Letter of consideration
Letter_of_Confession
2020.09.24 17:06 Letter_of_Confession
The successor (claimed) to the Loveletter subreddit. The story will be 100% original and would show an image of what the Loveletter story might have looked like.
2016.01.04 21:29 Not_An_Ambulance Malicious Compliance
People conforming to the letter, but not the spirit, of a request.
2023.10.16 00:28 thot______slayer LetterOfTheLaw
2024.05.21 08:28 Original_Exercise968 Elevate Your Brand with Exterior LED Signage Solutions
Exterior LED signage has become an essential component of modern-day advertising for businesses. It is a form of digital display that incorporates LED lighting, which can be programmed to show different messages and graphics. This type of signage is a powerful branding and marketing tool that helps businesses grab the attention of potential customers and promote their products or services.
The purpose of this blog is to provide readers with a brief explanation of exterior LED signage and its importance for businesses. Additionally, it aims to highlight the benefits of using this type of signage for advertising and branding purposes. By reading this blog, the reader will gain an understanding of the features and benefits of exterior LED signage and how it can help their business grow.
Exterior LED signage is an effective way to promote a business as it provides a dynamic and eye-catching display that can be easily customized to suit different marketing messages. It is ideal for displaying key information such as opening hours, special promotions, and important announcements. Moreover, LED signage is energy-efficient and low-maintenance, which makes it a cost-effective choice for businesses of all sizes.
Using exterior LED signage can significantly increase a business’s exposure and help attract more customers. LED signs are also perfect for businesses looking to make a statement and stand out from the competition. They can be customized to fit any design, style, or branding, making them ideal for businesses of any size and industry.
In addition to enhancing a business’s branding and marketing efforts, LED signage can also be used for practical purposes. For example, businesses can use LED signs to display information, such as store hours, promotions, and upcoming events. They can also be used to showcase products or services, increasing customer engagement and interest.
Some successful businesses that have used exterior LED signage to their advantage include McDonald’s, Coca-Cola, and Nike. These companies have used LED signs to enhance their brand image and increase their visibility, leading to increased sales and customer engagement.
If you’re a small business owner looking for affordable LED signage options, there are many companies that specialize in creating custom outdoor LED signs. These signs are weatherproof, energy-efficient, and low-maintenance, making them a great investment for any small business.
Digital Display Signs
Digital display signs are a popular choice for businesses looking to showcase their products and services. These signs use LED technology to display high-quality images and videos, making them an effective tool for marketing and advertising. Digital display signs can be used in a variety of settings, including storefronts, trade shows, and events.
Illuminated Signs
Illuminated signs use LED lights to illuminate the sign, making it visible even in low-light conditions. These signs are ideal for businesses that operate during the evening hours or in areas with limited natural light. Illuminated signs can also be used to create a focal point for your business, drawing attention to your storefront and increasing visibility.
LED Message Signs
LED message signs are a versatile option that can be used to display a wide range of messages, including advertisements, specials, and promotions. These signs are typically programmable, allowing businesses to update their message as needed. LED message signs are commonly used in storefronts, gas stations, and other businesses that want to attract attention and provide useful information to their customers.
Custom LED Signs
Custom LED signs are a great option for businesses that want to create a unique and eye-catching sign that reflects their brand and personality. These signs can be designed to incorporate your business logo, colors, and messaging, making them a great branding tool. Custom LED signs are typically used in storefronts, restaurants, and other businesses that want to create a memorable impression on their customers.
Outdoor Digital Signage
Outdoor digital signage is designed to withstand harsh weather conditions and can be used to display a wide range of messages and advertisements. These signs are typically larger than indoor digital displays and are commonly used in outdoor settings such as parks, stadiums, and shopping centers. Outdoor digital signage can also be used to display wayfinding information and other useful information for visitors.
When designing your LED sign, it is crucial to consider the following factors:
The installation process for exterior LED signage varies depending on the specific sign and the location where it will be installed. However, the following steps generally apply:
As a seasoned supplier of illuminated signs, LITASIGN boasts over 20 years of manufacturing expertise. Our professional team combines fine workmanship with innovative design, using only high-quality materials to craft exceptional signs that exceed expectations. With a focus on precision and attention to detail, we deliver stunning, long-lasting products that elevate your brand’s visibility and appeal.
🔜Contact us:
Phone:0086 13632869006
WhatsApp:0086 13632869006
E-mail:[info@litasign.com](mailto:infor@litasign.com)
Web:https://www.litasign.com
submitted by Original_Exercise968 to signs [link] [comments]
The purpose of this blog is to provide readers with a brief explanation of exterior LED signage and its importance for businesses. Additionally, it aims to highlight the benefits of using this type of signage for advertising and branding purposes. By reading this blog, the reader will gain an understanding of the features and benefits of exterior LED signage and how it can help their business grow.
Exterior LED signage is an effective way to promote a business as it provides a dynamic and eye-catching display that can be easily customized to suit different marketing messages. It is ideal for displaying key information such as opening hours, special promotions, and important announcements. Moreover, LED signage is energy-efficient and low-maintenance, which makes it a cost-effective choice for businesses of all sizes.
Benefits of Exterior LED Signage
Exterior LED signage is a great investment for businesses looking to enhance their brand visibility and advertising efforts. LED signage is becoming increasingly popular among businesses due to its numerous benefits, including energy efficiency, durability, and vibrancy.Using exterior LED signage can significantly increase a business’s exposure and help attract more customers. LED signs are also perfect for businesses looking to make a statement and stand out from the competition. They can be customized to fit any design, style, or branding, making them ideal for businesses of any size and industry.
In addition to enhancing a business’s branding and marketing efforts, LED signage can also be used for practical purposes. For example, businesses can use LED signs to display information, such as store hours, promotions, and upcoming events. They can also be used to showcase products or services, increasing customer engagement and interest.
Some successful businesses that have used exterior LED signage to their advantage include McDonald’s, Coca-Cola, and Nike. These companies have used LED signs to enhance their brand image and increase their visibility, leading to increased sales and customer engagement.
If you’re a small business owner looking for affordable LED signage options, there are many companies that specialize in creating custom outdoor LED signs. These signs are weatherproof, energy-efficient, and low-maintenance, making them a great investment for any small business.
Types of Exterior LED Signage
Exterior LED signage is an excellent marketing tool for businesses. There are many different types of exterior LED signs available on the market today, each with its own unique advantages and features. In this section, we will provide an overview of the different types of exterior LED signage available for businesses and explain how each type can be used effectively.Digital Display Signs
Digital display signs are a popular choice for businesses looking to showcase their products and services. These signs use LED technology to display high-quality images and videos, making them an effective tool for marketing and advertising. Digital display signs can be used in a variety of settings, including storefronts, trade shows, and events.
Illuminated Signs
Illuminated signs use LED lights to illuminate the sign, making it visible even in low-light conditions. These signs are ideal for businesses that operate during the evening hours or in areas with limited natural light. Illuminated signs can also be used to create a focal point for your business, drawing attention to your storefront and increasing visibility.
LED Message Signs
LED message signs are a versatile option that can be used to display a wide range of messages, including advertisements, specials, and promotions. These signs are typically programmable, allowing businesses to update their message as needed. LED message signs are commonly used in storefronts, gas stations, and other businesses that want to attract attention and provide useful information to their customers.
Custom LED Signs
Custom LED signs are a great option for businesses that want to create a unique and eye-catching sign that reflects their brand and personality. These signs can be designed to incorporate your business logo, colors, and messaging, making them a great branding tool. Custom LED signs are typically used in storefronts, restaurants, and other businesses that want to create a memorable impression on their customers.
Outdoor Digital Signage
Outdoor digital signage is designed to withstand harsh weather conditions and can be used to display a wide range of messages and advertisements. These signs are typically larger than indoor digital displays and are commonly used in outdoor settings such as parks, stadiums, and shopping centers. Outdoor digital signage can also be used to display wayfinding information and other useful information for visitors.
Designing Effective Exterior LED Signage
As a business owner, you know the importance of making a great first impression. One way to do this is through effective exterior LED signage. LED signs are an excellent choice for businesses because they are energy-efficient, durable, and attention-grabbing. In this section, we will discuss tips and best practices for designing an effective LED sign that will stand out and grab attention.When designing your LED sign, it is crucial to consider the following factors:
- Message — Your message should be clear, concise, and easy to read. Use bold and simple fonts to ensure that your sign is legible from a distance. Consider using contrasting colors to make your message pop.
- Location — The location of your LED sign is critical. It should be visible from a distance and strategically placed to maximize visibility. Consider the height and angle of your sign and ensure that it is facing the direction of traffic.
- Size — The size of your LED sign should be appropriate for the location and message. A sign that is too small may go unnoticed, while a sign that is too large can be overwhelming and distracting.
- Content — Your LED sign content should be engaging and relevant to your target audience. Use images and videos to convey your message and make it more memorable. Incorporate branding and marketing elements to enhance your message and increase brand recognition.
- Lighting — The lighting of your LED sign is critical to its effectiveness. Use LED lighting to ensure that your sign is visible day and night. Consider using programmable LED signs to display different messages and images throughout the day.
Installing Exterior LED Signage
Exterior LED signage is a critical component of branding, marketing, and advertising for businesses. These signs are used to display information about the business, including its name, logo, and services. In this section, we’ll discuss the installation process for LED signage, as well as how to ensure the sign is installed correctly and safely.The installation process for exterior LED signage varies depending on the specific sign and the location where it will be installed. However, the following steps generally apply:
- Site survey: The first step in the installation process is to conduct a site survey. This involves assessing the location where the sign will be installed, including the surrounding environment and any potential obstacles.
- Design and engineering: Once the site survey is complete, the sign will be designed and engineered to meet the specific requirements of the location and the business.
- Permits and approvals: Before installation can begin, the necessary permits and approvals must be obtained from the relevant authorities.
- Installation: Once all the necessary approvals are obtained, the sign can be installed. This typically involves the use of cranes, cherry pickers, or other equipment to lift the sign into place.
Safety Tips for Exterior LED Signage Installation
Safety is a critical consideration when installing exterior LED signage. The following tips can help ensure that the sign is installed safely:- Hire a professional: It’s essential to hire a professional sign installer to handle the installation process. This will help ensure that the sign is installed correctly and safely.
- Use proper equipment: The installation process requires specialized equipment, including cranes, cherry pickers, and other tools. It’s crucial to use the proper equipment to prevent accidents and injuries.
- Secure the sign: The sign must be securely fastened to the building or structure where it will be installed. This will help prevent the sign from falling or becoming dislodged in high winds or other extreme weather conditions.
- Follow safety guidelines: The installation process should follow all relevant safety guidelines, including those set forth by OSHA and other regulatory bodies.
Maintenance and Repair of Exterior LED Signage
Exterior LED signage is an important investment for any business that wants to attract more customers and promote their brand. To ensure that your signage stays in good condition and is able to serve its purpose, it is crucial to properly maintain and repair it as needed. In this section, we will provide tips on how to maintain and repair exterior LED signage, as well as how to extend its lifespan and minimize repair costs.Maintenance of Exterior LED Signage
Regular maintenance is important to keep your exterior LED signage in good condition. Some tips for proper maintenance include:- Cleaning the sign regularly with mild soap and water to remove any dirt or debris that may accumulate over time. This can help to prevent any damage to the sign and ensure that it stays looking clean and bright.
- Inspecting the sign periodically for any signs of wear and tear, such as cracks or fading. This can help to catch any problems early on before they become more serious and expensive to repair.
- Checking the electrical components of the sign to make sure that they are functioning properly. This can include checking the wiring, the power supply, and any other components that may be necessary for the sign to function.
Repair of Exterior LED Signage
If your exterior LED signage does require repair, it is important to take action as soon as possible to prevent any further damage. Some tips for proper repair include:- Assessing the damage to the sign and determining the best course of action. This may involve repairing any cracks or replacing any broken components.
- Contacting a professional for assistance if necessary. Some repairs may require the assistance of a professional to ensure that they are done properly and safely.
- Checking the warranty on the sign to determine if any repairs are covered. This can help to minimize the cost of repairs and ensure that the sign is restored to its original condition.
Tips for Extending the Lifespan of Exterior LED Signage
Proper maintenance and care can help to extend the lifespan of your exterior LED signage. Some tips for extending its lifespan include:- Choosing high-quality components and materials that are designed to last. This can help to prevent any problems from arising in the first place and ensure that the sign stays in good condition.
- Using energy-efficient LED lighting to minimize the amount of energy required to power the sign. This can help to save money on energy costs and reduce the impact on the environment.
- Taking steps to protect the sign from the elements, such as installing it in a location that is sheltered from wind and rain. This can help to prevent any damage from occurring due to exposure to the elements.
As a seasoned supplier of illuminated signs, LITASIGN boasts over 20 years of manufacturing expertise. Our professional team combines fine workmanship with innovative design, using only high-quality materials to craft exceptional signs that exceed expectations. With a focus on precision and attention to detail, we deliver stunning, long-lasting products that elevate your brand’s visibility and appeal.
🔜Contact us:
Phone:0086 13632869006
WhatsApp:0086 13632869006
E-mail:[info@litasign.com](mailto:infor@litasign.com)
Web:https://www.litasign.com
2024.05.21 08:27 Unkn0wnimous [No Due Date] Looking to get some feedback on the first chapter of the story I made after posting the prologue here. Hope you enjoy!
Chapter 1
Mors
An endless void, silence interlaid with its pitch-darkness, greeted an injured man. No light can be seen, sensations be damned, and consciousness spread thin as though taut in this incomprehensive expanse that laid before him.
Callum fell into the abyss, his mind the only thing left to accompany him. He hasn’t even counted the minutes as his mind is plagued by something else. He never considered himself a man of interest, only scraping by with his odd jobs and part-time salaries, hence why he couldn’t understand his current situation.
Betrayal is something that he is familiar with, whether it be a betrayal of his expectations when a co-worker broke his promise or a betrayal of his emotions when his first love interest cheated on him back in uni. However, this betrayal orchestrated by his best friend whom he’d known for 5 years, and girlfriend for 8 years felt more gut-wrenching than the pain he felt from the stab.
Denial was the first thing that stormed his mind. He couldn’t believe that the two closest people in his life would stab him in the back, literally. There was no build-up, he didn’t suspect a thing, and everything was normal until he found steel in his flesh.
He rejected the notion that his girlfriend, Catherine, would betray him like this, an accomplice to a murder that he can’t grasp the motive of. He has built up some savings, but it isn’t something that would be worth murdering someone for, especially after buying that ring.
He dismissed the thought of Jake being jealous of their relationship as he couldn’t see the guy doing something as stupid as this. He can’t form any rhyme or reason as to why they would do it, and the only possible explanation is that this was all a dream and he was actually still sleeping inside the tent.
But as he waited for himself to wake from this nightmare, only darkness greeted him. He had tried moving his body in this sea of blackness, but the movement only felt like going through molasses with tired arms, which is why he attributed this as being only a dream that he would wake up from, which appeared to be wrong as he waited and waited.
Anxiety crept in as he tried to call out, but no sound escaped his lips. He strained his voice to be heard, yet he can't even hear himself. No light adorned this place, no wind to be heard, and he couldn’t feel anything even though he tried feeling himself.
The pain in his back was forgotten as he tried and tried to move, to scream, to flail senselessly, amounting to nothing as he was greeted by nothing.
Feeling anything in this void is something impossible, and the only thing that he can do is return to his mindscape.
He went back to his oldest memories, back to a time when everything felt oppressive and suffocating. Callum was born into a broken family. His mother and father had gone through a divorce when he was only 6 years old. He could still remember the screaming and yelling of his parents whenever night fell in their sorry state of an apartment.
His father, Eric, having not finished his education after Callum’s birth, has been living as a blue-collar worker in downtown New Jersey. Even during his day-offs, he can’t seem to find rest as he goes to do odd jobs and part-time work to stay afloat. On the other hand, his mother would leave him, a toddler, alone in the apartment.
He remembered her putting CDs in a DVD player so that it could keep his attention on a cartoon that his father introduced him to. If he had anything to describe his mother, she would be irresponsible and narcissistic. She would sometimes bring guys over to their apartment, threatening Callum with divorce if he ever told Eric about it, hence why it took several years until his dad caught on and filed for a divorce.
Eric was determined to take Callum with him, he argues that he could take care of his child better than Callum’s mother. But his mother and her twisted pride can’t let go of Callum, which leads to a legal dispute between the two.
The court hearings went on for several months, with each passing day being a lot more hellish for Callum. He was subjected to further insults by his mother as she knew that leaving bruises on her child would lower her chances of winning over the court to her side. Sometimes, she would go as far as manipulate him, gaslighting him into believing that she was a good mother who would take care of him better than his father. But after seeing that the court favors Eric’s side more, his mother took drastic measures to satisfy her wounded pride.
It was the second to the last day of the court hearing, and it was during this time that his father was working overtime. Callum had just gone home from his elementary school, feeling tired as he hauled his bag over his shoulders up the multiple flights of stairs he had to climb to get to their apartment.
As he neared his home, he steeled himself and opened the door, only to be met with overturned tables and broken ceramics. He walked quietly through the scene, afraid that someone might hear him entering his home. Looking back on it now, Calum can’t help himself but laugh at his stupidity. He could have gone and alerted their neighbors, or gone back downstairs to wait for his father, but being a child, Callum doesn’t know what to do.
As he entered his room, he saw black words spray painted on the walls, the meaning eluding him as he didn’t know what it meant since he was 7 at the time, but remembering it now sent shivers down his spine.
The words “This is what you get!” on a torn wallpaper are ingrained in his mind. Seeing the manic letters sprayed over the walls gave Callum anxiety, taking a few steps back towards the open front door of their apartment. Escape was now on his mind as he grew scared of what was to come, something that was far too late as he heard his mother behind him.
It was there that everything turned into a blur. He remembered snippets of yelling and crying both from himself and his mother. He remembered his mother forcing something down his throat. He remembered his father coming home early that day and restraining his mother, a crazy look in her eyes. He remembered the feeling of nausea and the floor colored with his lunch. And he remembered the sirens, red and blue lights dancing in his vision as he was carried to a stretcher. The last thing he remembered was his father crying, holding his hands tightly when he opened his tired eyes.
For the next few days, he learned from the news that his mother attempted a double suicide. The story goes, after losing the custody battle, the mother planned to take revenge by ending the lives of both her child and herself. They said that he got lucky as the neighbors had contacted Eric when his mother turned their home upside down, relating it to a possible home invasion. If not for him, Callum would have died from nicotine poisoning after his mother forced tobacco down his gullet, a morbid story that he uses as a joke during his time at work.
He remembered being inside that hospital for days on end, his body recovering from the poison his mother left him with, and his father was there almost every day even though he had to work to pay the hospital bills. After what felt like forever was he allowed to be discharged, going back to the same refurbished apartment that they lived in, but after seeing how Callum had recurring nightmares and trauma attached to the place, they decided to move to Pennsylvania. A hard decision that needed to be made as his father would put it.
Everything after the whole incident was better for Callum. His father got a job as a mover, still doing some part-time work here and there, and Callum did his best in school so as not to burden his father with more work. Even though they lived in a rundown shack handed to them by one of the locals, they didn’t mind as they knew that getting to live at all was better than what they had before.
Callum smiled in the abyss as he reminisced about his time with his father. He was a great man, a good role model for anyone who came across him. He is kind-hearted and considerate, a hard worker that makes him popular among his peers. It was them that helped move him and his father out of New Jersey and found them a place to sleep in, teaching Callum that socializing and connecting with like-minded people goes a long way when someone needs it.
For the next few years, Callum lived happily. Though there were some ups and downs, he and his father got through it, which is why the memory of his time in university was depressing.
Eric, after having saved some money, gave Callum the go-ahead to enroll in a university in California. But after attaining an athletic scholarship in football, Callum gave his father a surprise to ease his worries and stress. Callum felt bad every time he saw his father work, hence why he tried his hardest to take some of that workload to give him a break. With the tuition being lowered with the scholarship, Callum could give the rest of the money back to his dad. A gesture that was fully gratified as his father had a hard time letting him go when the time came to move over to the university. But it was during this time that tragedy struck.
It was his fourth year in studying anthropology when he heard the news from one of his father’s friends, Robby. After hearing it, he grew distressed and worried, taking a lot of convincing from Robby to keep Callum from moving back to Pennsylvania.
