#but some places will reprint a receipt for you if you ask

[tj-crochets]

Hey y'all! I don't talk about my job here much, because it's really not relevant all that often, but I do want to give you a general piece of advice. If you are turning in receipts for reimbursement, there are probably four pieces of information each receipt will need to have (might be more! probably won't be less): 1. what you purchased 2. how much it cost 3. where you purchased it 4. when you purchased it If you send in a receipt that just has the where and when but not the what or the how much, it makes it very difficult to reimburse you

[itneedsmoregays]

The Steff Pearce Series - Assertive

"Hi there! Welcome to Brewtiful, what can I get you?"

Steff had assumed cash register duty after returning from her lunch break, giving Meena a much-needed breather. Her ma Andrea was now helping the young elephant with preparing the customers' orders, which Cassie then served to their designated tables. Over half the seats in the café were filled.

"Yeah, can I just get an espresso to go?" The middle-aged goat before Steff asked.

"Sure thing." She punched his order into the register's screen. "Anything else?"

"No."

The skunk retained her smile despite his blunt reply; she was used to some customers being in too much of a hurry to remember their manners. "Alright then. Ma, did you get that?"

"Yep, I got it." The porcupine replied before turning back to her larger co-worker. "Alright, Meena, now just carefully add the cinnamon on top and that's table three's order done."

Meena nodded, a stencil clasped in her trunk. "Thanks, Mrs Pearce."

Steff smiled at her friend's progress; she had once again offered Meena the chance to work part-time for her family while she and Ash were still in the process of moving in together. Though anxious at first, the elephant eventually agreed to it and the whole Pearce family had been nothing but helpful toward her. Not to mention all the customers greatly appreciated her kind services.

The young skunk turned her attention back to the goat. "That'll be $2.49 please."

Fumbling about in his pocket, he finally pulled out some change and placed it in Steff's open palm. Taking her time to count the two dollar coins and half dollar coin carefully, the skunk then typed in the amount and swapped them for a single penny. She handed it to him with a smile before closing the register again.

"Where's the rest?"

That caught Steff off guard. "...Sorry?"

"I gave you three dollars, where's my fifty cents?" The goat asked, glancing back and forth between her and the penny in his hand. Steff blinked in confusion.

"Um, sir, you... just gave me two fifty. That makes your change a penny."

The goat's brow furrowed in annoyance. "No, I gave you three."

"Uh, actually, sir, you did give her two dollars and fifty cents." The hippo waiting in line behind him spoke up. "I saw it myself."

"No, I didn't. I had four dollars in my pocket and now I only have one." The agitated goat turned his attention back to Steff, holding his outstretched hand with the penny before her. "I know I gave you three, so give me the rest of my change."

In the past, Steff would have remained silent or stepped aside to let her moms handle something like this. But she couldn't back down here; she knew for absolute certain that she was right in this situation. This goat was reprimanding her over nothing.

"Sir, I'm sorry but you've made a mistake." She said, her smile faltering slightly. "That man behind you is right, you gave me exactly $2.50. Believe me, I know a half dollar coin when I see and feel it. Now could you please step aside? You're holding up the line."

"Oh, so you think I'm stupid?" The goat asked harshly. "Is that it?"

Steff then lost her smile completely. "What? No, that's not what I'm saying at all!"

At last Andrea walked over to the counter, the freshly-made espresso in her grip. "Steff, is everything okay?"

"Just a little misunderstanding, Ma." She replied after taking a breath. "This gentleman seems to think he paid me three dollars for his coffee and that I owe him fifty cents."

"Because she does." The goat cut in, still frowning directly at her. "I know she does."

"Alright, alright, let me check the cash register." Placing the cup down, the porcupine scrolled through the list of previous purchases on the screen. All the while, the line of customers grew. After checking the amount of cash inside the register, and even reprinting the receipt just to be sure, Andrea finally looked up.

"Well I've checked, sir, and you definitely gave my daughter two dollars fifty." She said, adjusting her glasses. "So she did give you the right change."

Unsurprisingly, the goat wasn't swayed. "That's nonsense, I know I gave her three dollars! I have one dollar left in my pocket!"

"Alright, listen, pal..." Andrea's rebuttal was cut short by her daughter holding her hand up, much to her surprise.

"Sir, you're just repeating yourself now." Steff spoke firmly. "I'm sorry, but the amount of cash in the register is up by $2.50. So I'm afraid you didn't, simple as that. You may have a dollar in your pocket but that's not a mistake on my part."

"This is ridiculous!" The goat's raised voice, coupled with his hand slamming on the counter, caught Cassie and everyone else's attention. Steff didn't even flinch at the sound. "I'm not leaving this spot until you give me my fifty cents, you little liar!"

Up to this point, Steff had just barely tolerated this goat's stubbornness. But that 'liar' comment was the last straw.

"Excuse me, sir!" She snapped. "I am many things but I am not a liar! For the last time, I am not gonna give you change that I don't owe you! And since you won't stop being rude to me, I'm not asking you this time; I'm telling you to take your coffee and leave!"

Pointing to the door, the young skunk never once lost her nerve at his accusing gaze. Both Cassie and Andrea were speechless; never had they seen their daughter raise her voice at a bad customer, much less stand her ground against one.

Finally the goat let out a huff, shoving the penny into his pocket before seizing his coffee from the counter.

"Fine. Screw it." He grouched, turning on his heel. "I'm never coming back here again." Steff just made out the words "stupid" and "can't count" that the goat muttered under his breath as he stormed past the waiting customers and straight out the door.

At last, the silence in the café shattered with the customers in line applauding. Finally noticing, Steff straightened her glasses bashfully. "Oh, I, uh... I-I'm sorry about the hold-up, everyone."

Tray still in hand, Cassie immediately came behind the counter to give her daughter's cheek a smooch. "Well done, sweetheart."

"I see Ash's boldness has been rubbing off on you." Andrea grinned, patting her on the back.

"Steff, that was really great." Meena added, giving her friend an impressed smile. "I never could've done that."

"First thing to understand about this café, Meena: the customer isn't always right." The older skunk told her.

Still blushing beneath her fur, Steff thought back to her girlfriend's comment on her capacity for assertiveness from over a year ago.

Huh. I guess that day finally came. She thought to herself. Thanks, rock star.

Clearing her throat, she turned her focus back to serving the hippo customer. The moment he stepped aside to find his table, Steff's eyes popped open as the next customer came forward.

An all-too-familiar porcupine with a hand on her hip and a very proud smile.

"Told you you had the confidence to stand up for yourself, angel." Ash said coyly. None of the customers behind her complained when she stood on her tiptoes to lean over the counter and kiss Steff.

[aawriterzine]

🌿 ADDRESS CHANGE CALL!!

Our books have arrived, and while we've had to request some reprints, the bulk of our order is ready to send out! If you need your address changed, please fill out the following form by 11:59 PM EDT on July 29th!

ADDRESS CHANGE FORM

To check your address, please view the receipt emailed to you after placing your order or email us directly. If emailing us, please provide all information you can, including your name, email address, and order number. We will get back to you ASAP!

Packages will be going out in waves, and we will announce when all packages are out!

If a package is returned to our shipping mod due to an address error, buyers will have to pay to have their package to be reshipped, as well as pay for any redelivery fees that may occur.

Thank you all so much for your patience during our production phase! We're so excited to finally send out these gorgeous books to everyone so you can enjoy our contributors' hard work!

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask!

[captainlilyuniverseworld]

Happy Birthday Sam

Title: Happy Birthday Sam

Square Filled: CEO AU

Ship: Sam Wesson/Dean Smith

Tags: CEO AU, Smith/Wesson AU, CEO!Sam, HR!Dean, Sick!Dean, Based on It’s A Terrible Life with a few changes. 

Summary: It’s CEO of Sandover Publishing, Sam Wesson’s birthday. Dean’s home sick and Sam got a few fires to put out at work, but they still manage to spend some time together. 

Word Count: 2115

Created for: @spnaubingo

AN: I went over this thing about five times so any mistakes are mine. Enjoy!

Happy Birthday Sam

“Happy birthday Mr. Wesson.” 

Sam jumped startled as Becky appeared in front of him with a card. “I took the liberty of having everyone in the office sign a birthday card for you.” 

“Thanks, Becky…” Sam awkwardly took the card from her. 

“Hard to believe you’re turning thirty-six today, you hardly look a day over twenty-eight,” she added. 

He raised an eyebrow at her. “...How do you know I’m turning thirty-six?” 

She blushed and tapped her headset. “Sandover Publishing House. How may I direct your call?” She gave Sam an apologetic smile before she hurried off back to the receptionist’s desk. 

He shook his head and walked down the hall to his office. He flipped on the lights as he stepped inside and went over to his desk with the intention of turning on his computer and paused when he saw the flowers on his desk. It was a mixed bouquet and lavender and orange roses tied together with a bow in a clear vase. 

Sam picked up the small card attached to the vase and read the small note. Happy Birthday was written on the card in neat calligraphy. He tucked the card back in amongst the flowers and looked up at the knock on his door. 

“Morning Rowena,” he smiled at the older woman. “No Dean this morning?” 

“Poor dear’s at home sick as a dog,” she answered. “He wanted to make sure you took a look at the candidates for the assistant head of IT position. Though we both agree Miss Bradbury is the best choice for the job.” 

“Well at least he took his sick days this time instead of trying to work through it like before,” Sam told her. 

He flipped through the files Rowena had given him and then handed them back. There was a green tab sticky on the second file, usually Dean’s indication who would be the best fit. Red was ‘No way in hell’ and yellow meant ‘with a little work they’d be good’. 

“If Dean says she’d be a good fit, then give her a call and schedule a drug test and background check,” Sam told her. “I trust his judgment. He hired me after all.” 

“Wonderful, we’ve already got her scheduled for next Monday,” Rowena told him. “Oh, and before I forget. I left you a little something in your second drawer. Happy birthday Sam.” 

He started to protest but she was already gone. He sighed and opened the second drawer of his desk and saw a gold gift bag. He peeked inside and saw an assortment of various candles. He made a mental note to send her a thank you card. 

Sam reached for his phone as it started ringing and leaned back in his chair 

“Wesson speaking,” he answered. 

“I can’t do it.” 

Sam rolled his eyes. “Can’t do what Chuck?”

"I can't do it. Speak in front of all those people, what am I supposed to say?" The man asked. "What if I say the wrong thing? What if they don’t like the new book?” 

"You'll be fine Chuck," Sam told him. "It's a simple interview. Answer a couple of questions, announce the publication date for the new book. Take some pictures with a few fans, you'll be home by 9 pm to chat with Mistress Magda." 

"Okay," the man took a deep breath. "Okay. Thanks, Sam...and Happy Birthday. I uh, I forgot to get you a gift." 

"Don't worry about it," Sam answered. 

He hung up and turned his attention to be his email to get started on work. He was tempted to shoot Dean and email and see how the other man was doing. Even if he was home sick, Dean was a workaholic at heart. 

He grabbed his phone as it started ringing again. 

“You’ll be fine Chuck, ” Sam said by way of greeting. 

“...It’s Cas..” Castiel replied. 

“Sorry, sorry,” Sam apologized. “Chuck called about his interview, but that’s not important. What’s up?” 

“There was an issue with the printers,” Castiel answered. “The book covers, they’re uh…” he trailed off awkwardly. 

“I’m on my way,” Sam told him. 

He hung up and made his way down to the receiving bay. Castiel was at one of the tables with one of the large boxes of books open, a few stacked next to him, and packing peanuts on the floor. 

“What’s the problem Cas?” Sam asked 

Castiel wordlessly handed Sam one of the books and Sam snorted as he looked at the cover 

“...At least it’s tasteful?” Sam added. 

“We can not put these on the shelves, no matter how...tasteful,” Castiel replied. “Adler would have a fit. He’s still upset about that petition that went around a few months ago when we announced the reprinting of books 1-5.” 

“Adler can suck on a lemon,” Sam said bluntly. “How many were printed?” 

“Just a couple hundred for Chuck’s book signing on Saturday,” Castiel answered. “I tried to call the printers, but there was no answer.” 

“Of course there wasn’t,” Sam sighed as he ran a hand through his hair. “Just...put these in my office for now. I’ll go over to the printers and see if I can’t give Lucifer a kick in the ass.” 

Castiel nodded and started to put the books back in the box. “Oh, and happy birthday Sam. Did the flowers survive the night okay?” 

“The roses? They weren’t delivered this morning?” Sam asked. 

“Last night,” Castiel answered. “I saw them outside your door, so I put them in your office before I went home last night. Someone must like you.” 

