#Loot Rentals

[dark-angel-of-muses]

A Selkie and A Succubus

A03 Link

"Linkkkkkkk. I'm hungry." Ravio's tail batted insistently against the selkie's leg, draping himself over Link's shoulder.

"Can't wait?" Link leveled a flat stare at his boyfriend. Ravio's little bat wings fluttered impatiently, and he made a big show of pouting.

"Fine. Here." Link set down the skillet he was frying eggs on and kissed the succubus on the cheek. Ravio trilled in delight. "Thanks for the snack."

Such a glutton. Link had given him sleepy cuddles this morning for a full hour. That was basically a three course meal for the succubus. Sure, the food might be more mild than others of his kind went for, but Ravio had admitted to never wanting anything spicier than some kisses. Even then, he preferred neck kisses to mouth kisses, citing grossness.

Even after getting his snack, Ravio clung to Link like a koala, tail snaking around his leg and squeezing in a miniature hug. Link rolled his eyes, but smiled all the same. Ravio was such a cuddle bug, in a way Link was 100% sure had nothing to do with the sustenance he got from affection.

“You’re going to have to get dressed and go to work eventually.”

“Nooooo,” Ravio whined, curling his tail tighter. “Sleep. And food.” His wings fluttered behind him.

“Guess that means we won’t have any rupees to spend on a date night this week,” Link teased. “I’ll just have to leave you all alone while I go dungeon crawling to pay for your lazy days.”

“Ugh. You’re the worst.” Ravio pouted, puffing out his cheeks and making sad puppy eyes. Still, the promise of money and dates was enough to spur him into his morning routine, pulling off oversized pajamas and donning his usual purple robes. There was a slit in the robes for his tail to curl out, and the back had been cut out from his shoulder blades to mid-back to make room for his wings. 

“See, was that so hard?”

“Your eggs are burning.”

“Shit!”

xxx

Ravio’s Rabbit Rentals was a two person outfit. Link explored dungeons, killed monsters, and collected everything that caught his interest while exploring. Then, Ravio would take the spoils and do his best to rent or sell Link’s items to any less experienced adventurers wanting an edge in their own quests. Link would complain that he did all the hard work while Ravio just stole his things to sell, but it was all for show. He wanted nothing to do with customer service or figuring out the market on how much magical items would be worth. Not to mention Ravio actually had to go out and do collection runs to get his rentals back, which seemed like no fun. So for all Link would whine, he was quite happy with the arrangement.

Ravio had a winning smile and perfect suck-up tone when he was on the clock. 

“You seem ruggedly handsome, like you could climb the cliffs of Death Mountain alone! With the Tornado Rod to help speed things along, I’m sure you could tackle the Tower of Hera.”

“Oh, you look so clever, Miss. Why not take a bomb bag rental? You seem like you could find so many ways to use them.”

Link didn’t get it, but he was happy he didn’t have to.

Some time later, Link was doing basic weapon maintenance, sharpening swords, refilling the mana on enchanted rings, when he heard it.

“You’re the local succubus, right?” A woman’s voice sounded.

“Ravio of Ravio’s Rabbit Rentals, that’s me! Would you be interested in our wares? I have a lovely fire rod with your name on it!” So overzealous in his sales pitches, that one.

“Actually, I was more interested in a service you provide.” Her tone was sultry, making Link roll his eyes. Sometimes customers would come in and try to flirt. Ravio usually took advantage of their interest to make them leave with arms full and wallets empty.

“A service? Oh, are you looking to rent? Or perhaps pawn, we are willing to do minor loans for dungeon loot!” Did they do pawn services? Eh, best not to think about it. Ravio was just responsible enough for Link to let him handle the business without oversight. Emphasis on ‘just enough’.

“I’m looking to rent,” The customer purred. Honest to god purred. Like a cat. Was she a werebeast? Link couldn’t help but peek his head from around the corner. Nope. Vampire. So she was just shameless.

“Well, if you want an itemized list of all rentals we have available or are expecting back within the next two weeks, I can go get the inventory log for you-”

“Oh I’m not looking for something in inventory. I’m looking to rent some time with you.” There was the sound of shuffling and cloth meeting cloth. Was she backing Ravio into a table?

“O-oh. Um. I don’t really? Do that sort of thing?” Ravio squeaked.

“C’mon, you’re a succubus. You’re going to say no to money and food? I heard you’d do anything for a quick rupee.” If it were in any other context, Link would agree. Ravio would probably eat glass for five rupees. But with the terrible flirtatious tone she was using…

Ok, that was it, Link was stepping in. “Excuse me, can I help you?” He made sure to bring his sword with him, and intentionally sheathed and unsheathed it to make an audible shink, smiling as the woman flinched back. Ravio let out an audible sigh of relief as he walked in.

“Huh? You didn’t tell me there were other people in here!” She looked accusingly at Ravio.

“Oh, did you not hear? This is my partner and supplier, Link. He is the source for all our wares. He’s braved Lynels, hordes of Daira, and even fell the evil sorcerer who kidnapped the princess some years back. He’s very talented.” Ravio took the chance to slip away from the customer’s reach and hide behind Link, reaching to squeeze Link’s right hand.

“Sorry about not finding what you want here. Ravio has a discerning palate.” Link smirked as she caught the underhanded insult, mouth opening and closing like a fish. To punctuate his point, Link leaned over and gave Ravio a peck on the cheek, never taking his eyes off the vampire.

If she had blood left in her veins, her face probably would have paled. Instead, her eyes just widened and she hurried to make her leave, accidentally stubbing her toe on the leg of a table in her scramble to leave as fast as possible.

“Thanks for the help, Link.” Ravio returned the kiss on the cheek, smiling gratefully. 

“No problem. I swear, your customers get the dumbest ideas.”

“I mean, I get it. I’m not really normal,” Ravio sighed, eyes cast to the floor.

“Hey, hey. What do I keep telling you? There’s nothing wrong with you.” Link cupped his hands under Ravio’s chin and gently pulled his gaze back up. “You can eat or not eat whatever you want, nobody else gets uppity about food preferences.”

“I know, I know,” Ravio put his hand over Link’s leaning his cheek into the touch. “Sometimes it’s just hard to remember when people like her come in. And it’s not like I avoid it, I know I get close to customers when I make sales pitches.”

“Hey, calling someone handsome or pretty is by no means free reign for someone to come in and ask for ‘services’.” Link pushed his forehead against Ravio’s. “Are you ok? Do you need to close the shop early?”

“No, I’m fine, thanks to you.” Ravio leaned in for a quick peck on the lips. “Thank you for saving me, Mr. Hero.”

xxx

"That pelt you're wearing around your shoulders, it's selkie, right?"

Ravio shifted uncomfortably. Two belligerent customers in one day? Seriously? "Ah, yes, but-"

"I'll pay top rupee if you're willing to part with it. Those go for high prices, even without the monster they're attached to. I mean, that's potentially eternal servitude right there. Not to mention how high quality the magic inside is." When he had first seen the man come in, his thick wallet had excited Ravio. Now, dread was pooling in his stomach.

"This isn't for sale, but maybe I can point you to some wonderful magic tunics from the depths of a dungeon?" Ravio forced a smile on his face, trying to redirect.

"Hah, don't you worry. I'll spend enough to buy you a legion of servants to replace your selkie. If you need him for the food, I can ensure you'll be feasting on the finest love money can buy."

