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2024.05.19 20:52 ScheduleAfraid1285 Pay someone to take my GMAT exam Reddit Pay someone to take my GMAT Test Online Reddit gmat online cheating reddit hire someone to take gre for me Reddit Pay someone to take psychometric test Reddit Hire someone to take gre for me online Reddit GMAT GRE Exam Taker for Test Help Reddit

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2024.05.19 20:42 Sonicboomer1 Every “defining performance” for every Doctor ON SCREEN so far. (In my opinion.)

Every “defining performance” for every Doctor ON SCREEN so far. (In my opinion.)
(This ranges from one scene to entire episodes.)
After seeing negativity aplenty recently I wanted to take a moment to celebrate my love for Doctor Who and each of the main character’s wonderful performers.
1: A moment that truly shows William Hartnell’s chops as more than the miserly old man he portrayed, a speech of warmth and bittersweetness in a lovely point of believability amongst an era of cardboard backgrounds and the Zarbi. William Hartnell truly was the Doctor, he absolutely loved the role, he loved the fans, he loved that moment in his life and you can see it in his performances even as he flubs his lines and tried to keep going instead of slowing down. Here though, you see his absolute best, which is iconic for a reason.
2: One of the most impressive performances of the entire sixty years, where Patrick Thoughton masterfully conveys both the Doctor and a complete opposite sort of character in Salamander in a creative and unique story.
3: Pertwee’s best story in my opinion and he carries it through expertly from start to finish, absolutely selling the tremendously dramatic stakes, with some of the best cliffhangers ever, one of which pictured where you can see his top notch acting as he faces the terror of being surrounded by soldiers and idiot scientists that won’t listen to his warnings of imminent destruction.
4: You might find more expert comedic performances from Tom Baker, like City of Death, than any moving sorrow, powerful anger or abject terror, however Genesis of the Daleks showed he’s more than the witticisms and quirk that make his Doctor so beloved and he delivers the moment in a grounded and understated way that works.
5: Possibly the greatest Doctor Who story, certainly voted as such multiple times and a surprisingly captivating and devastating performance from Davidson from start to finish in an otherwise less-dramatic early 80s, coming to a crescendo with one of the better regenerations.
6: A showcase of how Colin Baker was absolutely right for the Doctor, even as the programme began the process of collapsing around him, denouncing his own people in a farcical trial against himself. Despite the turbulence, Colin only ever got better and deserved so much more than the doomed destiny he found himself stuck in.
7: The perfect capture of 7’s character, cunning and manipulative with defined layers to Sylvester McCoy’s performance as he sells a facade of betrayal to his loyal companion, far departed from the clown-like early writing of the character, in a good story with many cogs turning. An actor acting acting. And good acting. A hard task that Sylvester does effortlessly.
8: A showcase of tragedy as we see how amazing Paul McGann’s Doctor is on screen, only for a brief moment, as he delivers a minisode so brilliantly people are still saying he deserves his own series 11 years later. Having played the Doctor for a very long time on audio, you can see how much he has become the character and he certainly deserves more opportunities to show it visually.
9: One of Nine’s (many) best episodes, where he delivers every emotion, absolute fear, to mocking laughter, to terrifying fury, to bitter melancholy, to honest repentance at the end, all conveyed in what might be my favourite performance of any Doctor to date, from my favourite Doctor of them all.
10: Everything from “get out of the way” from the Master to “I don’t want to go” from the Doctor may just be the best television I’ve ever watched and ever will. I’ve watched objectively some of the highest-rated series there is, so I know what objective quality is. However, nothing has ever made me feel more than the ending of the End of Time. And feeling is what creative art is all about, truly. David Tennant is voted for in polls for a reason and this performance is a massive part in it. He and Bernard Cribbins performed the finest scene in the history of Doctor Who for me.
11: Not one of my favourite incarnations but despite that I respect Matt Smith’s excellent ability and when he got to show it, he shows he’s absolutely the Doctor, the best example of this in my opinion is convincingly conveying the burning emotion of 1000 years of every type of memory of the character being wilfully offered to a greedy deity. It would go to The Angels Take Manhattan, however I have a lot of problems with that story so the emotional performance isn’t as impactful as it should be.
12: I’m not on the hype train many are with the Capaldi era (sorry) but that’s due to Moffat’s show-running than Capaldi’s performances, which are obviously among the best in the series and he has many to choose from, perhaps more than any other Doctor, however I believe The Doctor Falls is his most mesmerising. (And should’ve been the Twelfth Doctor’s last story.)
13: A vastly unpopular era, with perhaps not a lot of moments to work with due to Chris Chibnall’s confusing characterisation and writing, however the Thirteenth Doctor’s final moments were beautiful, from sitting on the Tardis watching the Earth turn, to regenerating at Durdle Door, and Jodie Whittaker defined her Doctor well with “blossomiest blossom” and “tag you’re it”, a lovely end to what most consider a dark time.
14: David Tennant had three episodes to not only sell that he’s not just doing the same thing again, but also to match the absurd levels he reached previously and he did, in Wild Blue Yonder when his face uncharacteristically shows it is not 10 again, as he outpours honest emotions that retroactively improve the previous era’s controversial decisions and series arc. On top of that, also playing a villain like Troughton where you can see the venom, the emptiness and evil in his eyes in the same episode. Seriously, seriously marvellous.
15: THIS IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE (And very, very likely will.) However, the entire episode of Boom is one of the most challenging acting scenarios any Doctor actor has ever had to face and Ncuti Gatwa has proven doubters wrong early doors by playing it to such a standard that you truly believe every second of the terribly razor-thin margin for error, how much of a tragedy it would be if that face died already, how much agony and guilt he selflessly feels for Ruby and the rest of the soldiers he doesn’t even respect for dooming them carelessly and the pure control and intelligence he displays despite being restricted from action altogether. An all-timer performance and a great episode.
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2024.05.19 20:19 CashTheRedditor studying advice?

hi everyone! I’m a first year CS major who needs some help and advice.
I want to start this by saying I am NOT looking for any kind of grade grubbing or handouts from my professors; I have three weeks until my finals, and I want to get myself back on track.
high school was always quite easy for me, even when I did 11 APs; so, when people told me college would be a slap in the face, I didn’t believe them. I was very wrong. because my education has only become difficult in the past few months or so, I haven’t really developed too many good study habits, and I feel very lost and worried for finals week. I know what I should be doing, I just don’t fully know the means to get there.
I’m taking a stats class, intro to DSA, and an assembly programming course (and a history class I’m not worried about). I’ve found that I’m simply not retaining information like I used to, and my performance on the quizzes and midterms has been declining. how do/did y’all study for these sorts of exams? practice? studying notes from lectures and reading?
I really, really hope this doesn’t come across as too juvenile or that I’m somehow trying to make a pity party. I know CS will be difficult, but it’s hard to make good preparations when you don’t fully understand just how difficult it will be. right now, I’m cruising at around a high B or low A level, and I would like to keep it that way. I want to plant the seeds for a good and productive education.
thank you!
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2024.05.19 20:01 BrainstormBot ⟳ 1 apps added, 11 updated at apt.izzysoft.de

⟳ apt.izzysoft.de from Sat, 18 May 2024 17:47:48 GMT updated on Sun, 19 May 2024 17:53:45 GMT contains 1128 apps.
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2024.05.19 19:54 Sulef94 I-485 what’s next ?

I-485 what’s next ?
I can see they received my RFE online. But I haven’t got a letter saying they did. Do they send mail saying they received the RFE or no?
submitted by Sulef94 to USCIS [link] [comments]

2024.05.19 19:38 dnelson2408 Summary of this channel, data, and news for the last 3 weeks.

Summary of this channel, data, and news for the last 3 weeks.
Afternoon all,
I thought it might be fun to try and take the last three weeks and have a recap of the data and news surrounding RILY. I just searched this sub and news outlets and such for the last 3 weeks and took notes then fed them into an AI software asking it to summarize everything. In no way is this Financial Advice just a fun task.
"The financial landscape for B. Riley Financial, Inc. showcases a dynamic narrative of operational resilience and strategic positioning. The company's recent activities reflect a strategic focus on managing debt obligations effectively while optimizing business segments for sustainable growth. The strategic review process for Great American Group retail liquidation and appraisal businesses is progressing, indicating a commitment to enhancing operational efficiency and value creation.
In the earnings summary, a net loss of $51 million was reported, primarily driven by investment-related losses and professional services expenses. Despite these challenges, the company's strategic initiatives and operational performance remain robust, as highlighted in the earnings call. Executives Bryant Riley and Tom Kelleher emphasized the company's operational excellence and strategic direction, underscoring a commitment to shareholder value and sustainable growth. The company's strategic reviews and commitment to shareholder value remain steadfast amidst market volatility caused by short manipulation.
Furthermore, the full redemption of $25,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 6.75% Senior Notes due 2024 signifies a proactive approach to managing debt and strengthening the company's financial position. This strategic move aligns with the company's focus on optimizing its capital structure and enhancing financial flexibility.
Overall, B. Riley Financial's narrative is one of resilience, strategic foresight, and operational excellence in navigating market dynamics and challenges. The company's commitment to financial prudence, strategic reviews, and operational performance positions it well for sustained growth and value creation in the evolving financial landscape."
Below is the data the AI used to create the summary. Just copy and pasted from a very quick and crude gathering of information into a word doc. I also enjoyed the earnings summary the AI did. The last line made me feel happy thoughts. - In summary, B. Riley Financial's first-quarter 2024 results underscore its strong operational foundation and strategic foresight, positioning it well for future growth and shareholder value creation.
1. Cohodes being loud and classless examples
https://preview.redd.it/xymj94vp5f1d1.png?width=637&format=png&auto=webp&s=3d9f18f4f877f7fb518039bc78198e77e3fcd190
https://preview.redd.it/bxacg0bp5f1d1.png?width=975&format=png&auto=webp&s=9a4eba6a4a39457cc47661be5836008976b37fc6
https://preview.redd.it/q5kdr5qo5f1d1.png?width=975&format=png&auto=webp&s=14dcb5473ed7dcac4646eaba2b983806f32bd875
https://preview.redd.it/ky1hlc1o5f1d1.png?width=789&format=png&auto=webp&s=4c603719820d06ea91d9181ad3c41734a603b795
https://preview.redd.it/soco7bjn5f1d1.png?width=969&format=png&auto=webp&s=dfbcf20f984e391c51afcc89e46597d1d9dff6ad
https://preview.redd.it/pwbnnwwr5f1d1.png?width=975&format=png&auto=webp&s=fe06146b727540c291825eda8db5f33b11e9e992
2. Discussion about FUD and shorts deception
I see the shorts (Marc Cohoded and Co.) are still at it, trying to l use a fake psychological twist to cause doubt. Let's stick to the facts and let the price go where it will in the long term. Short thesis was and is there was fraud, both proven wrong by independent investigation and a clean independent audit if the 10-K and now 10-Q. You can slap that one around anyway you want, but both came up clean. First, they have stated their intentions of a sale of a carried undervalued asset (Great American) by a third party for a massive realized gain. Good for the investors and bond holders as they said they would use funds to deleveverage the balance sheet and buy back stock which already has very little float. Second, I have never seen a company that is paying dividends go under whith out, completely eliminating the dividends first (RILY still pays a dividend and baby bonds are all current--none are in any default). Third, business has been good with lots of new hires, new capital makets raises and fees and their business seems to be thriving. Shorts will try to mislead all of us with their lies and deciept but if we hold strong I believe that the stock will go to at least 50 ish in the short term where they did their secondary. I believe at that point, RILY may run into a bit of resistance. However, a squeeze could easily send us through that to new highs. Patience is the key as they have stated all this in their press releases in the recent past. If we al on this sitel just buy 100 to 1000 shares on Monday and hld through the 29th to get the dividends. this will rocket to new heights. This is not a recommendation, simply my thoughts. Do your own due diligence.
3.Stop lending shares=pain for shorts = short squeeze
If all longs can stop lending shares at least I believe we can cause shorts to cover. There is no valid short narrative, both longs and shorts know this. Now it’s purely who can hold out longer. Shorts have been very active as of late trying to push share price lower and with many of us loaning shares out we are actually helping the shorts hurt us. I believe if we stopped lending out shares borrow rate skyrockets and that added cost combined with dividend and gradual upward movement will force shorts to cover. Granted news release can help but we don’t need news we just need to stop lending and wait and see.
4. Smoking Gun: Thursday dropped because shorts borrowed and sold 724K shares (with 2MM total volume) and 447K on Wednesday (with 1.3MM total volume). They're trying to drive price down, induce panic, get folks to sell, and buy back shares at a super low price.
https://preview.redd.it/hopdxkbt5f1d1.png?width=975&format=png&auto=webp&s=3945adf69a00addb0c2da4ea0c26b2a4de2749b3
5. Article showing RILY coming back https://www.investmentnews.com/broker-dealers/news/b-riley-bouncing-back-after-tough-winter-253448
6. Rily - Day 3 of short attactks - There's a positive
Our favorite shorts cohodes&co is on overdrive releasing as much fake accusations as possible, they now have been adding a lot to their position at a higher price point with shares in the 30s, now the shorts cost basis has gotten worse for them. With more shares at a worst cost with dividends coming due as well as borrow fees , shorts have less wiggle room especially if stock goes to 40 again. Now at 40 I believe they will be losing money. With insiders hopefully buying soon and the company continuing their share buy back program , that can lead to upward movement in share price leading to the “squeeze “.
7. $RILY Earnings Summary
Not financial advice.
It was an interesting investor call, an almost boring call which was refreshing. The company had a net loss of $51m driven by non-cash items including $29m unrealized loss on investments and a $30m fair value adjustment on their loans.
Cash flows were pretty good, with operating cash flows of $135m and adjusted operating EBITDA of $66m.
Targus and American Freight contributed nothing this quarter, both companies are historically strong businesses but have been working through a business cycle post-COVID after many Americans bought the things they needed. Those companies should improve in the next year.
The company previously announced a potential sale of Great American Group. Q-1 earnings for that segment increased to $35m of EBITDA, so at 10-12x a potential sale is looking like $350-$420m. On the call they said that is expected by early Q3. They also mentioned possibly looking at a sale in their Brands division later this year with the goal of retiring their discounted debt, citing it as an opportunity.
The short thesis crumbled last month with a clean 10-K and two internal investigations which added an additional $7m in expense but presumably were quite thorough and completely debunked claims by bears.
There are no shares available to borrow per Fintel:
https://preview.redd.it/ukhk0tou5f1d1.png?width=975&format=png&auto=webp&s=0622973216e0293d7f2699c1b6eee3216824305e
And short interest remains at approximately 65% with 9 million shares short, though the retail float is thought to be much smaller, maybe 2m shares.
The company has $34m available at quarter end for buybacks from a previously approved program.
I see value here, and I liked what I heard on the call.
8. Misconceptions - Rily Share Structure
[THIS POST IS FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY] mumen_rida
There seems to be a lot of confusion about the company’s share structure and I would like to use this post to help not only my own understanding but also help others. It’s a bit confusing but let’s tackle it together.
I got this information from marketwatch: Total Float = 30 million shares Public float = 16 million shares Shares sold short = 9 million shares % of public float sold short = 56.38%
According to fintel: Institutional ownership = 14.18 million shares
So let me get this straight, there is 16 million shares in the public float and institutions own 89% of that (14.18 million shares). So that would mean retail investors collectively only have about 1.82 million shares to trade around amongst ourselves. Let’s call that retail float.
So, retail float = 1.82 million shares.
Let’s wrap up all the most important information (imo) regarding the current share structure and please correct me if any of the information I presented here today is false:
Total float = 30m
Public float = 16m
Shares short = 9m
Retail float = 1.82m
Where I think it gets the most interesting is when you divide shares short by retail float. 9/1.82= 4.95 or 495% of retail float.
Hope this helps clear up any confusion regarding the share structure.
REPSONSE TO THIS BELOW
EnvironmentalBreak48
•3d ago
THIS RESPONSE IS FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. NFA. Do your own DD, make your own decisions.
Based on OP calculation.
1. Total Float: About 30 million shares.
2. Public Float: 16 million shares.
3. Shares Sold Short: 9 million shares.
4. % of Public Float Sold Short: 56.38%.
5. Institutional Ownership: 14.18 million shares.
6. Retail Float: 1.82 million shares (calculated as Public Float - Institutional Ownership).
Given this information:

Understanding Short Interest

· Shares Sold Short: About 9 million shares.
· Retail Float: 1.82 million shares.
· Short Interest as a Percentage of Retail Float: 9 million shares/1.82 million shares≈495%
This high percentage indicates that the short interest is nearly five times the available retail float, which could lead to a short squeeze if investors hold onto their shares and/or demand increases.