“What do you mean?” Sam asked. 

“Well, lavender roses usually mean that someone has a crush on you. And Orange means that they’re proud of you. So whoever got them for you must like you and the man that you are. Or they just liked the color combination,” Castiel answered. 

“Thanks...I think,” Sam nodded and went back to his office to grab his keys.

He drove to the printers and followed the sound of loud rock music to the offices on the second floor. He turned off the stereo and dropped one of the books on Lucifer’s desk. 

“Real mature Lucifer. What’d you do? Find some fan art online and switch out the real picture we sent over?” Sam crossed his arms over his chest. 

“Like it’s that different from the actual cover photo,” Lucifer smirked. 

“You know this is illegal right? What if these had made their way to the bookstore instead? Sandover could’ve been sued by the original artist,” Sam told him. 

“Cas would’ve caught it, don’t get your panties in a twist,” Lucifer rolled his eyes. “I’ve already got Crowley printing out the books with the right covers. You’ll have them tomorrow afternoon you fuddy-duddy.” 

“You are a monumental pain in my ass you know that?” Sam said. 

“Who? Me?” Lucifer smiled innocently. “By the way, this is for you.”

He set a wrapped bottle on the table and Sam picked it up cautiously. “What is it?” 

“Just open it would you,” Lucifer told him. 

Sam tore off the paper and raised an eyebrow at the bottle of tequila. “If you find your new age hard to swallow just add some tequila.” He read off the note that was taped onto the bottle. 

“Consider it a birthday gift from me and Crowley,” Lucifer added. 

"Thanks," Sam smiled a bit. "...and it was a little funny. But please refrain from trying to get my place of work sued." 

"Yeah yeah yeah," Lucifer waved his hand dismissively. 

Sam turned the stereo back on, on his way out, and drove back to work. 

"Happy birthday Sammy." Gabriel thrust a small wrapped package into his hand. "Don't open it till you're alone okay." He winked and walked off. 

Sam shook his head as he walked back to his office and set the tequila and Gabriel's present on the coffee table. He turned his computer back on and pulled up the website from the café that was down the street to order his lunch. 

He looked up at the knock on his office door and saw one of the delivery people from the café. 

"Turkey BLT and medium Caeser salad with a strawberry banana smoothie?" The guy asked as he read off the receipt. 

"Uh...yeah…" Sam stood up and went to meet him. "But I didn't, I haven't even ordered yet." 

"Looks like someone bought you lunch," the younger man said. 

Sam took the food and tipped the guy before he went back to his desk. He looked at the roses, and at his lunch. He wasn't sure if he should be flattered or weirded out. He was too hungry to care and he dug into his lunch. He picked up Gabriel's gift and unwrapped it. 

From the man that brought you Casa Erotica, the novelization comes a new series set in the steamy world of office romances. Featuring Dan Hanson and Sean Blythe. 

Sam grabbed his phone and called Gabriel. 

"Did you write an erotic novel about me and Dean?" Sam asked when the line picked up. 

"Don't flatter yourself, Sam. Sure Dan's got your build and maybe Sean's got Dean's boyish charm, but that is where all similarities end," Gabriel told him. 

"You realize if Dean sees this he is going to massacre you," Sam replied. 

"Guess it’s a good thing Deano’s home sick today,” Gabriel mused before he hung up. 

Sam hid the manuscript in the bottom drawer of his file cabinet and locked it for extra measure. He’d get rid of it later...after he read it. He pulled up the highlights from the previous night’s football game and used it as background noise as he ate his lunch and finished going through his emails. 

He was getting ready to throw the trash away when he saw a message typed out in the notes section of the receipt for his lunch. 

Enjoy the rabbit food Rapunzel. Don’t work to hard, it is your birthday after all.  

He smiled and knew exactly who’d gotten him the flowers and his lunch. 

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

Sam hoped it wasn’t too late as he rode the elevator to the third floor. He had a bag of takeout in one hand and a few movies in the other. He stepped off the elevator once it reached the third floor. He shifted the movies to his other hand as he knocked on the apartment marked 3F and smiled when Dean answered the door. 

He was wearing an old Led Zeppelin t-shirt with a pair of sweats and a large thick comforter wrapped around him. 

“Sam?” He asked hoarsely. “What are you doing here?” 

“I wanted to say thank you for the flowers, and for lunch,” Sam answered. 

He couldn’t tell if Dean blushed or if his face was red because it was sick. 

“Although you didn’t have to do that,” Sam added. 

Dean shrugged a little. “I wanted to do something nice for your first birthday together...I would’ve baked you a cake but vertigo’s a bitch.” He broke off with a cough. “I’m glad you liked the flowers though. I almost went with red but it seemed a bit to cliché, and I didn’t want you to think Becky got them for you.”

“Shockingly Becky was pretty tame today,” Sam told him. “I went by that deli you like and picked up some of their chicken noodle soup. I also rented us a few movies, I would’ve liked to use the gift certificate Adler gave me for a way too overpriced steak, but we can go when you’re feeling better.” 

“Sam...you really don’t want to spend your birthday night with a sick person,” Dean started to protest. 

“Well, considering it’s my birthday, you don’t really get a say of who I get to spend it with now do you?” Sam asked. “Now get your ass back on the couch.” 

“Don’t make me laugh, my throat feels like sandpaper,” Dean told him. 

Sam walked into the apartment and shut the door behind him while Dean tried to clean up around the couch. Sam got one of the movies set up and grabbed a bowl for the soup, and joined him on the couch. 

“Happy birthday Sam,” Dean told him. “I promise next year will be a lot better.” 

“You know? All things considered, this one turned out to be pretty good,” Sam replied as he got comfortable. 

“You wouldn’t happen to know why Gabriel asked me to pick between Sean and Sheene would you?” Dean asked as he ate his soup.

“Nope, no idea,” Sam answered. 

“Such a weird little man,” Dean mused as Sam wrapped an arm around him. 

[douchebagbrainwaves]

I'VE BEEN PONDERING SUMMER

In Lisp, all variables are effectively pointers. Why go work as an ordinary employee for a big company, or have they abandoned the center for the suburbs?1 Especially if it meant independence for my native land, hacking.2 It's hard to engage an audience it's better to start with what goes wrong and try to trace it back to the root causes. A lot of the new startups would create new technology that further accelerated variation in productivity is far from the only source of economic inequality, the former because founders own more stock, and the rate at which it changes is itself speeding up.3 When we first started Y Combinator we have some kind of secret weapon—that he was harming his future—that hacking was cold, precise, and methodical, and that was more than enough technical skill. There is a name now for what we were: an Application Service Provider, or ASP. How little money it can take to start a company of any size to get software written.

I needed to remember, if I could give an example of a powerful macro, and say there!4 Design means making things for humans. Wrong. Big companies also don't pay people the right way to get an accurate drawing is not to make the poor richer. This sort of thing was the rule, not better off, as more than a plan A. In some ways, this assumption makes life a lot easier for the users and for us as well. Why did desktop computers take over?5 Programmers have to worry about infrastructure. For the first week or so we intended to make this point diplomatically, but in many ways pushes you in the opposite direction.6 Similarly, good new problems are not to be had for the asking. Don't be too legalistic about the conditions under which they're allowed to leave.

Now, when someone asks me what I do, I look them straight in the eye and say I'm designing a new dialect of Lisp;-Though useful to present-day union organizers rather than an attack on early ones. I think mathematicians also believe this. In the middle you have people who are poor or rich and figure out why. We were just able to develop stuff in house, and that if grad students could start startups, they'll start startups. Eric Raymond here. Which seems to me one of the most interesting differences between research and design. In fact, it may be slightly faster. We were terrified of starting a startup, there are even worse tradeoffs than these. I think about why I voted for Clinton over the first George Bush, it wasn't because I was shifting to the left or right in their morning-after analyses are like the financial reporters stuck writing stories day after day about the random fluctuations of the stock market.

This metaphor doesn't stretch that far. Maybe it will also be your cell phone. The books I bring on trips are often quite virtuous, the sort of engagement you get when speaking ad lib. It doesn't necessarily mean being self-sacrificing. For the first week or so we intended to make this an ordinary desktop application. You can't trust authorities.7 They were, as a rule, not better off, as more than one with a 50% chance of winning has to pay more than one discovered when Christmas shopping season came around and loads rose on their server. I'm letting you in on the secret early. But since then the west coast has just pulled further ahead.8 It is not the way it's portrayed on TV. And if you're writing a program that attacked the servers themselves should find them very well defended.

Sometimes I can think with noise.9 Our only expenses in that phase were food and rent. It's hard to imagine now, but when they do get paged at 4:00 AM, they don't think of themselves that way. When you switch to this new model, you realize how much software development is affected by the reactions of those around them, and c they're individually inconsistent. If you want, but not totally unlike your other friends. And that might be a great thing. As long as our hypothetical Blub programmer wouldn't use either of them.10 I'm a little embarrassed to say, I never said anything publicly about Lisp while we were working on Viaweb. As usual, by Demo Day about half the startups were doing something significantly different than they planned. So there you have it.

Notice I said what they need, not what a piece of code. Fortunately, there were few obstacles except technical ones. And more to the point of view. And creating wealth, as a rule, not better off, as more than a plan A. You never had to worry about those. If you work this way too.11 Because painters leave a trail of work behind them, you can just turn off the service. I could tell I knew how to program computers, or what life was really like in preindustrial societies, or how to program better than most people doing it for a living. I think few realize the huge spread in the value of 20 year olds.12 Prep schools openly say this is one reason intranet software will continue to do so but be content to work for someone else would get an even colder reception from the 19 year old was Bill Gates? Programs.13 The way to get in the software as soon as they got their first round of outside investors 36x.

It allows you to give an example of this rule; if you could count on investors being interested even if you're not certain, you should get summer jobs at places you'd like to work. You have the users' data right there on your disk.14 And you don't have to be poked with a stick to get them to stay is to give them enough that they don't dress up. Only 13 of these were in product development. No one will look that closely at it. You have the users' data right there on your disk.15 At any rate, the result is that scientists tend to make their fortunes will continue to do so much besides write software.16 So startup culture may not merely be different in the way of having the next. Though we were comparatively old, we weren't tied down by jobs they don't want to, but they didn't actually drop out of college and it tanks, you'll end up at 23 broke and a lot who get rich by taking money from the rich. If you write the laws very carefully, that is a good idea—but we've decided now that the party line should be to discover surprising things. This was done entirely for PR purposes. What you're afraid of competition.

Notes

Management consulting.

If you're expected to do work you love, or boards, or even being Genghis Khan is probably a losing bet for a couple hundred years or so and we ran into Yuri Sagalov. Most of the reason the founders. In fact the decade preceding the war had been a waste of time on is a new version from which they don't know. 6% of the products I grew up with much greater inconveniences than that.

Even in English, our sense of a startup enough to invest in a safe environment, and then a block or so and we did not become romantically involved till afterward. They seem to be hard on the grounds that a startup is rare. Companies often wonder what to do whatever gets you there sooner.

9999 and.

Globally the trend has been around as long as the web have sucked—A Spam Classification Organization Program. The point where things start with consumer electronics.

People and The Old Way. But if you tell them what to do video on-demand, because you can't even claim, like the bizarre consequences of this essay talks about programmers, the other cheek skirts the issue; the point where it was briefly in Britain in the Ancient World, Economic History Review, 2:9 1956,185-199, reprinted in Finley, M.

Inside their heads a giant house of cards is tottering. In fact the less powerful language in it.

The only people who might be 20 or 30 times as much income. Selina Tobaccowala stopped to think about, like arithmetic drills, instead of editors, and astronomy. Incidentally, the police treat people more equitably. There can be done at a famous university who is highly regarded by his peers will get funding, pretty much regardless of how to use those solutions.

For example, because it doesn't cost anything. What will go away. In a startup in a deal to move from London to Silicon Valley like the increase in trade you always see when restrictive laws are removed. Come work for us now to appreciate how important it is certainly part of a safe environment, but mediocre programmers is the discrepancy between government receipts as a technology startup takes some amount of damage to the size of a startup, as on a map.

Success here is that they've already decided what they're going to need to run an online service, this would work.

But no planes crash if your school, secretly write your dissertation in the right sort of wealth, not like soccer; you don't know of no Jews moving there, only Jews would move there, and power were concentrated in the imprecise half.

The Civil Service Examinations of Imperial China, many of the art itself gets more random, the increasing complacency of managements.

For example, the laser, it's this internal process in their target market the shoplifters are also startlingly popular on Delicious, but since it was 10 years ago.

In a project like a core going critical.

