Where can i buy an electronic cigarette in woodbridge, va

Astronomy

2008.03.28 15:00 Astronomy

The amateur hobby of humanity since the dawn of time and scientific study of celestial objects.
[link]


2010.01.27 12:37 Bourkster iPad & iPad Pro

For all things iPad & iPad Pro. Information, discussion, news, iPadOS, hardware, and more about the company out of Cupertino and its great tablet.
[link]


2017.06.14 14:57 JenCan /r/INEEEEDIT - Home to the coolest products on the internet!

Welcome to /INEEEEDIT. Home to the coolest products on the internet!
[link]


2024.06.01 13:17 TheDreadPirateRobots [Have Gun - Will Travel] - 1.8

[INDEX]
I banked the fire and stared into the golden eyes of Beatale before I crept into my makeshift tent.
I still had my auric vision running and couldn’t help but notice the thin silver cord that ran from me to Horse. Firming up my aura, I reached out with my hand and grabbed it. I could feel the nearly imperceptible vibration between my fingers as I used my mind to probe at the thread. I could feel a bright spark of intellect, a light at the end of a tunnel. Pushing with my mind, I slid down the thread until the spark grew larger and eventually filled my inner vision with a hazy white light. Horsey thoughts nudged at me curiously.
I slid into the haze and immediately lost all sense of direction. If it wasn’t for the silver thread, I’d have no idea how to exit this shifting white fog. Horsey thoughts got stronger as I followed the thread while the haze thinned and cleared to reveal an endless prairie of green grass. I found myself standing before a naked man wearing a horse mask and I stared in shock. It was obviously me wearing a cheap costume horse mask — there was no mistaking my tattoos.
“What did you expect?” Horse neighed at me. “I am you and you are me and we are all together. Goo goo ga joob.”
Horse made a shooing motion with his hands and I accelerated backwards through the white haze and slammed into my own body with a gasp. I stared at the tarp overhead for a long minute, processing this new revelation. Horse was a part of me, a piece of my spirit. Whatever psychic stuff I did with that silver cord lead me into a house of mirrors where I got to look at myself pretending to be a horse. I can’t even deal with that right now.
Rolling into my blankets, I dropped off to sleep.
*Ding*
-=- - Welcome to the Dreamworld - Included in the Psychic Skills pack, the Inner Sanctum is your psychic domain. It is the mental fortress that you must secure and maintain to defend against psychic and spiritual assaults. All of your neurosis and fears are symbolised in this realm and must be defeated or subjugated before you can become master of the domain. Good luck. -=-
I banished the pop-up and looked around. I knew I was asleep, but everything was just as real as when I was awake. I was breathing, I could feel the floor under my feet, and if it weren’t for the pop-up, I would have sworn I had been teleported. The room I was in resembled an oversized luxury prison cell, maybe a thirty foot cube. No windows. Rough stone walls with thick mortar. Large brass wall sconces were set directly into the stone and suffused the room with a warm, golden light provided by glowing rocks. The stone floor had colourful Persian rugs tastefully placed. A high plaster ceiling was painted with a rendition of Michelangelo’s ‘Creation of Adam’, depicting me as both Adam and God.
There was a comfy sofa in front of a large screen television that hung from one wall and an ornate grandfather clock ticked loudly in the corner. It was currently 10:08 PM. Another wall was a floor to ceiling bookshelf, stuffed with books of varying sizes. The third wall was covered with pictures and I could see at a glance that they were images from my life. The fourth wall had a thick riveted steel door on the right side, a full sized mirror on the left, and a computer workstation in the middle.
The picture wall was my first target. A few were quite large, nearly life sized, while others were tiny prints no larger than the palm of my hand. Scenes of my life were displayed in each one. The largest was me riding Horse with a shit-scared expression, shooting at a pack of wolves. Others were smaller, each with different frames. Some ornate gold or silver, others plain wood, a few wrapped in briars or barbed wire. Nanny Ramsey holding me as a young child. My dog Jean with a red ball in his mouth. My parents, screaming at me. I turned my attention to the books. Books are safe. Books don’t judge you.
The sweet, musty scent of a used book store filled my nostrils as I drew close to the honey coloured shelves. Hundreds of volumes filled the wall from floor to ceiling, with a ladder that could be rolled along a rail to access the top. I smiled at the sight. I had always wanted a library like this. I pulled a book at random and read the title, “Confused Fantasies about Joseph Harris, part XXIV of the Middle School Years”.
I slid the book back onto the shelf. Let’s see what’s on TV.
The remote was a slim, futuristic looking affair with a minimum of buttons. I pointed it at the television and moments later the huge screen came to life and presented me with a simple menu for movies, divided into six categories: Happy, Surprised, Afraid, Disgusted, Angry, and Sad. I scrolled through the offerings for a minute, reading the titles and reviews about the movies of my life. It really bothered me that there were so few selections in the Happy section.
The number of Sad movies increased by one.
I walked over to the mirror and noticed there was a small sticky note pasted to it. “Astral Realm. Experienced users only.” I shoved the note in my pocket and stared at my image. Sturdy black boots, black denim jeans and shirt with mother-of-pearl buttons, deep brown gun belt slung at my hip, red bandanna and black felt hat. All I needed was a pencil moustache and I would look like the stereotypical villain in any spaghetti western. At that very moment I decided to grow out a goatee. I’d rather be mistaken for a bad guy than a victim.
So how does this astral realm thing work?
The mirror appeared to be nothing more than a mirror. It was cold, smooth glass surrounded by a wrought iron frame, and reflected my image. I didn’t necessarily want to go walking into danger, but I wanted to know how it worked. I pushed and prodded the glass in frustration until I noticed my image grinning at me. I jumped back in surprise and it doubled over in silent laughter.
“Hilarious, dude. You got me,” I huffed. “So how do I get in?”
My mirror-self tipped his hat and stepped to side.
I reached up to the mirror again and my hand passed through, vanishing as if cut off. Okay, just a quick peek and we’ll explore the rest of the room. I stepped through and the world shifted around me. I was standing back at the campsite. My body was insubstantial as a ghost and the tarp was a wisp of substance running straight through me. Non living things don’t seem to have much presence in this realm. Glancing down, I saw my sleeping body rolled up in the blankets, a thin silver thread running from it to me, and another thread running to Horse.
Looking around, I surveyed the campsite. My astral vision seemed to be on and had an unlimited range. I could see the life all around me, the distant forest was a sea of greenish-gold, grasses and brush nearby glowed with spectral light. Tiny ghost insects scurried while ghost mice nibbled at whatever ghost mice nibble on. Ghost seeds and ghost insects, I suppose. I turned my attention overhead and gaped at the sight of a monstrous serpentine spirit flying through the inky void. I dropped back through the tent and rolled inside my body. That was plenty enough for now.
I rolled through the mirror and landed flat on my back, staring at the fresco on the ceiling. Vinnie-God winked at me and Vinnie-Adam grinned. Climbing to my knees, I brushed non-existent dust from my trousers and watched mirror-me doubled over in soundless laughter.
“Hey, laughing-boy!” I yelled at him. “You’re like the guardian or something, right? You got it covered?”
Mirror-me stood and saluted with a smile, then gave me two thumbs up. A moment later, his face took on a serious expression and he wriggled his right hand in the ‘maybe’ motion. Then he pointed at me, tapped his wrist, and then a finger to his head.
It all depends on how fast I learn stuff, I guess.
Two thumbs up and a winning smile reflected back to me.
A large cork board was mounted to the wall over the computer and a small note was pinned to it. “Note to self: Don’t fuck with the Elvish womens.”
The computer screen featured a screensaver of me as Vitruvian Man doing callisthenics over the words ‘HumanOS’. I tapped the spacebar and was rewarded with the sound of powerful fans kicking to life as the computer emerged from sleep mode and prompted me for a password. Should I assume it’s the same as the password on the computer I pawned in my previous life?
Password: *******esi
I was rewarded with a sweet R&M desktop and a couple of icons. System, NeuralNet, My-Tunes, My-Movies, My-Office.
System was just what I expected, lots of .dna files and other confusing scariness that allowed me to tweak my physical body and mental state. My-Tunes was a collection of every song I’d ever heard and My-Movies was a collection of every movie I’d ever seen. Not that I’m complaining, but it would have been nice to have “My-Games” so I could play RDR. My-Office was a clone of the popular software by a similar name. I have no idea what I’ll ever need a spreadsheet for in this world.
NuralNet opened up a search engine called Me-Seeks, featuring a familiar blue guy.
I typed in “beer” and several thousand results were displayed, anything I’d ever read, heard, or watched about beer, including how to make it. This right here made the price of admission totally worth it, access to an exact copy of everything I’d ever read, and I was a voracious reader. Sadly, most of the stuff I read was futurology — solar panels, electronics, biotech advancements, quantum computing. The material for steam engines, blacksmithing, farming and the like, were slim pickings. That’s okay though, I could still reproduce the Gutenberg press, the cotton gin, simple internal combustion engines, and basic batteries along with some sketchy knowledge of metal alloys, acids, bases, and other things I had read over the years. All that wasted time watching “How Things Work” was finally going to pay off. I copied a few likely money makers to My-Office, saved the file, and exported to my Notes, just in case they didn’t exist on Aerth.
A popup covered the screen.
📱 [New Upgrade Available!] 📱
🎉 Enhance Your Experience with the Latest HumanOS Features! 🎉
🌟 Features Include:
🔥 Special Offer: Only 2000 credits for version 2.0 or 5000 credits for version 3.0! 🔥
[Upgrade Now ✅] [Remind Me Later ❌]
Apparently I could upgrade myself, which reduced the cost of using my Utilities while providing other minor benefits. My Utilities would level up as I used them, which would increase their battery cost, so if I didn’t keep pace with an update to the OS they could become prohibitively expensive to operate.
Stupid pay-to-win world.
So, do I pay 2000 credits for version 2.0 or 5000 credits for version 3.0?
I selected version 3.0 and klicked [Install]. After watching it download the update, it popped up another screen that asked if I wanted to update now, or wait until Midnight for the mandatory update.
I selected [No] just as the grandfather clock chimed 10:30 PM. I wondered if time ran slower in here, because it seemed like I had spent a lot more time on the computer than 15 minutes. Walking over to the imposing steel door, I noticed a bronze key with a thin chain in the lock. There was another sticky note on the door. “Subconscious. Please keep the key with you at all times.”
That’s not scary at all, is it?
I unlocked the door with a loud clunk and pulled it open to reveal a bedroom straight out of some royal castle. I could tell immediately that it had seen better days. The tapestries on the wall were frayed and fading. The canopy over the bed had a few holes in it. A thin layer of dust covered the mantle of a small fireplace set into the wall. There was a window letting in bright sunlight and I moved over to look outside.
I was on the third floor of a keep surrounded by the walls and turrets of a modest castle. A castle that had fallen into serious disrepair. Did this represent the state of my inner mind? One tower was shattered and the curtain wall under it damaged. The lower bailey was full of litter. I could see a few soldiers walking around the allure, keeping watch.
I have people in my subconscious?
Someone behind me cleared their throat.
Whirling, I discovered a familiar old man standing in the door of the bedroom. What was left of his hair formed a white halo around his head, his face was unshaven and covered with several days of growth. He was dressed like a poor and tattered manservant, but carried himself with a dignified air.
“Woodhouse?”
“It’s nice to see the master at home,” He said with a proper English accent. “There are many matters that require the master’s attention.”
“Uh, sure,” I said, hanging the key around my neck and tucking it in my shirt. “And who are you again?”
“Your personal manservant, of course” he said with a slight bow. Walking over to the steel door, he pulled it closed and it locked with a solid thunk. “Master should always keep his inner sanctum closed. One never knows if something nasty will creep in.”
“Thank you, uh, Woodhouse. I’ll remember that,” I said, rubbing the back of my neck. “So what needs tending and how do things work around here?”
He smiled and beckoned me with a white gloved hand. “If master would be so kind as to follow me, I’ll introduce him to the staff and explain the duties and obligations of his domain.”
I’m 99.9% certain that everyone here is just me wearing a mask, so I shrugged and followed Woodhouse out of the bedroom and into the rest of my subconscious.
Five minutes later I was on the ground floor and seated on a shabby throne with the cast of a popular —and probably very copyright protected— animation in front of me. Woodhouse was the head butler and my personal manservant. Pam was the cook and demanded that I start importing sugar and alcohol before she was shushed by Woodhouse. Carol was a maid. Krieger was chancellor and Cyril was the steward. Archer and Lana were in charge of security. Ray was the marshal in charge of everything from the stables to the blacksmith.
I stared in disbelief at the motley crew kneeling in front of me. No wonder my inner mind was in such shambles. I was overcome with an irrational sense of anger at myself.
“Arright, listen up,” I barked, my voice echoing around the room. “I swear to God that I will fire every single one of you and hire circus clowns to replace you if you keep fucking things up. No joke. Circus clowns, got it?”
I ran a hand over my face as Ray pissed himself. “The only reason I’m not putting a boot in your asses right now is because I realise that you’re aspects of me, and the people you represent are pretty damn good at their jobs when they give enough of a shit to actually do them. As a team, you’re dysfunctionally fantastic and always seem to come out ahead no matter the odds.”
Heaving a sigh, I continued. “Things have changed and I need to get my shit together. I’m going to need every one of you to pull your weight and help me help you. Get back to your duties, I’ll meet you one on one later.”
My subconscious caretakers scurried out of the room.
“I’ll have one of the maids tend to the piss,” Woodhouse assured me.
“Never mind that,” I snapped. “I honestly had no idea my mind was such a shit show. I’m very disappointed in myself.” I pictured the Angry, Sad, and Disgusted counters on my personal movies clicking up. “Show me what needs to be done and let’s get started.”
During Woodhouse’s walking tour, everything clicked into place. This was some altered version of Bodiam castle, a location that was on my bucket list of places to visit. The royal council room, located behind the throne room, contained a “living” tapestry on the wall that showed the castle and surrounding land in real time. The castle was located in the middle of a small lake, and a single wood bridge led to the mainland. A small town surrounded the lake and a wall encircled the town. Outside the wall, the land was an irregular patchwork of forest and field, with a stinking swamp to the south. The entire “kingdom” was maybe ten miles across, surrounded by impassable mountains with innumerable creeks that fed the lake which drained into the southern swamp.
“Zombies are the problem, sir.” Woodhouse said, as I surveyed the living tapestry of my mental domain.
“Zombies?” I prompted.
“Yes sir, Zombies” Woodhouse continued. “Nasty bitey things that come in from the mountains and harass the peasants. They’ve gotten especially worse over the last few months. The soldiers do what they can, but they seem to have lost all motivation. Probably because they haven’t been paid.”
“And who pays them?”
“Typically chancellor Krieger is in charge of financial matters, although Steward Figgis has taken over the duty, sir.”
“Then let’s make Figgis our first stop.”
“Very good, sir.”
The office of the steward was run by Cyril Figgis, who managed the kingdom in my absence. It was overflowing with paperwork and charts, books and scrolls piled high on every flat surface. Cyril was desperately attempting to tidy things when Woodhouse and I walked in.
“Yo..you..your majesty,” Cyril stuttered, bowing low. Scrolls fell from his overloaded arms, spilling across the floor. He dropped to his knees and scrambled to gather them up. “I didn’t expect you to visit so soon. Please forgive the mess, housekeeping has been slacking…”
This was the guy who ran things while I was conscious.
“Shut up, Cyril” I said. “You’re responsible for everything in this office. That includes keeping it organised and tidy.”
“Y..yes milord.”
“It’s my understanding that you’re in charge of making sure everyone gets paid. So why aren’t we paying people?” I asked.
“We’re nearly out of Fuks, your majesty. I’ve been saving them for emergencies.”
“Fucks?”
“Fuks,” Cyril explained, pushing a pile of books off a large chest and opening it. Reaching inside he pulled out two small bags and emptied them on top of his cluttered desk. “Gold and Silver Fuks, the currency of the kingdom. I can’t maintain the kingdom when I have no Fuks to give.”
Behold the subconscious kingdom of Vincent J. Carter, it runs on Fuks.
“So how do I get more fuks?” I asked, examining one of the coins. It had an image of me on one side and symbol on the other that could be interpreted as “peace among worlds”.
“You kill the zombies, your majesty.”
Of course I do.
Woodhouse and I left Cyril’s office and headed towards the office of the chancellor where Krieger worked. It seemed that Cyril took over financial matters when Krieger became erratic and proposed luring all the zombies into the city and setting it on fire. Not sure how that corresponds to my own self-destructive behaviour, but I’ve had some dark thoughts over the last couple of months and I’m sure they’re reflected here.
Krieger’s office was much neater in comparison to Cyril’s, but it wasn’t by much. Shelves lined the walls and were filled with an array of questionable items, including a still snapping zombie head in a jar. While the office of the chancellor was supposed to be in charge of financial matters, it looked more like a dodgy rummage sale.
Krieger was launching sword blades at a pig carcass when we walked in.
“What exactly are you doing?” I asked, standing in the doorway.
“Hm? Oh, your majesty!” he said, turning around and bowing deeply. “I’m testing a new invention. It’s a spring loaded hilt that shoots sword blades. Very useful for our soldiers.”
“Stupidest idea ever,” I snapped. “I hate everything about it.”
“Okay,” Krieger said, tossing the hilt into a nearby pile of junk. “But don’t blame me when you need to shoot a sword at a zombie and don’t have one.”
“So why aren’t you managing the financial affairs? Collecting taxes, paying people, stuff like that?”
“Because the population has declined so much none of that matters?”
“What do you mean?”
“Wellll, the population represents things you care about,” Krieger said, going into lecture mode. “And the zombies and other monsters are real or imagined problems in your way. Since you don’t care about too many things the population has shrunk to just what’s needed to keep everything running on the bare minimum of fuks. And since you don’t seem to have any long or short term goals, there’s no need to kill off the zombies and get more fuks. Everything is fine just the way it is.”
“No, it’s not Krieger” I said, grinding my teeth. “My mind is in a shambles. It’s a joke. I want it fixed. No, I want it better than fixed. I want it improved.”
“Oh! I’ve got just the thing for that!” He said, digging around in his pockets, “It’s a spring-loaded hilt that shoots swords!”
Pam and Cheryl were hanging out a gallery window jeering at Archer and Lana sparring in the inner courtyard.
“What the hell are you doing!” I snapped
They whirled in surprise and then dropped into deep curtseys.
“Your majesty!”
I took a deep breath, trying to regain my centre. “Get to work cleaning this place up. Find a room, clean it, and move on to the next. Start with my bedroom, then the throne room and the council chamber, then everything else.”
Cheryl spoke up. “Can’t do it. We got no fuks to clean with.”
“You need fuks to clean?”
“Gotta buy stuff,” Pam said. “Cleaning supplies, food. You wanna eat, you’re gonna have to spend some fuks.”
“Talk to Cyril,” I ordered. “Tell him I said to get you supplied.”
They ran off in the direction of the stewards office.
I watched Archer and Lana bashing each other enthusiastically through the window.
Several minutes later the sparring couple stopped and bowed when Woodhouse and I stepped into the inner courtyard.
“Your majesty”
“My liege”
“Enough,” I said. “If you have enough energy to smash each other, you have enough energy to smash zombies. Tell me what I need to know so I can start gathering fuks.”
Archer shrugged and spoke first. “You just kill the zombies and other monsters. They drop fuks.”
“Anything special about the zombies?” I asked. “Are they fast? Do people get turned into zombies when bitten?”
“Nope,” Lana said, resting her wooden sword on her shoulder. “Most of them are slow shamblers and just need a good wack to the head to kill them.”
“Some are special,” Archer interjected. “Occasionally you’ll have some fast ones, or those that need holy water to kill. They’re just bad memories, figments of your personality that need to be eliminated. Some are worse than others.”
“The zombies are bad memories?” I asked, imagining all the bad memories that I had.
“Memories, thoughts, insecurities, metaphysical mumbo-jumbo,” Woodhouse supplied. “They are endless, but constant vigilance can keep them under control.”
“So let’s get started,” I said. “Lead the way.”
Lana and Archer lead me up to the parapet over the front gate where I looked over at the dozens of zombies milling about aimlessly in front of the entrance to my mind. Pulling out my gun, I began to pick them off, easy as shooting fish in a barrel. The crack of my spell pistol attracted more zombies and I dispatched them with ease until no more were left around the gate. As I fired each shot I could feel some sort of existential energy flowing from me, draining some hidden reserve.
“Gather up the Fuks,” I commanded. “And Lana?”
“Mi’lord?”
“There’s no excuse for this. From now on, I expect the walls to be clear of all zombies.”
“Yes mi’lord,” she said, giving me a small bow.
Turning to Archer, I shook my head. “You’re obviously my personal narcissism, so just try to stay out of Lana’s way, or better yet - try to kill more zombies than her. If you think you can.”
Archer scoffed. “No contest. I took top marks in sharpshooting.”
“That means I should expect to see results by tomorrow. I look forward to it.”
Archer looked panicked for a moment then smiled. “Sure, I can give you results.”
Turning back to Woodhouse I said “Show me what else need attending.”
Woodhouse led me through the town that represented my mind, pointing out each business that had fallen into disrepair, suggested others that needed improvements, and additions that would benefit me. In the distance, I could hear Lana and Archer shooting at the crowd of zombies and with each echoing shot I felt a tiny bit better about everything.
[INDEX]
submitted by TheDreadPirateRobots to redditserials [link] [comments]


2024.06.01 11:39 Hazzat The Tokyo Music Venues Everyone Should Know

Tokyo is the ultimate city in the world for music, and if you are not checking out what's going on in the unbelievable number of livehouse music venues right under your feet, you're missing out on some of the most unique-to-Tokyo, exciting, and rich cultural experiences around. Get involved to meet new people, and enjoy night after night of original creativity and talent that you can only experience in this city.
I have already written a guide about how music venues work here and how to get involved in this exciting and ever-evolving scene. I also post upcoming shows that I think are worth checking out on Instagram gigsintokyo.
For anyone ready for a musical adventure, these are the venues that I keep coming back to time and again:

Shimokitazawa

https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZCf7jgGdWruYEvQe9
https://maps.app.goo.gl/Qojmdent8ocdwW1h9
https://maps.app.goo.gl/LCRPAiJMYEFGcAYNA

Shibuya

https://maps.app.goo.gl/K44bUf5N1CZwga287
https://maps.app.goo.gl/TMNc96dNL9FQBRqLA
https://maps.app.goo.gl/WnyPVNYF7SJqKatW9

Shinjuku

https://maps.app.goo.gl/PnHGFkodbcRtZffm9
https://maps.app.goo.gl/a91k1cqE71T4dAJg8
https://maps.app.goo.gl/QFLMMLRzvYTde8hY6

Koenji

https://maps.app.goo.gl/itWnRmTvZyh6Fu8b8
https://maps.app.goo.gl/QV81WH4GwBP9XY4Y9
https://maps.app.goo.gl/QTdn9A4NdehyuEch7
https://maps.app.goo.gl/TH9VjyfYdFbz2PsF6

Other locations

https://maps.app.goo.gl/QFrfA7hau7KhaWUb8
https://maps.app.goo.gl/sChRxstXLXJMKX3H6
https://maps.app.goo.gl/xGGVsibM2hgkHPo58
https://maps.app.goo.gl/orwXhiCeSi55AHfg9
https://maps.app.goo.gl/dCRcCssSQaM9Psj56
https://maps.app.goo.gl/JWyBwH9iMwfiUynt9
https://maps.app.goo.gl/16yeFFRhuyL2TWxw8
Hope that helps, happy to answer any questions :)
submitted by Hazzat to JapanTravel [link] [comments]


2024.06.01 11:07 Harry_is_white_hot The USS Curtiss USO incident: that time the U.S. Navy ship delivering the hydrogen bomb for the Castle Bravo test was shadowed by an Unidentified Submarine Object in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.