Days to Cover (Short Interest Ratio)

The Days to Cover metric gives an estimate of how many days it would take for short sellers to cover their positions based on the average daily trading volume. Here’s how to calculate it:
1. Determine the average daily trading volume (ADTV): This information is usually available on financial websites like MarketWatch or Yahoo Finance. Let’s assume the ADTV is 1,000,000 shares (this is an example, you should use the actual ADTV for a more precise calculation).
2. Days to Cover: Shares Sold Short/ADTV
Using our example ADTV: Days to Cover=9,000,000 (short shares)/1,000,000(Avg. Daily Volume)=9 days Days to Cover

Potential Implications

· High Short Interest Ratio: A high Days to Cover ratio suggests it would take a significant amount of time for shorts to cover their positions, which can lead to increased volatility.
· Potential for a Short Squeeze: With a high percentage of the retail float sold short, if retail investors decided to hold their shares and the stock price rises, short sellers may be forced to buy back shares at higher prices, leading to a potential short squeeze.
· Limited Retail Float: With only 1.82 million shares available for retail trading, any significant buying pressure from institutional investors and/or retail investors it could quickly drive up the stock price.
9. Why Even the Joker Thinks You’d Be a _____ For Not Taking A Look at RILY Stock
Batman here. You might know me as the Dark Knight, the Caped Crusader, or the guy who really, really, really wants to own a spaceship. Today, straight from the Batcave, lets talk about something as exciting as racing the Batmobile or the return of Roaring Kitty—RILY stock.
First off, let’s talk numbers, because even a superhero knows the importance of a strong financial foundation. RILY has been buying back shares like Alfred buys Bat-gadgets—strategically and frequently. This move isn’t just a nifty trick; IMO it’s a signal that RILY is confident in its value. When a company buys back its own shares, it’s like Batman investing in more Batarangs—it’s a smart play that shows belief in future performance.
But that’s not all, folks. The recent buzz around RILY isn’t just cat signals in the sky—it’s grounded in solid developments. RILY had to work hard to file their 10K after all the mudslinging from the shorts, but got it done. The first big catalyst domino to fall.
Now, let’s get to the juicy part—earnings and dividends. RILY’s about to drop their Q1 earnings tomorrow, and you know what that means? Dividends! That’s right, folks. RILY is likely to declare a dividend, that our short friends will be paying. Dividends are like the Batmobile’s turbo boost—an extra kick that gets you excited and propels you forward. Plus, once they file their Q, a few days later insiders should be able to start buying again. Form 4s anyone?
Here’s where it gets really interesting: meme stocks are back with a vengeance, wow talk about a left jab, and shorts are on their heels. The RILY squeeze might start very soon or it might not, but with shorts potentially facing margin calls due to price movements in various holdings, and especially if they’ve been shorting RILY all the way down it has not been a good week for the shorts so far. Just look how RILY stock popped this morning on about 200k in volume.
To add insult to injury, to date, NONE of the short thesis has come to fruition or has been confirmed by independent information. They’re in quicksand, and it’s time to gas up the rocket. There are still several catalysts that may come into play here:
Q1 Earnings Release: Scheduled to be filed tomorrow, providing insights into the company's recent performance. The deal flow on their website was up YoY.
Dividend Announcements: Anticipated dividends right around the corner.
Insider Buying: Once the Q1 earnings are filed, insiders should be able to buy stock again, expect to see some Form 4s in very short order.
Sale of Great America Division: If RILY sales Great American, they have said the proceeds from this sale are expected to be used to reduce debt and fund further stock buybacks, potentially enhancing shareholder value.
Low Float: With a limited number of shares available for trading, increased demand can lead to significant price movements.
Buybacks: Ongoing buybacks can continue to support the stock price.
Meme Stock Momentum: With meme stocks making a comeback, there's increased interest and activity in stocks that are short and that could drive up RILY’s stock price.
Short Squeeze Potential: Low public float, company buybacks, insider buying…mix that up and you have the recipe for a potential squeeze.
Roaring Kitty's Return: The return of Roaring Kitty, a key figure in the meme stock movement, brings renewed attention and excitement to the stock market in general.
And, guess who just chimed in on RILY earlier today? That's right—JeffAmazon from the GameStop meme trade and Netflix documentary! He made a little tweet tweet on $RILY
Additional Catalysts: What do you all think…..
Stay vigilant, stay smart, and just my thoughts—do your own due diligence and make your own decisions. NFA.
10. FAKE ARTICLE BULLSHIT FUD…………
Well, IMO even Stevie Wonder can see that the latest article on FRG is just another hatchet job. IMO the problem with creating a narrative is that the facts can’t keep up, and boy, did they fall behind here.
RILY conducted not one, but two independent investigations and found zilch issues with its FRG investment or loans made to Kahn. And guess what? No connection with Prophecy either. FRG did their own investigation and also found no connection with Prophecy. So, to call the relationship between RILY and FRG controversial is like calling a puppy dangerous—laughable.
In RILY's 10k, they marked up their FRG investment FMV $281 million to $286 million…
FRG's FY23 financials are public, and the attached table shows the maturities of their debt. In 2024, about $10.5 million in debt is maturing. Big deal. Looming debt? Hardly. The real kicker is in 2026 when about $1.5 billion of debt matures—not this year, not next. LOL.
The FRG financials clearly state they were in full compliance with their debt covenants in FY23 and fully expect to be in compliance in FY24. Yet, "the people" say FRG is down double digits in Q1. Funny timing with RILY's Q1 financials coming out on Wednesday, huh? And by the way, FRG's adjusted EBITDA for Q1 FY23 was $66 million, not the $62 million the article claims. Why not use the actual FRG public company number? Maybe because when you're rushing to write a hit piece, you just pick random numbers.
https://www.globenewswire.com/en/news-release/2023/05/10/2665414/0/en/Franchise-Group-Inc-Announces-First-Quarter-Fiscal-Year-2023-Financial-Results.html
So, according to the article, FRG is down 63% in revenue ($66 million vs. the alleged $25 million).
Sure, FRG sold Badcock and Sylvan Learning, so they might be down YoY, but down 63%?
FRG sold in FY24 Q1 Sylvan for $185 Million cash….and they’re worried about paying $10.5 million in long term debt due this year. Got it.
https://www.franchisetimes.com/franchise_mergers_and_acquisitions/unleashed-brands-buys-sylvan-learning/article_a568813e-d4c7-11ee-bb32-1f85230cfdda.html
https://preview.redd.it/lry689p16f1d1.png?width=975&format=png&auto=webp&s=0714b3b378abb528f0abb470ade0deb3d34c2d39
•5 days ago
BleepBlimpBop
NT-10Q mirrors the press release about the 5-day delay on the 10Q. It's the formal document for the SEC. It also includes estimated earnings.
13F-HR lists their investment holdings as of 3/31.
"Estimated results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2024 are summarized as follows:Cash and cash equivalents is expected to be approximately $191 million at March 31, 2024, a decrease of $41 million from $232 million at December 31, 2023. Total debt is expected to be approximately $2.19 billion, a decrease of approximately $170 million from $2.36 billion at December 31, 2023. This reflects the early redemption of approximately $115 million of senior notes during the three months ended March 31, 2024. Net loss available to common shareholders is expected to be approximately $51 million during the three months ended March 31, 2024 compared to net income available to common shareholders of $15 million in the prior year. The net loss is due to non-cash items which includes unrealized losses on investments and fair value adjustments on loans of approximately $59 million; in addition to incremental expenses of approximately $7 million incurred for professional fees relating to the filing of our 10-K and outside counsel review and subsequent independent investigation conducted as part of the previously disclosed investigation of the Audit Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors."
12. Friendly PSA: Manage your emotions
•5 days ago
BleepBlimpBop
I'm optimistic that the shorts' game will begin to fully unravel this week. This is a PSA to please manage your emotions, set your strategy intelligently, and don't get carried away by emotion.
For many longs, the past months have had a lot of negative emotion. Especially for long-time holders, who watched the full show:
· Initial short attacks
· Months of tailspin
· Months of trading sideways like an EKG
· A run up to $40
· A swift retrace -25%
· Endless vicious attacks on the company, its clients, its employees, its auditors, and on any individual who publicly states they see value in the company (including personal attacks on people on this sub)
Whether you got in years ago, and stayed for the growing business, fat dividends, and diversification...or got in last week because the short ratio is astronomical...
The recovery to fair value, whatever path it takes (squeeze, or gradual) will provoke a varied and wide range of emotions. The emotional component of investing is the hardest part.
Personally, I think it's a deep value play, and I'm not anxious to jump off the train. It's a company where insiders are huge owners, and their interests are truly aligned with shareholders. Because they're the biggest individual holders. The huge extra profit sharing dividends of 2021+ were impressive; this company rewards shareholders.
Please manage your emotions. Please invest intelligently. Please be nice to other nice people.
This isn't financial advice, but it is life advice. Manage your emotions, and make intelligent decisions.
13. RILY RS Article 76 to 83
https://www.investors.com/ibd-data-stories/b-riley-financial-shows-rising-price-performance-with-jump-to-83-rs-rating/
B. Riley Financial (RILY) saw a welcome improvement to its Relative Strength (RS) Rating on Thursday, with an increase from 76 to 83.
IBD's proprietary rating tracks share price performance with a 1 (worst) to 99 (best) score. The score shows how a stock's price performance over the trailing 52 weeks stacks up against all the other stocks in our database.
Over 100 years of market history reveals that the stocks that go on to make the biggest gains typically have an 80 or higher RS Rating as they begin their biggest climbs.
Now is not an ideal time to jump in since it isn't near a proper buy zone, but see if the stock manages to form a base and break out.
The company showed 0% EPS growth last quarter. Revenue rose -9%. The company is expected to report its latest earnings and sales numbers on or around May 15.
The company earns the No. 24 rank among its peers in the Finance-Investment Banking/Brokers industry group. Interactive Brokers (IBKR), Piper Sandler (PIPR) and Ameriprise Financial (AMP) are among the top 5 highly rated stocks within the group.

14. Announcement of 2024 Annual Meeting June 21st
https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgadata/0001464790/000121390024041725/ea0205510-01.htm
15. Repost: $RILY DD: The real price potential...when the stock is a solid/growing company (not just a squeeze).
9 days ago
BleepBlimpBop
In response to multiple requests, reposting my DD on price potential from 2 months ago. Will hopefully facilitate intelligent thought about price potential.
--------
Many have been speculating about the squeeze price potential (75.72% of free float shorted per Fintel). Lots of posts discussing "how high" and "how soon." As others have observed, correctly, no one knows.
However, I think we can look at financials, and past price, to get a good indication of a reasonable range, after any "squeeze dust settles."
Let's recognize a few things:
A) It's a growing, and historically very profitable business. It's not GME (dying company with obsolete business model).
B) It rewards its shareholders with regular dividends, and large special dividends when profits are high.
C) It spent a year (early 2021 to early 2022) around $70/share. Plus or minus $20. High of $90.
D) July 2023 $100MM share offering was at $55, with lots of institutional interest, and lots of employee interest (7% of the new shares). It was only a small discount to the $60 stock price at the time (often, the offerings are at a much greater discount to induce institutions to invest).
· Institutions do their due diligence - they don't buy unless they think it's a good deal.
· Same with employees!
E) It didn't tank because their business model is obsolete (i.e., GME issue). It tanked because of:
· Short seller reports spewing fear, uncertainty, and doubt.
· Rampant flimsy speculation
· Poor earnings during a crappy time for investment banking (their main business), and some unfavorable mark-to-market of some of their investments.
· Note that RILY makes a business of supporting and investing in companies in distress. When they provide financial options, they also actively help the company right the business. That process takes time, so there's often interim volatility in the value of their assets. But their historical investment returns and recovery rates seem to be very good. Profitable, but can create volatility in the books as it plays out.
· Character assassinations.
F) From the looks of it, now that Reg Sho is in place, a concerted group using naked short selling, spoofing bid/ask, keeping a cash account to sell shares and manipulate low volume (all speculations, but notice the radical difference in how it trades now that there's regulator scrutiny and forced settlement - as well as observant people here and on Twitter calling out the egregious observable issues in the trading action)
G) It's continued to grow since 2021/2022 (look at the investor presentation in December). They've continued to disclose deal flow and make acquisitions since.
What does that all mean?
A) $70-90 would be a reasonable steady-state price if the shorts moved on, profitability returns to normal levels, and the company was the same size as 2021-2022.
B) Significantly higher than $70-90 would be a reasonable steady-state, given growth in the company, and a return to historical scale of profitability.
· You can also bet-your-bottom-dollar they're going to make sure their balance sheet is IRONCLAD go forward, and they do a better job of explaining their business.
· Management owns a huge chunk of the business, and they'll **never** want to be susceptible to this crap again.
C) A squeeze could have one of two impacts:
· Return the business to a reasonable steady-state price (e.g., $70-100+)
· Accelerate the company well above a steady-state price, where it could remain for an extended period, or return to a normal steady-state price.
D) A squeeze isn't necessary to return this to a steady-state price. Just time... Company executes, shorts pay high borrow fees, shorts hedged positions decay.
How do I think about it?
· I'd love to see the slightly-slower-road to steady-state.
· I'd love love to see the fast road back to steady-state.
· I'd love love love to see this thing shoot well beyond any reasonable steady-state, and bankrupt the most vocal short sellers. By all appearances, they rank among the more degenerate of their species.
· For those that sell early, they'll be sad watching from the sidelines. The road may not be linear, but I think it's paved with gold.
These are my thoughts. Not financial advice. To the moon, baby.
16. $RILY- “They can win by doing nothing
12 days ago
Outrageous_Appeal_89 “
Whitebrook capital assessment addressing cohodes&co BS at the peak of their false accusations and in a polite way stating short funds were making things up (misinformation & manipulation ). It seems $RILY is executing on some of the recommendations Whitebrook capital had - share buy back and bond buy back has been executed and continues to be executed on. Whether you invest in $RILY for the long term prospects or the short squeeze that can be triggered any day as lie after lie is exposed. Bottom line is the fair value of $RILY is a lot higher then where it currently trades. We will get a better idea whether share prices deserves to be in the 50s or 60s as we get an update on GAG valuation. Seems many here forget that $RILY creates value by turning companies around and then monetize, this process takes time , they have been able to do this successfully, repeatedly over the years.
https://preview.redd.it/uiisruq36f1d1.png?width=792&format=png&auto=webp&s=e6c32c04877ae21b51cb8a99cee0aef17cdb32c4
17. 3 Videos from Value Don’t Lie on Youtube talking about Financials of RILY and overall company valuation
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kRenvff8duE&t=1s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EoaCZw7AmpA&t
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7_Ayoox3fvM
18. Getting around the NBBO and Longing the Box
So let this sink in… the market opens and in 5 minutes we rally to $34.42, then over the next 15 minutes we drop to $28.80 at which point SSR was triggered and sell volume slows WAY the hell down. That drop was ALL short sellers and NO longs selling shares (otherwise the sell-off wouldnt have stopped literally minutes after SSR triggered). NOW, what the scumbag shorts are doing is going Long Against The Box.
19. Steve Cohen and Point 72 buy 24,917 shares long on May 15th
https://preview.redd.it/fhdhyco46f1d1.png?width=975&format=png&auto=webp&s=6600f6a9a3f0bc5bc8823cddb5f52defdf282063
20. Summarize this earnings call and keep pertinent quotes and data in the summary.
https://filecache.investorroom.com/mr5ir_briley2/925/RILY_1Q24_Earnings_Release_vFINAL.pdf
Chat GPT Summary of the full report below
B. Riley Financial, Inc. (NASDAQ: RILY) reported its first-quarter 2024 financial results, showcasing resilience and operational strength despite facing challenging market conditions and unique internal events. Here's a summary with a positive outlook:

First Quarter

2024 Highlights:

1. Quarterly Dividend Declaration:
  • B. Riley declared a quarterly dividend of $0.50 per share, reflecting the company's commitment to returning value to shareholders. The dividend will be paid on or about June 11, 2024, to shareholders of record as of May 27, 2024.
2. Operational Performance:
  • Despite reporting a net loss of $51 million, the company's core operating businesses demonstrated solid performance. This loss was primarily due to non-cash, unrealized investment losses.
  • Total revenues for the quarter were $343 million. Operating revenues, excluding investment-related impacts, were $379 million, showcasing the underlying strength of the company's operations.
3. Strategic Debt Management:
  • B. Riley successfully retired $115 million of its 6.75% 2024 Senior Notes and repaid $57 million of bank debt facilities and notes payable. This strategic move highlights the company's focus on strengthening its balance sheet and reducing interest expenses.
4. Cash and Investments:
  • As of March 31, 2024, the company had total cash and cash equivalents of $191 million and total cash and investments of $1.61 billion, providing a robust liquidity position to support ongoing operations and future investments.
5. Segment Performance:
  • B. Riley Advisory Services: Delivered its strongest first-quarter results in the firm's history, driven by increased demand for appraisals, bankruptcy restructuring, litigation consulting, and real estate services.
  • B. Riley Securities: Benefited from a steady dealmaking environment, generating higher fee income despite a decrease in overall capital markets segment revenues.
  • Wealth Management: Continued to improve operating margins and managed $25.8 billion in assets by quarter-end.
  • Communications: Provided steady cash flow, contributing to the platform's stability.
  • Consumer Products (Targus): While facing macro headwinds in the PC market, Targus remains a leader in its sector, poised for growth as the market stabilizes.

Leadership Insights:

  • Bryant Riley, Chairman and Co-CEO, emphasized the company's operational stability and strategic focus amidst challenging conditions. The firm's resilience is attributed to the dedication of its employees and robust core business performance.
  • Tom Kelleher, Co-CEO, highlighted the impressive performance of B. Riley Advisory Services and the steady contributions from B. Riley Securities and Wealth Management. He expressed optimism about Targus's potential recovery and the company's strategic investments.

Looking Ahead:

B. Riley's strategic initiatives, such as debt reduction and selective investments, position the company for continued success. The ongoing strategic review of its Great American Group retail liquidation and appraisal businesses indicates a proactive approach to optimizing its portfolio. The firm remains committed to delivering value to its shareholders through dividends and operational excellence.
In summary, B. Riley Financial's first-quarter 2024 results underscore its strong operational foundation and strategic foresight, positioning it well for future growth and shareholder value creation.
20. State of the Stock
15 days ago
UF_Secret_Account
Not financial advice, do your own research. Don't take advice from the internet, consult a professional financial advisor.
On April 19th, the stock closed at $19.99. Today, it is over 50% higher after a positive 10-K clearing the company of fraud allegations.
The stock touched $40 on April 26 and 29, a 100% gain from a week prior.
The short interest has remained relatively consistent during the move, with 10-11 million shares still short. However, given the time lapsed, I think it's safe to assume that most of those shares were covered and re-shorted in the last two weeks. For future research, we should assume they have an average $35 entry on their short positions.
1st quarter earnings are coming soon. Like many of you, I am a little curious that it hasn't been announced yet, but I have no concerns with everything the company has on its plate. 10-Q's are unaudited and it's very unlikely there is anything to be concerned about, in my opinion.
The company could be coming to the end of their strategic review for GAG. That will eventually result in some additional financial statement adjustments for presentation.
I would expect 1st quarter earnings to be good based on their deal flow and reported transactions.
In November 2023, the board approved $50m for stock buybacks. The company repurchased 728,330 shares at an average price of $21.85, but mainly bought shares in November. That's $16 million spent, and means the company had $34 million approved to buy back stock at year end. The program continues through October 2024. At our current price, that would be 1.1 million shares (3.3% of the outstanding stock).
That is significant for a stock with this many outstanding shares, but more significant for the number of freely traded shares which is far less. How many times have we seen huge price moves on small blocks of shares? If the company adds $10-15 million to that program, that's another 300,000-500,000 shares. Again, it doesn't sound like a huge number but it would add pressure to what will become a dire situation for the shorts.
The shorts may decide not to cover, or to continue the strategy of taking their losses and re-shorting, but their ability to influence the stock back to a level where they truly profit is nonexistent in my opinion, particularly when volume dies between market-moving events.
I am eyeing the $50-$55 range as my price target in the next move up.
21. NOTE on FRG Independent Auditor’s Report
One of the positive things I see IMO was for the billion dollar loan that matures in 2026. “On July 2, 2021, the Company repaid $182.1 million of principal of the First Lien Term Loan using cash proceeds from the sale of the Liberty Tax business. The prepayment also satisfied the requirements for the quarterly principal payments so no additional principal payments with respect to the First Lien Term Loans (excluding the Incremental First Lien Term Loan) are due until the First Lien Term Loan maturity date.” To me this gives them some flexibility for their cash as there isn’t much long term debt due in 2024 or 2025.
https://preview.redd.it/ib92t7e66f1d1.png?width=975&format=png&auto=webp&s=df286021b0653db92122e33df0ed37f1068a0c6c
22. on May 3rd Cohodes or someone else got media to report 4th quarter from last year as q1 earnings this year. Which was a lie and FUD
https://preview.redd.it/nlau48276f1d1.png?width=623&format=png&auto=webp&s=832695b6c331c3df6dbcb861dc90551ee42a036a
23. B. Riley Financial Announces Full Redemption of 6.75% SR Notes Due 2024
17 days ago Wolfiger
LOS ANGELES, May 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- B. Riley Financial, Inc. (NASDAQ: RILY) ("B. Riley" or the "Company") today announced that it has called for the full redemption equal to $25,000,000 aggregate principal amount of its 6.75% Senior Notes due 2024 (the "Notes") on May 31, 2024 (the "Redemption Date").
The redemption price is equal to 100% of the aggregate principal amount, plus any accrued and unpaid interest up to, but excluding, the Redemption Date, as set forth in each notice of redemption delivered to noteholders on May 1, 2024.
https://ir.brileyfin.com/2024-05-01-B-Riley-Financial-Announces-Full-Redemption-of-6-75-Senior-Notes-due-2024
24. 8k filed May 1st for Nasdaq Compliance
25. Found management bonus if above 136 by October. Did anybody else know that a part of managements comp was in the form of Performance-based Restricted Stocks Units with a vesting date of 10/27/24 AND A HURDLE PRICE OF $135?!?
https://preview.redd.it/wo2uh54k5f1d1.png?width=547&format=png&auto=webp&s=8b6dedf28ec845b2170647674f5b39b6eaac96a1

submitted by dnelson2408 to RILYStock [link] [comments]

2024.05.19 19:30 beingsadique Australia Itinerary 14 Days: Explore Down Under

Australia Itinerary 14 Days: Explore Down Under
Australia image
Welcome to your ultimate 14-day adventure in Australia. This meticulously planned itinerary is designed to give you a complete experience of the diverse landscapes and vibrant cities that this incredible country has to offer. Whether you are embarking on an 'Australia tour package from Kolkata' or planning your trip independently, this guide will help you maximize your time and explore the best of Down Under.

