Find the area of irregular shapes

Hello everyone, I currently am renting in the Pleasant Ridge/Silverton area. My lease is up in early August, I can afford my current place but the rent will increase about $75 a month if I were to renew. I can still afford that, but it will be rough.
I’m looking to potentially move to another part of Cincinnati up to around Middletown. My budget would be $825 or less, I live alone and am more than fine with a studio. Does anyone have any current recommendations in that range? If so I’m unsure what the market for renting is normally like here, I’ve only lived in the area for a year and got lucky that I was staying with someone for around a month while I apartment hunted.
I’ve been looking for places for around a month and a half to two months now but haven’t had much luck because my ability to move in was so far out. If I was to choose to not renew does anyone have any experience on if that would give me enough time to find a new place or am I likely better off just taking the increased rent but staying somewhere guaranteed?

Tasted flat, my area might've just gotten expired ones, tasted like flat Dr Pepper with a touch of coconut hopefully whenever I can find the Zero Sugar it'll be better and hopefully not flat tasting

Hello!
I knew my wiring on my basement was pretty wonky, and decided to finally tear down the sheet rock ceiling (for other reasons, this being one of them).
I’m finding a lot (3 and counting), buried junction boxes in the joists that are in bad shape.
In general, what’s the approach here?
I’d like to avoid rewiring entire circuits if I can, but I’m not opposed to it if I need to.
Do I just replace the box, and any damaged wires and install the box so that it’s exposed with a blank plate over it?
Please excuse my ignorance if I’m mincing terms.
I’d include pics, but honestly: just picture grody rusty old boxes without covers and with wires spilling out.
I’d like some general guidance on what the approach would be here, if such a thing can be given at a high level.
Thanks!

Hoping to find a local collage student to hire as a Personal Assistant. About 10 hours a week in the afternoons and evenings. Partly onsite and partly remote.
Huge plus for economy, business or Technology areas of study.
I have a small business, and other professional endeavors I would like assistance with.
As well as managing and organizing my personal life.
I need someone who I can give an objective to, and they will find the most efficient way to accomplish it and escalate to me after exhausting all other avenues.
Skills desired:

• Impeccable research and writing skills.
• Comfortable using ChatGPT to learn and accomplish tasks.
• Comfortable making and receiving phone calls.
• not afraid to tackle a diversity of tasks.
• Can do attitude and creative problem-solving is a must.

Tasks can include:

• Researching and reporting on topics
• reaching out to contacts to organize meetings
• Communicating with and managing freelancers
• filling out paperwork and organizing tasks
• Grocery ordering, meal planning
• Running Errands
• Dog walking
• plenty more I can think of

DM me if you are interested and provide a resume, your area of study if you are a student and 5 professional/Personal references I can contact.

my 3 years of experience is not viewed as valid by most employers somehow. i've had recruiters outright tell me that they're not confident i can 'keep up' because of my limitations in a part time area. i've had agencies tell me that unless i compromise the risk of potentially hurting myself, i won't be able to find work.
but if i'm vocal about my struggles, it's always my fault somehow and i'm not trying hard enough.
i just wish someone understood my point of view. i don't want to be jobless. i hate it. it's boring. it's tough out there for non-disabled people, and i wish i was one of them instead.

Okay so i finally got the book today and.......eh.......i can see what its trying to do but there's just this feeling of it all being orbs of locations suspended in a void with nothing between them and very little Vecna. And that gave me an idea of a way to run this adventure still using most of the locations aand setups it gives but just making it more dire.
Vecna Won
First off Vecnas the god of secrets, hell yeah he would keep his universe domination plan a secret as well so heroes cant get the hint and stop him. The first change therefore happens in chapter 1 when the party are disrupting the ritual.
First off this is THE ritual and its functionally complete, its one of many rituals taking place across the multiverse around those obelisks that came up a lot in 5e. The party are able to disrupt this ritual however they cant stop them all and Vecna still succeeds in rewriting the multiverse. However, now he misses a bit, the party themselves.
The party tumble through the 'crevice of dusk' and find themselves in the dark reflection of Neverwinter, however now its not the Shadowfell, its reality. Vecna is worshipped there as a god, characters the party met earlier are now twisted as Vecna wished and the universe is cataclysmically changed. If the party follow up on their backstories they are changed as well, close family members are now evil tyrants, all the heroics they performed are all for naught. Vecna won and made the universe as he wished and he wished for Evil!
The party are one of the few bastions of the old universe, missed by Vecnas reality rewrite by disrupting the ritual, and now they are Vecnas only Blindspot.
The Wizards three (actually three)
Once the setting is established as being Vecnas and the party have started causing a ruckus they are picked up by one of the last bastions of the old universe left, the wizards three but this time Mordenkainen is actually himself. The wizards have spotted them as not beloning to this new reality and are apparently relativly unoticed by Vecnas sight so far. Comparitivly the wizards three are trapped in their sigil sanctumn and under siege by vecnas forces. the three of them are tired and wearing thin, eventually they will give out but for now they can help the paarty by instructing them on restoring the universe by restoring the rod of seven parts.
The rod here is still an ultimate symbol of law, however it is a symbol of the old universes laws, all of them, enough to rebuild the universe as it was if these laws are restored. You can think of the rod as being like a blueprint of the universe before Vecna changed everything and if brought to the right place it could Re-establish its laws and restore the universe to its original form.
The rods pieces are trying to do their thing, maintaining pockets of the old reality within Vecnas new one, though Vecna wishes to obtain them to destroy it and some are held in the hands of some terribly powerful beings who don't want to see Vecna ruling the universe.
And so now the quest is set, collect the rod pieces before vecna can to restore a blueprint of the universe before Vecna changed it. The Wizards three can direct the party towards one of these places of stability where the first piece of the rod is but they don't have knowledge of the other pieces..
At a certain point in the adventure have the wizards sanctum finally be breached and Vecna himself destroy them easily, a final bastion of the old universe fallen to his might.
Between the pieces
This now gives us an opportunity to build what Vecnas universe is, have characters backstories twisted by his will so where one player was a noble guard captain, now he's seen as a corrupt tyrant. Another player who had a heroic father now looks upon a villain. This in between world is just the normal dnd world but now twisted for vecnas evil goals. Have characters within this world give the party clues on these other areas of stability so the party can try to reach them. Use the areas around the stability areas as setups for what vecnas done to the unuverse. It fills in the gaps between the set pieces of the adventures.
The rod pieces themselves
The rod pieces should all be protected by powerful beings who see their potential or work for Vecna to protect them. Maybe some pieces are held by villains who would rather stick it to Vecna than live in his world. I personally love the idea of Strahd in his castle fighting a siege war against Vecnas forces and the party have to infiltrate the castle to reach and convince him to give up his piece of the rod so they can destroy Vecna, only for Strahd to choose to accompany them to make sure of it.
Have new allies within these pockets of the old reality who can join them or aid them in their quest, villains who grant them boons, other great heroes who offer a heroic sacrifice so they can escape. These are the last threads of the old reality and every one of them wants to do a big hit against Vecnas new one that twisted their world into the monstrosity it is.
Kas
Okay so Kas has to be here but having him in a deception role seems......weak.....he's a powerful general and fighter, not a deception master. So lets have him be resistant to vecnas reality change the same as the party. H e is also on a quest to restore the rod of seven parts but he intends to use it to restore the universe to his specifications instead. He will still help the party collect rod pieces but with the condition that he gets to be there when they eventually fight vecna. I would also add in background fluff on him where Vecnas new reality constantly mocks him as a failure and there are monuments to Vecna beating him in battle and the like. Really making him hate Vecna more.
Vecna is a god, he's always here!
So Vecna himself, he's a god in this new reality and he enjoys it, often appearing to his greatest worshippers and giving them guidance, maybe striking the final blow on battles against the old reality and mopping up the remnants of some of the reality pockets. He cant enter them himself as he would be significantly weakened but he can still send his forces in from outside.
Vecna is also a God with a capital G. He doesn't have a stat block, he cant be killed by just being stabbed on the street, if a player tries to attack him they are just disintegrated on the spot with no hope of survival against a God. The only way to defeat Vecnas godhood is to begin restoring reality to how it was when he was only the god of Secrets
One bit that I'm not fully sold on but i think could work is that the party are 'Outside' his realm, they were missed in the spell so unless he directly looks at them and works out they aren't from his remade reality he doesn't know they exist. The party are his one blind spot caused through the pure luck of them disrupting a tiny part of his ritual. A fluke that will eventually bring him down. He may occasionally speak to the party and make his prescense known but unless the party give themselves away he remains unaware of their true goals until the end. The one secret he doesnt know himself.
Finale
Going into the finale, when the rod is rebuilt the party will now have the goal of reaching where Vecna originally cast the spell. Maybe they have allies from the other reality pockets, maybe the wizards three survived, maybe Kas is helping the party out. Whatever allies they have they infiltrate Vecnas lair and reach the birthplace of his universe. When they attempt to use the rod Vecna himself appears and the fight ensues. Vecna being within range of the rod when it irs restoring reality is weakend to just his god of secrets form but still can call in aid from his reality to help and exhibits enhanced power. Maybe the rod restores other heroes from the old reality to help, maybe the party bring their own horde of allies gathered over the campaign, theres lots of ways this can go.
Conclusion
Eventually Vecna will be defeated and the rod can do its thing, at this point each party member gets a perfect wish each to influence the restored universe...….and are then dropped off in the tavern where it all started, no-one else has any memory of what happened, Vecna himself doesn't even know he succeeded and follows other methods of ascension instead. The party have the choice of telling people what happened but the chance of vecna finding out this plan and trying it again is too much of a risk......... I guess the party need to keep it a secret to themselves...…
Roll Credits I don't know if this is actually a good campaign but it sounds like the kind of thing i would run if i was to do this campaign concept. Meanwhile I'm going to return to my Curse of Strahd sequel campaign where Strahd and Azalin are duking it out to rule the domains of Dread.
Thank you for reading