The USS Curtiss USO incident: that time the U.S. Navy ship delivering the hydrogen bomb for the Castle Bravo test was shadowed by an Unidentified Submarine Object in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.
Inspired by Rear Admiral Tim Gallaudet’s (Ret.) recent discussions on USOs, I thought I would relate the following. Just over 70 years ago, an interesting incident occurred on board the USS Curtis – the U.S. Navy vessel tasked with delivery of the Shrimp device to the Pacific Proving Ground in 1954 for the notorious Castle Bravo nuclear weapons test. This particular test, which scientists from Los Alamos and Lawrence Livermore laboratories had calculated to have a yield of 4,8 megatons actually went far above this calculation to achieve nearly 16 megatons of TNT equivalent yield. This miscalculation exposed many U.S. military personnel to dangerous levels of radiation and, more importantly, post traumatic stress disorder from being exposed to the close-range effects of such a large blast. Was the USO incident related to the yield miscalculation event?
USS Curtiss (AV-4)
The Curtiss class were the first seaplane tenders built from the keel up for the US Navy, the previous tenders had been converted from cargo ships. They were designed to provide command facilities for forward operating long-range patrol seaplane squadrons. To accomplish this, they were heavily armed with four 5-inch (130 mm)/38 caliber dual-purpose guns, and contained repair and maintenance facilities, along with supplies for operating in forward areas for many months.
The ships had a large seaplane deck located at the stern with the maintenance shops located in the superstructure just forward of it. They were built with three large cranes, one located at the starboard extreme of the stern, the second was at the aft of the superstructure on the port side, with the remaining crane located midship on the starboard side. The starboard crane at midship was removed from both ships during WWII and replaced with a 20-millimeter (0.79 in) Oerlikon cannon gun tub. Two of the 5-in guns were staggered on opposite sides of the rear superstructure, with the remaining two in a superfiring configuration at the bow of the ships.
From 23 February to 13 June 1951, Curtiss served as flagship for "Operation Greenhouse" and was the base for civilian and military technicians during the atomic tests at Eniwetok. She also provided meteorological information and operated a boat pool. Curtiss served at San Diego, in local operations until 29 September 1952, when she again sailed to Eniwetok, as flagship during the atomic tests of "Operation Ivy", during which the first hydrogen bomb was detonated. Returning to San Diego, on 4 December, she cruised the west coast, and visited Acapulco, Mexico, in 1953. From 10 January to 28 May 1954, she participated in "Operation Castle".
Rather than write about the USO event, I will post verbatim the eyewitness accounts of two U.S. Marines onboard the USS Curtiss – Robert Mackenzie and G. Nicholas Stuparich.
First, a little background from Mackenzie and Stuparich regarding their duties on the Curtiss:
Mackenzie: So all the guys that got a clearance, we went as a group on the Curtiss. Now we knew where it was going but we really didn’t know what we were going to do.
Interviewer : OK, so after the fact, at some point you know that you’ve gotten a clearance.
Mackenzie: We didn’t know that until we were already halfway on the cruise. And the way we found out is that some of the men were called in and they were told they didn’t get a Queen Clearance. They got top secret but they didn’t get Queen. And it was no fault of theirs, Mary. Some of them, if they had one relative that was born in another country and something, they just couldn’t get one.
Interviewer: Correct. Correct. So “Q” stands for “Queen.” Yes. Or is “Queen” something you make from “Q”? I wonder. I’ve never—
Mackenzie: Well, “Q” must be “Queen,” I guess. Yes. It must be.
Interviewer: You guys said “Queen,” though, when you said clearance.
Mackenzie: Yes. Yes. And it’s a Queen Clearance, yes. And they’re still around, I understand.
.
Mackenzie: And I tell you why, is that when I went aboard ship, they made me an orderly, which was a great honor. And so I was the admiral’s orderly, and before that I was the captain’s orderly. In fact, by the time I was aboard the Curtiss for eighteen months, I worked as an orderly for three admirals and two ship’s captains and the executive officer, which was a great background for a young man. And I have the highest regard for naval officers. I watched them talk to their men, I watched them talk to their fellow officers, I saw how they solved problems, and just what a great example for a young man, to be around people of that caliber. It was wonderful.
Interviewer: Let me ask you a question here because I don’t know that much about the armed forces. The Curtiss is obviously a Navy ship.
Mackenzie: Yes.
Interviewer: And you’re a Marine serving on it. Is that common?
Mackenzie: No. It’s only in capital ships, normally, which would be battleships— Interviewer: “Capital ships.”
Mackenzie: Capital ships, which would be—the terminology has changed today, Mary, but in my day it was battleships, cruisers, heavy cruisers, light cruisers, aircraft carriers, would have Marine detachments. Now originally the Marine detachments were almost the police force of the ship. And they were called MAs, which would be Master-of-Arms. Very unpopular with the Navy. And the brig is, of course, run by the Marines. But on our ship, we didn’t have those duties, not on the Curtiss. The Curtiss, we were a special force with top secret clearances. People only didn’t talk to us because they would say, Hey, you don’t talk to those guys. It was that kind of thing. So anyway, but we ended up being very close with the Navy, but our duties, we didn’t talk to each other about our duties.
Stuparich: So, I remember signing the clearance papers and they didn’t tell us what we were going to do or where we were going. We went aboard ship as supposedly just a Marine detachment, but then it ended up being as nuclear security. We were well briefed and well trained on what our jobs were aboard ship. I did security with the devices, once they were delivered to the vessel. We did perimeter security when the devices were being delivered, which meant we were out on the pier and out in the area when the trucks arrived, delivering units. Once the canisters were brought aboard, then we were assigned to security aboard the ship, which meant working in the hole. In other words, the devices were put in a particular compartment. We were responsible for the security of that department, the corridor that led to it, and I can’t remember if we were reading the temperature. We had to take a reading, I believe, once an hour and record it. I do not remember whether it was temperature or radiation, but it had to be recorded; I remember that if there was something wrong, and I don’t know the standard, but if it went over that standard or under that standard, we had to notify the science officer, who was also the engineering officer. That was Commander Hart, I believe.
Interviewer: Now, let me back up just a tiny bit with the security piece. So there’s a point at which you’re informed, I assume after you’re cleared, of what your mission actually is?
Stuparich: Correct.
Interviewer: Give me a sense of how much detail they give you there, and how much that is connected to what you already might know about nuclear weapons.
Stuparich: That’s a little bit confusing because I know so much more now than I did then. I do not believe they gave us that much information. They definitely didn’t give us a detailed description of our duties, other than that what we were doing was actually guarding a nuclear device, and that’s all they would say. We and I think about a half-a-dozen sailors were the only ones that actually saw the canisters being brought aboard. There were not very many people. That was secured. The whole aft deck was secured when that occurred.
Interviewer: And how many of there were you, when you say “we”?
Stuparich: There were probably six Marines on the dock, one or two on the trucks, then I think there were a couple in the different corridors—what they did was they dogged the hatches so people couldn’t come in when we were loading this particular material. Then it went down into the hole and then there was a special rack because the canisters had to be triced up in these racks. I can’t remember whether there was—I think there were six to a rack. And they were triced up like you would trice up nitroglycerine, you know, with like Bungee cords but I think they were springs.
Interviewer: Say that word again. I don’t know that word “trice.”
Stuparich: Tricing means to tie, and what it does is it keeps something in balance so that if it’s hanging, it’s free-hanging, but it’s in a rack, and this keeps the canister in line, and it’s called trice, you trice it up.
Interviewer: “Trice it up.” I see.
Stuparich: We didn’t do that. That was done by their people.
Stuparich: We embarked out of San Diego, went up to San Francisco. That’s it. We went to San Francisco, went to Hunters Point for something, some sort of refurbishing. Then from Hunters Point we went over to Port Chicago, picked up our merchandise, if you will, and then when we were through with that, when we pulled out, we went down and then into the bay. At that time we picked up some escorts, and then we went under the Golden Gate Bridge, at which time the Secret Service or FBI, whoever they were, had the bridge closed, and they were waving at us as we went underneath.
Interviewer: Wow, they closed the bridge.
Stuparich: They closed the Golden Gate Bridge. It was kind of cool because being from the Bay Area I kind of remembered that. I think I was aft at the time and I was looking up and yeah, sure enough, they did. And that was kind of interesting. So then we headed out to the Pacific. I think we refueled and resupplied once or twice, a ship came alongside, I think they came out of Hawaii. They used the high line and brought the stuff across, and then they brought the refueler up and then they refueled us. And that’s why they call us the Ghost Ship, because almost everything that we did, the replenishing and the refueling, was all done at sea.
Now, the USO incident – which many people denied having happened. The "Russian sub" somehow penetrated the flotilla protecting the Curtiss and was completely undetected until it appeared underneath the Curtiss. This event occurred a full 6 years before the Soviet's first nuclear submarine set sail - so for a diesel powered submarine in the middle of the Pacific without logistic support this feat would have been incredibly difficult to accomplish.
Stuparich Account:
Stuparich : The other thing that really upset me was the submarine.
Interviewer: Yes, talk to me about that a little bit.
Stuparich : Well, Robert Mackenzie was the admiral’s orderly that night, and I was the orderly on the next deck down, and my job was to protect the crypto room which was, if you were looking down the hall, was to the left, and then the CIC which was straight ahead.
Interviewer: CIC is?
Stuparich : Is Central Intelligence Control or something like that. It’s an area where they plot everything. [Note: on board U.S. Navy ships, the CIC is the Combat Information Center] Anyway, I was standing there and all of a sudden Commander Hart came running around the corner and said, “Come with me”, with that I was on alert. So we went into CIC and then there was—I stood at the door. He said, “Block the door”, and I blocked the door. And it was one of those combination doors in those days. And I saw him talking with an officer, with the officer in command of the CIC at the time, or duty officer, I guess is what you call him, and then they were really—I could tell they were really stressed about something. Then a chief electronics mate had taken the young man off of the board and they were looking at the board and plotting on the board something, and he got on the phone to the bridge. I immediately felt the ship changing course, and we immediately started into a zigzag situation. And then I could tell, this man was stressed, and I’d never seen him stressed like that before. This way, that way. Everything was very staccato. So went back up to the bridge and Mackenzie and the Admiral were already there. And as a young man, you’re looking at their body language and their facial features and we knew that there was something wrong. Well then, I heard the conversation, and they wanted to know, in profanity, how the son-of-a-b*tch got there. How did it get there? How did it get through the perimeter? So then they were communicating with the vessels that were on the perimeter, there were destroyers out there and everything else, and they couldn’t figure it out. Admiral Wellings said, I believe that’s he’s probably been sitting here waiting for us. He probably plotted our course and just dropped to the bottom and waited till we came by, and then he came up underneath us. And he just followed us, and it was just a Russian sub, is what we anticipated. And they figured that they knew it was a Russian sub. Yeah. And it did. It stayed with us. And then what really became scary is that I remember the admiral telling the captain, We don’t have to worry if he’s directly under us. If he drops back into firing range, then we have to worry. By then, the other ships were doing crisscrosses in front and in back of us. These are the little destroyers. And sure enough, he did, he dropped back, I don’t know how far, I remember they had it plotted, and he was within firing range. And so then I just, I don’t know, something really bothered me and really happened to me mentally, because I just said [to myself], this whole thing’s over now, we’re through, we’re done with. And I guess I kind of convinced myself that that was going to happen.
Interviewer: And this is prior to arriving in the Pacific.
Stuparich: Yeah, we were on our way.
Interviewer: So, just to get a sense of it, you’re well aware of what you’ve got on board?
Stuparich : Oh yeah, because I’d already been down in the hole and they’d told us what it was. Yeah, and then you’ve got a— Got this sub, and believe it or not, not very many people knew about it. I mean surprisingly, people were telling Bob [Robert W. Mackenzie] he was crazy. You don’t know what you’re talking about. There was no submarine. Well, I know there was. And when I mentioned it to Bob last year he said, Thank God somebody else knows. And what we’re trying to do is find a third Marine who was on the bridge, but there may not have been a Marine on the bridge.

Mackenzie account:
Interviewer: So explain to me how much you knew about the mission or what you thought or what’s that like?
Mackenzie : We didn’t know anything about it, frankly. You know, I realized that it was more than just a mission. Now by that time, Mary, the Korean War was over with. We were steaming out in ’54? Yes, January of ’54 is when we left San Diego. And Korea had been over for about six months, but the Cold War was extremely hot then. And when I first realized that there was more going on than we realized is when we had full wartime conditions on the ship. And I’d thought, Well, what are we doing here? The ship’s all blacked out at night. We’ve got all these red lights on you see in the movies, like those submarine movies, everybody running and all those red lights on at night. And heavy, heavy drapes in front of every hatch. And you don’t go outside, or as they say, out on the decks without closing that, and then you open the hatch and a red light comes on, then you close the hatch. And they were conscious of sound, of lights. And I said, What’s going on here? You know. And so when I really realized there was more going on is when I was on orderly duty for the admiral. And I was on duty and on duty and on duty and I just couldn’t stand up anymore. So I called somebody in the Marine detachment and said, Well, when is my relief going to be here? It was real late at night, it was like eleven or twelve o’clock, I’d gone on that morning at 6:30, and I’d been standing all day long. That’s what you do. And I just got so I couldn’t stand anymore. So I called down and I was told that the admiral only wanted me and there would be no relief, So just stick it out, Mackenzie. I wasn’t real happy about that. But anyway, so—and I’ll put this right on tape—so a Marine never sits down on duty, but I did. I couldn’t stand up anymore. So I found a chair in an empty officer’s stateroom and I wedged that chair in a real narrow hallway that went into the admiral’s quarters, and I put my feet against the bulkhead and I rocked back and I just kind of rocked with the ship. At least I was off my feet, and I figured nobody could get by me. So I guess, I don’t know if I dozed off or what, but all I know is this sailor was shaking my arm. It was about 2:30, three o’clock in the morning. And he says, “Wake up the admiral! Wake up the admiral!” And I said,”Well, who are you? What do you mean, wake up the admiral? It’s three o’clock in the morning.” [And he said], “Oh, they want him on the bridge right now”. And I said, “Who wants him on the bridge?” [And he said], “Well, the officers, blah, blah, and all that”. I said, “Well, what is your name?” And he gave me his name, and I said, “What’s the officer’s name?” I really realized we were very, very conscious and were trained to be suspicious of everything. I don’t know who this guy is. He wants to go in and see the admiral? That’s my job. Nobody goes in to see the admiral. And so anyway I said, “Well, I’ll go wake up the admiral and you go back and report to the bridge, and I’m sure the admiral will be right there”. I didn’t want him to go in with me. And so anyway, he left. So now I’m saying, How do you wake up an admiral? You know. I wanted to do it maybe like I was back in back in boot camp and scream, say, “Hit the deck”! I says, well, no, I didn’t want to go to the brig, so I didn’t do that. So anyway I said, Well, how do you wake up an admiral? So anyway, I woke him up. And I remember he said, “What is it, Mackenzie?” And he was startled. And I said, “Sir, the admiral’s presence is requested on the bridge immediately”. You don’t want to say “immediately” to an admiral, but I did. Anyway, he looked at me, and he had a phone right next to his bunk. And I always wondered, if he had phone, why didn’t they just call him? I don’t know. You know, you would wonder. And so anyway, he picked up his phone. And like I said, the respect from the naval officers, they’re just really something, Mary, they really are. And so he went up on the deck with his blue terrycloth bathrobe on.
Interviewer: He picks up the phone and confirms?
Mackenzie: Right. And then he puts on his blue bathrobe— He doesn’t even get dressed. Oh no. They want him right now [sound of fingers snapping]. So I thought, Whoo, something’s going on. So I go up there, and it was like an old World War II movie. At my age, I grew up with those World War II movies, you know. And on the bridge, all the lights are out because we’re running at wartime conditions at night, and you can just see the shadows, you know, and those were from the glowing of the instruments and the people moving around the bridge and all that. And right away, the officer in charge of the bridge came up, and everybody was whispering. I thought, What is all this whispering about? You know. And he was talking to the admiral. And that’s part of the job of being an orderly. You’re there but you don’t get too close because if you do—
Interviewer: You’ll hear?
Mackenzie: You don’t want to hear. And the admirals will let you know, and so will the captains. If you’re a little too close to them, they’ll give you one of those, turn their head around, you kind of back up. You realize you’re a little too close. They want to be guarded. They don’t want anybody to get them. That’s your job is to protect them, help them in any way you can, so forth. But anyway, and you’ll kind of back up. But I wanted to hear what was going on, you know. So then all I heard was “submarine.” I thought, Well, so what? You know. But anyway, it turns out that we were being shadowed by a Russian sub.
Interviewer: For real?
Mackenzie: For real. And the sub was directly under us [slaps hands together] like this. And they picked it up. Because I thought, well, how did it get through our screen? We were in a complete convoy, and we had carriers, we had destroyers, we had everything. And I thought, How did this guy get through all that? And they tell me what they do is they know where you’re going. They just sit down at the bottom and wait till you get there and just [slapping hands together] pop up. They don’t have to go through any screens. And I said, Oh.
Interviewer: Oh. So they know from –
Mackenzie: Sure, they know. Yes. They probably knew, with all the spies and all that.
But anyway, the admiral asked several questions, and I guess before, he asked them if they had contact with somebody. And they said,”No, sir, we thought we’d wait for the admiral”, and all that. And he said, “Well, you should’ve. Did you contact anybody to tell them what the situation was? How have you tried to contact the sub?” Evidently they have an international language they use. Then of course they used Russian and they used everything, and no response. And so I always was kidding Kari because this was dramatic, you know. I always said, Whooo, thirty seconds from World War III. Well,
that’s the way you think of it later, but it’s very true. But the thing that I still remember today is when the admiral walked on the bridge, you get almost like this, your daddy had come home to save you or something. That man had a presence about him. He wasn’t tall in stature. And his name was [RADM H.C.] Bruton. I’m sure he’s gone now. But he walked on that bridge and all of a sudden, you could just—everybody, like, The admiral’s here, we’re going to be all right. You know. And you could feel that. And he asked just a few questions. And the sub, and they were waiting for the reply to come back, Do we take action? Do we take evasive action? Now it’s pretty hard to blow up a submarine when it’s right under you. What do you do, when you think about it? How do you get a sub from under us? But we had submarines with us, too, our subs. And so it came back, they were waiting for the reply to come back, and I thought, My God, this is more serious than I realized. You know, it was kind of like a game until then, you know, it was just wartime conditions. I mean we didn’t think anything about this kind of stuff. And so we knew security was extremely tight. Only certain people could go by us, then go into certain compartments, and I’ll tell you about that in a minute. But anyway, back to the sub. And so it broke away. And you know you say “broke away,” where’d it go? It just broke away. And the admiral, they said—sonar reported or whatever and said, The sub has broken away. They must’ve known how many seconds they had. Later I saw a Tom Clancy movie about that, where they were checking and there were seconds and all, and I said, My golly, I saw the same thing in 1954, except for real, you know. So they said it broke away, and the admiral just calm as could be and he says, Carry on, men, you did a good job. If you need me, call, and he went back and went to bed. And I said [to myself], My gosh, it was almost—it was like nothing to him. He was so in command, just knew what he was doing, asked the right questions, congratulated everybody for the job they did, and went back to bed. Now I’m wide awake. I didn’t sit down anymore for the rest of the night. But I never told any of the guys about it. I just told that guy, one of our fellow Marines, November the tenth. It was the Marine Corps birthday. We all got together here at Dana Point. And I told him the submarine story and he says, “What submarine?” I said, “The submarine”. He said,” Well, I didn’t know anything about any submarine.” And I remembered, I’d thought about it, “Well, why should I worry the guys?” And not only that, if something happened when I was on orderly duty, you don’t pass that around the ship. That’s a confidence between you and the admiral. And so I didn’t pass it on.
Interviewer: I have a couple of questions about this. You’re aware in real time, then, that it is a submarine.
Mackenzie: Absolutely. Because you’re hearing the conversation.
Interviewer: Right. It makes me wonder, as I’m listening to the story, if they had you on duty for all this time, would there have been some knowledge of some kind of danger, that they didn’t let you leave orderly duty? Do you make a connection between the fact that the sub was there and the fact that you had to be on duty for so long? That makes you wonder.
Mackenzie: Well, I don’t know. It does, Mary. I never thought about it that way. I don’t think so. I just really think the reason I was left on duty so long is that we were new at our jobs, and they just didn’t realize that when you’re on orderly duty, you’re attached [slapping hands together], you know, at the hip. And not only that, is the admiral doesn’t want to walk out and say, What’s your name? You know, he wants somebody that he can trust and could read him before he says it. I could tell what he wanted. He was looking around and so I call somebody and say, Hey, the skipper’s out of coffee. You better get some in there. See? So you’re his confidant. He’ll say, Well, how are the men thinking? Because he’s some concerned about the morale, or whatever. So you’re his sounding board. Every admiral’s different. Some really use their orderlies. I’ve had admirals when I reported, they’d say, “Well, I’m a little low on cigars, Mackenzie. Why don’t you go down and get me cigars?” Well, I don’t say, ”What kind do you smoke?” So I’d go down and ask the guy to open up the place where you buy the cigars, what’d we call that? Commissary, I think. And they used to question it. And they’d just say, “Well, you sure these are the kind of cigars you smoke, Mackenzie?” And I said, “These are for the skipper.” And he said, “I don’t think so”. And I said, “Really? Why don’t you call and ask him?” [And he’d say], “Oh, OK”. And so that kind of a thing. So, interesting. But anyway, I never did pass that submarine story on to the troops.
Interviewer: That’s so interesting. That’s interesting.
Mackenzie: And so then, now, as time goes by, Mary, as I watch the History Channel and Discovery Times Channel, all these things are coming back to me. And our main concern was frogmen. We were very afraid of frogmen. And so we figured if they came aboard the ship, how they’d come aboard the ship, what we would do, you know, if one did come on. But I never thought about mines or bombs attached to the ship, and now I think about it. Can you imagine if they could’ve got to our ship, and we had people on their like [J. Robert] Oppenheimer and had all those scientists on there? We had fifty-eight scientists on the ship. We had all the bombs on the ship. I mean what a coup that’d meant for the Russians if our ship accidentally sunk, hit a reef or something, or something went off. You know, you can just see it all right now. It’d be another Cold War incident.
Interviewer: But you don’t know that you’re carrying bombs at this point, or do you?
Mackenzie: Yes, we did. We knew we were carrying pieces of the bombs.
Interviewer: You did.
Mackenzie: Yes. Yes. Because security was so tight, it had to be something like that, when only the admiral and two or three people could go in there. And then we timed them, how long they were in, who they were with, they signed in, they signed out. They had a badge with their photograph on it. The badges were made by, at that time, the Atomic Energy Commission [AEC], and they were watermarked with all the same intensity and security as our money. And the admiral would have his picture on there. And I didn’t just look on his shirt. I had to take it off his shirt, which you don’t like to touch an admiral or a captain. It’s just this—you’ve got that—this little [feeling] like, “Hi, God”- that feeling. And you’d take off his badge like that and hold it up right next to his face, make sure you got a really good look at it, and you’d flip it over and check the watermarks, check the number on it. And when I was on, I’d have a check-off list, and his name better be on there. In fact, our own commanding officer forgot to put his name on there and our guys wouldn’t let him in the post. He said, ”What do you mean?” They said, “You’re not on the list, sir.” [And he said], “Well, you know who I am. I’m Captain [James] Brannaman, your commanding officer.” [They] say, “Sir, we been instructed, if your name isn’t on the list, you don’t get on this post”. And the guys loved doing it to him. He wasn’t real happy but.
Interviewer: Oh, I’m sure. Who was this captain again?
Mackenzie: Captain Brannaman. He’s still alive. Stanford graduate. Super sharp guy. About six-five or so, something like that. Nice man.
Interviewer: I’m not well-versed in military things. Is it usual for an admiral to be on the ship?
Mackenzie: No. Now the admiral on any operation, the admiral has what he calls his flagship, and he can change his flag when he wants. The Curtiss was an unusual ship, Mary, because it was designed as a seaplane tender, 1939, something like that. It was hit at Pearl Harbor, went all the way through World War II, ended up with seven battle stars. Then after that, the Atomic Energy Commission grabbed it and then converted it for all the testing. So the Marine captain isn’t like a Navy captain. What’s confusing to everybody, and it was to me, too, the captain of the ship, the Navy ship, doesn’t have to be a captain. That’s his job title. OK, and now the Marine captain is a captain and he’s in charge of the Marines.
Interviewer: So this is the Marine captain you’re talking about.
Mackenzie: The Marine captain, right.
Interviewer: Got it. Not the captain of the ship.
Mackenzie: Not the ship captain—that’s right.

The full transcripts of the two interviews can be found here:
Interview with Robert William Mackenzie, January 1, 2005 UNLV Special Collections Portal

Interview with G. Nicholas Stuparich, Jr., October 18, 2006 UNLV Special Collections Portal
submitted by Harry_is_white_hot to UFOB [link] [comments]


2024.06.01 10:49 icarri Best Tele for me?

Of course the perfect answer is to try them all and chose the one I fall in love with but that is not an option where I live, I can I to buy online.
Having said that, some background to give you context.
I own already a 2005 PRS McCarty, a PRS SE Zach Myers and an ESP Violet with EMGs. I play mainly hard rock/metal in my band but when playing solo I also enjoy a lot learning blues and classic rock.
I have decided that to complete my collection a want a single coil guitar, I really like specially a single in the neck. The closest I have is split coil in my McCarty.
I prefer fixed bridges for stability and to quickly change tunings. That is why I have my eyes on a Tele va a Strat.
Having said that, I’m doubting between a MX player plus, an MX Nashville Player plus (for the extra flexibility, strat and tele in one guitar) or to expend more and go for an used US Ultra or Deluxe but not sure if to expend as much when probably my main axe will still be the McCarty (who knows, maybe the Tele will take the reign). All these have in common noiseless pickups just in case I decide to use it with more gain in my band as well. Else I could buy a used US Pro for a more classic Tele sound but not sure if I can use it with more gain if needed. Do all these have a position to use bridge and neck pickups in series for kind of humbucker mode?
I could also put a humbucker in the bridge position but… I have three guitars with humbuckers already.
This video sold me a tele (ultra) for hard rock/metal: https://youtu.be/UtK4Na-D2qQ?si=QHez8zOIqY9JbZFd
Thanks!
submitted by icarri to telecaster [link] [comments]


2024.06.01 10:10 Everettluoma27 From here to Armageddon (continuation)