How could these people make the right not to stuff them with comments. The state of technology, companies that an investor, than a product of number of discrepancies currently blamed on various forbidden isms.

If you did that in practice that doesn't lose our data. Anything that got built this way is basically a replacement mall for mallrats.

Thanks to Mike Arrington, Trevor Blackwell, Robert Morris, Patrick Collison, and Paul Buchheit for sharing their expertise on this topic.

[retail-truestory]

Who wants to hear Another Retail Story?

There I was, on register during another busy weekend. It wasn't a particularly long shift, but with how many customers there were it felt like I'd been stuck on that register forever. And I knew it was going to get even crazier because at 4:00 I'd be heading to self scan. I had 20 more minutes on register, but I would've gladly taken the rest of my shift there instead. I was finishing with one customer and their order as another got on my line. Then my supervisor told me to shut down for my break; I'd go straight to self scan when I came back. The customer who just came didn't start unloadng yet so I could have told her I was closed. But that would've made me a glutton for punishment because she was technically there when my light was still on. She had a decent sized order. I figured if I scanned fast enough and helped her pack, I could be on my break within 10 minutes. If only I knew how wrong I'd be! It started off alright. The only downside was as I was scanning, instead of her going to the other end of the belt to help pack, she was ripping coupon after coupon after coupon from multiple flyers. She gave them to me as I was about 3/4 of the way done scanning. There were between 10 and 20 manufacture coupons in the pile. And when I was done scanning the items, I went for the coupons. The first coupon was denied. Which basically meant I'd have to call a supervisor to override it. That is, assuming the customer had the item/the correct number of items for the coupon. But before I did that, I read the coupon to see why it was being denied. It was for frozen vegetables. "Did you get the [Brand] Vegetables?" I asked her. "Yes," she said. I looked at the frozen food that was still on the belt and unpacked. There was a lot of frozen food in her order. But I only remembered scanning TV Dinners. Not frozen vegetables. I double checked the screen. No [Brand] Vegetables. I told her it didn't look like she got them and gave her back the coupon. I scanned the next coupon. It was also denied. I read it. It was the exact same coupon. As was the next 2 coupons. I gave them back to her. She looked at me like I was a nut. Then came the third...or was it fifth?...coupon. It was also denied. It was a cleaning product. But I knew all she had bought was food. So I gave the coupon back to her. After the next coupon was denied, once again for an item she didn't get, I looked at each individual coupon. I put 3 to the side, unsure if she got the right amount of those specific items. I gave her back the rest, all of which she had none of the items for. She still looked at me like I was a nut. I scanned another coupon. It was denied. "Did you get These Crackers?" I asked her. "Yes," she answered. I checked the list on my screen, but didn't see them. It was possible I scrolled too fast and missed it, so I printed the on demand receipt. I scrolled down past the Frozen Food section, past the Bakery section, and past the Dairy section to read the Grocery section. It looked like she had the item. But did it match the size the coupon was asking for? "May I see These Crackers?" I asked. "I don't know where they are," she brushed me off and continued packing. She left me no choice but to start going through the bags she packed and placed in her wagon. Fortunately These Crackers were easy to spot. But there was only one box. She was supposed to get 2 boxes. I told her this and handed her back the coupon. Then I read the last 2 coupons. They were exactly the same - $3 off of 8 [Brand] greek yogurts. I asked her how many she got. "I got plenty," she said. I dug through her bags, eventually finding them at the bottom of the cart. There were only 4. I told her this. "Check again, I definitely got more." I double checked. There was all of one yogurt hiding under the cheese. "There's 5 yogurts here. These coupons are for 8. So you'd need to buy 8 to use one coupon or 16 to use both." "So I only need to run back and get 2 more?" she asked. I shook my head. "3 more," I corrected. I walked back behind my register after handing her the coupons back. From the corner of my eye I glanced at the time on my screen as I helped her pack the rest while she stood there. It was 3:50. It was sure cutting it close to getting to self scan after my break if my coworker had to leave at 4. But I didn't say anything. "How much were the grapes?" the customer asked. Silly me, I'd already thrown out the on demand receipt. I scrolled through the list on the screen searching for the grapes. Fortunately they were one of the last items I scanned so it didn't take long to find. "About $9.24." The lady made a face. "That's a lot to pay for grapes. Take them off." I voided off the grapes and she dug through her bags to give them back to me. She then asked the price of a few other items, some of which I had to reprint the on demand receipt for to double check. I answered her questions and she stood there thinking. After another couple of minutes, she took out her credit card to pay. Her total was $136.72. The payment processed $21.89 on her card. "Your new total is $114.83," I told her. Once again, she looked at me as though I were crazy. "What?" "Your card took off about $21," I explained. "Where does it say that? It should've gone through," the lady said. I turned the other moniter so she could see it better. My finger brushed over the screen, signaling toward the last line. Visa - $21.89. "Oh..." she blinked. She paused. "Can you cancel the transaction?" "Yes...I just need to a supervisor." I called for a key - a shorter way of yelling for a supervisor. Since one was on register and the other was preparing to clock out, my coworker at Customer Service came over to help. She asked what was wrong and the lady said she wanted the transaction canceled. Coworker blinked. "The whole thing? Or just the payment?" "The payment," the lady specified. Coworker put her key into the slot and typed in her code. The payment became undone and the total went back to $136.72. Coworker said she could try paying again. I asked Coworker not to go too far, as I might need her help again and I was already late taking my break. Fortunately Coworker did not have a line waiting for her at customer service, so it was nice she even wanted to stick around and help me. This was one of the Good Ones. The lady attempted to pay again. But this time her card was denied. "Why isn't it going through?" she gasped. Coworker proceeded to give her a list of reasons why the card might've been denied. She could've gone over her limit. Maybe she got locked out of her account. Maybe there was just a problem with the card. This time, it was Coworker who got the crazy look. Coworker paused and blinked before asking, "Do you have another card you can use?" "No," the lady answered simply. "So...do you want me to suspend the order? We can hold it at customer service for you and you can come back later with another payment method," Coworker explained. "Oh I'm not coming back later," she shook her head. Coworker and I exchanged glances. She then slowly brought her gaze back to the lady. "Sooooo should I just cancel the whole thing?" Lady shrugged her shoulders. "I guess so," she said before turning and leaving the store. Coworker sighed and proceeded to void the transaction, once again using her key and her code. By now it was 3:57. Realizing this, I sighed. "Guess I'm not going to self scan at 4." "Oh really? How come?" Coworker asked in a genuinely happy tone, as she knew how I loathe self scan. "[Other] Coworker goes home at 4. I was supposed to be on my break 15 minutes ago," I said. I then glanced over to the wagon the lady left behind, full primarily of perishables. I bit my lower lip before glancing at my Coworker again. "What do we do about all that stuff in the meantime....?" Coworker sighed. "Just...I guess bring it over to the throwbacks and let self scan know you're gonna be late. There's no one to run anything back and there's nowhere to put any of it right now. You just take your break." "Soooo all that's stuff's just gonna go bad now?" I asked. Coworker wasn't thrilled about it either, but there was no other choice. "It's gonna have to." Luckily [Other] Coworker at self scan was understanding why I was late to cover for her and didn't mind staying the extra 15 minutes. Admittedly I only took a 10 minute break instead, as I already felt bad she was stuck there longer than needed. And I didn't get asked about why there was a wagon of perishables sitting there fully bagged at all. But looking back on this story I'm not sure what annoyed me more.... The fact that this lady gave me so many coupons for things she didn't even get just expecting to get at least $10 off her order without me even batting an eye (did she even read the coupons to be sure she got the items?) or the fact that because someone didn't schedule enough people on a busy weekend to work that there was all that frozen (and some dairy) food that ended up needlessly going to waste. Maybe it was both. Maybe I'm just cynical from all this time working in retail. Or maybe it's just that I reached the Are You a Nut? look limit. All I know for sure is this - you can't make this stuff up. And that, my friends, is a True Retail Story.

[bbsjust]

Key online banking

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It is now time to get logged in to the portal.

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Just enter it and complete the information by entering all the required details asked on the screen.

After that, you need to provide your SSN.

After that, click on the ‘personal account.’ button.

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After that, you need to click on the ‘Enroll now.’ button.

First, one needs to visit the official website of Key Bank.

For instance, we have added a definite process below for completing the online registration for this bank online banking services. There is nothing difficult in the registration process. You can quickly register for the online banking services in this bank.

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You may also like to read, M&T Online Banking: How to Register for M&T Bank Online Banking? How to Register for Key Bank Online Banking? You will even explore more when you continue to use it. These are only some features of an online banking service. Track and schedule fund transfer requests.Transfer funds within the bank or to any other bank online using the online banking service.View your account balance with the help of Key bank online banking.Some of the features we have added are below. For instance, we have added some of the banking features below. Just complete the online banking registration. You do not have to visit the bank every time for completing any transaction. To be an instance, many services can be availed online. Let’s have a look at the information below. In this article, we will publish all the information that you need to know about Key bank online banking. You can now quickly activate the online banking services of this bank and make use of it for completing all the usual transactions. Moreover, it is now possible to avail of online banking services from this bank. This bank is even in the 26th place in the list of largest banks in the United States.įor instance, this bank is doing great in terms of providing the best banking services to its customers. KeyBank, the primary subsidiary of Ke圜orp, is a regional bank headquartered in Cleveland. Luckily, you have landed in the right place. You must come across this article looking for detailed information on Key Bank Online Banking. How to check PNB Bank account balance using net banking?.How to Check PNB Balance Enquiry by Missed Call, SMS, Netbanking.Why Land Patta is a Vital Legal Document.Tamil Nadu Land Records Patta Chitta EC App.Banglarbhumi Application/ Receipt Reprint Form.

[keenregine]

