#Dapper Labs Stock

[fintodo1]

Discover how Dapper Labs stock is revolutionizing the world of digital collectibles and blockchain technology. Fintodo provides in-depth analysis and insights into the potential growth and investment opportunities of Dapper Labs. Stay ahead of the market trends with expert advice on Dapper Labs stock. Whether you're a seasoned investor or new to the game, Fintodo has the information you need to make informed decisions. Explore the benefits of adding Dapper Labs stock to your portfolio today with Fintodo.

[nebris]

A court in Washington, D.C., has been stuck with a tough, maybe impossible question: What does 🌝 mean? Let me explain: In the summer of 2022, Ryan Cohen, a major investor in Bed Bath & Beyond, responded to a tweet about the beleaguered retailer with this side-eyed-moon emoji. Later that month, Cohen—hailed as a “meme king” for his starring role in the GameStop craze—disclosed that his stake in the company had grown to nearly 12 percent; the stock price subsequently shot up. That week, he sold all of his shares and walked away with a reported $60 million windfall.

Now shareholders are suing him for securities fraud, claiming, in part, that Cohen misled investors by using the emoji the way meme-stock types sometimes do—to suggest that the stock was going “to the moon.” A class-action lawsuit with big money on the line has come to legal arguments such as this: “There is no way to establish objectively the truth or falsity of a tiny lunar cartoon,” as Cohen’s lawyers wrote in an attempt to get the emoji claim dismissed. That argument was denied, and the court held that “emojis may be actionable.”  (Cohen’s lawyers did not respond to my request for comment.)

The humble emoji—and its older cousin, the emoticon—has infiltrated the corporate world, especially in tech. Last month, when OpenAI briefly ousted Sam Altman and replaced him with an interim CEO, the company’s employees reportedly responded with a vulgar emoji on Slack. That FTX, the failed cryptocurrency exchange once run by Sam Bankman-Fried, apparently used these little icons to approve million-dollar expense reports was held up during bankruptcy proceedings as a damning example of its poor corporate controls. And in February, a judge allowed a lawsuit to move forward alleging that an NFT company called Dapper Labs was illegally promoting unregistered securities on Twitter, because “the ‘rocket ship’ emoji, ‘stock chart’ emoji, and ‘money bags’ emoji objectively mean one thing: a financial return on investment.”

Once seen as a way to flirt over text or to express on social media the ineffable feeling of 🫠, emoji have worked their way down the “adoption curve,” Eric Goldman, a law professor at Santa Clara University who has studied emoji, told me. Much like the Millennials raised on the internet who now hold positions of power in corporations, the emoji has fully grown up.

That emoji are omnipresent in the professional world was inevitable, Goldman said, “because that’s how we are talking to each other in the rest of our lives.” In a 2022 survey from Adobe, 78 percent of Gen Z and Millennial respondents said that they used emoji in professional settings, as did more than half of Boomer respondents. Nick Bloom, an economist at Stanford who studies the workplace, told me that frequent emoji usage can be charted as part of a broader move in recent decades toward more casual tones in business. That shift has been abetted by workplace software such as Slack, with its chatty norms and many emoji options. (Emoji, like other characters on your keyboard, are standardized by the Unicode Consortium, though the term also is sometimes used more liberally to refer to picture icons specific to whatever platform you’re using.)

Emoji really can speed things up in the office, and slapping a ❤️ or a 🎉 on a message can make a rote communication feel friendly and fun. Their reception is not always smooth, however. Researchers have found that usage of emoji can detract from how credible or trustworthy conversants seem. (And some people are doing little to help their reputation: After Elon Musk took over Twitter, the company replied to press inquiries with poop emoji for several months 😔.

As emoji flood office chats and personal texts of all kinds, “courts are being flooded with evidence that includes emojis and emoticons,” Goldman told me. In 2023, they appeared in more than 200 legal cases in the U.S., up from 25 in 2016, when Goldman first started keeping track. Over the years, emoji have gotten roped up in criminal and interpersonal litigation such as sexual-harassment cases (one person sending another a vulgar emoji, for example), and in custody suits that hinge on thumbs-up emoji or similar replies. In one prominent example from this past fall, an Egyptian official used a thumbs-up emoji to respond to a message initially forwarded from Senator Robert Menendez’s wife—contributing to the senator’s indictment charging that he conspired to act as a foreign agent. (He has said that he is innocent.) In an analysis of this year’s emoji lawsuits, Goldman found many examples of emoji in such settings as mergers-and-acquisition, trademark, and workplace-discrimination cases.

Emoji burst with meaning: Goldman sent me a thumbs-up emoji when I suggested a time for our interview, and I knew exactly what he meant. But they are also “highly prone to ambiguity,” Marcel Danesi, a professor at the University of Toronto and the author of The Semiotics of Emoji, told me. They might look substantially different depending on what device you’re using, and even an easily identifiable one can mean different things to different people. Consider the Canadian flax imbroglio: In 2021, a flax farmer responded with a thumbs-up emoji to a contract from a potential buyer. The buyer never received the grains, so he accused the farmer of violating a contract. But the farmer claimed that the thumbs-up emoji didn’t mean that he was agreeing to the deal, just that he was acknowledging receipt. This past summer, the farmer was ordered to pay the equivalent of about $60,000.

The possibility of misinterpretation—or plausible deniability—might be part of the appeal of using emoji at work. Just as 🙃 can convey a mysterious meaning in an Instagram DM, so too can it spare a colleague from having to put into words on Slack how she feels about an impending deadline. Emoji have norms, and some have generally agreed-upon meanings. But many, too, are flexible and fluid. 💦 can refer to sweat, meth, or sex, according to a blog post from Goldman.

It’s funny to consider a judge mulling over 😂 or 😉 and all of their possible meanings, but emoji are an issue that the court system is actually well-suited to handle. Courts are already pretty good at evaluating nontextual evidence such as body language, vocal inflections, and gestures such as handshakes, Goldman said. Context, in emoji and in language, is key. Emoji are part of our vernacular, with all of the attendant quirks and slang uses and confusion that come with it. This year, Goldman found examples of heart eyes, eye rolls, devil faces, rats, kisses, and nuts mentioned in lawsuits. In the coming years, as more emoji lawsuits crop up, perhaps no icon is safe. Put another way: 🌝📈💰⚖️🧑‍⚖️.

[stoccoin]

The PGA, golf’s premier professional tour, has partnered with U.S. football quarterback Tom Brady’s non-fungible token (NFT) marketplace Autograph to create its own dedicated NFT platform. The multi-year tie-up will lead to NFT content created from the PGA’s archive of videos and player data, with all of the platform’s revenue going back into the players’ pockets, according to a report from Sportico. The new NFT platform is set to launch sometime in early 2023. The golf tour joins other major sporting leagues to ink long-term NFT deals, though it’s the first to do so with Autograph. The National Football League (NFL) and National Basketball Association (NBA) both have long-term NFT marketplace deals with Flow blockchain creator Dapper Labs, while Major League Baseball (MLB) sports an NFT partnership with Candy Digital. The English Premier League in soccer is also expanding into the space. . . Follow @stoccoin for daily posts about cryptocurrencies and stocks. NOTE: This post is not financial advice for you to buy the crypto(s) or stock(s) mentioned. Do your own research and invest at your own will if you want. This also applies to stock(s) or crypto(s), which you see in our stories. Thanks for reading folks! IGNORE THE HASHTAGS: #stoccoin #pgatour #nft #golf #autograph #crypto #stocks #stockmarket #bitcoin #cryptocurrency #btc #metaverse #sensex #nifty50 #bse #nse #banknifty #usd #investments #finance https://www.instagram.com/p/CitqWzgvIip/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[aiiizawa]

Dropped Like a Rock (2) 

[previous]

Summary: now that the situation is a bit calmer, they attempt to clear their name and assert that they are who they say they are, and hopefully not get sent to jail.  warnings for possible s3 spoilers.

Now that they’ve calmed down and Aizawa has finally decided that they don’t need to be stared at every single second, Cecilia turns their head to take in their surroundings.  Aizawa had since turned on the nearby desk lamp, so the entire room is illuminated.  Unfortunately, it makes the dark eye circles and pink mark on his head more prevalent, but they choose to ignore that in favor of scanning the room.  It’s bare, just as they had thought it would be.  There’s a TV at the edge of the room, but they can’t see a cable box or a blu ray player beneath it.  As for the living room itself, there’s the couch Aizawa is sitting on, a dull steel blue color that’s faded with age, and the wooden end table they’re leaning on that they nearly killed themselves on earlier.  Peeking a bit, they see a small kitchenette just barely visible, but there doesn’t seem to be anything on the stove.  That checks out.  There’s a darkened hallway just out of view, so they assume that’s probably where the bathroom and his bedroom are.  Even the walls are bare, one picture frame on one side of the room of some generic scenery-- Most likely a housewarming gift of some sort.

Cecilia shifts in their seat, cracking their back as best they can while bound, and look at Aizawa again.  He’s been leaning his head on his other hand, so his hair falls back a little bit.  The realization hits them as he raises an eyebrow wordlessly at their expression.

“Oh god, I’m sorry.  I landed on you and hit your head and I didn’t even say sorry.”  They mutter with wide eyes.  “So.  I’m sorry I dropped into your house.  And hit your head.  And landed on you.  I really didn’t mean to.”  Cecilia apologizes hastily.  They bow their head in an attempt at a remorseful gesture, though it’s marred by the fact that they’re still tied up.

“Mm.”  His expression doesn’t change, but it seems like he’s at least accepted it-- even if he probably hasn’t forgiven them for it.  He does lessen the wrapping around them though, a little bit.  They flash him a grateful smile even if he doesn’t return or even acknowledge it.  Silence overtakes them again, the only sounds being the occasional shifting of their positions and the tapping of his index finger against his forearm.

Nezu is the first one to arrive, riding high on Present Mic’s shoulders.  He’s a cute as ever— perhaps even more so in comparison to how tall and lanky Mic is.  The three of them speak in hushed whispers near the entranceway, and try as they might, they can’t make heads or tails of what the three of them are saying.  Every so often, they turn their heads to glance in their direction as if to check that they’re still there.

Cecilia forces a wonky smile and a rather pathetic wiggling of their fingers as a wave.  Mic waves back, at least until the principal and Aizawa hit him and pull him back into the conversation.  Nailed it.  There’s no clock in the room, so they don’t know how long they speak for, just that it feels like forever and they’re getting tired of changing the way they cross their legs. Eventually, other members of the staff file in that they recognize, and unsurprisingly, the cop Tsukauchi and Gran Torino.  Aizawa speaks to them all, again, and then all eyes are back on them.

“Uhhhh.  Hi.”

They’re off to an absolutely wonderful start.

Tsukauchi is the one who starts off the investigation first, removing his hat and smiling genially.  “Hello, my name is Detective Tsukauchi.  I see you’ve got yourself in quite the predicament here.  Would you mind telling me a little bit about yourself?”  He asks, kneeling down so that he’s at eye level with them.  Of course, they figure, that he would be the one to interrogate them.  Tsukauchi is playing the good cop, but his quirk is something not to be trifled with.  They have to be careful about how they answer him, since they don’t honestly know what effect the truth (as they know it) will have on them.

“I’m Cecilia Stellerd.  I’m twenty-four years old, and I work as a grocery stock boy at a chain department store.”  They answer clearly.  Despite not liking cops, they trust him enough because All Might is so fond of him.  He writes down their answers in a small notepad taken from the pocket of his long, tan jacket.  Tsukauchi nods.  Cecilia cracks their neck and adjusts their posture and he continues on with a few more questions.  Normal things like if they’re native to Japan, living in Japan, and so on and so forth.  They answer honestly, and he replies good-naturedly with some commentary of his own.

