, even portions around his head. But such signs of long term damage were common in the convoy.
Interest. They had shown true interest, or at least one of them had. “No, but similar… The forgotten tree is a grave for the forgotten.” He felt like these people, at least the ones before him, could probably understand the meaning of this place “It is of no tradition. Someone, a long time ago, wanted to honor someone who was gone but whose name was not meant to be remembered. Someone who had disappeared in the system… So they borrowed on another’s tradition, and added a scion to this tree, with something in their memory. Others have done so similarly, until it became… A grave for the forgotten”
“Didn’t think you’d be worried about this kind of place” it’s a human that speaks up this time
“Our duty is to protect this town, what you think-” but Marik’s words are interrupted by that same venlil who had asked before. His demeanor suddenly shifts, his ears perk up and his entire body shifts forward for a moment. He hesitates, for a second everyone’s focus is on him, and then he runs towards the tree.
Marik follows behind, stopping just by the man’s side as he finds himself at the base of the tree. The man makes a direct line to somewhere, something he had found from the distance, as if it had called him. He finds a thick and heavy branch that had been bent down by the weight of its scions and memories, near its base and speaking of a memory left behind long ago is a braid of fur made of three colors, a dirty white, a soft brown and a dark grey, bound by the braids are two beads.
The man raises up a paw, but does not touch it. As if cradling it, he recites the words engraved in one of the beads “I will cross every star to return home” others have come closer to listen to the man’s hoarse voice “There will always be a home for you” he reads of the second one. The names on the beads have been scratched out. The man falls on his knees “S-she kept her promise and… I couldn’t keep mine…”
Marik steps back as he watches two others come closer to comfort the man. He looks as a few others approach with more caution, looking up at the tree with a bit more reverence than they had before. Then, he turns around and starts heading back towards the main street.
Gazing out as the convoy gains a new flux, some leave it as it passes to move towards the park while others leave the park to rejoin the convoy, Marik simply stays there at the side of the street looking as stern as he could. Though the noise of the convoy remains great, here in this portion it seems to die down a little. A thought crosses his mind as he turns an ear as far back as he can, a thought he can’t help but voice “I wonder how many are looking at their own graves…”
As the convoy progresses, Santos simply stands by the front of the precinct, hands in his pockets. He watches the convoy arrive, heart beating fast, constrained hands the only reason he hasn't started shaking quite yet. He starts tapping his right foot as he watches the first few people cross by without noticing what this place is yet, everyone knows where the precinct is, so aside from the words printed on the sign by the entrance there is no other marker of what this building’s purpose might be.
Of course, it is impossible for nobody to notice. The entire convoy seems to stop as soon as a zurulian riding on the shoulders of a human points a claw at the building and says something. A large group breaks away at the command, all of them holding disparate signs and messages. They turn on the building with enough roars that whatever they are attempting to transmit is lost on him.
Santos is thankful his hearing isn’t nearly as good as his coworkers’, as the cacophony is already overwhelming him. He changes stances slightly, taking his hands out of his pockets and crossing his arms. This prompts a small group to turn their looks at him, the focus easily identifiable with the humans in their midst, focus which made the hair in the back of Santos’ neck stand on end. Living in this place had refined his sense of danger, but he didn’t need that to realize what could happen.
It was a group of five that approached, four humans and a venlil. “Didn’t think they’d be letting humans live out here in the boonies” said one of his kin.
Santos just shrugs “Got hired to work here. Honestly, rural folk get a needlessly bad reputation, most of the time they just don’t care as long as you’re not bothering them”
“Really? In my-”
Santos interrupts the man “Cut it out” there are many ways in which humans make themselves obvious, many of which are their eyes. Santos did understand the fear of them and why it was primal, it was not the fear of the eyes but the fear of attention, it was knowing you were under the scrutiny and judgment of another that set off that emotion. It was rarely the eyes that showed this attention for most species, but for humans it was, and the man’s clear gaze on his badge made the entire situation clear to him “Stop beating around the bush and say it already.”
Someone else is who speaks. The tall woman starts not with words, however, but by spitting on Santos’ uniform “You fucking traitor” her voice is both fierce and cold at the same time. A very emotional coldness.
“There we go” he sighs “Just… Move on. We’re not getting anything out of this conversation”
“Why?” It was the venlil in the group that started this time “These people hate you, they hate you for what you are! Why do you work for them?!”
Santos rubs his eyes and sighs “Because someone has to. Change only happens when you make it happen, simple as that”
“Change?!” another one of the humans howls “Do you think those people can change?! You know the truth, those fuckers have never done anything good!”
“You know, if you had read your history books…” Santos stares at the one who had just had their outburst “You’d remember that we once thought the very same about the police” there’s the sound of glass breaking, but he doesn’t reaction “And a lot of us still do”
The human staring him down shifts their gaze slightly at the broken window of the precinct, then back at Santos “A broken window is easy to fix” he shrugs “As I was saying. Same shit.” he crosses his arms again “There’s a role those people play, a role that needs to be played because it’s important. Different name, different problems, still the same shit. Gotta fix this, I’m doing my part” he then stares at the venlil in the group “You do yours. Simple as that.”
“Role?!” the venlil of the group steps closer “What role could they possibly have?! They only exist to hurt people!”
Santos steps back, and raises his eyes a little bit. Of course, the classics had shown themselves in this instance. With as many humans as there are in the crowd there were now quite a few objects in the air, most clearly aimed at the precinct behind him. Though given the failed arc of some of them it was clearly not just the humans indulging in such a tried and true method.
“I used to be a wildlife preserve ranger” Santos then focuses his gaze on the aggravated venlil “This is a frontier town, if you walk in the brushes with shorts you’ll walk out with your ankles numb. The athai out there are rather harmless, but they keep the sunspecks under control.” He takes another step back “Since coming here I’ve been pest control, had to catch an exotic animal set loose, investigated a murder, helped stop a child from taking her own life, stopped large scale fights, helped a dozen people avoid being arrested for self defense and helped break a fucking siege”
Santos cracks his knuckles “There’s roles. Jobs that need done and there is one fucking organization doing it all. That is a problem.” Then, he sighs and takes a few more steps to the side, offering indifference from this point on “There’s nothing I can say that would make you calm down.” he says one final time “Just make sure not to injure yourselves in the process, alright?” His words seemed to be enough to make the small group cease trying to interact, as the convoy had begun moving again. Though the one human who had called him a traitor gets one final parting shot at the precinct “Where the hell did you get an egg in this planet…” Santos says with a raised eyebrow as the projectile impacts the front door.
Keya stands by a large sign, the same one that welcomes you into Blackriver on one side and sees you out at the other, the official limit of the town. Her arms behind her back, her attention directly towards the front of the convoy as they march. Something gains the whole of her attention, the car in the front. Someone draws her focus, a human with a megaphone on top of the car. The man shouts words of encouragement at the people behind him with the megaphone before turning to his holopad, then he bends over downwards to discuss something with the driver.
She simply remains there, waiting for the convoy to pass. But instead of moving on out of the city, here the convoy stops completely. Keya observes as the further end of the convoy starts to slowly compact upon itself, and her ears pick up something “Alright everyone, start getting ready, next town over is more than a claw away, make sure you’ve left nothing behind” the words were not meant for her, nor for anyone too far. They come from the same man she had seen standing on top of the car, but he had now climbed down and was talking with a group of multiple species.
It is clear they have some degree of leadership, though the convoy does not stop cleanly nor does it begin to organize with alacrity they do respond to the group’s organization. So Keya keeps her focus on them as they point, wave and talk between themselves, others and devices. But at least one of them has noticed her attention, a gangly and light-skinned human with fire-red hair, the man that was atop the car. He starts walking in her direction, before turning around for one final set of commands as he walks backwards “And make sure the guys at the back got all the crap! We’re here to be heard, not to trash the city!” he says before turning back again to head towards her. A venlil with pure white fur erupts from inside the car he was riding, quickly dashing to his side as they notice where he was going.
In a few moments both have come up to her, the human looking down at her with the venlil bristles at his side “Saw anything interesting, fireman?”
“What are you doing here?”
“What? Isn’t it obvious?!” it was the venlil that roared a response “You saw all of it! You know what they’ve done to us! What they’ve done to everyone! And you still work for those brahking monsters! It’s like you’re thankful they made you a cripple!”
The human puts a hand on the venlil’s shoulder, calming her demeanor just a little bit “We’re here because honestly, we’re all too tired of being fucking ignored is what. So what the fuck are you gonna do?!”
“I have put the wrong emphasis” Keya says with her lack of tone. She can see the human shiver just a little bit “My task is to ensure the safety of this town. Your convoy is a danger. We have eight field-capable officers, we cannot ensure the safety of the residents against a group like yours. People will take actions for reasons, you have broadcast your reasons clearly. You have chosen this place for a reason which I cannot ascertain.”
She makes sure her ears are trained towards both the human and the venlil, an action which causes the venlil to cower behind her partner “We do not house government agencies. This is a farming town of little note. The local precinct is a simple precinct, we have no regulatory or command authority. The town population is approximately double that of the number of your convoy. We have no individuals of appreciable social or political reach. There is nothing in Blackriver of interest to people attempting to change government policy, nor have there been actions taken here that I can identify as being cause for retaliatory actions within the context of your message.”
“I must ensure this does not happen again and the only way of doing so is minimizing our attractivity as targets. A logical assumption of your choice of quarry would be a town with the presence of politicians, a large city with constant news coverage, cities housing important government agencies or those containing the Regional Firebases”
“So I ask again. What are you doing here?”
The two remain silent for a few seconds, before the human turns around with a mouth noise “Whatever, I don’t need to explain myself to someone that won’t listen. Come on!” he starts to stalk back towards the car, but stops once he notices his venlil companion wasn’t moving.
The snow-white venlil has their focus on Keya, who offers a simple low forward swipe of her tail, a sign to proceed. Still, the venlil seems frozen in place until the human comes back and grabs hold of their paw with a gentle touch. At which point both finally return to the convoy.
Keya remains at the side of the road, watching as the convoy readies itself again to leave. People get back inside cars, they hop on the back of trucks and load themselves into buses. She continues to watch as the convoy takes its time riding out, making their way out of the town.
Once it is finally gone, multiple footsteps sound behind her. When she turns around she meets her officers, having returned from their assigned positions “They have left. I expect your reports of what happened in each sector by the end of your shifts” she states plainly, before looking at Santos “They did not appear to have a specific reason for targeting Blackriver.” The question remains unspoken.
The human officer just shrugs “Sometimes, you don’t know what you’re doing. We’re just a little town, I doubt they even know what exactly they’re angry about.” He looks at the tail end of the convoy as it leaves “Town was probably just a place they felt safe going to.”
“D-do you think we might get more like that” Lunek says, at the back of the group.
“Who knows…” Santos sighs “But if human history applies anywhere here… This is just a sign of worse things to come”
And thus the omen passes by. Feelings, emotions of all sorts, without a plan or a reason other than just their own rage and distress.
Did any of these even know what they were doing? And how much worse can it be when they do?
2024.05.18 22:29 Tesa_Tesanovic1988 Unlocking FDI potential in growth markets with RWA tokenization
 | Foreign direct investment (FDI) is a driving force behind economic growth. Four experts in the field – Henrik von Scheel, Paul Lalovich, Emilija Vukovic, and Tesha Teshanovich – outline how the innovative concepts of FDI-as-a-service and real world asset (RWA) tokenization can help growth markets beef up their FDI attractiveness. submitted by Tesa_Tesanovic1988 to Tokenization [link] [comments] The primary objective of FDI is to secure capital for investment. When conducive conditions are in place, FDI has the potential to foster job creation and sustainable development by enhancing an economy's productive capacity. Still, regulatory hurdles, political instability, currency fluctuations, economic uncertainties, infrastructure limitations, cultural differences, and legal issues often hinder this goal. https://preview.redd.it/a4vajp7uv81d1.jpg?width=900&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=cb84d502fc0753f00532cff2fdbbac0fbe57ecb4 Overcoming the obstacles of FDI requires innovative solutions that address the needs of investors, companies, and regulators. By engaging with local suppliers and forming partnerships with domestic businesses, foreign-owned companies can create additional benefits for the host economy, such as productivity spillovers through various channels. According to FDI Markets, companies worldwide announced over $1.33 trillion worth of greenfield foreign direct investment in 2023, marking an increase of nearly 4% from the previous year. The growth markets opportunityWe consider growth markets among the most undervalued asset classes worldwide, characterized by strong and improving earnings growth and financial metrics such as return on equity, free cash flow yield, and dividend yield. These markets benefit from an economic growth advantage over developed ones, with growth rates in emerging economies outpacing those in developed markets.This growth trend is not solely reliant on China; other factors contribute, resulting in an upward trajectory for economic growth in growth markets while growth in developed markets decelerates. Globally, growth economies have typically rebounded from the global financial crisis faster than more advanced economies. Consequently, it's unsurprising that companies in developed nations are increasingly seeking avenues to expand their presence abroad. This quest for new growth opportunities has brought attention to foreign direct investment policies worldwide, offering a promising outlook for investors. According to the research conducted by Kearney, findings indicate a strong sense of investor optimism, with the potential for further growth over the next three years. A high percentage of respondents stated their intentions to boost their foreign direct investment in the coming years, and most expressed the view that FDI would play a more critical role in enhancing their corporate profitability and competitiveness over the next three years. The realization of FDI advantages also hinges on the purpose behind the investment. Without responsible business practices and thorough research, FDI may lead to unintended consequences for the recipient nation. The presence of foreign multinational corporations can occasionally spark concerns regarding their potential social and environmental implications, particularly concerning the erosion of labor standards and their involvement in the unsustainable exploitation of natural resources. Bringing FDI inChallenges facing foreign direct investment include navigating complex regulatory frameworks, cultural differences, and political instability in some regions.Developing countries encounter significant hurdles in attracting foreign direct investment, hindering their ability to fully capitalize on the associated benefits. In the past, developing countries have struggled to attract consistent foreign direct investment that could serve as a steady catalyst for economic growth, especially in sectors beyond oil and gas. Additionally, foreign investors have shown restrained interest due to concerns regarding regulatory and political risks and shortcomings in economic fundamentals such as infrastructure and human capital. Investors in developed nations, where most private capital is concentrated, might lack familiarity with growth markets and developing economies. Consequently, the perceived risks associated with conducting business beyond their accustomed environment could lead to higher risk premiums. This, in turn, has the potential to render projects non-bankable or non-viable for investors. However, developing nations should remain focused on enhancing the enabling environment. By doing so, they can attract greater private investment and ensure that these investments yield optimal outcomes and returns. This, in turn, fosters a cycle of increased investment. To stimulate increased FDI in developing countries, mechanisms for de-risking are essential. De-risking involves reallocating, sharing, or mitigating the existing or potential risks linked to the investment. In contrast, financial de-risking utilizes financial strategies to mitigate or diminish the risks linked with projects. This often entails public entities like donor governments, multilateral development banks, development financial institutions, and climate funds incentivizing private investors to invest capital by agreeing to assume a portion of the risk. De-risking can encompass various tactics, including debt, equity, and guarantees, distributing the risk among involved parties, or transferring it to a third party. The operational frameworkFDI has been increasingly utilized as a significant service for economic development, underscoring its crucial role in driving global economic growth and prosperity.A critical aspect of this entails reimagining the operational framework – essentially redesigning the approach through which the country attracts foreign direct investment. In numerous transformations, countries may need to reconsider their fundamental approach to FDI attraction and reassess their value proposition: identifying the appropriate target investor segments to engage with, the incentives and services to provide, and the model that can optimize FDI inflows and economic benefits. Moreover, FDI can act as a channel for the transfer of technology and aid in expediting digital transformation. It can enhance economic integration by bolstering access to global markets. Additionally, FDI plays a crucial role in supporting economies during and after economic downturns. FDI as a service aims to outline the structure of tasks, responsibilities, and relationships between stakeholders, allowing for clear delineation of connections between its constituent investors and host countries. Providing foreign direct investment as a comprehensive, end-to-end service enhances the potential value realized in growth markets. When executed effectively, this service facilitates seamless processes throughout the investment cycle, establishes methods for minimizing inefficiencies and maximizing effectiveness, sets standards for processes, integrates feedback mechanisms to encourage continual improvement, and optimizes handling of exceptions. Although the potential for FDI spill-overs is widely recognized, it's important not to assume their positive impacts. The realization of FDI benefits in the host economy relies on various factors, including the competitiveness of local producers, the strategic decisions of foreign-owned firms, and the technological disparities between domestic and foreign-owned firms, thereby affecting the absorptive capacity of local producers. FDI-as-a-serviceThis is where FDI-as-a-service comes in. This strategic approach involves top-down planning to optimize the outcomes of the investment portfolio by efficiently developing and delivering projects, with the aim to de-risk projects, scale investments, and optimize the overall outcome.Providing FDI as a service through end-to-end solutions significantly leverages tokenization to transform and democratize foreign direct investment in growth markets. Tokenization enables the fractional ownership of real-world assets, providing increased liquidity and democratizing access to sustainable investments for a wider range of investors. This process enhances asset management by enabling the automation and standardization of key operations through smart contracts. Crucial steps such as compliance verifications, investor credential checks, and dividend distributions are automated, drastically reducing the burdens of manual documentation and inconsistent records. Blockchain technology facilitates rapid settlement, reducing risks associated with counterparty transactions. Its transparency and traceability ensure that each transaction is logged, simplifying audits and enhancing accountability, which in turn helps prevent fraud and strengthens transactional integrity. The efficiencies gained through tokenization make the markets more accessible, lowering minimum investment sizes, diminishing geographical barriers, and allowing a wider range of participants. This increases both market volume and liquidity. Tokenization also supports nearly instantaneous settlements, further enhancing liquidity and benefiting both investors and traders. By converting tangible and intangible assets into digital tokens, tokenization revolutionizes access to investments. It allows for fractional ownership, enabling the division of high-value assets into smaller, more affordable units. This transformation opens up investment opportunities to a broader, more diverse audience, democratizing access and reducing entry barriers, making it an ideal strategy for attracting FDI into emerging markets. Tokenization on the blockchainTokenization of real-world assets, as part of FDI-as-a-service, involves converting tangible and intangible assets into digital tokens on a blockchain. These assets can include traditional ones like real estate, agricultural products, mining commodities, financial assets like equities and bonds, or even intellectual properties such as digital art.This process may involve assets that are simultaneously represented in traditional record systems (off-chain), or those exclusively managed on the blockchain (on-chain). The tokenization process generally unfolds in four essential steps, each critical to ensuring the asset's successful digital representation and integration into growth markets through FDI services. Tokenization of real-world assets as part of FDI-as-a-service boasts significant advantages, notably the democratization of access which potentially enhances liquidity through the fractionalization of assets, or the division of ownership into smaller, more manageable shares. This process can simplify previously labor-intensive manual procedures, reducing costs and making investment opportunities accessible to smaller investors within certain asset classes. Nonetheless, regulatory constraints may limit access to these investments, often restricting tokenized assets to accredited investors. Although fractionalization enhances liquidity and is an attractive proposition, the distribution of tokenized assets must achieve a much larger scale to fully realize true democratization of access. Furthermore, in the context of FDI as a service, the blockchain technology underlying the tokenization of real-world assets ensures complete transparency and immutability regarding ownership, transactions, and crucial market data, all verifiable by any participant. We are confident in the future of tokenized