text:
Paul, the boys and I have been "basement dwellers" the past few weeks. Paul has been living in his sister's basement and the boys and I have been living in my aunt and uncle's basement in St. Paul and now are living in my parents' basement in Decorah. We haven't really been homeless, but we have been without a home since closing on our house in Burnsville early last week.
But now we are happy to report that will have a house to move into when we arrive in Sydney on May 22!
Paul found us a cute little 3-bedroom house in the northern Sydney suburb of Asquith. It is in a great neighborhood near Paul's sister's family and our friends and is a 10-minute walk to the train station. And then it will be a 45-50 train ride for Paul to get to work.


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DEHRADUN: After facing much humiliation following the escape of notorious criminal Amit Malik alias Bhura on December 15, 2015, Uttarakhand police have initiated a number of steps to ensure such acts are not repeated. The latest step in this regard is the acquiring of a modified vehicle to take notorious criminals from jails for court hearings.
The modified vehicle has a seating arrangement of about seven to eight policemen and can carry two to three hardcore criminals at a time. Presently, one such jeep has been purchased by the Uttarakhand police for the Kumaon region and efforts are on to have one more at the earliest for Garhwal.
The vehicle – which is a utility jeep in the range of Rs 7 lakh to Rs 8 lakh – has been modified in the rear side to carry the criminals. For the modification work, which has been carried out in Dehradun itself an additional budget of Rs 50,000 was required.
Giving the information DGP Uttarakhand M A Ganapathy told TOI, "We decided to go for the vehicle as there is a serious security threat while taking hardcore criminals from the jail to court, whether within a district or to another district." Earlier, trains or other vehicles were used for the purpose, which lacked the required security aspects.
While, five policemen, including the driver, can be seated in the first two rows, three can take position in the fabricated cell in the rear portion of the vehicle. At the same time, the rear section is entirely covered to cut off any sort of communication of the criminal with the outsiders.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
The Elf Whisperer
"Portland. This is Portland. Portland. Local time is 4:45 pm. End of the line. Check with the ticket agent for your bus numbers if you are headed north or south from here," the bus driver intoned over the loud speaker. Marie Rose woke and raised her head from where it had been resting against the window. She scowled owlishly, confused. What had he said? Portland? Why was she here? She had finally gotten her life together. Why had she left a perfectly good job and an apartment that was not a cock-roach infested hell-hole? Why had she packed what she could into her backpack and left Salt Lake City in such a hurry?
She wrested the heavy backpack out of the overhead rack and trudged sleepily to the front of the bus.
"Thank you," she said to the bus driver. The man did not look up from his clipboard, merely grunting as she passed him. Marie Rose stepped out onto the wet pavement and took a deep breath. It had rained recently. Shadows ran like water across the pavement and pooled in the puddles of the uneven parking lot. It would rain again sometime in the night. She needed to find somewhere safe and dry to sleep before then. Walking through the bus station, she pulled out her phone. By the time she stood curbside, she had a Lyft ride and the address of a hotel with monthly rates.
The hotel looked promising. Being part youth hostel, it boasted a coffee shop and a restaurant that catered to the less sophisticated tastes of the average college-age summer backpacker. The Lyft driver was personable and chatty. By the time he dropped her off in front of the hotel, she had the names of a half dozen restaurants that were cheap and clean where the locals ate regularly.
On the sidewalk in front of the main doors, Marie Rose paused, heels hanging off the edge of the curb, as she studied the edifice of the five-story hotel. Old. Post WWII, or a little earlier. Ghosts hung inside by the dozens, just off the edge of knowing. She took in a deep breath, pulling light out of the Void and letting it wash through her, cleansing her of any shadow she might have picked up on her journey. As expected, at the flare of light, most of the ghosts took note of her presence and pressed their noses against the windows to stare down at her with hungry longing. Marie Rose shouldered her pack and walked through the front doors.
A ghost of an old man drifted near. Too late, it realized that the storm of light surrounding her was a whirlpool. Caught in its eddies, it was pulled apart and sucked away. Marie Rose pretended not to notice as she crossed the lobby to the front desk. The clerk studied her speculatively. She knew what he was thinking. She was too young to be a derelict. Too old to be a college student on a walkabout. Travel had rumpled but decently dressed and clean. Nondescript in a way that proclaimed her disdain for current fashion trends.
"Can I help you?" the boy behind the counter asked. He was that age that made him unremarkable – young and sheltered. Life had not yet marked his face with the lines of pain and anguish that left their indelible scars on a human soul.
"Your website says you have monthly rates," Marie Rose said.
"Those rooms are taken. I have a few beds left in the hostel or you can pay the nightly rates for the rooms on the top floors."
Marie Rose nodded and pulled out a credit card. "Give me a room. As high up as possible. And put my name down for the next monthly-rate room."
The boy had a couple of guardian ghosts. Older women. They scowled at her from over the boys shoulders. Marie Rose scowled back. They looked surprised as they fled through the front doors and hovered out on the sidewalk. That was fine. She could tolerate them there. They could pick up their boy when he went home.
Marie Rose smiled at the boy as he took her credit card. "What is your name?"
"Ethan," he said, pointing at his name-tag in annoyance. Ethan Hutchinson. A nice Viking name. She liked how he tasted. His great great grandfather had come over from Scotland back before the turn of the last century. Five generations later, this boy was the same mixed heritage of all white Americans, the magic of the old gods now just a mere whisper running through his veins. She sent a tendril of power into him, and the old magic flared into life, bringing Ethan one more step closer to awareness of his own power. His hand hovered over the keys as he blinked in confusion. Shaking his head, he completed the transaction.
He swiped her card and watched the screen, probably expecting it to be declined.
"Ethan. Will you tell me when you get a vacancy or do I need to come down here everyday to check?"
Ethan handed the card back with a long-suffering sigh. "I will make a note for tomorrow's shift. The restaurant closes at 7 pm if you are hungry. The coffee shop opens a 6 am." He took a card blank and ran it through the machine. "Your room is 521. Top floor facing the river."
"That's perfect, Ethan. Thank you very much," she said as she took the room key. She turned and scowled at the room full of ghosts that had gathered while her attention was elsewhere. Not all of them belonged to the hotel. Her presence had called them here, clearing the city for blocks around. She took another deep breath and filled the room with white light. The power of it wanted to rage out of her and fill the world. She struggled and managed to contain it to just this building. When the power subsided and she could see again, the room was empty.
"Uh, the elevator is to your left," Ethan said helpfully, misunderstanding her hesitation.
Marie Rose nodded and turned in that direction. Shadows chittered excitedly from behind the walls. It would take more than a bit of white light to banish them. She needed to get behind walls that kept them at bay.
The elevator was as old as the building and took forever to descend to the lobby. She felt the sweat form on her skin. Damn, damn, damn. New places gave her the heebie jeebies. Hotel rooms especially. Never mind the ghosts. The dark anguish of the past inhabitants clung to everything and no amount of soap and water could wash it away. She need to get up to her room and start cleaning.
The elevator opened to a long hall that smelled of wood rot and mildew. The room, while relatively clean, smelled of harsh cleaning products and old sweat. Marie Rose crossed to the window, threw back the curtains and pushed up on the old style casement. It only rose half a foot before it ran into something that blocked it. The hotel wanted to guard against the random suicide. A cold wind swept down the river and sent eddies into her room. It would have to do. She went to the bathroom and turned the cold water taps on full in the tub and the sink. Water splashed against the porcelain and gurgled down the drain, chasing away the shadows that hid there. She striped naked and hung her clothes on the hook behind the door.
Returning to the room, she unzipped her backpack and dumped its contents on the bed. Finding the incense sticks and the lighter, she put flame to tip until it glowed red then she walked the edges of the room, wafting the sweet smoke into every corner. Between water and smoke and breeze, the stagnate energy began to break apart.
She made a second circle of the room but this time the smoke from her incense stick glowed white and the runes and sigils she inscribed in the air hung stationary where she placed them, glowing softly. Taking a deep breath, she sent power coursing through her body. The spirals and circles and triangles inscribed bone-deep by the old shaman years ago burned brightly through all the layers of muscle and skin, turning their white light golden. The sunlight was disappearing from the sky but she did not need to turn on the lights to see in the growing dusk. Her body was light enough.
Marie Rose pointed two fingers at the wall and a flaming blade sprang into her fist. She made a circle for a third time, the blade of light cutting through the walls and incinerating any shadow that was too slow to get out of the way. She returned to the center of the room and used the blade to inscribe a spiral in the floor and then put an identical spiral in the ceiling above her.
Satisfied, she returned to the mound of belongings on the bed and picked up the rag doll. Propping it against the head board, she pressed her fingers into the crystal in its heart and whispered the words that opened the portal into the other places. A name fell from her lips, spoken in a language had not been heard on this planet for thousands of years.
A creature of light and shadow stepped into the room.
"Killeel," she murmured with pleasure, throwing her arms around him.
"Ah, my lovely witch, Rose," Killeel said, burying his fingers in her mass of dark hair as he pressed his forehead against hers.
