#digital currency explained

[compozingart]

One ✨flashy✨ fanart for the Buggy simps from one simp to another

DON'T STEAL MY ART! Credit me wherever you may use it.

[girlyrafe]

christmas shopping.ᐟ

ʚɞ a december to remember

𖢔 notes: oh em gee I absolutely love love love this and am super proud of it + interact

── .✦ advent .ᐟ

summary: you make a skeptically Rafe go out Christmas shopping with you to buy others presents and he strangely realises how much he’s willing to do what you want at just a smile

ᯓᡣ𐭩

Rafe wasn’t quite sure how he ended up here—standing in the middle of a store, rocking back and forth on his heels like a lost puppy, staring up at the harsh, fluorescent lights above him with an exaggerated sigh. He was sure he was about to die of boredom. But then again, he couldn’t exactly blame you. After all, you had asked him with that smile—that smile, the one that always made him drop whatever he was doing and follow you, no questions asked.

 

Meanwhile, you were practically glowing with excitement, bouncing from one store to the next in your cosy winter gear, clearly in your element. The joy in your eyes was enough to make Rafe feel like he was part of something important, even if it did involve a never-ending parade of stores down the high street. You were on a mission: finding the perfect Christmas gifts for everyone you loved. And you were dragging him along for the ride.

 

At least, Rafe thought, he was picking up a few hints about what to get you. Every time you stopped to admire something—whether it was a pink heart-shaped necklace, a shiny digital camera, a couple of books that already slipped his mind, a coffee machine (as if he wasn’t already perfect at making it for you), or one of those cute Jellycat plush toys—your eyes would light up in that unmistakable way. Maybe, just maybe, he could use this to his advantage. Though, to be honest, he'd probably need to pay more attention if he didn’t want to mess it up.

 

Right now, you were crouched down in Sephora, your hand an explosion of swatches, each one more colourful than the last, as you searched for the perfect shade of lip gloss for one of your best friends’ Christmas gifts. Rafe stood a few steps away, trying his best to look uninterested, but the sight of you so focused—your brows furrowed in that adorable, determined way—was making it hard to pretend he wasn’t entertained.

 

He thought it couldn’t get any more ridiculous… until you stood up and flashed him that cheeky grin.

 

“Hold your hand out,” you said, your tone half-innocent, half-mischievous.

 

He immediately bristled. “Why? Don’t put that sh—”

 

“Please?” You didn’t even need to finish the sentence before he was holding his hand out like a total sucker, already knowing this was a battle he wasn’t going to win.

 

And then—ugh—something slimy tickled his skin as you applied the gloss to the back of his hand, your eyes narrowing as you studied it intently. He silently prayed for it to be over quickly.

 

And then—thank God—you seemed satisfied.

 

“This is the one,” you declared, practically bouncing on your feet as you grabbed his hand and pulled him toward the counter, a triumphant gleam in your eyes. You paid no attention to his protests as you handed the gloss to the cashier, practically squealing with excitement as you watched the purchase happen.

 

Before you could even protest, though, Rafe was already pulling out his American Express, swiping it without a second thought.

 

You shot him an exaggerated pout. “Rafe, you didn’t—”

 

But before you could finish, he smirked at you, clearly pleased with himself, and tapped his card one last time.

 

In return?—well, you had your own currency that was reserved for Rafe, and to him, a million times more valuable than money, so you planted a quick, cheeky kiss on his cheek, the kind that made his stomach flip and his ego soar.

You tug him into yet another store, chattering away with that bright, playful energy of yours. "I need to get something for my college professor," you explain, and Rafe blinks, a little confused. "This is so weird," he mutters, because he remembers when he was in college—he never cared about buying professors gifts. But then again, you're you, and you're sweeter than sugar, so of course, you're doing this.

So here he is, trailing behind you as you drag him from one candle display to the next. You're holding up all sorts of scents, urging him to smell each one, and—honestly—most of them don't even smell that great. Rafe barely even takes a deep breath. He just nods along, trying to keep up with your excitement, until—finally—he sees the one that makes your eyes light up.

"That’s it, isn’t it?" he asks, grinning. You nod eagerly, and before you can say another word, he's already at the counter, paying for it like it's the most natural thing in the world.

"It's perfect," he says with a shrug, but you can tell he's secretly pleased—because if it makes you happy, then it's totally worth it.

The rest of the shopping trip was a blur of you dragging him from one store to the next while he sighed dramatically, pretending to be annoyed. The truth, though, was that his ego was practically inflating every time he’d swipe his card to cover whatever you picked out. Whatever the “nonsense” was—he was more than happy to pay for it, followed by his smug smile.

 

And now, with bags in hand, you two were walking back to the car, your arm snugly looped through his, your head resting contentedly on his shoulder as you both made your way through the crisp evening air. You insisted on carrying at least one bag, and of course, he gave you the lightest one—as if he’d let you carry anything else.

 

But as you snuggled closer to him, your lips curving up into that sweet smile, Rafe didn’t mind the bags—or the chaos of the day—one bit. In fact, he thought this might just be his favourite part of Christmas shopping.

 

As Rafe carefully piled your shopping bags into the trunk of his sleek SUV, he couldn’t shake the warm, fuzzy feeling spreading through him. There was something about today—the bustle of Christmas shopping, the way you lit up over every little thing, the soft laughter that echoed between the aisles—that made his chest feel a little fuller, like he was exactly where he was supposed to be.

 

Sliding into the driver’s seat, he stole a glance at you in the passenger seat. You looked so effortlessly gorgeous, your head tilted just slightly, eyes sparkling with that mischievous, contented glint. Honestly? It felt like an angel had settled right next to him.

 

You caught his gaze, your lips curling into a grin. “I’ve had the best day,” you said, your voice soft and sincere. “I love you.”

 

Rafe’s heart did a little flip. Without thinking, he leaned across the seat, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips, and pressed his own against yours in a tender kiss. It was one of those quiet moments that felt like it could stretch on forever, where the world outside seemed to pause just for a beat.

 

“Mhm,” he murmured against your lips as he pulled away just slightly, his hand still resting near your cheek. “It’s been better than I thought.”

 

He paused for a beat, his eyes twinkling with something unreadable. He didn’t just mean the shopping, though he’d never admit it out loud. Truthfully, it wasn’t the endless bags or the crowded stores that made his heart swell. It was this—you—right here beside him, the way you made every moment feel special, even the simplest ones. And that? That was worth more than any gift or shiny new lip gloss.

©GIRLYRAFE

[deadpresidents]

I'm always a fan of Caity Weaver's work, but this piece from the New York Times Magazine (these links are gift links from me past the NYT paywall to access the full article) about how the penny is not only a ridiculous zombie currency, but also a reflection of American dysfunction is one of the best articles I've read in a long time. It's really interesting, especially the parts about production, circulation, and the ultimate paralysis of throwing them in a coin jar for months or years before eventually taking them to a Coinstar machine.

Not only is the penny useless and more expensive to make than it is actually worth, but it's also relatively easy to eliminate. But it's not an imperative and eliminating it also wouldn't necessarily be something that the government or the citizens would actively profit from. And people don't like change -- and I don't mean "change" as in currency, but the act of doing something different or unusual from our accepted routines. So we just ignore them or discard them or hoard them needlessly, and the government keeps making billions of tons (literally) of them because they drop out of circulation. Nobody cares and nobody wants to have to do anything about it because America.

Here's a little excerpt of the piece from the New York Times Magazine, and again, just follow the links for a free gift pass behind the paywall for Caity's full article:

Americans accumulate pennies not because we desire them but because we are entitled to them. If we pay for something in cash with more than exact change, we expect to receive back the difference; if the difference ends in any number other than 0 or 5, we will receive at least one penny. We are entitled to pennies because they exist. But imagine a world where they didn't. Imagine a world where it was Canada. Many Americans will be surprised to learn that Canada eliminated its 1-cent coin more than a decade ago...Canada got rid of its penny in 2013 because it cost 1.6 cents to produce and had, like its American cousin, become essentially worthless. Here is the most important detail to understand: Canada eliminated only its physical coin, not the mathematical concept of 1 cent. Payment by credit card, debit card, mobile phone or check -- any kind of noncash transaction -- is calculated exactly as it was before the penny was abolished. If, after tax, a bill comes to, say, $20.11, a Canadian paying by credit card will be charged $20.11. A Canadian paying by cash can expect to pay $20.10. The final digit of Canadian cash transactions is rounded to the nearest nickel: 1 and 2, nearest to 0 nickels, round down to 0; 3 and 4 round up to a nickel -- 5; 6 and 7, also nearest to one nickel, round down -- 5 again; 8 and 9, nearest to 10 cents, round up. I admit that the thought I might be asked to pay, say $3.80 (cash) for something that, according to the laws of God and man, has been calculated to cost $3.79 (cash) is not only reflexively infuriating to me but a potential source of permanent confusion. The Canadian government mitigated one of those problems (no hope for the other) with an information campaign that included signs with simple charts dividing potential prices into two columns: "Round down" and "Round up." I asked Karl Littler from the Retail Council of Canada if there were still signs at cash registers explaining the rounding. "It's 10 years now, so even the most obtuse people have pretty much figured it out," he said, and laughed.

-- Caity Weaver: "America Must Free Itself from the Tyranny of the Penny", the New York Times Magazine

[darkeagleruins]

"It is literally a prison planet."

Ed Dowd, former Blackrock portfolio manager, explains why every last vestige of human freedom depends on widespread rejection of CBDCs.

"Once the central bank digital currency is linked to all your credit cards and bank accounts, then social controls can be implemented.

If you're a dissenter like me, talking about truth, they shut you down."

[mawinswag]

Inanimate Insanity 16 Spoilers

SPOILERSSSS

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.

.

OKAY I GOT SOME THOUGHTSSSSS

Yeah, that was amazing; better than I could've imagined, but also deeply horrifying and depressing, let me explain why.

So, an underlying thing I've had about Inanimate Insanity is a lot of questions about how this world...works? Like there's a justice system and currency and a 'hollywoo' composite entertainment industry.

And yet none of the characters seem to talk about their life before 'the game.' And that wasn't a problem for me because especially in the latter half of season 2 and invitational the character drama and writing made me forget about all that. Even when Cabby tried to remember her parents I only considered that to be a character specific thing and didn't have wider implications. I never needed to know WHY these little doodads were doing their thing.

WELL NOW I FUCKING KNOW WHY

And OH GOD there isn't enough time in the DAY to go over all the implications Cobs' reveals has on the whole series, so here's a collage by https://tinyurl.com/An0MaHous3 on Twitter that covers some of the big ones.

Like WOW what a writing masterstroke because I don't think there could've been a better explanation than the meta narrative one they gave.

So Mephone4 created AT LEAST all the contestants, and given the glitches at the end of the episode probably created this entire world. Not to mention how cobs mentions Mephones 'growth' as a creator effects the art style changes of the space they're in.

But what I'm interested in is this; what does that make cobs? If he's occupying a world created by Mephone, how can he be his creator at the same time?

Well, I'd posit that Cobs ISN'T Mephones creator, whoever MADE HIM is. As in, Cobs is a digital stand-in for the creator of whatever Mephone is. But of course Mephone doesn't even REALIZE he's created a world, given the ending of the episode. His perception of reality and history are LIMITED to this space he occupies. So he imagines Cobs as this brilliant inventor guy who built him and inspired him to create more. But all of this is an analogue to things that happen in the 'real-world' of this show.

And Cobs' attempts to steal the egg and remove the contestants from the equation are representations of abstract concepts that can't be understood from that level; because they're in a MACHINE, they're INSIDE of the 'mephone program' or whatever that's supposed to be in the real-world of the show.

Spitballing head cannoning, but if we see the 'human' version of cobs in the next acts of the finale, I'm gonna FREAK

[chickenkurage]

Hey wouldn't it be funny if teen!Alan did end up introducing the sticks to his mom after talking to teen!cs!Alan and being told he could ask for money from Vic? So he does end up asking and then offers to introduce him to his mom and Vic agrees. Alan has to try to explain their backstory to his mom in the least worrying way possible while revealing the fact that there are sentient stick figures on his computer and that there's a stick figure society.

teen!Alan after getting permission from the sticks to introduce them to his mom: *nervously* hey mom, there's something I've been meaning to tell you.

Jennifer: alright?

teen!Alan: it has to do with the computer. I'll show you. *brings her the computer in his room where the sticks are waiting to meet her*

Jennifer: ... What?

teen!Alan: so the four with the hollow head shape are ones that I created. The first one is Vic, I created years ago. Right before the power shut down on my birthday... He went to a place called the outernet where there's a stick figure society. Ended up creating a powerful company and even managing to amass some human currency *intentionally ommiting why he did that*. Until recently I thought he'd died back then, but we've reconnected now. He wants to help us.

Jennifer: *stunned*

LMAOOOO THAT MAKES EARNING MONEY EASIER I GUESS XDD

Man, don't we all want a stickman that can provide us money, huh? But good for T!Alan for trusting his mom enough to introduce her to his digital stick family :)) Although, Jennifer might need to sit down for a while and listen to her son explain - JM

[blazehedgehog]

Do you agree with Gaming Journalists and what do you think of gaming journalism in general?

What does this even mean, dude.

"Do you agree with gaming journalists"? On what?

Do I agree with Shacknews that Super Mario Bros. Wonder is a 10/10, and with Digital Spy that it's also a 7/10? Do I agree with Let's Clear Up Those Halo Battle Royale Rumors?

Like, I've gotten some bait on this blog before, but this is 2/10 stuff, man. This is some hot 2014 garbage. Like no matter what I say, you're gonna go all

"Very interesting. Then do you care to explain why..." No thanks.

My real answer: Something I learned during my time at TSSZ and being around a few people who were deeper into "the biz" than I is that everybody needs journalism more than they realize. Corporations are pushing for consumers to become their personal cheerleaders more than ever before, which makes criticism and the journalistic exposing of information seem villainous.

After all: Xbox is my friend now, so how dare you attack the Xbox. Behavior that used to be reserved for the most dedicated fanboys is now the expected room temperature. I've talked about "The Cult of Naughty Dog" before, and that's the same thing. If a corporation can get you to be parasocial with them, then they have won, and being parasocial with a corporation means shunning real investigative journalism that would otherwise undo them. Journalists and critics used to be marketing tools, but by undoing the press pipeline and talking directly to fans, journalists and critics are painted as untrustworthy for being wildcards that don't always toe the company line.

And there has been more than a decade of people with a "I choose to be stupid and ignorant on purpose" outlook, which just makes that more frustrating. We've all seen screencaps where some brainless rando tries to explain something to a person who is an expert in that field. The rando thinks they're flexing their brain, but in some cases they are arguing with the person who literally wrote the book on their topic of conversation. Some people don't want to know anything but still pretend like they know everything, when there are real people out there doing real work to uncover real truths.

Misinformation is the real problem. It should not surprise anyone that there are people out there deliberately eroding the foundation of journalistic integrity, because the less people trust journalism, the easier it is to get away with lying. The easier it is to lie, the easier it is to control the mainstream, the easier it is to scam people out of their money, so on and so forth.

And misinformation is more than just "this one news article is fake." There are long running campaigns to install people into news organizations themselves to publish false information for all manner of different goals, but it's all the same: nobody trusts anyone and it's making everyone dumber.

That's when we get crypto currency. And NFTs. And now people claiming that generative AI will save humanity. Grift after grift after grift where the people at the top of the snake oil food chain make off with billions of dollars while the rest of the world is left scratching their heads.

The law isn't going to catch them. If they do, it'll take years. Look at how long it took for Sam Bankman-Fried to get caught -- he operated for almost half an entire decade. The amount of damage somebody can get away with in five years is significant.

We need journalism. Real journalism. Good journalism. Watchdogs that keep an eye on things and blow the whistle when it goes bad. Somebody to enforce accountability that isn't a cop.

Where do you find that? That's the hardest question. I'm lucky enough that I know people I trust because they are long time friends, or friends of friends, and thus they've been properly vetted in my circle as The Real Deal. But there are a lot of outlets out there who claim to champion "truth" and "intelligence" in a way to prey upon insecurity. I mean, c'mon, Trump's social media platform is called "Truth Social" and is basically the furthest thing from the truth you will ever get from anyone, ever.

The more obsessively they try to convince you they're telling the truth, the less likely it is they actually are. Which in itself could be an attack meant to undo the foundations of trust in people who actually know what they're talking about. By casting doubt on the very concept of truth itself, they can lie with increasingly greater efficiency.

Any advice I give feels like it is incredibly circumstantial. Which is the point, and is why we're in the state we're in.

Here's a good pdf by The News Literacy Project that's probably a good place to start. The general gist is "you'll have to do a lot of fact checking for yourself" but that's unfortunately where we're at these days.

But by and large I would say life is a lot harder for real journalists right now than I think some of their critics have ever thought about. There are people out there trying to do actual good work and being a bubble-brained moron about it just makes everything harder for everyone.

[dreaminginthedeepsouth]

Hence our billboard. Folks can support here https://maddogpac.com/products/quick

* * * *

VP Harris campaigns from a position of strength, Trump campaigns from a position of desperation

September 23, 2024

Robert B. Hubbell

Over the last few weeks, emails from readers have shifted in their description of reader activities. More readers are saying they are engaged in door-to-door canvassing on behalf of Kamala Harris and Democratic candidates down-ballot. The most recent communication was a note I received Sunday afternoon, which included, “I will be knocking on doors in Pennsylvania the next six weeks.” Talk about dedication!

I considered noting the trend toward on-the-ground canvassing as the lead for this newsletter but reconsidered, wondering if it was worth highlighting. As I was about to move on to a different subject to open this newsletter, I saw the following article: HuffPo, Republicans In Swing States Say They See Scant Signs Of Groups Door-Knocking For Trump.

According to the HuffPo article, Trump has outsourced his “on the ground organizing” by hiring political action committees to perform work traditionally conducted by volunteers. Among the PACs Trump has hired to perform volunteer work is America PAC, whose major investor is Elon Musk. But in key swing states, political observers are saying that Trump paid canvassers are “missing in action.”

The PACs hired by Trump are running into difficulties. Musk’s America PAC hired subcontractors to perform door-to-door work in Arizona and Nevada. But with seven weeks to go, Musk’s PAC fired the sub-contractor and is now scrambling to build a canvassing organization from scratch. See The Guardian, Trump-allied Pac fires canvassing vendor in crucial states weeks before election.

All campaigns face organizing difficulties. But Trump compounded those difficulties by outsourcing volunteer activities at a time when it has also closed field offices. The point of Trump's abandonment of the ground game is to allow him to focus on advertising. But there, too, he is being outspent by the Harris-Walz campaign. See NYTimes (9/20/2024), Kamala Harris Outspends Donald Trump by Tens of Millions Online. (Behind a paywall.)

Per the NYT,

Ever since Ms. Harris entered the race, her campaign has overwhelmed the Trump operation with an avalanche of digital advertising, outspending his by tens of millions of dollars and setting off alarm among some Republicans.

None of the above is meant to suggest that it will be easy to defeat Trump. But the Harris-Walz campaign has two resources in abundance: volunteers and enthusiasm. Trump’s newly hired paid contractors will be no match for motivated true believers urging neighbors and community members to show up to vote.

Enthusiasm and genuine dedication are not being measured by horse-race polls—which explains why it feels like there is a disconnect between the reported closeness of the race and what we are seeing and experiencing.

We should not delude ourselves or fabricate “just so” stories to deny reality. But here, the reality is that we have a comparative advantage and a strategic opening. Trump has offloaded the most important part of the “get out the vote” effort and is being out-raised by the Harris-Walz campaign.

The lesson to be taken from Trump's error is not that we can ease up but that we should double-down on volunteering on the hard work of getting out the vote—in every way possible. During the next seven weeks, there is no substitute for personal involvement in getting out the vote—in whatever form that takes!

Given Trump's dual disadvantages in ground game and cash, he has pivoted to the real currency of the MAGA movement: outrage and grievance. Read on!

Trump stokes racial tensions and anti-immigrant animus to motivate his base

Faced with a fundraising deficit and an anemic ground organization, Trump has turned to outrage to motivate his followers. Even the Trump apologists at the New York Times recognize that the last two weeks have been exceptional—even by the outrage-driven heights of Trump's past campaigns. See NYTimes, Controversies Erupt as Trump and G.O.P. Make Critical Push to Voters.

Per the NYTimes,

Even by the standards of a head-spinning presidential campaign, Donald J. Trump’s campaign over the past two weeks has been tumultuous. A period that began when Mr. Trump pushed baseless claims from the debate stage that immigrants in Ohio were stealing and eating household pets ended with him facing attacks over his support of the Republican candidate for governor in North Carolina, who referred to himself as a “black Nazi” on the message board of a pornographic website. Mr. Trump has returned to the kind of attention-seeking habits honed by a career spent shaping his image in New York tabloids.

He pledged to visit Springfield, Ohio, even as local Republican officials pleaded with him to stay away, as the town continues to reel from a political firestorm ignited by his false claims. [¶¶]

The pledge to visit Springfield can only be viewed as an effort to increase racial tension and provoke anti-immigrant animus across America—with an attendant increase in the potential for violence.

In short, Trump is hoping to erase Kamala Harris’s advantages by appealing to hate and division. As the media continue to report the gaining strength of the Harris-Walz campaign, we should expect that Trump will ratchet up his incitement. While that will be hard to watch and dangerous for America, we should recognize it as a sign of increasing desperation by Trump. Do not let it deter or distract us! Instead, concentrate on getting out the vote in every way possible!!

Staff members of the Mark Robinson NC campaign for governor resign

Despite overwhelming evidence that the North Carolina GOP candidate for governor, Mark Robinson, had an active presence on porn sites where he posted pro-Nazi, racist comments, the response of the NC Republican establishment has been to deny the allegations. That tactic is designed to undermine the confidence of voters in the truth. In the GOP playbook, if nothing is true, then the truth about Trump's criminality, corruption, and anti-democratic plans is easier to deny.

But at some point, it is impossible to deny the truth. On Sunday, reports emerged that key staff members of Mark Robinson’s gubernatorial campaign have resigned. See Axios, Top Mark Robinson aides resign from North Carolina governor's campaign.

Per Axios, the top six aides in Robinson’s campaign have resigned, including the campaign manager, finance director, political director, and director of operations—all of the senior staff on the campaign.

It is difficult to imagine how the campaign can continue. Indeed, per Axios, one Republican adviser said, “the staffing overhaul "doesn't matter because the campaign was already over."

As above, the challenges faced by Republicans in North Carolina are not an excuse to relent but a strategic opening for Democrats to win up and the down the ballot—including by defeating Trump. If Republicans are going to nominate the worst of the worst MAGA extremist candidates in their effort to please the Trump base, then we should convert that tendency into our strategic advantage.

Speaker Mike Johnson proposes “clean” spending bill despite Trump's objection

Donald Trump has been pressuring Speaker Mike Johnson to force a government shutdown if Democrats did not agree to a the SAVE Act—which would impose unnecessary proof of citizenship documentation requirements on new voters. (The US has managed to hold federal elections for 235 years without requiring the onerous documentary proof imposed by the SAVE Act.) See The Hill, Mike Johnson proposes three-month funding bill to avert government shutdown.

As with other continuing resolutions, Mike Johnson will need help from Democrats to pass the bill. Johnson sent a letter to House Republicans explaining why they needed to support the proposed continuing resolution:

While this is not the solution any of us prefer, it is the most prudent path forward under the present circumstances. As history has taught and current polling affirms, shutting the government down less than 40 days from a fateful election would be an act of political malpractice.

Trump was willing to commit “political malpractice” by shutting down the government—because he believed it would help him win, even though it would have hurt congressional Republicans. As always with Trump, it about Trump—and no one else.

700+ national security leaders endorse Kamala Harris

A reader who is a member of a group of national security leaders who endorsed Kamala Harris sent me a note about the letter released by the group. See Endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris for President of the United States — National Security Leaders for America (nsl4a.org).

The list of signatories is truly impressive. Their letter reads, in part:

We are former public servants who swore an oath to the Constitution. Many of us risked our lives for it. We are retired generals, admirals, senior noncommissioned officers, ambassadors, and senior civilian national security leaders. We are Republicans, Democrats, and Independents. We are loyal to the ideals of our nation—like freedom, democracy, and the rule of law—not to any one individual or party. We do not agree on everything, but we all adhere to two fundamental principles. First, we believe America’s national security requires a serious and capable Commander-in-Chief. Second, we believe American democracy is invaluable. Each generation has a responsibility to defend it. That is why we, the undersigned, proudly endorse Kamala Harris to be the next President of the United States. This election is a choice between serious leadership and vengeful impulsiveness. It is a choice between democracy and authoritarianism. Vice President Harris defends America’s democratic ideals, while former President Donald Trump endangers them.

The cast of Hamilton sings “The Election of 2024”

For fans of the musical Hamilton, you must watch the current cast sing The Election of 2024. It is creative, fun, and important. And it mentions one of my favorite organizations, VoteRiders!

[Robert B. Hubbell Newsletter]

[trendamonium]

https://rumble.com/v4mw58c-pay-with-a-digital-chip-in-your-hand.html?mref=3fb31l&mc=4c61c

[chicago-geniza]

Oh my Gd I'd been having issues remembering the declension of złoty with numerals over 20 (e.g., it's złote with 34, because it corresponds to the second digit in number grammatically) and I finally understood the mechanism behind the rule (see parenthetical explanation) because a language tutor explained it in Ukrainian on Reels. It works exactly the same way in Russian for non-animate adjectival nouns like złoty but for some reason the fact that it is currency and associated with Numbers always jumbles it up in my head because it feels like a Word Problem disguising Secret Math

[theresattrpgforthat]

Hello, back again! I was wondering if you could recommend games that are available for free or on a pay-what-you-want basis. I’m currently on a tight budget (#collegelife) and I know many people in the same boat. I’m aware of Stars Without Number/Worlds Without Number and a couple of OSR games available in a free no-art edition like Mutant Future. Any others?

THEME: Free TTRPGS (1/2)

Oh my gosh I love this ask. Fear not dear student, I too understand the budget-decimating black hole that is academia, and I come to you with a number of recommendations, as well as helpful hints as to what to look for when you are browsing your favourite ttrpg site! (This is only 1/2) of what I've got in store for you!

1. The Free tag on Itch.io. 

When it comes to finding a free game that works for you, you might have to search a little bit to find exactly what works for you, but there is *oodles* of free, quality games that you can find on this website. I cannot stress how much I love what I find on Itch. Sometimes the core rules are free while additional supplements are what costs money, while others are just games that people wanted to design because they feel passionate about it. 

Kids & Spirits, by Marc Strocks.

I can’t sleep in the new house... Late at night I feel like somebody’s watching. Once I woke up to find a toad on my windowsill so I scared it off. Last night I went on the roof to look out onto the valley. I called out: “I know you’re out there! If somebody’s here, you better say something!” Nobody did.

But then I saw her! I swear a real-live witch flew by on her broom! Dad said witch families used to live in this countryside. They all used to cast magic and stuff together. Well, I don’t think they like each other anymore. I think the covens are at war! And they won’t stop until one destroys the other!

KIDS & SPIRITS is a Studio Ghibli-hack of Kids on Bikes! The system and setting mesh perfectly because: they're about young, impulsive people facing powers beyond their control. In a one-shot or ongoing story, create your own Hayao Miyazaki-inspired tale!

This is a pay-what-you-want game that lets you tell the Studio Ghibli movie that you desire, with tropes to inspire your characters, various kinds of dice to represent the gamut of your abilities, and the beloved Kids on Bikes character connections questions. You’ll begin play with characters who are all connected, if even just because they’ve heard rumours about each-other, and explore a city that you build together in session 0. This is an absolutely charming game, with a spiritual successor in Spiritbound, which resides in the same world but uses the system of Ironsworn. 

If you’re interested in this game, you should also check out my Google Sheets character sheets!

Crypto > exploring // dystopia :: by aseigo.

The year 2100 came and went … adoption of an untraceable digital currency freed Corporations from the State, bankrupted governments and ushered in a new era where the democratic rule of law was replaced by unchecked economic powers. Global conglomerates, self-organizing arcologies, old-money empires, and the pioneers of new frontiers are all locked in a struggle to achieve their ambitions in this world.

Welcome to the cryptoanarchy. We hope you enjoy survive your stay.

Crypto is a tabletop role playing game about exploring a possible future dystopia as citizens of the cryptoanarchy. Suitable for running games featuring cyberpunk, dark future, and/or dystopian political themes.

I check out the newest games on Itch.io pretty regularly, and this one was published not too long ago. It comes with a 68-page rulebook, Fate Cards to generate your character’s backstory, NPC templates for the GM, Character Sheets, Reference Tables, Gear, and more. There’s advice on how to make your character feel real, how to determine the unifying goal of your team, interacting with NPCs, etc. To top it all off, there’s lore that explains how the world works, how it ended up this way, what the Edgenet is, and more. If you want gritty cyberpunk with a lot tools to get you set up, you should check out Crypto. 

The Electrum Archive, by Emiel Boven.

The Electrum Archive is a science-fantasy tabletop RPG, inspired by games like The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind, Ultraviolet Grasslands, Suldokar's Wake, and Cairn. It is being developed through zines that detail parts of the world of Orn and add new rules and procedures for you to use at the table.

The game is set on the world of Orn, a place long ago abandoned by an alien race now known as the Elders. The magical ink left behind in the shipwrecks of these ancient aliens is now used as currency and inhaled by warlocks as fuel for their spell casting. Adventurers called inkseekers venture out into the decaying world beyond the cities ruled over by scheming Merchant Houses to look for Elder artefacts and ink.

This is a fascinating setting with simple character creation that resonates with lovers of the OSR style of play.Your characters will have backgrounds and archetypes that set them apart, but your inventory is absolutely integral to being able to survive, as you’ll have 8 hit points or less and plenty of the monsters you go up against are likely to wipe the floor with you if you go head-to-head. With special rules for travel and exploration, this is a game for a group that wants to explore new and strange places, no matter the danger.

2. Free games on DriveThruRPG. 

This is harder to search through than Itch.io in my opinion, but sometimes the slog of looking through countless pdfs is worth it in finding a game that you’ll get some fun out of. Here’s a few that I’ve looked at in the past, to help you get past that initial hurdle.

Wicked Ones, by Bandit Camp Games. 

WICKED ONES is a Forged in the Dark tabletop RPG about a group of fantasy monsters building a dungeon, launching raids on the surface to gather a hoard, and pursuing your nefarious master plan. Along the way, there's pillaging, rituals, concoctions, contraptions, discoveries deep in the ground, dungeon rooms, traps, creatures, minions, and so much more! You build your dungeon over time throughout the campaign and no two dungeons will ever be alike. You bask in choosing the greater of two evils as your group strives to accomplish its master plan and terrorize the region around your dungeon. However, your vile deeds lure increasingly greedy and powerful adventurers into your dungeon. Can you stave off the inevitable onslaught of heroism that your notoriety brings?

Forged in the Dark games fucking slap and the fact that you can play this one for free? I had to pinch myself. There’s a lot of moving pieces in FitD games that work together, but the one I want to really shout out here is the clocks. Forget keeping track of hit points for enemies - just slap on a clock to represent how close they are to dying, running away, or calling for reinforcements. Players also get abstracted resources, like Gold, which represents wealth, and Dark Hearts, meta points that can be spent to add extra dice to a roll. Do you wanna revel in monstrosity? Do your characters want to play murder hobos? Do you like heavy improv? Check out this game.

44: A Game of Automatic Fear, by Stories You Play.

"Someone you know was just replaced by a machine. No one else knows. You are next."

44: A Game of Automatic Fear is a suspense RPG. You portray people who know a robot conspiracy called Section 44 is replacing humanity. Can you survive before the conspiracy replaces you with a machine?

Set in the backdrop of the early 1950s, a time of high paranoia, 44 works like an Alfred Hitchcock movie with sci-fi elements. The players will create characters by contemplating their personalities and abilities, while the GM will brainstorm the qualities and agents that work for Section 44. The game is part survival-horror, part investigative-mystery, as the players will have to do their best to keep themselves out of the clutches of the mysterious agency by figuring out how to differentiate the replacements from real people.

This game was one of the first games I found when I was dipping my toes into the ttrpg scene and wasn’t sure if I wanted to spend money on this hobby or not, and therefore I hold it near and dear to my heart.

Pandora London and Pandora Paris, by Cascade Studios.

The story of Pandora is one of the most famous and well known of the Greek myths, a tale told to children to encourage them to behave. It is also a lie. One of the most carefully crafted pieces of fiction ever produced in order to hide a greater truth.

Become a participant in a supernatural war that rages in secret throughout the city of London. Battle forces both magical and spiritual as you and those like you uphold the peace and hold back the night.

PANDORA uses the Cascade Roleplaying System, a streamlined version of the role playing system first seem in the Golden Age RPG. Carefully designed to allow for quick and easy character creation and simple to remember in-game systems without losing the depth and freedom of choice that make role playing games so fantastic. Pandora London is the main rulebook, while Pandora Paris provides new factions, more lore, and a new setting to send your players to.

Pandora uses small dice pools of d10s. Characters have shared Traits and unique Skill Trees according to their class, and will keep track of both Health Points and Grace Points, which are player currency to fuel re-rolls and provide bonuses. Meanwhile, in terms of theme, it’s an urban fantasy game that’s more hopeful than Urban Shadows or World of Darkness, and slightly less mythic than Scion. If you like magic mixed with the mundane, Greek Mythology, or a game about going up against supernatural monsters, you should check this game out. 

3. Small games designed from Lasers & Feelings, 24XX and Honey Heist.

One and two-page games may be rules-light and niche, but they’re also a lot of fun! As a student I especially like them because they take up way less space in a backpack than a conventional rulebook, printing them off is relatively cheap, and they’re so low-prep that I can pick them up and run them with little-to-no planning beforehand - perfect for when the GM had to study for three tests that week but still wants to run something.

Luv and Mutants, by Frames.

What will win in a fight for survival against mutated insects, harsh surroundings and other survivors - LUV or MUTANTS?

This one-page game is based on the Lasers & Feelings TTRPG. It is set in a movie inspired world, where a chemical havoc caused all cold-blooded animals to mutate and destroy most of human civilization.You play a group of survivors in this harsh world, testing your skills and teamwork. 

This game follows the standard rules of Lasers & Feelings. You choose one number between 2 and 5, and your character has 2 stats. One stat will favour rolls below your chosen number, while another will favour rolls that are higher. Hitting your chosen number means that something special happens. In Luv and Mutants, this something special is your Super Survival Instinct - you ask the GM a question and they must answer honestly, giving you a chance to change what you are doing or re-roll according to your insight.

If you like survival games or post-apocalyptic games and you don’t want a lot of prep, check out this game!

24XX PREDATORS, by Dice Ghosts.

DINOSAURS ROAM THE EARTH! A terrible earthquake has struck the biggest city in the world, releasing prehistoric creatures that were trapped beneath the earth. After quarantining the area, a team of experts has been assembled to enter the city and meet this ancient threat.

Play as a team of uniquely skilled individuals venturing into a ruined city that has become overrun by dinosaurs. Using your unique skills and training, you will need to work together to survive this metropolis of prehistoric predators and complete your mission.

24XX PREDATORS is an excellent example of the 24XX style of play. Characters are made quickly and die quickly, missions and encounters are randomly generated, and there’s even a list of dinosaurs to throw at your players! This game also has special mechanics for dinosaur and team-based mechanics - you’ll roll to determine what happens when more than one kind of dino shows up on the scene, and scattering in the moment has the ability to help or hinder you depending on what your teammates choose. If you like suspense, adventure and dinosaurs, you should absolutely check out this game.

Cephalopod Squad, by The Mirage Company.

A game about heroic squid children trying to stop evil schemes and be the coolest fish in school. 

Cephalopod Squad is a goofy hack of Honey Heist by Grant Howitt. Honey Heist games give you two stats, and start you out with 3 points in each stat. Failure in one sense moves increases one stat and decreases the other, while success moves in reverse. You will always have a way to voluntarily move your points around as well, as long as you role-play scenes that match one aspect of your character.

This particular hack is pretty much Splatoon: the roleplaying game, so finding art to represent your characters might be pretty easy! If you want a game that’s a bit goofy and light-hearted, Cephalopod Squad is a great place to start!

Finally…

Games I’ve recommended in the past.

ICON Playtest, by Massif Press.

Cairn, by Yochai Gal. 

Reclaim the Wild, by Eldritch Knight.

[braintequila]

The Evolution of Memes: Why They Matter to Gen Z?

Are Memes the Language of the Future?

Have you ever found yourself laughing at a meme that makes absolutely no sense to your parents? Or tried explaining the "Sigma Grindset" only to be met with blank stares? Memes have evolved from simple image macros to an entire cultural currency that Gen Z fluently speaks. But why do they matter so much?

By the time you finish this post, you'll understand how memes have evolved, why they hold power beyond humour, and how they reflect the digital-first, irony-soaked reality of Gen Z.

The Ancient Origins of Memes (a.k.a. 2010s Internet)

Once upon a time, in the era of dial-up and MP3 downloads, memes were simple creatures. Remember Bad Luck, Brian? Overly Attached Girlfriend? These were the ancestors of today’s rapidly mutating meme ecosystem.

Memes started as inside jokes, often confined to early internet forums like 4chan and Reddit. But as social media expanded, memes became democratized. Suddenly, anyone with Wi-Fi and a terrible sense of humour could create and share them.

Fast-forward to today: memes aren't just jokes; they’re social commentary, self-expression, and even a coping mechanism. In fact, they’ve become Gen Z’s unofficial mode of communication.

Why do Memes Matter to Gen Z?

They’re the New Social Glue

Boomers had a small talk about the weather. Millennials had texting. Gen Z? We send each other memes.

Instead of asking, “How’s your day?” we just send a "Me pretending everything is fine when my life is falling apart" meme. If they reply with "same", the conversation is complete. Efficiency level: 100%.

Memes let us bond over shared experiences, whether it's procrastinating an assignment or dealing with existential dread. (Shoutout to "this is fine" dog for always being relatable.)

They’re a Weapon of Humor and Irony

Gen Z humour is a chaotic mix of absurdity, self-deprecation, and layers of irony that confuse outsiders. A simple image of a cat with the caption “bro thinks he’s him” is enough to send us into hysterics.

Why? Because memes encapsulate complex emotions in an easy-to-digest format. Instead of explaining our feelings, we just drop a meme and let the pixels do the talking.

They’re a Form of Protest and Activism

Think memes are just for laughs? Think again.

From climate change (“we’re literally on fire” memes) to student debt ("me after checking my bank account" memes), Gen Z uses humour to address serious issues. Memes make difficult topics digestible and shareable, turning awareness into action.

Case in point: Entire movements have gained traction through memes. The 2020 election? Memes. The GameStop stock frenzy? Memes. The way we expose corporate hypocrisy? Memes. They're the digital-age equivalent of graffiti—rebellious, witty, and often effective.

They Evolve Faster Than Any Other Form of Media

If you're offline for a week, congratulations—you’ve missed at least five new meme trends.

Memes mutate at lightning speed, jumping from one format to another. Yesterday’s “woman yelling at the cat” is today’s “AI-generated meme wars.” This rapid evolution keeps Gen Z engaged, always looking for the next joke to break the internet.

Memes Aren’t Just a Phase

While older generations may dismiss memes as “silly internet jokes,” they underestimate their cultural significance. Memes are more than entertainment; they are our digital dialect, our social commentary, and sometimes, our emotional support system.

Gen Z isn’t just consuming memes—we’re shaping them, redefining humour, and turning them into a tool for connection, resistance, and self-expression.

What’s a meme that perfectly describes your life right now? Drop it in the comments—I promise I won’t judge.

[jpitha]

Just a Little Further 15

Part 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14

I was furious. The Aviens and Mariens in charge here thought they could control us with the gift of a false translator. They watched our arrival with glee probably. Our power is self evident and were relying on naïveté in order to control us.

As I strode along towards the administration building, Ava, Fer'resi and Mei'la struggled to keep up; I was walking with purpose. "Melody!" Ava called out. "If you slow down, we can walk with you and it will look more like a precession than some retainers struggling to keep up!"

I stopped. She had a point. I dressed like this and applied my mantle in order to impress. Empresses never rushed. Everything waited for them. We took a moment to get our bearings and look around.

Maybe I shouldn't have stopped.

Everyone was watching us, staring. They weren't running, but shops put shutters down, and were bringing chairs and tables closer to exits. Nobody left but people were making sure they were behind something sturdy while still having a view of the promenade.

Interestingly, the children were not frightened. I saw a small school of kids - all different types - who were peering owlishly through an open door. I met their eyes and spread my wings just a tiny bit and ruffled them. They all laughed and cheered. I don't expect them to know who I am or what I am doing, but when a women dressed in a beautiful outfit and a crown and wings made of light waves to you, it's a great day when you're 4.

We start walking again, this time at a slightly more sedate pace. While I walk, I'm trying out things. I'm trying to grill my Nanites for information. Does this starbase have an AI?

Maybe. Some did, some didn't. We have no specific memory about this one.

Well, I don't want to start shouting into the air just yet, and we don't have some kind of communication device for this Starbase... yet. Let's continue with the original plan.

While we're walking, I turn back. "What do you think everyone?"

Ava's head is on a swivel, with wide eyes and a big grin. "This is amazing Melody, it's so much... more than any Starbases back home. I wonder if they have shopping?" She gasps. "How do they do money? I wonder if they still have currency or is it all digital? I can't wait to see."

Mei'la looks thoughtful. "They sure are wasteful with power here. I wonder if they just have that much of a surplus or if we could bring some efficiencies in and help people."

Fer'resi just looks worried. "I understand why you brought me Em-er, Melody, but I must admit I am not looking forward to this confrontation."

I scoff gently. "Confrontation? We're just going to go to the administrative offices, explain that we are willing to look at what happened as a mistake and ask for a proper translator. I'm sure it'll be fine." When I say it out loud, I realize that it probably won't go that way. But, I don't want to worry him.

That is worrying him more.

It'll be fine.

As we rounded the final corner to the administrative building, I saw it. There were barricades set up around the building, and a mix of Mariens and Aviens were standing guard every meter or so, facing out, weapons free, but not being pointed at anyone.

Uh oh.

When we got about 3 meters away, the closest one called out. "Halt! The Administrative offices are closed by order of the Regents. You must come another day."

Really?

I put my hands on my hips and looked at them. I spread my golden wings just a bit to look larger. The Aviens who spoke the order looked at me, very nervous.

"Thank you citizen." I say kindly. "I appreciate your loyalty to your supervisor, it is to be commended. Now that you have completed your task, step aside and allow us to pass. No harm will come of you - you followed your orders to tell us to leave. We will not harm you." I gesture back to my team. "As you can see, we are unarmed."

He laughed weakly. "No Builder is truly unarmed."

I nod, when you have a voice that people can be compelled to obey, he's right. I sigh. He's going to make me say it isn't he?

He wants to experience it as much as he wants to be able to say he tried to resist when his supervisor reprimands him.

Ugh, Fine.

S̴̢͖̪͍̟̟̼͓͉̫͎̯̈́́̌̄̚ͅț̴̨̧̛̠̝̙̬̪̖̽́͐̎̾̊̒̒̋͐̀͘̕͜͜͝ͅe̸̹͐̈́̈́̈̑̉͗͘͠p̶̣͓̂̏͐̉̍̎̄̆̚͝ ̷̨̡̱̦̫̘͎̘̙̭̘̟̮̣̲̣̹͛͒͋̉̔̔͝Ā̴̧̡̝̰̦̫̱̬͍̞̘̞͓̝̲̣͒̋̀͌̎̐̊̈́̍͝ş̷̧̤͈̲̺̮̬̩̜̣̗̯̹́͊́͛ͅị̵̒̂̚ḓ̶͙̳̏͌̉ḙ̵̛̩͇̰̰̺̹̥̺̥̠̲̜̀̈́̐͊̉́͂̋͌͂̅͐̕ͅ.̸̢̛̬̫̙̺̟̟̜̪̯̹͚̯̼̔̀̊̑̄̿̓̔̎̚͜͜͜͝͠

I say it as gently as I can. As one, every Aviens and Mariens moves two steps away from the barricade. The one who spoke to me shudders and sighs happily.

"Ew" I say out loud.

"What is it? Ava asks, looking

"That one-" I point to the Aviens I've been talking to "-liked it when I ordered him around."

"I mean, I get it." Ava said, blushing.

I looked back at her and raised an eyebrow. She blushed harder. "I'm just saying that lots of people really like it when a powerful, beautiful woman orders them around, they don't even have to have the Voice that compels people for them to like it."

"Like, a sex thing?" I ask, confused.

"It can be, but it doesn't have to be" Ava replied, slightly defensively.

"Do you want to be ordered around by me?" I asked. Why did I ask that? I don't know which answer I wanted to hear.

She looked away "I wouldn't... mind it." She said.

Huh. Okay.

As we walk in, once again we're in the large, open, impressive vestibule. Over in a corner is a desk where one of the insect people - I really need to learn their names - is sitting looking bored I think. They have a book open and were reading. I stride up to them.

"Hello. Please tell me where I can find Starlight on a Moonless Evening or Vivvex please." I try not to use the voice this time.

Incredibly, they look over at me and their expression does not change. They are utterly unimpressed. "The Regents are in a meeting and have stated that they are not to be disturbed. I can take a message if you would like, they will reply to you by runner within one standard month."

Amazing. They are utterly unfazed. We should keep this one when we sit upon the throne. They have a skill.

"That's not necessary." I say brightly. "Can you direct me to where the Regents are meeting?" I attempt to put just a little bit of the voice into the request.

I needn't have bothered. "They're in meeting room 345. It's on the third floor, sunward side."

I bow very slightly and the glowing wings dip just a bit. "Thank you friend. What is your name?"

"I am Fel."

"Well Fel, please don't go far. I feel that I'll have a use for you very soon."

"Yes, Empress."

I blink. "Wait, how did you know I'm the Empress?"

"You were able to get the guards out front to stand down with a word, you are dressed in a very complicated outfit, you look like the statue out front and you have glowing wings and a glowing crown"

Yes. We like this one.

"Er yes. When you explain it like that it does make sense, Thank you Fel."

"Empress." and he turns back to the book he was reading.

Up the stairs and down the hall until I'm front of a room with 345 written on a placard to the side. Next to the door I can read a little slider. One one side is "OCCUPIED" and I slide it the other way and it reads "OPEN". Offices really are the same everywhere. Huh. I feel disappointed learning that.

I try the door, and it's not even locked. Opening it, I step in and...

"I'm telling you, there's nothing to be worried about." Starlight on a Moonless Evening and Rapid River Roaring and talking to Vivvix and Zemmlin. Nobody is facing the door.

"I'm convinced they don't even know what they are" Zemmlin says. "They don't have the air of Builders, even if they look like them."

"I agree" Rapid River Roaring says, taking a sip of something from a steaming mug. "They don't have the organs for the hard work of ruling."

"If that's the case, then let the 'translator' that I gave them do its work. The problem will solve itself." Ottarn is talking over a screen from somewhere else.

I lean back out of the office - they really haven't noticed me yet - and look to Ava, Mei'la and Fer'resi and wink. Ava grins wickedly, Mei shakes her head and Fer'resi looks nervous.

With some concentration, I turn up the imperial regalia. The crown glows more intently, the wings look a little more elaborate and they start to flutter as if they are being rusted by a breeze that doesn't exit.

C̸̰̽͜e̷̡͌̀a̴̱̗̿ṡ̶̼̲̽ë̴͔̙ ̶͈͕͋̑y̶̥̓̃ö̷̪͈ù̶̢̠r̸̖̩͠ ̷̪̩͑c̵̝̾͝h̷̠̻͂a̶͇̐t̵͓͕͗t̸̯̖̋e̵̺͒r̴͈͑̕ ̶̡̟͋̎ä̴̻̝t̴̝̙̂ ̴̡̡͝o̷̢̐n̵̟̰͋ć̵̜̩̋e̵̥͕͊̔.̵͔͔̾̈́

As if I pressed the mute button, they all stopped talking. Horrified, they turn to face me. I step out so that Ottarn can see me. Interesting. I wonder if Ottarn is compelled to stop speaking, or if they're just startled. I bet the Voice doesn't work over a radio signal.

"You think us weak? You think us meek?" I lay it on thick. Ava is reveling in it. "You realize you were visited by Builders who did not yet know their true nature and you choose to hide it from them? To attempt to use them for your own ends? To further your own power? The moment I spoke the Holy Words to you, you knew your days ruling this place were numbered."

I look up at the screen. "And you. Giving my linguist a false translator when all he wanted was to better understand you and be understood. He has received his lesson he understands you better than you know. Ottarn, speak. Tell me your location."

"I-I-I am aboard our ship, Holy One The Sea-Light."

"Disembark at once and return to this building. I will await your return."

I turn to face the ones in the room. I have not given them permission to speak and they are staring at me with wide eyes, shaking with fear.

Good.

I point to Rapid River Roaring. "You. Fetch three working translators. Speak to no one."

He stands up so quickly his chair falls over. Ignoring the toppled chair he practically runs out of the meeting room.

I jab a finger at Vivvex. "You. Speak. Where is the Throne in this Starbase."

The what? What am I asking about?

The Throne is where you rule. All Starbases have one. When you visit any Starbase, that's your main location. They are usually near the docks, though not always.

"There is an entrance in the promenade, Empress. We don't know how to open it though. I swear Empress, it was the others, Rapid River Roaring and Starlight on a Moonless Evening who conspired to keep you from your right. We were nothing but unwitting pawns!"

Oh, they called me Empress instead of Holy One.

They see the writing on the wall. They are trying to save themselves. Pitiable.

Just then, Rapid River Roaring returns, out of breath. I do believe they ran the entire way. In his clawed hand are three translators on little black straps. They're meant to be worn around the waist with a subdermal connection on the throat to facilitate speaking without having a constant din of both languages. I concentrate at them for a moment and my eyes flare yellow orange.

They are true translators, Empress.

I take them from him without comment, and turn to my team. "Here. This is how you wear them. I reach over to Ava and she blushes again as I fasten it around her waist, and then paste the subdermal to her neck and put a bone conductive dot behind her ear. "Try it."

"Okay, how do I sound? Can these..." She sneers "Sapients understand me?"

I look at them. Rapid River Roaring nods and said "Yes, we understand you perfectly, Builder."

I go to Mei'la and Fer'resi and help them put their own translators on as well.

"This is so neat!" Ava looks at me and smiles. "I swear Melody. If this Empress thing doesn't work you can make some real money in the High Mars cities or the Outer Planet Alliance doing dom work. You've got an unrealized gift."

Now that she's understood, both of the Aviens feathers flutter in titillated embarrassment at what she just said of their Empress. I raise an eyebrow at them and they immediately look down and start to cower.

"No, don't cower. It grows so tiresome. Where is Ottarn?" Their looks of frightened confusion tell me they don't know either. I have a hunch. I radio FarReach. "FarReach, this is Melody, can you tell me if any of the ships in dock have moved?"

"Actually yes Melody." FarReach answers "One of the mid sized ships opposite us blew their umbilical in a shower of dust and seems to be attempting to run." Gene adds, They're having engine problems though. Their power output is very low. I don't think we'd have any trouble stopping them."

Hmm. "How long do you estimate before they reach the Gate?"

"More than a day at their current speed. Maybe even two."

"Okay, watch them, and if they get close to the point where you can't catch up to them let me know."

"Uh okay, Melody, if the Captain is fine with it."

"She will be, Gene."

"Hmm."

I turn back to the Avien and Mariens in the room. "You compatriot has abandoned you. They feel they will have better luck trying to outrun my Starjumper in their creaky old ship. Enough of this. They will receive my full attention soon enough. Lead me to the Throne."

They get up from their chairs and wordlessly leave the room. We follow them.

Part 16

[andrewkamal]

Why Choose Malgo for Your Cryptocurrency Development Needs? A Comprehensive Guide

Cryptocurrency is rapidly changing the way businesses and individuals approach finance and technology. From its decentralized nature to its potential to disrupt traditional financial systems, the world of cryptocurrency is growing, and businesses are looking to adopt this innovative technology. But when it comes to cryptocurrency development, you need a reliable partner who can guide you through the process. That’s where Malgo comes in. This comprehensive guide explains why Malgo is the good choice for your cryptocurrency development needs.

What is Cryptocurrency?  

Cryptocurrency is a digital or virtual form of currency that uses cryptography for security. It operates independently of any central bank, meaning it is decentralized. Unlike traditional currencies issued by governments, cryptocurrencies are based on blockchain technology, a decentralized system that records all transactions made with a particular cryptocurrency.

Cryptocurrency offers numerous advantages over traditional currencies, including lower transaction fees, faster transaction times, and greater privacy. The most well-known cryptocurrency is Bitcoin, but there are thousands of other cryptocurrencies, each with its own unique features and use cases.

What is Cryptocurrency Development?  

Cryptocurrency development refers to the creation and maintenance of digital currencies and blockchain-based solutions. It involves building the underlying technology that supports cryptocurrencies, including the development of wallets, exchanges, and security features.

For businesses looking to create their own cryptocurrency or blockchain-based solutions, cryptocurrency development is a critical step. It requires a deep understanding of blockchain technology, security measures, and the regulatory landscape. Cryptocurrency developers must be proficient in coding, cryptography, and distributed ledger technology to ensure that their digital currency is secure, scalable, and functional.

Why Should You Choose a Cryptocurrency Development Company? Key Considerations  

Choosing a cryptocurrency development company is a significant decision. Several factors should be considered when making your choice, as the right company will play a key role in the success of your cryptocurrency project.

Expertise and Experience: A reputable cryptocurrency development company should have a team of experienced developers who are well-versed in blockchain technology, cryptocurrency protocols, and security measures. This expertise ensures that your cryptocurrency is built on a solid foundation.

Security: Security is one of the most critical aspects of cryptocurrency development. Your development partner should have a strong focus on building secure platforms that protect users' funds and data from cyber threats.

Regulatory Knowledge: The cryptocurrency industry is heavily regulated in many regions. A good development company will stay updated on the latest regulations and ensure that your cryptocurrency project complies with local laws.

Post-launch Support: Cryptocurrency development doesn't end once the product is launched. Ongoing support and maintenance are necessary to keep your cryptocurrency platform running smoothly and to address any emerging issues or updates.

Types of Cryptocurrencies:

There are various types of cryptocurrencies, each serving a different purpose and offering unique advantages for businesses. Understanding these types is essential when considering the development of your own cryptocurrency solution.

Coins: Coins like Bitcoin and Ethereum are the most commonly known cryptocurrencies. They have their own blockchain and are primarily used as a store of value or for transactions.

Tokens: Unlike coins, tokens are built on existing blockchains like Ethereum. These tokens can represent a variety of assets, from real-world assets to digital services. They are commonly used in Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs) and as a way to raise funds for new blockchain projects.

Stablecoins: Stablecoins are cryptocurrencies that are pegged to the value of a stable asset like a fiat currency (USD, EUR, etc.). They offer the benefits of cryptocurrency but without the volatility, making them ideal for businesses looking to integrate cryptocurrency into their operations without the risk.

Utility Tokens: These tokens are used to access specific features or services within a blockchain platform or ecosystem. For example, they might be used as payment for transactions or to access special services on a platform.

Security Tokens: Security tokens are digital representations of real-world assets like stocks or bonds. They are subject to regulation and provide businesses with an avenue to tokenize their assets for better liquidity and broader investor access.

Can Malgo Help with Regulatory Compliance for Cryptocurrency Projects?, A Clear Answer  

Regulatory compliance is one of the most important aspects of cryptocurrency development. The regulatory landscape for cryptocurrency is complex and varies from country to country. Failure to comply with regulations can result in penalties, delays, or even project cancellation.

Malgo is well-versed in the regulatory requirements of the cryptocurrency industry. They have a team of legal and compliance experts who stay up-to-date with the latest laws and regulations.Their team can guide you through the regulatory process and help ensure that your cryptocurrency project adheres to all necessary legal requirements, such as Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) policies.

By choosing Malgo, you can be confident that your cryptocurrency project will comply with the laws of the countries in which you operate, ensuring a smooth and legal launch.

Does Malgo Provide Post-Launch Support for Cryptocurrency Projects?  

Developing a cryptocurrency is just the beginning. The success of your cryptocurrency project largely depends on how well it is maintained and updated after its launch. This includes fixing bugs, adding new features, and ensuring the platform remains secure.

Malgo offers extensive post-launch support for cryptocurrency projects. Their team provide ongoing monitoring, troubleshooting, and updates to ensure that your cryptocurrency platform functions smoothly and securely. They also offers scalability solutions, meaning they can help your platform grow as your user base and transaction volume increase.

Having a partner like Malgo for post-launch support can make all the difference in maintaining a successful cryptocurrency platform.

Why Malgo is the Right Choice for Your Cryptocurrency Development Needs  

Malgo stands out as a top choice for cryptocurrency development due to its expertise, commitment to security, and focus on customer satisfaction. With an experienced team of skilled developers and blockchain experts, Their team has successfully completed cryptocurrency projects and understands the industry's details. Security is a top priority at Malgo, implementing the latest protocols to safeguard your platform from vulnerabilities and attacks. Their regulatory experts ensure that your project remains compliant with shifting global laws, preventing potential legal issues. They also takes a customer-centric approach, building long-term relationships by offering best solutions aligned with your business goals, and providing post-launch support to ensure ongoing success. With a focus on scalability, Their team ensures your cryptocurrency platform can grow with your business. Ready to take your cryptocurrency project to the next level? Partner with Malgo for secure, scalable, and innovative solutions. Malgo’s deep understanding of the industry makes them the ideal choice for your cryptocurrency development needs.  

Choosing the right cryptocurrency development partner is crucial for the success of your project. Malgo stands out as a top choice for businesses looking to develop a secure, scalable, and regulatory-compliant cryptocurrency platform. With a team of experienced developers, a strong focus on security, and a commitment to customer satisfaction, Malgo is the ideal partner for your cryptocurrency development needs.