Day 1: Arrival in Sydney

Upon your arrival in Sydney, you'll start your journey by exploring The Rocks and Circular Quay. The Rocks is a historic area with cobblestone streets, charming cafes, and bustling markets. Circular Quay offers stunning views of the Sydney Harbour and is the perfect spot to begin your Australian adventure.

Day 2: Sydney

Today, visit two of Sydney's most iconic landmarks - the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge. Take a guided tour of the Opera House to learn about its fascinating history and architectural brilliance. Later, you can walk across the Harbour Bridge or, for the more adventurous, climb to its summit for breathtaking views of the city.

Day 3: Sydney

Take a day trip to the Blue Mountains National Park. This UNESCO World Heritage site offers stunning vistas, charming villages, and the famous Three Sisters rock formation. Enjoy bushwalking, scenic railway rides, and the tranquil beauty of this natural wonder.

Day 4: Sydney to Melbourne

Fly to Melbourne and spend the day discovering its laneways, street art, and vibrant coffee culture. Stroll through the bustling streets, visit Federation Square, and indulge in Melbourne's renowned culinary scene.

Day 5: Melbourne

Embark on a road trip along the Great Ocean Road, one of the world's most scenic coastal drives. Marvel at the dramatic cliffs, pristine beaches, and the iconic Twelve Apostles rock formations.

Day 6: Melbourne to Cairns

Arrive in Cairns and take the day to relax and unwind. Explore the local markets, or simply enjoy the serene coastal atmosphere.

Day 7: Cairns

A full-day tour of the Great Barrier Reef awaits you. Snorkel or dive in the world's largest coral reef system, home to an abundance of marine life and vibrant coral formations.

Day 8: Cairns

Visit the Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation. Experience the lush rainforest, unique wildlife, and the point where the rainforest meets the Great Barrier Reef.

Day 9: Cairns to Alice Springs

Fly to Alice Springs and spend the day exploring this unique outback town. Visit the Alice Springs Desert Park and learn about Aboriginal culture and desert ecosystems.

Day 10: Alice Springs

Take a day trip to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Witness the majestic Uluru at sunrise or sunset, and explore the mystical rock formations of Kata Tjuta.

Day 11: Alice Springs to Darwin

Arrive in Darwin and enjoy a relaxing evening watching the sunset at Mindil Beach, famous for its vibrant night markets and stunning views.

Day 12: Darwin

Spend the day exploring Kakadu National Park. This UNESCO World Heritage site is rich with Aboriginal culture, wildlife, and incredible landscapes.

Day 13: Darwin

Take a day tour to Litchfield National Park. Enjoy its pristine waterfalls, crystal-clear swimming holes, and lush monsoon forests.

Day 14: Departure from Darwin

Conclude your Australian adventure on a high note. Reflect on the incredible experiences and memories made before departing from Darwin.

Conclusion

Australia Itinerary 14 Days provides an unparalleled opportunity to explore the vast and diverse landscapes of this stunning continent. From the bustling streets of Sydney to the awe-inspiring Great Barrier Reef, this itinerary ensures that travelers witness the very best of Down Under. Each location, meticulously chosen, offers a unique and unforgettable experience, making this adventure a perfect blend of urban explorations, natural wonders, and deep cultural insights.
Each stop promises unique experiences, with highlights like the Blue Mountains, Melbourne's arts scene, and the Great Ocean Road. Carefully curated for maximum enjoyment, this itinerary offers hassle-free adventures and profound discoveries.

Call to Action

If you are ready to embark on this once-in-a-lifetime journey, don't hesitate to take the next step. We invite you to book your dream tour by reaching out to us directly. Contact us via phone or email to secure your spot and ensure you don't miss out on this extraordinary australia tour package from Kolkata. Embrace the adventure of a lifetime and make memories that will last forever.
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submitted by beingsadique to ItineraryLab [link] [comments]

2024.05.19 19:25 daisho87 [FLASH] 1989 Batmobile (76139) - 111 spots @ $4ea

DO NOT ADD A COMMENT TO YOUR PAYMENT; IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE MESSAGE ME BEFORE PAYING;
Item Name Set Number: 1989 Batmobile (76139)
Lego Price: $385.64
Shipping: 13lbs, 24 x 16 x 9, 99016 to 33136 UPS Ground = $58.17
Raffle Total/Spots: $444/111 spots @ $4 each
Price justification: BE 5/7
Call spots: Yes
Spot limit per person: Yes - 3
Duration of spot limit: 30min - wait for announcement
Location(Country): USA
Will ship international: US / Canada only - Canada / HI / AK / APO pay difference
Timestamp pics: https://imgur.com/a/0a2v3NJ
Description: The most intimidating Lego set in recent history. This thing is a beast and one of my absolute favorite builds. Slight box damage - see pics.
Payment required w/in 15 minutes of raffle filling. 10 minutes for drama.
DO NOT ADD A COMMENT TO YOUR PAYMENT; IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE MESSAGE ME BEFORE PAYING;

PayPal Info: https://www.paypal.me
Cash App Info: https://cash.app
​
Tip BlobAndHisBoy
Number of vacant slots: 74
Number of unpaid users: 8
Number of unpaid slots: 29
This slot list is created and updated by The EDC Raffle Tool by BlobAndHisBoy.
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submitted by daisho87 to lego_raffles [link] [comments]

2024.05.19 19:22 TyronDerBoi Does someone have Ingenious work to gift?🥹

Does someone have Ingenious work to gift?🥹 submitted by TyronDerBoi to Monopoly_GO [link] [comments]

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600i Explorer BIS 2951 + Paint & Jacket LTI $400 -
890 JUMP - IAE 10 years - $1250
A1 SPIRIT LTI $160 -
A1 SPIRIT + Intrepid Paint LTI - $255
A2 HERCULES LTI $735 -
A2 HERCULES - IAE 2949 10 years - $750
Ares Inferno LTI $235 -
Ares ION LTI $235 -
Argo MOLE LTI $299 -
AVENGER STALKER LTI $60 -
AVENGER WARLOCK LTI $85 -
Avenger Titan - IAE 2949 10 years - $67
APOLLO TRIAGE LTI $235 -
APOLLO MEDIVAC LTI $260 -
ARROW LTI $75 -
BALLISTA LTI $125 -
BUCCANEER LTI $115 -
BLADE LTI $245 -
C1 SPIRIT LTI $110 -
C2 HERCULES LTI $385 -
CARRACK LTI $585 -
CATERPILLAR LTI $255🔥 -
CATERPILLAR BEST IN SHOW EDITION LTI $333 -
CENTURION LTI $105 -
CONSTELLATION TAURUS 🚚 LTI $175 -
CONSTELLATION ANDROMEDA LTI $225 -
CONSTELLATION AQUILA LTI $295 -
CORSAIR LTI $189🔥 -
CORSAIR + Name Reservation LTI - $777
CRUCIBLE LTI $335 -
CUTLASS BLACK LTI $99 -
CUTLASS BLACK BEST IN SHOW EDITION LTI $110 -
CUTLASS RED 🚑 LTI $120 -
CUTLASS BLUE 10 years - $175
CUTLASS BLUE LTI $160 -
CUTTER LTI $70 -
CUTTER SCOUT LTI $80 -
C8R PISCES LTI $65 -
C8X PISCES EXPEDITION - IAE 2949 10 years - $62
CYDNUS LTI - In Development
DEFENDER 🛸 LTI $185 -
DRAKE DRAGONFLY RIDE TOGETHER TWO-PACK LTI - $190
E1 SPIRIT LTI $135 -
E1 SPIRIT + Olympia Paint LTI - $235
ECLIPSE LTI $265 -
ENDEAVOR BASE LTI $335 -
EXPANSE LTI $135 -
F7A HORNET LTI - In Development
F7C HORNET LTI $112 -
F7C-S HORNET GHOST LTI $110 -
F7C-R HORNET TRACKER LTI $125 -
F7C HORNET WILDFIRE LTI $160 -
F7C-M SUPER HORNET LTI $165 -
F7C-M SUPER HORNET HEARTSEEKER LTI $180 -
F8C LIGHTNING LTI - In Development
FREELANCER LTI $100 -
FREELANCER DUR LTI $120 -
FREELANCER MAX 🚚 LTI $135 -
FREELANCER MIS LTI $160 -
Fury +Leatherback Paint LTI - $80
Fury MX +Leatherback Paint LTI - $80
GALAXY + Protector Paint LTI - $450
GALAXY LTI $365 -
GENESIS Starliner LTI $385 -
GLADIATOR LTI $150 -
GLADIUS LTI $90 -
GLADIUS VALIANT LTI $110 -
GLAIVE 🛸 LTI $295 -
HAWK LTI $102 -
HAMMERHEAD LTI $710 -
HERALD LTI $85 -
HOVERQUAD LTI - $50
HULL A LTI $90 -
HULL B LTI $125 -
HULL C LTI - -
HULL D LTI - -
HULL E 10 years - $777
HURRICANE LTI $180 -
KHARTU-AL 🛸 LTI $155 -
LIBERATOR LTI $560 -
LYNX + Moonrise Paint LTI - $105
M2 HERCULES LTI $505 -
M50 INTERCEPTOR LTI $102 -
MANTIS LTI $135 -
MERCHANTMAN LTI $585 -
MERCURY STAR RUNNER 10 years - $250
MERCURY STAR RUNNER LTI $199🔥 -
MERCURY STAR RUNNER BIS 2951 + Paint & Jacket LTI $210 -
MPUV Cargo - ILW 10 years - $40
NAUTILUS LTI $710 -
NOMAD LTI $80 $110
NOVA TANK LTI $110 -
ODYSSEY LTI $685 -
ORIGIN G12 (Touring) LTI - $78
ORIGIN G12A (Combat) LTI - $88
ORIGIN G12R (Racing) LTI - $78
ORION LTI $560 -
P-72 ARCHIMEDES EMERALD LTI $150 -
PERSEUS LTI $660 -
PERSEUS - ILW 10 years - $690
PERSEUS + Thundercloud Paint - VIP Exclusive LTI - $900
PIONEER - IAE 10 years - $1150
POLARIS LTI $745 -
POLARIS - ILW 10 years - $760
PROSPECTOR LTI $140 -
PROWLER LTI $360 -
RAILEN 🛸🚚 LTI $190 -
RAFT 🚚 LTI $115 -
RANGER CV LTI - -
RANGER RC 10 years - $50
RANGER TR 10 years - $50
RAZOR LTI $130 -
RAZOR LX LTI $135 -
RAZOR EX LTI $140 -
RETALIATOR BASE LTI $135 -
RETALIATOR BOMBER 10 years - $280
RETALIATOR BOMBER LTI $260 -
RECLAIMER LTI $385 -
REDEEMER LTI $310 -
REDEEMER - ILW 10 years - $300
RELIANT KORE LTI $65 -
RELIANT TANA (SKIRMISHER) LTI $80 -
RELIANT SEN (RESEARCHER) LTI $90 -
RELIANT MAKO (NEWS VAN) LTI $95 -
ROC LTI - $140
ROC Subscribers Exclusive LTI $60 -
ROC Subscribers Exclusive 12m - $54
ROC-DS LTI $75 -
SAN'TOK.YĀI LTI $205 $400
SABRE LTI $155 -
SABRE COMET LTI $170 -
SCORPIUS ANTARES LTI $181 -
SCORPIUS LTI $191 -
SPARTAN LTI $80 $100
STARFARER LTI $285 -
STARFARER GEMINI LTI $270 -
STORM + Summit Paint LTI - $130
STV + Blue Steel Paint LTI - $55
SRV LTI $135 -
TALON LTI $115 -
TALON SHRIKE LTI $118 -
TERRAPIN LTI $205 -
VANGUARD HOPLITE LTI $220 -
VANGUARD WARDEN LTI $245 -
VANGUARD SENTINEL LTI $260 -
VANGUARD HARBINGER LTI $275 -
VALKYRIE LTI $270 -
VALKYRIE BIS 2950 10 years - -
VULCAN LTI $185 -
VULTURE LTI $135🔥 -
X1 BASELINE EDITION LTI - -
X1 FORCE EDITION LTI - -
X1 VELOCITY EDITION LTI - -
Zeus Mk II ES +Solstice Paint LTI - $235
Zeus Mk II CL +Solstice Paint LTI - $235
Zeus Mk II MR +Solstice Paint LTI - $270

⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️

⛵CLICK HERE TO PLACE AN ORDER ⛵

 

⚜️ ➤ SHIP PAINTS:

Item Price
2951 Auspicious Red Paint Pack $22
2952 Auspicious Red Paint Pack $24
Nomad - 2951 Auspicious Red Paint $11
Freelancer - 2951 Auspicious Red Paint $14
Constellation - 2952 Auspicious Red Paint $14
Sabre - 2952 Auspicious Red Paint $12
Lovestruck Paint Pack $26
HoverQuad - Lovestruck Paint $8
MPUV - Lovestruck Paint $8
Cyclone - Lovestruck Paint $8
Arrow - Lovestruck Paint $8
Nomad - Lovestruck Paint $10
RAFT - Lovestruck Paint $10
SRV - Lovestruck Paint $11
Scorpius - Lovestruck Paint $14
Ares - Lovestruck Paint $14
Mole - Lovestruck Paint $16
Ghoulish Green 4 Paint Pack $32
Mule - Ghoulish Green Paint $6
Herald - Ghoulish Green Paint $8
Vulture - Ghoulish Green Paint $12
Caterpillar - Ghoulish Green Paint $12
Buccaneer - Ghoulish Green Paint $9
Cutlass - Ghoulish Green Paint $8
Dragonfly - Ghoulish Green Paint $8
Avenger - Invictus 2950 Blue and Gold Paint $10
Aurora - Invictus 2950 Blue and Gold Paint $10
Constellation - 2950 Invictus Blue and Gold Paint $18
Cyclone - Invictus Blue and Gold Paint $8
Galaxy - Protector Paint $15
Gladius - Invictus Blue and Gold Paint $12
Gladius - Solar Winds Paint $11
Hawk - Invictus Blue and Gold Paint $10
Hercules Starlifter - Invictus Blue and Gold Paint $20
Hornet - Invictus Blue and Gold Paint $10
Reliant - Invictus Blue and Gold Paint $8
Retaliator - Invictus Blue and Gold Paint $28
Vanguard - Invictus Blue and Gold Paint $18
Aphorite Mining Paint Pack $35
Dolivine Mining Paint Pack $35
Hadanite Mining Paint Pack $35
Overdrive Racing Paint Pack $11
Slipstream Racing Paint Pack $11
Turbocharged Racing Paint Pack $11
Aspire Paint Pack $18
Central Tower Paint Pack $18
Hosanna Paint Pack $18
100 Series - Sand Wave Paint $8
100 Series - Melrose Paint $8
400i - Meridian Paint $20
400i - Penumbra Paint $20
600i - Cold Forge Paint $14
600i - Sterling Paint $19
Arrastra - Nocturne Paint $17🔥
Aurora ILW 2950 Paint Pack $18
Aurora - Light and Dark Grey Paint $8
Aurora - Green and Gold Paint $8
Avenger ILW 2950 Paint Pack $20
Avenger - Solar Winds Paint $10
Avenger - Copernicus Paint $8
Avenger - Kepler Paint $8
Avenger - De Biasio Paint $8
Centurion - Beachhead Paint $8
Constellation ILW 2950 Paint Pack $27
Constellation - Dark Green Paint $13
Cutlass Black - Skull & Crossbones Paint $12
Defender - Platinum Paint $15
Defender - Harmony Paint $15
LIBERATOR - VIP exclusive Condor Paint $33🔥
Mercury Star Runner - 2951 Fortuna Paint $14
MOLE Aphorite Paint $12
MOLE Dolivine Paint $12
MOLE Hadanite Paint $12
Nox - Harmony Paint $8
Odyssey - Windrider Paint $28
PERSEUS - A VIP exclusive, the Thundercloud Paint $33🔥
Prospector Aphorite Paint $11
Prospector Dolivine Paint $11
Prospector Hadanite Paint $11
Prowler - Ocellus Paint $20
Prowler - Harmony Paint $20
Railen - Hyaotan Paint $20
Retaliator ILW 2950 Paint Pack $38
Reclaimer Aphorite Paint $15
Reclaimer Dolivine Paint $15
Reclaimer Hadanite Paint $15
ROC Aphorite Paint $7
ROC Dolivine Paint $7
ROC Hadanite Paint $7
Scorpius - Stinger Paint $30
Scorpius - Tiburon Paint $12
STV - Blue Steel Paint $5
Talon - Cobalt Paint $10
Talon - Crimson Paint $10
Talon - Ocellus Paint $10
Talon - Harmony Paint $10
Talon - Paint Pack $30
Valkyrie ILW 2950 Paint Pack $40
Vanguard - Solar Winds Paint $15
Zeus Mk II - Solstice Paint $12
 

⚜️ ➤ SUBSCRIBERS EXCLUSIVE SETS:

Set Includes Price
Takuetsu Replica Figurines 6 exhibits $35
Kastak Arms Custodian SMG CitizenCon 2947 Edition 1 item $30
Atzkav "DEADEYE" Sniper rifle 1 item $10
Yubarev "DEADEYE" Pistol 1 item $10
WowBlast "Blue" Desperado Toy Pistol 1 item $8
WowBlast "Orange" Desperado Toy Pistol 1 item $8
WowBlast "Red" Desperado Toy Pistol 1 item $8
WowBlast "Teal" Desperado Toy Pistol 1 item $8
Overlord Helmets DOUBLE TROUBLE 2 items $7
Overlord Helmets FORCES OF NATURE 2 items $7
Overlord Helmets SILENT STRIKE 2 items $7
Overlord "Dust Storm" Armor Set 3 items $9
Overlord "Predator" Armor Set 3 items $9
Overlord "Riptide" Armor Set 3 items $9
Overlord "Stinger" Armor Set 3 items $9
Overlord "Supernova" Armor Set 3 items $9
Overlord "Switchback" Armor Set 3 items $9
Caudillo Helmets Pack 1 2 items $8
Caudillo Helmets Pack 2 2 items $8
Caudillo Helmets Pack 3 2 items $8
NIGHTFIRE - Paladin Helmet 1 item $6
SINGULARITY - Paladin Helmet 1 item $6
ICEBORN - Paladin Helmet 1 item $6
Fieldsbury Dark Bear Helmet 1 item $8
Fieldsbury Dark Bear Helmet – ORANGE 1 item $8
Fieldsbury Dark Bear Helmet – LIME 1 item $8
Fieldsbury Dark Bear Helmet – BLUEBERRY 1 item $8
Fieldsbury Dark Bear Helmet – GRAPE 1 item $8
Fieldsbury Dark Bear Helmet – GUAVA 1 item $8
Fieldsbury Dark Bear Sinister SIX-PACK 6 items $26
Giocoso Helmet - Azure 1 item $7
Giocoso Helmet - Ivory 1 item $7
Giocoso Helmet - Obsidian 1 item $7
Giocoso Helmet - Triple Pack 1 item $15
Sawtooth "Sirocco" Combat Knife 1 item $5
Sawtooth "Squall" Combat Knife 1 item $5
Sawtooth "Bloodstone" Combat Knife 1 item $5
Pyro RYT "Ghost" Multi-Tool 1 item $6
Pyro RYT "Mirage" Multi-Tool 1 item $6
Pyro RYT "Bloodline" Multi-Tool 1 item $6
GP-33 Mod "ASHFALL" Grenade Launcher 1 item $9
GP-33 Mod "COPPERHEAD" Grenade Launcher 1 item $9
GP-33 Mod "THUNDERCLAP" Grenade Launcher 1 item $9
Aves Armor & Helmet Set 4 items $16
Aves Talon Shrike Armor and Helmet Set 4 items $16
Aves Talon Armor and Helmet Set 4 items $16
Neoni "Jami" Helmet 1 item $7
Neoni "Onna" Helmet 1 item $7
Neoni "Tengubi" Helmet 1 item $7
Star Kitten Set 4 items $14
Star Kittyen "SALLY" Set 4 items $14
Star Kittyen "DAMON" Set 4 items $14
Pembroke RSI Sunburst Exploration Armor 3 items $15
Pembroke RSI Ivory Exploration Armor 3 items $15
Pembroke RSI Graphite Exploration Armor 3 items $15
Morozov Aftershock Armor 5 items $15
Morozov Terracotta Armor 5 items $15
Morozov Thule Armor 5 items $15
Sakura Fun Green ORC-mkX Armor Bobblehead 1 item $7
Sakura Fun Blue ORC-mkX Armor Bobblehead 1 item $7
Sakura Fun White ORC-mkX Armor Bobblehead 1 item $7
Zeus Exploration Suit 3 items $15
Zeus Exploration Suit Solar 3 items $15
Zeus Exploration Suit Starscape 3 items $15
Xanthule Flight Suit 2 items $13
Xanthule Sehya Flight Suit 2 items $13
Xanthule Tahn Flight Suit 2 items $13
CSP-68L Backpack Night Camo 1 item $6
CSP-68L Backpack Cayman 1 item $6
CSP-68L Backpack Forest Camo 1 item $6
CitizenCon 2951 Digital Goodies 7 items $10
CitizenCon 2951 Trophy 7 items $10
 

⚜️➤ SHIP UPGRADES - CROSS-CHASSIS UPGRADES (CCUs, upgrades), some upgrades can be chain in few steps CCU's:

SHIP TARGET SHIP < Upgrade from Price
400I
400I < CONSTELLATION ANDROMEDA $15
600I EXPLORER
600I EXPLORER < PROWLER $70
ARROW
ARROW < AURORA MR $50
ARROW < MUSTANG ALPHA $50
ARROW < C8X PISCES EXPEDITION $35
ARROW < 100i $30
ARROW < AVENGER TITAN $25
ARROW < RELIANT KORE $15
CATERPILLAR BEST IN SHOW EDITION
CATERPILLAR BISE < VANGUARD HARBINGER $100
CORSAIR
CORSAIR < TAURUS $60
CRUCIBLE
CRUCIBLE < STARFARER GEMINI $21
CUTLASS BLACK BEST IN SHOW EDITION
CUTLASS BLACK BISE < GLADIUS $70
CUTLASS RED Subscriber
CUTLASS RED Subscriber < F7C-S HORNET GHOST $25
CUTLASS BLUE
CUTLASS BLUE < PROSPECTOR $30
DEFENDER
DEFENDER < CORSAIR $15
DEFENDER < HORNET F7C-M HEARTSEEKER $37
GLADIUS
GLADIUS < AURORA MR $65
GLADIUS < MUSTANG ALPHA $65
GLADIUS < C8X PISCES EXPEDITION $50
GLADIUS < 100i $45
GLADIUS < AVENGER TITAN $40
GLADIUS < RELIANT KORE $30
GLADIUS < ARROW $20
HAMMERHEAD
HAMMERHEAD < CARRACK $150
HAMMERHEAD < CARRACK EXPEDITION W/C8X $100
HULL C
HULL C < CATERPILLAR $175
MERCHANTMAN
MERCHANTMAN < STARFARER GEMINI $300
MERCHANTMAN < ARGO MOLE $345
NAUTILUS
NAUTILUS < CARRACK $175
PERSEUS
PERSEUS < CARRACK Expedition W/C8X $40
PERSEUS < CARRACK $90
PERSEUS < ORION $115
PERSEUS < 600I EXPLORER $220
PERSEUS < MERCHANTMAN $248
PERSEUS < ARGO MOLE $380
PERSEUS < ANDROMEDA $485
POLARIS
POLARIS < PERSEUS $70
POLARIS < HAMMERHEAD $70
POLARIS < NAUTILUS $60
POLARIS < CARRACK $250
RECLAIMER BIS 2949
RECLAIMER BIS 2949 < VALKYRIE $300
SAN'TOK.YĀI
SAN'TOK.YĀI < HORNET F7C-M HEARTSEEKER $37

⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️

⛵CLICK HERE TO PLACE AN ORDER ⛵

submitted by Freeman_Alex to Starcitizen_trades [link] [comments]

2024.05.19 18:23 dialogdog [Complete] [118k] [SciFi/Alternate history] Mission Butterfly: A quest to save the future

Blurb:
What if you could go back in time …
… and kick a few Baby Boomer butts?
When they came to forks in the road, Boomers often took the wrong one.
In Mission: Butterfly, three “Post-Tippers” – a generation raised after the calamitous climate tipping point of 2025 – go back to the mid-20th century to set a few key people straight. But multi-national cartels, not quite finished ruining the planet, try to stop them.
As we learned in Stephen King’s 11/22/63, you can’t muscle history. The Mission: Butterfly team uses finesse instead. They nudge their targets to make different choices, creating ripples in time that profoundly change history. What if the Vietnam War didn’t happen? If J. Edgar Hoover’s racist snooping had been exposed earlier? If Native Americans’ occupation of Alcatraz had succeeded in winning reparations for indigenous people?
Like Jake Tapper’s “Charlie and Margaret Marder" mystery series, debut author Steve Krizman peppers this sprawling tale with believe-it-or-not history nuggets and surprising celebrity cameos. He exposes the political, economic, and religious roots of human-caused climate change.
TV series like The Man in the High Castle and For All Mankind, imagine “what could have been.” Mission: Butterfly aims higher: By revealing the far-reaching consequences of each individual’s actions and decisions, it causes us to wonder “what can be.”
Request:
After months of working and reworking -- with the help of friends and family -- I need fresh eyes. I ask my Beta Readers to:
I'm not in a great hurry, but would like to have feedback within four weeks. If you just can't get through it all, tell me where you stopped and why.
I am willing to swap manuscripts.
submitted by dialogdog to BetaReaders [link] [comments]

2024.05.19 18:05 IUsedToBeRasAlGhul [Star Wars] I find it funny people bitch about Obi-Wan's absolutes line instead of him having an allegiance to democracy

So at the climax of Revenge of the Sith, when Anakin has gone all 9/11 and is flailing about in his lifelong misery while taking the galaxy down with him, he and Obi-Wan start arguing about political differences, religious beliefs, and whether it’s morally acceptable to murder hundreds if not thousands of people along the way to get there. Obi-Wan takes the valid stance of it not being cool, and makes it clear he’s going to fuck Anakin’s shit up for all his dark deeds. Anakin is eager for this because as said above, he’s riding high on FUBAR as a state of being and seeks the catharsis/validation of beating someone he can project all his problems onto. Thus, we get the baddest lightsaber duel there is, and you know the rest.
Now a lot of the time, people drag their knuckles about the line “Only a Sith deals in absolutes” and how it’s some kind of indicator of inherent Jedi hypocrisy or dramatic irony or George Lucas being a hack or what-fucking-have-you. I don’t really care because I think it's stupid, as Jocasta Nu illustrates for us here, and it’s not the point I want to make. Instead, I’d like to draw your attention to the line Obi-Wan drops before: “Anakin, my allegiance is to the Republic, to democracy!”
Nice delivery by Ewan aside, the meaning of this line is pretty clear: that Obi-Wan, in the face of Anakin flying completely and absolutely batshit off the handle into Divine-Right-of-Kings-For-Those-I-Love, is declaring himself an ally to the Republic and democracy specifically. That he is a very pro-democracy individual and considers it a part of the Republic. Which, cool, because Anakin is totally bugfuck nuts at this point and anything he believes in is probably bugfuck nuts as well so it’s smart to avoid it.
The thing is though, that Obi-Wan is wrong. Actually, he's not just wrong, he's speaking nonsense that is genuinely complete nonsense to hear from a Jedi in the Prequel Era Republic. Because let's recap a few details:
The Jedi Order of the Prequels inducts their initiates as infants or toddlers, with an aged nine Anakin being considered way too old. Now it's their prerogative to take students as they wish (though the thousand years of uniformity unsurprisingly severely backfires), but generally speaking, children under nine are learning things like what's acceptable to put in your mouth and how to read, write, and use the bathroom. The ability to choose "make me a Jedi for life" is genuinely nonexistent for them, so right off the bat, one of the basic democratic cornerstones is also nonexistent for them. It's also not like the Jedi are just Space Catholics/Buddhists: they are explicitly raised and taught to serve the (increasingly corrupt) Republic and its (gradually growing in obscenity until they have to violate their identities as peacekeepers) needs. The actual ability to choose for Jedi is already in the negative double digits.
And for whichever one of you that's breaking their keyboard typing about how Jedi can leave if they want, I'm already aware, thanks for nothing. The thing is that A.) the ability to be able to refuse to participate in something you did not actually sign up for is what I would consider the absolute bare minimum, B.) it doesn't change the part where they don't make the choice to join to begin with, and C.) given how Jedi are taken into the Order usually before they even begin forming concrete memories, we can probably assume that's the reason so few do. When you're raised in that environment for your entire life, the choice to leave is synonymous with abandoning everything you've ever known, which is pretty terrifying.
Moving on: in the Jedi Order, the positions of authority are broken up between the Grand Master (who leads the entire Jedi Order), the Master of the Jedi Order (who is the leaderepresentative officer of the Council), and the Jedi Council. Let's talk about how the buck of leadership is passed around these people, and how there's frighteningly little oversight for the vast majority of the Jedi. Pay attention to the bold words.
The Council is made up of twelve Jedi Masters, including the Grand Master and Master of the Order (this was Yoda and Mace respectively in the PT) who historically are the same person holding both titles. In ROTS, Anakin serves as the senate-appointed representative, an extreme breach of tradition and what sends the Council into dealing with Palpatine's dictatorship (long after the Chad Mace Windu had sobered up to his increasing power and the problems of the war in the EU). While there's no 13th chair made for him, it's never clarified who Anakin was replacing or why there was an open spot at the moment. Though we can probably assume it was due to a wartime event, like the previous Council member being violently executed with a planet full of civilians on the HoloNet by the Separatists as part of their terror campaigns a week ago, it ultimately doesn't matter because this isn't about him.
The twelve seats are split between five lifetime members, four long-term members (and the end to that term is entirely decided on what's the "approved end date", not an actual hard number), and three limited-term members (that limit is not stated). If a lifetime appointment member dies, then it's possible for a long-term member to succeed them or for the Council to choose another Jedi Master at their own discretion, and the long-and-short-term members can be elevated to another position in the Council and have their term extended. The Council, in addition to serving as the liasion between the Jedi and the Senate, are also responsible for deciding when Padawans have progressed to the point of being ready for the Trials to become a Jedi Knight.
(Before I get some wannabe trying to blast me in the comments for using supplementary material to make an argument, take a look at the lineup of the Council in the movies. In the ten year period between TPM and AOTC, there have been only two switches in membership (which in extended material usually involves both being killed), and the three year period after AOTC leading up to ROTS being a war makes it questionable whether term limits became a thing, or Council members just stepped down or got killed off. Not really ideal).
Now notice how, nowhere in the above, is there a "members of the Jedi Order vote for who should be on the Council" option. Even if you want to argue that there should be a qualification factor, like say, holding the rank of Master, that still leaves a large candidate pool open where the actual rank-and-file of the Jedi could decide who they wanted making decisions. We're talking about a group that's supposed to be at least 10,000 members strong at this point, I somehow believe there are enough people willing and capable of leadership given the opportunity. Let alone the idea of immutable, set term limits.
Instead, it's basically just Yoda (also: very telling that the dude who probably only missed a four digit lifespan due to an unholy amount of trauma and misery at the tail end of it is a key decision maker for everything) and a couple of other people (who very well might have similarly lengthy lifetimes on account of being aliens) holding onto power for insanely extended periods of time and selecting who else gets to hold on to power for insanely extended periods of time at the whims of this inner circle. This is obviously a little less than preferable for how leadership should be handled, and that's not even taking into account how the Council seems to be the only real governing body of the Jedi Order.
But let's sidestep how completely anti-democratic the Jedi Order is internally, and focus on its external agency. The Jedi, despite being members of the Republic and a key cornerstone of it as a government institution, are never shown able to participate in the Senate in any meaningful way, shape, or form, such as actually voting for senators to be representatives of any star system. Let me remind you, this is the same senate where megacorporations get to have their own seats, so we aren't exactly talking about a sacred and honorable institution here.
Even if you want to assume the Jedi wouldn't want to influence the elections of systems they technically aren't part of (because of the above-mentioned total removal from their homes and cultures to become Jedi), there's an enormous leap between that and the basic ability to vote for who you'll be taking orders from. Why can't the Jedi have a voice in the government when Space Exxon gets to have their own senator? Even if it's just something as basic as "participate in the vote for who will become Chancellor of the Republic", that would be A.) an enormous leap towards the Jedi Order getting to participate in a democracy, and B.) exercising the absolute bare minimum of power in the system they are part of and help uphold. Maybe if there had been Senatorial Representative Jedi Master Shii-Par Kewwll in the PT, they could have turned the vote against Palpatine in TPM! Or advised Jar Jar against giving Palpatine emergency powers in AOTC! But nah, we can't have the defenders of the Republic decide anything about how it operates, that's too much.
Actually though, scratch that, the Jedi wouldn't actually be participating in a democracy even if there was a Senatorial Representative Jedi Master Shii-Par Kewell. Because according to the Prequels worldbuilding, senators don't even have to actually be selected by the systems they represent. Let's look at Padme's case: She is supposed to represent the Chommel sector of the Republic, a system that holds about thirty-six different planets. You would imagine then, Padme had to be elected by all of them, or some other selective process, to act as their representative, no?
Nope. The only system we are ever informed of regarding the election of senators is that 1/36th of their constituency-in this case-their home planet's ruler-has them serve as the representative. Even if Padme is from Naboo, that doesn't make her part of the Queen's administration if she serves as the senator of the entire Chommel sector. The fact we only get one other named political representative for the Chommel sector in Jar Jar, who is representing the second species of Naboo, doesn't suggest much involvement from the other planets they are supposed to be serving.
Hell, Padme herself wasn’t even democratically elected if we go off her own account of Naboo’s post-TPM political history. After she served her second term as Queen, the population wanted to abolish term limits to keep her in power, which she refused to accept and the next Queen, Jamilla, was elected. Queen Jamilla then has Padme become their senator through the tried-and-true democratic process of…requesting her to serve. Nowhere is the mention of other candidates, an election, anything that isn’t just the monarch asking the previous monarch very nicely if she’ll take over the job for the entire sector.
It also bears noting that the only reason there is a current monarch that’s not Padme is because Padme refused to follow the people’s wishes, which were to break term limits on the monarchy for her to stay as Queen…which can be summarized as “one person making everyone else agree”. Now, that’s not to criticize Padme for preserving what shreds of legitimacy Naboo has as a government, but breaking term limits so someone can spend fifteen years total controlling policy is nuts. From fourteen to twenty-nine, Padme has massive control over Naboo’s politics, which is an insane amount of time even if people had wanted her to serve another term as Queen and presumably were all in on her being Senator as a result. Even if the people had wanted it, there not being a formal election means that this system is just begging to be abused. Wonder how Palpatine got his start, huh…
So to recap: if you’re a Jedi in the Prequels, you have been picked up from when you were very small to be raised in a system you will have no conceivable influence on at any point in your life. As part of that system, you are also taught to serve another system you will never have any conceivable influence over, and it’s very likely that the vast majority of the populace that make up that system don’t have any hope of conceivably influencing it either. This is the amount of agency you will have over your entire life, unless you decide “hey, I’m going to leave now, can I keep the lightsaber so I can fight off the wolves I’m being thrown to?”, which the Jedi at least have the good will to offer as an option in contrast to the Republic. Turns out that when Anakin’s starting to talk about authoritarianism in AOTC, he’s actually just telling Padme about how the Jedi and Republic operate as institutions, and how the daily life of the average member of both is just getting teabagged by everything ever. There was never any democracy to save in the Republic, the characters are all living in a shared delusion that cracks on an accelerated timeline when Palpatine starts his Sithma grindset, and the only solution was to send Anakin in with a flamethrower and let him cry himself out burning everything down, so the ashes could be used as soil and his tears as water to grow something better with.
I should probably be clear that I don’t get the sense much of this was intentional. Lucas often flip-flops in his BTS commentary about the Jedi, and that’s without getting into how it actually plays out in the stories he writes. Despite the Republic and Clone Wars being a deliberate criticism of America, a lot of the politics are muddied and not really fleshed out for the audience. The lack of interest in Padme as a character is clear for everyone to see, so it’s no surprise a lot of her story has more than a few headscratchers. I think it’s clear there’s a lot of stuff in the PT that wasn’t completely thought out or put together well, and this is another instance of such a thing occurring.
Ultimately to me, it doesn’t matter too much what that intent was. If your takeaway from the Prequels is that the Jedi and Republic were hopelessly fucked from the beginning and both systems needed to be entirely flipped on their heads to even begin to be democratic, all that matters is that you can back it up from within the films themselves, as I have done with the above. The point is, the Jedi and Republic were not soulfully democratic in any sense, their defenders and allies were not supporters of democracy as a result, and Obi-Wan took yet another L. It’s just how he rolls, gotta love that for him.
TL;DR: A lot of the ways the Jedi operate as an entity, and their dynamics with themselves, in service to the Republic, and outside parties as part of the Republic, makes far more sense when you read about how George Lucas considers them to be peacekeepers in the same way mafia dons are. Based Nute Gunray, dodging an offer he couldn’t refuse in TPM?
(Also if you come away from this post thinking it’s point was “OP is saying the Jedi are bad/evil” and I see that shit in the comments: you’re a moron. This post has sailed over your head. You have the same level of reading ability and intelligence as the Avatar movies do cultural impact. Go outside and touch the grass.)
submitted by IUsedToBeRasAlGhul to CharacterRant [link] [comments]

