#bill spg

[ramenwithbroccoli]

an anxious guy who just started his new job and a trickster seasoned worker having a conversation. what could possibly go wrong

the other guy is @steambot-sparky oc Bill. meeting inspired by their absolutely right comments. two guys with boring job in bizzare company talking on a lunch break :]

[steambot-shenanigans]

You all wanted a fic of Bill, well here you go! 5,000 words of this nerd trying to retain his sanity while interviewing the strangest robots possible.

[steam-powered-chaos]

Which Spg bot is a tumble sexyman/woman/person

not official, just opinions!

[what-fear-would-they-serve]

Current Polls

*please hold for links

FIRST ROUNDS:

Gromit

Odysseus

Dr. Habit

The Squip

Hiccup Haddock

Joker (2019)

Toy soldier

Poseidon (EtM)

UNPOSTED

Zagreus

Samurai Jack

Hatsune Miku

Gabriel Lobe

The Medic

Amaury Guichon

Small Bill$

FINAL ROUNDS:

Jonathan Sims

Anakin Skywalker

Alice Dyer

Korekiyo Shinguji

500 Pounds of Pasta dumped in Woods

Kermit the Frog

Rabbit (SPG)

Polites (EtM)

UNPOSTED

John Egbert

Completed Poll Results

[effervescentandpuzzlingself]

🍻

Dear Reader,

It was an enjoyable Sunday, but as a result, I'm not feeling my best today. My stomach is particularly upset, likely due to the coffee I had last night.

To give you some context, my past week was eventful. We had company events, and then my brother's oathtaking. Also, early on that Sunday, I had a driving lesson. While I can drive, I still need to hone my parking skills. My instructor seemed so relaxed that he was on his cellphone while in the passenger seat. Later in the day, as I was working on my paper for my Technology Evaluation subject, I received an unexpected dinner invitation. Whenever a high school friend proposes a dinner in our group chat, it's usually more than just a meal.

The evening was hot but delightful. Initially, we planned to dine at Aplaya. We went to the place but later we opted for a change of venue. Running out of ideas, I suggested a chill spot where I once went with a guy I dated, his mother, and his two sisters. The amusing part was that I could only remember it as "The Rooftop" and insisted it was near Taytay. Qui even had to contact my former date to pinpoint the exact location. I defended my hazy memory by saying I was merely a passive passenger on that trip.

One of the funny problems we faced was that none of us had brought a car, so we relied on Grab. This became a topic of jest for over two hours, especially teasing Aciel who had decided against bringing cars due to parking concerns. As the night wore on, my friends encouraged me to start dating again. Qui remarked, "Maganda ka naman, Zy. Kumausap ka lang." Wes chimed in, "Oo nga, makikipagusap ka lang. Ano ba yan!" I laughed it off, explaining that I'm booked solid until May 2024. While I do have plans, the next person I date will be someone I take seriously. I'm looking for someone who understands my commitments and shares a "date-to-marry" mindset. I've grown weary of fleeting relationships.

Qui also playfully commented that I weigh more than I appear, drawing a comparison to Wes. Wes jokingly considered going on a strict diet after being called "chubbier" than me. It's a reminder that some comments are best left unsaid. LMAO!

The atmosphere became even livelier when Daniel arrived at midnight, especially since he had a car. One of his stories was about the time we went to a bar and a guy approached me to get to know me, but I avoided him. Dude, we couldn't stop laughing at those stories! Moreover, there were the drunk moments with Nica, Wes, Son, and Rhein from last year. Hahaha! And, of course, the never-ending talk about Qui and Daniel's Rated SPG experiences.

Oh, by the way, another amusing challenge we faced was the lack of money on GCash or cold cash. Fortunately, Daniel was our savior and settled the bill. HAHAHA!

To wrap up the evening, Daniel drove us all home. I cherish these casual catch-ups. It's a reminder of the simple joys of spending time with those who truly know and accept you.

[nbatrades]

Detroit Pistons Trade for Point Guard Derek Harper

On September 21st, 1999, the Detroit Pistons traded the draft rights of Melvin Levett to the Los Angeles Lakers for guard Derek Harper.

Heading into the 1999 NBA Draft, the Detroit Pistons did not own any of their original picks. However, they did have a second round pick in the 54th spot of the draft thanks to a transaction that took some time to play out.

In 1988, the Indiana Pacers fired head coach Jack Ramsey after an 0-7 start. Assistant coach Mel Daniels was interim coach for two games before vice president of basketball operations George Irvine took over on an interim basis for 20 games.

The Pacers found a fourth and final coach for the 1988-89 season in Dick Versace. A Detroit Pistons assistant coach at the time, Versace joined the Pacers on a permanent basis. To hire Versace, Indiana sent compensation to the Pistons which turned out to be a second round pick 10 years later.

There was a very simple reason according to Pacers general manager Donnie Walsh (via Indy Star):

“When I did it, I didn’t think there would be a second round in 1999.”

The Pistons ended up using the selection in 1999 on Melvin Levett. A 6-foot-3 high-flying guard from the University of Cincinnati, Levett evolved from an afterthought with the Bearcats to a two-time All-Conference USA second team member in his junior and senior years.

After the Los Angeles Lakers traded All-Star point guard Nick Van Exel to the Denver Nuggets, the team was thin at point guard. With just third year guard Derek Fisher and rookie Tyronn Lue at the position, the team looked for a veteran after the 1998 NBA lockout that bled into 1999.

With a truncated season, the team had to act fast and signed veteran point guard Derek Harper to a two-year deal for $2.1 million. 

The 1998-99 Los Angeles Lakers were good but had a shaky year. The franchise began the year 6-6 when head coach Del Harris was fired. Assistant coach Bill Bertka coached one game before assistant Kurt Rambis took over for the rest of the season.

Around this time, the team also signed former All-Star and five-time NBA champion Dennis Rodman. Rodman was a colorful character and he lasted only 23 games and seven weeks before he was waived due to various infractions such as showing up late and asking for time off.

The Lakers also shook up their roster after 20 games, dealing starters Eddie Jones and Elden Campbell to the Charlotte Hornets for sharp shooter Glen Rice and forward J.R. Reid.

After the 6-6 start, the Lakers ran off 10 consecutive wins. Though the streak helped, the Lakers had an inconsistent year. With the team at 27-19 after 46 games, it won its final four contests to finish 31-19. 

The record tied the Lakers for the fourth best record with the Houston Rockets. The Lakers had a 2-1 head-to-head tiebreaker during the regular season, allowing them to take the fourth seed and homecourt advantage in the first round.

A 15-year veteran, Harper initially came off the bench during the 1998-99 season but ended up starting 29 of 30 games. The younger Fisher was moved ahead of Harper late in the year as coach Rambis tried to give the veteran guard rest ahead of the playoffs.

Harper was a steady veteran presence, appearing in 45 games and amassing 6.9 PPG, 1.5 RPG, 4.2 APG and 1.0 SPG in 24.9 MPG.

In the postseason, the Lakers faced the Rockets in the opening round. The series opener was close as both teams traded leads. The game was tied at 92 with 3:48 after a Charles Barkley and-1 score.