His father has gone missing. The news had spread amongst his co-workers and friends, and a search team was already being dispatched to find him. Even though Callum tried to keep his focus on studying, he couldn’t help but feel agitated as days went by without news of his father being seen. His mental state plummeted, and he grew withdrawn from reality as days turned to weeks, his father still gone.
He could still remember the times when he locked himself in the school’s library, searching the web to find any news or reports of his father's whereabouts, but as he searched for days on end, only one thing kept popping up from the newsletters. His father, Eric Hurst Foster, went missing in his own home. There were no struggles in the house, the CCTV didn’t see him on any of the roads or stores in the town they lived in, he just seemed to have vanished into thin air.
The news ate away at Callum, and his friends that he’d made during the time gave their support to keep him from spiraling out of control. However, even with their support, Callum’s worries over his dad never went away, hence why he threw himself into work. Going to part-time jobs and studying is the only way to keep his mind from blowing. He did this until he finished university and found a job to stay afloat.
This went on for years until he’s come to accept that his father may never be found. With nothing to ground him in their old home, he decided to explore the world, thinking that one day, he might find a lead to the whereabouts of his dad.
Months turned to years as he worked tirelessly in multiple jobs. From being a mechanic, electrician, cook, waiter, and many more to count, Callum went on a work frenzy. He made a plan to scour the states as a freelancer, living in his BMW pick-up truck that was given to him by one of his friends. He stayed in each state for a few months, meeting new people and making some friends along the way. They sent their well wishes to Callum as they knew that he was still trying to find his missing father.
Years went by as he made his way back to California. He had gone and explored every state, and yet no news of his father came to light. The case had gone cold, and it was up to Callum to find any clues to this mystery. His mind has told him to give up the search, and multiple friends have given him consolation as they knew that his father would never be found, but Callum persevered.
It was during this time that he found himself as a mover, the same job that his father had before he disappeared. He had just come back to California after getting the job, and he was about to go check in for his first day when a sudden downpour of rain covered the skies of the city. It was only coincidental that he was near that coffee shop, and it was coincidental that only two customers were present there. He and his future girlfriend turned accomplice to his murder.
The rest of his memories went by as he continued to float in the abyss. From the time of their first years in a relationship to meeting Jake for the first time in that apartment to when he taught PE and History in a school in Minnesota. Everything went by as Callum went from one memory to another until he felt something.
A chill ran down his spine as an indescribable dread manifested in his mind. He knew not why he felt this way, and he felt himself tearing at the seams as a slit of light showed itself in the void. He was then pulled into the light, senses coming back after he spent his time in the abyss for what felt like days. And with a flash, he is back in the same hunched-over position he was in when he was stabbed in the back.
Callum can’t help but laugh as he finally could see again. Trees surrounded his vision, with wild grass carpeting the ground. But before he could truly see the world, he felt a sharp pain in his back. With his body remembering that he was injured, he felt himself sweat profusely as he bled, painting the flowers under him red. And yet he didn’t panic.
After all that time reminiscing, he finally gave in and let death come to him. He fell on his back, sending another wave of pain coursing through his body, cursing under his breath as he regretted not laying himself down slowly. And as he looked to the sky, he felt himself getting colder and colder.
Callum felt at peace as he stared at the clouds above him. The sound of the wind and the rustling of leaves helped him come to terms that he was truly dying. He’d thought about death a lot. During his time when he was a kid, and when he was depressed after his father went missing. But the peace he felt for only a few moments as emotions came crashing down.
He felt himself tear up as he came to terms with his current situation. He would never have a chance to marry the girl in his life. He would never have a chance to have his own children and see them grow. He would never have a chance to be a father. And he would never have a chance to grow old with the people he loved around him.
As he thought of these things, the floodgates opened. Streams of tears fell down his cheeks as he sobbed in his dying state. He could only put his hands over his eyes to stop it from flowing, an action that felt challenging as his body became fatigued from all the blood loss. The crying only hastened his death as he felt his breath escape him, his lungs labored and filled with blood as the stab had punctured it.
Minutes went by as Callum felt himself grow tired and tired. And as he closed his eyes, Callum’s heart slowed and slowed as his body has a lack of blood to pump. His breathing grew shallower with each second until his body gave way and stopped altogether.
Callum died at the age of 34, stabbed in the back by his best friend with his girlfriend being an accomplice for his murder. He died from blood loss as his body colored the ground red.
Callum waited and waited to feel his consciousness fade as he welcomed death to greet him. And as the second grew…
'…Wait.'
His consciousness never faded away.
submitted by Unkn0wnimous to Proofreading [link] [comments]
Mors
An endless void, silence interlaid with its pitch-darkness, greeted an injured man. No light can be seen, sensations be damned, and consciousness spread thin as though taut in this incomprehensive expanse that laid before him.
Callum fell into the abyss, his mind the only thing left to accompany him. He hasn’t even counted the minutes as his mind is plagued by something else. He never considered himself a man of interest, only scraping by with his odd jobs and part-time salaries, hence why he couldn’t understand his current situation.
Betrayal is something that he is familiar with, whether it be a betrayal of his expectations when a co-worker broke his promise or a betrayal of his emotions when his first love interest cheated on him back in uni. However, this betrayal orchestrated by his best friend whom he’d known for 5 years, and girlfriend for 8 years felt more gut-wrenching than the pain he felt from the stab.
Denial was the first thing that stormed his mind. He couldn’t believe that the two closest people in his life would stab him in the back, literally. There was no build-up, he didn’t suspect a thing, and everything was normal until he found steel in his flesh.
He rejected the notion that his girlfriend, Catherine, would betray him like this, an accomplice to a murder that he can’t grasp the motive of. He has built up some savings, but it isn’t something that would be worth murdering someone for, especially after buying that ring.
He dismissed the thought of Jake being jealous of their relationship as he couldn’t see the guy doing something as stupid as this. He can’t form any rhyme or reason as to why they would do it, and the only possible explanation is that this was all a dream and he was actually still sleeping inside the tent.
But as he waited for himself to wake from this nightmare, only darkness greeted him. He had tried moving his body in this sea of blackness, but the movement only felt like going through molasses with tired arms, which is why he attributed this as being only a dream that he would wake up from, which appeared to be wrong as he waited and waited.
Anxiety crept in as he tried to call out, but no sound escaped his lips. He strained his voice to be heard, yet he can't even hear himself. No light adorned this place, no wind to be heard, and he couldn’t feel anything even though he tried feeling himself.
The pain in his back was forgotten as he tried and tried to move, to scream, to flail senselessly, amounting to nothing as he was greeted by nothing.
Feeling anything in this void is something impossible, and the only thing that he can do is return to his mindscape.
He went back to his oldest memories, back to a time when everything felt oppressive and suffocating. Callum was born into a broken family. His mother and father had gone through a divorce when he was only 6 years old. He could still remember the screaming and yelling of his parents whenever night fell in their sorry state of an apartment.
His father, Eric, having not finished his education after Callum’s birth, has been living as a blue-collar worker in downtown New Jersey. Even during his day-offs, he can’t seem to find rest as he goes to do odd jobs and part-time work to stay afloat. On the other hand, his mother would leave him, a toddler, alone in the apartment.
He remembered her putting CDs in a DVD player so that it could keep his attention on a cartoon that his father introduced him to. If he had anything to describe his mother, she would be irresponsible and narcissistic. She would sometimes bring guys over to their apartment, threatening Callum with divorce if he ever told Eric about it, hence why it took several years until his dad caught on and filed for a divorce.
Eric was determined to take Callum with him, he argues that he could take care of his child better than Callum’s mother. But his mother and her twisted pride can’t let go of Callum, which leads to a legal dispute between the two.
The court hearings went on for several months, with each passing day being a lot more hellish for Callum. He was subjected to further insults by his mother as she knew that leaving bruises on her child would lower her chances of winning over the court to her side. Sometimes, she would go as far as manipulate him, gaslighting him into believing that she was a good mother who would take care of him better than his father. But after seeing that the court favors Eric’s side more, his mother took drastic measures to satisfy her wounded pride.
It was the second to the last day of the court hearing, and it was during this time that his father was working overtime. Callum had just gone home from his elementary school, feeling tired as he hauled his bag over his shoulders up the multiple flights of stairs he had to climb to get to their apartment.
As he neared his home, he steeled himself and opened the door, only to be met with overturned tables and broken ceramics. He walked quietly through the scene, afraid that someone might hear him entering his home. Looking back on it now, Calum can’t help himself but laugh at his stupidity. He could have gone and alerted their neighbors, or gone back downstairs to wait for his father, but being a child, Callum doesn’t know what to do.
As he entered his room, he saw black words spray painted on the walls, the meaning eluding him as he didn’t know what it meant since he was 7 at the time, but remembering it now sent shivers down his spine.
The words “This is what you get!” on a torn wallpaper are ingrained in his mind. Seeing the manic letters sprayed over the walls gave Callum anxiety, taking a few steps back towards the open front door of their apartment. Escape was now on his mind as he grew scared of what was to come, something that was far too late as he heard his mother behind him.
It was there that everything turned into a blur. He remembered snippets of yelling and crying both from himself and his mother. He remembered his mother forcing something down his throat. He remembered his father coming home early that day and restraining his mother, a crazy look in her eyes. He remembered the feeling of nausea and the floor colored with his lunch. And he remembered the sirens, red and blue lights dancing in his vision as he was carried to a stretcher. The last thing he remembered was his father crying, holding his hands tightly when he opened his tired eyes.
For the next few days, he learned from the news that his mother attempted a double suicide. The story goes, after losing the custody battle, the mother planned to take revenge by ending the lives of both her child and herself. They said that he got lucky as the neighbors had contacted Eric when his mother turned their home upside down, relating it to a possible home invasion. If not for him, Callum would have died from nicotine poisoning after his mother forced tobacco down his gullet, a morbid story that he uses as a joke during his time at work.
He remembered being inside that hospital for days on end, his body recovering from the poison his mother left him with, and his father was there almost every day even though he had to work to pay the hospital bills. After what felt like forever was he allowed to be discharged, going back to the same refurbished apartment that they lived in, but after seeing how Callum had recurring nightmares and trauma attached to the place, they decided to move to Pennsylvania. A hard decision that needed to be made as his father would put it.
Everything after the whole incident was better for Callum. His father got a job as a mover, still doing some part-time work here and there, and Callum did his best in school so as not to burden his father with more work. Even though they lived in a rundown shack handed to them by one of the locals, they didn’t mind as they knew that getting to live at all was better than what they had before.
Callum smiled in the abyss as he reminisced about his time with his father. He was a great man, a good role model for anyone who came across him. He is kind-hearted and considerate, a hard worker that makes him popular among his peers. It was them that helped move him and his father out of New Jersey and found them a place to sleep in, teaching Callum that socializing and connecting with like-minded people goes a long way when someone needs it.
For the next few years, Callum lived happily. Though there were some ups and downs, he and his father got through it, which is why the memory of his time in university was depressing.
Eric, after having saved some money, gave Callum the go-ahead to enroll in a university in California. But after attaining an athletic scholarship in football, Callum gave his father a surprise to ease his worries and stress. Callum felt bad every time he saw his father work, hence why he tried his hardest to take some of that workload to give him a break. With the tuition being lowered with the scholarship, Callum could give the rest of the money back to his dad. A gesture that was fully gratified as his father had a hard time letting him go when the time came to move over to the university. But it was during this time that tragedy struck.
It was his fourth year in studying anthropology when he heard the news from one of his father’s friends, Robby. After hearing it, he grew distressed and worried, taking a lot of convincing from Robby to keep Callum from moving back to Pennsylvania.
His father has gone missing. The news had spread amongst his co-workers and friends, and a search team was already being dispatched to find him. Even though Callum tried to keep his focus on studying, he couldn’t help but feel agitated as days went by without news of his father being seen. His mental state plummeted, and he grew withdrawn from reality as days turned to weeks, his father still gone.
He could still remember the times when he locked himself in the school’s library, searching the web to find any news or reports of his father's whereabouts, but as he searched for days on end, only one thing kept popping up from the newsletters. His father, Eric Hurst Foster, went missing in his own home. There were no struggles in the house, the CCTV didn’t see him on any of the roads or stores in the town they lived in, he just seemed to have vanished into thin air.
The news ate away at Callum, and his friends that he’d made during the time gave their support to keep him from spiraling out of control. However, even with their support, Callum’s worries over his dad never went away, hence why he threw himself into work. Going to part-time jobs and studying is the only way to keep his mind from blowing. He did this until he finished university and found a job to stay afloat.
This went on for years until he’s come to accept that his father may never be found. With nothing to ground him in their old home, he decided to explore the world, thinking that one day, he might find a lead to the whereabouts of his dad.
Months turned to years as he worked tirelessly in multiple jobs. From being a mechanic, electrician, cook, waiter, and many more to count, Callum went on a work frenzy. He made a plan to scour the states as a freelancer, living in his BMW pick-up truck that was given to him by one of his friends. He stayed in each state for a few months, meeting new people and making some friends along the way. They sent their well wishes to Callum as they knew that he was still trying to find his missing father.
Years went by as he made his way back to California. He had gone and explored every state, and yet no news of his father came to light. The case had gone cold, and it was up to Callum to find any clues to this mystery. His mind has told him to give up the search, and multiple friends have given him consolation as they knew that his father would never be found, but Callum persevered.
It was during this time that he found himself as a mover, the same job that his father had before he disappeared. He had just come back to California after getting the job, and he was about to go check in for his first day when a sudden downpour of rain covered the skies of the city. It was only coincidental that he was near that coffee shop, and it was coincidental that only two customers were present there. He and his future girlfriend turned accomplice to his murder.
The rest of his memories went by as he continued to float in the abyss. From the time of their first years in a relationship to meeting Jake for the first time in that apartment to when he taught PE and History in a school in Minnesota. Everything went by as Callum went from one memory to another until he felt something.
A chill ran down his spine as an indescribable dread manifested in his mind. He knew not why he felt this way, and he felt himself tearing at the seams as a slit of light showed itself in the void. He was then pulled into the light, senses coming back after he spent his time in the abyss for what felt like days. And with a flash, he is back in the same hunched-over position he was in when he was stabbed in the back.
Callum can’t help but laugh as he finally could see again. Trees surrounded his vision, with wild grass carpeting the ground. But before he could truly see the world, he felt a sharp pain in his back. With his body remembering that he was injured, he felt himself sweat profusely as he bled, painting the flowers under him red. And yet he didn’t panic.
After all that time reminiscing, he finally gave in and let death come to him. He fell on his back, sending another wave of pain coursing through his body, cursing under his breath as he regretted not laying himself down slowly. And as he looked to the sky, he felt himself getting colder and colder.
Callum felt at peace as he stared at the clouds above him. The sound of the wind and the rustling of leaves helped him come to terms that he was truly dying. He’d thought about death a lot. During his time when he was a kid, and when he was depressed after his father went missing. But the peace he felt for only a few moments as emotions came crashing down.
He felt himself tear up as he came to terms with his current situation. He would never have a chance to marry the girl in his life. He would never have a chance to have his own children and see them grow. He would never have a chance to be a father. And he would never have a chance to grow old with the people he loved around him.
As he thought of these things, the floodgates opened. Streams of tears fell down his cheeks as he sobbed in his dying state. He could only put his hands over his eyes to stop it from flowing, an action that felt challenging as his body became fatigued from all the blood loss. The crying only hastened his death as he felt his breath escape him, his lungs labored and filled with blood as the stab had punctured it.
Minutes went by as Callum felt himself grow tired and tired. And as he closed his eyes, Callum’s heart slowed and slowed as his body has a lack of blood to pump. His breathing grew shallower with each second until his body gave way and stopped altogether.
Callum died at the age of 34, stabbed in the back by his best friend with his girlfriend being an accomplice for his murder. He died from blood loss as his body colored the ground red.
Callum waited and waited to feel his consciousness fade as he welcomed death to greet him. And as the second grew…
'…Wait.'
His consciousness never faded away.