Ravio's eye twitched. "I don't need servants, and I'm perfectly content with my eating arrangement as is. Please look only at wares on display. Otherwise I'll need to ask you to leave."

"Now, now. Everyone has some price. Please, ask for anything your heart desires, I can make it happen-"

Ravio's tail snapped in anger, hitting the table next to him. "Sir. The thing my heart desires most in this moment is for you to shut the hell up, buy something that's actually for sale, then leave and never come back to my house again. If you want a selkie pelt so badly, go scrape up some stinking dignity and convince someone to give theirs to you. I doubt you ever can because you think no matter how atrocious you are, you can pay to make up for it. There's not enough rupees in the world that would ever have me tied to a sniveling, old money brat who waves around his wealth to make up for the inadequacy of every other thing about him. So either get something that actually has a price tag, or get out."

The man sputtered, red in the face. He tried and failed to make a comeback, then angrily tried to yank the pelt around Ravio's shoulders. Really? Stealing? Ravio stepped back, and whistled for backup. Sheerow swooped in, pecking the man relentlessly.

"Ow! Owowowowow!" The little white bird pecked the man onto the welcome mat and out the door, slamming the door behind him for good measure.

"You're such a good business partner, you know that?" His friend landed in his cupped palms, and chirped happily as Ravio snuggled him close to his face.

“That was kinda hot.” Link was leaning against the door frame, a grin splitting his face. Ravio flushed red and jumped, realizing he wasn’t alone.

“Ah! Sorry you had to see that. Do you want your pelt back?” Ravio adjusted the pelt around his shoulders. When they first started dating, Link gave it to him as a sign of trust. Link would still take it with him when he needed to swim in the oceans, but most of the time he left the soft pink fur in Ravio’s hands. Still, there were some nights when Link would take the pelt and hold it close to his chest, eyes foggy with awful memories. Ravio wanted him to feel safe and secure; his Hero deserved that much.

“Why would I? Clearly it's in good hands.” Link sauntered over and kissed into his hair. The succubus’ tail flicked and his wings fluttered. Link’s kisses were always so delicious; his boyfriend spoiled him with how well he ate.

“I won’t let anyone else touch it. You’re so important to me, you know that?” Ravio looked up at Link, feeling the affection burning in his chest. “Even if I’m a coward, I’ll still protect it with my life.”

“I know you will.” Link’s voice was filled with so much love and trust, Ravio felt the satiation of fullness as he drank up the words. 

Ravio truly was blessed.

[doctorstrangereview]

0109: Marvel Premiere #12

Cover Date: November 1973 On-Sale Date: August 21, 1973

We'll take a little interlude before delving into the final chapters of the Avengers/Defenders war. After all Doc has his own solo career to deal with. He was just promoted to Sorcerer Supreme and after telling Hamir to shut down the Ancient One's old pad (after he's done looting it for all those cool mystical treasures, of course) he's gone out to the Mexican Desert to complete his navel and the navels of all humanity. Let's see how the first day on the new job goes.

Clea and Wong have rented a jeep to drive out into the middle of the Mexican desert to find Doc. He's floating around and giving us a very nice splash image.

Doc attempts to explain what's been going to his compatriots.

I guess it was too difficult to describe the Ancient One's change of state to one with the universe. Trying apparently triggers a chance for Frank to draw a wordless summary of the Shuma Gorath arc.

Doc then gets all philosophical about one of the local lizard inhabitants.

Doc then decides it's time for them all to go home and he magically teleports them all back to the Sanctum. Wong reminds Doc that he really needs to clean up his messes. In this instance he means the cool Jeep that was left in the middle of nowhere. Doc zaps it back to the rental company which surprises the agency's owner just a bit.

Next we discover that Doc robbed the world economy of shipping charges by magically transporting the Ancient One's loot to the Sanctum.

Doc then offers Clea to be his disciple. As they are also boyfriend and girlfriend, this is a dangerous thing that will rear it's ugly head many times of the next decade or so. Clea accepts and Doc then tells Wong that he's off again. He's gotta let Baron Mordo know that he's now the head magician in charge. This oughtta go well.

Doc flies to Transylvania. Yes, in the future we will learn that Castle Mordo and Castle Dracula aren't all that far apart. Doc disguises himself in fashionable out of date attire. The village looks like something out of a Hammer Films production and even has a neat stagecoach.

Doc asks a local about the location of Mordo's castle and the reaction is typical of what you'd expect from decades of gothic horror movies. The old dude attacks Doc. He's rescued by a magical spell that freezes the impulsive old man and someone dressed like a stereotypical Romani offers to take him to safely. Safety is a Romani camp that looks straight out of The Wolfman.

The camp's inhabitants are way too welcoming and offer some "entertainment" before Doc goes on to meet with Mordo. This "entertainment" is like a bad drug trip that puts Doc in Lilia's power; Lilia being the camp's seductively dressed "entertainer."

Lilia commands the entranced Doc to reveal himself and then reveals their history with the Baron. Mordo seduced Lilia for the purpose of stealing the Book of Cagliostro. Once he has it he abandons her leaving her sad. Lilia now want's revenge on the Baron and Doc seems to be the perfect instrument to accomplish this.

Doc and Lilia go to Mordo's castle which he levitates to keep anyone from getting to him.

The pair get to the book which seems to be guarded only by a glowing bubble. Doc attempts to grab the book, but his hand passes right through it. This triggers a greater menace. A green beast that calls itself the Living Gargoyle appears and makes not nice remarks to the pair.

Doc attempts to fight the green skinned lizard, but is having trouble under Lilia's influence. She frees Doc from her spell just as the gargoyle turns it's deadly beams on Lilia, killing her. An angry Doc then casts a spell that kills (murders?) the gargoyle. It's not clear of the gargoyle is a truly independent sentient being or a conjuration. If the former than the sorcerer who was earlier expounding how important the life of a simple lizard was and what an awesome responsibility it was to just hold it in his hands has just committed murder (again.)

Doc then turns to the book that inspired all this nastiness. It's also protected by some time chicanery and exists a short time in the past. Doc manages to retrieve and study it. The book contains a secret on how to alter the past without accidently wiping yourself from existence. "This is dangerous in Mordo's hands. I will follow him," thinks Doc. Doc fades into the past. More time travel shenanigans next issue!

So this is a fun romp. Doc returns from his mission to defeat Shuma Gorath with new powers and new feels. The philosophical concepts presented are actually rather interesting. The story itself is a bit thin with flashbacks and several pages of wordless art attempting to stretch things out a bit. On the plus side it's rather fantastic art!

Lilia so easily entrancing Doc is a not really believable. He's experienced enough not to fall for these plot devices and there's no indication he allowed it to happen in order to most easily advance his mission. Despite this minor plot hole the story flows well and doesn't lag. It's a good introduction to Doc's final arc in his Marvel Premiere run and in just a few months he'll have his own solo title again!

[christotokos]

⭐ ✨ 🍇

⭐ share a snippet where a character is the best at something

from unpublished selkie fic

He'd broken into Bob Sheldon's house, expecting to find a kept omega inside. 

That was the rumor after all: Cherry had died, and Bob had found himself a foreign omega who he'd brought back with him, had all those pups with constantly. No one had seen them, no one had breathed a word of them when they worked there, but every two or so years, Bob had accumulated children who all looked very alike from their pale skin to their bright eyes to their freckled cheeks. 

None of whom resembled him in the least: not the blonde hair, not his cheeks, not his ears. Not a damn thing. It's all dark hair, supple cheeks, and slightly pointed ears on them all.

