#courier lifestyle

[thatbikemessengerish]

▶️ list

[dykedvonte]

Ok so we know you love Benny (rightfully so, I mean look at the man) but do you have any thoughts on the other Chairmen? Swank and Tommy specifically?

I have so many thoughts on the Vegas families but even more on the Chairmen just because of how unique their position is.

Like to start off, I have mentioned and still fully believe the Chairmen are the most paranoid and distrusting of all of the Vegas families. You can get sucked into many personal dramas and plights when it comes to the other Vegas Families; Quest-lines that get you super involved with their inner workings and pasts, ergo, quest-lines like Beyond the Beef and How Little We Know. Other than the very little side quest we get from Tommy, where you don’t even out in a good word for the Aces Theater for the talent recruits, your very boxed out with the Chairmen.

While the other families are more curious and intrigued by the NCR and Legion tensions rising, House being killed and other things, the Chairmen are always paranoid, concerned and negative. They mention wanting to leave like in the old days but can’t drop the act. They don’t mention anything that isn’t in a way that relates back to them and it tells how little they wish to or do interact with those outside the family. Swank mentions how he doesn’t trust the other families and the sentiments are shared with Tommy who discourages you from seeing the other sights. They are probably not purposely isolating themselves but they keep to their own. I only think this is extrapolated by House favoring Benny as a successor and possibly more restrictions on them. They were the first family and likely the prototype of whatever is detailed in their contracts. House was not as lenient as he is now, taking Swank referring to House’s rules into account.

Specifically about Tommy and Swank is interesting. Tommy feels like he’s older to me, not like more mature but he’s been around to see how far the Boot-Riders changed into the Chairmen. He’s not like an old guy either but older than Swank and Benny. I like to think he’s a middle ground to Swank and Benny, where Benny is the idealist, Swank is the nihilist and he’s there realist. You gotta real with people when you work in entertainment. He has a keen eye and can tell when things aren’t right but doesn’t jump out of his lane, not without provocation that is. In relation to Benny, I think Tommy’s like a snide older brother type guy. He rips on Benny cause the guy is so obsessed with not being seen as a tribal anymore but Tommy of all people can see when someone is playing too much into a bit. Benny keeps him close cause he keeps him real.

Swank is described in universe by House as being dependable but unimaginative. I don’t think that’s fully the case but he isn’t the person to push things in my eyes either. He has complaints but he does what he’s asked of and is loyal. More of a “Are you sure” Man than a “Yes” Man. I don’t think he sees the best in the people around him but prefers to see them as static. I take this with how hard it is to convince him that Benny is a traitor and how he seems shocked you are so ready to kill him. Things run a certain why and it’s why he likes that. It’s why he’s so good a managing The Tops. He wants things to run smooth and easy and everyone to be having a time. He’s the type to struggle with a shift in change at first but then forget why when the new song and dance start to come naturally. He plays the part just like Benny but also reminds him of what they came from. He’s his most trusted advisor and friend keeps him in focus.

This is all personal opinion and just a quick run down of it. But I hope I answered at least some of what you asked:p

[goatyoat]

I saw someone used This Picrew to make some of their rpg characters, and I was inspired to do the same thing >:3

In order of appearance: Norma-Jeanne (Fo4), The Courier (FNV), Wilhelm (Outer Worlds).

[jonathannsmith0706]

Safety First: How Chauffeur Services Prioritize Passenger Security in the United Kingdom ?

In the world of luxury transportation, safety is the cornerstone of exceptional service. From wedding chauffeurs to VIP taxi services, chauffeur driven cars in the United Kingdom prioritize passenger security above all else. Let’s explore how these services ensure safety while delivering a premium experience.

Wedding car chauffeur understand the significance of their role beyond simply driving. They are entrusted with the responsibility of ensuring the safety and comfort of the bride, groom, and their guests on one of the most important days of their lives. With meticulous planning and attention to detail, wedding chauffeurs navigate through bustling streets with precision, ensuring a smooth and secure journey from ceremony to reception.

VIP chauffeurs in London epitomize professionalism and excellence. Whether catering to high-profile business executives or celebrities, these chauffeurs undergo extensive training to uphold the highest safety standards. From navigating the busy streets of the city to providing discreet and personalized service, VIP chauffeurs prioritize passenger security without compromise.

London courier company extend their dedication to safety beyond traditional transportation services. As part of their lifestyle concierge and management offerings, they provide eco friendly delivery options that prioritize both environmental sustainability and passenger security. Opting for eco delivery service ensures that parcels are delivered safely while minimizing carbon footprint, aligning with modern eco-conscious values.

In the dynamic realm of luxury transportation, safety is non-negotiable. Whether it’s chauffeur-driven cars or VIP taxi service, passengers trust these professionals with their well-being every time they step into a vehicle. By partnering with reputable chauffeur service that prioritize safety above all else, clients can enjoy the epitome of luxury without compromising on security.

In conclusion, chauffeur services in the United Kingdom understand that safety is paramount. From wedding chauffeurs to VIP taxi services, these professionals prioritize passenger security, ensuring that every journey is not just luxurious but also safe and secure.

[tscnews]

Indie Film Magic: Behind the Scenes of Mel Hurry's 'How It Is...'

