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Eagles Peak Pt.10
2024.05.21 16:59 CDown01 Eagles Peak Pt.10
Previous Part
The first sound I heard that morning was foot steps outside my tepee.
“Get up! Shaoni wants you all in town.”
The gruff but familiar voice of my driver from three days ago shouted at me. It had to be some sick sense of humor on Shaoni’s part, sending this guy to come get me for things again and again. Honestly, even I was starting to feel bad for him. Bianca stabbed his friend I knocked him off that stage yesterday with one of the war clubs. I speak from experience when I say those things HURT.
“Alright alright, just give me a second to get dressed!”
I yelled back to the man as I rushed to get around inside. At least he had the common courtesy to stay outside. A minute or two later I stepped out to see everyone else gathered around the man. Brooke, Katrina, John, and Robert all stood there, just staring at me.
“Mornin’ sleeping beauty”
Robert finally said after what seemed like forever, nearly choking on laugher at his own joke.
“I thought you were never going to wake up. Did you not hear Shaoni last night? We were supposed to be up 6 sharp.”
He explained after his laughing fit. Apparently I had missed that bit of Shaoni’s whole presentation last night. Katrina grabbed a pair of keys out of her pocket and started walking away.
“Come on, we’ve got to get into town and finish this whole thing.”
She called back to us just a little too eagerly.
“She’s letting us drive? I thought she didn’t want us heading back to town without some kind of supervision.”
I questioned as we all walked toward the same beat up red pickup that had brought me here.
“I guess she decided to make an exception.”
Katrina replied, not even bothering to look at me.
“Besides I don’t think running is much of an option at this point.”
She continued, pointing up towards the sky. A storm was brewing there, a killer one by the looks of it. The odd thing was it didn’t seem to want to break, it was just stuck in that state right before it starts raining cats and dogs. The dark, angry clouds tapered off in the sky the further they got from town, Shaoni’s doing, it had to be.
The five of us would just about fit in the truck, not comfortably but we would fit.
“Oh hell no! I’m not dealing with you up here!”
“Why not?! You know you love it.”
Brooke and Katrina argued as he tried to take the passenger seat next to her.
“No you go in the back or I’m driving us straight into a tree, I can’t put up with you anymore.”
Katrina yelled at Brooke, tensing up and getting ready for a fight.
“Would you guys just knock it off! Just sit in the back Brooke, I’ll take the passenger seat.”
I scolded both of them, I was done with their little arguments, it was starting to get under my skin. An evil grin crossed Brooke’s face as he turned to me
“What’s up with you two? You’ve been all buddy buddy with him since we all beat the shit out of each other with wooden sticks. He didn’t get to you first did he? Hmmmm?”
Brooke prodded with a wink.
Katrina Immediately punched him in the face before I even had a chance to respond.
“Ey that’s a good right hook! Give em’ another one, come on come on!”
A heavily accented voice cut in from below my feet. Rocco had managed to slip in without any of us noticing. When Brooke lay eyes on him he just about jumped straight into the truck bed. Apparently whatever Rocco did to him yesterday had left quite the impression.
“I’m not even gonna ask, just shut up and take a seat.”
Katrina told Rocco, slamming her door shut as I took a seat next to her and Rocco hopped in the back. Robert and John pretty much made themselves flat to their doors as Rocco took a seat in between them in the back. Brooke rode in the bed, shooting nervous glances at Rocco every now and then.
Katrina drove like a bat out of hell through the woods and back into town. I’m not sure if she was in that much of a hurry to get all this over with or if she just hoped her crazy driving would throw Brooke overboard. Given where we were headed and how close we would probably be to Bianca, I can’t say I wasn’t hoping the same thing.
We pulled into the parking lot of the Save-A-Lot I’d gotten groceries from my first day here. The storm over head was raging but oddly enough It still wasn’t raining or anything like that. The wind was picking up and the sky looked absolutely sinister but other than that everything seemed fine in the town.
Before Katrina’s combat boots had even touched the ground she was already giving orders.
“Alright listen up, We’re working as a team this time wether you all like it or not. I want us to split up and see what we can find. Anything out of place, anything that seems suspicious, I want you to make a note of it. We have to figure out who the victim is going to be and who’s doing the killing. We have nothing to go on either so nothing is to small here. Lets all take a look around town and meet back here in two hours. That’s two hours sharp Keith!”
Katrina barked, taking charge of the situation and leveling one quick jab at me before turning on her heels and heading out into the town.
As everyone else hurried off in different directions I took a second to think. If I was looking for someone where would I go? Where in town would I most likely go no matter what? That line of thought is what led me to the front door of the Eagle’s Roost. Cliche I know, but a bar was a good a place as any to start, even if it was 8 in the morning. Maybe someone new had stopped by and Tuck would know something about it.
The door was unlocked as usual so I let myself in, if Tuck didn’t want guests I’m sure he’d lock it.
“Hey, Tuck? You in here?”
I called into the bar as I noticed the usually roaring stone fireplace had fallen silent.
“Tuck’s not here right now sweet heart, but I can take a message if you’d give me a moment.”
“Oh, ok take your time then.”
I answered before realizing the motherly southern voice couldn’t possibly belong to Tuck.
“Wait who are you?!”
I chirped as I rushed up to the bar and peered back into the kitchen where Tuck usually was. In his place was a dark skinned woman that looked a little older than Tuck. She wore a pink checkered shirt under an apron that read, “Kiss the cook”.
“My, I haven’t seen you around. I’m Richelle, Tucker’s wife.”
She answered. Her southern accent was smooth and calm. The exact opposite of Tuck’s brutal hillbilly speak that he tried to hide.
“Did he not mention me? He doesn’t like to introduce me to the new comers, always worrying about me that one.”
“No, I think he mentioned you helped keep this place running when I first met him.”
“He must like you then, most people round here don’t even know he’s married. Anyways what can I help you with sugar?”
Her motherly voice did wonders for my stress. I could see why Tuck married her, with just a few words I’m sure she could set anyone at ease.
“I was wondering if anyone new came into town or passed through here. Maybe someone out of place, something like that? Oh, and where’s Tuck?”
“Well I can help with both those things. There was a man here, got off a bus last night all alone and came right in. I don’t know what it was but I just had a bad feeling about him, made me shiver.”
She gave a little shiver at that, to demonstrate I guess?
“As for Tuck he’s been staying with those scientists and…. and I wasn’t supposed to tell anyone that.”
She explained, a look of embarrassment crossing her face as she finished.
Before I had a chance to respond I heard the door slam open behind me. I swore I heard someone shriek my name. All I saw before someone knocked me over the stool I’d been standing next to was a blur of black hair flying toward me, and bright glowing blue eyes.
Bianca wrapped me in a bear hug on the floor.
“What happened to you, are you hurt, how are you back!?”
She fired questions at me as fast as she could.
“Bianca, crushing my… can you just, ease up a bit.”
I pleaded as she squeezed me harder than a boa constrictor.
“Sorry! I just didn’t think I’d see you…”
She squeaked, trailing off suddenly. A single tear making its way down her face as she blushed slightly and released me. In that moment I realized Bianca, who had stabbed a guy not to long ago for grabbing her hand, just bear hugged me. I’m not sure what I felt about that but at the moment, I was just happy to see her and even happier that she was happy to see me.
“Shaoni let us back into town for the last of the trials. We’re supposed to stop a murder in town.”
“A murder?! Is that what you were asking about? Is that man a murderer? My, what is going on in this town.”
Richelle shrieked, reminding Bianca and I that we weren’t alone in here. I felt the hot blood rush to my face as I looked up to see Bianca blushing as well, even redder than before.
“So, did you end up finding anything out about Shaoni?”
I asked Bianca as we took a seat at the bar, getting straight down to business as Richelle started stress cleaning in the kitchen.
I was a bit surprised by what she said. I never expected Shaoni to be THE Thunderbird or a descendent of them. I was still trying to wrap my head around the whole thing.
“So she went into hiding here then? That cave we stumbled into that was connected to the mines. Was that her… nest?”
I thought out loud, hoping Bianca would have some kind of answer.
“I guess, that’s what Frank and Stein have been calling it too. Speaking of Frank and Stein we should probably go see them. We were planning to break you out today, guess we were a little late on that huh.”
Bianca said, getting up from her seat at the bar. I’m not sure reuniting with Frank, Stein, and the rest of them was the best idea. At the moment I didn’t have a whole lot of other options though. I got up and followed Bianca out the door, heading back to her house to call off their rescue mission.
“Good luck darlin’!”
Richelle called after us, I felt sure we could use all the luck we could get.
“How the hell’d ya get back here son?!”
Tuck asked as soon as Bianca and I walked through the front door. Rocco had already found his way back and had apparently been filling everyone in on what had been happening. Stein was unloading some sort of pistol with a long thin barrel on the kitchen table.
“I’m glad I won’t have to use this at least. It’s been… many years since I’ve had to take this out of storage.”
Stein explained to no one in particular while staring at the gun. No doubt it brought back memories of his time with the German military. Frank walked out of the basement at that moment and nodded to me.
“Glad to have you back Keith.”
He said, clapping a hand on my shoulder.
“It’s great to see you all but I can’t stay too long, I’ve got to go back.”
“WHAT?!”
Everyone yelled in unison, even Rocco.
“It’s the last trial and Shaoni is overseeing it personally. You see that storm outside? That’s all her, if I don’t go back she’ll know and I’m sure there will be consequences. Besides Brooke is here too, I don’t want to give him any reason to go looking for me and bump into Bianca.”
I explained to everyone, not enough to wipe the shock off all their faces but at least Stein seemed to understand. Just the mention of Brookes name made Bianca freeze up. Only for a second but I could see this tension pass over her whole body and her eyes suddenly glowed blue and widened with fear. I was paying so much attention to how she’d react to that name that I almost didn’t feel her reach out and squeeze my hand from her place at my side. She sighed quietly before her eyes returned to normal but she still kept my hand in hers.
“You can’t go back! We only just got you back!”
Bianca protested, but my mind was made up.
“I need to see this through and besides someone’s life is at stake. I should try and stop that at least.”
Bianca couldn’t argue with that, neither could anyone else. I could tell Tuck and her wanted to but they didn’t. All Tuck did was quietly nod his head and grunt. I could tell Bianca was running through every possible argument in her head to try and make me stay but wasn’t coming up with anything. Bianca let go of my hand and asked,
“Can I at least come with you? To help stop the murder I mean.”
She looked into my eyes like a puppy, begging me to say yes.
In any normal circumstance I would’ve given in immediately to that, especially coming from someone who looked like her. This time though, I just couldn’t. I couldn’t take the chance that Brooke would see her and something bad would happen.
“You can’t Bianca, I don’t want anything happening to you especially with… him out there. I think Shaoni offered to help him find you if he showed up for these trials or something like that. Either way I’m pretty sure he’s here for you.”
I told her as gently as I could. I could see her recoil at the idea that Brooke might be here just for her. She was scared, maybe more scared than she’d ever been that there was even a small chance of Brooke getting his hands on her again.
“I… no, no your right.”
I didn’t expect her to give in so easily but it was a welcome surprise.
“I hope you know what yer doin son.”
Tuck told me as I got ready to head back out. Frank and Stein cornered me before I could leave as well.
“Take this.”
Frank said, thrusting what looked like a jury rigged walkie talkie into my hands.
“If you need anything call us on that. We’ll help however we can, and don’t expect us to sit around quietly when you go back. We fully intend get you out still, no reason to let a perfectly good plan go to waste.”
I thanked them for the walkie talkie. I was glad they were still looking out for me even if I doubted they could do much against whatever was to come, it was good to have people in your corner. Bianca was waiting for me when I got to the door.
“At least I get to say goodbye this time.”
She said with a little smirk. She’d been acting different since I got back, much more… personable?
“Yeah I guess so. What’s been up with you? You’ve been acting… different.”
I asked her, a little nervous for some reason.
“You helped me… a lot actually. Your the first person who’s really cared about me in years.”
“That’s not true, look at Frank and Stein.”
I responded, missing the point of what she was saying.
“No, not like that. I mean your a friend, a good friend… no that’s not, ugh.”
She said, shaking her head and looking a little embarrassed. Then she did something I really didn’t expect, she leaned over and kissed me.
“Just… make sure you come back ok? For me.”
She added as she pushed me out the door, starting to turn lobster red. My head was spinning but there was a bug dumb smile on my face, I’m sure of that. Filled with all the confidence that brought me, I headed back to the Save-A-Lot to see what everyone else had turned up on the impending murder.
As I walked back lighting began to crack across the sky. The lightning took all kinds of unnatural shapes. I swore one time it almost looked like a pair of eyes, watching me from the sky.
“Alright everyone, I want reports!”
Katrina shouted like a drill instructor, bring the group of us gathered around the hood of the truck to attention.
“The elderly cashier inside, she was… disquieted. More so than I would expect of someone in this strange town.”
John spoke, saying the first words I’d ever heard from him in a wise sage-like voice.
“I looked around for some kinda police station but this shit hole town doesn’t have one. How the hell am I supposed to report a murder if there’s no police!”
Brooke complained to the crowd.
“So, you accomplished absolutely nothing, I kinda figured that.”
Katrina scoffed at him.
“Yeah there hasn’t been a police station here as long as I remember. We never needed one, everyone either moved on to fast or stuck around and just wanted to be left alone, never caused any problems. Still, it’s a little strange come to think of it, would’ve figured the government would make us have some kind of police.”
Robert informed us before giving his own report.
“I looked around a bit myself, didn’t come across much on account of there not being all that many people to talk to in this town. Those old scientist types in the big white house never answered the door when I knocked and I couldn’t find their daughter.”
To my horror Brooke’s eyes lit up and he was suddenly razor focused on what Robert had to say.
“I did see some guy I’d never seen in town before walking around. Didn’t want to talk much though, he just turned around and walked the other way as soon as he caught sight of me.”
Robert finished with a shrug. Brooke seemed less interested after he heard nothing else about the daughter Robert mentioned. Did he know Robert was taking about Bianca?
“Wait that strange guy, was he wearing an old hat? Some kind of bowler I think, looked really out of place.”
Katrina asked suddenly, her eyes lighting up.
“Yeah now that you mention it I think he did.”
Robert answered after thinking for a second.
“Damn it! He saw me and ran when I was searching around town myself. So next order of business we find that guy. Keith! Did you see anything else?”
Katrina asked, whirling around to face me.
“I stopped by the bar and the bartender there told me someone new came into town a few days ago. Apparently she had a bad feeling about him. Maybe its the same guy you two saw?”
I proposed, pointing to Robert and Katrina. Katrina paced around for a bit, thinking I guess. She finally came to a rest again at the front of the truck, apparently she’d come up with another plan.
“Alright, I want that guy in the bowler hat found so we’re breaking into teams of two.”
“Uh, isn’t there five of us, that won’t work.”
Brooke interjected, earning him a look of pure murder from Katrina.
“Keep that up and I’ll find that raccoon, you can pair up with him!”
She yelled completely over Brooke’s attitude.
“I’ll go alone, Robert, John, you two are together same with you Keith and asshole.”
“I have a name you know!”
Brooke complained, getting yet another look from Katrina. If he kept that up I had a pretty good idea of exactly who the murderer and victim would be.
“Alright alright Jesus lady cool your jets!”
He said, putting his hands up in surrender as Katrina took a threatening step towards him.
A few minutes later Brooke and I had broken off from the other three having all agreed to meet up back at the truck in another hour. Brooke had insisted we go to the bar and search for the guy but I had a feeling there was more to it than that. He proved me right when he ducked into an alley and pushed me up against the side of a building right on main street. Usually that would be instantly seen by someone but here wasn’t like anywhere else. There was no one around to help me out or even see what was going on.
“I know we’re supposed to be looking for a murderer but I’ve got other things in mind. That daughter Robert was talking about, you know something about her don’t you.”
Brooke questioned with a growl, arm against my throat holding me uncomfortably tight against the building.
“Daughter? What are you talking about?”
I choked out, deciding to play dumb. He didn’t like this to much and pushed me even harder against the wall.
“That raccoon mentioned her name the other day when the fuckin thing attacked me and it seems pretty buddy buddy with you! Bianca! ring any bells!”
I felt my face grow red at the mention of her name as I thought back to the way she kissed me at the door. That reaction betrayed me and the beginnings of a twisted smile appeared in Brooke’s eyes.
“Oh yeah, you know her don’t you? Know what she can do to I bet. Did she tell you about me, how she threw away everything I could’ve given her.”
He hissed at me, venom dripping off every word.
“At first I didn’t care but then I heard stories of this whore who could wrap you around her finger like nothing else. She’d do whatever you wanted but you’d also pay whatever she asked, do whatever she asked. Imagine my surprise when I started looking into it and it turned out to be my little escaped bird.”
Brooke continued, grinning like a mad man. He was obsessed with her, it didn’t take a genius to see that. But I was in no position to argue with him, I could barley speak with the pressure on my neck from his arm.
