#SLAMS that 'notify when available' button

[carolinanadeau]

hmm maybe I should buy some new nail polish colors, those are fun and it's been a long time

ok, look, I understand that this is named after the Beauty and the Beast character, I am not stupid, it's a far more well-known reference and she isn't even called that yet in the movie but I still think I have to get it -

ok wait THIS too?? And it's sold out? Come ONNNN

[ahogarmesll]

HONEYBAE~Baddie outfit fatpack

HB~baddie fit skirt ~R FP

HB~Baddie top R FP

Moccino. x LeL EvoX Visage - Ming Fatpack

SLAM // paws collar

EXTRA APPS in your SLAM // collar

This SLAM collar has additional app features, which are not included in the standard OpenCollar system, but are however official plugin apps. This guide briefly explains what they do.

To access the collar's special feature apps:

open collar menu > Apps

Owned wearers may not have the ability to access the apps, or certain app settings.

For information on how to use the collar and the standard apps, please visit the (only) official OpenCollar website:

http://opencollar.cc

=========================================

CAMERA

Gives anyone with power to use the collar the ability to force the wearer into certain camera views, or to freeze their camera view in place.

Caveat: This is a "one doesn't fit all" feature. The success of the different cam modes highly depends on the wearers camera settings. Some cam modes might not work as expected.

Menu Buttons: self-explanatory.

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GARBLE

When enabled, scrambles anything the wearer types in local chat into incoherent mumbles. Also blocks the ability to send IMs. Very useful with unscripted gags. ㋡

Menu Buttons: None.

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BADWORDS

Lets anyone with power to use the collar define a set of specific forbidden words. If the wearer types these in local chat, the wearer will be punished by electric shock (anim and sound). The wearer has to type a penance phrase, which can also be freely defined in the menu. (default: "I'm sorry!").

The animation and sound used is a custom preset, but it can be changed, simply by placing your own custom anim/sound into the content of the collar. (Always wait for reboot/startup!)

Menu Buttons: Add • add a bad word to the list Remove • remove a specific word from the list Clear • clear the entire list Penance • set the phrase that stops the punishment Animation • set a custom animation (must be in collar contents) Sound • set a custom sound (must be in collar contents) ON • turn the app on/off Stop • stop the punishment manually

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OWNER ONLINE

Automatically notifies the wearer, when whomever is on the collar's Owner list, is or comes online.

Menu Buttons: Set Interval • sets how often status is checked (in seconds) NotifChat • sets notification in local chat (private) NotifDialog • sets notification in a dialog box

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SIZE PRESETS

Saves the current size, position and rotation of the collar. Very useful when using multiple shapes and/or bodies.

Menu Buttons: self-explanatory.

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SPECIAL INFO: SPY APP (consensual and TOS compliant!)

This app is NOT included in your collar, but the script is available for free for easy retrofit installation, at the SLAM // mainstore.

This app allows Owners to get notifications about the collar wearer's

login location

teleports (from/to with time stamp)

local people radar (range can be set)

local chat (only what the wearer types! attachment chat is optional)

This app only works, if the wearer EXPLICITLY consents to the feature! This app CANNOT read IMs, or other peoples chat!

Please carefully read the installation instructions in the script package, as well as all the local chat during installation and activation!

=========================================

LOCATIONS FOR RESOURCES

AND OFFICIAL UPDATERS

􀀃 􀀂

=========================================

FULL GUIDE:

=========================================

ALL SLAM LINKS:

=========================================

[cadkilop]

Krisp software

#Krisp software software

#Krisp software free

Once you toggle on Krisp it will be active for any new voice chats until you toggle it back off again. We bring to your affair the best NYC has to offer, using only the finest ingredients. Q: If I toggle on Krisp in one voice chat will it toggle on in all other voice chats?Ī: Yes. Krisp Events is one of the finest catering companies in New York. If you’re in a quiet environment where you don’t need noise filtration we would encourage you to continue using voice chat without Krisp.Ī: Yes! Krisp can also be used on audio for video calls as well.Ī: Yes! Krisp can be used when you are using the voice channel in Go-Live stream.Ī: As of 7/27/20 Krisp will be available on mobile devices So if your friends do not have it toggled on you may still hear their background noise.Ī: Krisp works best in environments where there is a lot of non-human voice background noise.īecause Krisp works to process out background noises if you are in a quiet environment and have a high-quality mic you may notice a decline in voice quality. Krisp will only filter noises coming from your side. Q: Will Krisp filter noises for other people on the call when I have it on?Ī: No. If you want to use it outside of Discord in other apps, you can check out their pricing here.

#Krisp software free

The machine learning model runs on your device to cancel out noise - no data is ever sent to Krisp's servers under any circumstances.Ī: Krisp is free when you use it with Discord. This means that no voice, user, video or any data is ever sent or shared outside of Discord. We do not pass any information or data to Krisp when you enable the tech on Discord. Am I passing any information to Krisp when I turn it on? We suggest that you lower your CPU usage overall before you re-enable Krisp, otherwise Krisp will continue to automatically turn off. When device CPU usage is really high, Krisp will automatically turn off to preserve voice performance and notify you. Minimum device version:Īdditionally, you can toggle Krisp on in your Settings under “User Settings ” → "Voice" → "Voice Processing" → "Noise Suppression" You’re able to toggle on this new noise suppression feature in any voice or video chat by pressing the noise suppression button. Additionally, you can toggle Krisp on in your Settings under “User Settings ” → “Voice and Video” → “Advanced” → “Noise Suppression” You’re able to toggle on this new noise suppression feature in any voice or video chat by clicking the noise suppression button. By toggling on Krisp we use machine learning to remove background noises that aren’t human voices such as dogs barking, vacuums, or doors slamming while still passing through your voice. We’ve integrated Krisp to improve our voice call experience even further.

#Krisp software software

You can learn more about their company and software specifically on their website here. Krisp is able to remove background noise much better than traditional solutions, letting you have clear conversations even in busy environments! Krisp is a 3rd party machine learning, noise filtration software that runs on your device.

[interstellarflare]

Bend and Break || Homelander

-PART ONE-

Warnings: Gore, violence, course language, angst.

Summary: People can only bend their morales so far before they break. Homelander is the world’s greatest superhero, and you, a tech analyst, somehow become entangled in his world when he learns that you provide intel to The Boys. He makes it his personal mission to find out exactly what you know, but he never expected such resistance from someone as damaged as you. But broken things can be mended, sometimes in the most unexpected ways possible.

Author’s Note: As a bit of a disclaimer, I have only seen snippets of The Boys. I haven’t actually watched all of it, so forgive me if there are some details that are wrong, as well as the many spelling errors that will undoubtedly be in this series. There is a tag list open for those who wish to be added. Gif by @stream​

You had no idea how you ended up providing intel for The Boys. You didn’t even know how they managed to find you.

You were a nobody, a nobody who so happened to be very knowledgeable around technology. You hacked into secure companies that were affiliated with The Seven, media outlets, private companies and the like, and gained whatever information you could before passing it on to the leader of The Boys himself, Billy Butcher. He stopped by your apartment at random hours during the day and night, giving you set deadlines to complete certain assignments before he came to retrieve the intel. No one knew who you were. You were so mysterious in fact, that the general public had even given you a name. The Watcher.

Not long after you were given your name, The Seven were notified of your existence. Madelyn Stillwell explained to The Seven that their servers had been hacked, and several files of important information had been taken in a matter of seconds. It was a serious security breach, and Madelyn wanted whoever did this killed. Homelander couldn’t help but agree. He volunteered to personally to do it himself, to a send a message to The Boys. It would be a good publicity stunt. If The Watcher was stopped, then The Boys would lose their only source of information. Plus, the public would love him even more.

But unfortunately for you, you had made a mistake. Vought International traced the IP address to your apartment a few days after your cyber attack, and Homelander was en route within the hour. It was a shitty apartment complex, fitting he supposed, for one who would commit such a crime against him and his colleagues. A huge uproar occurred outside the building, drawing your attention toward the ground floor. When your eyes met the form of the famous superhero waving to the adoring crowd as he entered through the lobby, a string of disgusting curses escaped your lips. There was no point in running, he could catch up easily. There was no point in hiding, the fucker could see through walls. There was nothing you could do except panic internally, and hope that maybe Billy and the others knew about this conundrum.

Before you had another second to think, heavy footsteps echoed down the hall, eventually stopping in front of your apartment door. You stood in the centre of your apartment, debating whether or not to open the door and atop that horrendous knocking, or answering Billy’s distress call on your laptop. If you made a run for your laptop, he would know. There was no doubt that the son of a bitch was using his x-ray vision to watch you sweat. He was probably reviling in the fact that he had caught you, and that there was nowhere for you to go. Regretfully and hesitantly, you moved towards the door, steadying your breath before throwing it open. You swallowed thickly as your gaze met Homelander’s blue hues, as he stared down at you with that stupid fake Hollywood smile of his. With his hands braced on his hips in that cliche superhero stance, he pointed accusingly at you, trying to keep up his heroic image as a crowd began to gather in the hall. “You, are one hard person to find Miss L/n...” he began, laughing mockingly as the crowd gathered around your apartment door.

Your eyes flickered around the crowd, some tenants you recognised, others you didn’t. Biting your lips nervously, your shrugged your shoulders as calmly and nonchalantly as you could. “I like to keep it that way...” you responded confidently, holding his gaze despite your growing fear “to what do I owe the pleasure of your visit?”. Homelander grinned, and without saying a word, he pushed past you into your apartment, his eagle shoulder pad deliberately knocking you out of the way. You clenched your jaw, giving the gathered crowd one last warning glare before slamming the door in their faces. You heard several muffled shouts, and hushed voice talking. What could Homelander possibly want with her? What makes her so special?

“So, you are The Watcher?” He spoke tauntingly, folding his arms intimidatingly over his chest as you turned to face him. Pressing your lips into a thin line, you nodded slowly, your eyes landing on your laptop screen once again. Billy was still trying to contact you, and it was by sheer dumb luck that the tyrant in front of you didn’t notice. Homelander’s eyes narrowed, glowing a faint red as he approached “You know, you’ve done a very bad thing...” he spoke lowly, moving so close to you that your back hit your apartment door with a loud thump. Homelander could hear your heart beating rapidly in your chest, though your breath came out even and slow. “I want back what you stole from Vought International, now” he growled stepping closer so that there was barely any space left between you. You looked up at the superhero in front of you with a shrug of your shoulders, slipping out of that small space and making your way over to your laptop.

“Sorry, but I don’t have it anymore...” you responded blatantly, pressing the ‘decline’ button to Billy’s call. Homelander’s eyes returned to their normal blue out of shock, as he turned to face you bewilderedly. You leaned against the desk beside your laptop, your head tilted to the side in an almost carefree nature. In a matter a seconds, your demeanour had changed entirely. How? You were just terrified of him...he could hear your heart beating like crazy. “I’m sorry, what?...” he asked in disbelief “where is it then?”. “It’s long gone by now, The Boy’s probably have it now, so I don’t think you’ll be getting it back anytime soon”. How dare you. He was Homelander, the world’s greatest superhero, how dare you, a mere human speak to him this way. Downplaying your words, you watched as Homelander’s expression darkened, before he used his superhuman speed to suddenly appear before you in a burst of wind. You released a sharp cry as Homelander gripped your forearm, using his superhuman strength to apply agonising pressure to your limb. You winced, tears flowing freely from your eyes as he leaned forward, his breath ghosting the shell of your ear.

“I’ve changed my mind, I don’t even want the information anymore...” he began, tightening his grip which made you release a pained cry “I just want Billy Butcher. Now, I know you have contact with him. If you don’t tell me where he is in the next five seconds, I’m going to break your arm”. You shrieked, trying to pry your arm from his grip to no avail. “Five..” Homelander began, slowly squeezing your arm “four-”

“I don’t know where he is! I’m telling the truth!” “I don’t believe you, three...” He continued, as you screamed for him to let you go. You squirmed, you kicked, you tried anything and everything to get him to let go. “Two...” he whispered tauntingly, no doubt enjoying your pain. You were panicking by now. What could you do? What could you say to get him to believe you? “STOP! He comes by my apartment at random times of the day and night. There isn’t a set schedule, that’s all I know I swear!”. Silence enveloped the apartment, the only sound heard was your soft cries as the pain in your forearm became unbearable. But just like that, it disappeared as Homelander released you from his hold. You collapsed to the floor of your apartment, sobbing quietly as you held your arm to your chest. Through your tearful gaze, you could already see your arm starting to bruise, the vibrant red slowly turning to a deep purple.

Heavy footsteps approached as Homelander knelt down before you. Cupping the side of your face with his gloved hand, he lifted your head up to meet his gaze. With a small victorious smile, he spoke authoritatively “Then how about you and I make a little arrangement. I’ll stop by at random times of the day and night as well, that way, I’m bound to catch him at some point right? And when I do, I’ll kill you to set an example. How does that sound?”. You said nothing as Homelander stood up, his touch lingering as a silent promise to his threat. “Oh, and I forgot...” he called out, turning to face you with a smirk “Don’t even think about warning him, I’ll know” he continued, motioning to his ears in reference to his superhuman hearing before walking through your apartment door. As he disappeared through the adoring crowd still gathered outside, you began to sob loudly.

You had never been more terrified in your life. Your arm still hurt like hell as you trudged towards your phone, which had been vibrating non-stop the entire time. There were five missed calls from Billy, and about seven texts, all of them containing a stunning variety of swear words which you didn’t know existed.

‘Answer me damn it, fucking hell woman. What’s going on over there?’

Your hands trembled as you replied, your breath uneven as your heart thundered in your ears.

‘Not safe to talk. He knows’.

[vortexofentertainment]

How about a spider Beca bechloe fic?

This was SUPER fun to write! Thank you for the prompt :)

———

“I’m a little…” Beca spun and kicked the masked man in the chest. “…busy right now…” She grabbed one of the other men by the wrist and swung him around with all her might. “…Stacie.” The man collided with two others, sending them tumbling to the ground.

“I’m aware of that, but I just need to know if you can get some milk on your way home,” Stacie said. Sometimes Beca got really tired of her best friend always being in her ear. It wasn’t exactly ideal during these types of situations.

“Fine, yes, whatever,” Beca answered. 

She jumped, extended her arms, and shot her web to pull herself up just in time to avoid a trashcan hurtling towards her. 

“Now, tell me where the control room is.” 

She caught the trashcan with her webs before it hit the ground and tossed it back at the unexpected attacker. It smacked him in the face, knocking him unconscious.

Beca fell back to the floor, landing in a low squat with one hand on the ground. 

“It’s in the basement. Once you step out of the elevator shaft, it’ll be the third door to your right,” Stacie told her. “What about almond milk?”

“No fucking way,” Beca replied. 

“Oh, come on, Beca,” Stacie protested. “You’ve never even tried it.”

“I would like to keep it that way, thank you very much. There is nothing wrong with regular milk.” 

“Tell that to the cows,” Stacie mumbled. 

Beca ignored her best friend and jogged to the elevators. She really, really hated that she was ‘SpiderWoman’ as the media dubbed her. Before she became this ‘hero’, she was rarely physically active. It just wasn’t up her alley. Cardio was never high on her ‘to do’ list. 

She hit the button to the elevator, but nothing happened. She rolled her eyes and jammed it five or six more times. 

“Did you really think that was going to work?”

“A girl can dream.” Beca mumbled. She took a deep breath and shook her arms out beside her. “Here we go.”

She placed her fingers between the doors of the elevator and pulled as hard as she could. The door opened just enough for her to wedge her foot in the crack. She held it open there while she took a breath.