Houston took a 97-94 lead with 1:40 left after three free-throws from Sam Mack and Barkley. Lakers guards Fisher and Kobe Bryant converted on four consecutive free-throws as the Lakers took a 98-97 lead with 1:17 left. Hakeem Olajuwon scored on a layup and made a free-throw to give the Rockets a 100-98 edge.

After Shaquille O’Neal split two free-throws with 28 seconds left, the Rockets had the ball with a 100-99 advantage. Houston had the ball but Rockets forward Scottie Pippen had the ball stolen by Fisher. After the Lakers called timeout, Bryant was fouled with five seconds left by a stumbling Mack. He nailed both foul shots, giving the Lakers a 101-100 lead.

On the final possession, Rockets rookie Cuttino Mobley was blocked on a layup as time expired and Los Angeles took the first game.

Los Angeles jumped out to a 31-12 lead after the first quarter in Game Two. The Rockets would never get closer than nine points in a 110-98 Lakers victory. Facing a sweep at home, Houston’s stars Scottie Pippen and Charles Barkley teamed up for 67 points, 36 rebounds and nine assists to help Houston win 102-88 in Game Three. 

The Lakers took a 17-point lead in the second quarter of Game Four. Houston closed the gap, but Los Angeles took a double digit lead early in the fourth quarter and held on for a 98-88 victory and a 3-1 series win. O’Neal led the way with 37 points and 11 rebounds.

During the first round, Harper averaged 7.0 PPG on 48% shooting, 1.8 RPG and 3.3 APG in 18.0 MPG.

Los Angeles advanced to a second round matchup with the San Antonio Spurs. In the first game, Tim Duncan had 25 points and six blocks, and San Antonio used a 34-17 first half run to take control in an 87-81 win.

San Antonio built a 14-point lead early in Game Two, but the Lakers managed to make a comeback. Bryant nailed a three-pointer with 36 seconds left in Game Two to give the Lakers a 76-75 advantage. Spurs forward Sean Elliott air-balled a three and Bryant was intentionally fouled with 18 seconds remaining.

Bryant missed both foul shots. Duncan hit a turnaround hook with eight seconds left to give the Spurs a one-point lead. Spurs guard Avery Johnson deflected a pass from Bryant to Derek Fisher and Mario Elie stole the ball. 

Elliott made two free-throws giving the Spurs a three-point edge. The Lakers had a chance to tie at the buzzer but Bryant missed a desperation three. 

The third game in Los Angeles was close throughout. The Lakers held a 91-90 advantage with 1:50 remaining, but the Spurs scored 13 unanswered to win 103-91 and take a 3-0 series lead.

In the fourth game, Duncan had 33 points and 14 rebounds. San Antonio never trailed and led by double figures for most of the game and held on for a 118-107 win and a 4-0 series win.

Harper had a rough second round performance. He appeared in three games and averaged 0.7 PPG on 1-for-6 shooting and 1.0 RPG in 13.4 MPG. Harper was benched in Game Four in favor of rookie point guard Tyronn Lue.

After another playoff setback, the Lakers made the decision to hire championship head coach Phil Jackson.

Jackson had always liked having tall guards in his rotation. The team was interested in signing 6-foot-6 guard Ron Harper who flourished with Jackson as part of the three-peat champion Bulls from 1996-1998 and was more familiar with Jackson’s triangle offense.

That left Derek Harper as the odd man out. With one year left on his contract, the Lakers traded Harper to the Detroit Pistons to free up a roster spot.

Levett requested his release from the Lakers during training camp and it was granted by the club. After not receiving any offers to join an NBA team, Levett joined the Cincinnati Stuff of the International Basketball Association.

The Pistons brought in Harper with the hope that the 37-year old would be a backup to starter Lindsey Hunter.

Harper was dismayed with the surprise of being traded from a contender in the Lakers to a middle of the pack team in Detroit.

He did not want to play with the Pistons and never joined the team for training camp. A few months after the trade, Harper decided to retire and take on a vice president of business relations role with the team that drafted him, the Dallas Mavericks.

Detroit Pistons general manager Rick Sund on his previous relationship with Derek Harper and wanting Harper to play for the Pistons (via Detroit Free Press):

“We had a very good relationship in Dallas. I asked him not to make a decision until he comes here and meets the players and coaches, and then decide. If he makes the decision after that to retire, then I can respect that.”

On what Harper brings:

“He has been in the league for 16 seasons and has played at a high level his entire career. He was brought to LA last season primarily as a backup, and he ended up starting more than half their games. Derek has been honored several times in his career for his defense and can contribute to this team.”

How the Harper trade was not risky (via LA Times):

“Derek said he had mixed emotions about the trade. But he never said he was going to retire. There are no guarantees, but the thing is, we’ve got a no-lose situation, anyway. If he comes, great, we’ve got the player we wanted. If he doesn’t come, all we gave up is a player who probably would not have made our team.”

Pistons head coach Alvin Gentry on adding Harper (via Detroit Free Press):

“Obviously after losing Joe (Dumars), he’s irreplaceable, but to have Derek come aboard will help us. He’s a winner and he has won in a lot of different places. He’s a great three-point shooter, he can defend and he gives us additional leadership in the locker room. 

“Now when Lindsey (Hunter) is out of the game we have someone else other than Grant (Hill) to handle the ball. I think he’ll also be a big help to Jerry (Stackhouse) because he can run the team. He might have preferred to stay with the Lakers because they’re close to winning a championship, but he sees us as an up-and-coming team and he understands we can use his leadership.”

Thoughts about Harper showing up to Pistons training camp instead of retiring (via Detroit Free Press):

“I think he’ll end up coming in, I really do. I think (it was) the initial shock of getting traded from a team that you thought definitely had a chance of winning the NBA championship, and I’m sure he’s a little bitter, about getting traded. 

“I think once he gets here and looks at our team and looks at the situation and sees that we can be very successful then I think he’ll be here. I’ll sit down with Derek and explain to him where I see him fitting in with our team, and I’m sure Grant [Hill] and those guys would like to sit down and talk to him.”

Image via Vincent Laforet/Allsport/Getty Images

[hoops-gls]

1976-77 NBA Season for the Hoops PC game is now available for sale

1976-77 NBA Season for the Hoops Professional Basketball PC game is now available for sale.

The Portland TrailBlazers, led by Bill Walton’s interior craftiness and imposing defense, won their first, and only NBA Championship to date, defeating a strong Philadelphia 76’er team featuring hall-of-famer Julius Erving.   This season marks the initial merging of the ABA.  Four of the most successful ABA franchises made the move and are still in existence today: the San Antonio Spurs, New York Nets, Indiana Pacers, and Denver Nuggets.  Both Denver and San Antonio enjoyed successful inaugural seasons. This set features many of the all-time greats in addition to Dr. J and Walton: Kareem Abdul Jabbar, Moses Malone, Dan Issel, David Thompson, Elvin Hayes, Bob McAdoo, Jo Jo White, Paul Westphal, George “Iceman” Gervin, and “Pistol” Pete Maravich. This set will be fun on the pc, with several strong teams and a nice league-wide balance of power. 76-77 Leaders

PPG: Pete Maravich, 31.6 RPG: Bill Walton, 14.4 APG: Don Buse, 8.5 SPG: Don Buse, 3.5 BPG: Bill Walton, 3.3

Order at: Hoops PC Basketball Website

[chaotic-tired-bastard]

Hey, Man, Are Ya Listenin'?