assets. One estimate suggests the market could even grow 30-fold by 2030, when it may reach a value of over $28 trillion.Foreign direct investment (FDI) is a driving force behind economic growth. Four experts in the field – Henrik von Scheel, Paul Lalovich, Emilija Vukovic, and Tesha Teshanovich – outline how the innovative concepts of FDI-as-a-service and real world asset (RWA) tokenization can help growth markets beef up their FDI attractiveness. The primary objective of FDI is to secure capital for investment. When conducive conditions are in place, FDI has the potential to foster job creation and sustainable development by enhancing an economy's productive capacity. Still, regulatory hurdles, political instability, currency fluctuations, economic uncertainties, infrastructure limitations, cultural differences, and legal issues often hinder this goal. Overcoming the obstacles of FDI requires innovative solutions that address the needs of investors, companies, and regulators. By engaging with local suppliers and forming partnerships with domestic businesses, foreign-owned companies can create additional benefits for the host economy, such as productivity spillovers through various channels. According to FDI Markets, companies worldwide announced over $1.33 trillion worth of greenfield foreign direct investment in 2023, marking an increase of nearly 4% from the previous year. The growth markets opportunity We consider growth markets among the most undervalued asset classes worldwide, characterized by strong and improving earnings growth and financial metrics such as return on equity, free cash flow yield, and dividend yield. These markets benefit from an economic growth advantage over developed ones, with growth rates in emerging economies outpacing those in developed markets. This growth trend is not solely reliant on China; other factors contribute, resulting in an upward trajectory for economic growth in growth markets while growth in developed markets decelerates. Globally, growth economies have typically rebounded from the global financial crisis faster than more advanced economies. Consequently, it's unsurprising that companies in developed nations are increasingly seeking avenues to expand their presence abroad. This quest for new growth opportunities has brought attention to foreign direct investment policies worldwide, offering a promising outlook for investors. According to the research conducted by Kearney, findings indicate a strong sense of investor optimism, with the potential for further growth over the next three years. A high percentage of respondents stated their intentions to boost their foreign direct investment in the coming years, and most expressed the view that FDI would play a more critical role in enhancing their corporate profitability and competitiveness over the next three years. The realization of FDI advantages also hinges on the purpose behind the investment. Without responsible business practices and thorough research, FDI may lead to unintended consequences for the recipient nation. The presence of foreign multinational corporations can occasionally spark concerns regarding their potential social and environmental implications, particularly concerning the erosion of labor standards and their involvement in the unsustainable exploitation of natural resources. Bringing FDI in Challenges facing foreign direct investment include navigating complex regulatory frameworks, cultural differences, and political instability in some regions. Developing countries encounter significant hurdles in attracting foreign direct investment, hindering their ability to fully capitalize on the associated benefits. In the past, developing countries have struggled to attract consistent foreign direct investment that could serve as a steady catalyst for economic growth, especially in sectors beyond oil and gas. Additionally, foreign investors have shown restrained interest due to concerns regarding regulatory and political risks and shortcomings in economic fundamentals such as infrastructure and human capital. Investors in developed nations, where most private capital is concentrated, might lack familiarity with growth markets and developing economies. Consequently, the perceived risks associated with conducting business beyond their accustomed environment could lead to higher risk premiums. This, in turn, has the potential to render projects non-bankable or non-viable for investors. However, developing nations should remain focused on enhancing the enabling environment. By doing so, they can attract greater private investment and ensure that these investments yield optimal outcomes and returns. This, in turn, fosters a cycle of increased investment. To stimulate increased FDI in developing countries, mechanisms for de-risking are essential. De-risking involves reallocating, sharing, or mitigating the existing or potential risks linked to the investment. In contrast, financial de-risking utilizes financial strategies to mitigate or diminish the risks linked with projects. This often entails public entities like donor governments, multilateral development banks, development financial institutions, and climate funds incentivizing private investors to invest capital by agreeing to assume a portion of the risk. De-risking can encompass various tactics, including debt, equity, and guarantees, distributing the risk among involved parties, or transferring it to a third party. The operational framework FDI has been increasingly utilized as a significant service for economic development, underscoring its crucial role in driving global economic growth and prosperity. A critical aspect of this entails reimagining the operational framework – essentially redesigning the approach through which the country attracts foreign direct investment. In numerous transformations, countries may need to reconsider their fundamental approach to FDI attraction and reassess their value proposition: identifying the appropriate target investor segments to engage with, the incentives and services to provide, and the model that can optimize FDI inflows and economic benefits. Moreover, FDI can act as a channel for the transfer of technology and aid in expediting digital transformation. It can enhance economic integration by bolstering access to global markets. Additionally, FDI plays a crucial role in supporting economies during and after economic downturns. FDI as a service aims to outline the structure of tasks, responsibilities, and relationships between stakeholders, allowing for clear delineation of connections between its constituent investors and host countries. Providing foreign direct investment as a comprehensive, end-to-end service enhances the potential value realized in growth markets. When executed effectively, this service facilitates seamless processes throughout the investment cycle, establishes methods for minimizing inefficiencies and maximizing effectiveness, sets standards for processes, integrates feedback mechanisms to encourage continual improvement, and optimizes handling of exceptions. Although the potential for FDI spill-overs is widely recognized, it's important not to assume their positive impacts. The realization of FDI benefits in the host economy relies on various factors, including the competitiveness of local producers, the strategic decisions of foreign-owned firms, and the technological disparities between domestic and foreign-owned firms, thereby affecting the absorptive capacity of local producers. FDI-as-a-service This is where FDI-as-a-service comes in. This strategic approach involves top-down planning to optimize the outcomes of the investment portfolio by efficiently developing and delivering projects, with the aim to de-risk projects, scale investments, and optimize the overall outcome. Providing FDI as a service through end-to-end solutions significantly leverages tokenization to transform and democratize foreign direct investment in growth markets. Tokenization enables the fractional ownership of real-world assets, providing increased liquidity and democratizing access to sustainable investments for a wider range of investors. This process enhances asset management by enabling the automation and standardization of key operations through smart contracts. Crucial steps such as compliance verifications, investor credential checks, and dividend distributions are automated, drastically reducing the burdens of manual documentation and inconsistent records. Blockchain technology facilitates rapid settlement, reducing risks associated with counterparty transactions. Its transparency and traceability ensure that each transaction is logged, simplifying audits and enhancing accountability, which in turn helps prevent fraud and strengthens transactional integrity. The efficiencies gained through tokenization make the markets more accessible, lowering minimum investment sizes, diminishing geographical barriers, and allowing a wider range of participants. This increases both market volume and liquidity. Tokenization also supports nearly instantaneous settlements, further enhancing liquidity and benefiting both investors and traders. By converting tangible and intangible assets into digital tokens, tokenization revolutionizes access to investments. It allows for fractional ownership, enabling the division of high-value assets into smaller, more affordable units. This transformation opens up investment opportunities to a broader, more diverse audience, democratizing access and reducing entry barriers, making it an ideal strategy for attracting FDI into emerging markets. Tokenization on the blockchain Tokenization of real-world assets, as part of FDI-as-a-service, involves converting tangible and intangible assets into digital tokens on a blockchain. These assets can include traditional ones like real estate, agricultural products, mining commodities, financial assets like equities and bonds, or even intellectual properties such as digital art. This process may involve assets that are simultaneously represented in traditional record systems (off-chain), or those exclusively managed on the blockchain (on-chain). The tokenization process generally unfolds in four essential steps, each critical to ensuring the asset's successful digital representation and integration into growth markets through FDI services. Tokenization of real-world assets as part of FDI-as-a-service boasts significant advantages, notably the democratization of access which potentially enhances liquidity through the fractionalization of assets, or the division of ownership into smaller, more manageable shares. This process can simplify previously labor-intensive manual procedures, reducing costs and making investment opportunities accessible to smaller investors within certain asset classes. Nonetheless, regulatory constraints may limit access to these investments, often restricting tokenized assets to accredited investors. Although fractionalization enhances liquidity and is an attractive proposition, the distribution of tokenized assets must achieve a much larger scale to fully realize true democratization of access. Furthermore, in the context of FDI as a service, the blockchain technology underlying the tokenization of real-world assets ensures complete transparency and immutability regarding ownership, transactions, and crucial market data, all verifiable by any participant. We are confident in the future of tokenized assets. One estimate suggests the market could even grow 30-fold by 2030, when it may reach a value of over $28 trillion. |
2024.05.18 21:56 CuriousAnachronism 24 [M4M] Germany/Europe/Online - Fiat iustitia, et pereat mundus
Prologue
Hello and welcome to my post. I will subdivide this into two large parts. One will cover my thoughts, feelings, my hopes and dreams...While the other will tell you the specifics of how I pass the time, what topics interest me, what passions do I posses. I believe that at the end of this leap into my inner world, you dear reader, will have all the necessary information to judge whether we are compatible or not.
Part I
I am writing this in the hopes of finding something that I lack. Lately I have had this feeling, this tinge of melancholy within the dephts of my being, this yearning to find a kindred spirit, another Soul, much like mine, to form a bond with. Perhaps Loneliness is the right word for what is bothering me, but to use it seems to carry with it a connotation of ungratefulness. Ungratefulness for the people that I do have in my life, although none of them, of course, have the connection to me that I seek here.
I have found it increasingly necessary to seek in this Life a sort of purity of thought. What I mean is, I have began to undestand what ideas and concepts are ultimately compatible with my inner most Self, ergo what guidelines I have to follow to feel the most whole. Naturally I have likewise realised what I cannot add to my Self and what I will henceforth reject with all the power that I posses.
With this new context in mind, I now follow on the path of self improvement. I will now begin to mold my Self into my perfected idea of how the Self should be. This is certainly a significant undertaking, one that will not be easy to follow through on but one that I ultimately have to do. To me such context is essential. It is akin to a Guiding Star shining in the night. I will follow this Star for without it I am lost in the vast Darkness.
Looking back at my life, it was suboptimal, especially if one compares the way it molded me to how I will now mold myself. I suppose I must look on with a hint of regret at all that time which one might consider to be lost. Still... I try to stave off such decisively negative interpretations, after all, I have ultimately came to these conclusions. That means that somewhere along the line I had to have picked up on enough of such ideas for them to become so cemented in my consciousness. Well, either that or I was always like this, but in that case I can at least thank my life up to this point for not being able to supress such manifestations of my inner most Self.
To add to the topic of my life, I must admit that not all the battles have yet been won, not all the Demons vanquished, not every Mountain climbed. I want you to keep such things in mind when deciding whether or not to approach me. Many will shy away, I undestand that much, but the pursuit of true Companionship is just another such battle. Having said all that I do believe that being able to overcome hurdles together carries with it a certain appeal. That is to say, what's the fun in joining once the Game is already over?
I don't shy away from such challenges, perhaps to a fault. Certain troubles that I faced in the past carry with them a long shadow over my current health and well being. Still, I intend to change little in this regard other than the proficiency with which I will clash the current of my Will against the cliffs of Life.
Part II
In this part of my post I will tell you about my interests and hobbies, I will try to be thorough, commonality in this regard is rather important to build a relationship
History. I have had an interest in history for almost a decade now, it started back in school and developed from there. Well, now that I think about it one could argue that it started even earlier in my life as I liked watching the odd historic documentary or film aired on television but it wasn't regular back then, I never actively sought it out. I am mostly interested in European history in the period between the 18th-20th century but I sometimes branch out to other time periods and other parts of the world. I watch various channels related to history and read articles and sometimes books. I have recently got a few books on the German revolution of 1848/1849 and a historical magazine on the Thirty Years' War. Besides that I try to visit museums sometimes.
Literature. Especially old novels. I like to immerse myself in the Worlds of these books, I tend to read them while listening to thematically fitting music and take my time with them. One time you are following a troubled Youth in his quest for spiritual understanding of the world, another you see the aged and decrepit Doctor gambling his very Soul on the promises of abtaining satisfaction in earthy pleasures, then again your olfaction notices the most pleasant scent known to man even as the one eminating it has the appearance of a revolting Frog. These and many other stories open up to you once you decide to set foot into the literary World.
Languages. I know three, with one being a bit rusty. I am currently working intently on strengthening it. I believe that if I continue to apply myself in this regard then I should be able to finally conquer it. What language am I working on? Well, if you were to stack all the major works in it they would be as tall as a house... It is fun to go through different works in multiple languages, the same goes for film, games and such.
Games. I recently played Cyberpunk 2077. Well as recently as I played any major story centric game. Now that the dust has settled and the bugs mostly removed...It's not that bad. The main questline at least. Besides that I tried Fallout 76 (Very average, I'm dissapointed with what they made the "RPG" system) and I might give Deus Ex Manking Divided another spin (since it's somewhat similar to Cyberpunk when it comes to its aesthetics). Dark Souls is one of my favorite series, I still haven't beaten Elden Ring though. When it came out I wasn't in the right mindset to invest a hundred hours into it, with all those bosses and difficult locations. I think I'll only consider playing it if I am streaming it to someone. I am generally interested in either streaming games or having the person I am talking to stream them to me. To be specific I mean streaming to a single person while being on call. Besides that I'm a big fan of Paradox strategy games, especially Europa Universalis IV and Heats of Iron IV, I tend to only play single player since I find multiplayer with many people to be rather stressful but on the other hand I have nothing against a co-op game. I'm not the best player though, despite the ammount of hours I have in them. Another great game I would mention would be Dragon's Dogma. A very underrated RPG. I recently beat it again and it was an atmospheric and interesting experience. It is one of those games that feel like they have an endless ammount of depth and constant new secrets to discover.
Anime and Manga. In recent times my interest in them has waned but I still watch the occasional series here and there. Like Cyberpunk Edgerunners (Which I found to be rather mediocre) and the very good first season from the new arc of Bleach. Some of my favourite series include: Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood, Death Note, Fate;Zero, Psycho Pass, Code Geass and Attack on Titan. I wouldn't mind if you were to introduce me to some new series, maybe based on the ones I mentioned. My favourite Manga is Berserk which I still follow, althought I am still not certain on the direction that the new author is taking. I suppose it really is a matter of contention whether a somewhat (or considerably warped) vision is better than an unfinished work. One could argue that a few novels remain unfinished and possess a macabre appeal to them as such.
Music. Classical music has a very special place in my heart. A few of my favourite pieces would be: Clair de Lune, Nocturne Op. 9 No.2, Devil's Trill Sonata, Danse Macabre, Valse Sentimentale, Symphony No. 7 in A Major, Op. 92: II. Alegreto (by Beethoven) and Suite from Swan Lake, Op. 20a: I. Scene. Moderato. There are more but these ones always invoke something in me when I listen to them. Besides Classical I also enjoy listening to Synthwave, old Western pop and J-pop, both modern and from the 20th century.
Esotericism. I am interested in things spiritual, mystical, magical and esoteric. I have read religios texts, magical grimoires, introductions to various schools of thought. It is interesting to me.
Epilogue
Hopefully I was able to cast the spotlight upon my inner World in a clear and unequivocal manner. I feel the need to add to the aforementioned that I am rather introverted, which means that I tend to dislike large social gatherings. I managed to condition myself to be able to endure the presense of large groups of people but it isn't something that I would seek out in most cases. Besides that I am neurodivergent and suffer from certain issues with mental health. I have to take medication to keep myself under control. They work well enough but certain days are harder than others. I respect the struggle that others have with mental health but in the context of a relationship I have my limits, no one with BDP for instance. I am also not looking for anything casual. I understand than one cannot demand depth and meaning from a conversation with an absolute stranger, that is akin to trying to build a sand castle right before the waves strike but I ask at least that you enter with a mindset that this might become something of significance. I also do want to say that I am completely Monogamous. My preference? The sickly, pale, intellectual who watches rain droplets slide down the window in Autumn. Lastly, if I enjoy the company of a person I tend to not want to let them go.
Thank you for taking the time to read my post and have a good day. I ask that you send a DM instead of a chat and that you give the English translation of my title as your own.
Goodbye...Or perhaps untill we meet again
submitted by CuriousAnachronism to ForeverAloneDating [link] [comments]
Hello and welcome to my post. I will subdivide this into two large parts. One will cover my thoughts, feelings, my hopes and dreams...While the other will tell you the specifics of how I pass the time, what topics interest me, what passions do I posses. I believe that at the end of this leap into my inner world, you dear reader, will have all the necessary information to judge whether we are compatible or not.
Part I
I am writing this in the hopes of finding something that I lack. Lately I have had this feeling, this tinge of melancholy within the dephts of my being, this yearning to find a kindred spirit, another Soul, much like mine, to form a bond with. Perhaps Loneliness is the right word for what is bothering me, but to use it seems to carry with it a connotation of ungratefulness. Ungratefulness for the people that I do have in my life, although none of them, of course, have the connection to me that I seek here.
I have found it increasingly necessary to seek in this Life a sort of purity of thought. What I mean is, I have began to undestand what ideas and concepts are ultimately compatible with my inner most Self, ergo what guidelines I have to follow to feel the most whole. Naturally I have likewise realised what I cannot add to my Self and what I will henceforth reject with all the power that I posses.
With this new context in mind, I now follow on the path of self improvement. I will now begin to mold my Self into my perfected idea of how the Self should be. This is certainly a significant undertaking, one that will not be easy to follow through on but one that I ultimately have to do. To me such context is essential. It is akin to a Guiding Star shining in the night. I will follow this Star for without it I am lost in the vast Darkness.
Looking back at my life, it was suboptimal, especially if one compares the way it molded me to how I will now mold myself. I suppose I must look on with a hint of regret at all that time which one might consider to be lost. Still... I try to stave off such decisively negative interpretations, after all, I have ultimately came to these conclusions. That means that somewhere along the line I had to have picked up on enough of such ideas for them to become so cemented in my consciousness. Well, either that or I was always like this, but in that case I can at least thank my life up to this point for not being able to supress such manifestations of my inner most Self.
To add to the topic of my life, I must admit that not all the battles have yet been won, not all the Demons vanquished, not every Mountain climbed. I want you to keep such things in mind when deciding whether or not to approach me. Many will shy away, I undestand that much, but the pursuit of true Companionship is just another such battle. Having said all that I do believe that being able to overcome hurdles together carries with it a certain appeal. That is to say, what's the fun in joining once the Game is already over?
I don't shy away from such challenges, perhaps to a fault. Certain troubles that I faced in the past carry with them a long shadow over my current health and well being. Still, I intend to change little in this regard other than the proficiency with which I will clash the current of my Will against the cliffs of Life.
Part II
In this part of my post I will tell you about my interests and hobbies, I will try to be thorough, commonality in this regard is rather important to build a relationship
History. I have had an interest in history for almost a decade now, it started back in school and developed from there. Well, now that I think about it one could argue that it started even earlier in my life as I liked watching the odd historic documentary or film aired on television but it wasn't regular back then, I never actively sought it out. I am mostly interested in European history in the period between the 18th-20th century but I sometimes branch out to other time periods and other parts of the world. I watch various channels related to history and read articles and sometimes books. I have recently got a few books on the German revolution of 1848/1849 and a historical magazine on the Thirty Years' War. Besides that I try to visit museums sometimes.