666 AND BAR-CODES, MARK OF THE BEAST
(Hatonn here describes in 1991 how it will be. I suggest ghat it dexcribes today how it is. Everything is marked including us.)
I have been asked time and again about the connections and if, in fact, there are connections regarding the 666 symbol and bas-codes.
I can assure you of one thing, the number 666 does not randomly appear any more often than does 222, 444, or say, 333. Nevertheless, it is quite obvious that WHERE the numbers appear is very definitely of great importance. The numbers 666 are rapidly becoming man's favorite number and keep popping up in strange places--even though a recognized symbol of pure Satanic code--it is appearing more frequently than any other "number" in the so-called Christian and other religious placements. It is worthy of the time to speak of this matter for I think you must become aware that this code is being placed on all of you. I think it worth the time to give a listing of some instances of use of this number which none of you should miss in noting.
* World Bank code number is "666".
* New credit cards in the U. S. are now being assigned the prefix 666.
* Australia's NATIONAL bank cards have the code 666.
* Central computers for Sears, Belks, Pennys, and Montgomery Wards around the world have all their transactions prefixed with 666.
* Shoes made in European Common Market Countries have stamped on inside label 666.
* Computers made by Lear Siegler have a seal on the side on which is stamped the number 666.
* Internal Revenue Service instructions for NON-PROFIT Corporation Emoloyee 1979, W-2 Form requires the prefix 666.
* Internal Revenue Service began to require the prefix of 666 on some forms; for example, W-2P, disability is 666.3; death is 666.4, etc. as early as 1977.
* Tanks built by Chrysler Corporation...have on their sides 666.
* South Central Bell's new Telco Credit Union Cards require the prefix 666, then the person's Social Security number.
*. ID tags on 1979 GM cars produced in Flint, Michigan, contain the number 666.
*. United States Selective Service Cards have on them 666.
* Overseas telephone operator number from Israel is 666.
* Arab-owned vehicles IN JERUSALEM have license plates prefixed Wirth 666.
*. Record album released by the rock group, Black Sabbath is named 666.
*. The films, Omen I and II concern themselves with a world dictator and the number 666.
* Some IBM Supermarket equipment is prefixed with the number 3.666.
* JC Penney began prefixing account numbers in August, 1980, with 666.
* Master Card began using on their August, 1980, statements--66.
* Formula for NCR Model 304 Supermarket Computer System is 6 60 6,666.
* The United Nations resolution #666 came during the Iraq War.
Precious ones, there are contests even, called "666". What is happening by total intent is to condition the world to accept the coding of 666 without question or note. There is coming a day when a world governmental system will demand that everyone in the world take a mark and the number 666 in order to work, buy or sell. This fact is clearly set forth and being followed diligently. If you think you can avoid the mark of the beast--think again--YOU ALREADY BEAR THE MARK; DON'T BE STUPID AND SET YURSELF UP TO DENY SAME. YOU ARE ALREADY MARKED AND THE INSTRUCTIONS TO REFUSE THE MARK IS NOT OF GOD'S GIVING. YOU STEP FORTH AND REFUSE WHEN Y0U ARE ALREADY WITHIN THE SYSTEM AND YOU ARE DEAD OR INCARCERATED AND USELESS UNTO GOD'S WORK. IT IS A SEPARATION ENTRAPMENT SET FORTH BY THE BEAST TO CATCH THE LIGHTED PEOPLE. YOU CAN STAY OUT OF THE SYSTEM TO THE FULL LIMIT ALLOWED BY THE LAW BUT YOU DO NO ONE A FAVOR BY GETTING YOURSELF KILLED--IT NEANS ONE LESS WORKER FOR GOD.
THE NUMBER OF MAN
Let us look at that which is projected unto you and might be well worthy of note. Then number with which all the world will be commanded to work, buy and sell during the Great Tribulation is the number of man--and you find it on all bar-codes and Elite products. Number 6 as has been distorted for identification and easy reference has even taken as the number of imperfection; the human-given human number; the number of MAN as destitute of God--without God/Christ. At any rate, it is certain that man was created on the sixth day goes the accepted WORD, and thus he would be established under the number six--which would identify him and then, it goes on with several other non-coincidental accidents in numbering. For example, six days were appointed to man for his labor so it went, while one day is associated in sovereignty with the Lord God--as his day of rest. Then the infinite symbol of 8 represents infinity or immortality which is also of God. The serpent also, was created somehow on the sixth day, or so the Goods Book says--obviously God was most busy and yet totally restricted on the sixth day of His masterful creation. The sixth clause of the Lord's Prayer treats of sin. Six is the number stamped on all that is connected with human labor. You will see it stamped upon his measures which he uses in his labour and on the time during which he labors. And you see this from the very beginning.
Six, thew number of man, is one less than seven, the number which represents God and two less than the Creation. This indicates that man was created somehow in the likeness of God, but is not God, because God is perfect and sinless and one within and with Creation. The Sixth Commandment came as a result of Cain's sin of killing his brother, and the man who will ultimately claim the number 666 will be the greatest murderer the world has ever known. God put a mark upon Cain after the murder of Abel. Although Cain's mark was for the purpose of protecting him from those who would kill him, it also signified that before God, he was condemned. God forbade the children of Judea to mark their bodies--or did he? For the translation always read "Israel". The quoting then always continues with this looking forward to the time when the "Jews", as well as the rest of the world, would be called upon to take the mark of the Anti-Christ. Well, will the "Jews" take the mark? I guess so--they crested it!
But let us look a bit further into the book of Revelation. The Apocalypse: The 'mark' itself is at once a number and a name. The Apostle tells you what it is. As he gives it, it is made up of two Greek characters which stand for the name of Christ, with a third, the figure of a crooked serpent, put between them...Thjis horrid sign must everyone receive on one of the most conspicuous parts of the body, cut, stamped or branded in, there to abide indelibly. No one may either buy or sell without this mark, and all who do receive it take upon their bodies the token and seal of heir damnation!
Do you really.believe you have not already been branded? Let us consider that, for years--well over two decades--the laser beam has been branding steers and horses--and even salmon while they remain in the stream, swimming. It is instant and painless. The laser simply destroys skin pigment. In some thirty-BILLIONTHS of a second a technician can stitch a brand--or initials, or symbol. This type of branding of animals for ownership or research purposes has become common practice. Do you think it probable that everyone of you have been branded while standing, say, in a line to vote or register your car or, or, or--certainly if you have any kind of medical examination, dental care or hospitalization--especially immunizations.
TRANSACTION CARD/FINAL CARD
This is the final laugh at the world citizenry. This is one of the world's greatest conspiracies and it is being quietly conducted in.the most sacred halls of secular secrecy, brothers. While its thrust is Economic, its reach is without limit. No System will escape its mastery, be it in Politics or religions, Social or otherwise. I told you long ago, dear ones, that the SDI program was not f defense but rather to place into space satellites which unite the entire world banking system--the beast to all other parts in instant connection--with all citizens registered, identified and located. You are all simply within the system. The point is to protect yourself from the system as much as possible and the only way to do so is to utilize the laws and rules utilized by your adversary for as long as you can do so.
The Prime Mover here is the most powerful Consortium of financial institutions, capitalists, and scientists ever leagued together. Their common purpose is to bring every person, place and thing under their total control and it is all but in place and already operational.
The applied strategy is by way of instant IDENTIFICATION. This means of ixentoification is by way of assignment of MARKS (or bars) for NUJMBERS read by machines. (Numbers people can read, Marks they can't--the name of this game is SECRECY.)
Phase I began in 1970 with a ncnscientious effort to "IDENTIFY EVERY ITEM" at the manufacturers level with a NUMBER "MARKED" on it. A group of Numbers designated by Marks, lines or bars, is called a Bar Code, (Code 39, etc.), and giant computer manufacturers are central to the phase.
Phase II began in 1973 with an effort to IDENTIFY each PERSON with a Number. The Social Security Numbers when blended with the Universal Numbering System will be converted to "Bars". Initially, the NUMBER will be "marked" on a Card; (a World_Wide Money-ID-Card). Subsequently, according to the old Bible Prophecy written ands directed by the very ones who would put it into place, it will be stamped upon the person it identifies. As the MARK OF IDENTITY on an ITEM is a Bar Code, so the MARK OF IDENTIY on a Card and later on a person, will be a Bar Code facsimile. The Government, Banks, and Card Companies are central to this phase.
Phase III is an effort to identify everything in the world, whether mobile or stationary; if mobile, then how to instantaneously locate it, as a piece of luggage, an expensive race horse, a family car, or a pet or person. Central to this is the Federal Government which has spent ten years In research on "Electronic Identification" at Los Alamos, the Airlines, and private inventors.
The symbol of 666 is absolutely instrumental to the Bar Code system. You are already in it, so let us be most careful how you handle it. Your best defense against it is to know truth about it--stop deluding yourself that you can somehow avoid the mark lest you get s special mark which sets you apart as a troublemaker and you will be among the first incarcerated or removed by other means.
submitted by Everettluoma27 to u/Everettluoma27 [link] [comments]


2024.06.01 09:22 Ubud_bamboo_ninja Natural unbreakable limit, excluding the possibility of real psychic abilities: Irreducible Computational Theory. Constructive discussion.

I think psychics attract clients not because they have a connection with the spiritual realm, but because clients feel the need to transfer their responsibility to an abstract higher power and fate. “Someone wiser knows better” However, there is no way to predict the future mathematically, and it’s very easy to explain. Please follow up:
There is the great scientist Dr. Stephen Wolfram. He is the creator of many things that power up our smartphones, including Mathematica and the Wolfram language. He has a number of theories, the latest of which, such as the Ruliad concept and the theory of everything, are truly amazing and might connect general relativity and the standard model.
One of his early studies brought up the irreducible computation theory. He looked into Cellular Automatons - the Turing machine visualization where you set up simple rules at the beginning and then see how the layout of white and black squares evolves through each step. He discovered that particularly Rule 30 automaton looked simple at the start but led to endless complicated patterns. Most other combinations of simple rules brought about patterns that were boring and “dead,” but this “Rule 30” evolved continually. This pattern can be seen everywhere in nature, on the back of a snail shell, and we use it to code “random” machines in our electronics.
All random calculations in your computer – are Rule 30. They are not random.
What Dr. Stephen suggested is that there is no way to predict and calculate the result of the upcoming row of squares with the help of some kind of formula. Instead, you must go through each step one at a time. Many tried; there was even a cash prize for a person who could predict what layout comes on the next step using all existing data, but there is no way to do that as of now. Nobody succeeded.
Now let’s return to psychic activity. How can they predict the future of anything if there is no way to predict even simple mathematical setups? Systems need time and step-by-step evolution to reach results. So, any psychic activity is very reliant on the skill and virtuosity of the psychic themselves and the person who “orders their service.”
They sell by signifying the transfer of responsibility for a person’s life and fate.
All clients want from their certified psychic is the feeling of “transferring the responsibility.” If a psychic told me I will get married only after 25 years old, that’s not my problem now. I don’t need to look for a man while I am still 23. The universe has approved it like that. And all that “Pidgeon religion” proves like “but how could he know that my grandpa was a carpenter?!” are just a tricks of mind that client agree and want to believe. Experiments with pigeons showed that randomly fed, different pigeons worked out some personal ritual that led to “getting food”. Some pigeons danced around and though that caused the food coming, others bit jumped and so on.
It’s understandable why people need psychics. Just as nicotine addicts need cigarettes for a number of reasons they approve of, a person with a lack of self-esteem might seek that “commander” in a psychic. They pathologically need to follow some logic in this life they can’t create themselves. It’s a personality life crisis. A person with strong willpower and legitimate goals to reach usually doesn’t follow the advice of a psychic.
So if you feel you need some supernatural assistance, check yourself what problems you have that cause that desire. Only your actions effect reality. Nothing said is real till you make it so. Check the book about basics of quantum dramaturgy to see how other supernatural things are broken into simple forms. Just google quantum dramaturgy to see more thought experiments that deconstruct stories till quantum states.
submitted by Ubud_bamboo_ninja to ParanormalEncounters [link] [comments]


2024.06.01 09:15 Ubud_bamboo_ninja Natural unbreakable limit, excluding the possibility of real psychic abilities: Irreducible Computational Theory.

I think psychics attract clients not because they have a connection with the spiritual realm, but because clients feel the need to transfer their responsibility to an abstract higher power and fate. “Someone wiser knows better” However, there is no way to predict the future mathematically, and it’s very easy to explain. Please follow up:
There is the great scientist Dr. Stephen Wolfram. He is the creator of many things that power up our smartphones, including Mathematica and the Wolfram language. He has a number of theories, the latest of which, such as the Ruliad concept and the theory of everything, are truly amazing and might connect general relativity and the standard model.
One of his early studies brought up the irreducible computation theory. He looked into Cellular Automatons - the Turing machine visualization where you set up simple rules at the beginning and then see how the layout of white and black squares evolves through each step. He discovered that particularly Rule 30 automaton looked simple at the start but led to endless complicated patterns. Most other combinations of simple rules brought about patterns that were boring and “dead,” but this “Rule 30” evolved continually. This pattern can be seen everywhere in nature, on the back of a snail shell, and we use it to code “random” machines in our electronics.
All random calculations in your computer – are Rule 30. They are not random.
What Dr. Stephen suggested is that there is no way to predict and calculate the result of the upcoming row of squares with the help of some kind of formula. Instead, you must go through each step one at a time. Many tried; there was even a cash prize for a person who could predict what layout comes on the next step using all existing data, but there is no way to do that as of now. Nobody succeeded.
Now let’s return to psychic activity. How can they predict the future of anything if there is no way to predict even simple mathematical setups? Systems need time and step-by-step evolution to reach results. So, any psychic activity is very reliant on the skill and virtuosity of the psychic themselves and the person who “orders their service.”
They sell by signifying the transfer of responsibility for a person’s life and fate.
All clients want from their certified psychic is the feeling of “transferring the responsibility.” If a psychic told me I will get married only after 25 years old, that’s not my problem now. I don’t need to look for a man while I am still 23. The universe has approved it like that. And all that “Pidgeon religion” proves like “but how could he know that my grandpa was a carpenter?!” are just a tricks of mind that client agree and want to believe. Experiments with pigeons showed that randomly fed, different pigeons worked out some personal ritual that led to “getting food”. Some pigeons danced around and though that caused the food coming, others bit jumped and so on.
It’s understandable why people need psychics. Just as nicotine addicts need cigarettes for a number of reasons they approve of, a person with a lack of self-esteem might seek that “commander” in a psychic. They pathologically need to follow some logic in this life they can’t create themselves. It’s a personality life crisis. A person with strong willpower and legitimate goals to reach usually doesn’t follow the advice of a psychic.
So if you feel you need some supernatural assistance, check yourself what problems you have that cause that desire. Only your actions effect reality. Nothing said is real till you make it so. Check the book about quantum dramaturgy to see how other supernatural things are broken into simple forms. It is about thought experiments based on deconstructing different complex stories.
submitted by Ubud_bamboo_ninja to atheism [link] [comments]


2024.06.01 08:39 Ambitious-Mind9040 Do I have to pay for electronics at the electronics section at Walmart?

I’m planning on buying an SSD at Walmart tomorrow but I don’t know if I have to pay for it in the electronics (because that’s where it is located) or if I can just pay for it at self checkout.
submitted by Ambitious-Mind9040 to NoStupidQuestions [link] [comments]


2024.06.01 08:14 HughEhhoule Bait Dog: Part 3

For anyone who wants to see how things began.
https://www.reddit.com/HFY/s/S97b2fqIjx
“In what universe would I ever do you a favor? “ I say, sweeping the floor of the reinforced barn.
“It’s not a favor, it’s a trade, bud.
What do you want in return? “ Trenchcoat asks from within the coffin-like cage.
“To be back home, 8 months ago. “ I reply.
Over the past few weeks I’ve managed to integrate myself into the day to day life on the farm. Things are still a grim, horrifying slog, but with every day it gets a bit easier to deal with.
“Give me something I can do. “ The creature pleads.
“Why, so I can wind up on the end of another ‘ Gotcha’ moment? I’m good. “ is my answer.
A few minutes of silence go by, Augustus breaks it.
“I don’t know many secrets of the universe. Facts, not really my bag. But I know a couple.
How about I share one with you?
No one, not the pope, not my brother, not the shit-bird perched on the highest branch of my twisted family tree, knows what happens when you die.
Some of us never will, of course. Others have ways of avoiding it, but at the end of the day, when the lights truly go out, we know next to nothing.
We do know one thing though. There is judgement, by who? Who knows? Why? Not important.
But at the end of the day, if your battery can’t be recharged, you really want to be thinking about how many marks are on each side of the ledger. “
I don’t reply, and for the next hour or so I ignore the pleading and hinting Trenchcoat does.
But that night, as I sip acidic tea, and try to get a handle on how in the fuck old televisions function, his offer is at the forefront of my mind.
He wants to kill, specifically 6 teenagers who, according to him, have been murdering classmates yearly in a twisted ritual.
He wants me to think this is some kind of noble act, he frames it as almost superheroic. The evil prick knows how I feel, knows that I see the blood on my hands every day, and would kill ( possibly literally) for some way to atone.
Is it a play? I honestly don’t think so, something about how eager the twisted thing is, about how he’s treating the situation as a buyer’s market makes me think something about this makes it important to him.
He offers me everything besides safety and protection. I’m desperate for help, but I have no way to hold him to any agreement.
So the thought rolls around in my mind, staving off the few hours of sleep I get.
“Okay, so, I have it on good authority that tea is supposed to taste better over here. What the hell is wrong with this? “ I say, sitting around an outside table with Sylvia, Dafydd and Colin.
Sylvia smiles, “ Barium, calcium, and a touch of castor oil. “
I look at the brew, then at her.
“If I had told you when you got here you need to drink that to mitigate the effects of working with void touched objects and creatures, you’d have assumed the worst, and found a way to avoid drinking it.
Good to see you becoming more perceptive though. “ Sylvia explains.
“That’s called paranoia, Syl. “ I reply.
She laughs, lighting a cigarette.
“Do you know why I’ve let you figure things out on your own? “ The ancient woman asks.
“Accepted? Yes. Understood, not in the slightest. “ I answer, wondering what sadist invented the scone.
“It’s because I need a leader. Someone who can understand, not a boy who puts his head down and listens to orders.
Someone who can make their own decisions when the time comes.
And I think that time is coming soon. “ Her statement feels like a question.
“If I chose to be here I’d be honored.” I counter.
“That attitude on the other hand… needs work.
Nikolas, today, we talk about what’s really going on.
We play a role in a much larger organization, us, and other families like us, are the ‘boots on the ground’ so to speak.
Our job is not to capture creatures, or horde esoteric goods. We do not foil the schemes of demons, nor blind those who look too deeply into the abyss.
We’re given information about events that could steer the path of humanity into a brick wall. And our job is to make sure they don’t happen. “ Sylvia reveals.
“Something is happening with these fights? “ I ask.
“As I said, perceptive.
Yes, it could be next week, it could be in a decade or two. Right now, we know very little about it, other than when it happens, it would be in our best interests to be of a high standing in the pits. “ She replies.
I absorb the information, and t drug laced tea in equal measure. As I do, I feel something, I feel I’m a part of what’s going on.
This is going to sound dumb as hell, but up until this point I hadn’t been taking things seriously. Don’t get me wrong, death is on the table, and I was trying to avoid that. But I was just treading water, hoping something or someone came by and to get me out of this situation.
But as Syl lays things out, I start to think of my place here, what I can be doing to better my state.
“Here is the part where you avoid telling me why you couldn’t have used anyone around here. “ I prod.
I keep her gaze, Colin and Dafydd shift uncomfortably.
“Augustus, he’s a tricky one. But a very lucky find for us.
I’ve tried 2 others. A boy and a girl, both I practically raised.
Marco, he was a warrior. But the demon got in his head. There was nothing that could be done beyond end his suffering.
Zelma, I won’t talk about.
That thing, it has a way of turning someone’s best traits against them. You, are a blank slate, but you’re family. You’re my best guess as to how we can use him to our advantage.
And this is why I need you, not to listen, but to understand. To see what’s happening, and make your own decisions. If I were to give you my knowledge, if I were to arm you with the best weapons, and the most powerful esoteric objects I know. He’d just have more to turn against you. “ Sylvia’s revelation scares me and puts a massive weight on my shoulders all at the same time.
Confidence and fear are both dangerous emotions. The two of them are almost like drugs in a way.
After eight months of mainlining fear, the tiny line of confidence Sylvia gave me, went straight to my head.
Trenchcoat told me where to find a video file. And after a couple of weeks of running it through every possible test I could, to check for any kind of manipulation, supernatural or otherwise, I watched it.
I was confident that the world would be much better off without the people committing the vicious acts contained in those twenty minutes of footage.
A teenage view of morality, I admit. But what do you want, I’m a teenager.
We watch the abandoned house from across the street. It’s a dingy, urban blight affected suburb, that being said, how no one seems to notice the seven foot freak with me, I have no idea.
The kid inside smoking stolen cigarettes and illegally supplied booze is a husky young guy of about 14. The half dozen kids that show up a couple hours later look closer to my age, last couple of years of high school I’m guessing.
The way they get into the house tells me they’ve done this before. The backpacks they all carry tell me they’re there for a purpose.
“How fucking funny would it be if I just killed you here and took off? “ Trenchcoat says, looming behind me.
I tense.
“It’s a joke. Out of my whole rotten family, Art and I, are close. I’m not going anywhere.
Unfortunately for you. “ Trenchcoat shoves me to the ground as he walks toward the house.
We get in through a basement window, I fit easily, Trenchcoat contorts his body to fit through the thin opening, somehow doing so silently.
I keep hearing Sylvia in my head. Telling me how she needs someone that can make his own decisions.
As I stand in the litter strewn basement, beside a creature with child murder on it’s mind I question the decision that I made.
At first the illumination is dim, nothing more than scraps of moonlight filtered through splintered wood. But with an industrial click, suddenly a half dozen lightbulbs bathe the basement in harsh, yellowish light.
Harsh, but not harsh enough to cause the reaction I see from Trenchcoat.
He squints and tries, unsuccessfully to turn away from the lights. Something about them is causing him discomfort. I get my hopes up for a moment he’s going to burst into flame or turn into dust or something, but no dice.
The sight of the walking nightmare looking pained and confused makes me panic. But before I can think of how I fucked up, I hear a voice.
The room, by the sounds of it, the entire house, has been rigged with speakers. Cleverly recessed in sconces and corners.
“Augi, long time no see. And I see you brought a little Renfield fella with you. “ The voice is modulated, Trenchcoat looks curious for a moment.
“Who, is this? You that clown that’s been fucking with Art?” He guesses.
The voice laughs, “Nope.
Who I am, is a guy who managed to find a few boxes of lightbulbs from ’93.
Then again, with eBay, that could make me just about anyone. “
Trenchcoat turns and looks toward the window we came in. He reaches a hand toward it, stopping a few inches away.
“That’s fucking interesting. “ He says, eyes darting around the room.
“Isn’t it though? “ The voice replies, clearly hearing the creature’s whisper, “ Tonight you get the pay for centuries of the worst shit committed by man or beast. I’ve made sure of that. No one in this house is going anywhere for the next 8 hours.
I’m sure the rest of the houseguests are pretty confused as to what’s going on. You wouldn’t believe me if I told you, so let me give you the Cliff’s notes.
You kids have been killing a monster a year for half a decade. You were the perfect bait, and I have faith you’ll be able to outwit Augi long enough to make it out of here.
If not, you’ll still have helped kill one of the worst things to walk the face of the earth. “
“What the hell is he talking about? “ I ask, a sinking feeling in my gut.
“That’s what you’re worried about right now?
Yeah, these kids are more Scooby gang than Manson family. Don’t blame me for the fact it only took an out of context exorcism video and some promises of making things right with the universe to get you on board with killing them. “ Trenchcoat spits.
I feel afraid, stupid and small. Which is to say, lately, business as usual.
I begin to break lightbulbs, I notice no runes, or anything else that would indicate they have any kind of supernatural origin.
As the basement dims, Trenchcoat starts to breathe easier.
“What’s going on, what stopped you from leaving? “ I ask.
“This little shit is playing The Game. “ Trenchcoat says to himself as much as to me. He looks deep in thought, inspecting the glass from the bulbs.
“What are you talking about? “ I say, my voice cracking slightly.
I hear noises upstairs, frantic foot falls. Indecipherable shouting.
Trenchcoat turns to me, exasperated and filled with anger.
“You’ve heard of ‘Rules’ right? All that ‘Don’t turn left on East street at 3:24 am kind of shit? “ The creature starts, “More and more of them popping up lately. Can’t miss the things.
Well, your kind seems great at finding them, but fucking awful at figuring out what they are. It’s not someone’s new job, or creepy school. The answer is so damned simple, but all of you’ve missed it.
It's a game. It’s, The Game.
It’s ran by the thickest branches of my family tree, and the stakes are high enough even I don’t really understand.
And whoever has us here, he’s weaponized it. The crazy fuck. “
“Call on your family for help then. “ I say, starting to deal with the fear and confusion.
“You first. “ Is Trenchcoat’s reply.
I get his point, and for a twisted, shitty moment, I find myself relating to the murderous thing I’ve been saddled with.
“So what’s the plan? “ I ask.
“Get my hands on whoever’s been stalking me. Between A and B, probably kill those little do-gooders upstairs out of spite.
I need you to circumvent rules we come across. Humans need to agree to follow the rules, it’s why people encounter them in jobs and schools so much. I’m not human, if you haven’t noticed. I don’t get a choice. “ I’m shaking my head as Augustus relates his plan.
“We’re not hurting those kids. “ I say defiantly.
“I’m sure you’ll have no problem with that.
But I’m a God damned child killing monster, bud! How long is that going to take to sink the fuck in?
Me not doing what I do, isn’t like giving up smokes. Think of it like not having a slash for months on end. Sooner or later, like it or not, I’m either finding a bathroom or pissing my pants. “ the rant scares me, but it makes me think.
Something about Augustus, it seems very, 90’s. Whoever was on the speakers was talking about the lightbulbs being from ’93. I’m picking up on a very distinct pattern.
I file that information with the rest of the disconnected lore I’ve managed to find on Trenchcoat as I follow him up the steep, narrow set of stairs.
He whips the thin wood door open, taking an aggressive, lurching step into the livingroom beyond. Surely ready to dispense too far quips and limitless violence, as per usual.
But that doesn’t happen, his rage filled scowl turns into a look of resignation, “Fuck”, is the monster’s last word before he disappears.
I cautiously walk up the loose splinter ridden stairs, expecting Augustus to be waiting around the corner, or engaged in combat with some other horror.
But once I get to the top, there’s nothing more sinister than a livingroom covered in dust and graffiti strewn with old bottles and new stains.
I know my chance when I see it. The particle board sealing the bay window is rotten, the glass long since broken.
No monster, no crazy family, I’ll take my chances with the streets of the U. K.
I tap the crumbling wood with a foot, it rattles, it won’t take much to make a hole.
I line up a kick, freedom no more than a quarter inch of rotten wood away.
“I wouldn’t do that. “ Says a voice behind me, male, around my age I’d guess, but with a confidence that makes me listen, “ Rigged with a load of C4 in the window frame.
Don’t take my word for it, guy wasn’t very subtle. ”
Sure enough, I see small wires running along the edges of the frame and embedded in the particle board.
I turn around, the six people standing in front of me have a vibe I can only describe as severe.
“Are we going to have issues? “ a slight, dark skinned guy asks.
“You making threats? “ I reply.
“No, he isn’t. “ it’s the same voice that warned me about the explosives. It belongs to a squared jawed kid with short black hair, he’s wearing a grey hoodie, and separates himself from the group. “ Call me Kent, and I’m in charge of making threats.
Sid, he’s our people person, he’s just trying to see if you’re someone we need to worry about. “
“We don’t have time to figure this kid out, leave him. “ a short, ginger girl says.
“Ami, why don’t I stay out of equipment, and you and Kent let me figure this kid out?” Sid says.
“I’m Nik. “ I volunteer.
“Good to meet you Nik. “ Sid says, walking around Kent, “Didn’t mean to start things off on the wrong foot.
We’ve just gotten used to doing these kinds of things in our own way over the past bit. We get a little… weird around this time of year if I’m being honest. “
I nod, apprehensive at giving any kind of detailed response.
“Derik” says a tall, pale guy, “ Research. “
“Liam. “ a tanned boy in a flannel shirt and deep blue jeans tells me, “ Oxford doesn’t talk, accident a couple of years back. I’m logistics, he figures spooky shit out. “
Oxford is thin and bald, his face looks much older than it should. Like he’s the victim of some kind of wasting disease.
Telling these kids the truth would be, complicated. And something about their war vet demeanor, makes me want to keep things simple.
So I give them a version of the truth. One where I was plucked from my room by Trenchcoat, and brought here for a slow death.
They buy it. I think.
“Well, I don’t know what this Jigsaw wannabe has planned, but trust me when I say, it can’t be much worse than the things we’ve went through. “ Kent says, trying to be reassuring.
“Just, one more thing. “ Sid begins, “ Why all the scars? “
I know I’ve won most of the group over, but I don’t like the look Sid is giving me.
“Work on a farm, on top of that, the family owns an auction. Lots of bent steel and splinters, what can I say? “ I say, trying to sound casual.
“Fair enough, that accent though. “ Sid’s look becomes almost predatory as he talks.
“Immigration my guy. What’s with the third degree? “ I reply.
“We’ve just met and I’ve only asked three questions.
Humor me here though.
You get taken in the night by that thing that winked out of existence.
Seems pretty nice of him to let you put on shoes. “ Sid lets his statement hang.
Kent turns, I don’t like where this is going. Panic and fear start to well up.
“What’re you thinking Sid? “ Kent asks.
“Kid’s lying. But he’s good at it. “ Sid answers.
“You saying this has turned into a, me, situation? “ Kent’s question starts a deep pit in my stomach.
“I don’t know if we need to go that far. But I don’t like the idea of him having seen our faces. I think this is a Liam situation. “ As Sid says this I look to Liam, who already seems deep in thought.
“Local cops will back our story, but he could go beyond them.
We tie him up until all of this is done, and we get some video of him putting a blade into the body upstairs. He goes telling any stories, it’s us and the locals versus some Yank on video stabbing the kid. “ Liam suggests.
I tried to fight, it went, embarrassingly. Kent had me on the ground in some kind of arm lock in about a second.
I’m bound to an old wooden chair with electrical cords, dragged into a room on the second floor where the chubby kid from before lays face down in a coagulated pool of his own blood. Surrounded by the trappings of misspent youth.
The door locks, and I stare at the corpse, wondering what in the hell went on up here, and in what universe are these psychopaths anything other than what they seemed on screen.
Time becomes almost malleable. I’m terrified to the point where every moment seems to stretch out forever.
Then, I hear it. A wet, organic noise. It starts below the body, and slowly starts to spread.
After a minute or two, the body starts to jerk and twitch. The room is dim as hell, but some kind of ropey, flesh-like substance, is sealing off the door.
I watch as the corpse clumsily gets to it’s feet. It’s skin pale, it’s throat slit to the point of near decapitation.
The head falls backward, obscenely with a small spurt of thick blood.
I scream, I thought I’d been getting used to being face to face with monsters. But fully bound, inches away from a kid that seems to be filled with a twisting mass of barbed, writhing, intestine like tentacles, I realize I’m not used to shit.
The ropey mass forms the barest suggestion of features, a shifting, lumpen mass of ever moving tendrils coming from what used to be the kid’s neck.
The sound spreads more, cracks in the floorboards and walls begin to show hints of the tendrils filling them in like spray foam.
No one is hearing my screams, or if they are, they have no interest in helping.
Ever wonder how you’d handle torture? I think if you’re the kind of person to be reading this, it’s likely you have.
I started by pissing myself.
The second the thin tendril touches my hand, I feel a blinding, flensing pain. I can do nothing but watch, as thousands of nearly hair thin spines tear and consume my flesh. As it slowly, almost, curiously makes it’s way up my arm, it leaves a bloodless, scarred furrow about an eighth of an inch deep.
My second reaction was to lose any pretense at defiance or dignity. I thrash and scream, beg and offer. All of this turning into choked sobs as the thing starts to do much of the same with another tendril.
It felt like I was in hell, every inch of me nothing more than a canvas for this artist of misery.
But pain, it can only go so far. Whether we’re talking about my tolerance, or this thing’s interest.
Mutilation, the brutal wedding of pain and loss. That was it’s next step.
A thick, almost centipede like tendril sits on my pinky like a hot iron. I can only watch in horror as I see fat, then muscle, then bone, then, nothing.
My voice shreds, I tear my wrists and ankles trying desperately to break the expertly tied wires.
My mind is at the breaking point, the creature in front of my makes a terrible, high pitched keening I assume is laughter.
My body is a roadmap of scarred pits and lines. My hand sports a cleanly severed finger. Fuck me, I wish things ended there.
Of all the important parts of the human body, the eye, tends to feel the least pain. Which isn’t to say, as I watched the greedy, grasping claws slowly take pieces of one of mine, it didn’t hurt, but the worst part, was knowing what was happening.
The vision in my left eye begins to distort at first, the edges getting blurry, then going dark. Bit by bit, chunk by irreplaceable chunk, the creature takes half my vision.
I can feel the shifting air on the bare socket, to call what I’m doing screaming, would be understating things to the point of absurdity.
My brain reels at what has just happened. I can feel my grip on reality begin to loosen, pain, worse than can bare, loss of half my sight, it’s too much.
My brain feels filled with static, for a few brief moments I swear, I can hear someone, a voice, trying to tell me something.
But then, a smell hits me. Something so foul, so alien, it yanks me back from the brink of disassociation. I gag and choke, as the air becomes thick with the rotten, chemical reek.
Then, I see it, I see, him.
As randomly as he disappeared, in an instant Trenchcoat is in the room.
He’s torn apart, wounds so deep and ragged, I can see the door on the other side of the room through the worst of them.
One arm is a twisted, broken mess, the flesh jacket torn to shreds of necrotic tissue.
The look on his face is panic, paranoia. A rictus grin of someone that has been kept on his toes for entirely too long.
He trembles and heaves, looking like he could fall over at any second.
He points his good arm at the tendril creature, who I notice has a too familiar eye suspended in it’s shifting features.
“You wouldn’t happen to know anything about the motherfucker who just made me kill my favorite cousin, would you? “ Trenchcoat asks, his voice cracked, and strained.
He gets a confused keening in response.
“Bad day for you then. “ Augustus says.
There is no style to his violence, Trenchcoat grabs the shifting mass, his wicked, claw tipped fingers angling themselves in tendrils. As he lifts the thing, floorboards break, and it’s torn free from the root-like system it was creating in the room.
Three brutal slams cover me in ichor and pieces of creature. Trenchcoat tosses the mewling, twitching pile in a corner and looks at me with disgust.
“You let that thing do this to you? Fuckin’ pathetic, bud.
And who tied you up? “ The nightmare I’ve been cursed with chides me.
“The kids downstairs. “ I say only now realizing I’ve still been sobbing.
One handed, Trenchcoat snaps the wires, then stumbles backward, slowly sliding down the wall.
He coughs, grey, bloody phlegm hitting the ground.
“So, what’s the play here? If this shit broke you, I could use the spare parts, if not, well, you know what the Bible says.
An eye for an eye. “ Trenchcoat grins as he talks, nearly on the brink of death.
And that’s where I think I’m going to leave things. Because, honestly I don’t know what I’m choosing.
I’m mutilated, half blind, using too much of my energy typing to strangers online about things because, I’m so fucking alone here.
If you hear from me again, I hope I made the right move. If not, take this as a lesson on what happens when you screw around with the occult.
submitted by HughEhhoule to HFY [link] [comments]