“I see, I see.  Thank you.”  He smiles, and then, satisfied that he’s established a good repertoire between the two of them, gets down to the real matter at hand.  “You say you have knowledge about the League of Villains.  Is that true?”

They square back their shoulders.  It’s time to sell this for all their worth.  “Yep.  And about most of you as well...Mister Naomasa Tsukauchi.  Quirk: Human Lie Detector.”  His eyes widen and jaw threatens to drop, but he regains his composure at the last second with a hasty smile.

“That’s not bad.  However, that kind of information could be gleaned rather easily.  What else do you have?”  Tsukauchi probes.  His tone is deceptively calm, but they’re sure that the air of the room has changed.  Cecilia shrugs.

“Depends on what you want to know.  But first, I want your word that nothing is going to happen to me.”  They insist.  Despite thinking the best of these people, they need to secure their safety and freedom.  “I know how things get done, and I don’t want to have to pay for things that I had no control of-- Namely, my unintentional breaking and entering here.  Once again, my bad.”  

Tsukauchi looks up at Aizawa, who exhales irritably.  “Fine.  I won’t press charges.”  He mutters with a wave of his hand.  “Now get on with it.”  He receives a meek smile and hand wave from him in return, and he once again puts his attention to Cecilia.

“See?  Aizawa-san has agreed not to press any charges against your accident.   Now, you were saying that you have knowledge not only on the League...but also about everyone here.  Is that true?”

They nod.  “If you want, I could look around the room and say it-- And if Mister Aizawa is agreeable to it, he can look at me with his quirk so he knows I’m not reading minds or something.”  Cecilia gestures to him, since they’re not very keen on meeting his gaze right now.  He huffs again, out of their line of sight, but apparently he agrees since Tsukauchi nods behind their head.  A moment later, he gingerly attempts to help them turn themselves around, but they recoil at his touch.  “Sorry, I don’t like it when unfamiliar men touch me and I’ve already been frisked once today.”  Also, he’s a cop.  Icky.  He lifts his hands up in a show of surrender, and they wiggle a bit until they’re looking at the line up.  For right now, it’s the main staff: Midnight, Present Mic, Nezu, Gran Torino, and, of course, Aizawa.  Taking a deep breath, they start from the ones they’re most familiar with.

“Shota Aizawa, 31.  Quirk: Erasure.  You’re the pro hero Eraserhead.”  They speak quickly to get it over with.  “You teach at U.A. where you graduated with your longtime friend and classmate, Present Mic.  As for something I probably shouldn’t know...he’s the one who gave you your hero name.”  He makes no indication of the veracity of the claims other than a single eyebrow twitch.

“Hizashi Yamada, also 31.  You DJ, as well as teach English along with hero work.  Your quirk is ‘voice’, and when you were born, you cried so loud it made your parents and doctor’s ears  bleed.”  Now this got some more reaction.  His sunglasses lower to look them in the eyes, and they struggle to shrug before turning to the next one.

“Midnight.  Nemuri Kayama.  Your age is--”  She immediately cracks her whip.  “Nnnnone of my business, but your quirk is...somnabulist?  Somnambulist?  I can’t remember the word but your quirk makes people, mostly men, fall asleep.  I honestly don’t know much about you.”  Other than that she’s a sex pervert with a creepy fascination about youth, but since they’ve already got enough injuries today, they’ll let that slide for another day.  “I don’t know much about you, Principal Nezu, other than that you’re super smart and that you used to be a lab animal.”  The small and incredibly cute creature in a dapper suit merely nods.

Lastly, they turn their eyes on Gran Torino, who raises a scraggly old brow.  “I also...don’t know too much about you.”  Cecilia admits with a difficult angle of their head.  “But I do know...pertinent information to you...and All Might.”  Who definitely isn’t there right now and they’re not comfortable discussing the specifics.  The old man cranes his neck over at them suspiciously.

“Huh?  What’s he got to do with this?”  He asks.  He points at them rudel with his cane.  The pointy edge is just a little bit away from their face, so they lean away to avoid it.

“A lot.”  They answer evasively.  “My information about the League..is connected to him.  It’s nothing you don’t know already, but it’s pretty important that it be with just you and him.”  Cecilia looks at all of them now, eyes and tone pleading.  “I’m really not any of your enemy.  I don’t-- know why I’m here at all, but I want to help if I can, or at least...not be a possible detriment.”

Gran Torino isn’t convinced, and he puts his cane back on the ground to walk towards them, now right next to Tsukauchi as he stares them down.  “I wasn’t born yesterday, kid.” His voice, hoarse with age, echoes in their ear.  “Why should we let you near All Might when we don’t know what your intentions are now that he’s retired?”

Cecilia inhales deeply, mouth tightening into a thin line as they weigh their options.  It doesn’t seem like they have much choice, and though they didn’t want it to happen like this.

“Nana Shimura.”

His entire body language changes with those two words.  He leans in even more and asks them to repeat what they just said.  “Nana…Shimura.”  Cecilia does their best to keep his intense gaze, despite the fact that they’re very, very scared right now with the way the old man is looking at them.  A needle could be heard dropping with the tension in the room.  Mic whispers to Aizawa asking about who it is they’re talking about, but Aizawa gives no answer either.  His bloodshot eyes remain fixed on how the scene in front of him is playing out.

“Tsukauchi.”  Gran Torino finally breaks the tension.

“Yes?”  He asks, previously being forgotten about.

“Get that dullard Toshinori on the phone.”

Perhaps, maybe, they’re getting somewhere now.  Hopefully he gets there before Cecilia loses all feeling in both their arms and legs.

[severewizardphilosopher]

The Value of an NFT Trading Card

The value of an NFT trading card has skyrocketed in recent years, with many digital creators turning the non-fungible token into a collectible. With uniqueness inherent in non-fungible tokens, collectors hope the value will rise over time. The first NFT-based mobile game is Spells of Genesis, a strategy game that combines trading card functionality with arcade-style gameplay. In the future, these tokens will be transformed into real collectibles, with collectors hoping that this value will rise over time.

VeeFriends

The VeeFriends NFT trading card is a highly sought-after project, and it's now coming to the physical world. The two companies have partnered to create a new trading card line based on the popular video game. Each card is an individually signed piece of art by creator Gary Vaynerchuk, with the winning bidder getting a limited edition version of the entire set. Printed on 36-point card stock and packaged in a white wooden box, the VeeFriends trading card collection is considered to be one of the most expensive in the space.

The VeeFriends NFTs are named after popular cultural references and human attributes. Gary Vee believes that they are the source of happiness and success. Gary Vee is a five-time New York Times bestselling author and founder of VaynerNFT, a platform for celebrities to create their own NFTs. The VeeFriends NFT has garnered over $20 million in a single year. Gary Vee's platform also doesn't charge any commissions, but there are gas fees for using it.

NBA Top Shot

In the spirit of cryptocurrency, NBA Top Shot has partnered with Dapper Labs, a blockchain company with a history of launching highly trafficked marketplaces. Instead of traditional basketball trading cards, the NBA Top Shot trading card marketplace lets fans buy and sell video clips of their favorite players. Each video is stored on the blockchain, which is a digital record book kept using cryptography and instant authenticity. This means that no two NBA Top Shot cards are the same, and that no two users can own the same card.

The NBA Top Shot trading card has an innovative blockchain platform. NFT tokens are non-fungible, allowing users to sell them on a decentralized exchange. The blockchain is secure, which enables users to buy and sell them anytime. Each Top Shot Moments is worth a different amount of cryptocurrency. While most players have a finite number of tokens, a single token has a limited supply of 100.

Worlds Apart

Doctor Who is back with an NFT sale of trading cards for the upcoming Trading Card Game. The Doctor Who Worlds Apart sale has trading cards from various scenes, objects, and characters from the series. In addition to being a great way to collect the Doctor, these cards can also be used in the game as in-game currency. The Founders Token is limited to 1963 pieces and can be purchased from the game's website. The Founders Tokens come with special perks and benefits, including early access to the game, exclusive areas, and social events.

Doctor Who: Worlds Apart is another great way to collect collectible cards. Players will find limited edition cards, cosmetic card frames, and much more. The game will have a unique value for each card and will also allow players to buy and sell them through external marketplaces. This game will also have PVP battles that are based on the blockchain. In addition to collecting these cards, players can also create decks and create tactics to destroy opponents in the turn-based game.

Gods Unchained

You can collect Gods Unchained trading cards to use in battles with other players and trade them for fiat currency. In Gods Unchained, you can obtain trading cards from the game through leveling, winning in Ranked Weekend Tournaments, or purchasing seasonal packs. You can also trade with other players on the game's official marketplace. In Gods Unchained, you can see various attributes of the gods you're interested in. These attributes include the card's type, health and attack points, and the tribe it belongs to. The exchange and transaction history of your cards can be reviewed in the Gods Unchained trading market.

In Gods Unchained, players can start with 140 cards and earn additional cards through weekly ranked tournaments. These tournaments are free to play, but players can earn extra coins by purchasing cards. The price of the cards depends on their rarity and quality. Once you've earned enough coins, you can sell your cards in the game's marketplace for real cash. Eventually, you'll earn enough money to purchase additional cards and redeem them for real money.

Ether Legends

The digital game of collectible cards is powered by the blockchain and the new cryptocurrency Ether. Players can use their Ethers to purchase cards and tokens. Once purchased, each item is available for trading. These cards can be fused together to create new items or characters. The cards unlock special in-game features, and there are even rare collector's editions that provide ongoing rewards. This game is currently available on Steam.

Curran was kind enough to facilitate this interview and provided a list of relevant links. The developers of Ether Legends are a team of developers from Elementeum Games, a company that wants to merge the world of physical trading cards with the blockchain. The ELET tokens are used to create NFTs (ERC721), which are virtual crypto-collectibles that act as gaming platform currencies.

[bitcofun]

