What is Large Scale Solar?
A photovoltaic power station, also known as a solar park, is a large-scale photovoltaic system (PV) designed for the supply of merchant power into the electricity grid. They are differentiated from most building-mounted and other decentralized solar power applications because they supply power at the utility level, rather than to a local user or users. They are sometimes also referred to as solar farms or solar ranches, especially when sited in agricultural areas. The generic expression utility-scale solar is sometimes used to describe this type of project.
The power conversion source is via photovoltaic modules that convert light directly to electricity. This differs from the other large-scale solar generation technology, concentrated solar power, which uses heat to drive a variety of conventional generator systems. Both approaches have their own advantages and disadvantages, but to date, for a variety of reasons, the PV-based systems have seen much wider use in the field. As of 2013, PV systems outnumber concentrators by about 30 to 1.
Most of the existing large-scale photovoltaic power stations are owned and operated by independent power producers, but the involvement of community- and utility-owned projects is increasing. To date, almost all have been supported at least in part by regulatory incentives such as feed-in tariffs or tax credits, but capital costs have fallen significantly in the last decade and are expected to progressively reach grid parity, when external incentives may no longer be required.
The development of a large scale solar array will require the delivery and storage of construction materials, plant, machinery and office welfare accommodation. It is therefore likely that a temporary construction compound will be required. Such compounds should be carefully located in order to minimize environmental or amenity impact and any planning application should contain details of their size and location. Topsoil and subsoil should be stripped from such areas and stored on site for replacement following the completion of construction	works. Details of such soil stripping, storage and replacement should be contained within any planning application, together with thebe contained within any planning application, together with the anticipated life of the construction compound.
The development of a large scale solar installation is likely to require the	excavation of soils associated with construction compounds, access roads, cable trenching etc. Where such soil stripping occurs topsoil and subsoil should be stripped, stored and replaced separately in order to minimise soil damage and to provide optimal conditions for site restoration. Any planning application should contain a methodology for soil stripping, storage and replacement and this methodology should subsequently be adhered to during site development.
minimise their landscape/visual impact and their impact on the rural scene.
The installation and use of access tracks should therefore be kept to an absolute minimum. One track linking the inverters may be necessary as a minimum to enable exchange of inverters and replacement of heavy machinery. Agricultural vehicles, including tractors, quad bikes and 4WD, should be capable of servicing the facilities on a daily basis without the need to construct access tracks through the site.
A buffer strip of larger than 5 metres between hedges and solar panels is desirable to promote ecological and biodiversity opportunities if it can be achieved.
minimise the use of security lighting. Any lighting should utilize a passive infra-red (PIR) technology and should be designed and installed in a manner which minimises glare, light pollution and impacts on biodiversity.
ensure that appropriate measures are in place to facilitate continued access by larger mammals, such as badgers and foxes. In some instances specialist fencing may be necessary in order to prevent access by deer. Such deer fencing can be much less intrusive than other forms of fencing and should be considered where possible.
Planning applications should contain full details and specifications of all security and lighting installations in order to allow an accurate landscape / visual / ecological assessment of the proposal to be made.
Where pole mounted CCTV facilities are proposed the location of these facilities should be carefully considered in order to minimise visual / landscape impact. In exposed landscapes such structures should be avoided where possible.
Vegetation will grow under the solar panels and this will require management, particularly to avoid the site becoming overgrown with noxious weeds and assist with the eventual restoration of the site, normally to agriculture. There are various techniques for managing the vegetation, these include mowing, trimming, spraying or mulching. Spraying should be avoided wherever possible and mulching large areas is likely to present technical challenges and may add to the landscape / visual impact of a development proposal. Few of these management techniques are regarded as sustainable, particularly on sites up to 15ha, and there is a desire, both in terms of food production and the rural scene, to continue an agricultural use on the site. During those times of the year when growth requires managing grazing is to be encouraged wherever practicable. Cattle, horses, pigs and goats are likely to be too 'physical' with the solar arrays but sheep, chickens or geese should be acceptable. In order to facilitate grazing within the solar farm it is advised that solar panels are positioned at least 700mm above ground level and all cabling etc is suitably protected.
Some of G-teck's crew has several years of experience in the LSPV(Large Scale Photo Voltaic) where they were acquiring land, planning, sizing, and designing installation for several solar installations in Spain, Bulgaria, Germany, Belgium and Italia.
Here are pictures from 2 installations in Italy.
Casale solar park, Lazio; near Rome, Italy.
Borgo solar park, Lazio, Near Rome, Italy, (3,5MW).
Built 2010 by Phoenix Solar with Trina solar modules, and SMA inverters.
They were also designing, fabricating and installing the mounting systems used for 5 IKEA roof top installations in Europe.
G-teck will tailor a PV solution to your projects specific requirements.
We offer a full range of modules, varying in size and output, ensuring the most cost-effective design to meet your needs. We can provide PV module output from 150Wp to 310Wp with a full range of inverter solutions.
As has been widely reported, the Government is seeking to implement large scale solar (over 5MWp) to ensure a complete scheme of clean energy in Uganda.
The plan will offer incentives for large solar power schemes over 5MW by a GET - FIT top off scheme to top up the PPA offered by UETCL for the first 5 years.
Did you know that an agreed PPA with UETCL will represent a very lucrative investment opportunity for farm buildings, small ground based systems and your home. As a land owner or farmer, you are in the perfect position for harvesting solar energy from the sun.
Realistic returns on capital of typically 10% or more, indexed linked, often tax free, for the 20 years duration of the PPA.
Reduces the carbon footprint of your business.
It is a non labour intensive income, thus it will not divert your attention away from your core business, whilst significantly reducing your electricity bills where daytime electricity consumption is high, because you consume your own electricity on site in preference to buying from the utilities provider.
South Africa has become the tenth-largest global market for utility scale solar, according to data compiled by solar watchdog Wiki-Solar.
Across the country, 15 large-scale solar PV plants of 4 MW or more generate 503 MW of solar PV annually, placing South Africa tenth overall.
U.S.A, which has 349 utility scale solar PV plants generating a combined total of 6,498 MW.
Spain rounding out the top five with 1,680 MW.
South Africa's encouraging performance is largely a result of the government's renewable energy independent power producer program (REIPPP), which although off to a slow start has seen more than 60 MW of large-scale solar capacity added in the past month.
Round 1 of the REIPPP still sees a handful of further projects under development, with round 2 and 3 in the pipeline suggesting South Africa could top 1 GW within the next nine months. The Department of Energy has released figures revealing that there are 17 preferred bidders in the third round of the REIPPP, with 47 projects signed off altogether for Rounds 1 and 2.
"France and Italy's position in the top ten may soon be under threat," said Wiki-Solar's chief researcher, Philip Wolfe. "Substantial pipelines of projects, not just in South Africa but also in Japan and Chile, suggest that these countries will soon be contenders for a place in the top ten."
Allied to wind and CSP power, South Africa is likely to boast 3,900 MW of renewable energy once the REIPPP reaches its conclusion.
Scatec (75WM in South Africa). Commissioned Nov 2013 and the largest solar installation in Africa to date.


Beveled in back of side panels to provide therapeutic back hugging support to contoured auto bucket seats and curved back chairs.
Trust the Beckley way and feel better today!
Beckley Chiropractic knows effective, healing treatment.


Tim Tebow assigned to New York Mets' Low Class-A affiliate in Columbia, S.C.
Tim Tebow will begin his minor league baseball career with the Columbia (S.C.) Fireflies of the South Atlantic League, it was announced Monday.
The Fireflies are the Mets' Low Class A affiliate. They play their home games at Spirit Communications Field, which is located about two miles north of the University of South Carolina campus.
"Tim Tebow will bring major excitement and national attention to the Fireflies and city of Columbia," Fireflies President John Katz said. "Baseball fans, sports fans and Tim Tebow fans will likely come from around the southeast to see him play. We expect this to add to the energy at Spirit Communications Park and around downtown Columbia, especially during our opening weekend (April 6-9)."
The 29-year-old Tebow announced last summer he would pursue a professional baseball career despite having not played since his junior year of high school in 2005. A left-handed hitting outfielder, he batted .235 (4-for-17) with five strikeouts in six spring training games this year, after hitting .194 (12-for-62) with eight walks, 20 strikeouts and two RBIs in last year's Arizona Fall League.
New York Mets manager Terry Collins told NewsDay he was impressed during his time around Tebow this spring.
"No one works harder than Tim did this spring," Collins said. "He was a pleasure to have around. What he wants is to improve. I'm sure he'll be a great influence on the kids in Columbia and the fans will enjoy watching him play."
Tebow -- who is expected to wear No. 15 for the Fireflies -- won the Heisman Trophy at Florida in 2007, and quarterbacked the Gators to the BCS national championship in 2008. He was a first-round draft pick of the Denver Broncos in 2010, and led Denver to a playoff victory in 2011 before being traded to the New York Jets.
Tebow played sparingly for the Jets in 2012, and later spent time in preseason camp with the New England Patriots and Philadelphia Eagles. Since 2014, he has worked as a college football analyst for the SEC Network.


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Saints Running Back Alvin Kamara Launches His Own Cereal
Mikey O Published: June 15, 2021
New Orleans Saints running back, Alvin Kamara, is launching his own breakfast cereal to raise money for charity.
Alvin has partnered with PLB Sports & Entertainment, the same company who launched Flutie Flakes, to bring us Kamara's King Crunch cereal. The word on the street is the cereal will be comparable to Honey Bunches of Oats. It's going to be available online and at select Rouses locations across Louisiana sometime this fall.
A portion of the sales will benefit the Children's Bureau of New Orleans. They are a non-profit charity that's mission is to improve the lives of greater New Orleans area children and families. They provide educational programs, drug intervention and prevention programs, and offer mental and health wellness programs.
Kamara had this to say in a press release:
I'm very excited about creating my own cereal box. I get to live out a childhood dream and help support the incredible work that the Children's Bureau of New Orleans is doing to bring mental wellness resources to kids and families in the city.
The box will be New Orleans themed, with Mardi Gras colors. The back of the box will be filled with fun Alvin Kamara facts and word searches. People who buy the cereal will also have a chance to win exclusive Alvin Kamara memorabilia.
Mikey O's Favorite Saints Players
LSU Baseball Coach Mainieri Booed as Final Game Finishes
Lawmakers Demand Texas Remove 'Negro' From Geographic Locations
Weapons Coming Up Missing From U.S. Military Bases
Tigers Stadium Ranked the Loudest College Football Stadium
Most Louisiana Thing You Can Buy Your Dad for Father's Day
Louisiana Has Nearly $900 Million in Unclaimed Property
Moss Bluff Announces Its Red White and Boom Fireworks Event
Governor Edwards Set to Veto the Proposed Concealed Carry Bill
Does Father's Day Still Have Meaning for Us?