2024.05.21 06:36 Count-Daring243 Best Clipboards with Storage
 | submitted by Count-Daring243 to u/Count-Daring243 [link] [comments] https://preview.redd.it/n73xilc9kp1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8037253645a3b7ee43cab94da768e39a22fd6004 Are you tired of the cluttered mess on your desk? If so, you've come to the right place! In this article, we're taking a close look at some of the best clipboards with storage - a versatile product that not only keeps your papers organized, but also offers a convenient place to stash small items like pens and calculators. Whether you're a student, office worker, or just someone who loves a clean workspace, these clipboards are perfect for keeping your essentials within reach while keeping your desk clutter-free. So, what are you waiting for? Dive in and explore the world of clipboards with storage! The Top 17 Best Clipboards with Storage
Reviews🔗Durable Clipboard with Storage, Pen Holder, and Weightless Carryhttps://preview.redd.it/3rzj2nv9kp1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e66d13a919aece46c00d4f23f7b9c48f2fc602c0 As a freelance writer, I often find myself moving from one coffee shop to another, sketchpad in hand. A solid clipboard is essential for any mobile artist like me, and I recently stumbled upon Sooez's Clipboard with Storage. The ergonomic side-opening hinge and sturdy metal clip make it easy to securely hold my sketches without any warping. Plus, the spacious storage compartment keeps my pencils and sketchpens in one place - no more digging through my bag for the perfect shade of graphite! The highlight of this clipboard is its durability. Made from high-quality polypropylene, it wipes clean easily, preventing any spread of bacteria, which is crucial in today's world. Its sleek design also enables me to use it as a makeshift lap desk when I need to sketch on-the-go. However, there's a downside to the design - the metal clip can be a bit stiff at times, making it challenging to insert or remove pages. Nonetheless, this minor inconvenience is outweighed by the benefits this clipboard offers. All in all, Sooez's Clipboard with Storage has become an indispensable tool in my writer's arsenal. Its storage compartments, durability, and sleek design make it perfect for anyone who needs a reliable clipboard to keep all their essentials organized. So, if you're in the market for a stylish and functional clipboard, look no further than Sooez's offering! 🔗Universal Storage Clipboard with Pen Compartmenthttps://preview.redd.it/roi3yj9akp1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1aeec3a06a51496d963fc77c0c32ae2c857fc2ce As a dedicated product reviewer, I have recently been using the Universal 1/2 in. Capacity 8-1/2 in. x 11 in. Storage Clipboard with Pen Compartment in my daily life, and I can't recommend it enough. This clipboard comes with an ample storage box, allowing me to keep my documents and forms safe and secure, even when I'm on-the-go. One of my favorite features of this clipboard is the separate smaller compartment that holds pens, clips, and other small items. It's such a convenient addition that has made my life so much easier. The corner grips also deserve a mention, as they help prevent snags and tears, ensuring that my documents stay in mint condition. However, I must admit that one aspect of the clipboard that took some getting used to was its opening mechanism. While it does take a little more effort to open compared to other models, it's definitely not a deal-breaker. In summary, this storage clipboard has made a significant difference in keeping my documents organized and secure. Its unique design and useful features make it the perfect companion for both office and personal use. While some users may find the opening mechanism slightly challenging, the benefits of this versatile and sturdy clipboard far outweigh any minor drawbacks. 🔗Clipbox Paper Clipboard Box for Recipe Storage and Paperwork Organizationhttps://preview.redd.it/7b2xpsnakp1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=60c94be247c2ceb92e3e62615d4a85a73f76a789 As a dedicated home cook, I've tried multiple ways of organizing my cherished collection of recipes, ranging from old-school recipe card boxes to bulky recipe binders. However, none of them could beat the efficiency and elegance of the Multikeep Clipbox Wood Clipboard Box. This nifty product has not only become a game-changer in my recipe storage but also a perfect way to organize an array of documents, from medical records to bills. The solid hardwood bamboo exterior not only makes it a sturdy holder but also adds a touch of style to any shelf, making it a beautiful addition to my kitchen or home office. The built-in clipboard on the lid is another excellent addition that allows me to quickly jot down notes or clip important documents right onto the box. The metal label holder on the side is an absolute bonus, enabling me to label and categorize my content easily. One drawback I found was the size. While it comfortably holds up to 75 sheets of standard size paper, it may be a bit too small for those who need to store larger documents. However, given its other brilliant features, I can easily overlook this minor flaw. In conclusion, the Multikeep Clipbox Wood Clipboard Box has not only revolutionized my recipe storage but also greatly helped in decluttering my workspace. Its stylish design, coupled with its excellent organization capabilities, makes it a worthy addition to any home. 🔗Secure Locking Storage Black Clipboardhttps://preview.redd.it/pxh0m0xakp1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=569176b09e1abc0c7cd01ffc8863282586337f08 I recently started using the Vaultz Locking Storage Clipboard in my daily life, and I have to say, it has made a significant difference in the way I organize and protect my documents. The high tension clip on the front ensures that my papers remain secure at all times, while the combination lock provides key-less convenience for added security. I particularly love the roomy internal storage compartment, which comfortably holds all my important documents within. The shoulder strap included with the clipboard has been a game-changer for me, allowing me to carry it around effortlessly throughout the day. Additionally, the key-hole on the back serves as a convenient wall mount for when I need to store it away. However, there are a couple of areas where I feel the clipboard could use some improvement. Firstly, the combination lock, although providing a sense of security, feels slightly cheap and could potentially be more durable. Secondly, the dimensions of the product do not make it an ideal choice for people who prefer compact accessories. Overall, I am quite satisfied with the Vaultz Locking Storage Clipboard. Its user-friendly design and various features make it an effective tool for organizing and protecting my documents, providing me with the peace of mind I need in my daily life. 🔗Dexas Slimcase 2 Storage Clipboard in Neon Pinkhttps://preview.redd.it/ff1f9e9bkp1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ef6de0f45e15f6c8714f21d8e4f4e8bf52e197bf When it comes to multifunctional organizational tools, the SlimCase 2 Storage Clipboard is a game-changer. This versatile clipboard has been a staple in my daily life for quite some time now. Its neon pink color brightens up any workspace or environment, and it's perfect for both home and professional use. Before getting this clipboard, I was using a standard one that often left my papers cluttered and disorganized. With the SlimCase 2 Storage Clipboard, I can store all my necessary documents right in the compartment. It's great for keeping track of important paperwork and ensuring everything stays secure. And what's even better, this clipboard is extremely durable, made from high-impact break-resistant plastic that withstands everyday bounces and minor accidents. One of the standout features of the SlimCase 2 Storage Clipboard is its sturdy steel clip. It securely holds important papers and documents without causing any damage. Plus, not having to constantly worry about losing important forms or contracts has been a game-changer for me. It's also very convenient to open and access documents or forms when needed. The slim design makes it easy to store in a briefcase or backpack, and it doesn't scratch desks, tables, or car hoods like other aluminum cases. The SlimCase 2 Storage Clipboard is perfect for teachers, coaches, nurses, tradespeople, and anyone else who needs a reliable and efficient way to store their important paperwork. Whether you're using it at school or on the job, this clipboard is sure to make your life easier. And the best part? It's made in the USA, ensuring high quality and craftsmanship. In terms of drawbacks, the SlimCase 2 Storage Clipboard doesn't have a double compartment for more storage. However, for most people, the single compartment should be sufficient for their needs. Overall, this clipboard has been an incredible addition to my daily life, and I would highly recommend it to anyone in search of a reliable and efficient organizational tool. 🔗Locking Storage Clipboard for Paperwork on the Gohttps://preview.redd.it/5ovkw0tbkp1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=577839e15686cd7f76b7fd8969aadc3e01c6cfd4 I recently got my hands on the Vaultz Locking Storage Clipboard and I must say, it has become an essential part of my daily life. As someone who's always on the go, I often found myself struggling to keep all my important documents and tools organized. But with this clipboard, everything has a place now. The first thing that caught my eye was its sleek design. The slim profile and sturdy construction make it not only stylish but also incredibly durable. And did I mention how lightweight it is? Despite its robust build, it's surprisingly light, making it comfortable to carry around all day. One of the features that stand out the most for me is the interior mesh pockets. They're perfect for storing items like my phone, business cards, and even some loose papers. I also like the document belt inside, which ensures that my paperwork stays securely in place while I'm using the clipboard. The only downside I experienced so far is the somewhat slick surface of the clipboard. It can be a bit challenging to write on, especially when you need to create pressure copies from standard forms. However, this issue can easily be resolved by placing a piece of cardboard beneath the paper you're writing on. Another highlight worth mentioning is the built-in keyhole grommet on the back. It allows me to hang the clipboard on a wall or door, freeing up valuable desk space. Plus, the sturdy keylock keeps all my contents safe and secure whenever I need to step away. Overall, I am extremely satisfied with the Vaultz Locking Storage Clipboard. Its combination of practicality, durability, and style makes it stand out from other clipboards on the market. If you're someone who values organization and efficiency, I would highly recommend giving this product a try. 🔗Dual Tray Clipboard Box with Pen Holderhttps://preview.redd.it/y686gg6ckp1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=59a7cbdf59e39c9de8d655b5a790cafae671e842 I've been using the Posse Box Pb-37C bottom opening clipboard box in my daily work routine as a law enforcement officer, and I must say, this nifty little contraption has really made a difference in keeping me organized. The dual compartments are a game-changer; one side for completed forms and papers, the other for storing extra citations and sheets. It also has an internal tray where I can securely keep pens, pencils, and other small items. Its non-skid base ensures that it stays put even on slick surfaces. One of the best parts about this clipboard box? Its size. At 14" long and 9" wide, it fits perfectly on my desk and doesn't take up too much space. Plus, with a weight capacity of 1.5 pounds, it can handle just about anything I throw at it. However, there's one minor downside that I've noticed while using this product. The latch could be slightly more durable. It tends to wear out over time, especially if you’re frequently opening and closing the box. But overall, for a tool designed specifically for law enforcement, the Posse Box Pb-37C is hard to beat when it comes to organization and convenience. 🔗Three-Tier Aluminum Clipboard with Paper Storagehttps://preview.redd.it/hb4lmomckp1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3fb08369b4efefeb982e3f1b16b4b1b243a4aea6 I recently got my hands on this stylish aluminum clipboard with a three-tier storage system, and I must say, it has been a game-changer for my on-the-go lifestyle. The first thing that struck me was its lightweight and sturdy design, which instantly made me feel confident about taking it to my outdoors meetings without worrying about any potential damage. One of the highlights of this clipboard is its interior storage compartments. I can now efficiently organize all my important documents in one place, which has significantly improved my productivity since I don't have to spend time searching for them. Plus, the self-closing latch ensures that my papers stay in place whether I'm walking or sitting. However, I did face a minor issue with the aluminum surface. It tends to get a little cold during winters, making it a bit uncomfortable to write on for extended periods. But hey, it's still worth it considering all the benefits it offers. Overall, this metal clipboard with a three-tier storage system has made my life easier and more organized. If you're someone who needs a reliable and efficient way to manage your paperwork, I highly recommend giving this one a shot. 🔗Aluminum Storage Clipboard - Classic Stylehttps://preview.redd.it/k7jsjajdkp1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e39ca862ba420cea6a4eb42305c27ec51fc43125 Effortless Organization with The Clipboard Shop Aluminum Memo Storage Clipboard" I can't express how satisfying it was to discover The Clipboard Shop's Aluminum Memo Storage Clipboard in black. The sleek aluminum design elevates the simple clipboard to a stylish office accessory. I appreciate how lightweight it is, making it easy to carry around and clip in essential papers on the go, be it for work or personal use. The standout feature for me, however, has to be the spacious interior storage compartment. It's a game-changer for my constant juggling of important yet small papers. Now, instead of having them scatter around, they're safely tucked away in this compact but efficient clipboard. Plus, it holds full-sized papers, a significant pro compared to other clipboards I've used in the past! There's really only one disadvantage I've noticed so far, and that's the somewhat flimsy build. While it's more durable than traditional paper clipboards, it's not as robust as it could be. This is a small con, however, given how much I absolutely love everything else about this clipboard. The Clipboard Shop's Aluminum Memo Storage Clipboard has truly improved the way I organize and handle documents. Its combination of lightweight design and spacious storage compartment make it the perfect companion for anyone who frequently handles paperwork, be it at work or home. 🔗Daisy Floral Green Clipboard Folio with Linen Notepad and Storage Pockethttps://preview.redd.it/cks1ylbekp1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8bc4e34be6391575ece0301d083921145438f521 I've been using this cute clipboard folio for a few weeks now, and I absolutely love it. The Daisy Floral Green design is a refreshing change from the usual black or brown office supplies, and it feels equally at home in my creative studio as it does in the corporate office. The sturdy hardcover offers ample protection for all my papers and notes, while the removable lined notepad is perfect for organizing my thoughts on the go. The interior pocket and pen loop are particularly handy for stashing important documents and keeping my pen within easy reach. Plus, the elastic band cover ensures everything stays securely in place, even when I'm on the move. One downside to this folio is that it can be quite bulky, especially when filled with documents. However, the ample storage space more than makes up for its size. Overall, I'm extremely satisfied with this clipboard folio and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a stylish and functional addition to their office supplies. 🔗Durable A5 Recycled Aluminum Clipboard with Privacy Cover and Storagehttps://preview.redd.it/3canwhgekp1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=aa73e5bd2b68bbcca58cf0423c74f87e0bb4ca1a As someone who always needs a reliable clipboard on the go, I've been using the Sunnyclip Aluminum Clipboard with Storage for a few weeks now. With its sleek and sturdy design, it has quickly become a trusty companion for all my note-taking adventures. The size is perfect, fitting my memo-size paper sheets flawlessly, yet it's just not compatible with letter or A4 size paper, which may be a slight drawback. What sets this clipboard apart from the rest is its durable, recycled aluminum construction. It's lightweight and easy to carry around, making it suitable for long days on the road or office. The added privacy cover is a thoughtful feature, keeping my important documents safe and confidential. Plus, the high-quality clip ensures that my papers stay in place, not even a gust of wind can make them fly away. However, one thing I didn't quite enjoy was the lack of storage capacity. Though the built-in storage top opening provides a little space, I think it could benefit from a slightly larger slot to accommodate more papers or even small office supplies. Overall, the Sunnyclip Aluminum Clipboard with Storage has quickly become a valued tool in my daily routine. Its lightweight and sturdy design, combined with the added privacy cover, makes it perfect for capturing notes on the go. While its storage capacity could be improved, it's a worthwhile investment for anyone in need of a reliable clipboard. 🔗Bottom Open Clipboard Box with Dual Tray Conveniencehttps://preview.redd.it/907l03yekp1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b1664ceb18e7d8793457e287964cf8108dd7a7a2 As a daily user of the Posse Box, one thing that stands out to me is its dual-tray convenience. I love how it provides two separate compartments to keep my important papers and forms well-organized. Plus, the non-skid base ensures that they stay in place even during those hectic days. The size of 9" x 14" 1.5" is just right for my needs, fitting all my frequently accessed forms comfortably. And the sleek black vinyl gives it a professional look. However, one thing that could be improved about this product is the quality of the material. It's not as sturdy as I would have liked, which can make it feel a bit flimsy at times. This issue isn't major but it's definitely worth mentioning. Overall though, the Posse Box has been a reliable companion on my daily law enforcement duties, helping me stay organized and efficient. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a sleek and efficient way to keep their important papers and forms organized. 🔗Portable Office Clipboard Storage Case in Charcoalhttps://preview.redd.it/cprxe5kfkp1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=7a750a058262a43c43c80ab74470c1b7de2c4dbc As someone who loves staying organized, I can't exaggerate how this charcoal clipboard case from Office Depot has quickly become my go-to tool for work and school. It's not just about keeping my papers and forms intact, but also about having all my essentials like pens, business cards, and post-it notes right at my fingertips. One of the features that truly impressed me was its three external filing compartments. Not only do they keep my pens and pencils sorted, but they also hold paper clips and other small office items, making them incredibly efficient and space-saving. Plus, the magnetic compartment? Absolutely brilliant! No more rattling of loose clips while I'm on the move—they stay securely in place. The built-in filing pockets are equally impressive, providing a perfect place for CDs, more papers, or even a phone. To be honest, at first, I didn't think I would need the separate compartment for paper clips, considering how most of my stuff ended up in the external compartments. After using it though, I've come to appreciate how handy it is to have an item so small and commonplace readily accessible. Another highlight is the ergonomic hand grips. They make holding the case very comfortable, especially during longer work sessions or meetings. Additionally, the hang hole is a thoughtful touch that allows me to store it easily when not in use. While I love how sturdy and durable this case is—truly, it's been through a lot due to my clumsy nature and heavy use—there's one drawback I have to mention. If you're planning on using folders with this case, unfortunately, they won't fit. It's a minor inconvenience, but it doesn't detract from how useful and reliable this product continues to be. All in all, this is hands down the best clipboard case I've used in a long time. Whether it's at work or school, this little wonder keeps all my documents organized and accessible, making it a valuable addition to anyone's productivity toolkit. 🔗Premium Pink Nursing Clipboard with Storage Compartmenthttps://preview.redd.it/6ar7lq1gkp1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=929913468dadc9c0cc0d1bbad48d0949a6a7a29e I can vividly remember the day I first laid my hands on this amazing nursing clipboard with storage. The moment I received it, I was immediately struck by the premium material it was made of. The break-resistant plastic ensured that it would last through even the most rigorous usage. The smooth writing surface is another standout feature of this clipboard. As an active nurse, standing and writing patient notes can often be taxing. But with this clipboard, it's like writing on a cloud - smooth and effortless. And did I mention how lightweight it is? It was a lifesaver in my long days filled with back-to-back patients. Now, let's talk about the built-in storage. This clipboard comes equipped with a compartment that can neatly hold all of my nursing school supplies - my penlight, highlighter, scissors, pens and pencils. It's like having a little personal assistant right at my fingertips! The best part is how easy it is to use. Just unclip the bottom to reveal a spacious storage compartment that can hold documents, more writing utensils, and even a small snack to keep me going during those late nights. One of the highlights of this clipboard is its classic design. It's perfect not only for nurses, but also for teachers, parents, sales and office professionals. It's a versatile tool that keeps my essentials within easy reach. Surprisingly, despite its compact size, it's a great gift idea. I've gifted it to several of my nurse friends and they've all loved it. There's something really satisfying about presenting people with a tool that makes their lives easier. However, it's worth mentioning that this clipboard doesn't come with any accessories. You'll need to purchase them separately. But then again, that's a small inconvenience for a tool that has made my nursing life so much easier. In conclusion, if you're a nurse, teacher, or just someone looking for a practical tool to keep your essentials close, this nursing clipboard with storage is a game changer. Buyer's GuideClipboards have been a staple in offices and schools for decades, providing a convenient and portable way to hold documents. Clipboards with built-in storage offer an added layer of convenience, allowing you to carry not only your documents but also pens, paper clips, or other small office supplies.Important Featureshttps://preview.redd.it/lpjnqylhkp1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=815be758395c4f07193ffe7aa8988b149733feed
Considerations
General AdviceWhen selecting a clipboard with storage, it's essential to consider your specific needs and preferences. Take the time to compare different models and brands, reading customer reviews and checking product specifications for additional insights. By focusing on the features, considerations, and general advice provided in this guide, you can make an informed decision and find the perfect clipboard with storage to suit your requirements. https://preview.redd.it/dkbpmpzhkp1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3a72c6e2d5c7016e2ce64296cb69d6761193b61e FAQWhat are clipboards with storage?Clipboards with storage are organizational tools designed to hold papers and other important documents securely while also offering added compartments or pouches for storing pens, sticky notes, or other office supplies. They are great for both professional and personal use, providing a convenient way to keep essential items organized and easily accessible.How do clipboards with storage compare to standard clipboards?https://preview.redd.it/tay3q7hikp1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=eef0f4ff06ee8ce28eb94d09a28b739296d1936d Clipboards with storage offer added functionality compared to standard clipboards by including compartments or pouches that can hold office supplies such as pens, sticky notes, and more. This added convenience makes them ideal for people who like to keep their essential items organized while on-the-go or in various environments like the office, home, or school. Which materials are commonly used for clipboards with storage?Clipboards with storage are commonly made from materials like plastic, metal, or wood, with each offering its own unique benefits such as durability, lightweight design, or a sleek appearance. The choice of material is often dependent on the user's preferences and specific requirements for the product.How can I maintain the clipboard's storage compartments?To maintain the clipboard's storage compartments, simply keep them clean by wiping with a damp cloth occasionally. Avoid overloading the compartments with heavy items or sharp objects that may damage the material or compromise the storage capacity. https://preview.redd.it/sjl6z8qikp1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=4da558a2546db86c6b925e90f7f7ce1d50d05b06 Are there different styles of clipboards with storage available?Yes, there are various styles of clipboards with storage to suit different needs and preferences. Some designs may feature built-in organizers, clear pockets for added visibility, or even customizable options that allow you to add your own personal touch. Be sure to browse through various options and choose one that best aligns with your requirements and aesthetic preferences.How do I safely store my clipboard with storage when not in use?When not in use, safely store your clipboard with storage in a dry and secure location to prevent any damage or loss of stored items. Lay it flat or standing up vertically on a surface, ensuring that the device remains in good condition and is easily accessible when needed for use.What are some useful features to look for when choosing a clipboard with storage?Some useful features to consider when choosing a clipboard with storage include: adjustable or rotating holding mechanisms for multiple paper sizes, built-in organizers for added convenience, compartments or pouches that are easy to access and use, and the overall durability and quality of the material used to construct the product.Do clipboards with storage come in various sizes and shapes?Yes, clipboards with storage come in various sizes and shapes to accommodate different paper sizes and user preferences for compactness or larger compartments. Be sure to compare different options and choose one that best meets your needs and the intended use case for the product.How much weight can a clipboard with storage typically hold?The weight capacity of a clipboard with storage depends on the design and materials used for its construction. Typically, they can hold around 10-20 pages securely without causing damage to the product. However, always refer to individual product specifications for accurate weight limits and ensure not to exceed those guidelines to prolong the life of your clipboard.As an Amazon™ Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. |
2024.05.21 06:29 aykdanroyd Increase claim folded into a closed appeal
So my situation is slightly convoluted but I think I can explain it accurately. In July of 2021 I submitted a claim for vertigo which was denied as not being service connected. I appealed and in January of this year I received a 0% service connection for vertigo, as to receive 10% for vertigo one must experience "occasional dizziness."
To my mind the world randomly spinning around me qualifies as "occasional dizziness" and so I filed for an increase two days after the decision was made. They scheduled me for a C&P, I went, and apparently they took that C&P and applied to to the appeal, notifying me at the end of February that they corrected an error and granted me 10% for vertigo.
The increase claim continued untouched and I reached out to the VA in March to ask about it. They told me that the increase was basically done because they folded it in with the appeal but asked if I wanted to continue. The threshold for 30% is "occasional staggering" and considering that when the world randomly starts spinning around me I can't walk anymore I figured I ought to go for it, so I told them to continue the increase. They scheduled me for a new C&P in late April.
A couple weeks ago my claim completely vanished from VA.gov like it had never existed. No letters, nothing. It was gone. A week later I received a letter in the mail (which doesn't show up on VA.gov) saying "a review of your file revealed we are already processing a pending appeal or request for administrative review for vertigo, which we received on July 20, 2021. We have forwarded this new evidence to the appropriate processing team for consideration. If there are other issues on your claim that are not already being reviewed, we will process your claim for the remaining issues."
On the face of it, it seems like they might kick it back to the appeals team for another correction, but I'm wondering what my next step should be. The July 2021 appeal remains closed on VA.gov and I'm not showing any open cases, so I'm completely in the dark.
Edit: I guess my question is "is there a chance for a backdated increase to 30% or is this just a convoluted denial?"
submitted by aykdanroyd to VeteransBenefits [link] [comments]
To my mind the world randomly spinning around me qualifies as "occasional dizziness" and so I filed for an increase two days after the decision was made. They scheduled me for a C&P, I went, and apparently they took that C&P and applied to to the appeal, notifying me at the end of February that they corrected an error and granted me 10% for vertigo.
The increase claim continued untouched and I reached out to the VA in March to ask about it. They told me that the increase was basically done because they folded it in with the appeal but asked if I wanted to continue. The threshold for 30% is "occasional staggering" and considering that when the world randomly starts spinning around me I can't walk anymore I figured I ought to go for it, so I told them to continue the increase. They scheduled me for a new C&P in late April.