TSC News TV host Fred Richani interviews writer, producer, director, and script consultant Melissa Hurry about award-winning short film How It Is..., the state of indie filmmaking, founding Mel Hurry Films, mentoring, and diversity and inclusion! Plus: Fun Facts about Mel Hurry, a fellow wrestling fan!

[psuedofolio]

Another "Character a Day" batch, this time it was something entirely made just for me. For whatever reason, I got to looking at the Busy World of Richard Scarry and the books again. I haven't seen them since I was a kid but looking at them now I thought the art and world were really fantastic. It's beloved for a reason.

I got it into my head that it'd be fun to play around with a "modern" Busy Town setting, with new kinds of jobs and careers that people have come up with. It's the sort of idea that appeals to me cause I like being clued into what people are doing, especially when those things can be confusing to me.

But after doing a week of these, I kinda think what I was doing is a little bit problematic. Like... a lot of these gig careers have a lot of issues. Kids already think these clout based internet careers are the best. And many of them form dangerous parasocial relationships with a number of these creators. Not saying that this cast of characters I drew would be bad people, but I think creating kid friendly media about social media folks can unintentionally glamorize a problematic lifestyle.

Anyway, I had a lot of fun. But I'm wary of the issues surrounding it.

Flavor text as follows: 1: A Busy worm is calling to make sure everyone's got all their pay this week and is scheduling days off without interrupting the channel's content.

2: A Busy Fox is a little confused by the special instructions the customer left on the order...

3: A Busy Cat didn't notice all the messages from the courier. He added a 100% tip for the trouble.

4: A Busy Pig was confused by the colored lights online tutorials.

5: A Busy Bear just noticed that they didn't hit record when they started the react video...

[geminimoonmadness]

ASTEROIDS ☄️

Part 2 ♡♡ Copywrites reserved©️GeminiMoonMadness

CONJUNCT VENUS EDITION♡

The conjunctions of these asteroids to your natal venus should be within an orb of 0°-5°, the tighter the degree the more prominent it will be in your life.

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Camelot (9500) Conjunct Venus

Gives you an idealistic & visionary nature. Moral & ethical beliefs play an essential role in your life. The home may become a place of importance in their life.

Castalia (4769) Conjunct Venus

Gives you clarity of thought & eloquence. Also gifts you with an unlimited imagination.

Cupido (763) Conjunct Venus

Will put an emphasis on themes of lust, pleasure, joy, delight and sensuality in your life.

Cyrene (133) Conjunct Venus

Gives an Independent, assertive & aggressive nature. You may have a love for physical activity, athletics, combat and the outdoors.

Dudu (564) Conjunct Venus

You may reject religion and strive towards your own personal ideal of perfection & power.

Eugenisis (743) Conjunct Venus

Pursuits relating to child birth, creativity, invention, initiation and commencement are favoured.

Faina (751) Conjunct Venus

The significance of marriage and working partnerships may be emphasised in your life.

Freia (76) Conjunct Venus

Gives you a love for pleasure. Personal charm, beauty and love may play an essential role in your life.

Frostia (854) Conjunct Venus

Gives you a inclination towards scientific pursuits as well as an interest in athletics & intellectual activities/studies. You may be the type of person to help provide aid to colleagues in need. Also themes involving winter and the cold may be sign to you.

Hyrbis (430) Conjunct Venus

There is the possibility of bad manners/rudeness, over confidence and vanity to manifest which can bring your life to ruins if the individual is not self aware.

Aesculapia (1027) Conjunct Venus

Gives a talent and/or interest in the therapeutic, medicinal & medical pursuits. Grants you with good health and a long life, otherwise alternatively, you will have this concept on your mind frequently.

Agina (847) Conjunct Venus

Grants you with ethical virtues, holiness, morality & innocence. Similar to the asteroid above, there may be an inclination towards the healing & medicinal arts.

Aslog (962) Conjunct Venus

Gives you a stormy early life but you eventually rise to a position of power at one stage in your lifetime. You may have extraordinary yet estranged ancestors/relatives.

Asmodeus (2174) Conjunct Venus

May bring attention to lower aspects of one’s being. You may have strong carnal urges & base desires.

Iris (7) Conjunct Venus

You may have a swift, adaptable, transient & unpredictable nature. You have a tendency to instigate communication and mutual understanding. You may serve as a courier, informant, diplomat or mediator. Your boundaries are often crossed

Isis (42) Conjunct Venus

You have a highly compassionate, productive & helpful nature. Gifted with the power to create, revive, nurture & sustain life. You may be involved in healing and caring for others.

Jole (836) Conjunct Venus

You may attract the undesired attention of others. Your charm may come with consequences for your home & family.

Kressmannia (800) Conjunct Venus

Christianity may be of importance to you. Also grants you with an interest in philanthropy.

London (8837) Conjunct Venus

Gives you an interest to the place London itself. You may have an interest in the culture, lifestyle, delicacies, scenery, etc.

Marion (506) Conjunct Venus

Puts an emphasis on the relationship between cousins. Women, especially female relatives play a crucial role in your life.

Mathesis (454) Conjunct Venus

Gives you a lifelong love for knowledge and education. Gives you a talent in mathematics and science. (You’d make a great teacher!)

Oriola (701) Conjunct Venus

Gives you an optimistic, cheerful, high-spirited & prideful personality. You have a talent for vocal expression.