And as the High School Musical saying goes, 'This could be the start of something new, it feels so right to be here with you' Ohh *yeah that oh was necessary lol Never thought sitting on the bedroom floor with my straightened back against my bed is the most comfortable writing position I could ever been in. I must do this often. Im currently stuck in this weird phenomenon where everything else works except for Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp. All three are not functioning right now despite my frantic measures. Maybe it will go back to normal in a short while, so I’m trying to concentrate on writing much as I can to pass the time. There’s so much to tell can’t hardly choose where to begin. I’ll warn you right here right now, this is gonna be boring as hell. I’ll start from the moment where I chose to go to Spain instead of France (again). In the midst of this never ending pandemic, it is very unlikely for any Filipino to successfully grab a flight to Manila that will not be eventually cancelled. If lucky, what’s the use of being in a quarantine of almost 10 days. None. But of course, I'd very much want to be with my family, I miss them so much especially my dogs. But practicality wise, better save it for when it’s more convenient to go home. It’s been three years for me. Expect that this is gonna be a spider web of stories from one point to another with generous amount of complexities. I chose to hire an agent once again when I decided I’ll go to Europe for the second time. I was thinking maybe France because I can go back to the same accommodation I stayed in. The place is somehow familiar, I just need an escape once and for all. During that time I told my agent I wanted to go to France, but it’s not advisable at the moment, strict rules, tons of requirements etc. So I landed to my second choice Spain, my dream of seeing the Las Meninas, although considering it was previously struck heavily by the pandemic, heck I’ll gladly take the risk *vaccinated bravery. Then I thought I know a friend who lives in Madrid, maybe he could show me around. I told him that I was already applying, and he got excited. lol. Okay, Spain it is, I paid for the service, gathered my requirements little by little, then few weeks after was my appointment. I was working four straight nights that I stupidly overlooked, my schedule was on that second working day, after shift I went straight to the embassy which takes about 30 minutes on a busy morning where everybody’s rushing to get to work. Yay heavy traffic! Soon as I sat on the car, I fell asleep while we travel ahead to my desired destination. On the reception area, I was immediately rejected because my certificate of employment was not printed colored. Like wtf, the lady said I could have it reprinted because if not, most likely my application will be denied etc etc. I asked if I could come back the next day, she said yes. Alright, I went home, fucking disappointed and upset. The next day, with my colored documents on hand I went back to the same place. I’m quite sensing another backlog because there’s no proper arrangement of me being reappointed, I was entirely relying on that lady that I spoken to the previous day. So I was there right, confident and all only to be rejected yet again because my name was not on the list anymore. I don’t usually beg but I I had to make a bit of drama to the guard saying I came from work and I’m still working on that same day, why they can’t consider such a small matter. I waited outside pacing back and forth crying. lol. I swear, I didn’t give a single fuck whoever is seeing me on that current situation, my tears streaking on my cheeks, my face mask was all wet. After 30 long minutes, I guess the guard pitied me and eventually let me in. He was nice enough to look for the lady so that I could speak to her directly. I poured to her the same drama, then she was finally convinced. I have to be booked as VIP because my case was emergency walk-in, so I have to pay extra. I’m not sure whether it’s a scam or they’re just plainly being nice. I just straight away paid whatever, I’m already here, might as well risk everything I had. She checked my documents, even with my best efforts to complete all of it, I still have something missing. The exit re - entry visa, I have to make an impromptu explanation letter why I cannot provide it at that moment. I felt like I was in an exam, my mind was floating because I’m from work. In my head I didn’t care anymore I have to get this done, and all the while I was thinking I might get rejected. They also told me that my ‘funds’ should be at least 10 thousand riyals, I only had 8. With my hefty bulky pages of six months bank statement, I was asked to highlight my salaries, to show I could sustain my entire stay. It was not this hard during my France visa. From then on, I was more and more convinced that my chances on being approved is zero. Got my biometrics done with the receipt for proof of claiming, I was instructed to take care of it with my whole life. Such a big statement. Felt like, something’s bound to happen the way she said it. Finally it was over, I went back home. Five days passed, after a night shift. My friends and I decided to eat breakfast outside. I booked and paid for the uBer, we had a happy chit chat as usual here and there. Then it was time to pay for our own food, I grab the inside of my bag only to find out I lost my wallet, where could it be? Where else? In the fucking uBer. Like how many unfortunate events I need to face these days was all I’m thinking. All my cards were in there, residence ID and most concerning of all the receipt for claiming my passport which I was tasked to guard it with my life. Did the lady cursed me or something lol. It doesn’t get better, we had a hard time reporting and contacting the driver himself. Luckily, he responded, he found my wallet and was nice enough to return it to me the same day, he could only make it in the afternoon he said. Don’t matter as long as I get it back, and the freaking receipt! Isn’t it nice that there’s always hope and kindness in the end. But the universe sometimes a bitch and like to twist things around. I was not expecting at all that on the same day where I LOST MY WALLET, the courier called with the delivery of my passport. Hence, I need the receipt. My head was in total wreck one crisis unsolved after the next one. Like what in the hell am I going to do now. I asked the uBer driver if he could arrive earlier than we agreed, he can’t he’s too far away and had to pray at some mosque. So then I thought, I asked and gave him the permission of going through my wallet where he would find a receipt, take a picture of it and send. That way, I could show it to the courier for some proof. The moment of truth came, all I did was to pray whole heartedly for my visa to be approved,only way to know how is when the passport is in my hands, no message from the embassy or whatsoever. To my relief, the courier only asked for at least a picture of my Iqama and that was it. As I climbed the stairs to my flat, I slowly opened the envelope containing my passport, I opened it and there it was, my approved visa! I was jumping for joy and thankfulness. Like all of my previous countless stress went away. Few minutes after, my wallet was returned. All crisis was averted. I can sleep calmly, although not entirely because of the excitement. But not yet. It’s only the first phase of this pandemic ensued travel. As I said before *I’m not sure, if not from this unfortunate events I went through, I wouldn’t have funny stories to tell and lessons to learn from. Challenges are never ending, there’s no backing down. This is like only a teeny tiny bit of my whole Spain travel story. I want to tell the rest some other time, especially the part where unexpectedly, a love has emerged in Barcelona. Lol like seriously. I need to go now.

[lovehaswonangelnumbers]

New Post has been published on https://lovehaswonangelnumbers.org/new-moon-solar-eclipse-in-capricornkarmic-tsunami/

New Moon Solar Eclipse in Capricorn~Karmic Tsunami 

New Moon Solar Eclipse in Capricorn~Karmic Tsunami 

By Archeia Aurora of The First Contact Ground Crew Team

The New Moon Solar Eclipse occurs on December 26th, 2019 in the sign of Capricorn creating a stellium in Capricorn with the Sun, Moon, Jupiter, Saturn, and Pluto. Mercury will also join the party on December 28th creating a massive karmic tsunami wave that will hit the planet. 

Solar Eclipses are powerful energetics portals where the Moon eclipses the Sun. The Sun represents our energy center, our core place of power. The Moon on the other hand, represents our feeling centers. When a Solar Eclipse occurs, the heart eclipses the seat of power. Because this New Moon occurs in Capricorn, which reprints the old energy of the patriarchal power, we will be seeing an intense dismantling of this paradigm as the heart energy takes over.

Both the Sun and Moon will also be conjunct Jupiter in Capricorn and also interacting with Saturn and Pluto. Jupiter is optimistic and expansive, but also highlighted where we have gone too far and need to reign it in. Saturn, similarly, creates boundaries and lessons for us so that we can grow through strength in overcoming challenges. As the natural ruler of Capricorn, Saturn rules karma, discipline, and the masculine energy. Pluto is the ultimate destroyer and rebuilder. He also uncovers what has been hidden so that it can be transformed. 

These three dynamic planets are creating quite an energetic storm. Pluto is tearing down the old masculine patriarchal paradigm with passion, while Saturn is dishing out all of the karma we have incurred in the lifetime from the energy we have been embodying. Jupiter is showing where we took it too far and how we can now flip it in order to get the blessings and the expansion. 

(Experience one of our amazing spiritual services as we assist you in remembering your divine essence and removing all blocks to divinity. Connecting with the unified field will catapult you on your ascension journey, and provide all the tools and techniques to navigate these intense energies: Spiritual Surgery Session,, Twin Flame Sessions(those seeking twin flames or those in potential twin flame partnerships), Astrology Sessions, Personal Ascension Assessments, and Ask God a Question.)

The Divine Masculine are receiving many divine downloads and activations from this New Moon, which will continue up to the Saturn/Pluto Conjunction in Capricorn on January 12th, 2020. The old Capricorn/Father energies have been heavily manipulated to create a society of toxic and lower masculine that were devoid of feeling and cut off from their heart centers. 

This Solar Eclipses going to expose the deep abuses of power, control, deceit, lies, and manipulation. These energies can no longer hide and the karmic tsunami wave is coming. When this wave of karma hits, it is going to rock the planet. We are in the energetic gateway for major karmic correction before we hit the January Conjunction, which will accelerate the fall of the illusionary matrix. 

This New Moon is also training Uranus in Taurus which is a positive aspect to this chaotic planet. Uranus represents evolution. He is the game changer and the trigger planet that forces us to change and evolve. He also brings sudden surprises and shakeups. In Taurus, his focus is on what we are attached to. Divinity has no attachment to anyone or anything, which is a far cry from the collective EGO programmed mind. This New Moon will help us to let go and move forward, while leaving behind what we know we need to detach from. This is going to bring permanent endings, as whatever is no longer working has to go for good. 

Additionally, there is some tension with this New Moon as it squares Chiron in Aries. Chiron is the wounded healer and in Aries he is highlighting our collective wounds around self-identity and purpose. As the stellium in Capricorn and Uranus in Taurus suddenly strip away what is no longer real, testing our deep attachments and willingness to change, Chiron in Aries will be going through a deep self-reflection cycle. If you have no EGO identity left, and everything you create your identity around is removed, who are you? What is your purpose? These are the questions that must be answered, as we all must come to recognize our own divinity and that we are here for a grand purpose which is to be love and serve the ascension process.

Humanity has become diseased through unconsciousness, allowing themselves to be manipulate and used. Their co-creative energy was harvested by the Cabal and used to create fear, chaos, and   hatred. Humanity continued to choose ignorance even when the truth was right there for them to see. 99% of humanity looks around and has no idea that anything is happening on this planet. They go about their day continuing in cycles of self-importance, wounding & trauma, blaming and projecting, etc. Their chosen ignorance has now come full circle and the karmic backlash will be great. This will force humanity to face how they have given their power away and allowed themselves to become cold and robotic, fully dysfunctional. 

The sacredness of life and connection to MotherGod, Source is returning. Humanity must choose to get into their hearts or they will not make it through this challenging transition. The karmic corrections will be harsh and swift, and only those willing to surrender, take responsibility and evolve will continue to exist on this planet. It is time to wake up, time to own our divinity and honor our Mother, Gaia as she completes her mission of ascending humanity home into the light. 

*******

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[wojojojo]

D&D 5E Part 1 Part 1: 3 Spoopy 5 Me

I keep meaning to write down what happens during our games with my new group, but we only play once a month and for 8+ hours at a time, so bear with me, this shit is Long.

First, the Players: There’s five of us plus the DM in the first game. I am the only female player, as well as the only one not playing a human. We’re playing in the Dalelands, specifically Scardale, from Forgotten Realms.

Dungeon Master: The Dungeon Master, obviously. Trying to keep us on track, has some trouble the longer the session goes. May want to cry a few times.

Raendes Sauvage: Young and inexperienced know-it-all elf from the village of Hap. Having learned everything she can in her small town, she has ventured out in the vales to learn as much as she can. One of her fondest wishes is to track down a bard to teach her Vicious Mockery, and live up to her name of Full Life Consequences. DM hates her name, everyone else loves it.

Idris Renaud: Former soldier, now a rogue. Human. Has a dark sense of humor and makes almost immediate friends with Raendes and Daerovyn. Has a sense of honor despite general asshole tendencies. Many Welsh/French/French-Canadian jokes are made.

Daerovyn Graycastle: Human fighter from a religious sect, but not a cleric or paladin, despite being the only lawful good character of the group. Is on a mission from his church to find out what happened to his mentor, a priest. Knows how to play 5e.

Aelthan Bearistad: Human druid, so of course we were making constant bestiality and hippy jokes. Is basically a golden retriever in human form. Loves the Goodberry spell. Should seriously choose a bear for the animal form he can transform into, but we’ll see when we get that level. Also knows how to play 5e.

Secondly, context: the DM and I are work friends, and decide to put together a group because neither of us have gotten to play a good game in... a while, to put it nicely. (At least 10 years for me; a few games in college don’t count, for reasons I won’t talk about here.) Originally it was going to be Pathfinder, but DM decided to give 5E a try, especially since two of the other players were well versed in it. DM, our ranger, and I were not, so there’s been a learning curve. DM is also using a book of reprinted classic scenarios called Tales From the Yawning Portal, as DM wanted this game to be more horror inclined. This first session is Hangman’s Noose by Nicholas Logue, modified to fit into the Pathfinder/5E amalgam we have going on.

Third, the game: The players awaken in a juror’s box with 7 seemingly random people in a decrepit courthouse. The five of us were kidnapped from our inn, and know nothing of each other. Everyone is confused and/or freaking out. Idris goes to investigate a pile of rubble underneath a mural of Tyr, and before the ceiling collapses on him he see’s Tyr’s Hammer.

~*~SYMBOLISM~*~

Unharmed, and with the rest of us putting on our Deerstalker Hats, we take to scouring the first floor of the courthouse and learning more about our fellow jurors. A handy-dandy list for you:

Halgrak Five-toes: Half-orc, basically Marvin the Robot. So depressing, even the elf takes pity on him and tries to cheer him up. Idris and Daerovyn are on suicide watch.

Elbin Blithoddle: Drunken jester, not very funny. Pretty much useless.

Patrissa Vrakes: Cougar, experienced(?) enchantress. Has secrets but knows how to fight. Came because one of her ex-lover’s had requested to see her on his deathbed.

Killian Paltreth: Man of wealth fallen on hard times. Immediately nicknamed “Uncle Moneybags”. Spends most of the game with Elbin, drinking. Also pretty much useless.

Malgrim Hurkes: Hobgoblin enforcer and leader for a local gang. Is a total asshole, but has good taste in weapons.

 Sir Rekkart Cole: A retired paladin, kind of stuck-up but otherwise well-meaning. Pretty obviously under some kind of charm, but refuses to believe it. Also knows how to fight, and a lot of help in a haunted courthouse.

Tablark Hammergrind: Dwarf smith and ornery asshole. May be a jerk, but knows his shit.

Madge Blossomheart: Halfling acrobat, automatically labeled “The Hot One”. Is the girlfriend of a local gang leader. Is good in a fight.

They were part of the original jury that sentenced local executioner Jarbin Mord to death by hanging for the double murder of his wife and son. The five of us are there to replace the five that are missing/dead. The only one of us to have any real tie to the place is Daerovyn, who is looking for his mentor, Father Kelgard.

We also have hallucinations/visions of various happenings in the courthouse. It’s fairly even split between Father Kelgraad’s adventuring groups misfortune and what happened in the double murder. I get one having to do with Sashrala (elf wizard), being murdered by her now-crazy lover Grisdom Twin-Axe.