His pointed ears poked out of the fall of his pale hair as he studied her face with eyes that sparkled like faceted amethyst. He was every bit as naked as she and he was very male. She ran her hands over his hard belly as his lips dropped to nibble on her earlobe.
Maddenly, he stopped and lifted his head to look around. Was it the bright sigils floating in the air or the chitter of shadows beyond the wall of light she had created that disturbed him?
"What is this? Why have you moved?" he asked.
"They were getting too close. People were getting hurt," she said with a shrug.
"And you do not think they will notice this?" he asked frowning at the magic that laced the room and shown through her skin. "This extravagant display of power will surely be turning heads. They will notice. If not now, soon. You grow in power. It disturbs them."
"They are busy feeding on a city full of ghosts. The dead and the death at the stadium will keep them happy for months."
Killeel grunted. "It is getting easier and easier to find a mind open to such possession. It is a wonder that you do not have mass shootings on a daily basis in this country. I cannot tell if it is intrinsic in their nature to kill or if the Dark Lord triggers them on purpose."
Marie Rose grimaced. "Or maybe it is me and my meddling."
Killeel shrugged. "There is that possibility also. I was not going to say anything. If you have one failing it is that you are too cautious."
"Cautious? That is not the word I would have used. Sloppy. Haphazard. Careless. I have no problem deciding the fate of the ghosts and shadows but I cannot bring myself to force humans down a path that will save them from their own folly."
"You wake them but then abandon them to their own resources afterward." Killeel reminded her as he brushed a stray curl from her shoulder.
"I keep hoping they will use their beloved free will to actually do the right thing," she said, crossing to the window to stare down at the river. "Ten thousand years of toxic parenting and all the humans have to show for it is books full of lies and no wisdom."
Killeel shoved her belongings unceremoniously onto the floor and laid down. "What is that quaint saying your people have? Something about making a horse drink water?"
Marie Rose turned, momentarily puzzled. "You can lead a horse to water . . . Yeah, horses are pretty stupid as my mother used to tell me all the time. Are you going to spout my grandfather's wisdom back at me all night?" she asked crawling onto the bed to straddle him.
"Grandfather? The one you like or the one you hate?" Killeel asked returning his attention to her earlobe.
She forgot to answer.
Hours later, sometime in the middle of the night, they woke to the angry hiss of a fairy hovering over Killeel's head. The elf lord sighed as he swatted at it halfheartedly. The fairy dodged his hand with ease and burned a little brighter. Marie Rose moaned as she threw up a hand against the glare.
"Duty calls, my love," Killeel said, pressing his lips against the line of her jaw. In the next moment, he was gone.
Marie Rose sighed and tried to find sleep again but sleep was far away. She went into the bathroom and took a long hot shower instead. Sex always made her hungry but it would be hours before the coffee shop opened. She filled her belly with light to ease the hunger pains as she pulled on a t-shirt and crossed to the open window to stare out at the city lights.
The fiasco at the University of Utah stadium had not been the result of a random angry human confused by the burden of shadows being lifted from his mind. No. This time it had been different. Three men with a small arsenal of weapons, in a highly organized operation, had sprayed the sold-out stadium with a hail of lead, killing players and audience alike. The death toll was still being counted when she had packer her bag and boarded the next bus out of town. They had found her and the stadium was their way of giving her notice that they would create untold havoc until she showed herself. Not that that was ever going to happen. Maybe they just hoped to catch her in their net of chaos like the random spray of buckshot into a flight of birds.
She thought about that for a long time. What was the point of running? They would find her eventually. They always did. What was the point of her existence, when you got down to the core of her problem? What good came from waking a human to the true nature of the Oneverse if they woke to a world in which Darkness held sway leaving only helpless hopelessness?
The shadows chittered there, behind her walls. What was the point of any of this? This room was one tiny clean spot on a planet mired under layers of filth. Maybe she granted the world too much autonomy. After all, had anyone ever asked her if this was the life she wanted? She had been born awake and aware, seeing everything, feeling everything, overwhelmed by the sea of ghosts and the tides of Darkness. It had taken her this long to beat back those tides and reclaim her sanity. Up until this moment, everything she had done, every spell cast, every wish whispered into the dark cesspool of this place had been an act of survival.
Maybe now it was time to do something more than just survive.
Marie Rose drew in a deep breath and filled her body with light. Golden light washed the walls once more as the magic inscribed in her bones burned hot.
She took another breath and create a bubble of white light and placed it just outside her body. The next breath pushed that bubble to the limits of the room. The shadows in the walls grew silent, breathlessly expectant. There she stopped, panting at the effort it took to control the energy that wanted to come streaming through the Void into her. What if . . . what if she just let it loose? Would it consume her? Would the cleaning staff open the door to her room tomorrow and find only ash? If she were wise, she would do this carefully, erring on the side of caution. It would be kinder for everyone involved. But she was sick and tired of being kind.
"What is the point of being me if I am not true to my nature?" she asked the Oneverse. The Oneverse was surprisingly silent, as if it too were holding its breath waiting for her to act.
"Fuck it," she whispered, opening the door in her mind all the way and letting the energy rush through her. She lost herself in the cataclysmic eruption of white light as it poured out of her and exploded out into the city. She became the bubble of light that spread out into the world. Shadows popped and were consumed in the event horizon of her will. Darkness became fuel to further feed her fires. An atomic bomb was a mere firecracker in comparison to the size of the thing she released into the world. It was still spreading out into the universe when she blacked out.
Killeel found her there, crumpled on the floor in front of the window, shivering. He gathered her up and lifted her onto the bed to cover her with blankets.
"Silly girl. What were you thinking?" he murmured, wiping the cold sweat from her forehead with his fingers.
"Killeel? How? How are you here? I did not open the door into Fairy."
"Many doors opened with what you did. Opened permanently. This reality has not seen the like in well over ten thousand human years. Not since the Dark Lord sealed them shut."
"What of the Dark Lord?" she asked from behind heavy lids. "Is he gone?"
"No. But you have him on the run and with the doors open, you have gained a thousand new allies in the fight."
"I should have done this long ago."
Killeel lay down beside her and gathered her into his arms, laughing. "You were not ready. It would have destroyed you before now. But I will tell you this. Waking the old gods in the boy, Ethan, did the same for you. Now the Dark Lord has some competition. Your world is about to divide itself in two. Those who wish for the mindless oblivion of the Darkness will clash with those who want to embrace the Light."
"Fuck," Marie Rose murmured. "Nothing is ever easy, is it?"
Killeel laughed. "With you? No. Nothing is ever easy. You would not allow it to be otherwise, my love," he said as she fell asleep.


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Many people are doing their part to protect the environment. These activities include conserving electricity, installing weatherproofing, and recycling. These are important things to do to lessen our carbon footprint. But, there are some things in the market that have a huge effect on the environment.
We all think about ensuring our planet is protected for the future generations. But, we should think about ordinary consumer activities that have a negative effect on the environment. The following are things in the market that are bad for the planet. This list also offers alternatives that are beneficial for the environment.
1. Plastic Bottled Water
Statistic from Ban the Bottle shows that fifty billion plastic bottles are thrown away each year in the United States. The environmental organization supports the phase out of plastic water bottles that are only used once. In addition to throwing away the bottle, the wrapping or netting of the bottle cases also have a negative effect on the environment.
Rather than use these types of water bottles, a user-friendly filtration pitcher along with a refillable glass or metal bottle can be used. These items can last a very long time.
Related articles:
- https://top5best.org/filtered-water-vs-bottled-water-how-to-choose-the-best/
- https://top5best.org/water-101-from-drinkable-water-to-bottled-water-water-conservation-and-water-filtration/
2. On-the-Go Coffee Cups
On-the-go coffee cups are made of three components. These components are the paper or polystyrene body, plastic cover, and cardboard sleeve. Bringing one cup to work every day is equivalent to 240 cups each year. This also means we contribute 720 individual pieces of garbage into the landfill each year.
The best way to avoid this is to brew your own coffee at home. You can also get inexpensive reusable travel mugs. These mugs can be filled at the coffee shop on your way to work. Aside from protecting the planet, you can also get a discount from some coffee shops for bringing your own mug.
3. Disposable Plastic Flatware
You can find disposable plastic flatware everywhere. These can be found in family barbecues to carry-out orders in a restaurant. Each plastic spoon, fork, knife, or spork can take around a thousand years before they disintegrate. This has a huge impact on the environment.
You can use stainless steel flatware rather than plastic ones. These are available in thrift stores or garage sales. Since you will get mismatched pieces, you will not worry if you lose one. You can also keep them inside your computer bag, purse, or compartment inside the car.
4. Disposable Paper Plates
Disposable paper plates are used in many events, including company cookouts. They are used in situations when plumbing is not readily available. But, there are instances when people would use disposable plates at home since it makes it easy to clean up after dinner.
The debate on whether it is better to use paper plates or wash plates using soap and water already has an answer. When it comes to environmental protection, using paper plates has a huge negative effect on the environment. It is an ecological burden to produce, package, transport, and recycle paper plates. Due to this, it is always better to use traditional ceramic dinnerware.