Pales (49) Conjunct Venus

Gives you a passion to care for and handle/manage animals.

Phaethon (3200) Conjunct Venus

Gives radiant, fearless, overly vain, self absorbed & attention seeking characteristics. These individuals may overestimate their abilities.

Roswitha (615) Conjunct Venus

You may find fame through your work. You are the type of person to challenge society’s assumptions about gender.

Stargazer (8958) Conjunct Venus

You have an imaginative & visionary personality. There is an interest in astrological and celestial studies. You absolutely love the night sky and stars.

Ulrike (885) Conjunct Venus

You may have a strong sense of allegiance with friends & family. Possibly have keen, fierce & aggressive instincts. You have divinatory, intuitive or prophetic talent (psychic ability).

Valda (262) Conjunct Venus

You have the ability to lead and command others. You have a courageous, energetic and confident nature.

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Let me know if you have any of these placements!

Ps- I appreciate interactions & feedback of all kindsツ

[h50europe]

I am not sure if anyone would read a plot like that. But I am playing with the idea of an AU

BUCK/TOMMY BODYGUARD AU - FREE FALLING

Evan Buckley, Buck for his friends and management, is a rising star in action cinema. He often portrays rugged, charming characters who attract the attention of many women. Despite his success, these roles only partially satisfy Buck. However, they provide the financial means to sustain his opulent lifestyle. His management perceives him as a ladies' man and arranges multiple romantic entanglements. Initially, everything seemed fine. However, the situation takes a dark turn when Buck's "girlfriends" are killed one by one, and he begins receiving menacing letters.

From now on, instead of another love affair, he has a bodyguard at his side. At first, the two men behave like cats and dogs. But there's a reason for this. Buck's bodyguard unleashes a chaos of emotions in the younger man, threatening to throw him off course even more than he already is.

Tommy Kinard is a highly skilled professional who protects individuals from politicians to celebrities. Despite a severe injury (sustained during his time with the Navy SEALS), he pursued various career paths, including serving as a private investigator and trying his hand at helicopter flying in Hawaii, before eventually entering the bodyguard business with his longtime friend Bobby Nash. Bobby and his wife Athena successfully operate Bedlam Securities, a highly sought-after agency in Los Angeles with additional offices in New York and Chicago. When Buck's management approaches Bobby and Athena, they see an opportunity to entice Tommy back into the business. The recent loss of his protege, a musician, has left Tommy with self-doubt, even though he wasn't responsible for the musician's death. After facing multiple struggles with drug withdrawal, the musician's career came to an end, culminating in a failed farewell tour that ended tragically at an after-party. Tommy believes he could have prevented the musician's death had he been present that night.

Tommy is less than enthusiastic when Bobby and Athena introduce him to their new client. But something about the younger man, who everyone calls Buck, piques his interest. And because Tommy isn't everybody else, he calls him by his first name, Evan. Something the actor finds cute. The more time they spend together, the closer they become, which surprises Tommy, given the number of women who send his client used underwear by courier and other weird stuff. Buck awakens feelings in Tommy that he thinks he has buried forever after a failed relationship. Neither can deny that they are heading down a dangerous path as they learn that their relationship is more than business. Without a doubt, this assignment will inevitably put them both at risk in more ways than one.

The idea was sparked my post here

[originalcharactersexyman]

Hiya! Howdy! Id love to toss my goofy silly mailman tf2 oc in the ring if there were slots left! His names Brodie :> Heres his toyhouse

Meet YOUR 10th Class Merc. The Courier. His name is Brodie 

From New York! Go Yankees!

Around 32-34

6"1

Lets take alook into the past: For a lot of his life he has committed ,,, so much fraud. So much. All of it. Mail fraud tax fraud voter fraud healthcare fraud identity fraud. Even credit card fraud when credit cards came out in 1966.  Frauding it up ever since he was a kid delivering newspapers and snooping in neighbor's mail. 

Eventually his fraudulent lifestyle catches up to him and lands him in prison when he suddenly became the inheritor of a minuscule fraction of Australium. And a certain group of individuals did not take too kindly to some rando getting his hands on the  insanely precious resource.  In order for the Australium to be ‘misplaced’, Brodie had to die. And die he did. Not long after being incarcerated, he was hanged for his many, many crimes. A bit of overkill, really, but it was apparently the only way. Plus a lot of the guards and inmates kept finding themselves in varying degrees of debt so two birds one stone. Miss Pauling herself attends the hanging to make sure Brodie does die and sure enough he is pronounced dead. As dead as it gets. 

Well. Mostly.

As his soul prepares for judgment in hell,  Brodie decides “I am absolutely not ready to be dead yet.” Soo he convinces Satan “hey you guys got the wrong guy. I’m blah blah blah, here’s my ID and credentials n whatnot. Here’s who you’re actually looking for” (a lie obviously) but Satan’s like “Oh shit. Um wow- this, like, never happens. Lemme…fix that real quick.” (This is intentionally left vague and about how much hell tell ya about it with changing details each time)

Back in his body, Brodie sits up, completely nakey, save for the body blanket, and startles Miss Pauling who instinctively has a gun to his face. Quickly thinking, Brodie strikes a deal; “Hey hey! Don't Shoot. Uh, listen.  Technically, I was pronounced dead.  Obviously you can keep whatever I was supposed to inherit, I won't even give it another thought but just lemme go - please?”  Sure enough, Miss P agrees, except now Brodie has to…start over again.  Which isn’t a big *deal*, but it’ll take him a minute to get back on his feet since his last identity is supposed to be cold turkey. 