A couple weeks ago my claim completely vanished from VA.gov like it had never existed. No letters, nothing. It was gone. A week later I received a letter in the mail (which doesn't show up on VA.gov) saying "a review of your file revealed we are already processing a pending appeal or request for administrative review for vertigo, which we received on July 20, 2021. We have forwarded this new evidence to the appropriate processing team for consideration. If there are other issues on your claim that are not already being reviewed, we will process your claim for the remaining issues."
On the face of it, it seems like they might kick it back to the appeals team for another correction, but I'm wondering what my next step should be. The July 2021 appeal remains closed on VA.gov and I'm not showing any open cases, so I'm completely in the dark.
Edit: I guess my question is "is there a chance for a backdated increase to 30% or is this just a convoluted denial?"
2024.05.21 03:31 StrayOkita School na walang Consideration pag nagkasakit ka
First time ko maglalabas ng sama ng loob because of a school I'm attending. I have never been a part of an institution na sobrang walang consideration pag nagkasakit ka. Naging student ako ng prestigious schools before and never ko naranasan ung pinadama sakin ng pipitchuging school na wala pang 100 ung students. I swear if meron lang talagang iba pang schools na malapit at affordable ung tuition di talaga ako papasok sa school na to eh.
So context, ever since then naiirita na ako sa linyahan ng school admin namin na "Be healthy, wag magaabsent". In general parang wala lang naman ung linyahan na yon diba? Pero what triggers me is yung context in which this phrase is being used. Whenever kasi may magaabsent sa school, and yes sobrang halata kasi nga wala pa naman 100 ung students ng school na to eh, mag sesend ung admin ng school ng chat sa gc na "sinabi na namin live healthy at wag magaabsent diba?" or something in the like. And everytime na makikita ko ung message na yon na ttrigger ako, kasi diba kasalanan ba ng student na magkasakit dahil sa panahon?
Ever since nag start kasi ung malalang heat wave, they kept saying na walang karapatan mga students magabsent and wala din daw kami karapatan na humiling ng online classes kasi may aircon naman daw ung school. So like how did they expect ung students pumasok and umuwi? Do they expect us na di mainitan ng bonggang bongga while traveling to and from the school? Imagine bbyahe ka under almost 40° heat index and suddenly papasok ka sa room na laging nakaset sa 16°. Hindi ka magkakasakit non?. Tapos masaya pa nagkasakit ung isang kaklase ko as in malala ung lagnat niya tapos sinisipon at inuubo. Nagpm sa kanya ung admin nagbabanta na if ituloy tuloy daw niya ung pagabsent ay hindi na daw siya ggraduate. Grabe ung kawalang consideration hahahahaha it's as if gusto nila pumasok uh tao while rthey are not feeling well at magsabog ng lagim sa classroom, which in fact nangyari na last sem causing an "epidemic" sa classroom namin. Tapos as one might guess, wala pa din silang pakielam and continued to shower us with threats na walang magiging achievement awardees samin at worst is walang ggraduate samin kakaabsent namin. And the reason that makes my blood boil more is the fact na un excuse letter which, sa mga dating school ko would warrant that you'll ne able to take the activities you've missed but with a ceiling grade is napakawalang kwenta sa kanila. Pag nagabsent ka, kailangan mo na agad magfile ng certificate of completion na nagkakahalaga ng 400 pesos each document. Ewan ko hahaha sobrang walang kwenta ng school na to. Isa pa sa pinakakinaiirita ko ay ung linyahan na ung school daw ay "Non stock, non profit" tapos pag tinitignan ung monthly Tax report nila sa BIR di nagtutugma HAHAHAHA.
submitted by StrayOkita to OffMyChestPH [link] [comments]
So context, ever since then naiirita na ako sa linyahan ng school admin namin na "Be healthy, wag magaabsent". In general parang wala lang naman ung linyahan na yon diba? Pero what triggers me is yung context in which this phrase is being used. Whenever kasi may magaabsent sa school, and yes sobrang halata kasi nga wala pa naman 100 ung students ng school na to eh, mag sesend ung admin ng school ng chat sa gc na "sinabi na namin live healthy at wag magaabsent diba?" or something in the like. And everytime na makikita ko ung message na yon na ttrigger ako, kasi diba kasalanan ba ng student na magkasakit dahil sa panahon?
Ever since nag start kasi ung malalang heat wave, they kept saying na walang karapatan mga students magabsent and wala din daw kami karapatan na humiling ng online classes kasi may aircon naman daw ung school. So like how did they expect ung students pumasok and umuwi? Do they expect us na di mainitan ng bonggang bongga while traveling to and from the school? Imagine bbyahe ka under almost 40° heat index and suddenly papasok ka sa room na laging nakaset sa 16°. Hindi ka magkakasakit non?. Tapos masaya pa nagkasakit ung isang kaklase ko as in malala ung lagnat niya tapos sinisipon at inuubo. Nagpm sa kanya ung admin nagbabanta na if ituloy tuloy daw niya ung pagabsent ay hindi na daw siya ggraduate. Grabe ung kawalang consideration hahahahaha it's as if gusto nila pumasok uh tao while rthey are not feeling well at magsabog ng lagim sa classroom, which in fact nangyari na last sem causing an "epidemic" sa classroom namin. Tapos as one might guess, wala pa din silang pakielam and continued to shower us with threats na walang magiging achievement awardees samin at worst is walang ggraduate samin kakaabsent namin. And the reason that makes my blood boil more is the fact na un excuse letter which, sa mga dating school ko would warrant that you'll ne able to take the activities you've missed but with a ceiling grade is napakawalang kwenta sa kanila. Pag nagabsent ka, kailangan mo na agad magfile ng certificate of completion na nagkakahalaga ng 400 pesos each document. Ewan ko hahaha sobrang walang kwenta ng school na to. Isa pa sa pinakakinaiirita ko ay ung linyahan na ung school daw ay "Non stock, non profit" tapos pag tinitignan ung monthly Tax report nila sa BIR di nagtutugma HAHAHAHA.
2024.05.21 01:47 J-Chapman Old News – Doherty Hotel Opened One Century Ago
 | Clare Sentinel 1924-04-11 submitted by J-Chapman to Clare_MI [link] [comments] NEW HOTEL DOHERTY NOW OPEN TO PUBLIC https://preview.redd.it/ncope1ye4o1d1.jpg?width=2127&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f69df529d7703dc48ee470e259caab27eeea073b Mr. A. J. Doherty, former State Senator, one time member of the State Board of Agricultural and a former director of the Michigan State fair, has completed the best hotel in this part of the state and it is now open to the public. The formal opening is to take place on the evening of May 12th, when the Clare Chamber of Commerce are to give a complimentary banquet to Mr. and Mrs. Doherty, by which the citizens of Clare hope, in a small measure at least, to show appreciation to the man who has done so much for his “own home town”. The banquet will have to be limited to 150 persons and will include some of Mr. and Mrs. Doherty’s friends from different parts of the state and the members of the Chamber of Commerce of Clare. This is to be one of the most elaborate banquets ever held in this part of the state. No expense will be spared and all the plans are in keeping with this beautiful building, which Mr. Doherty has built, not for the financial returns he expects to reap, but rather as a testimonial of his good will toward the community. Three years ago the Clare Chamber of Commerce purchased the site on which had been located for many years the popular “Calkins House”, but which had been destroyed by fire. The consideration was $6,000 and they presented this site to Mr. Doherty with the understanding and agreement that he erect a hotel costing at least $60,000 on that site. Mr. Doherty has gone many times beyond that amount and erected a four story steel, brick and terra cotta structure which is modern in every way and fireproof. An Otis elevator, display rooms for traveling salesmen, complete laundry, billiard room cafeteria, which opened April first, dining room, ballroom, radio, mezz-nine floor, room for two mercantile establishments and spacious quarters for the public library that have been donated by Mr. Doherty are among the features housed under one roof. The equipment throughout the structure is of the very latest and best. The lighting fixtures are exceptionally fine. There are 60 guests rooms, each containing hot and cold running water, and several suites. Thirty-six of the single rooms afford either a tub or shower bath. The furniture is walnut and mahogany and blends neatly with the interior mahogany finish throughout the building. The main floors are of terrazzo. The corridors and the floors of the rooms are of music and are covered with beautiful rugs. All dishes, towels and linen are stamped with the “Hotel Doherty” monogram. More than 100 guests can be accommodated at one time. When Mr. and Mrs. Doherty came to Clare from New York state in 1878, they had very little money. He engaged in the mercantile business in rather a small way and purchased a home for which he was to pay $750. of this amount he was able to pay $250 down and the balance he paid in installments. He succeeded in business and in 1901 he was elected to the State Senate from the 28th district, and in 1903 he was re-elected and again in 1905. some time later he was appointed a member of the State Board of Agriculture to succeed C. J. Monroe, of South Haven. He took an active interest in the affairs of the Michigan State fair while he was a director. In the senate he was known as “Bellwether” Doherty for his possession of great political sagacity and the added fact that he led the senate roll call, considerations which gave him much influence. He has built eight business blocks and many residences in Clare and has stood ready at any time to do anything to advance the best interests of his town. Residents of Clare are free in their assertions that for its size, there is no better hotel in the state. https://preview.redd.it/l0yiheib3o1d1.jpg?width=687&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=4abec7faa13f279a856bfaf26a014bf42863fe1a Clare Sentinel 1924-05-16 NEW HOTEL DOHERTY FORMALLY OPENED MONDAY EVENING Prominent Men from Different Parts of State Attend Event. MR. PERRY SHORTS GIVES ADDRESS OF EVENING Mrs. Doherty Presented with a Large Bouquet of Roses. Makes Excellent Response. The banquet given by the Clare Chamber of Commerce in honor of Mr. and Mrs. A. J. Doherty and the formal opening of the “Hotel Doherty” Monday evening, May 12, is now a matter of history, but will never be forgotten by those who were privileged to attend. No expense or pains had been spared to make this event a complete success. Promptly at the appointed hour, the orchestra under the leadership of Robert Heisman of Midland, began playing and the guests were admitted to the dining room. This room, however was not large enough to take care of the one hundred and sixty-eight guests who were present, and a table had been placed in the lobby so all could be accommodated. The dining room was decorated with palms and ferns together with beautiful silk American flags. The tables were graced with sprays of smilax and large bouquets of carnations. These decorations were in charge of Walter Caple, of Mt. Pleasant, and his work was well and capably done. The food was excellent and well served. The music of the orchestra was enjoyed, especially the old plantation songs many of which the guests joined in singing these in company with the music. Following the serving of the banquet, W. S. McAllister, President of the Board of Commerce, at the beginning of his talk, got himself in right with the ladies present, by calling them beautiful and got in wrong with the men, especially those in dress suits, by calling them ordinary and commonplace. He spoke of the disappointment and discouragement which prevailed in Clare at the time the old Calkins House burned and of the many plans proposed only to be abandoned until Mr. A. J. Doherty undertook the task of erecting this beautiful building. He paid tribute to Mr. Doherty and expressed the appreciation of the Chamber of Commerce and the citizens of Clare. In his usual happy and witty manner “Mac” then introduced Judge Ray Hart, of Midland, as toastmaster for the evening. Judge Hart has appeared in this capacity in Clare before, but never has he or any one else filled that position so acceptably as Judge hart did at this banquet. In his remarks, he spoke of the success of men which often can be attributed in a large measure to the inspiration, faith and co-operation of their good wives and then introduced Rev. H. B. Johnson, who spoke briefly of Clare, the best town, and on behalf of the Board of Commerce, presented a large bouquet of roses to Mrs. Doherty. Although it was a complete surprise to her, she responded in a very wonderful manner, and emotion ran high when she told how she appreciated the love and sympathy of her friends and neighbors expressed by this gift. Mr. Perry Shorts, vice-president of the Second National Bank, of Saginaw, and graduate of the University of Michigan law school, then responded to the toast, “The successful American Business Man”. His address was a masterpiece. He said, “We hear eulogies of ministers, scientists, statesman and others but seldom does any one speak of the common American business man. He is looked upon as hard headed and coldblooded, but his success is so important to all of us that it is well to consider those qualities which will make him succeed. He must have commanding will power and any man or any army with a fixed determination will win. The successful business man will have a good supply of labor. Hard work is the key used by wealthy men, scientist, surgeons, lawyers and statesmen to unlock success. Good citizenship is one qualification and this means love for country, state and own home town. He obeys the laws and respects the rights of others. Honesty is the foundation of good citizenship. The ideal man of today is a man of good character. A man is at his best when he is lifting his fellow men to a higher and better position of living. We often say that credit is the basis of business, but character is the foundation of credit.” He spoke of the spiritual things, which, while they are invisible, they are the most important. He urged all to be broader, more generous, bigger and wiser. Ex-Governor A. E. Sleeper then spoke of his acquaintance and friendship with Mr. Doherty which began when they were associated together in the State Senate many years ago. E. V. Chilson, Deputy Secretary of State, in a very feeling and touching manner expressed his appreciation of Mr. and Mrs. Doherty and their friendship. There was great applause when one of the former Clare citizens, Mr. Dennis E. Alward was introduced. Mr. Alward said, “I arrived in Clare 44 years ago, when pine stumps were in the street. There was a population of about 250 people. Mr. S. C. Kirkbride occupied a residence on the site of this hotel at that time. That day I met for the first time, a young attorney, Mr. C. W. Perry. A young banker, C. H. Sutherland, a merchant, Nathan Bicknell, the father of James S. and William H. Bicknell and the family of Doherty’s. Mr. Doherty and I built our homes side by side, we had no money, but were great neighbors. When I came to Clare that first day, they were building the town hall and there was as much interest manifested by the citizens as if it were the capitol of the state. I was a stranger and all were interested in me and a young man on the roof of that building engaged in nailing on shingles paid too much attention to the stranger and hit his thumb with a hammer. His language was emphatic and sulphurous, but that man has been a builder ever since that time he worked on the town hall and he has always built substantial and well. I count myself fortunate to be able to come back to my home, to the city which will always be my home and pay tribute to what my friend Doherty's have done.” Hon. James E. Davidson, of Bay City, and Senator Karcher, of Rose City, spoke briefly. Hon. W. W. Potter, of Hastings, who was a former resident of Clare county, was introduced. Judge Hart read telegrams and letters from Congressman Roy Woodruff, Hon. Leonard Freeman, Gov. Alex Groesbeck, Auditor General O. B. Fuller, Regent of the U. of M., Julius Beal, Sec’y. Of State Chas. DeLand, Hon. George Lord and others, who expressed regrets at being unable to be present. After the speaking, the tables and chairs were removed from the dining room and a goodly number of the guests danced until late in the evening. Guests from out of town were: Mr. and Mrs. E. V. Chilson, Dr. and Mrs. J. B. Roe and Dennis Alward, of Lansing; Hon. Wm. Wallace, Perry Shorts, R. T. Maynard and Herbert Gay, of Saginaw; Mr. A. Reinhart, Dr. McKay, Clifford Olmstead, Judge Hyde, Judge and Mrs. Ray Hart, and Harvey and Mrs. Dudd, of Midland; Mr. and Mrs. H. T. McKerring, of Flushing; Rev. Fr. Flannery, and Mr. and Mrs. Walter Caple, of Mt. Pleasant; James E. Davidson, and Homer Buck, of Bay City; Mr. and Mrs. E. Simons and E. Curtis, of Coleman; Mr. and Mrs. E. Holcomb, of Alma; Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Hughes and Mr. and Mrs. Fred Weatherhead, of Harrison; Ex-Gov. and Mrs. A. E. Sleeper, of Bad Axe; W. E. Currie, of Detroit; Hon. And Mrs. W. W. Potter, of Hastings; Senator Karcher, of Rose City; Mr. O. W. Achard, of Grand Rapids; Mr. and Mrs. Robert Hudson, of Owosso; Mr. and Mrs. James McKay of Detroit; Mr. and Mrs. Fred Doherty, of Lansing; Mr. and Mrs. Floyd Doherty, of Saginaw; and Frank B. Doherty, of Mackinaw Island; Mrs. Wm. Tasker of Detroit. |
2024.05.21 01:31 foxparty_ NOT A 24 HOUR MCDONALDS😱
 | Do you think Lauren Boebert will save the day? Or at least make it a chick-fil-a? I’m only cool with franchise chains that are religiously oppressive. submitted by foxparty_ to DenverCirclejerk [link] [comments] |
2024.05.21 00:24 schmidtyyy23 [QCrit] Just Don't Leave - Literary Romance/Thriller(?) - 86k + First 300ish (1st Attempt)
Hi all, been revising this novel for a while and decided I'm ready to try out writing the query letter. The following is the product of my first attempt at that. Thought I might as well take a shot and hope that some of you are kind enough to share your thoughts! :) I also included the first little section of the book to see what people think of that, too.
The love of Alex’s life is a killer.
Alex, a recent college graduate, can’t escape from a malaise. He is working a job he doesn’t care about and living with his parents in the sun scorched suburbs of Las Vegas, spending his free time reading articles about humanity’s impending doom and scrolling through social media. One Sunday morning he comes across an active crime scene, the focus of which is the body of a former high school classmate. Also in the crowd around the scene, however, is Bella, a girl Alex had a crush on in high school. She is intelligent, funny, warm, independent, and pretty, and she presents a possible way out of his state. The two reconnect and begin a relationship, becoming rapidly intertwined by the intensity of their love. Even when a second former classmate soon turns up dead, most of their focus remains on one another, although Alex grows worried about what could be happening.
Alex and Bella’s idyllic romance is shattered when Bella decides she wants Alex to know her true self. She reveals that she is behind the murders, committing them because of a horrible compulsion she has little control over, yet asks him to stay with her, to still love her. Alex, through a combination of paralyzing fear and powerful love, decides to remain with her, a decision that will have terrible consequences.
JUST DON’T LEAVE is a literary romance/thriller novel complete at 86,000 words. It combines the melancholy yet passionate romance of Sally Rooney’s Normal People with the unsettling atmosphere and violent undercurrents of Stephanie LaCava’s I Fear My Pain Interests You. [Bio].
Thank you for your time and consideration.
First 300ish:
Dead bodies don’t look like I thought they would. There isn’t much of a difference from when they’re alive, at least when they haven't been dead for too long. A little more pale and stiff. Other than that they just seem asleep.
When I’m not seeing the bodies I see Bella. I see her lying naked on her stomach, wide eyes staring up at me, right cheek in her hand. Her smile reveals pink gums just above the top row of teeth. I see her falling asleep on the couch, under enough blankets to crush a small child, strands of hair shining in the pale light from the tv. I hear her snoring in my ear. I hear her telling me she loves me. I see her standing in a pool of blood and she is holding a knife.
I feel the anger and hatred slipping every moment. I try to see the blood, and the open, whistling, gushing throat, and the limp body of a person I once knew, but these images are replaced by her eating a sandwich, showing me how to fix a mistake on excel, kissing my cheek, playing with the curls on the sides of my hair, holding me while I cry, writhing and moaning beneath me as she grips my lower back. I tell myself that I hate her, that I should have never texted her back, that if I can somehow make it out of here I will be so much better off, but it’s like there’s a black hole devouring my guts, where anything negative I think about her is swallowed. There is a voice above me, massaging my temples and whispering in my ear that I need her. I will always need her and without her I am nothing.
The time before we were together feels like an imitation of a life. She made me whole. She can go on without me, but I can’t go on without her.
I am giving in. Nothing helps. All I think about is Bella, so I will think about her.
submitted by schmidtyyy23 to PubTips [link] [comments]
Alex, a recent college graduate, can’t escape from a malaise. He is working a job he doesn’t care about and living with his parents in the sun scorched suburbs of Las Vegas, spending his free time reading articles about humanity’s impending doom and scrolling through social media. One Sunday morning he comes across an active crime scene, the focus of which is the body of a former high school classmate. Also in the crowd around the scene, however, is Bella, a girl Alex had a crush on in high school. She is intelligent, funny, warm, independent, and pretty, and she presents a possible way out of his state. The two reconnect and begin a relationship, becoming rapidly intertwined by the intensity of their love. Even when a second former classmate soon turns up dead, most of their focus remains on one another, although Alex grows worried about what could be happening.
