#reviewing things that got flagged to see if they needed to be investigated further

[morganbritton132]

Born for a tedious job where you type stuff into a computer all day. Forced to be an accountant because data entry jobs have shit pay.

[shining-red-diamond]

Ch. 20: A Path

Cast of Characters//Ch. 1//Ch. 2//Ch. 3//Ch. 4//Ch. 5//Ch. 6//Ch. 7//Ch. 8//Ch. 9//Ch. 10//Ch. 11//Ch. 12//Ch. 13//Ch. 14//Ch. 15//Ch. 16//Ch. 17//Ch. 18//Ch. 19//Ch. 20//Ch. 21//Ch. 22//Ch. 23//Ch. 24//Ch. 25//Ch. 26//Ch. 27//Ch. 28 (coming soon)

Words: 1.6k

Pairing: ATEEZ OT8 x OCs

Genre: Adventure, Pirate AU

Rating: PG-13

Warnings: mentions of deadly traps, bug attacks, blood, and venom

A/N: Italics means they’re speaking Korean

“Are you okay, sweetheart?” Phoebe asked as she rushed over to help him up.

“Yeah,” he nodded.

Grace-Anne then kneeled down to get a good look at the stone staircase. The open itself was about as wide and long as a large cardboard box with a descending stone staircase. Each step disappeared more and more into the dark underground, and the cold dampness cut through the jungle’s humidity. Pulling out her flashlight, Grace-Anne switched it on and shined it down the staircase. Nothing out of the ordinary except for a few dead snakes, but she felt uneasy about immediately taking the steps down.

A rock sat idly next to her, and it was immediately serving as a guinea pig. She tossed it down where it could still be visible by the light beams. Landing on a stone in one of the steps, it sank down halfway, and a spear shot up from the middle of the stone. The rock was split into two pieces before falling away somewhere.

“Do any of the notes say anything about this?” Grace-Anne asked as she stood.

Hongjoong was already ahead of her and reviewing the notes on both the map and the journal.

“Yes,” he nodded once he found the page. “Any of the stones with a golf-ball sized hole in the center has a deadly spear. Have your flashlights ready.”

One by one, the crew switched on their lights just before descending down the stone steps, tip-toeing over each holed stone. The air seemed to grow colder and more dense, and a soft blue glow could be seen up ahead. When they reached the bottom, a foul stench attacked their noses as they turned a corner.

“If I see one more corpse,” Dinah threatened, “I will kick a stalagmite.”

“I don’t think it’s a dead body, we’re smelling,” Grace-Anne replied as they walked a little further. “It smells more like mud after the rain.”

The sound of a river rushing could be heard overhead. Hongjoong used his flashlight to read the notes again. “The blue light tells us that’s where the next piece is.”

“What is that light anyway?” Mingi asked as they strolled closer to the light.

“Yeah, there doesn’t seem to be any electrical fixtures down here,” added Yunho.

An opening marked where the blue light was hiding, and once the crew walked in, the light turned out to be what seemed to be twinkling blue clusters sticking to the wall and reflecting off of clear quartz fragments blooming from the ground to the ceiling. With this kind of light, the crew switched off their flashlights.

“Glow worms, of course!” Dahae recognized. “Their bioluminescence gives off a sort of blue or green light.”

“But where’s the diamond piece?” Seonghwa reminded her as the crew looked around. “It could be anywhere here.”

Jongho was about to try to move a quartz piece to investigate any nook and cranny, but Dahae stopped him with a gasp.

“What’s wrong?” he asked.

“These aren’t just any of the regular glow worms you hear about,” she explained. “These quartz’s have minerals that provide this species with their nutrients, and they’re aggressive if they’re touched by any other living organism. Touch the crystals, and a few of them will attack.”

“They’re not poisonous, are they?”

“They just give you deep cuts, but the bleeding is bad no matter where the laceration is.”

“Found it,” Taeran declared as she looked up something in the ceiling.

Surrounded by clusters of the glowing blue, a shining fractal seemed trapped in another microvine structure surrounded by crystals. Beside it was a sort of lock code identical to a lock combination, but rusted into the ceiling.

“What’s the code?” Dahae asked.

Hongjoong flipped through the journals and notes a few times, scanning each page individually in case he missed it. He found something on the exact lock, but no direct answer as to free the diamond.

“There’s a riddle,” he shrugged as scratched his head. “‘Not a full circle, not an angle, not even a cute angle, only a straight path will you find the key.’”

“What path?” Dinah exasperated. “The only way out is the way we came in, and even then it’s deadly.”

“And we can’t exactly pry open the little binding it’s in without touching the surrounding crystals,” Grace-Anne added.

“Maybe it’s talking about the sun, hills, and a path on a hill,” Seonghwa guessed.

“We’re in a freaking CAVE!” Dinah retorted while motioning towards their surroundings.

Taeran stared up at it and recited the riddle. Circle, angles, path. Circle, an angle, a cute angle, path. A cute angle stuck out to her. Did it mean an acute angle?

“Wait a second,” a lightbulb went off in her head. “It’s not a regular piece of land at all. It’s geometric angles. A full circle is three-hundred and sixty degrees, a cute angle is an acute angle that’s forty-five degrees, and a right angle is ninety-degrees. What we’re looking for is the straight ‘path,’ and it’s a straight line. One-eighty degrees.”

“1-8-0 is the code?” Phoebe asked.

“It has to.”

“How are you going to reach it?” Dahae wondered. “The ceiling is taller than Yunho and Mingi.”

…

Finishing up in the bathroom, Celestia took one last look at herself in the mirror, double-checking for any fly-away strands of hair before standing back and seeing her pregnant self. Her stomach wasn’t as huge as a typical pregnant woman’s, but she still found it cute despite feeling like a bloated fish some days. Baby girl kicked, and the mother-to-be smiled.

“You’re so gorgeous,” San commented groggily as woke up.

“Hi, handsome,” his wife replied as she waddled back into the room.

The curtains were opened just slightly to allow some sunlight in, but not enough to disturb San in his sleep.

“How are you feeling?” Celestia asked as she eased herself on the bed.

“Better.”

“You look better, too. Your color is back. Are you sore?”

San shook his head. “I can move more freely, but it only stings when I move my back a certain way.”

“Dahae said it’ll be like that for a bit, but you’ll be back to exploring our next destination.”

A smile nearly bloomed on the young man’s face, but abruptly stopped. He wanted to see the new site, but Celestia couldn’t go anymore when she’s days from delivering.

“I don’t want you to be alone,” San shook his head.

“I won’t be alone,” she promised. “The girls will rotate out on who stays with me at each stop.”

“But what about when it’s time for you to give birth? We would have to flag down an ambulance or something to get you to a hospital if needed.”

San had wanted his wife to give birth in a medical facility that was safe, and she and the baby would receive proper care; but Celestia had put her foot down on having the birth on the boat since Dahae would help with delivery. However, she was becoming more open to having the aid of a medical facility if things were to go wrong.

“I’ve heard you can’t plan for how a birth is going to go,” was all Celestia could say. “But we can be prepared.”

San just smiled and kissed her on the cheek. “Such a clever woman, you are.”

Celestia scoffed playfully before asking, “Are you hungry? Grace-Anne left us some breakfast.”

“Can you get up?”

“Watch me.” Immediately she scoot to her edge of the bed, sat up, and rolled to one side to stand. “Cake.”