Though, this gives Miss P an idea.  “Hey, do you want a job?”

So he’s back, babyyy. Brodie is a new man (who legally doesn't exist) and is recruited by Mann Co to be the teams smuggler mailman and a merc when violence is needed!!  Someones gotta deliver the mercs all their niche needs and all that, ya know? Someone who ain't afraid to get their hands dirty or have fingerprints or the same teeth they did before or leave any paper trail!  Someone who isn't afraid to break into the next city over's local zoo and get some baboon uteri and hearts for medic, or do a 24 hr trip to Australia for Saxton hale pain tonic for sniper (so they avoid import fees), wine for spy, copious amounts of Tom Jones merch for scout, crates upon very weighty crates of ammo for Heavy, etc etc. Even just snacks from each mercs country (that Courier def sneaks bites from but dont tell anyone shhhh). Or just the pizza the mercs ordered in town.

Need something delivered? Brodie is your Courier! (He has to as his contract states, lest he break it and is 'super killed'.  No its not explained what that means but Brodie don't intend to find out.)

--

He's a bit of a goofy guy.  Quick witted when it comes to fraud but would ask Alexa what 4 x 12 is. His undying passion is committing petty crimes and scams and changing people's legal last names to something like "Scrotum". He's very *very* nosy and will read the merc's mail before he even gets it to them. He's got gossip to share. He loves snacks and has an awful diet consisting of gas station foods. Caffeinated soda and donuts are go-to's, especially on the road. His fav mode of transportation is on his motorcycle.

WOOF thats a long one lol Thank you sm for ur consideration !

WELCOME ABOARD!

Seats Taken: 22/24 (TWO LEFT)

[raini-day]

Fantasy manga reccs for folks that liked Freiren, Dungeon Meshi, and Witch Hat Atelier

1. Is what you liked about DM dwarves promoting good lifestyle habits and giving exposition about monsters? You might like Soara and the House of Monsters! A girl raised to be a monster hunter meets a group of dwarves who build houses for monsters and stars traveling with them.

2. Did you know Dungeon Meshi isn't Ryoko Kui's only series? The Dragon's School is on Top of the Mountian is a collection of oneshots all packed with the Ryoko Kui charm.

3. Do you enjoy fun magic item crafting and a relationship between a long-lived elf and a human? you might like Elf to Shuryoushi no Item Koubou! Magritte is a magic item craftsman who, along with her assistant and bodyguard Yura, fulfills all sorts of requests for magic items.

4. Do you like when series really delve into the how and why of logistics? You might like The Dragon, the Hero, and the Courier! It follows the daily life and trouble of Yoshida the half-elf, a dedicated postal worker who delivers all sorts of strange and mundane letters.

5. Did you know witch hat has a cooking manga spin off? now you do! Witch Hat Atelier Kitchen is extremely cute & domestic.

6. Shinozaki-kun no Mente Jijou is a modern fantasy about an ordinary office worker finding out there's a lot about himself he never knew about - turns out his body has been modified to hold all sorts of magical machinery. The thing with machinery though - it needs maintenance

7. Shoulder-a-Coffin Kuro follows Kuro, a strange traveler who carries a coffin on her back, two shapeshifting twins she's adopted, and the talking bat who lives in her coffin as they wander the land looking for a certain witch. Whimsical & melancholy, this is one of my all time favs.

8. Akagami no Shirayukihime follows the life Shirayuki, a herbalist, and the people around her. It's kind of hard to sum it up with one thing because it's a pretty long series where a lot happens! It's got really lovely art, fun worldbuilding & extremely charming characters

9. Hakumei and Mikochi are two teeny women who live in a house nestled in the roots of a tree. Lots of them cooking, building, exploring and visiting friends in strange places. I really love the background designs and detailed art of objects! My fav chapters are the market visits. This one's another of my all time favs!

10. Otherwordly Izakaya Nobu! More food in fantasy because you can never really get enough of that. A bar in modern japan inexplicably opens its front door into a fantasy city. Each chapter different people come to the bar to talk about their lives and enjoy japanese food.

11. Radiant, a pretty classic fantasy shounen by a french artist - it's on this list primarily because I looooove the art, especially the backgrounds. It's got some fun magic item worldbuilding as well.

12. And to finish off these reccs, Wandering Witch: The Journey of Elaina. This one's closest to Freiren in terms of who I think will like it. It's about a witch, her slow paced journey around the world, and the people she meets along the path.

[abbysimsfun]

Sims In Bloom: Generation 2 Pt. 57 (Reaping Rewards?)

The morning after Heather and Conrad's trip to the lighthouse, he returned from an early morning run with Gord and checked the mail. (That mailbox came with the house in the gallery and I feel great leaving it.) Along with the usual collection of bills and flyers for the fish market down at the docks, a strange newsletter, advertising a so-called "Recipe for Life," had been delivered.