“Stace, do you think you could maybe modify a crowbar in the suit somehow?”

“Or you could just start going to the gym with me like I’ve been asking you to and maybe this wouldn’t be such a challenge.”

“Fuck off,” Beca grunted as she started to pull again. 

She managed to wedge her body through the door and into the elevator shaft. She jumped, sticking to the opposite wall as the doors slammed shut again.

“Ha! See? I’m strong.”

“No, you’re just tiny,” Stacie shot back. 

Beca started to crawl down the wall. It was still surreal that she could do something like this. 

“Do you have eyes in the control room?” 

“Yes, the idiots didn’t turn off the security cameras,” Stacie answered. Beca could practically hear her roll her eyes. “Looks like they have three hostages. Three girls. Two blondes and a redhead.” 

“Wait, a redhead?” Beca asked, flashing back to the reporter that had bugged the shit out of her after one of her saves last week, and multiple other missions before that. 

Beca just wanted to leave after taking down the scientist that thought he could turn your everyday appliances into androids. Turns out he just ended up making a lot of explosives. But the reported grabbed her after she had managed to wrap one of the explosives enough to muffle the blow. It wasn’t her hardest mission, but maybe one of the most annoying.

When she got the call from Stacie, she was listening to a popular DJ at a very exclusive club. She tried to weasel her way out of it, as she did with many of her missions, but as always she failed to do so. The better part of her won and she always ended up pulling on that stupid mask and risking her life for people that wouldn’t give her a second look without her SpiderWoman get up. 

The reporter, though inconvenient and pushy, seemed genuinely interested. She had asked personal questions. Well, besides the usual “Who are you?” She wanted to know why Beca did what she did, what it took to do so, and how it affected her everyday life. 

“The very same one,” Stacie answered. “Are you going to get her number this time?”

“Why would I do that?” Beca asked as she perched outside of the next set of doors she had to force her way through. 

She remembered mentioning, without realizing, that the redhead was cute. Anyone with eyes could see that. Her blue eyes were so beautiful and mesmerizing that Beca found herself literally dreaming about them looking back at her. The reporter had definitely caught Beca’s eye.

She shook her head slightly and tried to focus. She grabbed the doors once more and pulled.

“Because you have a crush on her,” Stacie pointed out. 

“Can we talk about this…” Beca grunted as she wedged herself between the small opening she had created. She turned quickly, pressing her back against one door as she put her feet up on the other. “…when I’m not about to be crushed?” 

“Okay, that’s fair, but don’t think you’re getting out of this.”

Beca straightened her body with all her might, causing the doors to open all the way this time. She relaxed a bit and fell to the ground with a thug.

“Got it,” she exhaled as she pushed herself up. “Second door to the right?”

“Third. Do you ever listen?”

Beca didn’t respond. She looked around to make sure there weren’t any more guards waiting for her. 

She noticed only two outside the door. Both were sitting in chairs, heads tilted to the side, clearly asleep. 

“These guys are truly idiots, aren’t they?” Beca whispered as she jumped and shot her webs towards the ceiling. 

“They’re not the brightest.”

She crawled slowly and quietly towards the still asleep guards. Once she was positioned over them, she shot her webs down to encircle the one on the right. She pulled up, making the man fly out of his chair. She stuck him to the ceiling, shooting another web over his mouth before he could even scream. 

She put a finger over her lips to signal for him to be quiet as she did the same to the other guy. Now, they were both struggling against her trap to no avail, shouting curses that were muffled by the web. 

“How many guys are inside?” she asked Stacie as crawled down onto the wall until she was perched just above the door.

“Four,” Stacie answered. “They’re all armed.”

“Great,” Beca mumbled. “Is there another way in?” 

“Afraid the front door is your only option, captain.” 

Beca took a deep breath. She really hated the fact that the reporter, or the other two hostages, could easily be hurt in all of this.

“Where exactly are the civilians?”

“Is that what we’re calling her now?”

“Stacie,” Beca warned. 

“They’re in the back left corner,” Stacie told her. “Looks like red is up to something, so you might want to hurry.”

“Fucking red,” Beca mumbled as she reached down and knocked on the door. 

She heard Stacie laugh. “You should see their faces right now! Oh my god, they’re so confused.”

Beca reached down and knocked again.

Finally, the door creaked open. She watched one of the masked men poked his head out and then stepped outside of the room to see who had knocked. He looked down the empty hallway.

Beca did a high then low whistle to get his attention. He slowly looked up. Beca loved the terrified look some of the bad guys gave her.

“Hi there,” she said before pouncing fist first towards his face. 

She felt the impact that more than likely broke his jaw as he fell to the ground unconscious. She shot webs out of each wrist back towards the ceiling to swing herself into the room. She extended both legs to kick two of the other guards in the chest and back into the control panel. Sparks flew everywhere. Beca couldn’t imagine the shock those two had just received. 

“Don’t move!” the fourth and last guy yelled as Beca landed in a crouch. 

The man was holding the reporter by the arm with a gun to her head. She looked terrified. Those blue orbs that Beca dreamed about were looking to her for any kind of help. 

Beca slowly stood, holding both hands up in surrender. 

“You don’t want to do that, big guy,” Beca said as she shifted her weight slowly. 

“Beca, I don’t think the gun is even loaded,” Stacie said quietly in her ear. “He was about to reload it when you knocked. There might be one in the chamber, though.”

Beca kept her stare glued onto the girl’s eyes. She tried to stay calm, but those eyes had her heart racing. She couldn’t mess this up. 

“If you take one step I will blow her brains out,” the man growled at Beca. 

“You have my word. Not another step,” she said smoothly. 

She shifted her gaze to the man. She watched as he looked around and then down at the other two hostages. 

Before she had time to second guess herself, she flung her wrist forward. One web wrapped around the gun and the other clung onto the man’s face.

She yanked the gun away from the man and into her own clutches as he stumbled back.

The reporter turned quickly once he released her and landed a knockout blow to the guy’s nose. He doubled forward in pain. Beca watched as the report brought her knee up, hard, connecting to the man’s face once again. 

The force brought his feet off the ground. Beca took the chance to shoot more of her webs towards him. They wrapped around his feet and she flung him across the room. He hit the other wall with so much force that it dented in as he crumbled to the ground.

“Nice,” Stacie chuckled. “I’ve notified the police that the problem is handled.”

“The building is clear,” Beca said to the women. She dropped the gun to the ground. “It’s safe to leave. The police are outside sweeping the area. The elevator is broken though. You’ll have to use the steps.”

The two girls still on the floor got up and ran out. 

Beca looked back at the redhead who hadn’t moved.

“I don’t think I caught your name last time,” she said.

The girl smirked and arched an eyebrow. “Chloe.”

“Well, Chloe, you seem to find yourself in the midst of a lot of trouble.”

“You’re one to talk,” Chloe answered as she took a step closer to Beca.

“Touché,” Beca smirked, even though Chloe couldn’t see it. She was still moving closer. 

“Ask her for coffee, you baffoon,” Stacie hissed.

Beca hesitated. There was definitely an… attraction to the reporter. She wasn’t sure, however, that it was safe to reveal her true identity. No matter how magnetic the girl’s smile was. 

“I have a theory,” the redhead said as she finally stopped moving towards Beca. They were just a couple of steps apart now.

“About?”

“Who you really are.”

“Oh?”

“Yeah,” Chloe took a half step closer. “See, I was at this club last week with a friend from college.”

Beca’s heart plummeted. 

“And I had my eye on this cute brunette that was just really enjoying the music.” Chloe took another half step closer. The crooked grin on her face set Beca’s cheeks on fire beneath her mask. “She was wearing a leather vest over a grey t-shirt and these really tight skinny jeans. I was just about to make my move on her when she got a phone call.”

“What does this have to do with me?” Beca managed to get out. The crack in her voice definitely gave her away.

“Real smooth,” Stacie mumbled.  

“About ten minutes after she left, I got a call to go and cover a story about you. Remember that?”

“The explosive dude that was just a really bad scientist.”

“That’s the one. But, I noticed something.” Chloe reached up and captured Beca’s chin between her pointer finger and thumb. “One, your voice is very similar, and two, when you left the scene last week I heard you humming the same song that was playing when you got the call at the club.”

Beca was frozen. Every part of her was itching to reach out and grab Chloe. Her fingers twitched by her side.

“That’s a… um… interesting theory,” Beca struggled to say. 

“I’m very rarely wrong. It’s kind of what I do for a living,” Chloe told her as she released Beca’s chin. “So, am I right?”

“Off the record?” Beca asked as she searched those blue orbs. She didn’t want to fall prey to just another hungry reporter desperate for a story.

“Completely off the record,” Chloe answered with a nod. 

“Why don’t you show up at the coffee shop tomorrow at noon to find out?” Beca asked. “The one by campus,” she specified as she backed out of the room. 

“It’s a date!” she heard Chloe yell after her as she sprinted down the hallway and back into the empty elevator shaft. 

[cloudynames]

Troublemaker

i promised i would be back!! please enjoy this yangyang post <3 also please keep hendery in your thoughts because he hurt his waist by falling :(( let’s thank winwin for taking care of him though!

Word Count: 1,838

Rating: Teen

Warnings: Swearing, suggestive thoughts

lets get it!!

-----------------------------------

Living in a dusty desert with scorching weather all year round was definitely not the top of your desired places to live. The summers were like Hell on Earth with sticky thighs and peeling skin if you didn’t apply enough sunscreen. If you thought the winters were better, it was only a couple of degrees lower and instead you were left wishfully thinking of snowy mountains. However, your wonderful college just so happened to border the desert and because most people didn’t want to work in the sandy wasteland, finding a job within the college town was near impossible. Jobs like dog-walking were available but walking every day in the 100° Fahrenheit for three hours was something you would despise. With how much you go out with your friends or not realizing how expensive rent is, you needed to make money because even with your parents donating funds, it still wasn’t enough.

Thankfully, a Motel 6 opened up barely half an hour away from campus and your parents had blessed you with a car just before you left for college. It was awkward trying to become accustomed how proper and prim you had to act since you were just college kid working at the dingy motel for a couple of extra dollars. Even though it was only a part time job, you’ve learned much about the importance of appearances. Wearing a stuffy black, blazer and a white button down every other day has people glancing at you differently and even letting you have coffee on the house at your favorite cafe. Many people thought you were an important business person but in reality, it was a young adult playing dress up.

Another important value your job has taught you was the importance of not judging the guests that walk in during different times of the day, the exact opposite for yourself. You’ve seen truck drivers, couples, business people, and more walk into the small Motel 6. No matter what state they seem to be in, whether it be exhausted, giddy, or anguished, you always smiled politely and asked, “What kind of room would you like to rent and for how long?” The fewer questions asked, the better night it would be.

Working at the Motel 6 has never made you seriously question the safety of your surroundings but has definitely almost made you press the, ‘Call police,’ button under the receptionist’s desk. You’ve seen someone come in with shovel which made you question their intentions until you realized they were a construction worker. After that brief encounter, you’re not worried about the people who walk in.

Until a cool, May night presents you with a boy with ruffled, messy brown hair and a glimmer in his eyes which can only be described as dangerous. When he walked in, you couldn’t help but stare blankly at him. He stands in front of you, rocking back and forth and whistling mindlessly to some popular tune on the radio.

“How may I help you, sir?” You question, quirking an eyebrow at him. He was dressed in a black sleeveless shirt with dirty combat boots. He played with the leather jacket wrapped around his waist, also while displaying his spiky belt. If trouble had a name, it would be his.

“It’s Yangyang. I want your cheapest room for one night.” His accent rings out in the air and you stare at him quietly. There is only one conclusion you’ve come to: a one night stand.

“May I see some form of identification?”

He slides an international driver’s license onto the granite counter and you carefully examine the card. ‘Liu Yangyang’ is the same age as you and seems to be from Germany. You give his license back after typing in the required information within the computer. Asking minor questions, you notice how his eyes glimmer or how he nervously played with a tuft of his hair. Silently giggling to yourself, you acknowledged how adorable he was. He seemed like trouble but that didn’t mean you couldn’t think the bad boy was attractive.

After handing him a key card, you wished him a pleasant night as he went back out the entrance, probably to hit up the bars and bring someone back with him. That thought doesn’t settle well in your stomach and you find yourself pouting because of fate. You wouldn’t have normally cared but this was the first guy you’ve found cute in a while. Shrugging it off, you dismissed the thought. You were just deprived of any romance with juggling a job and school. All your heart and brain wanted was someone to kick back with and the first guy you thought was attractive walked into the motel lobby meant your heart had to jump at the thought.

Yangyang comes back quicker than expected without an escort. Instead, he carries a guitar case, an amp, and a backpack. Wordlessly, you send a prayer up to God and hope that Yangyang isn’t going to be the spawn of Satan and play his guitar at nearly ten o’clock. He waves you a goodbye as he ascends up the elevator, almost dropping the amp in the process. Shyly, you wave back and turn back to your homework that you’ve hidden under the receptionist desk.

An hour passes by and nobody has called the desk or came into the motel. Internally, you’re grateful but your gut tells you that your night isn’t going to be that uneventful. Just as you were finishing up your calculus work, the painful ringing of the desk phone disturbs your relaxed mind. Taking a deep breath, you pick up the phone and with a cheery voice, you speak, “Hello, this is Motel 6’s receptionist desk. How may I help you?” A gruff voice greets you, “Yeah, hello. There’s this annoying ass kid playing the guitar on my floor and I want him to shut the fuck up or I’ll request a refund!” He nearly screams into the phone, making you move the device away from your ear.

“Yes, I will talk to him immediately. Thank you for notifying the desk.” Without waiting for his response, you slam down the phone. You already know who’s causing trouble.

Liu Yangyang.

As you call one of the other receptionists in the break room to cover for you while you deliver a stern talking to the troublesome guest, you notice the phone ring again.

Bracing yourself mentally, you pick up the phone and are immediately greeted with, “Front desk? Yeah, deal with that kid! I can’t sleep and I have an important business meeting tomorrow. I’ll have this entire motel bulldozed before you can even blink!” And the line ends with a buzz.

The clacking of your shoes on the tiles reflect the beating in your heart as you go up to the floor above to encounter the hot topic of the night. As you stare at room ‘116,’ you feel anxiety build up and you realize you’re hyping yourself over nothing. Shaking all feelings away, you quickly rap your knuckles on the dark wooden door.

Yangyang opens the door soon after, sweat covering his forehead, making his hair stick to his neck and he smiles breathlessly at you.

“Hi, what's up?” He asks casually, holding his guitar in one hand and holding the door open with the other hand. With his whole room on display, you noticed how his room seems to be disheveled with garbage thrown everywhere. Pity fills in your chest for the maids tomorrow but you’ve come here with a mission.

“We’ve received a few calls for noise complaints. Would you care to explain the situation?”

Suddenly, it clicks in his head and he attempts to hide the guitar behind his body. “Uh, nope. No clue. I haven’t heard anything.”

Eyes narrowing, you step closer to him and get a whaff of his intoxicating cologne but it doesn’t stop your task at hand.

“Liar. You know exactly what I’m talking about. Keep making noise and we’ll be more than happy to kick you out.” With that, you whip your body around and start stomping off to the elevators once more. You didn’t fail to catch his whisper afterwards as well, “Woah, that was hot.”

Taking your seat at your desk once more, you fan your hands in front of your cheeks as an attempt to calm yourself down. Playing on your phone served as a good distraction as soon it was twelve and your other coworker has come in to take over your shift. “Hi Johnny,” you greet him, writing down notes of things that have happened throughout the night.