2024.06.01 08:11 HughEhhoule Bait Dog: Part 3

For anyone who wants to see how I got into this situation.
https://www.reddit.com/nosleep/s/R0DAycoVIm
“In what universe would I ever do you a favor? “ I say, sweeping the floor of the reinforced barn.
“It’s not a favor, it’s a trade, bud.
What do you want in return? “ Trenchcoat asks from within the coffin-like cage.
“To be back home, 8 months ago. “ I reply.
Over the past few weeks I’ve managed to integrate myself into the day to day life on the farm. Things are still a grim, horrifying slog, but with every day it gets a bit easier to deal with.
“Give me something I can do. “ The creature pleads.
“Why, so I can wind up on the end of another ‘ Gotcha’ moment? I’m good. “ is my answer.
A few minutes of silence go by, Augustus breaks it.
“I don’t know many secrets of the universe. Facts, not really my bag. But I know a couple.
How about I share one with you?
No one, not the pope, not my brother, not the shit-bird perched on the highest branch of my twisted family tree, knows what happens when you die.
Some of us never will, of course. Others have ways of avoiding it, but at the end of the day, when the lights truly go out, we know next to nothing.
We do know one thing though. There is judgement, by who? Who knows? Why? Not important.
But at the end of the day, if your battery can’t be recharged, you really want to be thinking about how many marks are on each side of the ledger. “
I don’t reply, and for the next hour or so I ignore the pleading and hinting Trenchcoat does.
But that night, as I sip acidic tea, and try to get a handle on how in the fuck old televisions function, his offer is at the forefront of my mind.
He wants to kill, specifically 6 teenagers who, according to him, have been murdering classmates yearly in a twisted ritual.
He wants me to think this is some kind of noble act, he frames it as almost superheroic. The evil prick knows how I feel, knows that I see the blood on my hands every day, and would kill ( possibly literally) for some way to atone.
Is it a play? I honestly don’t think so, something about how eager the twisted thing is, about how he’s treating the situation as a buyer’s market makes me think something about this makes it important to him.
He offers me everything besides safety and protection. I’m desperate for help, but I have no way to hold him to any agreement.
So the thought rolls around in my mind, staving off the few hours of sleep I get.
“Okay, so, I have it on good authority that tea is supposed to taste better over here. What the hell is wrong with this? “ I say, sitting around an outside table with Sylvia, Dafydd and Colin.
Sylvia smiles, “ Barium, calcium, and a touch of castor oil. “
I look at the brew, then at her.
“If I had told you when you got here you need to drink that to mitigate the effects of working with void touched objects and creatures, you’d have assumed the worst, and found a way to avoid drinking it.
Good to see you becoming more perceptive though. “ Sylvia explains.
“That’s called paranoia, Syl. “ I reply.
She laughs, lighting a cigarette.
“Do you know why I’ve let you figure things out on your own? “ The ancient woman asks.
“Accepted? Yes. Understood, not in the slightest. “ I answer, wondering what sadist invented the scone.
“It’s because I need a leader. Someone who can understand, not a boy who puts his head down and listens to orders.
Someone who can make their own decisions when the time comes.
And I think that time is coming soon. “ Her statement feels like a question.
“If I chose to be here I’d be honored.” I counter.
“That attitude on the other hand… needs work.
Nikolas, today, we talk about what’s really going on.
We play a role in a much larger organization, us, and other families like us, are the ‘boots on the ground’ so to speak.
Our job is not to capture creatures, or horde esoteric goods. We do not foil the schemes of demons, nor blind those who look too deeply into the abyss.
We’re given information about events that could steer the path of humanity into a brick wall. And our job is to make sure they don’t happen. “ Sylvia reveals.
“Something is happening with these fights? “ I ask.
“As I said, perceptive.
Yes, it could be next week, it could be in a decade or two. Right now, we know very little about it, other than when it happens, it would be in our best interests to be of a high standing in the pits. “ She replies.
I absorb the information, and t drug laced tea in equal measure. As I do, I feel something, I feel I’m a part of what’s going on.
This is going to sound dumb as hell, but up until this point I hadn’t been taking things seriously. Don’t get me wrong, death is on the table, and I was trying to avoid that. But I was just treading water, hoping something or someone came by and to get me out of this situation.
But as Syl lays things out, I start to think of my place here, what I can be doing to better my state.
“Here is the part where you avoid telling me why you couldn’t have used anyone around here. “ I prod.
I keep her gaze, Colin and Dafydd shift uncomfortably.
“Augustus, he’s a tricky one. But a very lucky find for us.
I’ve tried 2 others. A boy and a girl, both I practically raised.
Marco, he was a warrior. But the demon got in his head. There was nothing that could be done beyond end his suffering.
Zelma, I won’t talk about.
That thing, it has a way of turning someone’s best traits against them. You, are a blank slate, but you’re family. You’re my best guess as to how we can use him to our advantage.
And this is why I need you, not to listen, but to understand. To see what’s happening, and make your own decisions. If I were to give you my knowledge, if I were to arm you with the best weapons, and the most powerful esoteric objects I know. He’d just have more to turn against you. “ Sylvia’s revelation scares me and puts a massive weight on my shoulders all at the same time.
Confidence and fear are both dangerous emotions. The two of them are almost like drugs in a way.
After eight months of mainlining fear, the tiny line of confidence Sylvia gave me, went straight to my head.
Trenchcoat told me where to find a video file. And after a couple of weeks of running it through every possible test I could, to check for any kind of manipulation, supernatural or otherwise, I watched it.
I was confident that the world would be much better off without the people committing the vicious acts contained in those twenty minutes of footage.
A teenage view of morality, I admit. But what do you want, I’m a teenager.
We watch the abandoned house from across the street. It’s a dingy, urban blight affected suburb, that being said, how no one seems to notice the seven foot freak with me, I have no idea.
The kid inside smoking stolen cigarettes and illegally supplied booze is a husky young guy of about 14. The half dozen kids that show up a couple hours later look closer to my age, last couple of years of high school I’m guessing.
The way they get into the house tells me they’ve done this before. The backpacks they all carry tell me they’re there for a purpose.
“How fucking funny would it be if I just killed you here and took off? “ Trenchcoat says, looming behind me.
I tense.
“It’s a joke. Out of my whole rotten family, Art and I, are close. I’m not going anywhere.
Unfortunately for you. “ Trenchcoat shoves me to the ground as he walks toward the house.
We get in through a basement window, I fit easily, Trenchcoat contorts his body to fit through the thin opening, somehow doing so silently.
I keep hearing Sylvia in my head. Telling me how she needs someone that can make his own decisions.
As I stand in the litter strewn basement, beside a creature with child murder on it’s mind I question the decision that I made.
At first the illumination is dim, nothing more than scraps of moonlight filtered through splintered wood. But with an industrial click, suddenly a half dozen lightbulbs bathe the basement in harsh, yellowish light.
Harsh, but not harsh enough to cause the reaction I see from Trenchcoat.
He squints and tries, unsuccessfully to turn away from the lights. Something about them is causing him discomfort. I get my hopes up for a moment he’s going to burst into flame or turn into dust or something, but no dice.
The sight of the walking nightmare looking pained and confused makes me panic. But before I can think of how I fucked up, I hear a voice.
The room, by the sounds of it, the entire house, has been rigged with speakers. Cleverly recessed in sconces and corners.
“Augi, long time no see. And I see you brought a little Renfield fella with you. “ The voice is modulated, Trenchcoat looks curious for a moment.
“Who, is this? You that clown that’s been fucking with Art?” He guesses.
The voice laughs, “Nope.
Who I am, is a guy who managed to find a few boxes of lightbulbs from ’93.
Then again, with eBay, that could make me just about anyone. “
Trenchcoat turns and looks toward the window we came in. He reaches a hand toward it, stopping a few inches away.
“That’s fucking interesting. “ He says, eyes darting around the room.
“Isn’t it though? “ The voice replies, clearly hearing the creature’s whisper, “ Tonight you get the pay for centuries of the worst shit committed by man or beast. I’ve made sure of that. No one in this house is going anywhere for the next 8 hours.
I’m sure the rest of the houseguests are pretty confused as to what’s going on. You wouldn’t believe me if I told you, so let me give you the Cliff’s notes.
You kids have been killing a monster a year for half a decade. You were the perfect bait, and I have faith you’ll be able to outwit Augi long enough to make it out of here.
If not, you’ll still have helped kill one of the worst things to walk the face of the earth. “
“What the hell is he talking about? “ I ask, a sinking feeling in my gut.
“That’s what you’re worried about right now?
Yeah, these kids are more Scooby gang than Manson family. Don’t blame me for the fact it only took an out of context exorcism video and some promises of making things right with the universe to get you on board with killing them. “ Trenchcoat spits.
I feel afraid, stupid and small. Which is to say, lately, business as usual.
I begin to break lightbulbs, I notice no runes, or anything else that would indicate they have any kind of supernatural origin.
As the basement dims, Trenchcoat starts to breathe easier.
“What’s going on, what stopped you from leaving? “ I ask.
“This little shit is playing The Game. “ Trenchcoat says to himself as much as to me. He looks deep in thought, inspecting the glass from the bulbs.
“What are you talking about? “ I say, my voice cracking slightly.
I hear noises upstairs, frantic foot falls. Indecipherable shouting.
Trenchcoat turns to me, exasperated and filled with anger.
“You’ve heard of ‘Rules’ right? All that ‘Don’t turn left on East street at 3:24 am kind of shit? “ The creature starts, “More and more of them popping up lately. Can’t miss the things.
Well, your kind seems great at finding them, but fucking awful at figuring out what they are. It’s not someone’s new job, or creepy school. The answer is so damned simple, but all of you’ve missed it.
It's a game. It’s, The Game.
It’s ran by the thickest branches of my family tree, and the stakes are high enough even I don’t really understand.
And whoever has us here, he’s weaponized it. The crazy fuck. “
“Call on your family for help then. “ I say, starting to deal with the fear and confusion.
“You first. “ Is Trenchcoat’s reply.
I get his point, and for a twisted, shitty moment, I find myself relating to the murderous thing I’ve been saddled with.
“So what’s the plan? “ I ask.
“Get my hands on whoever’s been stalking me. Between A and B, probably kill those little do-gooders upstairs out of spite.
I need you to circumvent rules we come across. Humans need to agree to follow the rules, it’s why people encounter them in jobs and schools so much. I’m not human, if you haven’t noticed. I don’t get a choice. “ I’m shaking my head as Augustus relates his plan.
“We’re not hurting those kids. “ I say defiantly.
“I’m sure you’ll have no problem with that.
But I’m a God damned child killing monster, bud! How long is that going to take to sink the fuck in?
Me not doing what I do, isn’t like giving up smokes. Think of it like not having a slash for months on end. Sooner or later, like it or not, I’m either finding a bathroom or pissing my pants. “ the rant scares me, but it makes me think.
Something about Augustus, it seems very, 90’s. Whoever was on the speakers was talking about the lightbulbs being from ’93. I’m picking up on a very distinct pattern.
I file that information with the rest of the disconnected lore I’ve managed to find on Trenchcoat as I follow him up the steep, narrow set of stairs.
He whips the thin wood door open, taking an aggressive, lurching step into the livingroom beyond. Surely ready to dispense too far quips and limitless violence, as per usual.
But that doesn’t happen, his rage filled scowl turns into a look of resignation, “Fuck”, is the monster’s last word before he disappears.
I cautiously walk up the loose splinter ridden stairs, expecting Augustus to be waiting around the corner, or engaged in combat with some other horror.
But once I get to the top, there’s nothing more sinister than a livingroom covered in dust and graffiti strewn with old bottles and new stains.
I know my chance when I see it. The particle board sealing the bay window is rotten, the glass long since broken.
No monster, no crazy family, I’ll take my chances with the streets of the U. K.
I tap the crumbling wood with a foot, it rattles, it won’t take much to make a hole.
I line up a kick, freedom no more than a quarter inch of rotten wood away.
“I wouldn’t do that. “ Says a voice behind me, male, around my age I’d guess, but with a confidence that makes me listen, “ Rigged with a load of C4 in the window frame.
Don’t take my word for it, guy wasn’t very subtle. ”
Sure enough, I see small wires running along the edges of the frame and embedded in the particle board.
I turn around, the six people standing in front of me have a vibe I can only describe as severe.
“Are we going to have issues? “ a slight, dark skinned guy asks.
“You making threats? “ I reply.
“No, he isn’t. “ it’s the same voice that warned me about the explosives. It belongs to a squared jawed kid with short black hair, he’s wearing a grey hoodie, and separates himself from the group. “ Call me Kent, and I’m in charge of making threats.
Sid, he’s our people person, he’s just trying to see if you’re someone we need to worry about. “
“We don’t have time to figure this kid out, leave him. “ a short, ginger girl says.
“Ami, why don’t I stay out of equipment, and you and Kent let me figure this kid out?” Sid says.
“I’m Nik. “ I volunteer.
“Good to meet you Nik. “ Sid says, walking around Kent, “Didn’t mean to start things off on the wrong foot.
We’ve just gotten used to doing these kinds of things in our own way over the past bit. We get a little… weird around this time of year if I’m being honest. “
I nod, apprehensive at giving any kind of detailed response.
“Derik” says a tall, pale guy, “ Research. “
“Liam. “ a tanned boy in a flannel shirt and deep blue jeans tells me, “ Oxford doesn’t talk, accident a couple of years back. I’m logistics, he figures spooky shit out. “
Oxford is thin and bald, his face looks much older than it should. Like he’s the victim of some kind of wasting disease.
Telling these kids the truth would be, complicated. And something about their war vet demeanor, makes me want to keep things simple.
So I give them a version of the truth. One where I was plucked from my room by Trenchcoat, and brought here for a slow death.
They buy it. I think.
“Well, I don’t know what this Jigsaw wannabe has planned, but trust me when I say, it can’t be much worse than the things we’ve went through. “ Kent says, trying to be reassuring.
“Just, one more thing. “ Sid begins, “ Why all the scars? “
I know I’ve won most of the group over, but I don’t like the look Sid is giving me.
“Work on a farm, on top of that, the family owns an auction. Lots of bent steel and splinters, what can I say? “ I say, trying to sound casual.
“Fair enough, that accent though. “ Sid’s look becomes almost predatory as he talks.
“Immigration my guy. What’s with the third degree? “ I reply.
“We’ve just met and I’ve only asked three questions.
Humor me here though.
You get taken in the night by that thing that winked out of existence.
Seems pretty nice of him to let you put on shoes. “ Sid lets his statement hang.
Kent turns, I don’t like where this is going. Panic and fear start to well up.
“What’re you thinking Sid? “ Kent asks.
“Kid’s lying. But he’s good at it. “ Sid answers.
“You saying this has turned into a, me, situation? “ Kent’s question starts a deep pit in my stomach.
“I don’t know if we need to go that far. But I don’t like the idea of him having seen our faces. I think this is a Liam situation. “ As Sid says this I look to Liam, who already seems deep in thought.
“Local cops will back our story, but he could go beyond them.
We tie him up until all of this is done, and we get some video of him putting a blade into the body upstairs. He goes telling any stories, it’s us and the locals versus some Yank on video stabbing the kid. “ Liam suggests.
I tried to fight, it went, embarrassingly. Kent had me on the ground in some kind of arm lock in about a second.
I’m bound to an old wooden chair with electrical cords, dragged into a room on the second floor where the chubby kid from before lays face down in a coagulated pool of his own blood. Surrounded by the trappings of misspent youth.
The door locks, and I stare at the corpse, wondering what in the hell went on up here, and in what universe are these psychopaths anything other than what they seemed on screen.
Time becomes almost malleable. I’m terrified to the point where every moment seems to stretch out forever.
Then, I hear it. A wet, organic noise. It starts below the body, and slowly starts to spread.
After a minute or two, the body starts to jerk and twitch. The room is dim as hell, but some kind of ropey, flesh-like substance, is sealing off the door.
I watch as the corpse clumsily gets to it’s feet. It’s skin pale, it’s throat slit to the point of near decapitation.
The head falls backward, obscenely with a small spurt of thick blood.
I scream, I thought I’d been getting used to being face to face with monsters. But fully bound, inches away from a kid that seems to be filled with a twisting mass of barbed, writhing, intestine like tentacles, I realize I’m not used to shit.
The ropey mass forms the barest suggestion of features, a shifting, lumpen mass of ever moving tendrils coming from what used to be the kid’s neck.
The sound spreads more, cracks in the floorboards and walls begin to show hints of the tendrils filling them in like spray foam.
No one is hearing my screams, or if they are, they have no interest in helping.
Ever wonder how you’d handle torture? I think if you’re the kind of person to be reading this, it’s likely you have.
I started by pissing myself.
The second the thin tendril touches my hand, I feel a blinding, flensing pain. I can do nothing but watch, as thousands of nearly hair thin spines tear and consume my flesh. As it slowly, almost, curiously makes it’s way up my arm, it leaves a bloodless, scarred furrow about an eighth of an inch deep.
My second reaction was to lose any pretense at defiance or dignity. I thrash and scream, beg and offer. All of this turning into choked sobs as the thing starts to do much of the same with another tendril.
It felt like I was in hell, every inch of me nothing more than a canvas for this artist of misery.
But pain, it can only go so far. Whether we’re talking about my tolerance, or this thing’s interest.
Mutilation, the brutal wedding of pain and loss. That was it’s next step.
A thick, almost centipede like tendril sits on my pinky like a hot iron. I can only watch in horror as I see fat, then muscle, then bone, then, nothing.
My voice shreds, I tear my wrists and ankles trying desperately to break the expertly tied wires.
My mind is at the breaking point, the creature in front of my makes a terrible, high pitched keening I assume is laughter.
My body is a roadmap of scarred pits and lines. My hand sports a cleanly severed finger. Fuck me, I wish things ended there.
Of all the important parts of the human body, the eye, tends to feel the least pain. Which isn’t to say, as I watched the greedy, grasping claws slowly take pieces of one of mine, it didn’t hurt, but the worst part, was knowing what was happening.
The vision in my left eye begins to distort at first, the edges getting blurry, then going dark. Bit by bit, chunk by irreplaceable chunk, the creature takes half my vision.
I can feel the shifting air on the bare socket, to call what I’m doing screaming, would be understating things to the point of absurdity.
My brain reels at what has just happened. I can feel my grip on reality begin to loosen, pain, worse than can bare, loss of half my sight, it’s too much.
My brain feels filled with static, for a few brief moments I swear, I can hear someone, a voice, trying to tell me something.
But then, a smell hits me. Something so foul, so alien, it yanks me back from the brink of disassociation. I gag and choke, as the air becomes thick with the rotten, chemical reek.
Then, I see it, I see, him.
As randomly as he disappeared, in an instant Trenchcoat is in the room.
He’s torn apart, wounds so deep and ragged, I can see the door on the other side of the room through the worst of them.
One arm is a twisted, broken mess, the flesh jacket torn to shreds of necrotic tissue.
The look on his face is panic, paranoia. A rictus grin of someone that has been kept on his toes for entirely too long.
He trembles and heaves, looking like he could fall over at any second.
He points his good arm at the tendril creature, who I notice has a too familiar eye suspended in it’s shifting features.
“You wouldn’t happen to know anything about the motherfucker who just made me kill my favorite cousin, would you? “ Trenchcoat asks, his voice cracked, and strained.
He gets a confused keening in response.
“Bad day for you then. “ Augustus says.
There is no style to his violence, Trenchcoat grabs the shifting mass, his wicked, claw tipped fingers angling themselves in tendrils. As he lifts the thing, floorboards break, and it’s torn free from the root-like system it was creating in the room.
Three brutal slams cover me in ichor and pieces of creature. Trenchcoat tosses the mewling, twitching pile in a corner and looks at me with disgust.
“You let that thing do this to you? Fuckin’ pathetic, bud.
And who tied you up? “ The nightmare I’ve been cursed with chides me.
“The kids downstairs. “ I say only now realizing I’ve still been sobbing.
One handed, Trenchcoat snaps the wires, then stumbles backward, slowly sliding down the wall.
He coughs, grey, bloody phlegm hitting the ground.
“So, what’s the play here? If this shit broke you, I could use the spare parts, if not, well, you know what the Bible says.
An eye for an eye. “ Trenchcoat grins as he talks, nearly on the brink of death.
And that’s where I think I’m going to leave things. Because, honestly I don’t know what I’m choosing.
I’m mutilated, half blind, using too much of my energy typing to strangers online about things because, I’m so fucking alone here.
If you hear from me again, I hope I made the right move. If not, take this as a lesson on what happens when you screw around with the occult.
submitted by HughEhhoule to nosleep [link] [comments]


2024.06.01 07:51 eldiablo10 Long year - what would you do?