The Jon smiles and laughs for many different reasons. Mainly for 5, very good reasons.

Loosely based off of this and for the amazing @swooshdoodles !!!!

TW for death mention, breakdowns, hysteria, anger, and grief

The Jon smiled a lot. There were multiple reasons as to why he smiled, as with why he laughed. Often it was a mush or squishy mess of multiple of those reasons, but it can be boiled down to five simple emotions.

𝄡𝄞𝄛𝄛𝄛𝄛𝅥𝄛𝄛𝄛𝄛𝄛𝅥𝄛𝄛𝄛𝄛𝄛𝅥𝄛𝄛𝄛𝄛𝄛𝄂

The Jon smiled because he was happy. He threw his arms around his siblings, giggling with glee. The Spine was laughing, Rabbit too. The war had just ended. None of them liked war, as it was too similar to Africa, which none of them were keen to dwell on. Their collectively favourite parts of the wars they had been in (this one and Africa) had been when it ended.

“We-We’re goin’ home!” Rabbit crowed, letting The Spine go to swing The Jon around in circles.

The Jon laughed brightly, smiling as he bowled his older sibling over. The Spine pulled them off of each other, like normal, and enveloped both of them in a hug. He didn’t say much, like he had after their last war, but The Jon could tell he was happy. 

His void felt like it was bursting out of his chest with glee. The Jon laughed brightly, shrieking his joy to the sky.

𝄡𝄞𝄛𝄛𝄛𝄛𝅥𝄛𝄛𝄛𝄛𝄛𝅥𝄛𝄛𝄛𝄛𝄛𝅥𝄛𝄛𝄛𝄛𝄛𝄂

The Jon smiled because he was nervous and afraid. He glanced between The Spine and Rabbit with a wary smile; the two were currently glaring at each other with enough fire to smelt and cast all three of them into refrigerators. Rabbit had started to deteriorate, and The Spine was trying to tell them to get some type of repairs or to at least take better care of themself. Rabbit, of course, took that as an insult. “N-Now then, The Spine, you can-can’t tell me what I ca-can and can’t do,” Rabbit hissed.

“Well, it just so happens that I can when it comes to your well being, Rabbit,” The Spine growled back, his voice dripping with frustration.

Rabbit blew a raspberry his way, putting their thumb on their nose and wiggling their fingers. “Now, that does it!” The Spine exclaimed, grabbing the copper automaton’s wrist and yanking it down.

There was a harsh screech of metal before part of Rabbit’s arm fell off, clanging onto the floor with a puff of rust. The Jon giggled, pulling his hat down over his face and hiding in it. “That’s not good!” He mumbled to himself, his sight fixed onto Rabbit’s lost arm covering.

Rabbit froze, their harsh gaze swivelling from The Spine to The Jon. “A-Are ya laughin’ at me?” They asked, their tone dangerous.

The Jon froze, his blue optics wide, before he burst into peals of laughter, falling to the floor from his chair and rolling onto his back, howling with hysterics. There was another screech of metal before The Jon felt a sudden rush of wind above him. He managed to clear his optics enough to see Rabbit being held back by The Spine, their photoreceptors alight with anger and steam pouring out of their cheeks like smoke from a forest fire.

This in turn made The Jon laugh even harder, even though his eyes were beginning to fill with frightened, oily tears. “I-I’m sor-HAH-ry! I-I just ca-HEHE-” The Jon tried to apologise, but his laughter overtook him once again.

Rabbit huffed with anger, tugging themself out of The Spine’s grip and storming out of the room. The Spine followed in close pursuit, leaving The Jon alone in the room. Leaving him alone to laugh out his fear.

𝄡𝄞𝄛𝄛𝄛𝄛𝅥𝄛𝄛𝄛𝄛𝄛𝅥𝄛𝄛𝄛𝄛𝄛𝅥𝄛𝄛𝄛𝄛𝄛𝄂

The Jon smiled because he was in love. He sighed wistfully, gazing at the absolutely stunning robot at the robotics convention. They didn’t have a wig, exposing their vented, shining bronze head. The Jon didn’t like being without his wig, but seeing this amazing automaton made him want to take upon a new fashion choice. “Wha-What’re ya doin’?” Rabbit stage whispered, smushing their face near The Jon’s.

“Lookit that amazing automaton over there,” The Jon sighed dreamily, steam rising from his neck vents as he nodded in their direction and his fingers trailed over the top of his hat, which was resting on the table in front of him.

Rabbit followed his gaze, their optics settling on the automaton. “Wow, I see what yer talkin’ about there,” They said, their mismatched eyes glowing brighter as they grinned at their younger brother.

The Jon hissed steam out of his jaw gears, burying his face in his palm. “Stop making a scene!” He hissed, his voice betraying how flustered he was.

“Why are we whispering?” The Spine asked in a horrible stage whisper, leaning over his siblings and casting an impressive shadow.

The Jon yelped, jumping up and banging his head on The Spine’s jaw. The Spine let out a noise of surprise, standing up quickly with a loud creaking of gears. Rabbit fell back, landing on the floor with a loud crash and some barely-censored curse words. The Spine dragged Rabbit to their feet, already beginning to berate them on their almost inappropriate language.

The Jon looked back at the attractive automaton and froze when he saw them looking over. A burst of steam left his now-open mouth as their eyes met. They winked at him and turned away. The Jon let off another burst of steam as he gaped.

The Jon eventually tuned back into his siblings; The Spine was still scolding Rabbit on their language and Rabbit was obviously not paying any attention. The Jon sighed, smiling dreamily and resting his cheek in his hand.

𝄡𝄞𝄛𝄛𝄛𝄛𝅥𝄛𝄛𝄛𝄛𝄛𝅥𝄛𝄛𝄛𝄛𝄛𝅥𝄛𝄛𝄛𝄛𝄛𝄂

The Jon smiled because he was sad. He reread the letter to Rabbit, trying to hide the miserable smile on his face behind the letter. “...Colonel Peter Walter I passed away a week ago in his sleep-” He read from the letter, but was cut off by Rabbit’s anguished wail.

He felt the giggles rise up but bit his tongue, pulling his sobbing older sibling into a hug. Neither of them knew where The Spine was, as he wasn’t with them, which was a disadvantage for The Jon. The Spine being there would have let The Jon slip out and find a private place to let it all out.

Instead, he was here, comforting Rabbit while bubbles of hysteria started to rise in his chassis. He needed to be there for Rabbit, but it was starting to be too much. He deftly slipped his fingers behind Rabbit’s bandanna and switched them into stasis, a surge of guilt rushing through his void.

They went slack in his arms, slumping against the smaller automaton and their eyes dimming as their stasis systems started up. The Jon gently lowered them onto their cot, manually deactivating their audioreceptors before breaking down.

He howled with laughter, falling to his knees and bending over, his arms clutched to his stomach. Tears began to fall from his optics, but he didn’t care. The familiar waves that laughter brought on lifted him high, the robot convulsing on the floor as hysteria overtook him.