5. Disposable Cleaning Cloth
While the single-use cloth is ideal for cleaning floors and dusting, it is made of synthetic material. The material takes a very long time to degrade. Due to this, it is better to get a microfiber cloth that you can wash and reuse.
6. Single-Use Razors
It is not easy to recycle disposable razors since they are made of plastic and inexpensive metals. Due to this, around two billion pieces fill up the landfills in the US every year. You may want to buy an electric shaver or razors that use refillable cartridges if you shave daily. A straight razor can be an option if you want to go old school.
Related articles:
- https://top5best.org/top-5-best-razors-for-women/
- https://top5best.org/top-5-best-straight-razors-closer-cleaner-shaving/
7. Disposable Plastic Bags
The US International Trade Commission indicates only six percent of plastic bags are recycled in the US every year. Consumers use around 100 billion pieces of plastic bags each year. The plastic bags that are not recycled will biodegrade filly after 1,000 years. Even as these bags are not technically bought, it is much better to use mesh, cotton, or canvas bags when you want to buy something.
You may also want to reuse the stock of plastic bags you have at home.
8. Meat
The UN Food and Agriculture Organization estimated that 60 percent of the greenhouse gas emissions are connected to animal agriculture. When politics are set aside, we can focus on lessening the need to grow crops used for animal feed. The land can be used to grow crops used for human consumption. This maximizes the use of water and fuel resources. It also reduces deforestation. You can also save money if you lessen meat consumption. Using alternative healthy protein sources can be a start. These sources include quinoa, beans, and nuts. Meatless dishes can also be included in your weekly menu.
Related articles:
- https://top5best.org/top-5-best-meat-slicers-reviews/
- https://top5best.org/top-5-best-meat-grinders-reviews/
Which products have you stopped buying to help protect the environment? Tell us about it.


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Filed under: Literature, Video Games | Tags: American Psycho, Brandon Crisp, Bret Easton Ellis, Capitalism, Censorship, Fredric Jameson, Free Speech, Free-Market, La Guernica, National Organization of Women, Pablo Picasso, Postmodernism; or, Slavoj Žižek, Subjective Violence, Systemic Violence, the Cultural Logic of Late Capitalism, Violence (2008)
The tragedy of Brandon Crisp, whose funeral was Friday, has fuelled a resurgence in the backlash against violent video games, like Brandon's favourite, Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare. Although Brandon likely died of chest trauma sustained after falling out of a tree, the incident has inspired what critics term 'video game addiction', as in this sensationally titled Macleans article, 'What Happened to Brandon?':
The idea that a simple video game could so completely upend a teenager's life is the kind of thing that most parents, at least until recently, would not have taken seriously. After all, shoot-'em-up computer simulations don't raise the same sort of red flags for parents as drugs, alcohol, or delinquent friends. But there is growing concern, even in medical and scientific quarters, that there may be a link between video games like Call of Duty and obsessive, even addictive, behaviour. For some teens, this might lead to minor problems like slipping grades and a loss of interest in other hobbies. But there are an increasing number of reports of far more tragic outcomes. Earlier this year, for instance, a British boy committed suicide after his father took away a Wii game. In a youth culture where so much social interaction has moved online, the deep ties young people can form to games and other computer pastimes could, some experts say, be a recipe for disaster. How do you tell when that line has been crossed? Today, it's the kids who don't play video games that stand out. According to a survey released by the Pew Internet & American Life Project last month, 97 per cent of U.S. teens aged 12 to 17 say they regularly "game," whether on a console system, computer, or handheld device. In Brandon's school alone 25 other students regularly play Call of Duty on the same online system he used. And the business continues to grow exponentially. In 2007, software sales reached US$9.5 billion, with nine games sold every second, according to the Entertainment Software Association.
I'm not sure why any of this is cause for alarm: surely a stat saying that 97 per cent of teens play video games indicates that it is normative behaviour? Are teenagers equally 'addicted' to driving cars or ice cream sodas?
In his 2008 book Violence, Slavoj Žižek posits the theory that there are two kinds of violence: subjective violence, violent acts that incite our subjective outrage and ire; and objective or 'systemic' violence, the necessary violence that sustains liberal capitalist hegemony. More importantly, acts of subjective violence—the suicide bomber, the school shooting, particularly violent video games, movies or books—blind us to the systemic, endemic violence in which we are complicit. 'Is there not something suspicious', Žižek writes,
indeed symptomatic, about this focus on subjective violence—that violence which is enacted by social agents, evil individuals, disciplined repressive apparatuses, fanatical crowds? Doesn't it desperately try to distract our attention from the true locus of trouble, by obliterating from view other forms of violence and thus actively participating in them? According to a well-known anecdote, a German officer visited Picasso in his Paris studio during the Second World War. There he saw Guernica and, shocked at the modernist 'chaos' of the painting, asked Picasso: 'Did you do this?' Picasso calmly replied: 'No, you did this!' Today, many a liberal when faced with violent outbursts such as the recent looting in the suburbs of Paris, asks the few remaining leftists who still count on a radical social transformation: 'Isn't it you who did this? Is this what you want?' And we should reply, like Picasso: 'No, you did this! This is the true result of your politics!' (9-10)
Although I've written about this dissonance before, I am reminded now more than ever about the controversy surrounding Bret Easton Ellis's American Psycho (1991). The novel, a hyperviolent satire about closet psycho killer Patrick Bateman (interpreted masterfully by Christian Bale in the 2000 film version), viciously skewers the sadistic violence that underpins the so-called free market. Bateman, a stupidly rich Wall Street investment banker blandly narrates his daily life between meaningless affairs, decadent lunches and copious lines of high-grade cocaine. He describes his sadistic torture and murder of prostitutes as casually as he describes returning video tapes or the vacuous pop music of Whitney Houston. Ellis's statement is clear: violence and the capitalist system are inextricably and pervertedly linked.
The backlash against American Psycho was as palpable as it was predictable. The National Organization for Women (NOW) was 'outraged'. Incredibly, however, NOW chose to voice their criticism in liberal, capitalist terms, with appeals to 'free speech' and free-market principles, precisely the principles Ellis critiques in his book:
"We are not telling them not to publish," Tammy Bruce, the president of the Los Angeles chapter, said. Instead, she said, members are being asked to exercise their right of free expression by refusing to buy the novel so the publisher "will learn violence against women in any form is no longer socially acceptable."
The free market would teach Ellis. Consumers would 'vote with their dollar'. As we now know, the book was a runaway bestseller and spawned a critically and financially successful film. The consumer, as anyone who has read Ellis will tell you, is nothing if not powerless.
I decide to even up the score a little bit by showing everyone my new business card. I pull it out of my gazelleskin wallet (Barney's, $850) and slap it on the table, waiting for reactions.
"What's that, a gram?" Price says, not apathetically.
"New card." I try to act casual about it but Fm smiling proudly. "What do you think?"
"Whoa," McDermott says, lifting it up, fingering the card, genuinely impressed. "Very nice. Take a look." Be hands it to Van Patten.
"Picked them up from the printer's yesterday," I mention.
"Cool coloring," Van Patten says, studying the card closely.
"That's bone," I point out. "And the lettering is something called Silian Rail."
"Silian Rail?" McDermott asks.
"Yeah. Not bad, huh?"
"It is very cool, Bateman," Van Patten says guardedly, the jealous bastard, "but that's nothing He pulls out his wallet and slaps a card next to an ashtray. "Look at this."
We all lean over and inspect David's card and Price quietly says, "That's really nice." A brief spasm of jealousy Courses through me when I notice the elegance of the color and the classy type. I clench my fist as Van Patten says, smugly, "Eggshell with Homalian type. . ." He turns to me. "What do you think?"
"Nice," I croak, but manage to nod, as the busboy brings four fresh Bellinis.
Ellis's, and our, world is a capitalist one, choice without option, sustained by a dark underbelly of violent psychosis. In the words of Fredric Jameson in Postmodernism; or, the Cultural Logic of Late Capitalism (1991), published the same year as American Psycho: 'this whole global, yet American, postmodern culture is the internal and superstructural expression of a whole new wave of American military and economic domination throughout the world: in this sense, as throughout class history, the underside of culture is blood, torture, death, and terror'.
And here we are quibbling about video games.
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Bravo! What an excellent analysis.
I think American Psycho should be required reading in high school. Easton Ellis' work is just as relevant if not more so today. And although I have not read it, Jameson's work seems like a very appropriate companion piece. I think it would definitely help understand how such horrors as the blood, torture, death and terror that we are witnessing today in Guantanamo, Abu Garib, Bagram and various torture cells operated by US client governments.
Here's a link to an older Guardian article (2005) entitled One Huge US Jail:
Damn, I thought I posted an elaborate comment earlier today.
Oh well, the short form is BRAVO!


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Glasgow to Edinburgh Ultramarathon – Gear.
Get the right tools for the job.