In college, my senior year, I lived with 2 of my friends and their other friend that I didn’t know so well. When we all moved in, I got their first and got probably the best room. Followed by my other two friends that got the next best set ups. Bad roomate, we’ll call him “M”, got the last room, it was by far the least desirable.
First couple months were fine, everyone loved everyone and things were smooth. Some of us would take turns cooking dinner for the house. M would not. About 1-2 months in, M and another roommate got into it over roommates dog. During this time, I was walking back and forth from the kitchen to the living room, eating my Jimmy John’s sandwhich. Just going back and forth talking and eating. When I was in the living room, listening to them go at it, M storms out of the house going through the kitchen.
M grabs the meat off my sandwhich, over half of it was left, and leaves the house. After some laughter, I go back into the kitchen to finish my sandwich, the f-ing meat is gone. I’m in disbelief. 1-sandwhich is ruined. 2-I had nothing to do with the situation and I was actually on M’s side. Everyone that I knew thought that was so funny. When I asked M he said “the dog took it”. That is when I started hating the guy.
This was just the beginning of a long 10 months.
M did not go to school, he did not work. All he did was play Fortnight for 18 hours a day. Not a joke, would sleep from 4am-10am and would play fortnight all day/night.
Now that’s not a problem right? Here we go:
Roomate had an aderall prescription, he would offer me some, I would ALWAYS decline. Wasn’t my thing. M would go through his room when we were gone and steal his adderall. When roommate would ask M about it, M would blame it on me. I made it very clear that when he offered me I declined because I didn’t want. M called me a liar behind my back, I called back to the Jimmy John’s sandwhich incident and immediately got a different response.
Roommate had a 1 of 1 Bong he won in a raffle. We would only hit it on occasion because he was about to sell it. If roomate didn’t want it out , he’d put it in his room. That night, I get home from the bar and go to bed, roomate stayed the night at his a girls house. M came back, took his bong that he was hiding, and M broke the down stem of this 1of1 2k$ bong. M left it on the ground of his room.
The next morning I’m awake when roomate gets back from girls. I hear yelling and stomping down the stairs. Roommate opens my door and said “we knew it would happen”. When Roomate confronted M, M said I was the one to take it out of his room and left it in the living room. For the next few hours, M was getting ripped for taking his bong and breaking it. Eventually he coughed up the money to get it repaired.
What’s next?
Other Roomate, call him O, had another clean nice bong. Where he would not hit tobacco from, M would hit tobacco out of it, and blamed it on… yours truly.
At this point, all M would do was play fortnight for 18 hours a day. It was honestly pathetic. Didn’t socialize, it was unhealthy.
One thing that everyone did that I wasn’t thrilled about was some cigarettes inside. Only time I accepted it was when everyone was drunk. Who cares. My buddy M, would smoke cowboy killers at 3am playing fort night and yelling “he’s on me he’s on me. He’s coming in my box”….. I took school very seriously, I politely say “listen dude. This will be a long rest of the year if you keep behaving like this.
We are still just getting started.
A friend of ours worked at the meat counter of a grocery store. We would get filet mignon for the price of a chicken breast, then he’d throw a few more filets in the bag. It ended up being 4 filets for like 10$. We’d do this like once a week. M would never participate in these “team dinners” instead he’d buy a $2.49 frozen white pizza and eat about 1 a day.
Who cares ?
Well, when we cleaned up and put the left overs in the fridge, Midnight M would raid the leftovers. Guess who he blamed it on… the boy.
This whole time, M did not pay rent, hahahahahahahahaha. Fortnight, chain smoking cigarettes inside, yelling “he’s coming in my box”at 4 am, smoking all the table weed, stealing aderall, stealing leftovers, stealing JJ’s sandwich meat, all while only paying about 2 months of rent
The leasing office calls me and says why haven’t you paid, because they already called M and M blamed no rent on me. I’m yelling at the leasing office calling them idiots saying read the ledger, I apologize and say what can we do to get him out/or paying.
Since it’s a joint tenancy we are all liable.
The end of the year rolls by and he owes 7k in rent, this is because all the fees and owed rent. I ended up leaving and moving back home over the summer, the lease ends and everyone leaves.
About a year later the leasing company serves us and sues us for the owed money. For the first hearing, we all show up, no M. It’s because “he never got handed anything by any sort of official”. That’s not how it works haha.
After countless attempts to get his rent money before we get sentenced. I agree with my Roomate we have to just bite the bullet and take the sentencing. Since the three of us were standup young men, we agreed to split it 4 ways. Even though all of the balance was M…
So there it was, paid in full, charges dropped. Not a single apology or thank you or explanation. Nothing.
M and the other roommates live in the same city and d not keep in touch with M.
I texted him once calling him a bad word…
But that’s the end
I will probably never see m again … but he owes me and I want to strangle him if I don’t get paid.
submitted by eldiablo10 to badroommates [link] [comments]


2024.06.01 07:50 Significant-Tower146 Best 1000 Hz Monitors

Best 1000 Hz Monitors

https://preview.redd.it/23a5r91lfw3d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3e7d96e8adafec8443fda7e69dafc72513741fb3
Discover our top picks for high refresh rate monitors in this comprehensive 1000 Hz monitors selection. Whether you're an avid gamer, graphic designer, or tech enthusiast, we've rounded up the best of the best in this article. Stay tuned as we dive into detailed reviews, feature comparisons, and essential tips for choosing the perfect 1000 Hz monitor to enhance your gaming or work experience.

The Top 19 Best 1000 Hz Monitors

  1. 38" 4K UHD Gaming Monitor with 144Hz refresh rate, Asus ROG Swift PG38UQ - ROG Swift PG38UQ: Unleash seamless 4K UHD gaming with a 38-inch monitor boasting 144Hz refresh rate, Adaptive-Sync, and ASUS Fast IPS technology, creating the perfect blend of speed, color accuracy, and immersive visuals.
  2. Fast and Immersive 24.5" Gaming Monitor - Experience unparalleled gaming performance with the Asus ROG Strix XG259QN Widescreen Gaming LCD Monitor, featuring a jaw-dropping 380Hz refresh rate, 1ms response time, and VESA DisplayHDR 400 for stunning visuals and smooth gameplay.
  3. Asus ROG Swift OLED PG42UQ: Fast and Stunning 138Hz Gaming Monitor - Experience ultimate gaming performance with the Asus ROG Swift OLED PG42UQ display, boasting intelligent cooling, NVIDIA G-Sync compatibility, and a stunning 4K UHD OLED panel.
  4. ASUS TUF Gaming 1080P Gaming Monitor - The ASUS TUF Gaming VG277Q1A Monitor offers 27" Full HD gaming with a 1ms response time, 165Hz refresh rate, and AMD FreeSync for smooth and lag-free gameplay, and also features Eye Care technology for comfort during extended use.
  5. 24" ViewSonic Omni Gaming Monitor - The ViewSonic Omni VX2428 24" Gaming Monitor boasts a sleek design, high refresh rate, and AMD FreeSync Premium technology for a smooth gaming experience, with flexible connectivity options and positive user reviews.
  6. MSI G274F 180Hz Gaming Monitor - 27" Full HD - The MSI G274F 27" Full HD Gaming LCD Monitor provides immersive and fluid gameplay with its 180Hz refresh rate and 1ms GTG response time, while its frameless bezel design and wide color gamut offer stunning visuals and an immersive viewing experience.
  7. MSI MAG 325CQRXF Curved Gaming Monitor (32", 240Hz, 1MS) - The MSI MAG 325CQRXF Widescreen Gaming LCD Monitor offers a 32" curved display, 240Hz refresh rate, 1ms response time, and VESA DisplayHDR 400 for stunning graphics, smooth gameplay, and immersive visuals.
  8. Fast-Response 24.5" Gaming LED Monitor with Ultrafast 240Hz Refresh Rate - Experience lightning-fast, immersive gaming with the sleek and versatile Asus ROG Strix 24.5" Gaming LED Monitor, offering an incredible 240Hz refresh rate, 1ms Fast IPS technology, a KVM switch for seamless control, and a vibrant Full HD display.
  9. 30" Curved Gaming Monitor with 200Hz Refresh Rate - Experience immersive gaming and work with the Sceptre 30-Inch Curved Gaming Monitor - featuring a high refresh rate, HDR400, blue light shift, and picture in picture for seamless multitasking.
  10. ROG Swift Pro PG248QP NVIDIA G-Sync Esports Monitor - The Asus ROG Swift Pro PG248QP is a top-of-the-line esports gaming monitor with a 24.1-inch Esports-TN panel, 540Hz refresh rate, and NVIDIA G-Sync technology, offering unparalleled performance and realism for professional gamers.
  11. Fast, 180Hz Gaming Monitor with Ergonomic Design - Experience lightning-fast, immersive gaming with the Asus 24" Full HD 180Hz Fast IPS TUF Gaming Monitor, boasting a rapid 180Hz refresh rate, 1ms GTG response time, and Adaptive Sync technology for smooth, tear-free visuals.
  12. Asus ROG Strix 24.5" Full HD Gaming Monitor - Experience seamless and immersive gaming with the Asus ROG Strix XG256Q 24.5" Full HD Gaming LCD Monitor, boasting a 180Hz refresh rate, 1ms response time, and lifelike visuals for an unmatched gaming experience.
  13. Asus ROG Swift OLED Gaming Monitor: 49" Curved Dual QHD Display, 144Hz Refresh Rate, Tear-Free Gameplay - Experience the ultimate gaming display with the Asus ROG Swift PG49WCD 49" Curved QD-OLED Gaming Monitor, featuring dual QHD resolution, 144Hz refresh rate, and 0.03ms response time for unmatched smoothness and fluidity in your gameplay.
  14. ASUS ROG Strix 27" Gaming Monitor with 170Hz refresh rate - Experience lightning-fast gaming on the 27" Asus ROG Strix HDR10 Gaming Monitor with 170Hz refresh rate, 1ms response time, NVIDIA G-Sync compatibility, and ASUS ELMB technology, providing smooth graphics and vibrant colors for your gaming adventures.
  15. 28" 4K FreeSync Gaming Monitor with HDR - Captivate yourself in stunning 4K detail with the Asus TUF Gaming VG289Q1A monitor, combining HDR10 compatibility, adaptive FreeSync technology, and 1ms response time for smooth, immersive gaming experiences.
  16. Asus ROG Strix 29.5" Ultrafast HDR Gaming Monitor - Experience the immersive and smooth gaming visuals with the Asus ROG Strix XG309CM, a high-refresh-rate 29.5" HDR gaming monitor designed for professional gamers and perfected with ASUS Fast IPS technology for sharp gameplay and effortless control.
  17. Ultrabendable OLED Gaming Monitor 45" 240Hz - Transform your workspace into an immersive gaming zone with the Corsair XENEON FLEX, a bendable 45" 240Hz OLED LCD Monitor featuring seamless 800R curve, cable management, and intuitive control through CORSAIR iCUE software.
  18. MSI 32" 4K Gaming Monitor with Quantum Dot - Experience lightning-fast, visually stunning gaming with the MSI MPG321UR QD Gaming Monitor, boasting 1ms fast response, 4K UHD resolution, and NVIDIA G-Sync compatibility for smooth and immersive gameplay.
  19. 24.5-inch 500Hz Sleeper Chair with Pillow and Pocket - The Alienware AW2524HF Gaming Monitor offers unparalleled speed and responsiveness with a 500Hz refresh rate and AMD FreeSync Premium, making it an essential addition to any pro-gamer's arsenal.
As an Amazon™ Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Reviews

🔗38" 4K UHD Gaming Monitor with 144Hz refresh rate, Asus ROG Swift PG38UQ


https://preview.redd.it/517fhsflfw3d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=7b9c08494eee2301407bdafa0153bf8e4027f522
The Asus ROG Swift PG38UQ gaming monitor is a real treat for any gamer. This 38-inch 4K UHD beast comes equipped with a 144Hz refresh rate and Adaptive-Sync, providing ultra-smooth visuals. The ASUS Fast IPS technology ensures fast response times needed for quick reflexes during intense gaming sessions. Additionally, the PG38UQ supports native 4K 120Hz gaming without chroma subsampling on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X via HDMI, making it a versatile choice for both PC and console gamers.
One of the impressive features of this monitor is its excellent color accuracy. With a 98% DCI-P3 color gamut and DisplayHDR 600 certification, you are guaranteed true-to-life colors that immerse you further into your gaming world. The sleek design and high build quality complement the high-performance experience.
Set up is super easy, even for those unfamiliar with gaming monitors. It includes features like the Asus Fast IPS technology for quick response time and an Adaptive-Sync for super-smooth gaming visuals. These make it perfect for watching movies or playing games on a big screen.
The only downside I found was the placement of menu buttons at the bottom right, which may require some getting used to. But apart from this minor inconvenience, the Asus ROG Swift PG38UQ truly delivers a top-notch gaming experience on a 4K UHD screen.
Highlightes of this product include its large 4K UHD screen, fast 144Hz refresh rate, and the ability to support native 4K 120Hz gaming without chroma subsampling on consoles via HDMI. In fact, the only con to this monitor is the placement of menu buttons that may require some getting used to.
So if you're a serious gamer looking for a high-quality, performance-driven monitor with a large screen and stunning visuals, the Asus ROG Swift PG38UQ is definitely worth considering.

🔗Fast and Immersive 24.5" Gaming Monitor


https://preview.redd.it/36l3grxlfw3d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=aebcf262efd2ca52a8f3c85acd1e2e90e09c5f94
I've been using the Asus ROG Strix XG259QN gaming monitor for a few months now, and I'm genuinely impressed with its performance. The quick response time and high refresh rate make even the most intense gaming sessions smooth and lag-free. I also appreciate the HDR modes and vibrant color gamut that bring my games to life with rich, lifelike visuals.
One downside is that this monitor doesn't come with built-in speakers, but the overall experience has still been top-notch. The adjustable stand allows me to find the perfect viewing angle, and the low blue light feature ensures my eyes don't feel strained after long play sessions. Plus, the wide range of connectivity options ensures compatibility with all my devices.
In conclusion, the Asus ROG Strix XG259QN is an exceptional gaming monitor that delivers on performance and visual quality. If you're looking to upgrade your gaming setup and take your game to the next level, this monitor is definitely worth considering.

🔗Asus ROG Swift OLED PG42UQ: Fast and Stunning 138Hz Gaming Monitor


https://preview.redd.it/knl0e89mfw3d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=14008290ae191d205b667810c28f476e1e317f6b
As a long-time gamer, the Asus ROG Swift OLED PG42UQ has completely transformed my gaming experience. This monitor has everything you could ask for - incredible picture quality, an impressively fast refresh rate, and a sleek design that wouldn't look out of place in a sci-fi movie.
The 4K UHD display is a standout feature, with vibrant and accurate colors that make every game feel more immersive than ever before. Plus, the HDR compatibility means that even the darkest scenes are rendered with stunning detail.
Then there's the 138Hz refresh rate, which ensures smooth gameplay even in the most intense action sequences. It's NVIDIA G-Sync compatible too, so you won't have to worry about screen tearing or other visual artifacts.
But the ROG Swift OLED isn't just all about its visuals; it's designed with your comfort in mind too. The intelligent cooling system keeps the monitor running smoothly even during marathon gaming sessions, and the Game Mode feature lets you easily customize settings to suit whichever game you're playing.
However, there are definitely some drawbacks to this monster of a screen. For one, it might be too big for some people's setup, especially if you're playing on a smaller desk or in a smaller room. Additionally, the weight of the monitor can make setting it up a bit cumbersome.
Despite these minor issues, I'm still blown away by the Asus ROG Swift OLED PG42UQ. It has revolutionized how I play games, making them feel more immersive and lifelike than ever before. If you're in the market for a new gaming monitor, this one is definitely worth considering.

🔗ASUS TUF Gaming 1080P Gaming Monitor


https://preview.redd.it/euvruzomfw3d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8a447c196e5167530241611aea24f848f3905f3d
I recently got my hands on the Asus TUF VG277Q1A Gaming Monitor, and boy am I impressed! This 27-inch monitor is a game-changer for gamers who demand smooth and responsive performance. The Full HD display, coupled with a 165Hz refresh rate and 1ms Extreme Low Motion Blur, instantly enhances my gaming experience.
Its Eye Care feature is a godsend, reducing eye fatigue after extended hours of playing. Additionally, the monitor's Shadow Boost technology ensures that I don't miss out on any crucial details in dark scenes. Oh, and did I mention it has both HDMI and DisplayPort connectivity? Talk about versatility!
However, there are a few cons to consider. The power cable is a bit too short, which limits where I can place the monitor on my desk. And while assembly was a breeze, some may find the lack of adjustable height frustrating.
Overall, I highly recommend the Asus TUF VG277Q1A Gaming Monitor for gamers seeking a high-performing yet affordable option. It's definitely worth the investment!

🔗24" ViewSonic Omni Gaming Monitor


https://preview.redd.it/ys0rwnzmfw3d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=36bc92d6a5bd287c3f880d234970a8a7c5439eb3
I've been putting the ViewSonic Omni VX2428 through its paces in my gaming setup lately. Right off the bat, this 24-inch monitor impresses with its sleek 3-sided frameless design, making it perfect for seamless multi-monitor setups. Under the hood, it boasts a high 180Hz* refresh rate, 0.5ms (MPRT) response time, and AMD FreeSync Premium technology, virtually eliminating screen tearing and stuttering for a fluid gaming experience.
The connectivity options are plentiful, with two HDMI (v1.4) inputs, and one DisplayPort (v1.2) input that ensures smooth flexibility for both general use and entertainment. However, the monitor's performance is hampered by the fact that the HDMI version is 1.4, limiting the output to a maximum of 120Hz if you're relying solely on HDMI connections. Another point to note is the lack of built-in speakers, which may require additional investment in external ones if you don't have any.
In terms of build quality, the VX2428 is very solid and sturdy, and it comes with a DisplayPort in the box, which is a plus. As a beginner, I've been giving this monitor a 9/10 so far, though I'll update my review after two weeks of usage.
Overall, I would recommend this monitor to gamers who are looking for a sturdy, sleek design with fluid, tear-free gameplay. Just keep in mind that you might need to consider additional investments for better sound quality and smoother connectivity options.

🔗MSI G274F 180Hz Gaming Monitor - 27" Full HD


https://preview.redd.it/mh7vp6fnfw3d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=4253b5ce07a8eb4b2a2686a7ad1dec5ace1efada
The MSI G274F Gaming LCD Monitor is a game-changer, providing an immersive and fluid gaming experience like no other. With its 180Hz refresh rate and 1ms fast response time, every frame appears smoother and more responsive, making your gameplay incredibly fluid. The Rapid IPS panel technology offers wide viewing angles and accurate colors, while the HDR Ready feature enhances contrast and vibrancy, giving you a stunning visual experience.
Whether you're a casual gamer or a competitive esports player, the G274F has been designed to deliver exceptional performance. The wide color gamut ensures realistic and refined game colors and details, and the frameless bezel design offers a sleek and immersive viewing experience. The Adaptive Sync/G-Sync Compatible technology eliminates screen tearing and stuttering for a seamless and fluid gameplay.
The low blue light and flicker-free technology are a breath of fresh air for avid gamers, reducing eye strain and fatigue, allowing you to game for extended periods without discomfort. The G274F comes equipped with multiple connectivity options, including HDMI 2.0 and DisplayPort, for easy compatibility with various devices. Its stylish and modern design complements any gaming setup, while the adjustable tilt stand allows you to find the perfect viewing angle for your comfort.
In summary, the MSI G274F Gaming LCD Monitor is a exceptional choice for gamers who seek top-notch performance and stunning visuals. With its high refresh rate, rapid response time, and advanced features, this monitor is sure to amplify your gaming experience and help you claim victory over your opponents.

🔗MSI MAG 325CQRXF Curved Gaming Monitor (32", 240Hz, 1MS)


https://preview.redd.it/6fzsd5wnfw3d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=505ec030a41467123db764d62c8245e5772acafa
I remember the first time I unboxed this baby - the MSI Mag325cqrxf Widescreen Gaming LCD Monitor. As soon as I plugged it in, my jaw dropped. The 31.5-inch QHD 240Hz 16:9 Curved 1000R Rapid VA Gaming Monitor lives up to its name with its breathtaking display and mind-blowing features.
The first thing that caught my eye was the 240Hz refresh rate. You know how some games can be a little choppy? Not on this monitor. It's smoother than a freshly waxed car, making my fast-paced games feel almost cinematic. And don't even get me started on the 1000R curvature. It's like I'm inside the game world!
I also love how they've incorporated anti-flicker technology and blue light reduction to make gaming sessions longer without straining my eyes. But what truly sets it apart are the vibrant colors and wide viewing angles provided by the Rapid Vertical Alignment VA panel technology. It's like I'm seeing colors I didn't know existed!
However, one thing that could be improved is its size. While it's perfect for smaller gaming setups, players with larger desks might find the 31.5-inch screen a bit too cozy. Also, the price tag might be a tad steep for casual gamers.
But overall, I am absolutely in love with this monitor. It's my ultimate gaming companion and has made my gaming experiences truly immersive and exhilarating. Thanks, MSI!

🔗Fast-Response 24.5" Gaming LED Monitor with Ultrafast 240Hz Refresh Rate


https://preview.redd.it/h6l0no6ofw3d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=aefbd3d9b59949624b86713e0ee6aa8cff16d7dd
Recently, I had the chance to test out the Asus ROG Strix XG259CM monitor, and it's been a game-changer in my quest for the perfect gaming setup. This sleek 24.5-inch monitor boasts a lightning-fast 240Hz refresh rate, designed specifically for professional gamers. Its Full HD resolution provides immersive gameplay, with colors that are sharp and vibrant, thanks to the IPS panel.
One of the standout features of this monitor is its ASUS Fast IPS technology, enabling a 1ms response time (GTG) for ultra-smooth gameplay. This makes a huge difference in first-person shooter games, where a split-second delay can mean the difference between victory and defeat.
Another convenient feature is the KVM switch, allowing you to control two connected devices using a single keyboard and mouse. This is perfect for those who work from home and need to switch seamlessly between their personal computer and their workstation.
On the downside, the monitor is quite heavy, making it a bit cumbersome to move around or adjust the angle. Additionally, the built-in speakers are decent but not outstanding, so you may want to invest in a separate set of speakers for a more immersive audio experience.
In summary, the Asus ROG Strix XG259CM monitor is a powerful and versatile tool for gamers and work-from-home professionals alike. Its impressive performance, combined with its intuitive controls and KVM switch, make it well worth the investment. However, its weight and mediocre speakers may not appeal to everyone.

🔗30" Curved Gaming Monitor with 200Hz Refresh Rate


https://preview.redd.it/o9s6qcjofw3d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3a296a57f798dd97ba6c942c657bfbd3d6433404
I recently got my hands on the Sceptre 30-Inch Curved Gaming Monitor Metal Black C305B-200UN and I must say, it's been a game-changer for my gaming sessions. The first thing that caught my attention was the immersive viewing experience the curved display offers. It has made my gaming experience more intense and realistic.
The large 30-inch display is a treat for the eyes, especially when it comes to watching movies or playing games. The detailing is sharp and crisp, making everything look lifelike.
One of the standout features of this monitor for me is the 200Hz refresh rate. It provides an incredibly smooth gaming performance, giving me a clear advantage over my opponents.
The build quality is also top-notch. The monitor is sturdy and well-built, which gives me confidence that it will last for a long time. Additionally, it comes with built-in speakers that deliver quality audio, even though it may not be as powerful as external speakers.
However, there are a few areas where this monitor could be improved. The stand takes up a lot of space on my desk, which can be a bit inconvenient. Also, the menu buttons are a bit tricky to use, requiring some trial and error to navigate through.
In conclusion, the Sceptre 30-Inch Curved Gaming Monitor Metal Black C305B-200UN is a solid choice for gamers looking for a high-quality monitor at an affordable price. Its immersive display, smooth refresh rate, and solid build quality make it a winner in my book. Just be prepared for the space-consuming stand and the quirky menu buttons.

🔗ROG Swift Pro PG248QP NVIDIA G-Sync Esports Monitor


https://preview.redd.it/ic3dqt6pfw3d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=bc7ec6d476c79030ba0bd50faef04f0e34f0172d
I recently got my hands on the Asus ROG Swift Pro PG248QP NVIDIA G-Sync Esports Gaming Monitor, and let me tell you, it's a game-changer for me as an avid gamer. I was initially skeptical about the 540Hz refresh rate, thinking it would be overkill, but boy, was I wrong. The smoothness it brings to my gaming experience is unparalleled.
First and foremost, the fast response time of this monitor is truly impressive. I play a lot of fast-paced games like Valorant and Counter-Strike 2, and the swiftness of the panel has made a noticeable difference in my gameplay. It's like looking through a crystal-clear window into the game, giving me that extra edge needed to outsmart my opponents.
The adjustable base is also a game-changer, as it allows me to fine-tune the ergonomics to suit my desk setup perfectly. The retractable claws on the base are a nifty touch that helps free up some much-needed space on my already cluttered desk.
As for the cons, I have to say that the build quality could be better. I encountered some issues with the bottom panel, which appears to be attached with glue and flexes when pressed. For a monitor priced at $900, I feel that the build quality should be more exceptional. Additionally, the compatibility with NVIDIA GPU's might be a turn-off for some, although it did not affect my personal experience.
In conclusion, the Asus ROG Swift Pro PG248QP NVIDIA G-Sync Esports Gaming Monitor has significantly improved my gaming experience with its lightning-fast refresh rate and smooth performance. The adjustable base is also a welcome addition to the package. However, the build quality could be better, and the compatibility with only NVIDIA GPU's might not appeal to everyone.

🔗Fast, 180Hz Gaming Monitor with Ergonomic Design


https://preview.redd.it/ofzxmvcpfw3d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5cf4283d3041744cedfdf752aac4b016eeb0f552
I've been using the Asus VG249QL3A Gaming LED Monitor for a few weeks now, and it's been a game-changer for my gaming experience. The first thing that grabbed my attention was its lightning-fast 180Hz refresh rate, which translates to incredibly smooth visuals and minimal motion blur. Couple that with the Adaptive Sync technology, and I'm getting tear-free gaming sessions that keep me immersed in my favorite games.
As a reviewer who's been playing games for hours at a time, the ergonomic design of this monitor is truly a blessing. I can adjust the stand to find the perfect viewing angle, and since the screen is bezel-free, it looks like a seamless part of my setup.
One of my favorite features of this monitor is its vibrant colors. The 99% sRGB gamut ensures that I'm seeing games in their full glory, while the 350 nits brightness means that I don't have to squint to see the action, even when playing in a well-lit room.
The 1ms GTG response time definitely deserves a mention as well. Fast-paced games are no longer a challenge for me, as the monitor keeps up with every mouse movement and key press without any lag or ghosting.
However, there's one drawback that I have to mention. The built-in 2W speakers are decent, but they don't deliver the same level of immersion as a dedicated gaming headset. That being said, the monitor itself is a solid buy for gamers who prioritize performance and visual quality above all else.
In conclusion, the Asus VG249QL3A is a fantastic gaming monitor that delivers smooth, tear-free gameplay with vibrant colors and a lightning-fast response time. It's perfect for long gaming sessions and provides an immersive experience that I wouldn't want to miss.

🔗Asus ROG Strix 24.5" Full HD Gaming Monitor


https://preview.redd.it/u1vdlvrpfw3d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d8e32a9a0f8bc2ca047488e54599aa890312004c
As a gamer, I've seen my fair share of monitors, but the Asus ROG Strix XG256Q truly stands out in terms of performance and design. Its 180Hz standard refresh rate and 1ms response time result in fluid, blur-free visuals that bring my favorite games to life. The 99% sRGB color gamut adds vibrancy, making everything look more lifelike. Moreover, its 400 Nit brightness ensures clear visibility even in bright environments.
One of my favorite features is the adjustable stand, which lets me fine-tune the viewing angle for optimal comfort. I also appreciate the included Low Blue Light and Flicker-free technologies that help reduce eye strain during marathon gaming sessions.
The VESA DisplayHDR 400 certification takes this monitor to the next level, enhancing contrast and color depth to create stunning visuals with lifelike details. And with its wall mountable design, I have the flexibility to set up my gaming space however I want, without cluttering it with unnecessary cords and peripherals.
Overall, I'm impressed with the Asus ROG Strix XG256Q Gaming LCD Monitor. Its combination of speed, accuracy, and eye comfort make it an excellent choice for gamers of all skill levels. If you're looking for a high-performance monitor that will take your gaming experience to new heights, I highly recommend giving this one a try.

🔗Asus ROG Swift OLED Gaming Monitor: 49" Curved Dual QHD Display, 144Hz Refresh Rate, Tear-Free Gameplay


https://preview.redd.it/37mjyg9qfw3d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=38e42f1d142e39057f08aea16dc686e53cef80c1
I recently got my hands on the Asus ROG Swift Gaming OLED Monitor (pg49wcd), and I must say, it's been a game-changer! This 49-inch curved QD-OLED monitor offers an immersive gaming experience that I've never seen before. The stunning 5120x1440 resolution paired with the 32:9 aspect ratio creates vivid and lifelike visuals.
One of the things that stood out to me was the 144Hz refresh rate and 0.03ms response time. These specs deliver incredibly smooth gameplay, making it feel like I'm right in the middle of the action. The Asus ROG PG49WCD Swift Gaming OLED Monitor also supports FreeSync Premium Pro/G-sync Compatible technology, ensuring tear-free gaming sessions.
Another notable feature is the Picture by Picture mode, which allows me to view content from two sources simultaneously. This has been incredibly useful for multitasking and keeping an eye on my work and personal devices at the same time.
However, there are a few minor drawbacks to this monitor. Firstly, the KVM feature requires a software installation, which might not be ideal for some users. Secondly, I've noticed that the monitor tends to stick in a switching loop when trying to change input signals.
In conclusion, the Asus ROG Swift Gaming OLED Monitor (pg49wcd) offers an unparalleled gaming experience with its QD-OLED display and high refresh rate. Its immersive visuals and smooth gameplay make it a top choice for gamers looking to elevate their gaming setup. While there are some minor cons, they don't detract from the overall excellent performance and features offered by this monitor.