The rest of the soldiers in the barracks ignored him; they all knew about his inclination to giggle the day away. This was different, though. His laughter rang throughout the room and halls like Rabbit’s scream had. It was a haunting, chilling sound.

The Jon couldn’t care less. He curled up on the floor, still laughing away. He was still laughing when Rabbit woke up and demanded for him to fix their audioreceptors. He had just subsided into giggles when The Spine arrived. He was smiling when he had to reread the letter over. And over. And over.

𝄡𝄞𝄛𝄛𝄛𝄛𝅥𝄛𝄛𝄛𝄛𝄛𝅥𝄛𝄛𝄛𝄛𝄛𝅥𝄛𝄛𝄛𝄛𝄛𝄂

The Jon smiled because he had to. Rabbit had just been broken up with, and he needed to be there for them. Rabbit was a rather… emotional robot, even at the best of times. They were taking it pretty hard.

And so, because the The Jon is the genius that he is, Rabbit and The Spine were racing in Mario Kart. The winner would get bragging rights and 1(one singular) more solo or main song in their newest album. This was honestly horrible for The Spine; Rabbit was the best Mario Kart-er in the manor.

The Spine groaned and Rabbit cheered, pumping their fist in the air. The Jon was pulled out of his thoughts soon enough to see the Winner screen, proclaiming Rabbit the victor, like usual. “Alright, Rabbit, you win! Now get-ta writing,” The Jon called, bouncing over and flashing Rabbit a wide, but fake, smile.

Rabbit looked bashful and a bit sad at that. They pulled a few sheets of paper out of their vest, holding it out to their siblings, almost looking ashamed. “I already d-did,” They said, not meeting The Spine’s or The Jon’s optics.

The Spine took the papers, his photoreceptors scanning through the pages lightning fast. The Jon peeked over his shoulder, his own optics scanning the papers just as fast. He felt his core soften and shrivel with each note and word read. “Rabbit… are you sure? This is pretty personal,” The Spine said, voicing The Jon’s thoughts.

Rabbit nodded, squaring their jaw with a huff. “‘M sure. I-If I wasn’t, I wouldn’ta written it,”

The next thing The Jon knew, he had a copy of the song in his hand and was singing along with his siblings, Rabbit leading from the fainting chair and The Spine sitting on the couch, strumming softly on his guitar. The Jon found himself sitting criss-crossed on the floor, rocking back and forth in an attempt to comfort himself.

He tried to not be sad, he really tried, but he couldn’t help it. His vocoder was dragging along with a pathetic excuse of a happy tone, somehow still in tune with his siblings. He sounded so sad, even though he didn’t want to.

Rabbit sounded so sad. This must have been really hard for them to write, as well as sing. Their voice was heart-breakingly clear, full of things lost and unnamed.

The Spine hummed along and sang when he had to, his voice clear, yet not as sad as his siblings’. He always had a grip on his emotions, regardless of whatever situation they found themselves in. His face was stoic, but The Jon could detect a tiny bit of longing in those green eyes.

A small grin made its way onto The Jon’s face, despite how hard he tried to push it down. A tear slipped down his cheek and he wiped it away before his siblings could see. “Hello Goodbye, Twas nice to know you, how I find myself without you, Hello Goodbye, I'm rather crazy, and I never thought I was crazy” The Jon sang, feeling his pain start to slip into his voice.

He let it go, let it swirl around in his chassis like oil into a bowl of clear water. “Hello Goodbye, Twas nice to know you, how I find myself without you.”

He could feel his mouth twitch into another smile, oil tears beginning to well up in his eyes. “Hello Goodbye, I'm rather crazy, and I never thought I was crazy,” He finished, his void making him ache for some kind of pressure.

There was a beat of silence; Rabbit sitting on the fainting chair with a wistful expression, The Spine’s fingers still resting on the guitar strings and his eyes closed, and The Jon about a second or two away from a breakdown. “That… that was beautiful, Rabbit,” The Jon managed to choke out, his vocoder wobbly.

Rabbit’s blue and green optics were soft, a yearning look on their face. “Thank you, The Jon,” They said.

The Spine picked up on The Jon’s fragile voice, looking over with concern blazing bright in his optics. “Are you alright, Jon?” He asked.

“I’m fine, just a bit tired,” The Jon reasoned, his smile breaking through his resolve and blazing bright.

It wasn’t a happy smile, but The Spine must’ve thought it was, as he turned back to his guitar. The Jon slunk out of the room, giving his siblings a crumbling smile before turning and leaving. He only got about a few halls away before he sat down, pulling his knees to his chest and letting it out. 

Giggles escaped The Jon’s mouth as he rocked back and forth, tears slipping down his face and running through the slits in his faceplate that helped him make expressions. He wasn’t being loud; he didn’t even know how he was even giggling without collapsing. Exhaustion weighed down his limbs but the adrenaline that came with his cries lifted them high.

His head lolled back, his hat dropping off onto the floor. The Jon’s memories trailed back to everyone he loved and lost. Pappy, Peter II, Peter III, Peter IV and VI, and that automaton that he never even got the name of. Why did he care about them so much, even when he had never seen them before or since then?

He reached back, his fingers quickly working his maintenance panel open and fumbling with his stasis switch. He flipped it and the comforting darkness of stasis enveloped him, wrapping him in its dark blanket and melting away his worries. And then he dreamt.

[vilaspatelvlogs]

जीतनराम मांझी ने 'रोया' कम सैलरी का दुखड़ा, CM नीतीश को पत्र लिख गिनाया महीने का खर्चा

जीतनराम मांझी ने ‘रोया’ कम सैलरी का दुखड़ा, CM नीतीश को पत्र लिख गिनाया महीने का खर्चा

Patna: बिहार के पूर्व मुख्यमंत्री जीतनराम मांझी ने सीएम नीतीश कुमार को एक खत लिखा है. इस खत में उन्होंने बिजली बिल का जिक्र भी किया है. पूर्व मुख्यमंत्री होने के नाते जीतनराम ने अतिरिक्त सुविधाओं की भी मांग की है. मांझी ने अपनी चिट्ठी में लिखा है कि ‘उन्हें 1 लाख 40 हजार बिजली बिल का भुगतान खुद के पैसे से किया था.’ Jitan Ram Manjhi ने कहा, ‘उन्हें वेतन 1 लाख 2 हजार मिलता है लेकिन बिल के रूप में…

[news4me]

India News: कांग्रेस के वॉकआउट के बीच एसपीजी अमेंडमेंट बिल राज्यसभा में पास, शाह ने चुन-चुनकर दिया कांग्रेस के आरोपों का जवाब - spg amend,ent bill passed in rajya sabha amit shah gives point by point reply to congress and opposition

India News: कांग्रेस के वॉकआउट के बीच एसपीजी अमेंडमेंट बिल राज्यसभा में पास, शाह ने चुन-चुनकर दिया कांग्रेस के आरोपों का जवाब – spg amend,ent bill passed in rajya sabha amit shah gives point by point reply to congress and opposition

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नवभारतटाइम्स.कॉम | Updated: 03 Dec 2019, 04:47:00 PM IST

नई दिल्ली लोकसभा के बाद राज्यसभा ने भी एसपीजी अमेंडमेंट बिलको मंजूरी दे दी है। इसका मतलब है कि अब एसपीजी सुरक्षा सिर्फ प्रधानमंत्री और उनके करीबी परिवार को मिलेग��, पूर्व प्रधानमंत्रियों या उनके परिवार वालों को नहीं। कांग्रेस सदस्यों के वॉकआउट के बीच मंगलवार को इस बिल ने राज्यसभा की बाधा भी पार कर ली। बिल पर चर्चा का जवाब देते हुए…

[webodisha18]

SPG Bill Aims To Make Force More Efficient: Amit Shah New Delhi: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday said the purpose of the amendment in the Special Protection Group (SPG) Amendment Bill, 2019 is to enhance the efficiency of the elite black cat commandos.