Alex and Bella’s idyllic romance is shattered when Bella decides she wants Alex to know her true self. She reveals that she is behind the murders, committing them because of a horrible compulsion she has little control over, yet asks him to stay with her, to still love her. Alex, through a combination of paralyzing fear and powerful love, decides to remain with her, a decision that will have terrible consequences.
JUST DON’T LEAVE is a literary romance/thriller novel complete at 86,000 words. It combines the melancholy yet passionate romance of Sally Rooney’s Normal People with the unsettling atmosphere and violent undercurrents of Stephanie LaCava’s I Fear My Pain Interests You. [Bio].
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Dead bodies don’t look like I thought they would. There isn’t much of a difference from when they’re alive, at least when they haven't been dead for too long. A little more pale and stiff. Other than that they just seem asleep.
When I’m not seeing the bodies I see Bella. I see her lying naked on her stomach, wide eyes staring up at me, right cheek in her hand. Her smile reveals pink gums just above the top row of teeth. I see her falling asleep on the couch, under enough blankets to crush a small child, strands of hair shining in the pale light from the tv. I hear her snoring in my ear. I hear her telling me she loves me. I see her standing in a pool of blood and she is holding a knife.
I feel the anger and hatred slipping every moment. I try to see the blood, and the open, whistling, gushing throat, and the limp body of a person I once knew, but these images are replaced by her eating a sandwich, showing me how to fix a mistake on excel, kissing my cheek, playing with the curls on the sides of my hair, holding me while I cry, writhing and moaning beneath me as she grips my lower back. I tell myself that I hate her, that I should have never texted her back, that if I can somehow make it out of here I will be so much better off, but it’s like there’s a black hole devouring my guts, where anything negative I think about her is swallowed. There is a voice above me, massaging my temples and whispering in my ear that I need her. I will always need her and without her I am nothing.
The time before we were together feels like an imitation of a life. She made me whole. She can go on without me, but I can’t go on without her.
I am giving in. Nothing helps. All I think about is Bella, so I will think about her.
2024.05.20 23:58 AlarkaHillbilly ChatGPT helped me fight my propterty tax appraisal district and win!
This year my property tax appraisal was 35.11% higher than last years appraisal, and I've made literally no improvements to my home or property.
I went to ChatGPT looking for a way to convince my local appraisal district board that it would be simpler to lower my appraisal than fight with me about it.
My initial prompt was:
"what is the most difficult to answer question that can be asked of an appraisal district. one that will more likely cause them to lower my property value"
ChatGPT's response was: "Can you provide a detailed justification and supporting documentation for the assessed value of my property, including how it compares to similar properties in the neighborhood with equivalent features, size, and condition, and explain any discrepancies?"
My follow up prompt was: "please make this in a letter format and make it much more serious.
ChatGPT's response was:
Subject: Request for Detailed Justification and Documentation of Property Value Assessment
I am writing to formally request a detailed justification and supporting documentation for the assessed value of my property located at [Your Property Address]. As a property owner and taxpayer, I seek to understand the basis of the valuation and ensure its accuracy and fairness.
Specifically, I would like to request the following:
I appreciate your assistance and look forward to your prompt response.
Thank you for your time and cooperation.
The letter did the trick! I emailed it to my county appraisal board. I just got off the phone with them, and my property value was only increased by 3.05%...and I set that price!
I can honestly say my ChatGPT subscription paid for itself by several thousand percent.
submitted by AlarkaHillbilly to ChatGPT [link] [comments]
I went to ChatGPT looking for a way to convince my local appraisal district board that it would be simpler to lower my appraisal than fight with me about it.
My initial prompt was:
"what is the most difficult to answer question that can be asked of an appraisal district. one that will more likely cause them to lower my property value"
ChatGPT's response was: "Can you provide a detailed justification and supporting documentation for the assessed value of my property, including how it compares to similar properties in the neighborhood with equivalent features, size, and condition, and explain any discrepancies?"
My follow up prompt was: "please make this in a letter format and make it much more serious.
ChatGPT's response was:
Subject: Request for Detailed Justification and Documentation of Property Value Assessment
I am writing to formally request a detailed justification and supporting documentation for the assessed value of my property located at [Your Property Address]. As a property owner and taxpayer, I seek to understand the basis of the valuation and ensure its accuracy and fairness.
Specifically, I would like to request the following:
- A comprehensive explanation of how the assessed value of my property was determined, including a comparison with similar properties in the neighborhood that have equivalent features, size, and condition. Please provide detailed information on any discrepancies observed.
- The specific formula or equations used in the valuation process. Understanding the mathematical basis of the assessment is crucial for me.
- Any relevant factors or variables that were considered in the calculation of my property’s value. This includes but is not limited to physical characteristics, location, market trends, and any other pertinent factors.
- The data sources utilized in the assessment process and how these sources are applied to determine the property value. This should include information on the reliability and recency of the data.
- Any adjustments or considerations that were uniquely applied to my property. If there were particular factors or adjustments made that differ from the standard assessment process, please provide detailed explanations.
I appreciate your assistance and look forward to your prompt response.
Thank you for your time and cooperation.
The letter did the trick! I emailed it to my county appraisal board. I just got off the phone with them, and my property value was only increased by 3.05%...and I set that price!
I can honestly say my ChatGPT subscription paid for itself by several thousand percent.
2024.05.20 23:49 kelly224 Several questions regarding application
Hi everyone! I have a number of things that I’d like some clarification. Am applying for masters. 1. In the guidelines, note number 7, it says a copy of degree certificate is accepted if attested by an authorized official of the university. So should I go to the university to get the certification? Or can I do it otherwise? My university is like 11 hour bus drive and I don’t have time. The letter of recommendation itself I asked my tutor to send it to me via mail because am not able to reach the university.
2.In the placement preference form, what do I write in detailed field of study. Given the space is tiny. For example my field of study is master of business administration. What does MEXT expect in the detailed field of study?
Also in the same form, you have to fill name of university, graduate school and name of academic advisor. Do I google the university website to get the names of the professors or how did you guys go about it.
submitted by kelly224 to mext [link] [comments]
2.In the placement preference form, what do I write in detailed field of study. Given the space is tiny. For example my field of study is master of business administration. What does MEXT expect in the detailed field of study?
Also in the same form, you have to fill name of university, graduate school and name of academic advisor. Do I google the university website to get the names of the professors or how did you guys go about it.
- Those who will qualify for the next stage, will the exams be held online or you have to go to the embassy?
- I have a GPA of 3.3 out of 5, should I apply for small universities and not go to big names like Kyoto and the like? My embassy didn’t specify minimum GPA requirements.
- Just out of context, for example I want to apply for another undergraduate degree and not masters, will I be put into consideration? Given I already have an undergraduate degree for the past four years.
2024.05.20 23:49 Informal_Patience821 The Entire Shahadah is indeed in The Quran, explicitly and literally, and God calls it a "shield"
In the Name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
I shall not detain you with lengthy introductions and preliminaries, but rather delve straight into the matter at hand.
The complete Shahadah can be found within the Qur'an, albeit the second part of it being quoted from hypocrites. It is noteworthy that God did not critique the content of their statement, but rather even affirmed it. He merely condemned them for their concealed disbelief and duplicity. The verse in question states:
In the subsequent verse (the second verse), their disingenuous declarations are once again alluded to, stating:
In this verse, the context is saying that the hypocrites took their oaths falsely so they could present themselves as true believers and protect themselves. They use these oaths as a shield (جُنَّةً, junna) to deceive others and to turn people away from the path of God. Their actions are condemned as evil because they are using deceit to manipulate and mislead.
The crux of the matter: If the second part of the Shahadah (i.e. the "...Muhammadan 'abduhu wa ar-rasûluh") was unislamic and un-Qur'anic, then it wouldn't have served as a shield for them to begin with. Verse two is literally affirming it as a valid Islamic statement by saying that they only took them for the purpose of protection etc, and not genuine and real faith.
And again, the statement, "And God knows that indeed you are certainly His messenger," is not a condemnation, but rather an affirmation. There is no idiomatic expression being conveyed here. I am aware that many brothers and sisters hold a different view, but I assure you that when you examine the Arabic text, the context and the interpretation being suggested, you will clearly see that their opinion and claim is a bit flawed and lacks support and evidence when grammar and the Arabic language is taken into meticulous consideration.
That's all, I hope I clarified this matter for you if you've ever been confused about it :)
/By your brother, Exion.
submitted by Informal_Patience821 to Quraniyoon [link] [comments]
I shall not detain you with lengthy introductions and preliminaries, but rather delve straight into the matter at hand.
The complete Shahadah can be found within the Qur'an, albeit the second part of it being quoted from hypocrites. It is noteworthy that God did not critique the content of their statement, but rather even affirmed it. He merely condemned them for their concealed disbelief and duplicity. The verse in question states:
"When the hypocrites approached you, they declared, 'We bear witness that you are indeed a messenger of God.' And God is fully aware that you are indeed His messenger. And God bears witness that indeed the hypocrites are certainly liars." (63:1)God did not refute their declaration or the statement they made, but rather exposed their insincerity, dishonesty, and concealed disbelief. This is why God emphasizes, "God knows that you indeed are..." thereby affirming the veracity of the words they publicly uttered to the messenger.
In the subsequent verse (the second verse), their disingenuous declarations are once again alluded to, stating:
"They utilized their oaths as a safeguard, thereby deviating from the path of God. Indeed, evil is what they were doing." (63:2)The oaths mentioned in this verse, "أَيْمَـٰنَهُمْ" (aymânahum), refer back to the previous verse where the hypocrites are quoted by God, declaring, "We bear witness that you are indeed the messenger of God."
In this verse, the context is saying that the hypocrites took their oaths falsely so they could present themselves as true believers and protect themselves. They use these oaths as a shield (جُنَّةً, junna) to deceive others and to turn people away from the path of God. Their actions are condemned as evil because they are using deceit to manipulate and mislead.
The crux of the matter: If the second part of the Shahadah (i.e. the "...Muhammadan 'abduhu wa ar-rasûluh") was unislamic and un-Qur'anic, then it wouldn't have served as a shield for them to begin with. Verse two is literally affirming it as a valid Islamic statement by saying that they only took them for the purpose of protection etc, and not genuine and real faith.
And again, the statement, "And God knows that indeed you are certainly His messenger," is not a condemnation, but rather an affirmation. There is no idiomatic expression being conveyed here. I am aware that many brothers and sisters hold a different view, but I assure you that when you examine the Arabic text, the context and the interpretation being suggested, you will clearly see that their opinion and claim is a bit flawed and lacks support and evidence when grammar and the Arabic language is taken into meticulous consideration.
Conclusion:
The complete Shahadah is indeed mentioned in the Quran, albeit not in a rigid, formulaic, or verbatim manner because the Shahadah can be taken by simply saying "Me and my family bear witness that Muhammad is from God" or whatever else that clearly implies that you're accepting Islam, as the hypocrites did it in 63:1 by only declaring the second part of it. The Shahadah is essentially a declaration, wherein one acknowledges and affirms their belief in something, and not a magic spell whose words transform you the second you say the last letter in a prescribed declaration of a specific sentence you must utter word for word. This is why an entire group of hypocrites took their Shahadah through one person, presumably their leader:"We bear witness..."He took the Shahadah for all of them and didn't even necessarily utter the first part of it. Because declaring that the prophet indeed is a messenger means that you are affirming all of what he has conveyed, including "There is no god but God." And God called their Shahadah a "Shield," albeit based on disbelief.
That's all, I hope I clarified this matter for you if you've ever been confused about it :)
/By your brother, Exion.
2024.05.20 20:05 ADHD_Avenger A letter to the candidates in the Virginia 10th District Democratic Primary
To the candidates in the Virginia Democratic Primary for Virginia 07:
Voting is underway already, campaign funds are greatly varied, and endorsements are split - though Mr. Vindman with the largest war chest has also secured the endorsement of the Washington Post. As I look about, it is difficult for anyone to know much of substance dividing the field, except to see that Mr. Vindman has made a national name for himself, while he does not have the local roots in practical government that the rest of the field has. If this was a one on one race, perhaps that would be sufficient separation, but the field is crowded and most people do not have intimate familiarity with local candidates. I ask first for each of you - how do you feel constituents should separate you from the other candidates you likely respect, when there is an absence of coverage on individual records in local news as local coverage is generally eclipsed by national news and local news has increasingly lost funding? Most constituents wish to have more efficient means of comparing positions and records. If constituents wish, how can they know you will not only win, but hold on to this district long enough to make an impact via advancing seniority? Are any of the candidates making efforts to make themselves more available to the public via either public media debate or online forums? In the modern era, most people will not have a willingness to vote outside of party preference in November, so much depends on the primaries.
Secondly, I have a more specific issue of concern.
I represent the group ADHD Advocacy which exists primarily online, but was founded where I live in the NOVA suburbs and where I am most familiar with local Virginia disability organizations. I'm a former prosecutor for the Florida Department of Health with ADHD, type 1 diabetes, and various other health issues which are either comorbid with ADHD, or can result from ADHD, such as the complications I have from an automobile accident, which people with ADHD have at a rate about thirty percent higher than people without ADHD, and which via traumatic brain injury can worsen all symptoms. I am also a former House of Representatives legal intern and the grandson of a representative and speaker pro tempore in the Florida legislature, who passed away at an early age due to a car accident.
A little less than a year ago, Representative Spanberger, the incumbent for Virginia district 07, was asked in Roll Call how the Adderall shortage ended up on her radar, and she said that it "hasn't been top of mind, because frankly, it's not a lifesaving medication" and then compared it to what she felt were greater concerns like infant formula and heart medication and insulin. As a person who has both diabetes and ADHD, I can say this is plain ignorance - one of the most cited experts in ADHD is the retired professor from Virginia Commonwealth University, Russell Barkley, PhD, and one of the ways he became most noted in research was his finding that ADHD lessened life spans on average by about a decade. There are plenty of other studies to back this since that time, noting how ADHD when unmedicated leads to more hospitalizations both for mental issues and for other concerns, such as accidents involving inattention and physical trauma, all of which I can help you in locating if needed, but the website ADHDevidence.org hosted by Professor Stephen Faraone also goes into the details of the International Consensus Statement on ADHD that covers the most repeatedly studied adverse effects.
For myself, as a type 1 diabetic, which is a comorbid issue, I have to rely upon my executive function to make sure I take insulin as needed and to monitor my blood glucose accordingly. It is hardly appropriate to dismiss these concerns.
Even more discoveries are happening continuously, such as recent studies suggesting that adult diagnosed ADHD is linked to a threefold increase in dementia as a senior, but that prompt treatment with a stimulant makes these people have no greater risk than the rest of the population - a neuroprotective state that could lessen many approaching national healthcare costs along with less tangible, but more valuable, reductions in family suffering. Numerous studies have long existed showing that proper ADHD care lessens numerous societal burdens, such as the needs for government benefits of those with ADHD brought on by unstable employment.
The stimulant shortage has been going on for the entire term of Congress that is currently ending. At the end of the year, it is expected to be more severe than it is now. Even if the medication was not life saving, this seems like an egregious example of the current incompetency of the Congress in addressing anything of importance. Fortunately for those of us with ADHD, the worsening of the stimulant shortage and ADHD awareness month will directly be accompanied by the general election, which provides an avenue to have our voices heard.
This year, a study by the Veteran's Administration found that veterans with ADHD who were treated with stimulant medication had a notably lower rate of suicide and other related deaths. This lines up with many other studies that show ADHD medications lower significant suicidal behavior - in some cases more effectively than antidepressants or mood stabilizers. However, an OIG report in April shows the greatest concern of the OIG is whether too many diagnoses are occurring and critique regarding the steps taken in ADHD diagnoses and care (but not parallel concern about properness of elimination of ADHD from diagnostic consideration or adverse events of lack of care) citing anonymous "primary care leaders" and not addressing the VA's own studies.
I cannot understand how the suicide epidemic, an epidemic which has been most notable in veterans is of such little concern - honestly I do not know how the Veteran's Administration has not been brought under fire for their mental care more often this term considering the largest mass shooting of 2023 was committed by a veteran preceding a suicide and shortly after VA discharge - a discharge that occurred despite continuous paranoid delusions brought on by white matter damage in his brain from his work in explosives training. That man did not have ADHD, from my knowledge, but it illustrates the quality of current "primary care leaders" and the mental health coverage they are providing for veterans. This is after a long string of veteran suicides in VA parking lots after inability to get care, if any have forgotten those veterans already.
An act to memorialize Rosalynn Carter that sought to improve mental health in this country, and one that acknowledges mental health is not a dichotomy, but a general state of human and societal fitness would be a welcome method of addressing this.
One of the causes of the stimulant shortage appears to be the shutdown of generic stimulant manufacturers in an attempt by the DEA to look tough after failures in addressing or preventing the opioid epidemic - in the case of the FDA signing off on Sackler claims of non-addictiveness, I could actually say (as someone who was involved in Florida's crackdown on pill mills) government agency failures and a revolving door with the pharmaceutical industry caused the first eras of the current opioid epidemic.
This is not to say that stimulants do not need government control - but the Nixon schedules that exist seem to downplay the problems of medications like benzodiazepines, involved in the deaths of Prince, Tom Petty, Chris Cornell, Kurt Cobain, Heath Ledger and hundreds of thousands more who were noted only as statistics. These medications which affect long term executive function and impulse control were also the drug of choice for the mass shooter in the Las Vegas shooting of 2017 - a Trump era shooting that shattered all records - and as well for the incel ideologist in the 2014 UCSB Isla Vista school shootings. Benzodiazepines, I believe, were the route of the initial Sackler fortune, which may have influenced the current Nixonian schedules. Because oversight for psychiatric care outside of schedule II prescription regulations is low to nil, I would encourage a general task force to evaluate both the state of healthcare in this country and the legend drug schedules, though I have been told this requires more political will than any current politician could address - similar to regularly passing budgets without continuing resolutions.
An FTC investigation is currently attempting to investigate the causes of the various medication shortages, and numerous comments are those of people with ADHD, or who have a loved one with ADHD. Have you as a candidate submitted a comment for this investigation? Ten days remain for commentary.
What role do you intend to take to address these issues? Do you feel either party is more responsible for the shortage or for extending it and why? A similar question will be extended to those Republicans who seem to have a realistic possibility of taking back Virginia 07. If you feel you need more information regarding these issues, who will you look to for more information regarding these issues? Does your current knowledge or method by which you plan to address lack of knowledge indicate something about your capability to serve in Congress? Which fellow politicians would you look to in order to address this issue, and do you think it, or anything, can be done in a divided Congress?
This letter and all responses will be shared online (after certain elements of anonymization) via ADHD, veteran, and Virginia interest groups.
Sincerely,
ADHD Avenger, Esq.
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."
submitted by ADHD_Avenger to adhd_advocacy [link] [comments]
Voting is underway already, campaign funds are greatly varied, and endorsements are split - though Mr. Vindman with the largest war chest has also secured the endorsement of the Washington Post. As I look about, it is difficult for anyone to know much of substance dividing the field, except to see that Mr. Vindman has made a national name for himself, while he does not have the local roots in practical government that the rest of the field has. If this was a one on one race, perhaps that would be sufficient separation, but the field is crowded and most people do not have intimate familiarity with local candidates. I ask first for each of you - how do you feel constituents should separate you from the other candidates you likely respect, when there is an absence of coverage on individual records in local news as local coverage is generally eclipsed by national news and local news has increasingly lost funding? Most constituents wish to have more efficient means of comparing positions and records. If constituents wish, how can they know you will not only win, but hold on to this district long enough to make an impact via advancing seniority? Are any of the candidates making efforts to make themselves more available to the public via either public media debate or online forums? In the modern era, most people will not have a willingness to vote outside of party preference in November, so much depends on the primaries.
Secondly, I have a more specific issue of concern.
I represent the group ADHD Advocacy which exists primarily online, but was founded where I live in the NOVA suburbs and where I am most familiar with local Virginia disability organizations. I'm a former prosecutor for the Florida Department of Health with ADHD, type 1 diabetes, and various other health issues which are either comorbid with ADHD, or can result from ADHD, such as the complications I have from an automobile accident, which people with ADHD have at a rate about thirty percent higher than people without ADHD, and which via traumatic brain injury can worsen all symptoms. I am also a former House of Representatives legal intern and the grandson of a representative and speaker pro tempore in the Florida legislature, who passed away at an early age due to a car accident.