San giggles as the love of his life waddles out of the room and towards the kitchen. Celestia found her meal of eggs and Greek yogurt covered in plastic, and San’s bacon and omelettes were in the same shape. She removed the covering and put them in the microwave for about a minute while she retrieved both of their drinks.

A fit of childlike giggles erupted from San back in the bedroom. Celestia thought his medicine was making him loopy until he started baby-talking and cooing in his mother tongue. Was he looking at the ultrasounds and somehow talking to the baby? It wasn’t until she returned with their breakfasts when she saw what had happened.

“Angel, we’ve got a little stowaway,” San smiled as he was now petting a Siamese cat sitting on his stomach. “Isn’t she cute?”

“She is,” Celestia smiled as she set the food tray on San’s nightstand. “Hi, kitty.”

She held her hand to the feline, palm open and face up; and after a couple of sniffs, the cat licked her fingers and rubbed her face against Celestia’s hand.

“Friendly, aren’t you? How did you get on here?”

“She must have wandered up the landing gear from outside,” San guessed. “I managed to sit up, because I had to pee; and when I came back from the bathroom, there was a super cute cat sitting on your side of the bed.”

Celestia gave the purring cat a few more scratches behind her ears before thinking for a moment.

“What’s the captain gonna say?” she asked as she sat on the edge of the bed.

The captain had a thing with animals on the ship. It wasn’t that he didn’t allow it, it was that everyone had a job to do and wanted everyone to always stay on task that getting a pet for one crewmate or for all to share seemed impossible. Everyone, including Dahae, had begged Hongjoong multiple times for a furry friend, but he always said no.

“Well,” San thought, “I mean we already have a baby on the way, so he might say our new friend has to go; but since you’re going to be here on each stop, maybe she can help keep you company.”

As if excited by his idea, the cat leapt off of San’s lap and tip-toed to Celestia’s bump. She began to purr as she rubbed up against it. It was as if she now knew there was something precious being nurtured and developed in a protective shell.

“I think we might have found our guardian for Baby Choi,” San jokes with a chuckle.

-

Tagging: @not-majestic-bluenicorn​ @actuallythatwaspromise​ @barsformars​  @philosopher-of-fandoms​ @daybreakx​ @lilhwahwa​ @hongism​ let me know if you’d like to be added or removed

[murfeelee]

Ranking ALL the Sims 3 Expansion Packs - tonitalks

WOW, Tonitalks and I have a lot of similar ideas about the TS3 EPs! ❤️

It’s like, on one hand, every TS3 EP is amazing (especially when compared to the pittance being sold in TS4′s EPs). But on the other hand, EA really dropped the ball in areas where it should have really gone further to expand core gameplay. Even the best EPs had glaring flaws, and tend to fall short of things TS1/TS2 did better. But on the whole, what we got was just enough to keep the TS3 fandom alive even 11 years later. Bless.

MY THOUGHTS (under the cut):

(Unless Tumblr’s flagged it, I could’ve sworn I made an updated Best/Worst post ranking all the TS3 EPs. But the only one still on my blog is my old one I made before I bought all the EPs, though it mostly still aligns with how I feel.)

Toni S A B C D F ranking system is mostly based on which packs have the most content and varied things things to do. Toni’s S A B ranks are her must-owns, while the C D F ranks are her most disappointing games.

S: Generations, Supernatural

Toni’s only complaint about GEN is the Imaginary Friends lifestate, which: same. Frikkin creepy. But the rest of GEN is a MUST-OWN for kids & elders.

And finally! A reviewer giving Supernatural the respect it DESERVES! ^0^ SN was stuffed to the brim; SO much content! Granted, it’s no Makin Magic, and I personally was underwhelmed by Moonlit Falls, as I like Midnight Hollow and Dragon Valley WAY more, but SN is still my favorite TS3 EP, regardless. Anyone who loves the “weird, wonderful and magic“ side of The Sims NEEDS SN. 💯💯💯 (Just make sure to mod the Zombies out or adjust your lifestate settings; whatever works to get rid of them.)

A: Seasons, University

Seasons is an excellent pack--Toni wanted a new world, which: same, but there’s just an ungodly amount of new content in SSNS, it’s the best and most well-made TS3 EP, period. 

To this day I’ve NEVER sent my sims to UNI. I hate school IRL, so unless my sims are going to effing Hogwarts I have no desire to ever bother with the school crap. Toni doesn’t like the 3 social groups, but I actually LOVE them. Almost all of my sims are either Rebels or Nerds. Crazy enough, I love the amount of new content UNI added, I just never use it for my sims’ schooling. I love the radio station, weather machine, whiteboard, skeleton set, etc etc.

B: World Adventures, Pets

For Toni, the main complaint for WA is basically the repetitiveness of the tombs, and their lack of replayability. Yes, technically this is true, as WA veers dangerously close to where TS4 went wrong with all the storyline GPs, as if they’re Castaways or The Sims Medieval. The main difference though is that we can create/download as many new tombs as we want, which 100% keeps WA fresh and interesting for me. But yes, It’s an excellent pack, which is crazy considering it’s the first one for TS3.

Toni's biggest criticism for Pets is how high maintenance horses are, which YES. Unless your sims are rich and own a lot of property, horses are almost impossible to own...but that’s how horses are IRL anyway, so IMO I don’t see that as a negative. The only problem is when you want horses in CC worlds that are too small, where you can't fit in enough 64x64 lots. (So it’s no surprise TS4 didn’t even bother. 🙄 )

C: Ambitions

Toni felt that more could’ve been done with the professions & careers, which, YES! Too many rabbithole careers, and not enough interactions. I freaking love that they added professions with playable firehouses and private investigators, but I too wish that every career could just be opened up; I hate rabbitholes. And she thought Twinbrook was meh, but I think Twinbrook’s one of the better EP worlds. (The Store worlds are where it’s at, though -- eff most of the EP worlds, tbh.) Overall I really really like AMB; it was headed in the right direction, though I can see where it could’ve easily let people down who were expecting a lot more from the professions/careers. (EA obviously learned NOTHING from AMB’s feedback, considering what Get to Work did....)

D: Showtime, Island Paradise, Into the Future

Showtime: Toni said “what was this game?“ 😂The Genies were a poor fit, the professions should’ve given us WAY more, there’s no acting career in “Hollywood,“ etc. Exactly. Not to mention the dumpster fire that was Simport. But I have a love/hate relationship with SHT. I actually treat SHT the way I do UNI & IP -- I really like the side content it added; I just never bother with the core game mechanic: superstardom, schools, and underwater. That makes 50% of the game useless for me, which is why I always get EPs on sale. ^_^

I agree with Toni that Island Paradise should’ve been like World Adventures, with different vacation locations. It could’ve been more like Castaways, with Tiki/Polynesian/Melanesian islands, Asian islands, Caribbean islands, Mediterranean Islands, etc. Plus, both of us didn’t like the mermaid system. Making them requires too much effort for them to not do all that much underwater. But to be fair, IP added A LOT Of new content. For what it did add, there is an impressive amount. Island Living sure can't say the same! 🤣

Into the Future however.... I understand why Toni was so hard with this pack. Trust: I ran the main thread at the officials that asked for a Time Travel expansion, so ITF holds a very special place in my heart, cuz EA for the most part kinda listened? ITF is awesome. It added some super cool content that I use religiously; ITF’s one of my top 3 EPs. But yeah, choices were made that had me like WTF?? Toni wanted ITF to be more hi-tech, which SAME! I wanted more of a Star Wars Blade Runner cyberpunk neon metropolis, and a steampunk/dieselpunk industrial dystopia. I have no idea where TF that “utopian” Willy Wonka zany Hunger Games nonsense came from. It was kinda retro-futuristic Jetsons Star Trek TOS in a way, which I like, but...? Choices. EA definitely could’ve done more with ITF, for sure. IMO itr needed to be more like WA, too. U_U