2024.05.19 17:16 DaenerysMadQueen S8 events according to the consensus

S8 events according to the consensus
"In the space of a single, terrible day and night, all your fighting men were swallowed up by the earth, and the island of Atlantis likewise was swallowed up by the sea and disappeared." -Plato
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Winterfell
The first episode of the final season begins, echoing the atmosphere of Robert Baratheon's arrival at Winterfell in the series' premiere. What a lazy screenwriting move for fan service. Jon discovers the secret about his mother and his heritage, in front of his father's crypt. Ned Stark's promise was fulfilled, a stroke of luck for D&D.
"You gave up your crown to save your people. Would she do the same ?"
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A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms
Then comes episode 2, where the heroes discuss future stakes, preparing for the Long Night, and what comes after the battle if it happens. Jon reveals the secret to Daenerys, who doesn't seem pleased to hear it. In short, nothing happens in this episode, it's boring.
"All my life, I've known one goal: the Iron Throne. Taking it back from the people who destroyed my family, and almost destroyed yours. My war was against them. Until I met Jon. Now I'm here, half a world away, fighting Jon's war alongside him. Tell me, who manipulated whom ?"
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The Long Night
Finally, the famous battle of the Long Night. We just see the Dothraki charging with flaming swords into the darkness, and then nothing. Everything is dark. We can't see anything. Maybe Daenerys at some point tries to roast the Night King, but it's unclear. Everything is black, everything is darkness and gloom.
"- I'm going now.
- Go where ?"
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"Nymeria, it's me, Arya. I'm heading north, girl. Back to Winterfell, I'm finally going home."
The Last of the Starks
After the credits, Jon Snow is giving a heartfelt speech for the fallen in the battle. Since we didn't see anything I suppose they won, probably because Jon finally killed the Night King and they are celebrating, but Daenerys is visibly disappointed that Arya is the hero of Winterfell, and she's upset that Jon refuses to cuddle with her because of the secret. She doesn't want Jon to talk about the secret because she doesn't want people to know they're engaging in incestuous cuddles. I think.
"Even if the truth destroys us ?"
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Anyway, it's very disappointing that the war against the zombies is already over; we should have had a whole season of the Long Night, in darkness and gloom, with an episode solely focused on strategy and the use of trebuchets. And then, when the heroes finally set out to take down Cersei, Daenerys falls into a lame, obvious, and avoidable ambush. Rhaegal dies stupidly, and Missandei is captured, then executed. Tyrion fails to save her, Cersei wins the final Lannister duel, and she angers the Dragon Queen enough to push her over the edge. In short, all of this was rushed and poorly written, nothing makes sense, I am shocked and angry. It's unfair. It's not right.
"If you want justice, you've come to the wrong place."
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The Bells
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The penultimate episode of the series begins with a letter. Varys wants to inform that Jon is the heir to the throne; he betrays the queen. In mourning, with Tyrion, Daenerys only talks about the secret about Jon. It's the end, Act V of the play, the young tragic princess is lost, and the comedic archetype can't help her, it's too late, it doesn't matter now.
"- Yes, she trusts you. She trusted you to spread secrets that could destroy your own queen. And you did not let her down.
- If I have failed you, my queen, forgive me. Our intentions were good. We wanted what you want. A better world, all of us. Varys as much as anyone. But it doesn’t matter now.
- No. It doesn’t matter now."
An extremely poorly written dialogue, obviously, probably one of the worst-written dialogues in the history of theater, cinema, and television. In my opinion, far too convoluted and boring, far too tragic for a TV series.
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Then the Unsullied come to arrest Varys, and he is sentenced to death.
"The Supreme Lord said: I am mighty Time, the source of destruction that comes forth to annihilate the worlds. Even without your participation, the warriors arrayed in the opposing army shall cease to exist." -11.32 Bhagavad Gita
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  • Cersei should have won the battle; she had the scorpions, the Iron Fleet, and the Golden Company, and it was the logical continuation from the end of episode 4. However, it's worth mentioning that she had no elephants, which undoubtedly tipped the battle in favor of Daenerys and her dragon.
"I am not your little princess. I am Daenerys Stormborn of the blood of Old Valyria, and I will take what is mine. With fire and blood, I will take it."
  • Daenerys goes mad in two seconds. She has defeated Cersei, the bells signal the end of the battle, she must decide how to deal with the final obstacle, the last step before the throne. So she kills the people who love Jon Snow and who don't love her, all because she wants to secretly kiss Jon. All these seasons, adventures, battles, endless moral dilemmas over ten years, all for it to end with a simple tragic love triangle. Truly, probably the worst episode of the saga and of history, so rushed and poorly written; everyone knows that characters must go mad talking to themselves in front of a mirror, not silently in a realistic and brutal way, otherwise the viewer is confused and lost outside their comfort zone.
"I don't want to be his queen. I want to go home."
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"The things I do for love."
  • Jaime reuniting with Cersei is probably the worst conclusion for these two characters. The writers clearly didn’t understand their own story. Jaime's arc was about redemption, like Theon, exactly the same. The fact that Brienne fills the White Book of the Kingsguard with the line "Died protecting his queen." the most honorable death for a Kingsguard commander, doesn't matter, it's fanservice, lazy writing. Jaime should have stayed in the North and made baby Jaimes with Brienne. Jaime was supposed to save the world, not save Cersei. It's so sad; they only think about themselves and their children, Jaime and Cersei, nothing else matters.
"Nothing else matters. Only us."
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"When you play the game of thrones, you win, or you die. There is no middle ground."
  • Jon is useless; he can't do anything, and yet, all this chaos is his fault too. Daenerys had told him not to tell others his secret. Jon understands nothing, he knows nothing, and so do we, immersed in the chaos and ignorance along with the inhabitants of King's Landing. It should have been an epic and glorious battle. War must be epic and glorious. We wanted epic, glorious fire and blood, not fire bloody and burning blood. It should have been a spectacle, not a terrible massacre. Is war despicable and out of control ? We wanted elephants, not dead children.
"It's your choice."
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"You know what’s wrong with honor ?"
  • Euron Greyjoy is unbearable, as usual. It's as if they designed this character specifically to annoy us. He has no place in this story; he's just obnoxious. He destroyed Daenerys and Jaime, and he didn't deserve that honor. He's far too arrogant and not funny at all.
"If you think this has a happy ending, you haven't been paying attention."
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"Fire !"
  • The fight between The Hound and The Mountain is great. Finally, something perfect in this episode. The Frankenstein's monster rebelling and destroying his creator in a fit of rage, Sandor Clegane finally getting his revenge, Cersei walking by indifferently. It was epic, glorious, and hilarious. There's even light breaking through the crumbling wall at the end, showing the way out and the solution for Sandor, just like in a Zelda game. Very straightforward, no questions left unanswered, no mystery.
"Sandor. Thank you."
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"Go home, girl."
  • Arya overuses the hero's shield in this episode. She says goodbye to Clegane, who tells her to go home, and then the apocalypse descends on her. She gets hit by falling debris in the streets, trampled by the crowd, the bell tower collapses on her... yet she gets up each time after a black screen and the sound of a cannon. She's just meters away from the devastation and the dragon's fire, close to the terrified and helpless citizens like her, and despite the piercing, chilling violins of death, she rises again, amid the embers and ruins. The little girl and her mother are burned, turned into statues of ash breaking in the wind, while Arya and a mysterious white horse survive the end times and emerge from hell together. Unless Arya is a cat with nine lives, all of this is just plot armor, it makes no sense.
"There is only one god and his name is Death, and there is only one thing we say to Death: 'Not today.'"
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"There's plenty of pious sons of bitches who think they know the word of god or gods. I don’t. I don’t even know their real names. Maybe it is the Seven. Or maybe it’s the old gods. Or maybe it’s the Lord of Light. Or maybe they’re all the same fucking thing. I don’t know. What matters, I believe, is that there’s something greater than us."
The Iron Throne
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The last episode, after the bells. So this is how it ends. Daenerys has triumphed, Tyrion has realized his mistake, is imprisoned again, and makes Jon understand in one final conversation that he must choose, between his sisters and Dany, between the Starks and the Targaryens, between love and duty. It's all so tragic. Daenerys finally came home, the legend has triumphed, the dream has become reality. And then the prince steps forward, still plagued by doubt, imploring the young princess to cease her quest for power, to forgive. And Dany's words have meaning, echoing those Tyrion spoke to Jon. The fallen hero then understands that he cannot save both the world and the princess. The long tirades echo high in the halls of the kings who are gone, and the fallen hero murders his lover, not out of ambition for the throne, not out of anger or vengeance, but out of love for his sisters and the people. The tyrant is dead, sadly concluding the dramatic journey of a young innocent orphan that no hero could manage to save.
"When I was a girl, my brother told me it was made with one thousand swords from Aegon's fallen enemies. What do one thousand look like in the mind of a little girl who can't count to twenty ? I imagined a mountain of swords too high to climb. So many fallen enemies, you could only see the soles of Aegon's feet."
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Jon left the throne empty, accepting his judgment and the punishment of the dragon. Thus were extinguished the last Targaryens, in front of the object of all conflicts, high under the sky, above mortals, together. But Jon has a hero's shield too, so I imagine there's a chip scratching Drogon behind a wing, and thus he misses his shot and destroys the walls. And then the chip jumps onto the throne, so Drogon destroys the throne and the chip but he was too tired for Jon afterwards. Such lazy writing, utterly senseless, just for the symbolism of the dragon destroying the throne, the object of all the passions and dramas of this world, a satire of power and conclusion of the story.
"I told you it's difficult to explain."
Obvious fanservice, nothing complex or mysterious. But we don't know where Drogon is taking Daenerys, she has no mortal tomb. The mystery completes the legend, this girl was a shooting star until the end.
"I have been sold like a broodmare. I’ve been chained and betrayed, raped and defiled. Do you know what kept me standing through all those years in exile ? Faith. Not in any gods, not in myths and legends, in myself. In Daenerys Targaryen."
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And to conclude, the council scene, a calm yet very rushed and poorly written moment, as everyone knows. It's certainly officially announced by professionals somewhere. Once again, the creators understood nothing about the story and the audience's expectations.
Nothing funny, nothing complicated, nothing secretive, but the worst part is Bran's choice, it's not good, it's illegal, he cheated.
Then the beautiful visuals, the surviving Starks, and Ramin Djawadi's magnificent music for the last five minutes and the final credits, pure happy ending, pure fanservice, it's an absolute failure, the worst series finale in history, it's obviously a dox..., sorry, a well-known consensus. It's all a mix of fan service, bad writing, and being rushed, extremely well-balanced. GRRM would certainly have wanted at least three more seasons to properly tell the final scene between Jon and Daenerys.
So much wasted potential, D&D sacrificed the ending of the greatest series in history for Star Wars contracts they didn't even get. It's a scandal. Thankfully, no one talks about GoT anymore since that ending, except to reminisce about the golden age of season 4 and the seasons before.
Everyone agrees, it's a fact. It is known. GoT's ending is a beautiful disaster.
...
"- It's a long story.
- If only we were trapped in a castle in the middle of winter with nowhere to go..."
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...
"Be with me. Build the new world with me. This is our reason. It has been from the beginning since you were a little boy with a bastard's name and I was a little girl who couldn't count to twenty.
We do it together. We break the wheel together."
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"You are my queen, now and always."
submitted by DaenerysMadQueen to naath [link] [comments]

2024.05.19 16:56 5h0rgunn The Peaceful Decades (1552 – 1570) The Xin-Mei Wars Ch. 3.4

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Emperor Karl V reacted to the Jiajing Emperor's invitation to bring tribute the way Mendoza had predicted he would: indifference. He was only vaguely aware of the fact Spain was in an undeclared war with China, and had only heard about the Battle of Acapulco in passing. Sending diplomats to present tribute to and grovel before the monarch of some Asian country wasn't in his wheelhouse—and he would've been even less interested if he knew that his diplomats would be meeting with one of the emperor's ministers rather than the emperor himself. Meanwhile, Antonio de Mendoza went to take up the viceregal office of Peru, where he soon caught his death of an unspecified illness.
Nevertheless, the agreement between Wei Chengjia and Bai Guguan held. Bai stopped sponsoring pirates. The NSS purchased more silver than needed, selling the excess off to Wei. Wei then sold it at cost to Bai, who sent it to China. Convoluted as it was, this system succeeded at keeping the peace.
Or at least, at keeping the peace between Xinguo and Mexico. All the pirates Bai Guguan had been sponsoring didn't simply go home: they'd gained an appetite for silk, silver, and other luxury goods. With their sponsorship dried up, they went into business for themselves. Wokou raids were now hitting the coasts of Xinguo with rapidly increasing frequency. New forts were built to repel them. Wei and Bai even agreed to a joint fortification of the Jaw, the strait that connects the open ocean to the Bay at the centre of the Valley where North and South provinces border each other. They built the Teeth forts, one on the northern tip of the Jaw and the other on the south. These were successful at keeping pirates out of the Bay itself, but they did little to dissuade attacks on the outlying coastal settlements.
What followed was the Anti-Piracy War (1553 – 1569), during which the Nine Anti-Piracy Expeditions invaded the Wokou's home territory far, far to the north in an attempt to rescue hostages and punish the pirates for their impudence.The geography of the region is difficult with choppy seas that constantly threaten to dash your ships on the many islands, and the innumerable bays and inlets not only make it easy to get lost, they provide perfect cover for ambushes.
That, however, is another story for another time. To put a long story short, the results were less than stellar for Xinguo. The most charismatic of the Wokou leaders was killed in the Battle of the Jaw (1569), and his followers fell into infighting. This enabled Xinguo to play the various factions off each other to the point where they were too distracted fighting other pirate gangs to launch any more major raids on Xinguo. Although the raids never ceased entirely, this was considered to be the end of the Anti-Piracy War.
Meanwhile, an undeclared peace settled over the undeclared war between China and Spain. With that, the Xinguans and Mexicans slowly became more familiar with each other, learned more about each other, and strengthened their economic ties. Ningbo was flourishing under the Treasure Fleet's attention. NSS merchants would buy silk, porcelain, tea, spices from the Indies, and other goods from Asia and bring them to Acapulco, where they traded for silver, cocoa, tobacco, spices from Mexico, and other goods.
However, Spanish merchants began to grow dissatisfied with this arrangement. Figuring they could get the same goods for a lower price if they went to the source, Spanish merchants began showing up in Ningbo with cargo holds full of New World goods to trade with the Treasure Fleet directly. NSS merchants immediately complained to Wei Chengjia that this would limit their profits. The NSS being the powerful lobby group that it was, their opinion prevailed and Wei decreed that only members of the NSS and DSS could trade with the Treasure Fleet directly. Some Spaniards applied for membership in the NSS, but were of course rejected.
Meanwhile, Dongguang fell into an economic slump. Businesses that had once thrived while servicing the Treasure Fleet were now closing up shop or barely staying afloat. Many packed up and moved their businesses to Ningbo. To pick up the slack, Bai Guguan pressured the DSS into accepting the Spaniards who were now applying for membership in their guild after being turned down by the NSS. The DSS resisted of course, since they didn't want a slough of foreigners taking over the guild. However, both Bai and the Spaniards painted a picture of soaring profits for them. Having members of their own guild with insider's knowledge and connections in Mexico could only be a good thing. Soon, Spaniards were showing up in Ningbo with DSS membership badges. Wei was forced to permit them to do business, but he didn't have to like it. He even passed a new law prohibiting non-Chinese, foreign-born individuals from staying the night inside the city walls, forcing them to stay in Dongguang or in small towns outside Ningbo.
In 1562, the Spaniards with DSS membership pooled their money and bought land along the Dongguang waterfront, where they built a warehouse with an adjoining office, and a pier. Savvy local businessmen built an inn, a pub, and a brothel nearby by to service the merchants and their crews. Many in Dongguang disliked this and complained to Bai Guguan that these foreigners were becoming too comfortable here. They shouldn't be allowed to own property, especially not inside the city walls. Bai, however, recognised the benefits of letting them stay, so he ignored the naysayers. Thus, the foundations of the Foreign District had been laid. Its size and prosperity would ebb and flow over the years, but it would eventually grow to be one of Dongguang's richest and most important districts.
Bai Guguan's welcoming of the Spaniards into Dongguang and even into membership with the DSS displeased Wei Chengjia. Wei decided to get back at him by refusing to sell silver at cost to Bai. This was no longer necessary for Bai, since he could now buy silver from the Spaniards who came to Dongguang, so Wei's feeble attempt at petty revenge had no serious effect. What it did mean, however, was that the treaty the two men had signed under the auspices of Cui Hejing was now as good as dead.
During this time, a linguistic shift began. Up until the 1560s, Nahuatl had been the trade language between Xinguans and Spaniards. Xinguan merchants had already been speaking it in order to trade with the Aztecs, and in the mid-16th century, it was still a major administrative language of New Spain. Beginning in the 1560s, Spanish gradually replaced Nahuatl. Most Xinguan merchants spoke either Wu (for the northerners) or Yue (for the southerners), which are mutually unintelligible. Others spoke Min, Hakka, Cham, Vietnamese, or some other language. Amongst themselves, the merchants wrote in Classical Chinese and spoke in either Mandarin or one of their own languages. Not everyone spoke Mandarin, however. Humans, whatever their nationality, tend to gravitate toward the simplest solution, and to be able to do business with Spaniards, the simplest solution was for everyone to learn Spanish.
1565 would become a pivotal year in Sino-Spanish relations, and therefore, an important year in Xin-Mei relations. That was the year the Spanish conquistador Miguel Lopez de Legazpi invaded the Philippine island of Cebu and established the first permanent Spanish presence in the archipelago. This may not have been earth-shattering in and of itself, but it meant Spain was now expanding into China's sphere of influence. Tondo, a city on the island of Luzon just down the coast from the future capital of Manila, had long been a tributary of China and was the gateway for Chinese culture, trade goods, and political influence into the Philippines. In 1570 Spain conquered Manila, and the vagaries of politics soon brought it into conflict with Tondo, and therefore with China. Chinese troops were dispatched to the Philippines and fought with the Spaniards, whose army had relatively few actual Spaniards in it, with the bulk being made up of Filipinos and indigenous Mexicans.
The details of that conflict are beyond the scope of this work. What's important for us is how it affected Xin-Mei relations.
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2024.05.19 16:06 SurviverWarior ChatGPT User Bags 5 Ivys

Demographics
Academics
Standardized Testing
Awards/Honors
Extracurriculars/Activities
Letters of Recommendation
Essay Summaries
Interviews
College Results
Accepted
Waitlisted
Rejected
Reflections:
I'm super grateful and happy with my decisions. I have committed to Princeton, and it definitely is the best fit for me. College results this year were very random, but I couldn’t be more thankful to get into the #1 undergraduate university. I was worried that since most of my application was MIT-related (Research, classes, Letters of Rec, Awards, Activities), other universities would think I was going there and reject me. College results were super random and stressful, but it worked out better than I could have ever imagined. It's funny how I got waitlisted and rejected from all my target schools (Vandy, UMich, USC) but then got into most of my reach schools.
Advice for Future Applicants:
Be authentic. There is no formula that gets you in. Sure, you have to do a couple of things like getting good grades and SAT scores and having some unique activities and awards, but especially for Top 10 schools, you just have to be unique and authentic. I didn't have any connections or background (like private school and college counselor) that provided me with opportunities. I was literally the first kid ever from my school to get into Princeton. I was authentic and hardworking, did stuff I enjoyed, and one thing led to another. I also spent a lot of time on essays and my application. 50% of the work is actually doing stuff, and the other 50% is showcasing it in your college application. Also, have balance in life. I had a lot of fun in high school and enjoyed the stuff I did. Live life with no regrets. Feel free to DM me.
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2024.05.19 15:35 Drakeishere_RUN The Year of the Dragon - Part 1 : 2014 Royal Rumble