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


This server has received 2229245 hits from both ipv4 and ipv6.
Billed as "Something for Everyone to Love", Drupal 8 is now in Beta testing and we are expecting the release of a final version soon.
The new release clearly owes a lot to WordPress, and this is no bad thing. WordPress is rightly praised for its ease of use, and conversely the opposite always been the first thing people say when they start to use Drupal. So from a user perspective, the new design and associated features such as the mobile admin interface can only benefit the Drupal community.
What has caused some controversy is the move to a completely different coding methodology (Drupal 7's procedural code versus object-oriented programming (OOP) in Drupal 8). What's the problem? It means developers have some work to do to migrate modules and themes to work in Drupal 8. Drupal is often used for enterprise and/or complex bespoke sites that have undergone a lot of customisation work (always one of the strengths of Drupal) and the coding change will result in a lot of work before an upgrade to the new version is possible.
However it is worth remembering that the previous major version change (from 6 to 7) was also a big jump (and has even resulted in many, many Drupal sites remaining on version 6). A similar effect can be found in Joomla, with Joomla 1.0, 1.5 and 2/3 being majorly different from each other, with no simple upgrade available. Only WordPress seems to have escaped this painful process so far. Perhaps WordPress benefiting from coming to the party later and learning from these other established CMS's growing pains.
Deploy content once and watch it display the way you want on any device.
Translate anything in the system with built-in user interfaces.
Transport configuration changes and manage versions with ease.
Build mobile apps with Drupal as the data source, or even post back to Drupal from the client.
Build sites quickly with the fast, secure and flexible TWIG template engine.
Easily customize the front page, listing blocks, and more. Simply create custom admin pages, customize filters, actions, and more.
Drupal 8 includes more field types in core, and lets you attach fields to more types of content like entity reference, link, date, e-mail, telephone, etc.
The page markup in Drupal 8 is now HTML 5-based. Each output template has simplified elements and classes with native input tools for mobile fields like date, email and phone.
Non-Drupal developers can embrace object oriented programming and proven technologies from the larger PHP community.
Whilst WordPress continues to grow, Joomla more or less holds it position but Drupal is clearly losing share. Is the drop due to the uncertainty over what Drupal 8 would hold, or is it the end-users are switching to easier to use CMS systems and this downswing is temporary and the new look D8 will win them back?
2020Media will be watching developments and will keep you updated.
Next Next post: What Happens at a CiviCRM Meetup?


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Charles River Laboratories acquires Agilux Laboratories, Inc.
Enhances Charles River's Early-Stage Capabilities in Bioanalytical Services
Charles River Laboratories International, Inc. (NYSE: CRL) announces it has acquired Agilux Laboratories, Inc., a Worcester, Massachusetts-based contract research organization (CRO), that provides a suite of integrated discovery small and large molecule bioanalytical services, drug metabolism and pharmacokinetic (DMPK) services, and pharmacology services. The company's unique combination of early-stage services enhances the flexibility and speed of its biopharmaceutical clients' lead identification, optimization, and candidate selection efforts. Agilux was acquired from a holding company controlled by the company's founders and Ampersand Capital Partners, its only institutional investor.
The addition of Agilux's integrated discovery capabilities is complementary to Charles River's existing nonclinical portfolio. Providing a more comprehensive service offering will improve the efficiency of clients' early-stage research efforts by enabling them to seamlessly transition their drug candidates through the discovery and safety assessment process. Charles River believes that the acquisition of Agilux enhances its ability to work with clients earlier in the drug research process, and maintain the relationship as molecules progress through nonclinical development.
James C. Foster, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Charles River said, "The acquisition of Agilux Laboratories supports Charles River's strategy to offer clients a broader, integrated portfolio that enables them to work with us continuously from the earliest stages of drug research through the nonclinical development process. Agilux reinforces the linkage between our discovery and safety assessment capabilities, and provides clients with a comprehensive testing solution that spans their discovery and regulated drug development needs. We expect to leverage Agilux's strong client relationships in the Boston-Cambridge biohub, one of the most significant concentrations of medical research in the world, and expand the reach of its discovery bioanalytical services offering to Charles River's global client base."
Charles River Microbial Solutions
Charles River Laboratories acquires Blue Stream Laboratories
Charles River buys Oncotest for €34m
Charles River Laboratories to purchase Celsis International for US$212m
Charles River to take majority ownership of Vital River
Charles River acquires Accugenix
Charles River to buy WuXi PharmaTech for US$1.6bn
Charles River Laboratories acquires KWS BioTest


On the new album, Prophecy, we find God Module further evolving into the monster it was meant to be. combining elements of harsh Techno, Darkwave, Goth and Industrial, Founder and mastermind Jasyn Bangert has presented his best album to date. We find God Module as unapologetically full of malice as ever. Prophecy is unrelenting, danceable, driving, dark EBM from one of the best artists in the genre today.


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Birmingham AL
You Can Find A Real-Life 'Iron Giant' Taking A Nap In An Alabama Garden
You go, I stay!
univofalabama | Instagramkristin_lyerly | Instagram
At the University of Alabama, The Iron Giant film might come to mind as you happen upon this robotic friend. If the film wasn't among your list of childhood favorites, consider a visit to Goldie 1971 as your first introduction to a classic. What appears to be a rusted fallen robot is actually a sculpture made from cast iron and steel, and it's a hidden gem found at the university's Woods Quad Sculpture Garden that all can visit.
Woods Quad holds art sculptures of all kinds, but Goldie is special for those who loved The Iron Giant, as it bears a striking resemblance to the main character of the classic film.
But it's not childhood imagination that Goldie's creation speaks to; it was made to represent the bygone of iron and the Industrial Age that built Birmingham, as well as to commemorate the history of Sloss Furnaces.
AL.com tells the local story of Goldie and its connection to the location, which was once a massive blast furnace now turned eerie modern museum. "Goldie 1971" was actually a signature carved into one of the furnaces at Sloss, inspiring the sculpture's name.
The rusted-looking robot was crafted by artist Joe McCreary from parts he cast at the furnaces, where he later added a rustic finish. McCreary received a master's in fine arts from UA and even worked as an education coordinator for Sloss Metal Arts.
Goldie totals 23 feet in length, is 4 feet tall, and weighs nearly 4 tons! The giant metal robot is a popular selfie spot in the campus' gardens.
Although it bears the date "1971" in its name, the sculpture was crafted in 2009 and has been a resident of UA since its purchase by the College of Arts and Sciences in 2010.
Whether you seek out Goldie for the photo op, creative inspiration, or even to take a little faux nap snuggled beside him, it's a unique sight to see at Woods Quad Sculpture Garden.
Goldie 1971
Address: 6F73+5P Tuscaloosa, AL
Why You Need To Go: Visit this actual Iron Giant for creative inspiration, or maybe even a selfie!
We strongly advise that before you go swimming or visit any location, you check the most recent updates on potential hazards, security, water quality, and closures. If you do plan to visit a location, respect the environment.


More than 40 different schemes for performing text compression have been proposed in the literature. Many of these schemes appear to use quite different approaches, such as Huffman coding, dictionary substitution, predictive modelling, and modelling with Finite State Automata (FSA). From the many schemes in the literature, a representative sample has been selected to include all schemes of current interest (i.e. schemes which are in popular use, or those which have been proposed recently). The main result given in the thesis is that each of these schemes disguises some form of variable-order Markov model (VOMM), which is a relatively inexact model for text. In a variable-order Markov model, each symbol is predicted using a finite number of directly preceding symbols as a context. An important class of FSAs, called Finite Context Automata (FCAs) is defined, and is shown that FCAs implement a form of variable-order Markov modelling. Informally, an FCA is an FSA where the current state is determined by some finite number of immediately preceding input symbols. Three types of proof are used to show that text compression schemes use variable-order Markov modelling: (1) some schemes, such as Cleary and Witten's "Prediction by Partial Matching", use a VOMM by definition, (2) Cormack and Horspool's "Dynamic Markov Compression" scheme uses an FSA for prediction, and it is shown that the FSAs generated will always be FCAs, (3) a class of compression schemes called Greedy Macro (GM) schemes is defined, and a wide range of compression schemes, including Ziv-Lempel (LZ) coding, are shown to belong to that class. A construction is then given to generate an FSA equivalent to any GM scheme, and the FSA is shown to implement a form of variable-order Markov modelling. Because variable-order Markov models are only a crude model for text, the main conclusion of the thesis is that more powerful models, such as Pushdown Automata, combined with arithmetic coding, offer better compression than any existing schemes, and should be explored further. However, there is room for improvement in the compression and speed of some existing schemes, and this is explored as follows. The LZ schemes are currently regarded as the most practical, in that they achieve good compression, are usually very fast, and require relatively little memory to perform well. To study these schemes more closely, an explicit probabalistic symbol-wise model is given, which is equivalent to one of the LZ schemes, LZ77. This model is suitable for providing probabilities for character-by-character Huffman or arithmetic coding. Using the insight gained by examining the symbol-wise model, improvements have been found which can be reflected in LZ schemes, resulting in a scheme called LZB, which offers improved compression, and for which the choice of parameters is less critical. Experiments verify that LZB gives better compression than competing LZ schemes for a large number of texts. Although the time complexity for encoding using LZB and similar schemes is O(n) for a text of n characters, straightforward implementations are very slow. The time consuming step of these algorithms is a search for the longest string match. An algorithm is given which uses a binary search tree to find the longest string match, and experiments show that this results in a dramatic increase in encoding speed.


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The North Holland Blue,  or , is a Dutch breed of domestic chicken originating in the province of North Holland. It is a heavy meat breed, and was created to supply the high demand for white chicken meat from the city of Amsterdam, particularly from the Jewish community in that city.

History

The North Holland Blue was created in the area around Purmerend in about 1900 to supply the city of Amsterdam with white chicken-meat. It derives from the Belgian Malines. Malines birds had been imported for the purpose but did not do well in the poor conditions of North Holland. They were therefore crossed with local chickens.