Anime and Animoca BrandsBlockchain videogaming and Metaverse business Animoca Brands hasactually released a tactical subsidiary in Japan after raising $10 million in seed financing.The brand-new subsidiary, called Animoca Brands KK, strategies on broadening popular Japanese material into nonfungible tokens (NFTs), the Metaverse and fungible tokens through Web3 applications. The material consistsof anime such as My Hero Academia and Dragon Ball, videogames, art, sports and others.Funds for this mostcurrent growth were raised in a $10 million seed round led by Japanese financialinvestment company MCP Asset Management’s MCP IPX One Fund. Animoca Brands co-founder and executive chairman Yat Siu informed Cointelegraph that “This one is actually huge” since of the material being brought into the NFT area and the size of the companies now included.Siu likewise stated in the authorities statement from Tuesday: “Our Japanese department will focus on partnering with IP owners in Japan to allow them to deal brand-new Web3 items and services in the open Metaverse.”Animoca’s other significant financialinvestments in NFTs and the Metaverse consistof The Sandbox, Axie Infinity and Dapper Labs. Rarible and Cyber produce VR platform for NFTsVirtual truth platform Cyber and NFT market Rarible have teamed up to develop a totally immersive virtual NFT market. The market is suitable with the Oculus headset on mobile gadgets and provides collectors a method to browse collections in a 3D Metaverse setting. Using Cyber’s market needs users to list their NFTs for sale on Rarible.— ᴏɴ ᴄʏʙᴇʀ (@oncyber_io) February 15, 2022 Rarible is the 19th-biggest NFT market, with $47,000 in trading volume over the past 24 hours according to DappRadar.DJ Steve Aoki’s NFT earnings exceeds music profession“Azukita” tune entertainer Steve Aoki exposed that he makes more from trading NFTs than he has from 10 years of selling studio albums. Aoki hasactually been selling NFTs on the OpenSea NFT market consideringthat March 2021, when his “Steve Aoki” collection dropped. Since then, the collection hasactually takenpleasurein 547 Ether (ETH) in volume traded amongst 953 owners. At a personal Gala Music occasion on Feb. 10, Aoki said: “If I was to truly break down, OKAY, in the 10 years I've been making music, 6 albums, and you culminate all those advances, what I did in one drop last year in NFTs, I made more cash.”Aoki’s collection shows his eager sense of the NFT market. He owns a Yat that serves as his individual URL and hasactually gathered numerous Bored Ape Yacht Clubs and Adidas Originals NFTs worth over $1 million. His newest venture in the NFT area is the “Aok1verse” Metaverse model. Samsung S22 pre-sale deal consistsof NFT drop for KoreansSamsung’s newest upgrade to its S-series of smartdevices hit the market with excitement in South Korea, where early purchasers were dealtwith with numerous advantages consistingof an special NFT.Presale purchasers of the S22 phones and Tablet S8 will get an NFT from Theta Labs, which has had a long-standing collaboration with Samsung. Theta hopes the deal will drive users to its ThetaDrop NFT market, where individuals needto go to claim their NFT.Presale orders for the S22 exceeded those for the S21 by a element of 3 to 4, according to a report from Korean news company Yonhap News.Other Nifty NewsThe New York Stock Exchange might be diving into the Metaverse quickly, as the exchange hasactually signedup to hallmark the NYSE name on numerous blockchains and crypto items. The application consistsof utilizes in virtual truth and enhanced truth softwareapplication, NFTs, and online markets.The CryptoPunks neighborhood is up in arms over accusations that Larva Labs sold lots of v1 CryptoPunks on OpenSea priorto withdrawing acknowledgment of their credibility. The v1 collection had a wise agreement makeuseof that was repaired by providing the v2 collection.Read More.

[sycriptouk]

Google Partners With Digital Asset Company Bakkt To Make Crypto Payments More Accessible https://bitcoinist.com/google-partners-with-digital-asset-company-bakkt-to-make-crypto-payments-more-accessible/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=google-partners-with-digital-asset-company-bakkt-to-make-crypto-payments-more-accessible

Digital asset company Bakkt announced a partnership with Tech giant Google on Friday. This project “is to extend the reach and usability of digital assets to meet rapidly evolving consumer demand and preferences.” The partnership will introduce digital assets to millions of consumers. And also make payments more accessible.

Bakkt’s New Partnership With Google

Intercontinental Exchange, the owner of the New York Stock Exchange, founded Bakkt in 2018. The digital assets marketplace enables consumers to buy, sell, send and spend digital assets, including cryptocurrencies.

This partnership will enable Bakkt users to add their virtual Bakkt Visa Debit Card (“Bakkt Card”) into Google Pay. Subsequently, the users will be able to purchase goods and services anywhere that accepts Google Pay. Digital assets, like Bitcoin, in the users’ wallets, will be converted to fiat currency for these payments to occur.

Related Reading | Google Partners With Dapper Labs Flow Blockchain

Additionally, Bakkt announced that it has selected Google Cloud as a preferred cloud provider. The company will market its solutions powered by Google Cloud to retailers and merchants in the U.S. The digital assets marketplace also plans to leverage the Cloud’s industry-leading tools to generate new business insights. The new analytics would integrate artificial intelligence, machine learning, and geolocation functionality on its platform. These insights will provide Bakkt consumers with expanded loyalty redemption options. At the same time, Bakkt partners will have data on valuable consumer behavior patterns.

Total crypto market at $2.34 Trillion | Source: Crypto Total Market Cap from TradingView.com

Bakkt CEO, Gavin Michael, commented on the partnership. “This partnership is a testament to Bakkt’s strong position in the digital asset marketplace, to empower consumers to enjoy their digital assets in a real-time, secure, reliable manner.” He also said that partnering with Google Cloud will enable Bakkt to make the platform more innovative. And develop it to scale to meet the needs of millions of users.

Kirsten Kliphouse, Google Cloud President of North America, mentioned that it has been at the forefront of accelerating digital commerce. And by doing so has powered many retailers and merchants. “We are proud to help Bakkt accelerate and scale the availability of their innovative solutions, powered by our technologies.”

Bakkt Crypto Adoption

The new partnership is one of Bakkt’s many attempts to expand crypto adoption in the U.S. It comes just weeks after the company announced that the Bakkt app had linked one billion points and miles since it launched its digital wallet app in March.

In August, Bakkt partnered with Quiznos restaurants to launch the first physical location where customers can pay for their food in BTC in Denver.

Related Reading | Kraken App Now Accepts Google Pay And Apple Pay

Bakkt is the most recent of several Cryptocurrency platforms to add Google Pay. Bitcoin payment service provider Bitpay added Google Pay for U.S. cardholders in August. Coinbase also added Google Pay as well as Apple Pay for its cardholders in June.

Featured image by Los Angeles Times, Chart from TradingView.com

[fintodo1]

Dapper Labs is a leader in NFT-powered games, but can you buy their Dapper Labs stock? Fintodo explains why Dapper Labs isn't publicly traded yet. Discover alternative investment strategies within the Dapper Labs ecosystem. Learn how to gain exposure to the booming NFT and blockchain gaming market through Fintodo's insights.

[junker-town]

NBA Top Shot, the new crypto highlight phenomenon, explained

Everyone is buying highlights ... but why?

Take a stroll around social media and you’ll see no shortage of people talking about “NBA Top Shot,” a collectible, blockchain-based highlight repository that has been around since July of 2019, but caught fire in the last week with over $50M in revenue hauled in by people still trying to get in on the ground floor of the pseudo crypto currency.

The scarcity is what is bringing people in to Top Shot, and the system is going wild. Right now the highest-priced Top Shot available for auction is a block by Zion Williamson against the Nuggets from January, 2020 — with a ludicrous asking price of $250,000.

It’s addictive and exciting for those involved, and to outsiders the dumbest thing in the world. Why are people paying for trading card-esque “packs” of random highlights, which you can watch for free on YouTube, with no material value? Is this the future of sports collectibles, or a massive grift? And will early adopters be millionaires in 10 years, or the new generation of Beanie Baby collectors?

What is NBA Top Shot?

NBA Top Shot in an online-only collection of NBA highlights which can be obtained by buying “packs” or purchased via auction. Think of it like buying sports cards, but in video form. You might crack a pack and get a highlight of a Steph Curry three-pointer, which is only being produced 99 times. When those 99 clips are gone nobody else will ever get that same highlight, and Top Shot claims you’ll own that clip forever.

The clips are created through Blockchain, which is the same technology that powers Bitcoin, Etherium, and other cryptocurrencies. I’ll spare you doing an extremely poor job trying to explain complicated Blockchain technology, which you can read in detail about here, but the important part is that it’s completely encrypted, impossible to hack, and ensures that it’s impossible to duplicate these files. So, for whatever it’s worth, when you buy an NBA Top Shot it is absolutely yours as a collectible.

So, for the price of an entire house, you could instead buy a highlight of Zion blocking a shot, that exists only on the internet, and can only be bought and sold on Top Shot.

Before you say “well, people can ask whatever they want, it doesn’t mean they get it,” understand that Top Shots of Zion Williamson and LeBron James both sold last week on the site for $100,000 each.

So you can make money off NBA Top Shot?

Theoretically yes, but it’s a little more complicated than you might expect. The tech behind Top Shot is a product of Dapper Labs, a Blockchain service that boasts on its own website that it “uses the power of play to deliver blockchain-based experiences that are made for you and ready for the real world.” What this means is that the NBA and a Blockchain service teamed up to replicate the sporting card market in an online medium, replicating scarcity and rarity to turn these moments into a commodity.

Yes, you can put funds into your account, buy and sell Top Shots and you can have the ability to pull the money out and put it in your bank. However, this is far from the utopia it might seem like at first.

There are three tiers of packs you can buy:

Common ($9): Nine common moments, which all have production of 1000+, with no maximum.

Rare ($22): Seven common moments, one rare moment, which has a maximum production of 999 clips.

Legendary ($230): Six common moments, three rare moments, one legendary moment, which has a production maximum of 99 clips.

There is not an unlimited amount of packs available. Instead they’re released in limited sized “drops” that can sell out, imagine a bunch of PS5s arriving at Walmart and trying to rush at get one. That’s the basic concept here. This ensures the market isn’t saturated, and the scarcity is maintained. Right now that’s driven the system to a fever pitch. Common moments are selling for $20-30 on average right now, meaning yes, if you get a pack drop you’re able to make money immediately — and good money at that. Assuming you’re lucky enough to get a pack.

However, we don’t know how the market will adapt when more are in the wild. Basic logic tells you that if something is bought at an average of 36 cents, it shouldn’t be able to sell for $20 for an indefinite amount of time. Every time there’s a pack drop and more moments are added into the economy the price will be driven down, especially on lesser players or more undesirable moments.

For now, it’s the golden era of Top Shot — especially for people who got in on the ground floor back in 2019 and might have a massive repository of moments. There will undoubtably be stories of people becoming millionaires off Top Shot, and there will be tales of those who were left holding the bag when the eventual crash happens, and the market corrects itself.

So why are people so addicted to Top Shot?

What the NBA and Dapper Labs have created is the perfect storm. A beautiful user interface that marries the thrill of collecting sports cards, with the promise of participating in cryptocurrency. It’s just happened to blow up at the perfect time.

The Covid pandemic trapping people at home got millions of people interested in pursuits they otherwise wouldn’t be, and we witnessed at the back-end of 2020 how many new traders were flooding the stock market. Robinhood boasted introducing a stunning 13 million new traders, and the recent GameStop stock frenzy pushed the idea of trading further into the mainstream.

Lots of people might be confused, or intimidated by the stock market — but they understand the NBA, its players, and feel they have more control over the commodities they’re buying. Plus, Top Shot keeps the carrot on the stick there for the promise of financial independence.

Everyone has FOMO from failing to buy into Bitcoin when it was selling for less than $1, before now swelling to its current value of $53,000, and we’ve seen this with the recent proliferation of Doge Coin, an ostensibly worthless meme coin people are sinking money into now, out of the same dream to see it hit big. Every time new technology like Top Shot enters the market there will be interest, and people believing they can set themselves up for life.

While that possibility remains, it’s also impossible to see the future of the market. Perhaps it will stick around and become a staple of the Blockchain, or people will lose interest and be stuck with dozens of moments they sank real money into, with no market to sell it back to. This is the risk of participating in anything like this, but for now Top Shot is on fire and people are eating it up.

[sycriptouk]

A First Look At NFTs On Twitter https://bitcoinist.com/a-first-look-at-nfts-on-twitter/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=a-first-look-at-nfts-on-twitter

London-based Mada Aflak, who is a software engineer and Android Tech Lead at Twitter Spaces, revealed a sneak peek at NFTs on Twitter this week. The first glance gives us a perspective on what verified NFTs on the social media platform can potentially look like.

Let’s dive in on Aflak’s tweet and the feedback that NFT loyalists have been talking about thus far.

NFT-Me

Aflak is part of a core team of engineers building out crypto innovations for Twitter. The recent reveal comes just a week after Twitter began a broader rollout of it’s Bitcoin tipping feature in partnership with Jack Mallers’ Strike. Strike provides the API to allow Twitter to enable free, instant, global payments for users. Twitter has largely been one of the most aggressive, if not the most aggressive, social media platform to seek crypto integration.