Dracula: World of War --- The Violet Reaper ---- Humans Don’t Make Good Familiars Book 1 ---- The Lonely World --- Discord ---- YouTube --- My Patreon --- My Author's Page --- ArcAngel98 Wiki ---- The Next Best Hero ---- HDMGF Book 2 ---- Jess and Blinx: The Wizard ---- The Questing Parties ---- Previous
It took a month for Zanwy to recover from losing her wing. The shaman said everything went well, but afterwards she developed a fever for three days, and couldn’t move from the pain for over a week. Even after the fever broke and the pain faded, she was still too weak to move, and could not eat for some time. I visited her every day, bringing her food, making sure she ate even a little, and peeling the chard scales off the wound to help it heal. The shaman never even returned once to check on Zanwy. Her parents and siblings stayed with her, but that may have only been because they lived there too. After she recovered her strength, we started making plans on what to do. She knew the swarm wouldn’t accept her anymore, and I never felt at peace within it, so our plan was to leave.
“Are you ready?” I asked Zanwy as we overlooked the cliff edge. Even though I could fly now, I was not strong enough to carry her, so she needed to climb down. Which, after a month of infrequent meals and not moving much, seemed risky. “We could wait a few more weeks. Until you recover.”
“No. I can’t stay here.” One claw after the other, her wing pressed tightly to her back so she didn’t catch an updraft and twist, her belly flat against the rock, and her head pointed to the ground, she climbed down carefully. Of course, I could have glided down, but I didn’t. It felt wrong now somehow. The rocks shadows had moved over an inch before we made it to the bottom, with the forest we loved so much as our first destination. We thought that maybe the first place we should go could be past the furthest point we’d gone together.
Walking through those familiar rolling grassy hills and past the jumper’s nests, I listened to these familiar sounds one last time. Taking it all in, I heard, of course, that penetrating roar of the swarm, but there was also the small wet splashes of the jumpers moving about, the small howl of the wind as it made waves in the tall grass, the crunch of that same grass under our claws as we walked, and Zanwy’s slight panting. She was out of breath, but was keeping quiet, hoping I wouldn’t notice.
Eventually, we reached the edge of the forest, and stopped to eat red-berries. We sat in the grass and ate the red-berries that had fallen out of the treetops. Once we’d had our fill, and juice dripped from our snouts, I asked Zanwy, “How do you feel?”
“Off balance. Walking is a lot harder than I remember it being.” Zanwy said, limping slightly.
“Can you climb?” I looked up to the branches we always run along.
“I… no. I don’t think so.”
“What if I helped you?”
“Maybe, but jumping along the branches would be hard.” A drop of berry juice ran down her mouth and landed on the grass as she licked her claws clean.
“Okay, we can just-”
“No, I wanna try.” Zanwy said.
Getting Zanwy up the tree truck was clumsy and hard. She rested her tail on my head as I climbed below her, pushing her up for support. It took a few minutes but she and I made it to the strong branches. The branch swayed with the wind, and Zanwy flared her one wing, before quickly realizing her mistake and pulling it, and herself, closer to the branch. Using my wings to balance myself, I walked over to her. “Should we go back down?”
“Not yet. Just let me…” She slowly stood back up, and kept her wing pressed to her body. The nub where her missing wing had once been pressed itself down too, mimicking the movements of the other like an invisible mirror. Pushing off, she jumped to another nearby branch, and landed safely on the other side. Once again, I heard heavy panting, but she couldn’t hide it as well right now. “See, I can do it!” Zanwy yelled excitedly as her tail swayed back and forth from the edge. I followed suit, and lept to the branch next to her. It took a while, but she found a rhythm, and we ran along the branches for nearly an hour, until the sun began to set.
“It’s almost night. Let’s find somewhere to sleep.” I suggested.
“Yeah, let’s head back to the ground.” Zanwy agreed.
“You don’t want to sleep in the trees?”
“No. Without my wing… I don’t wanna risk falling by accident. Do you mind sleeping with me on the ground?”
“Okay, let’s find somewhere safe.” We spent a few minutes looking around, and found a tree with a hollow spot near the base. It was cramped, but empty. By the time the moon rose we had already settled down. Zanwy rested closer to the back of the hollow, and I slept near the entrance.
“It’s cold.” She said, and yawned. Since we were under a tree, the walls of the hollow couldn’t be heated with fire directly. So slowly and carefully, Zanwy and I used our fire to heat the dirt under us instead. Small embers of grass charred, caught fire, and burned away, leaving the ground much warmer; enough for us to sleep comfortably.
That night, I dreamt of Zanwy. She was flying around, soaking up the sunlight with her wings. I was the too; flying right beside her. We danced in the sky together. Zipping and diving about. It was so quiet. It was just us; as a perfectly happy swarm of two. Later that night, I woke up feeling sluggish and dizzy. A moment later I realized how cold it had gotten, and that the heat from the ground had long since gone. Zanwy was still asleep, and I didn’t want to wake her up.
Controlling flames is easy… to a point. But once something is on fire, you don’t control how it burns. That was something my father taught me when I breathed my first flame. The grass had already burned, so I assumed it could burn again. Because of that, I thought it would be safe to use more this time. I assumed wrong. One breath was all it took, and the walls turned yellow with fire. I tried to put it out by beating it with my tail and wings, but that only spread it faster.
“Zanwy! Get up!” I shouted. Dragons may be harder to burn, but enough fire can char and blacken even our scales.
Zanwy startled awake, “what’s going on? What happened!?” The flames started creeping closer, so she scrabbled to her and we both ran out of the hollow. It didn’t take long for the rest of the tree to burn, and for the fire to spread to the nearby trees. We ran away as fast as we could, the smell of smoke in our noses, and the sounds of crackling flames left behind us. Once we’d gotten safely out of the forest, I told Zanwy what happened.
“I’m sorry.” I told her.
“I guess the forest isn’t as used to fire as our nests are.” She said. She was upset, but was trying to not let me hear it. “Let’s just find someone else to sleep for tonight.” It was dark, but we could both see well enough to spot a rocky outcrop.
“Rocks are harder to burn than trees.” Zanwy said, crawling into an opening between the rocks. We crawled inside, and made sure there was nothing that could burn this time.
“Looks safe to heat these up.” I suggested. Zanwy agreed, and we spent several minutes making the place warm. “Much better.”
We finally got to sleep again after that, and woke up to beams of light hitting our eyes from the opening in the rocks. I rolled my head away from the light, and covered my eyes with my wings. I was all set to go back to sleep, until Zanwy said, “Woah… look at this, Blinx.”
Sliding one of my wings down, I peaked an eye open. With the sun out, the cave we were in became a lot brighter. Enough to see that it was much deeper than we’d realized. Zanwy, who’d slept further in than I did, noticed it first.
“This hole is really deep.” She said. “And it gets darker inside too. Do you wanna go explore it?”
I stood up, and my stomach growled. “Sure, but let’s eat first.” We left the cave in search of food. Outside, we found three things. One, some tasty slitherers under a big rock. Two, some water under another rock. And three, a burned down forest. Well, not the whole forest, but a lot of it that we could see. In the distance, white smoke rose into the sky from a few different places. A lot of the grass around the rocky area had been burnt up too.
“I guess we slept through the worst of it.” Zanwy said.
“Are the fires out now, at least?”
“Yeah, the smoke it white, so nothing’s burning anymore.” The was a moment of quiet, and I thought about how lucky we were to escape that tree in time, and how careless I was.
“I’m… sorry. We almost got hurt because of me.”
“Forget it. Name one dragon who hasn’t accidentally burned something with their breath. Let’s just go look at that cave. That’s why we left, right? To explore?” She said.
“Yeah, let’s go.”
The cave itself was very deep, and the walls were made of stones of lots of different colors. As we climbed down, we had to squeeze between rocks, and scrabble with our claws to make holes as we went deeper and deeper down. Eventually, the light from outside didn’t shine, but we could still see fairly well, though not as far, and without any colors. The cave quickly went from colorful, to just shades of gray. As we went along, the sounds of our claws on the stone did something strange. The sounds started happening several times, and coming from all around us.
“Do you hear that Zanwy?” I asked.
“Hear what?”
“Listen,” I said, and tapped the stone with my claw. Suddenly, the same tap came from above, below, and beside us; like a tiny swarm was clattering all around the rocks.
“Let me try.” She said, and scratched a stone. Once again, the sounds repeated. “Oh wow!” We decided to go deeper, and find out what was causing the sounds to do that. Eventually though, we entered a big open area in the cave.
“What is this?” I asked, hoping down into the area, and looking around.
“I don’t know. Maybe it’s the village of another species!” Zanwy said. “Hello!” She cried out with her mind in a way that any species could hear and understand, but there was no answer. As we continued to look around, we found all kinds of things. There were strangely small hard clay nests all around, but they were filled with tiny rocks and ash and mud. There were also lines of white mud on the ground. I followed them, and they led to the center of the ‘village’.
“Find anything?” Zanwy asked, walking over.
“No, but I am getting cold.”
“Yeah, it was much warmer aboveground.”
“Do you wanna warm up?”
“No, you go ahead, I’m going to keep looking around.” She said. As she walked away, I used my fire to warm up the rocks below me. Suddenly, light started to shine from the mud lines, revealing that I was standing on a large, circle with a strange pattern on it. The light got brighter and brighter, and I tried to run, but found that I couldn’t move. “Blinx!”
“Zanwy!” Without warning, I felt dizzy, and I could move again. Then I heard the sounds of something behind me, but it wasn’t Zanwy. Growly, I tried to make myself look bigger, and threatening. Whatever it was, it stood on two legs, and was rubbing its eyes. In its hand was a broken tree branch, with a rock at one end. The cave village had been filled with light, but it came from all around.
“What the?” The creature mumbled, looking at me. “Are you a dragon?” I growled at the creature, while looking around for Zanwy, but she wasn’t there.
“Who are you? Where’s Zanwy?” I demanded. I let the flames build up in my mouth to show that I was dangerous.
The creature grabbed her head. “Telepathy. That’s new. My name is Jess. I’m a wizard. Who are you?”