F: Late Night - I hollered! 😭

Y’all know I effing hate Late Night. Only reason I keep it installed is for the musical instruments & highrises. It’s certainly no Apartment Life, and it’s definitely no Night Life, but it’ll do in a pinch. The obnoxious Celebrities/Paparazzi, Twilight vampires, cramped Bridgeport...no thanks. Especially with Boroughsburg out here just SHAMING EA. SHAME! I wish someone would remake Bridgeport as a cyberpunk world, that would be awesome. Otherwise most of LN is useless to me. :\

_________________________________________________________

TL;DR

So basically, if I were to follow Toni’s S A B C D F ranking system, and classify TS3′s EPs based on its content quantity, and EA’s dedication to thematic cohesion, my list would be as follows:

S: Generations, Seasons, Supernatural

All radically overhaul the core mechanics of the game/world itself: age states, weather, and lifestates/occults.

A: World Adventures, Pets

World Adventures added 3 new worlds and cultures; and Pets added animals. It’s just arguable whether EA should’ve done more with them all or not.

B: University, Island Paradise, Into the Future

Chock-full of new activities & skills, but your mileage may vary.

C: Ambitions (AMB didn’t really come with as much as it should have)

D: Showtime (SHT included a lot, but not much of it made thematic sense)

F: Late Night (LN needed to commit to what makes a celebrity--music/movie/fashion/etc CAREERS--rather than the hollow lifestyle of a celeb)

[thehollowprince]

Penny Dreadful: City of Angels

Episode 1: Santa Muerte - Recap and Review

SPOILER WARNINGS ARE IN EFFECT BELOW THE CUT

The episode opens with a Mexican standoff (ba dum tsh) between Santa Muerte (Lorenza Izzo) and her “sister” Magda (Natalie Dormer), who seriously has to be roasting under the Southern California sun in that black leather outfit.  (Sidenote, how does a Mexican folk spirit/deity have a British woman as a sister?  Guess she was adopted.)  Anyway, Magda is monologuing, as villains tend to do, saying “All mankind needs to become the monster he truly is, is being told he can.”  They go back and forth for a minute, and I was eerily reminded of the movie Constantine that came out many moons ago.  Y’know the one, right?  Loosely (and I mean loosely) based on the comic character?  Played by Keanu Reeves?  That was the vibe I go here, with Santa Muerte and Magda making some kind of bet about the “worthiness” of mankind.  (I also got strong jealous ex vibes from Magda in this scene, but we’ll see how that goes).

So we start the action by showing a field of Mexican-American laborers working the fields with a little boy sitting on the truck, picking the music they listen to.  His father jokes about his choice of music before getting back to work.  Now I’ll be the first to admit that everything that played out next was just this side of tone deaf.  I understand that Magda is the villain here, and wants to see humanity burn, but having a white woman set fire to a field full of brown people, resulting in several deaths kind of defeats the message they’re trying to send with this show, but I will suspend my disbelief for a little while to see how all of this plays out.

All in all, it was a beautiful shot, as gruesome as it was, with the flames, and then seeing Santa Muerte cradling the boy’s father as he died in the flames all while La Llorona played in the background.  The boy tries to save his father, but Santa Muerte uses the Force to push him away, despite not even two minutes earlier claiming she “had no heart for the living”.  Must be something special about this boy.

Cut to 1938 and the boy is all grown up.  Tiago Vega (Daniel Zovatto) just passed his exam to become a detective, the first Chicano detective in Los Angeles.  His Mamá (Adrianna Barraza) prepared him a cake to celebrate the occasion, and we get to meet the rest of La Familia Vega.  First there’s Mateo (Johnathan Nieves), who is seriously adorable.  Next is Josefina (Jessica Garza), who is the baby of the family.  And then finally we get the big brother, Raul (Adam Rodriguez), who “mysteriously” isn’t a part of the main cast.

Anyway, Raul is not happy about his baby brother being a detective, given the Mexican and Mexican-American relations with law enforcement, which... valid.  He has a point.  But Mamá quickly shuts Raul down when he tries to be a Negative Nancy and they celebrate as a family.  Cut to later, and Mamá is walking Tiago to the bus, and they remark about the construction equipment at the end of the street.  Here we’re introduced to the main conflict of the story.  Their neighborhood is set to be demolished to make way for construction for the Arroyo Seco Parkway, the first of the LA freeways.  Mamá remarks about the machines, likening them to animals baring their teeth at her, before Tiago gets on the bus to go to his apartment, because he’s the only member of the family to move away from home.

By the way, I will never complain about the size of my apartment again after seeing how tiny Tiago’s is.

Cut to the next morning, where the phone rings, waking Tiago up, and it’s his new partner on the phone.  Congratulations!  You get to start two days early with no prep time.  Said partner, Detective Lewis Michener, is played by Nathan Lane like you’ve never seen him before.  And as an aside, just hearing him drop the F-bomb made my day.  The reason they’re starting early is because their was a homicide, and the captain himself called them specifically.  The murder is a family of four, dropped in the Los Angeles river bed, their faces painted in Dia De Muertos makeup.  Also, there’s a message scrawled nearby in blood (or red paint)

TE LLEVAS NEUSTRO CORAZON TOMAMOS EL TUYO 

“You take our heart, we take yours.”  If you haven’t guessed it by now, the hearts of the four victims had been removed.  This all ties back to the Arroyo Seco Parkway and how it’s planned to cut through the heart of the Chicano community.  Michener makes the connection as to why they were called, “It’s a spick thing.”  (Fair warning, that kind of language, while not super common in this show, isn’t exactly uncommon.)

Elsewhere, Mamá is getting off the bus in a fancy part of town, because she’s a maid to Peter Craft (alum Rory Kinnear), who is a German immigrant with two sons and a wife that looks a little strung out.  This scene is pretty filler, but it establishes the dynamic of Craft’s household, with him talking to Mamá before his own wife.  He leaves for work, listening to tape recordings in his car as a way to practice on getting rid of his accent to blend in and “be more American”  It was kind of adorable.

Back at the police precinct, Tiago got blood on his cuff from the crime scene and MIchener tells him to just throw the shirt out.  Que the racist cops who harass Tiago, because the audience needs to understand just how unwelcome a Chicano detective is among his all white peers.  The two visit their captain and discover that their four victims are a wealthy family from Beverly Hills, which judging by everyone’s reactions in the scene is a pretty big deal for some reason.  There was a horrible moment where the captain says “You have no idea how much I wished those bodies were Mexican” before he realizes who is in the room and adds a halfhearted “No Offense.”  I have to say, Tiago has way more patience than I do for shrugging it off.  The captain decides that it’s obviously Mexicans behind the murders and Michener suggests pachucos. 

Now we’re back with Craft, who is a pediatrician, and his current patient is the son of... Natalie Dormer... but now she’s blonde?  Elsa is concerned about her son Frank’s breathing problems and talks with the doctor privately about it, revealing that she’s also a German immigrant, originally from Berlin, “but now we’re in Boyle Heights, with the Jews” (seriously not a fan of how she said that, which I’m guessing is the point, but only time will tell).  There’s a moment between the two, with him offering her his handkerchief when she starts crying.  