Here is Aflak’s recent tweet showcasing Twitter’s “first experiment” of navigating verified NFTs on the platform:

As promised, here is the first experiment. Feedbacks and ideas are welcome :) https://t.co/TDyhibCXfG pic.twitter.com/2ifru9T2Pa

— Mada Aflak (@af_mada) September 29, 2021

The video on Aflak’s tweet shows a brief walkthrough of how a user would connect and verify their NFT avatar. Aflak’s video was shared widely across prominent NFT collectors. Twitter’s Head of Consumer Product Marketing also shared the video, receiving extensive feedback from NFT collectors.

Let’s take a look at NFT community members thoughts on the initial layout.

Related Reading | Diamond Hands: 80% Of Bitcoin Circulating Supply Now Owned By Long-Term Holders

The People Have Spoken 

The top concern from feedback so far has been that collections that can be integrated onto Twitter’s verification should also be OpenSea verified projects, so as not to allow fake collections minted on Ethereum to appear as legitimate. Some feedback also included not relying on OpenSea at all, and instead just linked to a clickable etherscan address. The need for verification will likely inherently include some sort of centralization – be it through OpenSea or otherwise – which generally leads to a mixed bag of emotions in crypto. However, at present day, verification of NFT authenticity will be a must, and with that will come some degree of centralization.

Others had concerns over connecting a high net worth wallet to a Twitter account, and wanted to ensure that the social media platform had the equivalent of “read only” privileges (rather than full-fledged access or credentials) to users OpenSea accounts.

There is currently no estimated timeline or further details around Twitter’s NFT integration strategy, so stay tuned here on Bitcoinist for the latest as it unfolds.

Twitter's stock price on the NYSE has been fluctuating in a channel, and didn't see any positive movement as a result of the NFT teaser released today. | Source: NYSE: TWTR on TradingView.com

Related Reading | Dapper Labs Set To Announce NFL Partnership

Featured image from Pexels, Charts from TradingView.com

[fintodo1]

Unveiling the Potential: Exploring Dapper Labs Stock and Its Rise in the Digital World

In the fast-paced realm of digital assets and blockchain technology, Dapper Labs has emerged as a prominent player, capturing the attention of investors worldwide. Founded in 2018, Dapper Labs stock gained widespread recognition for creating NBA Top Shot, a blockchain-based platform for buying, selling, and trading officially licensed NBA collectible highlights. This innovative venture propelled Dapper Labs into the spotlight and sparked interest in its stock among investors seeking exposure to the burgeoning world of non-fungible tokens (NFTs) and digital collectibles.

The Rise of Dapper Labs:

Dapper Labs' journey began with the creation of CryptoKitties, a blockchain-based game that allows users to buy, sell, and breed virtual cats. The game's popularity demonstrated the potential for blockchain technology to revolutionize digital ownership and ushered in a new era of digital collectibles.

Building on the success of CryptoKitties, Dapper Labs partnered with the NBA to develop NBA Top Shot, a platform that allows basketball fans to collect and trade officially licensed NBA highlights in the form of NFTs. NBA Top Shot quickly gained traction, attracting millions of users and generating millions of dollars in sales.

Understanding Dapper Labs Stock:

As a privately held company, Dapper Labs' stock is not publicly traded on traditional stock exchanges. However, the company has attracted significant investment from venture capital firms and strategic investors, valuing it at billions of dollars. Investors seeking exposure to Dapper Labs' growth potential may explore opportunities through private investment rounds or secondary markets.

Factors Driving Interest in Dapper Labs Stock:

NFT Boom: The explosive growth of the NFT market has propelled Dapper Labs' success, with NBA Top Shot emerging as a leading platform for digital collectibles. As NFTs continue to gain mainstream adoption, investors are drawn to Dapper Labs' innovative approach to digital ownership.

Strategic Partnerships: Dapper Labs has forged strategic partnerships with major brands, sports leagues, and entertainment companies to expand its reach and enhance its product offerings. These partnerships bolster investor confidence in Dapper Labs' long-term growth prospects.

Visionary Leadership: Dapper Labs is led by visionary entrepreneurs who have a track record of success in the blockchain and gaming industries. Their leadership and innovation-driven approach have positioned Dapper Labs as a pioneer in the digital collectibles space.

Risks and Challenges:

While Dapper Labs' success story is compelling, investing in the company carries inherent risks. The NFT market is still relatively nascent and subject to regulatory uncertainty, technological challenges, and market volatility. Additionally, competition in the digital collectibles space is intensifying, with other companies vying for market share.

Conclusion:

Dapper Labs' ascent to prominence in the digital collectibles space has captured the imagination of investors worldwide. While its stock may not be publicly traded, investors can explore opportunities to participate in Dapper Labs' growth story through private investment avenues. As the NFT market continues to evolve, Dapper Labs remains at the forefront of innovation, poised to shape the future of digital ownership and entertainment.

[tilltheendwilliwrite]

Soft Names, Soft Touches

Chapter Ten

Previous Chapter

Pairing: Bucky x OC | Word Count: 4.9K+

Warnings: Angst. Russian that may or may not be correct.

Sitting at the bar, Franki played with the rim of her glass. The martini she was drinking wasn’t going down well, not with the nerves that filled her belly. He’d be back today, tonight, and she wondered what Bucky would think of her costume. It was by far the most risqué thing she’d ever worn, and Natasha had squealed for joy upon completion.

She’d done it for Bucky, but now that she was here, it seemed to attract way too much attention of the male variety, and she’d escaped to the VIP section that Tony had reserved for the Avengers to congregate when the regular crowd grew taxing.

Only Stark would have what basically allotted to a nightclub on the uppermost level of one of his buildings. It was rented out occasionally for functions and events but usually sat empty, just waiting for another one of Tony’s wild parties to get underway. She didn’t mind it most of the time. The windows overlooked the city, and she could easily escape outside or back to their section of the tower if the people got overwhelming. She was Reaper after all. It wasn’t exactly difficult to disappear.

But tonight Franki had drawn a host of unwanted attention and no matter how cold she’d been in her rejection the men just kept coming on to her. Stupid outfit. What had she been thinking?

Running her finger around the rim of her glass, she sighed. She’d been thinking about Bucky and the way he would look at her. How his eyes would darken, and a smirk would twitch his lips. How he would pace towards her with that sultry murder strut of his, something Nat had once referred to as panty dropping that her sestra had then had to explain. Franki could now say with certainty that, yes, it most definitely was. She was growing heated just thinking about him stalking towards her with that powerful stride and focused gaze.

“Hey.” Steve sank down beside her and smirked a little grin at her outfit. “I guess I can see why you’re hiding.”

“Steve!” Franki nearly launched herself at him, throwing her arms around his neck and squeezing tight. “You’re back!”

Stunned, he gave her a short hug and nodded slowly. “Yeah, just.” When she sat back, he grinned brightly. “Well, that was a surprise.”

It was for her as well, and she blinked a couple of times before a smile twitched her lips. “Perhaps you should go away more often?”

“Hey! That ain’t very nice.” But he couldn’t help but grin. He gave her a sharper once over and could see the hollowness beneath her makeup, the startling clarity of her collarbone, and the circles that darkened her eyes. She looked, for those who wouldn’t know better, like she’d been sick. But he wasn’t about to say so, not when she appeared so excited. “Dance?” he asked instead, nodding towards the floor that had a few couples out on it. The music was decently slow, and he really wanted to see Bucky’s face when his friend got a load of her.

He held out his hand, and Franki hesitated to touch it. Her reaction to seeing him after so long had been all instinct and had bypassed her inner demons because she knew if he were here Bucky wouldn’t be far behind. But she had touched him once, without fear, without her skin crawling, without even flinching, and she reached for his hand slowly. Once they touched, she shivered, but the panicky sensation never came, and she smiled while tightening her grip. He was Steve, Cap, the leader of her team and bleyy rystra’, a name that truly fit him tonight. “You’re looking quite dashing, Sir Rogers.”

His fingers closed around hers, and he laughed as he tugged her to her feet, unable not to notice how terribly cold she was. “Was this your idea or Nat’s?” He was decked out like a knight from the round table complete with a sword hanging from his hip and a shield slung across his back.

“Joint effort,” she smiled, following him to the dance floor where he spun her, causing her costume to swing wildly around before it settled and she took his other hand.

He didn’t try to put his hands on her waist or back, not wanting to push his luck, and drew her into to a gentle sway that kept her back to the doors. “So, what’s been happening here since we left?” Shadows flickered in her eyes, but before he could comment, she was talking about time spent with Tony and all she’d learned in the lab.

“You turning into a tech geek on us, Franki?” he teased.

The blue-eyed blond smirked at her and made her chuckle softly. “I’ll leave that to Tony.”

“That’s good,” Steve glanced past her to where Tony was surrounded by a flock of women. “You pick his outfit, too?”

She snorted and shook her head. “He is channelling his inner rock star. Apparently, all that takes is a Metallica t-shirt and a glass of scotch.”

“Sounds like Stark,” he snickered. “What about Sam?” He’d yet to see what the Falcon was coming as. By the grin that split her face, he knew it would be worth the wait.

“Let’s just say… it was a no-brainer.” She smiled softly, shrugging one shoulder.

A small disturbance caused him to glance towards the doors, and he smirked when he murmured, “What about Buck? You pick his costume?”

“Natasha did. I was not allowed a say,” Franki pouted.

He chuckled softly, drawing his eyes off his best friend stalking slowly through the crowd. They parted before him, and Steve could see why. He looked dangerous, debonair, and classier than he’d ever seen Buck look. “Looks like she did a pretty good job,” he murmured and spun her around.

Franki locked in on him quickly and gasped. He looked amazing. “Bucky…” she whispered.

Steve released her hands but not before he noted how they warmed almost instantly.  Everything about her lit up, and she appeared to glow. Happiness just radiated from her. Looking to Bucky, his friend having paused in his stride to stare in shocked wonder, he could see nearly the same thing happen to Buck. The sallow skin and hollow, despairing eyes simply disappeared when he looked at her. What the hell was going on? Dr. Cho couldn’t arrive soon enough in his estimation.

Bucky swallowed hard around the lump that had appeared in his throat. He’d zeroed in on her the moment the doors from the elevator had opened. How could he not? It was like he was drawn to her from across the room and when enough bodies had cleared to see her dancing with Steve, he’d smirked a small grin because she was wearing a red hooded cape that fell to the floor. Then, Cap turned her around, and he’d felt his libido storm into life. Lord… have… mercy.

A white peasant blouse hugged her upper arms leaving her shoulders and neck bare. A black corset over a deep red dress showcased her tiny waist and lifted her breasts to swell in gentle mounds. The dress flared at her hips over what appeared to be inches of crinoline that fluffed it out into a full skirt that barely fell to mid-thigh. High white stockings with black bows ended a few inches below the bottom of her dress, caressed her toned legs, and flowed into black Mary-Jane’s. He had a flash of memory, his mother in her Sunday best with shoes precisely like that.

Shaking his head, Bucky looked back up to her face and started forwards again. Her beautiful hair was curled tighter than usual, heavy ringlets pinned up and around her face, falling in long waves over her shoulder and down past her cape. Someone had pinned the hood to her hair for there was no way it was that gravity-defying. It was a crushed velvet that shimmered and moved with her, caressed her bare arms, and swung at her ankles, but it was her face he focused on. Her eyes were enormous, darkened with liner and heavy shadow, a bright blush coloured her cheeks, and her lush red lips had been glossed, so they glistened in the shifting lights of the dance floor.

His hands were reaching for her when they came together, one lightly touching her mass of curls, the other going around her waist. “Are you rationed, doll?” he murmured.

Tracing her hands down his chest, a slow smile filling her face, Franki shook her head. “You still have not explained that saying.”