Heather put down the trifold from the Ambrosia Society. She'd never heard of it. "It's a little strange we were just talking about ghosts and unfinished business, and the next day a newsletter arrives talking about ambrosia," she mused.

They weren't sure whether to be intrigued or disturbed - perhaps a little of both - but they couldn't deny their curiosity. Conrad looked them up on his phone. "They look legit, and I can check them out on the police computers on Monday - but you're almost a master gardener and you're already a master cook. Sorta seems like a challenge you could meet without even trying."

"I could learn to make ambrosia treats along with the Recipe for Life, as the newsletter calls it. I've stuck to wellness treats so far, but lots of pet owners ask about ambrosia. Maybe ambrosia treats could help you track down that dog you heard at the lighthouse. And knowing how to make ambrosia could definitely come in handy if the Landgraab curse strikes again."

"What does it say we have to do?"

"We need to get this thing called a Grimophone, then plant a lily and a snapdragon. I should ask my mother for help but I think whoever sent the newsletter eventually wants us to graft and grow a death flower in exchange for the recipe. She harvests them sometimes and taught me how when I was younger; she can sell them for a lot of money, but we don't have a lot of indoor space and the plants are seasonal. We'd probably have to use the hall outside Ash's room."

"Not that I think it's a great idea to give a toddler a bunch of thorny plants, and you know what I think about the curse, but if you load up Ash with a bundle of death flowers, no curse would ever be able to touch him. He'd need at least nine lives," said Conrad.

"Maybe when he's older." She frowned. "I'd rather not scare him or lie to him about what they're for. But doing this could help keep him safe. That's all I want."

Despite their busy lifestyles, they were more attracted to the challenge set forth in the newsletter with each passing thought.

"I don't mind cooking more, learning the recipe myself. I meant it when I said I'd do anything to keep you and Ash safe, but we're a team, and you're not going to do this alone," he said. "It's dangerous messing around with death."

Visiting her family in Henford, Heather picked up some flower seeds from her expert botanist mother and asked her sister-in-law, a walking Simpedia on all kinds of topics, about the Grimophone.

"My mother has one," said Cass. "Anything paranormal, you name it. She bought it."

"What does it do?"

"It plays any music you want, but the real trick is it'll help you summon the Grim Reaper. If you go see my mother, she'd be happy to show it to you."

After work one rainy evening, Heather and Conrad stopped by to visit Bella Goth at her mansion in Cavalier Cove. Through her years spent obsessing over the supernatural, she'd collected various items that now took up space in her attic.

Heather was nervous. "And summoning the Grim Reaper will help us learn to make ambrosia? It won't do anything else...like unleash death and destruction?"

"From Grimmie? Hardly! He's just a courier. Jokes he wears bicycle shorts under all those black robes."

"You know the Grim Reaper?"

"He was the last person to see my brother alive, so I had to find a way to talk to him. But he was so kind. We struck up a nice friendship."

"According to the newsletter, we'll probably have to make friends with him, too."

"I bet Grimmie asked the society to set the challenge just so he could make a bunch of new friends! He knows plenty of people know how to make ambrosia, but he wishes people were less afraid of him. Culling sims all day can be a lonely existence, you know."

Bella led them upstairs and pulled out her old Grimophone, blowing off the dust to reveal a music player made of matte black steel. "If you want, I could pull out the seance table and you could ask the spirits about ambrosia. That should help you learn the recipe in no time."

Conrad stepped forward. "Is it safe?"

"I haven't used it in years so it might be a little shaky, but the spirits who stick around to answer simple questions are harmless. Mostly departed mentors who miss teaching."

She sat with Heather and Conrad at the small round table draped in purple and gold cloth. She blew away more dust, and Heather's allergies made her sneeze.

"Watcher bless you," said Bella. "It's especially important to say such a thing if you sneeze around a seance table. We don't need any spirits stealing your soul!"

"This is a bad idea. Heather, maybe we should think more about this."

"Conrad, it's okay. I still have my soul," Heather assured him. "We're here for Ash, so we might as well ask about the ambrosia."

Bella showed them how to convene with the spirits with their palms open on the table. She chanted a rhyme that sounded faintly Omiscan, and suddenly a blue flame flickered to life before their eyes.

Floating above the table, the flame bent it's shape into a hoop, like a tunnel for spirits and sims to commune on one plane. Heather seemed possessed, swaying with the pulsing circle above their heads as jumbled Simlish spewed from her lips.

"What's happening to her?" Conrad was frightened, but Bella smiled warmly.

"She's fine. They're just having a conversation."

"Make it stop!"

"They'll only be a few minutes. If I pull her out before they're finished, she might not be able to get in touch with them again. They think it's rude if you just leave."

"Is she even conscious?"

"In a way."

"Could she get...stuck?"

"Oh, that's rare!" She laughed while Conrad's heartrate quickened.

"Mrs. Goth, if anything happens to her in there-"

"What's going on?"

Bella's son, Alexander, walked nonchalantly into the room. The flaming blue portal to another dimension didn't phase him.

"Heather's travelling with some of my old gear, sweetheart."

"Is this that newsletter thing?"

"This was my idea," she admitted. "But Heather's fine."

"Do you think you'll be done before Lydia gets back from spin class? This might freak her out a bit."