Literature. Especially old novels. I like to immerse myself in the Worlds of these books, I tend to read them while listening to thematically fitting music and take my time with them. One time you are following a troubled Youth in his quest for spiritual understanding of the world, another you see the aged and decrepit Doctor gambling his very Soul on the promises of abtaining satisfaction in earthy pleasures, then again your olfaction notices the most pleasant scent known to man even as the one eminating it has the appearance of a revolting Frog. These and many other stories open up to you once you decide to set foot into the literary World.
Languages. I know three, with one being a bit rusty. I am currently working intently on strengthening it. I believe that if I continue to apply myself in this regard then I should be able to finally conquer it. What language am I working on? Well, if you were to stack all the major works in it they would be as tall as a house... It is fun to go through different works in multiple languages, the same goes for film, games and such.
Games. I recently played Cyberpunk 2077. Well as recently as I played any major story centric game. Now that the dust has settled and the bugs mostly removed...It's not that bad. The main questline at least. Besides that I tried Fallout 76 (Very average, I'm dissapointed with what they made the "RPG" system) and I might give Deus Ex Manking Divided another spin (since it's somewhat similar to Cyberpunk when it comes to its aesthetics). Dark Souls is one of my favorite series, I still haven't beaten Elden Ring though. When it came out I wasn't in the right mindset to invest a hundred hours into it, with all those bosses and difficult locations. I think I'll only consider playing it if I am streaming it to someone. I am generally interested in either streaming games or having the person I am talking to stream them to me. To be specific I mean streaming to a single person while being on call. Besides that I'm a big fan of Paradox strategy games, especially Europa Universalis IV and Heats of Iron IV, I tend to only play single player since I find multiplayer with many people to be rather stressful but on the other hand I have nothing against a co-op game. I'm not the best player though, despite the ammount of hours I have in them. Another great game I would mention would be Dragon's Dogma. A very underrated RPG. I recently beat it again and it was an atmospheric and interesting experience. It is one of those games that feel like they have an endless ammount of depth and constant new secrets to discover.
Anime and Manga. In recent times my interest in them has waned but I still watch the occasional series here and there. Like Cyberpunk Edgerunners (Which I found to be rather mediocre) and the very good first season from the new arc of Bleach. Some of my favourite series include: Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood, Death Note, Fate;Zero, Psycho Pass, Code Geass and Attack on Titan. I wouldn't mind if you were to introduce me to some new series, maybe based on the ones I mentioned. My favourite Manga is Berserk which I still follow, althought I am still not certain on the direction that the new author is taking. I suppose it really is a matter of contention whether a somewhat (or considerably warped) vision is better than an unfinished work. One could argue that a few novels remain unfinished and possess a macabre appeal to them as such.
Music. Classical music has a very special place in my heart. A few of my favourite pieces would be: Clair de Lune, Nocturne Op. 9 No.2, Devil's Trill Sonata, Danse Macabre, Valse Sentimentale, Symphony No. 7 in A Major, Op. 92: II. Alegreto (by Beethoven) and Suite from Swan Lake, Op. 20a: I. Scene. Moderato. There are more but these ones always invoke something in me when I listen to them. Besides Classical I also enjoy listening to Synthwave, old Western pop and J-pop, both modern and from the 20th century.
Esotericism. I am interested in things spiritual, mystical, magical and esoteric. I have read religios texts, magical grimoires, introductions to various schools of thought. It is interesting to me.
Epilogue
Hopefully I was able to cast the spotlight upon my inner World in a clear and unequivocal manner. I feel the need to add to the aforementioned that I am rather introverted, which means that I tend to dislike large social gatherings. I managed to condition myself to be able to endure the presense of large groups of people but it isn't something that I would seek out in most cases. Besides that I am neurodivergent and suffer from certain issues with mental health. I have to take medication to keep myself under control. They work well enough but certain days are harder than others. I respect the struggle that others have with mental health but in the context of a relationship I have my limits, no one with BDP for instance. I am also not looking for anything casual. I understand than one cannot demand depth and meaning from a conversation with an absolute stranger, that is akin to trying to build a sand castle right before the waves strike but I ask at least that you enter with a mindset that this might become something of significance. I also do want to say that I am completely Monogamous. My preference? The sickly, pale, intellectual who watches rain droplets slide down the window in Autumn. Lastly, if I enjoy the company of a person I tend to not want to let them go.
Thank you for taking the time to read my post and have a good day. I ask that you send a DM instead of a chat and that you give the English translation of my title as your own.
Goodbye...Or perhaps untill we meet again
2024.05.18 21:51 MarBlaze Should I automate the awning outside the guest room or leave it up to guests? [Netherlands]
Need opinions from guests (and hosts) about what they would like. We've been renting out our guest room (homeshare) on Airbnb for a year with great success. The room, located on the 2nd floor, has large south-facing windows, making it quite warm on sunny days. It has an awning with room controls to manage the sunlight. We don't have air conditioning due to HOA restrictions (apartment building) and it's a rarity in Amsterdam. The sun is facing the windows and entering the room from 8 AM untill 4:30 PM.
We've automated our living room awning to open on sunny days and want to do the same for the guest room. Although no one has complained about the heat, one guest suggested air conditioning. My husband prefers to leave the awning operation to the guests.
Negatives: - Opening the awning makes a motorized noise. It only takes 10-15 seconds but will definently wake your up if your sleeping. - Some guests might prefer a warmer room. - It's not easy to disable the automation upon guest request.
Positives: - Automation ensures the awning opens even if guests forget, keeping the room cooler. Especially if they have left before sun enters their room. - It helps guests unfamiliar with an awning.
I support automation, but my husband is concerned about the noise. My compromise is to set it to open at 10 AM, assuming most guests are awake by then (we have had a couple of late sleepers sleeping in untill noon). What do you think?
View Poll
submitted by MarBlaze to AirBnB [link] [comments]
We've automated our living room awning to open on sunny days and want to do the same for the guest room. Although no one has complained about the heat, one guest suggested air conditioning. My husband prefers to leave the awning operation to the guests.
Negatives: - Opening the awning makes a motorized noise. It only takes 10-15 seconds but will definently wake your up if your sleeping. - Some guests might prefer a warmer room. - It's not easy to disable the automation upon guest request.
Positives: - Automation ensures the awning opens even if guests forget, keeping the room cooler. Especially if they have left before sun enters their room. - It helps guests unfamiliar with an awning.
I support automation, but my husband is concerned about the noise. My compromise is to set it to open at 10 AM, assuming most guests are awake by then (we have had a couple of late sleepers sleeping in untill noon). What do you think?
View Poll
2024.05.18 21:49 JgorinacR1 Had an amazing Cinematic like moment in Dynamic Conquest Campaign
Relatively new player here and just wanted to share an Epic moment I had a few nights ago. It was a defensive mission in conquest and the enemy had brought up a mortar and an AT gun that was causing some real issues for me. They eventually moved close enough to start pounding my defenses with the mortar. In response I attempted to counter barrage them but was unsuccessful due to how close to the front I had to get. I make an audible and shifted 4 units to the right flank to attempt to push up to the mortars.
In doing so I discovered that AT gun as it obliterated 2 men that was part of the flank. I shift another 2 men alongside the 2 that survived that initial blow. So I’m with enough men now and I proceed to make my move. I begin to advance the men, place 2 behind a blindspot safe from the AT but in position to provide suporting fire. I switch to direct control and storm a trench and take out 2 men. During all this mortars are constantly landing around my men. I’m issuing move and prone commands left and right to the other men. I shift back to the man in the trench and kill another German in the same trench. Right after that a mortar lands right at my feet, in the trench, and I’m blasted back into the RTS view. 2 men left.
The next spot in the advance is this divot in the landscape that connects to a pillbox facing a direction of the edge of the map. I shift the remaining men there and go prone to avoid line of sight on the AT gun. Mind you, mortars are still raining all this time. Suddenly a second push on my left flank breaks out so my attention is diverted for a brief moment to move some men into better positions. I shift back to my 2 men and right as I do I see a German crest the hill of the divot and start sprinting right to my men. Here comes the highlight moment. As I see what is happening I click the riflemen, hit E and right as the camera switched to first person an enemy mortar shell lands right behind the German resulting in his body getting thrown over my prone man. Saved by the same unit I sent them into to eliminate! I then used these men in direct control to eliminate the first mortar followed by the other and the ATG. These 2 men then get reinforced and proceed to roll through the rest of the enemies through the now open flank. Game ends with a victory.
The sheer cinematic nature of such a moment will forever be a memory for me in this game. When that German was mid air time felt slowed down for a few seconds. As I get older these are the moments that leave lasting impressions on me in video games. To have such an epic moment play out completely unscripted is MWUAH.
submitted by JgorinacR1 to GatesOfHellOstfront [link] [comments]
In doing so I discovered that AT gun as it obliterated 2 men that was part of the flank. I shift another 2 men alongside the 2 that survived that initial blow. So I’m with enough men now and I proceed to make my move. I begin to advance the men, place 2 behind a blindspot safe from the AT but in position to provide suporting fire. I switch to direct control and storm a trench and take out 2 men. During all this mortars are constantly landing around my men. I’m issuing move and prone commands left and right to the other men. I shift back to the man in the trench and kill another German in the same trench. Right after that a mortar lands right at my feet, in the trench, and I’m blasted back into the RTS view. 2 men left.
The next spot in the advance is this divot in the landscape that connects to a pillbox facing a direction of the edge of the map. I shift the remaining men there and go prone to avoid line of sight on the AT gun. Mind you, mortars are still raining all this time. Suddenly a second push on my left flank breaks out so my attention is diverted for a brief moment to move some men into better positions. I shift back to my 2 men and right as I do I see a German crest the hill of the divot and start sprinting right to my men. Here comes the highlight moment. As I see what is happening I click the riflemen, hit E and right as the camera switched to first person an enemy mortar shell lands right behind the German resulting in his body getting thrown over my prone man. Saved by the same unit I sent them into to eliminate! I then used these men in direct control to eliminate the first mortar followed by the other and the ATG. These 2 men then get reinforced and proceed to roll through the rest of the enemies through the now open flank. Game ends with a victory.
The sheer cinematic nature of such a moment will forever be a memory for me in this game. When that German was mid air time felt slowed down for a few seconds. As I get older these are the moments that leave lasting impressions on me in video games. To have such an epic moment play out completely unscripted is MWUAH.
2024.05.18 21:49 Agreeable_Income3763 Six Senses Con Dao 2024 offer
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2024.05.18 21:28 -Stevo Do Americans need another civil war?
Long overdue. Half the delusional people in America would either have to wake up or shut up. Everybody feels their freedoms slowly slipping away in the states. I say this as I am traveling through the middle eastern countries.
All the awful politics, picking between two terrible candidates in their 80s. It’s a sick joke and Americans still think they don’t have a choice to go outside of red or blue. Stop signing up for people who tell you what you want to hear for a living just so they can let you down every election. Especially black folks. Jesus Christ….
Feminism….. So we are just going to act like the state of our women in America is sustainable? Screw it…let’s be Frank. Our women are too smart to have children and take instruction from their men, but still too dumb to recognize they are working twice as hard now for less pay as they say, as well as not knowing the dark side of what will happen when the men who put this civilization together decide “F it. Not worth the squeeze”
Is it a curse or gift to be a fool? I don’t blame females for going completely insane when left to their own devices. That’s what females will do if there is lack of guidance and instruction. Men learn about what LINES to cross early. Men all have a mutual respect for each other because they know better. We learn quick what is acceptable. Any form of disrespect or habitual line crossing will be met with severe consequences. Natural order. What we failed to factor into the equation was WOMEN and CHILDREN. Honestly, it was stupid to give rights to either from a logical standpoint. What wise men deemed it smart to grant full autonomy to two creatures who are not built for battle? Once again natural order.
….. of course all the propaganda and programming will now try to shame anyone with this clear view. It’s easier to take advantage of a whole village of single mother homes. How do you feel safe as a woman with children in a home by yourself? This is how you can tell Americans have never left the United States and visited other countries. Should honestly be mandatory study abroad at 18 or get recruited for the services.
Each year it becomes harder to afford living cost in America. Making 6 figures to survive as a single person is ridiculous. If I were the government, I would be laughing at this point on how people have that much faith and dependency on a system that has been royally ****** them raw since the 70s. Nope. These sheep get up everyday to sell their soul to a machine that doesn’t even know their name. Why do you think the highest rated film is The Godfather or Shawshank redemption? Easy…. Because they know the human psyche craves that kind of freedom, but would never take ANY risk for a better outcome.
These other countries have no guns, so when they revolt, they usually get what they were demanding. I get that a revolt in America would cause massive deaths because of the amount of firepower we have, but have you noticed how not one small militia of people have even attempted in modern day America? That’s some pretty impressive programming. I am not inciting violence. I’m just very surprised it has not happened once. 50 civilian men with rifles rolling through any major city raiding? Who would stop that? The police? National guard? Military? Prisoners in our own home….
Mental illness is mental illness… Don’t call homosexuality or body dysmorphia a psychological issue and then have children getting sex changes allowing them to gay parades as well as telling every girl with a big nose and small assets to start chopping/adding. Just like weed, when it became lucrative for the system, it wasn’t seen as negative anymore. I hear folks saying now “Well, that’s just how it is. It’s all business” … Oh yea? Was it business when all the major pharmaceutical companies orchestrated a complete shutdown of the world to administer a new vaccine they made record profits on because it was subsidized by the government? The people fought over mask and toilet paper. The virus only defeated .001 of the world population. I couldn’t even walk the stage my final semester of university 2020! I’m not too upset. These kids can’t even read getting promoted to the 6 grade. Missed proms.
Just say you lack the intestinal fortitude to fight back against this obvious oppressive system that your dumb enough to think is free or admit you don’t know who’s head exactly we should be coming for first. THE POLITICIANS….HOLD THEM ACCOUNTABLE
Make the rule that 90% of what they promised must be delivered or they literally get guillotined on live tv. GUARANTEE you won’t have too many career politicians anymore. The fact that they treat politics like a game show or sports team in the states is very telling about its people. It’s shameful to say the least. They know their average citizen is weak, stupid, and broken to pull what they do.
I’m not finished. Boomers have to go as well. That greedy generation is clogging up the center. F your grandpa. They were hoping Covid would gobble up your granny.
I’m not finished. They better bring those gas prices down before folks get to “politely” asking the gas attendant to press the button and I don’t mean for aiwater.
I’m not finished. Paying illegal immigrants less because you refuse to pay US citizens more is not an excuse to say Americans refuse to do this line of work. What do you think crackheads and college students were doing in the 80s? If they pay actual livable wages, the US citizens wouldn’t be in a state of desperation. They would have to be treated like actual humans and not wage slaves.
I’m not finished. No amount of time will pass on that American Slavery thing. The amount of trauma on black communities that came with that dark time will be repaid. If it is not repaid, then it will be known that the system was designed for them to fail(poor education, housing, medical, mental health) or transferring that level of wealth over would make America lose its advantage it created off free labor.
I’ll think of more to rant about later but I’m enjoying another country right now, so I have to go before the sun goes down
submitted by -Stevo to BidenIsNotMyPresident [link] [comments]
All the awful politics, picking between two terrible candidates in their 80s. It’s a sick joke and Americans still think they don’t have a choice to go outside of red or blue. Stop signing up for people who tell you what you want to hear for a living just so they can let you down every election. Especially black folks. Jesus Christ….
Feminism….. So we are just going to act like the state of our women in America is sustainable? Screw it…let’s be Frank. Our women are too smart to have children and take instruction from their men, but still too dumb to recognize they are working twice as hard now for less pay as they say, as well as not knowing the dark side of what will happen when the men who put this civilization together decide “F it. Not worth the squeeze”
Is it a curse or gift to be a fool? I don’t blame females for going completely insane when left to their own devices. That’s what females will do if there is lack of guidance and instruction. Men learn about what LINES to cross early. Men all have a mutual respect for each other because they know better. We learn quick what is acceptable. Any form of disrespect or habitual line crossing will be met with severe consequences. Natural order. What we failed to factor into the equation was WOMEN and CHILDREN. Honestly, it was stupid to give rights to either from a logical standpoint. What wise men deemed it smart to grant full autonomy to two creatures who are not built for battle? Once again natural order.
….. of course all the propaganda and programming will now try to shame anyone with this clear view. It’s easier to take advantage of a whole village of single mother homes. How do you feel safe as a woman with children in a home by yourself? This is how you can tell Americans have never left the United States and visited other countries. Should honestly be mandatory study abroad at 18 or get recruited for the services.
Each year it becomes harder to afford living cost in America. Making 6 figures to survive as a single person is ridiculous. If I were the government, I would be laughing at this point on how people have that much faith and dependency on a system that has been royally ****** them raw since the 70s. Nope. These sheep get up everyday to sell their soul to a machine that doesn’t even know their name. Why do you think the highest rated film is The Godfather or Shawshank redemption? Easy…. Because they know the human psyche craves that kind of freedom, but would never take ANY risk for a better outcome.
These other countries have no guns, so when they revolt, they usually get what they were demanding. I get that a revolt in America would cause massive deaths because of the amount of firepower we have, but have you noticed how not one small militia of people have even attempted in modern day America? That’s some pretty impressive programming. I am not inciting violence. I’m just very surprised it has not happened once. 50 civilian men with rifles rolling through any major city raiding? Who would stop that? The police? National guard? Military? Prisoners in our own home….
Mental illness is mental illness… Don’t call homosexuality or body dysmorphia a psychological issue and then have children getting sex changes allowing them to gay parades as well as telling every girl with a big nose and small assets to start chopping/adding. Just like weed, when it became lucrative for the system, it wasn’t seen as negative anymore. I hear folks saying now “Well, that’s just how it is. It’s all business” … Oh yea? Was it business when all the major pharmaceutical companies orchestrated a complete shutdown of the world to administer a new vaccine they made record profits on because it was subsidized by the government? The people fought over mask and toilet paper. The virus only defeated .001 of the world population. I couldn’t even walk the stage my final semester of university 2020! I’m not too upset. These kids can’t even read getting promoted to the 6 grade. Missed proms.
Just say you lack the intestinal fortitude to fight back against this obvious oppressive system that your dumb enough to think is free or admit you don’t know who’s head exactly we should be coming for first. THE POLITICIANS….HOLD THEM ACCOUNTABLE
Make the rule that 90% of what they promised must be delivered or they literally get guillotined on live tv. GUARANTEE you won’t have too many career politicians anymore. The fact that they treat politics like a game show or sports team in the states is very telling about its people. It’s shameful to say the least. They know their average citizen is weak, stupid, and broken to pull what they do.
I’m not finished. Boomers have to go as well. That greedy generation is clogging up the center. F your grandpa. They were hoping Covid would gobble up your granny.
I’m not finished. They better bring those gas prices down before folks get to “politely” asking the gas attendant to press the button and I don’t mean for aiwater.
I’m not finished. Paying illegal immigrants less because you refuse to pay US citizens more is not an excuse to say Americans refuse to do this line of work. What do you think crackheads and college students were doing in the 80s? If they pay actual livable wages, the US citizens wouldn’t be in a state of desperation. They would have to be treated like actual humans and not wage slaves.