He replies back and before he can talk your ear off, you shove him into the breakroom so he can get settled and take over your shift. Just as he comes out of the breakroom, the phone rings once more, almost mocking you. Dread sets in your stomach and you hope it’s someone calling for an extra pillow. Slowly picking up the phone, you say, “Hello, front desk. How may we help you tonight?”

The same gruff voice from just an hour earlier assaults your ear with profanities and something along the lines of, “That stupid fucking boy is making more noise! I can’t stand it! Listen--”

“Yes sir--” You cut him off before abruptly continuing, “We’ll talk to him once more,” you end the call and sit back in your chair, groaning loudly.

Johnny affectionately pats your head. “Just threaten him and then you can go home.”

Home did sound nice after a night like this. Grumbling and hauling your backpack upstairs irritated you immensely. This time, you weren’t going to be so nice to this boy. You thought he got the message originally but clearly not. He wasn’t going to ruin your night anymore. You had no sleep yet and were looking forward to bingeing a new show since you had no class the next day.

Knocking on the door, you braced yourself for a long, insulting speech about his lack of manners and how he would be a lot cuter if he learned some.

The culprit opens the door and brightly grins.

“Oh good! My plan worked! Now you can talk to me but it looks like you’re reprimanding me so nobody will suspect anything!” With that, he grabs your arm and yanks you into the room. You’ll never admit to him once you’re in the room that you liked the feeling of his warmth on your arm.

What were you saying about a deprived love life again?

---------------------

“Liu Yangyang,” you state, licking the vanilla cone he bought you before it begins to drip all over your hand.

“Yes, baby?” He replies, brushing the hair out of your eyes and also taking a lick of his own cone.

“Why were you at the motel that day?”

“Oh, I left my dorm to practice because my roommates were complaining about the noise. The adorable receptionist was a bonus that night.” “You’re so irritating.”

“But you love it.”

[levs-mindspace]

Chapter two!!!

Paranoia available on Wattpad now!!

That night has been stuck in my head ever since. I slept the night in the store straight into the opening of the next day after I was too scared to go home.

Yes, this story was strange to someone from the outside, but for a witch in New York? It was a death sentence. Think of this: Teen Found dead with Crosses covering her body after she posts runes reading ad online. Even: 19y/o crucified while burnt with own sage in central park.

Living as a witch lately has been more dangerous than ever. These people never knew what was coming since they were some of the first victims, but there have been over 10 killings in the past six months from what the police think is the same man. They have close to no leads to who it is, but I would pay actual money to say it was the man that came here last night.

Who knows maybe he even is a witch come to exterminate the rest of us and his bad tarot skills were just him playing dumb. He sure as hell knew what card to pull out to make me paranoid about him, that's for sure. After some thinking, I left a complaint with the police about a man in my shop. Hopefully, they can find this guy before he finds me again.

I slowly made my way out of the back of the store and into the actual shop portion. I sell everything from deity sculptures, to blank notebooks, to runes and more. If you need anything spiritual, you will find it at The Inner Light.

When I approach the door to turn on the open sign, I notice someone out front. Actually, they are leaned across the bench, almost waiting it seems. After last night, I wasn't taking any chances with strange visitors. I took one of the heavy glass wands off the shelf and armed myself with it before I checked who it was. I slowly reach the handle and open the door... just to find Sarah, my employee, laying outside, presumably waiting for the shop to open so her shift will start.

As quick as I can, I wake her up, bring her in from the cold, wrap her in a blanket, and sit her down in the back. She is in no shape to work right this minute. Especially since it was my anxiety over this man that caused me to oversleep here and forget to open anyways.

"So," Sarah started off with," you haven't been late opening in months, what caused you to now?" I recanted everything of the last night's events to her in extreme detail, yet I left out which card it was and just told her I forgot to check.

As if just to prove my earlier point Sarah muttered, while trying to warm herself even more with the blanket, "It would be kinda scary if he actually pulled the death card out wouldn't it?" So I felt the need to correct her.

"No actually, most of the time the death card actually stands for breaking off old habits and relationships. It's mostly good, but of course, it depends on the circumstances, like always,"

"Oh. well whatever he pulled, I don't even care if its the seven of hearts..."

"Sarah that's not a tarot card"

" I DON'T CARE, whatever he pulled, you deserve a day off from what that man put you through. You go home and I can handle the store today, look!" she said while pulling off her blanket, "I'm not even cold anymore."

Sarah was a nice girl and all, but was she truly capable of handling the store? I mean I live just upstairs anyway. I practically am home.

"I don't know, what if he comes back?" I questioned. if he came back, especially with a knife again, she would be defenseless. She is only new to our coven as well, she knows close to no defensive spells.

"I may not be as magically inclined as you, but I'm a big 6'1 woman, I think I can handle a little man," she joked and laughed. "Seriously though, I'll be fine."

"I'm really trusting you with this one, and thank you," I told her. It will be a relief at least. Hopefully, that relief will overtake my anxiety.

Eh, hope is overrated anyway.

-

After packing up from the shop, I decided to do a little 'window shopping.' There are multiple mystic shops in New York, but I've always dreamed of being the one that people would go to first. Right now people only come to me for my fortune telling, not the shop itself. So everyone and a while I go to some different shops, posing as a customer, and see what they have that I don't. It's close to always effective.

I decided that my first shop of the day would be Lucky Lucy's. She specializes in crystals, which I do not. I love studying them and have a few of my own, just I don't sell as much of them.

As I walk in, the strong smell of sage hits my nose right away. I thought I burned strong stuff, I was wrong, so wrong.

The walls were lined with every crystal imaginable: Amethyst, citrine, bismuth. Heck, she even had refrigerated gallium at one point, and that's not even a rock.

I had to say, it was impressive. But no matter how good it was, I wouldn't be able to take any tips from it since I don't sell crystals, so I bought some obsidian for my personal collection and left.

I began walking down the street when I had the sinking feeling I was being followed. Luckily from being a woman in New York, I had previous experience with this feeling so I pulled out my safe button. Basically, if I lift my finger off the button it notifies police and ambulances.

I tried to take a longer route, hoping to lead whoever was following me off track. Yet the feeling stayed with me.

I couldn't sense this person's aura though, which threw me off, was I imagining that there was someone?

CRASH

I jumped so hard I slammed my head into the side of the brick wall next to me.

After I fell, I believe I blacked out for a second, because I felt a small tongue licking my face when I came to. It turns out I was being followed by a small black cat. This would explain why I couldn't sense an aura as well; I was never good at telling Animals.

I know it is stereotypical for a witch to find a black cat, but I feel connected to it somehow. Maybe I finally got myself a familiar? But who knows. It's random chance to actually get a familiar that wasn't passed down through your family. Ever since the Satin Puikus Ragana scandals, familiars have been in hiding, maybe it's far time for them to come out.

The puikus Ragana is the highest form of witch possible, but you only become one after you are chosen by the gods. It's said that they have to bathe in the moon, which causes them to shimmer blue in their hair and eyes. After they bathe, they become immortal and fit to raise a coven. In the '70s though, the gods chose a man who was crazed, Satin Browning. He led up a coven that tried to overtake communities and killed all that did not join him. It was a mess within the witch community. Satin disguised himself as a familiar to gain entry into the covens. He listened to learn their secrets and then killed them. Afterward, most people abandoned or cursed their familiars.

This cat though, I assume is just a stray. Anyways, it deserves a good home, it looks starving. Its ribs are almost popping out of its skin at this point. I pick it up and surprisingly, it lets me. It meows at me softly and purrs the entire way back to my shop. Maybe if I keep her in there, her owner will find her? It's a shot in the dark but if it works?

As I approach my shop, she jumps out of my arms, and for a second I thought she was gone forever. Gone to see her owner somewhere. But she sat at the door waiting for me, Almost as if she knew that's where I was already going.

Maybe I have a familiar after all...

[rhymeswithlion]

Writing Exercise #2 - DO NOT LOOK AT THE MOON

[WP] It's 3AM. An official phone alert wakes you up. It says, "DO NOT LOOK AT THE MOON." You have hundreds of notifications. Hundreds of random numbers are sending "It's a beautiful night tonight. Look outside."

--------

The phone alarm blared at full volume, jarring Michael out of a deep sleep. He opens his telephone to a large alert window that reads, "DO NOT LOOK AT THE MOON." He sees his own puzzled expression reflected on it. The phone buzzed maddeningly as it is flooded by text messages by numbers he's never seen before. He begins to think of how so many people could have gotten his number. He turned on the light and got out of bed.

Michael was, by all means, an introvert. He tended to leave his abode as infrequently as he could afford. Work and basic needs like groceries and hygiene were of the few things to drag him from his habitat. He had friends whom he saw semi-regularly (at least, to him it seemed that way. His friends would have consider their meetings closer to seasonal). Michael could count them on two hands. Could he have shared his phone number online? Was it from all the free trials of subscriptions that he used? Had someone hacked him?

The phone vibrated for minutes. He felt ambushed by continued stream of notifications once it fell the to the ground from his desk. He broke from thought and reached for it, still buzzing. He hadn't even read the messages; He was too concerned with figuring out what this could possibly be.

Michael pressed a button and the device comes to life. He still saw the alert about the moon. He couldn’t dismiss it, either. Odd. The phone continued showing notifications. Michael couldn’t shake the bad feeling that rushed over him. He searched for news online. The internet, his main source of information about the world outside of his bedroom, yielded no helpful results. It was supposedly a normal morning. Another round of notification alerts appeared before the phone settled down for a few minutes, somehow leaving him Michael more unsettled.

"258 New Messages" was next on his home screen. 258 spam messages or advertisements sent to him in the middle of the night was the best case scenario in his mind. He opened his messages and nearly dropped the phone in shock. He lost his breathe. His face paled, to a shade some might consider undiscovered. Unread messages from different unlabeled contacts took up most of his screen. Everyone read the same: "It's a beautiful night tonight. Look outside."

Michael staggered from the shock and sat down to collect himself. He didn't understand. Worriedly, he checked the concealment of his own windows. He returned to his desk, leaving his phone aside, and searched about the moon with his computer. He saw pages of images and new stories about the moon, but nothing about not looking at it. The only helpful information he found was a blog post discussing lunar phases, myth, and legends. The blogger, whose other posts included conspiracy theories that ranged from "believable" to "this reads like bad fanfiction", cited the full moon tonight as their inspiration for the article. Michael, mentally grasping for straws, continued to read in hopes of finding some rational explanation about the moon that night. Of course, seeking reasonable explanations on a website discussing the high likelihood of reptiles running the world may not have been the most reliable source.

One part in particular caught Michael's eyes: "There are unexplainable increases in emergency room visits, accidents, crime rates, and spiritual practices around the time of the full moon. The latin word "Luna" is the root for the word "Lunatic", driven by a belief that abnormal behavior was most common during the full moon. Could this be when the world is most open to supernatural phenomena? Studies have shown no statistic background but there is a lot of data on the topic. Maybe this one will be special." He looked down from his computer screen back to his phone as it buzzed with new life. More unknown numbers. More messages. The panic hit him like he had just learned he was burning. He physically recoiled and jumped from his chair.

Michael began trying to rationalize the situation, "Maybe it's a big prank. There's nothing online about it! I should text my friends about it! No, that's dumb. Who would respond at 3 AM? They're all asleep, I'm sure. I should talk to the neighbors. I'll get dressed and talk to the neighbors."

Michael's apartment building is one of those that seems bigger on the inside. From the outside it looked like a modest, single story, three bedroom home. Surprisingly, there are 12 studio apartments. It was mostly surrounded by taller buildings but he could always see the sky from his window if he stood close. He always felt that some natural light would be better than none.

He was familiar enough with his proximate neighbors, if only because they expectedly saw each other when departing or returning. He didn’t even know their names. Well, he didn’t remember them. He had heard them on several occasions but managed to get by all the same. Michael dressed with clothes he wore that day, since they were the closest to him and he believed nobody would care about that kind of stuff at 3 AM. Just before opening the door, he remembered a window in the hall to the right.

"It doesn't have a shade or curtain, but I don't want to risk looking at the moon by accident. It doesn't hurt to be too careful, right?"

He exited his bedroom with a flattened cardboard box he'd used to move in several months earlier. It was large enough to cover a portion of the wall and the hall window and reached to his right to place it. The difficult part of his plan was placing it while looking away. He backpedaled towards the window with his head turned until he felt the makeshift barrier contact the wall. He leaned it on the wall and went back to retrieve a suitcase large enough to hold it in place. Michael turned back towards his across-the-hall neighbor and knocks on the door. As he knocked, he realized the door had been left open. He knocked again and took a step inside.

"Hello? Is anyone home?"

No response.

"It's me, Michael...I’m sorry to bother you at this hour. Are you getting any of these weird phone alerts?"

The silence worsened his anxiety and paranoia. He stepped forward to look around, careful of his angle towards any open spaces and potential windows. The room was empty. There were no signs of disturbance, yet no one was there. The open window was the only detail to catch his eye. Thankfully, he was safe from direct view of the moon. He left the apartment and returned to the hallway. Michael looked left to see his barricade and felt some reassurance under the pressure. He stepped towards his next door neighbor's door. Once again, he knocked and the door crept open. Michael cautiously moved inside and briefly surveyed the area. Aside from the contents of the room, the details were the same: no signs of disturbance, no tenant, and an open window. He closed the door and decided to check the rest of the apartments. Every room on his floor was empty. Every tenant was missing. Every door was unlocked. Everyone’s windows were open. Michael took great care to avoided any views outside neighbors' windows and made sure to close every door behind him.

He couldn’t suppress himself anymore. Michael yelled at the top of his lungs, hoping to dispel some of the fear consuming him. He checked his phone again. New alerts were all the same: A warnings about the moon and ceaseless texts about the beautiful night. He walked back down the hallway to his bedroom and loudly slammed the door behind him. He tried to lock the door but can't seem to stop his hands from shaking. After struggling for some time, Michael sat back down at his desk. He decided to call everyone he knows. He knew there was something terribly wrong and needed to hear a familiar voice. Michael opened his contacts list and hurriedly called each person.

"This number is not accepting calls at this time. Please try again later", a pre-recorded message repeats several times before he hung up the phone. He tried again with the next name on his list to no avail. Another attempt, another failure. Michael worked through his entire social circle of friends, family, and co-workers before collapsing to the floor, physically and mentally exhausted. He spoke loudly to himself, perhaps in an attempt to give himself some kind of company,

“What the hell is going on? Where is everyone? This must be real. Is this real life? Am I really awake? Am I alive or dead?”

A moment passed before something clicked, or perhaps snapped, in his mind. There were so many unknown variables. What was going on? Could someone else have managed to avoid the night sky, by accident or intentionally? Were there any other people experiencing the same dread? What was the government doing? Was there still a government? Was anyone in contact with anyone? Will anything change when the sun comes out?

Michael resolved himself, in only for the moment. He decided to return to his studio to check television, radio, and the internet to see any notice about this grave and present emergency. He planned to take a sleeping pill and set several alarms to wake him up for daytime, so that he could go outside and find someone else, anyone else.

His phone buzzed while his computer notified him of new emails. He tripped on the pile of unfinished books that had accumulated near his bed. His hand moved swiftly to move the mouse and see what his inbox had to offer. At this point, he felt anything would be a comfort. He had been proven wrong. 100 new emails from new senders that all read, “It’s a beautiful night tonight. Look outside.”