Chuckling, he leaned closer and whispered in her ear, “Are you taken, baby?” Her shiver went unseen, but he could feel it through his hand.

“Da,” she breathed against his cheek. “By my Winter Solider.” The rumbled growl that rolled in his chest set her swaying into him.

Lifting his head, he looked down on sultry silver eyes. “Moya zvezdochka, I missed you.”

Reaching up, she stroked his stubbly cheek. “I missed you too, snegopad. So much.” The sun had returned to her life, and she basked in its glow.

The sweet and pure and wholesome he’d left behind returned with the gentle touch of her hand. “You look…” he had no words to describe how fucking hot she was. “This shouldn’t be legal. You make one sexy red riding hood. I get why Nat left this now.” Digging inside his jacket, he pulled out the half mask that looked like a wolf’s silhouette, narrow eyes and short pointed muzzle that would cover his nose, and the pointed ears that arched up over his forehead. “Guess this makes me your wolf.”

She chuckled softly, looking him over. He wore an exceptionally nice suit, classic cut in a style he would have been familiar with as it had a very forties air. Black with a red tie and pocket square over a white shirt, he matched her well. Taking the mask from his fingers, she slipped it over his eyes and reached to tie the ribbon at the back of his head. “Is there ever a story where Red ends up with the wolf?”

“Don’t know,” he murmured, eyes closing as her hands drifted over his face adjusting the mask. “Perhaps tonight we’ll find out.”

Dropping her hands back to his shoulders, Franki couldn’t help but smile a seductive little grin. “Tam moy volk.” Was a wolf meant to look so dapper? His eyes opened on glacier blue that seemed to look right into her soul.

There’s my wolf… Her words made him grin. Leaning down again, he placed his mouth against her ear and whispered, “YA zhelayu, chtoby poglotit' vas.”

I wish to devour you… She moaned softly, a sultry groan, for his words lit her on fire, right up until the moment when her stomach growled. “Oh!” Franki gasped, blushing in embarrassment.

He pulled back to smirk down at her and noticed for the first time how much paler she appeared, how her collarbone protruded from her way more than he remembered. He’d thought the narrowness of her waist was just the corset she was tied into but now… “You hungry, baby?”

“Starving.” She was suddenly ravenous. “Tony hired Marco as his caterer tonight,” Franki said as Bucky led her away towards the buffet.

Standing on the stairs to the VIP section Nat, Tony and Steve exchanged concerned looks.

“You all saw that right?” Natasha murmured. “I wasn’t just seeing things. They both changed, physically changed, when he touched her, right?”

Steve nodded slowly, “She went from ice cold to warm as soon as she caught sight of him.”

“Dr. Cho will be here in a few hours. Hopefully, she’ll be able to figure out what the hell is going on with them.” It worried Tony. If it were something detrimental to them both, it would destroy both Bucky and Franki. “They looked at each other and everyone else just… ceased to exist in their world.”

“She loves him,” Natasha sighed. “God, Steve…” Shaking her head, the woman dressed as a pirate turned towards the bar. “You didn’t see her after you left.” Both men turned questioning eyes her way, and she bit her lip. Telling almost felt like betraying her sestra’s confidence, but… “I found her on the floor in Bucky’s room after you left. She was a mess. Kept muttering in Russian about the cruel joke fate had played. That she’d finally been allowed out of the dark and into the light only to have it torn away. I don’t think she even knew I was there for the longest time.”

“Jeez! She was there!” The facts finally lined up, and he understood now why Bucky had been so quick to hustle him out of his room before they left. “No wonder he looked like he wanted to kill someone.” Although, that look hadn’t really left his face the whole time they were gone. “He was damn near feral at times during the mission. It was like living with a man who was…” He struggled to find the right analogy.

“Mad with grief?” Natasha supplied.

“Angry with it. Like he was just pissed at the world and everyone in it.” Steve sighed.

“Nah man,” Sam smirked, sauntering up to the group that all looked way too serious for a party. “Poor dude was pissed cause you cockblocked him. That was a man about to get some action, and you interrupted.”

“Dammit, Sam!” Steve groused rolling his eyes. “Mixed company!”

“At ease, soldier. We both know I’ve said worse.” Natasha chuckled. It was always a pleasure to exasperate Captain America.

“And I’ve heard you say worse.” Tony pointed at Steve.

“What? When?” Steve barked, outraged.

“When Thor poured most of that bottle of Asgardian liquor down you and Bucky’s throats!” Sam chortled, laughing when Cap went white. “Only time I’ve ever seen you drunk. Priceless!”

Snickering, Nat grinned at Sam before linking her arm through his. “Well, player, I think you and I should dance. Until Helen gets here and figures out what’s what with the lovebirds, I am going to enjoy this shindig, and I suggest you two do, as well.”

Using the head of his gaudy white, bejewelled cane to tip his overly large purple hat, Sam smirked, “Later, fools!” and led Natasha away murmuring, “Might I say, you make a fine looking wench?”

“Not if you want to keep all those pearly white teeth, pimp daddy.” She smiled sweetly at him.

“Yes, ma’am.” Sam nodded.

Steve watched them both walk away. Natasha’s costume he understood for it was some kind of sexy pirate, but Sam’s had him confused. The sparkly cane, zebra print pants, long purple coat, big purple hat, open front white shirt with all the gold jewelry just looked plain… weird. But Sam seemed to be enjoying himself. Perhaps he’d inquire of Franki later what Falcon was meant to be. She at least wouldn’t tease him about things he still didn’t quite get. She often struggled with random things as well. Like going dutch!

“Well, Tony,” Steve turned to the man left with him. “Anyone here I should know about?”

Clapping his hand on Cap’s shoulder, Tony motioned with his drink. “Let’s schmooze, Sir Capscicle.”

Franki was sitting at one of the pub tables with Wanda, watching Bucky laugh at something Steve had said when the man dressed as Zorro – a persona she was not familiar with – approached her for the third time.

“Look, sweetheart, I think you and I could have a good time. Won’t you give me a chance? They’re playing our song.”

His presence made her skin crawl, and she glared at him, her eyes icy. “If you think third time will be the charm, you are doomed to disappointment.” Glancing at Wanda, she smirked and asked, “What is saying Clint always uses? Ah, yes. You are fishing without bait. The answer is still no.” When he reached for her arm, she was quick to spill her drink on him. “Oops.”

“Bitch,” Zorro hissed, stomping away.

Rolling her eyes, she smirked a little grin at Wanda, the Scarlet Witch, looking every inch the traditional witch that evening – though she was less spooky and sexier. Her philosophy had been hey, if you’ve got it, flaunt it which had made Franki laugh. “I’m going to grab another drink, you want?”

Wanda shook her head and smiled at Vision when he wandered over. “This one owes me a dance!” she said instead and dragged the male away by the wrist. Vision had not bothered to dress up. His view on things being, he wore a costume every day, so tonight he was going to go as he was.

Scott was around somewhere, Professor Pym’s daughter, on his arm, and they had come as police officer and prisoner, something that was terribly funny to them both but Franki had not been let in on the joke. Rhodey had made it, too, his legs getting stronger every day, and with all the tech he was kitted out in he was dressed as some character from some movie she had yet to see. She couldn’t even remember the name only that it started with E. Ely… Elis… Elysi…? She’d ask him another day. Clint had made it with his wife, dressed as cowboys, and Franki thought they looked adorable together. The only ones missing were Thor and Jane, Darcy, Bruce, Maria and Fury.

Getting up from the table, she declined another offer to dance and escaped the hands that reached for her as she headed for the restricted section, tugging her heavy cloak around her shoulders. Sitting with Wanda usually deterred people from getting too close. Her powers were ones that many people still feared, which, quite honestly was the stupidest thing Franki had ever heard. Wanda was so damn sweet. Franki was more likely to kill someone with the tab from their pop can than Wanda was to harm someone with her powers.

“Hey, kid!”

She smiled at Tony. “Stark.”

“You going to give me that dance you owe me?” He was only a little drunk, more like pleasantly buzzed, and she had a debt to pay off.

Chuckling, she took his offered hand. “You sure you can dance? You seem to be wobbling a bit, Iron Man.”

“Bah!” He flicked his hand wildly. “I’d need to drink much more before I couldn’t dance on my own dance floor.” To prove his point, he spun her out, spun her back, and dipped her, making Franki laugh.

Across the room, Bucky watched her fondly. “I can’t believe how well she’s doing. She danced with you and now look at her with Tony.”

Steve also grinned, sipping on his beer. “She hugged me, man. Just jumped up and did it. It was nice.”

“Hands off, pal,” Bucky smirked his way. “I saw her first.”

“Well, technically,” Steve teased.

“Yeah, yeah. Stuff it, punk.” Bucky bumped shoulders with him. Sobering, he murmured, “Sorry, about the last few weeks. I don’t know….” He sighed before shrugging and taking a long pull of his beer.

“S’ok. You do know Tony called in Dr. Cho? Wasn’t just you that was messed up these last weeks.” Steve motioned to Franki with the bottle. “She’s lost weight.”

“I noticed.” And she wasn’t any bigger than a housefly, to begin with. She didn’t have the weight to lose. “She ate like one of us tonight. Plowed through three plates of pasta like she inhaled it.” Bucky chuckled. “I don’t know what’s going on here, Steve, but I don’t like seeing what this did to her.”

“I don’t like seeing what it did to you both,” Steve murmured, placing his hand on Bucky’s shoulder. “You’re not just my best friend, Buck. You’re family. Until we figure this out, I’m here for you. Both of you.”

“Thanks, man.” He grinned and bumped beers with Sir Rogers.

Tony smirked down at the petite woman in his arms. “You’re man’s having a bromance moment with Cap.”

Chuckling, Franki glanced over her shoulder. It wasn’t like it was an uncommon sight. They gravitated towards each other, always had. “Jealous?” she teased, turning back to Tony. He rolled his eyes and huffed at her, making her giggle harder.

“I’d rather romance an avocado,” he quipped. He planned to say more only his watched beeped at him, and Friday’s voice came through clearly.

“Sorry to interrupt, boss, but the hard drive Franki has been working on has finally been decrypted. I thought she’d like to know.”

“Thanks, Friday,” Franki murmured, stepping back.

“Hey! What about my dance?” Tony pouted.

Laughing she shook her head. “I’ll be back in like, twenty minutes. I’ve been fighting with this thing so long I just want to see what was so damn important. Tell Bucky, won’t you?” Turning on her stacked heel, she weaved her way through the throng of people, avoiding as many as she could, and snuck outside to skirt the party. Her palm print got her in the exterior door, and she darted down the hallway back into the central tower where she caught another elevator and headed for the computer lab.

“Friday? What you got for me?” she called out as she flipped the lights on and strode forwards to see the data.

“There are hundreds of files on here, Franki. Most are things we already knew, but… there’s this.”

Files marked Experimental Program W popped up, and Franki threw them up in the air so she could lay them out. Flicking open the main file, she felt her heart stutter when the first three were labelled China, Weapons Program, and Experimental’s.

“Friday,” she whispered, voice hoarse, “Open all files.” They expanded into life around her and Franki brought her hand to her suddenly pounding heart.

“Oh, my god…” she whispered, reading through what had been the purpose of her program, what Hydra had been trying to accomplish. “Find file marked Weapon F.” It opened to show pictures of her throughout her life, video of her training, doctors talking about her suspected mutation. There was a video of her battling the other one like Bucky, and she gasped for it was as horrible as she remembered. It was all there, her whole life, in glaring black and white.

“Open,” she cleared her throat when it broke, “Open file Subject Seven.”