[loudmouth-cos]

Spg bots as things my friends and I have said:

The spine:

“Im not eating that, that’s a lego.”

“Please don’t kick my ceiling fan”

“ man, I love the smell of lung cancer in the morning”

“ you’re pretty ladylike for a chainsaw”- spine to rabbit

Rabbit:

“Fuck you bill nye, I got this”

“Why are snails illegal in America?”

“I hit a ruler against my thigh so hard to shattered”

“ did someone just say twig John was thicc? Cuz if that’s thicc I’m thiccalicious over here”

Hatchworth:

“EVERYBODY CLAP YOUR SHOES”

“I’m an above average drunk”

“ I look like a snazzy homeless man”

“me Walking up to a college acceptance board like “ here’s an arm, a leg, and 3 kidneys” - spine: “3….!?”

Jon:

Rabbit-“beat him” jon-“I’m trying” rabbit-“no, physically”

“Why am I homeless?”

“ I have the IQ of a watermelon”

“Not to be controversial or anything but what the FUCK are mangos”

“ILL EAT YOU TOO IF YOU DONT SHOW ME THAT ID”

Zero:

“Yeehaw chucklefucks, big dick Marty cucks all of Texas - fuck you Oklahoma you’re next”

“PIRATES DONT FUCK?!”

“Santa clause is real as FUCK”

Upgrade:

“Don’t you just hate when you genocide all over the place”

“Help me Im Charles Manson”

“ I don’t think ass is a vegetable”

I have... so many.... 😂

[wherethemusetakesme]

@spg-fanbot-cousins​ | from (x)

“Yeah, should probably have warned you about that. It’s... kinda exactly what it looks like, it’s a giant eyeball with bat wings that turns people to stone. They kinda abducted everyone for Bill’s Throne of Human Agony but, eh-heh, you don’t really want to know about that.”

Or... apparently they did want to know about that.

Oof.

Not even Mabel’s almost ever-present grin could quite withstand the thought of that particular event; it visibly slipped as her mind flashed back to what had been, quite possibly, the most horrifying few days of her life. Disjointed images floated past her mind’s eye, none fully in focus, but still enough to stir up... to stir up...

NOPE.

She was Mabel Pines, and she repressed her trauma like a big girl.

Stamping out those mental images, Mabel forced a laugh that she really didn’t feel. Just... smile away the trauma, right? Wouldn’t come back to bite her in the butt at any point now, would it?

“Oh, yeah, kinda that. This demented triangle guy who possessed Dipper once, and also tried to take over our uncle’s mind, basically spilled a horrific dimension called the Nightmare Realm into Gravity Falls for, like, a week, which is seriously just as bad as it sounds.”

If she said it all quickly enough, none of it would take root, right?

“But it’s okay, we turned the Shack into a giant robot to fight back against him, and then lured him into Stan’s mind and erased--”

Something stuck in her throat.

“Erased--”

She couldn’t say it; even though Stan had slowly recovered his memories, the enormity of what had happened to him slammed into Mabel like a ton of bricks, one that even her incessant cheerfulness couldn’t deflect. The recollection of Grunkle Stan, his mind completely gone, kneeling in the woods and staring at her vacantly... it wasn’t a memory that Mabel thought of often, and deliberately so, but when she did... When she did...

Her eyes started leaking tears, and the teen abruptly had to sit down, not even caring what was beneath her. Internally, she struggled to force the memory away, to remind herself that Stan hadn’t been gone for good, that his memories had come back...

But the thought of what might have been if he hadn’t--

Mabel.exe has stopped working, please change subject to something happier and try again.

[nbatrades]

Golden State Warriors Acquire Three Second-Round Picks for Alec Burks and Glenn Robinson III

On February 6th, 2020, the Golden State Warriors traded guard-forward Alec Burks and forward Glenn Robinson III to the Philadelphia 76ers for a 2020 second round draft pick (Nico Mannion), a 2021 second round draft pick (Aaron Wiggins) and a 2022 second round draft pick (Tyrese Martin). 

The 2020 second rounder was originally from Dallas, 2021 second rounder is from Denver and the 2022 second rounder is from Toronto.

After three championships and five NBA Finals appearances from 2015 to 2019, the Golden State Warriors dynasty needed a break. 

Two-time Finals MVP Kevin Durant ruptured his right achilles tendon during the 2019 Finals and left Golden State in free agency, signing with the Brooklyn Nets. Star shooting guard Klay Thompson also was hurt in the Finals, tearing the ACL in his left knee. He was likely to miss the entire 2019-20 season.

With those two players not in the lineup, Golden State’s roster would look significantly different from the start. As other key pieces such as Andre Iguodala and Shaun Livingston departed via trade and retirement respectively, the Warriors were going to have to find solid players to keep the machine running around lynchpins Stephen Curry and Draymond Green.

The problem was that the team had little flexibility to improve externally. Golden State was hard-capped after acquiring guard D’Angelo Russell in a sign-and-trade deal with the Brooklyn Nets involving Kevin Durant. The hard cap meant Golden State couldn’t go over the total team salary figure of just under $139 million.

The Warriors needed to add some players in minimum deals. Two additions through the minimum were wings Alec Burks and Glenn Robinson III. Burks was coming off a season where he was traded twice and played little with the Sacramento Kings to end the 2018-19 season.

Robinson was a disappointment in Detroit, shooting just 29% from the three-point line. The Pistons declined his team option for the season, making him an unrestricted free agent.

Both players were buy-low options for the Warriors. Golden State began the 2019-20 season in a deep struggle. The team dropped its first two games by 19 points and 28 points. The Warriors won their next game against the New Orleans Pelicans but the season would get worse as Curry fractured his left hand in the fourth game against the Phoenix Suns.

Without Curry, the Warriors season went off the rails. The Warriors dropped 12 of their next 14 games to fall to 3-15. The losses continued to pile up as Golden State shifted into a quick rebuild for the next season. Golden State was 12-39 when it decided to sit Robinson and Burks in preparation for a deadline trade.

Though Golden State was experiencing a season of misery, Burks and Robinson were individually thriving and potentially building value for themselves. 

Burks was playing the most minutes of his career in five years and he was somewhat efficient as a shot creator and scorer. The guard appeared in 48 games (18 starts) with the Warriors and managed 16.1 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 3.1 APG and 1.0 SPG in 29.0 MPG.

Burks posted the highest PER (16.1) and true shooting percentage (55.2%) of his career at the time of the trade.