After she leaves, we get one of the most disturbing scenes I’ve ever seen.  It takes a lot to unnerve me, but this scene unnerved me.  If you’re going into this show blind, let this be the moment when you find out that all the characters played by Natalie Dormer are all Magda, who shapeshifts into other people to further influence the negative emotions of those around her, bringing out the worst in humanity.  Well, “Elsa” enters the elevator with her “son” and unbuttons her blouse before placing his head against her stomach.  She absorbs him back into herself like some sort of weird reverse-birth, taking him “back to the womb” as it were.  It wasn’t overly graphic, but it unnerved me nonetheless. 

Back at the doctor’s office, one of his nurses asks what he wants for lunch and he says he’ll be going out.  He walks over to his closet and opens it, revealing a Nazi flag and uniform.  Abort!  

Abort!

At the city hall there is a meeting of the City Council, or some division of it involving transportation.  Its a meeting to discuss the Arroyo Seco Parkway, with almost everyone in attendance being Mexican, led, of course, by Tiago’s older brother Raul.  Gotta have that brother-against-brother angle.  The guy leading the meeting is some douchebag named Townsend (Michael Gladis).There’s a standoff between him and Raul over this parkway, with Townsend telling them to “go back where they came from”, which Raul responds rather cheekily to the fact that he was born in the Los Angeles County Hospital, same as him.

Raul: “When progress becomes barbarity, it ceases to be in the public interest.  We are the public, sir, no matter the color of our skin, and we will not be moved.”

Townsend: “Then you will be pushed.”

Naturally from there it ends in police brutality, with the cops on scene beating Raul with their clubs as they drag him from the city hall, despite it being open to the public.  And people wonder why no one likes the police? Although, I do love the fact that they made Raul so well-spoken.  Given how they’re presented as poorer, it would have been so easy to fall back on that illiterate Mexican trope, but they shied away from that, and I’m grateful.

After the meeting, Townsend is walking down the hall with Natalie Dormer by his side, this time as a gray-haired, middle-aged woman?  Man?  It’s unclear at first, until we get a wide shot and we see that she’s wearing a skirt with her masculine suit and tie combo, so definitely a woman.  Personally, I would have been okay if this persona - Alex - had been a man, but that’s just me.  Anyway, Alex is just feeding this blowhard’s ego, and he equates himself to Mussolini, and then Hitler (ABORT!).  The topic turns to more motorways, stuff to keep Townsend in the papers for some unknown purpose.

And we’re back to the Michener and Vega hour, where the two detectives are enjoying their lunch break when we hear drums and look up to see Nazis - I’m sorry, the German-American Bund - walking down the street in full regalia with Craft at their head.  Craft gives a big speech about staying out of foreign affairs (it’s 1938 and WWII is just about to start), saying “America First”.  Michener is giving them the stink eye and it’s at this point I remembered that he’s Jewish, so odds are he knows full well what the ideology behind the Nazi Party, even if their worst crimes are still ahead of them.

Michener insists they go, with the two heading over to Beverly Hills to investigate the home of the murder victims.  Inside there’s a portrait of who I thought was Joseph Smith above the fireplace, which I guess means these people were Mormons.  The radio, when turned on, is playing some Radio Evangelist (this is before Televangelism became a thing), and I think the woman preaching is the last member of our cast, Sister Molly (Kerry Bishé).  The two investigate the house and determine that the family wasn’t murdered there, though they do discover that the father was one of the guys behind the Arroyo Seco Parkway.

The plot thickens.

Cut to a shadowy meeting at the bluffs between Townsend and Baron von Strucker from the MCU.  Ugh, more Nazis.  The new Nazi talks to Townsend about getting him the position of Mayor of Los Angeles, to further their own agenda, and warns him that his driver is a Gestapo agent and has been told to shoot Townsend if the meeting does not go their way.

Later that night, we’re in downtown L.A., presumably in a Mexican-American neighborhood where Mateo works.  There’s some hanky panky going on in the store where he’s stocking shelves where some random dude and his sister, Josefina, are getting to second base.  Mateo puts the kibosh on that quickly, chasing the boy from the store while shouting obscenities, before arguing with this sister, until Mamá shows up and sets them both straight.  There’s a poignant moment between mother and son where he remarks about how as a Chicano, his options for the future are limited, that Tiago was the exception, not the rule.

Speaking of Tiago, he shows up to ask about Santa Muerte and if his mother had heard anything about something going on, as he recognized the face paint on the murder victims.  It’s revealed that he doesn’t believe in Santa Muerte, though his mother does and remarks about him being “marked”, revealing that he was the little boy from the beginning.  We all know that something bigger is going on, but Tiago is unconvinced, and this is the one time we see him and Mamá butt heads.  There’s a moment where the two calm down before we get a really cute scene of Tiago dancing with his mother.

That moment slides into a moment between Los Hermanos Vega, which starts nicely but ends up tense and serious, as they talk about the construction of the parkway to begin on Monday, which requires Tiago to be with the police but his brothers will be with the neighborhood.  I think they’re taking this brother-against-brother thing a little far.

Mamá is praying to Santa Muerte, begging for help, and Santa Muerte actually shows up, calling Mamá “Old Coyote” (I think).  The two argue, with the former mentioning a prophecy and the Vega matriarch begging for any kind of help because she wants to protect her children.  After Santa Muerte leaves, Mamá goes to Tiago’s apartment and implores him to try and stop the protest the next day, before chugging his whiskey.

As the episode started, that’s how we end it, with a Mexican standoff, this time between the police and the residents of Belvidere Heights.  Tiago hands his gun to Michener and tries to talk down his neighborhood, to avoid bloodshed, facing off directly with his brothers who are at the front of the opposing crowd, but unbeknownst to all of them, Magda is there (in her “true” form) pacing in front of the police.  She finds one officer and we see her whispering in his ear, which leads to him firing his gun, killing one of the protesters.  Gunfire erupts and chaos ensues, leading to a full blown riot.  Magda ends up whispering to Raul next and he takes a gun and starts shooting police officers, eventually aiming his gun at Michener.  In a heartbreaking moment, Tiago shoots his own brother to stop him from killing his partner, all while La Llorona is once again playing in the background.

All in all, I’d give the episode an 8/10.  It was a great start, introducing most of the key players involved and getting the conflict started right away, but there are still a lot of questions.  Also, there were too many Nazis in this for my liking.  I understand the point they’re trying to make, being a parallel to today, with Nazis being everywhere and no one batting an eye about it, but it’s still unsettling.

Can’t wait to see how this all turns out.

[thecomicsnexus]

TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES #52-56 OCTOBER 1992 - FEBRUARY 1993 BY KEVIN EASTMAN, PETER LAIRD, JIM LAWSON, KEITH AIKEN AND MATT BANNING

SYNOPSIS (MIXED WITH TURTLEPEDIA, TMNT ENTITY AND COMIC VINE)

Casey wakes up in Gabby's trailer, too injured to eat. Gabrielle tells Jones that he can stay there and rest up if he wants to, and Casey says that he might. Jones then dials the local police to report the incident, but when the operator answers he just hangs up. He grabs a drink and heads outside to take a walk.

April is reading about the Foot violence in the New York Times. The story sparks her memories of the Foot burning down her antique store. Robyn interrupts her sister's thoughts and the two head out to do some shopping.

Gabby gets an hour off so she heads home and is surprised to find Casey still there. Jones has cleaned up the trailer and made lunch that they share.

Master Splinter is in the woods of Northampton, Massachusetts, attempting to meditate, but something is on his mind and he cannot concentrate.