I’m not finished. No amount of time will pass on that American Slavery thing. The amount of trauma on black communities that came with that dark time will be repaid. If it is not repaid, then it will be known that the system was designed for them to fail(poor education, housing, medical, mental health) or transferring that level of wealth over would make America lose its advantage it created off free labor.
I’ll think of more to rant about later but I’m enjoying another country right now, so I have to go before the sun goes down
2024.05.18 21:28 Darken_Dark Is China Manchu or Han? NO, it is HUI!
 | As a next part of my “Funny warlords” series we have famous general of Xibei San Ma, the cousin of great Ma Zhongying !!! Ma Bufang !! To be honest not the best warlord state. The war with Tibet and Mongolia is fun but after that forming China is hell. Most of my playthrough is had 3-4 civ and I only managed to form China in 1943 (becouse manually justifing agaist the Qing to get Beijing and i could do that only in late 1940 becouse second weltkrieg thing) while I normally form china in 1941 or early 1942 (exept Komul Khanate of course). submitted by Darken_Dark to Kaiserreich [link] [comments] First war with Japan was hell and I did conditional victory but did come fot them again in 1949. I recomend the nation as it could be fun but don’t try to unite China it is not worth it. Also is China now muslim or what? I also read up on Ma Bufang expecting him to be some brutal warlord but it turns out he was one of the least brutal warlord. He expended women rights, put laws to protect the nature and ended slavery in Tibet and Mongol lands under his control. He reportedly as a person was nice when not in battle and had good humor. Only criticism of him is could find is him trying to assimilate Tibetian people into Chinese culture. Next on the list of funny warlords is gonna be someone from Totalist. Guess who. And after that Fentian. |
2024.05.18 21:25 Spooker0 The Next Line Will Hold (Human Military Advisors)
Location: Defense Line Husky, Datsot-3
POV: Motsotaer, Malgeir Federation Planetary Defense Force (Rank: Pack Member)The shrieking whistle of incoming artillery shell was among the most terrifying noises known to living beings.
Sheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeew. Boom. Boom. Boom.
But it meant you were still alive.
Pack Member Motsotaer wondered if the poor pups in the forward trenches heard them coming as the enemy high explosive pounded into their lines.
Boom. Boom. Boom.
One of their anti-aircraft concrete bunkers took a direct hit; its roof collapsed on itself with a loud crumble.
Grass Eater artillery was voluminous, destructive, but scariest of all, it was incredibly precise. Their intelligence assets in orbit knew all, saw all. Their kill chains were short. Once they saw you, they would call it in, and the remainder of your life was measured in minutes and seconds.
There was nothing vegetarian about the efficient and bloodthirsty way the long-eared Grass Eaters fought, and the numerous intelligent predator species they’d exterminated on their way to Datsot… some of those tales gave even Motsotaer nightmares.
The defenders of Datsot had no choice. No choice but to defend their homes against the psychotic enemies pounding their lines to bits. And the ones who remained had learned the hard lessons of war, either through experience earned by blood or via the process of not-so-natural selection.
Motsotaer clutched his rifle against his chest as he laid in his own shallow hole, eyes closed. If the end was going to come for him, there was nothing else he could do but huddle in his freshly-dug grave.
Boom. Boom. Boom.
The blasts continued walking across the defense lines, undoubtedly killing scores of his comrades. But he accompanied each shockwave with a sigh of relief; they let him know that he was still alive. Still breathing.
One final rumble. And then there was silence across the battlefield.
Motsotaer waited a minute before he peeked out — another lesson that smart defenders of Datsot had discovered the hard way. A couple brave medics were already on the move, their shouts left and right, pulling bodies and the groaning injured alike out of the rubble aftermath of the shelling.
With a grunt, he pulled himself out of his hole, rushing towards the neighboring anti-air bunker. The concrete roof had collapsed, but he could still hear cries from the dark. He squeezed through the cluttered entrance.
It was a mess on the inside. The lights were all gone. Scattered sandbags. It smelled like blood and death, and he pushed aside the still body of a Head Pack Leader he only knew of, only to find the corpse of yet another Pack Member, her limbs sprawled in an unnatural position.
“Anyone still alive in here?” he asked in the dark as his eyes adjusted. “Hello?”
There were a series of loud coughs. “I’m here. I’m here.”
“Pack Leader Nidvid!” he shouted as he recognized the familiar shrill voice. “Keep talking! Where are you?”
“Here. I’m here. Help me up.”
As she continued to cough, he had the sense to fish a flashlight out of his pocket, fumbling around until he found the on button. As the light activated, he could see Nidvid half-buried in the dirt, her lower limbs trapped beneath some sand from the broken sandbags.
“Pack Leader!” He got onto his front paws and started digging. “Are you injured?”
“I don’t think so,” she shook her head in the dim lighting as she experimentally wriggled her legs. “Here, I think I’m loose. Help me up.”
Motsotaer grasped her under her arms, and with a heavy grunt, pulled her out of the dirt.
“Whew,” she said, checking her body again for wounds. Nidvid looked around at the other bodies splayed in the bunker. “Oh no… Head Pack Leader…”
“That was a close one. I can’t believe you lived through that!”
“Yeah, me neither… Wait a second,” Nidvid said as she began rummaging through a pile of rubble near the Head Pack Leader’s body. “The radio…”
“What are you looking for?” he asked as he aimed his flashlight towards where she was looking.
“Oh no, no, no…” her voice trailed off as she picked up the device she’d been looking for. “Our hardline communicator…” It was clearly broken from the strike, its shell perforated with a hundred holes and its connection to the landline severed. In disgust, Nidvid threw it back to the ground.
“What uh— what did you need that for?” Motsotaer asked. “Were we supposed to tell them we were being attacked?”
“No… It was— before the strike, we got a high priority order.”
“A high priority order?”
Nidvid recalled, “There’s a special platoon in our salient… We were supposed to get an important message to them!”
“Special platoon?” Motsotaer asked. “Are you okay, Nidvid?”
“Yes, yes,” the Pack leader replied, visibly distraught. “They only had a physical line to us because they’re supposed to be keeping in the dark. Emissions control or something like that so they can activate the flying machine swarm in time. They said this was life and death and our whole defense line hinges on it!”
“Emissions control? Flying machines? Pack Leader, we should get you to a medic,” he said skeptically.
“No! Motsotaer, this is important. We need to get the message to them now. They’re only a couple kilometers south from our position. If we run over to their position now, it might not yet be—”
He looked up at her face in alarm. “Run to another position? Outside the trench line?”
“Yes! We have to go!” she said, as she peeked out of the concrete bunker towards the barren zone ahead of the trenches. “Now! Before they start their offensive.”
Motsotaer began to protest, “But that’s no creature’s land. If we get spotted by their troops, we’ll be hunted down by the Grass Eaters ships in orbit…”
She was insistent, “Pack Member Motsotaer, get it together. We still have a job to do. Are you with me or are you going to sit here and die like a coward to the long-ears?”
“Yes, ma’am,” he said, straightening up. Death or not, he was no coward. “I mean… I’m with you.”
“Good. Then let’s go.”
With a grunt, she leapt out of the trenches and jogged south, keeping to the defensive side of it for the modicum of cover it provided, and Motsotaer quickly followed. As they sprinted away from the tattered defenses, they ran into a thick tree line that hopefully provided them with some concealment from the Grass Eater ships above.
After a couple more minutes of running in the forest, Motsotaer started to tire and pant. He weighed his burning lung and how embarrassed he’d be if he complained. Luckily for his ego, Nidvid gestured for them to stop after another minute and tossed him her canteen. “Take a break before we get going.”
He chugged as much water as he could in a single swig, and returned the canteen to Nidvid. He gasped out, “How much further, Pack Leader?”
“About one more kilometer south,” she said, aiming her snout up at the treetops. “I recognize the smell of this area.”
“What’s this even about? The message… what was it?”
Nidvid exercised her limbs. “That Grass Eater artillery strike… it was to prepare for their offensive on our lines. They’ve gathered an armored division on the other side of that,” she pointed out into the barren fields beyond the trees. “We have an hour at most before they roll over us.”
“An armored division?!” Motsotaer squeaked. The enemy’s Longclaws — their armored vehicles — were legendary. They could kill from kilometers away. And their thick shells protected them against all but the most powerful artillery in the Federation’s arsenal. He’d never seen one of them personally. If he had, he suspected he wouldn’t be alive to tell anyone about it. “What can we do against a Grass Eater armored division?”
“That’s why we have to get to the special platoon,” Nidvid replied. She pointed in the southern direction, “You ready? Let’s go.”
They galloped for a few more minutes. Motsotaer’s limbs tired and his breaths shallowed as his lung burnt. As he was contemplating whether to ask for another break, Nidvid pointed at a shape in the distance. “There, that’s their position!”
He squinted at it. It was not easy to see, but buried in the tree line was what looked like a bunch of out-of-place branches and leaves over a small vehicle. Buoyed by the anticipation of the end of the marathon, he managed to keep up with Nidvid’s pace.
As they approached, there was a loud shout.
“Hi-yah! Stop!”
They halted their steps and looked for the source of the voice.
“Not one more paw step, deserter! This is a restricted area! Turn around or you’ll be shot!”
Motsotaer looked up at the voice hidden up in the branches. After a moment, with some help from his nose, he found the yeller. It was a short, stout middle-aged male with strange-looking green and brown paint smeared all over his fur and face. He had a rifle aimed squarely at the duo.
“Don’t shoot!” Nidvid yelled back. “We’re runners. We’ve got an important message! For your platoon commander.”
The male in the tree looked suspiciously at them as he leapt down. He lowered his rifle, but didn’t seem any less on guard. “A message?”
“Yes, we’ve got an urgent message for Special Platoon Commander Graunsa. Take us to him right now!”
He sized the two of them up. After a moment, he said slowly, “I am Graunsa. Why are you here, and what is the message?”
Nidvid recovered some of her breath and explained, “The Grass Eaters hit us hard with an artillery strike. Our Head Pack Leader is dead. Our landline is gone. We ran all the way over from our lines north of you.”
Graunsa nodded and gestured for her to continue.
“The Grass Eater armored offensive is about to start. They’re moving into position and ready to go, and there’s a special message embedded—”
“Wait a second,” Graunsa interrupted. “Give me the special message exactly, without omission or your own interpretations.”
“Yes, Platoon Commander,” Nidvid nodded. “The message is: bunny water carriers are in play, red-five-zero-eight; come out of the dark and introduce yourself. Authorization is three-three-greyhound.”
Graunsa looked thoughtful for a moment as he pondered it.
“What does the message mean?” Motsotaer whispered at Nidvid.
“I have no idea,” she shrugged, whispering back. “The Head Pack Leader just told me to memorize it.”
The platoon commander seemed to have made up his mind. “Alright, that seems legitimate. Thanks for the message.” He turned around to leave.
Motsotaer shouted behind him, “Wait, what are we supposed to do now?”
Graunsa turned around. “I don’t know. I’m not your commanding officer.” He paused for a moment. “I wouldn’t recommend going back to your lines though. Might not be there when you get back…”
“What?!”
“You can’t just leave us! Where else are we supposed to go?” Nidvid asked.
Graunsa seemed to contemplate the question for a few heartbeats and sighed, “You said you’re from the position up north?”
“Yup,” they replied in unison.
“And you’re a spotter, Pack Member?” he asked, looking at the rank and position patch on Motsotaer’s chest.
“Yes.”
Graunsa relented. “Fine. We might find a use for you. Get into the bunker… before the Grass Eaters in orbit see us dawdling out here.”
“What? Where?”
The officer pointed at a patch of dark green leaves on the forest floor. As they approached it, he grasped a latch and lifted it to reveal a ladder. The three of them descended into the darkness and Graunsa secured it behind them. With a quiet swoosh, a lamp mounted on the wall lit up to reveal a small hallway leading to a heavy-looking door.
Graunsa knocked on it twice. He turned around and looked at Motsotaer and Nidvid. “What you’re about to see in here is of the highest secrecy level of the Malgeir Federation. If you tell anyone what you see in here, you will be executed for treason. Do you understand?”
“Yes, Platoon Commander.”
“Swear it, on your honor.”
“We swear,” they replied in unison, their voices infused with growing excitement.
“Good enough for me.”
The heavy steel door swung open, showing a room that was vastly different from what its primitive exterior suggested. It resembled a command center far more than a field base, and Motsotaer felt a blast of cold air conditioning in his face as he passed the door threshold.
At the front, a main screen showed a map of the defensive lines in the sector. Facing it, two rows of sleek, new computer screens lit up the dark. Their operators worked busily at their controls, and only a couple faces looked their way in mild interest as they entered.
“What is this—” Motsotaer started to ask. Nidvid grasped his shoulder and shushed him.
Graunsa cleared his throat. Several faces looked towards him in anticipation. “Platoon, we just got the message. Activate the FTL handshake and authenticate us in the network.”
“Yes, sir.” A young-looking communication officer near the front operated a few controls on her console. “I’ve got the advisors on the line.”
Motsotaer read his nametag: Gassin. She was a Gamma Leader, much higher ranked than he, but she looked not a day over twenty. He noted that many of the people in the room sported high-ranking insignias despite their apparent youth.
“On screen,” Graunsa ordered.
A communication window appeared on the main screen, streaming video of someone in a jet-black EVA suit.
Motsotaer stiffened. It was obvious that the subject was alien; at around 1.7 or 1.8 meters, it was far too tall for being a Malgeir. Too small for a Granti. And from the side profile of the suit, it didn’t bulge nearly enough for the tails that the Malgeir’s Schpriss neighbors were known for. A strange new species of aliens.
From the blackened visor, it was obvious that whoever that was… it was the reason for all this tight secrecy.
“Special Platoon Commander Graunsa,” it transmitted in perfect Malgeirish. The alien was either a trained-from-birth Federation Channel One newscaster with a perfectly inoffensive accent, or its translator was far better than anything the Malgeir themselves had invented. “This call is encrypted, but the enemy Znosians in orbit are trying to find your location from the signals, so we’ll have to make it as quick as we can. Have your defensive lines completed your preparations?”
Graunsa stepped up to address the screen directly, “Yes, advisor. Our fire support platoon is ready for tasking.”
“Excellent. Transmitting the first batch of targets in your sector now.”
A series of symbols scrolled onto the screen, showing a number of coordinates.
“We’re getting the enemy positions now,” Gassin exclaimed.
Graunsa turned to her and nodded his appreciation, “Sixteen armored targets. Weapons free.”
“Yes, sir. Programming the sequence.”
A camera on the main screen activated, remotely showing a small hole with some machinery in it dug a few hundred meters away just at the edge of the tree line.
“Launching flying machine swarm!”
As Motsotaer watched, a thicket of metal erupted from the hole in a blur, roaring into the sky.
The main screen was replaced by a four-by-four of windows of black and white images. It took him a couple seconds to realize that he was looking at the battlefield from above. The Malgeir had rotary wing, airplanes, and jet — some were even armed, but they were usually much bigger. And their air assets had been grounded since the early days of the battle for Datsot when the enemy took the orbits.
Not these tiny devices though.
He focused on one of the sixteen windows.
The ground sped past below the camera’s vision, tree line after tree line, the flying machine seemed to know where it was going by itself: Motsotaer looked at the other occupants in the room. None of them seemed to be directly controlling it.
He stiffened.
Is this controlled by a thinking machine?
“We’re getting in range of the target coordinates, Platoon Commander,” Gassin updated the room a few minutes later.
As if on cue, the flying machines flew higher, and the trees on the ground grew smaller, as if further away. Until…
“Targets identified!” Gassin reported with excitement in her voice.
As an infantry spotter, Motsotaer had been trained — barely — to identify enemy armored vehicles. As in, he’d been given a cheatsheet containing the silhouettes of the different types of vehicles the enemy drove. But even he couldn’t tell at this distance what the white-hot smudges on the screen were.
The machine had no such issues though.
Several red boxes materialized on the screen, clearly marking several enemy vehicles in the thermal imagery and adorning them with detailed information.
The one Motsotaer was watching said:
Hostile vehicle, Longclaw MK4 (top armor: ~25mm), 4.2 km.
No hostile EW detected.
Without additional prompting, the flying machines raced in towards their targets, each recognizing a different one as its final destination. Afraid to blink, Motsotaer stared intently at one of the video streams.
A new line of text appeared at the top of the screen:
ETA 20 seconds.
It counted down the seconds, number by number.
The enemy Longclaw got larger and larger until… the screen went black, replaced by static. As he looked around, the other windows were similarly replaced with static one-by-one.
Motsotaer frowned, wondering where the videos had gone.
Then, it hit him. The flying machines were on one-way trips.
The sixteen windows disappeared, and another one appeared, showing the enemy assembly area from a much higher perspective. And instead of the vehicles he expected, he counted sixteen burning wrecks, the black smoke from their flames reaching up into the sky in columns.
“Targets destroyed, Commander,” Gassin said. Several of the officers in the room looked at each other excitedly, but their celebration was muted.
Graunsa nodded. “Call our advisors again.”
The alien appeared on the screen again. “Excellent work, Platoon Commander. We’re assessing the lines and getting the second batch of targets to you now.”
“Understood.”
As the new target coordinates scrolled onto the main screen, Gassin didn’t need additional prompting, “Launching flying machines!”
Another sixteen of them flashed out from the pre-dug position. Another sixteen windows appeared on the screen, replacing the odd-looking aliens’ video.
“Wait a minute,” the aliens’ voice cut into the quiet hum of the control room’s operation. “Switch back to the high-altitude drone. Something’s happening.”
The main screen’s image was replaced by the previous camera looking down at enemy lines. There was a flurry of activity in the enemy base area. Numerous dots representing the ground troops moved to-and-fro. And worryingly, the red squares that surrounded enemy armor began appearing en masse as enemy Longclaws drove out of their covered positions into the open.
Dozens of them.
Then, hundreds. And more appeared every second.
“What’s going on?” Graunsa asked, his voice reflecting Motsotaer’s worry.
The alien took a minute to get back to him, its black helmeted face filling up the screen again. “They’re attacking. They don’t know what hit them in the last strike. But they must have realized that they’re not safe in their assembly area, and they’re doing the only thing they can… We estimate they’ll get to your first lines in thirty minutes.”
“Can we stop them?” Graunsa asked. “We can—”
The alien looked directly into the video. “Not sixteen drones at a time. And if you launch the whole swarm at once, it’ll reflect enough signal for them to sniff out where you are with their counter-battery radars and take you out from orbit.”
Graunsa swallowed. “That’s— that’s— The machines can fly themselves without us, right?”
The alien didn’t say anything for a few heartbeats. “Theoretically, yes. But even if you evacuate your position now, your people won’t get out of range from the orbital strike they’ll call in.”
“I understand. Feed us the enemy targets.”
“Delta Leader, we can’t ask you to—”
“I said, feed us the enemy targets,” Graunsa insisted.
Quietly, hundreds of coordinate pairs filed onto the main screen. Graunsa looked at the faces of the young officers under his command. Dozens of them. He turned around to look at his two guests. “I’m sorry,” he said.
“It’s the right choice,” Nidvid replied, shrugging.
Motsotaer nodded at him.