Glasgow to Edinburgh Ultramarathon – Gear.
Get the right tools for the job.
Springtime in Scotland can throw an impressive array of weather at you (sometimes all in one day!). As such there is a mandatory kit list for the G2E. ALL competitors must carry these items. You should tailor your kit to your current ability – i.e. if you're going to be out on the course after dark you'll definitely need a warm layer and strong headtorch.
Remember – no one plans to pick up an injury so your mandatory kit is a starting point, not everything you carry.
Spot checks will be carried out at registration – failure to carry your mandatory kit will result in time penalties or disqualification depending on the missing item(s). This list is for everyone's safety.
Mandatory kit list.
Waterproof jacket
Water bottle/hydration system
Head torch (with spare batteries)
Mobile phone
Space blanket
Recommended kit.
Snacks and energy food
OS Landranger maps 64, 65, 66 (or OS Explorer maps covering the same area)
Spare clothing
Basic medical kit containing antiseptic cream, plasters etc.
The course is largely compacted stone and earth, though there are extended sections of tarmac, paving and cobbles. The tarmac sections have increased in length over the last few years but there are still a few areas of potentially difficult terrain.
If it's been raining a lot in the lead up to the race then small sections can get quite boggy, particularly late in the race between CP4 and CP5. The canal towpaths have seen regular maintenance and upgrading over the last few years, so an aggressive trail shoe is not really recommended. You may appreciate a shoe with a bit more grip than a road runner – ideally a good all rounder. The course is also mostly flat and fast – you'll really appreciate a shoe with a bit of cushioning when you encounter the 200-300m section of cobbles in the home straight. Look for multi terrain/door to trail shoes if you're looking for an all rounder. Remember however that as always the best shoe is the one that fits well!
Salomon XT Wings S-Lab 4 Trail Running Shoe – Superb, lightweight competition shoe designed for multi-terrain use.
All runners must carry a torch as part of their mandatory gear; there are a number of reasons for this – there is a long unlit tunnel just after Falkirk, you cannot always predict when you will pick up an injury and the Scottish weather can change suddenly. The mandatory gear list is there for everyone's safety.
That said you may wish to tailor your choice of headtorch to your speed.
Those runners who are likely to take more than 11 hours to finish and will therefore be out on the course after dark (sunset will be 7:51pm) will definitely need a strong headtorch, capable of putting out a decent lumen count (i.e. quite bright). There are several top end models for those with cash to invest, such as the Petzl Nao with an automatic light sensor and a maximum static output of 315 lumens or the well thought out Silva Runner (550 lumens). For those where budget is more of a concern, models such as the Silva Trail Runner Plus are a good choice (80 lumens).
Experienced ultra runners who can (barring injury) be reasonably certain of finishing well before sunset may consider weight to be their primary concern. The narrow course also means that a wide beam is also not strictly necessary for those who will run exclusively in daylight. The Petzl Tikka or Petzl E+lite may be good lightweight options. The Petzl E+lite weighs only 27g and can easily be wrapped around a wrist for swift deployment. It does however only generate 26 lumens and is not suitable for those likely to be out in the dark for any sustained period.
As always with gear, it's a matter of horses for courses and most runners will already have some form of headtorch. However, if you're in the market for some new shiny gear then the above options are all good kit from well respected manufacturers; it's just a matter of choosing a model that is appropriate for you for this race.
Needless to say that whilst a dim, narrow beam superlight model might suffice for the quickest of runners on the G2E, it will be of only limited use on night time trails or a mountain marathon. If you don't have lots of cash and storage space to spare then you may just opt for a good all-rounder; a torch you will get the most year-round use out of. Unless you go for the sartorial statement of a davy lamp (with optional canary) there are many comparatively lightweight modern torches designed for active use – comfort and fiddliness are likely to be of most concern; weight distribution (e.g. battery pack location) of more relevance than outright weight
Outer layer.
An outer layer is part of the mandatory kitlist for the G2E. Depending on the weather and your race strategy you may opt for a super lightweight windshirt or opt for a more robust weatherproof or waterproof layer. On a wet, windy day the benefits of carrying a proper waterproof are not to be underestimated. If you are wet and cold you will burn large amounts of energy trying to keep warm which will impact on your ability to perform and will put you at risk of hypothermia. On a dry day something like a Rab Cirrus windshirt (c.70g and from £25 if you shop around) can be a good option – it packs down small, is breathable and takes the sting out of the wind; however, it's not waterproof and if the weather turns you'll regret not having spent a bit more on something more robust.
With the recent advances in breathability (e.g. GoreTex, Neoshell, Event) a proper shell no longer means 'boil in the bag'. There is a long running debate on the relative values of waterproofing (see here if you're feeling nerdy and for more on waterproofing versus weatherproofing). The array of options means it's worth doing some research before parting with your hard-earned cash. Questions to ask yourself include – what will I use it for most of the time (if cycling you may want a longer back, for use in the hills or with a pack you may look for more hard-wearing materials, etc.), do I want a hood (in Scotland – yes!), do I run hot/cold (look for venting options such as a long zip or the most breathable materials), is waterproofing or breathability my key concern (invariably a compromise), what's my budget (you do get what you pay for but there's no point spending £££s if you'll only use it one or two days a year), and most importantly, does it come in a colour I like 😉
Overheating can be very annoying but at least you have the option of taking the layer off; hypothermia will end your race. Personally, I carry an OMM Kamleika smock stuffed away in the top of my pack or rolled through a gear loop for easy access. It's not heavy enough to really burden you if it's not needed, but you'll be mighty glad to have it along when the heavens open.
A few options to get you started:
OMM Kamleika Race Smock
A soft, stretchy, water- and wind-proof smock from Original Mountain Marathon. Running trousers also available for when the elements are at their worst.
Montane Minimus Jacket
Pertex Shield wind-resistant construction gives good breathability and waterproof performance whilst weighing in at just 220g (size large).
Inov-8 Raceshell 220 Jacket
Waterproof jacket with taped seams and stretch nylon ripstop outer. As with the OMM Kamleika, the Raceshell features a roll up hood and thumb loops. Solid piece of kit.
Berghaus Vapourlight Hypertherm Race Smock
Wear it one way round for wind proofing and the other for better cooling and breathability. 156g in size large.
As with all your kit you should be used to running with your pack well in advance of race day. A bad pack can ruin your day, and that niggling chafe after two miles can turn into a raw blister by the time you reach mile 30. You may want to use wide zinc oxide tape to protect your shoulders, neck or lower back but remember race day is not the time to try this out for the first time. Your pack choice may be determined by your other gear options – if you're carrying a large waterproof, a spelunker's headtorch (with canary), spare socks, a couple of rounds of sandwiches, etc then you're going to struggle to squeeze everything into that sleek looking 4L racer's pack. Better to choose something that fits comfortably and that can be easily adjusted than overstuffing a small pack that will chafe and be off balance.
That said if you have made savvy gear choices and practice packing you may find that you can get away with a lightweight, ergonomic hydration pack or bumbag – just remember to consider how you'll carry your water as it's a long way between checkpoints.
A few options to get you started:
Salomon Advanced Skin S-Lab 5 Set
Another great, well thought-out bit of kit from Salomon. A body-hugging hydration pack with lots of useful features – including an underarm hydration system. Very lightweight and breathable, and can fit water bottles, snacks, trekking poles and extra layers (though only with careful packing!). Long term durability (and cost) may be a factor, but this is a great pack if you're serious about your running (and you are, you know you are!). A 12 litre version is available for those looking for a bit more capacity. I really love the Salomon S-Lab 5 but it's pretty pricey and I constantly worry about breaking the little clips (but still haven't after years of abuse).
Inov8 H2O Bladder and Race Pro 4 Pack
An ergonomically designed, large capacity bumbag with a horizontal bladder. A good piece of kit, though can droop a bit when full.
CamelBak Ultra LR 2012 Vest
Lightweight hydration vest with a lumbar reservoir. As with the S-Lab there's limited but innovative cargo space. The big bite valve on the reservoir makes for high volume flow though some may find the lumbar reservoir takes some getting used to.


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Next Generation Redesign Accuplacer Sample Questions and Answers
Next-generation ACCUPLACER placement tests are now available with redesigned reading, writing, and math content. Next-generation ACCUPLACER placement tests more effectively help institutions place students in classes that match their skill level, and include texts and tasks encountered in first-year college courses. The new tests:
- Align to the same content domain continuum as the SAT Suite of Assessments
- Help institutions improve course placement accuracy
- Reflect the changing landscape of higher education with math sequences aligned to clear pathways
ACCUPLACER users will have the option of administering either the classic placement tests or the next-generation placement tests but not both at the same time.