“They called her a succubus, the crazy ones at least. Turns out they were right though, there was something off about her from the first day I met her but I had no idea she was something exotic like that. See I make a habit of collecting things, rare things, and she’s the rarest I’ve ever been able to find. I was so close to having her at one point but she just had to break away. When I met Shaoni late one night researching the supernatural she agreed to look into her for me on one condition. I agree to show up in this town in the ass end of nowhere and participate in some trials for her. Easiest deal I ever made, now I’m this close to getting my hands on her again. Imagine what she could do for me, what I could get with her powers.”
Brooke finished his monologue, finally letting me go.
“Now you’re going to show me where she is and I’m going to get the hell out of here. Get going!”
He shouted at me, drawing a pocket knife from his white suit jacket.
My first reaction was to look around and search for a way out. I couldn’t fight him, that was clear. I really didn’t want to get stabbed either. My eyes darted around trying to find anything that could get me out of this. Then I found exactly what I was looking for on the other side of the street.
Katrina had found the man in the bowler and he was running back toward the Save-A-Lot like Usain Bolt himself.
“Katrina, HELP!”
Brooke whipped his head around, trying to catch sight of her before she did anything. Katrina wasted no time though. She took one look at him, pulled the gun from its holster on her waist, and fired. The crack of the bullet made me run on pure instinct and Brooke dropped to the ground. It hadn’t hit him unfortunately, but it had bought me enough time to run.
“Argh that bitch! I’ll find her myself!”
Brooke shouted before getting back to his feet and running the other direction. The guy Katrina had been chasing used the distraction to make some distance on her. He was nearly to the corner that turned towards the Save-A-Lot. I took off after him as Katrina did the same, ripping the walkie talkie from my pocket as I ran.
“Stein get Bianca out of there! Head out to the mine, maybe there aren’t to many people there now, just get her out of town! Brooke is here and he’s looking for her I’ll meet you once this is all over ok.”
I think Stein said something back but I didn’t catch it. The adrenaline spike of getting shot at and chasing this guy who was likely a soon to be murderer made it hard to hear.
We weren’t as fast as we hoped but we were just fast enough to see the consequences of that. As Katrina and I got into the parking lot the guy was already inside, pointing a gun of his own at the elderly cashier that gave me a hard time about my ID. I made out the movements of her lips just before he pulled the trigger. It looked like she said “Oh, you’re the one she sent then.” Just before he killed her.
I stopped dead when I saw the body drop, I’d never seen someone die before. In Imalone people had died but I’d been knocked out for most of it. Seeing it up close though, it made my stomach drop. I fell to my knees and threw up on the spot, the blood, god the blood splatter behind her it was horrible.
Katrina didn’t stop after the shot, if anything she charged in even faster. The gun was still in her hand and she held it up in front of her, using the weight of the gun to smash through the glass doors with the bottom of the grip. The shards of glass rained down on the murderer who surprisingly, seemed just as stunned as I was by the corpse. Katrina dropped her shoulder and charged into him, hitting him so hard they both fell to the ground. She was back on her feet quick as lighting, flipping the guy over onto his front and putting a knee on his back in between his shoulder blades. Katrina locked his arm behind his back and said something I couldn’t hear. At that point I kinda spaced out. The only other thing I remember before getting in the truck was Katrina leading the man out of the store with his hands zip tied behind him. The few people who were in the store had come out and were starting to pick over the scene as we shot out onto the road back to the mine.
I noticed one of us was missing when we came to a stop.
“Where’s Brooke?”
“I wasn’t waiting for him, not after whatever he pulled in town. He can find his own way back.”
Katrina answered me while pushing the man she’d apprehended out of the truck and toward the entrance to the mine.
“Are you doing ok? You looked a little white on the way out here, like you saw a ghost.”
Robert asked me as we got out and followed behind Katrina.
“Sure sure I just… never saw someone die like that you know.”
I said, never so sure that I wasn’t ok. Robert gave me a knowing nod as we made our way down to the coliseum.
Shaoni and Katrina were waiting for us already. Brooke was there too, beaten and bloody against the wall. It looked like someone had dragged him back here against his will, probably Shaoni if I had to guess.
“I can’t say I’m pleased with what went on in town but in the end you did discover the murderer, even if it was too late. Now it’s time for the second part of this trial. I want to hear your judgements, what should this man’s punishment be?”
Shaoni greeted us, ignoring everything that had gone on before like it didn’t even matter. Something about that made my blood boil.
“Katrina, you first. What should this man’s punishment be?”
“P please.. you said.”
The man muttered before Shaoni slapped him hard across the face.
“You will be silent!”
She ordered, the room suddenly becoming electric with her temper. Katrina stepped up in front of Shaoni and gave her judgment.
“He took a life, he should be killed as well. It’s the only way to be sure he doesn’t do something like that again.”
Shaoni nodded at that and pointed to me.
“You next Keith, what should we do with him?”
I was filled with a rage I’d never felt before as I looked at the whole situation. Shaoni was meant to be a spirt of justice, or so I thought. Yet she let that woman die. Worse still, after what the woman said I believed Shaoni may have arranged the whole thing, murderer, victim, and all. That’s not justice, that’s playing god, using her power and influence to mess with people like pieces on a chessboard and for what? Just so she could “test” a few people who’d caught her eye?
“You deserve punishment Shaoni. That man is innocent, you put him up to it didn’t you? Him, the victim, all of it! It’s all just some kind of game to you isn’t it?! You keep claiming you represent justice but from what I’ve heard you’ve had a problem with that. This is something else though, where is the justice in this Shaoni, where! I don’t pretend to know what you’ve been through over the years Justice, but this isn’t right. If it was up to me this man should be let go so he doesn’t have you whispering in his ear and you should go back to sleep like you had been years ago.”
I shouted at her, not caring what she would do to me. It felt good though, to finally let her have it, especially after all she’d put me through.
I learned Shaoni’s real name from Bianca but hearing it seemed to make her shrink. The second I said it I had her full attention.
“No! You don’t understand Keith! These people were terrible, guilty of their own crimes. I found them both and offered them a deal. Submit to my judgment or do something for me and face the judgment of another. They got their punishments, I’m no monster!”
She roared back, the beginning of tears brimming in her eyes.
“Guilty or not you used them like pawns Justice! None of this is right, there’s no justice in it, no right and wrong. It’s just a game to you! Don’t you see this is wrong!”
I yelled at her again.
“DON’T YOU USE THAT NAME!”
She thundered back.
“Would you prefer Vengeance?!”
I added, shattering her.
The mention of that name brought Shaoni to tears and she lost her temper. She threw her hand out toward the man still zip tied on the ground in an act of anger. The tattoos on her arms glowed with a blue, ghostly light. The energy grew until a bolt of lightning arced from the tattoos, filling the room with the scent of ozone. The bolt hit the man in the head, searing the skin of his face black in an instant as his body went still.
“You don’t understand, all those years, all those mistakes. Do you know what that…!”
Shaoni started to scream to me again, but she was cut off by the sound of vehicles above us and the cracks of gunfire.
I looked around in surprise, still in shock after the brutal death of the murderer in front of me. I saw Katrina holding her own walkie talkie and smiling.
“Looks like my ride is here, time to end this little charade. Keith, I’d suggest running if I where you. Shaoni, I’d say its been fun but you’re the whole reason they sent me out here in the first place. You’ve been way too much trouble but for what its worth, good luck.”
Katrina hissed at the two of us. Robert, John, and I were stunned, even Shaoni herself seemed shocked back to reality by whatever was happening. With her piece said, Katrina turned and walked out of the mine, towards the growing sounds of shouting and gunfire coming from outside.
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The first sound I heard that morning was foot steps outside my tepee.
“Get up! Shaoni wants you all in town.”
The gruff but familiar voice of my driver from three days ago shouted at me. It had to be some sick sense of humor on Shaoni’s part, sending this guy to come get me for things again and again. Honestly, even I was starting to feel bad for him. Bianca stabbed his friend I knocked him off that stage yesterday with one of the war clubs. I speak from experience when I say those things HURT.
“Alright alright, just give me a second to get dressed!”
I yelled back to the man as I rushed to get around inside. At least he had the common courtesy to stay outside. A minute or two later I stepped out to see everyone else gathered around the man. Brooke, Katrina, John, and Robert all stood there, just staring at me.
“Mornin’ sleeping beauty”
Robert finally said after what seemed like forever, nearly choking on laugher at his own joke.
“I thought you were never going to wake up. Did you not hear Shaoni last night? We were supposed to be up 6 sharp.”
He explained after his laughing fit. Apparently I had missed that bit of Shaoni’s whole presentation last night. Katrina grabbed a pair of keys out of her pocket and started walking away.
“Come on, we’ve got to get into town and finish this whole thing.”
She called back to us just a little too eagerly.
“She’s letting us drive? I thought she didn’t want us heading back to town without some kind of supervision.”
I questioned as we all walked toward the same beat up red pickup that had brought me here.
“I guess she decided to make an exception.”
Katrina replied, not even bothering to look at me.
“Besides I don’t think running is much of an option at this point.”
She continued, pointing up towards the sky. A storm was brewing there, a killer one by the looks of it. The odd thing was it didn’t seem to want to break, it was just stuck in that state right before it starts raining cats and dogs. The dark, angry clouds tapered off in the sky the further they got from town, Shaoni’s doing, it had to be.
The five of us would just about fit in the truck, not comfortably but we would fit.
“Oh hell no! I’m not dealing with you up here!”
“Why not?! You know you love it.”
Brooke and Katrina argued as he tried to take the passenger seat next to her.
“No you go in the back or I’m driving us straight into a tree, I can’t put up with you anymore.”
Katrina yelled at Brooke, tensing up and getting ready for a fight.
“Would you guys just knock it off! Just sit in the back Brooke, I’ll take the passenger seat.”
I scolded both of them, I was done with their little arguments, it was starting to get under my skin. An evil grin crossed Brooke’s face as he turned to me
“What’s up with you two? You’ve been all buddy buddy with him since we all beat the shit out of each other with wooden sticks. He didn’t get to you first did he? Hmmmm?”
Brooke prodded with a wink.
Katrina Immediately punched him in the face before I even had a chance to respond.
“Ey that’s a good right hook! Give em’ another one, come on come on!”
A heavily accented voice cut in from below my feet. Rocco had managed to slip in without any of us noticing. When Brooke lay eyes on him he just about jumped straight into the truck bed. Apparently whatever Rocco did to him yesterday had left quite the impression.
“I’m not even gonna ask, just shut up and take a seat.”
Katrina told Rocco, slamming her door shut as I took a seat next to her and Rocco hopped in the back. Robert and John pretty much made themselves flat to their doors as Rocco took a seat in between them in the back. Brooke rode in the bed, shooting nervous glances at Rocco every now and then.
Katrina drove like a bat out of hell through the woods and back into town. I’m not sure if she was in that much of a hurry to get all this over with or if she just hoped her crazy driving would throw Brooke overboard. Given where we were headed and how close we would probably be to Bianca, I can’t say I wasn’t hoping the same thing.
We pulled into the parking lot of the Save-A-Lot I’d gotten groceries from my first day here. The storm over head was raging but oddly enough It still wasn’t raining or anything like that. The wind was picking up and the sky looked absolutely sinister but other than that everything seemed fine in the town.
Before Katrina’s combat boots had even touched the ground she was already giving orders.
“Alright listen up, We’re working as a team this time wether you all like it or not. I want us to split up and see what we can find. Anything out of place, anything that seems suspicious, I want you to make a note of it. We have to figure out who the victim is going to be and who’s doing the killing. We have nothing to go on either so nothing is to small here. Lets all take a look around town and meet back here in two hours. That’s two hours sharp Keith!”
Katrina barked, taking charge of the situation and leveling one quick jab at me before turning on her heels and heading out into the town.
As everyone else hurried off in different directions I took a second to think. If I was looking for someone where would I go? Where in town would I most likely go no matter what? That line of thought is what led me to the front door of the Eagle’s Roost. Cliche I know, but a bar was a good a place as any to start, even if it was 8 in the morning. Maybe someone new had stopped by and Tuck would know something about it.
The door was unlocked as usual so I let myself in, if Tuck didn’t want guests I’m sure he’d lock it.
“Hey, Tuck? You in here?”
I called into the bar as I noticed the usually roaring stone fireplace had fallen silent.
“Tuck’s not here right now sweet heart, but I can take a message if you’d give me a moment.”
“Oh, ok take your time then.”
I answered before realizing the motherly southern voice couldn’t possibly belong to Tuck.
“Wait who are you?!”
I chirped as I rushed up to the bar and peered back into the kitchen where Tuck usually was. In his place was a dark skinned woman that looked a little older than Tuck. She wore a pink checkered shirt under an apron that read, “Kiss the cook”.
“My, I haven’t seen you around. I’m Richelle, Tucker’s wife.”
She answered. Her southern accent was smooth and calm. The exact opposite of Tuck’s brutal hillbilly speak that he tried to hide.
“Did he not mention me? He doesn’t like to introduce me to the new comers, always worrying about me that one.”
“No, I think he mentioned you helped keep this place running when I first met him.”
“He must like you then, most people round here don’t even know he’s married. Anyways what can I help you with sugar?”
Her motherly voice did wonders for my stress. I could see why Tuck married her, with just a few words I’m sure she could set anyone at ease.
“I was wondering if anyone new came into town or passed through here. Maybe someone out of place, something like that? Oh, and where’s Tuck?”
“Well I can help with both those things. There was a man here, got off a bus last night all alone and came right in. I don’t know what it was but I just had a bad feeling about him, made me shiver.”
She gave a little shiver at that, to demonstrate I guess?
“As for Tuck he’s been staying with those scientists and…. and I wasn’t supposed to tell anyone that.”
She explained, a look of embarrassment crossing her face as she finished.
Before I had a chance to respond I heard the door slam open behind me. I swore I heard someone shriek my name. All I saw before someone knocked me over the stool I’d been standing next to was a blur of black hair flying toward me, and bright glowing blue eyes.
Bianca wrapped me in a bear hug on the floor.
“What happened to you, are you hurt, how are you back!?”
She fired questions at me as fast as she could.
“Bianca, crushing my… can you just, ease up a bit.”
I pleaded as she squeezed me harder than a boa constrictor.
“Sorry! I just didn’t think I’d see you…”
She squeaked, trailing off suddenly. A single tear making its way down her face as she blushed slightly and released me. In that moment I realized Bianca, who had stabbed a guy not to long ago for grabbing her hand, just bear hugged me. I’m not sure what I felt about that but at the moment, I was just happy to see her and even happier that she was happy to see me.
“Shaoni let us back into town for the last of the trials. We’re supposed to stop a murder in town.”
“A murder?! Is that what you were asking about? Is that man a murderer? My, what is going on in this town.”
Richelle shrieked, reminding Bianca and I that we weren’t alone in here. I felt the hot blood rush to my face as I looked up to see Bianca blushing as well, even redder than before.
“So, did you end up finding anything out about Shaoni?”
I asked Bianca as we took a seat at the bar, getting straight down to business as Richelle started stress cleaning in the kitchen.
I was a bit surprised by what she said. I never expected Shaoni to be THE Thunderbird or a descendent of them. I was still trying to wrap my head around the whole thing.
“So she went into hiding here then? That cave we stumbled into that was connected to the mines. Was that her… nest?”
I thought out loud, hoping Bianca would have some kind of answer.
“I guess, that’s what Frank and Stein have been calling it too. Speaking of Frank and Stein we should probably go see them. We were planning to break you out today, guess we were a little late on that huh.”
Bianca said, getting up from her seat at the bar. I’m not sure reuniting with Frank, Stein, and the rest of them was the best idea. At the moment I didn’t have a whole lot of other options though. I got up and followed Bianca out the door, heading back to her house to call off their rescue mission.
“Good luck darlin’!”
Richelle called after us, I felt sure we could use all the luck we could get.
“How the hell’d ya get back here son?!”
Tuck asked as soon as Bianca and I walked through the front door. Rocco had already found his way back and had apparently been filling everyone in on what had been happening. Stein was unloading some sort of pistol with a long thin barrel on the kitchen table.
“I’m glad I won’t have to use this at least. It’s been… many years since I’ve had to take this out of storage.”
Stein explained to no one in particular while staring at the gun. No doubt it brought back memories of his time with the German military. Frank walked out of the basement at that moment and nodded to me.
“Glad to have you back Keith.”
He said, clapping a hand on my shoulder.
“It’s great to see you all but I can’t stay too long, I’ve got to go back.”
“WHAT?!”
Everyone yelled in unison, even Rocco.
“It’s the last trial and Shaoni is overseeing it personally. You see that storm outside? That’s all her, if I don’t go back she’ll know and I’m sure there will be consequences. Besides Brooke is here too, I don’t want to give him any reason to go looking for me and bump into Bianca.”