Robinson also excelled in Golden State, earning his first full-time starting role after stops in Minnesota, Philadelphia, Indiana and Detroit. In 48 games with the Warriors, Robinson averaged a career-high 12.9 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 1.8 APG and 0.9 SPG in 31.6 MPG. He was often tasked with guarding the opposition’s top wing perimeter options and had re-discovered the three-point shot, shooting 40% on 170 long distance attempts.

For the Warriors, with their luxury tax bill, it was hard to envision where and how Robinson and Burks would fit when Klay Thompson and Curry returned from injury. Since both players had outperformed their minimum deals, it would’ve been difficult to re-sign them. Instead, the Warriors replenished future assets, acquiring three second round picks from Philadelphia for the two players.

To make room for Burks and Robinson, the Sixers traded reserve James Ennis to the Orlando Magic in exchange for a second round pick from the Los Angeles Lakers and waived guard Trey Burke.

Philadelphia was in turmoil at the trade deadline. Sitting at 31-20, the 76ers were falling short of expectations and its offense had fallen short amid an awkward fit between stars Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons. Adding Al Horford also complicated the team’s rotation and chemistry.

Though there were questions about Horford’s fit and if the 76ers would try to trade him, the conversations for the 76ers centered around finding perimeter shooting.

That’s where Philadelphia came to the decision to make a smaller move and add Burks and Robinson’s minimum contracts, dealing three second round picks in return. Burks and Robinson’s run in Philadelphia would initially last just 12 games as the NBA season was shutdown in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The league returned in August to a bubble concept based in Orlando, Florida where a select group of teams would finish out the regular season and play in the playoffs. 39-26 heading into the bubble, the 76ers went 4-4 in the bubble regular season games to finish with a 44-30 record.

The team was dealt a significant blow when All-Star Ben Simmons left to have left knee surgery, cutting his season short. 

Burks played in 18 games with the Sixers, compiling 12.2 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 2.1 APG and 0.7 SPG in 20.2 MPG. After Simmons’ injury, Burks stepped up with 20.3 PPG on 54.4% shooting in the final four games of the regular season.

Robinson missed most of the bubble with a left hip pointer. He also was out for the first round with an oblique muscle strain. In 14 games with Philadelphia, he produced 7.7 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 0.8 APG and 0.6 SPG in 19.3 MPG. 

The 44-30 76ers ended up in sixth place and faced the 48-24 Boston Celtics in the opening round. In the first game of the series, Celtics forward Jayson Tatum had a game-high 32 points and 13 rebounds as Boston used a 34-22 advantage in the fourth quarter to win 109-101. Burks had 18 points in the game.

Philadelphia got off to a decent start in Game Two, building a 36-30 lead early in the second quarter. Boston used a 25-5 advantage to wrestle control of the game. The Celtics blew the doors open in the second half, and won 128-101.

The third game was a back and forth affair. Boston took an 85-78 lead with 7:45 left in the contest on a Tatum layup. Over the next three minutes, Philly went on a 12-4 run to take a 90-89 lead. After several scores from both teams, the Sixers took a 94-92 lead on two Joel Embiid free-throws with 2:14 remaining.

From that point on, Philadelphia never scored again. Boston went on a 10-0 run in the final two minutes to win 102-94 and take a 3-0 series lead. In the fourth game, Celtics guard Kemba Walker had 32 points as Boston took control late in the second half and completed the 4-0 sweep. The Celtics built a 96-79 lead early in the fourth quarter and held on for a 110-106 win despite 30 points from Embiid.

Though Burks had 18 points in the series opener, he struggled. The guard averaged 10.5 PPG on 32.7% from the field and 18.8% from the three-point line, 3.8 RPG, 1.8 APG and 0.8 BPG in 23.7 MPG.

After the season, Philadelphia quickly reshaped its supporting cast and franchise. Coach Brett Brown was fired and replaced by Doc Rivers from the Los Angeles Clippers.

Burks and Robinson both played less in Philadelphia as the 76ers were a deeper team and it had somewhat of an impact on their individual futures. 

Burks became a free agent and signed a one-year, $6 million deal with the New York Knicks. Robinson signed a one-year minimum deal with a partial guarantee with the Sacramento Kings.

The 2020 second round pick Golden State acquired in the trade was originally from the Dallas Mavericks and wound up in the 48th spot of the 2020 draft. Golden State selected 19-year old Arizona product Nico Mannion.

The son of a former NBA player (Pace Mannion), the 6-foot-2 point guard earned a spot on the All-Pac-12 second team after he led the Wildcats in assists (5.3) and was second in scoring at 14.0 PPG.

After being drafted by the Warriors, Mannion signed a two-way contract with the club for the 2020-21 season. Due to the NBA season being put on pause and the bubble version of the NBA playoffs occurring in the late summer, there was no Summer League after the 2020 draft took place in November.

Mannion joined a Warriors roster looking to bounce back from its worst season in nearly two decades. Stars Stephen Curry and Draymond Green were healthy going into the season while third star Klay Thompson was out for the year after tearing his right achilles tendon in an offseason workout. 

The Warriors had tepid expectations and had a concerning 0-2 start, dropping the two games by 26 and 39 points. Soon after, the Warriors recovered, winning six of the next eight games. Still the year would be up and down as Golden State hovered around .500. A mid-season 5-13 stretch from late-February to early-April left the Warriors in tenth place with a 24-28 record. 

Curry got hot and the Warriors defense found its groove as Golden State won 15 of its next 20 games to finish the regular season with a 39-33 record. The mark was good for eighth place in the West.

Mannion struggled when he hit the court fo the Warriors in limited minutes. In 30 games (one start), Mannion produced 4.1 PPG, 1.5 RPG, 2.3 APG and 0.5 SPG in 12.1 MPG. Of concern, was Mannion’s inability to finish inside the arc as he shot just 31.5% that season on two-point attempts.

Mannion also played in the G-League Bubble in Bay Lake, Florida for the Santa Cruz Warriors during the middle portion of the regular season. He excelled with the sudden boost in playing time. In nine games with Santa Cruz, Mannion averaged 19.3 PPG, 6.9 APG, 3.3 RPG and 1.8 SPG in 33.1 MPG.

The Warriors were in eighth and due to the NBA’s newly expanded play-in tournament rules, the Warriors had to face the seventh seed Los Angeles Lakers on the road in a play-in game. The new creation gave the ninth and ten seeds a chance to make the playoffs.

In the play-in game against the Lakers, Curry had 37 points and the Warriors led by 13 at the half. Los Angeles came back and took a lead in the fourth quarter. Both teams exchanged leads but LeBron James made a clutch three with 58 seconds left despite a watery eye from an eyepoke and the Lakers held on for a 103-100 win.

Los Angeles took the seventh seed and the Warriors faced the winner of the nine and ten matchup, the Memphis Grizzlies for the eighth seed at home. Curry was great once again with 39 points but Grizzlies star Ja Morant had 35 points as Memphis won in overtime 117-112. The loss eliminated the Warriors from the postseason.

After the season, the Warriors extended a qualifying offer to make Mannion a restricted free agent. However, the Warriors signed point guard Chris Chiozza to a two-way deal, leaving Mannion in the lurch. 

Mannion departed from the NBA, signing a contract to play for Virtus Bologna of Italy’s Lega Basket Serie A.