26/01/2014 - WWE Royal Rumble
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Commentated by Jim Ross, JBL, and Michael Cole
We see some footage of superstars arriving to the arena today. The Authority arrive in a limousine; WWE Champion Randy Orton, Triple H, Stephanie McMahon, and Kane. Daniel Bryan is shown walking with Brie Bella. "The Animal" Batista shows up in a truck and flexes for the camera. The feed cuts and glitches out revealing a dark room with a empty rocking chair moving slowly. "We're here."
The iconic voice of Jim Ross welcomes us to the 2014 Royal Rumble as pyro erupts from the stage and the fans go wild. The Authority's music plays and the mood quickly shifts, the crowd rains down boo's. Here comes the WWE World Champion Randy Orton. Orton talks trash to some fans in the front row while Triple H, Stephanie McMahon, and Kane make their way out as well. Orton raises the title as HHH passes him a microphone. Orton is in a great mood tonight. He's got the night off and there will be 30 men all vying for a chance to get RKO'ed in the main event of Wrestlemania 30. The crowd chants, “Daniel Bryan” as Orton laughs and promises that Bryan doesn't stand a chance. If you want to win the Royal Rumble you have to be taller than these marks in the crowd, you can't be a front row wrestler like Daniel Bryan or CM Punk. The crowd breaks into a deafening “DANIEL BRYAN/CM PUNK!” chant as Orton highlights some of the past winners like himself, Triple H, and Batista. True superstars who all pass the airport test. Triple H takes the microphone and tells the fans to shut the hell up and respect greatness. The reason The Authority are out here is because they want an answer from Batista. Will The Animal join them, take the #30 spot, and win the Rumble to make the biggest Wrestlemania main event a reality? Batista's music hits and he gets a great reaction. First of all, Batista thanks the Pittsburgh fans and everyone in the WWE for welcoming him back with open arms. Batista has a ton of respect for Triple H and Orton after all those years in Evolution. They all shake hands and it looks like he's accepting the offer. Triple H tells Batista to make the right decision and do whats best for business. Batista gives the THUMBS UP! The Authority are all psyched up until.... Batista, who still has his thumb in the air, says "What's best for business.... is listening to these fans! Doing things the hard way, the same way he did it through his whole career. Batista didn't come back to be handed anything, he came back to prove he can still be The Animal. The man who beat Triple H in the main event of Wrestlemania.... The thumbs up is turned into a THUMBS DOWN! Kane charges at Batista but gets clotheslined! Randy Orton and Tripe H flee from the ring as The Animal delivers a Spinebuster to Kane and rattles the ropes! Triple H screams that Batista is going to regret this decision.....
A video package of the feud between Divas Champion AJ Lee and Mickie James is next. After AJ Lee defeated Naomi to retain her title on RAW, AJ declared she had no competition in the locker room. Cue the surprise return of Mickie James! Former psycho versus current psycho, legend versus future legend. They exchange verbal barbs over the next few weeks, with Mickie picking up some big wins and earning a title match. During a contract signing on the final RAW before the Royal Rumble, things finally turned physical and Mickie put AJ Lee through a table with a huge bulldog from the top rope! Everything comes to a head tonight with the championship on the line.
Tony Chimel lets us know that this contest is scheduled for one fall as Mickie James makes her entrance and gets emotional at the ovation from the audience in Pittsburgh. Divas Champion AJ Lee is next and she gets a mixed reaction; the fans love her but are definitely backing Mickie in this one.
AJ Lee (c) vs. Mickie James for the WWE Divas Championship
The match kicks off with AJ slapping Mickie across the face! James returns the favour and tackles AJ, raining down a flurry of punches. AJ Lee cowers into the corner but then takes advantage by slamming Mickie to the mat by her hair! AJ taunts Mickie and stomps her in the corner but when the champion charges, Mickie backdrops her over the ropes! Mickie hits a Thez Press from the apron and tosses AJ into the barricade!
They battle on the apron until AJ sends Mickie head first into the ringpost. Mickie seems genuinely hurt and the referee goes to check on her, allowing AJ to expose the turnbuckle on the opposite side of the ring. She shows no regard for her possibly injured challenger, ignoring the ref and dragging Mickie back into the centre of the ring. Out of nowhere, James nails the Mick Kick! AJ is down! 1-2-AJ gets her foot underneath the bottom rope! James goes for the Stratus-faction but AJ Lee launches her into the exposed turnbuckle! Mickie James is out cold! 1-2-3! AJ retains!
Result- AJ Lee wins by pinfall via exposed turnbuckle shot. (12:58)
The Royal Rumble tumbler is back! Stephanie McMahon is overseeing things as superstars enter to pick their spots in the Royal Rumble. We see Alberto Del Rio, Brodus Clay, and other superstars pick their numbers. Triple H and Paul Heyman in the background; they shake hands and it appears that HHH hands Heyman something before he walks off.
"The American Dream" Dusty Rhodes is here! He introduces his sons, the WWE World Tag Team Champions Cody Rhodes and Goldust! The champions hug their father and make their way to the ring for a Six Pack Challenge Elimination Match! After being on the wrong side of The Authority, The Rhodes Brothers have been put in quite the predicament as they look to retain their title's against all odds.
Cody Rhodes and Goldust (c) vs. The New Age Outlaws vs. The Prime Time Players vs. Truth & Consequences vs. Hunico and Camacho vs. The Uso's in a Six Pack Challenge Elimination Match for the WWE World Tag Team Championship
Everything breaks down right off the bat. Bodies are flying everywhere. The Uso's hit a pair of dives over the ropes onto a pile of opponents. Back in the ring Hunico and Camacho eat a pair of Superkicks. Uso Splash to Hunico! 1-2-3!
Jey Uso pins Hunico via Uso Splash (Hunico and Camacho are eliminated)
The Prime Time Players take their turn dominating. Titus hits a Sit-Out Spinebuster to Billy Gunn. Darren Young launches Road Dogg from the ring and dropkicks an incoming Jimmy Uso. Xavier Woods comes out of nowhere with a springboard DDT on Titus O'Neil! Darren Young gets hit with a spinning elbow from R-Truth! Woods and Truth connect with a double Scissor Kick on Titus for the 3 count.
R-Truth pins Titus O'Neil via Double Scissors Kick (The Prime Time Players are eliminated)
Road Dogg chopblocks R-Truth immediately and throws him into the ringpost. Woods gets some shots in on Dogg but turns around into a Fameasser from Billy Gunn! 1-2-3!
Billy Gunn pins Xavier Woods via Fameasser (Truth & Consequences are eliminated)
Road Dogg grabs one of the tag title belts and brings it in the ring. The referee tries to stop him but Billy warns the referee that Triple H will fire him if he gets in their way. Billy holds Goldust as Road Dogg charges with the title ---- Goldust low blows Billy Gunn and ducks; Road Dogg knocks out Billy Gunn with the title belt! Cody Rhodes grabs Road Dogg and hits the Cross Rhodes!
Cody Rhodes pins Billy Gunn via Cross Rhodes (The New Age Outlaws are eliminated)
We are down to two teams. The Rhodes Brothers and The Uso's. The teams gather themselves in opposite corners as the crowd swells to a fever pitch. All four slug it out in the middle. Double Superkick to Goldust sends him to the floor. Cody hits the Bionic Elbow to Jimmy! Alabama Slam to Jey! Cody is all fired up! Cody goes for the Cross Rhodes but nearly gets pinned on a roll up. Double Superkick to Cody! Both The Uso's climb to the top rope but Goldust comes back in and drops Jimmy right on his yambags! Goldust meets Jey on the other side and delivers a giant superplex! BUT JIMMY RECOVERS AND FLIES OFF THE TOP! USO SPLASH TO GOLDUST! 1-2-CODY BREAKS UP THE PIN! Cody hits a Disaster Kick to Jimmy but gets Superkicked by Jey! With his last gasp of energy, Goldust nails Jey with the Final Cut! 1-2-3! Cody and Goldust retain!
Goldust pins Jey Uso via The Final Cut
Result- Cody Rhodes and Goldust retain the WWE World Tag Team Championship. (15:59)
CM Punk is taping his wrists in the locker room when Corporate Kane approaches with a bunch of security. Punk stands up ready to defend himself. But Kane tells him to calm down. He's here with a gift from The Authority. Kane hands Punk a Rumble number from the tumbler and tells him on behalf of The Authority, they wish him luck tonight. Kane leaves as punk opens the ball and shakes his head.
A video package showcases the rivalry between the United States Champion Dean Ambrose and Rob Van Dam. After RVD became # 1 Contender, The Shield brutalized him in a 3 on 1 beatdown. The next week, Rob Van Dam attacked Ambrose with a steel chair and delivered a devastating Van Daminator. Ambrose got busted open but the blood seemed to turn him into some kind of maniac. A bloodied Ambrose cut an iconically intense promo backstage in the boiler room where he challenged RVD to a Hardcore match at the Royal Rumble. Rob Van Dam accepted and began to tap into his hardcore style, even going as far as to bring back his old friend Sabu to help him fend off repeated attacks by The Shield. Tonight this rivalry concludes in a Hardcore match for the US Championship.
Dean Ambrose (c) vs. Rob Van Dam for the United States Championship in a Hardcore Match
Van Dam starts off hot with a barrage of kicks to Ambrose. RVD hits his signature barricade legdrop from the apron! He pulls out a kendo stick and starts unloading on the champion. Ambrose stops the beating by raking RVD's eyes and then snapping the kendo stick in half. Ambrose goes berserk, stabbing RVD with the sharp part of the broken kendo stick repeatedly in the corner as JR tells the TV audience to put their kids to bed because "this match is going to be bowling shoe ugly folks". Van Dam slides out of the ring and we see he's bleeding profusely. Ambrose stalks his prey on the outside but RVD tosses a steel chair full speed at his head! RVD goes under the ring and grabs a couple of trash cans and a lid. He smashes Ambrose over the head with the lid and throws him in the ring. RVD sets up a table on the outside but is momentarily distracted, trying to wipe the blood out of his eyes which allows Ambrose to crush one of the trash cans over Van Dam's head. Like a shark that smells blood in the water, Ambrose pounces on RVD and unloads punches to his open cut. The referee pulls him off and checks on RVD. But Ambrose is not done. Far from it. He goes under the ring and grabs a barbed wired baseball bat! As he gets in the ring, RVD kicks the barbed wired bat into Ambrose's face! Spike DDT! Van Dam puts a trash can over Ambrose's head and props him in the corner. VAN TERMINATOR WITH A STEEL CHAIR INTO THE TRASH CAN! RVD slowly drapes his arm over Ambrose. 1-2-Dean somehow kicks out! They exchange punches in the middle of the ring until Ambrose bites RVD's bloody head!!! RVD punches Ambrose just to get him off of him but Dean rebounds with a lariat that turns RVD inside out! Instead of going for the pin, Ambrose picks up the barbed wired baseball bat and smashes RVD in the back repeatedly! Van Dam rolls to the apron but Ambrose follows him and starts grinding the barbed wire in RVD's face! Using the pure adrenaline of survival instinct, RVD reverses into a suplex over the ropes, sending he and Ambrose crashing through the table on the outside!
The fans chant "Holy shit!" as the announcers question how much more these guys, specifically RVD, can take. RVD is first to his feet and throws Ambrose in the ring. RVD climbs to the top rope but Ambrose hits the ropes and causes him to lose balance. He tosses RVD off the top rope onto a trash can! Ambrose goes under the ring and grabs a bag..... The referee tries to stop him but Ambrose shoves him to the ground and empties the contents all over the ring ---- IT'S THUMBTACKS! He turns around and catches a steel chair hurled at him by RVD! VAN TERMINATOR! Ambrose falls into the tacks! RVD goes up top! FIVE STAR FROG SPLASH INTO THE TACKS! "BY GAWD!" Cover! 1-2-Ambrose kicks out by shoving a handful of tacks into RVD's face! Van Dam screams in pain as a now bloody Ambrose pulls himself to his feet and smiles. DIRTY DEEDS ON THE TACKS! 1-2-3!
Result- Dean Ambrose wins by pinfall via Dirty Deeds onto thumbtacks! (22:22)
Rob Van Dam is taken out on a stretcher as Dean Ambrose sits bloodied in the corner, with thumbtacks all over him and the United States Title over his shoulder, admiring his work.
Writer's Note: This match writes RVD out for the foreseeable future to give him a well deserved break. Ambrose is put over as a sadistic, hardcore, psycho path on RVD's way out.
We cut backstage where Mark Henry and The Big Show are picking their numbers. Stephanie McMahon plays nice with the legendary giants, telling them that there are always advantages to helping The Authority. Mark Henry laughs her off and walks out but Big Show appears to contemplate her words. Daniel Bryan walks in and has a face off with Triple H. Bryan wants to pick his Rumble number but HHH tells him there's only one ball left. He teases not giving it to him but places it in his hands. Bryan opens it, shakes his head and smiles, saying he wouldn't expect anything less from The Authority.
A video package on the history of the Royal Rumble match is next, highlighting past winners, elimination records, and obscure statistics. Ladies and gentlemen. We promised you a great main event.
Main Event- 30 Man Royal Rumble Match
1. Daniel Bryan
2. CM Punk
The two heroes of our story; enemies of The Authority that have been given the insurmountable task of winning from the opening spots if they want to main event Wrestlemania. They slug it out and the fans love every second of it.
3. Big E Langston
The Intercontinental Champion gets a chance to showcase his abilities in full spotlight. He tosses Bryan and Punk around much to the chagrin of the crowd. Punk and Bryan team up to stop the onslaught and slow the big man down.
4. Mark Henry
The World's Strongest Man double clotheslines Punk and Bryan before squaring up with Big E. The two meaty men begin slappin' meat until Henry squashes the IC Champion in the corner and takes advantage.
5. Alexander Rusev
The Bulgarian Brute from NXT goes nose to nose with Mark Henry. Rusev kicks Henry in the head and then charges full speed, clobbering him and sending Mark crashing from the ring for our first official elimination of the night!
Alexander Rusev eliminates Mark Henry
6. Evan Bourne
Bourne quickens the pace of the match and hits a barrage of high flying moves until he meets the brick wall known as Rusev. Rusev gets Bourne in a precarious position and clotheslines him so hard that he takes a nasty backflip bump off the apron ala Paul London 2005.
Alexander Rusev eliminates Evan Bourne
Rusev turns around and realizes he's surrounded by Bryan, Punk, and Big E! He fights valiantly but it's no use. YES+ Knee by Bryan! Rusev is rocked but still standing! GTS by Punk! Rusev is STILL somehow on his feet but falls back against the ropes ..... A clothesline from Big E sends Rusev over the ropes for another elimination!
Big E Langston eliminates Alexander Rusev
7. Alberto Del Rio w/Ricardo Rodriguez
As a former World Champion and Royal Rumble winner, Del Rio has to be considered dangerous in this match. He hits a nasty double foot stomp on Big E and trash talks the fans as they boo him out of the building. Bryan and Punk hit a Hart Attack on Del Rio to a massive pop!
8. Kevin Nash
It looks like The Authority have a couple of tricks up their sleeve tonight. Nash immediately targets Punk and Bryan, savouring the boo's from the audience. Meanwhile, Big E nearly has Del Rio eliminated until Rodriguez hops on the apron and allows Del Rio to get the advantage by jamming him thumb in Big E's eye! Del Rio kicks Big E in the face and eliminates the Intercontinental Champion!
Alberto Del Rio eliminates Big E Langston
Del Rio and Nash team up to beat down Punk and Bryan.
9. John Cena
Business is about to pick up! Cena hits the ring and takes the fight to Del Rio and Nash! AA to Del Rio! Nash immediately takes Cena down with a big boot and mocks the fans, pretending to cry. Jackknife Powerbomb to Cena! Nash tosses Punk over the ropes but Punk skins the cat and starts kicking Nash in his surgically repaired knee's.
10. Big Show
Nash throws Punk into the ring post and has a face off with The World's Largest Athlete. Nash extends his hand, wondering if Show is going to take The Authority up on their offer. Big Show teases joining him --- psych! Knockout Punch by Big Show! Nash crumples to the mat. The fans love it as Big Show gets hyped up and then starts chopping Del Rio in the corner.
11. X-Pac
Another surprise return! But is this another legend doing the bidding of The Authority? Pac does some crotch chops and gets a good reaction as he fist bumps The Big Show and hits a Bronco Buster to Del Rio! But X-Pac cannot be trusted as he kicks Big Show right in the family jewels! Kevin Nash pulls himself to his feet and two sweets X-Pac! Nash goes to stomping on The Big Show as Pac charges for a Bronco Buster on Punk ---- Cena takes X-Pac's head off with a clothesline and then AA's him from the ring!
John Cena eliminates X-Pac
Cena, Punk, and Bryan all attack Kevin Nash and buy enough time for Big Show to recover. Show grabs Nash by the throat and pushes him back over the ropes!
Big Show eliminates Kevin Nash
Show, Cena, Punk, Bryan, and Del Rio all fight and try to eliminate each other as the buzzer sounds for the next entrant.
12. Bray Wyatt
The mood has shifted in the arena! Bray Wyatt comes in like an absolute killer, wrecking everyone in his path. Sister Abigail to CM Punk! Daniel Bryan is the last one standing and the crowd breaks out into thunderous "YES!" chants as Bryan and Wyatt exchange stiff slaps and beat the piss out of each other!
13. Erick Rowan
A coincidence or the puppet strings of The Authority? The Wyatt Family now has two members and begin to dominate. Big Show grabs their throats but Rowan breaks free with several headbutts! Big Show slumps back against the ropes --- Wyatt and Rowan dump him to the floor!
Bray Wyatt and Erick Rowan eliminate Big Show
Wyatt sits in the corner moving his hands like a orchestra conductor as Rowan chokes Daniel Bryan on the opposite side of the ring. Del Rio tries to eliminate John Cena.
14. Brodus Clay
The Funkasaurus is in no dancing mood, he knows how serious this opportunity is and he also knows what he's up against. As soon as he slides in the ring, Wyatt and Rowan put the boots to him. Clay fights back but it's no use. It's Wyatt Family domination as Bray hits a Sister Abigail and then Rowan throws the big man over the ropes.
Erick Rowan eliminates Brodus Clay
CM Punk is Bray Wyatt's next target but he fights for his life and hits a big roundhouse kick to Rowan! Bray has to fend for himself and he smiles, it's time to dance!
15. Kofi Kingston
Kingston is a house of fire, flying all over the ring. SOS to Bray Wyatt! Trouble in Paradise to Del Rio! Kingston springboards off the ropes but gets caught by Erick Rowan! Rowan press slams Kofi to the outside ---- Kofi lands on the barricade! He trust falls back into the crowd and they surf him around as the arena breaks out into huge "KOFI!" chants.
16. Santino Marella
Santino breaks out THE COBRA! Wyatt does the creepy spider walk which freaks Santino out ---- he eliminates himself and walks to the back!
Santino Marella eliminates himself
17. Ezekiel Jackson
As Jackson walks down to the ring, the crowd bring Kofi back to the barricade and he hops to the apron! Bray Wyatt launches himself into Kofi, sending him flying into in the arms of Ezekiel Jackson! Kofi is all pumped up at avoiding elimination twice but Jackson bodyslams Kofi on the floor! Kofi is now out and Big Zeke has his first elimination before he even gets in the ring!
Ezekiel Jackson eliminates Kofi Kingston
Jackson joins the match and exchanges some shoulder blocks with Erick Rowan. Bray Wyatt continues to brawl with Daniel Bryan while John Cena fights Del Rio.
18. Christian
Captain Charisma joins the match and finds himself squaring off with his old rival Ezekiel Jackson. Jackson gets him up for a Powerslam but Christian fights out and hits the Killswitch! Christian then ducks a Bray Wyatt clothesline and hits a Spear! Del Rio cheapshots Christian and tells the fans to shut up as he chokes Captain Charisma in the corner.
19. Chris Jericho
Y2J makes quite the entrance with a boatload of pyro. Jericho slaps Del Rio and locks in the Walls of Jericho! The ring begins to fill up now as strategy changes this late into the match; nobody wants to risk elimination at this point.
20. The Boogeyman
JBL gets real quiet all of a sudden as the legend crawls out and smashes a clock on his head! Boogeyman gets in the ring and begins eating a handful of worms! This gets Bray Wyatt's attention and the two spooky guys have a staredown. The Eater of Worlds vs. The Eater of Worms. Boogeyman sets Wyatt up for the Pumphandle Slam but Erick Rowan boots him in the head and then tosses him from the ring!
Erick Rowan eliminates The Boogeyman
21. Fandango w/Summer Rae
As Fandango dances his way to the ring, Christian and Jericho team up to eliminate Ezekiel Jackson.
Christian and Chris Jericho eliminate Ezekiel Jackson
Fandango sets his sights on Jericho and shows a more vicious side of himself, stomping Y2J relentlessly. Bray Wyatt and Erick Rowan try to eliminate Christian.
22. Luke Harper
The Wyatt Family is now at full strength. They dominate the field and Luke Harper clotheslines Fandango off the apron!
Luke Harper eliminates Fandango
Bray instructs them to eliminate Bryan but Punk and Cena have something to say about that.
23. Bad News Barrett
As Barrett picks the most opportune time to enter, The Wyatt Family gang up on Christian and Bray Wyatt tosses him out!
Bray Wyatt eliminates Christian
Chris Jericho puts up a fight, nailing Rowan with a Codebreaker! The numbers game is still in The Wyatt Family's favour --- Harper decapitates Y2J with a clothesline, and Wyatt eliminates him as well!
Bray Wyatt eliminates Chris Jericho
The clock begins to countdown so Barrett is forced to roll in the ring and Harper attacks him.
24. Shelton Benjamin
AIN'T NO STOPPIN' ME, NOOOO! The Gold Standard makes his return to WWE and gets a nice ovation from the Pittsburgh crowd. He single handedly ends The Wyatt Family's domination by diving onto all three of them! As Bray Wyatt scurries to his feet, Shelton greets him with a T-Bone Suplex! Erick Rowan charges full speed at Daniel Bryan but Bryan avoids him by pulling the rope down and Rowan crashes to the floor!
Daniel Bryan eliminates Erick Rowan
Rowan is pissed and starts dismantling the announce table until the referee's force him to leave. The ring is full of superstars with full intentions of headlining Wrestlemania. Bryan and Punk are spent. Cena too. Del Rio hides in the corner to stay alive. Shelton battles it out with Barrett and Harper. Wyatt pulls himself to his feet.
25. Batista
THE ANIMAL IS HERE! Batista is a one man wrecking crew. Spinebuster to Luke Harper! Batista Bomb to Barrett! Del Rio sneaks up and attempts to toss Batista out but The Animal reverses his momentum and eliminates Del Rio!
Batista eliminates Alberto Del Rio
Batista and Bray Wyatt lock eyes. Wyatt loves it and yells "Show me that Animal, David!" Batista crushes him with a Spear and then finds himself face to face with John Cena. Cena is much more exhausted and ends up getting Spinebustered for his troubles.
26. Roman Reigns
The powerhouse of The Shield enters the ring with bad intentions; Spear to Shelton Benjamin! Superman Punch to Daniel Bryan! Reigns and Batista do battle until Wyatt and Harper attack them ---- Batista and Reigns hit a pair of Spears to The Wyatt Family!
27. Dolph Ziggler
Ziggler comes down with a microphone and tells everyone in the ring that this is his year. Number 27 is the most coveted position as more people have won the Rumble from this spot than any other. He smashes Batista with the microphone and unloads punches on The Animal! Dolph with a Superkick to Barrett and a Zig Zag to John Cena! 10 superstars are left in the ring with 3 more to make their entrance.
28. Seth Rollins
The Architect of The Shield is here and he joins Roman Reigns as they go face to face with Wyatt and Harper! Electricity in the air folks! Things break down; Bray and Roman fight in the corner as Harper drops Rollins with a clothesline! John Cena hoists Luke Harper up and sends him to the floor with an AA!
John Cena eliminates Luke Harper
Bad News Barrett sneaks up and dumps Cena from the ring! John Cena is eliminated! Revenge for The Nexus at last!
Bad News Barrett eliminates John Cena
29. Sheamus
The Celtic Warrior imediately Brogue Kicks Shelton off the apron!
Sheamus eliminates Shelton Benjamin
Everyone fights as the clock counts down for our final entrant.
30. Brock Lesnar w/Paul Heyman
Now we know what Triple H gifted Paul Heyman earlier! The Beast enters the ring and F5's Bad News Barrett to the floor!
Brock Lesnar eliminates Bad News Barrett
Dolph Ziggler jumps on Brock's back and tries to choke him out but Lesnar reverses into an F5 position! Lesnar sends Dolph flying over the ropes!
Brock Lesnar eliminates Dolph Ziggler
Lesnar now targets Batista and hits a series of shoulder blocks in the corner. He picks The Animal up for an F5 but Batista fights out and clotheslines Brock out of the ring!!!
Batista eliminates Brock Lesnar
Brock is in shock along with the announcers and everyone in the arena. He starts pacing around the ring as Batista sets Bray Wyatt up for a Batista Bomb. Lesnar shoves the referee to the ground and slides back in the ring, tossing Batista out!
Brock Lesnar eliminates Batista
Lesnar smashes Batista with the steel steps and then F5's The Animal through the announce table! We're down to five as Rollins and Punk fight on the apron until Punk hits a GTS! Rollins crumbles unconscious to the floor!
CM Punk eliminates Seth Rollins
The final four of the 2014 Royal Rumble: CM Punk, Daniel Bryan, Bray Wyatt, and Roman Reigns. Punk and Bryan entered at number 1 and 2. Incredible accomplishment for them. Roman Reigns Spears Daniel Bryan and then sidesteps Bray Wyatt, sending him flying from the ring!
Roman Reigns eliminates Bray Wyatt
CM Punk hits a GTS on Reigns and all three men are down. Triple H walks down to the ring and rips his jacket off. Kane follows behind him. Punk pulls himself to his feet as tells them to bring it. Randy Orton RKO's CM Punk out of nowhere! The WWE Champion soaks in the boo's as he and Kane throw CM Punk out! "This is bullshit" yells the fans and JR agrees!
Randy Orton and Kane eliminate CM Punk
Triple H smiles and grabs the sledgehammer. Orton and Kane hold Daniel Bryan as HHH charges with the hammer ---- Roman Reigns Spears Triple H! CM Punk pulls Orton from the ring and they brawl into the crowd! Daniel Bryan takes Kane out with the YES+ Knee! With everyone out of the equation, Reigns and Bryan get three minutes of back and forth action, a proper finish to the Rumble. Reigns gets locked in a triangle choke but shows tremendous strength, lifting Bryan up and over the ropes! Bryan holds onto Roman and drags him over with him! They battle on the apron until Bryan viciously kicks Roman in the head! Reigns falls to the floor! Daniel Bryan wins the 2014 Royal Rumble!
Daniel Bryan eliminates Roman Reigns
Winner of the 2014 Royal Rumble: Daniel Bryan
Fireworks explode as Daniel Bryan leads the fans in a YES chant and points at the Wrestlemania sign.
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2024.05.19 15:30 xiaolii [H] Lots of Games [W] Trade for Games or Paypal (EU)