A little less than a year ago, Representative Spanberger, the incumbent for Virginia district 07, was asked in Roll Call how the Adderall shortage ended up on her radar, and she said that it "hasn't been top of mind, because frankly, it's not a lifesaving medication" and then compared it to what she felt were greater concerns like infant formula and heart medication and insulin. As a person who has both diabetes and ADHD, I can say this is plain ignorance - one of the most cited experts in ADHD is the retired professor from Virginia Commonwealth University, Russell Barkley, PhD, and one of the ways he became most noted in research was his finding that ADHD lessened life spans on average by about a decade. There are plenty of other studies to back this since that time, noting how ADHD when unmedicated leads to more hospitalizations both for mental issues and for other concerns, such as accidents involving inattention and physical trauma, all of which I can help you in locating if needed, but the website ADHDevidence.org hosted by Professor Stephen Faraone also goes into the details of the International Consensus Statement on ADHD that covers the most repeatedly studied adverse effects.
For myself, as a type 1 diabetic, which is a comorbid issue, I have to rely upon my executive function to make sure I take insulin as needed and to monitor my blood glucose accordingly. It is hardly appropriate to dismiss these concerns.
Even more discoveries are happening continuously, such as recent studies suggesting that adult diagnosed ADHD is linked to a threefold increase in dementia as a senior, but that prompt treatment with a stimulant makes these people have no greater risk than the rest of the population - a neuroprotective state that could lessen many approaching national healthcare costs along with less tangible, but more valuable, reductions in family suffering. Numerous studies have long existed showing that proper ADHD care lessens numerous societal burdens, such as the needs for government benefits of those with ADHD brought on by unstable employment.
The stimulant shortage has been going on for the entire term of Congress that is currently ending. At the end of the year, it is expected to be more severe than it is now. Even if the medication was not life saving, this seems like an egregious example of the current incompetency of the Congress in addressing anything of importance. Fortunately for those of us with ADHD, the worsening of the stimulant shortage and ADHD awareness month will directly be accompanied by the general election, which provides an avenue to have our voices heard.
This year, a study by the Veteran's Administration found that veterans with ADHD who were treated with stimulant medication had a notably lower rate of suicide and other related deaths. This lines up with many other studies that show ADHD medications lower significant suicidal behavior - in some cases more effectively than antidepressants or mood stabilizers. However, an OIG report in April shows the greatest concern of the OIG is whether too many diagnoses are occurring and critique regarding the steps taken in ADHD diagnoses and care (but not parallel concern about properness of elimination of ADHD from diagnostic consideration or adverse events of lack of care) citing anonymous "primary care leaders" and not addressing the VA's own studies.
I cannot understand how the suicide epidemic, an epidemic which has been most notable in veterans is of such little concern - honestly I do not know how the Veteran's Administration has not been brought under fire for their mental care more often this term considering the largest mass shooting of 2023 was committed by a veteran preceding a suicide and shortly after VA discharge - a discharge that occurred despite continuous paranoid delusions brought on by white matter damage in his brain from his work in explosives training. That man did not have ADHD, from my knowledge, but it illustrates the quality of current "primary care leaders" and the mental health coverage they are providing for veterans. This is after a long string of veteran suicides in VA parking lots after inability to get care, if any have forgotten those veterans already.
An act to memorialize Rosalynn Carter that sought to improve mental health in this country, and one that acknowledges mental health is not a dichotomy, but a general state of human and societal fitness would be a welcome method of addressing this.
One of the causes of the stimulant shortage appears to be the shutdown of generic stimulant manufacturers in an attempt by the DEA to look tough after failures in addressing or preventing the opioid epidemic - in the case of the FDA signing off on Sackler claims of non-addictiveness, I could actually say (as someone who was involved in Florida's crackdown on pill mills) government agency failures and a revolving door with the pharmaceutical industry caused the first eras of the current opioid epidemic.
This is not to say that stimulants do not need government control - but the Nixon schedules that exist seem to downplay the problems of medications like benzodiazepines, involved in the deaths of Prince, Tom Petty, Chris Cornell, Kurt Cobain, Heath Ledger and hundreds of thousands more who were noted only as statistics. These medications which affect long term executive function and impulse control were also the drug of choice for the mass shooter in the Las Vegas shooting of 2017 - a Trump era shooting that shattered all records - and as well for the incel ideologist in the 2014 UCSB Isla Vista school shootings. Benzodiazepines, I believe, were the route of the initial Sackler fortune, which may have influenced the current Nixonian schedules. Because oversight for psychiatric care outside of schedule II prescription regulations is low to nil, I would encourage a general task force to evaluate both the state of healthcare in this country and the legend drug schedules, though I have been told this requires more political will than any current politician could address - similar to regularly passing budgets without continuing resolutions.
An FTC investigation is currently attempting to investigate the causes of the various medication shortages, and numerous comments are those of people with ADHD, or who have a loved one with ADHD. Have you as a candidate submitted a comment for this investigation? Ten days remain for commentary.
What role do you intend to take to address these issues? Do you feel either party is more responsible for the shortage or for extending it and why? A similar question will be extended to those Republicans who seem to have a realistic possibility of taking back Virginia 07. If you feel you need more information regarding these issues, who will you look to for more information regarding these issues? Does your current knowledge or method by which you plan to address lack of knowledge indicate something about your capability to serve in Congress? Which fellow politicians would you look to in order to address this issue, and do you think it, or anything, can be done in a divided Congress?
This letter and all responses will be shared online (after certain elements of anonymization) via ADHD, veteran, and Virginia interest groups.
Sincerely,
ADHD Avenger, Esq.
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."
- Margaret Mead
2024.05.20 19:53 Cautious_Ad2837 Not the news i was hoping for
 | I knew this was gonna be an up hill fight, not having experience in the field. Looks like i have to go non union and get hours under me. submitted by Cautious_Ad2837 to ibew_apprentices [link] [comments] |
2024.05.20 19:48 Jealous_Shake_2175 A letter to my parents
I need some help wordsmithing, and advice from you all who have written a letter to your parents.
Dear Mom and Dad,
I hope this email finds you well. I want to share something important with you regarding my faith and our family's future.
After much thought, reflection, and discussion with [my wife], I have decided that I will no longer be attending the church. This was not an easy decision for me, as the church has been a significant part of my life and has shaped who I am today. I deeply value the experiences and lessons I have learned within our faith community.
However, over the last 3 years, I have come across a lot of troubling information about the church and now starting my own family, I have come to realize that my beliefs and values have evolved. This journey of self-discovery has led me to the conclusion that the church no longer aligns with the path I want to follow. My decision is based on a desire to live authentically, to follow Jesus in the way He taught, and to raise my kids in a way that reflects our true beliefs.
I understand this news may be difficult to hear, and I want you to know that this decision was made with careful consideration over the last several years and a very heavy heart. I deeply respect the faith and traditions you have instilled in me, and I am grateful for the love and guidance you have provided throughout my life.
Please know that this decision does not change my love and respect for you. I hope we can continue to support each other despite our differences in belief. My love for you remains unwavering, and I am hopeful that we can have open and respectful conversations about this change.
Thank you for understanding, and I look forward to discussing this further with you in person if you wish.
With love,
Your son
submitted by Jealous_Shake_2175 to exmormon [link] [comments]
Dear Mom and Dad,
I hope this email finds you well. I want to share something important with you regarding my faith and our family's future.
After much thought, reflection, and discussion with [my wife], I have decided that I will no longer be attending the church. This was not an easy decision for me, as the church has been a significant part of my life and has shaped who I am today. I deeply value the experiences and lessons I have learned within our faith community.
However, over the last 3 years, I have come across a lot of troubling information about the church and now starting my own family, I have come to realize that my beliefs and values have evolved. This journey of self-discovery has led me to the conclusion that the church no longer aligns with the path I want to follow. My decision is based on a desire to live authentically, to follow Jesus in the way He taught, and to raise my kids in a way that reflects our true beliefs.
I understand this news may be difficult to hear, and I want you to know that this decision was made with careful consideration over the last several years and a very heavy heart. I deeply respect the faith and traditions you have instilled in me, and I am grateful for the love and guidance you have provided throughout my life.
Please know that this decision does not change my love and respect for you. I hope we can continue to support each other despite our differences in belief. My love for you remains unwavering, and I am hopeful that we can have open and respectful conversations about this change.
Thank you for understanding, and I look forward to discussing this further with you in person if you wish.
With love,
Your son
2024.05.20 19:34 user38383899 Screens
I have noticed that the general public has been extremely judgmental towards parents who give their kids screens in public. I will honestly say that I avoided bringing my daughter out to restaurants for a long time because I knew the only way we could enjoy dinner was if she was watching her show. If we didn’t have a screen and she would get fussy people would judge and look. Do people think kids should not be out in public?
Anyways for us parents of autistic kiddos it’s another battle all together. There are so many parents out there who wouldn’t be able to do anything in public if it wasn’t for a screen.
My daughter has worked really hard and has made significant development so I decided it’s time to bring her out more. We took her out for a nice belated Mother’s Day brunch and as we were packing the bag. My husband was going to put the iPad and I stopped him. I didn’t want to deal with the looks. She has been super into numbers, puzzles alphabet so I brought a portable busy board and some numbered blocks she loves. It was also a buffet so she got her food right away and when she got bored and full she happily played with her toys. It wasn’t dumb luck it was strategic. I don’t know if this would have worked at a regular sit down restaurant.
Quite a few people made comments about how nice it was to see a kid with no screens and educational toys. Even the server made a comment. I politely thanked everyone but I was really upset. It confirmed my suspicions.
Her iPad helped her speak and has taught her so much. She has known her numbers letters shapes and colours since she was 1. Her “first word” was the entire alphabet. So these “educational” toys really aren’t doing that much from her as it’s her hyperfixation. Ya in public it keeps her calm but she’s under a trance. The same way an iPad would put any kid into a trance. Anyways all this is to say that we are right they’re judging us and make no considerations to special needs kiddos. I am just thinking of all the parents who NEED a screen to go out with their kids.
Also if our parents generation had iPads they would have shoved those in our faces too. We are flying this summer and idgaf she’s going to have the iPad on the flight.
submitted by user38383899 to Autism_Parenting [link] [comments]
Anyways for us parents of autistic kiddos it’s another battle all together. There are so many parents out there who wouldn’t be able to do anything in public if it wasn’t for a screen.
My daughter has worked really hard and has made significant development so I decided it’s time to bring her out more. We took her out for a nice belated Mother’s Day brunch and as we were packing the bag. My husband was going to put the iPad and I stopped him. I didn’t want to deal with the looks. She has been super into numbers, puzzles alphabet so I brought a portable busy board and some numbered blocks she loves. It was also a buffet so she got her food right away and when she got bored and full she happily played with her toys. It wasn’t dumb luck it was strategic. I don’t know if this would have worked at a regular sit down restaurant.
Quite a few people made comments about how nice it was to see a kid with no screens and educational toys. Even the server made a comment. I politely thanked everyone but I was really upset. It confirmed my suspicions.
Her iPad helped her speak and has taught her so much. She has known her numbers letters shapes and colours since she was 1. Her “first word” was the entire alphabet. So these “educational” toys really aren’t doing that much from her as it’s her hyperfixation. Ya in public it keeps her calm but she’s under a trance. The same way an iPad would put any kid into a trance. Anyways all this is to say that we are right they’re judging us and make no considerations to special needs kiddos. I am just thinking of all the parents who NEED a screen to go out with their kids.
Also if our parents generation had iPads they would have shoved those in our faces too. We are flying this summer and idgaf she’s going to have the iPad on the flight.
2024.05.20 19:08 max-mueller11 How to Learn German Fast (But Right): 10 Steps for More Effectively Studying
Any tips and tricks you come across when learning a new language are likely to be confusing at first.
However, once you've taken a few lessons, you'll probably realise how useful these suggestions can be and how to use them to improve your learning.Even with a language that is as close to English as German, learning a language can take some time.
There may be some aspects of learning the German language for beginners that are simpler than learning one of the Romance languages, but this does not imply that learning German is simple.
One way to begin improving is by observing your progress, but classes aren't exactly a natural way to learn.
You can still make progress whether or not you are learning German in a classroom by using other, more organic methods.
The following ten suggestions will assist you in beginning to feel more at ease when speaking German.
- Know What You Want from Your Studies
This might be due to a class language requirement, a trip abroad, or even just a personal interest.
Whatever your motivation is for learning German, that should be the main consideration as you approach the language.
If you are learning German for a vacation as opposed to for work or school, your approach will be very different.
- Apps Make It Easier to Study Daily
You can even switch between different language learning apps since there are so many at your disposal.
The learning process is made more enjoyable by variety, and you can track your progress using a variety of metrics. Whatever fits into your day, pay attention to lessons, diction, or vocabulary.
Enroll Now To Learn German
- Listening Is Learning
You can't even stand the way the language sounds. When this happens, listening to audiobooks, podcasts, and music can be extremely beneficial.
The ability to listen is just as crucial as the ability to speak German. Additionally, passive listening is much more comfortable than trying to speak first.
As you listen, boost your confidence so that when you start speaking with a language partner, you will be more likely to comprehend what is being said.
- Partners Make Learning More Enjoyable
Finding a language learning partner can help you get over your fear of speaking a foreign language.
This could be a native speaker, a student in your class, or someone from a community of language learners.
A language exchange partner not only makes it easier to communicate in German, but they can also help you track your development.
After a few months to a year, you will be able to have more in-depth conversations. This can help you gain confidence over time and inspire you to keep learning.
Enroll Now To Learn German
- Embrace Mistakes and Learn
However, most people skip this step because we're afraid to make mistakes.
In fact, mistakes are an excellent teaching tool. These are chances for you to learn in a way that will stick in your memory much better.
Being a little more self-conscious will help you remember the lesson you learned from the error.
- Being Uncomfortable Means You Are Learning
You might begin to experience a slight increase in comfort over time. People really stop learning at this point.
You must continually push yourself outside of your comfort zone as you learn German to avoid reaching a plateau. It's a good sign that you are leaving that zone if you feel more self-conscious.
When you begin to exude confidence, you should know that you need to exert a little more effort.
- Have Short Conversations with Yourself
You must now begin speaking to yourself consciously in a language that you do not yet know.
It's not necessary for the conversation to be drawn out or difficult. Talking about what you are doing could be all that is required.
Talk about the various ingredients' colours as you prepare a meal in the kitchen. Describe what you do to prepare for bed. To make it entertaining, turn it into a brief account of your day.
Your dog or cat can converse with you in German. It can make you feel more comfortable speaking to someone without worrying about their opinion of your German proficiency.
Enroll Now To Learn German
- Learn 100 Words as Soon as Possible
Make a list of 100 German words you want to learn; It will take you more than a few days to do it. Establish a schedule for how many words you hope to learn each week, being realistic.
Having a list of vocabulary words that you want to learn can help you gauge your progress.
Although having a vocabulary gives you a foundation for using the words you have learned, knowing vocabulary words does not imply that you have learned a language.
- Don't Be Afraid to Start from the Beginning - Use Books and TV for Kids
Kids' television shows and books adopt a more organic approach, activating synapses that were active when you first began learning English.
Finding out which words you know and which ones you don't is also much simpler. By listening to how the words are taught to children, you can pick up basic vocabulary that you will probably need in everyday conversation.
You are more likely to remember or have better recall when you hear something later if the context is simpler to understand.
Enroll Now To Learn German
- Talk to Native Speakers
Speaking with someone who is fluent in German, on the other hand, is the best way to learn the language.
You cannot learn German better than a native speaker can through a class, app, or show. Today, finding a native speaker isn't nearly as difficult, and they're typically eager to assist you in learning.
You get to assist them in learning English in return. The most effective way to learn a language and boost your confidence will be through this mutually beneficial language exchange.
Intimidating and overwhelming, learning German can be due to the sheer number of rules it contains. This advice will assist you in beginning to develop the perseverance you require.
These pointers ought to give you an edge in terms of developing self-assurance and inspiration to keep learning.
Final Thoughts
These are the most effective and simple steps you can take to improve your German language learning abilities. Similar to this, joining Max Mueller Institute can provide you with the training and knowledge you need to become a pro-German speaker.
Visit their website to learn more and to learn more . Max Mueller Institute
2024.05.20 18:55 DankUsernameBro This was in my door today…. McDonald’s follow up
 | submitted by DankUsernameBro to Denver [link] [comments] |
2024.05.20 18:21 gdr_npm Solved: Neighbour’s encroachment on our land.
Please see Previous postfor details.
Country: England
Briefly, neighbour’s shed/outbuilding encroached on our land. We didn’t notice when we bought our house. We raised with neighbour and offered to share the cost of demolishing and rebuilding. However they refused and went through adverse possession route claiming that the building had been there for more than 12 years.
First, We received a notice from the land registry stating that the neighbours have applied to take ownership of the pice of land (approx 6x2 feet) through adverse possession. I managed to find a good solicitor who specialises in dealing with adverse possession. I also had done considerable research on possible next course of actions. My solicitor had submitted strong response with photographs, google earth images (although poor quality) and informed LR that we are disputing the claim. After a bit of delay, we got a response from LR that the case will be moved to first tier tribunal and asked us if we want to proceed. My solicitor assured me that we can withdraw the case anytime during the process if the legal fees becomes prohibitive, So I decided to go ahead with tribunal appointment.
Meanwhile the neighbours put the house on the market; I sent an email and copy of the letter to EA dealing with the sale to ensure potential buyers are aware of the ongoing issue between the neighbours. Eventually it was sold to a couple.
After another long wait, we got know that the neighbours solicitor failed to respond to LR notice for tribunal and LR rejected their adverse possession application. Just for clarity, the application was still handled by previous owner’s solicitor.
Finally, my solicitor sent a letter to the new owners requesting them to remove the encroachment. To our surprise, they readily agreed and promptly removed it! Although we didn’t directly approach them because of our solicitor’s advise, they are very cooperative. We are also in very good terms now!
Although we were in good terms with previous owners, we feel that they were misled by their solicitors. While this process was stressful and costed money ( while transitioning to my dream job in a big pharma), I am relieved it’s finally resolved! I was fortunate to find a fantastic solicitor, without them it would have been difficult journey!
TLDR: neighbours tried to take ownership of piece of our land through adverse possession. We disputed the claim, LR rejected their application and the new owners removed the encroachment.
submitted by gdr_npm to LegalAdviceUK [link] [comments]
Country: England
Briefly, neighbour’s shed/outbuilding encroached on our land. We didn’t notice when we bought our house. We raised with neighbour and offered to share the cost of demolishing and rebuilding. However they refused and went through adverse possession route claiming that the building had been there for more than 12 years.
First, We received a notice from the land registry stating that the neighbours have applied to take ownership of the pice of land (approx 6x2 feet) through adverse possession. I managed to find a good solicitor who specialises in dealing with adverse possession. I also had done considerable research on possible next course of actions. My solicitor had submitted strong response with photographs, google earth images (although poor quality) and informed LR that we are disputing the claim. After a bit of delay, we got a response from LR that the case will be moved to first tier tribunal and asked us if we want to proceed. My solicitor assured me that we can withdraw the case anytime during the process if the legal fees becomes prohibitive, So I decided to go ahead with tribunal appointment.
Meanwhile the neighbours put the house on the market; I sent an email and copy of the letter to EA dealing with the sale to ensure potential buyers are aware of the ongoing issue between the neighbours. Eventually it was sold to a couple.
After another long wait, we got know that the neighbours solicitor failed to respond to LR notice for tribunal and LR rejected their adverse possession application. Just for clarity, the application was still handled by previous owner’s solicitor.
Finally, my solicitor sent a letter to the new owners requesting them to remove the encroachment. To our surprise, they readily agreed and promptly removed it! Although we didn’t directly approach them because of our solicitor’s advise, they are very cooperative. We are also in very good terms now!
Although we were in good terms with previous owners, we feel that they were misled by their solicitors. While this process was stressful and costed money ( while transitioning to my dream job in a big pharma), I am relieved it’s finally resolved! I was fortunate to find a fantastic solicitor, without them it would have been difficult journey!
TLDR: neighbours tried to take ownership of piece of our land through adverse possession. We disputed the claim, LR rejected their application and the new owners removed the encroachment.
2024.05.20 17:53 squirrelspeak Should I let an animal account repost my video?
 | Hello all! I’m just starting out on social media with a rehabilitated animal, and a few other accounts have taken interest in reposting him. He has 1.5k followers on YouTube, 300 on TikTok and Instagram. submitted by squirrelspeak to socialmedia [link] [comments] I attached a letter of one letter of consent from a cute animal video account that wants to repost him. Another guy wanted me to just send the video in full quality to repost without any letter. Is this common practice and I should be ok with it? There’s no money involved, just the possibility of increasing my reach. Also should I be worried about people watching my videos on these larger accounts instead of on my original account? Thanks in advance! |
2024.05.20 17:38 Annual_Bonus_1833 Congressional Inquiry?
I am in consideration with a three letter agency and have been waiting for now over 13 months. I did poly and fingerprints in the beginning of my process but now it’s been radio silence since then. I reached out to both of my POICs and nothing. I usually get automated emails from HR every month or so just to know I was in consideration.
Update: My POIC just recently emailed me back saying that I am still in investigation process and there was no new updates. Is it worth me writing a congressional inquiry to see if where in the process I was exactly or just be patient and wait still?
submitted by Annual_Bonus_1833 to SecurityClearance [link] [comments]
Update: My POIC just recently emailed me back saying that I am still in investigation process and there was no new updates. Is it worth me writing a congressional inquiry to see if where in the process I was exactly or just be patient and wait still?
2024.05.20 17:10 icallshogun Bridgebuilder - Chapter 89
Disruption
First Prev
There was a moment where Alex thought it might be prudent to reach over and grab Carbon’s jacket, just kinda ground her a little bit given what she’d done to the Royal Guard the other day. But the soldier had specifically told them to move away from him, so that might look like trying to take a hostage and he knew fuck all about this guy’s intentions.
He could say for certain he didn’t particularly enjoy looking down the barrel of a gun, though.
The only upshot so far? This guy, and the whole crew behind him, were composed. The translator was good at managing the nuance of voices and while he was loud, he wasn’t angry. He wasn’t nervous. He was doing his job. Presumably that job was protecting the ship.
From Alex. For reasons that were not obvious to anyone else in the room.
“Sergeant. I assume you believe you have reason to point that rifle at the Prince, but I would like it if you did not.” Carbon switched to Tsla, and she dropped right out of that friendly tone she’d just had, the pleasant demeanor she had carried discarded in favor of an unspoken preparation for violence. Her voice carried that as a promise, hard and low.
To his credit as a professional, the Sergeant didn’t react. He stood his ground, one eye hidden behind the sensor cluster of his rifle’s scope, the other still trained on Alex. “Princess, step away from him. He has attempted to compromise this ship.”
“Fu-” While Alex was emboldened to speak his mind by Carbon’s reaction, cussing the guy out first thing was probably not the best idea. He still refrained from making any sort of movement, as well. He had no idea how he could have compromised the ship sitting around talking about heraldry. “I haven’t done that.”
“He would not.” Carbon swiveled her chair to fully face the Sergeant, the systems on her clothing coming back online with a soft hum before racks of shield emitters that dotted her protective gear popped back to life. “Stand down now or I will make you.”
That got his attention, eyes darting to Carbon and back to Alex even though his firearm never wavered. He seemed to be taking Carbon’s words into consideration, at least, even if he did look unsure of himself now. He swallowed, ears flattening as he gripped the rifle tighter.
“I’d do what she says, just as some friendly advice.” He tried to act nonchalant despite his voice rising as fear crept up his spine. He didn’t enjoy the idea of getting shot, even if he was sure that he could get it fixed up if it was just a round or two in the chest. More time in the mediboard was not on his list of stuff to do. Alex cleared his throat gently, placing his hands on the table before he continued, hoping to set the Sergeant at ease. “Not big a deal anyway, I’m staying in this chair until I find out what’s going on.”
It didn’t seem to help, at first. He was clearly conflicted but his body stayed tense, gray eyes intent on Alex. He lowered the barrel slowly, the weapon still pointed in Alex’s direction but no longer covering him. The rest of his team followed suit.
“Thank you, Sergeant. Explain why you are here.” Carbon had dialed the venom back but her words were still sharp, commanding.
“Lady Sorenson, Communications alerted us to an unexpected transmission from this compartment’s intranet link.” He continued to eye Alex, still ready for action even if he wasn’t set to gun him down immediately.
Alex kept his hands on the table, turning just his head to look at the Sergeant. “And how does that implicate me?”
“Approximately fifteen minutes ago, an unregistered computer accessed the Human Solanet connection and began transmitting an encrypted datastream. All secured non-Tslao equipment has been checked to prevent espionage. You are in possession of the only unsecured Human electronics on the ship.”
“Okay, you know what. That is pretty good.” Alex nodded in agreement. Fifteen minutes ago was about when they arrived in the area, so potentially anything he had on him could have accessed the network. There was one little issue, though. “But. I can’t send any information. The only Human technology I have with me is my translator and implants, and neither of those have the modems to connect to networks like the Solanet. What’s more, no one in their right mind is going to let their brain implants touch the internet.”
Carbon gave a little nod in agreement.
The Sergeant was not so easily swayed. “There is no other place for it to have originated from.”
“I’m just saying, if I wanted to send data, I’d just send it via the milnet. I wouldn’t even have to roll out of bed.” He was getting a little more animated as he worked up his defense. “I had no hand in making this appointment, and I’m supposed to be the one using it as an excuse to ‘compromise’ the ship? Besides, if I had known there was a live Solanet connection, I would be up here daily.”
“The prince speaks the truth. I have seen him and he has no interest in deceit.”
The Sergeant shook his head, obstinate, which was probably a good trait in his line of work. “This is the only compartment with an open link to the Human public Solanet right now. All others are limited to their milnet. Communications stated that the stream originated from an unnamed device, not the workstation that had been issued here.”
That gave Alex something to chew over. Admittedly, it sounded like it locked him in pretty tight, even if he didn’t have the equipment, or inclination to do anything like that. He did have some lived experience that would prove his intentions out, though. “We can settle this right now. I’ll show you what I’ve been doing for the last fifteen minutes. The whole damn morning, if it makes you feel better. Come on, get those things out.” He gestured at the Sergeant’s antenna, currently resting in an interface on the back of his combat shirt.
He looked from Alex to Carbon, even glanced over at Lyshen for half a second. “You can do that?”
“Yeah.” Alex closed his eyes and exhaled a very annoyed sigh. “Yeah I can. I don’t have the antenna, but it still works. It’s a brain layout thing. You know how it works for babies or people who are unconscious?”
“I do.” He contemplated what Alex was saying before shaking his head. “It does not matter. I am not here to determine your innocence. I am here to take you into custody and move into an area where you cannot continue to transmit data.”
“Really. I’m telling you, I’m not transmitting any data. I have no way to do that.” So just fuck off. He didn’t say that part, but it was there. He wasn’t here to compromise the ship, whatever that meant exactly. He wouldn’t spy on anyone! Not on purpose, anyway. He didn’t even like the way just thinking about it made him feel...
But he worked for people who would gladly do so without issue. That was their entire reason for existing! It wasn’t the Civilian Pilot Program on the paperwork to get his Amp replaced, it was the Office of Naval Intelligence. It was the ONI that provided the Internal Translator with a custom language package. Who likely had fingerprints all over every part of his substantial list of wetware, which had been exhibiting unexpected behaviors since he got them. “Oh, fuck!”
“What? What is wrong?” Carbon jerked back around towards him, startled by his sudden burst of profanity.
“I'm fine, I just think he’s right.” Alex looked up at the Sergeant, the easy tone he’d been affecting so far gone, replaced by sudden intensity. “They cut the transmission?”
His eyes had widened slightly, the rifle back up at Alex’s chest. “Yes, it was stopped automatically.”
Lyshen’s Solanet link hadn’t gone down, it had been shut off by Communications.
“Good. Could you put that fucking thing down? You’re about to get what you came here for, so chill.” He slipped his external translator off his shoulder and started picking at the latch on the back with his fingernails as he turned to Carbon. “Could you call Eleya? I don’t have her number.”
Carbon had Eleya dialed in less than a minute.
Alex plucked the battery out of the back of the translator and dumped all the parts onto Lyshen’s desk. The lights on the device going dark after a few seconds, his Amp complaining as it lost the connection. He took the phone from Carbon. Remarkably, it worked just like a Human phone did. You just press it to your head and talk.
When the Empress picked up she sounded pleasant again, familial warmth cranked all the way to eleven. “Hello, my dearest niece. I am-”
“Hey, it’s me.” Even with the soldier’s rifles lowered again, each second waiting for Eleya had been an eternity. His suspicion about the transmission was making every moment stretch out, even though it would likely take some time to find out one way or another. “You remember that time I almost got killed?”
“Yes.” The charm had gone away, though she remained civil.
“I know you had some research done while I was out.” He assumed as much. They had the opportunity, it stood to reason they would take it particularly after what they had found out yesterday. Was that bad? Maybe. Did he care? Not right now. ”Did you do anything with my Amp?”
There were a few heartbeats of silence on the call. “Are you in a secure location?”
“Yeah.” Alex looked from Carbon to the Sergeant and over to Lyshen. “Of course.”
“All of your on-board technology was studied.” Eleya was clearly reluctant to say even that.
“Super. I need someone who’s gotten familiar with it to take a look at mine. There may be something wrong with it. Security and privacy problems, for you and me respectively. Big ones.”
Another hesitation. “Come to aft research lab six. I will meet you there and we will discuss these problems further.”
“Aft research lab six. See you there.” Alex tapped the button to end the call, which he seemed to have gotten correct. He handed the communicator back to Carbon. “I’m going to need you to translate for a bit.”
“Of course.” It sounded more like a question, but she nodded in agreement as the black rectangle disappeared back into her jacket. “What is in the research lab?”
“Something related to my Amp.” He assumed, anyway.
“Ah. I see.” Carbon seemed to be putting things together with him.
“Alright, this is going to look weird so everybody just chill. Don’t. Fucking. Shoot. Me.” That last bit was aimed squarely at the Sergeant. Alex reached up and began tapping his face in a particular series of locations. Left temple, right temple, nose, left temple again, left cheek... He ran down this physical cheat code and ended it by tapping his chin three times. All his machine interfaces shut off. “Okay. Somebody say something.”
Carbon was first to react. “What was that?”
She said it in English.
“I meant in Tsla.” He paused, a stressed laugh escaping him. That had been a little funny. “Deep brain interfaces have hardcoded shutdown sequences that sit in the body interface layer - also hardcoded - so it can’t be intercepted, or otherwise bypassed. Y’know, in case of runaway processes, lock-in, spyware your government installed. That sorta stuff.”
She rattled off something in Tsla that sounded a wee bit accusatory. He caught a ‘you’ in there, but that was it.
“Ok, it appears to be off. All the electronics I received from the ONI are currently off.” Alex stated that loudly, this whole endeavor suddenly feeling much more martial. He shrugged off his jacket, piling the translator and its battery into it and then wrapping it up into a tight bundle, which he stuck under his arm. Good thing he opted for the plain t-shirt today. “Sergeant, per the instructions of the Empress, please escort me to aft research lab six.”
It was weird to walk in such a large group and not have anyone talking. Seven people there, following Carbon as she actually knew where the lab was without having to consult a map. Everyone just walking. The single-note step of a Tsla’o footfalls was even more noticeable when that was the only sound, Alex’s heel-toe stride an outlier.
Ship security had their own maglev lines, running above the main line. There were multiple tracks, with smaller, windowless, cars. Everyone filed in, and they departed for the other end of the Sword of the Morning Light.
For the first time in quite a long while, he didn’t feel like chatting with Carbon about whatever was on his mind as soon as his butt was in a seat. Alex did reach over to her and pat her knee, smiling when she turned to look. She returned it, faintly, though the thin smile disappeared when the Sergeant looked over at them.
Since they were going to be looking at them, Alex turned his attention to their escort. Two gray, two red, one blue. Wearing the gray camo uniform that Amalu had worn, but none of them were wearing body armor, or even carrying much extra equipment aside from what fit on a belt.
The Sergeant had the most detailed rank marker, despite being ‘just’ a Sergeant, and was the only one carrying a rifle. The next down was a red-furred female that reminded him of Zenshen, but clearly wasn’t. Older, more muscular. About half as much detail on her rank, and sporting what looked like a snub-nosed SMG.
The remaining three were probably the Tsla’o equivalent of Privates. One of them had a single line carved in his plate, and looked almost as young as Haraya. All of them were packing some sort of sidearm, all stowed in holsters now. Alex did recognize the Tsla’o symbol for ‘electricty’ on the neon pink magazines on the belt of the closest soldier, clearly different from the plain black mags the two real guns had. Obvious visible differences for nonlethal weapons, if that convention held between their races. It was nice to see they hadn’t all come ready to kill. If the stun baton was anything to go by, those pistols would still hurt like hell.
The car dinged its arrival, the sound more business than the friendly notes that the regular maglev played, and they exited. Two stops from the furthest aft, and Carbon gestured for them to follow to the nearby lifts.
The ride had not done anything to ease the obvious anger that was simmering just below the surface. Alex assumed he was the only one picking that up because he’d come to know her well - her face was placid as they piled into the elevator, with the exception of a brow crease that he hadn’t seen since the early months of the Kshlav’o expedition.
They went all the way up to deck twenty.
While Alex was fully comfortable with Carbon’s navigation of the ship, the Sergeant and Not-Zenshen were discussing something quietly behind him, both of them looking at a map on his communicators when he stole a glance back. Neither of them sounded worried, but the Sergeant’s tones were much more relaxed as he traced a finger along the screen. Trust but verify, apparently.
There was a particular scent in the air as they approached a massive white blast door. Ozone, and a hint of something else hidden under it. Something bitter. Large block letters in Tsla marking the door as leading to... whatever was in there. Alex still couldn’t read enough of their language to decipher it, but he did recognize the symbol for ‘6’ at the end of one line.
Carbon leaned into the access panel and it scanned her - not the usual blip of a retinal scan, either. This took seconds, lasers sweeping across her face. Down and then back up, left to right, right to left. It beeped an affirmative and the heavy doors began to retract, the better part of a meter thick.
Beyond it was a large, brightly lit social area. Benches, plants, doorways and corridors running off to who knows where. There were even a few Tsla’o sitting at tables in the back trying to eat with the Empress standing right there.
Eleya had made good on her word. The Tsal’o Empress was waiting for them on the other side of the doors, arms crossed over her chest. Clearly annoyed, and flanked by the indistinct forms of her Guard. The most curious thing about her today was the shift in clothing. Her usual formal jacket replaced with a black version of the shirt the soldiers behind him were wearing, but buttoned to the top and bereft of any adornment. She wasn’t even wearing her piercings.
“Hey, my favorite aunt!” He lied, tossing his arms out and pulling her into a hug. Alex was careful about this, putting Eleya’s head between him and Carbon and lowering his voice to the faintest whisper. “She’s already mad. Best behavior.”
He released her before the guard did anything about that, which... Alex couldn’t tell if that was a training issue, or if he was on the OK to hug the Empress list. Perhaps the shakeup that Eleya had spoken about the night before was already underway.
Eleya said something to him, unaware he did not have his translator on. She didn’t spill the beans about what he’d said, as near as he could tell, a brief glance she shot him while smoothing her shirt out did make it clear she caught it. The Empress turned her attention to the Sergeant and rattled off something that sounded very official, ending her statement with a short bow.
The entire crew that had brought them there bowed back, deeply, and turned to leave. There was another Royal Guard on the door controls on this side, the blast doors sliding closed as soon as they had crossed back into the hallway.
Eleya turned back to Alex, and started talking.
He held up a hand. “Hang on. All my hardware is off.”
“He is not getting a translation right now.” Carbon added.
Eleya’s eyes widened at hearing a version of Carbon through her translator. They started conversing, going back and forth until Carbon looked over at him. “Explain what’s happening.”
“Short of it is that your Comms team caught something on my person attempting to send data using the public network. I left my Human-made phone in our cabin, and all of my wetware shouldn’t be able to access it anyway. My going theory is one of my implants was modified to secretly record and then send that data out, but only on public networks where something like that would go unnoticed, to maintain deniability. I'll bet you anything that the Human computer in Lyshen's office has a mesh node, and that's where it gained access.” All of that came spilling out a little faster than he liked, but it was good to get it out. The idea that the ONI would use him as a tool to spy on them, well, in retrospect it really did fit. The assertion he wouldn’t actually be spying. No tradecraft. So much easier to load him up with technology and let him bumble his way through whatever might happen, soaking up who knows what in the process. And when he inevitably came back to a Confed station, or went back to Earth, it would dump it right into their lap. “I’m really hoping you’ve started developing a way to drive a keyed PIN, because that’s the only way we’re going to be able to check it.”
Eleya spoke, gesturing up a flight of stairs.
“She says we will speak with the head researcher.” Carbon was still terse, but it wasn’t directed at Eleya for once. They both had their attention drawn to a problem that needed fixing.
“Alright.” Alex breathed in deep and heaved a heavy sigh. The bitter scent in the air was a little more clear now. Something he definitely recognized, a familiar taste on his tongue. “Ok, just a little aside here... Who's making coffee?”
First Prev
*****
This guy and his priorities, I swear.
Art pile: Carbon reference sheet. Art by Tyo_Dem
submitted by icallshogun to HFY [link] [comments]
First Prev
There was a moment where Alex thought it might be prudent to reach over and grab Carbon’s jacket, just kinda ground her a little bit given what she’d done to the Royal Guard the other day. But the soldier had specifically told them to move away from him, so that might look like trying to take a hostage and he knew fuck all about this guy’s intentions.
He could say for certain he didn’t particularly enjoy looking down the barrel of a gun, though.
The only upshot so far? This guy, and the whole crew behind him, were composed. The translator was good at managing the nuance of voices and while he was loud, he wasn’t angry. He wasn’t nervous. He was doing his job. Presumably that job was protecting the ship.
From Alex. For reasons that were not obvious to anyone else in the room.
“Sergeant. I assume you believe you have reason to point that rifle at the Prince, but I would like it if you did not.” Carbon switched to Tsla, and she dropped right out of that friendly tone she’d just had, the pleasant demeanor she had carried discarded in favor of an unspoken preparation for violence. Her voice carried that as a promise, hard and low.
To his credit as a professional, the Sergeant didn’t react. He stood his ground, one eye hidden behind the sensor cluster of his rifle’s scope, the other still trained on Alex. “Princess, step away from him. He has attempted to compromise this ship.”
“Fu-” While Alex was emboldened to speak his mind by Carbon’s reaction, cussing the guy out first thing was probably not the best idea. He still refrained from making any sort of movement, as well. He had no idea how he could have compromised the ship sitting around talking about heraldry. “I haven’t done that.”
“He would not.” Carbon swiveled her chair to fully face the Sergeant, the systems on her clothing coming back online with a soft hum before racks of shield emitters that dotted her protective gear popped back to life. “Stand down now or I will make you.”
That got his attention, eyes darting to Carbon and back to Alex even though his firearm never wavered. He seemed to be taking Carbon’s words into consideration, at least, even if he did look unsure of himself now. He swallowed, ears flattening as he gripped the rifle tighter.
“I’d do what she says, just as some friendly advice.” He tried to act nonchalant despite his voice rising as fear crept up his spine. He didn’t enjoy the idea of getting shot, even if he was sure that he could get it fixed up if it was just a round or two in the chest. More time in the mediboard was not on his list of stuff to do. Alex cleared his throat gently, placing his hands on the table before he continued, hoping to set the Sergeant at ease. “Not big a deal anyway, I’m staying in this chair until I find out what’s going on.”
It didn’t seem to help, at first. He was clearly conflicted but his body stayed tense, gray eyes intent on Alex. He lowered the barrel slowly, the weapon still pointed in Alex’s direction but no longer covering him. The rest of his team followed suit.
“Thank you, Sergeant. Explain why you are here.” Carbon had dialed the venom back but her words were still sharp, commanding.
“Lady Sorenson, Communications alerted us to an unexpected transmission from this compartment’s intranet link.” He continued to eye Alex, still ready for action even if he wasn’t set to gun him down immediately.
Alex kept his hands on the table, turning just his head to look at the Sergeant. “And how does that implicate me?”