“I know,” Graunsa said, turning back to the main screen. “Just doesn’t make it any easier.”
“Sir, we’re ready to launch,” Gassin reported.
“Weapons free. Release everything.”
“Yes, sir.”
The ground shook and rumbled, hundreds of flying machines leaving their canisters for the sky. They were close enough to hear the outgoing buzzing as the munitions launched. This time, more and more windows filled up the screen with the visuals of the outgoing flying machines — hundreds of them, and Motsotaer was surprised that the computers could even handle it all.
The visage of the alien returned to their screen. It said calmly, “Enemy orbital launch spotted. Multiple launches. High yield. Missiles incoming to your location, ETA twelve minutes.”
“Understood, advisor.”
“Scramble! Scramble! Scramble!”
Riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiing.
“What’s going on?” Longclaw Commander Slurskoch sat up in his turret cupola as the sirens rang loud through the hull.
“We’re under artillery attack!” his Controller yelled back at him through the roaring startup sequence of the turbine anti-grav engines. “The Lesser Predators… they’ve got some kind of new weapon! Took out a whole battalion’s worth of Longclaws in the 194!”
“But we’re not ready!” his Driver complained. “Our artillery is supposed to pound them for another hour before we—”
Slurskoch shook his head as he checked the friendly force tracker on his screen. “Doesn’t matter! If they’ve got some new weapon, we can’t sit still while we get pounded to bits by whatever they have. We gotta get out there. Hurry it up!”
It took them another two minutes to fully warm up the engines, and with a roar, the Longclaw burst out of its camouflaged emplacement, kicking up a curtain of dirt in front of it.
“Let’s go! Go! Go!” Slurskoch yelled as his lagging Longclaw joined the armored formation already on the move.
The Controller spoke with one of her ears in the radio, “Their artillery just launched… something at us. We’ve pinpointed their location, and orbital support is on its way.”
His Gunner whooped twice, and Slurskoch nodded silently in agreement. That’d flatten those carnivorous abominations where they stood. He drew a few symbols and circles on the digital battlemap as the Longclaws drove toward the enemy lines. “Gunner, watch those potential trench lines in front of us,” he instructed. “Their anti-armor may not look scary on paper, but their infantry can always get a lucky hit in.”
Slurskoch was taught in training that it was better to overestimate the enemy than underestimate them. Luckily, the predators usually fell below expectations, which was why the Dominion controlled the orbits of Datsot now and not them.
His Controller frowned at something in her radio, “They’re saying something about the enemy artillery… The engineers at the base assessed the strike aftermath. There’s something strange in the rubble. The attack was more precise than anything we’d ever seen.”
“What does that mean?” Slurskoch asked in confusion.
“The sensor officer in charge of the assembly area has taken full responsibility. They didn’t see the incoming at all. Higher ups are speculating that the Lesser Predators have a new weapon in their arsenal.”
“The predators made new weapons?” Slurskoch snorted. “Useful ones? That’ll be a first. Well, whatever it is, maybe our Design Bureau will get a good look at it when we finally cleanse this planet of their filth. Make our next battle a little easier when we have to take their home planet.”
His Gunner agreed, “And then, the Prophecy shall be fulfilled.”
The Driver, in his open hatch, looked up at the cloud of them flying over the enemy lines. “Looks like it. A nice juicy feast for them in the coming battle. The irony of the barbaric carnivores being eaten by themselves.”
A few thousand years ago, winged predators would have curdled the blood of any natural-born Znosian. On the original plains of Znos, they were one of the most dangerous threats a lone Znosian faced. Now, that fear had been completely bred out of the gene pool, replaced with contempt for predatory primitivism, the courage to face them in battle, and the drive to exterminate them all.
Curious, Slurskoch stared up into the cloud of winged predators with his Longclaw commander optics. He frowned.
One of them shimmered.
Shimmered.
He zoomed in.
Then, he saw a metallic glint. His whiskers tightened.
“That’s— those aren’t winged predators,” he barely made out in shock. “Incoming!”
“Huh?” his Driver asked, craning his head up to look at the dark shapes in the distance.
“Get inside! Secure the hatch!” Slurskoch shouted at him.
His Driver was not very good at thinking on his own, but he had been bred to follow direct orders without question. He ducked into his seat, quickly securing the hatch above him close with trained claws.
He barely secured the Longclaw as other commanders began yelling out similar instructions on their radios.
“Incoming!” his Controller advised, about ten seconds later than necessary. “Enemy… artillery?!”
“Gunner!” Slurskoch gestured in the general direction of the sky.
“I can’t get a shot on them. They’re too high up!” she screamed back at him.
A trio of air defense vehicles next to him opened up with their six barrels towards the sky, lines of bright tracers stabbing out at the dark swarm. He saw one of the… flying machines hit and fall out of the sky. Then another.
It wasn’t enough.
As Slurskoch’s optics tracked the incoming, he saw them dive. They were fast, and they flew erratic patterns, almost organically, like actual winged beasts. If he hadn’t had that specific fear bred out of his bloodline hundreds of years ago, he would have been frozen in shock. Instead, he yelled out, “Brace! Brace!”
Boom. Boom. Boom.
The world exploded around his Longclaw.
Through his friendly force tracker, Slurskoch watched an entire battalion disappear off the map on his right flank, and two Longclaws in his line of sight brewed up in massive fireballs, throwing their turrets into the sky as their plasma ammunition detonated. One of the anti-air vehicles brewed up next to his, splattering its parts against his hull.
His Driver drove for all he was worth, ducking and weaving in the open field. So did the other Longclaws. Some deployed curtains of smoke in front of them in desperation.
None of it seemed to help.
The shockwaves hit his Longclaw in quick succession, knocking him around the armored cabin and rattling his teeth.
Boom. Boom.
More Longclaws exploded. Many more. They were disappearing off his screen faster than the software could update the signals. He closed his eyes waiting for the end.
It didn’t come.
It was hard for Slurskoch to tell when the last Longclaw near them was hit. His hearing organs must have been damaged some time during the attack. His auditory senses ringed as they returned to normal, recovering when his Controller shook him with a paw on his shoulder. “—Five Whiskers! Five Whiskers!”
“What is it?” he snapped, keeping the quivering out of his voice.
“We’re alone in our company, and I can’t contact the six whiskers! And I’ve been trying to reach battalion without success!”
“Try the regiment commander!” he yelled out against the noise of the anti-grav engine.
“Can’t reach them either!”
“What about division headquarters?!”
“I think division’s gone, sir!”
“What?!”
“Nobody there has been responding. All I’ve got is a seven whiskers in the reserve infantry division behind us! They’re saying they see black smoke in the direction of our division field command!”
“What in the Prophecy? How is that possible?!”
“What do we do, Five Whiskers?”
Slurskoch had been trained for a wide variety of combat scenarios and contingencies, including losing his immediate superiors, losing most of his unit, and losing his communication link to command. But he’d never been trained for all of those combined at once. That was just not something predators were supposed to be able to do to you.
He fell back to the next best thing.
“What’s the combat computer say?” he asked.
His Controller operated the controls on her console, and after half a minute of querying, she replied, reading off the instructions, “Absent orders, continue the attack. Maybe we can push through.”
“What? Did it take our losses into account?” he protested as he checked the battlemap. Of the nearly five hundred Longclaws that had pushed out of the assembly area, only a quarter remained. At most. Some of the signals on the map were flagging themselves as mobility or mission killed.
She shrugged, “It did. That’s what it says.”
He squinted at her screen. That was indeed what it said.
Slurskoch thought for a moment, sighed, and bowed in prayer, “Our lives were forfeited the day we left our hatchling pools.”
The other crew members all did the same, lowering their heads to mutter the familiar mantra.
That ritual out of the way, he drew up to his full height of 1 meter and mustered all the confidence he could into his voice, “Attack! Attack! Attack!”
The command center watched glumly as the hundred or so surviving Grass Eater Longclaws emerged from the wrecks of their comrades and slowly resumed their charge across the open toward the defense lines.
The flying machines had gotten a lot of them. Quite a few disabled too. And they were disorganized from the loss of their command. Yet they still charged. Diminished as their numbers were, they rolled towards the battered defensive lines with psychotic determination.
We’ve failed.
Graunsa sat down heavily into his chair. He brought up his communication console, connecting it to the advisor network.
The alien appeared on the screen, and though he couldn’t see its face, he could hear the sympathy in its translated voice, “You’ve done all you can, Special Platoon Commander.”
“It wasn’t enough,” he said, shaking his ears sadly. “They’re going to break through our line. Our infantry can’t stop them.”
It tilted its head. “I wouldn’t count them out completely, Delta Leader. They might. They might not. But your next defensive line certainly will hold them. The city behind you will be held.”
“Tracking enemy orbit-to-ground. ETA three minutes,” Gassin reported quietly from next to him.
Graunsa sighed. He looked at the alien, “I think I understand your people now, advisor.”
“You… do?”
“Yeah, at first, when we were picked for this mission, I wondered why your people were doing this.”
“Doing this?” the alien asked, seeming confused.
“Helping us. The weapons. The equipment. The training. The targeting. It was all in secret, but you didn’t have to do it. The other species around us didn’t do it. The Schpriss…” Graunsa snorted, “The long-tails can’t even find it in their spines to send us field rations. I thought your species… your people were just generous. Or perhaps you simply enjoyed the craft of war, being so adept at it.”
“Are we… not?”
“Those reasons may be part of it,” he conceded. “But more importantly, I think your people understand one thing the other species don’t… that we might stop the enemy here. Or we might not.”
“We didn’t set you up to fail, if that’s what you think—”
“But the next defensive line certainly will hold them,” Graunsa said, staring the alien in the eye. “You will hold them. Isn’t that right?”
It sighed. “I would be lying if that wasn’t part of the strategic equation. Our star systems are indeed next in line — sometime in the next decade or two, probably — if these bloodthirsty Buns conquered your Federation. That harsh astropolitical realism. But there’s something else too.”
“Is there?”
“Yes,” it nodded its head firmly in a familiar manner. “Yes, there is. We aren’t a particularly long-sighted species, Graunsa. We can plan, yes, but wars are fought by true believers. People don’t sign up to put their lives on the line for a hypothetical, potential invasion of our Republic twenty years in the future. They— we signed up for this because we truly believe what’s happening to your people… it shouldn’t happen to anyone, ever.”
Graunsa looked at the helmeted head for a while, then nodded. “I believe you, advisor.”
“I’m sorry this didn’t pan out, Graunsa. If I could, I’d be down there with you. We’d have made them pay for this.”
Graunsa smiled. “I believe you about that too. Thank you, advisor, whatever your name is.”
“You may call me Kara,” it said simply. A deft snap of its paws — he hadn’t noticed how soft its claws were before — and it released a latch on its helmet with a hiss. Lifting it from its head, it revealed a soft, smooth face without much fur except a bundle of long, brown strands on its scalp tied up in a neat spherical shape. Its hazel forward-facing eyes stared at him with the empathy that only other predators were capable of, filling him with mild relief. “Don’t tell anyone though,” it joked lightly, mirroring his smile back at him.
You’re not as ugly as I thought you’d be. Not nearly.
Graunsa’s grin widened at the thought. He put it out of his mind. “Ah. One last thing, advisor— Kara.”
“Yes?”
His mind drifted to his cubs at home. Perhaps they were still alive. He chose to believe that. “Our people’s clans and packs…”
“We’ll let them know,” she interrupted him softly. “And when the information quarantine is lifted, we’ll let your clans and packs know what you did here — everything.”
“Good. Thank you.”
Gassin sat down next to him, “Delta Leader, enemy missiles incoming. ETA thirty seconds, they’re entering—” She stopped her report and stared at the unmasked alien on his screen with equal parts wonder and sadness.
“Take a closer look, Gassin,” he ordered softly. “That… that is who will avenge us.”
On screen, the alien put its gloved paw up to its temple, forming a stiff triangle with its arm in a recognizable salute. “It was an honor, Graunsa.”
Graunsa returned it crisply, letting a primitive fire shine through his face. “Happy hunting, Kara.”
Location: Atlas Naval Command, Luna
POV: “Kara”, Terran Reconnaissance OfficeKara watched solemnly as the green signal blinked off the battlemap. She closed her eyes for a moment in silent prayer for the fallen.
Beep. Beep.
Another light on her console blinked urgently for her attention. Four thousand kilometers from the previous one. The war raged on — day and night — across four continents on the besieged planet. Fifty light years from the Republic, its defenders’ sweat, tears, and blood lined the fields and valleys of the beautiful blue sphere not so different from her own. Tens of millions of them: many who she knew would not see the end of this war.
They didn’t all know it, and some might not have cared, but fifty light years away, someone recorded their names, and someone felt a pang of loss for their sacrifice. In the cold, dark forest of the galaxy, somebody heard their trees fall.
Kara collected her thoughts, adjusted the bun in her hair, and lowered the tinted EVA helmet over her face once more.
She cleared her throat as she glanced at the screen and activated the microphone in her helmet, “Special Platoon Commander Treiriu. This call is encrypted, but the enemy Znosians in orbit are trying to find your location from the signals, so we’ll have to make it as quick as we can. Have your defensive lines completed your preparations?”
Meta
Thanks for reading my story! This is a standalone chapter in my Grass Eaters story, meant to be enjoyable all on its own. If you're interested in more of my writing, please do subscribe to the update waffle bot or check out the rest of the universe in Grass Eaters.(Grass Eaters posts every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. We are closing in on the end of Book 1.)
2024.05.18 21:14 Admirable_Suit_2065 [WTS] 16” Criterion Core/G$ ODG upper, 11.5” FBI 5.56 Centurion barrel, TA-31/RMR ACOG, Larue Stealth 16”, 35mm Leupold mount
Timestamp:https://imgur.com/a/vytxLlj
Inspect pics closely for condition. Serials in detail pics.
16” Criterion Core wrapped in a 13.5” ODG Geissele Mk16. Geissele Blemula ODG upper receiver. Dead Air keymo muzzle device. Round count maybe 300 tops, all brass cased ammo. Inspect pics for exact condition. Asking $650 shipped. https://imgur.com/a/XRECIii
11.5” Centurion CHF FBI barrel. Round count <150, not even broken in yet. Includes centurion noticed/pinned gas block/tube. Asking $320 shipped.
Trijicon TA-31F ACOG, Red chevron reticle. Type 1 RM01 3.25 MOA LED RMR and ACOG/RMR adapter mount. Tritium visible but dim. Mfg 2012ish IIRC. Includes GDI QD mount. Asking$1150 $1100 shipped. https://imgur.com/a/bCeCOok
Larue Stealth 16” .223 Wylde. Fired <400 rounds. Shoots FGMM and BH exceptional. I just am swapping some builds over to 6arc. Includes LT202 gas block and tube. Asking$350 $300 shipped.
Leupold Mark 5 IMS mount 35mm. Asking $125 shipped.
Trades: Higher end 6 arc barrel (Proof stainless 14.5” ideally, but open to others like Craddock, including 16” and 11.5”), ODG/DDC anodized handguards and uppers, G$ or Aero equivalent preferred.
submitted by Admirable_Suit_2065 to GunAccessoriesForSale [link] [comments]
Inspect pics closely for condition. Serials in detail pics.
16” Criterion Core wrapped in a 13.5” ODG Geissele Mk16. Geissele Blemula ODG upper receiver. Dead Air keymo muzzle device. Round count maybe 300 tops, all brass cased ammo. Inspect pics for exact condition. Asking $650 shipped. https://imgur.com/a/XRECIii
11.5” Centurion CHF FBI barrel. Round count <150, not even broken in yet. Includes centurion noticed/pinned gas block/tube. Asking $320 shipped.
Trijicon TA-31F ACOG, Red chevron reticle. Type 1 RM01 3.25 MOA LED RMR and ACOG/RMR adapter mount. Tritium visible but dim. Mfg 2012ish IIRC. Includes GDI QD mount. Asking
Larue Stealth 16” .223 Wylde. Fired <400 rounds. Shoots FGMM and BH exceptional. I just am swapping some builds over to 6arc. Includes LT202 gas block and tube. Asking
Leupold Mark 5 IMS mount 35mm. Asking $125 shipped.
Trades: Higher end 6 arc barrel (Proof stainless 14.5” ideally, but open to others like Craddock, including 16” and 11.5”), ODG/DDC anodized handguards and uppers, G$ or Aero equivalent preferred.
2024.05.18 21:12 Big_Durian9707 The Middle Class is dying in the Bay Area
Year after year the California government and especially the local governments around the Bay Area continue to make it more difficult for the middle class to survive here.
Meanwhile, lower class individuals (not an attack on any individual here what so ever) seem to at least from my perspective get “free” handouts, things like EBT/Snap, free full rides or huge financial aid for their kids or themselves to attend college. Not to mention, sometimes they qualify for the “Affordable Housing” or section 8 housing that we all pay for in our tax money where they get to pay as low as $1500/mo for a family unit. Of course when your groceries, college, and housing are basically free, things like a $2 gas tax don’t hurt you. Not having windows or a garage don’t bother you either. Of course you can afford a new iPhone or car when all your other expenses are taken care of, and I far too often see “lower class” people with things like this.
Meanwhile, middle class individuals qualify for jack shit in aid, so we are left to fend for ourselves. And that’s not saying middle class aren’t inherently better off, because they are. There is a reason lower class people get assistance, but this system ignores the struggles and needs of the middle class people who hold jobs that make the economy of the Bay Area move. It leaves the brunt of the economy on the middle class.
One day, you’ll look around and notice the middle class has left the Bay Area, and you’ll only have the rich/wealthy, and those who don’t have the motivation or drive to work because they grew up with everything being handed to them by the government.
For context this is from the perspective of a South Bay resident. I genuinely want to open this up for a healthy debate and hope maybe my mind or others minds can be changed, but I highly doubt it can.
My question to you all, is there a solution to this problem?
Edit: I’m guessing this post may get shut down randomly in the next few hours so I just wanted to say I appreciate all of you for commenting your piece, this has been eye opening to say the least. My opinion hasn’t changed much, but I do recognize the wealthy classes hand In this issue and the long standing systemic issues that have set the stage for this problem. I still don’t agree with the way we handle our middle class, but I am forever grateful for this debate.
submitted by Big_Durian9707 to bayarea [link] [comments]
Meanwhile, lower class individuals (not an attack on any individual here what so ever) seem to at least from my perspective get “free” handouts, things like EBT/Snap, free full rides or huge financial aid for their kids or themselves to attend college. Not to mention, sometimes they qualify for the “Affordable Housing” or section 8 housing that we all pay for in our tax money where they get to pay as low as $1500/mo for a family unit. Of course when your groceries, college, and housing are basically free, things like a $2 gas tax don’t hurt you. Not having windows or a garage don’t bother you either. Of course you can afford a new iPhone or car when all your other expenses are taken care of, and I far too often see “lower class” people with things like this.
Meanwhile, middle class individuals qualify for jack shit in aid, so we are left to fend for ourselves. And that’s not saying middle class aren’t inherently better off, because they are. There is a reason lower class people get assistance, but this system ignores the struggles and needs of the middle class people who hold jobs that make the economy of the Bay Area move. It leaves the brunt of the economy on the middle class.