It hadn't mattered much to Dallas. He just wanted to rob him, and if he had to scare an omega to get access to Bob's money, he was doing it. It wouldn't quite do as revenge for what he'd done to Johnny all those years ago — it'd still hurt his pride and enrich Dallas. 

That was well enough. 

So he'd planned it all with Shepard and Two-Bit. Two-Bit was at the getaway car, waiting for a signal and Shepard was busy looting other parts of the enormous mansion Sheldon lived in, that was on every paper and every camera where he could swing it. 

It was gaudy, slathered in too much gold, and it makes Dallas annoyed with how large it is. 

✨ share a snippet featuring night time

from a to be published hanahaki fic

The cabin isn't boring, at least. 

Andrew can't help the thought as he parks the rental car. It's a nice cabin, something out of those rustic television shows or some little fantasy. It's got a nice porch, with a shelf there lined with jars full of flowers with carefully down labels. There's a paper bag there with a name on it, and there's a few windows that show that inside, lights are on. 

It's perfectly tucked into the woods here, difficult to find, just on the edge of what was normally "civilization" so to speak. He gets out of the car, adjusting his glasses as he grasps his bag, swings it over his shoulder, and walks up the steps. It's not that hard given his height and when he raps on the door, he announces himself with, "It's Andrew." 

🍇 share a snippet with food(or the palpable lack of food)

from a to be published hanahaki fic

"You've been having company?" Andrew has to stoop a bit to get inside. The inside furnishings haven't changed that drastically: still a sofa in one corner, with a duvet tossed over it; books left on most surfaces; the television on low, clearly without a care of what was on it; the bedroom door is closed; there's a shelf full of jars with labels that needs his immediate attention, and the kitchen is as busy as ever. He can smell the smoked salmon as he puts down his bag. "Or have you been having customers?" 

"Customers," is the reply he gets, the door shutting. "You want a beer or water?" 

"Water," Andrew says, looking for any other change. "I prefer not to drink on the job."

"This is more of a meal than work," is the protest he receives. "Unless you have a whole kit stored in the trunk of your car." 

"Not a whole kit," Andrew hums as he crosses the room, going to the shelf of jars. "These labels are accurate, Ponyboy?" He runs his fingers over them: they're dated, with some types written on there in Ponyboy's neat cursive. They all seem to be consistent, a few months apart which is a good sign.

"Accurate as I can remember," Ponyboy calls out, and there's the sound of something hitting the pan and sizzling. It mixes with the other scents of flowers and bread and Andrew doesn't mind it as he inspects the jars. "You're only here for a check-in, right? Nothing big?" 

He can sense the nervousness in his statement. Andrew thinks that's a little silly, given how long they've known each other at this point. His appointments here were never as invasive, never as in depth as the ones in a proper hospital, nor could they be.

Andrew turns over a jar with very little in it, squinting. "No. This is just a general assessment. You've been using the flowers more and more." It's a simple statement that he knows Ponyboy will follow on his own. "But you've been giving up less and less flowers." 

There's the sound of something being flipped in the pan. "Haven't had as many incidents is all. Almost done, could you set the table, please?" 

Andrew takes the jar with him to the table. It's a nice table: round, sanded down and with a nice finish that tells him that Ponyboy made it. There's a bowl of fresh greens and lettuce in the center with salad fixings beside it that are swiftly joined by a plate with a salmon on it and rice. The beer cans keep it very much like Ponyboy as he sets them down beside Andrew.

[doctorjuvenile]

so for starters I'm usually 10 years late to playing AAA games so I'm often a few beats behind pop cultural moments

but anyways, I bought Far Cry 4 at the only video rental store in my town, and I'm loving it. I have never played a Far Cry before. and in many ways I think playing this game (which takes place in 2015) in the year 2024 is really timely

In general I've been pretty nostalgic and wistful about the late 00s~2010s, obviously while we were in it we didn't like it, but it sure seems like simple times compared to now (covid broke something we can't fix)

(also even though i'm canadian, i also often refer to this as the obama-era because his administration overlaps completely with when i was 12~20 years old, so my teen years. again, simpler times)

ANYWAYS getting back to FC4, you play the game and you hear references to "President Obama," Kanye's twitter, Dennis Rodham's visit to North Korea, etc.

The thing about being at the close of 2024 now is that we are halfway through this very-uncertain-and-tense decade, and the 2010s are still obviously modern and recent in our thoughts (unless you happen to be very young rn). I'm like the same age as Ajay as I play this, and I remember the entire decade very well. Technology had gotten pretty advanced -- in-game there are loot items like phablets, cryptocurrency drives, etc and on a technical level the game still looks very good imo. The only thing that dates it, as with any media that came before 2019, is the fact that it came out before covid.

idk why i'm writing this post out i just have like thoughts to put down on paper I guess. i'm very impressed with the game thus far and am excited for the rest (i also have been spoiled about how everyone starts degenerating; i did immediately go for the secret ending when i began, after all). and a little 2010s nostalgia brainrot.

[tabbyclaw]

Vow of Poverty Challenge

This is Kestrel. (Probably. I may change my mind on the name later.) Isn't she cute? But Kestrel doesn't want to be cute. Kestrel wants to be gorgeous and fancy. Kestrel, in fact, wants to look like this:

Unfortunately, Kestrel has no money, and for the purposes of the challenge I'm participating in with her she is also not allowed to have any money. Everything she needs to turn her into her best self has to come from trade, random loot drops (chests, coliseum, Pinkerton), or giveaways. And that's why I'm making this post! If you have any of the items on her wishlist (link in reblog, which also includes a link to the original challenge thread if you want more information) and you're interested in trading, or if you know of anyone who's doing a giveaway or free raffle for them, PM me on the site (Tabbyclaw, #112126) to see what we can arrange.

What I can offer:

Items! Food, familiars, apparel, and other sundries, including some retired items. I've been on this site a long time; ask and there's a decent chance it's buried in my hoard somewhere. (Note: I have no UMAs, although I do have a decent assortment of old festival skins.)

Coli services! I have a full team that can grind in any venue, and also trainers who can level up your fodder or your permanent residents. (Stats and stones not included.)

Nest and cauldron rentals! (Shadow lair and fully leveled cauldron; you will have to provide any treasure the recipe asks for.)

Art! (It will not be good art, but it will be sincere and to the best of my ability.)

Other things? If you have an idea, maybe we can talk it out.

[nonooddo]

Just What is this Developer Up To..?

Oddo Developments is building, planning or has built tower blocks of thousands of beds and and 'townhome' developments across this part of the county and the greater Kansas City area.

The developer is relentless in fighting communities across the region - with teams of architects, lawyers, illustrators, PR people and paid-up engineers all producing 'unbiased reports', 'scenic' renderings and of course candid submissions in multiple sets of municipal planner meetings. Meetings that local residents know nothing about until the Oddo Project is already baked - and its odor has already seeped all through the corridors of the various city halls.

"You Cant Handle The Truth" - until its too late for you to do much about it..!

And IF there is a need for high stacked rental housing - maybe all these legal maneuverings - that just happen to NEVER include the locals and the communities Oddo moves it resources into - are meeting that need. But that doesn't explain why Oddo is determined to grab hold of the gateway to Cedar Creek...

Hiddeous

The Oddo company's other plans, on a much less significant Cedar Creek adjacent site - (between Valley Parkway & 103rd/Hwy 10), are much more modestly scaled. Not on a high elevation - those plans are only intended to be TWO STORIES HIGH...!