Before the start of the 2020-21 season, the Warriors traded two second round picks to the Oklahoma City Thunder for forward Kelly Oubre. One of those picks—originally owned by Denver—was from the Philadelphia deal. It became the 55th pick in the 2021 draft which the Thunder used on Maryland guard Aaron Wiggins.

In 2022, the Warriors drafted guard Tyrese Martin with the pick they acquired from Philadelphia. Originally owned by Toronto, the pick was 51st in the draft. Golden State subsequently dealt Martin’s draft rights with cash to the Atlanta Hawks for the draft rights to the 44th pick, Ryan Rollins.

Glenn Robinson III on joining the 76ers (via Sixers Wire):

“I was excited. Obviously, I was having a great year with the Warriors and things were going great there, they’re a great organization, but I think that I was definitely excited to be able to help this team.”

On how he found out about the trade (via NBC Sports Philadelphia):

“Me and AB [Alec Burks] found out on a plane going back to [San Francisco] from New York about the trade. I was asleep and they woke me up and told me. So, then we found out we were going to have to travel six more hours. I know he was on a red-eye last night and I got in a little earlier than him. 

“Just glad to be here, ready to basically start tomorrow so I can get in there, learn the plays and get some shots up. I haven’t even been to the new practice facility yet, so I’m excited to do that, too — because we were at PCOM when I was [last] here. Big difference, I heard.”

How the 76ers have improved from his first time with the club in 2015:

“The players have definitely gotten better [compared to 2015], yeah. It’s always weird — a new day at a job, that first step, it’s always different. I felt the energy in the building, it’s great to be back... Everyone welcomed me with open arms and is glad that I’m back here in Philly. I really feel like I can help this team. Just glad to be wanted. I think that’s the main thing as a player is coming into different situations, whether it’s a trade or you get picked up in free agency, being wanted is a good feeling. 

“For Brett to FaceTime almost immediately after finding out the news, I think that says a lot about his character, my character and what they want here.”

Alec Burks on his role in Philadelphia (via The Philadelphia Inquirer):

“I guess we will figure that out soon. I know that they wanted me here [on] their team. They think I fit well. So we will see how that plays out.”

Golden State Warriors president Bob Myers on how the team was upset when the decision was made to trade Burks and Robinson (The TK Show via NBC Sports):

“The night we traded (Alec) Burks and (Glenn) Robinson —that was a little bit of a gut-wrenching thing for the people on the team. Those guys were good players and good guys and did everything we asked of them. 

“And I had a moment, too. I started questioning. We're really kind of ripping our fabric apart here. And (assistant general manager) Mike Dunleavy — who played 15 years — said, ‘Here's the other side of that coin: The fact that guys are in tears — and we’ve only won 10 games or 12 games and don’t want to leave — says something about what you guys have created.’ 

“So I’m proud of that part... it sucks to lose. But what makes it good or bad are the people.”

Philadelphia 76ers Elton Brand on adding both Burks and Robinson (via Philadelphia 76ers):

“We’re fortunate to add Alec Burks and Glenn Robinson III. Both are having career years. They’re going to boost us offensively and defensively. I’m looking to getting them here.”

Warriors head coach Steve Kerr on the difficulty for Golden State to play without Burks and Robinson who were held out of a game against Brooklyn because they were expected to be traded (via ESPN):

“Tough night to go out and play. Two of our leaders, elder statesmen, guys who are really beloved in the locker room. For the team to find out those two guys are most likely going to be traded is pretty tough... Not a good way to prepare for a game when something like that happens.”

76ers head coach Brett Brown on Alec Burks’ ability to make plays off the bounce (via NBC Sports Philadelphia):

“I’m going to be dramatic, but I believe it — this is our sport. You have to play off a live ball… You need somebody that can break down a defense, that can get to the paint — hopefully out of an isolation, out of a live ball. And he can do that. And so I felt that when we didn’t have [Josh Richardson]. You felt that.

“If we’re all honest, with the identifiable skill sets of our guys, it’s not like give it to so-and-so and they’re going to break somebody down, get into the paint and find people — that’s not it. We have very good players with high levels of skills, but that thing you’re talking about is needed. You really need it, and you especially need it when you play late in the season.”

On who he plans on playing in the 76ers rotation and the logjam at the wing positions for Philadelphia after the trade (via The Philadelphia Inquirer):

“In my mind, I do, but it’s probably not something I want to share right now with everybody. There’s a stable of wings that something’s got to give. 

“There’s only so many minutes, because the group is flexible, everybody can sort of read into or think about what I think that means. You have options.”

Warriors guard Jordan Poole on the news that the Warriors were going to trade Burks and Robinson and how it was announced before a game (via The Mercury News):

“They know that they’re beloved in the locker room and, obviously, it was some tough news that nobody wanted to hear, but you still got to go out there and play. Those are two amazing guys and I’m just extremely thankful and blessed to be able to play with them my first year.”

What he’s learned from Burks and Robinson:

“Just how to be a pro. Those two guys are a perfect demonstration to look at as role models.”

76ers guard Raul Neto on the team acquiring his former teammate in Utah Alec Burks (via The Philadelphia Inquirer):

“He’s obviously a great player. A great, talented player. He can score anyways, and he plays hard. I think he’s going to be good for us.”

Related Tweets:

Got so much love and respect for these dudes! My guys for life! Wish them the best! Two real dudes! https://t.co/wT671SPttK

— Eric Paschall (@epaschall)

February 6, 2020

Image Credit:

Glenn Robinson III via Getty Images/Jesse D. Garrabrant

Alec Burks via Getty Images/Garrett Ellwood

[littledraga]

Robots and a Roomba

Because thanks to the Cav SPG really needs their own little Roomba.

Six stepped into the old manor with a box under his arm. He would grin, but well, keyhole masks aren’t all that good for that. His mom told him that he needed to help more around the house and suggested a vacuum. In a manor of countless rooms and spaces, before doing science. But he wasn’t going to disobey Annie either.

So! He had the most wonderful idea! And had gone out to buy a Roomba for the place. Now, no one had to worry about vacuuming. Patting the box he giggled. He was a very smart man indeed!

Unboxing the Roomba and setting it up, he sent his little machine away with a pat. “Thank you, Roomba!” he giggled. “Work hard!” And with that, he was off to science!

Rabbit was polishing her crown of awesome when she heard a distressed beeping. But not one that she knew.

Polish and crown in hand, she went off to investigate. Down the hall, the beeping got louder until she found a robot disk, stuck under the hall table.

“H-h-hey, there! Whatcha-cha doin’ under der?” Pulling out the machine, she looked it over. “Oh! You’re ne-new, ain'tcha! I’m Rabbit!”

When they didn’t respond, she frowned a moment. But she quickly beamed. “Aw! Ya must be shy. It’s okay, we’re all really nice, promise!” Still nothing. Maybe they just needed to feel more welcome.

“Come on! Let’s go have some fun to-together. Do-do you like tea parties?” She asked while she carried the Roomba off for a play date.

Turns out Roombas aren’t big fans of tea, even if she let them wear her crown of awesome. But they loved cookies! Or at least the crumbs that fell out of Rabbit’s faceplate from chewing.

“See? I knew ya just needed to warm up to me” She chirped and brushed out her dress. “Come on, we can have some more fun.”