One day, you’ll look around and notice the middle class has left the Bay Area, and you’ll only have the rich/wealthy, and those who don’t have the motivation or drive to work because they grew up with everything being handed to them by the government.
For context this is from the perspective of a South Bay resident. I genuinely want to open this up for a healthy debate and hope maybe my mind or others minds can be changed, but I highly doubt it can.
My question to you all, is there a solution to this problem?
Edit: I’m guessing this post may get shut down randomly in the next few hours so I just wanted to say I appreciate all of you for commenting your piece, this has been eye opening to say the least. My opinion hasn’t changed much, but I do recognize the wealthy classes hand In this issue and the long standing systemic issues that have set the stage for this problem. I still don’t agree with the way we handle our middle class, but I am forever grateful for this debate.
2024.05.18 21:11 Sweet-Count2557 Thoddoo Inn in Thoddoo, Maldives
 | Thoddoo Inn in Thoddoo, Maldives submitted by Sweet-Count2557 to worldkidstravel [link] [comments] Thoddoo Inn: A Luxurious Stay in the Beautiful Ari Atoll Thoddoo Island, Maldives Price Level: $$ Hotel Class: 3 Welcome to Thoddoo Inn, a lavish 5-room tourist guesthouse located in the beautiful Ari Atoll Thoddoo island of Maldives. Just a 15-minute walk from the beach, this property offers a luxurious stay for travelers. With free Wi-Fi, air-conditioned rooms, and a TV, each room is equipped with all the necessary amenities including an electric kettle. The highlight of the rooms is the private bathroom with an open sky shower area, providing a unique and refreshing experience. Thoddoo Inn also features a shared lounge and each room has its own private garden area. Guests can indulge in various activities such as snorkeling and diving in the stunning surroundings. Conveniently, Male International Airport is only 68 km away. Couples particularly love the location, rating it 9.2 for a romantic getaway. Thoddoo Inn offers great value for money, surpassing other properties in the city. Amenities of Thoddoo Inn in Thoddoo, Maldives Thoddoo Inn in Thoddoo, Maldives offers a wide range of amenities to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay for its guests. From the moment you arrive, you can take advantage of the convenient airport transportation provided by the inn. As the inn is located right on the beachfront, you can easily access the pristine beaches and enjoy the breathtaking views. For those who prefer not to walk, the shuttle bus service is available to take you around the island. The inn also offers room service and has a restaurant on-site, so you can indulge in delicious meals without leaving the comfort of your room. If you're traveling with pets, Thoddoo Inn is a pet-friendly establishment. The kitchenette in each room allows you to prepare your own meals, and the free wifi ensures you stay connected throughout your stay. Other amenities include laundry service, air conditioning, family rooms, and a non-smoking policy. The inn also has private beaches, where you can relax and soak up the sun in peace. Breakfast is available, and parking is provided for guests who choose to rent a car. Housekeeping services are offered, and there is a baggage storage facility for your convenience. If you're in the mood for a barbecue, the inn has BBQ facilities available. For those who want to explore the island, bicycle rental and boating options are available. The inn also provides bottled water, car hire services, and express check-in/check-out for a hassle-free experience. If you need a caffeine fix, there is a coffee shop on-site, as well as a convenience store for any last-minute needs. The inn offers currency exchange services, making it easy for international travelers. For those who want to explore the underwater world, diving is available. The staff at Thoddoo Inn are fluent in English and can assist you with any inquiries or requests. Fishing enthusiasts can enjoy the fishing opportunities offered by the inn, and the 24-hour front desk ensures assistance is available at any time. There is also a gift shop on-site, where you can find souvenirs to take back home. If you need any ironing done, the inn offers ironing services, and outdoor furniture is provided for your comfort. The inn also has a salon on-site, so you can pamper yourself during your stay. For those who prefer to cook their own meals, there is a shared kitchen available. Water sports enthusiasts can enjoy snorkeling and windsurfing, and beach access is readily available. With its extensive Contact of Thoddoo Inn in Thoddoo, Maldives +960 776-4022 Sosun Magu, 09010 reservations.thoddooinn@gmial.com http://www.thoddooinn.com Location of Thoddoo Inn in Thoddoo, Maldives Pictures of Thoddoo Inn in Thoddoo, Maldives Tips for Staying in Thoddoo Inn Keep the room clean and tidyOpen the windows for fresh airTurn off lights and electronics when not in useUse curtains or blinds to control sunlightKeep the temperature comfortableOrganize belongings and avoid clutterUse air fresheners or plants for a pleasant smellKeep noise levels downLock doors and windows for securityReport any maintenance issues promptly Reviews of Thoddoo Inn in Thoddoo, Maldives Book Thoddoo Inn Now !!! Tags |
2024.05.18 21:06 Iwastedallmymoney Tyrant Pathway Sequence 4-3[Demigod and Saint](Extrapolation/Speculation)
Sequence 4: Cataclysmic Interrer
New Abilities
New Abilities
submitted by Iwastedallmymoney to LordofTheMysteries [link] [comments]
New Abilities
- Calamity Creation: Within an initial range of 1 kilometer(increases to 2 kilometers after potion digestion), Cataclysmic Interrers can manipulate the environment around them to create four of the most common but extremely destructive calamities.
- Tsunami: Through the creation of a sudden vertical displacement of the ocean floor, they can call forth huge water waves to crash down at their targets, washing everything away in a powerful torrent.
- The further away the vertical displacement is from a Cataclysmic Interrer and the more digested the potion is, the more powerful the Tsunami will be.
- Cataclysmic Interrers can choose to split a Tsunami into smaller waves and have its effects cascade onto a larger region.
- Hurricane: By quickly swirling air together in a spiral, a Cataclysmic Interrer can quickly form a tornado that cleans through anything it passes, leaving nothing left.
- The strength of the Hurricane depends on the potion digestion of the Cataclysmic Interrer and the environmental factors(such as humidity, pressure level, etc.).
- They can choose to control the direction of Hurricanes or let it spiral out of control randomly.
- Earthquake: Suddenly moving a fault within the earth can allow a Cataclysmic Interrer to split the ground in 2 and cause the surface to shake, forming an Earthquake.
- Cataclysmic Interrers can move faults within a short distance from the earth's outer surface, allowing them to crack the ground around their enemies and bury them in the rubble.
- In certain cases(where the ground is close to a volcano or near a magma chamber), lava may erupt inside an Earthquake. If this spot is repeatedly being assaulted, a volcanic eruption may occur.
- Torrential Rain: They can manipulate the surrounding clouds around them to cast down heavy rain across large swathes of area.
- The sensory chaos created by Torrential Rain is by far the highest among all the disasters they can make, even being able to disturb a Demigod's Spiritual Intuition.
- Lightning Rain: By sending out a Lightning Strike near the area where their Torrential Rain effects, it can branch out across the entire area, forming a Lightning Rain. This is a Lightning Calamity.
- Tsunami: Through the creation of a sudden vertical displacement of the ocean floor, they can call forth huge water waves to crash down at their targets, washing everything away in a powerful torrent.
- Siren Song: The mystical attributes of their singing voice have been enhanced significantly, making each of their songs have an indescribable effect on the target's body and mystical connections.
- Roar: By simply roaring out loud, their vocal cords can produce a shockwave that has enough energy to topple a ship.
- Lightning Strike: The power of their Lightning Strikes has been enhanced.
- It can hit their target with more intensity and accuracy, instantly scorching them and Purifying them from most negative influences.
- Cataclysmic Interrers can conjure up and shoot out up to 10 lightning arrows at a time in a matter of seconds.
- Water Manipulation: The range and versatility of spells that they can use in the storm and sea domain have increased as their range of control has reached 200 meters.
- Whirlpool: They can create a massive Whirlpool that directly leads to the deeper parts of the ocean.
- With further digestion, a Cataclysmic Interrer would be able to create a Whirlpool that directly leads down to the deep seafloor.
- Sealing: Through the use of tidal waves(created either from Water Manipulation or Calamity Creation), they can Seal and weaken various targets.
- Attempts to break out of the Seal through the Spirit World will prove challenging as any possible opening to the Spirit World will quickly be swallowed up by waves of water.
- Spirituality will be constantly siphoned by the tidal waves, increasing the potency of the Seal while also lowering the resistance of the target(s) contained within.
- Whirlpool: They can create a massive Whirlpool that directly leads to the deeper parts of the ocean.
- Phantom Scales (Scale Armor): They possess exaggerated illusory scale defenses, enough for them to be able to withstand multiple bolts of lightning without their defense breaking.
- If their illusory scales were to break, it would take merely a day for their scales to fully recover(provided no interference has been done on their scales).
- As a Sequence 4 Beyonder they receive some level of Godhood, and with it comes an incomplete Mythical Creature Form. Disregarding any consequences, Cataclysmic Interrers can choose to reveal this form and become a 1-headed Kraken.
- While manifesting this form enhances Cataclysmic Interrer's defense, strength, and ability to control lightning, water, and wind to a degree way beyond other Mythical Creature Forms, it would result in one of the highest increases in madness among all Sequence 4 Beyonders, making it very dangerous for a Cataclysmic Interrer to utilize as a trump card consistently.
- Their incomplete Mythical Creature form looks like a 30-meter-tall Kraken. Their skin turns navy blue and is made of a material reminiscent of a whale while their head swells up significantly and transmutes itself into the head of a squid. The area from their forehead to the nose will form the squid's eye whose pupil contains the traits of storm, sea, and authority.
- If those under Sequence 4 saw this form, they would suffer a strong backlash as their brains would quickly be overcome with fear and devotion. If they succumb to the influence, they will prostrate on the ground and beg for forgiveness, an act that will form a temporary Anchor that can stabilize the transformed Cataclysmic Interrer.
New Abilities
- Ruler of the Sea: By establishing their Dominion over a portion of the ocean waters, Sea Kings can become the ruler and spokesperson of the area they dominate, granting them an array of unique abilities and passive boons.
- As for how they establish a Dominion, they have two methods.
- Merely staying near the area they want to control, and over a month, having one's influence and authority entrench into the surrounding real and Spirit World until a Dominion is established.
- Conquest, relocating believers into the area, and any other form of external influence that is related to them to quickly infect the surrounding area with their influence and quickly establish a Dominion.
- While the aspects and boons of each Sea King's Dominion will be different due to the environment, 5 traits remain consistent throughout these areas.
- When fighting in the ocean, they can unleash their fullest potential and completely overwhelm all Beyonders at the same level.
- They can sense what happens in the waters they control, and scenes of the overall situation would appear in their mind.
- They can bestow their Beyonder abilities with the ability to cascade across realms within their Dominion.
- They can use the natural Spirituality within the air to manipulate the weather in a controlled way.
- They can communicate with, and drive many sea creatures at or below their level to do their bidding.
- They are only able to create 1 Dominion at first.
- This will increase to 3 upon full potion digestion.
- At the start of their potion digestion, Sea Kings are only able to control a 121-km² squared plot of sea.
- This will increase to a 423-km² area of the sea upon full potion digestion.
- Sea Kings can disband their Dominions simply through a thought.
- As for how they establish a Dominion, they have two methods.
- Calamity Creation: Its range has increased to 10 kilometers. In addition, each Calamity possesses a unique effect compared to the others.
- Tsunami: Through the use of cyclical tidal waves, they can gradually increase the sea level within the surrounding sea, allowing them to set off large Tsunamis wantonly, better Seal targets, and further establish a sense of dominance and superiority over the surrounding environment.
- Hurricane: Hurricanes at their highest level can now completely impede certain forms of Teleportation as the winds move around at such a high rate that targets attempting to cross into a Hurricane will often find themselves further back from where they started.
- Earthquake: Sea Kings can create sudden displacements so powerful that they completely shock and release a powerful Sonic Boom around the affected area, causing great damage and stunning those nearby.
- Torrential Rain: The Torrential Rain they can create could spread their Spirituality, making each cloud and each drop of water become their eyes and ears.
- Lightning Storm: They can generate Lightning Storms by bringing down silver-white swaths of lightning from the sky or from thin air that spread into "branches" creating a silver "forest" that can span hundreds of meters, bringing forth a destructive aura and a sense of destruction. This is the enhanced form of Lightning Rain.
- Lightning Manipulation: Derived from Lightning Strike, they can generate and manipulate massive amounts of electricity from the surrounding area. They no longer need the right weather conditions to generate lightning.
- They can create balls of lightning that instantly scorch massive swathes of land and sea.
- Through the use of Lightning Strikes, they can produce Thunderclaps that stun enemies
- Navigation: With their newfound knowledge of various places and their enhanced intuition, Sea Kings can Navigate across various environments.
- Even if they were to be transported to a random place in the Spirit World, their newfound capabilities would allow them to effectively Navigate through it and return to their desired location.
- Physical Enhancement: Their strength, agility, and balancing capabilities have been enhanced significantly.
- They possess the strength of powerful sea monsters.
- They have an incomprehensible level of balance.
- They can travel faster than the speed of sound.
- Aquatic Affinity: Even if they haven't established a Dominion, their affinity with the sea makes them akin to a "prince of the ocean".
- They can freely walk on the seafloor without having to worry about sea pressure and other environmental restraints.
- Even while not being within a Dominion they control, they can command a large amount of sea monsters to do their bidding.
- Their Mythical Creature Form develops further. They are now a 2-headed Kraken. Their skin cracks up and resembles the sea as their first head begins to sink into their body, entering deep within as water continues to rush forth from the pores of their now hidden head. The second head will seemingly float in the air as the air around them would create storms blocking their visage
- Their first head represents the sea and their second head represents the storm.
- An individual looking at the first head would begin to cough up seawater and continue to experience massive levels of sea sickness, eventually turning into an unknown sea creature in the process.
- An individual looking at the second head will begin to heat up as their nerves begin to fry up and overheat from overstimulation. If this goes on for long enough, they will eventually die as their deceased corpse becomes a new hotbed for ocean phenomena.
- As a Sequence 3 Beyonder, they can listen and respond to prayers within a certain range. Their range is relatively far-reaching compared to other Saints as a result of their Dominions.
- They can use Siren Songs to cast revelations and their weather-manipulating abilities to bless their believers.
- Their first head represents the sea and their second head represents the storm.
2024.05.18 20:30 Ultim8_Lifeform Featuring the Penguins of Madagascar! (Madagascar)
The Penguins of Madagascar
"Just smile and wave, boys. Smile and wave."
Fast forward a few years, and the Penguins of Madagascar have grown into a skilled group of elite commandos, partaking in various missions that have taken them all over the world, from New York to Madagascar to Africa to Europe. Over the course of their dangerous careers they have accumulated a wide variety of friends and allies. These range from the residents of the Central Park Zoo to the members of the spy agency North Wind. However they have also made no shortage of enemies, including Hans the Danish puffin, the Red Squirrel and the maniacal Dr. Blowhole.
Respect Threads
Skipper
"Cute and cuddly, boys. Cute and cuddly."Skipper is the leader of the group, devising tactics and gives orders. He is calculating, strict, paranoid, short-tempered, stubborn, and has a great disdain for hippies. Skipper's raving paranoia and tendency to view even the most ordinary activities as a military operation, combined with his experience in covert ops, has driven him to prepare for nearly any situation, no matter how bizarre or unlikely. While his antics do tend to alienate other animals outside of his commando team, more often than not his paranoia is proven justified, as he and his team have saved the world on multiple occasions.
Strength
- Slides into a metal door with enough force to dent it
- His punches shake a tree
- Forces open a giant alligator's jaws
- Crushes a golf ball with his flipper
- Throws a plastic unicorn toy with enough force for it to get stuck in a brick wall
- Repeatedly breaks himself out of a block of ice that was "Antarctic cold"
- Dodges a multitude of darts from a booby trap
- Dodges a large missile multiple times
- Dodges multiple lasers while charging towards an experimental laser turret
- Slides fast enough to stay ahead of Officer X's combat van
- Jumps over 1 1/2 stories onto a rising platform
- Bounces and flips around several lamp posts, rocks, and trees, eventually knocking out some pins with an explosive dive kick
- Gets kicked into a brick wall by Joey the kangaroo, cracking it
- Gets kicked high into the air by his evil android doppelganger, who was strong enough to crack concrete
- Kowalski's Nexto Skeleton knocks him through a bench with a rocket kick
- Gets pounded into the concrete by Bada
- Gets slammed into a concrete wall by Roger, creating a penguin shaped indention
- Falls through the roof of a plane mid flight
- Gets blasted into a stone wall by an explosion
- Gets shocked by the Zoo's new electric field
- For a short while, he walks across pavement that was hot enough to turn an egg to ash in 3 seconds
- After being buried alive, gets blasted through the dirt with a piece of dynamite and is perfectly fine
- Even while unconscious, his reflexes always keep him ready to fight
- Fends off the other penguins with relative ease
- Throws a playing card with enough accuracy to cut a four ropes keeping the penguins suspended in the air as well as a rope holding up a chandelier
- Throws a coin, which cuts two ropes and frees Maurice, bounces off a wall, cuts another rope and frees Mort, and finally bounces off another wall and turns off a light switch
Kowalski
"Okay Kowalski, wow me."Kowalski is the brains of the operation. He is a brilliant inventor, creating a multitude of different inventions and gadgets to help the penguins on their missions. If given enough time, there are few things that he couldn't invent. Unfortunately, most of the time his inventions cause serious trouble for the team, either falling into the wrong hands, turning against Kowalski, or just exploding. Not to mention, despite his intelligence, he cannot read (although he still carries around a clipboard to record drawings of their plans). He tends to over-analyze situations, trying to perfect every minute detail of a plan before he acts. This often causes the team more harm than if he would just act. That being said, he is still an invaluable member of the Penguins. Without him, they would simply be a couple of ordinary penguins that can do flips and karate chop people.
"Behold, a portal to times past. The Chronotron!"
"So, its a time machine?"
"Well, yes."
"So why not call it a time machine?"
"Sure, yeah. And while we're at it, let's call the Great Wall a fence, the Mona Lisa a doodle, and Albert Einstein Mr. Smarty Pants!"