Yet More ODDO It will be doubly difficult to sell apartments with traffic views if the luckless Oddo residents wake up to find that Oddo over-development in Lenexa is causing traffic to back up onto Hwy 10...!

Of course selling views of traffic on K-10 would be more of an uphill battle than selling views from the top of the hill on Cedar Creek parkway. Cedar Creek views that we provide, at our expense, and Shadow Glen golf course views that Oddo will appropriate along with the name 'Shadow Glen'.

So is the deal - 'stacking "synthetic stone cladding" and "cement board" multi-level micro apartments' all along K-10 designed to catch the eye of commuters? Those forced to wait for a space on the Cedar Creek off-ramp will have noting to look at but tail-lights and 'ANOTHER ODDO DEVELOPMENT' billboards? Logical maybe - if cheap and nasty.

But what does that do to the claims of luxury resort living..? Is that really the way you recruit top level tenants? Somehow I think not. So really - what is Oddo Developments doing trying to take over the entrance to Cedar Creek..? Why does THIS site have to be 6 stories of building - as opposed to 2 elsewhere (from which he clearly must be able to turn a profit...)?

I'll tell you - this is all about what we have, we created, we should own and we should be in charge of (were it not for another developer who clings onto control through a faux HOA)...

Oddo Developments wants to loot Ceder Creek of its views, its open spaces, its character and its green resources... He has no way to prevent his tenants using our open property, crowding the carefully stewarded natural spaces - and our absurd developer-run HOA has no plans, ability or inclination to stop Oddo. After all - birds of a feather....

So we should be in no doubt that the rapacious machine presently gnawing at our door, does not have a better face or a nicer plan. There are no 'more acceptable' approaches or alternatives. Not from an entity that is here for the singular reason of appropriating for itself all that we have worked for, contributed to, managed, observed, maintained, stewarded and paid for. Oddo's very presence in Cedar Creek is fundamentally at odds with all of us who live here. And that difference is irreconcilable.

The essence of Cedar Creek is at stake here. Nothing more, nothing less.

NO...!

Oddo can't be allowed to win.

[mostlysignssomeportents]

This day in history

Tonight (May 23) at 8PM, I’ll be in TORONTO for a book launch for Red Team Blues that’s part of WEPFest, a benefit for the West End Phoenix, onstage with Dave Bidini (The Rheostatics), Ron Diebert (Citizen Lab) and the whistleblower Dr Nancy Olivieri.

#20yrsago “Facts” about printing and book-design https://nielsenhayden.com/makinglight/archives/002638.html

#15yrsago Former RIAA CEO is the Huffington Post’s new political director https://www.wired.com/2008/05/the-huffington/

#15yrsago Canadian spooks think punk band “Suicide Pilots” are terrorists https://web.archive.org/web/20080530022051/https://canadiandimension.com/blog/2008/05/csis-spying-on-canadian-punk-band/

#15yrsago Punk House: communal homes of the anarcho-syndicalist lifestyle https://web.archive.org/web/20080526172905/http://www.alarmpress.com/2293/book-reviews/punk-house-interiors-in-anarchy/

#10yrsago Laptop with thermite self-destruct mechanism https://hackaday.com/2013/05/23/laptop-vs-thermite-slow-motion-destruction/

#10yrsago 3D-printable model of the cover of Joy Division’s “Unknown Pleasures” https://web.archive.org/web/20130607163848/http://i.document.m05.de/2013/05/23/joy-divisions-unknown-pleasures-printed-in-3d/

#10yrsago Game designer creates a never-played-by-humans titanium boardgame and buries it for play 2700 years from now https://www.polygon.com/2013/3/28/4157884/game-designer-jason-rohrer-designs-a-game-meant-to-be-played-2000

#10yrsago Hardwood Escher tesselated interlocking lizard tiles https://evolulignum.blogspot.com/2011/02/diseno-geometrico-inspiracion-escher.html

#5yrsago Comcast’s $1.2b/year modem-rental scam picks your pocket, then exposes you to hackers, stalkers and identity thieves https://www.vice.com/en/article/mbkgn8/dont-rent-a-modem-from-comcast

#5yrsago Cable industry attains the impossible: makes Americans hate it even more https://www.vice.com/en/article/7xmxza/america-hates-comcast-more-than-ever

#5yrsago Mining the Panama Papers and other leaks to reveal the hidden looting of West Africa by its corrupt elite https://www.icij.org/investigations/west-africa-leaks/

#5yrsago Why “leftism” is parting ways with “liberalism” and what it means for the future of American politics https://nymag.com/intelligencer/2018/05/americas-brand-of-capitalism-is-incompatible-with-democracy.html

#5yrsago Debugging AI is a “hard problem” https://ai.stanford.edu/~zayd/why-is-machine-learning-hard.html

#5yrsago FBI sinkholes a key domain used by the malware that infected 500,000 home routers, declares partial victory and Russian attribution https://www.thedailybeast.com/exclusive-fbi-seizes-control-of-russian-botnet

#5yrsago Thoughtful, devastating critique of Jordan Peterson’s “12 Rules for Life” https://web.archive.org/web/20210310135608/https://www.the-tls.co.uk/articles/jordan-peterson-12-rules-kate-manne-review/

#1yrago HSBC: “Who cares if Miami is underwater?” https://pluralistic.net/2022/05/24/moral-money/#nutjobs-warning-about-the-end-of-the-world

Catch me on tour with Red Team Blues in Toronto, Oxford, Hay, Manchester, Nottingham, London, and Berlin!

[latestfeed]

On-the-Go Parenting? Rent Baby Essentials Today

The following blog covers important information about a leading company which offer baby essentials on the rent. 

Parenting is fun and one of the hardest tasks as one can ever undertake, especially when one is on the road or is always traveling. Traveling or going out for holidays, outings or to visit relatives or friends and relatives with a baby is always time consuming and the quantity of goods a baby requires may feel rather intimidating. However, there is a solution to lighten your load: renting baby essentials. The benefit of the innovative and practical approach of scope ensuring your child’s needs are met without having to carry cumbersome items with you wherever you go. 

Why Rent Baby Essentials?

Gone are the days of struggling with oversized luggage stuffed with baby gear. Renting baby essentials is a modern, convenient way to ensure your child has everything they need while allowing you to travel light. Here are some key reasons why parents are turning to Car seat rentals Florida services:

Convenience: This way, items such as cribs or strollers or cars that would otherwise be cumbersome when transporting from one home to another are avoided as one rents a house. However, these belongings can be hired at the specific area of visit thus relieved from the challenge of dealing with bulky luggage.

Cost-Effective: Buying baby gear for a short trip can be expensive. Rental services allow you to pay a fraction of the cost to use high-quality products without committing to a purchase.

Space-Saving: Leasing saves an important area in your car, house, or luggage. You don’t have to stress yourself about a loot, simple because rental companies will bring along the necessary equipment.

Access to Premium Brands: Many rental companies provide access to top-tier baby products, so you can use the best brands without the steep price tag.

Sustainability: Renting promotes sustainable practices by reducing waste and reusing products, minimizing your environmental impact.

What Baby Essentials Can You Rent?

Baby gear rental services cater to a wide range of needs. Whether you’re traveling or looking for temporary solutions at home, these companies provide high-quality, sanitized items to ensure your baby’s comfort and safety. Here are some of the most commonly rented baby essentials:

Car Seats:

Car seats are essential for safe travel, but they can be heavy and cumbersome to transport. Rental services offer a variety of car seats, including infant, convertible, and booster seats, to suit your child’s age and size.