He firmly shut the door behind him and locked it, as though there was any sign of activity in his entire building. He roused his computer from its sleep and refreshed his news feed on Google, Facebook, and other media outlets. Nothing was different. Nothing had changed since he had looked. This was the digital age, he thought. If something this big was going on, someone would have posted something. There was no evidence of any new developments in the world. The only solace he found was on the television and radio, which he felt was a bit ironic but almost certainly wasn't.

A message displayed on his television screen through the local emergency broadcast system and the radio played a text-to-speech of the same notice: “DO NOT LOOK AT THE MOON.” He turned off his television, computer, and radio. He found his sleeping pills, dropping some to the floor because of a steady tremble through his hands and body. He took one, drank some water, and closed his eyes. He fell asleep, but he couldn't tellhow long it took. He just knew it felt like a lifetime.

Michael's alarms went off in metered intervals. 9:00 AM, 9:05 AM, 9:10 AM, and so forth. He swung his legs to the side of his bed and stood up too quickly, falling back down as the blood had rushed to his head. Sleep had helped to clear his head. He thought it was probably a dream. Things would go back as they used to be because he was just having a bad dream. Seeking brief comfort, he opened his computer and turned on his TV and radio. The contents were the same as before he had forced himself to bed. It was like the world had stopped. No news - no celebrity gossip, sports analysis, political stirrings, weather, Reddit, Facebook.

Michael briefly felt confident in thinking that maybe nothing at all happened in the world today. He could barely grasp his immediate surrounding circumstances, let alone an world events. He turned to his curtained window before he was overcome with a sense that something was terribly, terribly wrong. He rushed to his light switch and turned off his ceiling lamp to confirm his suspicions. He was right. There was no natural light. Where was the sun? He turned his light back on just so he could feel some kind of radiant warmth on his skin.

The only certainty in Michael's mind was that he was still alive. He must still be alive. He pinched himself to see, because he learned from someone that feeling a pinch meant you were not dreaming. He began searching for food, then decided that tending to basic needs would help him to better process the situation. His eyes shot to the small pantry in his kitchen and he approached. Grief and hunger worsened the realization that he had nothing edible in his whole apartment. Could he borrow some food from neighbors? Would they even care? Would they ever even notice? Would they ever be back? Guilt and determination collided in his mind before he walked into each of his neighbors’ apartments.

After some time scavenging the building, he assembled the haul on his countertop: a collection of three half-eaten bags of tortilla chips, eight ounces of two-day old guacamole, five cans of soup, four packages of instant ramen, two eggs, and a frozen pizza. Conservatively, he felt this would last him just under a week. Michael took a shower to wash the dirt, sweat, and stress from him. He planned to eat two meals a day and continue until the sun came up. Once the sun came up, he would try to find help.

His daily to-do list on the refrigerator nagged him. He always needed structure. It helped organize his thoughts and kept him focused. He designed a daily routine for himself until the situation changed. He used one hand to write and one to shovel guacamole and chips into his mouth. The schedule read, “Wake up. Check for sun. Eat. Check internet, TV, etc. Read. Shower. Eat. Go to bed.” He felt more in control in this moment, proudly shoveling the last bit of guacamole into his mouth. He grabbed the closest book-in-progress to him, of which there were many, and read for as long as he could. He plugged his phone in once he began dozing off, checked his alarms, took a couple of sleeping pills, and fell into the covers of his bed.

Michael woke up the next day with a stronger sense of purpose and control of his situation. He looked to his list. He knew the first step of his day. He approached his window and saw`the same as yesterday. He sighed and walked to retrieve the frozen pizza but a lack of appetite changed his mind. Nothing new on the internet. No new messages. He picked up a different book nearby him and began reading until his sight blurred. He marked the page, dropped the book, and walked to his shower. Michael solemnly walked to his bed and took more pills than usual. He stared at his window before drifting off.

His alarms rang. He woke up. He saw a familiar lack of light outside. He turned on his oven for a moment and inserted the frozen pizza. No changes online. Michael removed the pizza and ate it like an oversized taco. He tried to read but kept losing his place on the same few pages. He left the book on the ground to take a shower. He ate what was left of his pizza and a bowl of instant ramen. He took some pills. He thought to himself, because he felt talking out loud made no difference to him at this point,

“Am I dead? Is this Hell? Is anyone else out there?”

This cycle repeated for five or six more days. Michael couldn't really tell because the food lasted longer than expected, as stressful situations often ruin appetites and his concept of time wavered as he increased his dose of sleeping medication. On what he felt was the sixth day, something new happened.

He woke up and saw the sun was still not yet out. He accepted this a new reality, as though the sun had never existed. He said softly to himself,

“It's always been night time. It's always dark. The moon is always there. I would assume so, but I haven't even looked outside in maybe a week. Is there anything left? I wish I could talk to someone I know. Hell, anyone.”

The phone buzzed to life for the first time in days. It woke again, then slept. And once more. Michael furiously tapped the locked screen to see three messages from names he recognized. He was eager to see if they were alright, or holed up, or if they had any idea what was happening. In the moment he saw his three unread replies, he felt his heart drop into his stomach like a ten ton weight and it knocked him to the ground.

Michael, stunned, saw more messages arrive from his friends, family, and more. Old classmates, ex-girlfriends, coworkers. Within moments, he saw a new message from every contact in his phone. His heart raced. His breath was unsteady. He couldn't think straight. The room spun and felt increasingly small as Michael felt the world he knew had left him behind. He dropped his phone as though his muscles went limp, and promptly fell in a similar fashion. Michael became overwhelmed with questions, the same he'd been asking himself all this time. Was he awake? Was he asleep? Was this real? Is this Hell? Why did he have to be alone? He didn’t want to be alone anymore.

He felt a mental snap similar to the first day of this event and it instantly drew him to three conclusions, among all other possibilities he’d considered. He was either dreaming, stuck in some sort of time loop, or everyone else had looked at the moon and he was the only human left on the planet. Michael believed at this point that nothing he had tried would work and that he needed to take a radically different approach. That was the only way he would know, he thought.

As his decision solidified in his mind, he sat down at his desk and woke up his computer to open a blank text document. He felt, at least, that if he wrote what he could remember from however long this had been happening, that he’d be able to leave something behind if someone found it. He couldn’t stand being alone anymore. He didn’t care about food, water, or hygiene. He just didn’t want to be alone.

He began writing as much as he could from the very beginning up until the last day, or night as it was. He couldn’t tell time anymore, and he knew the sun would not come up, so he didn’t keep track of how long he sat there. Eventually, he got to where he last was. He felt he had done his best. He saved the document, unlocked his computer, and set the display to stay on indefinitely. He felt nothing else left to try. He had to know. He had to see if the night was indeed beautiful.

I’m going to look now.

Signed,

Michael

[shadow-light19]

Traveling Home Chapter 7: The News

Notes: Sorry it took so long to update. Got really busy with school. I also went and updated all the previous chapters. The changes I made were;

Instead of 2 miles from the bottom of the mountains I made it 4. Justifies Donald getting lost for 2 days

Added a date tracker after the quicksand incident (Chapter 4)

Gave the nephews a MUCH stronger reaction to Donald’s death (Chapter 4). This was this biggest change I made in the story.

Rearranged one paragraph so that the story reads chronologically. (From Chapter 5 to Chapter 7)

Summary: Scrooge and Huey notify some of Donald’s friends about his death. Donald finds the exit.

Previous Chapter:  https://shadow-light19.tumblr.com/post/172578583882/traveling-home-chapter-6-the-mansionsummary

Next Chapter: https://shadow-light19.tumblr.com/post/173772296797/traveling-home-chapter-8-the-ruins

Day 3 - Afternoon

“…I’ll be there later today,” Gladstone replied monotonously. He clicked the end call button but couldn’t bring himself to do anything else.

It was surreal. After everything that Donald had ever gone through, sure things had gone wrong, but not like this. For all Gladstone teased Donald about his bad luck, Gladstone admired him. He loved his family so much. He went on so many adventures and was a part of the Navy. He worked hard for his life and, while it wasn’t easy, Donald made every attempt to give the boys a good life.

Why do I keep losing the people I care about? My parents, Della, and now Donald…

“Sir, excuse me but are you alright?”

Gladstone jumped. He looked up from the phone and realized that there was an airport employee giving him a concerned frown. He had forgotten he was standing in the luggage return area of the Hollywood Airport.

“I-I’m okay. Sorry about that. Can you take me to customer service? I need to catch the next available flight to Duckburg.”

The employee nodded.

“Of course, sir!”

They walked together to the customer service desk and luckily, no one was in line. Gladstone thanked the employee and approached the desk.

“Excuse me, I would like to buy a ticket for the next available flight to Duckburg please.”

The service employee typed away at the computer.

“We have a couple seats left for a flight that leaves in the next 30 minutes. You have enough miles for a free ticket if you would like me to book your flight with it.”

Gladstone shakily smiled at him.

“Thanks, I appreciate it.”

The man prints out the ticket and hands it to Gladstone.

“Here you are, sir! I hope you have a wonderful day.”

Gladstone sighed, “Thank you.”

He turned and made his way to the gates.

I’m taking a page out of your book, Donald. Family helps family. I’ll stick around as long as they need me.

 Mickey Mouse hummed as he shut his front door with his foot. He was carrying multiple brown bags of groceries and plopped them down on the kitchen counter. Pluto came running from upstairs.

“Hey, Pluto! Have a good nap?” Pluto nods and starts sniffing the bags.

“I told Minnie I would make dinner tonight. I’ve got a couple more hours before I need to start cooking, but I figured I could get some of the prep work done.” Mickey grabbed a cutting board from an overhanging cabinet.

“Hopefully Chief O’Hara won’t call me to work on a case before then. Minnie was so livid the last time I canceled due to a case.” He smiles and chuckles to himself.

Mickey gets back to work, cutting up vegetables for dinner when the phone starts ringing.

“Wonder who that could be?” Mickey plucks the phone from the receiver in the living room and holds it up between his ear and shoulder as he gets back to cooking.

“Hello? Mickey Mouse speaking!”

“M-Mickey?”

Mickey freezes. He slowly sets the kitchen knife on the counter and walks into the living room.

Is that Huey? Is he crying? Donald would be having a fit if he heard him like this. I have a bad feeling about this…

“What’s wrong Huey? Are you guys alright?”

Mickey sat down in the armchair by the phone.

“Can you c-come down? We were on an adventure with U-Uncle Scrooge and-and!”

Huey started crying over the phone. Mickey started panicking.

“Huey, it’s okay! Take a couple deep breaths okay? Of course, I’ll come down. I need you to tell me what’s wrong though. Maybe you can put Donald on the phone and he can explain it if it’s this hard for you to tell me.”

Mickey felt his heart sink when that only served to make Huey cry harder.

“M-Mickey… U-Uncle Donald is d-dead.”

Mickey’s hand starts shaking and tears well up in his eyes. He didn’t notice when he lowered the phone to his lap, or when Huey called his name when he didn’t respond.

No, no, no… Donald… is dead?

Pluto, noticing something was wrong with his owner, walked up and put a paw on his lap. Mickey snapped out of it and put the phone to his ear again.

“S-sorry Huey. Just shocked. L-Listen, I’m gonna go get Minnie and then we’ll be at the mansion in a couple of hours okay? Who else have you told?”

I’m gonna need to find someone to watch Pluto for me. I don’t think Scrooge would like a dog in the mansion.

“Just y-you. I’m going to have D-Dewey call Goofy next.”

“Huey, would you boys prefer it if I told Goofy then? I know it’s hard for you to talk about right now and I’ll call Minnie as well.”

“Thanks, M-Mickey. See y-you soon.”

Mickey hung the phone up, pulled it off again, and then dialed Minnie.

“Hello? This is Minnie Mouse speaking!”

“M-Minnie, I’m gonna hafta cancel dinner tonight. I need you to p-pack some bags and be ready to leave in half an hour.”

Minnie cut him off.

“What’s wrong? Are you being chased by a villain again?”

“Minnie, I just got a call from H-Huey. He was crying over the phone and asked if we could go over to the mansion. Donald passed away.”

Pluto was running around grabbing his toys, bed, and food bowl so that Mickey could throw it in a bag for whoever he could get to watch him.

Chief O’Hara would probably do it. I need to call him to say I won’t be coming into work for a while anyway.

Mickey’s attention was brought back to the phone when he heard Minnie give a soft gasp.

“O-Oh poor Donald! How h-horrible! I’ll pack m-my stuff and meet you outside my h-house in half an hour then.”

Once Minnie hung up, Mickey dialed another number.

“Hey, this is the Goof residence, Max speaking!”

 Goofy pulled his face out from the hood of his car.

“I almost got it.” He muttered to himself. His car hadn’t been working the past couple days and he was determined to fix the problem. As Goofy grabbed a wrench off the workbench on the side of the garage, he faintly heard the phone ring from the living room. Goofy thought about answering before he heard the footsteps of his son running down the stairs from his bedroom. He smiled and went back to the hood. Goofy takes the wrench and gives one of the screws on the engine a few good turns before wiping the sweat from his brow and slamming the hood shut. He sets the wrench aside, climbs in, and starts the car. It runs without a problem.

“Alright, I did it!”

Goofy steps out of the car and enters the house.

I wonder if Maxie is still on the phone?

Goofy walked into the living room but frowned when he saw Max, He was sniffing and rubbing tears off his face. Goofy put an arm around his son’s shoulder just as Max hung up.

“What’s wrong Maxie? Who called?” Goofy spoke softly.

Max sniffed again.

“Mickey called to tell us that D-Donald passed away. H-He said we need to pack our bags and head over to the mansion.”

Goofy’s face morphed into heartbreak. He wept silently while holding his son close, before pulling away and wiping Max’s eyes.

“Alright son, let’s pack our bags for a couple days. I’ll drive us to the airport and then we can play a game together or watch a movie on the flight okay? That’ll cheer you up. I know Huey, Dewey, and Louie are going to be sad as well, so maybe you can help me cheer them up when we get there.”

Max chuckled wetly.

“Okay, dad.”

 Daisy sighed as her cameraman gave her the signal that they were off the air. She was in Los Angeles on a news story about a celebrity’s charity ball. She had been invited as a part of the DNN and had dressed to impress in a sparkly purple dress.

“Thanks, Justin! Only another couple hours to go before we can go home for the night.”

Daisy had recently started working as a newscaster and loving every second of it. She was really good at it too according to people she interviewed and her number one fan, Donald. Daisy smiled at that.

I just wish I got to see him more often. We may not be dating officially but I swear that duck still acts like we are a couple. Not that I mind in the slightest. It was really more of a formality.

Daisy chuckled again. She excused herself from the group she just finished interviewing and walked out into the hall. Daisy dialed Donald’s number, hoping he was back from the latest crazy adventure he had gone on. No one answered though, so she left a voicemail. She turned around and just as she was about to enter the ballroom again, her phone started ringing.

“Hello, Daisy Duck speaking how can I help you?”

“Lass? I-It’s Scrooge. Where are you right now?”

Daisy frowned at the tremble in Scrooge’s voice.

He’s normally so stern and composed… I wonder what’s with him.

“I’m at that Charity Ball in Los Angeles. Are you guys back from your latest adventure? I tried to call Donald a couple minutes ago and he didn’t answer.”

She heard Scrooge wince. Now she knew something was really wrong.

“Scrooge what’s going on?! How come Donald didn’t answer me?”

Daisy could feel her heart clenching in fear.

“I-I’m sorry, lass. We were adventuring in Central Mexico when an a-accident occurred. I’m afraid D-Donald passed away.”