I explained to everyone, not enough to wipe the shock off all their faces but at least Stein seemed to understand. Just the mention of Brookes name made Bianca freeze up. Only for a second but I could see this tension pass over her whole body and her eyes suddenly glowed blue and widened with fear. I was paying so much attention to how she’d react to that name that I almost didn’t feel her reach out and squeeze my hand from her place at my side. She sighed quietly before her eyes returned to normal but she still kept my hand in hers.
“You can’t go back! We only just got you back!”
Bianca protested, but my mind was made up.
“I need to see this through and besides someone’s life is at stake. I should try and stop that at least.”
Bianca couldn’t argue with that, neither could anyone else. I could tell Tuck and her wanted to but they didn’t. All Tuck did was quietly nod his head and grunt. I could tell Bianca was running through every possible argument in her head to try and make me stay but wasn’t coming up with anything. Bianca let go of my hand and asked,
“Can I at least come with you? To help stop the murder I mean.”
She looked into my eyes like a puppy, begging me to say yes.
In any normal circumstance I would’ve given in immediately to that, especially coming from someone who looked like her. This time though, I just couldn’t. I couldn’t take the chance that Brooke would see her and something bad would happen.
“You can’t Bianca, I don’t want anything happening to you especially with… him out there. I think Shaoni offered to help him find you if he showed up for these trials or something like that. Either way I’m pretty sure he’s here for you.”
I told her as gently as I could. I could see her recoil at the idea that Brooke might be here just for her. She was scared, maybe more scared than she’d ever been that there was even a small chance of Brooke getting his hands on her again.
“I… no, no your right.”
I didn’t expect her to give in so easily but it was a welcome surprise.
“I hope you know what yer doin son.”
Tuck told me as I got ready to head back out. Frank and Stein cornered me before I could leave as well.
“Take this.”
Frank said, thrusting what looked like a jury rigged walkie talkie into my hands.
“If you need anything call us on that. We’ll help however we can, and don’t expect us to sit around quietly when you go back. We fully intend get you out still, no reason to let a perfectly good plan go to waste.”
I thanked them for the walkie talkie. I was glad they were still looking out for me even if I doubted they could do much against whatever was to come, it was good to have people in your corner. Bianca was waiting for me when I got to the door.
“At least I get to say goodbye this time.”
She said with a little smirk. She’d been acting different since I got back, much more… personable?
“Yeah I guess so. What’s been up with you? You’ve been acting… different.”
I asked her, a little nervous for some reason.
“You helped me… a lot actually. Your the first person who’s really cared about me in years.”
“That’s not true, look at Frank and Stein.”
I responded, missing the point of what she was saying.
“No, not like that. I mean your a friend, a good friend… no that’s not, ugh.”
She said, shaking her head and looking a little embarrassed. Then she did something I really didn’t expect, she leaned over and kissed me.
“Just… make sure you come back ok? For me.”
She added as she pushed me out the door, starting to turn lobster red. My head was spinning but there was a bug dumb smile on my face, I’m sure of that. Filled with all the confidence that brought me, I headed back to the Save-A-Lot to see what everyone else had turned up on the impending murder.
As I walked back lighting began to crack across the sky. The lightning took all kinds of unnatural shapes. I swore one time it almost looked like a pair of eyes, watching me from the sky.
“Alright everyone, I want reports!”
Katrina shouted like a drill instructor, bring the group of us gathered around the hood of the truck to attention.
“The elderly cashier inside, she was… disquieted. More so than I would expect of someone in this strange town.”
John spoke, saying the first words I’d ever heard from him in a wise sage-like voice.
“I looked around for some kinda police station but this shit hole town doesn’t have one. How the hell am I supposed to report a murder if there’s no police!”
Brooke complained to the crowd.
“So, you accomplished absolutely nothing, I kinda figured that.”
Katrina scoffed at him.
“Yeah there hasn’t been a police station here as long as I remember. We never needed one, everyone either moved on to fast or stuck around and just wanted to be left alone, never caused any problems. Still, it’s a little strange come to think of it, would’ve figured the government would make us have some kind of police.”
Robert informed us before giving his own report.
“I looked around a bit myself, didn’t come across much on account of there not being all that many people to talk to in this town. Those old scientist types in the big white house never answered the door when I knocked and I couldn’t find their daughter.”
To my horror Brooke’s eyes lit up and he was suddenly razor focused on what Robert had to say.
“I did see some guy I’d never seen in town before walking around. Didn’t want to talk much though, he just turned around and walked the other way as soon as he caught sight of me.”
Robert finished with a shrug. Brooke seemed less interested after he heard nothing else about the daughter Robert mentioned. Did he know Robert was taking about Bianca?
“Wait that strange guy, was he wearing an old hat? Some kind of bowler I think, looked really out of place.”
Katrina asked suddenly, her eyes lighting up.
“Yeah now that you mention it I think he did.”
Robert answered after thinking for a second.
“Damn it! He saw me and ran when I was searching around town myself. So next order of business we find that guy. Keith! Did you see anything else?”
Katrina asked, whirling around to face me.
“I stopped by the bar and the bartender there told me someone new came into town a few days ago. Apparently she had a bad feeling about him. Maybe its the same guy you two saw?”
I proposed, pointing to Robert and Katrina. Katrina paced around for a bit, thinking I guess. She finally came to a rest again at the front of the truck, apparently she’d come up with another plan.
“Alright, I want that guy in the bowler hat found so we’re breaking into teams of two.”
“Uh, isn’t there five of us, that won’t work.”
Brooke interjected, earning him a look of pure murder from Katrina.
“Keep that up and I’ll find that raccoon, you can pair up with him!”
She yelled completely over Brooke’s attitude.
“I’ll go alone, Robert, John, you two are together same with you Keith and asshole.”
“I have a name you know!”
Brooke complained, getting yet another look from Katrina. If he kept that up I had a pretty good idea of exactly who the murderer and victim would be.
“Alright alright Jesus lady cool your jets!”
He said, putting his hands up in surrender as Katrina took a threatening step towards him.
A few minutes later Brooke and I had broken off from the other three having all agreed to meet up back at the truck in another hour. Brooke had insisted we go to the bar and search for the guy but I had a feeling there was more to it than that. He proved me right when he ducked into an alley and pushed me up against the side of a building right on main street. Usually that would be instantly seen by someone but here wasn’t like anywhere else. There was no one around to help me out or even see what was going on.
“I know we’re supposed to be looking for a murderer but I’ve got other things in mind. That daughter Robert was talking about, you know something about her don’t you.”
Brooke questioned with a growl, arm against my throat holding me uncomfortably tight against the building.
“Daughter? What are you talking about?”
I choked out, deciding to play dumb. He didn’t like this to much and pushed me even harder against the wall.
“That raccoon mentioned her name the other day when the fuckin thing attacked me and it seems pretty buddy buddy with you! Bianca! ring any bells!”
I felt my face grow red at the mention of her name as I thought back to the way she kissed me at the door. That reaction betrayed me and the beginnings of a twisted smile appeared in Brooke’s eyes.
“Oh yeah, you know her don’t you? Know what she can do to I bet. Did she tell you about me, how she threw away everything I could’ve given her.”
He hissed at me, venom dripping off every word.
“At first I didn’t care but then I heard stories of this whore who could wrap you around her finger like nothing else. She’d do whatever you wanted but you’d also pay whatever she asked, do whatever she asked. Imagine my surprise when I started looking into it and it turned out to be my little escaped bird.”
Brooke continued, grinning like a mad man. He was obsessed with her, it didn’t take a genius to see that. But I was in no position to argue with him, I could barley speak with the pressure on my neck from his arm.
“They called her a succubus, the crazy ones at least. Turns out they were right though, there was something off about her from the first day I met her but I had no idea she was something exotic like that. See I make a habit of collecting things, rare things, and she’s the rarest I’ve ever been able to find. I was so close to having her at one point but she just had to break away. When I met Shaoni late one night researching the supernatural she agreed to look into her for me on one condition. I agree to show up in this town in the ass end of nowhere and participate in some trials for her. Easiest deal I ever made, now I’m this close to getting my hands on her again. Imagine what she could do for me, what I could get with her powers.”
Brooke finished his monologue, finally letting me go.
“Now you’re going to show me where she is and I’m going to get the hell out of here. Get going!”
He shouted at me, drawing a pocket knife from his white suit jacket.
My first reaction was to look around and search for a way out. I couldn’t fight him, that was clear. I really didn’t want to get stabbed either. My eyes darted around trying to find anything that could get me out of this. Then I found exactly what I was looking for on the other side of the street.
Katrina had found the man in the bowler and he was running back toward the Save-A-Lot like Usain Bolt himself.
“Katrina, HELP!”
Brooke whipped his head around, trying to catch sight of her before she did anything. Katrina wasted no time though. She took one look at him, pulled the gun from its holster on her waist, and fired. The crack of the bullet made me run on pure instinct and Brooke dropped to the ground. It hadn’t hit him unfortunately, but it had bought me enough time to run.
“Argh that bitch! I’ll find her myself!”
Brooke shouted before getting back to his feet and running the other direction. The guy Katrina had been chasing used the distraction to make some distance on her. He was nearly to the corner that turned towards the Save-A-Lot. I took off after him as Katrina did the same, ripping the walkie talkie from my pocket as I ran.
“Stein get Bianca out of there! Head out to the mine, maybe there aren’t to many people there now, just get her out of town! Brooke is here and he’s looking for her I’ll meet you once this is all over ok.”
I think Stein said something back but I didn’t catch it. The adrenaline spike of getting shot at and chasing this guy who was likely a soon to be murderer made it hard to hear.
We weren’t as fast as we hoped but we were just fast enough to see the consequences of that. As Katrina and I got into the parking lot the guy was already inside, pointing a gun of his own at the elderly cashier that gave me a hard time about my ID. I made out the movements of her lips just before he pulled the trigger. It looked like she said “Oh, you’re the one she sent then.” Just before he killed her.
I stopped dead when I saw the body drop, I’d never seen someone die before. In Imalone people had died but I’d been knocked out for most of it. Seeing it up close though, it made my stomach drop. I fell to my knees and threw up on the spot, the blood, god the blood splatter behind her it was horrible.
Katrina didn’t stop after the shot, if anything she charged in even faster. The gun was still in her hand and she held it up in front of her, using the weight of the gun to smash through the glass doors with the bottom of the grip. The shards of glass rained down on the murderer who surprisingly, seemed just as stunned as I was by the corpse. Katrina dropped her shoulder and charged into him, hitting him so hard they both fell to the ground. She was back on her feet quick as lighting, flipping the guy over onto his front and putting a knee on his back in between his shoulder blades. Katrina locked his arm behind his back and said something I couldn’t hear. At that point I kinda spaced out. The only other thing I remember before getting in the truck was Katrina leading the man out of the store with his hands zip tied behind him. The few people who were in the store had come out and were starting to pick over the scene as we shot out onto the road back to the mine.
I noticed one of us was missing when we came to a stop.
“Where’s Brooke?”
“I wasn’t waiting for him, not after whatever he pulled in town. He can find his own way back.”
Katrina answered me while pushing the man she’d apprehended out of the truck and toward the entrance to the mine.
“Are you doing ok? You looked a little white on the way out here, like you saw a ghost.”
Robert asked me as we got out and followed behind Katrina.
“Sure sure I just… never saw someone die like that you know.”
I said, never so sure that I wasn’t ok. Robert gave me a knowing nod as we made our way down to the coliseum.
Shaoni and Katrina were waiting for us already. Brooke was there too, beaten and bloody against the wall. It looked like someone had dragged him back here against his will, probably Shaoni if I had to guess.
“I can’t say I’m pleased with what went on in town but in the end you did discover the murderer, even if it was too late. Now it’s time for the second part of this trial. I want to hear your judgements, what should this man’s punishment be?”
Shaoni greeted us, ignoring everything that had gone on before like it didn’t even matter. Something about that made my blood boil.
“Katrina, you first. What should this man’s punishment be?”
“P please.. you said.”
The man muttered before Shaoni slapped him hard across the face.
“You will be silent!”
She ordered, the room suddenly becoming electric with her temper. Katrina stepped up in front of Shaoni and gave her judgment.
“He took a life, he should be killed as well. It’s the only way to be sure he doesn’t do something like that again.”
Shaoni nodded at that and pointed to me.
“You next Keith, what should we do with him?”
I was filled with a rage I’d never felt before as I looked at the whole situation. Shaoni was meant to be a spirt of justice, or so I thought. Yet she let that woman die. Worse still, after what the woman said I believed Shaoni may have arranged the whole thing, murderer, victim, and all. That’s not justice, that’s playing god, using her power and influence to mess with people like pieces on a chessboard and for what? Just so she could “test” a few people who’d caught her eye?
“You deserve punishment Shaoni. That man is innocent, you put him up to it didn’t you? Him, the victim, all of it! It’s all just some kind of game to you isn’t it?! You keep claiming you represent justice but from what I’ve heard you’ve had a problem with that. This is something else though, where is the justice in this Shaoni, where! I don’t pretend to know what you’ve been through over the years Justice, but this isn’t right. If it was up to me this man should be let go so he doesn’t have you whispering in his ear and you should go back to sleep like you had been years ago.”
I shouted at her, not caring what she would do to me. It felt good though, to finally let her have it, especially after all she’d put me through.
I learned Shaoni’s real name from Bianca but hearing it seemed to make her shrink. The second I said it I had her full attention.
“No! You don’t understand Keith! These people were terrible, guilty of their own crimes. I found them both and offered them a deal. Submit to my judgment or do something for me and face the judgment of another. They got their punishments, I’m no monster!”
She roared back, the beginning of tears brimming in her eyes.
“Guilty or not you used them like pawns Justice! None of this is right, there’s no justice in it, no right and wrong. It’s just a game to you! Don’t you see this is wrong!”
I yelled at her again.
“DON’T YOU USE THAT NAME!”
She thundered back.
“Would you prefer Vengeance?!”
I added, shattering her.
The mention of that name brought Shaoni to tears and she lost her temper. She threw her hand out toward the man still zip tied on the ground in an act of anger. The tattoos on her arms glowed with a blue, ghostly light. The energy grew until a bolt of lightning arced from the tattoos, filling the room with the scent of ozone. The bolt hit the man in the head, searing the skin of his face black in an instant as his body went still.
“You don’t understand, all those years, all those mistakes. Do you know what that…!”
Shaoni started to scream to me again, but she was cut off by the sound of vehicles above us and the cracks of gunfire.
I looked around in surprise, still in shock after the brutal death of the murderer in front of me. I saw Katrina holding her own walkie talkie and smiling.
“Looks like my ride is here, time to end this little charade. Keith, I’d suggest running if I where you. Shaoni, I’d say its been fun but you’re the whole reason they sent me out here in the first place. You’ve been way too much trouble but for what its worth, good luck.”
Katrina hissed at the two of us. Robert, John, and I were stunned, even Shaoni herself seemed shocked back to reality by whatever was happening. With her piece said, Katrina turned and walked out of the mine, towards the growing sounds of shouting and gunfire coming from outside.
2024.05.21 16:22 firebird8541154 Thoughts on a new Cycling App I'm developing?
I'm reaching out because I'm looking for some validation for this idea I've been building a proof of concept of.
A little about me to set some context, I, along with my roommates, make free cycling related tools in our spare time, including a routing tool, https://sherpa-map.com, a physics simulator tool for cycling, https://sherpa-map.com/cycling-route-calculator.html, and a GPX activity racer tool https://sherpa-map.com/activity-racer.html .
I've made a few others as well, but this post isn't about that, I just wanted to showcase the fact that I can build the upcoming idea, but I'm wondering if it would be worth it to develop it for anyone else.
The idea:
A phone app that lets users import a route GPX file and/or start an activity. The app is designed to work entirely offline, in your pocket, without much of a GUI, providing voiced turn-by-turn directions if following a route.
While you are riding, it allows you to ask questions or give commands into your Bluetooth headset, like, "What's the distance until the next aid station?", "Route me back to the beginning on the flattest possible route.", "What's my best 20-minute normalized power so far?", "What's my current distance?", "What's my net elevation gain?", "What mile has the beginning of the biggest climb on the route?".
Utilizing the physics simulator code and your riding so far, it could even determine when you'll be where, so you can ask, "How much longer until I'm back on pavement?", "When should I start heading back to avoid the sun going down when cycling?".
I also plan on having it continuously monitor and analyze your ride, so if you finish a climb it can recognize this and state "Nice job! You managed 340 watts for 3 minutes up the last 300ft climb!".
Basically, the idea is, that this could replace your head unit (or accompany it nicely).
I even intend it to have rerouting capabilities, i.e. "take me to the nearest gas station".