Last Updated List: 19/05/2024
 
I'm primarily looking to trade for games from my wishlist, otherwise I am also open to selling them. I am not interested in games I already have and all games I'm getting are for me and activated on my own account. Other than that feel free to offer your list of Steam games and something I may not have and fulfills my criteria I could/would be willing to trade for it/them.
If you're either trading or buying please state the game(s) you are interested in and your offer (game(s)/list/price).
 
Info:
 
I kindly ask of you is to be reasonable when making offers to make it a fair trade for both of us.
Let's have a good exchange/trade!
 
List of games:
submitted by xiaolii to GameTrade [link] [comments]

2024.05.19 15:30 xiaolii [H] Lots of Games [W] Trade for Games or Paypal (EU)

Last Updated List: 19/05/2024
 
I'm primarily looking to trade for games from my wishlist, otherwise I am also open to selling them. I am not interested in games I already have and all games I'm getting are for me and activated on my own account. Other than that feel free to offer your list of Steam games and something I may not have and fulfills my criteria I could/would be willing to trade for it/them.
If you're either trading or buying please state the game(s) you are interested in and your offer (game(s)/list/price).
 
Info:
 
I kindly ask of you is to be reasonable when making offers to make it a fair trade for both of us.
Let's have a good exchange/trade!
 
List of games:
submitted by xiaolii to indiegameswap [link] [comments]

2024.05.19 15:21 Burnbabyburnt My marriage was already on the rocks, and now I'm trans...

I am 32 years old, married for 6.5 years, and I just had my trans awakening in March 2024 (MtF). I went through my whole life generally apathetic and just following society's guidelines for what life is supposed to look like: finish high school, go to college, get a good job, find a girlfriend, marry her, have kids, retire comfortably, die.
I thought I was acing life because I was naturally good with academia, and that was all my life had to be for 13-14 years. As for relationships, I had a fairly strong sex drive, and my desire for a partner was strictly governed by that expectation. My first relationship in high school was all sex. It ended with her cheating on me right before college.
Well there goes one of my checkboxes on the life list. Let me just focus on college so I can do the next thing: get a good job. But oh no, it's already senior year and I never even tried meeting a potential partner. How will I have time once I'm a working adult? I better create an online dating profile and stick with the first girl I match with.
Good enough was good enough, and 4 years later my parents pry and ask me what my intentions are. Guess it's time to get married. Things felt good; weddings are fun. I was doing all the right things. 2 years in and it's time for the next checkbox: children.
But there was a problem. We still never figured out exactly what, but it was likely a combination of poor sperm quality and my wife's migraine medication that constricts blood flow, making it impossible for an egg to implant. We tried 3 rounds of IUI and one IVF. Nothing. Looking back I thank the universe that we got stopped here, but at the time I was having an existential crisis. The plan was ruined. What do I do now?
I started going to therapy. I talked about all this, and eventually another secret that had been eating at me for decades: I had a fetish for gender transformation. It was always in the background. My shameful kink. But it started coming out more now that the life plan was broken. After a while I started to wonder if it was really just a fetish, and then on 17Mar24 I posted that question to reddit...and my egg shattered.
Now my therapist tells me how happy and alive I seem when I talk about my progress. She says I'm finally experiencing what it's like to choose my destiny. I didn't even realize I had a "life plan" before. All that I wrote previously in this post is with hindsight. I've never actually "chosen" to do anything. Not with my heart or any passion anyway.
And now that shatters another big part of my life: my marriage. It was based on a lie, one that I had told myself my entire life. I feel like it's finally time to face divorce, but I'm still scared. How do I throw away 11 years of history with this person? Sure it wasn't all good, but it wasn't all bad either. We have inside jokes, we make each other laugh, but there was always this underlying tension that something wasn't right. I don't think I ever loved her. The highs are mid and the lows are deep dark trenches.
I post this after a huge fight we had last night. I have my own girl clothes, but I wanted to try on some of my wife's. She gave me permission. I even tried some on in front of her to get feedback. Everything seems OK. Later she gets drunk and starts getting agitated at me. Turns out she didn't like seeing me in her clothes because she's jealous; she has put on a bit of weight, which I really don't mind but it's a huge deal for her with a history of anorexia, and seeing me look skinny in her old clothes was too much. I told her that wasn't fair and she should have just been up front with me.
This has also been a consistent issue. She claims to be supportive, and often is...when sober. She tends to drink her problems away, which I also find extremely unattractive. But the truth comes out of the bottle. I don't think she can handle this, and I also don't think it's fair to her that I am starting to realize that I don't even love her. She claims to love me, but I think she's scared of being alone. She has no friends and almost no family; both parents dead, grandma's on her way out, and she doesn't even like the rest of her family. She doesn't even like my family or friends that much. She hates people. Everyone but the current relationship. She's actually said so herself. Big red flag that I missed for years.
tldr: I married a person I didn't love because of societal expectations, and now that I'm trans I realize I don't have to conform to those expectations, and it seems to be the end of this marriage
submitted by Burnbabyburnt to TransLater [link] [comments]

2024.05.19 15:04 kglw-net [Setlist Thread] May 19, 2024 @ Arena Wien · Vienna, Austria

Show Poster by Amy Jean
Austria Show History
Tour Meetup Info
Stream - Streamus
Show Time: Doors 5pm CEST, Hypnotic Floor 7:00pm, King Gizz ~8:30-10:30pm (2:30pm EST, 11:30am PST, 7:30pm BST, 4:30am AEDT)
Setlist:
  1. Venusian II >
  2. Hell
  3. Supercell
  4. Converge >
  5. Witchcraft
6.
This setlist and all previous shows can be found at kglw.net. If you attended the show, leave a review and rating!
Join the setlist discussion on our Forum!
30 Day of Gizz Song History is over, check out the full list of song histories!
If you have Video/Audio you would like to contribute to the Archive. Please let us know and we would be happy to assist in getting it uploaded.
470 Shows since Vegemite (Oddments)
submitted by kglw-net to KGATLW [link] [comments]

2024.05.19 14:38 qiumo_talk 「苦难诗社：灰熊2024赛季总结」Grizzlies 2023-24 Season Summary: The Tortured Poets Department

「苦难诗社：灰熊2024赛季总结」Grizzlies 2023-24 Season Summary: The Tortured Poets Department
写在最前：这是我在2024年4月19日写的文章。那天我最爱的艺术家霉霉发表了专辑TTPD，其中文译名为”苦难诗社“，我认为非常契合灰熊本赛季的主题。
Written first: This is an article I wrote on April 19, 2024. That day, my favorite artist Taylor Swift released the album TTPD. I think it fits the Grizzlies' theme of this season very well.
考虑到原文篇幅较长，所以我只会在这里发布英文版。如果你感兴趣，可以去我的微博看中文版：
Considering the length of the original article, I will only post the English version here. If you are interested, you can go to my Weibo to see the Chinese version.
-
Remember the names of these 33 warriors.
​
https://preview.redd.it/05zsptapld1d1.png?width=1920&format=png&auto=webp&s=5c9193aa7b5e49cee95cd2727c30aa4a5b4f9b79
After three hard-fought quarters against the Nuggets, the Grizzlies eventually lost.
Much like most of the season’s games, they displayed convincing moments. Whenever the opponent attempted to push the game into a decisive depth, TJ would call a timely timeout to catch a breath and then immediately launch a counterattack. If you were an unfamiliar fan tuning in during the final moments of many games, you’d be puzzled: who are these guys? How are they tying the score against Joker, JT, Bron, and AD? But most of the time, effort couldn’t beat talent.
No worries, I was just as surprised as you. But after watching the Grizzlies' final game of the season in the early morning, I took a deep breath as the fleeting memories of the past six months flashed before my eyes like a slideshow, and I understood them.
This is the Grizzlies' second-lowest win rate season in the past 15 years. They had 33 players wear the jersey, missed 578 games due to injury, and used 51 different starting lineups (all NBA records). Even one of the league’s loudest home courts, FedEx Forum, often had many empty seats for most of the season.
"For just $2, you can see Timmy Allen, Jack White, and Zavier Simpson play live!"
This isn’t a joke. On April 9, facing the Spurs at home, all three played at least 25 minutes. They limited Rookie of the Year Wemby to 18 points on 19 shots but were still dominated on the boards by Sandro Mamukelashvili and lost the game.
Despite several key players coming and going, last season the Grizzlies boasted the league's best home record (35-6), but this season they only won nine games at home. After back-to-back home losses to the Blazers (who finished last in the West with 21 wins but beat the Grizzlies three times) on March 2, GG Jackson admitted postgame:
"You see your fans leaving with like 8 minutes left in the game, that really sticks us as players. They want to come see us play. And that's kind of like them slapping us in our faces like, 'We don't want to see you play.' We've got to change that."
I understand these people. This has been a season full of hardship for players, coaches, management, the team, fans, and the city. From before the season, we were devastated by unprecedented injuries. Anyone still paying attention to this team is a true Grizzlies fan. Special credit to the players and coaching staff—by January, the season had already lost its meaning. The basketball gods didn’t favor them despite Ja’s season-ending injury but instead brought more injuries. Yet, even so, they fought on and never gave up. I don’t recall any game being "surrendered"—no matter how few players were left, they gave it their all on the floor.
https://preview.redd.it/godn2cysld1d1.png?width=1024&format=png&auto=webp&s=88a5a76c9627381d1ec46d31f5875dfa10b2957c
My favorite artist Taylor Swift released her 11th album, "The Tortured Poets Department," today, and I’m willing to call the 2024 Grizzlies "The Tortured Players Department"—injured, pained, struggling, liberated, relieved, and then filled with hope.
I don’t know how fans will remember and evaluate this most painful season in NBA history ten years from now—but while the memories are still fresh, I’ll do it now.
​

Two Black Swans

​
If we set the start of a season as the day after playoff elimination, then as early as last May, shadows had already enveloped the team. Like me, Morant wasn’t good at live streaming, and for the second time, he brandished a gun in a car. When I got the news, I was packing for a trip to Guangzhou the next day and nearly tore a basketball sock in half.
Opinions on the Smart trade were generally positive, and Raymon and I were full of praise for GG and Slaw Dawg’s Summer League performances on the Chinese Grizzlies podcast. Missing Morant for 25 games meant we couldn’t secure home-court advantage like the past two years, but securing a play-in spot seemed reasonable. In an open Western Conference, all it took was a lucky playoff matchup, and a full-strength team could still achieve something.
Then Stevo was out for the season.
Unlike Morant's short-term impact on the record, this was a heavy blow to all remaining hope. I dejectedly said:
"No matter what, they can’t play like last year or even the year before, and they can’t find another Adams through trade or signing. The Grizzlies’ new season hasn’t even started, but it might already be over."
At this point, it was just three days before the season opener. The appearance of two black swans cast a shadow over the season before it even began.
​

Finding Joy in Suffering

​
The Grizzlies' first 25 games were like me trying to stand on a balance ball in the gym for the first time—standing seemed not too difficult, but whenever I tried to squat, my legs started shaking uncontrollably, and most of the time, I fell off.
After five straight losses, the Grizzlies quickly signed the overlooked Biyombo and then played some decent games, but the injury wave followed one after another. At the most extreme, the Grizzlies had to use their paper-thin fourth point guard—Jacob Gilyard, who should have shined in the G League—a player about my height and weight because Ja, Smart, and Rose were all injured.
https://preview.redd.it/zmk62bq3md1d1.png?width=1600&format=png&auto=webp&s=4ee1bbd1eda0ba13c4715fcf15391b5fdc67de32
To be fair, the Grizzlies showed resilience at that time. Facing the "BIG4 Clippers," the Grizzlies won their second game of the season on the road. Gilyard (6+5+3+3) held his own against Harden (11+4+3); against a full-strength Celtics, Aldama put up 28+12+6 and almost pulled off an upset; Bane dropped 49 points to lead a comeback win over the Pistons, scoring in the fourth quarter as much as Cunningham, Bojan, Duren, and Ivey combined.
The Grizzlies could keep up with most paper-strong teams and even come back from 15-20 points down but usually lost in the final moments. Bane took on an overwhelming offensive load, being the only consistent scorer, three-point shooter, and transition player, but he mostly held up; JJJ was often forced to play the five, which he disliked, making both offense and defense awkward and inefficient. As for the untested young players, they rarely held the ball securely in the fourth quarter.
With a 6-19 record, second-to-last in the West, trailing the play-in zone by more than five games; Bane’s performance was the team’s lone standout, determining both the floor and ceiling; aside from JJJ, Aldama, and Roddy, almost no one was healthy. The Grizzlies’ net rating still ranked higher than their record, their defensive efficiency remained in the top ten, but they couldn’t score.
​