No…

Daisy dropped her phone. Her knees felt weak and tears slipped silently down her face. She took no notice of the partygoers that saw her slide to the ground, trying to ask her if she was alright. She just stared straight ahead. Someone picked up the phone to figure out what was going on. They found out the news and sent someone to get the cameraman and another to grab a glass of water. Daisy couldn’t believe it though.

He can’t be dead! This can’t be happening!

Her cameraman finally arrived and he lightly shook her shoulders. He took the glass of water someone had gotten and put it in her hands. Eventually, she snapped out of her daze and drank it to calm down. He took the phone from the person who had grabbed it and assured Scrooge that she was fine and that he was going to make sure she would be at the mansion by tonight. He guided her out the door and back to their hotel.

 Day 3 - Evening

 It took Donald two full days to find himself in a chamber that was on the map. He had spent the past two days dodging the Ahuizotl and trying to find a way to mark his location. He tried water mixed with some chocolate from a protein bar but whenever the Ahuizotl caught up to him, Donald had to run and couldn't mark every he went through. Ultimately, he found himself even more lost. Eventually, Donald finally stumbled into a tunnel that was reinforced with stone. He knew this meant he was somewhere within a mile of the Temple and figured out where he was using a nearby chamber.

Thank goodness! Now that I know where I am, I can follow the map to the exit!

The temple had four exits to the floor above that shaped a square midway on the map. From his location, he was in between two of them.

Now I just have to make it to an exit without getting caught by the Ahuizotl.

Donald checked his phone. He only had 15% battery left.

Darn it! I have to keep checking the map, but I might kill my battery before I can get out of here!

He checked the map again and memorized it as best he could before powering it down. He walked through tunnels as best he could without checking the map. Finally, he arrived outside the chamber with the exit. He placed his ear close to the door but heard nothing inside. He held his breath and opened it as quietly as he could.

“What the…?”

The chamber was wrecked. The stairway that led to the surface floor was crumbled into a pile of stones and dust. Whatever furniture was supposed to be in the chamber was demolished in the same fashion.

“Great! Now I have to look for another exit!” Donald growled. He kicked one of the small stones that was next to him and it hit an unsteady rock pile with a soft clank. The pile of rocks rumbled and fell over with a bang.

The sound was answered with a loud roar from a nearby tunnel.

“Why me…?”

Donald tried to pinpoint where the Ahuizotl was from the roar. However, with the echo of the tunnels, he couldn’t tell.

I’m just going to go in the direction of the next exit.

He walked up to the door and opened. It. He was face to face with the Ahuizotl. Both stood still. Donald gave a sheepish laugh and slowly closed the door on the Ahuizotl. He gave a yell and darted back the way he came. The Ahuizotl gave chase.

I just need to make it to an exit. It won’t follow me above ground.

Donald ran through several tunnels and chambers before he reached the next chamber with an exit. He had stopped trying to lose it and just focused on reaching the chamber as fast as he could. It surprised him when the Ahuizotl gave up chase just as he reached the chamber. He threw open the door.

Not again! Why is this exit destroyed too?!

Donald growled in frustration and darted through another door. About halfway to the next exit, he tripped on some rocks. He tried to get up but the lack of energy from rationing food and water, as well as his depleting adrenaline, made it hard to do so. Donald pushed himself up to his feet, stumbled, and collapsed against the wall.

I need a break.

Donald pulled out a half-eaten granola bar and a bottle of water. Once he was a little more rested, he stood up to continue on. He stopped though when he heard a loud row and rumble up ahead.

What?

The sound of rumbling was followed by thuds and cracking. It went on for a couple minutes and Donald finally realized what was happening.

The Ahuizotl is destroying the exits!

[cakalakgeorge]

New Post has been published on http://www.milliup.com/investing-101-research/

Investing 101-Research

 Photo Credit: Motley Fool

  Investing in stock may appear to be overwhelming to a newbie but in actuality, the most challenging part is doing your research.  There is no sure way to know if the stock you decide to invest in will rise, crash or simply stay stagnant, but in any case, you want it to rise.  I took BUS 110 at CPCC and as one of our projects, we had to select 3 companies that we would like to invest in with our fake money and follow this stock through the semester.  The goal at the end of the semester was to make a profit on our investment.   I passed the course with an A but failed miserably in the stock market.  My first mistake was selecting businesses that were already established and investing way too much money in the initial stock.  I should have done a better job researching the businesses I selected and watching the trends.  Needless to say, I learned from this project and I would like to provide you with some easy steps to help you invest in a business that will hopefully bring wealth.

       The first thing you want to do is to join an investment company. I selected E*TRADE and downloaded the app to my phone.  You will have to register and link your bank account.  They will make 2 deposits into your account and you will have to verify them on the site before you get started (desktop version).  It will take 3 business days to transfer money from your bank account to your E*TRADE account (you can do this on the app once you have verified your bank account.

     You can google these titles: stocks to invest in, new stocks to invest in, new businesses and their symbols, etc.  Choose 3 of the stocks you find and put them on your watch list in your E*TRADE account.  Watch how they do for a few days before investing.  Meanwhile, keep looking for the hottest latest thing or business in the market.

     Link news updates to your phone. This way you have firsthand information when there are any changes. Here is a list of a few websites you want to bookmark.

www.Forbes.com

www.Marketwatch.com

www.fool.com

www.finance.yahoo.com

       The stocks I decided to invest in where OTCQB: ACBFF and OTCQX: LHSIF. ACBFF is Aurora Cannabis Inc.  This stock has been going up maybe a dollar a day since I placed it on my watch list.  But today it has dropped a dollar.  When this happens research to see what may have changed to cause the drop, or if you add news to your phone you will be notified immediately.  When the stock drops this means something has freaked out investors (like you will become) and they are selling their stock before they lose money. Before investing in this stock I read up on it via Motley Fool and it has a 1-star investment rating, but I am taking the risk and investing anyway, I am going with my gut feeling.

To find out news on a stock. Type in the symbol for the stock and click the news button on google to get the scoop on what has happened.  I typed in ACBFF.

  My first alert was “Citron Slams Aurora Cannabis, Calls Out ‘Enron-Type Accounting’.  Could this be the reason the stock dropped today?  Let’s read more.

By Short-seller Andrew Left’s assessment, the firm has no path to profitability even without the burden of taxes and distribution and its financing structure betrays weakness in the underlying business model…

Aurora’s response was “This guy has no clue what he is talking about. We’ve been operating commercially for less than 2 years, so I am sorry if he’s angry that we’re not profitable”, he said asserting cash in excess of $320 million and marketable securities work $180 million per (Balboa, 2018)

Investing works this way. You purchase one stock at $6.  And next week the stock is $10.  You have profited $4.  If the stock drops to $8 you may want to sell before it goes below the $6.  If the stock goes to $3 you have now lost $2 on your initial investment and all of the money (in this case $4) you would have profited.  But think if you purchased more than one stock for example you invested $60 (10 stocks), or $600 (100 stocks).  * Per Investopedia.com, Purchasers cannot buy more than the volume being offered, this information will be available when you buy your stock.  You can invest long term or short term, it is totally up to you, just be smart about and stay updated on the business you choose.

With that being said, I am sold on Aurora. It is a risk.  Yes, it’s more work than filling out a few lottery tickets and hoping it’s your turn. But it’s not pure luck, its education, and research.  Learning when to hold them and when to fold them based on your research and your instinct.  Not saying you can’t get lucky but remember I “invested” in JCP stock last year and their stores are closing left and right today.

   References

Balboa, E. (2018). Citron Slams Aurora Cannabis; Company Says It Won’t ‘Lose Any Sleep on Amateurish Attack’. Benzinga. Retrieved from https://m.benzinga.com/article/10980509?utm_referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F

  Moneyshow.com (2018). Is there a maximum amount of stock an individual investor or corporation can purchase? Investopedia. Retrieved from https://www.investopedia.com/ask/answer/07/how_much_stock.asp

  By: Kenise Taylor

[ahogarmesll]

Eva - Jully Hat [Fatpack]

maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/ELEVEN/182/185/32

Eva - Jully Short - Reborn [Fatpack] maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/ELEVEN/182/185/32

Eva - Jully T-Shirt - Reborn [Fatpack]

maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/ELEVEN/182/185/32

SLAM // heavy metals collar

s SLAM collar has additional app features, which are not included in the standard OpenCollar system, but are however official plugin apps. This guide briefly explains what they do.

To access the collar's special feature apps:

open collar menu > Apps

Owned wearers may not have the ability to access the apps, or certain app settings.

For information on how to use the collar and the standard apps, please visit the (only) official OpenCollar website:

http://opencollar.cc

=========================================

CAMERA

Gives anyone with power to use the collar the ability to force the wearer into certain camera views, or to freeze their camera view in place.

Caveat: This is a "one doesn't fit all" feature. The success of the different cam modes highly depends on the wearers camera settings. Some cam modes might not work as expected.

Menu Buttons: self-explanatory.

=========================================

GARBLE

When enabled, scrambles anything the wearer types in local chat into incoherent mumbles. Also blocks the ability to send IMs. Very useful with unscripted gags. ㋡

Menu Buttons: None.

=========================================

BADWORDS

Lets anyone with power to use the collar define a set of specific forbidden words. If the wearer types these in local chat, the wearer will be punished by electric shock (anim and sound). The wearer has to type a penance phrase, which can also be freely defined in the menu. (default: "I'm sorry!").

The animation and sound used is a custom preset, but it can be changed, simply by placing your own custom anim/sound into the content of the collar. (Always wait for reboot/startup!)

Menu Buttons: Add - add a bad word to the list Remove - remove a specific word from the list Clear - clear the entire list Penance - set the phrase that stops the punishment Animation - set a custom animation (must be in collar contents) Sound - set a custom sound (must be in collar contents) ON - turn the app on/off Stop - stop the punishment manually

=========================================

OWNER ONLINE

Automatically notifies the wearer, when whomever is on the collar's Owner list, is or comes online.

Menu Buttons: Set Interval - sets how often status is checked (in seconds) NotifChat - sets notification in local chat (private) NotifDialog - sets notification in a dialog box

=========================================

SIZE PRESETS

Saves the current size, position and rotation of the collar. Very useful when using multiple shapes and/or bodies.

Menu Buttons: self-explanatory.

=========================================

SPECIAL INFO: SPY APP (consensual and TOS compliant!)

This app is NOT included in your collar, but the script is available for easy retrofit installation, at the SLAM // mainstore (it's free).

This app allows Owners to get notifications about the collar wearer's location, teleports, local radar and local chat (only the wearer's). This app only works, if the wearer SPECIFICALLY consents to the feature!

Please carefully read the installation instructions in the package, as well as all the local chat during installation and activation!

=========================================

LOCATIONS FOR RESOURCES

AND OFFICIAL UPDATERS

􀀀 􀀁

=========================================

ALL SLAM LINKS: https://linktr.ee/slamsl

=========================================

[pogueman]

The Fitbit Ionic doesn't quite deserve the term 'smartwatch'

Let me admit my bias right up front: I’m a nut about my Fitbit (FIT).

My little Fitbit Alta does an incredible job of turning invisible aspects of my health—sleep cycles, heart rate, activity levels, and so on—into motivating graphs and coaching. And Fitbit’s phone app provides even more inspiration by showing my wife’s, my father’s, and my friends’ data alongside my own. There’s nothing like health through humiliation.

But according to the sales figures, not everyone is so enthusiastic about fitness bands. Nike (NKE) discontinued its Fuelband in 2014. Jawbone Inc. shut down this year. Microsoft (MSFT) discontinued its fitness band in 2016. (“It’s a tough category,” Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella told me. “Brutal.”)

And Fitbit itself is struggling. Its stock is at roughly $6.50 a share—down about 85% from its 2015 peak. It laid off 110 people earlier this year.

The common wisdom is that smartwatches are what’s eating Fitbit’s lunch. A lot, therefore, is riding on the new Fitbit Ionic, Fitbit’s first actual smartwatch, which costs $300.

(Wait—wasn’t last year’s Fitbit Blaze supposed to be a smartwatch? Kind of, but the Ionic is far more developed. It has its own operating system and app store, plus GPS, water resistance down to 50 meters, swim tracking and lap counting, 2.5 gigabytes for storing music to play during your runs or workouts, and auto-recognition of 20 different exercises.)

The Ionic is a terrific fitness watch. And here’s the headline: five-day battery life. (Take that, Apple Watch and your puny one-day battery!)

But as a smartwatch, the Ionic is bizarrely weak.

The Ionic is Fitbit’s most expensive fitness tracker yet.

Ionic fitness

The Ionic, to me, looks huge. It’s incredibly light, and fairly thin, so its size isn’t a practical problem—just a cosmetic one. It’s a vast aluminum square (in silver, gray, or orange), flanked by trapezoidal tabs.

Two buttons on the right, one (the Back button) on the left; navigation is easy. It’s waterproof, even for swimming and diving, and the two band halves are very easy to detach when you want to change straps, although the strap catalog is pretty small: your choice of plastic, perforated plastic, or leather. The colorful touch screen is super bright, even in direct sun—no problems there.

When it comes to tracking your health, the Ionic is a champ. It tallies your steps, calories, and distance; flights of stairs you’ve taken; minutes of exertion; continuous heart rate; and your stages of sleep, which is remarkably accurate and informative.

You swipe up on the touchscreen to see your progress today.

(You know how sometimes you can remember your dream, and sometimes you can’t? The Fitbit reveals why—it’s when a REM cycle slams right up against a wakeup moment.)

If you remember a dream, it’s usually because this happened: You woke in the middle of a REM (rapid eye-movement) cycle.

Underneath, the heart-rate sensor has gained a new, third LED light, capable of detecting how much blood oxygen you’ve got (your relative SPO2). Someday, that statistic could provide early detection for conditions like atrial fibrillation or sleep apnea, which would be a huge deal for millions of people.

The Ionic has built-in GPS—indeed, it’s the lightest GPS watch available, Fitbit says—so it can track the actual path of your runs or bike rides, and share that data with popular running apps like Strava.

On any smartwatch, GPS is usually turned off, because it’s a battery hog. Fortunately, you can set up the Ionic so that it turns on GPS automatically when you begin a run. Unfortunately, it’s not at all clear how you set that up. (Hint: Open the Exercise app. Open the Run module. Open the gear icon. Turn on Run Detection. Turn on GPS. Return to the Home screen.)

The Ionic can switch on GPS automatically when you start a run or a ride.

From now on, once you begin a run, the Run app will open automatically (well, after you’ve been running for five minutes) and begin logging your pace, distance, and split times—and the GPS will automatically power up and track your route and elevation.

The Ionic is also smart enough to pause the clock when you have to stop at an intersection, so those micro-layovers don’t mess up your split times. Works great.

The Ionic is smart enough to pause its run tracking when you do.

Ionic the Smartwatch

Is the Ionic, in fact, a smartwatch at all? I guess it depends on how you define that term. Smartwatches from companies like Apple and Samsung usually offer features like these:

Choice of watch faces. Maybe you like digital, or analog, or elegant, or complicated. On real smartwatches, you can choose from dozens of watch faces, or even design your own, and you can swap them whenever you like. On the Fitbit, though, you have a choice of only 17. You can’t edit them. Worse, you have to choose them from the phone app (not on the watch)—and making a new selection involves an interminable Bluetooth transfer that can take several minutes.

Fitbit says there will be more watch faces—but for now, your selection is limited and slow to install.

Notifications. Smartwatches can notify you on your wrist whenever one of your phone apps is trying to get your attention (you choose which apps). That’s especially useful when incoming calls and texts arrive—but on the Ionic, you can’t respond in any way; there aren’t even canned shortcut responses like “I’ll get back to you.” Scrolling through your recent text threads on the watch reveals a weird, one-sided script containing only the other guy’s utterances—none of your own.