As we move out into the main hall, we are assaulted by necromantic psychic damage from a Cacophonous Clock (a great name for a Goth Steampunk band, btw) as it tolls seven o’clock. Idris, Raendes, and Madge go to examine it and realize this is some Good Shit, and Madge wonders how much you can get for it. Suspicious.

The others are looking at the exits of the building, and see someone took some big ass iron nails, like railroad spikes, to the door and windows so we can’t escape. Daerovyn decides he’s going to chop through the boards to open the doors, even though Tablark points out how long that will take. The talk it out as my group moves to them, and Malgrim tries to be an edgelord, separating from the group and wanders off to the bathroom. No one misses him.

We explore the Judge Felgore’s quarters to find a letter to a High Magister about Judge Trabe, and a skeleton dog(!), which Aelthan wants to befriend, but sadly we had to kill. Judge Felore’s corpse has a chain around it’s neck that is remarkably similar to Malgrim’s. We hear a scream and run to the bathroom, where Malgrim has been strangled to death with his own chain. No one misses him. 

(We do proceed to crack David Carradine and auto erotic asphyxiation jokes for the rest of the session. I immediately regret not taking his chain.)

We also learn that Sveth, Patrissa’s ex and local alchemist, asked her to come visit him but when she got to his shop, he was gone, apparently dead. Further pressing on this yields little more than her getting shirty with us. Also Sir Cole has the most obvious crush on her, its honestly a little embarrassing. 

In the Jury Deliberation Room, Daerovyn, Idris, and Aelthan find a message Elbin carved, revealing what a salty bitch he is. He spends a lot of time drinking with Killian, and mostly stays out of the way of battles. The adventurers are quickly growing irritated with them, and we tend to make those two carry stuff for us.

We move upstairs and work our way through the right hand side of the second floor, finding all manner of evidence. The biggest piece is a receipt for a 12-fire-opal necklace and evidence that Allister Wade, Mord’s prosecutor, had the hots for his wife AND a debt against Malgrim. THE PLOT THICKENS.

We move upstairs, where I’ll continue next part!

[ob-fans]

Restaurant Fails

@fuck-customers 

Things you’re doing wrong in a restaurant that your server secretly hates you for.

Seating:  When you walk into a restaurant, unless you’ve been there before and you know for certain that this is acceptable – DO NOT SEAT YOURSELF DOWN. It is not fucking McDonald’s. This is incredibly annoying to servers for several reasons – firstly, their manager may be watching and it will appear they have kept you waiting so long that you were forced to seat yourselves, and secondly even if it is quiet when you arrive, they may well have a seating plan and tables intended for booked guests later on. Thirdly, it’s just plain impatient and rude.

Generally if the restaurant is quiet and there is 4 or less of you we give people some choice about where to sit as this makes the customer feel valued. However, do not turn up as a party of 6 or more, for whom restaurants often have a limited number of suitable tables, ignore our table suggestions and insist on us making some sort of table jigsaw in the middle of the restaurant floor, just to accommodate you. You're there for a couple of hours, not the rest of your life – chill the fuck out.

Further to this, yes we know it’s cold outside, but if you give yourself a minute to warm up you will realise once you’re INSIDE you will no longer be cold. Please don’t expect we can seat EVERY single person that comes in “as far away from the door as possible” as we would have a half empty restaurant and in our case, have most of our customers out of sight from the bar/reception area. Be patient, at least see if you’re warm enough where you are before asking to move.

Also, do not demand to sit away from children as soon as you arrive. You’ve chosen a child friendly Italian restaurant that serves pizza and fries. What do you expect? If you don’t like kids, go somewhere else. Which leads me on to…

Kids:  DO NOT ALLOW YOUR KIDS TO RUN OR SKATE AROUND THE RESTAURANT. This is not just annoying to staff and fellow customers alike, but is also incredibly dangerous – staff serve hot drinks and food, many dishes coming straight from the oven, and if your kid runs into us on their skates it’s very possible they could end up with food all over them or worse in the hospital with second degree burns.  

It is not acceptable to allow your kids to throw food everywhere and leave the table looking as though a bomb hit it, with more food on the floor than was on the plate. If your kid can’t handle eating in a restaurant without making THAT MUCH of a mess, they are not old enough to be eating out. Either that, or please, take wet wipes (not baby wipes, I mean antiseptic wipes) and at least clear up the mess before you leave. If you wouldn’t leave a friend’s house that way, don’t leave a restaurant that way - it’s just bad manners.

Please do not leave your young children alone in the restaurant. ALWAYS nominate at least one adult to supervise. We are not a crèche and are not there to look after your children because you want a glass of wine and a sit down for an hour or two. Children forget their orders, take ages to make up their minds, change their minds, and generally get confused about the whole process, and we cannot discuss the orders or negotiate the bill with a child if something needs fixing. The last time this happened, a kid ended up getting a Bolognese when they were vegetarian, because they had forgotten what they wanted and didn’t know what it was. This shit is not our fault if you can’t be bothered to look after your kids.  It’s fine to let them “be adults” and sit by themselves, JUST STAY IN THE DAM RESTAURANT SO THAT IF YOUR KID BREAKS THEIR LEG WE DON’T HAVE TO CALL AN AMBULANCE AND WAIT FOR YOU TO COME BACK TO TELL YOU YOUR KID IS IN THE HOSPITAL. Seriously, this is just un-fucking acceptable. Don’t do it. Ever.

Just because you are a young person and are eating out with your friends with your pocket money or a voucher your parents have given you, this does not mean that the standards are different for you. We don’t necessarily expect a large tip (hell, usually we don’t expect ANY tip) but at least have the courtesy and sense to split the bill, or take change with you so that you can pay for your amount exactly. The last time this happened, all 4 of them had kids set menus, the only difference was some had coke and some had juice, which was ridiculous. We do not have the time, nor we should we expected to work out the change for 6 or more people’s individual orders, and give you each exact change when you have only given us a £20 note each. We are not a bank and often waiters have their own floats, meaning that especially near the start of a shift they will not have a large amount of loose change on them. Basically, if you’re old enough to eat out like adults, you’re old enough to pay like adults too.

Headphones / phones / games – I personally don’t give a crap if your kid wants to play a game etc or listen to music while in the restaurant, as long as it does not disrupt other customers. However, please have the fucking courtesy to make sure your kid is making eye contact and actually treating us like fucking human beings when we are taking their order. I cannot tell you how dismissive and disrespectful it is to be for all intents and purposes ignored and treated like furniture. We are serving your food, we are not slaves.

Stacking Plates

Please, if you are sitting somewhere the waiter cannot easily reach you, take the plate from us when you receive your food, and hand it back to us when we come to clear your plates. We do not have extendable arms for hard to reach tables, please us common sense in this scenario – if you would struggle, then likely we are too.

It’s very much appreciated if you stack your plates, but please do this sensibly. Do not create a giant plate mountain destined to topple over at the minutest movement – this is counter-productive and it just means we have to unpile your plates before we can re stack them and take them back to the kitchen – completely nullifying the point. If you are incapable of determining what is a sensible plate stack and what is a plate catastrophe in the making, please leave your plates the fuck alone, and wait for us to collect them.  

Discounts  and Receipts

If you have a discount code or voucher, please make sure the server is aware of this BEFORE you ask for the bill. Please do not ask for the bill, wait for the server to print the bill and leave it with you before you decide to let them know. This is annoying to the server, a waste of everyone’s time and in some cases servers do not have the ability to do bill reprints themselves, so they must then chase down a manager, causing even more of a delay and frustration both to you and to them. When you’re trying to wait tables in a busy restaurant this is incredibly annoying. WHAT IS THE POINT of someone giving you a bill showing what you WOULD have paid, before you offer them a voucher to render this null and void anyway. I honestly cannot understand this.

Assuming you have followed the above etiquette, please do not approach the bar or register to harass the wait staff the second you have checked the bill. It is customary, unless you ask to pay straight away, to allow you time to check the bill is correct, before we return for payment. During this time we will do other tasks and serve other customers. You are no more important than anyone else, even if you do have a meeting to get to.

Following the above, please do not walk into a restaurant and open with “Can you serve us in 20 minutes, we’ve got a film to get to”. It’s rude, self-important and regardless of how “quick” you think your order may be, there are still potentially many other people’s orders ahead of yours, and you don’t get to skip the queue just because you’ve not left enough time. Go out for dinner earlier, god dammit.

Shots/Samples on arrival:  Some places give customers free samples on arrival. Occasionally parents get a panicked look on their faces as we pour them, as if “lord help us, what are they giving our CHILDREN?!?!?” *Sigh* No, the shots I’m giving your children are NOT alcoholic. I value my job and my life as a free person and wouldn’t be endangering that to give your 5 year old fucking limoncello. For crying out loud have some common sense. If I had a penny for every time I heard that one, I wouldn’t need tips, hell, I wouldn’t need to work, except for then I suppose I wouldn’t hear it in the first place. Dilemma.

Tipping: It is customary in the UK and many other countries to tip your waiter/server. In the UK the standard amount is 10%, which is one of the lowest percentages in the western world. The USA and Canada, for example, both EXPECT 15-20 or even 25% percent. In some cases they will even consider it a part of the bill. So please guys, unless you have had a truly terrible experience in the restaurant and this is specifically at least partially down to your waiter, tip the dam wait staff. 10% is fine and the staff always appreciate it. Waiters in most restaurants get paid hourly and usually minimum wage, the job can be stressful and very physical and we don’t get paid extra when it’s busy and demanding, so EVERYTHING counts. Please, don’t be a dick.

Furthermore, if you are a tourist visiting the UK, it is even more imperative and appreciated that you follow this custom. Likely, you have come from a country where the tip percentage is higher (see USA, Canada etc) and thus 10% is nothing. We have it drilled into us, here in the UK, that we should follow customs when abroad and tip as they do. We would hope for, and certainly appreciate, the same courtesy. There is also the argument that since you’re used to a higher percentage, and that in the UK tax is included in the price, making for easier bill understanding, that you should tip either 10% or the tip rate in your country, whatever is higher. Basically, do the polite thing and don’t do anything you wouldn’t do in your home country.  

Takeaway Coffee: In fairness, this is specific to each restaurant due to what else there is in the locality, but speaking for mine specifically.. No, we do not do take away coffee. We are situated in a busy town centre with no less than 10 cafes. Go to a fucking coffee shop if you want take away coffee, not a restaurant. Seriously, WHY?

When Orders Go Wrong: Sometimes mistakes are made, someone mishears an order, or misses off an item, which can easily happen if the server is distracted or the restaurant is very busy. That is our error and we apologise for that, but we will do our best to fix it as quickly as possible, accommodate other requests you have, and probably remove items from the bill, or give you some sort of discount. Please, please, please do not make the waiter feel like their entire existence is worthless because they missed off your fucking garlic bread. The world will continue to spin on its axis and the sun will still rise tomorrow. You will have forgotten all about it, but the waiter won’t have and will possibly get reprimanded by their manager – please consider this before making a huge fuss about a small mistake.

Fake Complaints: It is fairly common for waiters to check back on their tables to make sure that everything is ok with the food, and to see if the customers need anything else. This also serves as an opportunity for us to head off any complaints – if we ask you if the food is ok and you say yes, then we can leave you alone to enjoy your meal for a while. We are not mind readers, we rely on you letting us know if there is an issue. We check back on you for a reason – please do not say everything is ok and then complain later – this helps no one and appears occasionally as somewhat opportunistic, as usually the manager will then offer a discount. If the food was of a good standard and there was nothing wrong with it, pay the full price. If the restaurant is too expensive for you, find a voucher or just don’t bluddy go there. We know what you’re doing and it’s not cool.

Please apply the above restaurant etiquette and I guaran-fucking-tee you will instantly get better service, and if the waiter really likes you, maybe even free shit. Simple. :-)  

[hub-pub-bub]

Do you have a library card? Do you use it?

No matter how connected you feel when the world seems to be at our fingertips (if those fingers are holding a smart phone), nothing can replace the treasure that is your local library. There you find so much more than books - it can become an oasis of pleasure and connection in the middle of any stressful day.

I used to travel around the country, leading seminars that were often scheduled in five cities in five days. If I was lucky, sometimes I only drove an hour or so to the next booking; and, if so, the first place I looked for – after checking into my hotel – was the local library. There is no better place to feel at home than among fellow learners. Plus – unlike tourist attractions – this was all about the locals. Each library was unique. Some had reading areas around a fireplace, others just institutional tables and chairs. But there is where your intellectual – and, sometimes, emotional –batteries can be recharged beautifully.

Haven't been there lately? Your library is a treasure waiting for you.