Finally, disappearing as rapidly as it first appeared, the blue light released Heather from her trance. "Wow!" she breathed, lowering her hands and reacquainting herself with her surroundings. "That was nuts! How long was I out?"

"A few minutes, just like I expected." Bella shot Conrad a satisfied grin while his shoulders dropped in relief.

"I just went to school and learned about ambrosia for three days. I feel like I could make ambrosia treats in my sleep! They said we can only learn the Recipe for Life by following the instructions as they're given, and the next thing we need to do is summon the Grim Reaper on the Grimophone."

"Did you want mine?"

"You don't need it?"

"Grim and I are such good friends, I can just call him on my phone. Go ahead, have fun, but it drops a fair bit of soot in the air from the horn. Just a warning!"

When they returned home, Conrad held her close, still unnerved by what he witnessed. "Are you sure you're alright?"

"Conrad, I'm fine," she insisted. "It wasn't a big deal. It was school. Nothing dangerous."

"If we use Mrs. Goth's table again, you're not travelling or whatever she called it. I will. I can't let anything happen to you."

She didn't mind his protective stance despite her independence. He always made her feel safe, and she wanted him to see where she'd been so he'd know the place was nothing to fear. But they were both exhausted by the events in Bella's attic, and they decided to wait to use the borrowed Grimophone.

For now, they'd plant their seeds and wait to see if the Ambrosia Society sent another newsletter. ->

<- Previous Chapter | Gen 2 Start | Gen 1 Summary | Gen 1 Start

NOTE: As a master vet Heather knew how to make ambrosia treats. She's had a couple in reserve for a long time, but I'm pretending they're not there yet. She hasn't sold or used one because I've been plotting this paranormal storyline and wasn't sure when to bring it in, but Reapers Rewards presented a great opportunity, especially with death on their minds so recently with Ash's accident, and Heather constantly trying to improve her clinic's rating. Yesterday's post was always meant as a soft launch, but it wasn't going to get this supernatural for a while!

The storyline is actually for Conrad more than Heather, but these two are an excellent team so I don't mind that I accidentally sent Heather through the flame portal and not Conrad. He was legit upset, raising his voice to Bella while it was happening, so that stuff wrote itself and proved he's as incredible as we all think he is. Plus Heather's the one with the skills that will hopefully make this challenge a breeze, let me collect quasi-free stuff and write while Conrad gets some skills up, so they're definitely going to do this one together.

[thatbikemessengerish]

Blk,

.

Quick one bin there did that.

[dandelion-wings]

I was thinking about a fic I'll never write at the barn this morning, and a line of dialogue required the name of horse breed, which led me very quickly to contemplating horse breeds of Teyvat. Which I have before! But today I got a little more in depth.

Bear with me on spelling issues, I'm on mobile and my phone can't cope with having Tumblr and Firefox open at the same time.

We are starting in Liyue, home of the Karst Pony, which is almost certainly the predecessor breed of all the others listed here and very certainly the oldest extant breed. "Breed" in fact is a loose term, as a number still live wild in the mountains of Jueyun Karst, and domestic and semi-domestic herds kept by small mountain villages (including Qingce Village) tend to have a range of characteristics as the smaller populations start to diverge--but the mountain stock never goes too far from true, as new wild stock is occasionally added either through capture to supplement others or through wild stallions wandering through. The Karst Pony is small, shaggy, sturdy, agile, and smart to a sometimes frustrating extent; they can be ridden, but not by very heavy, or armored, people, and are more often used as beasts of burden. They tend to be dun in the wild, but blacks and grays occasionally pop up, and in domestication are often bred for.

Karst Ponies are the direct ancestors of the Guili Plains Horse, bred to be larger and more refined and used for agriculture and transport on the plains back when Liyue civilization was centered there. The Archon War devastated their population and the changes in Liyuean lifestyle as they moved off the plains and prioritized trade and mining over the sort of agriculture where you need larger horses. However, they are considered a valuable part of Liyue's cultural heritage, and the last two hundred-ish remaining were seized some centuries ago by the Liyue Qixing and used as the base for a government program to revitalize the breed. Today they are primarily used by Millelith officers and couriers, but private individuals have again begun to be allowed to purchase and breed them for their own use. They are known for being steady and intelligent; the breed standard includes a notable Roman nose, and they are primarily dun, buckskin, bay, or black.

The Chenyu Draught is a bit smaller than the Guili Plains Horse, but much heavier, and was likewise bred directly from the Karst Pony; while the Guili Plains breeders wanted a more multi-purpose horse, the Chenyu breeders were aiming exclusively for a workhorse, and Chenyu Draughts are not customarily trained for riding. They are slow, steady animals known for catching a nap whenever they stop long enough, even in harness; they are primarily dun, grey, or black.

Moving on to other nations: the Fontaine Water Horse is in fact a pony by all reasonable standards, but Focalors forbid you call it that to a Fontainian's face. It may arguably be its own branch off some further-distant horse ancestor rather than a descendant of the Karst Pony, though it may also be just a very ancient offshoot, and is the only other wild breed currently extant in Teyvat. It lives wild along the shores of the many islands in southern Fontaine, and is an extremely adept swimmer, with a unique fifth gait that helps it traverse sandy shores swiftly and easily. It is very light-boned, shy and quick to startle, but, in domestic populations acclimated to humans, known to be very mischievous. All Water Horses are white, by which I mean gray (as most 'white' horses without some specific genetic stuff going on are born gray and have their coats pale over time; Water Horses pale out very quickly, within the first two years of life). Their population is a shadow of what it once was, as vast swathes were wiped out by Elynas, and it was largely preserved by a breeding program mandated by the Iudex and conducted in its later stages by Melusines, who released their end result back into the wild.