Strength
- Slides into a metal door with enough force to dent it
- Kicks a bowling ball with impressive velocity into Private's face
- Pulls down a bill board
- Digs through solid concrete with nothing but a plastic spoon
- Jumps over 1 1/2 stories onto a rising platform
- Dodges a multitude of darts from a booby trap
- Dodges several laser beams from the Penguins' lair security protocol
- Slides fast enough to stay ahead of Officer X's combat van
- Wall jumps several times to climb out of King Julian's fake volcano
- Dodges and weaves around several spotlights
- Gets pulled by Rico with enough force to dent a steel door
- His Nexto Skeleton knocks him through a bench with a rocket kick
- Gets crushed by a swinging wrecking ball and is fine moments later
- Gets crushed under a large boulder
- Gets blasted into the air by Rico's rocket launcher
- Gets shocked by 5000 volt electrical cables twice
- Gets his face torched by the Penguins' flamethrower
- After being buried alive, gets blasted through the dirt with a piece of dynamite and is perfectly fine
- Flips and dodges around several attacks from chameleon tongues while being blindfolded
- Throws his abacus, which bounces off of both Badda and Bing and then returns to him (similar to Captain America's shield)
- Invents a machine that can remove someone's intelligence and store it in a cardboard box
- Invents a fully functioning time machine, which he uses twice to travel back in time. When three Kowalskis exist in the same space it rips a hole in the fabric of the universe
- Built a thermo fusion reactor within the penguin's base
- Invents the Helmet, which allows the user to move object with their mind, as well as summon any object they think of to them at a moment's notice
- Builds an invisibility ray
- Makes a laser gun that can revert things to their younger, fresher state, which turns Skipper into a baby and eventually back into an adult
- Creates a device that can stop time, (anyone that is touching the device at the time he activates it will experience the stopped time)
- Builds a mech suit, which he dubs the nexto skeleton, that can fly, shoot missiles, is strong enough to life a large boulder over his head, and can even rebuild lost limbs out of seemingly nothing
- Builds a machine that can clone an exact replica of any living organism, as long as it has their DNA (which he uses to bring a dodo bird back to life)
- Built an anti gravity gun
- Hacks into a traffic light with relative ease
Rico
"B-but that shouldn't have worked! It breaks all known rules of science!"Rico is the group's weapons and explosives specialist who mainly communicates through grunts and squeals. With a stomach that defies reality, Rico swallows a plethora of useful tools and weapons and regurgitates them when needed, including ones that appear to be too large to have been swallowed in the first place. Rico has a few screws loose, so the other Penguins need to keep him on a tight leash lest he lose his mind in a dynamite filled frenzy. That said, Rico's love for explosions and destruction is an asset that Skipper has no problem letting lose on their enemies or any problem that the team may be facing.
"And that's why we call Rico a maverick. He makes his own rules."
[BLEH BL-BLAH BL-BLUH BLAH BLEH]
Strength
- Breaks a fairly large hole through a brick wall
- Pulls Kowalski with enough force to dent a steel door
- Lifts an anvil over his head
- Bites through a lock
- Digs through concrete at an incredibly fast with two plastic spoons
- Jumps over 1 1/2 stories onto a rising platform
- Dodges several laser beams
- Dodges one of the Red Squirrel's missiles
- Kicks Kowalski into the air, and by the time he falls back down, Rico had already got into, started, and drove the penguins Buggy next to their base to catch him
- Cuts up a fish into perfectly sized bites of sushi in just over a second
- Climbs over the zoo's main gate in seconds
- Slams into a brick wall, cracking it
- Falls directly onto a rhino's horn
- Gets crushed by a falling elephant
- Falls through the roof of a plane mid flight and is completely unharmed
- A bomb explodes inside of his stomach and he barely reacts
- Is right next to where Kowalski shot his newly acquired plasma blaster on turbo setting, which caused an explosion powerful enough to blow a hole in their concrete ceiling (that same plasma blaster on medium setting was able to disintegrate a lamp post in a single shot
- Gets hit by a static shock that is strong enough to knock out the power in the Penguin lair
- For a short while, he walks across pavement that was hot enough to turn an egg to ash in 3 seconds
- After being buried alive, gets blasted through the dirt with a piece of dynamite and is perfectly fine
- Fends off both Skipper and Kowalski with nothing but a doll as a weapon
- Throws Marlene like a boomerang, bouncing her off of both Bada and Bing's heads and then catching her
- Shoots 3 fish out of the air with a crossbow
Rico is able to regurgitate whatever Skipper needs as long as he has it locked away in his intestines. As soon as an object, weapon, or tool is needed he can produce it almost instantly.
- Spits up a stick of dynamite with a lit fuse and immediately regurgitates a flash light
- Spits out a grenade filled with knock out gas
- Regurgitates a massive missile which is far larger than he is
- Continuously regurgitates hook shots so he can swing from buildings like Spider-Man
- Spits a small anchor into the air with enough velocity to strike him in the head a couple seconds after it leaves his mouth
- Regurgitates a chainsaw with enough velocity to fly into the air and cut through a sewer pipe
- Fires screws fast enough for them to secure a metal door in place and keep Jiggles the slime contained
- Throws up a cinder block with enough force to send a leopard seal flying backwards
Private
"Private, options."Private is the emotionally sensitive, British-accented rookie of the Penguins of Madagascar. Though younger and less experienced than the other penguins, he is the most down to earth and compassionate. Private tends to offer simpler, more commonsense solutions in response to Skipper and Kowalski's complex strategies, often in an understated tone while those strategies are falling apart. He also has an affinity for unicorns.
"Hello? I'm the options guy!"
"But not when it comes to matters of the heart. That's where young Private here shines."
Strength
- Slides into a metal door with enough force to dent it
- While underwater, he kicks a baby leopard seal which flies into an adult leopard seal, reversing its momentum
- Stops a massive leopard seal from falling off an icy cliff
- Hangs onto his golf club as he uses it to swing their golf cart around a tree
- Jumps over 1 1/2 stories onto a rising platform
- Dodges several darts shot out from one of Kowalski's booby traps
- Dodges several lasers from the Penguins' security system
- In the flash that Dave's monster ray is fired, he frees himself from his bindings and hides beneath a piece of machinery without anyone noticing
- Out swims a leopard seal for a short while
- Deflects a golf ball with his club
- Wall jumps multiple times to get to the top of the zoo's gates
- Gets karate chopped by Skipper to the ground
- After covering one of Rico's bombs with a bucket, he gets blasted through the roof of the zoo's security building
- Gets crushed between Skipper and a concrete wall after an explosion blasts Skipper into him, leaving a Private shaped indention in the wall
- Falls from the outskirts of the Earth's atmosphere and crashes to the ground below
- Gets dropped onto an electric fence by Savio
- For a short while, he runs across pavement that was hot enough to turn an egg to ash in 3 seconds
- After being buried alive, he gets blasted out of the ground by a piece of dynamite and is fine
- Falls into a pit of rusty bear traps, which mildly injures him
- Defends himself from Skipper's strikes and disarms him while blindfolded
- Defeats over a dozen of Dr. Blowhole's minions with ease
- Fires a dart gun, which bounces off of several objects and walls before eventually hitting the light switch and turning off the lights
- Unlocks what Kowalski calls "quantum hyper cute", which causes anyone who sees him to faint because their brains are overloading from the cuteness
- By using himself as a power source, his cuteness is able to reverse the affects of Dave's monster ray
Teamwork
- Push an elephant into a cage
- Using Rico as a battering ram, they destroy a brick wall
- Forming a penguin chain, Kowalski, Rico, and Private support the weight of an elephant
- Kowalski, Rico, and Private manage to hold Officer X's van in place while it tries to drive away
- Incapacitate Capitaine DuBois and her men, tying them up and launching them out of a canon
- Take on a small army of Dr. Blowhole's lobster minions
Gear
- Grenades
- Rocket launcher
- Flamethrower that is hot enough to melt a lamp post
- Laser pen which can cleanly cut through stone
- Grappling hooks
- Jetpacks gifted to them by the North Wind spy agency
Using the Penguins on WWW
While it may vary from episode to episode, the penguins are all around the same ballpark in stats and skill. They're pretty well rounded, being able to withstand blows that damage stone and metal walls and can dish out those same kinds of hits. On top of that, most have dealt with minor esoteric damage types like heat, electricity, and cold. While they're not too crazy speed wise, they're all capable of aim dodging lasers and can avoid slower projectiles like darts. Combine that with their absurd agility and small size and these four will be extremely difficult to hit for opponents that are on their physical level.However, it's the areas outside of physical stats that let the penguins fight above their weight class. They're all capable in close quarters combat, with Skipper being the clear standout (though Rico and Private have both shown to be able to hold their own against him under the right conditions). Rico is a walking armory that will give them access to any weapon in their arsenal at any time, Kowalski has plenty of inventions that most opponents won't have resistances too, and Private's hyper cuteness could certainly catch their opponents off guard.
The best way to beat these four is to split them up and fight them individually. They've shown many times that they are far greater than the sum of their parts, engaging in hit and run tactics or using one of their various haxes to battle opponents above their weight class. Kowalski and Private in particular are vulnerable to losing their composures if things aren't going their way in a fight (though I wouldn't exactly call that a strength for Skipper and Rico either).
2024.05.18 20:25 ToughLost6273 Does someone know what aircraft is this?
 | submitted by ToughLost6273 to flightradar24 [link] [comments] |
2024.05.18 20:22 Initial-Mango4349 Onan v. Predator generator - RV
Thank you in advance for any advice.
Hoping someone can shed some light on this subject for me. We have a 30' travel trailer (first time) and are buying our first generator. We do not need one for the house, our city has really good power and no issues with climate; so dual purpose is not necessary. This is really just to power our air conditioner at night in the trailer, rarely a microwave (which we can just turn off the AC) or anything else.
I recently purchased an Onan P4500i Cummins on sale for $1200 (usually $1500) from a local dealer. Got the thing home, setup and the battery was dead (manual said it came fully charged), no big deal I'll just run it for a couple hours to charge; wrong, it was dead dead. Worst part was the thing was really loud, but it's advertised as Super Quiet 54db. I could run this thing out front of my house and hear it from the very back of the house really clearly, hardly quiet with no load. It's possible it's just an all around bad unit but from the reviews on Reddit I don't think so; they seem to just be reliable, but loud.
I started looking at a Honda 2200, since I have an in law that has that same one and it's worked great for their AC in their trailer. I looked up a conversion online and it looks like it is very under-spec'd for an AC unit though, it should be at least a 3500 to reliably run an AC; albeit I have never had issues with their 2200 overloading, I'm just going by the book.
Recently a brother of mine recommended Predator as it's nearly identical to Honda at a lower price. My father in law has a Predator 2200 (same experience as the Honda to run their AC, no overload) and it is as dead silent as the Honda. So I started looking at Harbor Freight for the 3500 and 5000.
I'm looking at the Predator 3500 for the price point, quietness, and the fact that it should reliably run the AC at night. However, it doesn't come with remote start/stop and that would be really nice, I know that runs a couple hundred dollars and for almost the same price I could get the 5000 (runs at around 3900, 5000 is peak) which comes with remote start/stop already on it, and can do dual fuel.
A few questions:
submitted by Initial-Mango4349 to Generator [link] [comments]
Hoping someone can shed some light on this subject for me. We have a 30' travel trailer (first time) and are buying our first generator. We do not need one for the house, our city has really good power and no issues with climate; so dual purpose is not necessary. This is really just to power our air conditioner at night in the trailer, rarely a microwave (which we can just turn off the AC) or anything else.
I recently purchased an Onan P4500i Cummins on sale for $1200 (usually $1500) from a local dealer. Got the thing home, setup and the battery was dead (manual said it came fully charged), no big deal I'll just run it for a couple hours to charge; wrong, it was dead dead. Worst part was the thing was really loud, but it's advertised as Super Quiet 54db. I could run this thing out front of my house and hear it from the very back of the house really clearly, hardly quiet with no load. It's possible it's just an all around bad unit but from the reviews on Reddit I don't think so; they seem to just be reliable, but loud.
I started looking at a Honda 2200, since I have an in law that has that same one and it's worked great for their AC in their trailer. I looked up a conversion online and it looks like it is very under-spec'd for an AC unit though, it should be at least a 3500 to reliably run an AC; albeit I have never had issues with their 2200 overloading, I'm just going by the book.
Recently a brother of mine recommended Predator as it's nearly identical to Honda at a lower price. My father in law has a Predator 2200 (same experience as the Honda to run their AC, no overload) and it is as dead silent as the Honda. So I started looking at Harbor Freight for the 3500 and 5000.
I'm looking at the Predator 3500 for the price point, quietness, and the fact that it should reliably run the AC at night. However, it doesn't come with remote start/stop and that would be really nice, I know that runs a couple hundred dollars and for almost the same price I could get the 5000 (runs at around 3900, 5000 is peak) which comes with remote start/stop already on it, and can do dual fuel.
A few questions:
- Should I get the Predator 5000 (from Harbor Freight locally) since it seems to be the best deal with remote start and can reliably run my AC per the conversion, or should I be looking at something else?
- Is the Onan P4500i Cummins loud for anyone else or did I just get a dud and should be looking at getting another one (4500 is peak, runs around 3900)?
- Should I just get the Predator 3500 and add remote start instead of the 5000?
- If I were to get the Predator 5000, why does anyone use propane rather than just use gas?
2024.05.18 20:20 hotballs Des Moines Metro Public Bodies Meetings/Agendas for week of May 20th - May 24th, 2024
Adel
submitted by hotballs to desmoines [link] [comments]
- City Council meets on the 2nd Tuesday of every month at 6 p.m. with agendas available by EOD Friday before the meeting. Agendas can be found here.
- Adel Mayor and City Council
- City Council Meeting Agenda Packet – May 14, 2024
- City Council meets on the 2nd Monday of every month at 7 p.m. AND every 3rd Monday of the month at 7:30 p.m., which appears to be their Work Session meetings. Agendas can be found here.
- Alleman Mayor and City Council
- City Council Meeting Agenda – May 13, 2024
- City Council meets on the 1st and 3rd Mondays of every month at 6:30 p.m. Agendas can be found here.
- Altoona Mayor and City Council
- City Council Meeting Agenda – May 20, 2024
- Items of interest:
- Public Hearing for Development Plan for Blue Ridge Plat 3
- Items of interest:
- City Council meets on the 1st and 3rd Mondays of every month at 5:30 p.m. with agendas available by EOD Friday before the meeting. Agendas can be found here
- Ankeny Mayor and City Council
- You need to select Novus agenda and it takes you to a 3rd party website where you can then select the latest meeting type such as City Council, Action Planning, etc.
- City Council meetings can be viewed via Zoom, but only during the meeting. The City does not post the video of the Council meetings on either their website or YouTube.
- City Council Meeting Agenda Packet – May 20, 2024
- Items of interest:
- Local Option Sales and Services Tax
- Amending provisions pertaining to stormwater management fees.
- Items of interest:
- City Council meets on the 1st and 3rd Mondays of every month at 6 p.m. Agenda Packets can be found here
- Bondurant Mayor and City Council
- City Council Meeting Agenda Packet – May 20, 2024
- Items of interest:
- Approval of site plan for 2416 Robinson Avenue (LCI Distributing, LTD)
- Approving the site plan extension request for 2465 Robinson Avenue, NE (Skol Trucking)
- Items of interest:
- City Council meets on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of every month at 6:30 p.m. Agenda Packets can be found here on the right side of the website.
- Carlisle Mayor and City Council
- City Council Meeting Agenda Packet – May 13, 2024
- City Council meets on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of every month at 6 p.m. with the goal of having agendas posted no later than two business days prior to a meeting. Agenda Packets for 2024 can be found here and a collection of prior year agenda packets (2005+) and large construction set documents can be located here.
- Clive Mayor and City Council
- Latest City Council Meeting Agenda Packet – May 2, 2024
- City Council meets on the 2nd Mondays of every month and sometimes on the 4th Monday if needed at 7 p.m. They updated their website so in the new way to find their current agenda/packets is either on the front page of the website either under latest news in the center or to the right under upcoming events.
- City Council Meeting Agenda Packet – May 13, 2024
- City Council meets on the 2nd Tuesday of every month at 7 p.m. Agenda Packets can be found here
- Dallas Center Mayor and City
- City Council Meeting Agenda Packet – May 20 2024
- Items of interest:
- Discussion to evaluate potential city administrator candidates
- Items of interest:
- Dallas County Board of Supervisors meet every Tuesday morning at 9 a.m. Upcoming Supervisor Agenda Packets can be found here and Supervisor meetings prior to upcoming meetings can be located here.
- They do not post contact information for their three board of supervisors - Someone who lives in Dallas County please contact the County to post this information because it’s antithetical to an “open” government.
- Regular Board of Supervisors Meeting Agenda – May 21, 2024
- Items of interest:
- CAPITAL PROJECTS BUDGETING
- Items of interest:
- If you work for Dallas County or know someone who works there, please tell the administration to include Supervisor agenda packets on the website.
- City Council meets on the 3rd Tuesday of every month at 6 p.m. with agendas posted to the City website by the EOD Friday before the meeting. Agendas can be found here.
- De Soto Mayor and City Council
- City Council Meeting Agenda – May 21, 2024
- Items of interest:
- Public Hearing for the sale of city lots; 324 & 326 Walnut Street
- Water and sewer rate amendments
- Adopt a resolution placing a proposal before the voters to increase the membership of the Board of Supervisors in Dallas County from three to five
- Set the date and time for a Public Hearing for the sale of city lot north of city hall; June 18, 2024 at 6:00pm.
- City Council meets on the 1st and 3rd Mondays of every month at 5 p.m. with agendas being available by 4:00 p.m. on the Thursday before the meeting. Agendas can be found here. I will only do my top 5 as the media generally covers DSM Council meetings and the big topics.
- Des Moines Mayor and City Council
- City Council does usually have Work Sessions on the morning of regular City Council meetings (Mondays) at 7:30 a.m.
- City Council Meeting Agenda – May 20, 2024
- Items of interest:
- Conversion of an existing office building at 601 Locust Street to a 221-unit multi-family residential building
- Urbandale Avenue Resurfacing from 34th Street to Beaver Avenue
- Euclid Avenue 3-Lane Conversion (2nd Avenue to Des Moines River Bridge)
- Workforce Housing Tax Credit (WHTC) benefit applications
- Memorandum of Understanding and Business Associate Agreement with United Way of the Midlands for non-emergency transportation services.
- WORK SESSION IN MORNING at 7:30 a.m. - IMPACT Community Action Partnership Update, and American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)
- Items of interest:
- City Council meets on the 3rd Monday of every month at 6 p.m. Agendas can be found here and Agenda Packets can located here (it seems like agendas are posted at a separate time compared to the full agenda packet.
- Elkhart does not provide contact information for their Mayor or City Council. If you live in Elkhart, please contact the City to ask that they put this information up on their website.
- City Council Meeting Agenda – May 20, 2024
- Items of interest:
- ADDING CHAPTER 47 TO PROVIDE PARK REGULATIONS
- Items of interest:
- City Council meets on the 2nd Thursday of every month at 7 p.m. Agendas can be found here.
- Granger Mayor and City Council
- City Council Meeting Agenda Packet – May 23, 2024
- Items of interest:
- No agenda has been posted as of the time of this post.
- Items of interest:
- If you work for the City of Granger or know someone who works there, please tell the administration to include Council agenda packets on the website.
- City Council meets on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of every month at 5:30 p.m. and they try to have agendas available to view for the public published 24 hours in advance of the meeting. They have dates listed on their website when they will not meet during the year listed here.
- Grimes Mayor and City Council
- agenda & meetings page/calendar this does include their upcoming and previous meetings with agendas/packets if you scroll up or down.
- City Council Meeting Agenda Packet – May 14, 2024
- City Council meets on the 1st and 3rd Mondays of every month at 7 p.m. Agenda Packets can be found here.
- Indianola Mayor and City Council
- City Council does have study sessions on topics that are before the regular City Council meeting at 6 p.m. and are open to the public.
- City Council Meeting Agenda Packet – May 20, 2024
- Items of interest:
- Approving the fee schedule
- Hearing in accordance with Chapter 56, Section 56.05 of the City Code concerning seizure, impoundment and disposition of vicious animals.