You can see calls and texts come in–but you can’t respond to them.

Music. You can load about 300 songs onto the Ionic, for playback through Bluetooth wireless earbuds when you’re working out (Fitbit even sells its own pair, although you can also enjoy any of the 40 models I reviewed here.) But you must load them from your computer using a crude Mac or Windows app called Fitbit Connect; it shows only playlists, not songs or albums. There’s also a Pandora app, but it requires a paid subscription. There’s no Spotify.

Voice assistants. On real smartwatches, you can speak to Siri or the Google Assistant, and hear spoken replies. The Ionic has no speaker or microphone, so it can’t do any of that (unless you buy Fitbit’s earbuds).

Still to come

Part of the Ionic’s promise has yet to be fulfilled, because Fitbit Inc. is still working on it. For example:

Apps. On real smartwatches, you can choose from hundreds of cool little apps to run on your wrist. At the moment, there are only 11 apps available for the Ionic, and they’re all slow and very simple. Fitbit says that a full-blown app store will open later this year, with many more apps, but there’s no way to see it now.

The Ionic’s Home screen lets you see and rearrange apps icons, but there’s no way to put them in folders or delete them from here.

Fitbit Pay. In theory, you can pay for things with your Ionic, much as you pay at wireless terminals using an Apple Watch. At the moment, though, this feature is very limited—the only brand-name banks that offer it are American Express, Bank of America, Capital One, and U.S. Bank. It works great if your credit card comes from one of those banks; otherwise, Fitbit has a lot of work to do.

Fitbit Pay lets you buy stuff when you’re away from your phone—if you have one of the lucky few banks.

Guided workouts. Fitbit bought a company called Fitstar last year, and already, you can pay $40 a year to use its guided video workouts on the Fitbit website or on your smartphone. Fitbit says these workouts are customized—they adjust their intensity based on your own feedback. Eventually, these coaching sessions will be available on the Ionic itself, although only in audio form.

The buying calculus

People with Apple (AAPL) and Samsung watches miss out on one of the best aspects of a fitness tracker: recording your sleep cycles. That’s because during the night, your watch is not on you. It’s on your bedside table, charging, thanks to that lousy one-day battery life.

But the Fitbit Ionic routinely gets five days from a charge, and that’s a big, big deal. (You charge it by snapping in a tiny cord connector into its back.)

The back of the watch contains the improved heart-rate sensor—and the spot to plug in the charging cord.

The trouble is that a non-cellular Apple Watch Series 3 costs only $30 more than the Fitbit, and does much more. It runs faster, looks better, runs hundreds of apps, has Siri, lets you respond to calls and texts, offers magnetic charging, and so on. If you’re in the market for one of these things, then, the question is: Are you willing to sacrifice all of those nice features to get sleep tracking and five-day battery life?

I appreciate Fitbit’s strategy here—trying to save itself by competing with the very smartwatches that are cutting into its sales. But as a Fitbit fan, it bums me out a lot to say it: The Ionic may be a spectacular fitness watch, but its weakness as a smartwatch make it unlikely to be the grand slam the company desperately needs it to be.

More from David Pogue:

Augmented reality? Pogue checks out 7 of the first iPhone AR apps 

iOS11 is about to arrive — here’s what’s in it 

MacOS High Sierra comes this fall—and brings these 23 features

T-Mobile COO: Why we make investments like free Netflix that ‘seem crazy’

How Apple’s iPhone has improved since its 2007 debut

Gulliver’s Gate is a $40 million world of miniatures in Times Square

Samsung’s Bixby voice assistant is ambitious, powerful, and half-baked

Is through-the-air charging a hoax?

David Pogue, tech columnist for Yahoo Finance, is the author of “iPhone: The Missing Manual.” He welcomes nontoxic comments in the comments section below. On the web, he’s davidpogue.com. On Twitter, he’s @pogue. On email, he’s poguester@yahoo.com. You can read all his articles here, or you can sign up to get his columns by email. 

[mafiabosstsuna]

Could I get something where tsuna and hibari's s/o bring home a bunch of stray animals?

COMPLETE

Tsuna

His S/O probably found the strays in an alley. They look all malnourished and their furs is matted down with mud. Some of them look like they haven’t had a haircut in forever and they all have just the biggest eyes staring at anyone who passes by

Tsuna wouldn’t have known about the strays a for a full day after his S/O found them. He was away on an important meeting with some allies that requested his help. The situation was so bad that he had to take all of his available guardians with him.

Thankfully, they were able to salvage the situation. They all returned with no major injuries, probably a couple of bruises and scratches. All they want to do coming home is take the longest baths known to mankind and sleep for at least 18 hours.

Honestly, Tsuna just wants to slam himself into bed and cuddle with his S/O. Whether or not sex is on the table is completely up to how inviting sleep is when he reaches his room/

Imagine his surprise when he opens the door to his room and sees almost all of his floor covers in various puppies and kittens. They’re all laying on some second hand pillows his S/O bought from a thrift store, not wanting to use the expensive and really nice pillows already in the room.

Tsuna is so out of it that he actually closes the door and walks into a guest room to crash there. He gets 24 hours of sleep in, his S/O coming in to lay next to him and fall asleep in his arms.

When he wakes up, Tsuna also wakes his S/O up. He tells them that he had the craziest dream that their bedroom had a whole bunch of stray animals inside and that he knows they would never do that. Needless to say, he is not amused when he sees his S/O break out in cold sweat.

He more or less frogmarches them to the bedroom and, opening the door, demands an explanation. “It should be a damn good explanation, dear.”

Tsuna is the head of the strongest mafia family in the world. He’s faced crazed people in his life, been in numerous life-or-death situations, and can easily arrange the accident of a man he is displeased with. So when his S/O asks him to look at all the small animals in their room and tell them straight to their face to get rid of him, Tsuna suddenly forgets he is the biggest, baddest son of a bitch the mafia world has ever seen.

He knows his S/O won’t let go of the animals without a fight. So he tries to make a compromise instead. They can keep only one cat and only one puppy, but the rest have to go. If they can’t find a home for them by next week, all of the animals are going into the nearest animal adoption center.

The next week mostly consists of Tsuna nonchalantly asking his subordinates or any visiting allies if they want to adopt a kitten or a puppy. On the other hand, his S/O tears through the Vongola mansion staff members looking for people interested in adopting an animal.

The puppy Tsuna and his S/O decide to keep is trained into a fierce hound, its loyalty to them challenged only by Natsu. The kitten is trained to hunt down and kill any rodents that roam the Vongola manor.

Hibari

He catches his S/O trying to sneak in the strays the moment they arrive. His information network had already notified him earlier of his S/O picking up strays in their way back from the supermarket.

Hibari, on the other hand, is more of an enabler than Tsuna. He is (internally) happy to have the strays come and had already made arrangements to take care of them. Kusakabe, however, is not amused because of his cat allergy.

“I’m sorry, please excuse my sneezes. It’s my allergy, you see and...” “That’s enough. Go call for a vet.”

There is already a bath running for his S/O to use to clean the animals. Hibari actually helps in giving the animals a bath. His presence very effective since all the animals seem to adore him more than the S/O. By the grace of some higher power, his S/O was able to take a picture on their phone of Hibari surrounded by adoring animals.

Hibird comes flying in a few hours later, announcing the arrival of the veterinarian Hibari had Kusakabe call for. Hibari made sure to have all of his bases covered in order to care for the animals.

Roll is summoned to use the box’s propagation abilities to help coral the strays around the compound. The small box animal makes a pretty good replacement for a sheep dog, but its probably the needles that help out the most.

Hibari uses his information network to find out who abandoned all of the animals. It takes a few days but the Foundation was able to narrow it down to a rival family that inbreeds animals for certain characteristics to sell off.

The Foundation, led by Hibari, rained down hell fire and brimstone on this family. Tsuna had actually given them the green light to do so and provided some extra men to accompany them. Not a single family member was left alive, the family wiped completely off the map of the mafia world.

According to some plans found in the science wing of the rival family’s hideout, the animals were being bred to test if real animals could be used for animal boxes. The laboratory conditions were down right horrible.

That lab is the last of the hideout to get destroyed. Hibari brought his S/O to the site and gave them the option to burn it down themselves. He was greatly pleased and proud that they were the one to press the button for the explosions inside.

Cue the rough, almost animalistic sex later that night.

Most of the animals are given away to interested Foundation members. All the stray dogs, however, are kept by the Foundation to be trained as attack dogs during missions. Hibari’s S/O was furious to hear about that but was unable to argue against it.

[gethealthy18-blog]

10 Best Folding Treadmills Of 2019 – Reviews And Buyer’s Guide

New Post has been published on http://healingawerness.com/getting-healthy/getting-healthy-women/10-best-folding-treadmills-of-2019-reviews-and-buyers-guide/

10 Best Folding Treadmills Of 2019 – Reviews And Buyer’s Guide

10 Best Folding Treadmills Of 2019 – Reviews And Buyer’s Guide Sakshi Bahal Hyderabd040-395603080 December 2, 2019

For most of us, regular exercise feels much like a chore that we would do anything to avoid, especially if that means sleeping in for an hour longer. But those excuses are soon becoming a thing of the past as technology catches up with all the lazy and/or busy folks among us.

The market is now flooded with a whole range of workout equipment designed exclusively for home use. This article is about folding treadmills. Yes, a treadmill for walking, jogging, and running is part of most exercise regimens at any gym. But the most significant deterrent to bringing one home is the sheer size of the device. That’s where a folding treadmill comes in.

We have listed the 10 best folding treadmills you can buy, along with a buyer’s guide. Scroll down to get started!

Table Of Contents

What Is A Folding Treadmill?

A folding treadmill is the perfect space-saving exercise equipment when you want to work out in the comfort and privacy of your apartment. Here, the running deck can pivot up and lock, so you can fold it and put it away after your workout. It also has wheels that make it easy to move from one place to another. A folding treadmill is ideal when you want to stay fit and active without compromising on aesthetics or space in your apartment.

Read on to know more about the best folding treadmills and things you need to keep in mind before investing in one.

Top 10 Folding Treadmills

1. NordicTrack T6.5S Treadmill

NordicTrack T6.5S Treadmill is the latest entry-level addition to the brand’s impressive lineup of treadmills. Its biggest advantage over other starter treadmills is the interactive training it offers through the multi-color, touch-screen console. You can use it to Livestream fitness classes or run trails around the world. If you prefer things old-school, just plug in your iPod or phone and enjoy running with music for company. The multi-speed console fan keeps you cool as you burn those calories.

The inbuilt iFit uses Bluetooth to adjust the incline and speed of your treadmill automatically according to trainer recommendations. You can also change the settings to make the belt mimic firm ground and real-life terrain. The T6.5S gives you a quiet workout at home, and you can use it for walking, jogging, or running with equal ease.

Pros

30-day free iFit trial membership

5” backlit iFit display

Auxiliary music port

Dual 2” digitally amplified speakers

300 lbs. user capacity

Lifetime frame warranty

25-year motor warranty

1-year parts and labor warranty 

Cons

Expensive 

Buy Now!

2. Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T4400 Treadmill

Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T4400 Treadmill has several fantastic features to make your daily workout routine as comfortable and accessible as possible. It has nine built-in workout programs that you can choose from and enjoy more variety as you exercise. There’s also a phone/tablet holder if you decide to work out with your favorite tunes playing.

The SF-T4400 is a folding treadmill, but you need not worry about loud slams or unnecessary clanging while opening it. The soft drop system helps make the process both smooth and silent. It also prevents damage to wood or carpet floors. The LCD screen enables you to track your time, speed, distance, calories, and pulse, so you can stay aware of your fitness goals.

Pros

LCD monitor with tablet holder

9 built-in workout programs

Safety lock function

Power saving function

Convenient handrail control keys

Soft drop folding system

3 manual incline levels

220 lbs user capacity 

Cons

Narrow belt 

Buy Now!

3. Xterra Fitness TR150 Folding Treadmill

Xterra Fitness TR150 Folding Treadmill is an impressive blend of quality, performance, and flexibility. Even though it has been designed to function in a home environment, this treadmill is impressive in helping you get the most out of your workouts without hitting a gym. You can easily fold and store it away when you are done, making it a space saver.

Several features adhere to the user’s performance and comforts, such as the accessible console, the handgrip pulse sensors, the integrated accessory holders, and more. The quiet 2.25HP motor ensures a noiseless workout, so you can exercise in peace without disturbing others at home.

Pros

Large 5 inch LCD

12 preset workout programs

3 manual incline settings

Heavy gauge steel frame

Folding deck design

Integrated accessory holders

Handgrip pulse sensors 

Cons

Some parts may get damaged in shipping. 

Buy Now!

4. SereneLife Smart Digital Folding Treadmill – SLFTRD18

SereneLife Smart Digital Folding Treadmill – SLFTRD18 uses Bluetooth to sync the device with the FitShow sports app. This app helps transform your boring exercise routine into an exciting fitness session. The treadmill is foldable and portable, so you can set it up and store it with convenience. The LCD screen on this smart digital device shows your running and training data statistics to help you keep track of your progress.

Choose from several preset training modes to enjoy a customized fitness session. You can adjust the speed settings up to 6 mph for a more intense workout. The built-in grip sensors monitor your pulse and display the same on the screen along with run time, distance, speed, heart rate, and calories burned.

Pros

Pairs to a smartphone app using Bluetooth

Large backlit LCD

Powerful with quiet motor

Extended running deck

Soft drop folding system

Transportation wheels for easy portability

Adjustable speed settings 

Cons

Belt is not wide enough.

May not be suitable for overweight users. 

Buy Now!

5. Confidence Fitness TP-1 Electric Treadmill

Confidence Fitness TP-1 Electric Treadmill is easy on the eyes with a soothing combo of pink and white. This model serves a lot more than just looks. It has a menu of 12 preset programs that you can choose from to give your workouts a dose of variety now and then.

It has a sturdy steel frame, so you can be sure this is a durable piece of equipment. If you still want that beautiful color out of your eyes when you are not exercising, fold it up and store it away until needed again. The backlit LCD screen has an easy-to-read display where you can keep track of your workout statistics and fitness goals.

Pros

12 preset programs

Large backlit LCD screen

Sturdy steel frame

5 quick select preset speeds

Cup holder included

Front-wheel for easy portability

User weight capacity up to 250 lbs. 

Cons

Running belt not wide enough.

May not be suitable for taller users. 

Buy Now!

6. MaxKare Folding Treadmill

MaxKare Folding Treadmill lets you enjoy the endorphin rush or running and working out within the comfort and privacy of your home. The powerful motor allows for speed adjustment ranging from 0.5 to 8.5 mph. Three manual incline levels enable you to vary your workout according to your needs.

The running belt is 17 inches wide, and the machine is equipped with an innovative anti-shock system that can support a maximum user weight of up to 220 lbs. This keeps your knees protected against injury during exercise. The large LCD and 15 preset programs give you a varied and comprehensive workout, with easy-to-track data on your fitness statistics.

Pros

LCD with 15 preset programs

Heart rate monitor

5HP pure-copper motor

5 to 8.5MPH available speed

220 lbs of maximum weight support

Anti-shock system 

Cons

May not be suitable for taller users

Machine not as quiet as advertised 

Buy Now!

7. Ravent Folding Treadmill

Ravent Folding Treadmill is a convenient workout solution when coping with a busy lifestyle that leaves you no time to go to the gym. It is portable and foldable, so you can use it in the comfort of your home and put it away when not in use. It features multiple workout programs, several speed settings, and a backlit display where you can track distance, time, and calories burned.