(Some say say Water Horses were different before the Melusines got involved, but no one can say how. They match the old records in every characteristic. It's just... a vibe.)

While some Water Horses have been domesticated, their size and light frames mean they can only be ridden by small children and Melusines--they are in fact the only horses who will tolerate Melusine handling--the humans of Fontaine used them as base stock to breed a larger horse called the Fontainian Pacer, so called because the Water Horse's unique fifth gait was bred for ardently and exaggerated into a much showier gait that we will call the danse. As with our gaited horses, some breeders have taken this to ridiculous heights, and thus there are two breed 'types'. the Court Pacer has an extremely exaggerated danse and is further bred for looks, being taller, thinner-boned, with a much higher-set head and tail, and often a blue-eyed cremello (one of those whites-with-genetic-stuff), though pale gray and perlino (cremello-adjacent) are both acceptable colors in show; the Classic Pacer is a bit shorter, heavier (relatively speaking, it's still very light), with a less exaggerated gait, exclusively that quickly-paled-out-grey, and overall much closer to the original Water Horse. Both types are not very bright and very flighty.

Which necessitated another, more practical breed for functional use: the Oractrice Charger was originally bred from Chenyu Draughts crossed with the Fontainian Pacer and the Mondstadt Hunter, with some Water Horse in there to get a more water-comfortable animal, though it doesn't have the unique gait and is mostly used in northern Fontaine, where horses are more useful, and as a police horse. It was in fact bred for Maison use, hence the name, though the combination of Fontaine's mekanization and the growing influx of Melusines in the government mean it's slowly been phased out. It's kept alive by rich nobles and its general popularity for outcrosses. It is a reasonably large and heavy animal, though not draft-sized, noted for its good temperament and stolid calm, though it tends to be quite stubborn. They are typically grey, black, bay, or chestnut.

Mondstadt's ancient pony breed is now extinct, but the Stormcrest Pony was definitely an offshoot of the Karst Pony, larger and with much thicker, shaggier coats to survive the pre-Barbatos wilderness. That adaptation meant they were doomed when Barbatos changed the landscape and climate, but they were the base breed, with some added Guili Plains Horse blood (and, given their coloring, probably some Desheret Red), for the Mondstadt Hunter, a medium-weight animal with a good temperament and a lot of energy. They were generally bay, brown, or chestnut, with the 'prototypical' Hunter being liver chestnut, and were bred primarily for hunting, though they were considered good all-purpose riding horses. Unfortunately, they were originally bred and primarily used by the Lawrences, and a combination of that association and a cultural shift to hunting on foot (mostly because hunting on horseback was associated with the aristocracy) led largely to their demise. The main remaining population is actually in Fontaine, where a few nobles liked the imports used to breed the Oratrice Charger enough to maintain their own small breeding programs.

Ragvindr, who I will always headcanon as the reason the Knights have a cavalry company, tried to maintain the breed, but for both political and practical reasons the Ragnvinds had to shift tacks early on. They eventually imported Oratrice Chargers and crossed them with Hunter mares, producing Mondstadt's current all-around horse, the Dawntrotter, a medium-sized animal with a steady temperament that is sturdy enough to serve both as a workhorse on the nation's wineries and a cavalry mount for armored knights. There are three breed 'types,' one nearly a draft and primarily used for winery work, one much lighter and considered an ideal riding mount, and in the middle a dedicated cavalry mount bred exclusively by three stables in Mondstadt, one of them the Dawn Winery. They are primarily bay or chestnut, occasionally brown or black.

Modern Sumeru relies upon the Sumpter Beast, which is comfortable in both jungle and desert, carries many times more than a horse does, and is a much, much easier keeper. However, the historical record makes clear that the desert civilizations once bred what's now known as the Desheret Red, a light, fast, smart, highly independent horse highly endurant in heat and desert conditions. It was exclusively chestnut and presumably contributed its blood to the Mondstadt Hunter simply because those red genes had to come from somewhere. Unfortunately, when the great desert civilizations collapsed, it dwindled into extinction. If any local wild ponies preceded them, they're not on the record, but even those would go back to imported Karst Ponies in the end.

(Rumors of blood-red 'rift horses' seen around the Tunigi Hollow are just that. No one has ever verified that they exist.)

Inazuma has imported horses over the centuries, but they've never been popular there--they don't have the terrain or, more importantly, the pasture space. Largely they've served as status symbols, and fallen out of favor amid the conservative influence Ei's policies exert. In any case, no one has made a dedicated effort to create an Inazuman breed.

Depending on their locations, I like the idea of Snezhnaya and Natlan having descendant breeds of the Stormcrest Pony and Desheret Red respectively, but we'll see! XD

[myemuisemo]

It's week 3 of Letters from Watson, and there is an elephant in the room.