Standing up quickly, she bumped the table and sent the cutlery clattering to the floor, and covering her new friend.

The Roomba kicked on again and chased after Rabbit as crumbs tumbled from her dress. A knife and fork balancing on its top.

“H-hey, careful,” she warned, and jumped out of the way, only for them to turn around again. Watching them, she grinned widely. “Well, if ya wa-wanna play like that.”

Plucking up her new friend, she went off to find some better knives and tape.

Sometime later, Spine was interrupted by a soft whirring noise and looked up from his guitar. “Hm? I thought I heard,” he was cut off when he heard a small clang of metal on metal.

Looking down, he saw a Roomba with a couple of knives taped to its top. Worse, they had cut his pants. “Hey, now! There’s no reason to go around cutting up people’s clothing,” he chided as the Roomba seemed to flee.

Only to start beeping as it hit the wall, cutting up the wallpaper.

The Spine sighed and knelt down to pick up the Roomba, careful not to have it cut any more of his clothes. Sure, the knives wouldn’t hurt him, but why ruin perfectly good clothes? It’s not like he had an endless supply of black shirts.

“Don’t worry, buckaroo. I’ll get you cleaned up and back on your way.” Carefully, peeling off the tape, he put the knives on the side table. “That’s better! Back at it, you go,” he praised and put the Roomba back down.

It turned once, twice, and then into his leg again, beeping that it hit something.

Grinning, he bent down to pat the machine again. “Hey, it’s alright if you want to take a little break. The manor is pretty big after all.” Sitting back down, he picked up his guitar again to practice. Though, he found himself distracted while the Roomba circled his chair. He hadn’t made any messes, not lately anyway.

“Do you like music by chance?” He asked and strummed a few notes. When the Roomba stopped in front of him, he grinned. “How about that!” He played a few songs for his new friend before he dug out an old cowboy doll he had stored away. Borrowing the hat, he placed it on the Roomba and adjusted it until it was just right.

“There ya are! Looks good on ya cowboy,” he laughed as the Roomba finally left the room.

Red fire truck in hand, Zer0 was happily playing on the floor when a new friend came to visit. Looking up, he grinned. “Hi! I’m Zer0. Are you new?”

Instead of answering, the Roomba went around the edges of the room.

Which made Zer0 laugh. “Come on! Do you wanna play with my red fire truck, with me? You can be the cowboy firefighter!” He followed the Roomba around the room with the truck. “Where’s the fire cowboy?”

After pulling him out from under his bed, Zer0 grinned. “You’re havin’ a hard time seein’ where you’re goin’, cowboy firefighter! I can fix that.”

Digging through a couple drawers, he found a marker and held it up. “Perfect! You can’t see where you’re goin’ ‘cuz you ain’t got no eyes!” Sitting down he carefully drew two mismatched eyes for the Roomba, and the biggest smile he could fit.

“Now, you can see the fire! Where should we go now?” With a chirp, the Roomba spun around again. Zer0 mimicked his new friend spinning in circles.

Out of the room, they went, until the Roomba ducked under a table that Zer0 couldn’t fit under. “Hey! You can’t put out the fire without the fire truck!”

Getting up, Zer0 scurried off to meet the Roomba on the other side. “Cowboy firefighter?” He wandered the halls looking for his new friend.

GG was sat on the end of the hall, pouting. “Someone pick me up! I’m too cute to walk down the halls!” She whined, waiting for someone to find her. The poor Roomba did first.

Seeing the Roomba roll down the hall she lit up. “Oh! Perfect!” Giggling she knocked off the hat and crawled on top of it.

Trying to keep her balance was hard, she fell on her face. “Hey! What was that for!?” She whined, sitting up to rub her nose.

Trying again, she wiggled and flailed until she found out how to sit and stay upright. “Yes! A mobile throne! Just need some cushions. Come, throne! To the living room!” She was pretty sure they were going the wrong way, but as long as they got there!

The Spine and Rabbit were in the kitchen, debating the new song set when GG rode by.

“Cowboy?” The Spine tilted his head before he popped his head out to see.

Rabbit wrinkled her nose. “No! That was Mister Stabby! I was playin’ with him earlier.” She rushed out to chase after GG. “What’d you do with his knives, GG?” She demanded.

“Knives? That was you? Rabbit, are you insane? You could have hurt someone, never mind cutting up my pants!” He scolded, only getting more angry when she waved it off.

“It was his idea! He was zoo-zoomin’ around with a knife on his head. I just helped.”

“Hey, guys! Have you seen Cowboy Firefighter? We were playing firefighter with my red fire truck and he got lost.” He held it up a little as he talked.

Narrowing his eyes, The Spine huffed and grabbed at the toy. “You mean you were playing with my red fire truck,” he corrected. “You have your own fire truck Zer0, leave mine alone.”

“He pr-pro-probably ran away because you were callin’ him the wrong name. He’s Mister Stabby!” Chirped Rabbit.

The three of them couldn’t finish a sentence before another was trying to talk over them.

Hearing the noise, Six peeked his head around the corner to see GG riding on his new Roomba. Stepping out, he put his foot out to stop it and crossed his arms over his chest.

“Do you mind, Petes? I need to get to the living room to get pillows for my mobile throne.”

Six tilted his head. “Excuse me? That’s a Roomba. It cleans the floors.” Before GG could whine he jabbed a thumb to the side. “Off.”

While she scampered off, complaining that he was being mean he looked down the hall to the three squabbling bots. He could see the marker face. He had only bought it a few hours ago! “Excuse me.” He tried, picking up the machine and powering it off.

When they ignored him he tapped his foot and huffed. “Excuse me!” He tried again, not quite yelling. That worked and they looked at him, each crying out that he turned off, Mister Stabby, Cowboy, Cowboy Firefighter. Tilting his head again he sighed.

“It’s a Roomba, little machine vacuum. It runs around and cleans the floors. It is not a toy, and it’s not sentient. The Roomba is not for playing, leave it alone.”

The three bots hung their heads and agreed.

How could three bots, each over a hundred years old, make him feel guilty? Sighing, he waved a hand. “It’s got a lot of work to do, please let it work.” Still, with the Roomba tucked under his arm, he walked off to put it on its charger. They were a handful sometimes.

A few days later, Six came up for a coffee refill, wondering why he hadn’t put one in all the labs yet. Stirring in more creamer than coffee he heard something metallic rattling along. He stopped and made sure he hadn’t picked up loose screws and dropped them in his glass again.

Nope, something was still rattling. Walking out to the hall he followed the sound. A few turns later he found it. The Roomba was scooting down the hall with three ice creams on top. There were a few bills tucked under them.

“GUYS!”

[news4me]

Lok Sabha Passes SPG Bill After Congress Walkout Over Amit Shah's Statement on Gandhis

Lok Sabha Passes SPG Bill After Congress Walkout Over Amit Shah’s Statement on Gandhis

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The SPG will now protect the prime minister and members of his immediate family residing with him at his official residence.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Rajya Sabha. New Delhi: The Lok Sabha on Wednesday passed a bill to amend the Special Protection Group (SPG) Act.

The amendment says the SPG will now protect only the Prime Minister and members of his immediate…