There’s also a pulse monitor to measure and notify you of your heart rate. The secure folding mechanism and soft drop system on this treadmill help you unfold your treadmill safely without unwanted banging or clanging. It is available in attractive shades like silver, white, and orange.

Pros

Sturdy steel frame

Handrail controls to speed up, start, and stop

Wheels for easy portability

Safety clip for an automatic stop

220 lbs weight capacity

1-year warranty 

Cons

Short handles

May not be suitable for taller users. 

Buy Now!

8. Merax Electric Folding Treadmill

Merax Electric Folding Treadmill lets you work out the way you want to: comfortably at home, with your favorite music blasting in the background. It has a compact footprint and a convenient folding design that is easy to set up and store away. It is easy to start, stop, or switch speeds using quick touch buttons conveniently placed on the side handles.

This Merax treadmill also features a specially designed, high-density running belt with a lawn texture. It is shock-absorbing and non-slippery to give you superior comfort and safety. The sturdy frame is capable enough to support serious runners who prefer long-distance running sessions. For constant motivation, the LCD tracks your time, speed, distance, and calories burnt.

Pros

12 preset programs

3 count-down modes

Quiet 1.5HP treadmill motor

Multi-functional LCD

Wheels for easy portability

Supports maximum user weight up to 240 lbs 

Cons

Speedometer may be inaccurate.

The belt is too narrow. 

Buy Now!

9. Juane Folding Treadmill

Juane Folding Treadmill is a durable piece of workout equipment that blends a sturdy design with easy space-saving functionality. Burn calories regularly with your preferred workout, without having to disturb others at home – the low noise motor takes care of that. Whether your ultimate goal is weight loss or just staying in shape, the Juane treadmill is a good fit for at-home use.

The multi-functional LCD helps track your progress – you can check the distance, speed, and time and monitor your heart rate and the number of calories you have burned. The anti-slip, anti-static lawn texture belt keeps you safe and comfortable even when running at high speeds.

Pros

Space-saving design

Supports maximum user weight up to 220 lbs

Multi-functional LCD

Low noise motor

Auto-stop safety function 

Cons

The belt is too narrow.

Not suitable for serious running.

Not ideal for taller users. 

Buy Now!

10. Gymax Folding Electric Portable Treadmill

Gymax Folding Electric Portable Treadmill has a silent yet powerful motor that can reach a running speed of up to 6.5 mph. The high-quality steel frame is durable enough to support your chosen running speed while being quiet not to disturb your family or neighbors. It folds up quickly and takes up little space, making it a stylish fit for small apartments.

The display screen is an elegant round shape and helps you keep track of time, running speed, distance, and calories burned. The non-slip shock-absorbing running belt, along with the security key, lets you run safely and protects your knees from injury. There are 12 built-in programs that you can choose from for a more varied workout. 

Pros

12 preset programs

Quiet 1 HP treadmill motor

Adjustable running speed

Wheels for easy portability 

Cons

Narrow running belt

Not suitable for tall users

Flimsy controls

Not ideal for vigorous workouts 

Buy Now!

Let’s look at the benefits of a treadmill in the next section. 

Benefits Of Using A Folding Treadmill

1. Storage

The most significant advantage of investing in a folding treadmill is the ability to store it away out of sight, when not using it. A treadmill is large equipment that admittedly takes up a lot of space. This can be particularly discouraging if your apartment is already low on space. The space-saving design of a folding treadmill also comes in handy if you are used to having people over, but don’t want your treadmill to be standing in one corner, looking like an eyesore.

2. Portability

Most folding treadmills also come with wheels attached at the base of the device. This makes it portable so that you can shift it to and from storage without any hassle. The size of a regular treadmill is intimidating enough that you would think twice before moving it around. But the wheels in a foldable treadmill make portability quite convenient.

3. Fitness

This is a no-brainer. With storage and portability taken care of, there’s no real deterrent to bringing a folding treadmill home. When regular exercise is more accessible, your health and fitness levels are sure to improve. Irrespective of your fitness goals – whether it is weight loss, muscle building, or improving your cardiovascular health – a treadmill is worth investing in for good health.

4. Ease Of Use

Treadmills are not very complicated. They are easy to use and help you keep track of your progress across time, distance, speed, your heart rate, and the calories you have burned. The flat and predictable surface of the running belt is safe to use, eliminating any fears about injuries from running on uneven terrain. Also, for busy people with no time for the gym, treadmills can be combined with leisure activities, such as watching a movie or listening to music, for a more fun workout.

5. Preset Workout Programs

Most treadmills these days come with a digital monitor and a menu of built-in workout programs that help add variety to your workouts and make them more interesting. These programs can change your running speed or make the incline more steep to prepare for a more challenging session. Some treadmills also have the option to allow you to program your routine for a more customized workout according to your requirements.

If you have decided that a folding treadmill is the right fitness investment for you, hold on. Before placing your order, take a quick look at some factors that can help you choose the best folding treadmill for your needs.

Things To Keep In Mind When Purchasing A Folding Treadmill

1. Purpose

The first question you need to ask yourself is why you want to purchase a treadmill. The answer could be walking, jogging, running, or just light activity to keep yourself mobile. Depending on your requirements, your preferred treadmill could be a primary budget device or something high-end with advanced features, meant for more intensive training.

2. Budget

Your budget needs to be a crucial consideration of every purchase, especially for equipment like treadmills that do not come cheap. Remember your needs and be practical about how much you are going to be using it before going all out and splurging on an overly complicated model.

3. Space

Another critical factor to consider is the space available in your home for a new treadmill. While a folding treadmill is inherently space-saving, you still need to decide where you are going to put it away when it is not in use. Before purchasing, make sure that the device folds properly and is appropriately sized for your home and storage space.

4. Running Surface Area

The running deck needs to be long and wide enough for you to gain the most out of your workout. This does mean that you may end up with a larger sized treadmill, but it will also be better suited, especially if you enjoy running or are tall.

5. Motor Size

A more powerful motor is responsible for a more durable treadmill. Better motor performance also makes the treadmill strong enough to handle high speeds. If running and sprinting is more your style than walking or slow jogging, make sure that the motor of your treadmill is up to the task.

6. Technology And Connectivity

The variety of treadmills available today have spoiled the consumer for choice. Take a look at all the surplus features your chosen model delivers before making a purchase. Some machines give you access to different training apps using Bluetooth, while others have larger display screens and more sophisticated controls. You can take your pick from several levels of technology based on your personal preference.

7. Construction Quality

For the amount of money you will be investing, your treadmill should be durable enough to stand the test of time. Check that all the parts and the device are high-quality, require minimum maintenance, and are covered under a manufacturer’s warranty.

That was our round-up of the best folding treadmills of 2019. We hope the buying guide helps you make an informed decision on the folding treadmill best suited to your requirements. Getting fit and in shape is just a few steps (or sprints on your new treadmill) away!

Expert’s Answers For Readers’ Questions

How much horsepower does a folding treadmill need to have?

It depends on the kind of workout you are looking to get out of your treadmill. 20 CHP (Continuous Horsepower) is enough for low-intensity activities like walking or slow jogging. Faster jogging requires 2.5 CHP, while serious runners should consider treadmills with a CHP of 3.0 or above.

What are the safety features built into folding treadmills?

Depending on the model, safety features vary across different devices. However, the two most common ones that are absolutely vital are (a) a lock to prevent the running deck from falling back once it is folded up, and (b) a safety key that needs to be inserted into the treadmill for the machine to power on. This prevents misuse and injury, especially if there are children in the house.

Is it easy to move a folding treadmill?

It is if the treadmill has wheels below the deck. If you are planning on storing the treadmill somewhere different when not using it, it is ideal to invest in a treadmill equipped with wheels for the job.

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Sakshi Bahal

Sakshi Bahal has a Masters degree in English Literature from Calcutta University. She was a part of the editorial team of her school magazine. Her love for writing inspired her to take up literature and follow that up with creative writing after completing her education. She has been writing on beauty and skin care for the past 4 years.Sakshi has also authored a compilation of high school essays. A self-declared bookworm, she enjoys traveling, music, movies, and lots of coffee.

Source: https://www.stylecraze.com/articles/best-folding-treadmills/

[completeautoloans]

How to Fix a Broken Car Window

Driving with a broken window is dangerous to your health in many ways. Smoke from different vehicles can easily get inside the car and cause breathing problems. At night, the driver inhales very cold air. Plus, car thieves can easily steal DVD players and stereos.

If you need to fix a broken car window right now, follow these simple steps below by Complete Auto Loans!

Learn more: Self Employed Car Loans With Easy Approval

1. How to temporarily cover a broken window

If you suspect theft or vandalism, take close up pictures of the damaged window. Present these images to the police and your insurance company. Owning a dashboard camera will help detectives to catch the culprit in less time. Here are the tools you need to get the job done.

1. Get a pair of protective gloves

You may need to pull out bits of loose glass while doing repairs. Broken glass also has sharp edges that can cause nasty cuts to your hands when cleaning the surface. When a thief breaks into a car, shattered glass falls on to car seats. You’ll need to scoop large pieces out and any that are scattered on the mats.

2. A stiff handheld brush

Glass breaks unevenly. Even after scooping out large fragments, some smaller ones might get stuck on the car seat. Fortunately, you can easily get rid of them by using a stiff handheld brush. Use it on the car seat with glass fragments for about a minute. Sweep the car mats as well.

Alternatively, you can use a shop vacuum from an auto shop for this purpose.

3. Two cotton towels

Cleaning the window gets rid of dust and oil smears. Adhesive tape cannot stick on a dirty window. For this task, you’ll need two cotton towels and some water. Dampen one towel and use it to gently wipe the window you want to fix. Take a five-minute break then dry your window using the dry cloth.

4. Bubble wrap

What is bubble wrap? It is a special kind of plastic specifically made for broken windows. It has strips of adhesive to help you seal a hole in your car window in less than 30 seconds. Bubble wrap is transparent to allow sunlight entry. People like it because it’s waterproof and an entire roll can last you for several repairs.

Rubble wrap is really easy to use because you just have to unroll a piece that’s large enough to cover a hole. It remains firmly in place even when driving at 60 miles per hour. You can find a roll of bubble wrap at your nearest auto shop or Wal-Mart.

5. Avoid slamming the door

A broken window might have some cracks that are hard to see but develop rapidly due to impact. After using rubble wrap, close and open the door gently. Slamming it is dangerous because a passenger seated right next to the glass will get cuts. If it’s one of the rear car doors, you may consider telling your family or friends to use the other door.

2. How to insert a replacement car window

With so many options available in today’s market, you can choose a new or used window. You may wonder who would want to purchase a used car window. This market caters to prestigious car owners who aren’t willing to pay thousands of dollars to get their windows fixed.

A new car window is the best option because it meets an auto manufacturer’s standards of high quality. It may be a bit costly but it’s quite clean.

What tools do you need for this job?

A flathead screwdriver

Screwdriver set

Replacement window

Thick plastic bag for glass fragments

A friend to help you hold the replacement in place

Step-by-step instructions

1. Wear protective gloves

You need protective gloves to prevent any cuts that might occur during removing the damaged window. It’s advisable to have a pair of leather padded work gloves because they’re tough and long-lasting. They also enhance your grip when working with screwdrivers.

2. Dismantle the window electronic switch

First, switch off the car to prevent the window from moving around. Use a damp cotton cloth to clean the buttons and panel. Since each car has it’s own interior design, you’ll need a set of screwdrivers to unscrew the window switch. Carry a small Ziploc bag where you’ll keep the screws while dismantling your switch. You might need your screwdriver to pry the cover open. It shouldn’t take more than three minutes since the screws are quite visible. Unplug the entire socket from the connecting wires because it hinders you from removing the door panel.

2. Pry the door panels using the flathead screwdriver

In order to remove the damaged window, you need to unscrew the door panels. Beneath these tough plastic coverings are screws holding the car door intact. You’ll spot panels near the hinges and lower parts of car doors. Use your flathead screwdriver gently to prevent breaking the protective covering.

3. Unscrew the door panel

This is where your screwdriver set comes in. You need different screwdrivers because a car door panel has various screws holding it intact. After unscrewing, use your screwdriver to pry sections of the door panel. Keep your screws in a safe place and avoid mixing them up.

4. Remove the insulation lining

Beneath the door panel is a sheet of insulation lining. It prevents air from getting between the door panel and damaging levers controlling locks and windows. You may notice pieces of glass on it however you can clean it by giving it a good shake. Fold it and store it safely because you’ll place it back after putting the new window.

5. Unscrew the window bracket

The window bracket is a metallic frame that supports a car window. It also has the levers that enable a crankshaft or power switch for opening and closing. You’ll find two screws at the base of the car door. One near the speaker, while the other is close to the lock. Ask your friend to hold the broken window as you unscrew it from the bracket to prevent it from falling.

6. Mount the new window carefully inside the bracket

Your friend will hold the door firmly while you mount the replacement car window. First, make sure that you’re holding it in the correct position. Slip it gently inside the slots while ensuring that it goes inside uniformly. After ensuring that’s it’s in position, slowly roll up the window. If you did it correctly, it will open and close like a new one.

3. How to fix a power window that won’t go up

1. Find out the cause

If you lent the car to someone then you realize that the power windows aren’t working, find out the exact cause. It helps you to decide whether you can do a DIY repair or take it to a mechanic. Rub the window switch with your fingers to find if there are sticky traces of sugary beverages.

Some drinks don’t leave sticky traces but you can detect their smell by sniffing your window switch. Take milk for example. You can also look under the car seats to see if there are bottles, juice boxes, or soda cans. Make sure you check your cup holder on the dashboard to see if there are any traces of spilled beverages.

Power windows can fail if there was attempted breaking and entering. Check the doorframe to see if someone was using a straightened metal hanger to pick your dock lock. You’ll also notice several scratches near the door handle since the thief was pulling his hanger repeatedly. If you own a dashboard camera, you’ll see the thief and notify the police.

2. Inspect the fuses

You’ll find the power window fuse box under or near your steering wheel. It’s small, black, and has diagrams printed on the cover.

Get your flathead screwdriver to pry it open. You’ll see a few fuses arranged vertically. Since blowing up is the most obvious reason, pull out each plug gently for closer inspection. Use a flashlight to check for burn marks and damaged metal strips.

Do you have a test light or multimeter? First, switch on the engine and click the window open. You’ll need a friend to hold the button while you use your test light or multimeter to check whether electricity is flowing.

3. Unscrew the window switch

You’ll need your friend to hold the door firmly while you unscrew the window switch from the armrest. Come ready with a screwdriver because you’ll have to pry it. After removing the cover, take out the socket gently and inspect the wires. If they’re broken, you’ll need an auto mechanic to install a new one.

Use a screwdriver to see if the buttons are wobbling. You can fix this by adjusting them to the correct positions. Make sure you check whether there’s a flow of electric current by switching on the engine and using a test light on each component.

4. Check the window’s motor assembly

In order to access the window’s motor assembly, you’ll have to remove the inner door panel beneath the insulation lining. First, unscrew your speakers. You’ll need a 10-millimeter socket to unscrew the bolts holding your inner door panel in position.

The motor assembly will fall off after removing a couple of bolts. If a thief was using a metal hanger to gain entry, he might have snapped your window cable while attempting to jam your door lock. The good news is that you can purchase a new motor assembly quite easily and replace it at home.

4. How to replace a broken bus window

If you’ve just woken up to a smashed bus window, here are some tips to help you replace it. You’ll need the following tools.