Casey and Gabby are talking about the family that Jones left behind in New York.

"You miss your family, huh Casey?" Gabby asks.

"Yeah, I guess..." Casey mumbles, "Yeah..."

Gabrielle takes Casey's hand and tells him, "I just want you to know... when you're ready... if you're ready... to tell me... I'll be here. Until then... I'd like you to stay."

With that out in the open, Gabby kisses Casey.

In New York City, an Asian businessman is riding on a bus. He opens his briefcase and connects a cordless phone to his laptop computer, using it to hack into the power company's computers. He flags an account as seven months overdue. The power company discovers this odd glitch and wonders how it got past them for so long without anyone noticing, but rather than investigate further, they simply shut off the electricity in a building - one that the Foot Soldiers are using as a headquarters.

In Tokyo, Japan we see a conference with numerous business people gathered around a table. A man notes that their software has almost completed beta test phase and that it is a pity that they allowed the New York factions to go to war for so long. A woman notes that it was to their advantage to wait.

"In chaos there is weakness." she states.

Back in New York City, the Turtles prevent a woman from being mugged by three men. Raphael is tired of being a street vigilante and wants to find the Foot.

We see the old man in the hospital, sitting up for the first time with assistance from his nurse.

Leonardo tells Raphael that they just need to wait, and that in time their path will be revealed.

"Could ya keep the Zen crap to yourself for now, Leo?" Raph sneers, "We don't all have your freakin' Buddha nature, ya know... some of us actually enjoy linear thought! Like me... if I can't figure out whose butt I'm supposed to kick soon, I'm just gonna - -"

With that, Raph sees a strange robot emerging from out of a van driven by Foot Soldiers.

"--bust--" Raphael concludes, "Oboy. ALL RIGHT!"

The robot starts destroying a nearby bus, the one that contains the businessman who had earlier hacked into the power company's computers. The Turtles attack the robot and an army of Foot Soldiers appear from nowhere. Chaos ensues. Raph manages to destroy the robot, and the guys regroup, only to find themselves surrounded by Foot Soldiers and two more robots.

"What a revoltin' development this is." Raph notes as the Foot close in.

Well, look at it this way, Raph," Mike states, "It can't get much worse!"

In the final panel we see one of Shredder's Elite poised on top of a building.

Master Splinter is still attempting to meditate in the woods of Northampton, Massachusetts but his efforts once again prove futile.

Casey has taken a job as a grocery bagger, but he messes up by putting the bread on the bottom of the bag, which enrages his boss. The angry older man gets in Jones' face and reads him the riot act and insults Jones. Casey gets angry and puts a bag over the man's head and punches him in the face, sending him flying. Jones then storms out, but as soon as he's outside he realizes that he needs the job and goes back inside. Casey apologizes for the incident and asks for his job back. The man makes Jones get on his knees and beg for the work, but then screams "NO!" in Casey's face. So Space Case lets another punch fly and heads out.

Karai's plane has arrived in the United States, and she boards a helicopter that takes her to Foot headquarters, an imposing skyscraper in New York City.

Casey and Gabby are watching a romantic sunset. Gabrielle announces that she's getting hungry and wants to head for home, but before Casey starts their Jeep, he produces a ring and proposes. Gabby accepts Casey's proposal and the two are engaged.

April is having dinner with a slick weasel with a ponytail. The man brags about his programming prowess and then grabs April by the knee. O'Neil throws her coffee on the fellow and storms out. As she walks home, April reflects on how much she dislikes California.

Master Splinter is awoken by a voice, insisting that the old rat must eat if he's to survive. The Sensei tells the voice that he has nothing to subsist on.

"Help me..." Splinter implores.

"The help you seek," the Voice replies, "Is your own."

"There is little nourishment in riddles, shadow." states Splinter.

"The riddle is yours... that which can sustain you is within your reach... but not yet within your grasp." the Voice notes.

"I'm hungry... cold... in pain... and yet you torment me. You are death." concludes the Sensei.

"I am not," the Voice states, "But I know death."

Leonardo encourages his brothers to go on a training run. Raphael is not interested, but after some cajoling, he agrees to go along.

The old man is sitting up at the hospital, gazing longingly at the shuttered window.

As the Turtles jump from rooftop to rooftop, Raphael steps in some dog dung. This enrages Raph and he angrily stalks off towards home. As Raph makes hi sway back, he's ambushed by one of Shredder's Elite Guard. Raph is badly cut on the face, but he manages to severely wound the Elite by stabbing him in the side with a sai, thus taking the Elite out of action. Leo, Mike and Don arrive just as the fighting ends. The Elite gazes up at Leonardo.

"Y-you... you are the kappa... that killed my Master... Oroku Saki!" he stammers.

"Yes." replies Leonardo.

"I am... duty bound... to slay you... to... avenge my Master..." the man croaks.

"I think your avengin' days are over, pal." notes Raph.

"Perhaps... in the next life..." notes the Elite.

"Perhaps." answers Leo.

With this, the Elite Guard commits seppuku.

Master Splinter continues arguing with the Voice.

"Who are you!!?" Splinter demands.

"I have had several names," comes the answer, "But considering the circumstances, perhaps none is more appropriate than this... you may call me... the Rat King."

At her programming job in LA, April is feeling restless.  She goes to her boss and states that the project he currently has her assigned to is a waste of time.  Her boss sends her back to her desk and tells her to finish it.  April sits back down, frustrated and angry.

At a Justice of the Peace's office in Colorado, Casey and Gabe tie the knot.  Returning to their trailer, Casey has decorated the whole place in a tropical island theme to serve as their honeymoon.  Gabe is thrilled with the gesture.

Inside the abandoned smokestack in Northampton, Splinter has been surviving off melted snow for water, though he needs food soon or he’ll perish.  The Rat King urges him to eat the rats that scurry about his reach, claiming that once Splinter dies, the rats will have no second thoughts about eating his remains.  Splinter refuses, believing himself to be above something as reprehensible as cannibalism.  The Rat King tells Splinter that he is making a mistake by trying to shed his animal nature in search of spiritual perfection.

Back in LA, April returns home to Robyn’s place in a foul mood.  She chides Robyn again for being messy and irresponsible and the two get into an argument. Robyn reminds April that their mother is dead and that April is not their father.

In the smokestack, Splinter grabs a rat, but lets it go; still unable to do the deed.  The Rat King calls Splinter a weak master for his students, but Splinter believes it better to die than give in.  Splinter asks if the Rat King is human and the Rat King reveals that he rejected his humanity long ago.

In New York, Karai and the Foot Clan have tracked the Turtles (who have grown sloppy) back to their water tower.  Karai has assembled a unit of Foot Soldiers from the remains of the New York branch that are lost and looking for leadership.  They plant a bomb beneath the tower, setting it on fire and sending the Turtles fleeing onto the rooftop.  The Turtles, caught totally unawares, struggle to battle the Foot Soldiers (while in the hospital, the old man lays quietly in his bed).

Karai orders her Foot Soldiers to take the Turtles alive and they break out their tasers.  The Foot Soldiers get Leo, zapping him unconscious.  Though they’re loathe to do it, the other Turtles retreat before they’re caught, too.  As they escape, Karai sends an arrow their way with a note attached.  The note contains a phone number.

At Robyn’s place, April receives a phone call from the Empire Estates Nursing Home.  As it turns out, their father passed away that morning.