So far, I've managed to develop a functioning Android app that works entirely offline, monitoring for speech using webRTCVAD, recording speech to memory, transcribing speech using a specially trained Mozilla Deepspeech model, on the phone, tokenizing the transcription with a WordPeice algorithm, and feeding it to a specially trained BERT Tensorflow model which maps your intent to a particular function.
I plan on developing this app no matter what for my purposes as I feel having practically limitless knowledge of the entire route, and the activity thus far, as well as voiced turn-by-turn directions that function entirely offline could help me with upcoming gravel races. However, if people find this concept interesting, I'd buy a MacBook to make an IOS version and flesh out the interface to be more user-friendly and have things like, a login, a connect with Strava feature, etc.
submitted by firebird8541154 to cycling [link] [comments]
A little about me to set some context, I, along with my roommates, make free cycling related tools in our spare time, including a routing tool, https://sherpa-map.com, a physics simulator tool for cycling, https://sherpa-map.com/cycling-route-calculator.html, and a GPX activity racer tool https://sherpa-map.com/activity-racer.html .
I've made a few others as well, but this post isn't about that, I just wanted to showcase the fact that I can build the upcoming idea, but I'm wondering if it would be worth it to develop it for anyone else.
The idea:
A phone app that lets users import a route GPX file and/or start an activity. The app is designed to work entirely offline, in your pocket, without much of a GUI, providing voiced turn-by-turn directions if following a route.
While you are riding, it allows you to ask questions or give commands into your Bluetooth headset, like, "What's the distance until the next aid station?", "Route me back to the beginning on the flattest possible route.", "What's my best 20-minute normalized power so far?", "What's my current distance?", "What's my net elevation gain?", "What mile has the beginning of the biggest climb on the route?".
Utilizing the physics simulator code and your riding so far, it could even determine when you'll be where, so you can ask, "How much longer until I'm back on pavement?", "When should I start heading back to avoid the sun going down when cycling?".
I also plan on having it continuously monitor and analyze your ride, so if you finish a climb it can recognize this and state "Nice job! You managed 340 watts for 3 minutes up the last 300ft climb!".
Basically, the idea is, that this could replace your head unit (or accompany it nicely).
I even intend it to have rerouting capabilities, i.e. "take me to the nearest gas station".
So far, I've managed to develop a functioning Android app that works entirely offline, monitoring for speech using webRTCVAD, recording speech to memory, transcribing speech using a specially trained Mozilla Deepspeech model, on the phone, tokenizing the transcription with a WordPeice algorithm, and feeding it to a specially trained BERT Tensorflow model which maps your intent to a particular function.
I plan on developing this app no matter what for my purposes as I feel having practically limitless knowledge of the entire route, and the activity thus far, as well as voiced turn-by-turn directions that function entirely offline could help me with upcoming gravel races. However, if people find this concept interesting, I'd buy a MacBook to make an IOS version and flesh out the interface to be more user-friendly and have things like, a login, a connect with Strava feature, etc.
2024.05.21 15:42 miansabdon VECELO Adjustable Bar Stools Set of 2, Bar Height Stools - Price: $105.99 (MRSP: $112.99 You Save 6.2%)
 | submitted by miansabdon to DiscountBuzz [link] [comments] |
2024.05.21 14:36 homeandsoul Sustainable Furniture: Eco-Friendly Choices for Your Home
As awareness of environmental issues grows, more people are seeking sustainable options for their homes, including eco-friendly furniture. Choosing sustainable furniture not only helps protect the planet but also ensures that your home is filled with high-quality, lasting pieces. Here’s how you can make eco-friendly choices for your home, with a special focus on finding bar stools Dubai, bohemian furniture Dubai, and L shaped sofa.
1. Understanding Sustainable Furniture
Sustainable furniture is made using methods and materials that have a reduced impact on the environment. This includes using renewable resources, non-toxic finishes, and durable construction to ensure longevity. When shopping for furniture, look for certifications such as FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) or GREENGUARD, which indicate that the products meet high environmental standards.
2. Materials Matter
The materials used in furniture greatly impact its sustainability. Opt for pieces made from:
- Reclaimed Wood: Salvaged from old buildings, this wood gives new life to what would otherwise be waste.
- Bamboo: A fast-growing, renewable resource that’s incredibly durable and versatile.
- Recycled Metal and Plastic: Using recycled materials helps reduce waste and the demand for new raw materials.
3. Sustainable Bar Stools in Dubai
If you’re searching for sustainable bar stools in Dubai, look for local craftsmen who use reclaimed wood or recycled metals. Not only do these materials reduce environmental impact, but they also add unique character to each piece. Additionally, check out eco-friendly furniture stores in Dubai that prioritize sustainable practices and materials.
4. Embrace Bohemian Furniture in Dubai
Bohemian furniture is known for its eclectic and artistic style, often incorporating natural materials and handmade elements. In Dubai, you can find a variety of bohemian furniture options that are both stylish and sustainable. Look for items crafted from organic materials like rattan, jute, and reclaimed wood. Handcrafted pieces not only support sustainable practices but also ensure each item is unique and tells its own story.
5. Choosing an L-Shaped Sofa
An L-shaped sofa is a versatile and practical addition to any living room. When selecting an eco-friendly L-shaped sofa, consider the following:
- Natural Upholstery: Choose fabrics like organic cotton, linen, or hemp. These materials are grown without harmful pesticides and are biodegradable.
- Sustainable Frames: Look for sofas with frames made from FSC-certified wood or reclaimed materials.
- Non-Toxic Finishes: Ensure that any finishes or treatments are free from harmful chemicals, protecting both your family and the environment.
6. Shop Local and Support Artisans
One of the best ways to find sustainable furniture is to shop local and support artisans. Local craftsmen often use locally sourced materials and traditional methods that are less harmful to the environment. This not only reduces the carbon footprint associated with transportation but also supports the local economy.
7. Invest in Quality
Sustainable furniture is often about quality over quantity. Investing in well-made, durable pieces means they will last longer and won’t need to be replaced as frequently. This reduces waste and is often more cost-effective in the long run.
8. Repurpose and Upcycle
Another eco-friendly approach is to repurpose or upcycle existing furniture. A fresh coat of non-toxic paint or new upholstery can give old furniture a new life. This not only saves money but also reduces waste.
9. Energy-Efficient Production
Consider the production process of the furniture you buy. Some manufacturers use renewable energy sources and sustainable practices to reduce their environmental impact. Research brands that are transparent about their production methods and prioritize sustainability.
10. The Benefits of Sustainable Furniture
Choosing sustainable furniture offers numerous benefits:
- Environmental Protection: Reduces deforestation, pollution, and waste.
- Healthier Home: Non-toxic materials and finishes improve indoor air quality.
- Unique Style: Handmade and reclaimed pieces add unique charm to your home.
- Long-Term Savings: Durable, high-quality furniture lasts longer, reducing the need for frequent replacements.
Incorporating sustainable furniture into your home is a step towards a greener future. Whether you’re looking for bar stools in Dubai, bohemian furniture, or an L-shaped sofa, there are plenty of eco-friendly options available that combine style, comfort, and sustainability. By making mindful choices, you can create a beautiful home that’s kind to the planet.
submitted by homeandsoul to u/homeandsoul [link] [comments]
1. Understanding Sustainable Furniture
Sustainable furniture is made using methods and materials that have a reduced impact on the environment. This includes using renewable resources, non-toxic finishes, and durable construction to ensure longevity. When shopping for furniture, look for certifications such as FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) or GREENGUARD, which indicate that the products meet high environmental standards.
2. Materials Matter
The materials used in furniture greatly impact its sustainability. Opt for pieces made from:
- Reclaimed Wood: Salvaged from old buildings, this wood gives new life to what would otherwise be waste.
- Bamboo: A fast-growing, renewable resource that’s incredibly durable and versatile.
- Recycled Metal and Plastic: Using recycled materials helps reduce waste and the demand for new raw materials.
3. Sustainable Bar Stools in Dubai
If you’re searching for sustainable bar stools in Dubai, look for local craftsmen who use reclaimed wood or recycled metals. Not only do these materials reduce environmental impact, but they also add unique character to each piece. Additionally, check out eco-friendly furniture stores in Dubai that prioritize sustainable practices and materials.
4. Embrace Bohemian Furniture in Dubai
Bohemian furniture is known for its eclectic and artistic style, often incorporating natural materials and handmade elements. In Dubai, you can find a variety of bohemian furniture options that are both stylish and sustainable. Look for items crafted from organic materials like rattan, jute, and reclaimed wood. Handcrafted pieces not only support sustainable practices but also ensure each item is unique and tells its own story.
5. Choosing an L-Shaped Sofa
An L-shaped sofa is a versatile and practical addition to any living room. When selecting an eco-friendly L-shaped sofa, consider the following:
- Natural Upholstery: Choose fabrics like organic cotton, linen, or hemp. These materials are grown without harmful pesticides and are biodegradable.
- Sustainable Frames: Look for sofas with frames made from FSC-certified wood or reclaimed materials.
- Non-Toxic Finishes: Ensure that any finishes or treatments are free from harmful chemicals, protecting both your family and the environment.
6. Shop Local and Support Artisans
One of the best ways to find sustainable furniture is to shop local and support artisans. Local craftsmen often use locally sourced materials and traditional methods that are less harmful to the environment. This not only reduces the carbon footprint associated with transportation but also supports the local economy.
7. Invest in Quality
Sustainable furniture is often about quality over quantity. Investing in well-made, durable pieces means they will last longer and won’t need to be replaced as frequently. This reduces waste and is often more cost-effective in the long run.
8. Repurpose and Upcycle
Another eco-friendly approach is to repurpose or upcycle existing furniture. A fresh coat of non-toxic paint or new upholstery can give old furniture a new life. This not only saves money but also reduces waste.
9. Energy-Efficient Production
Consider the production process of the furniture you buy. Some manufacturers use renewable energy sources and sustainable practices to reduce their environmental impact. Research brands that are transparent about their production methods and prioritize sustainability.
10. The Benefits of Sustainable Furniture
Choosing sustainable furniture offers numerous benefits:
- Environmental Protection: Reduces deforestation, pollution, and waste.
- Healthier Home: Non-toxic materials and finishes improve indoor air quality.
- Unique Style: Handmade and reclaimed pieces add unique charm to your home.
- Long-Term Savings: Durable, high-quality furniture lasts longer, reducing the need for frequent replacements.
Incorporating sustainable furniture into your home is a step towards a greener future. Whether you’re looking for bar stools in Dubai, bohemian furniture, or an L-shaped sofa, there are plenty of eco-friendly options available that combine style, comfort, and sustainability. By making mindful choices, you can create a beautiful home that’s kind to the planet.
2024.05.21 13:07 IntelligentLaw2284 Gameboy Enhanced Firmware v0.5 for M5Stack Cardputer More than twice the FPS and Custom Controls, 12 Colour and Super Game Boy modes.
 | I've been eager to reach this point; when I can say that I have met my original goals when I started working with this firmware approx 2 weeks ago. Customizable controls, savegames, no memory limitations save for the cost in performance. A slew of other features I couldn't help but implement along the way too. v0.5 is now live on m5burner. submitted by IntelligentLaw2284 to M5Stack [link] [comments] https://preview.redd.it/ul7zf4clgr1d1.jpg?width=966&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=669a964444c786193574c950f09f39b20ad72145 I've spent the time avoiding the user interface work I finally did yesterday, instead optimizing the rendering and memory subsystem to get more than twice the performance of my last announced release(v0.48). Super Mario Land 2 and Donkey Kong Land show more than a 100% improvement in frame rates (17fps -> 53fps in the overworld for super mario land 2) The next steps planned: Audio Save States Some more options; custom palette, performance related things debug w/ Pokemon, figure out why it restarts the firmware about information screen crediting Matteo Forlani for concept implementation; any one else who ends up contributing. And in the would be nice category: Wifi link-cable; I doubt it would get much use but the hooks for it all appear to be present in peanut_gb. Custom borders (I wont sacrifice ram for this, but I could stream it from the sdcard, it is not redrawn during normal gameplay) Any other ideas? If there are any pixel artist out there, there is room in the ROM for a cardputer themed border and I'm more than willing to entertain submissions in that area as well, with full credit of course going to the author(s). Changelog since I started: 20.05.2024:v0.5 * added bottom menu bar with instructions to the main rom selection menu, pres ESC or ' key (same thing) to enter the settings menu either from the main menu or while playing a game * added options menu, can be entered from the menu or from within a game; displays the 8 main controls with their current setting, saves settings when closed * added restore defaults for config menu * settings are saved to gbconfig.dat; delete this if you are having any issues 19.05.2024:v0.492 * Reimplemented memory subsystem to use progressive partial page seeking/pruning; the original memory management code was the first I had typed in 14 years; after some thought I devised something much more suitable for a real time environment. This resulted in the average page seek time being much lower, and distributes maintenance of the paging system across successive calls. The results are the largest improvement to speed to date. Over double the frame rates from before; less stutter, smoother page transitions in memory. Donkey Kong Land averages around 45fps now; Super Mario land 2 gets an average 53fps on the overworld. 18.05.2024:v0.491 * Reduced rendering workload 6.25% by modifying peanut_gb to inherently skip lines that aren't visible due to scaling. This prevents the engine from having to process the layer and sprite data for these lines all together. Why 6.25%? because 9 lines are skipped which is 6.25% of the lines that were rendered previously. 17.05.2024:v0.49 * Refactored graphics code; ~120,000 less operations a frame * Scrolling behaviour and screen content differences no longer effect rendering performance Titles such as final fantasy or even super mario land 2 show a huge improvement in overworld movement speed. 17.05.2024: v0.483 Pushing this now as a BUG FIX RELEASE * Fixed bug in main menu causing selection to only move upward; you can now navigate properly again. * added FPS display while Fn button is held, causes slow down which is subtracted from the FPS display. This is so I can evaluate performance improvements more than anything else, but it doesn't hurt to have so I'm leaving it in. * new borders are on hold while I make decisions about the internal format (leaning towards argb1555,presently 565) 16.05.2024: v0.482 * Added Analogue Pocket 12color palette category with 44 palettes * Automatic 12color(AP) palettes mapped as per Analogue Pocket suggested mappings for: Mario 1/2/Wario Land/Balloon Kid/F1 Race/Tetris * added Cottage Daytime SGB border * Fixed 12colours not being assigned until palette select bug * regularly mapped controller up/down/a now functions in addition to arrow/enter keys in main menu to allow a single hand posture for the entire interface if desired. 15.05.2024: v0.481 * proper gameboy startup sequence, may help compatibility with some games. * Message boxes now will display any emulation errors reported by peanut_gb * Attempts to access ROM address outside of the available cartridge ROM will display an appropriate message 14.05.2024 v0.48 Added 12 colour mode, with the 12 palettes the game boy colour could apply to old game boy games as the first of this mode, but more to come in this area. *Super gameboy support added for screen borders with gameboy skin set as default, followed by 1 (for now) of the official borders from the hardware itself. Activate by holding Fn and pressing '[' and cycle borders by holding Fn and pressing ']'. Because these are the same keys used for other visual modifications, I hope using the combination of Fn and these keys is intuitive. * Super gameboy palette support added for balloon kid, the legend of zelda links awakening and kirbys pinball land * Various other small tweaks you probably wont notice. 12.06.2025 V0.47 Added first iteration of Super Gameboy Mode with all 32 official palettes that were included with the original hardware. Nintendo included a table on the device to map certain games to certain palettes, and that functionality is partially implemented. Mario 1/2/Wario Land, F1 Racer and Tetris all autodetect and assign their colour scheme. This mode can be toggled on and off at any time during play with the '[' button, and the current cycle palette button will cycle through the 32 included palettes. Games with defined profiles with start with that palette selected automatically when Super Gameboy Mode is engaged for the first time each session. *Lots of user interface changes; message boxes will appear to describe your palette selections, among other things - no console style debug remains in normal operation. *Another 4k of memory allocated to ROM storage, may smooth out some edge cases of stuttering. *Improved readability in the main menu; and made highlighted selection more apparent. *Added smooth transitions to splash screen. *Disabled unused (for the moment) configuration file 11,05.2024:: 0.44 squished a bug, added palette control, press ']' to cycle between presets. b/w, gameboy(original), gameboy pocket and gameboy light (in that order). Huge performance improvements for larger ROMs with over 110k more ram available to the memory sub-system. Palette values are from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_video_game_console_palettes for accuracy. 10.05.2024:: 0.41 added savegame support. if a game uses it's onboard ram constantly though, use the manual backup button (=). The save feature will only automatically engage after the cartridge ram has been left untouched for a second. 08.05.2024: v0.4 forked from gb_cardputer, added memory management subsystem (paging) to manage random access to roms of any size the filesystem supports. Yellow bars on either side of the display momentarily indicate that the cartridge ram has been backed up. The savegame format will not be changing, its a simple binary dump. Have fun! |
2024.05.21 09:23 fixint1 H: plans W: Offers. No caps.
 | Can bulk if needed submitted by fixint1 to Market76 [link] [comments] |
2024.05.21 08:20 Main-Total-4873 ICICI Direct vs Zerodha: A Detailed Comparison
ICICI Direct vs Zerodha: in this world of online trading selecting the best brokerage firm is very crucial and maximize your best returns of your investment. Each Platform is Unique and each provide different facilities to customers. making the best choice between them a matter of careful consideration.
in this Article we completely cover this full Analysis about which is better between ICICI Direct and Zerodha which one is better. Each Platform has different facilities and different Charges on his platform. making the choice between them its a challenging task and it is a matter of careful consideration.