A breed standard was agreed in 1934 by the Noord-Hollandse Blauwenclub van Nederland, a breeders' association, and in 1950 was adopted with minor changes by the Nederlandse Hoender en Dwerghoender Bond, the national association of poultry breeders.

In the years after the Second World War the North Holland Blue was supplanted as a commercial meat breed by faster-growing imported American breeds. The last large North Holland Blue farm closed in 1977.

A bantam version was also created in the Netherlands, but was first shown in Germany. The North Holland Blue is recognised in eight European countries.

Characteristics

The North Holland Blue has only one colour, Cuckoo.  It has a quiet, docile temperament, and lays 180–240 eggs per year. In the Netherlands and New Zealand it is clean-legged; British breed standards call for lightly feathered legs.

References

Chicken breeds
Chicken breeds originating in the Netherlands
Animal breeds on the RBST Watchlist
Culture of North Holland
Purmerend

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


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Banks Get the Green Light to Do Business With Hemp Companies
It's another reminder of why investing in hemp is safer than investing in marijuana.
David Jagielski
(TMFdjagielski)
Lacking access to the banking system has been a big problem for the cannabis industry. Since marijuana is illegal at the federal level, many banks have shunned businesses that sell pot, making it difficult for those sellers to hold bank accounts. Some banks have provided services to cannabis companies but it's still a very gray area in terms of law enforcement.
The Obama administration issued the Cole Memorandum, which meant the federal government would not interfere with states that legalized pot. However, when Attorney General Jeff Sessions rescinded the memo in January 2018, it added uncertainty back into the industry. Although there have been no consequences thus far for banks doing business with cannabis companies, those that do walk a very fine line and have to ensure they follow tight reporting requirements. Many banks simply don't work with cannabis companies to avoid the chance of running afoul of federal laws. For many cannabis businesses, that means having to hold a lot of cash and hiring security guards to protect the money.
However, companies that sell hemp, which is now legal at the federal level, don't face those same challenges.
Hemp-based businesses require fewer reporting requirements
Lawmakers passed the farm bill a year ago, which opened significant doors for the cannabis industry. It permitted the sale of hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD) products at the federal level. Hemp-based CBD products are characterized by very low tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) levels, containing no more than 0.3% of the psychoactive substance. However, it's still up to individual states to set up their own regulatory programs governing hemp, which the vast majority have done thus far.
But despite hemp businesses having a stronger legal footing than companies that sell marijuana, there hasn't been formal recognition that they are safer for the banking industry -- until recently.
On Dec. 3, the Federal Reserve, along with other federal agencies, issued a joint press release confirming that hemp-related businesses do not have to follow the same tight banking rules that marijuana businesses do.
The release said:
Because hemp is no longer a Schedule I controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act, banks are not required to file a Suspicious Activity Report (SAR) on customers solely because they are engaged in the growth or cultivation of hemp in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
Although the release appears to give its blessing for banks to do business with hemp companies, federal regulators are reminding banks that they still need to do their own due diligence: "When deciding to serve hemp-related businesses, banks must comply with applicable regulatory requirements for customer identification, suspicious activity reporting, currency transaction reporting, and risk-based customer due diligence, including the collection of beneficial ownership information for legal entity customers."
For marijuana businesses, the previous guidance still remains intact, which states, "Because federal law prohibits the distribution and sale of marijuana, financial transactions involving a marijuana-related business would generally involve funds derived from illegal activity. Therefore, a financial institution is required to file a SAR on activity involving a marijuana-related business (including those duly licensed under state law)."
Why this matters to investors
Many banks across the country offer banking services to marijuana businesses. While banks can technically offer their services to cannabis companies and it is permitted by the Department of Treasury, the reporting requirements and necessary due diligence can make it more of a hassle than it's worth. The federal government can also choose to be tougher on enforcement with the Cole Memo rescinded.
Even though cannabis companies are able to secure banking services, that doesn't mean the relationships are long-term. In many cases, banks change their minds and decide to no longer offer their services to the industry, leaving cannabis companies back at square one. The added scrutiny of the SARs represents a heightened level of risk that many financial institutions, particularly larger ones, would rather avoid. The federal government effectively giving banks the green light to operate with hemp-based businesses without having to worry about SARs removes many concerns for financial institutions and lessens the risk of their running afoul of federal regulators.
Consider a company like Charlotte's Web (OTC:CWBH.F), which has dominated the hemp industry with more than 9,000 locations across the country. The updated guidance gives it yet another advantage over companies that sell pot. Not only will Charlotte's Web have access to more financial institutions, but it will also have access to a broader range of financial products as a result. That means securing loans -- and obtaining more favorable interest rates in the process -- will also be easier with the big banks, since the banks' risk of doing business with hemp is lower than with a marijuana business.
Marijuana businesses still have to wait on federal legislation to pass, such as the SAFE Banking Act, in order to receive the same type of guidance as hemp businesses are able to benefit from today. Marijuana companies can still obtain banking services, but it's a lot more challenging without clear support and guidance from the federal government. Until that or similar legislation passes, marijuana companies will continue to face obstacles when trying to find access to banking. While companies don't typically report security-related expenses individually, having less red tape in the industry will lessen the overhead and administrative costs that come along with finding and maintaining banking services -- assuming they're even accessible. And any advantage that allows a business to keep its costs down will give it better odds of breaking even, which is something that the cannabis industry has struggled with thus far.
Charlotte's Web is a safe bet
In three of the past four quarters, Charlotte's Web recorded a profit, something that likely wouldn't have been possible if it sold recreational marijuana and were unable to ship its products across state lines and reach as many customers. Access to banking is just one way in which cannabis businesses that sell hemp-based products are safer investments than marijuana producers are and why a company like Charlotte's Web is a much safer investment in the industry than other cannabis stocks.
CWBH.F
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Banks Get the Green Light to Do Business With Hemp Companies @themotleyfool #stocks $CWBH.F Next Article


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Policies of the future
Posted on 10/29/2021 10/30/2021 by thatblondechick1
Under the Biden-Harris Administration, a new policy regarding gender equality is being implemented.
On International Women's Day this year, an executive order was put in place to establish the White House Gender Policy Council. Under this council, many controversial topics that are impacted by gender bias will be tackled. Some of these include, but are not limited to, healthcare, education, military forces, wages, and leadership roles. A full list of the council's priorities can be found in the National Strategy on Gender Equity and Equality, which was released on Friday, October 22, 2021. This was a first for the United States, and while it should be seen as good thing, it is also quite "ambitious," according to Kim Elsessor, a senior contributor at Forbes.
Biden's policies aim to improve the livelihoods of women across the country, but women are just a portion of the target audience. President Biden and Vice President Harris want to help all that have been at a disadvantage in the past.
"By equality, we refer to the goal of reaching gender equality at home and abroad, meaning a world in which equal opportunity is afforded to all people regardless of gender or any other factor."
Amidst a pandemic, this policy is needed now more than ever, as the world does not seem to know where to turn next. Most of us thought the COVID-19 pandemic would have been over within a couple of months, but here we are, almost in year two. As we continue to move through these unknown territories, it has become apparent that the ways in which we go through our daily lives are continuing to adjust with the curveballs the world continues to throw our way.
Since we have now learned to roll with the punches, it is easier to implement changes. For the past almost two years we've had to, so adjusting policies is probably the simplest it has ever been. Our normal was rocked and we're having to adjust to the new normal.
Because the new normal is still being shaped, adding gender equality to the mix isn't that giant of a leap in my opinion. Many have been fighting for this change for years now, and it has finally come time to do something about it. When the world completely opens back up, the United States could be one of the world's leaders in gender equality if we work to accept the changes that Biden's policies look to implement.
"We are committed to American leadership on the world stage."
Along with the United States, Canada and some European countries are also working to achieve gender equality within their societies. Sweden has gone as far to implement a policy that states men and women should share equal housework responsibilities.
With our national government finally addressing this ongoing issue in society, it is now our turn to do the same. For those who are fortunate enough to benefit from today's society, take a minute and think about it. Appreciate the opportunities you have been afforded, and then think about how you can assist others in achieving the same. Be grateful and helpful.
Gender equality is a complex topic to some, but in the end it just means allowing every individual an equal opportunity.
One thought on "Policies of the future"
reformedhorsegirl says:
I really enjoyed how you addressed the pandemic and how it has been cause for so much change, I think it's cool that you were able to connect such a prominent event to this specific topic. My question though is what exactly is the administration doing in the areas you listed to enforce gender equality? and how effective do you think these changes will be? I really enjoyed your post, definitely an important topic!!
PreviousGender bias in healthcare
NextNewsroom Round-up 10/26/21


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DJ Fresh makes Rizzle Kicks sound like RATM
DJ Fresh takes Rizzle Kicks ''out of their comfort zone'' on a new track which make them sound like Rage Against the Machine.
by : Elle Canada- Feb 20th, 2012
DJ Fresh makes Rizzle Kicks sound like Rage Against the Machine on a new track.
The 'Hot Right Now' hitmaker was impressed with the pop duo when he saw them at Ibiza Rocks last year, and wanted to make a song like the legendary rap-metal band to "take them out of their comfort zone."
He exclusively told BANG Showbiz: "I saw them performing and they were going nuts at the crowd, I'd never seen Jordan doing that before, so I was like, 'let's get that energy onto a record'.
"We wanted it to be something like Rage Against the Machine, with Jordan going crazy rapping and Harley's singing on it.
"We've been playing it on tour and it's definitely been getting the best reaction of any track we play."
The producer and DJ is also working on a song with rapper Professor Green, which he says has the potential to become a rap-rock classic.
He added: "At the moment it has me singing the whole song, but we're going to get a band to re-sing those parts, it's a rock meets Dubstep sort of thing. I was with Pro Green in Ibiza and I played it to him and he really liked it, so what we're hoping is to get him on that track and to have it like a modern Run DMC versus AC/DC track."
Feeling Festive: A Holiday Playlist By ELLE Canada
Featuring holiday tracks from Mariah Carey, HAIM, Kacey Musgraves, Destiny's Child and more.
by : Yasmine Shemesh- Dec 16th, 2021
The Universal Joy of Mariah Carey's "All I Want for Christmas is You"
The enduring magic of the singer's seasonal classic is linked to how the pop diva became the Queen of Christmas.
by : Yasmine Shemesh- Dec 3rd, 2021
Billie Eilish Is Calling the Shots
With her sophomore album debuting at number one around the globe, Billie Eilish opens up about making music, directing her own videos and why she doesn't give a $%#! what anyone has to say about her hair, clothes or sexuality.
by : Molly Lambert- Oct 15th, 2021