Inside the Tests
Next-Generation Reading assesses the test-taker's ability to derive meaning from a range of texts and to determine the meaning of words and phrases in short and extended contexts. Passages on the test cover a range of content areas, writing modes, and complexities. Both single and paired passages are included. Four broad knowledge and skills categories are assessed:
- Information and Ideas
- Rhetoric
- Synthesis
- Vocabulary
Next-Generation Writing evaluates a test-taker's ability to revise and edit multiparagraph text. Questions cover two broad knowledge and skills categories, each containing three subcategories:
- Expression of Ideas
- Development
- Organization
- Effective Language Use
- Standard English Conventions
- Sentence Structure
- Usage
- Punctuation
Next-Generation Arithmetic focuses on computation, order of operations, estimation and rounding, comparing and ordering values in different formats, and recognizing equivalent values across formats. The following knowledge and skills categories are assessed:
- Whole Number Operations
- Fraction Operations
- Decimal Operations
- Percent
- Number Comparisons and Equivalents
Next-Generation Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra, and Statistics (QAS) assesses the following knowledge and skills:
- Rational numbers
- Ratio and Proportional Relationships
- Exponents
- Algebraic Expressions
- Linear Equations
- Linear Applications and Graphs
- Probability Sets
- Descriptive Statistics
- Geometry Concepts
Next-Generation Advanced Algebra and Functions (AAF) assesses the following knowledge and skills:
- Linear Equations
- Linear Applications and Graphs
- Factoring
- Quadratics
- Functions
- Radical and Rational Equations
- Polynomial Equations
- Exponential and Logarithmic Equations
- Trigonometry
You can read, download and practice with the Next Generation Redesign Accuplacer Sample Questions and Answers below. If you have difficulties to download the files, you can read the guide at here How to / Guide to download the file with steps.
Download Links of Next Generation Redesign Accuplacer Sample Questions and Answers
Download Links via edufileshare.com
Download Links
How to register and edit profile
How to download the file with steps
Tips: Before click the download link, click on the blank space until all popunder ads are shown!
Share this educational resources with your friends


text:
Balmy and beautiful all year long, Malaysia's capital city is where you'll find Aerotel Kuala Lumpur. We're located right in [email protected] - The Shopping Mall with Airport, in Terminal klia2, Kuala Lumpur International Airport (klia2). Welcome, or as the locals say, Selamat Datang!
Beautiful weather? Check. Cultural sights? Double check. Kuala Lumpur is truly a hotspot for great things to see and do. Even if you're just passing through on transit, you can still make the most of your stay with our recommendations of must-dos, must-sees and must-eats at Terminal klia2.
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In order to enable certain services/features and improve your website experience, our website uses tools such as cookies, which collect data on how you interact with our website. By continuing to use our website, you agree to our use of such cookies. You can find more information on our data usage and cookie policy here.


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Learning one-on-one, face-to-face using live video calling.
|Learn at home...
Freedom: You can learn French from the comfort of your home, at the office or on a trip.
Conversation: a computer-to-computer, face-to-face interaction allows you to practice listening comprehension, oral expression and to correct and perfect your pronunciation.
Written French: with Skype's Instant Message tool, you are able to type and instantly receive and read the notes that I type.
|learn anywhere.
Payment via PayPal.
"Sandrine is by far better than I ever expected! I'm so impressed by her professionalism, teaching ability, and receptiveness to my learning style. Though I live in the Bay Area, I chose to have Skype lessons, to cut down on travel costs. I'm also a physician who works part time in Francophone Africa, so I have a strange schedule.
It was awesome! She would actually watch me move my mouth and could hear me even when I was shyly trying not to speak beginners French loudly. Also, with Skype, she would quickly spell out things and explain grammar, which actually saved time, since I just used those notes from my Skype messages. It was like having my own little notebook already printed.
Sandrine has a very unique way of personalizing lessons - she knew where I needed help, and where I could progress quicker (I have no idea how she knows how to do this). Moreover, she firmly but gently made me do more conversational exercises, at slightly above my level. That's stressful and extremely helpful at the same time. In all, I thought she was a fantastic teacher - very high quality, and better than I could ever expect. I would strongly recommend Sandrine to everyone!"
Suzan S. Palo Alto


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Temperature autoclave data logger up to 140°C with flexible probe provided with an Accredia (NIST equivalent) traceable certificate
S-MicroW L Flexible is a temperature data logger from -40°C to 140°C (calibration from 25°C to 140°C) with 30 cm felxible probe and 50 mm or on demand length external probe (probes cannot be switched) on a 5 mm base (base height is not counted for probe length), managed with Windows software and USB interface (DiskInterface HS, Multibay). Battery is user replaceable and the data logger is provided with an Accredia (NIST equivalent) traceable certificate on 6 points.
The other versions of the data logger are:
- S-MicroW L: with rigid probe of different lengths
- S-MicroW L Bendable: with semi-rigi metal bendable probe and rigid probe at the end
- S-MicroW L Ultra Freeze: includes calibration points from -40°C for use also from -80°C
For each version it is available the XL model too, S-MicroW XL Flexible, which has same diameter but is higher because it hosts a bigger battery for a longer life time.
There are also other models of high temperature data loggers, for pressure and humidity too.


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Through the Uncharted 3 Community Group I got inspired to create a Deck of Poker Cards with Uncharted related pictures. I sat down and draw quickly a short L33t Version and colored it. Since I kinda liked it I thought I could do something special for the Aces. I scribbled some items pretty fast down and inked them. The Ring, the dagger and at last the Idol. Since the items were not enough I added a suitable background too. I know on the idol picture you see the guardian, which is related to Uncharted 2 but yeah I kinda like the idea of mixing things from all three Uncharted games.
Here now the galleries to the Card tests and the raw pictures in a bit bigger quality.


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Vincente-Lucy Knight is a New Zealand born artist, currently based between Melbourne, Australia and Wellington, Aotearoa.
Vin works with Gouache, ink and resin on watercolour and handmade papers to create paintings which are colourful and vibrant.
Inspiration comes in many forms, from the beauty of plants, native birds, local myths and legends or the monsters that parade in super-bright colour through dreams.
The blog is updated regularly, as new work is finished – So do stop by regularly to see what else she has in store… Or sign up on the main page to automatically get email updates any time a new post comes out.
In the mean time feel free to scroll back through the archives to see past work, click on images to enlarge and leave a message if you want – Vin loves hearing from you!
She also specialises in commission work, which is great if you are after a special piece created as a gift for a Wedding, birthday or even just for that blank space on your wall you've been meaning to fill.
She can be contacted about commissions, or any other work you see up on the blog at : email@example.com
Vin has also set up a shop on NZ craft site Felt – Her page is : www.mightymouse.felt.co.nz so go check out what she has up there – Its all original, as Vin isn't completely swayed by the idea of mass produced prints… New work will be loaded up as soon as its finished, so stay tuned and be in quick! X
4 Responses
on April 4, 2010 at 3:54 pm | Libby Gunn
Gorgeous! So original Vin, I don't know how you find the time, but you seem to put it to such good use! Well done 🙂 I'm such a fan.
hey Vin! fantastic work as always, feeling the cup cake birds. great to hear it sold so quick!
catch up some time soon. Hopefully when we come to Melborne.
on September 3, 2010 at 9:34 pm | Sam
Wow – amazing talent Vin, you've really come into your own!


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Clean page Edit
Your user page yes, your talk page only if you entire clean it without only erase a specific message. If you want to clean, the best is to archive the content to keep track of old discussions. Itachou [~talk~] 15:05, November 12, 2010 (UTC)
- Seriously, what the hell? I try to tidy up MY talk page and you block me. I wanted to keep it short so I didnt scroll down 50 topics, because yours was the first removed you got overly defensive. You need to take a minute and try to explain things rationally and not just hit the block button. I didn't know how to archive, etc so excuse me for trying to organize my own user page. I will keep in mind I can't control stuff on my own page from now on though. Mictlantecuhtli 15:12, November 12, 2010 (UTC)
Well I have unblocked you not ? And how was I supposed to know, I'm a god ? Before doing anything, if you don't know what to do, ask a administrator (for example me), he will answer you very well, why did you not ? Itachou [~talk~] 15:20, November 12, 2010 (UTC)
- No I have not been unblocked, I can't leave messages while blocked either to discuss it on your page. If you hadn't checked back here there would've been no way to contact you or any other admin. I ask DeadlyKris about alot of stuff, I feel like I ask way too much as it is of admins (look this up please, can you verify this), etc. Essentially I don't want to bother admins as much as I do, but I got the game on the 360 when I shouldve just gotten it on the PC so I could do alot of this stuff myself, but gamestop doesn't sell PC games (and thus no discounts). Mictlantecuhtli 15:34, November 12, 2010 (UTC)
Strange, I've unblocked you now, normally it should be good now, you can try. The admins are made for that, I'm always happy to help anyone in anything, whether for the Wiki or in the Fallout universe, we are here for that my friend =) ! Otherwise, there are a lot of admins, you don't always have to ask the same. Come on, no hard feelings my friend and if you have a problem, ask me ;). I wish you a nice day and soon in The Vault ! Itachou [~talk~] 15:44, November 12, 2010 (UTC)
- Still says I am blocked, even after trying to log out and back in. In that case, can you grab a list of what is and isn't affected by Abominable? I assumed it was the same as Purifier but I would like to be sure. Also the Thermic lance can critically hit, and one shot a deathclaw without a melee focused character can you verify the x0 multiplier and 0 critical damage? Mictlantecuhtli 15:46, November 12, 2010 (UTC)
I go on in weekend and come back Monday, I will not with the game during this period. But it works, when I'm returns, I'll do it if not already done so =). Itachou [~talk~] 18:00, November 12, 2010 (UTC)
Thermic Lance Edit
First, I checked the block list, he unblocked you; I checked the IP block list and no IP address is listed with your name by it. Let me know if the block is still in effect and I'll get ahold of Ausir for you.