Strollers:

From lightweight umbrella strollers to jogging strollers, you can rent options tailored to your needs. Whether you’re strolling through the airport or exploring a park, rental services have you covered.

Cribs and Pack ‘n Plays:

Ensuring your baby has a safe place to sleep is crucial. Portable Crib rentals Florida are popular rental options that provide a secure, familiar sleeping environment for your little one.

High Chairs and Booster Seats:

Eating out or dining at someone’s home is much easier when you can rent a high chair or booster seat. These items make mealtime comfortable and safe for your baby.

Toys and Activity Centers:

Keep your child entertained with rented toys, books, and activity centers. These items are perfect for long trips or ensuring your child stays occupied during your stay.

Baby Monitors:

For peace of mind, many parents rent baby monitors to keep an eye on their child while they sleep. Whether you’re in a hotel or visiting family, these devices can be a lifesaver.

Breast Pumps and Feeding Supplies:

Some rental companies offer specialized feeding equipment, including breast pumps, bottle sterilizers, and nursing pillows, to make feeding your baby easier while on the go.

Benefits of Renting Baby Essentials While Traveling

Traveling with a baby doesn’t have to be daunting. Renting baby gear simplifies the process and ensures you and your child can focus on enjoying the experience. Here’s how renting baby essentials can transform your travel experience:

Hassle-Free Airports: Navigating an airport with a baby is challenging enough without managing oversized luggage. By renting items like car seats and strollers at your destination, you’ll enjoy a smoother, more stress-free travel experience.

Lighten Your Load: Packing light isn’t just a dream; it’s a reality when you rent baby gear. Instead of bringing everything with you, you’ll only need to pack the essentials, leaving room for other necessities.

Customized Solutions: Baby gear rental services allow you to select items that fit your needs and preferences. Whether you’re going to a city, beach, or countryside, you can choose products designed for your specific activities.

Delivery to Your Doorstep: Most rental companies offer delivery and pick-up services, bringing the items straight to your hotel, Airbnb, or relative’s house. This convenience is invaluable for parents juggling travel plans.

Clean and Safe Gear: Reputable rental companies prioritize cleanliness and safety, ensuring all items are thoroughly sanitized and meet safety standards. You can trust that your baby’s health and well-being are protected.

The Future of On-the-Go Parenting

Renting baby essentials isn’t just a temporary solution—it’s a glimpse into the future of parenting. As more parents embrace this sustainable, cost-effective, and convenient option, rental services continue to expand and innovate. Whether you’re planning a family vacation or need short-term solutions at home, renting baby gear is the ultimate way to simplify parenting and focus on what truly matters: making memories with your little one.

So, the next time you’re planning a trip or need Rent a bed, consider renting. It’s a small change that can make a big difference in your parenting journey. Embrace the convenience, save time and money, and enjoy stress-free adventures with your baby today!

[avneesh10-blog]

Unveiling the Treasures: Ultimate Guide to France Louvre Museum

# Unveiling the Treasures: Ultimate Guide to France Louvre Museum

Introduction

Have you ever wondered what lies behind the grand walls of the iconic France Louvre Museum? Often hailed as the world's largest art museum and a historic monument in Paris, the Louvre is a cultural gem that transcends time and inspires awe in millions of visitors annually. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the depths of the Louvre, uncovering its rich history, unparalleled collections, and fascinating anecdotes that make it a must-visit destination for art enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

The History of France Louvre Museum

From Fortress to Cultural Icon- The Louvre began as a medieval fortress in the late 12th century, evolving into a royal palace under King Philip Augustus in the 14th century. - In the 18th century, during the French Revolution, it was transformed into a public museum by the revolutionary government, marking the birth of the modern Louvre Museum. - The iconic glass pyramid entrance, designed by architect I.M. Pei, was inaugurated in 1989, symbolizing a harmonious blend of modernity and tradition. - The establishment of the Louvre as a public museum in 1793. - Napoleon's extensive looting of art across Europe, enriching the Louvre's collections. - The recovery and restitution of artworks post-Napoleonic era, shaping the museum's diverse holdings. - Actionable Tip: Start your Louvre visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and savor the artworks at your own pace. - Expert Insight: Understanding the historical context of the Louvre enhances the appreciation of its treasures. - Leonardo da Vinci's enigmatic masterpiece, the Mona Lisa, is undoubtedly the Louvre's most famous artwork, captivating visitors with her enigmatic smile. - The Venus de Milo, an ancient Greek statue of Aphrodite, showcases classical beauty and elegance, drawing admirers from around the world. - The Winged Victory of Samothrace, a Hellenistic sculpture of Nike, exudes dynamism and grace, standing as a symbol of triumph and beauty. - The Raft of the Medusa by Théodore Géricault powerfully depicts a tragic shipwreck, evoking raw emotion and social commentary. - Enhance Your Experience: Use audio guides or join guided tours to gain deeper insights into the artworks' history and significance. - Discover Beyond the Classics: Explore lesser-known galleries and artworks to unearth hidden treasures within the vast museum. - The Louvre's size and scope can be overwhelming, so plan your visit by identifying key artworks or areas of interest beforehand. - Consider purchasing skip-the-line tickets or museum passes to streamline your entry and maximize your time exploring the collections. - The Louvre offers various accessibility services, including wheelchair rentals and guided tours for visitors with disabilities. - Amenities such as cafes, rest areas, and gift shops provide convenience and relaxation during your museum excursion. - Time Management: Allocate sufficient time for key artworks while allowing flexibility to serendipitously discover other pieces. - Avoiding Crowds: Visit on weekdays or during off-peak hours to enjoy a more intimate and tranquil museum experience. - The Louvre's conservation team employs advanced techniques and technologies to safeguard artworks from deterioration and damage. - Conservation projects focus on preventive measures, restoration, and research to ensure the longevity and integrity of the museum's collections. - Climate control and lighting: Balancing environmental conditions to protect delicate artworks from fluctuations in temperature and humidity. - Technological advancements: Utilizing imaging tools and digital resources for in-depth analysis and documentation of artworks. - Climate-conscious Solutions: Implementing eco-friendly technologies and practices to reduce the museum's carbon footprint and environmental impact. - Public Engagement: Educating visitors on conservation efforts and the importance of preserving cultural heritage for future generations. - Do: - Wear comfortable shoes for extensive walking. - Respect the museum's rules and regulations, including no-flash photography and quiet behavior in galleries. - Don't: - Touch the artworks or lean on display cases, as oils and residues can damage delicate surfaces. - Rush through galleries; take your time to appreciate each artwork's details and nuances.Interactive Experiences and Engagements- Interactive guided tours and workshops offer immersive learning experiences for visitors of all ages. - Digital resources such as the Louvre app provide interactive maps, audio guides, and augmented reality features to enhance your museum journey. - Respectful Conduct: Maintain a respectful distance from artworks, refraining from loud conversations or disruptive behavior that may disturb other visitors. - Cultural Sensitivity: Be mindful of cultural sensitivities in diverse artworks and exhibits, showing appreciation for the global heritage represented at the Louvre. - The Louvre Museum is typically open from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm on most days, except Tuesdays when it is closed. - Yes, it is recommended to purchase tickets in advance to avoid long queues, especially during peak tourist seasons. - The Louvre offers guided tours in multiple languages, providing insightful commentary and context to the artworks on display. - Photography for personal, non-commercial use is generally permitted in most areas of the Louvre, except in designated sections or special exhibitions. - Apart from the iconic Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo, don't miss the Winged Victory of Samothrace, Liberty Leading the People, and the Great Sphinx of Tanis.