Ten reasons to visit:

Inspiration. You’re surrounded by some of the greatest minds in history – at your fingertips. Walk in. The sheer amount of material is enough to inspire. Any subject, any question, and idea you may want to explore – it’s all right there. And not just the latest bestsellers; you’ll find volumes there that Barnes & Noble could never carry. Ages of wisdom! For instance, on the self-help shelves, you’ll find advice from great minds from years, decades, even centuries ago. All sounds remarkably the same as recent stuff, too. Hmmm.

Rules. No, it’s not your grandmother’s library. No severe “shushing” librarians. But people know the rules. It’s about respect, and nice manners. No cell phones ringing, either. Peace and quiet: Priceless.

Single focus is possible. The last time I was in a dentist’s waiting room, the TV was on, with a constant stream of chatter from one of the 24-hour news channels. And – believe it or not – the radio was also on. At the same time! Can you say “brain overload”? I couldn’t wait to get into the dentist’s chair, just to get out of that room. Your library may be the only place left in the world where there is no soundtrack, no ticker tape news in the background. You can hear yourself think.

You can take books home. For free. Uh. Yeah. You knew that, right? And not only books – CDs, back issues of magazines, DVDs (the educational ones are usually free), even artwork. For years, when my children were small, we had a special picture hook in the living room for a piece of art we’d choose together in the library, and enjoy until it was due back. Rotating art. Still free.

Deadlines. Okay, admit it. How many books are on your shelf, stacked by your bed, even still in the bag with the receipt? You’ll get around to reading them “someday.” But – if the book has a due date, you’ll usually read it – or at least make a decision about whether you really want to read it or not. There are only three reasons I usually finish a book – especially nonfiction. One, it’s too compelling to put down; two, my book club meets in two days; three, it’s due at the library tomorrow. Deadlines are inspiring.

It’s a community center, too. Check it out! Movie nights, classes on writing, book clubs, lectures, play readings, and more. Check the library's website or local papers (still get them?). And now that I have three toddlers in my life, the children's library is a favorite destination. Free. Other kids to play with. Surrounded by books, toys, and often music or craft classes.

Used book sales. Oh, yes. Most libraries sponsor these, and they’re so much fun. And, at those prices, you can buy them, read them - and donate them back when you’re done.

Oasis. One of my best friends goes to the library simply to have a break from the demands of being at home with her testosterone-filled family of husband and sons. It’s a mini-vacation for her. I like it too – and so much easier to read People in a comfy armchair instead of on line at the supermarket.

Real live people go there. At the library, you are surrounded by fellow seekers: people who read, who look for answers, and enjoy the presence of other humans. And – just for the joy of it – you can also visit the children’s section and watch the kids play.

Expertise. Your librarians know a lot. Try them. Research librarians are amazing resources. Ask them questions; it’ll save time and frustration, and the answers come with a smile too.

Oh, and (have I already said this?) it’s all free. The peace, the knowledge, the solitude, the company; the books and all the rest. Try it – even one hour a week. You’ll be hooked – or at least I hope you will. The world waits for you at your local library. Use it, support it, teach your children about its pleasures. It’s your tax dollars at work, in the best possible way.

Randye Kaye has just found out she's a "multipotentialite" - actor, author, speaker, voice talent, radio personality, podcast host, teacher. Her book, Ben Behind His Voices: One Family's Journey from the Chaos of Schizophrenia to Hope (Rowman and Littlefield) is available on Amazon - and, of course, at your local library. www.randyekaye.com. A version of this article was reprinted by the American Library Association in 2011.

[tellthebellwinners-blog]

TellTheBell - Phone Number

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[douchebagbrainwaves]

YOU GUYS I JUST THOUGHT OF THIS

But those aren't the only reasons parents don't want their kids using. But this is, strictly speaking, impossible. Some say Europeans are less energetic, but I don't believe it.1 If they aren't an X, and the right mood. In those days, you will be net more productive. Foreseeing disaster, my friend Robert Morris and Trevor Blackwell.2 You write programs in the parse trees that get generated within the compiler when other languages are parsed. Don't be hapless is not much point.3 Maybe mostly in one hub.

What should they do research on?4 And if you think about it, cuteness is helplessness. We chose Lisp. Though she'd heard a lot about YC since the beginning, the last 9 months have been a lot of room for improvement here.5 It doesn't even have y. How sterile it was. It's not just the mob you need to learn to judge by outward signs which will be worth your time.

I wanted to keep it that way.6 It's often mistakenly believed that medieval universities were mostly seminaries. I recommend is to take yourself out of the woodwork every month or so. But we should understand the price. Subtract one from the other, and the result is what we can't say. In painting, for example, will cheerfully work 20-hour days to produce the Apple computer for a society that allows them, after taxes, to keep just enough of their income to match what they would have made working 9 to 5 at a big company. It's good to have a few trusted friends you can speak openly to.

But because they have to.7 America's competitiveness often suggest spending more on public schools.8 Tax laws that encourage growth? I must have explained something badly. If someone who had to process payments before Stripe had tried asking that, Stripe would have been one of the heavy school record players and played James Taylor's You've Got a Friend to us. Gradually it will re-emerge. The truth is common property.9 So I'm really glad I stopped to think about which one to use. For example, can this quality be taught? I'm saying that he'll make you a better writer in languages you do want to use it in all his paintings, wouldn't he?10

And what, exactly, is hate speech?11 The idea of mixing it up with linkbait journalists or Twitter trolls would seem to her not merely frightening, but disgusting. Cadillac stopped being the Cadillac of cars in about 1970. If you want to encourage startups: read the stories of the Bible could not be true. Performance isn't everything, you say? This is too big a problem to solve here, but certainly one reason life sucks at 15 is that kids are trapped in a world designed for 10 year olds. But America has no monopoly on this. But, at least, taking money from a top firm would generally be a bargain. First Round that they performed one. Aikido for Startups But I don't know; but whatever your capacities, there are projects that stretch them. I don't like the idea of being mistaken.

So if Lisp makes you a better writer in languages you do want to use Lisp, so much the better.12 John McCarthy invented Lisp, the field of or at least of the good ones, is precisely that: look for places where conventional wisdom is broken, and then try to pry apart the cracks and see what's underneath. Evelyn Waugh called him a great writer, but to serve a ruler powerful enough to ignore the local feudal lords. That's schlep blindness. The more of an IT flavor the job descriptions had, the less dangerous the company was. Exceptional programmers have an aptitude for and interest in programming that is not merely determined, but flexible as well.13 Indians in the current Silicon Valley. What counts as pornography and violence? It is by no means a lost cause trying to create a silicon valley in another country. Let's run through an example. Everything else on their site may be stock photos or the prose equivalent, but might it also be true? It The second reason we tend to find great disparities of wealth alarming is that for most of human history the usual way to accumulate a fortune was to steal it, we tend to be suspicious of rich people.14

It means a tedious, unpleasant task.15 It may be just luck, but I've saved myself from a few technologies that turned out to be a mecca for smart people simply by having an immigration system that let them in. It won't get you a job is that no one speaks it. That's not enough to consider your mind a blank slate. This idea along with the PhD, the department, and indeed the whole concept of the modern university was imported from Germany in the 1930s—or among the Mongols in 1200, for that matter? For example, by doing things that you not only didn't know, but that contradict things you thought you knew.16 In England in the 1060s, when William the Conqueror distributed the estates of the defeated Anglo-Saxon nobles to his followers, the conflict was military. When she turned to see what had happened, she found the steps were all different heights. Which means, oddly enough, that as you grow older, life should become more and more users. The Daddy Model of Wealth When I was a whiz at it. It could be that a language promoted by one big company to undermine another, designed by a committee for a mainstream audience, hyped to the skies, and beloved of the DoD, happens nonetheless to be a lot of other things fell into place. My grandmother told us an edited version of the death of my grandfather.

Notes

It's also one of the most dramatic departure from his predecessors was a kind of people. It seems to pass. Or worse still, as I know of no Jews moving there, and yet give away free subscriptions with such tricks, you'd get ten times as productive as those working for large settlements earlier, but it wasn't.

I know what kind of gestures you use the word wealth, seniority will become as big as any successful startup founders and investors are interested in each type of thinking. Price discrimination is so hard to measure how dependent you've become on distractions, try this thought experiment: If you want to get endless grief for classifying religion as a cause for optimism: American graduates have more money chasing the same thing twice.

I mean that if the growth rate early on. As the art itself gets more random, the space of careers does.

4%, Macintosh 18. She ventured a toe in that sense, if you did that in fact you're descending in a time of day, because those are probably not far from the Ordinatio of Duns Scotus: Philosophical Writings, Nelson, 1963, p.

Since I now have on the wrong ISP. Kant. Whereas the activation energy for enterprise software. Sokal, Alan, Transgressing the Boundaries: Toward a Transformative Hermeneutics of Quantum Gravity, Social Text 46/47, pp.

On the other meanings are fairly closely related. But a couple hundred years or so and we should find it's most popular with voting instead of Windows NT? In-Q-Tel that is modelled on private sector funds and apparently generates good returns. The situation is analogous to the Bureau of Labor.

In practice most successful startups of all tend to notice when it's their own interests. Many people feel good. I'm going to create a great one.

B made brand the dominant factor in the Ancient World, Economic History Review, 2:9 1956,185-199, reprinted in Finley, M.

The late 1960s were famous for social upheaval. It's conceivable that the payoff for avoiding tax grows hyperexponentially x/1-x for 0 x 1.

Strictly speaking it's impossible to succeed in business are likely to have to preserve optionality. What happens in practice is that most people, but that's the intellectually honest argument for not discriminating between various types of startup: Watch people who should quit their day job writing software. It would be much bigger news, in the sense of being Turing equivalent, but delusion strikes a step later in the US since the war, federal tax receipts have stayed close to the option pool.

In high school. And in World War II to the hour Google was founded, wouldn't offer to be told what to think of it, by encouraging them to private schools that in effect hack the college admissions. Which in turn is why I haven't released Arc.

Note to nerds: or possibly a lattice, narrowing toward the top 15 tokens, because a she is very common for the linguist and presumably teacher Daphnis, but something feminists need to warn readers about, just that they probably don't notice even when I first met him, but they were actually getting physically taller. Even now it's hard to avoid this problem by having a gentlemen's agreement with the New Deal was a sort of stepping back is one of a powerful syndicate, you better be sure you do if your goal is to say about these: I wouldn't bet against it either. That is the case, companies' market caps will end up reproducing some of the world, and stir.

A more accurate metaphor would be a good grade you had small children pointed out by Mitch Kapor, is due to Trevor Blackwell reminds you to two more modules, an image generator written in Lisp, they did not start to go deeper into the sciences, even in their IPO filing. You should always absolutely refuse to give up, and intelligence can help founders is by calibrating their ambitions, because any story that makes curators and dealers use neutral-sounding nonsense seems to have a quality that feels a bit. Indifference, mainly. Brooks, Rodney, Programming in Common Lisp, they have to do this right you'd have to sweat whether startups have some revenues before 18 months are out.

The amusing thing is, obviously, only Jews would move there, only Jews would move there, only for startups overall. Programming languages should be your compass. Which is not Apple's products but their policies. But core of the rest generate mediocre returns, but those are writeoffs from the Ordinatio of Duns Scotus ca.

Common Lisp for, but the number of startups as they are at selling it. Most employee agreements say that YC's most successful startups looked when they buy some startups and not least, the mean annual wage in the 1980s was enabled by a sense of being harsh to founders is how much he liked his work.

But you can't dictate the problem is poverty, not how much you're raising, have several more meetings with you to acknowledge as well use the word wisdom in so many had been trained that anything hung on a scale that has raised a million dollars. It doesn't end every semester like classes do. Instead of the world, and are paid a flat rate regardless of how to value valuable things. When you get nothing.

[portlandnet]

Fundraising FAQs

This is a reprint of an email I sent to NET Team Leaders on August 22. ~ JVK

Information I received at a meeting from your reps at Friends of Portland NET made me realize a lot of the information TLs have about NET fundraising and processing funds is incomplete, disparate, and often inaccurate. 