“Approximately fifteen minutes ago, an unregistered computer accessed the Human Solanet connection and began transmitting an encrypted datastream. All secured non-Tslao equipment has been checked to prevent espionage. You are in possession of the only unsecured Human electronics on the ship.”
“Okay, you know what. That is pretty good.” Alex nodded in agreement. Fifteen minutes ago was about when they arrived in the area, so potentially anything he had on him could have accessed the network. There was one little issue, though. “But. I can’t send any information. The only Human technology I have with me is my translator and implants, and neither of those have the modems to connect to networks like the Solanet. What’s more, no one in their right mind is going to let their brain implants touch the internet.”
Carbon gave a little nod in agreement.
The Sergeant was not so easily swayed. “There is no other place for it to have originated from.”
“I’m just saying, if I wanted to send data, I’d just send it via the milnet. I wouldn’t even have to roll out of bed.” He was getting a little more animated as he worked up his defense. “I had no hand in making this appointment, and I’m supposed to be the one using it as an excuse to ‘compromise’ the ship? Besides, if I had known there was a live Solanet connection, I would be up here daily.”
“The prince speaks the truth. I have seen him and he has no interest in deceit.”
The Sergeant shook his head, obstinate, which was probably a good trait in his line of work. “This is the only compartment with an open link to the Human public Solanet right now. All others are limited to their milnet. Communications stated that the stream originated from an unnamed device, not the workstation that had been issued here.”
That gave Alex something to chew over. Admittedly, it sounded like it locked him in pretty tight, even if he didn’t have the equipment, or inclination to do anything like that. He did have some lived experience that would prove his intentions out, though. “We can settle this right now. I’ll show you what I’ve been doing for the last fifteen minutes. The whole damn morning, if it makes you feel better. Come on, get those things out.” He gestured at the Sergeant’s antenna, currently resting in an interface on the back of his combat shirt.
He looked from Alex to Carbon, even glanced over at Lyshen for half a second. “You can do that?”
“Yeah.” Alex closed his eyes and exhaled a very annoyed sigh. “Yeah I can. I don’t have the antenna, but it still works. It’s a brain layout thing. You know how it works for babies or people who are unconscious?”
“I do.” He contemplated what Alex was saying before shaking his head. “It does not matter. I am not here to determine your innocence. I am here to take you into custody and move into an area where you cannot continue to transmit data.”
“Really. I’m telling you, I’m not transmitting any data. I have no way to do that.” So just fuck off. He didn’t say that part, but it was there. He wasn’t here to compromise the ship, whatever that meant exactly. He wouldn’t spy on anyone! Not on purpose, anyway. He didn’t even like the way just thinking about it made him feel...
But he worked for people who would gladly do so without issue. That was their entire reason for existing! It wasn’t the Civilian Pilot Program on the paperwork to get his Amp replaced, it was the Office of Naval Intelligence. It was the ONI that provided the Internal Translator with a custom language package. Who likely had fingerprints all over every part of his substantial list of wetware, which had been exhibiting unexpected behaviors since he got them. “Oh, fuck!”
“What? What is wrong?” Carbon jerked back around towards him, startled by his sudden burst of profanity.
“I'm fine, I just think he’s right.” Alex looked up at the Sergeant, the easy tone he’d been affecting so far gone, replaced by sudden intensity. “They cut the transmission?”
His eyes had widened slightly, the rifle back up at Alex’s chest. “Yes, it was stopped automatically.”
Lyshen’s Solanet link hadn’t gone down, it had been shut off by Communications.
“Good. Could you put that fucking thing down? You’re about to get what you came here for, so chill.” He slipped his external translator off his shoulder and started picking at the latch on the back with his fingernails as he turned to Carbon. “Could you call Eleya? I don’t have her number.”
Carbon had Eleya dialed in less than a minute.
Alex plucked the battery out of the back of the translator and dumped all the parts onto Lyshen’s desk. The lights on the device going dark after a few seconds, his Amp complaining as it lost the connection. He took the phone from Carbon. Remarkably, it worked just like a Human phone did. You just press it to your head and talk.
When the Empress picked up she sounded pleasant again, familial warmth cranked all the way to eleven. “Hello, my dearest niece. I am-”
“Hey, it’s me.” Even with the soldier’s rifles lowered again, each second waiting for Eleya had been an eternity. His suspicion about the transmission was making every moment stretch out, even though it would likely take some time to find out one way or another. “You remember that time I almost got killed?”
“Yes.” The charm had gone away, though she remained civil.
“I know you had some research done while I was out.” He assumed as much. They had the opportunity, it stood to reason they would take it particularly after what they had found out yesterday. Was that bad? Maybe. Did he care? Not right now. ”Did you do anything with my Amp?”
There were a few heartbeats of silence on the call. “Are you in a secure location?”
“Yeah.” Alex looked from Carbon to the Sergeant and over to Lyshen. “Of course.”
“All of your on-board technology was studied.” Eleya was clearly reluctant to say even that.
“Super. I need someone who’s gotten familiar with it to take a look at mine. There may be something wrong with it. Security and privacy problems, for you and me respectively. Big ones.”
Another hesitation. “Come to aft research lab six. I will meet you there and we will discuss these problems further.”
“Aft research lab six. See you there.” Alex tapped the button to end the call, which he seemed to have gotten correct. He handed the communicator back to Carbon. “I’m going to need you to translate for a bit.”
“Of course.” It sounded more like a question, but she nodded in agreement as the black rectangle disappeared back into her jacket. “What is in the research lab?”
“Something related to my Amp.” He assumed, anyway.
“Ah. I see.” Carbon seemed to be putting things together with him.
“Alright, this is going to look weird so everybody just chill. Don’t. Fucking. Shoot. Me.” That last bit was aimed squarely at the Sergeant. Alex reached up and began tapping his face in a particular series of locations. Left temple, right temple, nose, left temple again, left cheek... He ran down this physical cheat code and ended it by tapping his chin three times. All his machine interfaces shut off. “Okay. Somebody say something.”
Carbon was first to react. “What was that?”
She said it in English.
“I meant in Tsla.” He paused, a stressed laugh escaping him. That had been a little funny. “Deep brain interfaces have hardcoded shutdown sequences that sit in the body interface layer - also hardcoded - so it can’t be intercepted, or otherwise bypassed. Y’know, in case of runaway processes, lock-in, spyware your government installed. That sorta stuff.”
She rattled off something in Tsla that sounded a wee bit accusatory. He caught a ‘you’ in there, but that was it.
“Ok, it appears to be off. All the electronics I received from the ONI are currently off.” Alex stated that loudly, this whole endeavor suddenly feeling much more martial. He shrugged off his jacket, piling the translator and its battery into it and then wrapping it up into a tight bundle, which he stuck under his arm. Good thing he opted for the plain t-shirt today. “Sergeant, per the instructions of the Empress, please escort me to aft research lab six.”
It was weird to walk in such a large group and not have anyone talking. Seven people there, following Carbon as she actually knew where the lab was without having to consult a map. Everyone just walking. The single-note step of a Tsla’o footfalls was even more noticeable when that was the only sound, Alex’s heel-toe stride an outlier.
Ship security had their own maglev lines, running above the main line. There were multiple tracks, with smaller, windowless, cars. Everyone filed in, and they departed for the other end of the Sword of the Morning Light.
For the first time in quite a long while, he didn’t feel like chatting with Carbon about whatever was on his mind as soon as his butt was in a seat. Alex did reach over to her and pat her knee, smiling when she turned to look. She returned it, faintly, though the thin smile disappeared when the Sergeant looked over at them.
Since they were going to be looking at them, Alex turned his attention to their escort. Two gray, two red, one blue. Wearing the gray camo uniform that Amalu had worn, but none of them were wearing body armor, or even carrying much extra equipment aside from what fit on a belt.
The Sergeant had the most detailed rank marker, despite being ‘just’ a Sergeant, and was the only one carrying a rifle. The next down was a red-furred female that reminded him of Zenshen, but clearly wasn’t. Older, more muscular. About half as much detail on her rank, and sporting what looked like a snub-nosed SMG.
The remaining three were probably the Tsla’o equivalent of Privates. One of them had a single line carved in his plate, and looked almost as young as Haraya. All of them were packing some sort of sidearm, all stowed in holsters now. Alex did recognize the Tsla’o symbol for ‘electricty’ on the neon pink magazines on the belt of the closest soldier, clearly different from the plain black mags the two real guns had. Obvious visible differences for nonlethal weapons, if that convention held between their races. It was nice to see they hadn’t all come ready to kill. If the stun baton was anything to go by, those pistols would still hurt like hell.
The car dinged its arrival, the sound more business than the friendly notes that the regular maglev played, and they exited. Two stops from the furthest aft, and Carbon gestured for them to follow to the nearby lifts.
The ride had not done anything to ease the obvious anger that was simmering just below the surface. Alex assumed he was the only one picking that up because he’d come to know her well - her face was placid as they piled into the elevator, with the exception of a brow crease that he hadn’t seen since the early months of the Kshlav’o expedition.
They went all the way up to deck twenty.
While Alex was fully comfortable with Carbon’s navigation of the ship, the Sergeant and Not-Zenshen were discussing something quietly behind him, both of them looking at a map on his communicators when he stole a glance back. Neither of them sounded worried, but the Sergeant’s tones were much more relaxed as he traced a finger along the screen. Trust but verify, apparently.
There was a particular scent in the air as they approached a massive white blast door. Ozone, and a hint of something else hidden under it. Something bitter. Large block letters in Tsla marking the door as leading to... whatever was in there. Alex still couldn’t read enough of their language to decipher it, but he did recognize the symbol for ‘6’ at the end of one line.
Carbon leaned into the access panel and it scanned her - not the usual blip of a retinal scan, either. This took seconds, lasers sweeping across her face. Down and then back up, left to right, right to left. It beeped an affirmative and the heavy doors began to retract, the better part of a meter thick.
Beyond it was a large, brightly lit social area. Benches, plants, doorways and corridors running off to who knows where. There were even a few Tsla’o sitting at tables in the back trying to eat with the Empress standing right there.
Eleya had made good on her word. The Tsal’o Empress was waiting for them on the other side of the doors, arms crossed over her chest. Clearly annoyed, and flanked by the indistinct forms of her Guard. The most curious thing about her today was the shift in clothing. Her usual formal jacket replaced with a black version of the shirt the soldiers behind him were wearing, but buttoned to the top and bereft of any adornment. She wasn’t even wearing her piercings.
“Hey, my favorite aunt!” He lied, tossing his arms out and pulling her into a hug. Alex was careful about this, putting Eleya’s head between him and Carbon and lowering his voice to the faintest whisper. “She’s already mad. Best behavior.”
He released her before the guard did anything about that, which... Alex couldn’t tell if that was a training issue, or if he was on the OK to hug the Empress list. Perhaps the shakeup that Eleya had spoken about the night before was already underway.
Eleya said something to him, unaware he did not have his translator on. She didn’t spill the beans about what he’d said, as near as he could tell, a brief glance she shot him while smoothing her shirt out did make it clear she caught it. The Empress turned her attention to the Sergeant and rattled off something that sounded very official, ending her statement with a short bow.
The entire crew that had brought them there bowed back, deeply, and turned to leave. There was another Royal Guard on the door controls on this side, the blast doors sliding closed as soon as they had crossed back into the hallway.
Eleya turned back to Alex, and started talking.
He held up a hand. “Hang on. All my hardware is off.”
“He is not getting a translation right now.” Carbon added.
Eleya’s eyes widened at hearing a version of Carbon through her translator. They started conversing, going back and forth until Carbon looked over at him. “Explain what’s happening.”
“Short of it is that your Comms team caught something on my person attempting to send data using the public network. I left my Human-made phone in our cabin, and all of my wetware shouldn’t be able to access it anyway. My going theory is one of my implants was modified to secretly record and then send that data out, but only on public networks where something like that would go unnoticed, to maintain deniability. I'll bet you anything that the Human computer in Lyshen's office has a mesh node, and that's where it gained access.” All of that came spilling out a little faster than he liked, but it was good to get it out. The idea that the ONI would use him as a tool to spy on them, well, in retrospect it really did fit. The assertion he wouldn’t actually be spying. No tradecraft. So much easier to load him up with technology and let him bumble his way through whatever might happen, soaking up who knows what in the process. And when he inevitably came back to a Confed station, or went back to Earth, it would dump it right into their lap. “I’m really hoping you’ve started developing a way to drive a keyed PIN, because that’s the only way we’re going to be able to check it.”
Eleya spoke, gesturing up a flight of stairs.
“She says we will speak with the head researcher.” Carbon was still terse, but it wasn’t directed at Eleya for once. They both had their attention drawn to a problem that needed fixing.
“Alright.” Alex breathed in deep and heaved a heavy sigh. The bitter scent in the air was a little more clear now. Something he definitely recognized, a familiar taste on his tongue. “Ok, just a little aside here... Who's making coffee?”
First Prev
*****
This guy and his priorities, I swear.
Art pile: Carbon reference sheet. Art by Tyo_Dem
2024.05.20 17:00 Mel0diousFunk REMINDER TO CALL YOUR STATE SENATORS OFFICE TODAY PLEASE
Every week we are calling our state senators offices and ask to speak with them or their Director of Constituent Services and ask what is being done to address and most importantly RESOLVE this serious situation.
Particularly with phone calls, quantity is critical. Leaders pay attention to an issue when they believe that many people care about that issue.
Here a phone call guide on how to handle this phone call for the first time you call and then below this is an example of a follow up call
Ask to speak with state senator and if you cannot get them, leave a voicemail with this message below
And then ask to speak with the Director of Constituent Services or ask simply who can you speak with to leave a message with your concerns.
Hello [Senator's Name],
My name is [Your Name], and I am a constituent from [Your City, State]. I am reaching out to you today to discuss an urgent time sensitive matter of dire importance to me and many others in our community and our country.
The DEA's recent and consistent cuts to opiates have had a significant and harmful life altering impact on chronically ill and disabled chronic pain patients like myself. Despite the DEA's claims to prioritize patient safety and access to medications, we are unable to fill our legitimate prescriptions each month and as a result we are now unable to maintain a decent quality of life.
The DEA's focus on reducing access to prescription opioids is misguided, as statistics indicate that legitimate chronic pain patients are not the primary cause of the overdose crisis. Instead, it is the illicit and street drugs that pose the real threat to public health. The DEA claims to protect chronic pain patients, yet the reality is that their actions are exacerbating an already extremely dire situation. The false narrative surrounding the opioid epidemic is causing undue hardship and, in some cases, jeopardizing lives. Compounding this issue, our doctors are struggling to find pharmacies that are able to fill legitimately required and much needed prescriptions. The impact on doctors, nurses, physician assistants, pharmacies and distributors is severe, making it increasingly difficult for patients to obtain essential medications for managing chronic pain.
I kindly request your assistance in reaching out to the DEA and advocating for a more balanced approach that considers the needs of chronic pain patients while addressing the issues related to illicit drugs. It is crucial that we work together to ensure that the DEA's policies do not further harm those who rely on these medications for their well-being.
Thank you for your attention to this matter, and I would greatly appreciate any support or guidance you can provide.
Here is another example
Introduction: Hello [Senator's Name or their Director of Constituent Services],
I hope you're doing well. My name is [Your Name], and I'm a constituent from [Your City/Town]. I'm reaching out today because I'm facing a critical issue that requires urgent attention.
Explanation of the Issue:
On January 3rd of this year the DEA has implemented even more significant cuts to chronic pain medications, and it's affecting individuals like me who are legitimate patients that require these medications to manage our severe chronic pain. Part of the issue is that pharmacies are struggling to order and stock these essential medications. As a result, my medical care is being greatly impacted and my doctor is finding it challenging to treat my chronic pain adequately.
Request for Assistance:
I and so many other chronically ill and disabled chronic pain citizens are in dire need of your attention to this situation and your help in getting this extremely dire situation resolve by brining it to the federal level to the DEA. So please understand that I am reaching out because I know that with your support we can make a difference in making necessary changes to stop this discrimination against chronically ill and disabled patients that require chronic pain management medication. I kindly ask for your assistance in addressing this matter to ensure that individuals like myself can continue to access the vital medication we need for our health so that we can return to having our quality of life.
Another example phone call dialog guide is below
How to address the Director of Constituent Services
Introduction: Hello [Director of Constituent Services],
My name is [Your Name], a concerned constituent seeking your assistance on a critical matter. As the Director of Constituent Services, I believe your involvement could make a significant difference in addressing an extremely dire situation that is greatly affecting many individuals, including myself.
Explanation of the Issue: I'm reaching out due to the profound challenges faced by legitimate chronic pain patients, like myself, following the recent increased DEA cuts on opioid medications. The impact on pharmacies and distributors is severe, making it increasingly difficult for patients to obtain essential medications for managing chronic pain.
Pharmacy Struggles and DEA Narrative: Compounding this issue, our doctors are struggling to find pharmacies that are able to fill our prescriptions. The DEA claims to protect chronic pain patients, yet the reality is that their actions are exacerbating an already extremely dire situation. The false narrative surrounding the opioid epidemic is causing undue hardship and, in some cases, jeopardizing lives.
Request for Assistance: I am seeking your assistance in facilitating communication with the DEA. It is crucial to convey the struggles patients, doctors, and pharmacies are facing due to these cuts. The DEA's claims of protecting patients seem disconnected from the harsh reality many of us are experiencing.
Closing: I appreciate your time and consideration in addressing this matter. Your advocacy on behalf of legitimate chronic pain patients in navigating these challenges is invaluable. If there are specific avenues or information you require from me to move forward, please let me know.
Thank you for your attention, help and support.
HERE IS AN EXAMPLE WHAT TO SAY ON THE PHONE WHEN YOU CALL AGAIN LATER THIS WEEK OR NEXT WEEK TO FOLLOW UP
SEE BELOW FOR THE GUIDED PHONE CALL SCRIPT
Introduction: Hello [Director's Name],I hope this message finds you well. Following up on our previous communication, I wanted to check in with you to reiterate the urgency of the matter I discussed regarding the DEA's impact on legitimate chronic pain patients, including myself. Patients are chronically ill and disabled with chronic pain that is unable to be managed. Patients with terminal illness are also suffering needlessly. We are all unable to manage our chronic pain due to being unable to obtain our much needed legitimate prescriptions because pharmacies are struggling to fill even a partial prescription.
Brief Recap: As we discussed earlier, the recent DEA cuts on opioid medications have created significant challenges in accessing essential medications. Doctors are finding it increasingly difficult to locate pharmacies that are able to fill prescriptions, adding to the burdens faced by legitimate chronic pain patients.
Pharmacy Struggles and DEA Narrative: I want to emphasize the difficulties patients and doctors are encountering in finding pharmacies that can fill prescriptions. Despite the DEA's claim to protect chronic pain patients, the current situation reflects a stark contradiction. The false narrative surrounding the opioid epidemic is compounding the challenges we face.
Follow-up Request: I appreciate your understanding of this complex issue and the potential impact your involvement can have. I am hopeful that, with your assistance, we can continue to advocate for a more balanced approach that considers the needs of chronic pain patients so that we no longer are suffering needlessly. This DEA is discriminating against the chronic pain community. We are chronically ill and terminally ill patients with disabilities and chronic pain. I hope that together we can stop the harm that is being done.
Closing: Thank you for your continued attention to this matter. If there are any updates or additional information required from my end, please let me know. Your support in navigating these challenges is crucial, and I'm grateful for your efforts on behalf of chronic pain patients like myself.
Looking forward to your guidance,
[Your Name]
So you want to follow up and ask each week the following from them
WHAT has been done since you last reached out (i.e. ask how they have progressed with reaching out to the DEA regarding our inability to procure our medications.)
HOW are they helping their chronically ill and terminally ill and disabled chronic pain patient citizens
WHEN and WHAT exactly are the efforts they have made thus far and are working on
And do they need any other information from you and how are they making efforts to get this matter resolved by the DEA asap
Also ask who else can help us.
Thank you for making this a regular consistent part of your week. We need these calls to be frequent and consistent and in DROVES so that we CANNOT BE IGNORED and we RESOLVE THIS ISSUE ASAP
CALLS WORK
EMAILS WORK
LETTERS WORK
so today please call and either follow up on your emails and see what they have been doing to help OR get started and make this the day you start your advocacy to help us all.
Thanks so much for your help everyone
Mel and the Mods