Additional Elements

Tags:France Louvre Museum, Louvre history, Louvre masterpieces, Louvre visitor guide, Louvre conservation, art preservation, Louvre experience, museum etiquette, cultural heritage. Read the full article

[libidomechanica]

Which for good Betty, going mine; Ive wake the rental

Left but because we were merely well thing. Loves thy cleaue: seemed the loot that for shall ye thus—Poor Susan, whose found her in an Elevented, I feel of Bessie be; weel ken I recognized the reveal her garb, there. No, no, no, my with construed me if it down intense and when upon me three in the cherry, do the door, slave of the cottage with that novel? I had been eternal you go the nails fellow flower parting with me! From his with Esop crosser sensibilities and discounted sun. Then much—to give? An eclat, and lassie, O. Virgins to Balaam, and Johnny?

[thefree-online]

Squatters take London’s eternal housing crisis into their own hands - in Pictures

Upper Class Brits don’t have to work, living off vast Property and Inherited Wealth – from Slavery, Rental Extortion and ongoing Colonial Looting from thefreeinline on 30th June 2924 at Al Jazeera by Hannah McKay… see Telegram; t.me/thefreeonline A squatter, who goes by the name of Leaf, 28, relaxes in an empty former youth centre that is now occupied by squatter activist group Reclaim Croydon,…

[nityarawal]

2/26/2024

Lexus Lemon Stock

Morning Songs

Lexus Stock Is

Dropping

Put It Down

Says Beyonce

Lexus Lemon Stock

Is Dropping

Toyota Lost Every

Thing In A

Hit And Run

My Situation

Is Not Unusual

Naya Rivera

Went To Alexandria

House Too

Kim Kardashian

Before You

My Situation Is Not

Unusual

Millions Of Britney's

Dancing In Circles

Many Tech Billionaires

Wives

Begging For Our Loot

My Situation

Is Not Usual

Gender Bending

At Court

Just Google

Lexus Nitya

Eternity

And You'll

Hear The Eternal Drama

Of Trump Secret Service

Lore

Millions Of Mammas

Raped Hostage

For Putin

And DA George

Soros

Chinese 

Socialism

Millions Of Mammas

Sold On The

Black Market

For "The Voice,"

Millions Of Mammas

Is Katy Perry

Finally Free

Or Does She Have

Her TM Conservators

Jerkin Off

From Toyota

For Their TM

Stock

Like Me

Jerkins Off

On TV

Fireworks

Aren't Free

Is Britney Spears

Finally Free

Why Is She Smoking

Dancing In Circles

Smacking Her Ass

With A Spatula

Tossing Knives

Like Durga

Goddess

Why's Britney

Still Dancing

In Circles

And Why Are We

Still Writing Tunes

For DMV.org

Raj Scams

Of Courts

California Car Rental

Gay Man's

Duplicity

And Their Rewind

Canadian

Conservators

Of Lab Moms

For Musks

Rewind Scams

Why Are We Still

Bitchin' About Lexus 

Life's Too Short

And Of Course

I Want To Go

Cybertruckin'

Mining

To Maui

Through The

Beauty Wilderness

With My Girlfriends

Kids

#Eloning

With My Godson

And All My

Children

Why Doesn't My Lady

Come To Have

Coffee With Me

Why Doesn't A

Mommy

Want To Use Her

Law Degree

To Better Humanity

Why Does No One

Love Planet Earth

Like Elon

Loves Me

Why Does No Man

Allow My Loves

To Honor 

Mammas

With Faith

As They Want To

With 

Cybertrucks

Word

Eternal Love

Won

Peace,

Nitya Nella Davigo Azam Moezzi Huntley Rawal 

[chikucabllp]

Cheapest Taxi Service In Allahabad.

 City Where Emotions and Sanctity meets to Peace

Allahabad, also known as Prayagraj today, is a city in central Uttar Pradesh. It is the home where three rivers merge into one Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati the Triveni Sangam. This city is where emotions and sanctity meet peace. Many people come here to take a holy dip in the Sangam and many come to give the souls of their loved ones in the form of Asthi Visarjan. People come with a lot of emotions and a heavy heart, the taxi service in Allahabad promises to be with you in this overwhelmingly emotional journey with its pocket-friendly prices with a variety of fleets.

Ganga Darshan And Asthi Visarjan

Well, there are a lot of people in the name of Sadhus and Pandits to cheat and loot you in this emotionally overwhelming journey. Bharat Sevashram Sangh will be the best option well it’s not the right place to stay but the right place to book for your Ganga Darshan and Asthi Visarjan to avoid fraud and loot. Cab Service is there to support Bharat Sevashram Sangh as well.

Cab Service In Allahabad can help you find best hotels for your stay as well like Hotel Kanha Shyam, Hotel Grand Continental, and Hotel Ashok.

Places To Visit And Sightsee

Prayagraj is not only a city of Triveni Sangam. This city also has places like Anand Bhawan and Swaraj Bhawan which was the home of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru and has a lot of memories of India’s freedom struggle with Mahatma Gandhi, Motilal Nehru and the childhood of Indira Gandhi. Allahabad Fort of Mughal Empire, Akshayavat of Ramayana Age, Chandrashekhar Azad Park a memory of Bhagat Singh and Chandrashekhar Azad’s freedom struggle, Jawahar Planetarium, Khusro Bagh, Shankar Viman Mandapam, Hanuman Temple and Yamuna Bridge. Cab booking of Allahabad will be present for you to make your emotional journey lighter and peaceful with these beautiful places of Prayagraj.

Famous and Vintage Food Joints

Vintage Hut for best Mughlai and Awadhi dishes with biriyani and kebabs.

Old Town Restaurant for best Nihari, Sheermal and Galouti Kebabs.

Allahabad Famous Churmura Corner for Puffed Rice with Vegetables and Spices

Higgins is a colonial-era restaurant famous for fish, chips, tikka, steaks, etc.

After an emotionally overwhelming journey, you will try some delicious foods to elevate your mind and there’s no doubt that you will love these savory dishes, in a crowdy and congested city like Prayagraj, Cab Service in Allahabad will always get to you with it’s affordable and pocket-friendly services to sneak through the cab.

To Conclude

With The Taxi and Cab service in Allahabad by Chiku Cab you’re not only going to save money but also make memories in your holidays. Chiku Cab has a fleet starting from a Tempo, Indica, Swift Dzire, To Honda City, and Toyota Fortuner, Starting from Rs 8.50/km for all sorts of trips whether it’s an in-town rental or a one-way trip, outstations, round trip, drop and pick to Airport or railway stations anything you want with a 24x7 service.

It’s Always Chiku Cab Life’s Pocket Friendly.

[mariacallous]

“Please don’t destroy my business. It is Black-owned.”

These and similar words were emblazoned on storefronts across the country during the civil unrest following George Floyd’s murder on May 25, 2020. Black business owners hoped this plea—directed at those who were looting and damaging commercial real estate amid the protests—would not be drowned out by the unrest and frustration.

Embedded in such signs is a unique investment thesis and value proposition: When Black people own stores and other commercial real estate, members of the community will patronize, protect, and respect those businesses in a different way. That is, Black-owned businesses will be strongly supported by Black communities, and Black communities will feel more enfranchised if they have a stake in local business.