A pair of protective gloves

Small stiff brush

Empty trash bag

Rivethead removal tool

Electric drill

Replacement window

Screwdriver

A friend

1. Get rid of broken glass

Use the small stiff brush to sweep any broken glass on the seats, floors, and window frame. Scrub the seats in order to catch tiny fragments lodged between fabrics. Sweep them into a small heap because you’ll need to dispose of them inside your empty trash bag.

Before you begin this task, wear your protective gloves. Your gloves protect you in two ways. Your fingers avoid rubbing against any shattered glass lying on the floor. If you come across loose pieces of broken glass, you’ll pull them out confidently. Why? Because the tough glove protects your fingers from cuts.

2. Remove the window frame

You’ll find rivet head removal tools at auto mechanic shops. They’re small hollow cylinders that join with rivet heads to enable you to unscrew them. For this task, you’ll need an electric drill. It helps you to remove all window frame rivets in less than a minute.

Loosening the rivets brings about instability. You’ll need a friend to hold the window frame in place while unscrewing the rivets. Apply moderate pressure on your drill to avoid damaging your rivets. Once you’ve removed the last rivet, take down the frame and use a screwdriver to remove lodged pieces of broken glass.

3. Clean the window frame

You’ll need a cloth and some soapy water to get rid of accumulated dust. Doing this ensures smooth movement during opening and shutting. It also gets rids of small glass fragments that you didn’t spot while sweeping. Wait until your frame is completely dry so you can install the replacement window.

4. Insert new window

You’ll use a screwdriver to create space between the rubber space that holds the window intact. Keep the window frame upright when inserting the new window to fit the corners securely. Keep the window in an open position so you can test whether it fits correctly by pushing it down.

5. Reassemble the window

Return the window frame to its original position and secure it with the rivets. Attach the rivet head removal tool to your power drill to accomplish this task. Test the window a couple of times before leaving.

5. Avoid doing these five costly mistakes after replacing a broken car window

1. Staying with a temporary fix for too long

Perhaps you’re really happy that the roll of bubble wrap you bought is doing a great job in preventing cold air, rain, and smoke from getting inside your car. Some people get so comfortable with the temporary window fix that they keep postponing visits to an auto mechanics shop for permanent replacements.

The more time you spend driving around with a broken window, the more damage you cause to the remainder. Bumpy roads can cause pieces of glass to fall on your passengers due to continuous vibrations that take place in the window frame.

Learn more: Short Term or Long Term Loan When Buying a Car

2. Using the wrong tools

What happens when you use a kitchen knife instead of a good screwdriver to disassemble your window switch? The knife widens the spaces and makes it difficult for a screwdriver to fit on the screws heads. In addition, one will have to push the knife on the screw head to maintain a solid grip and this destroys the threads. Using a blunt item to pry plastic casings surrounding the window socket can cause cracks.

3. Hitting the rough roads immediately after getting a replacement

Auto mechanics use a special adhesive to keep a replacement window in position for 72 hours. In order for the adhesive to work, you need to avoid bumpy roads because rattling prevents the glue from sticking effectively. Going on an off-road drive is dangerous because the window can break while cruising at high speeds. Plus, the dust particles that settle on the door and window frame also affect the special adhesive.

Learn More: Nine Bad Driving Habits That Will Ruin Your Car

4. Washing the car just after getting your car window fixed

Mechanics recommend keeping the replacement car window dry for at least 72 hours after installation. This period is enough for the special adhesive on the window frame to dry up. So, no matter how many oily fingerprints you spot on your new window, avoid the urge to reach for a cloth and some soapy water.

Learn More: Are You Planning a Road Trip?

5. Playing loud music

Playing bass heavy music is a costly mistake because the continuous sound vibration that’s taking place in your car compromises a newly replaced window. Just like driving on a bumpy road, the sound vibration prevents the adhesive from sticking effectively.

Learn More: Is Your Credit Score Affecting Insurance Rates?

6. Follow these tips today!

Repairing your car window can help you weather a bad storm because it prevents rain from covering your face while driving. Doing this prevents you from causing accidents and you can drive comfortably to the nearest mechanic. If you plan on doing DIY repairs, make sure you have all the right tools to avoid breaking sockets and electrical components. If you own a luxury car, then buying a used car window will help you minimize repair expenses. You’ll get more tips by talking to other motorists who have experience in doing car window repairs from their home garages.

Learn more: How to Fix a Flat Tire (Even If You’re a Newbie)

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The World to Trump: Stand up in opposition to racism, neo-Nazis

(CNN)Public figures in Israel, Germany, the UK and somewhere else have condemned President Donald Trump’s trendy remarks on the white supremacist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, in which he laid blame on “both aspects” for the lethal violence that erupted. Such global grievance joined that of many lawmakers and commentators from each aspect of the aisle within the United States. A handful of voices from the far right supplied veiled or open assist for Trump’s feedback — reflecting his enduring appeal to a variety of populist and anti-immigrant agencies outside the United States. But they were a long way outweighed via the ones expressing outrage. German Justice Minister Heiko Maas directly criticized Trump in an announcement early Wednesday, pronouncing: ”It is unbearable how Trump now also glosses over the violence in the course of the march of the proper-wing protests in Charlottesville. “Nobody should trivialize the anti-Semitism and racism of neo-Nazis. When it comes to right-wing propaganda and violence, there may be nothing to relativize. ”

All Democrats must together take a clear stance towards it.” Martin Schulz, chief of Germany’s Social Democratic Party, tweeted: “One has to denounce Nazis definitively. What Trump is doing is inflammatory. Whoever trivializes violence & hate betrays western values.” UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres tweeted: “Racism, xenophobia, anti-Semitism & Islamophobia are poisoning our societies. We should rise up towards them. Every time. Everywhere.” UK PM: ‘No equivalence’ When asked Wednesday approximately Trump’s remarks, UK Prime Minister Theresa May disputed the idea that the 2 aspects of the Charlottesville violence had been equally to blame, a Downing Street spokeswoman told CNN. “I see no equivalence between people who propound fascist perspectives and people who oppose them,” May stated at a naval rite in Portsmouth, England. A wide variety of different British lawmakers were heavily vital of Trump’s remarks. ‘Only one facet is evil’ Israeli member of the Knesset Tzipi Livni also slammed Trump’s feedback equating both aspects in the Charlottesville rally. Livni, the previous Israeli foreign minister, tweeted Wednesday: “In Nazism, anti-Semitism, and racism there are in no way two equal facets — best one facet is evil. Period.” Israeli flesh presser Tamar Zandberg, a Knesset member from the left-wing Meretz celebration, further condemned Trump’s stance.

“The doctrine of extremists on both facets is trying to attract an equivalency in a place wherein it does now not exist. Racism and hatred and world opposition to Stand racism and hatred aren’t aspects of the same coin, and the attempt to draw this symmetry offers legitimacy to darkish and evil forces that ought to now not have a place in the public discussion,” Zandberg advised CNN. “The cussed denial of President Trump to denounce neo-Nazis and racists and his flattery of corporations that sell those frightening and unacceptable worldviews … Boost critical questions concerning the motivation and the ethical recognition of he who is meant to be the chief of the free global and the protector of democracy.” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu simplest commented after Trump condemned racism and neo-Nazis in remarks on Monday, tweeting Tuesday: “Outraged with the aid of expressions of anti-Semitism, neo-Nazism, and racism. Everyone must oppose this hatred.” Netanyahu became silent about the Charlottesville rally at his weekly statement at the Sunday cupboard assembly. Instead, Netanyahu stated Israel might welcome Trump’s representatives to the vicinity before switching to talking approximately home security. A letter from President Reuven Rivlin to the US Jewish community pledged Israel’s aid and expressed harmony. Even Iran weighed in Wednesday on the controversy over Trump’s remarks. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Hosseini Khamenei — himself an on-the-document Holocaust denier — issued a declaration on his reliable website in connection with Charlottesville wherein he said the US should repair its racial-discrimination problems and mind its very own enterprise at the international degree. “If you’re a powerful nation, then move manipulate your very own u. S

. A .! If you definitely care, then tackle the insecurities and violence at the streets of Washington DC, New York City, and Los Angeles! If you without a doubt care, pass fix racial discrimination and the disastrous violations of human rights for each white and blacks on your very own us of a! Mind your personal commercial enterprise, in place of meddling with different international locations’ affairs!” he stated. Voice of assisting Far-right agencies around Europe have remained largely silent over the occasions in Charlottesville and ensuing backlash against Trump’s remarks. But Nigel Farage, the former chief of Britain’s UK Independence Party and a member of the European Parliament, subsidized Trump’s argument that leftists were forcing the rewriting of US history via efforts to eliminate Confederate monuments and symbols from public spaces. It became one such initiative that delivered white nationalists and others to Charlottesville to protest in a park that is domestic to a statue of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee

World Global Network Review – Should You Join?

So over the last couple of months, there’s been an agency it really is been doping up anywhere on Social Media. The company is known as nypd salary scale chart

Global Network. Now in case you’re reading this, you are likely looking for facts before turning into a distributor. If that is the case, appearance no similarly due to the fact in this WGN Review, I’m going to cover the important details you may want before becoming a member of. I’ll move into the enterprise and product but a maximum of all I’ll dive into the actual commercial enterprise opportunity. Now before proceeding, I want to reveal that I’m no longer a WGN distributor nor am I affiliated with them in any manner. In reality, it truly does not count number to me whether you join or now not. This is vital to know because you’re now not going to get a biased angle from me. You’re going to get a genuinely unbiased World Global Network Review.

So first matters first, permit’s go into the employer. Founded in 2011, WGN has been growing by leaps and bounds in markets outside of North America. From the records I’ve seen, it appears that evidently, Asia is probably the strongest market for the company. With that stated, the agency lately released within the US. The employer has 15 workplaces worldwide and operates in over 195 nations so there’s virtually a global opportunity need to you decide to end up a distributor. The employer sells wearable era through a Network Marketing business model. The wearable technology is called HELO and it is like Fitbit on steroids. It video display units steps like Fitbit, however, it additionally video display units blood strain, coronary heart charge, ECG/EKG, breath price, feelings, fatigue, sleep satisfactory and extra. As a discerning, I was maximum inspired with the SOS characteristic that allows one to hit a panic button on their HELO so as to notify your loved ones that you’re in problem and ship out your modern GPS role. Imagine your kids carrying their HELO and being one button far away from letting they need help. That’s quite cool! Another cool feature is Remote Monitoring which lets in you to see vital signs and symptoms of your family which might be wearing the generation. Overall, wearable era appears to be picking up traction so joining a commercial enterprise that allows you to get in front of this your briefing fashion might be a very good idea.

  The Differences Between a Conductor’s Sheet Music Stand and a Regular Musician’s Stand

While there may be no lone feature that distinguishes a conductor’s stand from a musician’s stand, the only commonality that conductors’ stands seem to share is that they’re tons more potent (and really often larger) than ordinary tune stands. Extra energy and size can be built into a stand in numerous specific approaches.

A Larger and Stronger Tray

Because conductors usually should manipulate many extra pages of the song immediately than acting musicians, it makes feel that conductors’ song stands typically have large trays (the part of the stand that holds the song). Since musical rankings are available in all sizes, those large trays may be either wider, or taller, or both. One best buy tv stands

length is a double-wide tray to permit for the smooth folding out of rating books.

These trays also can be made larger by using the addition of a double shelf (the shelf is the part of the tray that continues the sheet song from falling all the way down to the floor). A stand with a double shelf, one being a couple of inches below the alternative, creates a sort of mini-compartment that is mainly beneficial to a conductor because he can use it to store things like batons, pencils, and other accessories without interfering with the sheet tune sitting on the top shelf.

  In addition, it is also not unusual for conductors’ trays to be made from stronger or thicker materials because they’ll need to add extra weight. An appropriate example of this is the opera conductor’s sheet tune stand. With this layout, the tray is 3-dimensional all of the way round with raised edges. Consequently, track rankings can not slide off any side and are tons extra secure. The tray of an opera stand also generally has lighting fixtures built into the tray itself so there are no issues of an attached light accent falling off.

Stronger and Multiple Shafts

The fundamental support mechanism of a song stand is the shaft, which connects the tray with the base (the component touching the floor). In order to bear the extra weight of song needed with the aid of a conductor, the shaft is usually also stronger. For example, this could be finished by making the shaft thicker and/or fabricated from stronger materials. Other conductor’s song stand designs include stands with double shafts, occasionally which includes a connecting crossbar for added strength, and stands that do not use the standard pole-fashioned shaft, however instead have square-formed shafts offering four corners of support all of the manner up and down.

A separate characteristic of the shafts on these stands is that they have a lot more top adjustment because a conductor will regularly be a status on a raised platform even as directing. This gain does no longer include all conductors’ stands, however, and a capability customer should make certain to check.

Bases with Greater Stability

In keeping with the equal subject matter, the base of a conductor’s tune stand is very frequently a great deal stronger and greater stability than that of an everyday standard. One fashion entails the mixture of a double shaft collectively with a connecting bar between the two bases. Another fashion abandons the everyday three-legged base in favor of a platform design. This makes tipping the stand over nearly impossible. Still, other styles include the use of a four-legged base or a modified 3-legged base with a much lower and wider leg span. These additionally make tipping lots less in all likelihood.

The Jovian Opposition Shows Scars

  Yes, we know, with a title like that, you are in all likelihood waiting for something about an obscure political birthday party. Fortunately for you, what we’ve were given is an awful lot plenty greater exciting. Jupiter is at its brightest for about the following thirteen months, as the Earth is nearly without delay between it and the Sun. While Jupiter would not undergo stages, on account that it is in a superior (farther out) orbit, which means we are successfully at ‘Jupiter as near being ‘complete’ because it gets.

  When you appearance out at the ecliptic, you will spot Jupiter in late night, shining like a completely vivid famous person. A small pair of binoculars will quickly resolve it as a disk, and if you watch long sufficient, you can see the banding of the surroundings, consisting of the Great Red Spot, and the Galilean moons.

  Right now, I (the inner maximum moon, and the most volcanic body in the Solar System) is eclipsed by way of Jupiter, however by the fifteenth (the night of the opposition), it will be out from behind the planet. Europa (the moon this is a cracked billiard ball and probably included by using a hidden ocean of water) is likewise coming out of her eclipse through Jupiter.

  Shortly after Jupiter becomes seen, the Great Red Spot becomes visible close to the equator; this giant climate feature (that is undergoing interesting modifications) is numerous hundred instances the scale of the Earth. Near the southern pole of Jupiter is the today’s characteristic, the Wesley Impact Scar. This is the remnant of a cometary effect on Jupiter and is a string of effects. Interestingly sufficient, the Wesley impactor hit 15 years to the day of the anniversary of Shoemaker-Levy-nine, and the effect launched nearly15x the yearly electricity output of the planet Earth.

  In our Solar System, Jupiter is so big in comparison to the alternative our bodies that it sweeps up plenty of particles from the formation of the solar device, comets and stray bits of depend. It also causes ripples in orbits of comets that come near it (to a lesser quantity, the Earth does as well, as does some other frame in the Solar System). The distinction is that Jupiter is a lot extra big that it does this a good deal extra often than whatever else in the solar machine.

  If you want to catch the Wesley Impact Scar, you will want a fairly huge scope and good seeing conditions; Jupiter being in the competition will assist, however, you’ll need at least a 10″ scope and proper viewing conditions. It’s worth searching at – it is an effective scar that is larger than the planet you’re standing on, and must make stronger even extra than the latest Hollywood blockbuster simply how Titanic astronomical effects honestly are.

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