We're going to feel the elephant's trunk, but first I want to crawl into the mindset of a contemporary 1887 reader. It's been a long time since I watched the Jeremy Brett versions of Sherlock Holmes, so if my impressions are shaped by that experience, it's in an indirect subconscious way.

Holmes' explanation of how he spotted the courier as a retired sergeant of Marines indicates that he's storing a good deal of trivia about military services in the lumber room of his mind.

Gregson and Lestrade, the best of Scotland Yard, are blessed with the Victorian compliments of being "quick and energetic." Watson, in his rush to order a cab, is also implied to value quickness and energy over whatever thought processes Holmes is about to introduce. When not humored in his rush to be useful, he falls into a sulk.

Gregson is the whitest of whitely white guys, from pale face to flaxen hair. The fact that he's not the slightest bit red-faced suggests both that he rarely sees the sun (well, London fog) and that he doesn't drink. There's very likely a teeny bit of a joke here in calling him Gregson, since Watson would certainly have been aware of the work of Joseph Gelson Gregson, the Baptist preacher and Army chaplain whose mission in the 1860s-70s was to convert British Indian Army soldiers to total abstinence from alcohol. Will our Gregson turn out to be zealous and self-righteous?

If Gregson did not arrive in a cab, and Lestrade did not arrive in a cab, then likely there are some specific sort of tire marks in the mud.

Now, the house at 3 Lauriston Gardens came close to baffling me. Obviously, when I first read the Sherlock Holmes stories as a mid-sized child, I knew only sprawling ranch tract homes, so the description of the 3-story vacant house was just "ooh, creepy!"

That numbering really suggests its an attached rowhouse, though. That would be consistent with development down Brixton Road in the mid-19th century. There are so, so many terraces of identical attached houses in yellowish brick. Here's Google Maps demonstrating 3-story terraced rowhouses on Handforth Road, just off Brixton Road. These are a little too new, dating from the 1890s, so we've got to imagine a Brixton Road area that's still far less developed -- things that look "old" to us weren't there yet.

These remind us that as London built outward, the rowhouses usually did not have two features that Lauriston Gardens has: a front garden and a center hall. The front garden suggests that the intent of the four dwellings composing Lauriston Gardens was to be a little more suburban and bucolic than the typical urban terrace. Its general aura of mud indicates that it has failed at this promise.

But move on down Brixton Road to the 300 block, and here we are with that garden! These are 3 stories, have a yard, have pillars suggested Greek Revival (1850s-60s), and are depressing af.

Maybe it's my years in the Albany-Troy (NY) area speaking, but these are exuding "we are holding onto middle class by our slipping fingernails." I think that is actually the impression Doyle intends to give: Lauriston Gardens was never quite perfectly respectable, even in its heyday, but it was trying.

That center hall still troubles me. A middle-class rowhouse typically has a side hall, which holds the staircase volume. The parlor is then either narrow (one window) or wide (two). Lauriston Gardens is built with a center hall (pointing to a more lavish lifestyle) but only one "reception" room deep. It has "offices" (butler's pantry or whatever) and a kitchen on the main floor, not in the basement.

Something like this, a titch further out Brixton Road, might be a fit if it weren't for the extra wing on the side. I think the dormer floor is a modern addition. These super-plain houses with only the pillared doorways look so grim, especially compared to the more ornamented Victorian styles.

If the reader is meant to feel uneasy at the mismatch between 3 Lauriston Gardens' pretensions and its actuality, we're there! In any case, the carpet has been pulled up (as was common, you took it with you when you moved), the florid older wallpaper is peeling, the fireplace mantle is a faux finish (yep, aspirations above our proper class), and there is a body on the floor.

Our body is wearing a frock coat, which was the formal daytime wear of a gentleman but on its way out of fashion by the 1880s. Broadcloth of the era had a felt-like feel and was known for durability. So our corpse is respectable, practical, probably conservative in habits, and possibly punching a bit above his social class.

And he has a "simious and ape-like appearance," which worries the heck out of me in a modern 2023 sense. Watson, as the late Victorian everyman, refers to common notions of facial bone structure indicating character. Simian is never good; it's an indicator of primitive, uncouth nature. I'm going to hope hard that we are solely being set up to see the dead man as representative of the worst sort of grasping, self-centered, profit-minded, uncouth American. We're definitely supposed to "get" that, as the house is failing at its pretentions, so too is the dead body trying to be something above its class.

I am nervous for next week, and I'm determined not to look ahead. I'm going to sit with my discomfort like a proper serial-reader, so don't spoiler it for me!

[jonathannsmith0706]

Redefining Luxury: The Integration of Tesla Cars in Prestige’s Fleet ?

In the ever-evolving landscape of luxury transportation, Prestige is taking a bold step forward by integrating Tesla cars into its prestigious fleet. This strategic move not only aligns with the company’s commitment to providing top-notch chauffeur services but also reflects a conscious choice towards eco-friendly and innovative travel experiences.

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[tscnews]

Garden State Film Festival 2023 In Review | TSC News TV

This year's Garden State Film Festival was a success! Watch TSC News TV's review of the event to get all the highlights and lowlights of the weekend. In this video, you'll see everything from the film festival's opening night to the closing ceremony. You'll also get a look at the winning films and the talented filmmakers who made them. Thanks for watching, and we hope to see you at the Garden State Film Festival next year!