text:
Home / Profile / Bill Watts
Bill Watts
Last updated by M.A LeBlanc on February 22, 2017
NWA Texas Heavyweight title defeating Art Thomas (May 3, 1963);
NWA (Tri State) United States Tag Team titles w/Jerry Kozak defeating The Bolos (September 2, 1963);
WWWF United States Tag Team titles w/Gorilla Monsoon defeating Gene Kiniski & Waldo Von Erich (April 8, 1965);
NWA (San Francisco) United States Heavyweight title defeating Kinji Shibuya (Febuary 19, 1966);
NWA (JWA) International Tag Team titles w/Tarzan Tyler defeating Michiaki Yoshimura & Giant Baba (October 6, 1967);
NWA Tri State Brass Knuckles title (1970);
NWA (Tri State) North American Heavyweight title defeating The Spoiler (April 12, 1970);
NWA (Tri State) United States Tag Team titles w/Billy Red Lyons defeating Buddy Roberts & Jerry Brown (January 1971);
NWA (Tri State) North American Heavyweight title defeating Dusty Rhodes (October 1971);
NWA (Tri State) North American Heavyweight title defeating John Quinn (July 1972);
NWA Georgia Heavyweight title defeating Mr. Wrestling II (May 18, 1973);
NWA Gulf Coast Heavyweight title defeating Mike Boyette (September 11, 1973);
NWA Georgia Heavyweight title defeating Mr. Wrestling II (November ??, 1973);
NWA Florida Heavyweight title defeating Ron Fuller (July 2, 1974);
NWA Florida Heavyweight title defeating Dusty Rhodes (December 5, 1974);
NWA (Tri State) North American Heavyweight title Awarded (Febuary 21, 1975);
NWA (Tri State) United States Tag Team titles w/Billy Robinson defeating Ken Patera & Killer Karl Kox (1976);
NWA (Tri State) United States Tag Team titles w/Greg Valentine defeating Buddy Roberts & Jerry Brown (January 7, 1976);
NWA (Tri State) North American Heavyweight title defeating Stan Hansen (June 20, 1977);
NWA (Tri State) United States Tag Team titles w/Buck Robley defeating The Angel & The Assassin (July 21, 1979);
Mid South Tag Team titles w/Buck Robley defeating Bob Sweetan & Mike George (November 12, 1979);
Mid South North American Heavyweight title defeating Mike George (December 4, 1979);
In The Beginning:
Bill Watts is the father of former WCW, WWF, ECW, and TNA wrestler Erik Watts..
Bill Watts was a former football player and had been undefeated as a wrestler during his senior year of high school..
1961: Bill Watts signed a contract with the Houston Oilers of the American Football League and helped them win a championship..
Bill Watts joined the Minnesota Vikings | He eventually quit because the Vikings wanted him to limit wrestling to the off season..
Bill Watts' wrestling career was heavily influence by Leroy McGuirk, Danny Hodge and Dale Lewis..
World Wide Wrestling Federation:
Bill Watts traveled to the Northeast to work for Vince McMahon Sr. and team with WWWF Champion Bruno Sammartino!
~~~Of course, this eventually led to Watts breaking off from Sammartino and demanding a shot at the WWF title…
~~~Their collosal confrontation took place in Madison Square Garden in front of a sell out audience…..
~~~Bruno Sammartino managed to retain his championship and continued to retain in their series of rematches..
~~~Bruno won most of his matches due to a technicality, but he never won a clear-cut decision over Watts..
San Francisco Wrestling for Roy Shires:
Bill Watts quickly captured the Pacific Coast United States title from "Crippler" Ray Stevens..
Japanese Wrestling:
Early 1967: Bill Watts traveled to Japan to work for Giant Baba's All Japan Pro Wrestling promotion..
Touring The United States:
Late 1967: Bill Watts began appearing on wrestling shows all over the upper Midwest of the United States..
~~~Watts became a regular competitor on cards in Chicago, St. Louis, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, and Omaha…
~~~~~~Bill Watts was appearing on AWA cards and NWA cards during the same time period..
~~~~~~Bill Watts was soon challenging for Verne Gagne's AWA World title, and Gene Kiniski's NWA World title..
Oklahoma Wrestling for Leroy McGuirk:
May 3, 1968: Bill Watts (wrestling under a mask as Dr. Scarlet) was unmasked by Gene Kiniski [SEE NOTES BELOW ABOUT THIS]..
Larry W. Tinker wrote in with these notes: I would like to correct a statement made on line 2 of the "wrestler career highlights" section that states "* May 3, 1968: Bill Watts (wrestling under a mask as Dr. Scarlet) was unmasked by Gene Kiniski.." I was at that match with my brother and our late father. The deal was, Watts came into the St. Louis area as "Dr. Scarlet" who was a vicious heel. He pounded everybody he met and then made a deal on TV (the old "Wrestling at the Chase"….ahhhh that was real 'rasslin') Dr. Scarlet started out by apologizing for "having to hurt a lot of men, some who were friends of his." He explained that that was the only way he could work himself into a position to get a title match with Gene Kiniski. He said "if Kiniski knew my true identity he would never sign for a match with me." "I will take off my mask if Kiniski gives me a title shot." The match was signed and I'll never forget that night at the Kiel Auditorium. Dr. Scarlet came to the ring first, in his usual mask and resplendent robe. Kiniski made his way to the ring and paced nervously as the introductions were made. The special guest referee was "Whipper" Billy Watson. When Dr. Scarlet was introduced, he simultaneously took off his mask and let his robe drop, revealing to everyone his true identity, cowboy boots and all. Kiniski saw that it was Bill Watts and immediately jumped out of the ring. After some tension building time, Kiniski got back into the ring and suffered a tremendous pounding at the hands of Watts. It was only when "Whipper" Watson didn't notice that the Cowboy's leg was draped over the bottom rope that he errantly counted 1,2,3 for the pinfall and win. Watts was understandably upset and, while he wasn't successful in his title bid, he did exact some measure of revenge at the next Kiel show when he was granted a "grudge" match with "Whipper." We went to that match as well and Watts pretty much destroyed the old, out of shape Watson. In the end, they shook hands before leaving the ring. —– So, while Dr. Scarlet unmasked in a match with Kiniski, he did it himself……..just thought you'd like to know from an old man who was there when he was a kid……
Mid South Wrestling (run by Bill Watts):
Mid-South spanned these regions: Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Eastern Texas and Southern Missouri..
January 5, 1980 – MSW: Bill Watts defeated Mike George to win the North American title.
January 10, 1980 – MSW: The Fabulous Freebirds (Michael Hayes & Terry Gordy) defeated Bill Watts & Buck Robley to retain the tag titles.
January 12, 1980 – MSW: Bill Watts defeated Bob Sweetan to retain the North American title.
January 19, 1980 – MSW: Mike George defeated Bill Watts to win the North American title.
September 21, 1980 – MSW: Bill Watts, Junkyard Dog & Terry Orndorff defeated The Fabulous Freebirds (Buddy Roberts, Michael Hayes & Terry Gordy) in a looser leaves town match.
June 14, 1985 – MSW: Bill Watts & Terry Daniels defeated The Dirty White Boys (Len Denton & Tony Anthony).
June 24, 1985 – MSW: Bill Watts & Dick Murdoch defeated The Dirty White Boys (Len Denton & Tony Anthony).
Universal Wrestling Federation (run by Bill Watts and his associate Jim Ross):
May 1986: The Universal Wrestling Federation evolved from Mid-South Wrestling when it grew to nationwide syndication..
June 7, 1986 – UWF: Bill Watts defeated Korstia Korchenko.
June 22, 27, 1986 – UWF: Bill Watts defeated Sting.
July 4, 1986 – UWF: Bill Watts defeated Eddie Gilbert.
July 5, 1986 – UWF: Bill Watts defeated Buddy Roberts.
August 5, 1986 – UWF: Bill Watts & Terry Taylor defeated The Fabulous Freebirds (Buddy Roberts & Terry Gordy).
August 14, 1986 – UWF: Bill Watts & Ted DiBiase defeated The Fabulous Freebirds (Michael Hayes & Terry Gordy).
World Championship Wrestling:
Early 1990's: Bill Watts was running World Championship Wrestling..
~~~Bill Watts was responsible for installing the not-so-popular Off-The-Top-Rope-DQ rule for WCW matches..
"Cowboy" Bill Watts came up with the idea of the Road Warriors using face paint..
June 8, 2003: Bill Watts was rumored to show up in TNA as the Director of Authority but that never happened..
March 2, 2009–RAW: The company announced that "Cowboy" Bill Watts will be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame!
April 4, 2009–WWE Hall of Fame: Cowboy Bill Watts was officially inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame by his friend Jim Ross..
April 5, 2009–WrestleMania 25: The entire WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2009 was introduced to the live crowd as a tribute..
Bixby, Oklahoma
6'3" 278 lbs
Doctor Scarlett,
Dr. Scarlet
The Oklahoma Stampede
Boston Crab,
Scoop Slam,
Side Slam Backbreaker
Bruno Sammartino,
Crippler Ray Stevens,
Verne Gagne,
Gene Kiniski,
The Spoiler
Bill Watts - OWW


text:
Q: Preventing customers from entering price from overriding all other prices in NopCommerce I am having an issue in NOPCommerce where when a product price is set to customer enters price that price over rides all other prices such as; attributes, base cost etc.
I am using nopcommerce 3.0 source
I am using a gift card system where as there will be a base cost for the plastic of the cards and the value entered will be gift card value entered by the customer will be the gift card value, so these 2 values will need to added together
I have tried multiple steps in the admin to try and add a base cost but had no result,
I have looked through the code and found this but unsure what to change or if it is even this controller I need to edit etc.
PriceCalculationServices.cs
 if (productVariant.CustomerEntersPrice)
 {
      finalPrice = shoppingCartItem.CustomerEnteredPrice;
 }
 else
 {
      finalPrice = GetFinalPrice(productVariant,
           customer,
           attributesTotalPrice,
           includeDiscounts,
           shoppingCartItem.Quantity);
 }

A: Now fixed,
i amended the above code to:
  if (productVariant.CustomerEntersPrice)
                {
                    finalPrice = shoppingCartItem.CustomerEnteredPrice + productVariant.ProductCost;
                }

it now adds whatever i set the product cost to in admin to the value the customer enters :)

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


Do you want to watch Premium Movies or Videos on your Device. Well, Download Popular PlayBox HD Online Movies Streaming App Without Jailbreak / Payment.
Play Box HD is an Online Movie/Videos Streaming App for Both iOS and Android Devices, That will give an access to Watch Paid Movies Or Videos on our iPhone or Android Without any Subscription Pack Purchase.


text:
Listen 15 min
Three's company: A look at co-housing
Hosted by Frances Anderton Oct. 09, 2018
Morgen Wilbourne in the house she co-owns with four other adults. Photo credit: Devin Boone.
What do you do if you really, really want to buy a house -- but it's just too expensive for you alone or in a couple?
Well, how about co-housing? As in buying and adapting a property, and then living in it, as a group?
DnA hears about two families and a single friend who bought a triplex, split the costs, raised the children together, and nine years later are still going strong... despite a few challenges.
These include fallings out over design details, says co-owner Morgen Wilbourne -- like when she bought and installed outdoor lights from Target that the rest of the group didn't approve and "it hurt their feelings. It felt to them like I was just saying, 'oh the front yard is mine'." She adds, "suddenly it's like my house and my life all around it belongs to five people."
The biggest hurdle, of course, is the financing.
Co-housing -- not co-living as renters -- is an ownership model that exists overseas, perhaps most commonly in Berlin, Germany.
Residents of R50 Baugruppe in Berlin gather for a topping out ceremony in the community space in the basement of the building, designed collectively by Berlin architectural firms Heide & Von Beckerath and ifau with Jesko Fezer. Photo credit: Andrew Alberts.
Such developments are called Baugruppen and can range from a small collective of households to over 100. They differ from a group of people renting a house, or co-living, and from an intentional community of privately owned homes around shared amenities.
The approach was in part initiated, says Berlin-based architecture and design writer Andreas Tölke, by "gay people coming together and trying to build up their home for when they get older." He adds, "there's a feeling that it's "our project, we all feel responsible for it."
But this development model is not common in LA. Reporter Devin Boone tells DnA that Morgen Wilbourne and her group "went to two loan officers who refused them and said 'that idea is absolutely crazy and we can't help you'. And finally they found a third loan officer that says 'OK, I think I can make this work.'"
The loan officer helped them work up a Tenancy In Common, or TIC, agreement.
All five owners are on the deed and they came up with an equity-sharing arrangement called the Hannah Plan, named after the woman who lives above the garage, that outlines tiers of equity. Both of the families paid 37.5 percent, while Hannah has the last 25 percent.
The five households are further intertwined by their work and faith. They all belong to a Presbyterian church and three of the five of them work there; one is a pastor, another the director of music or worship; a third is the church bookkeeper and accountant.
Morgen Wilbourne says that when she first moved into her co-owned house, "making decisions collectively… was a big challenge… But it's also really worth it. And it's been wonderful." Photo credit: Devin Boone.
Wilbourne says that over the years they have shared dinners, laughs and watched their children grow up together. It's been a mostly wonderful experience, she says, as long as you maintain "a deep sense of trust" and "what we call a repentant heart." When Morgen bought solar-powered outdoor lights on sale at Target without checking with the group first, the annoyed co-owners were able to talk about it and move on.
So why is this avenue to home ownership so tricky?
John Perfitt is a nonprofit developer with Restore Neighborhoods Los Angeles and explains that in LA "there's not a proven marketplace; the scale is small, it's going to probably take a niche lender that's willing to go in and make these type of loans and willing to encounter the risk of the unknown."
But he says that real estate financing could use some disruption, such as crowdfunding or more experimentation with co-ownership arrangements like TICs.
It is imperative, he says, because real estate is the number one asset in terms of value for homeowners in Southern California. So if people even in a multi-family apartment building can get a piece of that ownership, "that's going to create wealth. So if we can find ways to do that in the context of cohousing or multi-family apartment living then that's really a big step forward, I think."
DnA blog: Berlin's R50 Baugruppe is a Model of Living Affordably, Collectively
What to Do When Buying a House With a Friend—And Why You Probably Shouldn't
Devin Boone - independent producer
John Perfitt - a nonprofit developer who leads Restore Neighborhoods LA
Andreas Tölke - Berlin-based architecture and design writer
Frances Anderton, Avishay Artsy
Flipping the Bird, co-buying a house
"Flipping the Bird!": using games to rethink urban mobility
KCRW/DnA invites you to join a "design jam" on Saturday, Oct. 13 at IndieCade in Santa Monica. It will be led by USC's Jeff Watson and Jose Sanchez.


text:
TBC Bank founder Khazaradze creates public movement as 'gov't fails' to ease tension
By Gvantsa Gabekhadze
Founder of Georgia's leading TBC Bank Mamuka Khazaradze says that he will create a public movement in September, uniting professionals from different fields to unite the country and make it economically stable.
Khazaradze, who was forced to quit the board of the bank he founded in February, says that the Georgian government and political parties fail to ease tensions in the country and respond to the challenges Georgia faces.
He says that the movement will gather individuals with progressive and pro-western attitudes and values.
Khazaradze did not hide his respect to the youth who have been protesting against the occupation since June 20, after a Russian MP addressed the delegates from 25 countries from the seat of the Georgian parliamentary speaker, at the Interparliamentary Assembly on Orthodoxy.
The ruling Georgian Dream MP Sophio Kiladze says that the public movement will be a precondition for creating a political party.
"However, I do not think Khazaradze to have high support," said Kiladze.
Members of the European Georgia opposition Sergi Kapanadze and Giga Bokeria say that they welcome the creation of a movement which will carry pro-western values.
"I think that the European Georgia and the Free Democrats can change the government in the current situation. However, we welcome such a movement anyway," Bokeria said.
Fady Asly, head of the International Chamber of Commerce, wrote that he has already contacted Khazaradze and expressed support as Georgia "needs an alternative."
Former Defence Minister Tina Khidasheli says that Khazaradze had two choices –go home and be quiet or take action.
"He has chosen what was logical," Khidasheli said.
Khazaradze announced his resignation from the TBC Bank's board amid a row related to a possible money laundering case back in 2008, to which the Georgian Prosecutor's Office showed an interest in the summer of 2018.
Khazaradze said "no violation took place," and called the investigation absurd which affected the bank's international shareholders with $200 million in several days and negatively influenced the state economy.
He said that it was a "deliberate campaign" against him, by some top state officials, allegedly linked to his role in the 2.5 billion strategically important Anaklia deep-sea-port.
The Anaklia Development Consortium is scheduled to invest $2.5 billion in the Anaklia Deep Sea Port project, which is due to be completed for 2021, disliked by Russia.
The Consortium was jointly established by Georgian TBC Holding and US firm Conti International.
The Anaklia Port's mission is to create a new, faster maritime corridor between China and Europe, helping restore the historic Silk Road. Experts say that the port will strengthen NATO's interest in the Black Sea.
Copyright © 2007 The Messenger. All rights reserved. Please read our disclaimer before using any of the published materials.


text:
Pax Mortis: Tager Quest Part V(...) 12/01/13(Sun)05:33 No.28594700
File: 1385894014094.jpg-(193 KB, 1000x268, page_34-35.jpg)
Pax Mortis: Tager Quest Part VII XQM !!6xEfm/rXmY7 12/01/13(Sun)05:33 No.28594700
>With great power comes great flammability....
Pastebin Part I: http://pastebin.com/CaFpKVuW
Pastebin Part II: http://pastebin.com/2Bx9yvhc
Despite the horrific, mysterious death of Yen Chau, which for a short while you were certain you would be blamed for, the Elders of the Society have revealed that it is exactly what it appeared to be: a horrific and mysterious death that not even they have an explanation for. Yen will be given a mission, retrieve vital information, and die in the course of the mission, and be buried with the honors and respect that any Tager who has died while in the service of the Eldritch Society receives.
The Tagers take care of their own.
As a corollary to that, the other Efreet in Detroit has taken you to the section of the training hall that has been specially reinforced for Tagers to practice in. Not merely in human form, but as Tagers. Towern is probably close to three times your eight, and almost all of that is muscle and bone. As graceful as he is, however, you are more so, and even without engaging him in combat you know that it will be the one advantage you can maintain against many of the inhuman monstrosities you will deal with. Of course, if he gets his hands on you, it would pretty much spell the end of you.
[Con't']
12/01/13(Sun)05:35 No.28594710
XQM !!6xEfm/rXmY7 12/01/13(Sun)05:35 No.28594710
The numbers are skewed, you are certain, by the necessity of information you cannot allow the enemy to have. Still, out of nearly three thousand Tagers, a mere ten to twenty Efreet is tragically disproportionate. The numbers of the Dhohanoids range into the tens or hundreds of thousands mark already, and they can breed.
"Do you speak Aklo?" Towern surprises you with the question.
"No. I know the Pnakotic script and Tsath-yo, but nothing as esoteric as Aklo, Elder."
"Dho-na is translated, as best as possible, into 'the empty space around something that gives it meaning.' The Dhohanoids are fillers for the space of humanity. They mean to displace humanity. And in the end, they're nothing more than a toy to the Many Faced One." He looks at you seriously, his dark eyes calm and calculating. "Your responsibility is to keep the Children of Chaos as off balance and scrambling for their goals as long as possible. Every day that passes may bring more of their kind into the fold, but despite the Aeon War, I believe humanity will survive. But to do that, the Chysalis Corporation must be brought low before they can undercut Human and Nazzadi powerbases." The fact that he's repeating things you should already know is ominous enough.
"With training, you can control your searing flesh, reduce the damage to a minimum. With further training, you can achieve greater and more powerful attacks. But no amount of training in the world can teach you to make the hard decisions well. That is what makes you and I different than the others. Our symbiont is not merely a hunter. It is a hunter with a true purpose." You've felt it already, those moments when you feel the need to prove to another something, or taking offense at the mildest of corrections. Telling Towern as much, he nods. "You have been fortunate to have become one with an especially strong connection to your symbiont, Anne. And there will be times when this can be a great disadvantage."
But if you so choose, this can make you even stronger in time. Pay heed to your symbiont, as well as your conscience. Doing the right thing is difficult, even impossible, but if you wish to become closer to your symbiont....pay heed."
Despite your trepidation at being brought to a combat circle, it is no longer combat that most concerns you. You think....you are fairly sure that Towern is suggesting you try and become an Inferno. To try an achieve a closer union with the alien symbiont within you.
Which is damn near impossible for experienced Tagers, much less a novice.
"I am sure you have questions – I did. But you are fortunate, in that I may have some answers for you personally. It is very rare to have an exceptional Tager on hand when one is reborn to the Society who is of the same kind." He smiles and looks down at you, his nod encouraging you to ask questions. Unlike the others you could have question, this is an Elder who knows everything about the Society and the Cult of Chaos and the Chrysalis Corporation you could want to know.
[con't]
More importantly, he obviously trusts you. Of course, Viss is watching, but he doesn't know that.
[] Wave Viss off.
[] Let Viss watch.
[] Let him know Viss is watching.
>Up to six questions will be answered in game. You may ask them as you wish, one question per post please, though you may post all six immediately. The response may take a short time. This is an opportunity to get to know the game world and your potentials.
Anonymous 12/01/13(Sun)05:43 No.28594757
>[] Let Viss watch.
[X] Let Viss watch.
Question: Are we actually trained to be a spy? There was mention of it in the previous thread.
"Why are we so heavily trained in spy work, Elder Towern?"
He doesn't seem as surprised by the question as you might have thought. Certainly the training is obvious, but you had thought it was to foil others spying. "Though we do very little true infiltration, much of the recruitment and information gathering we use is similar to that of spies and intelligence agents. You will make contact with many Office of Internal Security agents, as well as black marketeers, the Miskatonic Research Archives, the global Intelligence Agency, mercenaries, and many others whom you may need to do certain kinds of work for you. Knowing how to deal with intelligence and counter intelligence is part and parcel of the Shadow War, and there will come a time when you discover those whom may become members of the Society. You might even come into conflict with spies sent against us, or by proxy another murder of Tagers. It is invaluable to have those abilities under your belt."
Towern seems fairly pleased by your question. "Then if you have no other immediate questions, I would test your strengths." His shift is immediate and the wave of heat that accompanies it is shocking. He stands almost ten feet tall, his armor more like onyx or shale than obsidian, though the many cracks and veins of smoking flame and heat are present in him as well. ((I know that you were not the strongest of people before your change, and though that may have changed some, it was your agility and speed you were infamous for. Continue to use that in your favor.)) With that he lunges towards you, a wash of heat emanating from his outstretched hand.
[] Dodge: 1d30+8 Agility.
[] Transform and block: 1d30+15 Strength.
[] Remain untransformed and counterthrow: 1d30+9 Tenacity
If we touch his arm I'm pretty certain that we will take damage, even if we block it so the only option remaining is:
[X] Dodge: 1d30+8 Agility.
Rolled 8 + 8
Ah, I fucked up the roll:
Rolled 27 + 15
[] Transform and Block
>[X] Dodge: 1d30+8 Agility.
[x] Transform and block: 1d30+15 Strength.
>Dodge 16, 19
>Block 42
Your attempt to simply get out of the way is hampered by the fact that his body is much, much, MUCH larger than what you are used to dealing with, and also by your own strength; rather than ducking under his arm and moving past him, you tuck and roll under it....but you leap up instead of merely standing up! While you managed to dodge his initial assault, and not get scorched, you are too close for comfort. Realizing that there isn't any way to avoid impacting against his body mid flight, you have no choice but to transform as well.
The inversion of bodies and flesh is as natural as breathing and you surprise Towern by transforming inside his reach, effectively body-blocking him by surprise. Thrown off balance by the sudden increase from a mere five-foot-eight to nine-foot-three and more than quintupling your mass, Towern falls back, and slams into the ground on his back. You land on your feet and are now standing over him in a rather surprising role reversal.
[] Follow up with a stomp. 1D30+15 Strength
[] Flying elbow! 1D30+10 Agility
[] Wait for him to stand.
>[X] Follow up with a stomp. 1D30+15 Strength
Can he stomp his leg or is that forbidden since he said this is a test?
Because limiting his movement seems like a good idea.
>[] Follow up with a stomp. 1D30+15 Strength
[X] Follow up with a stomp. 1D30+15 Strength
>Tagers regenerate, and exceptional Tagers such as yourselves heal fast. It's rare that anything other than limit weapons is disbarred.
Ah so maiming is a-ok.
Rolled 1 + 15
>[X] Other - be ready to get out of the way if he tries to grab the leg or tries to sweep our other leg
[x] Watch for the sweep.
>42, 34, 27, 16
((Darkness, Anne, where did you learn to do that?)) Viss' shocked exclamation isn't much of a distraction; you're used to tuning things out. Having just made up the move, you keep your attention on the more dangerous problem of Towern. Prone he's a fairly large target, and smoke billows from around his body from the artificial concrete that the Tager combat platform is made of. Unlike the regular concrete it will not melt; it would take a limit weapon to damage the stuff.
He sweeps a massive arm towards your leg, clearly intending to sweep you off your feet, but you take all your weight off of that leg, and lean over your other leg as you step over him. His arm impacts your leg, but does nothing more than turn a one footed stomp into a full weight impact of your foot onto his hip.
The shocking crunch of shattering stone and the burst of liquid magma that accompanies it startles you; you didn't expect to punch through that much armor!
((I yield!)) He's in quite a bit of pain, and he doesn't immediately get up. You can see his regeneration in effect; stone rebuilding, the rivulets or magma drying up and seething along his body, and the bright glow from his damaged hip becoming more subdued. ((By the Forgotten Ones, that was painful!)) He slowly sits up, and looks at you with eyes formed of burning rock. ((I underestimated your instinctive skills. I do not think any Elder will ever make that mistake again.))
((….holy darkness Anne, you could have killed him!)) You rather doubt that, but Viss does have a point. You might not be the strongest Efreet, but your instinctive combat techniques are stronger than what you learned on the training floor.
((I will remain transformed for now; I must heal. But I will answer any other questions you may have.)) There is more respect for you in his voice, and it is not merely a wary respect, nor grudging respect. You managed to put down an elder, by yourself, in two blows.
You can't wait to try that on a Dhohanoid. Literally, you wish you had one now to tear apart.
[] Thank him for his time.
[] Soothe your symbiont.
[] Transform back and bow.
>[] Transform back and bow.
We will be respectful towards those that respect us. As far as questions go, nothing comes to mind right now.
When appropriate, I'd like us to ask if what happened to Yen ever happens to the Dhohanoids.
I'm not too familiar with CthulhuTech, but aren't they quite similar to Tagers?
>[X] Transform back, bow, sit down
> [x] Transform back and bow.
Ask him about our enemies.
Do Tagers use weapons?
((i dont know anything about the setting))
What is this "mission" you sent my Murder to anyway?
>There are weapons that have been modified for Tager use, but by and large they don't need them. All tagers have built in ranged weaponry - in Anne's case, a flaming projective breath weapon - and melee weapons.
I think they can. Or at least some of them can.
But really, you don't need one when your entire body is a weapon.
>Combat Technique Added: Demonic Uppercut.
[X] Transform back and bow.
Taking a moment to collect your thoughts and rein in your symbiont's destructive urges – though they do mesh with yours very well in this instance – you change back into yourself and bow deeply to Elder Towern. It was educational, though not entirely in the way you expected it to be. That doesn't relieve out the combat-urge, it is just as strong in either form. You mark it as something to be aware of.
While your first instinct is to sit, it would make looking into Towern's 'face' difficult, given he cannot sit up. "Elder Towern....I was wondering if what happened to....to Yen Chau ever happens to the Dhohanoids. There are similarities between us...." The very thought is accompanied by revulsion, true though it is. "I understand their ritual is easier and more readily available to them as well."
The voice of a transformed Tager is shockingly ungarbled, though breathless and incredibly deep in the case of an Efreet. You can't even imagine what you might sound like. Smoke erupts from fissures along Towern's face, and though nothing obviously moves, the seething fires with wax and wane as he speaks. "They do not. The only barrier that we know of to the Ritual of Transmogrification is the presence of latent Para-Psychic abilities, or taint from Beyond. Only those two things cause their ritual to go awry. Would that it were otherwise."
Unrelated to the quest but XS, your stories used to be up on /rs/ and now are not thanks to website failure. If you've still got all the stuff you've written, would you be happy to upload it?
"What of the Dhohanoids themselves? While they are the creatures of the Children of Chaos, are there other enemies we should be wary of?" Not the center-most enemies of the Eldritch Society – you've learned more than enough about the worshippers of Nyarloahotep in one of his many guises, and their plan to overthrow all humanity in favor of turning everyone into the horrific Dhohanoids.
He stands up, the horrifying injury you dealt him completely healed in less than two minutes. Once more he becomes the powerfully built man you first met so long ago. "The many types and kinds of Dhohanoids are given form by those who command the Ritual of Transformation – not the sorcerer's will, but that of the Many Faced God, Anne." Your stomach lurches. The idea that they have direct aid from an Outer God – a MANIFESTED Outer God at that! – in their creation ritual is a shock. You knew it was a daunting task that you set for yourself, but that was nothing like what you expected. Towern looks at you seriously. "The Dhonanoids are merely monsters given flesh. Any humanity they may have once had is gone, devoured. You will know them when you see them, no matter what form they take. Your instincts will reveal them, even without the sight that you have as a Tager."
"While the children of Chaos are the only threat we concern ourselves with, there is little doubt there will be others they attempt to turn against us. Th Office of Internal Security, despite the help we give them, can only ever view Tagers as a threat. Be circumspect and careful in your use of their people." He smiles faintly. "One day we may gain their full trust. Until then, our first concern myst be stopping Chrysalis Corporation and the cult which rules it's vast resources. We cannot turn aside for much else, I fear. You will understand more when we send you on your mission."
>I shall do so post quest.
He glances at one of the digital clocks in the combat training room, and sighs. "Speaking of which, it is close to time for the funerary rites to be conducted. Also, I would recommend you speak to the quartermaster later to have some appropriately insulated footwear designed for you." With a wry smile he confirms your suspicion. "I did the same thing when I first became united with the Higher Being." He looks at the pseudo-crete flooring, which despite some scorch marks and burn marks, is undamaged – except for some deep gouges where your crushed your mentor's hip into the ground. "That was an impressive blow," he notes looking at the damage to the floor.
With that he dismisses you, and you quickly walk to the door you entered by. As you leave, you see it is being guarded by Scrivener, who gives you a slow nod, and then steps inside as you depart.
[] Collect Viss.
[] Get to the meeting hall.
Question. Not one of our six.
So, a Tager is a willing partnership between a human, and a being from beyond, and a Dohanoid is a being from beyond crammed into a mortal, devouring everything that made them who they were, their essence?
>Dohanoid is a being from beyond crammed into a mortal, devouring everything that made them who they were, their essence?
Yes, but by mortal I think that includes animals too.
>[] Collect Viss.
Let's hear what he thinks about what he saw.
> [x] Collect Viss.
Are we proper for the funeral or do we need to change after this entire incident?
Essentially yes.
>You are correct.
>The ritual only works on willing participants, and they must be absolutely human or nazzadi.
>[X] Collect Viss.
The Dhohanoid ritual requires the participant/victim to be willing? Do any scraps of the original person remain? Memories, etc.?
>Memories do, but they are quickly discarded as just tools to help impersonate the original person. Dhohanoids are nothing more than monsters with memories of having once been human.
[X] Collect Viss.
With the prearranged gesture you inform Viss that you want to meet with her in person once more, and you head towards your room. While you are dressed appropriately for a funeral, being that such things tend to be sadly casual in the Eldritch Society, being barefoot might not be too appropriate. The transformation has no effect on your clothing, which is a good thing; unlike Dhohanoids, your other self is contained entirely within an extra-dimensional space, and in theory so your body is when the Tager is present here. On the other hand, being on fire tends to leave your foot-wear vulnerable to whatever you happen to be standing in when you change back.
Viss is waiting for you at your room, her slender figure accentuated by the black silk dress she chose for the funeral. A simple necklace sports a silver cross, a gift from Fanzi that she received on her sixteenth birthday. She is wearing flats as well, though hers are somewhat more stylish than the simple black slip-on flats you're forced to make do with. Her eyes are wide and somewhat shocked; a great deal of her black sclera is visible, and her pupils are wider than usual. "I'm not sure if that was awesome or terrifying, Anne. I don't think I've ever seen anything take down an Elder that fast."
"It was mostly luck to be honest. Well, luck and instinct."
She nods as you brush your clothing free of lint and wrinkles. Unnecessary, but it's a funeral. You've seen enough of those.
[] Ask her about seeing Yen die.
[] Ask her about what she thinks about whatTowern said.
[] Tell her that the Elder has put her in your Murder officially.
>[] Ask her about what she thinks about what Towern said.
> [x] Ask her about seeing Yen die.
> [x] Ask her about what she thinks about what Towern said.
First, lets check how she's doing. She lost a teammate as well. Then questions about Yen acting strangely. Why was he so interested in her and Rechert? Did he have anything against us in particular, or was he only jealous of us becoming an Efreet?
>[X] Tell her that the Elder has put her in your Murder officially.
[X] Ask her about what she thinks about what Towern said.
[x] Ask her about seeing Yen die.
[x] Tell her that the Elder has put her in your Murder officially.
"I think it's pretty obvious that they're going to send you to help another Enclave. I don't know about the rest of us, we're pretty ordinary in comparison, except for Jakob." The amphibious Echo has little place in Detroit, but there is no Tager that is invaluable. "I think....no, it's pretty obvious he wants you to try and metamorphose, Anne. I just can't imagine him pushing that on you so quickly. Unless there's some reason he would want you to."
The idea is disturbing to say the very least. With a symbiont-link as strong as yours is – even the most oblivious person can tell it's affecting your personality and fighting skills – becoming an Inferno would mean becoming even closer. That's a lot of humanity to give up so quickly.
"I've read about the process in detail." You look at Viss curiously. "Well....we need stronger warriors. And that's the only way to go about it, really. But you have to be more like the symbiont. I'd have to become even more voyeuristic, more determined, even if it means I'd get hurt. I'd have to convince the rest of my murder to be patient and careful, even if they don't want to be. You....you'd have to become a controlled pyromaniac, slay your enemies with fire, and take the high road even if it meant endangering yourself and others. It's not easy, and it can be pretty dangerous."
You nod and stand up, glancing at the room you shared with Fanzi. "You believe him about Yen's death?"
She doesn't answer for a moment, but then nods. "I do. I think he was telling the whole truth, the entire time. His heart beat stayed the same, his temperature didn't spike, and he didn't flinch or have any unusual boy language." You stare at her for a moment, and she grins. "Yeah, I know. Don't worry, I won't peek in your shower too often."
Ah yes, Whispers are feisty. And now she was your responsibility.
"I think that we should keep Yen's death between us. I want the others to think of him as a warrior, not....what he was like before he died." You glance at her when she says this without prompting from you. "It might be a secret but the way he died....I think it really wasn't his fault. Or yours, of course. Maybe we can find out more from Doctor Kalinka or Mordecai though, later."
"I'll need to talk to you and Rechert at length about Yen, too. He seemed fixated on you two."
She looks looks confused and shakes her head. "I have no idea what he was talking about, Anne. Rechert was closer to Yen than I was, I just helped Rechert out with the things he studied, outside of magic. I didn't have much of a talent for it."
"There's one more thing, Viss." She looks at you calmly, evenly. Not with the calculated coldness of a Spectre or Shadow, but simply calm and relaxed, ready for anything without being worried. "Elder Farsight placed you in my Murder – officially." She blinks, and gives you a sly grin. "No benefits until we get everything ELSE sorted out! Dark fire, girl, your symbiont is a pervert!"
You manage to startle a burst of giggles from her, and she shakes her head, sobering quickly. "We really have to go, Anne." You sigh and nod, and head to the meeting room.
The meeting hall is in another building, but set up in a sub-basement of the building. There are numerous secret and public ways into it, from all across the compound. Years of raids against Society strongholds have taught the Society that anywhere people gather is dangerous, and without mystic shielding in addition to mundane countermeasures, the best way to destroy any stronghold is by striking where everyone gathers. It's a tactic used by the Tagers and the Dhohanoids alike to great effect.
The meeting hall is large enough to house a good portion of the local Society members, and it is also televised on a secure channel for those who cannot participate in person. Given the nature of most Tager deaths, there is rarely a recoverable body and often the symbiont itself ensure the flesh and blood of the Tager cannot be collected. Even those members who are not Tagers are often not recovered.
Making your way to the front of the crowd, you are greeted by Rechert, Holmes, Viss, and Jakob. Irren arrives shortly, once more stoic and in control of himself. The six of you are asked to step forward by Loco, a dark skinned man who is the oldest Tager in this enclave, in addition to being an Elder. To each of you he gives a small plaque of resin with Fanzi Hyacinth's name engraved in it artfully. A larger one stands on the podium where the other eight Elders stand, dressed in black robes or black combat suits, all heads bowed.
Loco walks back up to the podium and turns on the microphone headset waiting there for him. "We come together today to mourn the loss of Fanzi Hyacinth. Her efforts to become a Holy Warrior in the service of The Eldritch Society were never in vain; she aided others, protected out Enclave, and taught us that perseverance in the name of the Forgotten Ones task for us ends at death....but that the works done while living will bear fruit despite that. Her companions live on, newly born Holy Warriors, to carry on the work she may not. Her memory will live on with them and those whom she was close to."
With that, a moment of silence covers the room. No prayers are said aloud, and while some few may pray to themselves, all too often it is recalled that in the Aeon War, gods too often answer.
[] Say a silent prayer for Fanzi.
[] Remain silent and remember her.
>[X] Say a silent prayer for Fanzi.
>[] Say a silent prayer for Fanzi.
[X] Say a silent prayer for Fanzi.
You pray to the Forgotten Ones that your companion rests with them, forgotten only in name, never in truth. The sense of rightness and faith you receive from the act is strong....perhaps not merely your own prayers.
After the moment of silence is observed, Elder Loco lifts his hands. "In this time of tragedy, out of death, new warriors arise. Behold, seven more Holy Warriors have passed through the Rite of Sacred Union, and stand now to aid us all, one already in the field of battle." There is a shocking loud cheer; Slipt and Scrivener step to the sides of the dais, and gesture for the six of you to join them. Viss glances at you, knowing the seventh is no more, but says nothing.
Another heartfelt cheer is made, and while there are a few tears shed, the crowd looks up solemnly at you and your companions. There are a fair number of raised fists spread throughout the crowd – Tagers, saluting their new brothers- and sisters-in-arms. Loco walks to stand before you all as you face the crowd. "They are reborn to us, our Holy Warriors, and we thank them for their dedication, their strength, and their courage." With that, he turns and kneels before you, head bowed; behind you the other Elders do the same.
As does the entire crowd. It should be somewhat nerve wracking, to be the ones being knelt to rather than being among the kneeling, but it feels right, proper to you. Obeisance from those beneath you, those you will lead into battle against the Enemy. The moment passes, and the crowd slowly disperses, save the Elders and some few guards. Elder Loco turns off the microphone and takes the headset off. "Greetings, brothers and sisters. It is good to have your strength with us now." He gestures fr you all to follow Towern, who walks towards the back entrance to the meeting hall.
It doesn't take long before you gather in a conference room near the meeting hall doors. The sensation of a mystic barrier at the door tingles along your skin as you walk into the room, and the source is undoubtedly the gleaming crystal sphere that rests in a small display case in the middle of the large oval table. There are enough seats for twenty, and the elders take their places at one side of the table, indicating you may sit wherever you like. Jewel and Farsight bring pitchers of water, for your comrades and the Elders, as well as glasses. Towern starts brewing coffee, while Loremistress Geolai sets up a kettle for making tea.
Loco gazes at each of the six of you in turn, assessing, memorizing perhaps. He sighs and leans back, giving the impression of age beyond his years. "I am sorry for your loss. It is difficult to lose a fellow warrior in such a way. Sadly, we can spare no time to mourn any of our dead, for the enemy is ever on the move, in greater numbers." Towern and Geolai sit down and Radessi sets a sheaf of papers in front of Loco. "The time has come to make some decisions, and you are now Tagers. You are not Elders, but nor are you merely soldiers. All that we do must come in some part from your choices, and we will inform your choices as best as we are able."
"We have sent Gravedigger, once known as Yen Chau, on a deeply important mission. Considering the skills of a Spectre, and the urgency of the mission, we could not have him stand with you, I fear." His gaze sweep your companions. "Anne must go to Los Angeles." At the looks of shock and dismay, he lifts his hand, preventing any exclamation. "The Enclave there has been hit hard by the Chrysalis Corporation's activities, and they lost almost one-third of their entire fighting force. Anne's presence, as well as any who chose to join her, will give them a measure of hope. Viss will accompany her, as well, as part of her murder."
Radessi speaks up at this point. "We have a mission, however, that would be well suited to you all, and Anne has asked to stay with you until it is done, whether or not you chose to become part of her murder. Viss will be necessary to the mission, and it will be well suited to all of your skills and talents."
Irren speaks up before anyone else can do so. "I would be honored to serve under Anne, if she will have me."
Jakob looks at the Nazzadi, and then nods. "I as well." Irren gives Jakob a grateful look. His grin is awfuly predatory in response. "And there's a beach in Los Angels."
Holmes snorts laughter, and then looks at Rechert, who looks somewhat surprised at the turn of events. "How about you?" At Rechert's nod, Holmes looks at the assembled Elders and spreads his hands. "That makes it unanimous. Anne heads up our murder." Despite your symbiote's pleasure at the obvious claim to leadership, the show of solidarity is still moving.
Loco is pleased, and so is Farsight. Towern smirks as if he expected nothing less, while Radissa turns to Loco and inclines his head. Geolai, the Nazzadi Loremistress who is the oldest non-Tager at the table, turns to you, and murmurs softly. "Then it is time for you to chose the names by which you will be known in our annals." Your call-signs.
>What is Anne's call-sign?
Dickbutt.
Seriously now, something like Firefly might be ok? I have no idea if it fits the setting though.
...Amaterasu?
i agree with Firefly
Hestia?
seconding Hestia
>Firefly....for now.
It doesn't take long to come up with something simple. "Firefly will do for now. I may change it later." Towern gives you an appraising look, which is noted by Radessi. Your symbiont is fairly certain you'll have a much more appropriate name one day.
Rechert speaks softly. "I would like to be called Lucky." That gets him an odd look from both Viss and Holmes, and he smirks a little, the expression strange on his youthful face. "Well, since I'm never lucky, maybe that will change."
"Reminds me, you still owe me twenty nubills," Jakob says as he rises to get some coffee.
Irren glances at Rechert. "It's not working." Even some of the Elders chuckle at that.
"Guts," claims Holmes. "I think it's appropriate for a Phantom." Loco nods agreeably, being one as well.
Jakob sets a cup of tea in front of the Loremistress who looks at him gratefully as he settles back in his seat. "Fangface. Straightforward and-"
Viss buries her face in her hands.
"-to the point."
There aren't too many who don't groan at that. "The joke is older than the N.E.G. It's definitely older than my race." Your deadpanned response garners a frown from Geolai and Farsight, but Slipt smiles into her cup of coffee as she takes a sip.
Irren smiles faintly. "Call me the Fourth." There are a few curious looks from around the table, and he explains, "There were never Three Musketeers. There were always four. That is why they invariably won." Loco chuckles at that, while Viss, Rechert, and Jakob all look mildly confused. "Old story. I'll tall you some night around a campfire."
viss shrugs mildly. "Just Watcher."
Rechert looks at Viss. "Not very creative."
"But very accurate," she says simply.
File: 1385907724923.jpg-(328 KB, 1280x1024, 1385261277851.jpg)
You refrain from agreeing to vehemently with that.
The Loremistress nods to Loco, and the Elder Tager touches a few control points on the table. As the room darkens, he speaks firmly, sounding much more dangerous and quiet. "In that case, let us begin your briefing...."
>I'll keep this in mind for later.
I'll be completing a character sheet and personality sheet this weekend, and will have the pastebin up tomorrow.
Thank you for joining me.
Thanks for running, and see you next time.
XS 12/01/13(Sun)09:26 No.28596382
For the anon who asked earlier:
http://www.mediafire.com/download/yax89ev33ic973a/XS+Tales.rar
Yo, thanks. Are there any authors you read for this kind of stuff that you'd recommend?
Pastebin updated, and thread archived.
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/28594700/
It's a niche genre. SM Stirling has the Drakon series, and there is the animorph series, but there are no actual Cthulhutech novels out that I know of.
C.S. Friendman does very good science fiction in the 'more human than human' style, as does Roger Zelazny, but unfortunately there are very few stories that are specific to this style.
OK, thanks. I can at least check out Stirling and Friendman.
Oh, for my horror. That's different. and still very niche.
Stephen King's novelettes (Four Past Midnight, Four Seasons) and short stores are good. I would recommend Early (very early) John Saul and Peter Straub. For darker, deadlier tales, Robert Bloch, for more sensual weirdness, Tanith Lee's Flat Earth Series (good luck finding it, sadly), and for lighter fare Louise Cooper's Time's Master trilogy (not very thick books). Greag Bear's Songs of Earth and Power is very influential.
I appreciate both sets of reccomendations anyway. I often find fantasy or horror stuff hard to get into.
Do you/did you ever want to write professionally yourself?
I have a hard time doing anything more than short stories without a co-writer to keep me on track.
way too late to matter this thread, but I would suggest either Archangel or Flashfire as our call sign.


text:
Home Crime Weeks after car stolen, gunmen storm Diamond home of businessman
Weeks after car stolen, gunmen storm Diamond home of businessman
The vehicle that was stolen
Almost three weeks after bandits pretending to be passengers carjacked a taxi at Garden of Eden, East Bank Demerara (EBD), three gunmen stormed the car owner's Diamond, EBD home late Wednesday evening and escaped with a quantity of cash and valuables.
According to information received, the incident occurred at about 23:30h. The owner of the hijacked car, identified only as a businessman, reported that the three perpetrators entered his home from a back door that had been left open.
He alleged that he had closed his shop earlier in the evening and went to sleep, with his wife and grandson in the house.
However, he was reportedly awaken by one of the bandits, and observed that his seven-year-old grandson was being forced to divulge where the family's cash and valuables were.
The bandits also reportedly threatened the young child.
This online publication was told that the businessman, who was not aware that the suspects were armed, acted hastily and grabbed a cutlass. However, he was quickly disarmed by the three men.
The perpetrators then fled the scene with a number of mobile phone cards and an undisclosed sum of cash.
In mid August, the victim's white new model Premio motorcar bearing licence plates HC 8993, which was being driven by a 30-year-old taxi driver at the time, was stolen.
INews had reported that according to the taxi driver- identified as Terry Persaud of Diamond, EBD- at about 17:00h on the day in question, he was working taxi in Diamond Scheme when he picked up two of the suspects -described as a slim male and a mixed race female- at the Diamond Tarmac.
The duo requested to be taken to Friendship, East Bank Demerara to pick up the other suspect (described as a chubby male).
At Friendship, the apparent couple sat in the back seat while their chubby accomplice occupied the front passenger side seat.
Persaud recounted that as he proceeded in a southern direction in the vicinity of Garden of Eden, the slim male placed a cold object behind his neck and demanded that he stop the car. He also threatened to shoot the taxi driver.
The man, fearing for his life, immediately complied, after which the chubby male grabbed his hand and pulled off his wedding ring, before taking away Persaud's phone and money.
The victim was then ordered to exit the car.
Upon doing so, he began running in a northern direction as the suspects fled the scene in the stolen car in a southern direction.
So far, no one has been arrested in connection with the crimes.
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text:
Memphis Grizzlies vs Brooklyn Nets Betting Picks, Odds, & Predictions March 23rd | OddsJam
Memphis Grizzlies vs Brooklyn Nets Betting Picks, Odds, & Predictions March 23rd
Memphis Moneyline +116
Brooklyn Moneyline -131
Memphis Spread +3.5
Brooklyn Spread -3.5
Memphis/Brooklyn Total 234.5
Game Date & Time Wed Mar 23rd, 2022 at 7:30PM ET
Odds via OddsJam Perfect Line
The first of tonights ESPN primetime NBA games is a great one, a matchup between the Memphis Grizzlies and Brooklyn Nets.
The young and plucky upstart Grizzlies have worked themselves all the way up to 2nd in the west, while a Brooklyn squad featuring a healthy Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving might be the best team in all of basketball.
The Nets are slight favorites here, with the current spread at Nets -3.5, while the total is at 234.5. This game is being played in Memphis at the FedEx Forum on Wednesday, March 23rd at 7:30PM Eastern.
Because this is an away game for the Nets, that means that Kyrie is able to play. So, with that said, it is no surprise to see the Nets favored.
This Nets team has also been on fire recently. They have won 6 of their past 7 games, and that only loss came to a streaking Dallas Mavericks team on a last second made shot by Spencer Dinwiddie.
Included in these 6 victories is a 29 point drubbing of the Sixers in their first matchup post James Harden/Ben Simmons trade, and a wire to wire victory over the Utah Jazz.
Even without Simmons touching the floor, when Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving are on the floor together this Nets team is scary.
Especially with how well these two are currently playing. In the past 9 games Durant has put up point totals of 37, 38, 53, and 37. Safe to say he's on fire. Irving, on the other hand, has scored 50+ points twice in his past 4 games.
Tasked with slowing down this Nets inferno is the Memphis Grizzlies. Despite not getting much love as a championship contender, everything about this Grizzlies team screams elite NBA team.
They have the 2nd best record in the NBA, and the 5th best net rating. Despite being young, they are also a balanced team with a top 7 offensive and defensive net rating as well. There is a ton to like with this team, and it all starts with head coach Taylor Jenkins and superstar Ja Morant.
With how good Memphis has been all season, I actually love the value of getting their moneyline odds at +130 on DraftKings and Caesars Sportsbook.
Memphis has the 2nd best record in the NBA in outright winning games in which they are the underdog, with a 14-10 record. As you can see above, this is also a Positive Expected Value play, with the OddsJam Perfect Line pricing this moneyline bet at +116.
Memphis Grizzlies vs Brooklyn Nets pick:
My NBA betting pick is to take the Grizzlies moneyline on this game. This was bet at +130 on DraftKings Sportsbook, and can also be found on Caesars Sportsbook.
Memphis Grizzies vs Brooklyn Nets Prediction:
My official NBA prediction is that the Grizzlies win 120-117.


This 1972 Corvette convertible presents well in Dark Green and immaculate Saddle interior. The 1972 model was the last of the full chrome bumper Corvettes and now becoming very collectable especially the convertible models.
The 350ci V8 coupled to automatic transmission performs and drives really well. The side mounted pipes gives this Corvette a high performance sound to match its looks.
This car looks stunning whether the top is up or down. All ready for your summer cruising.