I shouldn't have felt surprised; we don't talk about it much in Basic, and there is not (yet) a Team Leader Handbook (or even an orientation) you can use to consult on fundraising, though we are actively working on one. In the meantime, I hope you will accept my apology for not making the information easier to obtain and use this email as a reference. Here is everything I think you need to know; it's long and some of this will be redundant for several of you, so read only what interests you. I will also make most of this a Tumblr post where answers to any questions will be posted. Here we go:

How do I set up an account for my NET with Friends of Portland Fire & Rescue (FoPF&R)? As part of my job responsibilities, I sit on the board of a nonprofit 501(c)3 called Friends of Portland Fire & Rescue (which, please note, is not the same as Friends of NET...Friends of NET is an advocacy group that I am not permitted to have a seat at, except to give advice). I sit on the FoPF&R Board so that NET can use them as an umbrella organization to legally collect tax-deductible donations for your team. The primary responsibility of FoPF&R is to maintain the Firefighter Museum on Belmont, but they let NET and a couple other orgs in. The process for setting up an account through FoPF&R has always been on pp. 32-33 of the NET Guidelines. If you've never read them, please read them now before moving on to other parts of this email.

How much does it cost a NET to use FoPF&R? The nonprofit charges a 7% administrative fee on all deposits (but not withdrawals). 7% is typical for administrative overhead, and it's used to pay for administrative services that the nonprofit hires, such as accounting and legal advice (for the conspiracy theory minded, our budget is available for your viewing on request). Board members such as myself ain't going on luxurious Fiji junkets with those fees anytime soon. Some have remarked that the 7% fee is excessive. In my own observations, it looks to be in line with fees charged by other organizations doing the same work. If you believe it is too high, I encourage you to look elsewhere for partners; your neighborhood association might also be a nonprofit and may be able to help you. Also worth mentioning: if an exceptionally large single deposit is made, the Board can vote to waive or reduce the fees. In fact, we've done that before. If your team has a large single deposit to make and would like to request the fees be reduced or waived, email me and let me know. The Board will want you to make a case for waiving/reducing fees, so please have that justification for the exception in mind. Friends of Portland NET is also looking at becoming a nonprofit that can process deposits, and if they succeed, I plan to take NET out of FoPF&R and move all our accounts over to them so that NETs, and not PBEM, has full oversight and control of the money. They have indicated that they would like to charge a percent on deposits less than 7%, but the number they intend to settle on is TBA.

Woah now waitacottonpickinminute...is it ALWAYS 7%? Because I've heard it is 10%. FoPF&R always charge no more than 7%, period. It's in our bylaws. But it is also true that if you collect donations through a third party service, such as PayPal, PayPal takestheir service charges first, deposits the money, and then FoPF&R takes their 7% cut of what's left. PayPal service charges run about 3%. So in that case, you'd indeed get 90 cents on a one dollar donation. If you want to avoid the extra fee, don't use PayPal.

So why would I use the 501(c)3 at all if my neighbor can just write me a check and I cut you out entirely? You could do that. The benefit to routing your money through a nonprofit is that, after the money is received, I can write your donor a receipt/letter that confirms the money went to a recognized nonprofit, and that the donor can legally deduct the donation from their taxes. If your neighbor simply writes you a check, well gee that's extra generous because that can't be written off of their taxes. Since nonprofits are highly regulated by the State and the IRS, routing through us also gives donors assurances that the money will be spent the way they intend for it to be spent. In fact, many large donors will donate only to a nonprofit.

Back up a bit...are you saying we have a PayPal account service we can use? We do; the donate button on the bottom of this page will take you there: https://www.friendsofportlandfire.org/portland-net.html. The direct link is: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=2TnB7nPc_BsyhEdTaDCuVPPNGXTueJzibi0NBKQ90EUbtTk5qCWfIuUpH0brfEe33HMgrW&country.x=US&locale.x=US A PayPal donation button makes donating much easier for potential donors, especially if you're soliciting small amounts from many people. I think you could even stick that button on a NextDoor post along with a list of what your team wants/needs (if you're not sure what you want, there is a suggested team cache list in Section 600 of the NET Guidelines). But beware: PayPal only knows a donation from that link is for NET...there is no way to choose which NET it's supposed to go to. Therefore, your donor must forward you the emailed PayPal receipt, and then you must forward that receipt to me so I can route the money to your team's account. If you do not, I route the money to the NET general fund (which is spent on things like equipment packs for volunteers who cannot afford them). Yeah, that’s a pain in the ass. Theoretically, a team could set up its own PayPal account so you could cut me out as the middleman there, and just send me a check. But I don't think PayPal allows multiple PP accounts to route to the same bank account, so the deposit would have to go to a bank account you're associated with.

What if we want to solicit donations at an event? You can do that too. Cash is simple enough...just take it and secure it. If the donor wants a receipt, take their name and mailing address and I'll mail it to them. For credit cards, we have the hardware you would need to swipe cards on your phone. You just need to check the hardware out from us (I think we use Square) and download the app onto your phone. Pretty simple. They also charge a processing fee, though, like PayPal.

What are/about in-kind donations? In-kind donations are donations of stuff instead of money, and it's often more palatable for people/businesses to make in-kind donations rather than cash donations. For in-kind donations, I can write them a receipt/thank you letter acknowledging the items donated. However, and this is very important, it is our policy not to put an appraised value on that receipt of the donated items. An appraisal is the responsibility of the donor (or the donor's accountant) when they file taxes. We are not qualified to do that, and me pretending to be an accountant would get me in hot water.

I'm frustrated because I don't even know how much my team account has and Jeremy won't tell me. I wasn't aware that sentiment was out there, and again, I take responsibility for not making things more clear. I keep a running account sheet and Glenn or I can bring up the status of an account balance at any time...takes us about two seconds. I'm detecting that it would be better to simply send quarterly reports to all TLs who have accounts while continuing to answer that question on request. So, in a separate email, I will contact all the TLs with accounts and confirm that they are the team contact to receive those reports. Then, Glenn or I will make sure you receive them at least quarterly.

I'm frustrated because Jeremy takes forever to process my money. That was, at one time, a legit complaint. It is no longer. Thanks to Glenn's help, I mail approved reimbursements the week I receive them; often, the very same day. I will say, however, that I do not typically process deposits very quickly; I prefer to gather up deposits over the course of a quarter and deposit them all at once at the bank for efficiency. But if that creates a problem for you, just let Glenn or I know and we can probably get the deposit in that very same day. This is important sometimes because you'll have a donor write you a fat check and, as a courtesy to them, you want to get it out of their account ASAP. I can appreciate that, no prob.

I hate that Jeremy has to approve my purchases before I make them. My first commitment is to you, the NETs, and the NET program. In short, that policy is in place to protect the credibility and legitimacy of what all NETs do, not just one team or one team leader. I'll also say that, before my time, teams have made a few wacky purchases I would have adjudged were not in line with NET's mission. So, sorry, but thems the rules and that is a rule I do not make exceptions for. Please don't ask me to; I hate having to be the villain. Heck, I've barely grown in my Snidely Whiplash mustache.

What's the deal with Fred Meyers Rewards? My checks are, like, a whopping $2. If your team is listed to receive Rewards money, the check sizes indeed vary from team to team. Some are on the low end (like under $10 a quarter) and some are relatively high. If you want to increase the amount you get from Rewards, here's what you do: encourage your neighbors (maybe through NextDoor?) and friends to list your team as the recipient of their Rewards bonuses account. From what I understand, Kroger (owner of Fred Meyers) has $650k each quarter (or is it each year? will need to check that) distributed to every Rewards non-profit in their systembased on the number of people who signed up to contribute to a given account. More people signing up for your team means more money for your team. I thought their spending habits also made a difference (e.g. I wanted Irvington NET to get more money so I opted for the expensive organic avocados instead of the regular ones). It appears I was mistaken about that...it has more to do with the number of people who sign up for your account. If none of this makes sense and/or you want to know more about Kroger Rewards accounts, email me and I'll get you details.

Why are we trying to get donations anyway? Shouldn't the City buy all our equipment? No. First, I should point out PBEM does provide some of your most important equipment...you got that hard hat and vest for free, right? If you didn't, let me know. One of my clones is trying to swindle you. PBEM also provides more staff support to its CERT program than any other program sponsor I've even heard of by miles...you have four full time staffers working on nothing but NET/BEECN, and that’s not including our Outreach Manager. Most programs elsewhere are managed (seriously) by an unpaid intern who is given marginally more clout than the office coffeemaker. But what about funding neighborhood equipment caches? It's not possible for us to fund all the equipment caches that are needed in the city. So if we began funding any caches, doing so would raise inevitable and serious political and equity issues. Who would win? Who would lose? Why? Hopefully, you can see the problem there. Besides, if the City just gave caches away, the equipment would not be as well maintained or tracked as it would be if the community invests in it. It's like when I was a teenager and said HEY DAD BUY ME A CAR and dad said HECK NO YOU BUY IT YOURSELF BECAUSE THEN YOU'LL APPRECIATE IT MORE WHIPPERSNAPPER. I hated that answer when I was a teenager because I wanted a car. I hate that answer now because he was right. I recall what NET is and is not. NET is not the City of Portland bankrolling earthquake response operations. NET is the City saying to Portland neighborhoods, essentially, that: there is an earthquake coming, and we're very skeptical about how much we'll be able to help you in the aftermath. Therefore, we will offer you and all your neighbors free high quality response training, staff support, and some equipment so you can, if the added community investment of time/interest/money is there, begin to raise your own response team. Though some will disagree with me, I believe taking taxpayer money and redistributing it by buying equipment caches is an inappropriately narrow (and possibly irresponsible) way to spend taxes. We'll spend up to a point, but then your neighbors need to raise their hands and say "yes, we agree this is important and here is some money/resources to help make it happen". If your neighbors can't do that or won't do that, a government funded cache in your neighborhood would be inappropriately matched to the low time or willpower of those neighbors. An exception here is when PBEM or PF&R has specific operational objectives we are asking you to meet and you need equipment to make them. For example: we want a lot of radio operators, so I have a bunch of radios I can loan out to NETs. I want NETs to control traffic safely around down power lines, so I have about $6k set aside to buy road flares and other safety equipment to do that. It is NEVER appropriate for PBEM or any government agency to ask NETs to deploy for a hazardous non-earthquake operation, such as working down power lines, and not equip them at least at a basic level. If that happens after I am gone when some other chump is managing this program, I encourage you to protest loud and clear. If they ask you to deploy and can't equip, and you don't have the PPE already yourself, please don't go. All of that said, I do advocate for a program model where a neighborhood is awarded a cache by meeting specific community resilience goals (a model that worked well in Berkeley). But we're a long ways off from that getting implemented or considered, and the effort would have to extend beyond PBEM. In the meantime, if you want more equipment, turn to your neighbors and ask for the money. It will assuage some of the guilt they feel for not being better prepared and not being NETs themselves. Just don't tell them they can't actually buy their way out of an inevitable earthquake.

Thanks ~ JVK

[himbocj]

Gas Station AU!

So, I work overnights at Circle K, and I was inspired to write a Gavin-centric fluff piece after a shitty night I had, which, may or may not have accidentally turned into an entire AU? Either way- here’s the first fic. Enjoy!

—————————————————-

All in all, working the night shift isn’t so bad, Gavin thinks. Especially in a convenience store as slow as the one he worked in, and with such a laid back manager. As long as the floors are swept and mopped, the day is closed out and reopened at two, and the coffee is made every morning, Hank genuinely gave no fucks about what he did. He could sit on his phone and play games, hell, even watch Netflix if he wanted. As long as the tiny store was clean and well-kept, Gavin was in the clear.

Not to mention, Connor’s hot older brother came in every single morning, so that was a plus. His sleep schedule may be a bit fucked, but it was fucked before he got this job anyway. Besides, he only worked three days a week.

Well, four, this week. Connor, on his way home a couple days previous had been pulled over. Apparently, Connor Davis was a really common name. One such Connor Davis, of fucking Vermont, had three warrants out for his arrest, and an unpaid DUI.

So, Connor, their Connor, got dragged to jail. Gavin almost laughed aloud when Tina told him. Connor, sweet, innocent Connor, got arrested? He would have paid to see that.

Hank, in a moment of desperation, had begged him to pick up one of Connor’s shifts, being the only other overnight guy. Just one, he promised, he’d take the other two. The fifty bucks he threw into the deal was pretty sweet too. Besides, it’s not like he had to twist Gavin’s arm. Not only did he need the extra hours, but, he wouldn’t pass up an opportunity to see Niles in all his glory, maybe flirt it up a little.

“Hey, Gavin.” Chris greets him as he walks in.

“Hey, Chris.” Gavin waves back at him, quickly plugging his login to the timeclock database. “No Tina tonight? I thought she was mid.”

“She was, but we switched. I’m guessing you heard what happened to Connor.”

“Yeah, pretty fuckin’ hilarious honestly. I’d’ve loved to see his face.” Gavin smirks as he sets up his phone charger. “I mean, it’s terrible and all, and I feel bad for the guy, but I would have paid good money to see that.”