Second, I checked the Thermic lance and the chainsaw and they have 0 crit damage and 0 chance to crit. --Kris 18:15, November 12, 2010 (UTC)
- Even if it does somehow crit, which is possible under some circumstances, it doesn't deal any extra damage on a crit. As for one-shotting deathclaw... well it's a fearsome weapon even in the hands of an unskilled user, that much is noted on the article page. In the hands of an expert, even a Varmint Rifle can kill a deathclaw. --Kris 18:23, November 12, 2010 (UTC)
10mm pistol silencer Edit
I just checked in-game and it doesn't say it reduces limb damage, only "silences the weapon". Can you post a screenshot or something?--Jonathan Strange 10:15, November 14, 2010 (UTC)
- I'm pretty sure it's not possible. Believe me I'd like it if mods could be realistic (reducing damage/bullet speed + silencing), but for some reason Obsidian thought it wasn't such a good idea and didn't give us the possibility. It's also mentioned here (last sentence all the way down: "Each mod can have one effect only. For instance, in a realistic modification, a silencer cannot both reduce projectile speed and silence the weapon -- only one or the other."). It sucks :(--Jonathan Strange 10:24, November 14, 2010 (UTC)
- The two silenced unmodded weapons Silenced .22 pistol and Silenced .22 SMG state that they reduce limb damage. Neither the 10mm silencer, nor the 10mm+ modded with a silencer, states that it reduces limb damage. Nor, for that matter, does the Varmint Rifle modded with a silencer and I'm pretty sure it didn't state that effect on the silencer, either. --Kris 11:48, November 14, 2010 (UTC)
Enclave uniform and hat Edit
The uniform and hat are worn by Judah Kreger at the Second Battle of Hoover Dam, if the Remnants are recruited to fight. --Kris 12:48, November 14, 2010 (UTC)
Vicky and Vance casino bug Edit
Most people have figured out that the chips don't leave your inventory so they just keep selling the same 1000 over and over again. Nobody (no one I know, anyway) seems to have figured out that every time you buy another thousand, the chips in inventory increase permanently. It seems to me that it's a nice little bit of extra info in the bug description. Just because you and I may have figured it out, it doesn't mean everybody else has.
Thrum 16:24, November 14, 2010 (UTC)
Spelling error Edit
I corrected a spelling error on your Stillsuit descriptor line (it's should be its) which Tezzla Cannon udid. I wasn't trying to overstep any bounds there as there is an "edit" button clearly visible.
In the Stillsuit article there's a bug reference to glowing blue eyes. The blue eyes are a result of the Fremen addiction to the Spice, so it might be considered more of a side effect of being able to use the suit. I'll leave that up to you to change or not so as not to incur the wrath of Tezzla Cannon again.
Thrum 17:19, November 14, 2010 (UTC)
Bloody Mess Edit
How about we cite it on EVERY weapon then? Oh, I know, we can add the Lord Death perk too! --Saphireking65 20:12, November 14, 2010 (UTC)
could you please Edit
stop making 'corrections' untill you patch your game? 18.104.22.168
Once again: Edit
You're not the senior editor of Wikia, you do not have any authority over others' contributions, no matter how badly you may want to. So stop completely removing mine, and others' contributions. You'd think one would get the hint they're incorrectly and ignorantly removing content by the amount of annoyance-driven letters, but I suppose I'm just common-sensed.
I see you remove anything of mine again, I'm doing the same to you; simple.
- Make appropriate edits and they will not be undone, the opinions of others do not matter. If I removed anything of yours it was because it was unneeded, anyone in Silver Rush will attack if hit with C4 not just jean, etc. People are overly sensitive, hence all the notes. Mictlantecuhtli 12:55, November 17, 2010 (UTC)
All of a sudden a note justifies an entire page of deletion? Referring to placing C4 in the Silver Rush, people might not know, as I didn't, hitting the guy in the leg with C4 would cause the place to become hostile. Hence the NOTE, meaning a brief record of facts. If you know that hitting anybody in the leg would cause the same situation, why not simply add that to the page?
"the opinions of others do not matter." That's funny coming from you. Just because a note wouldn't be useful to you, doesn't mean it's not useful to anyone at all.
What you said doesn't even coincide with you deleting my entire addition to the Great Khans either, as everything I wrote either added or brought up new information.
It's not that people are overly sensitive, it's simply that you need to get over yourself. You aren't the all-knowing being of information and content, as you obviously like to think you are.
- The vast majority of what I edit was removed previously, or entirely unnecesarry. Why is it important to make a footnote of a small occurence such as hitting someone in the leg with C4 when it's merely a 20-30 second reload to trial and error the problem? That being said I added a note about proximity aggression to C4 for guards, and the leg thing. The pages don't need to detail every single aspect or approachable method to a problem. Everyone plays differently, yes, and that leads to huge articles with utterly confusing and/or intimidating text to readers. Mictlantecuhtli 01:31, November 19, 2010 (UTC)
Deleting and reverting Edit
Please be reasonable when deleting content and reverting edits. Though there are some edits that obviously should be reverted, the most of them aren't. Do not avoid communicating with other contributors. Discussing your opinion on how the article should look can help to make it even better. Let us not start edit wars on this wiki. veryblackravenTalk 08:40, November 17, 2010 (UTC)
It appears that you deleted our comment on a forum about making caps. Why?DarthOrc 02:37, July 30, 2011 (UTC)DarthOrc
Well, we clicked on your name on the edit to get here. It was your edit on how you got caps that deleted ours. We undid your edit, (we should not have to retype ours, if you deleted ours by mistake, you should have to reenter yours).DarthOrc 04:04, July 30, 2011 (UTC)DarthOrc
We didn't delete what you wrote to feel better, we simply undid your edit which had removed ours, to restore ours. ( As we understand it, if your edit hadn't removed ours, that would not have been possible). We are not looking for a fight, we just don't feel we should have to retype something someone else deleted by mistake, (since no explanation was given, we assume it was a mistake, not a malicious act). Peace. DarthOrc 04:30, July 30, 2011 (UTC)DarthOrc
You know, instead of deleting the bug I'd posted on the Brewer's Beer bootlegging page because there was no platform listed you could have just asked me what platforms it had occurred on. The answer would have been all of them, which is why there was no platform listed. But nope, you just deleted it, like an asshole. It doesn't hurt to actually try to communicate with the other contributors around here.
--Ghengis John (talk) 22:56, November 16, 2015 (UTC)
Edit warringEdit
Mictlantecuhtli and Parrish001, I am posting this same message on both your talk pages. Having noticed your ongoing dispute, I have looked over the Great Khans article. I would characterize your disagreements as being over content. Please discuss the matter civilly with each other, concentrating on the edits themselves. Please work toward avoiding personal comments and characterizations of each other. It is also helpful in such cases to link to or to copy/paste particular examples of disputed text. This helps keep the discussion objective. I'm sure you can work this out. Thank you both for working with The Vault's best interests in mind.--Gothemasticator 00:11, November 19, 2010 (UTC)
Excellent work ;) Edit
Hello my friend =) !
Well, at the moment you are doing very good work, I think you'll make a good admin when the time comes, I will vote " Yes " for sure, keep up the good work ;).
Good evening and see you soon ! Itachou [~talk~] 17:51, November 24, 2010 (UTC)
- I never actively seek adminship, it means more work and I already have less time for edits here than I previously had. Mictlantecuhtli 18:05, November 24, 2010 (UTC)
What a pity, we would need someone like you. Be admin is not necessarily always be present, you might as well take a break from time to time, it is especially give advice on the management of The Vault, talk with contributors on a problem, help the others and block the vandals.