Tears poured down her face, and her hand went to her mouth to hold back the gut-wrenching sob. “Oh, no…”

She read half the file, all the damning words before it became too much and turned away from the images in horror. “I have to go. I can’t be here. I have to go.” Stumbling forwards, Franki ran from the room and headed for her suite.

“Do you require assistance, Franki? Your heart rate and hormonal levels are fluctuating wildly.”

“No Friday,” she choked out, slamming into her rooms. She practically tore the costume from her body, pins flying from her hair when she yanked the cape from her back. She didn’t feel the hair that ripped free, nor did she see it fall to the ground in delicate chestnut curls. She didn’t notice the blood that dripped down the locks as she twisted them up behind her and stepped into her bodysuit, the one garment that offered her some protection from the intense crawling of her skin and the manic depression that was crowding her mind. She didn’t feel her nails tear as she yanked up the zipper, or notice the bloody handprint she left on the wall when she grabbed her beautiful red coat and ran out the door.

She slammed her hand down on the elevator button and practically leapt inside only to realize she wasn’t alone. “What are you doing here? This elevator is for private use.” The man dressed as Zorro leered at her, and she knew an instant of intense nausea when the doors closed and locked them in together.

“Having a rough night?” He sneered, stepping closer. “Maybe you shouldn’t have been such a bitch.”

He snatched her by the wrist, and her heart pounded. “You are going to want to let me go, right now,” she warned him quietly. Everything about him felt foul.

“Stupid whore! Too good to dance with anyone that wasn’t a superhero. Well, where’s your hero now? Huh, bitch?” He forced her into the wall and pinned her there with his body before slamming his mouth down and biting her lips.

She went bone chillingly numb when she tasted the copper of her blood in her mouth. Everything slowed to a crawl. The feeling of something foul, evil, washed over her skin and made it recoil. Then, the force inside her was unleashed, and she plowed her fist into his temple. It drove him straight into the wall of buttons, lighting a bunch of them up, and halting the elevator. Its doors slid open again on the tenth floor. The man lay groaning in the doorway, and she crouched beside him. Pressing her know gloved hand to his mouth she watched his eyes go wide. “I am my own hero. Be thankful I am in a forgiving mood. They do not call me Reaper for nothing,” she hissed before striding away.

The door for the stairwell was right in front of her, and she hit it at a full run. She needed out, needed away, needed time to wrap her head around all she’d just read.

Back at the party, Tony was growing concerned and tapped his watch. “Friday? Is Francessca on her way back yet?”

“Franki is in the process of leaving Stark Tower. She seems upset.”

“What? Why?” he barked, heading for the doors at a run, bypassing the elevators. “Where is she?”

“Tenth floor near the east elevator, heading for the stairs.”

“Tony?” Bucky called out, having followed the man when he’d raced from the room.

“Franki’s running! I don’t know why!” Tony was only thankful she was in the stairwell nearest the party. Slamming through the door on the seventy-fifth floor he leaned over the railing. “Francessca!”

Bucky stared down the deep hole to the face of the woman he loved more than anything nearly seventy floors below. “Franki! Stop!”

Staring up at them, Franki gasped out a sob and jumped the railing. She grabbed the guardrail at the fifth-floor mark to slow her descent and again at the second, before dropping to the ground and racing for the emergency exit. “I’m sorry,” she whispered, knowing he wouldn’t hear her.

There was no hesitation when Bucky thrust himself over the railing. He fell a good thirty floors before snagging the railing with his vibranium arm. It hurt, god it hurt, but he only let go to drop a second time, and a third, before he landed hard, rolled to his feet and raced for the door that was screaming in alarm at being opened. Slamming through, he looked all over for the fleeing red coat… but she was gone.

The door behind him had closed but opened easily when he put his metal hand through it and ripped it from its hinges. “Stark!” he roared from the bottom of the stairwell.

“Get your ass back up here, sunshine, so we can figure this out!” Smacking a hand to his watch, Tony growled out, “Party’s over! Pack it up!” Security would see everyone was escorted out. “Inform the team they’re needed in the control room. Now!” Stalking towards the door as Bucky arrived on his floor, he snarled, “And put someone on the door for the East stairwell. Repairs are going to need to be made!”

“What the hell just happened?” Bucky growled. “Why is she running!?” Why was she running from him?

“I don’t know! Friday!?” Tony snapped.

“It appears the information on the hard drive was rather distressing to her. She left after reading it. Boss, a partygoer, assaulted her in the Avengers private elevator. Should I have security pick him up?”

“Yes!” Tony and Bucky yelled together and stalked into the control room. They’d deal with that later.

“Show me,” Tony commanded and file after file popped into life. Waving his hand, he threw them up so they could spread out and inhaled sharply. “Jesus… it’s her. They’re all about Francessca.”

“What?” Bucky stiffened, reaching out to grab a video file. It just happened to be the one of her fighting the other winter soldier. He sank into a chair and watched silently as the man tried to destroy her. When it was finished, he threw it violently away. “What the fuck is this!?”

Stark plucked out another folder and sank back against the workstation as he read it through. “Barnes…” he murmured. “I know why she ran…”

“Who ran?” Natasha asked, striding in the door, only to freeze in her tracks. “Oh… no… is that…” The rest of the team piled in behind her and spread out, looking at the screens with growing horror.

“Barnes,” Tony said again. Icy blue eyes lifted and he could see the anguish. “They weren’t building more weapons. They weren’t training her to be another soldier like you. They created her… for you.” He turned the file and gave it a shove that sent it floating into Bucky’s lap just as Dr. Cho walked through the door.

Next Chapter

[absofrutely]

Wedding Planning

As I groggily leapt out of bed to hit the snooze button on my alarm, the chance that I would crawl back to bed vanished as the big toe on my right foot connected with the base of my dresser. As my foot exploded in pain, I mouthed “FUCK!” briefly forgetting that I lived in a studio apartment with no one else. “FUCK!” I screamed. I groped at the alarm clock blindly, frantically searching for any button that would silence it, and in the process, advancing the clock ahead by an hour and two minutes, reading 7:02am when it really should have displayed 6:00am.

I spent half the year dreading daylight saving time since I hated waking up in the darkness. As the days got darker, I found that my mood followed suit. I had no time to waste as I only had two months until the big day. After years of evading uncomfortable conversation, Trish had finally cornered me on year eight of our relationship. It was more of a negotiation than anything else, like the rational endpoint of something our relationship was supposedly leading up to. The magnum opus, but with a reluctant composer. A hail Mary that was perfectly targeted, but the quarterback was tired, and going to the Superbowl seemed like more of a chore than an accomplishment - so he intentionally threw the ball out of bounds with three seconds left, leaving the ticket holders in the Superdome with their jaws completely agape.

These scenarios swirled through my head as she explained the logic and benefits of getting married.

As she droned on, "... but that means we get two personal exemptions instead of one if we file a joint return. And yes, although we can't deduct as much mortgage interest anymore since home prices are in excess of two million in this area, the standard deduction was raised as well, and..." I nodded, perhaps a little too animatedly.

She frowned, “You’re not listening. You always do thi-”

I finished her previous thought, “…and the standard deduction was raised to $24,000, so if one of us stops working for childcare, filing jointly still makes sense because filing separately only gets us $12,000 each, which seems like it’s the same thing, but actually not, because in sole-provider families, that $12,000 won’t do anything for the non-earner.”

I beamed.

She glared at me, exasperated to be proven wrong, but at the same time, somewhat conflicted since I was listening and therefore had no right to be mad.

It’s moments like these that fed the smugness that carried me through most of my days. Being accused of not paying attention during a meeting, but producing detailed and thoughtful notes in a follow-up email. Parking in a handicapped parking spot and being called out by an opinionated old man while walking into the store, but pointing at the black walking boot that housed your broken foot as he sheepishly sputtered a half apology. An alcoholic father, storming into his son’s bedroom because he heard the sound of videogames being played, ready to unleash his anger, but finding his son doing homework quietly with Chopin in the background.

After she had stated the facts about marriage, which were admittedly well-thought-out, I agreed, but told her there was one condition: I would plan the wedding.

Deciding on the wedding venue was the first step for “Save the Date” purposes, but after that, I had dragged my feet the next couple of months. Since I put myself in charge of planning everything else,  Trish was suspicious of my progress. Frequently, when we were spending time together, I would excuse myself to take a couple of planning-related calls. I’d talk loudly – almost too loudly – and drop a couple of buzz words here and there.

“But if we’re going to go with this caterer, we need to schedule a time to taste the food. It’s nice that the photographer knows a florist who can design the centerpieces, but I’d really prefer that she went along with the design of our invitation, since we’re trying to keep the theme consistent. In terms of videography, the video staff told us their dress code adheres to neutral colors, which coincide with the overall attire of our wedding party.”

I was, of course, talking to no one else on the line, holding up a silenced cell phone to my head. I had to be careful too, since I had almost exhausted the wedding lexicon in my first call.

There were some hiccups, but nothing I wouldn’t be able to recover from.

“The black magic roses are almost indistinguishable from the black baccara, but the black dahlia really stands out to me.”

Trish glanced in my direction, and I realized that the Black Dahlia referred to the 1947 unsolved murder of Elizabeth Short, who had been gruesomely killed in Los Angeles, her body severed in two.

“Uh, I meant the ‘Diva’ dahlia – the one that’s bright pink.”

Trish glanced back down at her phone, scrolling through Instagram.

But the stall tactics masked my true intentions for the wedding – it would be a masterpiece if I could pull it off.

I dissected every piece of all the ingredients that went into a wedding. From the bar décor to the calligraphy on the menu cards, I became a wedding planning powerhouse.

The plan was relatively simple. Weddings were expensive and I really didn’t feel like shelling out $50,000 for a one-time celebration. In fact, I recalled some studies that I read that correlated higher divorce rates with higher wedding costs. So obviously, I quit my job – that was step number one.

Hiring a team of professionals to take care of every single wedding detail seemed extravagant and unnecessary. I dreamed of a reality where I could perform all the functions at a wedding at once. As the guests arrived to my wedding, I would man the bar, pouring everyone a welcome cocktail. Though I was tired from driving the shuttle over from the hotel, I made sure every guest would receive a shot of Jameson and a pickleback.

The guests would take their seats in the folding lawn chairs that I set up earlier in the day, and as the wedding procession started, I would also become the wedding photographer, taking pictures with my Canon Powershot A60 that my dad bought in 2004, but only in 640x480 resolution since I only had 20 megabytes left on my Compact Flash card. Before the bride started walking in, I would run to the kitchen, stirring a large vat of Thai peanut pasta, intended to feed 150 people. I had discarded everyone’s RSVP that included their meal choice and dietary restrictions. In this day and age, it’d be downright irresponsible for someone to not bring an Epipen wherever they went.

As the bride walked down the aisle, I would play the “Here Comes the Bride” wedding march on the violin. Having taken two weeks of YouTube lessons, I was pretty confident I would be able to perform in front of a live audience. I would play the song live because I abhorred the thought of a trashy recording at a classy ceremony.

Since I was the officiant of my own wedding, I would grab the microphone and address the audience, “Dearly beloved, we are gathered here to--” I’d catch Trish’s eye. Of course, she would be glaring daggers at me.

But as I daydreamed about my fantasy for a couple hours, I knew it wasn’t feasible for one person to perform every conceivable role at a wedding. However, I did know that I only trusted myself. That was the only constraint in devising my plan – I had to make sure that I had complete control over all the minutia.

There was only one possible solution - embryo genome editing with CRISPR-Cas9, the hottest new tool in molecular biology. The concept was simple enough – when bacteria fend off invasions from viruses, the bacteria capture DNA snippets from their attackers, effectively “remembering” who had attacked them, allowing them to create DNA segments called CRISPR arrays. Next time the viruses attack, the bacteria has the ability to disable its attacker by producing RNA segments from the CRISPR arrays, targeting the viruses’ DNA. With CRISPR-associated protein 9, the bacteria can then cut the viruses’ DNA apart, rendering the attack harmless.