A Brief Spring

​
December 20—just an ordinary game day, but Grizzlies fans had been waiting almost four months. The Pelicans, with their formidable build, weren’t an ideal opponent after a long layoff, but Morant loved such games. He probed in the first two quarters and then started showcasing his signature gliding layups and near-basket floaters in the third. He almost blew past every defender, gesturing "too small" to Alvarado, laying it up over defensive player Herbert Jones. On the final play, he drove from the backcourt, bypassed the screen, and floated a shot over Jones, Murphy, and Daniels—off the backboard, into the basket, buzzer beater.
This was Morant’s first career buzzer-beater. Interestingly, after the shot, even the Grizzlies players on the court paused for a second before realizing they had won, with Bane even freezing at the three-point line.
I understand Bane. In the first 25 games, the Grizzlies didn’t have such clutch play; this was a moment where a superstar wielded his superpower.
https://preview.redd.it/ivoxez05md1d1.png?width=1200&format=png&auto=webp&s=88313b44ea6967be3578b9d99f8eadcbd450a207
Morant posted the highest points for a player returning after missing more than 25 games in history, but more thrilling for fans was that the Grizzlies truly became competitive. They quickly won four in a row, beating the hot Haliburton, Trae, and Wemby, and winning twice against the Pelicans on the road. Bane and JJJ were in great form, and Smart’s fourth-quarter lockdown on Ingram was impressive.
With the return of injured players, we began to calculate and discuss the Grizzlies' playoff prospects. Morant caught the flu and missed one game, played poorly in the next two—nothing to say as I was also down with the flu—recovered, and then convincingly defeated Bron and AD’s Lakers on the road. Smart scored 29 points (including a ton of threes), Morant’s scattered scoring and assists, JJJ turned into Curry, and Bane turned the arena into a library with a series of off-the-dribble threes in the fourth quarter. After the game, Nemo and JJJ sat on the scorer’s table for an ESPN interview: "You’re making a playoff push, what’s your plan?"
https://preview.redd.it/mddc8fv8md1d1.png?width=2182&format=png&auto=webp&s=865924dab3881c277783c53a5f40acf1a53504b3
Jaren smiled lightly, and Nemo said, "Keep playing like this, 48 minutes of relentless effort every night, execute our signature defense, move the ball, and everyone being on point. Tonight, we had many guys scoring 20+, like Z. Keep this up, and we’ll be dangerous."
We didn’t see Nemo play again; a few days later, he was diagnosed with a torn labrum and was out for the season; two games later, Smart dislocated his finger and was out for the season; another two games, Bane went down, and the season was over.
​

The Dawn

​
Just two weeks after hope reignited, it was extinguished. What was left to see this season? I believe every Grizzlies fan asked themselves this question. At this point, you have to appreciate the basketball gods; when they close one door, they really do open another.
——Back on December 1, with no one available, TJ put Vince Williams into the rotation. As last year’s 47th pick, his rookie year saw no meaningful time, mainly playing in the G League. In the limited effective game sample, we considered him a wing “shooter” who couldn’t handle the ball or defend well—he hadn’t even shot well in Summer League.
In his first effective NBA game, Vince scored 15 points on 6-of-9 shooting, adding nine rebounds. He stayed on in the fourth quarter, impressively defending Irving. The Grizzlies secured their fifth win of the season.
Ten days later, facing the Mavericks again, this time he had to guard Luka, averaging 34 points. No one expected him to complete the task, nor should he, but he did great—the Grizzlies almost erased a 17-point deficit, forcing Luka to 4-of-12 shooting in the second half. They even exchanged trash talk during the game, but after the game, Luka said:
"I think he’s a great defender."
When Luka Doncic calls you a "great" defender, you must be a "very, very, very great" defender.
https://preview.redd.it/6jn2grnbmd1d1.png?width=1919&format=png&auto=webp&s=566c59c5549e34a61c450230a88500215b38de49
Vince started the next game. Although he had some ups and downs briefly after Morant’s return, he quickly adjusted. He scored 19+9 against the Suns’ big three, limiting Durant; next time facing Luka, he won again (Luka 9-of-21); he scored 24+7 against the Warriors, winning, and in the win over the Heat, he outperformed Butler (25 points, JB 15 points).
Just as we were marveling at his offensive and defensive performances, his pre-All-Star break streak showed us even more potential.
Starting from February 8 against the Bulls, he averaged 14+7+8+2 steals over five consecutive games, including an 18+12+7 performance against Lillard/Giannis’ Bucks. He limited Lillard to 7-of-21 shooting and helped disrupt Lillard’s three-point attempt in the final moments.
What, Vince can also moonlight as a point guard?
The Grizzlies converted his contract in January to a three-year, $7.9 million deal with an option. Considering his versatility and level of play, this contract is so low it’s almost insulting. But if you think that’s exaggerated, wait, there’s more.
https://preview.redd.it/wjpaxgqcmd1d1.png?width=1920&format=png&auto=webp&s=0352543f4be22abad934a7d796e6968d91e40156
——When GG Jackson was drafted, few Grizzlies fans who knew about him were optimistic. Their reasons were solid: GG wasn’t even 19 when drafted, too young; he skipped a grade to play a dismal season at South Carolina, shooting 38%, looking like a chucker; he had publicly criticized teammates, posing a locker room cancer risk.
These might be true, but I only learned about him after he was drafted—watching him tearfully talk to ZK on a call, watching his college highlight reels showcasing his versatile offensive skills and confidence, his enviable physique, these on-court aspects captivated me. I followed his performance throughout Summer League, and his smooth catch-and-shoot and diligent defensive footwork made me even more optimistic about his future.
At the time, I was probably the only one publicly praising him. I voiced my support in every platform I had—podcasts, Weibo, even the comment section of the pay raise public account: Check out GG! He has a chance to enter the rotation!
For the first half of the season, he barely played, putting up numbers in the G League. On January 13, 2024, with Nemo, Bane, and Smart all out, TJ had no choice but to put GG into the rotation, giving him 27 minutes.
In his first effective NBA game, GG scored 20 points on 9-of-14 shooting; the next game against the Warriors, 23 points. He became the second-youngest in history to score 20+ in consecutive games, only behind Bron—TNT’s crew warmly greeted him on national television:
Shaq: "I have nothing to say; I just want to congratulate you: now people know who you are."
https://preview.redd.it/a22gjp4emd1d1.png?width=2248&format=png&auto=webp&s=1a59bc946a230ddb2108716ff9253ecc05c6592f
GG looked both excited and nervous, reminding me of my freshman year. This is the genuine reaction of a kid this age when they’ve done something remarkable and are publicly praised for it.
This wasn’t the last time. With Vince injured, GG became my sole motivation to watch the last third of the season. In 42 effective games, he averaged 16.4 points and 4.5 rebounds, hitting 36% of his shots, averaging 2.4 three-pointers per game. He scored 20+ in 12 games, 30+ in three, and posted 44+12 against a full-strength Nuggets in the final game.
If GG had entered the rotation earlier, could he have made the All-Rookie First Team? Quite possibly, as he’s a natural scorer who excels in big moments and national broadcasts (how rare is this for the youngest player in the league?). His other contributions in games were limited, but considering the Grizzlies’ environment, their league-worst offense, the pressure he faced, and the difficulty of his scoring might have been greatly underestimated.
GG dropped 31 points against a full-strength Lakers, almost the only player able to initiate scoring, making a top-five play dunk over Rui Hachimura. How many All-Rookie votes will he get?
https://preview.redd.it/7obss9rfmd1d1.png?width=1600&format=png&auto=webp&s=dbe5d862cf5b5ca1ace44b70eabd533933563b5d
Two experts stood with me: ESPN’s Bobby Marks placed GG in his All-Rookie Second Team a week ago, and The Ringer’s Bill Simmons said he would vote GG for Rookie of the Year in a podcast two days ago. Regardless, GG has earned respect.
And for Grizzlies fans, even better news is that the team converted his contract to a four-year, $8.5 million deal with a fourth-year team option in February. As a Reddit Grizzlies fan put it, "This is Pippen contract level theft."
Vince and GG, two second-round picks, played convincingly in ways no one expected. The Grizzlies have locked them in on affordable long-term contracts for at least three years, and they will undoubtedly be key rotation or even starting players for the Grizzlies next season—what did the Grizzlies trade to acquire them? Zero.
​

Praying to the Basketball Gods

​
Though Grizzlies fans' moods might be 1,000 times better than three months ago, this remains a completely wasted season. For a young team that matched up against the champions two years ago, this isn’t good. The Grizzlies still have plenty of draft picks, but their salary cap is tight. Their core 3 is still young and talented, but two other young core teams—at least the Timberwolves and Thunder—are ready. The Grizzlies are nowhere near their position two years ago.
But this "wasted" season allowed them to eliminate many wrong options and secure several key players. Even if the offseason only brings an average starting center, their roster strength is very, very solid (I don’t think any current team could consistently beat a healthy 2024 Grizzlies). They maintained high defensive levels, forced turnovers, and blocks with many non-NBA players, and they possess better three-point shooting than the past two years. They can replicate the 2022 season's performance, and that’s a conservative estimate.
https://preview.redd.it/xxiop63hmd1d1.png?width=1440&format=png&auto=webp&s=951528875c8ab351023e1f588ad3837f4c0d6661
But can they stay healthy? In 2022, Dillon played only 32 games and was out of sorts in the playoffs, with Morant also injured midway; in 2023, key players were in and out, losing inside reserves to the Lakers in a seven-game upset; this year, the entire team suffered the worst injury wave in NBA history. Like the Clippers in recent years, injuries are the easiest topic to discuss without being wrong because no one can control them, and they always happen.
So, I can only pray to the basketball gods: it can’t get worse than this. I desperately want to see a fully healthy Morant-Bane-Jaren Grizzlies team play a playoff series, even if they are easily beaten by a better team. I don’t want to look back years later and be left with a pile of "what ifs."
submitted by qiumo_talk to memphisgrizzlies [link] [comments]

2024.05.19 14:10 iwokeupabillionare Annie Who Are You? L'inconnue de la Seine. The Girl who never drowned.

Context
Michael Jackson’s song 'Smooth Criminal' featured on his seventh album Bad (1987). The song is about a woman being attacked in their apartment. It used the refrain “Annie Are You Ok?” which is used to teach students CPR on CPR mannequin Annie (Wikipedia, 2023). “Resusci Anne was developed by the Norwegian toy maker Åsmund S. Lærdal and the Austrian-Czech physician Peter Safar and American physician James Elam” (Wikipedia, 2023). The oldest version is the proto-CPR mannequin of the world. It was invented after Asmund “was alerted to… physicians and engineers in Baltimore that had a new and much more effective method for resuscitation, involving mouth-to-mouth breathing”. The creation was sentimental as Tore, his son, had experienced drowning. The doll was modelled after the face of the death mask, ‘L’ inconnue de la Seine’ translated from French to English meaning ‘The unknown of the Seine’ (A rich heritage, 2023). They chose the face of a young female as male doctors would’ve felt uncomfortable practising on a same-sexed doll . Additionally, to resurrect a girl “millions of times is at the centre of a macabre mystery.”
Legend
Legend states, a young female corpse was pulled from the river Seine, the death mask was moulded on the corpse's face by a pathologist as they were beheld by her beauty. The corpse awaited with other bodies for identification which never came in the Paris Morgue. This practise was real as “two-thirds of the corpses dealt with by the morgue fished out of the Seine" were "suicides, accidental drownings or murders” (The Guardian, 2007).
Eric Nadeau stated "the pathologist asked for a mould to be made of the young woman’s face and the closest moulder was [their] very own Michel Lorenzi who founded Artlier Lorenzi, a molding workshop founded in 1871 “19, Rue Racine” (Morgan, 2017) . A suggestion from a now deleted post by users: and the link provided by in this thread provided contradicting info, Phoebe Judge stated that Eric Nardeau stated that the mask wasn’t created of a corpse, but Lorenzi stated in a 1914 French interview, but of a living model in 1866. The mask was made due to the model's popularity with other artists (The unknown woman, p.8, 2023).
According to Nadeau: “Michel Lorenzi, who was from an old moulding family based in a small village near Lucca, Italy and arrived in Paris around 1850” (Morgan, 2017). Although, another source stated that “Michel had a house in Piano. di Coreglia, came to settle in Paris around 1868” (LORENZI Pierre- Sculptor, n.d). It's possible the mask wasn't created in France but Italy according to the date Michel Lorenzi moved and the creation year of the mask provided by Nadeau.
Debunkers
Claire Forestier, a descendant of the original Lorenzi stated the death mask’s face has " full, rounded cheeks ... smooth skin…[usually akin to] casts taken from living faces [as they are] are so clear, so detailed, that when you look at the eyelids you can just see the eyeballs' movement underneath. That's the case with the Inconnue" (The Guardian, 2007).
“… moored at their headquarters near the Pont d'Austerlitz, Chief Brigadier Pascal Jacquin was less than convinced that the girl was dead when the mask was made” according to them “the drowned and suicides, they never look so peaceful. They're swollen, they don't look nice" (Grange, 2013).
"In 1960, Pierre Lièvre reported to the magazine "Chercheurs et Curieux." The interview stated the then owner of Atelier Lorenzi's ancestor (presumably Michel Lorenzi) had "molded the Inconnue at the request of a forensic doctor, as quoted on March 28, 2020 in the "Cousu Main editions blog titled "L'Inconnue de la Seine" on cousumain.worldpress.com"". The writer Jean Ducourneau, whilst writing The Church of Céline "(referenced below) [35, 36]", made a visit to rue Racine, they wrote the found that the mask "had been lifted on the face of a very pretty workshop model, reminding us that it is technically impossible for this mask to have been lifted on a corpse," reiterating the technical impossibility of this veil being lifted from a deceased body. "(In fact very quickly the rigidity cadaver blocks the mandibular joint and the smile would rather have been a rictus or a grimace)"
Origin of the Legend
“The name L'Inconnue de la Seine is quite late and probably dates from Ernst Benkard's collection of photographs in 1926 [25, 26] … placed the Unknown Woman of the Seine on the cover of his collection of death masks, Das ewige Antlitz (The Eternal Face) [Figure 20]. The book was published in 1926. The myth of her death mask probably originates from Rainer Maria Rilke’s Cahiers de Malte Laurids Brigge, published in Germany in 1910, in French 1911*.* “Rilke arrived in Paris in 1902 and stayed at 3 rue de l'Abbé-de-l'Épée near rue Racine. [He] mentions the mask of the Unknown woman associated with that of Beethoven, in the window of the molder Lorenzi, rue Racine. “The face of the young drowned woman that was cast in the morgue, because it was beautiful and because it smiled, because it smiled so deceptively . ". [23L page 72 Points edition] [Figure 11].” (Jean-Pierre, 2022).
Beginning Art History
According to Gaelle-Salliot (2017), Lorenzi’s grandniece stated that the death mask was first used for the 19th tetes d’expression at Ecole Beaux Arts. The author cited Edourd Papet’s (2008, p. 20) fact that the death mask was earliest depicted in Charles Bargue and Jean Leon-Gerome’s cours de dessin a drawing manual which features a drawing of Homer. She is depicted in Figure 2 (Gaëlle-Salliot, 2017, p.7). This drawing manual didn't reference a story of that of drown girl etc.
Potential real facts about the Jane Doe
An alternative name for the live cast is ‘La Belle Italienne’, from Frenct to English meaning, ‘The Beautiful Italian’. She’s seen in A. Daprato & Co. Boston, Manufacturer of Plastic Arts. “Several plaster casts manufacturer in the United States added a portrait of the girl in their [catalogue] collection, but in all [catalogue] she is named as La Belle Italienne. Why Italian?. This is a curious fact, it is a true information or an error because the girl was unknown?” She is seen with the name in “P.P. Caproni & Bro. Boston, Plastic Arts. 1911 cat [-ologue]. Masks n° 13525 La Belle Italienne, from life $ 1,00” (Felice, 2012). “Forestier thinks she must have been at most 16 for her skin to be so firm and smooth” (The Guardian, 2007). “According to the draughtsman Georges Villa, who received this information from his master, the painter Jules Joseph Lefebvre, the impression was taken from the face of a young model who died of tuberculosis around 1875, but no trace of the original cast remained” (M, Bessy, 1981 cited by Wikipedia, 2023)”. However, according to Marious Grout, the model was famous and working for “artists around 1875” (Gaëlle-Salliot, pp.6-7, 2015).
False leads
According to Alvarez (2015) the model of mask gained success in German with their father in a Hamburg factory that reproduced the mask (Gaëlle-Salliot, 2017). This fact doesn’t lead to anywhere. She was also identified as a Russian prostitute named Valerie who committed suicide, buried in Pere- Lachaise (Gaëlle-Salliot, 2017). Although, this comes from the fictional book The Mask by William Wood (G. E. W. H, 1951, p.6). As well as, Ewa Lazlo, a creation of John Goto, who wrote a fictional investigative story identifying the model. They “assumed that people would have a postmodern view and treat it as fictional," and they "really didn't expect [people] to take it seriously" as people online took his story to be factual (Grange, 2013).
Conclusion
She has the artistic reverence and mystery of a once youthful girl alike Afghan girl. “In light of the Cold War, the portrait was described as the "First World's Third World Mona Lisa"” according to S. Hesford and Kozol (2005) cited by Wikipedia, 2023. A title formally given to L’ inconnue de la Seine “because of her mysterious smile, “Mona Lisa of suicide” (Aragon)” (Jean-Pierre, 2022). The legend casts a great shadow over her identity, as the story ends with a corpse; she is muse who’s story is reinvented time and time again. It is possible that not resources all have been exhausted, there is potentially more information that could be obtained by the Artlier Lorenzi. Additionally, we still don’t known the causes-effects that lead to Georges Villa obtaining information about her, it is possible that other documents about this figure exist from this contemporary art community . If this person is Italian - a small possibility – this person’s life could have been documented in Italian records waiting for a face to match the details.
TLDR: An unidentified model possibly of Italian origin, was used to create a live cast of a bust. It was recreated repeatedly. The bust was misreported to a be a “death mask” of girl who drowned in the river Seine, in late 19th century France, from a pathologist in awe of her beauty created the mask. Long after, she became a muse for many artists. Then, she became the model of the first CPR doll in the 1960s. Finally, the victim of a melodic tragedy ‘Smooth Criminal’. No one knows the model’s identity.
Fact-file
Name: Unknown
Age: 16+/- (The Guardian, 2007)
Born: 1850+/- (Based upon the possible creation year of the mask from The unknown woman, p.8, 2023 and possible age range of the model from the Guardian, 2007)
Modelled: 1866? (The Unknown woman, p.8, 2023)
Death year: 1875? (Bessy, 1981 cited by Wikipedia, 2023)
Death cause: Tuberculosis? (Bessy, 1981 cited by Wikipedia, 2023)
Ethnicity: Italian? (Felice, 2012)
Occupation: Model for live casts
Place of work: Lucca, Italy (LORENZI Pierre- Sculptor, n.d) or Artlier Lorenzi, France (Morgan, 2017)?
Employer: Michel Lorenzi (The Guardian, 2007 et al.)
References:
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