Hey all, hoping I can get some information on the use of the generator in the above picture (just a curiosity).
For context, I live in Newton, KS and we were hit by a pretty bad storm Sunday night, knocking out the power for the entire town mostly due to down trees, down power lines, piles, etc. Its a mess, but the crews repairing the system have been great.
I'm two days without power, so have been looking around to better understand the power system/infrastructure around me and handing out high-fives, thumbs ups, and thank you's to the electric crews working in the area. It's been interesting to look up different items and learn how they're used in the power structure of my area.
While out today I noticed this generator plugged into this street side box and running. It's locked to the pole and owned by the electric crews.
I'm curious as to what the purpose might be. I don't want to bug them, as they're busy, so came here to see if folks may know as I couldn't find anything online. This is purely a curiosity.
They're still trying to find all of the issues in the area. Is this being used to put power to a small area so they can track where it is and isn't getting to? I assume they're not actually powering homes with it.
Any thoughts?
Thank for your expertise and I totally understand if there's not enough info. Again, just a curiosity to better understand the systems around me we use everyday.
Have a stellar day!

Writing is wonderful, isn't it?
I'm Zach. I'm in the information technology sector by trade, but a writer otherwise. I work with interactive fiction, currently delving into two of my latest projects (one based in my high-fantasy universe that's been in development for over ten years!)
Anyways. That's a small tidbit, but I've got something better formatted.
What's my Age?: Twenty-Five (25).
Where am I located?: Columbus, Ohio!
Why'd I make this post?: The truth is simple. I'm looking for friends, people that I can grow with, get to know, and if something further emerges - so be it. Above all, personality is a key cornerstone for me. I can work with differing hobbies, cultures, and lifestyles, as long as you can do the same.
What's my Fatal-Flaw?: I'm loyal to a fault. It's screwed me over a bit in the past, but I've since worked to correct it. Nonetheless, I stick my neck out for those I've grown to care for.
How about some hobbies?: Alright, let's line 'em up!

• Writing. I've adored working with interactive fiction, and have multiple novels in development and in the publishing stages. With a little magic and a bit of luck, I'll be a published name pretty soon.
  
• Gaming. I'm into a variety of genres. These range from strategy to RPG, to MMO, to shooters, and beyond. Co-op tends to be a specialty of mine, though I'm quite flexible.
  
• Game-Development. This binds together with writing - especially interactive fiction. I love crafting interactive universes that others can delve into. Dynamic stories filled with choice and riveting corners down every turn. There are so many options to explore, so many characters to meet, befriend, antagonize, and more!
  
• Walks. I love exploring, and taking random walks throughout areas is a favorite of mine. Especially if there's food around to grab a bite of!
  
• Travel. Similar to above. Traveling is a favorite. I'd love to take a trip throughout Europe eventually, or one that winds through the entirety of the U.S. over a two-week extravaganza. What's your dream destination?
  
• Cheese-Making. This one's pretty new, and I'm still in the studying stages. I'm planning on getting into the craft of making cheese. Working with the cultures, ensuring I can create different types, and taste-testing with others. My goal in the long term is to create an artisan business if I can!
  

What's your career?: Currently, I work in the information technology field as a Support Engineer. I'm still quite passionate about what I do, but my long-term goal is to create a self-sustainable income from my writing endeavors.
Lastly, what are some random fun facts about you?: Lining them up!

• I'm credited in a critically acclaimed video game.
  
• My friends find me weird for adoring cottage cheese.
  
• I'm an avid dog lover who has a pitty-girl that's a rescue!
  
• Lastly, I can spend an entire night talking about anything at random, especially if a friend needs a distraction.
  

Anyways. It's been fun. I'd love to get to know you, so feel free to send me a message! Take care, and have a wonderful afternoon!
~Zach

Writing is wonderful, isn't it?
I'm Zach. I'm in the information technology sector by trade, but a writer otherwise. I work with interactive fiction, currently delving into two of my latest projects (one based in my high-fantasy universe that's been in development for over ten years!)
Anyways. That's a small tidbit, but I've got something better formatted.
What's my Age?: Twenty-Five (25).
Where am I located?: Columbus, Ohio!
Why'd I make this post?: The truth is simple. I'm looking for friends, people that I can grow with, get to know, and if something further emerges - so be it. Above all, personality is a key cornerstone for me. I can work with differing hobbies, cultures, and lifestyles, as long as you can do the same.
What's my Fatal-Flaw?: I'm loyal to a fault. It's screwed me over a bit in the past, but I've since worked to correct it. Nonetheless, I stick my neck out for those I've grown to care for.
How about some hobbies?: Alright, let's line 'em up!