REVIEW

When this story started, all these characters were in pain with their present. But as the story progresses, they start to figure out that they found their destiny, and that they cannot really avoid it. By being separated, they became weaker. If you like metaphors, all these divisions are reflected in the TV reports about conflicts in Europe and Asia. These fractures are food for vultures.

To make things more interesting, Karai made her debut in these issues. We are still not sure what she wants but... well... I already know the character :p

As for Casey’s story. I never heard of this Gabe before, so I don’t think that story is going to end well. And I think this mostly because of all the characters that are rediscovering themselves, Casey is the only one that seems to have been benefited by this arc. We’ll see.

The art got better with Matt Banning. It’s no secret that certain artists look better paired with certain inkers... maybe Keith Aiken wasn’t the right choice for Lawson.

I give these issues a score of 9.

[jaywrites101]

Jay Reviews: Captain Marvel

Higher, Further, Faster. Emotions are a weakness, or are they? Today at JayWrites101 we're looking into the cinematic adventure that is Captian Marvel. Critics everywhere are pitching in on this one, giving it reviews ranging between Masterpiece and Disaster with very little room for leeway. How accurate are those reviews? Let's find out together.

The purpose of this review is not to promote, nor offend. We're here to break down The Good, The Bad, and The Strange to find out what makes this movie so unique.

Spoilers ahead.

Medium: Movie Genre: Superhero, action, drama Premise: A superpowered woman with amnesia must find out the truth of who she is so she can stop an interstellar war from destroying her homeworld.

My, that's such a simple premise, isn't it? Boy, the context of this premise changes dramatically. Our Protagonist, Vers, starts off as a Kree soldier fighting to protect Halla from the Skrulls, big green aliens with the power to shape-shift into anyone. As more information is revealed, she ends as Carol Danvers (not to be confused with Karra Danvers, DC's Supergirl) a human pilot who absorbed a fraction of power from an infinity stone whose mission is to protect Earth from the Kree as they try to use her to take over the galaxy.

It's funny how the entire plot reverses itself completely, but the basic premise never changed.

Plot: We start off learning about Vers, as she and her team gears up to rescue a spy whose cover has been blown. The mission turns into a complete fiasco when the spy turns out to be a Skrull in disguise. Vers is captured and "interrogated" using some kind of mind-reading technology. Thing is, she's remembering stuff she couldn't possibly have remembered. Things like getting chewed out for crashing a go-kart, or falling while doing a military course. Vers manages to escape her captors and flee to Earth. After contacting her team, she joins forces with Nick Fury, an agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. who's thinking about putting together a task force to protect the Earth from major threats. Not a bad idea, that.

Together they investigate the fragments of memory that Vers recalled from her capture, all while being chased relentlessly by Skrull agents who also made it to Earth. Vers eventually finds a friend who knows the truth and learns that she is, in fact, Carol Dan-vers, a human. Before this revelation has time to sink in, the Skrull offer a flag of truce. They reveal that they're not a military force, just a few survivors trying to hide from the Kree who hunt them relentlessly. As proof, they offer Carol a recording of the incident that robbed her of her memories where it's shown unarguably that her teammates, the Kree, deliberately captured her to find the Tesseract, a device that holds an Infinity Stone, and accidentally gave Carol her powers when she tried to destroy a device that used that energy.

In the end, Carol and her new friends are captured by the Kree and Carol realizes the device she believed was giving her power, was actually suppressing her powers. She destroys the device and becomes Captian Marvel, a superbeing whose massively undefined powers include energy blasts from her hands and flight. Powers that allow her to tear through a Kree spaceship like it was tissue paper. If you've watched Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 1. then you know these things are no joke, but Carol destroys one in three seconds flat by flying through it.

Bad guys leave, Carol takes the surviving Skrull to a new planet on the opposite side of the galaxy and Nick Fury begins his Avengers Initiative. Fast forward to the Present and Carol returns in the end-credit scene to a very confused Captain America and demands to know what happened to Fury.

This was one heavy plot. I cut a lot out of it and it still took me thirty minutes to give a summary that wouldn't leave you more confused than you began. You wouldn't think this movie was so plot-dense until you have to try to explain it.

The Good: I just broke down the plot, but what's great about Captain Marvel is that this plot is engaging. I had to go to the bathroom about a third of the way through the movie, but I didn't once consider actually leaving because every second of this movie was filled with something.

I've heard it said before that a good plot structure is "X happened because of Y and causes Z." There are precious few films that encapsulate that principle into the core of it's being better than Captain Marvel. And the nods to future films and plot points were fun to discover as well.

Another thing worth noting is how much of the story is conveyed nonverbally. They spend a lot of effort to say as much as they can, using as little dialogue as possible. This helps the viewer to remember plot details better since they're not just passively listening, but it also means that removing attention away from the screen can cause you to miss things crucial to understanding what's going on. I'm leaving this in The Good because Captain Marvel used this feature well. It's always nice to see a visual medium like film use visual storytelling to great effect instead of having someone constantly dumping exposition all the time.

As a subset of the above, lack of exposition in a movie that is a plot-heavy as this one is always worth noting as praiseworthy.

The use of humor to break up the heavier scenes was a relief, and it often came when I least expected it. Real early in the movie there was this scene where "Vers" was escaping the Skrull's and one of them does this growl at her and she growls back! It was such an absurd little moment of humanity and character that I lost it. And almost anything with that cat! I swear, how they made that monster scratching out Nick Furry's eye out into something hilarious, I'll never know! But they did, and all those little moments made this movie shine.

Real briefly, I'd like to address a common complaint I've heard against this movie, Carol's lack of character. These people are full of fluff. Is that it? Can I just leave it here? Do I really have to explain this? Yes?? *sigh* Okay.

The idea that Carol lacks character is born from her "reserved" personality type. Now, I'm not calling anyone sexist! But this is a personality type that is very often shown in Men ™ , and it doesn't even raise an eyebrow. But to any dude who actually is sexist, and refuses to look at anything other than how large Brie Larson's chest is outside of her superhero suit, this personality type can easily be swapped out with a piece of cardboard and they wouldn't notice.

Now, guys have been pulling off this “kind of quiet, but kind, but I'll seriously kick your ass if you mess with me,” attitude in film for ages. And quite a few even have had success with it. (I'm thinking Resse from Person of Interest, a show that is definitely getting its own review someday.) But it's exceedingly rare for a woman in film to have this personality type.

It's not uncommon in reality, however. And I, personally, like this touch of realism.

The few moments where Carol allowed herself to laugh felt warm and genuine. All her interactions with her niece were heartwarming. Again, some very important people, some of whom I even respect, say that the side characters never got a chance to shine, and Carol never got a chance to have a character arc.

But again, they're full of fluff. If anything, expressing emotion was Carol's character arc. By beating up the man in her life that insists that she never feel emotion, Carol shows that her emotions are her strengths and she does not at all have to prove herself to anyone.

Why?

Because she kept getting back up.

This is a powerful message to tell anyone. Not just women. We heard a variant of the same message in the Dark Knight trilogy. But in this one, it's even more satisfying because the people who kept knocking her down were cheating to begin with.

Now, I'm not going to say that this message was transferred across the eight sexes evenly. I have no doubt that women felt this message more acutely than men. This specific message was made for women. Duh. But there's only one reason why any man could come out of this film feeling attacked.

They saw themselves in Yon-Rogg.

I'm just saying, if you related to the one male character that got attacked in this movie, you prolly need to be offended. Just a little. It's not going to kill you to take a hard look at yourself, even if you eventually discover that you have, in fact, been an ass at some point in your life.