🔗ASUS ROG Strix 27" Gaming Monitor with 170Hz refresh rate


https://preview.redd.it/g5fvuvlqfw3d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=0c835dbfd4d8b0be2715a9358d540a23e43f7c51
As a die-hard gaming enthusiast, I recently got my hands on the Asus Xg276q ROG Strix Gaming Monitor, and I must say, it has truly enhanced my experience. Its 170Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time make my games look smoother and more immersive than ever before. The NVIDIA G-Sync compatibility is a game-changer, eliminating any pesky screen tearing or stuttering that could disrupt my intense gaming sessions.
The DisplayHDR 400 support provides stunning visuals with accurate colors, deep blacks, and brilliant whites. I also appreciate the Dynamic Shadow Boost feature, which helps me spot even the most elusive enemies in dark corners. The GameVisual modes and GamePlus hotkeys are incredibly handy, giving me the ability to customize my display quickly and easily.
One downside to note is that I've noticed some minor issues with the brightness and contrast if auto HDR is enabled on certain games. However, a quick tweak in the global settings ensures everything is running smoothly. Overall, I couldn't be happier with my new Asus Xg276q ROG Strix Gaming Monitor, and I highly recommend it for any avid gamer looking to take their skills to the next level.

Buyer's Guide

None

https://preview.redd.it/kvqtsadsfw3d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=99d4068b7c6e8091b409a892752f85ff9b9f5129

FAQ

What are 1000 Hz monitors?

A 1000 Hz monitor is a high refresh rate display designed to significantly reduce motion blur, ghosting, and stuttering in video games or other high refresh content. This innovative technology allows for smoother gameplay and improved overall visual experience.

https://preview.redd.it/p34bykpsfw3d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=bc811fcd2ba6545a4e814956839b2900647421b9

What are the benefits of using 1000 Hz monitors?

1000 Hz monitors offer several benefits, including:
  • Reduced motion blur and ghosting due to the high refresh rate, leading to a more immersive gaming experience.
  • Smoother gameplay with minimized stuttering, particularly in fast-paced games.
  • Improved perceived resolution and better overall visual clarity.

Do all 1000 Hz monitors support the same features?

Not necessarily. While all 1000 Hz monitors have a high refresh rate, other features may vary between models. Some monitors might offer additional connectivity options, advanced color reproduction, or adjustable stands, while others may focus solely on providing the highest possible refresh rate.

https://preview.redd.it/nboabf1tfw3d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=398af9d4bc220fc5a318c3948c7bd2dfa950a200

How can I choose the best 1000 Hz monitor for my needs?

When selecting a 1000 Hz monitor, consider the following factors:
  • Resolution: Higher resolution offers better image quality and more detail.
  • Panel type: IPS (In-Plane Switching) panels provide wider viewing angles and better color reproduction, while TN (Twisted Nematic) panels have faster response times and are generally more affordable.
  • Connectivity: Ensure the monitor has the proper ports (HDMI, DisplayPort, USB, etc. ) for your gaming platform(s).
  • Additional features: G-Sync or FreeSync compatibility can help reduce screen tearing and ensure smooth gameplay at varying refresh rates.

Are PC systems with 1000 Hz monitors future-proof?

While 1000 Hz monitors offer significant improvements in motion clarity and stuttering reduction, their long-term viability depends on various factors. As technology continues to advance, new gaming trends or innovations may emerge, such as 144Hz monitors and next-generation display technologies. However, with the increasing prevalence of eSports and high-refresh-rate content, investing in a 1000 Hz monitor remains a solid choice for avid gamers.

https://preview.redd.it/uhdx62dtfw3d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=db2aea5b5b6b0c04a6b6f734f6febfb2cf85c477

Do I need a specialized gaming computer to take advantage of a 1000 Hz monitor?

While having a high-performance gaming computer is beneficial for achieving the full potential of a 1000 Hz monitor, many modern graphics cards and CPUs are capable of supporting high refresh rates. To maximize performance, ensure your system has adequate RAM and storage capacity, as well as a recent and powerful graphics card.

How do I enable 1000 Hz mode on my monitor?

Enabling 1000 Hz mode on your monitor is generally a simple process. Typically, you can access the graphics settings or monitor menu on your computer and manually set the refresh rate to 1000 Hz. However, the exact method for enabling 1000 Hz mode may vary depending on your computer's hardware and operating system.

Will I experience burn-in with a 1000 Hz monitor?

Burn-in, also known as image retention, can theoretically occur on any display. However, modern 1000 Hz monitors are equipped with advanced technologies that help minimize the risk of burn-in, such as pixel shifting and screen savers.

Do I need any specific software to maximize the benefits of a 1000 Hz monitor?

While having a dedicated graphics software may help optimize your overall gaming experience, it is not mandatory to maximize the benefits of a 1000 Hz monitor. Ensuring that your graphics drivers are up-to-date and compatible with your system and monitor is typically sufficient for taking full advantage of the monitor's features and capabilities.
As an Amazon™ Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
submitted by Significant-Tower146 to u/Significant-Tower146 [link] [comments]


2024.06.01 06:49 SimsAreShims Paul Tremblay and Leaving it to the Reader's Imagination/Interpretation

Let me apologize in advance: I'm going to be a bit of a hater here. Also, spoilers ahead.
In general, I hate open ended stories (be it books, movies, whatever). It comes across to me as lazy, as if the author didn't know how to end, so they got vague about it. This is a personal preference, sure, but it's one I feel very strongly about. To clarify, I do not need the story to be wrapped up in a nice, neat little bow, where everyone has a happy ending. A story can "finish" before it "ends".
What the hell do I mean by this?
Take, for example, Stephen King's The Long Walk. Major spoilers: Even though Garraty wins, he doesn't accept it, and starts running. We don't get a whole lot of world building to find out how the Long Walk became a thing, we don't follow Garraty after this, and thus we have no idea what happens, but the story is done. Extending it or explaining it wouldn't enhance the story; if anything, writing more would probably bring the horror elements down. The story was finished even though it didn't "end".
Back to Tremblay.
My first exposure to him was of course Cabin at the End of the World. This was before the movie, and it should have been RIGHT up my alley. World ending story that also contains references to religion? Hell yeah! Except, Holy hell, I could not read this thing for the life of me. The book starts off from the y y/o daughter, Wen's POV; she talks about her life, what it's like being adopted, taking language classes. She's in the yard organizing grasshoppers by size and giving them names and writing down what she thinks their genders are and OH MY GOD WHEN IS THIS STORY ACTUALLY STARTING??? At that point, I decided to try to skip ahead. Tremblay was verbose in other parts, so I tried to skip ahead. I ended up mostly going through the dialogue, reading more if it seemed relevant, and was left disappointed. I think the story really would have been enhanced by exploring the backgrounds of the four visitors, but, from what I did read, that didn't happen.
I checked the Wikipedia page to see if it was worth going back and trying again, but the ending If it was the end of the world was left kinda ambiguous. I could see an argument where The planes crashing is too much of a coincidence, so yes it is, plus the movie changed it to flat out saying it's the end of the world, but it just came across as so lazy to me. If anything, I think making the ending unambiguous would make the story better. It doesn't need to go on for much longer, but explaining what the "answer" is, in either case of the world ending or not, would reframe the rest of the story and make it better.
But maybe I didn't give it enough of a chance. I read someone say on here that there is a lot of subtlety in Tremblay's writing, and maybe that would have explained it more if I didn't skip to just the dialogue, so I decided to give him another chance by reading Growing Things and Other Stories, a collection of short stories. Warning: No more spoiler tags after this.
The collection starts withe the titular story Growing things, where there are deadly vines growing in the world. The dad leaves his daughters to go out to look for supplies. He explicitly says that if there is a knock at the door, don't answer it, because it means it's the end of the world. And at the end of the story, there's a knock at the door! The girls go upstairs to avoid the knocking and the vines that have invaded the house, and that's it. I guess this one has an ending: the world ends, and the daughters are waiting to die. Details of their death are left to the reader's imagination, as is any details of the vines, as is a lot of background of the characters. I know nothing, and not in a good way. Let's try the next one.
Swim wants to Know if It's as Bad as Swim Thinks. We start off with the unnamed protagonist working her job at a grocery store, where people are crowding the store trying to buy their items. The protagonist's coworker is talking about something coming out of the water. Protagonist says it's just a movie trailer. Protagonist goes on message boards about consuming meth, so we know she's an unreliable narrator. Not a problem, as this is not quite the same as an open-ended story. She kidnaps her daughter, who she does not have custody of, and takes her to a place from her childhood to be safe with her daughter. But she's following patterns from when she last took her daughter while she was under the influence. She has a gun, and it seems like the police have found her. So she might kill her daughter, and I guess actually there's no monster. Ironically, this story has a lot more world building than the previous one, but it's still left open ended in a way that doesn't contribute to any fear or thrill of the story.
Next up: Something About Birds. To write this review, I re-borrowed this book online from the library to refresh my memory. It wasn't until stumbling upon the ending that I even remembered I read this story, because it elicited absolutely no strong emotion in me, not even distaste. I don't remember it, skimming through doesn't remind me of what happened, so I can't properly comment on it. Same deal with the next story, Snapshot. Looking through the table of contents and skimming through the next several stories (minus Teacher, more on that later), it looks like I skipped reading a lot of them, until I got to "It's Against the Law to Feed the Ducks." Intriguing name, I like animals, so I read this one.
This story is from the POV of the young son, Danny. They go to the beach, which is weirdly empty. When back at the cottage, the parents watch some TV, presumably the news, and are horrified; they get Danny out of the room so they can keep watching. Next day, they go to the grocery store, where it's empty, but people have overflowing grocery carts. Remember from earlier, this is a bad sign. Electronics are also down, as dad has to pay with a check. Another day, another trip to the grocery store; this time, the cashier lets them take the groceries without bothering to count it (another sign!), and Dad fills up the car with gas and gets extra gas cannisters. More TV watching, except in the empty restaurant, where the parents ask to have the TV turned off because of the kids. The story ends with the reason why the title is what it is: it's against the law to feed the ducks, which they obey at the beginning, but not the end, because the world is ending. We never learn what is happening, which makes sense if the POV is from a child, but that doesn't add to the horror. There's no horror from the kid's POV, just confusion. The reader is supposed to understand that Bad ShitTM is going down, but without any details, I quite frankly don't know why I should care. This is essentially a story about buying groceries and watching TV, bookended by ducks.
Of the stories I've described thus far, we get the whole end-of-the-world theme repeated, without anymore details, without any real ending, and without me caring. The one exception is Teacher, which I liked so much, I read it thrice: the first time, a second time when I remembered it existed, and then I read it again fully to write this review, rather than skimming it.
The story starts with an introduction to Mr. Sorent, the cool teacherTM. He has long hair and plays guilets the highschool seniors talk about more controversial topics like drugs and abortion, and has some days has SpecialTM lessons, which has the same rule as Fight Club: you do not talk about Fight Club Special lessons. In the first one, he shows a video of a daycare/preschool, where a teacher is spinning around with a child and accidentally lets go. Mr. Sorent stops the video, and then moves it frame by frame until a wall comes into view. That is the end of the first special lesson.
Time passes, more special lessons. More disturbing videos, a guest who reflects on how awful it is to have a disease and be used as inspiration porn, all of which end with the video moving a few frames. The protagonist, Kate, tells a story about when she was a kid, and she was forced to watch some boys mutilate a dead frog, and how it affected her baseball game. As the SpecialTM lessons bring down the students' academic lives, their personal lives and kate's family life deteriorate as well. The story ends with Kate trying to prevent the video from finishing using the same coping mechanism she used after watching the frog get mutilated: She volunteers for a demonstration, and moves forward without opening her eyes, hoping that if she doesn't, the film will never finish, and the accident with the child will never occur.
So what makes Teacher stand out from the others?
Tremblay actually talks about what's happening; we're shown the progression of the class, the reason why it's happening. There's no mystery of what's on the TV, or why the students are acting the way they are. The why is clear: they're being taught disturbing life lessons from a teacher they used to trust and admire. Sure, we don't actually know if they ever finish watching the video, or what happens after, but it doesn't matter, because the story isn't about that. It's about the students, and we see their arc, as they go from normal teenagers to depressed and cynical teenagers.
In the other works I've mentioned so far, we mostly get that the world is ending (or the addict mother thinks it is), but we don't know how. Considering that the end of the world is what's moving the stories along, IT'S KIND OF A BIG DEAL. Even in Cabin, where the horror is that the family is trapped in a deadly situation, knowing whether or not there's any truth to the visitor's reason for coming to the cabin would enhance the story. Compare to King's The Mist: book ends ambiguously, movie ends tragically, and even King says the movie ending was better. But with Tremblay, time that could be used for learning more about the visitors and if it's the end of the world is instead used on organizing grasshoppers.
Thank you for coming to my Ted talk. Next time I'm here, I'll try not to write in a faux manic state while mildly sleep deprived at 5 am.
submitted by SimsAreShims to horrorlit [link] [comments]


2024.05.31 23:58 soitgoes__again Fuck the haters! Tobacco is the best!

Smoked cigarettes for twenty years but not like crazy one pack a month guy. Few a day.,sometimes Id quit, sometimes smoke more, no biggie. Not married to any brand either, I'd switch every few months like a disloyal cigarette slut.
Then I switched to vaping, not because I wanted to quit but I was bored of the smell and taste and shit.
After two years, one day, recently, I did mushrooms, looked at my vape, and felt fully disgusted with it. Why was I putting this electronic shit into my mouth full of OIL. I removed its head, and threw it in my drawer, and it still lies there.
I had no craving (since I did smoke weed) but I was bored. And I'm handling grief, so I wanted an excuse to keep moving, taking walks, etc. So first I would buy one little cigars every day from the neighborhood kiosk, go to the park, and smoke it, and man, would it hit the spot. What the fuck was I doing lying in bed and on the couch and on the shitter with that device in my mouth pressing a button? While I could slowly enjoy one cigar for like 10 minutes in a park, then go home, and be done.
Then I wanted to try rolling tobacco and didn't know what to buy, so the kiosk guy had a few choices and he recommended Golden Virginia and man, I'm fully back in the cigarette team guys. It tastes like old school shisha (hookah), not the fruity flavored ones, I mean the ones smoked by 90 year olds in middle eastern countries. Like TOBACCO. This is way more enjoyable than buying a packet of cigarettes and finishing each in 2 minutes. Each roll I make seems special, and I can smoke it at my pleasure. I even tried to purposely time it and take my time, and I saw I could nicely smoke one for twenty minutes.
It's so calming. I've either forgotten it, or maybe rolling tobacco is different, but I feel like I'm, for the first time ever, fully in love with tobacco. It's been only a few days, but I already fully accept my probable future addiction, but fuck it, this is seriously medicine. Like I said, I'm going through a really fucked up grief period (kid ded), and I've noticed that smoking tobacco is giving me a full body and mind and soul massage that none of those pills give.
So I'm like if a super global rolling tobacco is good, I bet smaller more local ones are probably even better, so I just now ordered four different 50 pouches from some local company who are doing their own blends.
Oh and btw everywhere on reddit they are like oh no don't mix weed and tobacco because tobacco spoils weed taste. I agree that they shouldn't be mixed but not because it spoils the taste of weed but because it spoils the tobacco.
I don't think weed actually tastes good. It's mostly psychological, since it gives us good feelings, we eventually associate it with good taste. Any herb that would give you a high would make you think it tastes good. But tobacco genuinely tastes good, and it seems perfect for smoking. Not vaping, not drinking it as tea, not chewing it, it seems like God created this plant specifically to be fucking smoked by guys.
Basically, this whole post is my show of appreciation and sign of worship to the God of Tobacco so he will put off my tolerance as much as possible. Pls God, let me enjoy this beautiful tobacco high for years to come amen.
submitted by soitgoes__again to RYO [link] [comments]


2024.05.31 23:16 Maximum-Purpose-1568 Greetings guys. Post #2 for the day! You guys did awesome today

Greetings guys. Post #2 for the day! You guys did awesome today
Welcome back to my second post for the day. I feel the first got some great feedback and gave some excellent information regarding the appearance of the 400m shares.
Now that we addressed that, its time to move onto the golden ticket topic.
But before we do that, lets do a quick disclaimer:
**This is not financial advice. I recommend you do your own DD. I am not a professional**
Im gonna say it again just to hopefully avoid auto moderation of this post:
This is not financial advice.
.
.
Side note before we jump into it: I had a brief run into Omar. If you don't know him, he's a pretty cool guy who runs a YouTube Channel. A mutual fan tipped me off to his stream where he was reading and discussing my last post. Go check him out.
We are having talks about having me appear on one of his live streams for a discussion of this post, and the next.
.
.
Alright. My fingers are on fire from typing so much but you guys are just SPONGES who absorb information like its water. I keep giving, yall keep reading. And as long as there is a demand, ill provide the supply.
Per my new organization, lets start with an OUTLINE of this post.
THE BIG TICKET CONTROVERSIES
  1. Differences between Puts vs Calls
  2. The number of shorted shares currently, and speculated, with regards to FFIE
  3. Tying this all back to my last post, I'll also address how the 400m shares impacted the FFIE short squeeze, and how it will impact the future
I was hoping to get this out sooner than right now, but I got sidetracked with the need to take a nap and get some food.
Alright lets get into it
This is hopefully a little bit quicker of a read than my last post. But it ends with a pretty mind blowing theory about Put options having gone way up the last 2 weeks.
THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CALLS vs. PUTS:
This is not too complicated of a topic. Most casual day traders are likely familiar with the "buy" vs "sell" buttons on their trading app/website.
When a trader places a CALL option, they retain the right to buy the asset. This is typically done if the trader plans for the stock price to INCREASE
Likewise, Puts are sold when they expect the price of the stock to decrease.
Normal purchasing and selling of shares, puts and calls are more like a contract. When someone enters an options contract, they are not obligated to follow through with their option should the market not move according to their predictions.
So for example, if a stock has a price of 1 dollar, but I think it will increase higher, I will place a call option (or contract) betting on the increase. However, when I place this call, It is required that I add a specific price point (aka strike price) which is the price at which the option will be executed.
Thus, I would place a call option for the stock to rise up to 1.50 by a certain date. Should the price of the stock rise to that price, I will execute my option, and the shares that are at 1.50 are now mine. In this specific example, there would not be much more of a difference between placing a call option vs just clicking the "buy" option on your app.
Now, say that stock shoots up HIGHER than 1.50. If the stock shoots up to 2.00, my call can still be executed at 1.50. I would have essentially bought the 2 dollar shares for 1.50.
You can imagine the appeal right? Now lets apply this to FFIE.
If I went and placed a BUNCH of call options thinking the price will jump up to 0.70 cents, but then the squeeze happens and the price actually rises to 42 dollars, I would get TONS of shares that are worth 42 dollars, but only pay the lower price.
Likewise, a put option would be the exact opposite where I bet that the price will go down.
Should the call be executed, then the market is moved pretty dramatically. Should calls be executed, the price of the stock rises. If the puts execute, the price of the stock declines.
The last important bit of information you need for the next part hides in a comparison between shorting a stock, vs placing a put option on a stock.
In essence, we have discussed how in a short squeeze, there is theoretically an infinite amount of money that HFs can lose.
However, the financial obligation to order a put is more limited. Should the option not execute, the person who placed the put doesn't lose an infinite amount. They only lose their initial cost to take out the option in the first place.
In essence, it is similar to a short, but much safer for those who place them.
Okay those are the basics.
.
Phew. My. Hands. Are. CRAMPING.
I think I might need another day or two off work.
.
.
FIGHT THROUGH THE PAIN Maximum. You can do this:
For most casual traders, I personally don't think that the specifics of options matter to much. There's a decent, simplified example here if you want to read it. But its pretty much the same as the example I just gave above (probably better written though).
I'll focus on the important parts as they relate to FFIE and how they can affect the price of the stock. Lets lock in.
Now, while I was casually (definitely not obsessively) watching FFIE on ORTEX at around 3 in the morning, I saw a lot of different puts that had expiration dates today. Check it out:
The blue line represents the put/call ratio, The higher it is, the more bets there are that the price will decline
So just in the last few days, there have been ALOT of new put options put into place.
I'll link the ORTEX data that i'm referring to. But I don't think you can actually access it unless you buy the subscription.
\*Since you all are so resourceful, I'd appreciate if someone could include a screenshot in the comments since I'm only allowed 1 attachment per post.***
Alright. Get to the point Maximum.
Today, there have been about 20.88 million shares worth of puts (for various amounts) that expired TODAY and did NOT get executed because the price stayed high enough.
Okay. Okay. Big deal right?
Ultimately, if those puts had executed, the price would've dropped by quite a lot!
So, the reason I'm highlighting this is for the following reasons:
  1. I wanted to illustrate the similarities between a short and a put. Both of these values are betting that the stock will decline in price. However, it was also important to know that puts executing will drop share prices.
  2. I also wanted to show everyone that there are still LOTS of bets on FFIE to fail. To crash. To burn. Its difficult to tell who placed the put options. We can't technically tell if it was HFs placing these puts as technically, any person with a decent portfolio can place put options.
\*That being said, I don't know many casual traders who have the capital to place 20.88m shares worth of put options on the line. Although I cant prove it was HFs, I have heavy suspicions.***
  1. The last reason is more of a morale boosting one. Today, there was a lot of pressure to close above a certain price.
Because those puts didn't execute, it means that whoever did place those options lost quite a bit of money AND the share price did not decline to any incredibly staggering amount.
  • In the end, APEs who held, fended off a large attack by whoever is placing puts.
TIME TO CELEBRATE!! It might not seem like it, but that's a pretty big win.
Now, lets bring this home with a theory of mine. I have to give a disclaimer here. I wasn't able to verify who it was that placed so many puts. However, maybe one of my readers can look into it. This next part is purely a hunch that I have about why there were so many:
Strap in! Its gonna be wild if this is true. Your minds will be blown.
Can anyone think of why put options (tired of typing this out. From here forward, Put options = PO) would be beneficial for someone in such large quantities?
Well yes, there's the obvious answer of "to make money, duh"
But take this a step further. Imagine a world where HFs can manipulate a market to attempt to escape their shorts. However, when they try, the market holds up pretty well. No matter what they do, they cant get the price to drop fast enough.
But what if, in addition to their typical "short ladder attacks" (a slower method of dropping the price), they add on executed Puts.
Then, their ladder attacks and other manipulation methods wouldn't have to drop the price down to the bottom. They would only have to drop the price down to their execution price, and then let it tank once they did.
It would be a much faster way of getting the share value down to an amount where shorts could be affordably covered and it would be fairly risk free compared to the cost of letting the squeeze run for another week.
This is just a theory. I do not know how to go about finding who placed POs. However, if someone is able to discover that the same HFs being short squeezed are the SAME HFs placing POs, then I think we have our answer.
OKAY OKAY so that post ended up being wayyy longer than i thought.
Ill end it here for now but I do realize that I have 3 more bullet points from this outline to get through.
I guess I'll just have to post a few more times today.
Anyways. I'm taking a nap. Don't bug me for about an hour.
Love you guys
Diamond hands
-Maximum-Fkn-Purpose
P.S., I know i was seriously lacking on the humor and memes with this post. Please forgive me. I haven't slept more than 2-3 hours in the last 2 days. I also wont be proof reading this one for grammar. I'm sweating through my shirt because I'm so tired.
Also, check out the brief appearance of me on Omar's live stream comments. Click
I think my appearance is closer to the last 20 minutes of his video
:) got ya again
submitted by Maximum-Purpose-1568 to FFIE [link] [comments]