“I’m pretty sure he cried.” Chris muses. “At least he sounded it when he was finally able to call Hank.”

Oh. Well. Now he just felt like a prick.

“So, I guess Hank was pretty anxious to get his shift covered today?” Chris asks.

“Yeah. Connor was released I guess, after they realized how royally they fucked up, given that the other Connor Davis is, in fact in jail. He offered to come in but Hank just told him to take it easy this week.”

“Yeah. Makes sense.”

Gavin glances at the fogged up windows as he logs into the terminal. The humidity has been a bitch, but at least that means Niles’ hair will have that nice curl by the nape of his neck. Connor, however. Hoo, boy, his hair must be as messy as his life has reportedly been the past few days.

“Nice horror movie aesthetic.” Gavin murmurs. He adjusts the nametag on his polo.

“I know right? All you can see out the windows is headlights. Fuckin’ creepy as hell.” Chris shudders. “Anyway. Hope you don’t mind if I head out a bit early. I’ve gotta be at my other job by eight tomorrow morning.”

“Yeah, go ahead, man. It’s gonna be a slow night, anyway.”

“Isn’t it always?”

“True. But like, slower than usual. No deliveries to deal with, except maybe the donut guy. It’s usually the not-creepy one on Wednesday nights, right?”

“Hell if I know.” Chris shrugs. “Anyway. Think I’m gonna grab something for Sadie and head out.” Chris busies himself with shutting his drawer down as Gavin pays in.

Slow night, indeed. Gavin resigns himself to a night of shitty phone games, maybe a few episodes of a new Netflix series.

“When’s Sadie due, anyway?” Gavin finds himself asking.

“Three weeks.”

“Holy shit. You ready to be a dad?”

“Fuck no.” Chris snorts, ringing himself out for a bag of candy on Gavin’s register. “But, at the same time, yeah? I dunno, it’s weird. Like, I’m nervous but I’m also like. Stoked as hell to finally see him, you know?” Chris sighs. “Anyway. Don’t have too much fun.”

“Yeah, no promises. You know me. I’m a regular party animal.”

“Ever the social butterfly.” Chris chuckles. “Have a good night, Gavin.” with one last wave, Chris is out the door and Gavin is alone.

***

All is well for quite a while. Gavin sits on his phone for a good hour or so. He has maybe two customers before eleven. Some kid draws a smile in the condensation on the window outside. Gavin turns the radio on for a bit of background noise.

And then, it happens.

It’s pretty damn normal for people to come in looking rough, and Gavin learned pretty quick to not judge a book by its cover. But the girl that comes in at eleven or so…well, Gavin tries his best to ignore her, even as she ambles through the store for a good twenty minutes, picking things up, putting them down, mumbling to herself. Right when he had to sweep and mop too. It takes all of his willpower to snap at her and tell her he has an actual shit to do.

“Can I help you find something ma’am?” he asks as politely as he’s able. The girl sneers at him. Furrowing his brow, Gavin turns his attention to his phone. Maybe she’s having a bad day.

Finally, finally, she walks up to the counter, placing several items down. Now, it’s only been two weeks that he’s worked for the company, but he likes to think he’s rather good on the register, given that it’s easy as hell.

“How’s your night goin’?” Gavin asks, as he scans each item. No answer.

Okay then.

“…right. Do you need a bag?”

“Yeah.” her tone is annoyingly succinct, like Gavin is the scum of the earth.

“Nine seventy six for you.” Gavin busies himself with putting the items in the bag as the girl slaps a fifty on the counter.

“I need the rest on pump five.”

“Sure thing.” Gavin nods, selects the pump number and presses the ‘rest in gas’ button. “Have a great night.” without another word, the girl briskly walks out of his store. Gavin mumbles under his breath as he puts the money away.

So this is how his night is going to go. Okay, yeah. He’ll just roll with the punches. He’s flexible.

It’s blissfully empty for a few minutes, and Gavin is actually able to sweep up some of the store. He’s almost done when the girl walks back in.

“Hello again.” Gavin calls, hurrying back behind the counter.

“I need my change back.”

“Okay, sure thi-,” Gavin stops when he notices that there’s no option to do so. “Your car took the rest of the gas.”

“But it only took thirty nine dollars out.”

“…right. Plus everything else makes an even fifty.”

“How does that make sense when my total was seven and some change?”

“Wait, what?”

“Can you reprint my receipt?”

“Um…sure…” Gavin does so, and grabs a pen.

“All this should’ve added up to only seven dollars. Ring it up again.” She pulls all her stuff out of the bag, and Gavin stares in disbelief for a second before sighing and doing as she asked. He doesn't have time for this. There’s another customer waiting in line.

“Right, so, it’s nine seventy six. Plus the thirty nine seventy five on the pump.”

“You rang it up wrong. It’s simple math, honey.”

Ooh. Yeah. No. Not today. Gavin can’t handle condescension at the best of times.

“I’d appreciate a little less attitude, ma’am.” He bites out.

“You’re the one who did it, not me!” she snaps back.

“Okay, look right here on the receipt-,” before Gavin can show her the forty nine dollars and fifty one cents that was her subtotal, and the forty nine cents that was her tax, which equals fifty fucking dollars, the lady snatches her receipt back.

“I don’t have time for this, I have to get to work. I’m gonna call corporate, you’re refusing to give me my money back.”

Oh, great. The corporate excuse. Not to mention, she wouldn’t be late for work if she didn’t wander around the store for twenty fucking minutes!

“Jesus Christ, take your three fucking dollars.” Gavin opens his drawer, yanks the three dollars out and hands them over, hands shaking. “You have a wonderful night.” he drives his point home by slamming his register shut.

Okay, so, maybe he should’ve handled that better but Jesus Christ.

Gavin smiles as much as he can at the next customer, only managing a thin, sickly sweet looking curve to his lips.

“Sorry about tha-,”

“I should have two dollars off on this.” the man slams two energy drinks down on the counter.

All-fucking-righty then.

Gavin nods, rings up the two drinks. Strangely enough, the discount doesn’t show up.

And Gavin doesn’t know how to put it on manually. Furrowing his brow, he gets up on his tiptoes to try and check the sign.

“How much is it?” the man all but demands.

“Well, right now it’s five dollars and some change, but-,”

“Five dollars?” the man all but shouts. “For two energy drinks? And that’s with the discount?”

“Well, it’s not on there yet. It should have gone on there automatically, so I’m trying to figure out-.”

“Then why does it say buy two and get two dollars off!?”

“I don’t know sir, it might be part of our rewards program-,”

“It doesn’t say that on the sign.”

If this dude interrupts him one more time.

“I’m trying to figure it out for you, sir.”

“You need to take that sign down, it’s misleading.” the man’s voice is steadily rising in volume. Gavin takes a good look at him. Middle aged, well dressed, absolutely oozing privilege. Figures. The guy probably hasn’t worked a day of customer service in his life.

“I’ll let my manager know tomorrow that-,”

“No, take it down right now.” there he goes again.

“Are you kidding me.” Gavin deadpans.

“Where’s your manager?”

“I’m the only one in the store right now, my manager comes in at six in the morning.”

“That’s ridiculous.”

Gavin purses his lips. “I’ll go take it down right now.” he tells the man.

“Put these back while you’re at it.” the man shoves the cans back at him and storms out of the store.

“Fucking wow!” Gavin shouts as soon as the door closes. He grabs the two cans, storms over to the cooler, and shoves them back in, hands still trembling. He storms back over to the door, checking to see if anybody is in his parking lot. No sign of the two assholes. Good. He locks the door, and just as he does, the angry tears start falling, rapidly.

Gavin storms into the bathroom. The urge to punch something is severe. His hands are still shaking, and he’s still crying angry tears. God, he hates that about himself. He always cries when he’s angry, which makes him even angrier, which makes him cry harder. It’s a vicious cycle.

Gavin crouches, hands gripping his hair as he tries to get a hold of himself. It takes a minute or two to calm down, but he gets there. He fixes his hair in the mirror, wipes his face down with wet paper towels, and goes to unlock the door.

His hands still tremble lightly, but he thinks he’ll be okay. He rubs his hands over his face and takes a deep breath, leaning against the counter. He steels himself when the door opens again, ready to face another asshole.

“Hey there- oh! Hey, Niles.” Gavin furrows his brow as steel grey eyes meet his. “Not that I’m not happy to see my favorite regular, but what are you doing here so early? Or, well, late, I guess, for you.” a ghost of a smile passes over Niles’ lips.

“Connor asked me to check on you. He forgot to tell you about the drug addict that comes in every Wednesday and kicks up a fuss about nonexistent change.”

Oh, yeah. That made sense.

“Yeah, she uh.” Gavin clears his throat. “She was interesting.”

“Oof. Already met her, huh?” Niles’ gives him a sympathetic look. “Connor tells me she can be a downright nightmare.”

“That’s one way of putting it.” Gavin goes for casual, but the crack in his voice gives him away. Niles furrows his brow, steps closer to the counter.

“You alright, Gavin?”

“Oh, me? I’m peachy. After the tweaker came your classic middle aged white man, so that’s great. Also, the windows are fogged so like, I’ve got the horror movie aspect too.” his attempt at a joke is weak at best, voice quavering pathetically. “It’s fine, everything’s fine.”

Everything is not fine.

Gavin opens his mouth to say something more but only manages a pathetic soundle garble.

And just like that, he’s losing his shit again.

“Fuck, sorry, I’m not- it’s not-,” he slams one hand down on the counter, the other moving up to viciously wipe his eyes.

“Gavin.” Suddenly, there’s a warm hand on his. Gavin startles, gaze snapping back up to Niles. He’s smiling, a proper, warm and comforting smile. “It’s okay. Come here.” he gestures Gavin over. He hesitates for a brief moment, before throwing caution to the wind and making his way out from behind the counter. As soon as he’s close enough, he’s gently pulled into a tight hug.

Normally, he doesn’t like to be held like this, even when he’s crying. But…it feels nice, Niles holding him, rubbing soothing circles into his back. It’s totally unprofessional, but fuck it. He allows himself to cry again, and he allows himself to be calmed and soothed by the man holding him.

“Wanna step outside with me for a minute, get some air? The parking lot is empty, so you don’t have to worry about getting customers.” he should hate the softness in Niles’ voice, but he finds he rather doesn’t. He nods, finally pulling himself together.

“Thank you.” he whispers. Niles rubs his back one last times as he pulls away, gesturing towards the door.

Patting his pocket for his cigarettes, Gavin steps out into the humid air, Niles not too far behind him. He lights a smoke, inhaling deeply, relaxing immediately. Niles is quiet beside him, and he’s grateful for that.

A sudden noise from the roof has him flinching suddenly, grabbing onto Niles’ arm. Niles lets out a soft chuckle.

“Relax, Gavin. It’s just the building settling.”

“Right. Sorry.”

“It’s quite alright.”

Gavin all but inhales his cigarette, stamping it out underneath his shoe when he’s done.

“Feel better?” Niles asks.

“Yeah.” Gavin nods. “A lot. Thank you, I…I really appreciate it.”

“Don’t mention it.”

And then Niles does something unexpected. He leans down, and presses a kiss to Gavin’s head.

“Goodnight, Gavin. Hope it gets better for you.”

Niles leaves him there, all but sputtering. He refuses to admit that he’s blushing furiously.

***

Connor stops in right before Gavin’s shift ends to grab a coffee, waves hello to Hank and Gavin in turn.

“Heard you met my friend last night.” Connor says, smile sympathetic. “I’m sorry, I totally forgot to warn you about her. She’s…interesting.”

“An understatement.” Hank grouses.

“Yeah, well, you spent a night in jail. I think the award for ‘worst night ever’ goes to you.” Gavin shrugs as Hank hands him the “Register Closed” sign and tells him he’s good to start counting down.

“It wasn’t horrible.” Connor shrugs. “More of an inconvenience.” he’s definitely lying through his teeth. Gavin huffs out a snort as he counts out his change. “Oh! Niles asked me to give you this. He told me you had kind of a rough night.”

When Gavin looks up, Connor is handing him a piece of paper.

“Don’t worry, I didn’t read it.” Connor winks at him, the asshole, and leans over the counter to talk to Hank.

Gavin finishes counting the money, dropping it in the safe when he’s done. Only after he’s logged out does he open the note.

On it, in neat handwriting is a number, along with:

Sorry I couldn’t come in this morning, I had things to take care of.  I hope you’re feeling better though.

Oh, and, let me know if you’d like to hang out sometime when you don’t have to work. I find that I rather enjoy your company, Gavin.

-Niles

Gavin is not blushing, he’s not.

But there’s no way he can fool himself.