Congratulations. Welcome to the human race. Now, move on.

Before we take our own advice and move on, I'd like to address one more thing Captain Marvel did exceptionally well: The sound design.

This movie sounded wonderful, from the effects to the actual factual background music. Most notably in the third act. There was a point where a character said "The music is a nice touch" and I agreed completely. A lot of these films use similar or recycled music to amp up "the moment" but this movie... well, they didn't turn it up to eleven, but the got it up to ten.

They had music with lyrics, and that's more than 70% of movies these days. Thumbs up.

The Bad: Remember how I said I loved how engaging this plot was? It's still a freakishly dense plot! This whole thing was so tightly edited there was very little time to just unpack the things that happened. Often, you had to try and unpack the thing that just happened while actually doing the next thing.

This helps the movie be engaging. But it hamstrings it when it comes to actually following what’s happening. There is just no way to condense this movie. I've left out tons of stuff just because I have to stop typing this thing eventually!

The Strange: This part of the review is dedicated to the bizarre. To elements or ideas that seem half done, or just really questionable. Not usually bad enough to be constituted as a plot hole, these things are... just... things.

So, for example, the Kree team. What were their names? How many of them were there in the first place?

Don't know? Me neither, and I took notes when I watched this film. I remember Minn-Erva, the sniper, and Yon-Rogg the main villain. And if I'm honest, I actually forgot their names and had to look it up. I didn't even know their group was called "Starforce," until I discovered it looking for the correct way to spell their names.

This is not the best way to set up your main bad guys. Especially if your audience is supposed to care about them at all for any reason.

And while we're at it, the antagonist himself, Yon-Rogg, could do with a little bit extra development too. We don't really know much about him except that he thinks emotions are weaknesses in a fight, and that Carol using her full power is cheating.

We don't really know anything else about him, so there's no real sense of betrayal when Carol turns on him. The "evil all along" trope works best when it's a character you've been with the whole story who's secretly had a plan the whole time. It works because you, the audience, feels betrayed too. Here... it just kinda happened. And, depending on how cynical you are, you probably even saw it coming.

It's like they were going for a sucker punch but aimed it at your forearm; doesn't really hurt, and does little to actually surprise us.

Strongest Scene: When making the strongest scene, I don't mean I look for the scenes with the most meaning packed into them. If I did, the climax or the Intro of a story would win every time. No, what I look for in a strong scene is pure storytelling. How is it shot, who is in it, how does it connect with the rest of the story, and how much does it say.

For Captain Marvel, my subjective vote goes to the bar scene between Nick Fury and "Vers." Even though they've technically met already, the two are really seeing each other for the first time. Nick, newly awakened to the idea of aliens, and Vers, finally respecting Nick's skills as a competent agent despite his comparative backwater setting.

Nick realizes he's in about a mile over his head, and Vers realizes she can't work alone.

They have a nice discussion about their past and aliens, complete with its own little humorous jabs, and there's a very real sense that these two are full partners afterward that carries all along the rest of the movie.

Weakest Scene: As much as it saddens me to say this, I'm going to have to put the introduction to the movie here.

Don't get me wrong, it does a fully competent job of setting up Vers and her amnesia. But we don't get a good sense of anyone else in Halla. To me, it's the things we don't see that really spoil this intro. We don't see any of Carol's friends, and the one guy we do see is in a bit of a mentor position. We don't see how people in this world live, and because of that, we don't get to know if the people of Halla are happy, or miserable. And while this does little for the plot of this movie, it would've done marvels at giving the villains characterization or justifications.

Coulda, shoulda, woulda; didn't.

Luckily, I can gladly say that every other scene in this movie was made stronger than this one.

Conclusion: Captain Marvel is an excellent story from start to finish. Anyone who tells you otherwise is stuffed so full of fluff you can call them Whinee the Poo. And yes, that is my way of saying they're full of crap. 

There's a stigma around female characters that they're almost all considered Mary Sue's, and that being a Mary Sue is the WORST CRIME EVER!! But I never got that from Carol. Mostly because at every opportunity instead of powering her way through her problems, she had to cave and struggle and even fall.

And then she got back up.

[leftwriteb]

Retail Tales [Part 2] - When Nintendo Fans Turned Detective On Me

In the run up to the release of the Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Nintendo fans were working themselves up into such a state that it was almost dangerous. A few days before the game was due to be released, the stock arrived at our store. Thinking nothing of it and eagerly awaiting the chance to play it in a WiiU I had borrowed from my brother for no other reason, I posted a little tease in anticipation of the game on my Instagram. What a mistake that was. 

As you can see from the photo above, it was a pretty harmless image. From the attached caption on my post you’d assume it was fairly obvious I hadn’t acquired a copy myself and was simply eagerly waiting for those last few days to tick by so I could pick up from where I’d left off at the event I’d been lucky enough to attend a few months prior. I, like so many others, could not wait to see more of Breath of the Wild.

Except, to those without the right context, this post could have been (and indeed was) misconstrued to the point where you might think I’d acquired a copy early. I still argue it’s unlikely, but you could see how someone could make that mistake. As I left for my lunch break at work that day I had no idea how many people would assume exactly that, and how quickly the post would explode and circulate. I came back from my lunch to find over 100 notifications. Nintendo fanatics had found me. 

At the time of the post, as well as at the time of writing, I was working at a videogames store and understandably our stock for the game had arrived a few days earlier to ensure delivery upon release and so we could allocate our preorders with time to spare. Staring at the stacks of games on Switch and WiiU, I could feel the excitement getting to me. What was the harm in posting a little photo to help try and ease that enthusiasm? Well let’s look at what happened in the course of a few hours and then the few days that followed. Naturally, most of the comments and notifications were tied to the Instagram post itself. 

Things started off nice enough: a few messages from fans just as excited as myself. Nicer still was a friend request from some other Nintendo fan. Then you have the understandable enquiries about where I’d got the game from, this being maybe three days before the game was supposed to be on store shelves. Then, as you can see, things started to be cranked up a notch. Fans, if you want to call them that anyway, began asking me to use the WiiU disc I supposedly had in my possession to upload the files and game content online, allowing people to datamine and potentially pirate the game early. It’s not hugely surprising given the intense furore some people were getting into before the release, but what really struck me was how quickly these comments had surfaced. In only a matter of minutes someone had found my post and made the request.

And once the first ticket dump request came in, further requests followed. The same chap that had asked about where I’d apparently got a copy had followed things up to further stress the importance of helping them out. Before a third request had come in, a delightful chap had decided to go the route of name calling because I’d somehow angered him by not complying, despite my lack of comments altogether. While I deny the claims I’m a “moralfag”, he was right in that I wouldn’t have uploaded all the files even if I had the option to. Of course, this was followed up by a little damage control from another fan in an attempt not to dissuade me from helping them all out.

I chose not to comment on any of it. Perhaps it would have been easier just to set the record straight but, in the interest of both my job and my curiosity, I remained quiet. I wasn’t able to upload the files because I didn’t have the game yet. Even if I had, doing so would have been a huge mistake and would have meant stealing from my place of work. On top of that, if I had done so and gotten away with it I would have likely faced consequences from Nintendo because doing so would’ve been flagged so quickly. And, on top of all of this, I didn’t want to betray the team of developers and other staff who had worked so hard on the game. To have put years of time and effort into a project only to have all its secrets leaked early in such a seedy way, without the right context no less, would have been a huge disservice to them and gamers around the world.