2024.05.31 21:11 nickmessenger How To Make Money Online For Beginners From Home

How To Make Money Online For Beginners From Home
The Dream: Making Money Online from Home


https://preview.redd.it/01mkt5td7t3d1.png?width=1920&format=png&auto=webp&s=caa7feec751fa587441e677be7abedc21d0e0614
In a world of packed commutes, rigid schedules, and demanding bosses, the idea of making money online from the comfort of your own home holds an undeniable allure. The potential to set your own hours, be your own boss, and unlock a flexible income stream is incredibly tempting.
Let's delve into some of the biggest reasons why earning money online is so desirable:
  • Flexible Hours: Your Work, Your Time Ditch the 9-to-5 grind and embrace a schedule that fits your life. Online work often allows you to choose when and for how long you work each day. Need to run errands in the middle of the day? Want to take a long weekend? Have early mornings or late nights that are your most productive hours? Online work often accommodates these needs.
  • Be Your Own Boss: No More Micromanagement Perhaps you’ve always had an entrepreneurial itch or simply crave more control over your work. Making money online frequently puts you in the driver's seat. You chart your own course, decide on your projects, and celebrate (or learn from) both your successes and failures. >>> THESE RESOURCES WILL HELP YOU <<<
  • Income Potential: The Sky's the Limit (Sort Of) Unlike traditional jobs with set salaries, many online income streams offer the potential for unlimited growth. While not a guarantee, the more you invest in your skills or business, the higher your earning potential often becomes. This can be especially appealing for those with ambition and drive.
The Overwhelm: Where to Begin?
With its promises of flexibility and freedom, it's easy to see why the online money-making world is so enticing. However, the initial excitement can quickly fade when faced with a perplexing reality: There's SO much information out there, it's hard to know where to even start!
The sheer number of online income options is overwhelming. Should you take surveys? Become a freelancer? Sell handmade crafts? Create an online course? The sheer volume of choices can lead to analysis paralysis and leave potential earners feeling stuck before ever taking a step.
This isn't even mentioning the world of scams, get-rich-quick schemes, and unrealistic promises that plague the online income space. Trying to sort legitimate opportunities from the noise adds layers of frustration and doubt.
The Promise: A Simple Guide for Beginners
That's where this guide comes in. We understand that the key to helping beginners make money online is cutting through complexity and delivering actionable steps.
This guide won't promise instant wealth or outrageous overnight success. Instead, you'll find realistic methods to start generating income online, even if you have no experience. Our focus is on:
  • Clear Explanations: We'll break down the basics of how different online income methods work, in plain language without confusing jargon.
  • Low Barriers to Entry: Many of our initial methods will require little to no special skills or financial investment to get going.
  • Sustainable Potential: While we'll discuss some quick ways to make a few bucks, we also want to help lay the foundation for long-term online income growth.
Think of this guide as your roadmap to navigating the exciting, but sometimes chaotic, world of making money online. We understand the feeling of overwhelm and are committed to making this journey as straightforward and accessible as possible.
Section 1: Low Barrier-to-Entry Options
Section 1: Taking Online Surveys
  • What Are They? Online survey sites partner with market research companies who want to gather consumer opinions and feedback. You sign up for these sites and complete surveys that help companies better understand their audience and improve their products or services.
  • How Do They Work?
    • Sign Up: You create profiles on various survey sites, providing basic demographic information.
    • Qualification: Surveys usually begin with questions to see if you fit the target audience the company is looking for.
    • Take Surveys: If you qualify, you'll answer a series of questions, often a mix of multiple-choice and open-ended responses.
    • Rewards: Upon completion, you'll earn points, cash, or sometimes gift cards.
  • Popular Platforms:
    • Swagbucks (Offers rewards beyond just surveys)
    • SurveySpotter
    • Prolific (Known for academic and research-based surveys)
    • Branded Surveys
    • LifePoints
  • Realistic Expectations: Surveys are a popular way to make a little extra cash in your spare time. However, it's important to understand:
    • Income potential is usually low: Most surveys pay only a few dollars (or equivalent).
    • Survey availability isn't constant: You might not always qualify.
    • It can be time-consuming for the pay: Factor in the time to check for surveys, qualify, and complete them.
Section 2: Freelance Gigs
  • Definition: Freelancing is offering your skills on a project-by-project basis, instead of as a traditional employee. You're essentially your own small business, working with clients as needed.
  • Common Beginner Jobs:
    • Writing & Editing: Blog posts, website copy, proofreading, etc.
    • Virtual Assistant: Administrative tasks, email management, scheduling.
    • Data Entry: Inputting and organizing data.
    • Social Media Management: Creating posts, managing accounts
    • Transcription: Converting audio/video files to text
  • Top Freelance Platforms
    • Upwork: Large marketplace with diverse projects and skillsets
    • Fiverr: Offers services starting at $5, good for focused gigs
    • Freelancer.com: Another well-established platform
    • Guru: Wide range of project categories
    • FlexJobs: Tends towards flexible, part-time, and remote work options
  • Realistic Expectations: Success in freelancing depends on several factors:
    • Your skills: The better you are, the more you can charge and find gigs.
    • Your niche: Specialized skills sometimes command higher rates.
    • Building a client base: Initially, you'll spend time bidding on jobs and building a portfolio.
Section 3: Selling Used Items
  • Popular Marketplaces:
    • Facebook Marketplace: Easy to use, local focus, no selling fees
    • eBay: Huge platform, good for niche or collectible items, but has selling fees to consider.
    • Poshmark: Specialises in clothing and accessories.
    • Decluttr: Specifically for media items (CDs, DVDs, books, etc.)
  • Tips for Successful Selling
    • Clear Photos: Multiple, well-lit photos from different angles are essential.
    • Accurate Descriptions: Be honest about item condition, provide measurements (if applicable).
    • Competitive Pricing: Research similar items to price accordingly.
    • Fast Shipping: Good customer service builds trust and return customers.
  • Realistic Expectations: Selling your stuff is a great way to declutter and earn some money, but:
    • It's not a consistent income stream: Depends on what you have to sell.
    • Some items sell better than others: Electronics, name-brand clothes, and in-demand items sell quicker.
Section 2: Building Skills for Sustainable Income
Section 1: Blogging
  • The Concept: Building an Online Home Around a Niche A blog is a website where you regularly publish articles focused on a particular niche (topic area). Think of it as your own online magazine where you share knowledge, insights, and stories related to your chosen subject. Successful blogs attract a dedicated community of readers interested in your niche.
  • Monetization Methods
    • Ad Revenue: Placing ads on your blog (like Google AdSense) and earning money when people click on them.
    • Affiliate Marketing: Promoting other people's products or services, earning a commission when someone purchases through your unique link (More on this later!).
    • Sponsored Posts: Partnering with brands to write content highlighting their products
    • Selling Your Own Products: Create ebooks, guides, or resources directly targeted to your audience.
  • The Reality Check: While blogging has the potential to be lucrative, it's definitely not a get-rich-quick scheme. Here's the honest truth:
    • Consistency is Key: You need to create great content regularly.
    • Building an Audience Takes Time: Don't expect overnight traffic floods.
    • It Requires More than Just Writing: Promoting your blog, SEO (search engine optimization), and basic website upkeep all play a role in success.
Section 2: Affiliate Marketing
  • How it Works: Your Key to Extra Income Affiliate marketing is a fantastic way to monetize even if you don't have your own products to sell. Here's the basic idea:
    • Join an affiliate program: Companies offer these (more on platforms shortly).
    • Get a unique affiliate link: This is how sales get tracked back to you.
    • Promote products naturally: In blog posts, social media, etc. Include your link.
    • Earn a commission: When someone clicks your link and buys, you get a percentage of the sale.
  • Beginner-Friendly Platforms
    • Amazon Associates: Huge marketplace, easy to find relatable products, but commissions can be low for some categories.
    • ShareASale: Wide variety of merchants, many with niche focuses.
    • CJ Affiliate: Well-established network with lots of big brands.
    • Individual Partner Programs: Many companies offer direct affiliate programs to promote their own products specifically.
  • Important Note: Always disclose your affiliate links transparently. Trust is crucial for effective affiliate marketing.
Section 3: Creating and Selling Online Courses
  • Share Your Knowledge, Earn an Income If you're passionate about a particular skill or expertise, packaging it into an online course can be a rewarding way to both share what you know and generate income.
  • Identifying Teachable Skills Here are some questions to ask yourself:
    • What are you good at? Hobbies, talents, work experience are all starting points.
    • What problems do others have? What do your friends ask for your help with?
    • What are you passionate about teaching? Enthusiasm is contagious!
  • Platforms for Selling Your Courses
    • Teachable: Streamlined platform focusing on course creation and sales.
    • Udemy: Huge marketplace, but it means more competition to stand out.
    • Thinkific: Another popular course platform with customizable options.
    • Your own website: For full control over marketing and pricing (more tech setup required).
  • The Success Factors Online courses aren't passive income magic. To make them work in your favor:
    • Provide True Value: Your course needs to offer something genuinely useful.
    • Know Your Audience: Tailor content to their pain points and knowledge gaps.
    • Don't Forget Marketing: Even great courses need to be seen to be purchased.
Let's Get Started!
Whether you choose blogging, affiliate marketing, online courses, or a mix of options, making money online requires dedication. This guide is designed to start you on the right foot. Pick the method that sparks your interest and get moving!
Section 3: Important Considerations
Section 1: It's Not "Get Rich Quick"
The world of online income opportunities is sadly filled with hyped-up promises of instant wealth and overnight success stories. While those sound incredibly alluring, it's crucial to ground yourself in reality when it comes to what most beginners can expect in terms of both earnings and time investment.
  • Realistic Earning Potential: Let's be honest, most online income methods aren't going to replace your full-time salary immediately. Especially at the start, think of it more like supplementing your income, with the potential to grow over time. Surveys may pay a few dollars here and there, freelance projects might start at smaller rates, and your initial blog traffic (and therefore revenue) will be modest.
  • Time Investment: When evaluating online opportunities, you need to think about the time you'll invest vs. the potential payout. This is where it gets personal:
    • Is spending hours taking surveys to make a few extra bucks per week worth it to you?
    • Are you able to dedicate consistent time towards building your blog or freelance business on top of your existing commitments?
  • The Slow and Steady Approach: While some viral success stories do exist, the reality for most people who build sustainable online income is that it takes time and consistent effort. The learning curve, building your skills, finding reliable clients, attracting an audience – it all adds up. Think in terms of months and years, not days or weeks.
  • The Importance of Enjoyment: If you find yourself dreading the way you're making money online, sustainability becomes difficult. Choosing a path you at least somewhat enjoy increases the chances of sticking with it long enough to see success.
Section 2: Beware of Scams
Unfortunately, the online world is riddled with scams designed to take advantage of people looking for ways to make money. Remember, if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is! Here are some warning signs to be aware of:
  • Promises of Instant or Guaranteed Wealth: No legitimate method guarantees you'll make thousands of dollars overnight.
  • High Upfront Fees: If someone asks you to pay a large sum to "unlock" a system or access special jobs, steer clear.
  • Shady Websites: Poorly designed websites, filled with typos or pushy sales tactics are red flags.
  • Pressure to Decide Quickly: Scammers use urgency to make you act without thinking. Walk away from limited-time offers.
  • How to Stay Safe:
    • Do your research: Before signing up for anything, check online reviews and look for complaints about the company or opportunity.
    • Trust your gut: If something feels off, don't ignore that feeling.
    • Never give out your financial information until you're absolutely sure something is legitimate.
    • Report scams: If you come across a scam, report it to sites like the Better Business Bureau or the Federal Trade Commission (https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/)
Section 3: Taxes
It's not the most exciting topic, but it's important! In most cases, income earned online is still considered taxable income. This means you'll likely need to keep track of earnings and may be responsible for paying taxes on them.
  • The Specifics Vary: Tax laws differ depending on your location, the types of online income you generate, and whether or not your online work is considered a business.
  • Do Your Homework: Here are some things to familiarise yourself with:
    • Tax filing thresholds for your specific country or region
    • Whether you need to pay quarterly estimated taxes
    • Allowable deductions for business expenses related to your online work
  • When in Doubt, Consult a Pro: If you're unsure about your tax obligations, seeking advice from a tax professional is a wise investment to avoid future headaches.
  • >>> THESE RESOURCES WILL HELP YOU <<<

Conclusion
While the dream of earning money from home is powerful, it's equally important to stay grounded in reality. We've covered a lot in this guide, so let's recap the most important points:
  • Income Methods Vary: From taking surveys, to freelancing, selling used items, blogging, and exploring affiliate marketing, there are numerous ways to make money online. Each has different earning potential and requires varying levels of skill and time investment.
  • It's Not a Fast Track to Riches: Avoid the hype. Sustainable online income is usually built steadily, not overnight. Be prepared for the learning curve and be willing to put in the work.
  • Scams Exist: Always research opportunities thoroughly and trust your instincts. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
  • Taxes Matter: Don't forget that your online earnings are likely taxable. Keep records and understand your filing obligations.
The Possibilities Are Real
Don't let the challenges discourage you! Making money online is absolutely achievable with dedication and the right approach. Thousands of people are doing it, and you can too! Here's how to make this dream your reality:
  • Choose Wisely: Think about your strengths, interests, and time availability. Choose a method (or combination of methods) that fits your life and feels genuinely appealing to pursue.
  • Take the First Step: It's easy to get stuck in planning mode. Don't let overthinking paralyze you. Pick a starting point, sign up for that survey site, write your first blog post, or start editing your closet for items to sell.
  • Embrace the Journey: Building a successful online income stream takes time and resilience. Be willing to learn, adjust, and keep stepping forward. The possibilities are waiting, and the only way to reach them is to start walking!
FAQs
Q: I'm a total beginner, what's the simplest way to start making a bit of extra money online? A: Taking online surveys is a low barrier-to-entry option. Sign up with a few reputable platforms like Swagbucks or SurveySpotter. While the pay per survey is low, it's easy to get started.
Q: I hear about freelancing, but how do I actually find clients? A: Start with freelance platforms like Upwork or Fiverr to build your portfolio. Check job boards and reach out to your network Once you have experience, you can pitch directly to businesses needing your skills.
Q: Is it really possible to make money blogging? A: Yes, but it takes time and effort. Choose a niche you're passionate about, create valuable content consistently, and consider monetization through ads, affiliate marketing, or selling your own products.
submitted by nickmessenger to u/nickmessenger [link] [comments]


2024.05.31 19:36 Bleighh setting up bitwig as a sequences based groovebox

ehi,
I recently picked up bitwig recently because it runs on linux and with it I do not have any need to buy any sound source anymore basically, unless it is hardware just to get away from screens, but also with that a midi controller might do fine.
However, at the moment I just wanted to jam and I do not have any controller nor sequencer. With a sequencer like a digitone (the only machine I have, and the only experience I have with electronic music and synths in general I have other than having played a bit with vcv rack and having watched polarity, ihor and omri cohen the mycelium master videos) or an oxi one I think I would be able to setup sounds in different tracks on bitwig and use those grooveboxes sequencers to jam out and sketch and sequence ideas and do then sound design later or on the go.
As said, though, I do not have any hardware with me now, only my lovely laptop.
So I decided to do this: let's build a template adding the right device to step sequence the various tracks and make use of bitwig as if it was a groovebox. I did not manage to do that. I saw some videos of using the grid to trick it into something similar and as much as the grid is nice, I dont think this is the solution to just jam out.
Does anyone know how to setup bitwig this way?
For example, I tried to use note repeat in euclidean mode on the drum racks where I had set up the various e-*drum synth engines and I was getting nice ryhtms, but it was triggering all sound at once.
Ideally, I would like to have

To sum it up, I'd like to use bitwig the way I can use the digitone for example. The piano roll is not cutting it for me at the moment..
a part of me is thinking: yea, just use it, and learn some theory for the chords and main theme. Ok, and then click and point on the piano roll? that is not jamming though, that is programming and I am a musician, I just wanna play...
any feedback and comment, either agreeing or disagreeing is welcomed, just keep it polite and constructive :)
submitted by Bleighh to Bitwig [link] [comments]


2024.05.31 19:16 Previous-Middle5961 Why do so many people oppose Luka?

Please be polite with responses, I'm honestly not trying to be a jerk or glorify the Batka, I was there during the protests and it was shocking how the police acted so I get it. But what I'm saying is. When in my personal life experiences, after living both places I compare life in the US or western Europe to Belarus, I like Belarus much more.
I'm a German-American, my grandparents were German immigrants to the USA. My brother had moved back to Germany so I've been to Europe a number of times to visit him. Im from "the rust belt" (my city is Detroit Michigan) aptly named because there's nothing here but crime, poverty, abandoned buildings and drug addiction.
In 2017 is when i first started going to Europe to visit my brother and see the continent. I stopped in Frankfurt and you leave the train station and theres just homeless people and heroin addicts lining up and down the street, sleeping standing up, some looking like they are about to die. You turn left and go one block and you are in the "red light district" with a bunch of hollow eyed broken young women standing outside apartment buildings And ready to sell their body for 40 euros. I went to darmstadt to visit my brother and you get off at the train station and go out the exit to the right, and there's a camp of migrants from Africa, all laying around drinking bottles of alcohol and screaming loudly and aggressively, France the same way, at any moment in Paris or Dijon, aggressive migrants can demand cigarettes or money, it was entirely shocking to me to see in Paris people I assume were native French, quiet as a mouse, eyes pointed at the ground, trying to avoid catching anyone's attention. And it's the same in the USA, violent crime is so out of control that living in cities or using public transportation is impossible, unless you live in like a gated community that damn near doubles as like a fortress with private security life in many major cities in the US is horrible.
Then I met my Wife, a Belarusian, we settled in Minsk, had a child, lived there until the war started and my bank card from the US stopped working so I couldn't access my money. We then moved to Georgia, and began the green card process and got my daughter her dual citizenship and second (American) passport. I was in Minsk when Mike Pompeo came and Orban and Lukashenko was kind of taunting Putin by saying he will bring Trump to Belarus next and move into the US orbit. I was there for Covid, the election. The protests.
All of my friends despised Lukashenko aside from one or 2, and I saw first hand the public outcry. And I never understood it, to me, when I compare Belarus to America or Europe, Belarus seems the best country in the world. Safe, clean, my daughter could actually go outside and play and there was no fear of like a drive by shooting or some other craziness like in the USA. I understand the desire for freedom, but after living in the US, EU, and Belarus. I came to feel that there is a different kind of freedom in Belarus. There is not the freedom to talk badly about the president, a guy you'll never met or interact with. But there is freedom not to go bankrupt from medical bills, there is freedom of movement because public transportation is cheap and reliable.
My wife and I moved to the USA, I got my old job back. In Belarus I had been doing online work and a few side hustles here and there and I made about 1200 a month from my job, and I had some apps that reward you for say doing quizzes and surveys for business and you can make 1 dollar and 50 cents a day, so like 50 a month and I had 2 or 3 different ones each giving us 50 a month. My wife was getting either 200 or 250 rubles a month for her child pension for having a baby and before that had been making about 200 dollars a month at her teaching job, plus was doing private tutoring lessons making about 400 a month in total. Our bills combined, food, housing etc. Was only around 500 a month, and this was with living a rather extravagant lifestyle, much more then just the basics. We were able to save enough to go on trips to Egypt, Turkey, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Italy, Spain.
We come back to the USA I'm making 5,500 a month, it's a fairly high wage. But I pay 2,000 in rent, 1200 for 3 health insurance( the cheapest available, turns out it basically doesn't cover anything) 250 for dental insurance, 500 for car payment,300 for car insurance, 1000 for day care, and 500 for heat and gas. Once we add in groceries each week I'm left with nothing. My wife needed an ultrasound for some reproductive issues a couple weeks ago, even with insurance they charged us 2500 dollars, and the worst part is they didn't even do anything, did the ultrasound, told us what we already knew, didn't provide any help, and send a letter demanding money.
The US health system is really like that meme where the one Wojack says " my stomach hurts really badly" then the chad doctor says " your lying. OK pay me 50,000"
Because of all this stuff, my wife started a tiktok where she does videos comparing life in the USA to life in Belarus/Russia/Ukraine and the entire comment section is filled with Slavic speakers who have never been to America saying it's all lies and America is awesome, "why don't you return to your fucking Russia ?" Well, we are, we are in the process of returning now, because life is so much better in Belarus then here.
Sorry for how long winded this us, but it's important to understand my background with Belarus to understand why I don't have problems with the Belarusian government. Now I'm not Belarusian, so I'm of course not trying to command the Belarusian people, I just feel that if Belarus became like western Europe or the US alot of people would end up regretting it, and that if you experienced both Belarus and the USA you might really begin to appreciate Belarus more and resent change.
Tldr: An American immigrant to Belarus that feels Belarus is like a paradise compared to the west. Safe, clean, orderly, low cost of living, better quality food instead of the American mcslop with extra high fructose corn syrup and concentrated soy, better medicine, daycare, a government that actually makes it easy to start a family. And I don't understand why people hate the government so much, they are all dictatorships that ignore whatever the people say. Ireland right now the government did several referendums on lgbtq stuff and migration. 70% of the people vote no. Government says too bad and does it anyways. It's the same in the USA, our government does not represent or care or listen to the peoples interests. The billionaires pick who will be in charge, and then just switch the faces every 4 or 8 years, buy the policies of the government never change, no matter how hard people vote. There is legal bribery ( it's called lobbying) and then the politicians do whatever the billionaire that bribed them the most wants
submitted by Previous-Middle5961 to belarus [link] [comments]


2024.05.31 18:45 yekkusu And yet again, people are debating is Kuro/Daybreak is the best to start with.

This is a personal story about how I started this series, and how by not playing it in order affected my understanding of the story but also how starting from the middle (Cold Steel I) made me engage with this series.

People are going wild on Twitter about it. OF course, NIS said it's fine to start on Daybreak, and it FEELS Falcom fans don't understand that for the series to keep being localized, these games need to sell well in the first three months after release.
For the longest time, I was (and still am) under the opinion that playing the games in order is the best, that is because of my own personal journey with this series: I had Sky for years on Steam because of YS Oath in Felghana, but I never truly gave it a chance, it's very slow, and my English was a mess at the time AND playing an action game like YS is easier when you don't have to understand a huge story like Trails. However back in 2015 once my English was better and I got a hold of a PS Vita, I was able to try Trails of Cold Steel I and I loved it. The system was nice, the game was slow but it started with a preview of when the game would pick up and that was enough to get me hooked.
I played through Cold Steel I, II and III before going back to Sky. And I went back to Sky once I had to wait for Cold Steel IV. And truth be told: Cold STeel III made me wonder what all that alk of the Liberl Ark was. And that's when it hit me after some research: I always knew the games were linked, but I didn't understand how close to each other they are, they are meant to give you a certain feeling as you play them in order, and knowledge is gold in this series.
As I played Sky, and I got to the greatest game in the series for me (Sky SC), I understood how important playing those games were. Suddenly, the whole Church section at the final chapter of Cold Steel III made sense to me, and every time I play it, I get this whole feeling like I know what's being talked about. But still, I couldn't play the Crossbell games, right? And now I knew about the whole situation with Renne, and I didn't knew how it ended.
Cold Steel IV released, I played it, and gain: The Whole scenes with Renne made not much sense to me.I KNEW they were important I understood her past already, but the resolution she has in Crossbell, I never saw it.

The Crossbell games were released, I played them, and suddenly, again: All the parts on Cold Steel II, when you see the Barrier from afar and then the Azure Tree, had a whole new feeling to me. As soon as I saw them again I said: I was there, I know what is happening there now! And understand; I played Cold Steel I and II without the Crossbell experience, and it's enjoyable, but the feeling you should get when seeing those scenes is not there if you haven't played the previous games, because the devs clearly expected us to have played the previous games.

In the end, I understand what NIS means, as a Game developer, I understand that the sales are important, and without the game selling to a threshold, it won't be viable to have another localization.
And as someone who started from Cold Steel I, played through III, and only started IV after playing Sky FC through 3rd, I can say yes: You can start the series under ANY arc as long as you do on the FIRST TITLE of the arc.

You can start from Sky FC, Trails from Zero, Cold Steel I, or Daybreak I.
You will scratch your head a bit for some appearances and other things, but it's still 80% enjoyable nonetheless. And frankly, as someone who could NOT CARE for Sky FC when I got it but played through Cold Steel I in two weeks, and they are very similar games by the way, I do think most newcomers would feel invested in the series if they start from Daybreak now. Simply because it's the shinier, most stunning version of the game, with the best choreography (that was bad up to Cold Steel IV), and it will give people the will to play the previous games too.

However, I DO recommend anyone who plays through Daybreak first, to go back to Sky.
You saw the final evolution of the game. Now go back to where it started and enjoy the games evolving with each title, both on story and lore and with the system, UI, etc.

I still think playing through Sky First is the best, but being real here: We live in a day and age where people are way too interested in graphics and action, and Daybreak will deliver on that way more than Sky. And if playing Daybreak right away will make you as a new player invested in the series as a whole, that's the title I want you to play first.

After all, I want more games to be localized. I want Falcom to one day wake up and say: Oh my, the West is buying more than the East. Let's hire some people who actually speak English and localize the game in real-time at home and release it worldwide right away. Maybe even only making NIS or whatever to only port the games to PC, etc.

And for that, sales need to be a success, and they are NOT considered successful in three years with a million copies sold. Resident Evil 6 is considered a failure, and so far, it has sold 12 Million copies. But it's still a failure to Capcom. So, please. Stop making new players be all: Do I need to start from the first game, that old thing that's gathering dust on Steam and needs lots of mods to be better because they never update it and controller support is a mess OR do I need to fetch a Vita to play the better version?
Just tell them to start from the first from any arc, then after that just backtrack to the first game. That's a more successful strategy, believe me.

In the end, if I never had started through Cold Steel, I would NEVER have touched Sky. A masterpiece as it is, it's not the best looking game, it doesn't have the best system, it has HORRIBLE controller support, and there are not many updates from XSEED to make the HUD and UI look better by today's standards, if you want other re-arrangements you need to use mods, if you want Japanese VA you have to use mods, anyways, you have to do a lot for the games to be enjoyable, and they still don't look that good to begin with. The black lines around the edges because the game was never meant for widescreen are still there, the bugs are still there. Anyway. Cold Steel is not beautiful by any means, it's actually worse looking than Zero/Azure in my opinion, but the presentation is better, and that was enough to hook me in. So yeah, it's hard to recommend Sky when just to make your controller work properly the person will have a LOT of trouble since Sky feels more like a game made for you to play with a Keyboard and mouse, and lots of people hate that.


submitted by yekkusu to Falcom [link] [comments]


2024.05.31 15:53 GodakDS Secrets of the Obscure - An Experiment in Need of Refinement