• Writing. I've adored working with interactive fiction, and have multiple novels in development and in the publishing stages. With a little magic and a bit of luck, I'll be a published name pretty soon.
  
• Gaming. I'm into a variety of genres. These range from strategy to RPG, to MMO, to shooters, and beyond. Co-op tends to be a specialty of mine, though I'm quite flexible.
  
• Game-Development. This binds together with writing - especially interactive fiction. I love crafting interactive universes that others can delve into. Dynamic stories filled with choice and riveting corners down every turn. There are so many options to explore, so many characters to meet, befriend, antagonize, and more!
  
• Walks. I love exploring, and taking random walks throughout areas is a favorite of mine. Especially if there's food around to grab a bite of!
  
• Travel. Similar to above. Traveling is a favorite. I'd love to take a trip throughout Europe eventually, or one that winds through the entirety of the U.S. over a two-week extravaganza. What's your dream destination?
  
• Cheese-Making. This one's pretty new, and I'm still in the studying stages. I'm planning on getting into the craft of making cheese. Working with the cultures, ensuring I can create different types, and taste-testing with others. My goal in the long term is to create an artisan business if I can!
  

What's your career?: Currently, I work in the information technology field as a Support Engineer. I'm still quite passionate about what I do, but my long-term goal is to create a self-sustainable income from my writing endeavors.
Lastly, what are some random fun facts about you?: Lining them up!

• I'm credited in a critically acclaimed video game.
  
• My friends find me weird for adoring cottage cheese.
  
• I'm an avid dog lover who has a pitty-girl that's a rescue!
  
• Lastly, I can spend an entire night talking about anything at random, especially if a friend needs a distraction.
  

Anyways. It's been fun. I'd love to get to know you, so feel free to send me a message! Take care, and have a wonderful day!
~Zach

I am currently in a contract with a buying agent and would like help finding a new one. The current one is not working out for a number of reasons. Can anyone recommend buying agents in the area that have experience closing in this market?
The areas we're looking at are around Quincy, Saugus, Dedham, it's a bit all over the place. Budget is $600k for a single family house, pre-approval already done. We can close fast, like in 30 days fast.

Writing is wonderful, isn't it?
I'm Zach. I'm in the information technology sector by trade, but a writer otherwise. I work with interactive fiction, currently delving into two of my latest projects (one based in my high-fantasy universe that's been in development for over ten years!)
Anyways. That's a small tidbit, but I've got something better formatted.
What's my Age?: Twenty-Five (25).
Where am I located?: Columbus, Ohio!
Why'd I make this post?: The truth is simple. I'm looking for friends, people that I can grow with, get to know, and if something further emerges - so be it. Above all, personality is a key cornerstone for me. I can work with differing hobbies, cultures, and lifestyles, as long as you can do the same.
What's my Fatal-Flaw?: I'm loyal to a fault. It's screwed me over a bit in the past, but I've since worked to correct it. Nonetheless, I stick my neck out for those I've grown to care for.
How about some hobbies?: Alright, let's line 'em up!

• Writing. I've adored working with interactive fiction, and have multiple novels in development and in the publishing stages. With a little magic and a bit of luck, I'll be a published name pretty soon.
  
• Gaming. I'm into a variety of genres. These range from strategy to RPG, to MMO, to shooters, and beyond. Co-op tends to be a specialty of mine, though I'm quite flexible.
  
• Game-Development. This binds together with writing - especially interactive fiction. I love crafting interactive universes that others can delve into. Dynamic stories filled with choice and riveting corners down every turn. There are so many options to explore, so many characters to meet, befriend, antagonize, and more!
  
• Walks. I love exploring, and taking random walks throughout areas is a favorite of mine. Especially if there's food around to grab a bite of!
  
• Travel. Similar to above. Traveling is a favorite. I'd love to take a trip throughout Europe eventually, or one that winds through the entirety of the U.S. over a two-week extravaganza. What's your dream destination?
  
• Cheese-Making. This one's pretty new, and I'm still in the studying stages. I'm planning on getting into the craft of making cheese. Working with the cultures, ensuring I can create different types, and taste-testing with others. My goal in the long term is to create an artisan business if I can!
  

What's your career?: Currently, I work in the information technology field as a Support Engineer. I'm still quite passionate about what I do, but my long-term goal is to create a self-sustainable income from my writing endeavors.
Lastly, what are some random fun facts about you?: Lining them up!

• I'm credited in a critically acclaimed video game.
  
• My friends find me weird for adoring cottage cheese.
  
• I'm an avid dog lover who has a pitty-girl that's a rescue!
  
• Lastly, I can spend an entire night talking about anything at random, especially if a friend needs a distraction.
  

Anyways. It's been fun. I'd love to get to know you, so feel free to send me a message! Take care, and have a wonderful day!
~Zach

Writing is wonderful, isn't it?
I'm Zach. I'm in the information technology sector by trade, but a writer otherwise. I work with interactive fiction, currently delving into two of my latest projects (one based in my high-fantasy universe that's been in development for over ten years!)
Anyways. That's a small tidbit, but I've got something better formatted.
What's my Age?: Twenty-Five (25).
Where am I located?: Columbus, Ohio!
Why'd I make this post?: The truth is simple. I'm looking for friends, people that I can grow with, get to know, and if something further emerges - so be it. Above all, personality is a key cornerstone for me. I can work with differing hobbies, cultures, and lifestyles, as long as you can do the same.
What's my Fatal-Flaw?: I'm loyal to a fault. It's screwed me over a bit in the past, but I've since worked to correct it. Nonetheless, I stick my neck out for those I've grown to care for.
How about some hobbies?: Alright, let's line 'em up!

• Writing. I've adored working with interactive fiction, and have multiple novels in development and in the publishing stages. With a little magic and a bit of luck, I'll be a published name pretty soon.
  
• Gaming. I'm into a variety of genres. These range from strategy to RPG, to MMO, to shooters, and beyond. Co-op tends to be a specialty of mine, though I'm quite flexible.
  
• Game-Development. This binds together with writing - especially interactive fiction. I love crafting interactive universes that others can delve into. Dynamic stories filled with choice and riveting corners down every turn. There are so many options to explore, so many characters to meet, befriend, antagonize, and more!
  
• Walks. I love exploring, and taking random walks throughout areas is a favorite of mine. Especially if there's food around to grab a bite of!
  
• Travel. Similar to above. Traveling is a favorite. I'd love to take a trip throughout Europe eventually, or one that winds through the entirety of the U.S. over a two-week extravaganza. What's your dream destination?
  
• Cheese-Making. This one's pretty new, and I'm still in the studying stages. I'm planning on getting into the craft of making cheese. Working with the cultures, ensuring I can create different types, and taste-testing with others. My goal in the long term is to create an artisan business if I can!
  

What's your career?: Currently, I work in the information technology field as a Support Engineer. I'm still quite passionate about what I do, but my long-term goal is to create a self-sustainable income from my writing endeavors.
Lastly, what are some random fun facts about you?: Lining them up!

• I'm credited in a critically acclaimed video game.
  
• My friends find me weird for adoring cottage cheese.
  
• I'm an avid dog lover who has a pitty-girl that's a rescue!
  
• Lastly, I can spend an entire night talking about anything at random, especially if a friend needs a distraction.
  

Anyways. It's been fun. I'd love to get to know you, so feel free to send me a message! Take care, and have a wonderful day!
~Zach

pt is a 24 year old Black male, 6'3, 226lb, who does not smoke and only drinks occasionally. his only other known medical condition is eczema, which has been a lifelong problem for him. a recent testicular ultrasound revealed a 6mm cyst on the epididymal head of his left testis; there were no other findings of note.
on the 21st of february (2024), pt was exposed to a mystery STI from oral sex with another male [both giving and receiving if that's anything] that seems consistent with syphilis (a single painless spot on his pubic area, lasting about a week; a swollen lymph node in neck; itching, pain, and fissures around the anus; epididymitis; discomfort urinating). however, all syphilis RPR tests administered by his physicians have been negative. he has had four so far: one 8 days after exposure, one 14 days, another at 47, and a fourth at about 81. no other types of syphilis tests have been offered to him so far.
his urinalyses have returned fairly normal with the exception of his bilirubin levels, which have been steadily worsening since april (have slowly gone from 1.1 to 1.6 to 1.8 mg/dL since april 6th). he also consistently shows trace amounts of blood in his urine.
previous attempts to treat his condition with antibiotics (specifically doxycycline, azithromycin, and rocephin; at one point he was also prescribed cipro but that didn't seem to do much) have been successful at alleviating symptoms, but they have always returned within a week or two's time.
this morning, pt was complaining of upper right quadrant pain. the pain reportedly went away with water + a nap, but i'm still worried on his behalf, especially given the heightened bilirubin.
should i drag him to the ER for further evaluation just to be safe?? is there anything else we should be looking for in terms of causes of these symptoms?? thank you in advance for your advice. i've been running myself ragged trying to find a doctor irl whom he can afford + will take his concerns seriously.

Hello all, I have a 2012 Jetta sportwagen TDI that has begun leaking water when it rains. The water primarily gathers in the spare tire area in the back and on the driver side floor. I also notice some water in the fabric around the panic handle on the driver side as well as the fabric on the roof around the driver visor. I have tried cleaning out the drain holes that are at the front of the moon roof and have used a rubber seal around the outside of the moon roof trying to fix this but I noticed more water today after it had rained all day. Looking for next steps as to what it could possibly be. Here is a link to the weather strips I used on the moon roof.
Car Weather Stripping,T-Shape... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CMG9CYXJ?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Thanks for any help you can provide.

Writing is wonderful, isn't it?
I'm Zach. I'm in the information technology sector by trade, but a writer otherwise. I work with interactive fiction, currently delving into two of my latest projects (one based in my high-fantasy universe that's been in development for over ten years!)
Anyways. That's a small tidbit, but I've got something better formatted.
What's my Age?: Twenty-Five (25).
Where am I located?: Columbus, Ohio!
Why'd I make this post?: The truth is simple. I'm looking for friends, people that I can grow with, get to know, and if something further emerges - so be it. Above all, personality is a key cornerstone for me. I can work with differing hobbies, cultures, and lifestyles, as long as you can do the same.
What's my Fatal-Flaw?: I'm loyal to a fault. It's screwed me over a bit in the past, but I've since worked to correct it. Nonetheless, I stick my neck out for those I've grown to care for.
How about some hobbies?: Alright, let's line 'em up!

• Writing. I've adored working with interactive fiction, and have multiple novels in development and in the publishing stages. With a little magic and a bit of luck, I'll be a published name pretty soon.
  
• Gaming. I'm into a variety of genres. These range from strategy to RPG, to MMO, to shooters, and beyond. Co-op tends to be a specialty of mine, though I'm quite flexible.
  
• Game-Development. This binds together with writing - especially interactive fiction. I love crafting interactive universes that others can delve into. Dynamic stories filled with choice and riveting corners down every turn. There are so many options to explore, so many characters to meet, befriend, antagonize, and more!
  
• Walks. I love exploring, and taking random walks throughout areas is a favorite of mine. Especially if there's food around to grab a bite of!
  
• Travel. Similar to above. Traveling is a favorite. I'd love to take a trip throughout Europe eventually, or one that winds through the entirety of the U.S. over a two-week extravaganza. What's your dream destination?
  
• Cheese-Making. This one's pretty new, and I'm still in the studying stages. I'm planning on getting into the craft of making cheese. Working with the cultures, ensuring I can create different types, and taste-testing with others. My goal in the long term is to create an artisan business if I can!
  

What's your career?: Currently, I work in the information technology field as a Support Engineer. I'm still quite passionate about what I do, but my long-term goal is to create a self-sustainable income from my writing endeavors.
Lastly, what are some random fun facts about you?: Lining them up!

• I'm credited in a critically acclaimed video game.
  
• My friends find me weird for adoring cottage cheese.
  
• I'm an avid dog lover who has a pitty-girl that's a rescue!
  
• Lastly, I can spend an entire night talking about anything at random, especially if a friend needs a distraction.
  

Anyways. It's been fun. I'd love to get to know you, so feel free to send me a message! Take care, and have a wonderful evening!
~Zach

Writing is wonderful, isn't it?
I'm Zach. I'm in the information technology sector by trade, but a writer otherwise. I work with interactive fiction, currently delving into two of my latest projects (one based in my high-fantasy universe that's been in development for over ten years!)
Anyways. That's a small tidbit, but I've got something better formatted.
What's my Age?: Twenty-Five (25).
Where am I located?: Columbus, Ohio!
Why'd I make this post?: The truth is simple. I'm looking for friends, people that I can grow with, get to know, and if something further emerges - so be it. Above all, personality is a key cornerstone for me. I can work with differing hobbies, cultures, and lifestyles, as long as you can do the same.
What's my Fatal-Flaw?: I'm loyal to a fault. It's screwed me over a bit in the past, but I've since worked to correct it. Nonetheless, I stick my neck out for those I've grown to care for.
How about some hobbies?: Alright, let's line 'em up!

• Writing. I've adored working with interactive fiction, and have multiple novels in development and in the publishing stages. With a little magic and a bit of luck, I'll be a published name pretty soon.
  
• Gaming. I'm into a variety of genres. These range from strategy to RPG, to MMO, to shooters, and beyond. Co-op tends to be a specialty of mine, though I'm quite flexible.
  
• Game-Development. This binds together with writing - especially interactive fiction. I love crafting interactive universes that others can delve into. Dynamic stories filled with choice and riveting corners down every turn. There are so many options to explore, so many characters to meet, befriend, antagonize, and more!
  
• Walks. I love exploring, and taking random walks throughout areas is a favorite of mine. Especially if there's food around to grab a bite of!
  
• Travel. Similar to above. Traveling is a favorite. I'd love to take a trip throughout Europe eventually, or one that winds through the entirety of the U.S. over a two-week extravaganza. What's your dream destination?
  
• Cheese-Making. This one's pretty new, and I'm still in the studying stages. I'm planning on getting into the craft of making cheese. Working with the cultures, ensuring I can create different types, and taste-testing with others. My goal in the long term is to create an artisan business if I can!
  

What's your career?: Currently, I work in the information technology field as a Support Engineer. I'm still quite passionate about what I do, but my long-term goal is to create a self-sustainable income from my writing endeavors.
Lastly, what are some random fun facts about you?: Lining them up!

• I'm credited in a critically acclaimed video game.
  
• My friends find me weird for adoring cottage cheese.
  
• I'm an avid dog lover who has a pitty-girl that's a rescue!
  
• Lastly, I can spend an entire night talking about anything at random, especially if a friend needs a distraction.
  

Anyways. It's been fun. I'd love to get to know you, so feel free to send me a message! Take care, and have a wonderful evening!
~Zach

CAPUT I
...
Know, therefore, that the purpose of this book is to describe the four kinds of spirit-men, namely, the water people, the mountain people, the fire people and the wind people. Included among these four kinds are the giants, the melusines, the Venusberg and what is similar to them.
...
How things are in relation to us will have to be described in the following order:
First, their creation and what they are;
second, their country and habitation, where they stay and what their mode of living is;
third, how they come to us and let themselves be seen, how they mix and have intercourse with us;
fourth, how they perform some miraculous works, such as Melusine, the Venusberg and similar stories;
fifth, the birth of the giants and their origin, and also their vanishing and return.
...
CAPUT SECUNDUM
...
The flesh must be understood thus that there are two: the flesh from Adam and that which is not from Adam. The flesh from Adam is a coarse flesh, for it is earthen and is nothing else but a flesh that can be bound and grasped like wood or a stone. The other flesh which is not from Adam, is a subtile flesh and can not be bound nor grasped, for it is not made from earth. Now, the flesh from Adam is the man from Adam. He is coarse like the earth which is compact. And, therefore, man cannot go through a wall. He must make a hole to slip through, because nothing recedes before him.
But before the flesh that is not from Adam, walls recede, which means that such flesh does not require doors nor holes; it goes through intact walls and does not break anything. They are both flesh, blood, bone and so on, whatever belongs to a man, and in their whole nature they are like man’s. But they are different in that they have a double origin like two cousins; they are in equal way like a spirit and like man. The spirit goes through all walls and nothing locks him out; man, however, not, for he is locked out by the bolt or the lock.
...
With all this, they bear children, talk and eat, drink and walk—things that spirits do not. Hence, they are like the spirits in speed, like man in gestures, figure and eating, and so they are people who have the character of spirits and also that of man, and both are one in them. Although they are both spirit and man, yet they are neither one nor the other. They cannot be men, since they are spiritlike in their behaviour. They cannot be spirits, since they eat and drink, have blood and flesh. Therefore, they are a creation of their own, outside the two,... It must be understood further that although they are spirit and man, yet they are neither. Man has a soul, the spirit not. The spirit has no soul, but man has one. This creature, however, is both, but has no soul, and yet is not identical with a spirit. For, the spirit does not die, but this creature dies. And so it is not like man, it has not the soul; it is a beast, yet higher than a beast.
...
Now, they are separated from us because they are not from Adam and do not participate in the same earth from which Adam was made, but God has decreed that we may see them miraculously, which has a particular meaning, as will be discussed in the last treatise. They have children and their children are their kind, not ours. They are witty, rich, clever, poor, dumb like we who are from Adam. They resemble us in every way. Just as one says: man is the image of God, that is, he has been made after his image—in the same way one can also say: these people are the image of man and made after his image.
...
And so they are men and people, die with the beasts, walk with the spirits, eat and drink with men. That is: like the beasts they die, so that nothing is left; and neither water nor fire harms them, like the spirits, and nobody can lock them up, like the spirits, but they reproduce like men and therewith share his nature. They have man’s diseases and his health but their medicine is not from the earth from which man is made, but from the element in which they live. They die like men, but are dead like the beasts. Their flesh rots like other flesh and their bones like other men’s bones and nothing remains of it. Their customs and behaviour are human, as is their way of talking, with all virtues, better and coarser, more subtile and rougher. The same applies to their figures : they are very different, like men. In food they are like men, eat and enjoy the product of their labor, spin and weave their own clothing. They know how to make use of things, have wisdom to govern, justice to preserve and protect. For although they are beasts, they have all the reason of man, except the soul.
...
TRACTATUS II - ABOUT THEIR ABODE
...
Their abode is of four kinds, namely, according to the four elements : one in the water, one in the air, one in the earth, one in the fire. Those in the water are nymphs, those in the air are sylphs, those in the earth are pygmies, those in the fire salamanders. These are not good names, but I use them nevertheless.
...
The name of the water people is also undina, and of the air people sylvestres, and of the mountain people gnomi, and of the fire people vulcani rather than salamandri.
...
Now you must know that if their regions have to be described, they must be divided into their parts. For the water people have no intercourse with the mountain people, nor the mountain people with them, nor the salamanders.
...
The undinae have their abode in water, and the water is given to them as to us the air, and just as we are astonished that they should live in water, they are astonished about our being in the air. The same applies to the gnomi in the mountains: the earth is their air and is their chaos. For everything lives in chaos, that is: everything has its abode in chaos, walks and stands therein. Now, the earth is not more than mere chaos to the mountain manikins. For they walk through solid walls, through rocks and stones, like a spirit; this is why these things are all mere chaos to them, that is, nothing. That amounts to: as little as we are hampered by the air, as little are they hampered by the mountain, by earth and rocks.
...
Since water is the fish’s air, the fish does not drown, and so the unda does not drown either. As in the water, so in the earth: the earth is air to the gnomi; hence they do not suffocate. They do not require our air, we do not theirs. Thus also with the salamanders: fire is their air, as our air our air is. And the sylvestres are closest to us, for they too maintain themselves in our air, and they are exposed to the same kind of death as we, namely: they burn in fire, and we too; they drown in water, and we too; they suffocate in the earth, and we too. For, each remains healthy in his chaos; in the others he dies.
...
Let us philosophize further, about their food ... The sylphs are like men, nourish themselves like men in the wilderness, on herbs in the woods. To the salamanders the soil is earth, their heaven is the air, and fire their chaos. Thus food grows to them from the earth and from fire, and the constellation from air is their heaven.
...
About their clothing: they are clothed and cover their genitalia, but not in the way of our world, in their own way. For they have modesty and similar qualities, as men must have, have law and similar institutions, have their authorities, [etc.] ... To the beasts clothing is inborn by nature, but not to these people. To them nothing is inborn by nature; they must work for it like man whom they resemble. Their work, like man’s work, is in the nature and kind of their own world and earth on which they live.
...
**About their figures, know that they are different. The water people look like men, both women and men. The sylvestres do not conform, but are cruder, coarser, longer and stronger than both. The mountain people are small, of about two spans. The salamanders are long, narrow and lean. Their place and abode are in their chaos, as was mentioned before. The nymphs live in water, in running brooks, etc., so close that they grasp the people who ride through or bathe therein. The mountain people are in the mountain chaos, and there they build their houses. This is why it often happens that one finds in the earth an attic, vaults, and similar structures, of the height of about a yard. They have been build by these people for their abode and dwellings.
The water people do the same in their various places. Know also that the mountain people live in the caves of the mountains and this is why strange structures occur and are found in such places. These are their work. Know also about the fire people whose yelling, hammering and working can be heard in volcanic mountains. It can also be heard when the elements are incinerated. For all these things are the same as with us, but according to their secret quality. Those who travel through wild regions learn the reason for such beings and obtain information. There these beings are found. In the mines also, close to good ore, etc. they are found, and in waters the same also, and the vulcans near the Aetna. And there are many more marvellous things, about their coins, payments and customs, which would be too long in this connection, but will be described in their place.**
TRACTATUS III - HOW THEY COME TO US AND BECOME VISIBLE TO US
All that God has created, he reveals to man and lets come before him, so that man has and attains knowledge of all happenings of the creatures.
...
And in order that we may have a good knowledge of things, the water people have not only been truly seen by man, but have married him and have born him children. Thus also, the mountain people have not only been seen, but people saw them, and talked to them, and received money from them and blows and similar things. The same happened with the forest people, as was mentioned before, the people saw them and dealt and walked with them. Thus also, with the vulcans, who also, as mentioned before, appeared to man, and revealed themselves essentially, who they were and what had to be understood of them all.
...
The nymphs, namely, become apparent to us, but not we to them, except in what they tell about us in their world, as a pilgrim would, who had been in foreign lands. They do not need such rapture, the way the mountain people enrapture us, or the water people. For they have no power over man, and their world is not such that they could adopt us. Man is not subtile in body, but coarse in body and subtile in chaos, while it is the contrary with them. Therefore, they can well stand our chaos, but not we theirs. Their element also is in itself their chaos, which to us may not be chaos. Thus they appear to us, stay with us, marry with us, die with us, and also bear children.
...
This happens with the water people. They come out of their waters to us, make themselves known, act and deal with us, go back to their water, come again—all this to allow man the contemplation of the divine works. Now, they are men, but on the animal side alone, without the soul. From this it follows that they marry men. A water woman takes a man from Adam, and keeps house for him, and gives birth to children. Of the children, we know that they follow after the father. Because the father is a man from Adam, a soul is given to the child, and it becomes like a regular man, who has an eternal soul. ... Just as the condition of these people is, when they are in union with man, so is the condition of man, when he is in union with God.
From this it follows that they woo man, and that they seek him assiduously and in secret. ... they seek love with man, so as to be in union with men. With them all intelligence and wisdom are outside the qualities of the soul, and not the soul.
...
One must also know that not all of them may be married to us. The water people come first; they are the closest to us. Next after them come the forest people, then the mountain and earth manikins who, however, rarely marry humans and are only obliged to serve them. The vulcans never attempt to enter into union with humans, and yet are apt to serve them. Know also that two of them, namely the earth manikins and vulcans, are considered spirits and not creatures, being looked upon as a mirage only, or as ghosts. You must know, however, that just as they appear, thus they are, flesh and blood like another man, and with that, quick and fast like a spirit, as was told in the beginning. They also know all future affairs, present affairs and the past, which are not apparent but are hidden. In that they can serve man, protect, warn, guide him, and such like. For they have reason in common with man (except in regard to the soul). They have knowledge and intelligence of the spirit (except in regard to God). Thus they are highly gifted, and they know and warn, so that man may learn about such things, and see them, and believe in such creatures.
...
It is said of the nymphs, that they come to us from the water, and sit on the banks of the brooks where they have their abode, where they are seen, taken also, caught, and married, as we said before. The forest people, however, are coarser than they. They do not talk, that is, they cannot talk although they have tongues and enough of all that is needed for speech. In this point they differ from the nymphs, for the nymphs can speak in the languages of the countries; the forest people, however, cannot but they learn easily.