Anyway, keep up the good work, we need more people like you in The Vault my friend =). Itachou [~talk~] 18:24, November 24, 2010 (UTC)
Back in the SaddleEdit
When reverting an edit for the misspelling of a word, please make sure that the revert does not undo proper edits. Thanks.--Kingclyde 05:29, November 25, 2010 (UTC)
It is still happening, he still prefer undo everything for an error or two. He really should watch the behavior before suggesting something on others. (Just describing what you are done, as it is, is NOT insult. Reverting others contribute completely because it contains some error or improper IS insult.) --An anonymous user December 15, 2010 (UTC)
Jack & Diane Edit
Why do you keep removing that reference? Willooi 22:35, November 25, 2010 (UTC)
Ok, I don't agree 100% but cheers for the explanation Willooi 22:45, November 25, 2010 (UTC)
Here's JOHNNY! Edit
I protected the page, and in the process noticed another problem - someone had moved Knock Knock to Knock Knock (character) and made the first page a disambig page. I fixed that too. --Kris 19:05, November 28, 2010 (UTC)
Big Book of ScienceEdit
I've noticed that you are quite eager to use the undo button. This may be a legitimate bug. Don't just revert it and say it should be in the bug section in the summary line. The likelihood that the author who added that will come back and move it there is slim. Please stop using the revert button so freely and actually review the edits. If you think it belongs in the bugs section, move it there. Don't delete it. Thanks. --Kingclyde 20:38, November 28, 2010 (UTC)
- Here is the thing about this, ok so you have played this game with 5 characters. That's great. But are you playing on each and every platform with the patches installed? For the first month or two bugs that may not seem like bugs to you get listed and tagged with the verify tag. The verify tag is there so if in a few weeks, no one verifies the bug it will be removed. Any other questions just let me know. Thanks.--Kingclyde 08:01, November 29, 2010 (UTC)
http://fallout.wikia.com/wiki/Bitter_Springs Edit
Would you please tell me why you did erase my comment on that page? Would be helpful for the future because I just started working here.
CompleCCity 09:04, November 29, 2010 (UTC)
Raider Blastmaster helmet Edit
All I know is that there's a LOT of data to go through in the GECK to determine whether or not it actually appears in the game. I spent 10 minutes or so looking and wasn't able to reach a definitive answer. It's used in leveled item lists which are used by leveled NPC or other leveled item lists which are in turn used by more of the same... it's not a simple straightforward look and see, saying "yep, here it is in a building in Freeside" or something, or "nope, it's not used by anything so it's cut content". For now we can mark the item article as New Vegas Legacy content but let's leave the helmet in the FNV armor and clothing article. --Kris 15:16, November 29, 2010 (UTC)
- That works for me. --Kris 15:49, November 29, 2010 (UTC)
Thank you for updating the Bounty Hunter Duster page. Have you confirmed that it is repairable with other BH Dusters? I believe the Sheriff's Duster is glitched. It doesn't show up in the Repair Inventory, either with vendors or "player.srm" I didn't have a BH Duster before to check if they could be used. I'll look at that sometime today.
I don't know how to edit the Item Statistics Box, but don't you think the Sheriff's Duster should be listed as a variant?--Ewaldorph 16:10, November 29, 2010 (UTC)
Heavy Handed with Better CriticalsEdit
It would be
- $ \text{Base crit} - \text{Heavy handed} + \text{Better crits} = \text{Crit damage} $
So in the case of the spear it would be
- $ 7-60\%+50\%=4.2 $
It dont matter which way round you try to apply the % values as the out come will always be the same, the only time it changes is when you try and cancel out the positive and negative values to equal 10% does it change. But I cant honestly see that happening unless they apply all perks and traits to a modifier value in the game engine and then apply that to the crit damage.
☣Avatar☣ 20:49, November 29, 2010 (UTC)
Bugs policy revised: new pollEdit
Please review and vote on the revised proposed bug policy changes.--Gothemasticator 05:04, November 30, 2010 (UTC)
Loose Cannon Edit
Dynamite isn't affected. The affected weapons are:
- Frag grenade (Fallout: New Vegas)
- Pulse grenade (Fallout: New Vegas)
- Plasma grenade (Fallout: New Vegas)
- Throwing spear
- Stun grenade
- Throwing hatchet
- Holy Frag Grenade
- Throwing knife (Fallout: New Vegas)
List taken from the GECK. --Kris 19:12, November 30, 2010 (UTC)
All Roads Edit
Will do if I see any. --Pongsifu 09:41, December 2, 2010 (UTC)
Anons, Vandalism, and Sexual Jokes Edit
Why is it that anons always vandalize articles using sexual jokes. I don't think i'll ever understand why they do it. ---bleep196- 17:59, December 5, 2010 (UTC)
ED-E Edit
Could you please stop removing the note about ED-E appearing in Van Buren and All Roads? The VB note is referenced, but at the very least it should be indisputable that ED-E appears in All Roads. As far as we know, ED-E is the only duraframe eyebot, and even if it isn't (which would be a supposition), it'll be the only one in the Mojave since the duraframe project was developed at Adams AFB. --Flower of Pock-Lips 18:06, December 5, 2010 (UTC)
- ...do you intend to respond or just keep reverting the addition of factual information to the article? --Flower of Pock-Lips 18:46, December 6, 2010 (UTC)
There is a procedure for bug additions and removals. Please follow it. The Vault:Content policy --Kingclyde 03:27, December 7, 2010 (UTC)
The ED-E disagreement is now overEdit
Enough, you two. Below are the only two relevant statements y'all have made. The rest is all smoke blowing.
- ...there is a similar but not identical (due to removal of personalizations such as bumper stickers, etc and artistic license taken with the cover) eyebot on the cover doesn't mean it's ED-E. Mictlantecuhtli 18:28, December 5, 2010 (UTC)
- ED-E is the only Duraframe Eyebot in existence (as far as we know).--Flower of Pock-Lips 19:46, December 6, 2010 (UTC)
What the two statements above amount to is this: While it is likely that the floating robot on the cover of the comic is ED-E, there is no way to prove it. Since the comic robot lacks ED-E's identifying marks, it's identity remains a mystery. Take it out of the Appearances section. Don't add a note about the unproven likelihood to any article page. And, both of you, please find a way to settle your differences amicably. Technically you both have been engaging in edit-warring and should by all rights be temporarily blocked. But you're both better editors than that. Next time you have a long drawn-out disagreement, keep it on your talk pages and refrain from back-and-forth edits on the article pages. Think of the end user, please.--Gothemasticator 05:40, December 10, 2010 (UTC)
Annabelle Edit
Just for the record, the GECK now says that the MissileExplosion effect does 200 damage, in case you were wondering. :P Nitty Tok. 05:26, December 14, 2010 (UTC)
Alien BlasterEdit
If you see something in the wrong place and you know what needs to be done to fix it, please just fix it. That way myself or another editor does not have to perform cleanup.--Kingclyde 05:19, December 20, 2010 (UTC)
- So you mean to tell me that instead of hitting the revert button (which you do quite often), it is more of an inconvenience to you to click edit and do a quick copy and paste? Really? You have performed quite a few edits but I think you are missing the point. That anon user added what he/she thought was a bug. You 1.)noticed it was in the wrong place and 2.)chose to remove that persons contribution instead of placing it proper because you did not have the time. If that is your editing philosophy, please don't revert edits like that and let other editors fix it. Thanks.--Kingclyde 12:09, December 20, 2010 (UTC)
- I'm trying to help you out. It appears that you don't want any help or recommendations. All I am asking is that you take some time when you do you edits. It is my job as an admin to help everyone make better edits. The integrity of The Vault's data is my priority. Thanks.--Kingclyde 20:01, December 20, 2010 (UTC)
- Kingclyde is right about not removing valid info that is just in the wrong place. However, I'm more interested in good editors not squabbling with each other. Please strive to remain civil and take what is said in the best light possible.--Gothemasticator 02:02, December 21, 2010 (UTC)
- I'm trying to help you out. It appears that you don't want any help or recommendations. All I am asking is that you take some time when you do you edits. It is my job as an admin to help everyone make better edits. The integrity of The Vault's data is my priority. Thanks.--Kingclyde 20:01, December 20, 2010 (UTC)
Love and hateEdit
Kingclyde got to the guy before I did, but thanks for the heads up.--Gothemasticator 13:16, December 23, 2010 (UTC)
Rad Absorption Edit
I'll look into it, I have both games' GECK editors. --Kris 22:58, July 4, 2011 (UTC)
- In case you haven't seen the discussion on the article's talk page yet, I got it figured out. There's no change between FO3BS and FNV. --Kris 23:32, July 4, 2011 (UTC)
Street sweepers discussion Edit
I only very vaguely remember that discussion. Is it still online somewhere that I can refresh my memory? --Kris 00:26, July 18, 2011 (UTC)
- K I found the info. There's 14 total, one of which is in a test cell. I've updated the page with a vague indication where 12 of those 13 are (I left out any mention of the one in the test cell); the other one I was specific about, it's in the Nuka-Cola plant. --Kris 01:10, July 22, 2011 (UTC)
A picture tells all I need to knowEdit
e = mc2 x Fallout = U1 Broken Monkey
- Have fun with that M8 ! SaintPain → That was broke a'fore I got here! 04:54, July 18, 2011 (UTC)
Caesar Edit
- Caesar does not approve. He is displeased that silus was alone captured alive. And prefers that he is put to death, for disobeying him.