ASSUME POTENTIAL SPOILERS FOR ALL GUILD WARS 2 EXPANSIONS/LIVING WORLD SEASONS
Intro
For some time during and after the launch period, I was ambivalent about Guild Wars 2: Secrets of the Obscure. There were aspects I enjoyed: the Wizard’s Vault was a fantastic choose-your-own-reward system that combined the benefits of the prior daily system and the log-in rewards while avoiding the occasional stinker – hello single, solitary Tome of Knowledge - you’d receive from the old system, the new elite specialization-agnostic weapons were a welcome addition to build variety, the upgraded Skyscale and Griffon were great fun. I was much less impressed by the story, the maps, and the metas. Which, as you may note, is kinda like telling Queen Jennah that you like her feet, but hate her hair, face, eyes, and personality; some of you might disagree, but I think that scale is pretty unbalanced.
Vault
So, I was kinda lukewarm on the Wizard’s Vault at first. The dailies and weeklies that facilitated these rewards were...hit or miss at launch. There was nothing quite so enjoyable as trying to do Spirit Vestibule in an orderly fashion, and people just come in and slaughter the spirit your group was going to kill next, so now you’re just stuck waiting. They’ve since been streamlined and much improved, but variety is still a bit of a weak point. It might have been a technical limitation, but I do often wonder why the old dailies weren’t retained, with the daily reward being a bolus of Astral Acclaim equal to completing all of the current daily objectives – there would have been so much more variety! We’d be able to mix together some strange, arcane concoction of PvE, WvW, and PvP objectives together however we desired. Who’s to blame? Spaghetti code? Ravioli code? Only ArenaNet knows the starchy truth behind their pasta patches. Ultimately, I really enjoy picking what I want, when I want. I am now the dopamine, the syringe, and the injector. My veins floweth over with happy juice, and my doctor is getting really worried.
Weapons
The weapons were mostly an instant hit. Yeah, yeah, I know some of them are more stinker than stoker. Some disrupt the established meta too much, some are too weak compared to existing options...but I’m a filthy casual, so if something has an enjoyable playstyle and doesn’t end up with my twitching corpse wracking up hundreds of gold in waypoint fees, I count that as a win. Variety, meet spiciness. Spiciness, meet life. However, my casualness doesn’t mean that I don’t value some semblance of balance – ArenaNet should strive to optimize these weapons for their intended purpose whether that involves buffing them, debuffing them, or altering their skills. They should maintain or increase the fun-factor where needed. Honestly, the fact that Engie’s shortbow isn’t just flinging Green Arrow/Hawkeye-style trick arrows across the battlefield to help or hinder is a sin that no god can cleanse.
Mounts
The increased freedom and mobility brought to the Skyscale and Griffon makes me giggle when I hop on an updraft in Verdant Brink or zip across the skies on a ley-line in Bloodstone Fen. The amount of airplane noises I make while playing has doubled, which is a clear sign of success. But don’t think I’m letting everyone off Scott-free! The guy who decided that the Ley-line Acclimation mastery should always be on? You owe me some hemorrhoid cream! I know you patched it, but that does nothing for all of the doctor visits from the numerous times my asshole has friction-sealed from clenching as a ley-line yanked my mount from five feet away and drove off like I was a kid and the ley-line was a candy salesman in a windowless van. Still...still, the quality of life upgrades here are obvious and meaningful across all open world zones. Steps were also taken in subsequent releases to remedy the broken elements, and, honestly, I think these upgrades solidify Skyscale and Griffon as the best mounts in the game.
Story
I have created an obscure narrative theory called “Delayed Shatification.” Originally formed in relation to the story started in Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest and resolved in Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End, but can be applied to any narrative where the media that enthusiastically starts numerous plot threads with the promise of an awesome, exciting, thrilling conclusion...but in a later installment. While this often allows for a lot of upfront “cool shit” to occur, hooking the audience and increasing anticipation for the continuation, this often necessitates that these plot threads are all hastily resolved or even outright dropped due to production limitations. When the “cool shit” plot threads are wrapped up in an unsatisfactory manner, or not at all, this has the effect of the audience now being able to look at the plot in its entirety and going “wait, that shit wasn’t actually cool! It was just the potential of ending up in an awesome place that made it seem cool, but the difficulty of a successful execution caused it to just shit itself and die.” By dropping the ball on resolving these threads, we have retroactively made the piece of media that introduced those plot threads lesser.
The prime instance of this from SOTO is our resident vascularity viceroy, Mabon. “Whoa!” I said. “Whoa.” A living mursaat? A nice mursaat? A mursaat I could write erotica very compelling and intellectual fan fic about? Tell me more! ...Oh, he disappears after completing the story on the first map? Okay, okay. They wanna save some cool stuff for later. I get it. Oh, he is promptly killed before completing the story on the second map? Well, fuck. Bro got ass-Vlasted in record time. Sure, we get journals and magical hologram memories involving Mabon, but that isn’t character development or direct interaction – it’s lore. Nor does it give us a reason to care when he gets emotionally suicide-bombed by Karlo Kryptis. It just leaves numerous could-haves and should-haves.
Mabon is really just the most prominent of these, given how early he is introduced in SOTO. He is, sadly, not the only one. Eparch? The cool guy bad bro of epic evilness? Let’s just build him up with so many nonsense vagueries and superlatives that it is impossible for him to measure up. Yet, we still kind of want him to, right? He is so nasty, so cruel, so deceptive, so...late? I tell myself that they had to know that introducing Eparch at the end of the penultimate act would guarantee that he would be a lame duck villain with no personality and no ability to influence anything narratively. He is introduced to die. We kill him. Could have been real cool if he wasn’t so sucky.
Pretty much the entire supporting cast from SOTO’s launch? Gladium, R’tchikk, The Artist Formerly Known as Vegetable, Dagda, Lyhr, Zizel, Narcisse; all of these side characters are just discarded for new, “exciting” alternatives when we swing on over to Nayos. This decision is baffling. We just got a whole cast of characters introduced – any game would struggle to flesh out so many in the length this mini expansion is dealing with – and then we replace them all with a new cast of Kryptis characters who need to be developed. I suppose that they are physically so fleshy that the writers don’t have to worry about their character development.
Much like the developers, I’ll be leaving the characters behind and moving on to something else equally forgettable: the overall plot. See, we spent a decade dealing with the Elder Dragons and their threat to Tyria, and there were times when things still felt a little rushed. Now, over the course of a year and one mini-expansion, we save both Tyria and Nayos. Maybe next expansion we’ll really amp things up and save three worlds while working two jobs, going to community college, and being a single parent.
The temptation to increase the stakes ever-higher is a well-known trap that ArenaNet has fallen into with more gusto than an American GI into a Vietnamese punji pit. Simply put, they tried to do way too much too fast, and the whiplash from, “TyriaisindangerTyriaissavedNayosisindangerNayosissaved” has put a permanent Peitha-shaped kink in my neck that only dommy-mommy kisses can mend. If mini expansions are the way of the future, give us a consistent, rotating cast of supporting characters to develop over time as we tackle small-scale, local problems, with small-scale, local solutions. No world-eaters. No world-saving. Gene Simmons once formed a business based on a simple axiom that ArenaNet should treat as gospel going forward: Keep It Simple, Stupid.
Maps
“Asset flip” got thrown around so much when discussion of Skywatch started, but I really think that’s a disservice to a pretty cool map. It is heavily aerial based, with distinct locales based on alternate-history versions of places we’ve been. Sweet! Something new with a dash of nostalgia. There is also a good variety of events, with some simple minigames (“Dip it in some bluuhd!”), and self-contained (i.e., Elona does not effect Maguuma) event chains for each region. There was a lot here that reminded me of classic GW2 zones, and I can appreciate that.
The Wizard’s Tower is actually one of my favorite hubs, though it is also one of the more intensive. I think it is one of the only zones that can cause my CPU and GPU fans to start becoming audible, but it actually hosts some mini-games and adventures, while acting as a Strike hub, a Convergence hub, and it is a regional hub with connections to all of this expansion’s maps. It also hosts numerous side-quests and bits of lore. It’s biggest downside is that it shares architecture with…
Amnytas. God save us all. The events are mostly fine, mediocre, middle-of-the-road. But the architecture, man! The white-and-gold wouldn’t kill me if it was used for, say, a single Bastion. Using it for all Bastions makes everything so monolithic, and I don’t think that everything needed to look exactly like the Wizard’s Tower. We know that this all belongs to the wizards, we can see them. Give me some variety, dammit! Maybe make Celestial and the World Tower have the white-and-gold since they rise above everything else – it also just seems fitting for Celestial to be white-and-gold, whereas I don’t think it fits as much for the others. Make the Natural covered in flora and fauna – COVERED! This place needs to be a zoo, with no barrier between the observers and the observed. Knowledge has one puny little library? I think the entire thing shoulda been books – high towers with shelves of books on the walkways, corridors with shelves of books along them, buildings with bookshelves for walls; why would they have a single library when the entire Bastion is a repository of knowledge? Strength should have been training grounds and barracks. Meditation circles for honing your mind. Training grounds for learning and crafting spells and weapons to hone the body. Medical tents for quick healing to get people back to training ASAP. The comfiest beds around for meaningful R&R before waking up to do it all again the next day. I don’t have the firmest idea on what to do with Balance, but the fact that it isn’t a symmetrical mirror image of itself is a fucking crime. Oh, and why, WHY can just anyone see the Bastion of the Obscure? Surely this should be hidden under another Bastion, or somehow decentralized in various Pueblo-esque cliff dwellings? Do we really want a central, easily accessible repository for all of the arcane, esoteric, downright heretical shit we don’t want people to know about? I mean, I do, but that doesn’t mean a bunch of secretive wizards would!
Well, well, well. Inner Nayos. First, let me say I love the gray-reddish-purple theme. It is appropriately alien and foreboding. Seriously, I love this map's visuals. The event density might actually be too high, so there is definitely a balancing act that ArenaNet needs to manage. When I am doing an event, I sometimes get directed to a different event a few feet away (this seems particularly common with the Free the Kryptis event) while I am still working on completing a separate event. The added Skirmisher events have really only compounded this problem – it is like someone gave the event designer a challenge to have no inch of the map untouched by an orange circle.
Metas
Skywatch had such potential. The numerous zones and the conflicts that caused each zone to differ from their actual Tyrian counterparts has so much potential for an interesting meta, and could have done wonders to demonstrate the sheer danger of creating these fractals, as well as the hubris of Isgarren and the wizards. Why are we stuck fighting generic Karen Kryptis when we could split up into the different zones to fight God-Emperor Balthazar, some sort of horrific chak mutated by Rata Novan experiments, a Jade Mech recreation of Shiro, the king of the Stone Summit dwarves mounted upon a wyvern, and the remains of the Garenhoff Wizard’s Tower reformed into a golem. The possibilities for an awe-inspiring introductory meta were near limitless! But we beat up some boogers and make a key.
Now, that’s really just looking at the narrative aspects of Skywatch’s meta – fear not, the actual gameplay mechanics are equally disappointing. We alternate between rounding up more balls than Liberace hiding all his lovers in his closet, fighting groups of generic legacy enemies, killing a few larger (but still generic) kryptis, before culminating in a thousand players blasting Lyhr’s corneas with the power of heart.
Amnytas tries so, so hard. Narratively, I think it’s fine. We get a massive enemy that menaces over the entire map, and this big boy is properly visually threatening. The first time I entered Amnytas, the meta was active, and I saw Cthulhu’s bastard son taking his abandonment issues out on us. I held off on completing the meta until I completed the initial SOTO story, but I was itching to reenact my favorite hentai scenes.
The fight’s kinda bad. We have to spread out and deal with various threats, slowly closing in on Charles Nourys’ position. But, the encounters are largely the same as what we got in Skywatch, just in different locales – generic kryptis, generic champs, everyone cupping more balls than Freddy Mercury at Live Aid. Chuck himself is, well...many a meme has been made about beating him with yoga. As much as I like going into Downward Dagda pose, the finale with what could have been an awesome, memorable encounter is cheapened to be a large-scale quick-time event. I am gonna assume this was a time constraint, because I do not believe that anyone thought we’d be thrilled waiting to fight this monstrous creature in its current incarnation. We spend some time mindlessly zerging his face, spreading out, mindlessly zerging his face, and counting on our numpad. While this is appropriate for my room temperature in Celsius IQ, I think players would have preferred that Nourys actually plop down onto the platform and become a proper boss. (6 7 8 9 0 7 8 9)
Inner Nayos is difficult to discuss since there are three disparate metas – yes, Zakiros needs the first two metas to be completed to begin, but it is not directly connected in the way that, say, the three lanes of Dragon Stand are connected. Ignaxious’ meta is probably my favorite of the three – we have a lot of movement on the map, with some variance in objectives. Once the community was collectively able to convince people to just bring their Griffon or Skyscale down the chasm and directly to the beacon (instead of 80% of people at launch looping between a minor-beacon and the southern beacon), things progressed quickly. No, cleaning up emotional residue like a therapist moonlighting as a janitor isn’t thrilling, but in both instances it’s quick, snappy, and there is momentum to the next event. Sieging down the gate isn’t great fun, but it gives me a reason to hop on a turtle and hum the TMNT theme. Ignaxious himself is dynamic – other than his bullshit fire AoEs that he can drop while you HAVE to be behind a pillar to not die (so quick death by fire, or even quicker death by a localized nuclear explosion), you can deftly avoid a lot of his attacks, there isn’t too much visual noise, and you can actually sight-read a lot of his attacks. Even in a swarm of equally important Wayfinders, I feel like I am doing something more than gormlessly drooling while mining nostril gold.
Knaebelag, oh Knaebelag. The escorts to begin the fight are fine. Nothing offensive, but also nothing that will get your blood flowing and finally let you kick your Viagra addiction. I am a little baffled that we have two burly, manly-men norn as our NPC chaperones, though I suppose we need to show the Kryptis that Tyrians ain’t lacking in the meat department.
NowBeLag himself is just a dick, though. Too much health, too many breaks from the fight (the 75% and 50% interludes are also just the same thing, which is unfathomably lame), and OH MY GOD I AM SO FAR BEHIND YOU HOW DID YOU SUCK ME IN AND BLOW ME LIKE NANCY REAGAN. I am not sure what it is about this fight, but I always feel like I get hit no matter where I am in relation to AoEs. There have been plenty of times where I make it through the fight unscathed, and other fights where I feel like I am constantly downed. I am not sure how to improve readability with such a big enemy performing numerous large AoEs, but surely something can be refined.
My impressions of the Eparch meta are pretty mixed, and I’ve only done it four times (three wins, one loss w/ a nice cutscene). Between uncertainty as to what are and are not bugs, don’t expect a firm judgment here, just my initial impressions. The pylon destruction is quick, kinda fun, and we get to cosplay Lance Armstrong as we dangle our single explosive ball in the air. Destroying the nodes feels weird, and possibly bugged – taking down the membrane and fireballing them works fine, but on many occasions the node just immediately respawned. That isn’t necessarily an issue since the meta still progresses, but I don’t think it’s working as intended. The fight with a generic kryptis also seems like filler. It doesn’t take too long, so I’ll allow it. The two spire descents feel identically unremarkable – I honestly struggle to recall the differences. After killing Kevin Kryptis, we enter the central spire via portal to fight Eparch, who is in a much crabbier mood than his story-mode counterpart. Now, I am utterly unsure of what this fight is supposed to be – buff yourself with the pools, close rifts, dodge AoEs, stack on Eparch seems to be the intended rhythm, but I cannot for the life of me deal with attacks that seem to blip in and out of existence. The static electricity wave seems to be the worst culprit, but just about every one of Eparch’s attacks has suddenly disappeared from my life like a dad running out to buy cigarettes. Kinda makes it hard to know where to stand, so I just do a jittery side-step that seems to work.
Outro
Guild Wars 2 is one of my favorite games, full stop. It truly pains me to write that I think Secrets of the Obscure contains some of the worst content this series has ever seen. This franchise deserves better, and it is within ArenaNet’s capabilities to do better. I understand that this is a new format for content delivery, but they are also a studio that has delivered superior content for free for over a decade. If the Expansion-Living World Season cycle is not sustainable, and this is the hard limit of what a mini expansion can deliver, I would actually prefer more expensive, meatier expansions every two years instead of the current method. I got my money’s worth, I won’t deny it, but there were times where I was treading dangerously close to, “Man, I actually wish I didn’t spend money on this.” Even in the deepest depths of despair Gyala, I had never come close to regretting any of my expansion purchases. SOTO changed that; with sadness, I must give it a 6/10. If you buy it, get it for the upgrades to the core Guild Wars 2 experience – the actual content it adds is lacking. ArenaNet needs to focus on a more modest but better realized expansion; let's see what next Tuesday brings.
submitted by GodakDS to Guildwars2 [link] [comments]


2024.05.31 14:27 PretentiousHip91 My ranking of (almost) every Zelda game

I did post this on the other Zelda subreddit a while back, and got accused of trolling, which kind of hurt tbh after playing Zelda games for over 25 years, and owning every physical copy (the CDi ones are reproductions though, cause... you've seen their cost). I think it's simply because my rankings are more unorthodox, but I have the arguments to back them up.
I'll do a slight, mostly spoiler-free description for every ranking, but if you want me to discuss any points in detail, I'll be happy to do it, even covering them up with the spoiler tag if needed (trust me I can talk for ages about every game lol). I'll add a spoiler flair just in case as future potential discussions might contain them.
Without further ado, here it is:
  1. Tri-Force Heroes - This basically felt like a bad f2p mobile game, including repeating levels on the chance of getting incredibly overpowered items. It's also the least friendly to play singleplayer BY FAR. The reflexes needed to achieve some tasks is practically impossible, and boss battles become a lot more annoying with their length because you only one person to do everything. I did like the silly setting and the fashion designs though.
  2. Link: The Faces of Evil - The CDi controls is the biggest flaw of it. I don't hate the console, but it only works for games where you can take your time with the controls such as point and click adventure games and other multimedia. It simply wasn't made for a more action-oriented game such as this. However, there is also the tiresome grinding aspect of getting all the bombs, ropes, lamp oil, and snowballs. It doesn't have that sense of adventure either as you gotta explore stuff out of order to find out what tasks to accomplish. It sounds fine, but with gameplay like this you just shudder at the thought of repeating some areas instead of that sense of escapism into the in-game world.
  3. Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity - This is just a bad fanfic. However, it's the complexity of the combat that ruins it. You just do filler attacks while waiting for the rune logo to pop up. You then use the proper one, stun them, and them attack their weakness gauge. There's also hardly any enemy variety. It makes sense for botw as it's not combat-oriented, but in this when you gotta fight like 50 moblins with one mission it makes it by far the most repetitive game in the series.
  4. Zelda's Adventure - The combat of this is atrocious. However, I loved some of the dungeon and enemy designs. I'd suggest looking it up, especially an interview of the enemy designer (I can link it if needed). There's a crystal and circus dungeon which looked cool, and one dungeon was you going through a sort of knight tournament that was full of friendly NPCs. Plus, one of the bosses is a werewolf jester that does cartwheels... come on that rules.
  5. Zelda: Wand of Gamelon - This is the best one simply because I found that it had a lot less grinding without you needing snowballs. It felt easier to kill the bosses with the right items as well, but maybe it was just because I played this second, so I knew the gameplay style more?
  6. Tingle's Balloon Fight - This DEFINITELY took advantage of the real estate of the DS. Making the levels vertical made the levels fantastic. However, it's 99 levels, and it's not in order of difficulty. You will get tired of it after a dozen or so. There is another mode that's like the NES version, but it's the most boring thing imaginable.
  7. Four Swords - This was the one I had to play multiplayer with my partner. It's simply too much of a collectathon. However, the boss battles were fun.
  8. Twilight Princess Picross - Do I really need to expand on this? It's picross! I do enjoy those puzzles, but I obviously get a lot more out of most Zelda games.
  9. Link's Crossbow Training - This had massive potential to me. There are two stages that are fantastic in this which I won't spoil. However, I felt like a more "campaign" style game would have been a lot more effective to me. This is just 3 stages per level where you advance depending on your scores. Imagine if this did the same approach as the House of the Dead games.
  10. Cadence of Hyrule - Crypt of the Necrodancer is a masterpiece to me. This one didn't feel as effective because after a while you find a ton of needed items, it becomes a joke difficulty wise. It didn't give that sense of a power fantasy that I don't mind in other games where this happens, so it all felt underwhelming.
  11. Skyward Sword - This is something that I gotta do a more spoiler-heavy discussion, so I won't mention anything in-depth for now. I will say this: This jumps back and forth between being an incredible masterpiece, to the most absurd game design choices I've ever seen, back and forth so often that it was a very interesting game to play.
  12. Oracle of Seasons - The dungeons didn't feel nearly as interesting as in Oracle of Ages. I didn't like that it didn't have a variety of settings for each dungeon, as you keep having to return to this one area after every dungeon. Plus, this has the most underwhelming bosses in the entire series. It makes sense if you've played the older Zelda games.
  13. Hyrule Warriors - This also felt like a bad fanfic, but at least it was the insane kind. I mean, Cia? Especially with how some of those cutscenes are impressive. It was so strange to see that in a Zelda game, but hilarious. I preferred the gameplay of this over Age of Calamity. It is just mashing buttons, but the arcade-like nature and overall fast-pace of it made it quite fun.
  14. Ancient Stone Tablets - This was a fantastic idea, and I love how there are fan restorations of how it was originally presentation. It also had some of the best minigames in the entire series. However, the dungeons simply suck. I think it's because they have an episodic format, so they have to make them simple, but having the hidden rooms visible when you get the map? What's the point?
  15. Phantom Hourglass - I dunno if Linebeck counts as a companion, but if he does then he is easily the best one. The overall dungeon designs of this is great, and it uses the DS gimmicks in a very entertaining way. However, we all know the big flaw of this one...
  16. A Link Between Worlds - There's a simple reason why I didn't love this as much as the other ones: the item rental system. It ruined the dungeons to me. I loved the formula of the dungeons from the other Zelda games. Only a few areas being accessible, the enemies being tougher to fight, and needing to kill the miniboss to finally get that item, where it completely opens up the dungeon. It's a satisfying experience. With this, you have the item already. Each dungeon only takes like 10-15 minutes, and that sense of satisfaction is all gone.
  17. Wind Waker - This started out as a masterpiece, but it's the last third or so of the game that ruins it. The 2 dungeons with escorting being involved, and the infamous part. I did read that they had to sort of rush this game, so that explains why they had some of the worst filler.
  18. Spirit Tracks - This felt the opposite. I HATED this game at first. You use the microphone so often which is incredibly unreliable. However, later on when you're not so dependent on that, the game is just fantastic. I loved the dungeon designs of these, being more puzzle-heavy, and honestly, the train stuff is fun. It's weird that they hated that stuff for the overworld, as other Zelda games, like the two boat ones, do something quite familiar. The overworld song helped quite a bit. It's one of the best tracks in the series.
  19. BS Zelda - This is another one like Ancient Stone Tablets which has the fan restoration. It didn't feel like a romhack of A Link to the Past like Ancient Stone Tablets did, but rather a remaster of the first game. It's cool seeing the sprite design of the bosses. Plus, there's one track that was a robot rapping the plot of the first game over electronic-heavy funk music. It's about as awesome as it sounds.
  20. Four Swords Adventures - This might have been a bias because this was a multiplayer game that not only didn't feel like suffering, but was very easy to play singleplayer in. I simply just had so much more fun with this than usual. It probably is a case of a overhyping, with that "FINALLY" sort of feeling, but hey that's how opinions work at times.
  21. Twilight Princess - This felt like the safest entry in the franchise, and it takes too long for it to get started. I also found the in-game world to be way too huge in an underwhelming way. However, this easily has some of the best dungeons in the series. Once you reach the 2nd dungeon the game REALLY picks up. Only other flaw later on is that although some of those items are cool, they're practically useless outside of their respective dungeons.
  22. Zelda II: The Adventure of Link - It's probably infamous having it here, It's simply because this has the most satisfying combat in the series. Figuring out the enemy patterns, and some of the very cool attacks you can eventually do. It is a meme, but it almost felt "proto-souls-like". I found that it didn't take too long to get the dungeons after game overs as well. With a few quality of life improvements, with stuff like getting rid of the limited lives, or the NES trends like enemies making you fall down cliffs mid-jump, this would have been a masterpiece.
  23. The Legend of Zelda - This game had a fantastic pacing to it, and I found that it aged really well. The sense of adventure is still there, and I felt that sense of escapism. The dungeon designs are fun to still go through, which especially makes sense if you've played games like Binding of Isaac which made it seem fresh. This might be a boomer moment for me though. I'm not old enough for the NES days, but I did grow up playing the SNES, so I wouldn't mind game mechanics like this.
  24. Oracle of Ages - Some of the hardest dungeons are here. If you're up for a challenge, this is the game to play. This improved Oracle of Seasons in almost every way. There are variety for the areas, but this also had some of the best boss battles in the series. I can go more into detail by entering spoiler territory, but they have very interesting ways of defeating the bosses that are unlike any other entry in the series.
  25. Tingle Rosey Rupeeland - The postmodern Zelda game (not even the most postmodern in the series). First off, I should mention the company behind this. It's Vanpool, who used to be a company called Love-de-Lic, which came from employees of the company Square. The people that made this game have a connection to games such as Chrono Trigger, Super Mario RPG, and Moon. The latter is impressive, because it was THE inspiration for Undertale. The sense of Undertale's subversion is apparent in this game as well. This has game design choices that you would never see in any other game. They are mostly surprises, so I won't mention them for now. However, the major flaw of this is that you don't know the value of items that you're buying or selling. I think you need a wiki for that to enjoy this game a lot more. The thing is, the concept of it makes sense if you go the more economic angle, with how greed in a capitalist society works. This could be more of an essay, and enters spoiler territory, but I'll gladly talk about it. Because of this, I have to respect that game design choice, even if I don't necessarily like it.
  26. Majora's Mask - It's starting now where I have to be REALLY nitpicky, because they're all masterpieces. This felt like one of the "deepest" games in the series, and one of the most emotional. I even cried during the scene after the first dungeon. There are many interpretations as to what this game consists of, and I even came up with a few myself that I could discuss. My nitpicky thing is that there is a repetitive miniboss.
  27. Breath of the Wild - I'll summarize this in one sentence for now, because this is something that I can lost in with discussing it. This is basically a Ubisoft game done right. That is a huge accomplishment.
  28. Ocarina of Time - I didn't play this the most as a kid, but definitely the second most. I enjoyed its plot for how much it'll help kids, such as being the outsider like he was in the Kokori Forest wasn't a bad thing. The huge jump in difficulty with the dungeons after the first 3 makes sense when you consider the context of the plot at the time. Basically, this is the game where everything was done right, and I can't think of any major flaws.
  29. Minish Cap - This is the perfect entry point of the series for newcomers as it's the most accessible one. The gimmick of this is absolutely fantastic, to the point that even with its one flaw (two underwhelming bosses), I still have to rank this above Ocarina of Time. Many of the items here were used in Skyward Sword, and it's hilarious how much better they are implemented here.
  30. Tears of the Kingdom - Take Breath of the Wild, and improve it in nearly every aspect. I don't like to commit so many hours to video games, maybe it's the fact that I'm getting older and they can be too time consuming, but I put in over 100 hours into this. It's interesting through a game design standpoint, seeing how much they try to foolproof stuff, and let you explore how to accomplish tasks.
  31. A Link to the Past - This was the one I played the most as a kid, and is one of the two first video games I've ever got my hands on (the other being Yoshi's Island). The big thing about this is that it established the Zelda formula that was used until Breath of the Wild, AND it already perfected it. That's just mindblowing.
  32. Link's Awakening - This regards the Switch remake. It is subversive with how the plot plays out, and the graphics of the switch remake helps emphasize the true nature of its plot. It's also one of the "heaviest" games in terms of emotion, as it explores the true horror that all of us face at some point in our lives: existentialism. Take some of the most interesting dungeon designs that were still used in the Oracle games, yet somehow better implemented here, and you have the utmost masterpiece.
  33. Ripened Tingle's Balloon Trip of Love - I assume this is why people though I was trolling, so I should talk more than usual about this entry before someone asks for me to go in-depth. Firstly, I have a tattoo of the 4 major characters of this game. The other thing is that point and click adventure games is my favourite video game genre, so it makes sense that I would really love this. However, this is also incredibly postmodern, AND a parody of not only many games, but game design choices. The places this goes, and the genres it does for a short amount of time, always kept this game incredibly interesting and fresh. It is insanity in the best way possible. It also has THE best plot of any Zelda game. Like it is leagues ahead of the others. I'll just summarize it like this: I HATED Tingle before playing this game. I wanted to make a very long YouTube video ranking the series before I lost interest in making videos and got too busy adulting, and I avoided this and the other Tingle on purpose, and only gave in when another ranked video came out including them. I watched a vinesauce compilation of this first. It was 20 minutes long, and after 8-9 minutes I knew I had to stop and immediately play this. What happened in the end? Tingle grew on me. I ended up loving him as a character. In fact, during an arc moment with him I had an incredibly emotional experience with it, and I even cried. Yes... Tingle made me cry. Doesn't that say enough? If you want to try something very different, borderline cozy at times, and don't mind the more absurdist sort of humour, I'm sure you would love this if you go in with an open mind. Or at the very least, check out that vinesauce compilation on youtube. Plus, like with Rosey Rupeeland, there is a social aspect to this if you end up analyzing it.
If you've reached this point, thanks for reading up, and hopefully we can have a discussion out of this.
submitted by PretentiousHip91 to truezelda [link] [comments]


2024.05.30 23:40 ChaosDoubt40 Is it right to put into stand-by your dreams for a safe path?

Hi everyone,
I am an Italian Computer Engineering student, I chose this career for the excellent salaries and job prospects outside of Italy (I wanna leave).
I like entrepreneurship and finance (I have been studying the last one for 5 years as an hobby, sinche early high school).
These careers, tough, are high-risk high-reward, and I cannot afford an high level school, so I cannot be one of the bests in the field, especially finance, where it counts the most to be the best, considering the saturation level.
So, considering the median data (where I think I belong), I chose Computer Engineering, the first degree in every tier list/ranking, with the aim to get some level of wealth and then create my own business or trying to move into finance, maybe through a cheap MBA or a ME/MS.
I like money, I want to achieve financial freedom, I am so determined I have been sacrificing my whole life for this goal (no girlfriend, no friends, no dining out, cheap supermarkets where I buy the cheapest healthy foods I can buy, pre-owned phones, pcs and clothes), so that I can save and invest my 700 euros from a waiter job in the weekend.
I like knowing new things, it is my only pastime (it is really cheap), but usually the things that interests me and, usually, are surface level, I hardly enter into the details, they bore me.
I do not like CE or Engineering or CS, I really cannot care the least (even if consumer electronics like CPUs and GPUs fascinates me, as AI, but more as an user than as a creator), so what I wanted to ask is this:
Can I thrive in a field I hate?
Is my plan destined to fail or is it a safe, well-planned blueprint to financial success?
Please give me as many advices as you can, I really need them, cheers!
submitted by ChaosDoubt40 to careerguidance [link] [comments]


http://swiebodzin.info