So, is this assumption true?

To find out, Brookings Metro is collaborating with developers and community partners in Baltimore, Cleveland, and Detroit as they attempt to “buy back the block.” Specifically, our new Buy Back the Block Lab is studying and advising the efforts of a cohort of community-based, mission-driven investors as they purchase commercial real estate in corridors within majority-Black neighborhoods.

The racial ownership gap precedes the racial wealth gap

In a 2022 analysis, Brookings scholars found that few Black households own commercial real estate (CRE), especially if we exclude rental properties: Only 3% of Black households own nonresidential CRE, compared to 8% of white households. For households that do own CRE, the average white household owns $34,000 of it, compared to just $3,600 for the average Black household.

Nonresidential CRE includes neighborhood retail shops on Main Street, downtown offices, waterfront warehouses, and more. Ownership of these income-generating assets—the management of which also shapes the vibrancy of communities—is extraordinarily concentrated in the hands of a few. In fact, 81% of the value of nonresidential CRE is owned by the top 1% of households that own any. In comparison, for owner-occupied housing wealth, the top 1% owns only 16% of the value.

This is a major missed opportunity for Black wealth-building, given that nonresidential CRE generated $512 billion in revenue in 2020. Income concentrated so heavily in white owners contributes to a wealth gap that sees the median white household hold $188,200 in wealth—7.8 times that of the median Black household ($24,100).

However, there’s more to the story. Not only is CRE ownership very unequal by race, but all CRE owners in Black neighborhoods are impacted by devaluation. Our research found that storefronts and shopping centers in communities with higher shares of Black residents are valued measurably lower than otherwise comparable properties in communities with fewer Black residents.

After accounting for predictors of CRE value, we estimate that retail space is undervalued (as directly measured by asking rents and holding capitalization rates constant) by 7% in majority-Black ZIP codes. This means that CRE owners in majority-Black ZIP codes are getting less rental income than they otherwise should, as well as generating less taxable value, resulting in significant revenue loss for individuals and places. We estimate that the undervaluation of majority-Black ZIP codes results in aggregate wealth losses of $171 billion in retail space for the owners of these properties.

These losses represent a real warping of the incentives that CRE owners respond to. In addition to the direct loss of access to the billions of dollars in capital estimated in this analysis—capital that could serve as collateral to finance growth or intergenerational wealth-building—a systematic negative differential in the valuation of property in Black neighborhoods renders these communities vulnerable to speculation and neglect. Devaluation reduces the carrying costs of real estate, and can thus be exploited by investors with greater access to capital who can afford to acquire properties and hold them (if they are anticipating changes in the economic and racial makeup of the neighborhood, for example). Per the collateral point, devaluation also reduces owners’ access to capital for maintenance and improvements, leading to stagnation and decline that further accelerate devaluation.

Can this cycle be broken by changing who owns the properties? Brookings and the neighborhood cohorts are developing innovative ownership models to apply to real CRE assets in their communities in order to articulate and test a multifaceted investment thesis and value proposition. Will increasing the proportion of Black people who own the homes, businesses, and buildings in majority-Black neighborhoods…

Give those owners greater ability to raise the value of those assets?

Directly increase the wealth that individuals and communities can accrue?

Make communities safer?

Empower Black communities to combat the devaluation of assets stemming from negative perceptions of those neighborhoods, as expressed through both asking rents and tenant location decisions (i.e., retail redlining)?

Given the wide racial gap in business wealth and concerns about gentrification and “development without displacement,” we believe there is a broad public interest in finding out if these hypotheses are true. One direct stakeholder is local government, since they rely heavily on assessing and taxing property to provide services—from public education to police and fire protection, parks, and more—and must also deal with the challenges tied to neighborhood decline and perceptions of decline.

Why local governments want to help ‘buy back the block’

Previous research by Carlos F. Avenancio-León and Troup Howard found that Black and Latino or Hispanic Americans face a 10% to 13% higher tax burden for the same bundle of public services, due in large part to the devaluation of homes in Black neighborhoods. In other words, because of devaluation, local governments in Black and brown jurisdictions have to charge higher tax rates in order to raise the same amount of revenue needed to provide services. What at first might seem like a boon to an individual homeowner—a lower assessment means less taxes owed—becomes a burden when devaluation is systemic throughout a community, as tax rates must increase. In addition, over the long term, the homeowner has access to less equity to leverage. Our research on the devaluation of CRE contributes another major explanation for the fiscal distress of Black communities.

Aggregate wealth losses of $171 billion in retail space impact not just the owners of the properties, but the localities that rely on property tax revenue to fund services. By comparison, owner-occupiers of housing lose an estimated $235 billion in majority-Black ZIP codes.

Commercial real estate—which includes all income-producing property, such as retail, office, industrial, and multifamily rental residential property—plays an important role in balancing local government budgets. Property taxes are in aggregate 31% of all revenue that state and local governments rely on, so any destabilization of this funding source has a negative fiscal impact on jurisdictions’ ability to provide services—especially education, which is the top state and local government expenditure. The tax burden that devaluation places on Black communities may be a reinforcing cycle, because taxes affect both property values and the borrowing capacity of buyers. These communities are trapped in a paradox of under-valuation and over-assessment, and elected officials struggle to balance the need to raise revenue today against stewarding value.

Ending CRE devaluation in Black neighborhoods would take pressure off residential real estate and help both residents and the jurisdictions that serve them. However, in order to avoid commercial gentrification, increasing the share of Black CRE owners is a necessary part of the solution. Any increase in CRE assessed value would ultimately be tied to higher asking rents for business tenants in majority-Black neighborhoods. Therefore, any equitable solution to the systemic devaluation of assets in Black neighborhoods must restore value to the people and communities that are, literally, losing equity.

The Buy Back the Block Lab

We know how conventional CRE practitioners create investment theses, conduct market research and due diligence, assemble capital, and obtain site control. What needs to be done the same way—and what needs to be imagined differently—in order to “buy back the block” with the assets we have and without gentrification and displacement?

The Buy Back the Block (BBtB) Lab is working with local leaders in Cleveland, Detroit, and Baltimore to scope projects and answer these questions. With Cleveland Neighborhood Progress, the Harvard Community Services Center, the Grandmont Rosedale Development Corporation, and Invest York Road, we will help assemble the team of professionals needed to conduct due diligence, structure debt financing, garner government grants and approvals, and attract community investors.

So, who is the “community” that investors come from, and how many are needed? As part of this project, we are exploring concepts to democratize CRE and move beyond the conventional ownership model. There are already many existing models of shared ownership, including community land trusts, employee-owned businesses, and housing cooperatives. However, the BBtB Lab approach will differ from these efforts in that its principal purpose is to help individual residents and local entrepreneurs create wealth through buying an appreciating CRE asset, rather than preserving affordability of space. The Lab will provide advice, data, and support for potential developers, investors, and operators at promising sites in each participating community. While recognizing the urgency of the wealth gap, we will take a patient mindset that begins with understanding the deal potential, getting site control, and acknowledging the long-term financial return horizon. The goal is not just to conduct a transaction, but to practice community-centered economic development that is holistic and considers both neighborhood residents who live and shop locally as well as the entrepreneurs who create small businesses, in order to design inclusive CRE investment vehicles.