- Items of interest:
- Joint City Council and Warren County Supervisors Meeting Agenda Packet – May 20, 2024
- Items of interest:
- Resolution authorizing the execution of a contract by and between the City of Indianola and Warren County
- City Council Study Session Meeting Agenda Packet – May 20, 2024
- Items of interest:
- Risk insurance renewals
- City Council meets on the 1st and 3rd Mondays of every month at 7 p.m. Agenda Packets can be found here This takes you to a 3rd party website where there appears to be no separate web pages for each Council meeting.
- Johnston Mayor and City Council
- City Council does have Work Sessions that are open to the public that occur before regular City Council meetings at 6 p.m.
- City Council Meeting Agenda Packet – May 20, 2024 (On the desktop version, it is not a separate page from where the agendas are located so you have to click on meetings in the top right, find the Council meeting on the left, click view agenda, and then you can click on separate agenda items on the left to get more info)
- Items of interest:
- Council Work Session before City Council meeting - Discus Senate File 455 and the Applicable Text Amendments to the Johnston Code of Ordinances Which Originate From This Legislation
- Updating the City of Johnston Policy on Special Events
- Set a public hearing for June 3rd, 2024 at 7:00 P.M. to consider a text amendment to Section 176.13, Dwelling, Attached Two Unit (Twinhome), Section 177.03, Accessory Structure, Section 182.07, Screening, and Section 185.03, Building Materials, of the Johnston Zoning Code.
- Resolution No. 24-115 - Approving a Moratorium on Enforcement of the Amended Fire Sprinkler Threshold Requirements of Section 159.10.7 and 155.04.2.N of the City of Johnston Code of Ordinances
- Items of interest:
- City Council meets on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of every month at 6 p.m. Agenda Packets can be found here
- Norwalk Mayor and City Council
- Tentative City Council Meeting Agenda Packet – May 16, 2024
- City Council meets on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of every month at 6 p.m. Agenda Packets for previous meetings can be found here but you have to select the particular meeting from a list under City Council Agendas (Their archive is not updated properly so you may need to contact staff at the city to fix this or request different agenda documents). Agendas for the upcoming City Council meeting can be located here on the left hand side of the web page.
- Pleasant Hill Mayor and City Council
- City Council Meeting Agenda – May 14, 2024
- City Council meets on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of every month at 6 p.m. Agenda Packets can be found here
- Polk City Mayor and City Council
- City Council Meeting Agenda Packet – May 13, 2024
- Polk County Board of Supervisors meet every other Tuesday morning at 9:30 a.m. The schedule for the rest of the year as well as agenda packets for upcoming and previous meetings can be found here They also typically have work sessions on Wednesday or Thursday mornings at 10:30 a.m.
- Polk County Board of Supervisors (You have to click on each Supervisors “Bio” to get their contact information)
- Board of Supervisors Meeting Agenda Packet – May 21, 2024
- Items of interest:
- Resolution approving agreement with Des Moines University for provision of learning experiences.
- Items of interest:
- City Council meets every 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. Agenda Packets can be found here on the right side of the website.
- Urbandale Mayor and City Council (On the left hand side of the webpage you have to select each person for their contact information)
- City Council does have Work Sessions that are open to the public that occur before City Council Meetings at 5:30 p.m. City Council also has Lunch and Learn meetings that are open to the public electronically on select Tuesdays at 11:45 a.m. (The public may access the conversation in person at Urbandale City Council Chambers the day of the meeting).
- City Council Meeting Agenda Packet – May 21, 2024
- Items of interest:
- Public Hearing and Consideration of Bids - Lions Park Improvements Phase 2
- Items of interest:
- City Council meets on the 2nd Monday of every month at 7 p.m. Agendas can be found here
- Van Meter Mayor and City Council
- City Council Meeting Agenda – May 13, 2024
- Warren County Board of Supervisors meet every 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of every month at 9:30 a.m. Agendas can be found here
- Warren County Board of Supervisors
- Board of Supervisors Meeting Agenda – May 7, 2024 They require you to download the agendas via PDF’s so there is no direct web link to the agendas
- City Council meets on the 1st and 3rd Mondays of every month at 5:30 p.m. Agendas can be found here AND the agenda packets can be located here
- Waukee Mayor and City Council
- City Council will have Work Sessions and Special Meetings that usually occur on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of the month.
- City Council Meeting Agenda Packet – May 20, 2024
- Items of interest:
- Water, Irrigation, stormwater, solid waste, and natural gas rates
- approval of a resolution approving revised site plan for Central Plaza II [1165 SE University Avenue]
- Items of interest:
- City Council meets on the 1st and 3rd Mondays of every month at 5:30 p.m. Upcoming Council Agenda Packets can be found here (to see the packet for a meeting, click on the meeting under “Events” and then select one of the packet choices) and Council meetings prior to upcoming meetings can be located here
- West Des Moines Mayor and City Council
- City Council Meeting Agenda Packet – May 20, 2024
- Items of interest:
- Establish Public Hearings - Revenue Purpose Statements Regarding Use of Revenues Derived from Proposed Electric and Natural Gas Franchise Fees
- Modify Regulations Pertaining to the Sales and Storage of Fireworks
- Items of interest:
- City Council meets on the 1st and 3rd Mondays of every month at 6 p.m. Agenda Packets can be found here
- Windsor Heights Mayor and City Council (You have to click on each person to get their contact information but you can fill out this form to send a message to the Mayor, the five city councilors, and the city administrator at once.
- They do have recaps of their City Council meetings which are located here
- City Council Meeting Agenda Packet – May 20, 2024
- Items of interest:
- Amending Chapter 136, Governing Sidewalk Regulations
- Amending Chapter 185, Governing Floodplain Management
- Approve Resolution 2024-38 A Resolution Setting a Public Hearing on the Plans, Specifications, Form of Contract and Estimate of Costs for the Windsor Heights CEC Solar Project
- Items of interest:
2024.05.18 20:18 VasilisGRNP The source control N100 disposable respirator : Baianda EF600 NIOSH N100
 | Hello again, submitted by VasilisGRNP to Masks4All [link] [comments] Here's a normal sized review, unlike my previous exhaustive posts.It's about a - not commonly spoken - high filtration efficiency respirator. Hope you enjoy it. IntroductionI'm happy to introduce you the only N100 source control disposable of this shape on the market : The Baianda EF600 respirator.Disclaimer I personally chose the models i was interested in, as i thought they may be very good alternatives in respiratory protection. For all my new and old reviews you see here, i pay for the service/logistics/products. The only exception was Uniqon. Uniqon back in the day, volunteered to send me the samples, when i asked for distributors to purchase their products. Since that company mainly supplied hospitals/industries and didn't participate in the consumer business, it was impossible to find them online. For the Baianda respirators, i paid for the two masks + shipping fees + customs + vat. Τhis is an unbiased review, but from the perspective of a mask enthusiast. Baianda EF600 N100 About the companyBAIANDA is a professional company which is engaged in developing and manufacturing personal protective equipment. It's the only one manufacture factory in China that can produce P100, N100 level protective respirator and obtained P100, N100 NIOSH Certification. They are also the only one manufacture factory in China that can produce P3R level protective respirators and obtained CE Certification. Baianda contains a wide selection of products that meet different customer demands globally, with complete and up-to-date Safety Certifications. They provide a wide selection of products from half masks, particulate filters, to chemical cartridges, disposable masks and more, with complete and up-to-date safety certifications such as NIOSH, CE, AS/NZS, LA and more. The core business is:- PPE Research and Development Innovation - PPE Manufacture, Inspection and Technical Services - PPE OEM Baianda Headquarters Accreditations and Memberships - Committee of China Association of Work Safety Special Committee of Labour Protection. - Member of China's textile business associations Safety and Health Protection Committee - Executive director of Liaoning Province Association of Work Safety - Member of China Union of Personal Protective Equipment (CUPPE)- Drafting unit of daily face piece national standard. https://preview.redd.it/lkxigdfm611d1.jpg?width=147&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=65dcc11e774ca49f2984e4dcc0ea7d5a255f6ae1 https://preview.redd.it/l1b419x2c11d1.png?width=648&format=png&auto=webp&s=7766567e356b81ac3c8ddaab4eff06e072e97ee6 BAIANDA History 2006 — BAIANDA was established in Shenyang of China in 2006 2008 — BAIANDA first factory was completed and put into operation. — The first self-developed KN100 and KP100 protection level Non-powered air-purifying particle respirator obtained 《National Industrial Production License》& 《LA Certification (China)》 2009 — Set ISO9001:2008 qualify system. 2010 — Developed Non-powered air-purifying respirators, Multiple filters, Combined filters 2012 — Approved P100 Respirator of NIOSH Certification 2013 — BAIANDA was awarded as “One of the Top 50 PPE manufacturer in China ”, “The most popular labor protection products in China” 2014 — Successfully Passed the first NIOSH Factory Audit — Participated in the drafting of national standard 《Technical specification of daily protective mask》 — Approved the national “New High-tech Enterprise” approval2015 — Passed CE Factory Audit and got half mask and A1 gas filter CE certification 2016 — Approved the second product OV - Organic Vapor Cartridge NIOSH Certification 2019 — Approved Particle filter P3R CE Certification 2020 — Approved N100 Particulate filter & N100 Facepiece Respirator of NIOSH Certification 2021 — Winning the recommended brand in the China labor protection industry 2022 — Obtained the certificate of occupational health and safety management system —Non-powered air purifying respirator OV/P95 obtained NIOSH Certification 2023 — Baianda Half Mask Respirator Full Series Products obtained Russian EAC Certification 2024 — Baianda has held CE certification for nearly ten years. At the end of March 2024, Baianda once again smoothly passed the strict CE certification factory audit. European Certificate for the particulate filters The company also provides OEM & DEM processing according to their customer's requirements. They have excellent quality product with the highest standard of service. https://preview.redd.it/ecweal20b11d1.jpg?width=711&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=00bcf17eea681f9f5014ca6ae80e586caf2ccfe1 N100 and P100 NIOSH filters A list of Bainda filters The N100/KN100 disposablesThe company mainly expertises in elastomeric half masks and filters, but they offer a few disposables in N100,KN100 and KP95 grades.N100 Model: EF600 Standard: NIOSH TC-84A-9243 Protection: N100 against non-oily particulates Filtering Efficiency: ≥ 99.97%. Effective against particulate aerosols free of oil; time use restrictions may apply. Type: disposable Package: 1 pc/bag; 60 bags/carton The N100 disposable N100 datasheet KN100 Model: EF601 Standard: GB2626-2019 Protection: KN100 against non-oily particulates Filtering Efficiency: ≥ 99.97%. Effective against particulate aerosols free of oil Type: disposable Package:1 pc/bag; 60 bags/carton The KN100 disposable The KP95 disposable Certificates Pricing and similar modelsI purchased both N100 and KN100 disposables for 9.83$ each. Prices found in China and US, usually range for 18$-25$, for unknown reasons. Maybe, those were the 2020 marked up prices. There's also a Baianda OEM N100 disposable, the Parcil Safety DR04 N100. Similar disposable respirators from 3M, such as the 8233 N100, 8293 P100 and 8835+ ffp3 are listed equally high at ~10$. Many brands carry the same shape in different grades. For example, the Jinfuyu (JFY) 4301 P100 and a few more.The competitors Hands OnUnlike the 3M equivalents, the Baianda N100/KN100 respirators have already assembled the adjustable straps. Therefore, the product is ready for use, without wasting any time. The N100 version has the LOT number printed on the mask and the KN100 alternative the LA China sticker, that means the mask can be used by Chinese enterprises. The large external nose wire isn't as 'beefy' as it looks. It's easily bendable, but it doesn't play a major part, as the whole sealing job is done by the 'sticky' gasket. The inner gasket seals great around the face and closes any gaps, preventing any leakage. Companies that have similar 'sticky' gaskets, such as 3M, Makrite and others, will have an advantage fitting many different faces and providing high fit factors.https://preview.redd.it/9u9drecn811d1.jpg?width=3993&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=04bd8ad27a0af01dc575d7eb6c4be50343116f8e N100 EF600 The breathing resistance is - of course - higher than the common N95/KN95/ffp2 respirators, but the construction of the mask somehow prevents a heat built-up on the inside. This respirator is suitable in specific industrial and healthcare settings, for workers who have to deal with very high particle concentrations and at the same time the source control is important. Cleaning the gasket and readjusting the super wide straps if necessary, may 'unofficially' make the mask reusable. Using the Baianda multiple times for short periods will likely justify it's price and purpose on a consumer perspective. Unfortunately, i haven't used any of the similar competitors from 3M yet to compare the size, fit and comfort. One thing's for sure, there's no unvalved alternative for this shape and grade, as far as i know. The inner gasket Pros - Provides the ultimate protection in disposable respirators, if it fits. - The only source control disposable at this grade (N100). - The sticky gasket used by Baianda, similar to other companies is something like a 'cheat', in a good way, to achieve a nearly guarantee seal on adult faces. - Even if the respirator is non reusable, under certain conditions and after cleaning the gasket, it can be reused. The wide headstraps will remain tight after use. Cons - Price is very high on this respirator and this also applies to it's rivals. - Accessibility is another issue, as there is limited availability in the US and only found in super high prices. The KN100 version in China was available at the JD platform, on their official Baianda store, similarly priced at ~ 18$ , but out of stock. - Pressure drop in top grade disposables is higher than normal consumer grades and the EF-600 is not an exception. - The problem with sticky gaskets is that they can become sweaty in hot weather. A big sealing advantage may result in some discomfort on the long term for this kind of shape, under certain circumstances. The big nose wire Fit Test ResultsI was curious getting the Baianda respirator, for the fact that i get excellent results in disposables with sticky gaskets. Most of the time, regardless of mask shape, i have side leaks on the right side of my cheek and less often around the nose, usually on small/medium sizes. My face is on the large size, therefore, for most of the adult disposables , i pass the fit tests, if the dimensions are right. A correct size is more vital for the perfect seal, regardless the shape of the mask to pass a fit test, at least for my face.The LOT of the respirator indicates that it was produced during 2020 and the expiration date on the package is on 8/2025.The overall fit factor for the N100 models was 8127 under the osha protocol. I didn't want to sacrifice a fit test for the KN100 model, since it looked identical from the outside. Here are the detailed results for the EF-600:
ConclusionBaianda is a serious company that mainly focuses in products for professionals on the industrial and healthcare safety. No coincidence NIOSH has given to them the N100 certification. Let's hope they can expand more in disposable respiratorshttps://preview.redd.it/ausuzgecb11d1.jpg?width=5975&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b8fdc12214ebacd3b4ec1d3323d685af96837a77 My previous posts on Masks4AllMy top ffp2/ffp3 list (2021/2022)The most popular domestic KN95 respirators sold in China (fall 2022) The evolution of the 3M Aura: From the 90s to the Gen3 (December 2022) The perpetual search of 3M Aura-style competitors - iMask ffp respirators (February 2023) The authentication process of the 3M respirators (March 2023) The steps to the right direction for future three-panel respirators (June 2023) Filtering Face Pieces (ffp) in Europe you should avoid using & Frequently Asked Questions (EU/UK version). (August 2023) Introducing the new black Laianzhi HYX1002 KN100 (September 2023) Hands-On The New Black Laianzhi HYX1002 KN100 (November 2023) The upcoming 3M Aura respirators in 2024, the FMS Project , more ffp/KN95 mask reviews , modifications and the importance of the seal check. (November 2023) A dive into the East Asian respirators : The inner frames (April 2024) |
2024.05.18 20:17 Dpereira1996 First coinage off the portuguese republic.
 | Hello, I've been on this forum for a while now, and I've seen some wonderful coins, and so I decided to do a small project of my own, since I'd like to introduce you to more coins from my country, Portugal, I also added some from context that led to the mintage of these coins. submitted by Dpereira1996 to coins [link] [comments] The beginning of the 20th century was marked by several political, social and economic issues that drastically changed the world in which we live. And the small country called Portugal did not escape the revolutionary designs of the time. The country in the 1900s was governed by King D. Carlos, he ascended the throne on October 19, 1899, due to factors that I will not digress into, his reign was marked by a certain incompetence of the king in resolving problems social and economic issues, as well as his lack of interest in national politics, and today the king is still recognized as a great benefactor of marine biology and oceanography , also known as the numismatist king in numismatist circles due to his coin collection. But his downfall undoubtedly came from the English ultimatum of 1890, in which Portugal had to back down on its intentions in Africa, more specifically not to connect its colonies of Angola and Mozambique by land. On the fateful day of February 1, 1908, King D.Carlos and Infante D.Manuel were fatally shot, in a carriage, while returning to the capital, Lisbon. Surviving the attack, the king's second son, D.Manuel II, ascends to the throne, who at just 18 years old would assume the destiny of the kingdom, but as a second son, he had not had the same education as the deceased infant, as nobody expected for the second son to come to the throne. Taking advantage of the social/economic crisis, on October 5, 1910, the monarchy fell and the Portuguese republic was born in its place, forming a provisional government that would govern until the promulgation of the constitution in 1911. Among the first steps taken by the new regime It was decided that it needed symbols that represented not the nation, but rather the ideas of freedom and democracy promised. The new republican regime quickly realized that the nation needed new symbols that aligned with the new ideological line, thus giving rise to the bust of the republic, the personification of the young republic, a kind of Portuguese Marianne. A new national anthem was adopted, and the colors of the national flag, blue and white, were replaced by red and green. Finally, the old monarchical currency (the Real) would be replaced in favor of the new monetary unit (the escudo)whose circulation would cover the entire national and colonial territory, with 3 notable exceptions, in Portuguese India the monetary unit remained the rupee, and in Macau and Timor the monetary unit is the pataca. But due to numerous technical and administrative difficulties, the first coins that began to be minted, with the denomination of 50 cents, would only begin to be produced on August 11, 1912. But truly the first coin of a republican nature, it belongs the 1 rupee coin private to the state of India, ordered to be coined by decree of December 25, 1910 and mintage started on August, 1912, I will speak about these 1 rupee coins in another post. Obverse - in the center of the field limited by a border with alternately circular and triangular elements, the symbolic bust of the homeland (or republic) in profile on the left with a Phrygian cap and a crown of 3 ears of wheat, bordered by the legend Reverse - to the center of the field limited by a border of alternately circular and triangular elements, the national coat of arms surrounded by laurel branches intertwined at the bottom by a bow and, on the lower edge, the face value <50 centavos>. Serrated Edge Metal: Ag 835 / 30mm/ Weight: 12.50g Year 1912- mintage: 1,695,000 Year 1913- mintage:4 443 298 Year 1914-mintage:4 991 790 Year 1916-mintage: 5 079 935 I must warn that in the years 1914 and 1916 there are coins in proof-like condition, which require a premium when buying and selling. I apologize for the photos, but it is really difficult to photograph coins, and I also apologize for any grammatical errors. I hope to post some more coins. I HOPE YOU LIKE MY POST, AND MY COINS. |
2024.05.18 20:16 kl3onz Music on Eircell CD
I'm trying to find a song, and the only thing I can remember is that it contained names of capital cities like New York, Tokyo, etc. The song came on this CD which I only can assume Eircell sent to customers as part of a promotion circa 2000. I think the other song on this CD was "My Heart goes Boom" by French Affairs. Does anyone happen to also seen this CD, or know what song I'm taking about?
submitted by kl3onz to AskIreland [link] [comments]