With this concept in mind, gene editing had never been easier. Scientists simply repurposed CRISPR-Cas 9 to cut out a targeted gene. After a gene was excised, the doublestrand break repair mechanism gets triggered, ready to accept a homologous replacement piece of DNA. I picked up my kit at Shoppers Drug Mart after seeing that they were out of stock on Amazon.

Although modern day ethics prevented scientists from editing the genetics of embryos or egg and sperm cells, I decided that the rules were meant to be broken since I was on a tight wedding planning deadline.

While thumbing through TV channels one night, I caught a portion of “Jack,” the Robin Williams movie where the main character ages four times faster than his peers. When he graduated high school, he was a 50 year old man with the mind of an 18 year old. Obviously, Jack had some form of Werner syndrome, a rare disorder that caused premature aging. Offhand, I knew that this was caused by a mutation of DNA helicase, RecQ-like type 3, also known as the WRN gene found on chromosome 8.

My mind raced, as I knew I needed to find a donor template for an individual with Werner syndrome.

After a couple days in the lab, I injected 10 of the embryos I was incubating with a couple of choice mutations of the WRN gene. All I had to do now was wait. My wedding helpers would be the correct age, and most importantly, free of charge after all.

When the big day arrived, I spent a good portion of the morning making sure my army of clones looked dapper. Smoothing the collars on their bespoke suits, my clones exuded confidence, professionalism, and most of all, obedience. Still in movement, but not mechanical. Neutral in countenance, but not at all robotic. Every last detail, down to their regional accents, carefully crafted.

“Would you like some cauwfee suh?”

“Please make sure that your name appears in the computuh.”

“Dawhling, please step this way.”

Elated by the success of the clones, I let out an exaggerated sigh, half relief, and half fatigue. Working feverishly in the lab for the last two months, not to mention bottle feeding 10 rapidly aging clone infants, I felt like a shell of a human being. I tried everything: teabags, refrigerated cucumbers, spoons placed in the freezer overnight. The puffiness under my eyes persisted no matter what I tried, the remnants of many nights I spent weeping because one of the infants had passed away due to an infected skin ulcer.

Watching life leaving his little body tore me apart. As he gasped his last hiccups, I allowed the tears that welled up in my eyes to fall freely. I sobbed for three nights in a row, inconsolable as I screamed into my pillow with anguish.

“Is there anyone out there? Is each other all we have?”

My wedding bartender was gone, one of the most expensive wedding personnel to hire, and I wailed even harder when I realized that there wasn’t enough time to incubate a replacement clone.

Despite some unanticipated road bumps, I was ready to set my wedding planning machine into motion.

Attentive, polite, and witty, the clones’ mannerisms posed a striking resemblance to mine, although their rapidly aging bodies were a foil to my rugged good looks.

The morning of the wedding, I staggered out of bed at 10:30am and immediately chugged a bottle of water. After I splashed water on my face, I looked up and squinted at the mirror. Pulling down the skin directly under my right eye, I wasn’t surprised to see the faint outlines of pink veins that originated from the corners of my almond shaped eye. Though it was a tradition, it was generally inadvisable to go out drinking until five in the morning the night before your own wedding. But I caved into peer pressure, recognizing that it wasn’t every Friday night when my closest friends were in town.

For the guests, the first official wedding activity was the ceremony at 4:00pm, so from a third-party perspective, they wouldn’t know how far behind I actually was.

I heard rustling in the closet, and I knew that the clones were also awake, ready to do my bidding.

To minimize the friction of controlling the clones, and to completely bypass any type of socialization of servitude where I’d need to crush their collective spirit multiple times to substantiate the fact that serving me was their only reality, I had decided to inject my own consciousness into the nine remaining beings. I had played the role of good cop, bad cop in breaking the free will of a clone multiple times before, and although I had thoroughly enjoyed the thrill of violence and control, due to the side effects of Werner syndrome, the clones were in no shape for any type of physical punishment. The wedding simply could not happen if I lost one more clone.

Trish had accused me of being spacey and distant in the weeks leading up to the wedding, but remotely controlling 10 different bodies, including my own, was a task that I grossly underestimated. She had no idea that while I was making dinner for her, my consciousness was watching YouTube videos on how to play the violin, learning proper plating techniques for a three course meal, reading up on the latest flower arrangement trends for centerpieces, creating a wedding program on Adobe InDesign, carefully constructing a multilayered wedding cake, hemming my tuxedo dress pants, and negotiating a limousine from a used car lot. If she only knew, her hand wouldn’t have slackened unapologetically when I introduced her as “Tina” to my “co-workers” at a fake work event that I staged.

Since the clones’ eyes were an extension of my own eyes, the sight of myself, as viewed by another person, was something that I’d never get used to. When I went to the gym, when walking by an awkwardly angled mirror, I’d catch a glimpse of my side profile, a view I’d never see if I stared straight into a mirror. Not matter how many nude duckfaces I selfied with Snapchat filters, the extent to which I saw the side of my head was minimal to say the least. It was an out of body experience, the kind people talked about when they technically “died” on the operating table, but all I could think about was how weird my head was shaped, and how bushy my eyebrows looked from the side, and how crooked my nose was.

I wouldn’t have ever done it, but I wondered what it would be like to fight myself. Would it be like one of those “did you know you can bite off your finger with your teeth, just as easily as biting a carrot in half, but our brains prevent us from doing so” myths? If I could anticipate my every move, even if I managed to hit myself, there must be some semblance of me letting it happen. But what if I got killed? My original body, I mean, the master pulling the strings of the puppet. I wondered if my consciousness would transfer over or if these hollow shells that were technically human beings would cease to mentally function.

By afternoon of the wedding day, I had hoped the fogginess would have burned off completely, as the clones needed all of their focus to pull this off.

A sharp knocking on my hotel door startled me, but I should have known that my groomsmen were right on time for wedding photos. As my clones fussed over the position of our boutonnieres and the knots of our bowties, I decided that it was time to distribute my groomsmen gifts. While my bachelor party raged on in Rio de Janiero, I had deployed the clones to conquer and pillage the uncontacted peoples of the Miqueleno-Kujubim in the Brazilian state of Rondônia. With their superior technology and Blitzkrieg methods, the clones subdued the natives in less than 30 seconds. The pillaging commenced, and soon I had my gifts in hand. I presented each groomsman with a gold ingot with their names engraved, and I had prayed that the clones had at least washed off the blood and any remaining hair.

As the bridal party made its way over to the wedding venue, so did the clones. I had expected some sort of crisis, like a hiccup in the officiating, overdone steak on the wedding menu, perhaps a crucial and obvious detail that I had blatantly missed. But everything went smoothly, and when Trish locked eyes with me at the reception, she smiled warmly, impressed at my ability to organize such a lavish production. As Trish relaxed and settled in, I started loosening up as well. Blood rushed back into my once white-knuckles as I relaxed my iron grip on the minds of my clones.

At first, it was a series of minor missteps, like a fumbled wine glass during a refill, or an errant fork clattering on the ground. Completely imperceptible through the raucous crowd. Expected, even.

As I turned around, I caught a glimpse of a clone pouring the after-dinner coffee for one of Trish’s guests. As I turned back to Trish, I heard a bloodcurdling scream. Turning my attention behind me once more, the same clone was slumped over the same guest, pouring scalding hot coffee in her lap. Taking a note that it was one of Trish’s guests, I turned back to Trish once more, stone-faced.  

It’s just decaf. I don’t like it either, but no need to scream bloody murder, I thought.

I had planned for this. I knew that the hive mind could only prop up rapidly aging shells for a limited amount of time before they crumpled up into helpless heaps on the ground. As the puppet master, I kept the strings on my marionettes taut, but as soon as I fed them some slack, their limbs splayed out, almost completely limp, propped up by the few strands of longer strings that prevented the puppet from collapsing completely.

Shifting my focus, I decided to take back the reins. With my eyes closed, I scanned the depths of my brain for bodies I was capable of enslaving. This was the one downside of the mind control serum - identifying host bodies that I had once injected required intense concentration, as eligible candidates looked like blobs of radiating heat, like how they appeared on a thermal imaging camera, but a lot less clear.

It was a mix of bad luck and sheer coincidence that I had once inhabited the minds of most of my wedding guests - mostly for personal gain and fraud. I grasped at any red blob, assuming the consciousness of guest after guest. For each mind I assumed, I glanced down. Since there were no mirrors, I immediately looked at the back of my hands. Although primitive, I had branded all my clones with a sigil for easy identification.

I looked at the clock - it was around 7:45pm and the LSD that I spiked in the water supply should have kicked in five minutes ago.

The air around me seemed to quiver even though I stayed perfectly still. The piercing screams and howls of anguish took on a color of their own and bathed the tablecloth in hues of red, purple, and then black. I had originally wanted the overall mood to be calming and peaceful, with the intention of the LSD enhancing and heightening the existing ambiance. However, the screams of burn victims and tortured souls darkened the room, and I needed to change the vibe quickly.

I correctly assumed the mind of clone who was manning the DJ booth, but had underestimated the amount of focus it took to control his body. With my clumsy hands, I button-mashed the controls for the lights and music. The strobe lights kicked on and the speakers started blasting electronic music with pounding bass.

Unbeknownst to me, “Patient Zero” emerged onto the dance floor. Zero, the eleventh clone who was supposed to be discarded by his clone brethren due to his mental instability and contagious rabid condition.

I was annoyed. I specifically told the clones to discard of Zero since the incubation period for his virus was only a week, and there could be no chance of the virus escaping the confines of his body. But sentient beings often felt compassion, even defying logic at times. Zero had always been the runt of the group, and because of his small stature, he had been adored by the others in their infancy.

I toyed with the idea of replacing the fallen clone infant with Zero, but I just realized that would have been downright irresponsible and borderline dangerous.

I barely recognized him at first, but his tattered rags were unmistakable. He was wearing one of my old hand-me-down “The Nature Company” shirts from the 1990s, although it was stained and soiled to almost near indistinguishability.

He was a mistake, a product of my incapability to multitask. When I was experimenting with the WRN gene, I couldn’t resist modifying other genes in the RecQ family (as an aside, I coined the term “jammin’ on the (DNA) helicase” and once in a while, I secretly smiled to myself at my cleverness), including the BLM gene, whose mutation caused the Bloom-Torre-Machacek syndrome. Individuals with Bloom syndrome typically had short stature and rashes that were induced by the sun. Aside from cosmetic differences, they unfortunately had higher rates of cancer. I wasn’t sure what I was trying to achieve by this gene modification, but by sheer bad luck, Zero was bitten by a rabid squirrel in one of our group outdoor education sessions.

With a crazed look in his eyes, Zero started attacking my guests indiscriminately. He was mute, but the bloodlust in his eyes said it all. The mutated strain of rabies took hold of his victims almost immediately, and as I surveyed my felled guests, I felt a tinge of sadness. Some of these guests hadn’t yet handed over their wedding gifts yet. It would be in poor taste to rummage their bodies for a bloodstained card in a suit pocket, much less take the jewelry off of their mangled fingers.

It was clearly time to go. I relinquished all consciousness and returned all of my focus back into my original body. I took Trish by the hand, headed to the helipad, and started up the helicopter.

Surveying the leaping flames from afar, I could make out figures in the distance running around wildly. I shook my head and launched two heat seeking missiles into the fracas. I thought about my groomsmen for half a second, but it was okay because I didn’t have fun at my bachelor party. They had all shared a nervous glance and hesitated when I ordered two bottles of Dom Pérignon from the waitress at the table, the same nervous glance they shared when I ordered multiple portions of beluga caviar at dinner. Plus, when they ran out of cash, they sent the strippers home instead of Venmo-ing them money from their personal accounts. Shaking with rage from the traumatic memories of my bachelor party, I sent four more missiles into the burning wreckage. 

Trish never said a single word the entire flight.

When we landed, she burst into tears. It was exactly how she imagined her wedding as a child.

[thoughtfuldreamlandwombat-blog]

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I was questioning when you might doubtlessly help me slim down my search and find one thing of their stock, I'm searching for one thing between9 - 1.2 carat, and was actually trying to stay in D,E range, however wanted to see if i may find something round 9-11k vary with out going under VS-1, please slap me if I'm being unrealistic, or if i should broaden my criteria. There's quiet a bit out there and I think I am somewhat overwhelmed with the quantity of diamonds I am seeing. Thank you prematurely, really look ahead to your recommendation. ~ Andrey S. Of course there shall be a marketplace for artificial diamonds however the actual demand for natural diamonds is forecasted to grow over the following 20 years (far out-pacing supply) as young people in emergining nations with "new cash" begin to earn more, get engaged and have greater purchasing energy (particularly referring to India and China). Yakubov concludes with little doubt that these diamonds are synthetics. World's largest online jeweler Blue Nile presents ‘Diamond Worth Match Assure' that multiplies the extent of confidence in your mind whereas purchasing diamonds with full peace of thoughts. Suppose should you discover a identical GIA graded diamond at a lower cost then Blue Nile will happily match the price as a result of they've full guarantee on the value and high quality of their diamonds.

A serious purpose for THE DIAMONDS' longevity as performers and entertainers lies within the various backgrounds of the person members of the group. A very recent addition to the group is tenor Sean Sooter. Sean acquired his early performance coaching with the highly acclaimed nationwide touring group, The Young People - performing in eight U.S. tours and as well as Japan. Sean went on to work as a featured vocalist aboard the MS Noordam with Holland America Cruise Traces. Some of his favorite production credits embrace varied productions of Eternally Plaid in Los Angeles and Orange County, CA, in addition to performing with the Dapper Dans of Disneyland. Sean has served as musical director for quite a few musical productions including Five Guys Named Moe, Little Shop of Horrors and Xanadu. He earned his BA in Music Schooling from California Baptist College and a Grasp of Arts degree in Training through Azusa Pacific University. One thing to note is there's a main distinction between these lab grown diamonds and diamond simulants. Cubic zirconia and moissanite is not going to give off the same brilliance as a natural diamond or lab grown diamonds, since they don't seem to be comprised of carbon crystals. One can find that diamond simulants can have a a lot cheaper price tag than lab grown diamonds and will also be of a lower high quality. They have been very useful once I was in search of a particular item. I used to be undecided where to search out it and they assists me. I could not have made my buy if it was not for the customer support rep. I was looking for a pair of diamond earring for my daughter's wedding ceremony. I wanted a dangling earring with a french back. The rep informed me where to find them. They have a diamond shaped prime for the french back and a diamond form on the bottom. They had been fairly priced for the merchandise. I had seen others similar but they were a lot too costly for me. These had been one hundred and fifty which was in my budget, however they appear way more expensive. They are a wonderful high quality. The diamonds sparkle. They're in a silver setting which really makes them pop. I obtain lots of compliments whenever I wear them. Being merchandise of pure processes with very little quality management, mined diamonds often have a mild yellow or brown tinge and will embrace flecks of different minerals, referred to as inclusions, inside their lattice construction. CZ, conversely, is generated in sterile environments and are subsequently flawless. This should not be your solely determining issue after all; you could be holding a lab-grown diamond, or have simply won the gemological lottery. The earliest diamonds were found in India in 4th century BC, although the youngest of those deposits were shaped 900 million years in the past. A majority of these early stones were transported alongside the network of commerce routes that connected India and China, generally often called the Silk Road. On the time of their discovery, diamonds have been valued due to their strength and brilliance, and for his or her means to refract gentle and engrave metal. Diamonds have been worn as adornments, used as chopping instruments, served as a talisman to push back evil, and have been believed to provide protection in battle. Within the Darkish Ages, diamonds were also used as a medical aid and had been thought to treatment illness and heal wounds when ingested.

Enhanced diamonds, in contrast to top quality pure diamonds are natural diamonds that have had very particular treatments completed to them to enhance their traits, or their natural flaws”. One type of therapy is laser drilling, which is a process that removes minor inclusions in a diamond to produce a clarity enhanced diamond. This course of will sometimes create strains that resemble tiny trails, that are seen below facet-view magnification. The laser could dissipate the imperfection, or chemicals could also be injected into the ensuing tunnel to bleach away the colour. This is a extra everlasting course of than fracture filling. Nonetheless, it's highly debated whether or not this course of damages the integrity of the diamonds, thereby lowering the value of readability enhanced diamonds in the long run. Petra Diamonds Ltd.'s chief Johan Dieppenaar lately warned that it's still too early to inform if the industry had rebounded from the worst yr they had seen because the financial disaster. This is what crystals seem like earlier than they're faceted: notice their pure octahedral shape! Uncut diamonds are also found in cubic types. Manufactured diamonds, typically have laser inscriptions on them that distinguish each diamond. GIA licensed natural diamonds even have inscriptions on them. In that case, it is easy to inform them apart as a result of the producers let you know that it's lab-grown.

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When Should You Buy or Sell Dapper Labs Stock?

Dapper Labs, the company behind popular NFT (non-fungible token) projects like NBA Top Shot and Flow, has taken the world by storm. However, with Dapper Labs stock not yet available for public trading, investors are left wondering: should they consider alternative investment options or wait for a potential Dapper Labs IPO (Initial Public Offering)?

This article dives into the current landscape of Dapper Labs stock, explores alternative investment options, and provides insights to help you make informed decisions.

Understanding the Current Situation: No Publicly Traded Stock

It's crucial to understand that Dapper Labs stock is not currently available for purchase on any stock exchange. Dapper Labs is a privately held company, meaning its shares are not traded publicly. This significantly impacts investment possibilities.

Alternative Investment Options

While Dapper Labs stock isn't an option yet, several alternative investment avenues exist for those interested in the company's future:

Flow (FLOW) Token: Dapper Labs developed the Flow (FLOW) token, the native cryptocurrency of the Flow blockchain. Owning FLOW tokens grants access to the Flow ecosystem and potentially benefits from its growth. However, remember that the cryptocurrency market is inherently volatile, and FLOW token prices can fluctuate significantly.

NFT Investments: Consider investing in NFTs within the Flow ecosystem, like NBA Top Shot moments or other collectibles. While these involve individual asset ownership, they offer a way to participate in the growth and potential value appreciation of the Flow ecosystem, indirectly impacting Dapper Labs.

Private Equity or Accredited Investor Platforms: For accredited investors (meeting specific income or net worth thresholds), platforms like EquityZen might offer opportunities to invest in pre-IPO companies like Dapper Labs. However, these investments are often high-risk and require substantial capital.

Factors to Consider Before Investing

Before venturing into any investment, it's crucial to consider various factors:

Market Volatility: The cryptocurrency and NFT markets are notoriously volatile. Investing in FLOW tokens or NFTs involves inherent risks, and there's no guarantee of profit.

Regulatory Landscape: The regulatory landscape surrounding cryptocurrencies and NFTs is still evolving. Unforeseen regulations could impact the value of these assets.

Dapper Labs' Future Performance: The company's future success significantly influences the value of any potential Dapper Labs stock or related investments. Carefully research Dapper Labs' projects, partnerships, and overall market position before making any investment decisions.

Investment Goals and Risk Tolerance: Align your investment choices with your financial goals and risk tolerance. If you have a low-risk tolerance, consider traditional investment options instead of venturing into the volatile world of cryptocurrencies and NFTs.

Conclusion

While Dapper Labs stock isn't currently available, several alternative investment options exist within the Flow ecosystem and the broader NFT and cryptocurrency space. However, it's crucial to remember that these investments involve significant risks. Thoroughly research, understand the inherent volatility, and align your investment choices with your risk tolerance and financial goals before making any decisions.

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Dapper Labs Stock: A Promising Investment Opportunity in the NFT Era

In the realm of digital assets and blockchain innovation, Dapper Labs has emerged as a frontrunner, captivating the attention of investors with its groundbreaking contributions to non-fungible tokens (NFTs) and decentralized applications (dApps). Let's delve into why Dapper Labs stock is generating buzz and why it might be an enticing investment opportunity.

Understanding Dapper Labs

Dapper Labs, founded in 2018 by serial entrepreneur Roham Gharegozlou, is a pioneering blockchain technology company renowned for its creation of NFT-based experiences and dApps. Its flagship projects include the immensely popular CryptoKitties and the revolutionary NBA Top Shot platform. These ventures showcase Dapper Labs' expertise in leveraging blockchain to create unique and engaging digital experiences.

The Rise of NFTs and Dapper Labs' Role

NFTs have surged in popularity, offering a new way to represent ownership of digital assets. Dapper Labs has been instrumental in driving this trend forward. With CryptoKitties, it introduced the concept of digital collectibles, allowing users to buy, sell, and breed unique virtual cats. NBA Top Shot took this a step further, enabling fans to own officially licensed NBA highlights as NFTs, creating a new market for digital sports collectibles.

Dapper Labs Stock Potential

As of now, Dapper Labs is a privately held company, meaning its stock is not publicly traded. However, there's speculation about the company's potential IPO in the future, which has piqued the interest of investors. The success of its projects like NBA Top Shot and CryptoKitties, coupled with the growing popularity of NFTs, positions Dapper Labs as a promising investment opportunity should it decide to go public.

Factors Driving Dapper Labs' Appeal

Several factors contribute to Dapper Labs' allure as a potential investment:

Innovative Technology: Dapper Labs' expertise in blockchain technology and its ability to create engaging NFT-based experiences set it apart in the market. Its projects have demonstrated the potential of NFTs beyond just digital art, opening up new avenues for monetization and ownership.

2. Strategic Partnerships : Dapper Labs has forged partnerships with major brands and organizations, such as the NBA and UFC, to bring exclusive digital collectibles to its platforms. These partnerships enhance the company's credibility and broaden its user base, laying a strong foundation for future growth.

3. Market Growth: The NFT market is experiencing explosive growth, driven by increased mainstream adoption and a growing interest in digital collectibles. Dapper Labs is well-positioned to capitalize on this trend with its innovative products and established presence in the space.

Risks to Consider

While Dapper Labs holds promise, it's essential to consider potential risks:

Regulatory Uncertainty: The regulatory landscape surrounding cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology is still evolving. Regulatory changes could impact Dapper Labs' operations and future prospects, leading to uncertainty for investors.

2. Competition: Dapper Labs operates in a competitive market, with other companies vying for dominance in the NFT space. Continued innovation and differentiation will be crucial for maintaining its competitive edge in the long term.

3. Market Volatility: The cryptocurrency market is known for its volatility, which can influence investor sentiment and the valuation of companies like Dapper Labs. Investors should be prepared for fluctuations in the market and consider their risk tolerance before investing.

Conclusion

Dapper Labs is at the forefront of the NFT revolution, with its innovative projects reshaping the digital asset landscape. While its stock is not yet publicly traded, the company's success and potential for future growth make it an intriguing prospect for investors looking to capitalize on the burgeoning NFT market. As blockchain technology continues to evolve and mainstream adoption grows, Dapper Labs is well-positioned to remain a key player in the space, offering exciting opportunities for investors seeking exposure to this transformative industry.