ICICI Direct and Zerodha are two prominent brokerage firms in India, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Here's a comparison of the two to help you decide which might be better suited to your needs:
Zerodha: Known for its discount brokerage model, Zerodha charges a flat fee of ₹20 per trade, or 0.03% (whichever is lower) for intraday and F&O trades. Equity delivery trades are free, making it very cost-effective for most traders.
Zerodha: Primarily offers trading and demat accounts, with integration to bank accounts through partners. It also provides access to mutual funds via Coin, and various investment options through their platform.
Zerodha: Known for its user-friendly and technologically advanced platforms like Kite (web and mobile) and Console (back-office). They are praised for their simplicity, speed, and reliability.
Zerodha: Provides less extensive research and advisory services compared to ICICI Direct. However, Zerodha offers educational initiatives like Varsity, and tools like Sentinel for advanced traders.
Zerodha: Offers customer support primarily through online channels and phone support, which is generally efficient but might not match the personalized touch of ICICI Direct’s branch network.
Zerodha: Known for a streamlined online account opening process with relatively low account maintenance fees.
Zerodha: Also offers access to IPOs and bonds, but the process might not be as seamless as Read more..👇👇👇
https://explorifytech.com/2024/05/icici-direct-vs-zerodha.html
submitted by Main-Total-4873 to Financestocksms [link] [comments]
in this Article we completely cover this full Analysis about which is better between ICICI Direct and Zerodha which one is better. Each Platform has different facilities and different Charges on his platform. making the choice between them its a challenging task and it is a matter of careful consideration.
ICICI Direct and Zerodha are two prominent brokerage firms in India, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Here's a comparison of the two to help you decide which might be better suited to your needs:
- Brokerage Fees and Charges
Zerodha: Known for its discount brokerage model, Zerodha charges a flat fee of ₹20 per trade, or 0.03% (whichever is lower) for intraday and F&O trades. Equity delivery trades are free, making it very cost-effective for most traders.
- Account Types and Features
Zerodha: Primarily offers trading and demat accounts, with integration to bank accounts through partners. It also provides access to mutual funds via Coin, and various investment options through their platform.
- Trading Platforms
Zerodha: Known for its user-friendly and technologically advanced platforms like Kite (web and mobile) and Console (back-office). They are praised for their simplicity, speed, and reliability.
- Research and Advisory Services
Zerodha: Provides less extensive research and advisory services compared to ICICI Direct. However, Zerodha offers educational initiatives like Varsity, and tools like Sentinel for advanced traders.
- Customer Support
Zerodha: Offers customer support primarily through online channels and phone support, which is generally efficient but might not match the personalized touch of ICICI Direct’s branch network.
- Account Opening and Maintenance
Zerodha: Known for a streamlined online account opening process with relatively low account maintenance fees.
- Investment in IPOs and Bonds
Zerodha: Also offers access to IPOs and bonds, but the process might not be as seamless as Read more..👇👇👇
https://explorifytech.com/2024/05/icici-direct-vs-zerodha.html
2024.05.21 08:14 Significant-Tower146 Best Cobweb Duster
 | submitted by Significant-Tower146 to u/Significant-Tower146 [link] [comments] https://preview.redd.it/3hn0017u1q1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=60a5140a5d3948f3150f7ff9ccf6b7d5ab446ae0 Get ready to bid farewell to those pesky cobwebs that have been lurking in the corners of your home with the Cobweb Duster! In this roundup, we've handpicked a selection of the best cobweb-dusting products on the market, making it easy for you to find the perfect tool to keep your living space squeaky clean. Get ready to give those cobwebs a goodbye they won't forget! The Top 19 Best Cobweb Duster
Reviews🔗Unger StarDuster Cobweb Duster: Effective and Convenient for Washing Creviceshttps://preview.redd.it/d8jscdru1q1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=9a255f92488263d7d407e488537fbc286ad2af66 I recently tried the Unger StarDuster Cobweb Duster, a handy tool for removing those pesky cobwebs from corners and crevices. The duster's unique cone shape was a game-changer, as it easily reached tight areas that other dusters couldn't access. I also appreciated the soft, split-tip bristles, which didn't leave any marks or damage on the surfaces I cleaned. Admittedly, I found the duster to be a bit heavy to maneuver, especially since it's meant to be used with Unger telescopic poles (sold separately). But overall, I thought it was a solid choice if you're looking for a tool specifically designed for tackling those hard-to-reach spots. Just make sure to handle it carefully and follow the product guidelines to avoid any mishaps. 🔗Indoor & Outdoor 10ft Lightweight Cobweb Duster Extension Polehttps://preview.redd.it/dq7v7t0v1q1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=12f28792cfeb554b30401b834bf1ffed31b63cc3 My experience with the Cobweb Duster Pole has been rather satisfactory, considering it's primarily designed to help with dusting and pest control in hard-to-reach areas. It's an easy-to-use and lightweight 10-foot extension pole, perfect for those who need a little extra length for their cleaning tools. What stood out positively in my experience was the durability and ease of use. The pole is sturdy enough to withstand constant use, which I found to be incredibly handy. Also, the fact that it's an extender pole for a Webster Nylon Cobweb Duster or scrapper attachment makes it easy to transition between different tasks. However, there were a couple of cons to consider. For starters, some users have reported issues with compatibility as it doesn't fit certain end adaptors for sprayers. In my case, it didn't work with the one I had, but I found a workaround fairly easily. Additionally, although the pole is of high quality, it's quite simple in terms of design, which might be a drawback for those looking for fancier or more feature-packed equipment. Overall, the Cobweb Duster Pole does what it's designed to do - make cleaning dusty and hard-to-reach spots a breeze. But it's essential to note that its design limitations might not cater to everyone's requirements. 🔗Versatile Cobweb Duster for Daily Cleaninghttps://preview.redd.it/g6th504w1q1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1bdbd354a1a3af6380252b3a533b87e709bcef3b I've been using the Hicavar screw-on cobweb duster replacement head for my cleaning needs, and it's been a game-changer. The 10-inch length is perfect for cleaning those hard-to-reach areas. This versatile tool can be used handheld or attached to a telescopic pole for cleaning high ceilings without the need for a ladder. Plus, its soft poly fibers won't scratch walls or windows. What stood out to me was the ease of installation and the versatility of this duster head. It's really easy to clean and reuse multiple times, and the simple twist-on mechanism makes it a breeze to attach it to an extension pole. It's great for cleaning furniture, window sills, blinds, and much more. One of the best things about this duster is its durability and effectiveness. After using it for a while, it still works like new, and the materials are high-quality, making it the perfect addition to any cleaning arsenal. It's safe to use on all surfaces and really does make the cleaning process easier. While I've had a fantastic experience with this cobweb duster, I did notice that it can be a bit stiff to use, especially at first. However, this problem is easily solved with a little bit of wrist action during use. Overall, the Hicavar screw-on cobweb duster replacement head is a top-notch tool for cleaning hard-to-reach areas and is definitely worth the investment. 🔗Telescopic Swish Microfiber Feather Duster for Cobweb Cleaninghttps://preview.redd.it/zh6dq4bw1q1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=20161f2ea70f3087ddfde434827f7b4e67dab0c9 I recently tried the Gütewerk extendable feather duster, and let me tell you, it has made my life a whole lot easier! This bad boy can reach up to 140 cm, which is perfect for cleaning those hard-to-reach spots. It's like the Swiss Army knife of dusters! The telescopic retractable pole handle is a game-changer - I can easily adjust its length for different areas of my home. And the 360-degree flexible head, made of dense microfibers, is just the cherry on top. It catches dust and dirt like a charm without causing a mess. Plus, the non-slip handle and the removable cleaning brush make this duster a true gem. But, as with any product, there's a little room for improvement. While the feather duster is lightweight and easy to use, it does take a bit of effort to clean. Hand-washing is the way to go, but who has time for that, right? Overall, I'd say this feather duster is a winner in my book. It's like having a personal assistant in dust-busting. 🔗Microfiber Dusters Set for Cobweb Cleaninghttps://preview.redd.it/4ff7a9qw1q1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=75e7f640a509ef1fe5b356c0a28cb23701510f2b I've used these durable microfiber dusters recently and can tell you they're a breeze to use. These 5-pack cobweb dusters come with 2 handle sets, making them perfect for reaching those hard-to-get places. The handles are extendable and bendable, allowing me to clean high ceilings and hard-to-reach areas with ease. The microfiber head is super soft and environmentally friendly, making it gentle on surfaces while effectively cleaning those pesky cobwebs. I also appreciate that the product is washable, so it's always ready for the next cleaning spree. Using these dusters, I've noticed an improvement in the overall cleanliness of my home. They're easy to grip and use, and the 3 feather dusters offer exceptional durability. When not in use, they can be disassembled and stored neatly, taking up minimal space. Of course, there are a few drawbacks. The instructions state that these dusters can only be hand-washed, which might be inconvenient for some users. Additionally, due to their size and length, they may not be as portable as some other cleaning tools. Overall, I'd highly recommend these microfiber dusters for anyone looking to effectively clean hard-to-reach areas in their home. 🔗Efficient Split-Tip, Polyply Cobweb Duster Brushhttps://preview.redd.it/lg2q2n0x1q1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=373d70bb1677d1f50eaaf11e034b8fecd49acaf6 Imagine being stuck with a stubborn cobweb that just won't go away. I needed a solution that would get rid of it without causing any damage. That's when the Unger Cobweb Duster Brush came to the rescue. With its split-tipped, poly fibers, this duster brush effectively tackled the cobweb without scratching the delicate surface. As I worked my way through the ceiling, the smooth handle of the duster provided a comfortable grip, preventing any hand fatigue that usually comes with such chores. The best part? The electrostatic energy of this duster made the cobweb and dust cling to it, ensuring a thorough cleaning. With the Unger Cobweb Duster Brush, I dusted more than just the ceiling - from moldings to shelves and desks, this duster was the perfect tool for the job. Of course, no product is without its drawbacks. For me, it was the length - at 3.1 inches, it wasn't the most convenient for reaching high places like the crown molding. But overall, the Unger Cobweb Duster Brush proved to be a practical, effective tool for making my ceiling and home dust-free. 🔗Lightweight Cobweb Duster with Extendable Polehttps://preview.redd.it/bi2yts9x1q1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=eff5df20f4e80c5206eab8de86b9065ac10507d7 I tried the Round Cobweb Duster with Extension Pole out of curiosity as I was not a fan of using dusters. The product exceeded my expectations. Not only did it make the task of cleaning cobwebs off the ceiling easier, but also without the typical back pain and discomfort that comes with holding a heavy duster. The lightweight aluminum pole definitely helped with reaching the highest corners of the ceiling. The duster head, made of microfiber, is quite versatile. It was gentle on surfaces like picture frames and paintings, yet effective at removing dust from even the most obscure cobweb-filled corners. It was handy for cleaning hard to reach places like kitchen appliances and the inside of my car. Plus, the extendable pole made reaching tall fans and light fixtures a breeze. However, I found the duster head a bit challenging to clean. After several attempts at cleaning it, I discovered it was recommended to hand wash it, despite no specific instructions provided. I also found changing between different duster heads a bit tricky, especially when using the telescope pole—it added an extra layer of complexity to an otherwise simple dust-removing tool. Overall, I'd say the Cobweb Duster lived up to its claim of being the perfect tool for cleaning high ceilings. It could have been improved with better cleaning instructions and simpler mechanisms for changing duster heads. But given these minor issues, I'd still recommend it to anyone longing for their ceiling to be spider-web free. 🔗Cobweb Duster Replacement Head for Telescopic Polehttps://preview.redd.it/udpkpwpx1q1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ae414d1d98174c0b0dc780e39f313b915e1f3705 Having used this cobweb duster head in my own home, I must say it's a game-changer for removing stubborn cobwebs and dust from high, hard-to-reach areas. The durable PVC bristles with split tips not only make it easy to knock down cobwebs but also help in reaching dust and dirt in those pesky corners. The best part, it attaches seamlessly to my JT Eaton telescopic pole, which can extend up to 10 feet, making it even more efficient. This duster has made cleaning ceilings and door frames feel like a breeze, and I highly recommend giving it a try. Despite some users mentioning the need for a little extra care while cleaning, it's an overall great value and a must-have for any homeowner. 🔗Superior High Ceiling Duster Kit with Versatile Brush Headshttps://preview.redd.it/uccngxwx1q1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=82661f7de7d957c8bb3ea74e7a132a2ec535c80f I recently had the pleasure of using the Hicavar 20 Foot High Ceiling Fan Duster to tackle some tricky dusting tasks in my home. The first thing that stood out to me was the versatility of the product - with a 5-12 foot extension pole, I could easily reach those high, hard-to-reach areas without worrying about my safety. The kit came equipped with four brush heads that made swift work of my daily cobweb and dust cleaning needs. I especially loved the microfiber and bendable chenille dust collectors, which were perfect for cleaning my furniture and appliances with ease. However, one downside I encountered was that the dust collectors did have a tendency to collect and retain some of the dust particles, which required occasional cleaning. Nevertheless, this minor drawback was easily outweighed by the convenience and efficiency the product offered. Overall, I'd say the Hicavar 20 Foot High Ceiling Fan Duster is a fantastic choice for those seeking an affordable, reliable, and user-friendly way to keep their homes dust-free - it truly lives up to its 5.0-star rating. 🔗Effortless Extra Long Microfiber Cobweb Duster for Cleaning High Areashttps://preview.redd.it/l47j9cby1q1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d4fdd0c04b6576b5284b4085f8b2d8b2157c2838 I've been using the HEOATH microfiber feather duster daily, and it's been a game-changer for my home cleaning routine. This product has made reaching high, hard-to-reach areas a breeze, eliminating the need for precarious ladder or stool balancing. The extra long, extendable pole is not only functional, but also built with strength, thanks to the thickened connector and thick pole. The microfiber head is incredibly soft, ensuring gentle but effective dust removal. I also appreciate that it's non-scratch and washable, making it both environmentally friendly and easy to maintain. While washing, it's essential to follow the proper instructions by hand washing with warm or low heat water and letting it air dry in a ventilated place. However, it has come to my attention that the product's non-scratch feature comes with a downside - it could be too gentle for removing stubborn dirt. Additionally, the duster might be slightly difficult to maneuver around tight spaces due to its size. Overall, the HEOATH microfiber feather duster is a handy cleaning tool that simplifies the chore of dusting in even the toughest to reach areas. 🔗Lightweight Cobweb Duster with 3-Stage Extension Polehttps://preview.redd.it/4cmhzrry1q1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ea067548bb258b0835e220b6a6c0501a0e38a24e There's nothing quite like the satisfaction of easily removing cobwebs from high ceilings without needing a ladder. The Eversprout 5-to-12 Foot Cobweb Duster and Extension-Pole Combo does just that, with a 20-foot reach that's perfect for cleaning those hard-to-reach areas. The soft bristles are gentle on surfaces and the lightweight, 3-stage aluminum extension pole makes it a breeze to use. One of the best features of this duster is its hand-packed quality, ensuring that the bristles stay pristine and ready for action. It's also great that the duster head is securely attached to the pole, offering a sturdy and steady cleaning experience. However, some users have mentioned that the bristles could be a bit firmer, making for an even more effective cleaning process. Overall, the Eversprout Cobweb Duster and Extension-Pole Combo is a handy and affordable tool for keeping your home or workspace free from unsightly cobwebs. It's a must-have for anyone who values cleanliness and convenience in their daily routines. 🔗Sturdy Medium-Stiff Cobweb Duster for Easy Cleaninghttps://preview.redd.it/bkl9mi1z1q1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=9888f003f14c077fefff7ae7324c9be9119348d7 The Eversprout Twist-On Cobweb Duster is a handy helper that does away with dust and cobwebs in those tricky-to-reach areas. Made of medium-stiff bristles in a striking blue tone, this duster brings quality and durability to your hands - something that will last for a good while. Its lightweight design adds to the ease of use, making it a breeze to maneuver high ceilings and those tight corners. The stiff bristles are just what your windows need to be free from pesky spider webs, even outdoors. The Eversprout duster works seamlessly with their poles and easily attaches to common threaded brooms, sweepers, and paintbrushes for a versatile cleaning experience. Overall, it's a great little duster that proves its worth many times over. 🔗Super-Reach Cobweb Duster Extension Pole for Spotless Cleaninghttps://preview.redd.it/iyf7svez1q1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=421b3bb27efdb9c4d9a05678877b67f683327721 The DocaPole Extension Pole Cobweb Duster Kit is the ideal solution for reaching high areas in your home. I recently tried using it to clean a hard-to-reach cobweb on my ceiling, and it worked like a charm! . The pole extends from 5 to 12 feet, giving me the extra reach I needed. The cobweb duster itself is made of synthetic materials, making it an efficient dust catcher and perfect for those with allergies. However, I noticed it only weighs 2.4 pounds, so you may need to add some extra weight to keep it steady while cleaning. Overall, it's a fantastic cleaning tool for those hard-to-reach places, and I can't wait to use it again in my home. 🔗Extra Long Cobweb Duster for High Corners and Window Screenshttps://preview.redd.it/07654cyz1q1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=cfb0a48130b8bb9e2a986efce51e70f4ce3fc949 During a recent remodeling project, I was tasked with cleaning every inch of the house, including the pesky cobwebs that had been lingering on the ceilings and corners. I came across the Ettore Products Mighty Touch Cobweb Duster, and I must admit, I was a bit skeptical. But after giving it a try, I was pleasantly surprised by its effectiveness and convenience. One of the first things I noticed was the duster's unique shape, which allowed me to reach even the most stubborn cobwebs in corners and along edges. The soft bristles were gentle enough to use around delicate decorations, while still being sturdy enough to remove the dust and cobwebs from window screens and ceiling fans. The 3-section steel handle was a game-changer, extending to an impressive 9 feet and allowing me to easily clean high ceilings and hard-to-reach places without needing to risk falling or using a ladder. The extended pole also made it comfortable to hold and maneuver, making the cleaning process much less intimidating. However, I did experience a small obstacle when trying to lock the extension poles in place. Some users have noted that the fittings are reverse-threaded, which may cause some confusion at first. But once I figured that out, the duster worked smoothly and efficiently. In summary, the Ettore Products Mighty Touch Cobweb Duster has proven to be a reliable and practical cleaning tool for my daily life. Its innovative design, soft and sturdy bristles, and convenient extendable handle make it a must-have for anyone looking to tackle those pesky cobwebs with ease. Just remember to lock those poles properly, and you'll be golden! 🔗Bendable Microfiber Cobweb Duster for Home Cleaninghttps://preview.redd.it/3dznypb02q1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b1a4b75bd2606fcb94b26a0dc4ab65a293801837 I recently gave the YVYV Microfiber Feather Duster a try in my daily cleaning routine, and let me tell you, it's been a game-changer! . With its 100-inch extendable and bendable long handle, this duster is perfect for those hard-to-reach areas that usually give me a headache. The high-quality microfiber material is incredibly soft and sturdy, making it a breeze to clean dust, pollen, and even pesky cobwebs. The duster has become my go-to tool for cleaning all sorts of surfaces, from appliances to furniture, and even the ceiling. The bendable feature is particularly handy for cleaning tricky areas, like lamps or window blinds, without having to risk potential damages. The only downside is that it needs to be hand-washed, but the results are well worth the extra effort. Overall, the YVYV Microfiber Feather Duster has proven to be a reliable and effective cleaning companion in my home. Buyer's GuideCobwebs are often considered a sign of a neglected or dirty space. However, having cobwebs can also be simply a result of the natural process of spider weaving. Whatever the reason, if you're looking for ways to keep your space clean and free from cobwebs, a cobweb duster is the perfect tool for you.Important Featureshttps://preview.redd.it/25ktepr12q1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=dbd4c811a556c66ed81f795ca8019d9a0d1197e5 MaterialWhen choosing a cobweb duster, consider the material it is made of. Most cobweb dusters are made of soft materials such as synthetic fibers or natural materials like goat hair. Soft materials are effective at removing cobwebs without damaging surfaces.LengthAnother important feature to consider is the length of the cobweb duster. Depending on the area you plan to use it, choose a duster with an appropriate length. Longer dusters allow for better reach and are suitable for high ceilings, while shorter dusters are more suitable for lower areas.HandleThe handle of the cobweb duster should be comfortable to hold and easy to maneuver. A grip that is easy to hold and a shape that fits your hand comfortably make using the duster an enjoyable task. https://preview.redd.it/nv4vrd422q1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=53844ac5d0000bd381939044a634e9a6268b3868 Cleaning and MaintenanceConsider dusters with easy-to-clean and washable materials. Proper maintenance of your cobweb duster keeps it in good condition and ensures it remains effective for a long time.ConsiderationsAllergiesIf you or someone in your household has allergies to natural materials, choose synthetic fiber cobweb dusters instead of those made from goat hair or other animal fibers. https://preview.redd.it/lufgyzf22q1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=56c218c25fee757257d1036e782f8bf89cf8c7d0 Spider PreventionA cobweb duster is only one of the tools you can use to prevent cobwebs from forming. Regular cleaning, proper ventilation, and sealing cracks and crevices can help keep spiders away and prevent the formation of cobwebs.General AdviceDon't WaitOnce you notice a cobweb, don't wait to clean it. Cobwebs multiply quickly, and the longer you wait, the more difficult it becomes to remove them without the help of a cobweb duster. https://preview.redd.it/bc8mp8v22q1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=cade7580c4edcce8fa2f3ce03eb39f9ca3cafbbc Be GentleWhen using a cobweb duster, be gentle. Cobwebs are delicate structures and can easily be damaged if you're too rough when cleaning. Gently sweep the duster across the cobweb and it will come off easily.MaintenanceRegularly maintain your cobweb duster by washing it or replacing it if necessary. Proper care ensures the duster remains effective and functional for a long time.FAQWhat is a Cobweb Duster?A Cobweb Duster is a specialized cleaning tool designed to effectively remove cobwebs and other web-like substances from ceilings, walls, and other high-up surfaces. It usually consists of a long, flexible wand with an ergonomic grip and a brush-like head that can easily reach and clean hard-to-reach areas.What materials are used to make a Cobweb Duster?Cobweb Dusters are typically made with materials that are lightweight, durable, and easy to clean. Common materials include plastic, metal, and synthetic fibers for the brush. The handles are often made from plastic or a sturdy combination of plastic and metal. Some Cobweb Dusters are designed with reusable heads made from high-quality materials that can withstand numerous uses.How does a Cobweb Duster work?A Cobweb Duster works by using the movement of the brush-like head to dislodge cobwebs and other debris. The user simply holds the handle and moves the duster around the surface, allowing the bristles to collect and remove the cobwebs. The flexible design of the Cobweb Duster allows it to easily maneuver around complex surfaces and in tight spaces. Some Cobweb Dusters come with attachments or removable heads that allow for different cleaning styles or purposes.What are the benefits of using a Cobweb Duster?
What should I look for when purchasing a Cobweb Duster?When purchasing a Cobweb Duster, consider the following factors:
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2024.05.21 08:03 Cultural_Tap_980 S1 Elise Cali Import & Engine Options
I’ve wanted a S2 Lotus Exige since I saw one IRL in 2010. Awesome as it is, it’s a bit flashy for my tastes. This has led me to consider importing an LHD S1 Exige/Elise instead. It would be driven in California and my vision for this build would be an OEM+ build with a supercharged 2GR swap. I want the Elise over the Exige, because I want an easier time getting in and out, and it won’t be tracked. I have also considered swapping a supercharged flat 6 or a supercharged flat 4 for a lower center of gravity.
Some of the other vehicles I plan for my stable are:
1971/2 Toyota Celica with a supercharged 18RG, named Project Celicat. I plan to keep the carbies for the engineering challenge. This will be my daily driver along with a grandma's car.
Cafe Racer Motorcycle & Superbike
Full-size crew Cab Pickup Truck (Shoutout to Sam Hyde lol)
My Lotus budget is $200k, however I will gladly go well above for driving perfection. I want your feedback, suggestions, recommendations, and anything else you think would be helpful. This is a forward-looking build aiming for after 2029 or later
submitted by Cultural_Tap_980 to carmodification [link] [comments]
Some of the other vehicles I plan for my stable are:
1971/2 Toyota Celica with a supercharged 18RG, named Project Celicat. I plan to keep the carbies for the engineering challenge. This will be my daily driver along with a grandma's car.
Cafe Racer Motorcycle & Superbike
Full-size crew Cab Pickup Truck (Shoutout to Sam Hyde lol)
My Lotus budget is $200k, however I will gladly go well above for driving perfection. I want your feedback, suggestions, recommendations, and anything else you think would be helpful. This is a forward-looking build aiming for after 2029 or later
2024.05.21 08:03 Cultural_Tap_980 S1 Elise Cali Import & Swap Options
I’ve wanted a S2 Lotus Exige since I saw one IRL in 2010. Awesome as it is, it’s a bit flashy for my tastes. This has led me to consider importing an LHD S1 Exige/Elise instead. It would be driven in California and my vision for this build would be an OEM+ build with a supercharged 2GR swap. I want the Elise over the Exige, because I want an easier time getting in and out, and it won’t be tracked. I have also considered swapping a supercharged flat 6 or a supercharged flat 4 for a lower center of gravity.
Some of the other vehicles I plan for my stable are:
1971/2 Toyota Celica with a supercharged 18RG, named Project Celicat. I plan to keep the carbies for the engineering challenge. This will be my daily driver along with a grandma's car.
Cafe Racer Motorcycle & Superbike
Full-size crew Cab Pickup Truck (Shoutout to Sam Hyde lol)
My Lotus budget is $200k, however I will gladly go well above for driving perfection. I want your feedback, suggestions, recommendations, and anything else you think would be helpful. This is a forward-looking build aiming for after 2029 or later
submitted by Cultural_Tap_980 to lotus [link] [comments]
Some of the other vehicles I plan for my stable are:
1971/2 Toyota Celica with a supercharged 18RG, named Project Celicat. I plan to keep the carbies for the engineering challenge. This will be my daily driver along with a grandma's car.
Cafe Racer Motorcycle & Superbike
Full-size crew Cab Pickup Truck (Shoutout to Sam Hyde lol)
My Lotus budget is $200k, however I will gladly go well above for driving perfection. I want your feedback, suggestions, recommendations, and anything else you think would be helpful. This is a forward-looking build aiming for after 2029 or later
2024.05.21 06:58 THROWRAFinancialAnt My medical abortion experience
This is a bit of a novel but I wanted to share my experience with my medical abortion, since I hunted so desperately for similar this time last week.
(In between this, I did go to my clinic out of sheer nervousness and was basically told since my plan was abortion, they wouldn’t give an ultrasound unless it was far later along and I had intentions of keeping or had complications present. Nor would they help me go through with it. I really wasn’t willing to risk this, so I took a blood test that they had offered so I could get my HCG levels. It confirmed I was anywhere from about 4-8 weeks. They recommended I ask planned parenthood for advice/an ultrasound. The soonest ultrasound with PP was about 3.5/4 weeks from then, so ultimately I just chose to trust the HCG levels my primary care clinic provided.)
Fast forward a few days and it’s Friday & I was off work early, so I took the one Mifeprostone at 3p. I continued to run errands. I have a pretty shitty fear of vomiting so I took some Dramamine around 5pm. (I had a zofran script from my primary care doctor but it was sent to the wrong address, so I never received it) I experienced some very mild nausea and hot flash, but I had assumed it was anxiety. Other than this, I was completely fine with no side effects. Enjoyed a night out with friends.
The next day, I ran my errands and got some additional things I may of needed like Gatorade and some extra pads. I experienced some light cramping around 2pm. I was planning to take my 4 misoprostole after 3p (24 hours later), so I took 800mg of ibuprofen at about 3pm. Plans changed so I waited a bit longer, so it probably wasn’t necessary to even take the ibuprofen. I took some Dramamine about 6pm, because I planned to take the miso at 7. Started to spot while wiping at about 6:30pm. I made sure I ate, but again I have a fear of puking so I did safer foods for me like a light noodle soup, butter pasta, apple sauce and sweet potato fries.
Continued spotting when wiping until 8pm.
Saturday, At 8:10pm, I Inserted 4 misoprostole vaginally. Took Tylenol, smoked a tiny bit of weed, laid on couch with heating blanket immediately and started a new show.
Hour 1, 9:10pm, some light cramping, almost felt like the kind when you have to poop.
Hour 2, 10:10pm, tired so took a nap.
Hour 3, 11:10pm, woke up from nap a few minutes after this with some heavier cramping but nothing unmanageable. Went to toilet for first time. When sitting on toilet cramping started back up and I became nauseous and weak. Nearly fainted. I have a history of fainting when pain amps up like this. It’s nothing new, but I just laid down on the bathroom floor. I was in and out of talking to my partner. I dry heaved after about 15 minutes of just laying low and sipping some of my Gatorade. Took Dramamine. Sat on toilet after. Felt a bit better. Still cramping heavily. Loose stool. A dull pain still. Used the bathroom probably about 3x, blood poured out and I also had loose bowel movements every time.
Hour 4, 12:10am, Was still awake from hour prior when I woke up from nap. I took Tylenol at this time. I moved from the couch to our bedroom and went to lay down. As I was walking I became nauseous again, sat down and threw up quite a bit this time. As soon as I felt like I had everything out I was able to sip on some water and lay down. I immediately felt better and laid back down for bed. Put heating pad on my stomach and went to bed. assuming this is when the pregnancy had passed
Hour 11, woke up at 7:30 am, Felt like a million bucks, some light cramping but I slept with the heating pad on me. Went to the bathroom, took 800mg of ibuprofen as a precaution and laid back down. Was lethargic but just watched some tv in bed and hydrated.
Hour 13, 9:30 am, by this time I was up and moving, I could feel blood pouring out of me but the pad was a god send. I ate light food, just crepes and some apple sauce. No nausea thankfully, light cramping.
12pm, about 16 hours later, felt much better. Was still bleeding a bit, but the maxi pad and/or period underwear have been helpful. Lounged around in zero pain.
17-21 hrs later, I ran errands between 1-5pm and just could noticeably feel a large amount of blood pouring out of me when moving.
24 hrs later, 8:30pm, went for a walk around our neighborhood with my S/O and our dogs. No pain at all. I began my birth control again at this time and took that pill.
36 hr, bleeding is lighter, more intermittent but still a heavier flow. Some cramping. Went to work.
48 hr, bleeding like a normal but heavier side of period. Birth control again.
I will say, the only clot I saw was the size of a grain of rice. There was too much blood to make anything out. It was a quick process. Definitely uncomfortable, but nothing unmanageable. The nausea was the worst part for me and it had a very quick onset and was over with quickly. I felt relief after vomiting. Realistically I slept for most of it and the “worst” was brief.
My takeaways from this was really to have someone there if you can. I really don’t like having people around me when in pain or uncomfortable, but it was a god send.
Also, as someone who never uses pads, it was very difficult for me to do so. I found that the disposable period underwear was really helpful. Basically is the same concept as a diaper but shhhh. It was amazing. The larger, more absorbent maxi pads are good too.
Having pain reliever, an anti nausea and a heating pad on hand was also great.
And having snacks that I knew were safe for me to throw up if it happened, which it doesn’t happen for everyone, was super helpful too. Usually I keep some sugary stuff like a Gatorade or apple sauce to keep my blood sugar up but that’s just from my own experience. I believe it’s a side effect from one of the 2 medications and it’s something I already deal with so it was just nice to have a variety on hand in case.
Anyways. That’s the novel. My medical abortion was actually a much more pleasant experience than I had imagined.
I hope this helps in some way! Best of luck with your choices. If you have any questions just let me know, I’d be happy to answer to the best of my ability.
submitted by THROWRAFinancialAnt to abortion [link] [comments]
I have some time stamps with the meds/experience farther down if you want to scroll past this stuff. I’ll put it all in bold.
Period late 2 days. Found out I was pregnant last Sunday. My health insurance is in a gap rn so had to pay out of pocket. I was able to get it online. I ordered my two pills from ABuzz, they have a sliding scale if needed be and I had my pills by Wednesday. (Misoprostole and Mifeprostone) They sent all of the information needed and were very helpful. (Came with 1 Mife & 12 Miso)(In between this, I did go to my clinic out of sheer nervousness and was basically told since my plan was abortion, they wouldn’t give an ultrasound unless it was far later along and I had intentions of keeping or had complications present. Nor would they help me go through with it. I really wasn’t willing to risk this, so I took a blood test that they had offered so I could get my HCG levels. It confirmed I was anywhere from about 4-8 weeks. They recommended I ask planned parenthood for advice/an ultrasound. The soonest ultrasound with PP was about 3.5/4 weeks from then, so ultimately I just chose to trust the HCG levels my primary care clinic provided.)
Fast forward a few days and it’s Friday & I was off work early, so I took the one Mifeprostone at 3p. I continued to run errands. I have a pretty shitty fear of vomiting so I took some Dramamine around 5pm. (I had a zofran script from my primary care doctor but it was sent to the wrong address, so I never received it) I experienced some very mild nausea and hot flash, but I had assumed it was anxiety. Other than this, I was completely fine with no side effects. Enjoyed a night out with friends.
The next day, I ran my errands and got some additional things I may of needed like Gatorade and some extra pads. I experienced some light cramping around 2pm. I was planning to take my 4 misoprostole after 3p (24 hours later), so I took 800mg of ibuprofen at about 3pm. Plans changed so I waited a bit longer, so it probably wasn’t necessary to even take the ibuprofen. I took some Dramamine about 6pm, because I planned to take the miso at 7. Started to spot while wiping at about 6:30pm. I made sure I ate, but again I have a fear of puking so I did safer foods for me like a light noodle soup, butter pasta, apple sauce and sweet potato fries.
Continued spotting when wiping until 8pm.
Saturday, At 8:10pm, I Inserted 4 misoprostole vaginally. Took Tylenol, smoked a tiny bit of weed, laid on couch with heating blanket immediately and started a new show.
Hour 1, 9:10pm, some light cramping, almost felt like the kind when you have to poop.
Hour 2, 10:10pm, tired so took a nap.
Hour 3, 11:10pm, woke up from nap a few minutes after this with some heavier cramping but nothing unmanageable. Went to toilet for first time. When sitting on toilet cramping started back up and I became nauseous and weak. Nearly fainted. I have a history of fainting when pain amps up like this. It’s nothing new, but I just laid down on the bathroom floor. I was in and out of talking to my partner. I dry heaved after about 15 minutes of just laying low and sipping some of my Gatorade. Took Dramamine. Sat on toilet after. Felt a bit better. Still cramping heavily. Loose stool. A dull pain still. Used the bathroom probably about 3x, blood poured out and I also had loose bowel movements every time.
Hour 4, 12:10am, Was still awake from hour prior when I woke up from nap. I took Tylenol at this time. I moved from the couch to our bedroom and went to lay down. As I was walking I became nauseous again, sat down and threw up quite a bit this time. As soon as I felt like I had everything out I was able to sip on some water and lay down. I immediately felt better and laid back down for bed. Put heating pad on my stomach and went to bed. assuming this is when the pregnancy had passed
Hour 11, woke up at 7:30 am, Felt like a million bucks, some light cramping but I slept with the heating pad on me. Went to the bathroom, took 800mg of ibuprofen as a precaution and laid back down. Was lethargic but just watched some tv in bed and hydrated.
Hour 13, 9:30 am, by this time I was up and moving, I could feel blood pouring out of me but the pad was a god send. I ate light food, just crepes and some apple sauce. No nausea thankfully, light cramping.
12pm, about 16 hours later, felt much better. Was still bleeding a bit, but the maxi pad and/or period underwear have been helpful. Lounged around in zero pain.
17-21 hrs later, I ran errands between 1-5pm and just could noticeably feel a large amount of blood pouring out of me when moving.
24 hrs later, 8:30pm, went for a walk around our neighborhood with my S/O and our dogs. No pain at all. I began my birth control again at this time and took that pill.
36 hr, bleeding is lighter, more intermittent but still a heavier flow. Some cramping. Went to work.
48 hr, bleeding like a normal but heavier side of period. Birth control again.
I will say, the only clot I saw was the size of a grain of rice. There was too much blood to make anything out. It was a quick process. Definitely uncomfortable, but nothing unmanageable. The nausea was the worst part for me and it had a very quick onset and was over with quickly. I felt relief after vomiting. Realistically I slept for most of it and the “worst” was brief.
My takeaways from this was really to have someone there if you can. I really don’t like having people around me when in pain or uncomfortable, but it was a god send.
Also, as someone who never uses pads, it was very difficult for me to do so. I found that the disposable period underwear was really helpful. Basically is the same concept as a diaper but shhhh. It was amazing. The larger, more absorbent maxi pads are good too.
Having pain reliever, an anti nausea and a heating pad on hand was also great.
And having snacks that I knew were safe for me to throw up if it happened, which it doesn’t happen for everyone, was super helpful too. Usually I keep some sugary stuff like a Gatorade or apple sauce to keep my blood sugar up but that’s just from my own experience. I believe it’s a side effect from one of the 2 medications and it’s something I already deal with so it was just nice to have a variety on hand in case.
Anyways. That’s the novel. My medical abortion was actually a much more pleasant experience than I had imagined.
I hope this helps in some way! Best of luck with your choices. If you have any questions just let me know, I’d be happy to answer to the best of my ability.
2024.05.21 06:21 BostonT4life You will never believe who I saw!
I visited Boston last week for the first time. Great city BTW. Hubby and I hit all the touristy spots of course, including the Cheers bar. I almost fell off my bar stool when I spotted no other than the icon Camille Grammer eating dinner there! At first I second guessed myself that it was her, but we were in ear shot and when I heard her speak it was confirmed. I mean who would have thunk she would go there? She was with her son and a little sleuthing by me turned up that she was in Boston for her daughter’s graduation. She had little makeup on but is just gorgeous. I was too shy to talk to her and didn’t want to bother her. Anyway it was awesomeness and miss her on the show!
submitted by BostonT4life to RHOBH [link] [comments]
2024.05.21 05:28 dlince Plywood sheathing vs hardwood (birch) plywood for kids' "kitchen helper?"
Hey all - I'm building a "kitchen helper" (aka a fancy stool) for my kiddo to help out at the kitchen counter. Any concerns with building this out of sheathing plywood if I'm planning on painting it, or should I opt for the pricier hardwood/birch option?
Thanks!
submitted by dlince to BeginnerWoodWorking [link] [comments]
Thanks!
2024.05.21 05:06 SnooStrawberries1016 55M, 5'8", 228lbs, white. Pre/Diabetic, High LDL / low HDL, more
- Smoking: ~10 years, quit 20 years ago
- Drinking: mostly social, sometimes weeks without (maybe an occasional beer), a few hard liquor drinks /cocktails on occasional weekend.
- Drugs: none
I don't have insurance and the finances have been difficult so I'd been putting off any medical studies. And I was worried about what I'd find.
Finally did some bloodwork and other tests recently, visited a doctor (in Mexico), and received some diagnoses, and prescriptions.
I am sure the doctor was fine but this is all new to me and I am just too freaked out. So I am hoping that someone will look this over and share the thoughts on the test results, medications, dosage, and if anything else that may jump out.
Bonus would be to receive advice on what to do next (besides the meds) because yeah, I am in some panic, frankly.
I am asking a lot so fingers crossed. Details below
Blood work (select results, I can add more if I have it):
| Test | Result |
|---|---|
| Glucose | 112.5 |
| Gemoglobin, A1C | 5.9 |
| Uric Acid | 7.3 |
| Cholesterol Total | 260.9 |
| Cholesterol, HDL | 36.5 |
| Cholesterol, LDL | 189.9 |
| Cholesterol, VLDL | 37.2 |
| Ratio, LDL/HDL | 5.20 |
| Atherogenic Index | 7.1 |
| Triglycerides | 186 |
| Globulin | 1.98 |
- Pre-diabetic (extensive family history of it) Also I think I *am* diabetic on the US scale
- High "bad" cholesterol / low "good" cholesterol / high risk (family history of heart disease and stroke)
- Mild hepatic steatosis
- I also showed what looks like varicose veins on my calf
| Medication | Indication | Dosage | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metformin* | Diabetes | 850mg | 1 tablet / twice a day |
| Forxiga (Dapagliflozin) | Diabetes | 10mg | 1 tablet / once a day |
| Atorvastatin** | Cholesterol | 40mg | 1 tablet / once a day |
| Alopurinol | Uric acid | 100mg | 1 tablet / once a day |
| Darion | Veins | 500mg | 1 tablet / twice a day |
** Started on half the dosage of Atovastatin and Aloprinol today
Upcoming:
Colonoscopy and sleep study, unfortunately not at the same time.
Specific questions:
- Do these meds and dosages look like a good and reasonable treatment plan?
- Are my glucose results considered pre-diabetic or diabetic? I get that 0.01 doesn't make a big actual difference, this is more mental
- Anything other than exercise and diet (and meds) that I should be doing?
- I understand diabetes is controllable at best (not curable) but would it be true to say that it's possible to control well? I get that "individual results may vary", asking more in general.
2024.05.21 04:43 CapriciousTrumpet15 Screaming kids in local brewery
I hate how common these posts are these days, ugh! Went to my favorite local brewery yesterday afternoon for dinner because I like the food truck that was there. Important to know: this brewery has no kitchen! They sometimes have chips for sale, that’s it. I sat at the bar, ordered my beer and started watching something on my phone while I waited for my food. Quickly realized that I was going to have to put BOTH of my noise cancelling headphones in because the 6 children sitting at the big tables on the other end of the brewery were SCREAMING. They were playing, jumping on and off stools and barrel tables, yelling…. It was horrendous. This is not a daycare! And the two toddler siblings are just wandering around while the 4-5 adults just sit there eating and drinking. WHY!!!! I can’t fucking stand it. This isn’t Chili’s, where there’s a kids menu and placemats to draw on. This isn’t a brewery with a kid safe play area, giant games, or a place for them to run around. I was literally stepping over their stupid fucking toys when I walked to the bathroom. Why are people so selfish and self-centered? The cherry on top of the sundae was when one of the dads came up to the bar and asked the beertender “do you have any tissues?” BITCH WHAT?! Beertender looks at him and hands him two paper towels and said it’s this or toilet paper from the bathroom.
Idiots.
submitted by CapriciousTrumpet15 to childfree [link] [comments]
Idiots.
2024.05.21 04:35 Opalgemtreasurechest Potty training woes. Help! 9 months and peeing in house.
On March 25th we brought Opal home. She was 7 months old. On March 27th I drove 6 hours to my sister’s house for spring break for a few days. March 30th I drove back to our house. On April 3rd we brought her back to the breeder because we had a pre planned vacation and we picked her up/brought her home for good April 15th.
So she’s been with us consistently at our house since April 15th. Just over a month! She was in heat from April 9th-May 4th (not sure if that’s relevant but just in case).
Since being home, she has begun sneaking to our carpeted/finished basement and peeing. Twice today! We had been blocking it with a stool/partially closed door but turns out she learned to nudge it open. It’s been almost daily and I’m feeling frustrated. We can’t close the door because we have 3 cats and they have 2 litter boxes down there (and food). She KNOWS to go pee outside but won’t tell us she needs to go out (we have tried bell training). She is so smart. But has decided she should go pee down there and doesn’t care at all 😩
Help? We have an older dog (8 yr Golden Retriever) who potty trained quickly. I feel so discouraged and disappointed. Shes 9 months old now and it just feels like we shouldn’t be dealing with pee accidents. And when I say sneaking off, I really mean sneaking off. I sat down for 3 minutes to check something on my computer. 😩 we have 3 human children so it’s definitely not easy keeping her within sight at all times but I truly do try!
ANY advice? I’ll go back to trying to bell train (we’ve been having her nudge it with her paw) but I’m not feeling confident that’ll work. I’m always so excited when she goes pee outside and make sure to show that.
Wahhhhhh
submitted by Opalgemtreasurechest to cavaliers [link] [comments]
So she’s been with us consistently at our house since April 15th. Just over a month! She was in heat from April 9th-May 4th (not sure if that’s relevant but just in case).
Since being home, she has begun sneaking to our carpeted/finished basement and peeing. Twice today! We had been blocking it with a stool/partially closed door but turns out she learned to nudge it open. It’s been almost daily and I’m feeling frustrated. We can’t close the door because we have 3 cats and they have 2 litter boxes down there (and food). She KNOWS to go pee outside but won’t tell us she needs to go out (we have tried bell training). She is so smart. But has decided she should go pee down there and doesn’t care at all 😩
Help? We have an older dog (8 yr Golden Retriever) who potty trained quickly. I feel so discouraged and disappointed. Shes 9 months old now and it just feels like we shouldn’t be dealing with pee accidents. And when I say sneaking off, I really mean sneaking off. I sat down for 3 minutes to check something on my computer. 😩 we have 3 human children so it’s definitely not easy keeping her within sight at all times but I truly do try!
ANY advice? I’ll go back to trying to bell train (we’ve been having her nudge it with her paw) but I’m not feeling confident that’ll work. I’m always so excited when she goes pee outside and make sure to show that.
Wahhhhhh
2024.05.21 04:26 St_Augustine_Discord Live Music and Events Tuesday May 21st
Live Music
- JC Hatfield Trio, Mill Top Tavern, 12:00 pm -- 4:00 pm
- Joshua "Tennessee" Worthy, Pierre's Pub, 1:00 pm -- 5:00 pm
- Damon Slaughter, O.C. White's Seafood, 5:30 pm -- 8:30 pm
- Colton McKenna, Prohibition Kitchen, 6:00 pm -- 9:00 pm
- David Watt Besley, Tuesday, May 21st, 6:00 pm -- 8:00 pm
- Bob Patterson, Tuesday, May 21st, 6:00 pm -- 8:00 pm
- Smokin' Joe Schauer, Ann O'Malley's Deli and Pub, 6:00 pm -- 10:00 pm
- Jazzy Blue Band, Cortesse's Bistro, 6:00 pm -- 9:00 pm
- Dewey Via Band, The Tides Oyster Co. & Grill, 7:00 pm -- 10:00 pm
St. Augustine Songwriters Night
- Two revered St. Augustine singesongwriters, Bob Patterson and David Watt Besley, host a live music event featuring other local singesongwriters, on the third Tuesday of every month from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Oasis Deck and Restaurant on Anastasia Island.
- Each of these monthly events offers two hours of stories and songs as Bob and David share the stage with two invited musical guests. This long-running event is a favorite for locals who enjoy hearing songs they know as well as the occasional debut of a brand new song. Guests have included Amy Hendrickson, Katherine Archer, Lonesome Bert Hodge, John Dickie, Don Cooper, Gail Carson, and other local songwriters --- plus the occasional out-of-towner.
- The format is simple and one that is found at songwriters events: the four participating singesongwriters relax on stools as each one relates a tale and sings one of their songs, going down the line one song and one artist after another. Invariably, someone will change their playlist in reaction to the previous song played, another will chime in with a guitar solo, or impeccable harmony.
- St. Augustine is Northeast Florida's songwriter capital, the home of acclaimed singesongwriter, Gamble Rogers and the many who followed him, from Bob Patterson to Davis Loose. The musicians included in these third Tuesday events were raised here, or have moved to St. Augustine and the surrounding area. The respect they have for each other and the joy they find in playing together is evident at every performance.
- Admission: Admission is free, guests may purchase food and drinks.
- When: The third Tuesday of every month, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
- Where: At the Oasis Deck and Restaurant, 4000 A1A South, St. Augustine Beach, Florida 32080
Pecha Kucha Night: Industry Night 2024
- On May 21, 2024, the St. Augustine Chapter of Pecha Kucha presents several speakers who will discuss the topic of "Industry" with an emphasis on the service industry, at the Dog Rose Brew Pub. The speakers and audience are invited to gather at 8:00 p.m. or before. Attendees can purchase beverages from Dog Rose and food from the African Love Kitchen food truck. The presentations will begin at 9:15 p.m.
- The St. Augustine Chapter of Pecha Kucha has presented programs for more than 10 years. There are chapters in more than 900 cities worldwide, including many U.S. cities. At Dog Rose, pre-selected presenters discuss their thoughts on the evening's theme, showing 20 slides and speaking about each one for 20 seconds before moving on to the next. This 20X20 format allows each presenter only six minutes and 40 seconds to tell their story. During any Pecha Kucha night, the audience can expect to learn something, laugh, feel empathy, and be surprised.
- On May 21, chefs, managers, and bakers are among those who share their industry experience through their words and photos.
- Admission: A donation of $10.00 is requested to help fund these events. There will be a cash bar, and the opportunity to purchase food from the African Love Kitchen Food Truck.
- When: Tuesday, May 21, 2024 The event begins with a gathering at 8:00 p.m. and presentations start at 9:15 p.m. (Industry Night always starts a bit late because most of the speakers work later hours.)
- Where: At Dog Rose Brewery, 77 Bridge Street, St. Augustine, Florida 32084
Written out urls here tinyurl.com/yjkw32kd
For future events please visit the Discord.
https://discord.gg/NG4eZSWAgR2024.05.21 04:26 St_Augustine_Discord Live Music and Events Tuesday May 21st
Live Music
- JC Hatfield Trio, Mill Top Tavern, 12:00 pm -- 4:00 pm
- Joshua "Tennessee" Worthy, Pierre's Pub, 1:00 pm -- 5:00 pm
- Damon Slaughter, O.C. White's Seafood, 5:30 pm -- 8:30 pm
- Colton McKenna, Prohibition Kitchen, 6:00 pm -- 9:00 pm
- David Watt Besley, Tuesday, May 21st, 6:00 pm -- 8:00 pm
- Bob Patterson, Tuesday, May 21st, 6:00 pm -- 8:00 pm
- Smokin' Joe Schauer, Ann O'Malley's Deli and Pub, 6:00 pm -- 10:00 pm
- Jazzy Blue Band, Cortesse's Bistro, 6:00 pm -- 9:00 pm
- Dewey Via Band, The Tides Oyster Co. & Grill, 7:00 pm -- 10:00 pm
St. Augustine Songwriters Night
- Two revered St. Augustine singesongwriters, Bob Patterson and David Watt Besley, host a live music event featuring other local singesongwriters, on the third Tuesday of every month from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Oasis Deck and Restaurant on Anastasia Island.
- Each of these monthly events offers two hours of stories and songs as Bob and David share the stage with two invited musical guests. This long-running event is a favorite for locals who enjoy hearing songs they know as well as the occasional debut of a brand new song. Guests have included Amy Hendrickson, Katherine Archer, Lonesome Bert Hodge, John Dickie, Don Cooper, Gail Carson, and other local songwriters --- plus the occasional out-of-towner.
- The format is simple and one that is found at songwriters events: the four participating singesongwriters relax on stools as each one relates a tale and sings one of their songs, going down the line one song and one artist after another. Invariably, someone will change their playlist in reaction to the previous song played, another will chime in with a guitar solo, or impeccable harmony.
- St. Augustine is Northeast Florida's songwriter capital, the home of acclaimed singesongwriter, Gamble Rogers and the many who followed him, from Bob Patterson to Davis Loose. The musicians included in these third Tuesday events were raised here, or have moved to St. Augustine and the surrounding area. The respect they have for each other and the joy they find in playing together is evident at every performance.
- Admission: Admission is free, guests may purchase food and drinks.
- When: The third Tuesday of every month, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
- Where: At the Oasis Deck and Restaurant, 4000 A1A South, St. Augustine Beach, Florida 32080
Pecha Kucha Night: Industry Night 2024
- On May 21, 2024, the St. Augustine Chapter of Pecha Kucha presents several speakers who will discuss the topic of "Industry" with an emphasis on the service industry, at the Dog Rose Brew Pub. The speakers and audience are invited to gather at 8:00 p.m. or before. Attendees can purchase beverages from Dog Rose and food from the African Love Kitchen food truck. The presentations will begin at 9:15 p.m.
- The St. Augustine Chapter of Pecha Kucha has presented programs for more than 10 years. There are chapters in more than 900 cities worldwide, including many U.S. cities. At Dog Rose, pre-selected presenters discuss their thoughts on the evening's theme, showing 20 slides and speaking about each one for 20 seconds before moving on to the next. This 20X20 format allows each presenter only six minutes and 40 seconds to tell their story. During any Pecha Kucha night, the audience can expect to learn something, laugh, feel empathy, and be surprised.
- On May 21, chefs, managers, and bakers are among those who share their industry experience through their words and photos.
- Admission: A donation of $10.00 is requested to help fund these events. There will be a cash bar, and the opportunity to purchase food from the African Love Kitchen Food Truck.
- When: Tuesday, May 21, 2024 The event begins with a gathering at 8:00 p.m. and presentations start at 9:15 p.m. (Industry Night always starts a bit late because most of the speakers work later hours.)
- Where: At Dog Rose Brewery, 77 Bridge Street, St. Augustine, Florida 32084
Written out urls here tinyurl.com/yjkw32kd
For future events please visit the Discord.
https://discord.gg/NG4eZSWAgR2024.05.21 03:28 vampirats I started sketching a random pose with no references and I kinda like what I came up with but could I get some pointers how to fix the perspective? And especially how to make the background/foreground elements align better.
 | I am experimenting without pose references so I wonder how accurate I've got it. It's supposed to be a view as if there's a camera on the bottom right across the bar stool. submitted by vampirats to ArtCrit [link] [comments] I do notice some things, like the woman's head being too large, the barista's arms are different sizes, and I won't even get into the counter and chair lmao... I will look up references to try work around some things but I don't know if I will find the exact things I am looking for. If anyone has suggestions how to make it bettebetter capture the pose I was going for, I'd be happy to hear! Also if anyone wants to save/adjust things directly onto the drawing that I also allow since I've seen it done a few times here. |
2024.05.21 03:05 sns-10 The Gate
I take the chalk in my hand. It leaves a smear - no, a streak, - of blue chalk dust. It will stay on my fingers.
It's summer. I'm ten, just turned ten. Three years until I'm a teen. Six until I can drive. Eight until college.
I first try wiping the chalk off on my blue shorts, but the material is wrong, and the shorts are a darker shade, so the chalk leaves a streak there as well.
I get up, turn around. On the ground, I've created what could be the ocean. Or the sky. Depends on whether you look at it one way or the other, if the yellow part is the beach or a desert landscape. With my quality of art, who knows.
The sun is bright. It reflects off of the chalk, and the bricks of the house, and the puddles of water on the ground. It had rained the day before, which was why I had chosen to draw on this particular day. If it rained yesterday, it would be less likely to rain on this day, which made no sense at all, but given my age and my unbearable state of boredom, my urge to go outside and do something trumped my common sense. The sun was scrambling my brain. Or maybe it was the fact that I was bored, and locked up. Or both.
I have good memories of Covid, and bad ones. At first, during March of that year, I saw it as one long vacation. No school, no work, video games all day. Then, when online school started up again, my school wasn't prepared for it, and the amount of class-time I got was laughable. I spent an hour in the morning, from 9 to 10 AM in homeroom. Of course, it was on Zoom. Then it was work that they had designed to take hours, which I finished in half of one.
I would play games, run around the house. Then I got tired of this, and I kicked a ball around in the basement, pretending I was a famous soccer player. After this, it was art.
I put the chalk away, then begin to walk inside, when I see my bike. It lies propped up against the flower bed wall, in the shade, away from the sun. I decide to stay out a bit longer.
I get on the bike, and I ride around in the driveway. Our driveway was large, and it circled around the house, going off onto a path that led into the garden. I started riding, just for the fun of it. Then. I would imagine myself to be a pilot, or a dirt-bike racer, or a world war two bomber jet. All around the house.
***
There was a big, heavy, copper gate that separated the property line from the neighbors down below. We lived at the top of a hill, on a small cul-de-sac street, with five houses, ours included. I would ride the bike, and then stop to look out at the rest of the world through the bars of the weathered gate. Like a prisoner. And I guess I wasn't that far away from being one.
I had not left the house since March 9th of that year. My school shut down a few days later, but I was taken out early. It was July now, and I had not seen a single in-person face other than my brother, and mother, and father. And my dog. No friends, no nothing.
One day, when I go to the gate, I hear something. Something that I had not heard for literal months. Laughter. I heard laughter. The sound was like music, like something from a far-away planet. Like something I shouldn't, couldn't, believe. Like something that was criminal to be witnessing.
I peek. Stare around the corner, through the bars, and there, on our little cul-de-sac, are two kids playing. Boy, girl. Brother and sister, probably. They have a ball that they kick around. Hands flying, legs churning. The girl wore a Casio watch that burned my eyes, a lazer beam that pierced through to my retinas.
More laughter. I hide from behind a bush, my bike leaning on the ground now. Voices I can't hear. I strain my ears.
A door shuts. A lightbulb turns off, as if some cosmic being flicked a light switch on the entire scene. And as soon as it all began, it's over. Story of my life.
I take my bike back to its resting place against the brick wall, and I go up the stairs.
And I open the door, and shut it, and the image of their maskless faces is embedded in my mind, that ball still bouncing, as I imagine myself with them.
submitted by sns-10 to stories [link] [comments]
It's summer. I'm ten, just turned ten. Three years until I'm a teen. Six until I can drive. Eight until college.
I first try wiping the chalk off on my blue shorts, but the material is wrong, and the shorts are a darker shade, so the chalk leaves a streak there as well.
I get up, turn around. On the ground, I've created what could be the ocean. Or the sky. Depends on whether you look at it one way or the other, if the yellow part is the beach or a desert landscape. With my quality of art, who knows.
The sun is bright. It reflects off of the chalk, and the bricks of the house, and the puddles of water on the ground. It had rained the day before, which was why I had chosen to draw on this particular day. If it rained yesterday, it would be less likely to rain on this day, which made no sense at all, but given my age and my unbearable state of boredom, my urge to go outside and do something trumped my common sense. The sun was scrambling my brain. Or maybe it was the fact that I was bored, and locked up. Or both.
I have good memories of Covid, and bad ones. At first, during March of that year, I saw it as one long vacation. No school, no work, video games all day. Then, when online school started up again, my school wasn't prepared for it, and the amount of class-time I got was laughable. I spent an hour in the morning, from 9 to 10 AM in homeroom. Of course, it was on Zoom. Then it was work that they had designed to take hours, which I finished in half of one.
I would play games, run around the house. Then I got tired of this, and I kicked a ball around in the basement, pretending I was a famous soccer player. After this, it was art.
I put the chalk away, then begin to walk inside, when I see my bike. It lies propped up against the flower bed wall, in the shade, away from the sun. I decide to stay out a bit longer.
I get on the bike, and I ride around in the driveway. Our driveway was large, and it circled around the house, going off onto a path that led into the garden. I started riding, just for the fun of it. Then. I would imagine myself to be a pilot, or a dirt-bike racer, or a world war two bomber jet. All around the house.
***
There was a big, heavy, copper gate that separated the property line from the neighbors down below. We lived at the top of a hill, on a small cul-de-sac street, with five houses, ours included. I would ride the bike, and then stop to look out at the rest of the world through the bars of the weathered gate. Like a prisoner. And I guess I wasn't that far away from being one.
I had not left the house since March 9th of that year. My school shut down a few days later, but I was taken out early. It was July now, and I had not seen a single in-person face other than my brother, and mother, and father. And my dog. No friends, no nothing.
One day, when I go to the gate, I hear something. Something that I had not heard for literal months. Laughter. I heard laughter. The sound was like music, like something from a far-away planet. Like something I shouldn't, couldn't, believe. Like something that was criminal to be witnessing.
I peek. Stare around the corner, through the bars, and there, on our little cul-de-sac, are two kids playing. Boy, girl. Brother and sister, probably. They have a ball that they kick around. Hands flying, legs churning. The girl wore a Casio watch that burned my eyes, a lazer beam that pierced through to my retinas.
More laughter. I hide from behind a bush, my bike leaning on the ground now. Voices I can't hear. I strain my ears.
A door shuts. A lightbulb turns off, as if some cosmic being flicked a light switch on the entire scene. And as soon as it all began, it's over. Story of my life.
I take my bike back to its resting place against the brick wall, and I go up the stairs.
And I open the door, and shut it, and the image of their maskless faces is embedded in my mind, that ball still bouncing, as I imagine myself with them.
2024.05.21 02:51 tgwtg Fantasy or lazy writing?
I know this has been commented on before, but, well, I’m going to say it again.
Imagine the scene. You’re in a dark, noisy local bar, sitting on your favorite stool with your best friend beside you. You’re both pounding back shots and beer chasers, loudly complaining about Vanessa from the office. What gives her the right…? Who does she think…? Blah, blah, blah…
After a while you stumble out the front door, part company with your friend, then head toward home. Suddenly, a black van squeals into the intersection in front of you. The door flies open. Three men in ski masks leap out, grab you and drag you inside. Someone yells “drive!” and off down the road you go.
Inside the van a man in a tuxedo slaps you across the face to bring you to your senses and says, “Thank god, we found you! The fate of the world is at stake!”
You’re shocked. You’re just a lowly office worker. What do you know about saving the world? You’re no hero!
——
Now obviously my screenplay could use a bit of workshopping, but I think we’ve all seen this movie and know how it goes.
Hollywood would have us believe that the place where the fiction begins - where we suspend our disbelief - is where an office worker is called upon to save the world.
But I call BS. The fiction begins when the hero doesn’t puke on everyone’s shoes or slur their words or take a “quick nap” as the van pulls away.
In popular fiction alcohol has no consequences. Characters can drink as much as they want, any time they want. As film and tv get more real, more gritty, one thing remains just as preposterous as ever: the effects of alcohol. Sobering up is just a slap in the face or a cup of coffee or a chase scene away. And hangovers are either played for laughs, easily overcome by sheer determination or simply don’t exist at all.
I like a good fantasy as much as the next person, but as I reflect back on all the scenes like these I’ve seen in my life, especially as a kid, I wonder how much of the fantasy seeped into my unconscious vision for what life’s supposed to be like? Did part of me really believe I could drink like that with no consequences?
Yeah, I think so.
Spoiler: I can’t.
submitted by tgwtg to stopdrinking [link] [comments]
Imagine the scene. You’re in a dark, noisy local bar, sitting on your favorite stool with your best friend beside you. You’re both pounding back shots and beer chasers, loudly complaining about Vanessa from the office. What gives her the right…? Who does she think…? Blah, blah, blah…
After a while you stumble out the front door, part company with your friend, then head toward home. Suddenly, a black van squeals into the intersection in front of you. The door flies open. Three men in ski masks leap out, grab you and drag you inside. Someone yells “drive!” and off down the road you go.
Inside the van a man in a tuxedo slaps you across the face to bring you to your senses and says, “Thank god, we found you! The fate of the world is at stake!”
You’re shocked. You’re just a lowly office worker. What do you know about saving the world? You’re no hero!
——
Now obviously my screenplay could use a bit of workshopping, but I think we’ve all seen this movie and know how it goes.
Hollywood would have us believe that the place where the fiction begins - where we suspend our disbelief - is where an office worker is called upon to save the world.
But I call BS. The fiction begins when the hero doesn’t puke on everyone’s shoes or slur their words or take a “quick nap” as the van pulls away.
In popular fiction alcohol has no consequences. Characters can drink as much as they want, any time they want. As film and tv get more real, more gritty, one thing remains just as preposterous as ever: the effects of alcohol. Sobering up is just a slap in the face or a cup of coffee or a chase scene away. And hangovers are either played for laughs, easily overcome by sheer determination or simply don’t exist at all.
I like a good fantasy as much as the next person, but as I reflect back on all the scenes like these I’ve seen in my life, especially as a kid, I wonder how much of the fantasy seeped into my unconscious vision for what life’s supposed to be like? Did part of me really believe I could drink like that with no consequences?
Yeah, I think so.
Spoiler: I can’t.
2024.05.21 02:35 ItsssBrucyyy New poster here, and I've not only played Burnout 3: Takedown for the first time... but I've also COMPLETED it too!
Hi Burnout, I'm a new poster here... but I am NOT a stranger to the Burnout series. I remember booting up the B3 demo on my rental of Need For Speed Underground 2 (and then being quickly told I can't play it due to it being rated Teen) and then getting both Revenge and Paradise later down the road in my gaming life.
So to cut to the chase, I've recently acquired all 173 Gold Medals in Burnout 3: Takedown's World Tour mode while playing the game for the VERY FIRST TIME (started in December of 2022, but put it down for a while until earlier this May in 2024)! Yes, I did this on an emulator as my PS2 is buried in a box somewhere and I like being able to play these older games in HD (cause EA seems content not remastering their actual good games from that era).
Now, I still prefer Revenge to Takedown and Paradise is my guilty pleasure (mainly cause I can play it on my Switch at work and I actually love that game)... but DANG, Takedown is just perfect in terms of difficulty and it makes you feel like you've ascended once you've conquered a "lap" in the World Tour modes or even reach an Milestone or Trophy unlock. Not to mention, the soundtrack is very dialed-in even when comparing it to Revenge and Paradise's soundtracks which are more varied (some tracks make no sense in these games). Having been barred from experiencing this game in its prime and now having played it for the first time... I finally am able to fully understand WHY this game is considered the most perfect arcade racer ever made!
submitted by ItsssBrucyyy to Burnout [link] [comments]
So to cut to the chase, I've recently acquired all 173 Gold Medals in Burnout 3: Takedown's World Tour mode while playing the game for the VERY FIRST TIME (started in December of 2022, but put it down for a while until earlier this May in 2024)! Yes, I did this on an emulator as my PS2 is buried in a box somewhere and I like being able to play these older games in HD (cause EA seems content not remastering their actual good games from that era).
Now, I still prefer Revenge to Takedown and Paradise is my guilty pleasure (mainly cause I can play it on my Switch at work and I actually love that game)... but DANG, Takedown is just perfect in terms of difficulty and it makes you feel like you've ascended once you've conquered a "lap" in the World Tour modes or even reach an Milestone or Trophy unlock. Not to mention, the soundtrack is very dialed-in even when comparing it to Revenge and Paradise's soundtracks which are more varied (some tracks make no sense in these games). Having been barred from experiencing this game in its prime and now having played it for the first time... I finally am able to fully understand WHY this game is considered the most perfect arcade racer ever made!