The mountain manikins are endowed with speech like the nymphs, and the vulcans speak nothing, yet they can speak but roughly and rarely. The nymphs appear, as was said before, in human clothing, with human features and desires. The forest people are like men, but shy and fugitive. The mountain people are like men, not tall, short; sometimes they reach about half the size of man or so, sometimes more. Thus and in the same way, the vulcans appear, fiery, and fire is all over their features and clothing.
They are the ones of whom one says: a fire man or spirit is going through the house; there goes a burning soul, etc. It often happens that such figures are seen. They also are the flames that are frequently observed as glowing lights in meadows and fields, running through each other and towards each other. These are the vulcans, but they are not found living with man, on account of their fire. They are often found with old women, however, that is, with witches, wooing them.
...
You must know, however, that there is danger with the fire people, because they are commonly possessed, and the devil thus rages in them, which causes great harm to man. Know also that he equally takes possession of the mountain people and thus makes them subservient to him, and of the forest people also. He then can be found in the forest possessing sylphs and venturing to make love to women who live in forest regions. But they all become like lepers, scabby and mangy, and there is no help for them either.
When these beings are not possessed by the devil they are human and seek union as has been mentioned. But they keep the way of spirits, in that they disappear. One who has a nymph for a wife, should not let her get close to any water, or at least should not offend her while they are on water. And one who has a mountain manikin with him, should not offend him, particularly not at places where they get lost. But they are so much obliged to man and so closely bound to him, that they cannot get away from him, unless there is a reason for it, and this happens at the place from which they come. If one has a wife, she does not get away from him, unless she is provoked while they are on water. Otherwise she will not disappear and can be held. The mountain manikins also must keep their pledges, when they are in service and have been pledged.
But obligations to them must be kept also, in all that is due to them. If duties are kept as should be, they are honest, constant, and intent on their work. And one must know that they are particularly loyal to man and much inclined to spending money. For, the mountain people have money, because they themselves coin it. This is how it must be understood. What a spirit wishes to have, he has, and their wishing and desiring is thus: when a mountain manikin wishes or desires a sum of money, if there is need for it, he has it, and it is good money. Thus they give money to many people in the galleries of mountains, to make them get away; they buy them off. All this is divine order— that they thus appear to us and that we see what is incredible to tell. Man is the most earthbound of all creatures. What he must have and wants, he must make for himself, and he obtains nothing by wishing and desiring it. But those people have what they need and desire, and man does nothing for it. They have it without work.
TRACTATUS IV
As we came to the end of the treatise, we had sufficiently discussed the necessities of these beings, and how they come to man. You must now, furthermore, know about their disappearance from man, and about their doings with us, with many such tales and stories that have happened with them, in many queer ways.
...
It also happens that sirens are born. They are water women too, but live more on the water than in it. They are not split like fish, but are more like a virgin, yet their form is not quite that of a woman. They bear no children but are monsters, just as a strange human being can be born from two normal parents. I would like to put it thus: the water people reproduce themselves like humans, but when it happens that they produce a monster, these monsters are sirens that swim on the water, for they repudiate them and do not keep them. This is why they occur in many forms and figures, as it happens and is the case with all monsters.
Thus we marvel not only at the water people but also at the sirens, who have many strange features and are very different from people. Some can sing, some can whistle with reeds, some can do this and that. Monks are also born from nymphs, that is, a monster which is shaped just like a monk. This you must know, namely, that such growths that are comparable to men and are found in some places, come from men, that is, they come from water people, earth manikins and similar beings.
...
To continue the discussion of these beings, know that such people also convene and assemble in one place, where they may live together and seek intercourse with man, for they love him. ... There are more women than men in such groups, few men, many women; hence they are after men whenever they have a chance. From such people a group originated that is called the Venusberg. It consists of nothing else but a kind of nymphs, thrown together in a cave and hole of their world, yet not in their own chaos, in man’s chaos, but in their regionibus. Know about them that they reach a very old age, but you cannot notice it, because their appearance remains the same from beginning to end, and they die unchanged. Venus was a nymph and undine who excelled others and reigned for a long time, but she died and the succeeding Venus was not as endowed as she had been. She died in the course of time and her kingdom vanished. There are many tales about her.
...
There is a story about a different beginning. It tells of a queen who resided there and sank into the earth. It was a water woman who resided there. She went into the mountain, under the pond that was above her, in her region. There she took her abode, and for making love, she built a gallery, for her to get to the lads and they to her. Such strange things happened there that nobody was able to report about these beings, what they were or where they were from, until it came to an end. It is quite possible that this could happen again should another nymph come, equal to her.
...
There is also a true story of the nymph in Staufenberg who sat on the road in all her beauty and served the lord she had chosen. ... Our nymph was a water woman. She promised herself to von Staufenberg and stayed also with him, until he married another wife, and took her for a devil. Taking her for a devil and considering her such, he married another woman and thus broke his promise to her. Therefore, at the wedding, she gave him the sign, through the ceiling, during the banquet, and three days later, he was dead.
...
We must pay equally great attention to Melusine, for she was not what the theologians considered her, but a nympha. It is true, however, that she was possessed by the evil spirit, of which she would have freed herself if she had stayed with her husband to the end. For such is the devil that he transforms these beings into different shapes, as he also does with the witches, transforming them into cats and werewolves, dogs, etc. This happened to her also, for she never was free of witchcraft but had a part in it. A superstitious belief resulted, that on Saturdays she had to be a serpent. This was her pledge to the devil for his helping her in getting a man. Otherwise, she was a nympha, with flesh and blood, fertile and well built to have children. She came from the nymphs to the humans on earth and lived there. But then, as superstitio seduces and vexes all beings, she went away from her people in her superstitious belief, to the places where the seduced people come who are bewitched in superstitionibus and spell-bound. Mind you, she remained the same serpent to the end of her life, and God knows how long it lasted.
...
TRACTATUS V - DE GIGANTIBUS - On Giants
You must know further that there are two more kinds that belong to the kind of nymphs and pygmies, namely, the giants and dwarfs, who are not born from Adam. Although it is a fact that Saint Christopher was a giant, yet he took birth from human seed, and hence we shall not write about him. But we shall write about the other giants, referred to in the stories of Bern, Sigenott, Hiltbrant, Dittrich, etc., also about the dwarf Laurin and others. Such stories are frequently rejected, but you must know that the same people who reject them, reject also much more important truth.
...
To come to an end, know that such people, giants and dwarfs, may well make women from Adam pregnant, because same likes to meet same, and nature may permit it. Yet you must know that the monsters are not fertile, although they are monsters only so far as their strength and size is concerned; they are not misbuilt. But they have only one seed available, that is, they do not attain the third, fourth, etc. generation. Know also that when they get into man’s kind, the result is uncertain. If the child’s body takes after the mother it falls into her kind; if not, it becomes a beast like the father. It is not possible for it to become a mixed being because the seed of one of the two always prevails. It happens otherwise that both become one seed, but here not. And if it were one seed it would have to be qualified by the one partner who gives the soul. More is said about this subject in other philosophical treatises, and there is no need to tell it here. Their kind, however, has died out and they have left no descendants to replace them.
TRACTATUS VI - ON THE CAUSES OF SUCH CREATURES
Now that we must reflect in terms of natural philosophy about the causes of these creatures we must remember the facts, all the points, many of which have been discussed in the previous treatises. We need not repeat them here. Further causes that may be explored are these: namely, that God has set guardians over nature, for all things, and he left nothing unguarded.
Thus gnomes, pygmies and mami guard the treasures of the earth, the metals and similar treasures. Where they are, there are tremendous treasures, in tremendous quantities. They are guarded by such people, are kept hidden and secret so that they may not be found until the time for it has come. When they are found, people say: in times-of old there used to be mountain manikins, earth people here, but now they are gone. This means that now the time has come for the treasures to be revealed. The treasures of the earth are distributed in such a way that the metals, silver, gold, iron, etc., have been found from the beginning of the world on, and are being discovered by and by.
...
[Now of] the fire people. They too are guardians, of the fireplaces, in which they live. In these places the treasures, that others guard, are forged, prepared, made ready. When the fire is extinguished, it is the earth manikins’ turn to be on guard. And after the earth manikins’ guard, the treasures are revealed. It is the same with the air people. They guard the rocks that lie on the surface, that have been made by the fire people, and put at the place where they belong, from where they get into man’s hands. They guard them so long, until the time has come. Wherever there are treasures, such people are on hand. These are hidden treasures that must not be revealed yet.
...
The nymphs in the water are guardians of the great water treasures, that lie in the sea and other waters, that have also been melted and forged by the fire people. It is, therefore, commonly understood that where nymphs are, there are considerable treasures and minerals and similar matters which they guard. This is apparent in many ways.
...
The cause of the sirens, giants, dwarfs, also of the will-o’the-wisps, who are monsters of the fire people, is that they predict and indicate something new. They are not on guard, but signify that misfortune is threatening people. ... when this is going to happen, signs occur. These beings are such signs, as has been said, but not they alone; there are many more. You must know that the signs change each time. They do not appear in one way, but are hidden to our eyes.
And, finally, the last cause is unknown to us. But when the end of the world will come close, then all things will be revealed, from the smallest to the largest, from the first to the last, what everything has been and is, why it stood there and left, from what causes, and what its meaning was. And everything that is in the world will be disclosed and come to light. Then the fake scholars will be exposed, those who are highly learned in name only but know nothing by experience. Then, the thorough scholars and those who are mere talkers will be recognized for what they are, those who wrote truthfully and those who traded in lies, the thorough and the shallow ones. And to each will be measured according to his diligence, earnest endeavor and truth. At that place, not everyone will be or remain a master, or even a doctor, because there the tares will be separated from the wheat and the straw from the grain. He who now cries, will be quieted, and he who now counts the pages, will have his quills taken away. And all things will be revealed before the Day of Judgment breaks, order that it be found of all scholars, from the past to that very day, who had knowledge and who not, whose writings were right and whose wrong. Now, in my time, this is still unknown. Blessed will be the people, in those days, whose intelligence will be revealed, for what they produced will be revealed to all the people as if it were written on their foreheads. For that time I also recommend my writings for judgment, asking that nothing be withheld. Thus it will be, for God makes the light manifest, that is, everyone will see how it has shone.

Writing is wonderful, isn't it?
I'm Zach. I'm in the information technology sector by trade, but a writer otherwise. I work with interactive fiction, currently delving into two of my latest projects (one based in my high-fantasy universe that's been in development for over ten years!)
Anyways. That's a small tidbit, but I've got something better formatted.
What's my Age?: Twenty-Five (25).
Where am I located?: Columbus, Ohio!
Why'd I make this post?: The truth is simple. I'm looking for friends, people that I can grow with, get to know, and if something further emerges - so be it. Above all, personality is a key cornerstone for me. I can work with differing hobbies, cultures, and lifestyles, as long as you can do the same.
What's my Fatal-Flaw?: I'm loyal to a fault. It's screwed me over a bit in the past, but I've since worked to correct it. Nonetheless, I stick my neck out for those I've grown to care for.
How about some hobbies?: Alright, let's line 'em up!

• Writing. I've adored working with interactive fiction, and have multiple novels in development and in the publishing stages. With a little magic and a bit of luck, I'll be a published name pretty soon.
  
• Gaming. I'm into a variety of genres. These range from strategy to RPG, to MMO, to shooters, and beyond. Co-op tends to be a specialty of mine, though I'm quite flexible.
  
• Game-Development. This binds together with writing - especially interactive fiction. I love crafting interactive universes that others can delve into. Dynamic stories filled with choice and riveting corners down every turn. There are so many options to explore, so many characters to meet, befriend, antagonize, and more!
  
• Walks. I love exploring, and taking random walks throughout areas is a favorite of mine. Especially if there's food around to grab a bite of!
  
• Travel. Similar to above. Traveling is a favorite. I'd love to take a trip throughout Europe eventually, or one that winds through the entirety of the U.S. over a two-week extravaganza. What's your dream destination?
  
• Cheese-Making. This one's pretty new, and I'm still in the studying stages. I'm planning on getting into the craft of making cheese. Working with the cultures, ensuring I can create different types, and taste-testing with others. My goal in the long term is to create an artisan business if I can!
  

What's your career?: Currently, I work in the information technology field as a Support Engineer. I'm still quite passionate about what I do, but my long-term goal is to create a self-sustainable income from my writing endeavors.
Lastly, what are some random fun facts about you?: Lining them up!

• I'm credited in a critically acclaimed video game.
  
• My friends find me weird for adoring cottage cheese.
  
• I'm an avid dog lover who has a pitty-girl that's a rescue!
  
• Lastly, I can spend an entire night talking about anything at random, especially if a friend needs a distraction.
  

Anyways. It's been fun. I'd love to get to know you, so feel free to send me a message! Take care, and have a wonderful evening!
~Zach

For many professionals, public speaking ranks high on the list of anxieties. Whether it's a boardroom presentation, a client pitch, or even a networking event, the prospect of standing in front of an audience can be nerve-wracking. But here's the good news: public speaking skills can be learned and honed.

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Finding the Perfect Course for You
Public speaking courses come in various formats and cater to different learning styles. Here are some factors to consider when making your choice:

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Top Public Speaking Courses in Dubai
1. International School of Communication (ISOC) Dubai

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3. Edoxi Training

Edoxi offers a public speaking course specifically designed for professionals. The program delves into effective presentation design, persuasive communication techniques, and strategies for handling Q&A sessions. They also emphasize the importance of audience analysis and tailoring your message for maximum impact.

4. Kevin Abdulrahman - Public Speaking Coach

Kevin Abdulrahman, a renowned motivational speaker and coach, offers personalized public speaking coaching programs. This is ideal for individuals seeking one-on-one guidance and a tailored approach to overcoming their specific challenges.

5. LISA HUGO - Public Speaking Coach

LISA HUGO, an entrepreneur and public speaking coach, provides a variety of online and in-person courses. Her programs cover a range of topics, from building confidence and overcoming stage fright to effective storytelling and presentation design.

Beyond the Classroom: Tips for Success

Enrolling in a public speaking course is a great first step, but the journey to becoming a confident communicator doesn't end there. Here are some additional tips to help you excel:

Practice regularly: The more you practice, the more comfortable you'll become speaking in front of an audience. Find opportunities to present at work meetings, join a Toastmasters club, or record yourself practicing at home.
Seek feedback: Ask trusted colleagues or friends to provide constructive feedback on your presentations. Pay attention to their suggestions and work on areas that need improvement.
Watch successful speakers: Observe how TED Talk presenters or other renowned speakers captivate their audience. Analyze their techniques and incorporate elements you find effective into your own style.
Focus on your message: Confidence comes from knowing your material well. Ensure your message is clear, concise, and engaging for your audience.
By investing in yourself through public speaking courses, coupled with consistent practice and dedication, you can transform your communication skills and become a compelling presenter. Remember, communication is a powerful tool; hone it effectively to achieve success in your professional and personal endeavors.

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