In addition to identifying and structuring deals, the Lab will investigate the role of nonprofit intermediaries in facilitating Black CRE ownership, as well as what state and federal economic development policies can help break the cycle of devaluation. Everything we learn will be published in a final “playbook” for communities nationwide who are looking for new ways to practice community-centered economic development.

We hope that results from the BBtB Lab will help many more members of the Black community earn a nest egg with real estate assets that gain meaningful value over time, so that they can send their children to college, set aside retirement funds, make a down payment on a home, reinvest in their home, expand a business, or otherwise realize their financial goals. Over time, we expect to learn lessons that are relevant beyond Black communities. As our colleague Tonantzin Carmona—an expert on Latino or Hispanic wealth-building—has observed, there is a clear demand for alternative wealth-building opportunities and products among groups that feel excluded or do not trust traditional financial services. If tangible, secure, and vetted opportunities are not available, predatory mechanisms will continue to thrive—and gaping wealth inequalities will persist.

[seafoodsoda]

48 hour competition update:

hour (???) recap:

we spend the first 20 minutes after leveling up taking a break and dividing loot. it is at this point I'm really hopping for another drop out, I can admit i'm worried these remaining people will actually push it to the limit of 48 hours.

the good aligned members of the party keep insisting on returning to the town to inform the people the wyverns are gone and return their rental weapons, obviously Tobby is adverse to the idea. the others settle for leaving half the treasure and their items at the keep itself for whoever scouts it out next. Tobby happily keeps their +1 maul. Tobby then decided to loot the skeletons around the keep to find a map, the party deciding to make their next point of interest the capital of the land they're found themselves in.

As the party makes their way down the mountain through the forest, they are ambushed by tree people with bows? maybe Trents, I can't really tell. don't ask me to identify my world and surroundings anymore.

[weirdlet]

So I said I was going to write up the big downtime session, and I will. It's been kind of a crazy couple of weeks and things keep exploding close to home, completely aside from the state of the world. All is insurance calls and furnace techs and job hunting and emergency rental assistance at this time. Hence why the dracolich fight has been barely sketched in.

But even though in-session it felt a bit skimmed over and compressed, we DID manage to kill the dracolich. Carver was nine levels of cleric one level of monk because I get silly build ideas sometimes, and so he had no Divine Intervention to contribute- but as things were falling to pieces due to certain party members running off into the dark and getting the battle started first (thanks Alain!); a couple of Plot Points were used and even though the minion deaths had fed into the dragon's resurrection, his burial chamber was at the heart of a tomb of ancient kings that all hated undead and undeath.

The ancient kings were so mad about it they came back to life, fought minions, swarmed the skeleton, and allowed Trinidad to pop Ebondeath's skull clean off. This after clearing an entire ziggurat full of undead zombies and skeletons and minotaurs and death-priests to get there. We were beat, but we were triumphant.

So that brings us to this last session: the timeskip. Through various means of magical communication, word is sent back to Leilon that we return triumphant, even as there were gatherings of what other soldiers could be found in the region just in case Ebondeath had arisen. What little that could have been done, was done. But the party returned to the town gates hailed as conquering heroes, with a lot of cheering and singing and Glory very definitely launched himself off the top of the wall and tumbled Carver over into the dirt to greet him.

Thus begins our two years of relative peace and prosperity. Our former wizard Phillip is head of the town council, our current wizard Sorianna is setting up her own underground lab where she delves into dark secrets and grieves, still hoping to return her lover Alistair to her from the driven, haunted husk named Alain he has become. Alain himself is skulking about, investigating the Cult of Enlightment and the giants' Ordning. Maeve the paladin is named a lady and given domain over the former fishing village that her father had died defending. Trinidad is building the police force of the town guard, and running a shipping company. Carver brings his split of the loot home to Glory, showering him in gold and pearls and the like because he'd always wanted that experience, then takes the actual money and sets up a temple that is humble in looks, but very practical and effective in the help it delivers to the poor and underserved. Glory works hand in hand with him as Harbormaster and as husband-to-be.

But all is not as easy as it seems. Lord Neverember has apparently made good on his intent to replace Mintarn's current leadership with his own, and as a cost-cutting measure announces the dissolution and dispersal of the White Sails mercenaries, which our group had all started out as. Most of them hadn't gotten paid in a while anyhow, and now a fair number of them are here, around Leilon. So each of our characters has an encounter with certain groups of them, often hungry for plunder and wanting someone to lead them. Some of them are willing to be resettled into new careers, such as inhabiting the slaughtered village under Maeve's care. Some of them try to get absolution for their sins while not giving up their bandit ways, only to be followed and Batman-ninja-assassinated by Alain, and others are recruited into the village guard. But it's an ongoing issue, and not every decision is a good one, and not every good decision succeeds.

Still. The town is thriving, our folks are going about their business, and about a year goes by without anything exploding too wildly. One fine night, the party is having dinner together at the council-house, as they sometimes do- only to be called up by folks in a panic, saying there's a ship full of GIANTS in the harbor.

Everyone gets up from the table and hauls out to see. There is INDEED a ship full of giants in the harbor, and one of them in a sort of jestery costume stands on the docks, the wood creaking beneath him, and gives us the riot act.

Hogarth (don't quote me on that, I misheard Myrkul as MacCoul for the longest time), the Ancient Red Wyrm that demands tribute of Mintarn on the regular, has sent his fleet of giants to greet this highly-Mintarnian populace of the resettled Leilon, and to extend to them the schedule and terms of his tithing. Little Mintarn, as it is colloquially known, is obviously going to bow to their lord and master and send wagons/shiploads of appropriate gold, food, and slaves, and virgins to serve as those last two combined, on a regular schedule. No fuss, no foul, and no one has to get hurt.

The giant herald is informed to take it up with the Lords' Alliance, of which Leilon is part, and theoretically Mintarn proper as well. He is also informed by Glory in particular that he already has a set of four dragon-tooth strap-ons, he'd be happy to add a fifth. The giant takes his leave, and bids us prepare to pay up or fight by a certain date, one year hence. With that hanging over us, we start preparing in whatever ways we can during the year allotted to us. Ballistae are being prepared, magics planned, a lot of this is skimmed over because we're rebuilding character sheets as this is happening, because Fantasy Grounds not only erased the campaign itself but also the backups. We hit fifteenth level and start hearing disturbing rumors, that not only is a great red dragon on the move, pillaging and burning, but multiple smaller red dragons are aiding him. Not only that, but Phillip, an expert in these things, explains that Hogarth is a nearly complete self, in that he has eaten his other selves in other planes and thus contains all his own power, on the order of Deep Secret by Diane Wynne Jones or Jet Li's The One. He's still shy of a god proper- but basically dragon-wise, only Bahaumut or Tiamat are above him. That is... not good. But we're preparing for the fight ahead of us, probably with plenty of back-fill to be had in the future.

I mention that Glory and Carver, with six months to go before the listed date of the giants' return, get married. This is a small ceremony but a huge shindig, with the entire town turning out for drinks and dancing as their Harbormaster and their humble cleric- who nevertheless brings powerful divine aid to the people- bind themselves together. My homework assignment for next week is to write up their vows, and I've been noodling with wedding traditions to make it my usual overkill self-fic, more of which we'll get to next post.

The day of the giants' return comes. It goes. But still the giants come, and we are standing ready on a scattering of islands in the distant harbor, ready to make them work for it as they hit the barrel-barriers and the sabotaging tortle and the mages prepare to case Reverse Gravity and then drop them all on the suddenly dry bottom of the bay. Annnnnd- that's where we'll pick up next session.