- Xa3talkContributions04:36, July 22, 2011 (UTC)
Gears Edit
Yeah it's possible to check what they are. Might take some time, and I might not be able to do it right away. --Kris 17:57, July 25, 2011 (UTC)
Deletion tag Edit
Just to let you know, you should not remove the deletion tag for a page being the page creator. I know that in most cases a deletion tag means the page get removed pretty quickly, but those are pretty clear cut cases. In situations like this it should be left so others are aware and give there input also, similar to what is happening to the Lover's Mark stashes that has been tagged for about 4 days now and is still being discussed. 11:07, July 28, 2011 (UTC)
Ants Edit
It really makes no difference to me; people will likely search for ant queen rather than "Marigold station ant queen" anyway. --Kastera (talk) 03:17, August 2, 2011 (UTC)
Tribal Wisdom Wonderings Edit
Hi, I saw your note on the Tribal Wisdom page about reduced effectiveness of the perk with Animal Friend. What is the relationship between the two? I never take Animal Friend, and I'd be interested in your findings. All the best, --FourWayDiablo 12:57, August 2, 2011 (UTC)
- A (slightly lazy) copypaste of my response to Kastera. I need to conserve my typing strength in case you double-team me again ^_^ :
- "Ah, I see where you're coming from. But the effectiveness of the actual TW perk is not reduced, just the likelihood of needing it; an animal will retaliate if you attack it, AF perk or not, and you'd then gain the damage reduction benefits". So I see what you mean, but I'm not sure if the two perks interact in the way you worded it on the page. --FourWayDiablo 16:12, August 3, 2011 (UTC)
- Reworded the entry. Didn't want to tread on your edit, but I think this sums it up more concisely. All the best, --FourWayDiablo 16:50, August 3, 2011 (UTC)
- I see you've added the word "effectiveness" again. :-) I feel this is confusing to the reader because, as I mentioned above, the effect of the perk is unchanged. The player is less likely to be attacked, but this is not the same thing. I'm going to revert your edit (not because I think you're "wrong", just that your version is not clear) and ask Kastera's opinion. Can always switch it back later. --FourWayDiablo 17:30, August 3, 2011 (UTC)
- Yay, everyone is happy again! ^_^ Just for the sake of conversation, "less likely" and "less effective" really don't mean the same thing. All the best, --FourWayDiablo 18:35, August 3, 2011 (UTC)
Logan's Loophole Edit
Looks OK to me. --Kastera (talk) 19:58, August 3, 2011 (UTC)
Bushes Edit
Your claim that bushes do not block line of sight is absolutely wrong. Bushes DO block line of sight: in a situation when there is a bush on the line of sight between PC and a target, V.A.T.S. chance to land an aimed shot would read 0%. Slider2k 16:41, August 11, 2011 (UTC)
Randall Clark - Vault 22 Edit
I am kinda confuses at your message, I don't think I have ever edited either page on that subject matter or discussed it with anyone either. So I am unsure as to why you left me a message on the subject. 16:11, August 14, 2011 (UTC)
Rocket Edit
We keep speculation when it is blatantly obvious. This applies to that section you removed from Rocket's Red Glare. There is no other place other than the Star Spangled Banner where that reference is used. It's kind of obvious don't you think? A weapon in the Divide is named from a piece of old world americana?-- 19:12, June 25, 2012 (UTC)
- I'm sorry for the confusion, I looked at the edit, and I thought you removed it, not added it.-- 19:14, June 25, 2012 (UTC)
Rocket's Red Glare and The Aerie Edit
Instead of just rolling my revision back you could've communicated. Those titles (poem and song) are to be in quotation marks instead of being italicised. Those are proper English conventions. And as for The Aerie, none of those items are even close to being notable. We have policies on notability (mostly found here). --Skire (talk) 21:12, June 25, 2012 (UTC)
- I undid your undo again. Danny is correct in this case. Those items aren't notable.-- 21:31, June 25, 2012 (UTC)
If you're going to continue edit-warring without even a brief explanation, not to mention failing to respond to my above message, it will result in a block next time. --Skire (talk) 00:57, June 26, 2012 (UTC)
- Well someone is making poor edits on your account. It may not be edit warring yet but it is reverting reputable contributors' edits for either absolutely no reason, or a reason completely contrary to guidelines. Examples are this one, this one, this one, this one, and this one. Since you have rollback rights I expect a little better from a user like yourself. The first edit is wrong because the items are simply not notable (per our policy), regardless of their "usefulness". The second edit, as I explained above, is wrong because they are improper English conventions - poem and song titles like those are to be in quotes, not italicised. The third edit is wrong because once again, those items are not even close to being notable, as per our policy (linked in my above message). The next edit is the same thing - you even included a duffel bag of randomised loot. And the final edit is wrong because unmarked quests are italicised and the quest title is called "Find a Way in Sierra Army Base", and you have no right to change it.
That is all. I'm not sure whether it's a matter of pride to not allowing having your edits reverted, but indiscriminately going back and rolling them back without even the minimal attempt at explanation, especially when most of those edits were by admins, is not going to do anyone much good. So please keep an eye out. Thanks =) --Skire (talk) 12:00, June 26, 2012 (UTC)
- Policy to leave other edits alone? That's hilarious. You seemed to only focus on one of the 5 examples I've posted above. I didn't see the rest of your changes when I reverted it and I eventually changed them back. As for the other 4 edits I hope you know what you've done wrong and refrain from it again. There is a purpose for edit summaries and I see you utilise them sometimes. To avoid confusion and conflict it'd be a big help to explain your changes there. Here is the notable loot policy: Help:Notable loot again. --Skire (talk) 15:38, June 26, 2012 (UTC)
- I didn't see the bottom part on the howitzer page and that was my mistake. I apologise. However, all the other edits were not good for reasons I have described already. I don't mind making mistakes, so I'm just advising you to be more careful when reverting admins' edits (not just me, several others too). See you around! --Skire (talk) 16:49, June 26, 2012 (UTC)
- Policy to leave other edits alone? That's hilarious. You seemed to only focus on one of the 5 examples I've posted above. I didn't see the rest of your changes when I reverted it and I eventually changed them back. As for the other 4 edits I hope you know what you've done wrong and refrain from it again. There is a purpose for edit summaries and I see you utilise them sometimes. To avoid confusion and conflict it'd be a big help to explain your changes there. Here is the notable loot policy: Help:Notable loot again. --Skire (talk) 15:38, June 26, 2012 (UTC)
Status Edit
Howdy Mictlantecuhtli. It's been over 9 months since you last edited here. According to our policy regarding inactive users with extra rights, after a period of time (9 months), we're supposed to check and see if inactive users still intend to edit and use their rights. I just wanted to check in and see what you wanted to do. If you've moved on, that's obviously completely understandable. Just leave me a message on my talk page with your intentions. I appreciate your time, The Gunny 17:19, April 20, 2013 (UTC)


text:
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Posted on June 6, 2013 at 6:30am 0 Comments 0 Likes
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"Between 1979 and 1984, Linton Kwesi Johnson unleashed four seminal albums on the Island label — Forces of Victory, Bass Culture, LKJ in Dub, and Making History. This compilation draws crucial tracks from all four sets, as well songs off 12″ singles. 1979's Forces and 1980's Bass are heavily represented, with their superb companion dubs appearing immediately after the vocal tracks. During these years Johnson's sound evolved, shifting from militant roots through an experimental period and finally toward a jazzier style, and with the set arranged in chronological order, listeners are able to note this musical transformation for themselves. Of course, there was a sizeable shift in sound between Johnson's debut album Dread Beat an' Blood and Forces with the inclusion of brass and fuller musical arrangements. …"
YouTube: Independant Intavenshan, Reality Poem, Forces of vicktry, Sonny's Lettah, Bass Culture, Di Black Petty Booshwah [12" Version]


text:
Quiet Fury Books; 2013, 323 pgs.
Reviewed by Gina R. Metz
In Killing Instinct, Sandman and his partner run an internet business where they provide a secure location and victims to clients who for the right price can turn their fantasies which include things like rape, torture and murder into reality. Sandman's personal fantasy revolves around a woman named Maria Milan who he feels ruined his life years earlier.
Michael Sykora and Sean Riley run a business where they provide justice for crimes like rape and murder when the legal system fails. Sean Riley is a hit man born to kill. Michael got into the business after his fiancé was murdered.
Sean accepts a contract to torture and murder Maria but finds he cannot complete the job. Now it is up to Sean and Michael to track down Sandman and shut down his organization before someone else can locate and kill Maria.
Killing Instinct is the third book in Darcia Helle's Michael Sykora series but is designed to read well as a stand-alone. Killing Instinct is a fast paced thriller that captivates the reader from the start. I thoroughly enjoyed this read and will be purchasing No Justice and Beyond Salvation which are the first and second books in this series and I look forward to future installments.


text: Luke_Wilbur 5 Report post Posted July 23, 2007 18 years in the making, people! And it's finally here! This coming Friday we're catching the 7:30pm showing of The Simpsons at the Regal Gallery Place Stadium 14 (701 Seventh Street NW, Washington, DC 20001). Gallery Place is only playing a few evening showings, so if you want to join us, I highly recommend buying your ticket well in advance. Click on this link Meet us upstairs at the bar of Clyde's (right next door) at a little before 6pm. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites