#emerald dup

[frie-ice]

This crossover ship collage of Ben Tennyson and Yang Xiao Long was inspired by the artwork I have seen of this Ben 10/RWBY ship. Because of their green/yellow dup colour scheme, I thought it would be interesting to make the background wallpaper blue, with it being the colour that helps yellow to become green.  From what I understand this ship has gone by "OmniDragon", "YanBen", "Bang", "Emerald Dragon", "Shining Dragon" and "Golden Emerald".

[jillybean-seighdrasov]

A bunch of Destiny 2 asks for your Guardian OCs

 1.     Where was your guardian raised?

She was raised on the Reef.

2.     What race is your Guardian?

She is Awoken.

3.     What do they look like?

She is 5’9”, long purple hair, emerald, green eyes (that change colors depending on her mood), periwinkle skin color.

4.     Guardian's name?

Seighdra/Seighdee

5.     Defining features?

Her eyes that change color and her long hair (not typically normal for Guardians)

6.     What's their Ghost's name?

Raven

7.     What does their ghost look like?

He is wearing the Dreamer’s Shell right now

8.     How do they view their revival?  Would they rather have stayed dead or be revived?

She fights with herself about her revival.  Life was so much easier when she was just an Awoken.

9.     Guardian's preferred weapon/weapons?

Black Talon, Calus mini tool, New Purpose, Agar’s Scepter (personally, anything tide to Crow or Uldren)

10. Guardian's class?

She can switch between all three classes, but mains Warlock.

11. Guardian's Subclass?

She usually runs Solar, but Void comes in a good second.

12. Does your Guardian hoard weapons and materials or are they picky?

She has a ton of weapons, but she can be picky on what she uses.

 13. Is your Guardian stealthy or "Stealthy"?

She can be when she needs to be.

14. Guardian's views on the different factions? i.e., Eliksni. Hive, Humanity, etc., etc.

She helps the Eliksni in the Last City.  Not a fan of the Hive.  A little tension with Caiatl (you’d have to read my fan fic)

15. Is your Guardian friendly with any of the Eliksni houses?

She helps the House of Light, used to be part of House of Wolves.

16. How do the different factions view the Guardian?

Some like her, some fear her.

17. How old are they?

My Guardian is about 13 Guardian years old, but she is much older than that.

18. Do they remember much of their past life?

She remembers all her past lives.  (Human before Awoken)

19. If your Guardian left behind audio logs like Cayde did after his death, what would they say?  Who would they be addressed to?

She had journals from her previous lives that she still has.  They aren’t addressed to anyone.

20. Is your Guardian jaded and bitter?  Or are they still doggedly determined, after all that's happened?

She has been bitter since her revival because she had remembered her past life, she was determined to get her old life back, but all while being a Vanguard puppet.

21. What do the Vanguard think of them?

The Vanguard thinks she is unstoppable.  They are a bit afraid of her though.

22. What does their Ghost think of them?

Her Ghost loves her but worries about her too.

23. How many exotics do they have?

60 weapons, 129 armor (some are dups, for different stats), 28 Ghosts shells, 21 ships, 27 sparrows

24. When, or if, they die, what will they leave behind?

Someone who was willing to train all who needed it.  One of the most powerful Awoken, and kids, lots of kids

25. If they had a unique exotic piece of gear, what would it be, and what would the flavor text be?

 26. How long did it take them to get to the Last City?

She wanted to go back home, but she knew the love of her life hated Guardians, so she made her way to the Last City from the Reef pretty quick.

 27. What were their first thoughts upon seeing the Traveler for the first time?

She was part of the group that left on the Yang Liwei with her family.  She didn’t really have any good or bad thoughts on the Traveler. Maybe more shock than anything.  I really haven’t written my back story yet on her.

28. Their reaction to Cayde-6's death?  Were they bloodthirsty, hungry for revenge, or tired and grieving after so many already lost?

She was married to Uldren Sov.  Cayde-6 was a good friend, but he was reckless, and she knew it.  Yes, she lost a good friend and mentor, but she also lost her husband.  She was very conflicted about everything.  She wanted justice, not revenge.  She loved Uldren and Cayde both.

29. What did they feel when they lost their Light during the Red War?

She felt lost, like her connection was gone.  She was scared because her family was living on the Tower when it was attacked.  She had no way of getting a hold of them because she didn’t have her Light.  She was a powerful Awoken but losing her Light she lost her connection.

30. If your Guardian lost their Ghost, what would their reaction be?

She would be lost, truly lost.  She and Raven have been through so much.

31. If they died, what would the Last City's reaction be?

Some Guardians might be glad because she was married to Uldren and then Crow.  But I like to think that she left an impression on most that they would mourn her for all the good she did and all the New Lights she helped train.

32. Depending on their Vanguard, what would they think about the Guardian's death?

I think the Vanguard would be devastated because she was their little puppet to do all their dirty work.

33. Guardian's favorite weapon?

Black Talon

34. Guardian's least favorite weapon?

35. ANY SPECIAL GRANADE LAUNCHER

36. Guardian's preferred look?  Are they well known for it?

She doesn’t really have a preferred look.  She has long hair which seems to not be normal for most Guardians, so people know her for that.

37. What ship do they fly and what does Holiday think of it?

Silkivory Vanish is her most used ship, her second used one is Pallas Galliot.  She gave Crow Radiant Accipiter.

38. How is their flying?

Her flying is amazing. She used to be one of Uldren’s Crow fighter pilots.

39. If you had to guess, what faction would you say they've killed the most of?

Hive

40. What was your Guardian before they were a Guardian?  Do they know?

She was an Awoken high Paladin.  She used to be a Crow until the Queen called on her to be at her side.  My Guardian remembered all of her past.  That is why she didn’t go back home for two years. She knew how Uldren felt about Guardians.

41. How long was your Guardian dead for before they were revived?  What age were they revived in?

She had only been dead for a day or two when she was revived.   She was, give or take, 12.8 billion years old.  She was an 18-year-old human before she became Awoken.

42. What does Shaxx think of their fighting and performance in the Crucible?

She’s not one to really do Crucible a lot, she is too busy training New Lights and saving Humanity. But he is very impressed with her fighting (it is my wishful thinking, I suck at Crucible)

43. How loyal are they to the Last City and the Traveler?  What would have to happen to test it?

She has been pretty loyal to the Last City, but there have been times she just wanted to give up. Right now, she is questioning the Traveler and what is up with it.  Why are the Hive granted the Light when they attack the ones who the Traveler protects. Two of her kids have been risen as Guardians and she wonders why they were chosen being they were young children when they died.

44. If your Guardian is the type for it, what's their favorite/preferred method of pranking?

She doesn’t really prank people much.

45. What do other Guardians think of them?

Some people love her, some people hate her.  It goes with the whole married to Uldren thing/he killed Cayde crap.

46. Do they fit their classes stereotypes?

Well, she is book smart, she was also a powerful Human before she was Awoken.  Remember she is all three classes, and she can change freely between all of them at any time.  I’d say she fits Warlock the most, but can fit somewhere into the other two.

47. Are they a no-nonsense get the job done type or a flashy and sarcastic joke cracker type?

I think she can be a little bit of both.

48. Guardian's worst fear?

Losing her family

49. Guardian's favorite food?

Mexican(any)

50. Guardian's favorite location?

Dreaming City, it is home to her.

51. What are your Guardian's views on Gambit?

It passes the time when needed.

You can learn more about my character in Stardust and The Crow

https://archiveofourown.org/users/Jillybean93/pseuds/Jillybean93

[darkx-the-dragon-kn1ght]

Pokémon Reborn Screenshot Let's Play: Chapter 20

Well well well, look what we have here. Twenty whole chapters in, and still going…well, strong by my standards, I’d say. Recently, my life has seen several changes (all good, no worries), and now I’m just enjoying some of summer before continuing on with adult life. And in the spirit of that- catching up on video games now that I don’t have college stuff to worry about anymore! 

Not that I’ve been neglecting Reborn too much, but I have found myself with all the more free time to work on this Let’s Play. Well- okay, maybe not this past weekend, it was Mother’s Day after all, but besides that! 

So, as usual, let’s begin with the recap, because a lot happened in the last chapter, there was so much plot, this is gonna be one heck of a recap:

With Cain’s impeccable charisma creating a distraction, Xera is able to sneak past the officers guarding the Grand Stairway and descend into an opening in the steps.

Xera finds herself in a series of expansive crystal caves hidden under the stairway. While exploring, she encounters a Shiny Sandshrew, which she catches and names Cobalt.

Eventually, Xera finds herself in the cave’s deepest sanctum, where she discovers a mysterious gate of some sort. She also encounters Commander Ponytail/Mr. Meteor- none other than the leader of Team Meteor.

Mr. Meteor explains how the gate in front of them is the core of the Reborn region and a sacred holy site, frustrated about Reborn City being built on top of it. He explains how the region’s true power will be unleashed once four key gems- Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald, and Amethyst- are brought before the gate to break its seals, thus restoring Reborn’s natural beauty.

Mr. Meteor allows Xera to leave with Victoria as well as allowing her to do whatever with the ones guarding Victoria (Eclipse and Aster), only asking that she remember the gate and the chamber once she leaves. With that, Mr. Meteor departs.

Further into the chamber, Xera finds Aster and Eclipse holding Victoria captive. Though the two Privates plot to capture Xera too, Victoria reveals she still has her Pokémon on her and teams up with Xera to take the dup down.

Aster and Eclipse are defeated, and Victoria explains Agent Borealis never actually took her Pokémon from her, telling her to wait for the right moment to use them. Despite their loss, Aster and Eclipse manage to escape as well.

Xera and Victoria leave the Grand Stairway together. Now back in North Obsidia Ward, Victoria is still upset at herself for being captured by Team Meteor in the first place. She challenges Xera to a battle so they can both grow stronger, which Xera accepts.

Xera wins the battle, but Victoria takes the loss as another lesson. She’s about to say something further when she is interrupted by Fern’s sudden arrival. Fern mocks both Trainers’ performances during the battle, then proceeds to gloat about his recent win against Gym Leader Shelly. Needless to say, his behavior incenses Victoria.

Feeling a high from his win streak, Fern challenges Xera to a battle, not even finding Victoria worth his time- a challenge Xera also accepts.

Xera manages to win against Fern, Crater evolving into Camerupt as a result. Fern once again chalks up Xera’s win to cheap tricks and and luck before departing, leaving Victoria as angry at him as ever.

After calming herself down, Victoria finishes what she was trying to tell Xera earlier and gives her the TMX for Rock Smash- though Xera cannot use it until she obtains Shelly’s Gym Badge.

Concerned about what Fern said about Shelly’s condition, Victoria decides to head to the Lapis Ward Gym to check on her, encouraging Xera to do the same.

Xera arrives at the Lapis Ward Gym and tries to enter, only for Cal to burst out and furiously deny her entry into the Gym, triggering another battle in the process.

And that’s where we left off- bitterly having to reset against Cal and his Inferno-spamming Houndoom. But that defeat will be avenged in this chapter, and then we’ll…uh…I dunno, give Shelly some much-needed therapy before we fight her? Who knows- but one thing at a time, though. So let’s get into it!

*CW: emeto mentions, mentions of child abuse

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Part 5*

Part 6

Part 7*

Part 8

Part 9

Part 10

Part 11

Part 12

Part 13

Part 14

Part 15

Part 16

Part 17

Part 18

[nightmdic]

A dark brow quirks up as he registers who she was referring to, along with his remembrance of her name. Of course, he would be here - strange things just seem to flock to him now, don’t they? Curious. . .least, it’s nice to have some familiar face, even if it was someone still lightly a stranger to her - less so than these UNIT soldiers she had been quick to aid.

“What are you doing here, Mr. Smith? Doesn’t exactly seem like a janitorial job.” There’s the smallest smile on her features as she approaches closer, head canting a curious tilt as emerald gaze flickers between him and the person at his side; another UNIT officer, she assumes. Someone who seemed prepared to grant an introduction of the dup before pausing.

‘Oh, Dr McAshten! You know him?” “Met recently; seems like odd things are kinda your forte then if you’re here.” Considering some of the description she obtained from the soldiers; it moved like a shadow, quick and terrifying, and the claws were long and jagged - like some kind of dragon-looking beast, we don’t even know! It just - took off.

he,   a battle   worn thing.   acclimatised   to   warfare's   devastation,   the   way   it   is   rust   spill   and   ruin.   the   hollow   grief   that   settles   in   the   aftermath,   his   own   bones   burdened   by   the   weight   of   loss.   (  the   sharpened   memory   :   stood   amidst   bloodshed,   watching   his   planet   burn  ).   an   echo   of   such   suffering   now   as   he   walks   amongst   the   wounded,   jaw   set   in   grim   line.   a   rush   of   frustration   escaping   parted   lips,   aimed   towards   the   unit   commander stationed at his side.   (  his   warnings   to   wait,   that   it   would   only end   it   in   lives   lost,   unheeded  ).      critique   cut   short   only   when   another   voice   adds   to   the   commotion.

❝ who ?   me ? ❞   spinning   on   his   heel,   index   pointed   towards   his   own   chest.   confusion   fleeting   before   realisation   sets   in,   attention   settling   upon   a   familiar   face.   ❝ ah,   right.   yes.   hello ! ❞   his   hand   lowers   then,   slid   back into   the   pocket   of   his   jacket.   ❝ sorry, what   was   it   again ?   maggie ?   no . . .   mary ?   no . . .   marie ! ❞   a   smile,   star-woven and   sempiternal.   ❝ that was it. marie,   marie,   marie. fancy   seeing   you   here ! ❞

[cupcraft]

You know I know o!Philzas arc is only going to bring me pain and angst especially with his son o!Tommy but can we talk about how funny the o!Emerald Duo is going to be. We go from Dream SMP two immortal anarchists who don't believe they can do no wrong and then we have a misguided traumatized hero turned overcontrolling powerful villain in all black, paired with a bunny man with zero thought behind his eyes other than *carrot and follow comfort extrovert* all while wearing a cute overall with a carrot on it.

[textilemall]

*Angroop plus presents* *EMERALD* ❇❇❇❇❇❇❇❇ *Top - Pure Jam Silk Cotton Print* *With Heavy Self Embroidery* *Bot - Cotton solid* *2.70 Mtrs* *Dup - Cotton Mal-Mal Print* *Rate - 725+GST 5% + Ship* *_Splendid Quality With Digitally Printed Fabric_* *Special pouch packing* *Regards* 🅰➕ https://www.instagram.com/p/B7l5ipChdbq/?igshid=1dh2tyl6hak00

[its-veso]

Sterling shines on hopes for no Brexit as Parliament debates a no-deal

GBP/USD is rising from the lows as Parliament is set to reject a no-deal Brexit. 

Brexit-related developments are set to keep volatility high.

The technical picture is improving for the pair.

Parliament handed another devastating defeat to UK PM Theresa May’s amended Brexit deal. The House of Commons rejected the accord with a whopping margin of 149 MPs. While it was smaller than the 240-gap seen in January, it is far from being remotely close.

The small window of hope for approval was closed earlier on Tuesday by AG Geoffrey Cox. While saying that the modifications constitute “material changes”, they do not reduce the risk of the UK being trapped in the EU Customs Union. His verdict was not enough to convince hard-Brexiteers nor the Northern Irish DUP Party.

Parliament now votes on a no-deal Brexit.

GBP/USD[1] had already priced in such a failure and did not extend its falls on the vote late on Tuesday. Lawmakers will now vote if the UK should leave the EU on March 29th without a deal and expectations stand at an overwhelming rejection of this messy outcome.

The following step is on Thursday, with a vote on asking to postpone Brexit. Also here, the forecast is positive: that the House will instruct the government to ask for an extension of Article 50.

These expectations boost the pound. GBP/USD has risen from the lows in the mid-1.3000s to the mid-1.3100s.

What’s next for Brexit?

For how long? Speculation stands at a short extension: May 22nd and the end of June are on the cards. The EU needs to approve it unanimously, and it seems that will the case.

And what will happen afterward? May may attempt a third vote on the accord, but an approval remains unlikely after these two defeats. A second referendum, snap elections, and a no-deal Brexit is all open options.

Are some traders hoping that Brexit can be canceled altogether? A second referendum is always an option.

And in the meantime, the government is preparing for a no-deal exit. Whitehall published the potential new tariff regime, which includes no duties on 87% of goods. In addition, there will be no checks on the border between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, allowing goods from the EU to enter unchecked. All sides vowed to maintain the Good Friday agreement and leave an open border on the Emerald Isle. However, London says the measures are temporary.

In theory, if everything goes to plan, these contingency plans will be shelved as the UK will remain in the EU for a bit longer.

Parliament is due to vote at 19:00 GMT, but statements from politicians are set to rock Sterling throughout the day. The level of volatility is set to remain elevated.

In the meantime, Chancellor of the Exchequer Phillip Hammond will present his new budget via the Spring Statement. Any new economic forecasts will likely be ignored as everything depends on Brexit.

Apart from Brexit[2], the US releases Durable Goods Orders and an increase in investment is expected[3]. US inflation came out slightly below expectations on Tuesday.

GBP/USD Technical Analysis

The technical picture has improved for cable. Momentum turned positive and the pair is edging above the 50 Simple Moving Average on the four-hour chart[4].

Immediate resistance awaits at 1.3150 that capped the pair recently and also did so earlier in the month. 1.3180 was a high point last week and 1.3280 was the gap high in early March.

1.3110 was a swing high in mid-February and last week. It is followed by 1.3060, where the 200 SMA meets the chart. 1.3020 was a support line in mid-February and 1.2960 was the low point early this week.

Get the 5 most predictable currency pairs[5]

References

^ GBP/USD (www.fxstreet.com)

^ Brexit (www.fxstreet.com)

^ increase in investment is expected (www.fxstreet.com)

^ chart (www.fxstreet.com)

^ Get the 5 most predictable currency pairs (www.forexcrunch.com)

from Forex Crunch http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ForexCrunch/~3/I7ycTBqREoM/

[ldh-posts-blog]

Election Dissection.

It’s been remarked on by many commentators in recent years that we are, as the Chinese allegedly say, cursed to live in interesting times.

Last night’s election result, however, feels like the first time the news has been interesting in a good way for quite some time.

Theresa May, a woman who singlehandedly lent credence to David Icke’s theory of human/reptile hybrids, managed to run an almost cartoonishly inept campaign. As a result, we have a hung parliament.

It was a heartening result for the left. All the Tories’ arrogant certainty of a crushing victory came to nothing. All of the right wing tabloid propaganda failed to win the day. My favourite moment of the morning was picturing Rupert Murdoch choking on his cornflakes in wrinkled, bitter, impotent rage.

I’m kidding, of course. Murdoch is too old for cornflakes. Unless Jerry Hall is mushing then into some sort of gummable mulch for him.

The big question, of course, is “what next?” Today is a fine day for giggling at the pompous, monied arseholes who were sure of their grip on power, and I intend to make the most of it by printing off pictures of Theresa May looking defeated and rubbing them on my nipples, but the truth is that nobody knows where we go from here.

In the mistaken belief that anyone wants to read them, here are my thoughts.

Labour:

There’s a very real danger that this is the high water mark for Labour. Young people seem to have turned out in huge numbers to vote, but it’s entirely possible that they’ll soon be asked to do it again. That will be a harder sell. Jeremy Corbyn will begin to resemble Jon Snow, fresh from a narrowly successful skirmish, desperately trying to rally the beleaguered houses of the North in support of the war against evil.

Picture unrelated. Honest.*

One thing that is worth noting is that in terms of sheer numbers, Corbyn actually garnered more votes than Blair did in one of his successful elections. With a little luck, this will finish off the grasping old monster once and for all.

...Really, these are just pictures from TV that I like…

Conservatives:

It will pretty soon become the standard argument that the Conservatives “won” the election, and its true that they won the most seats. They may also, however, have painted themselves into a corner.

Theresa May’s manifesto was many things. Disastrous, for example. More filled with awkward turns than the Laguna Seca racetrack, for another. But chiefly, it was the most centrist Tory manifesto possible. It was as far to the left as the Conservatives can conceivably go, and it failed.

This means that the Conservatives and whoever leads them next (May has said she won’t resign, so expect her to be gone within the week) have nowhere to go except further to the right. And the British people have made it pretty clear that they don’t want that.

What further-right policies could the Tories actually enact? They’ve hacked away at the welfare state so brutally that there’s very little left to cut without shutting many services down entirely and selling off hospitals, which would be politically disastrous.

Theresa May led her party down a blind alley, and when they reached the end of it, they immediately began painting themselves into a corner. God knows how they’re going to get out of it, but we all know that villains inevitably escape for the sequel.

                           Conservative logo: Expanded view.

 Perhaps the best evidence that May might indeed survive this disaster is that there’s nobody else to lead the Tories. David Cameron shot the country in the foot with Brexit and resigned, Boris Johnson and Michael Gove stabbed each other in the back, George Osbourne left for a paper round (I may have skimmed that headline…) and Jeremy Hunt is one of the most hated men in Britain. If you’re a young Tory minister, it might be a good time to polish up your C.V.

And to take a long, hard look at yourself and the life choices you’ve made.

But also the C.V. thing.

The DUP:

It must have been a bit of a surprise for the Democratic Unionist Party to wake up this morning and find themselves the most important people in British politics.

Amusingly, because Theresa May’s campaign literally couldn’t do a single thing right, the Tories spent a lot of time attempting to conjure up the spectre of the Troubles to discredit Jeremy Corbyn and now find themselves awkwardly cosying up to the DUP.

Poetic justice aside, one of the many unintended side effects of this election may be to shine a light on Irish politics. For a long time, Irish politics has been festering away in the shadow of British arrogance. Westminster has ignored Ireland since the peace process began to bear fruit, seeming to think that everything was now fine in the Emerald Isle and therefore of little consequence.

In truth, Ireland as a whole has deeply worrying theocratic problems. Many English voters will find themselves Googling the DUP today to find that the party, founded by the always-delightful Ian Paisley, is anti-gay, anti-woman, Biblically fundamentalist and doesn’t believe in climate change. In 2017, the deal makers in British politics are going to be people who think dinosaurs weren’t real.

This is madness, obviously, but it raises some broader questions about Irish politics that have been too-long ignored.

Politics in general:

The fragmentation of politics seems to be continuing apace, and a movement towards proportional representation might finally be successful. But let’s not hold our breath.

In the meantime, it’s looking like we’re going to have an embarrassingly unpopular Tory government, propped up by religious zealots and led (at least for now) by a woman who would appear to be a half-step away from a nervous breakdown were she not almost certainly a robot from the Stepford Wife catalogue’s BDSM department.

There might well be another election soon, at this rate. In the meantime, things feel like they’ve shifted from tragedy to comedy, and it’s at least a partial relief.

If nothing else, the British people have proved they’re not the thick, feckless, racist herd animals I’d begun to fear. 

Or at least not all of them.

*Props to Reddit user H5NBRG, who made the excellent Theresa May/White Walker picture.

[edgymuses-a]

                                   @chasiingrain​​  ⇢   ♡  𝚂𝚃𝙰𝚁𝚃𝙴𝚁 𝙲𝙰𝙻𝙻 !  ⇢ 𝚁𝙴𝙱𝙴𝙲𝙲𝙰 & 𝙱𝙸𝙻𝙻𝚈. 

Even if people presumed Billy Coen as dead. Rebecca  NEVER LOST  hope that one day they’d reunite under better circumstances. It was tiring to find this “dead man”. But ,  at last she found him wasting away along with the dusty bar he was in. When first finding him ,  Billy  SEEM  so lifeless. Like the zombies they faced at the Umbrella Training Facility. With a touch and glance over her face there was a�� TWINKLE IN HIS  eyes that spoke volumes. It was like a Christmas miracle she was able to convince him. 

Christmas time was a  MAGICAL MOMENT  for her (for the both of them no doubt about it). Being the first time she actually got her first kiss. Shocking right! A twenty-four year old getting their first kiss. Not to mention the  CONSTANT  teasing and flirting non stop since then. Fast forward to now and the two were practically inseparable. Hanging out with one another during the good doctor’s lunch breaks and even coffee after work. One  COULD MISTAKE  them as boyfriend and girlfriend by the way speak. Often teasingly flirting with one another, but never had  THE GUTS  to tell one another. 

In Rebecca’s case ,  she’s too stubborn to admit these sweet nothingness to Billy. Well this time will be different !  This time she’s going to  TELL  him !  Doubt clouding her mind. A thumb runs over a pair of dog tags and emerald eyes glance down at the porcelain cup. Was she ready for this ?  Finally two  EYES DRAWS AWAY  by the sweet ring of a bell. 

Fingers curl around the dog tags steadily sliding it under her grass green sweater. DUP. DUP. Oh god it’s him !  Try not acting like a totally dork. The best person to be right now is yourself! Beaming sheepishly ,  Rebecca waves a hand motioning the man to the seat across from her. Replying her usual sassy and teasing tone.❛ I never though you make it  ON TIME  old man. ❜    

[thedigitalcrates]

4VR - Do Dat (Prod by Ren)

4VR – Do Dat (Prod by Ren)

  4VR announces a new EP releasing on July 5th called “Emerald City”. The EP announcement comes with a new single called “Do Dat”. The summertime anthem by the dup is produced by Ren and streaming EVERYWHERE now! Tune in to this bop then let us know what you think of new music from 4VR in the comments.

[littleroma]

Week #33 of Vimizim

Bit of a quiet infusion. Though one of the support bars in my wardrobe (I've got two so I can split my clothes up) fell down yesterday so Mum kept coming up with clothes asking if I would wear this top. I'm almost settled on a dress for the wedding, I'm thinking maybe an emerald green sort of dress but I'll need to try it on again. The only thing is that it means I'll had to put false tan. I hate the feel of false tan on my skin, I always feel just so unclean. I would say but I'll sit in the back garden but I don't tan. I burn. So eugh, false tan. I've been following a lot of the news about the current political climate here in Northern Ireland. I heard them saying today that we might not have a government here in Northern Ireland until September. Sigh that was January it broke down in. And next week is the twelfth, a day which has the potential to get a bit hairy, so I'm praying that it won't be too bad. Nobody wants violence. But if you saw the thing in the Irish News earlier today, I put it on here so you can see what I'm talking about, the Irish News started talking to one of the guys who builds one of the bonfires in Belfast. He started in with completely disgusting sectarian abuse at the reporter. Wanker. He's been fined in the past for illegal bonfire building. Whatever. They usually build one of the bonfires in Belfast too high and too close to homes, so let's hope nothing terrible happens. Could you even claim against sectarian idiots in a fire damage claim? Has anyone seen all the clips of Arlene Foster speaking about how the DUP wants to stand for everyone in Northern Ireland? I don't think I've ever laughed harder. She made some comment about how giving any part of the community superiority in the coming weeks. She said this at the start of July completely unironically. HAH! Has she never been on a Nationalist road or development on the twelfth? Especially when you have the complete assholes from the Orange Order, UDA and whoever marches (there's too many for me to rhyme) marching down through areas where there's a higher Nationalist / Catholic proportion of people living there? It can be bloody scary during the start of July. I like my wee country, sometimes I love it but it gets really exasperating this time of year. I joke that I wouldn't go to one of the bonfires because I'd be frightened they'd smell the Catholic of me. Sometimes I'm genuinely not sure if I'm joking. Hopefully we get a government in here soon. There's been calls for Brokenshire (the Conservative Secretary of State) to release the party donors list from 2014, I think they said. Because in the period since we've had six elections and one referendum. They don't release the donor list here because they you could see which way your neighbours were leaning and who they were donating cash too. Leftover of the Troubles. Nobody needs the Troubles to kick back up again. I thank heavens everyday that I was born in late '92, by which point the Troubles were winding down. Before the Good Friday Agreement which everybody seems to love to bring up now that DUP are in a position of authority in Westminster. I wouldn't say it's a serious Twitter account but the account @ LADFLEG is a humorous parody account which pretty much takes the piss out of everyone. If you ever want to check what I'm referring to, just check that account. Well, I'm going to go here, I'm going into Belfast tomorrow to see SpiderMan: Homecoming with my cousin. Eek so excited.

[drubblernews-blog]

New Post has been published on http://drubbler.com/2017/03/16/enda-kenny-meets-us-president-donald-trump-in-oval-office/

Enda Kenny meets US President Donald Trump in Oval Office

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Image copyright PA

Image caption Donald Trump met Enda Kenny in the oval office

Taoiseach (Prime Minister) Enda Kenny has held talks with US President Donald Trump in the White House.

“I love Ireland,” said Mr Trump. He would visit the Republic of Ireland during his term in office, he added.

The president told Mr Kenny he was his “new friend” and their governments would forge an even tighter bond.

At a lunch following their meeting, Mr Kenny made an impassioned plea for the 50,000 “undocumented” Irish who live in US without legal permission.

“This is what I said to your predecessor on a number of occasions – we would like this to be sorted,” he told the president.

“It would remove a burden off so many people that they can stand out in the light and say ‘now I am free to contribute to America, as I know I can.”

Noting the presence at the lunch of DUP MP Ian Paisley and Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams, the Taoiseach said: “We want to protect this peace process and I know you are going to work with us in that context also.”

Image copyright PA

Image caption Enda Kenny and Mike Pence were in attendance at the Ireland Funds America gala dinner

Mr Trump quoted from what he said was an Irish proverb that he had heard “many, many years ago”:

“Always remember to forget the friends that proved untrue, but never forget to remember those that have stuck by you.”

Shamrocks and gala dinner

Later, the Taoiseach will present President Trump with a bowl of shamrock for Saint Patrick’s Day.

Earlier, Mr Kenny had breakfast with US Vice President Mike Pence in Washington, in the company of their wives Fionnuala and Karen.

That followed his attendance of the Ireland Funds America gala dinner, which included a speech in which Mr Pence emphasised the commitment of America to the island of Ireland.

He said the US was pledged to securing the gains of the peace process.

Image caption Enda Kenny and Mike Pence at the naval observatory in Washington with their wives Fionnuala and Karen

At the gala dinner, Mr Pence congratulated the people of Northern Ireland for turning out to vote in high numbers during the recent assembly election.

“The advance of peace and prosperity in Northern Ireland is one of the great success stories of the past 20 years,” he said.

“We thank those unsung heroes in Northern Ireland who day-in and day-out do the difficult and important work – strengthening communities, educating children, building that brighter future for the emerald isle and all who call it home.”

Mr Pence also recalled his Irish grandfather Richard Michael Cawley, who emigrated to the US from County Sligo in 1923 and spoke with pride about his Irish heritage.

He added that he had thought about his grandfather during inauguration day in January.

Image copyright PA

Image caption Enda Kenny and Mike Pence were in attendance at the Ireland Funds America gala dinner

“The truth is that whatever honours I will receive over the course of my service as vice president, to receive an honour in the name of the Irish people and my Irish heritage will count as chief among,” he said.

“All that I am and all that I will ever be and all the service that I will ever make is owing to my Irish heritage.”

Mr Kenny presented Mr Pence with a roll book from a County Sligo school that included the name of his grandfather.

He said Ireland “took special pride in the fact that, for the first time in the history of this great republic, one Irish American has succeeded another in the office of vice president”.

Image copyright AFP/Getty Images

Image caption Mr Pence and Mr Kenny have shamrock pinned to their jackets for Saint Patrick’s Day

The Irish prime minister added that immigration was the main focus of his trip to the US. He said he was pursuing a process where Irish people living in the US illegally can “come in from the cold, and feel the warmth of this great country they have made their home”.

A number of politicians from Northern Ireland are also in America this week.

DUP MP Ian Paisley, who also attended the Ireland Funds America gala dinner, said that he expects little progress to be made during the Stormont political talks until the last minute.

He said he was hopeful the political parties could get “the show back on the road”.

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[lyleskipsey-blog]

Political earthquake lifting a bridge to a united Ireland

The significance of Northern Ireland’s election at home and beyond cannot be underestimated. For the first time the two main nationalist parties (Sinn Féin and the SDLP) now have more seats than the two main unionist parties (the DUP and the UUP). With predicted demographic changes running towards us like a freight train, the prospect of a nationalist majority (and a border poll) are now more a realistic prediction than a political pipe-dream. Changing votes and changing demographics The DUP may still have the most seats, but its share of the first preference vote has slipped for the third election in a row, now down to 28.1%. Sinn Fein’s vote, meanwhile, has risen to its highest ever share of 27.9% - that’s a little over 1,000 vote gap. Couple this with demographic changes happening and still to happen, and you have a new stew cooking in Northern Ireland. In December 2012, The Protestant population in Northern Ireland fell below 50 per cent. Now, there’s just a 3 point gap between Protestants and Catholics. To say this fact on its own is a sign of growing nationalist power is naïve – pro and anti-Unionists are not merely divided along religious lines, and religion is just a part of a complex set of self-identifiers in the North. Add in the rise of immigration and the lines get a bit blurred. However, what is true is the last census showed that 38 per cent of Northern Ireland identify as British, 25 per cent as Irish and 20 per cent as Northern Irish. That’s more people identifying as non-British than those who identify as British – an important distinction in this new post-Brexit world. Brexit and beyond Discussions about independence and pronouncements of the death of the Union have gathered pace following the vote to leave the EU. Northern Ireland voted 56-44 remain. You could therefore make the call that the DUP overwhelmingly supported Brexit and were punished. It is difficult to pick apart how much of an effect Brexit had, how much of it was the RHI scandal and how much of it was the DUP’s continuing disconnect on social issues like marriage equality and the Irish language. What it does mean is nationalists are on a roll, emboldened and ready to twist each event into a web that leads to a border poll and possible reunification (inside the EU). Yes, a poll in September showed of over 1,500 showed 57.6% of people don’t support a border poll but Brexit has simmered away over the last few months and Northern Ireland’s population are realising how damaging it is – which may explain Sinn Fein’s effectiveness in turning out their vote. Northern Ireland’s farmers stand to lose around £250 million in EU subsidies, something their counterparts in the Republic will keep. Additionally, Sinn Fein might receive its biggest PR gift in decades when an inevitable hard border separates the North and the South. Sinn Fein are well prepared for that fight too, Gerry Adams’ move to the Republic of Ireland politics gives his party a foothold in both North and South. In last year’s Irish general election Sinn Fein picked up 9 seats making them the third biggest party in the Republic with more than 240,000 voters in their pocket. They are getting themselves into a great position to leverage parties in the Republic to come on board the reunification bus. Should the hardest Brexit ensue, and Scotland is granted an independence vote, a similar vote on the emerald Isle might ensue. There’s a lot of work to go until then but Sinn Fein are playing smart. The Good Friday Agreement says Northern Ireland would remain part of the United Kingdom until a majority both of the people of Northern Ireland and of the Republic of Ireland wished otherwise. A road-map to self-governance? The winds are starting to change and the world will be watching. The Troubles were considered one of the most intractable ethnic conflicts of the twentieth-century – more than 3,500 people lost their lives. Along with Palestine and South Africa, the campaign by Northern Irish republicans are the most famous of freedom struggles. South Africa has had 5 peaceful elections since 1994 and, with the ANC losing popularity to the DA, might be moving beyond conflict politics. Palestine remains gridlocked but they should be reading from the Sinn Fein playbook. Northern Ireland is not perfect but Republican strategies could lay out the best road map to self-governance for those still pining for freedom. Co-operate, compromise, extend the hand of friendship and play the long, smart game. Attach yourself to broad issues around freedom, and expose your opponents as intolerant and unco-operative. So far, so good for Republicans and if, come 2018 or 2020, a border poll is called for (and won) Gerry Adams will have proved himself just as smart as Nelson Mandela in his quest for liberation. The wisdom of a softly spoken man Until then Sinn Fein needs to continue to show itself the bigger man, the Government in waiting, the co-operator, the internationalist, and the post-tribalist. They are living Theodore Roosevelt’s ‘speak softly and carry a big stick’ philosophy, having largely left the stick behind in 1998, and it’s working. By speaking softly, and speaking broadly, they are growing their support, winning minds not just hearts and their goal is in sight. Conclusion This raises the question of circumstances of the freedom fighter. Is it a waiting game? Do you just need the stars to align for your goal to be realised? It requires a unique combination of clever tactics and circumstances. It requires unique leaders, forgiveness and forethought. And it requires patience at times when it seems so far away, as Nelson Mandela said “it always seems impossible until it is done”.

[its-veso]

GBP/USD Forecast December 10-14 – Brexit showdown in Parliament, will May survive?

GBP/USD[1] went up and down on the flow of news related to Brexit as the critical vote in Parliament nears. Apart from the all-important event, there are several economic indicators of interest. Here are the key events and an updated technical analysis for GBP/USD.

The General Advocate of the European Court of Justice opined that the UK could unilaterally revoke Article 50, thus reversing Brexit. However, the government insists that it will proceed with exiting the EU. The debate in Parliament began with defeats for PM May’s government. Most importantly, Parliament gave itself powers to decide on the next step if the vote fails. The vote has greater chances to fail after the legal advice on the Irish backstop stated that the UK will “endure” in the customs union, a wording that angered Brexiteers. Calls to postpone the vote were rejected by Downing Street. In the US, the NFP slightly missed expectations but Powell remains optimistic about the economy. The summit between Trump and Xi seemed successful at first but the different statements and the arrest of Huawei’s CFO muddied the waters.

GBP/USD daily graph with resistance and support lines on it. Click to enlarge:

Jon Cunliffe talks: Monday, 6:30. The Deputy Governor of the Bank of England will speak in a conference in Istanbul, Turkey, and may provide insights into the global economy and the economic situation. He will likely dodge the sensitive topic of Brexit.

ECJ ruling on Article 50: Monday, around 8:00. The European Court of Justice will issue its official ruling on the revocability of Article 50: the exit clause out of the European Union. After the General Advocate opined that the UK can do it unilaterally, the court is expected to approve this opinion. Such a ruling will encourage pro-Remain voters and MP’s in the UK to try and stop Brexit, probably via a “People’s Vote” or second referendum. The government is unlikely to change its position.

UK GDP: Monday, 9:30. The UK switched to publishing monthly estimates for its GDP growth earlier in the year. The publication for September was somewhat disappointing with 0% growth. Nevertheless, Q3 saw an upbeat expansion. We will now receive the first insight into Q4 with the publication for October. The outcome will feed into the Brexit debate. GDP is expected to rise by 0.1%.

Manufacturing Production: Monday, 9:30. Alongside the GDP report, the UK publishes the components of growth, with manufacturing standing out. The sector was projected to benefit from the weaker exchange rate but did so only partially. After an increase of 0.2% in September, the output is expected to be flat in October. The broader industrial output is expected to drop by 0.4% after remaining flat beforehand.

Goods Trade Balance: Monday, 9:30. Britain has a chronic trade deficit. However, it squeezed just below 10 billion pounds in September, standing at 9.7 billion. A fresh widening to 10.5 billion is projected for October.

Jobs report Tuesday, 9:30. As members of Parliament will get ready for the vote, they will have another top-tier indicator to ponder into and so will Sterling traders. Wages remain of high importance to the pound and also to the BOE. Average Earnings accelerated to 3% y/y in September, an encouraging development. The same rate is on the cards for October. The unemployment rate disappointed with a small increase to 4.1% that month and no change is expected. Another shortfall was seen in the Claimant Count Change, or jobless claims, for October which rose by 20.2K, above projections. We will now get fresh figures for November which are expected to show an increase of 13.2K.

Parliament votes on Brexit: Tuesday, the exact timing of the vote is unknown at this point. UK PM Theresa May reached an agreement on the withdrawal of the country from the European Union. And now, Parliament will have its “meaningful vote” on the accord. The deal ends free movement of people and secures the rights of citizens but the agreement on the “Irish backstop” is criticized by many. It ensures an open border in the Emerald Isle but ties the UK to EU regulations. Under the accord, the UK leaves the EU on March 29th, 2019, but remains in an implementation phase until at least the end of 2020. The government lost the support of the Northern Irish DUP on which it relies and many pro-Brexit members of May’s Conservative Party stated they will vote against the accord. Several opposition Labour members may support her. At the moment, it seems that the government will fail to pass the deal. In this case, the Pound may suffer quite a bit, alongside stock markets. The expectation is that the UK will then return to Brussels, achieve a few minor concessions and return for a second vote. The tweaks and the rout in financial markets would then convince members to vote for the deal. Other scenarios include the passage of the deal in the first vote, a pound-positive development that is not priced in. A third scenario is a significant defeat for the government that would clarify there is no chance for a second vote. In this case, there are growing chances of a no-deal Brexit, which would be devastating for the pound, general elections in which Labour’s Jeremy Corbyn could become PM, a second referendum, or a reversal of Brexit. In this scenario, only uncertainty and high GBP volatility are guaranteed.

RICS House Price Balance: Thursday, 00:01. The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors showed a deteriorating situation in the housing market in the past two months, with the balance between surveyors reporting price decreases overtaking those that report an increase. After a level of -10% in October, a level of -9% is expected for November.

CB Leading Index: Friday, 14:30. The Conference Board’s composite index uses seven different indicators. Back in September, they showed a decline of 0.4%. Another slide cannot be ruled out for October.

* All times are GMT

GBP/USD Technical analysis

Pound/dollar suffered yet another choppy week and dropped to 1.2660 (mentioned last week[2]), thus setting a double-bottom, before it recovered.

Technical lines from top to bottom:

1.3375 was a high point in July. It is followed by 1.3300 was the high point in September and also a psychologically important round number.

1.3255 was the high point in mid-October, ahead of the EU Summit on Brexit. 1.3170 was a swing high in early November.

1.3070 was a high point in mid-November. The round number of 1.3000 is important after providing support to the pair in late September. 1.2910 was a high point in late November. 1.2850 capped recovery attempts in late November.

Further down, 1.2790 served as support late August and also beforehand. 1.2765 was a swing low in mid-November. IT is followed by the trough of 1.2725 seen earlier that month.

The current 2018 trough at 1.2660 is the next level. 1.2590 was a swing low in September 2017.

Even lower, 1.25 is a round number and also worked as support in early 2017. Further down, 1.2420 and 1.2330 are notable.

I am bearish on GBP/USD

While it is hard to foresee how UK politics develop in the upcoming week, there is a greater chance that chaos will endure, at least temporarily. The multiple options of fresh elections, another referendum, a resignation of May, and other unforeseen options could bring down the pound even if they could eventually lead to a more favorable result. One thing is certain: high volatility is here to stay.

Further reading:

Safe trading!

Get the 5 most predictable currency pairs[3]

References

^ GBP/USD (www.forexcrunch.com)

^ last week (www.forexcrunch.com)

^ Get the 5 most predictable currency pairs (www.forexcrunch.com)

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[its-veso]

Brexit can be kicked down the road in a classic EU fudge

Brexit negotiations remain stuck, four months ahead of Brexit Day.

Postponing the decision is becoming a viable option.

The Pound could rise in case a hard Brexit is averted.

The European Union and the United Kingdom have made significant progress on a wide range of issues in the Brexit negotiations. However, the question of keeping borders open in Ireland and the Irish sea remain a sore sticking point, and no creative solution has been found just yet.

All sides agree that there should be no border between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. An old-new border would endanger the Good Friday agreement and peace in the Emerald Isle. A border with customs checks is necessary if the UK leaves the EU customs union.

One solution is to keep Northern Ireland aligned with the EU on customs while the rest of the UK leaves the bloc. However, separating NI from the rest of the UK is a solution that is unacceptable [1]to many Brits and also to the Northern Irish DUP party that props up May’s Conservative government.

Various creative solutions using modern technology did not gain traction in the talks.

Transition forever

Looking at past crises in Europe, the modus operandi has been “kicking the can down the road”: finding a temporary solution without resolving the most problematic issues. Greece has received three bailouts that only extended its debt repayments. Banks have been kept afloat despite opinions that they are insolvent. Euro-zone reforms have never materialized.

Brexit could also be can-kicked down the road.

The UK leaves the EU on March 29th, 2019, in around four months. However, both sides agreed on a transition period that will last 21 months, through 2020. The precedent of deciding on the transition could open the door to further extensions.

The UK could officially leave the EU on Brexit Day but continue paying into the EU budget, enjoying access to the single market and having to abide by the rulings of the ECJ for a more extended period. Borders would also remain open, keeping the hot topic of migration high on the agenda.

The idea has been floated around the October EU Summit and was not rejected by the main actors. The UK government played it down by saying “it is just an idea” but did not rule it out. Hard Brexiteers see any delay as a plot to keep the UK in the EU.

Nevertheless, as the noise from the ticking clock becomes louder, the urge to hit the snooze button will grow as well. A long transition period may turn into the best possible solution or even the only reasonable choice.

GBP/USD and can-kicking

Markets hate uncertainty and prolonging the transition period and leaving the hot topics open is not good news[2]. However, the short-term relief of no hard Brexit is good news. Sterling suffered from the failure of the EU Summit and could advance if the idea reaches center-stage once again.

A full relief rally will have to wait for a full solution, but recovery is certainly on the cards.

More: 3 takeaways from the UK-German agreement can-kicking exercise for GBP/USD traders[3]

References

^ unacceptable  (www.fxstreet.com)

^ news (www.fxstreet.com)

^ 3 takeaways from the UK-German agreement can-kicking exercise for GBP/USD traders (www.fxstreet.com)

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