But nope, it didn’t end there. I was never even considering doing what they had asked but when I served these fans a dead end, they decided to build the pressure further. As the Instagram well ran dry, I then received a good few messages on my Twitter profile like the one below.

Somehow this little post had ended up becoming a topic of discussion on 4Chan. This warning was arguably maybe a little overblown, I thought. It was a little weird to think that, out of everything, my little post had somehow gained traction online and there was very little more I could expect, as far as I could tell. The logical conclusion was that some fans were a little obsessive and with my Instagram and Twitter accounts both using the same handle, it didn’t exactly take a genius to find my Twitter profile. There were a few extra steps needed if they wanted to bombard me further and these were steps they evidently were happy to take.

Mulling it over, I’m pretty sure I figured out the path these fans took to message me elsewhere and while it’s not exactly tricky it is still a little alien to me that many people took time out of their day to try and get hold of me just in the slim chance I’d help them get access to a game only a few days early. My Twitter contained a link to what was the predecessor to this site; a Tumblr blog. This blog got a good handful of messages just like those previously, asking me to lend them a hand on their misguided adventure.

On this blog was a link to a social area that linked people to my usernames on various gaming platforms. Once they’d found this page, they than began messaging me on Xbox Live, PSN, Steam, DeviantArt and more. No matter what avenue was available, they made sure pretty much every account I had would have messages, requests and (in one instance anyway) slightly vulgar voice messages. Call it passion, obsession or toxicity, it was all a little weird. Thankfully there was some positivity sprinkled within there too!

By the end of it all I’d amassed around 120 notifications across various platforms. Most of which were in the space of the first few hours but the odd one would pop up in the remaining days before the release. This, of course, doesn’t include any other areas I don’t know about; I never investigated 4chan and, for all I know, talk of it may well have spread to Reddit or NeoGaf forums as well. I don’t quite know the extent of how far it spread other than the information available to me and maybe I don’t want to know.

The release of the game came and went and the whole thing slipped to the wayside, but it was an eye-opening moment and one that’s stayed with me since. Random people across the globe effectively stalked me, in a way. Bizzare.

So there you have it. In the space of a few hours I’d had lord knows how many strangers bombard me with messages and demands, all because they had wrongly assumed something. In an age where reviewers and developers are bombarded with harassment, it’s easy to see how something as little as this can spread, let alone something far more large in scale and scope. It’s interesting really given that it’s hard to tell what motives were in play; greed, intrigue, jealously, excitement, or something else. All I know is that some Nintendo fans and Zelda fans don’t mind turning detective if it means they might get their hands on the tiniest slithers of a Nintendo product early. Nice try, folks. It’s a good thing I never said anything when Nintendo let us buy their last Super Smash Bros. game early back in 2014. Sitting in college playing that before it was released sure was fun…

[zydrateacademy]

Review - Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey

Some of my readers may recall that I found Origins to be lackluster, or at least my review gave off that impression. I believe one of my quotes was, “An extra year of work and this is all they could come up with?” I’m going to be honest, while I did have a good couple dozen hours on Origins I feel that kind of opinion was premature. I actually found Origins to be quite fun, and I would go on to play and beat it up to three times, including a full playthrough on my YouTube channel. Origins was fine and the combat was fun. Odyssey comes to us with a lot of the same ‘feel’. The combat is largely the same but with some tweaks, and I’ll get onto that shortly. I do have some vague gripes but I’ll attempt to salvage what little I know of the game’s story to start people off with.

Also, there will be spoilers in this review. We return to Layla Hassan, the vaguely ‘rogue’ Abstergo employee that found Bayek and Aya in the previous game. Apparently there was a bit of a timeskip or there’s even more lore I’ve lost out on not reading the comics, because there’s some implication that she went full on rogue and is in hiding from Abstergo, now. I’m not even really sure what her motivations are anymore other than a more classic artifact hunt, from the precursor race that has haunted the series. She finds the spear of Leonidas which has the DNA of two siblings, which she can use to hunt through their memories due to an upgraded Animus, as opposed to digging through one’s own ancestors. I still find it a bit odd. In the first couple of AC games, it was implied that the precursor race and their technology was a mostly recent find and the two secret societies were practically scrambling just to get their hands on one. Here in Odyssey, we’re practically tripping over them. The main antagonists have one that is some kind of mind-reader. The spear of Leonidas turns out to be one. There’s a series of mini quests where you find a half-dozen “Apples of Eden”. Remember that? From The first three games? The entire plot centered around one, and now we get several!  So we’re put in the bodies of one of two protagonists, Kassandra or Alexios. Most sources I spoke to have chosen Kassandra, and there’s some consensus that her voice acting is stronger. I admit my choice is a bit more personal. I, like many people, are starved for proper female protagonists. Evie in Syndicate was plenty of fun but the game still forced Jacob gameplay on you from time to time. Playing as Aya in Origins was mostly a gimmick, only in naval combat (a precursor to Odyssey’s current style) and during some of the finale segments. She wasn’t customizeable, couldn’t change her gear or anything so again, mostly a gimmick. Yikes, this is a lot of negative for what is really a good game! Maybe I’m getting it out of the way? I did say there are several improvements, so let’s get down to the mechanics of the game. There’s a lot of them, now.

The combat is a lot more fluid and reminds me of the days in Unity where you actually had to think about how you fought. In Origins, I basically dodged everything and used the heavy attacks exclusively. That’s been tweaked here, as I feel Kassandra’s dodge is a bit shorter range and the full on dodge puts her much further away from the enemy that is desirable so you must decide what kind of dodge to use and when, but mostly it forces you to learn how to actually parry. Parrying has been in pretty much every AC game but this time it actually opens enemies up for combo attacks, wherein you can mix and match light and heavy attacks, and there’s eventually a perk to pick up to give you bonus damage if you do exactly that.

You have three kinds of damage trees you can actively focus on this time around. Between Hunter, Warrior, and Assassin, which are all self explanatory. Rather than keeping them all even, you can actually choose to focus on one style over another. I am personally trying to keep my Assassin and Warrior lines fairly even. Stealth is, as in Origins, incredibly powerful but you won’t be able to one-shot enemies anymore if you are under geared or have been neglecting your spear (which is your blade in the absence of the hidden one). Open combat is however, extremely common so I can’t imagine going full Assassin and being able to get much done. Maybe by better gamers than I.  Moving on, the world is... extremely large. I’m not sure how much larger than previous games they’ve claimed but it’s probably true. Adding to that fact is Fast Travel is only linked to Synchronization points rather than any and every city or major outpost. With a further lack of those, you’re forced to run or mount your way through the world and I’m here to tell you... you’re going to actually want to. Most of the world’s various points are in fact, relevant to something. Ancient ruins have tablets as loot that you’ll need to upgrade your ship. Alpha animal dens typically have high amounts of leather, mines have metals. Many points even have clues against cultists (which I’ll get into later), legendary gear or just fighting will lower the power level of the region which unlocks Conquests, a fun full-battle gimmick which again, I’ll describe shortly. Basically, there’s almost always a reason to actually explore a majority of question marks on your map as you’ll walk away with something that’s worth your time. Browsing my map just now, I can see I’ve skipped a few but I imagine something will take me to them in the future.

This game has a couple of new features that mixes things up. We’re in the Peloponnesian War, which reflects as an actual game mechanic. Every region is controlled by either Athens or Sparta. Your character is a mercenary and can choose to fight for either side at any time without any consequence, and you’ll be forced to after a certain point. I picked up a contract (which are constantly spawning quests, so there’ll never be anything to not do) that required me to kill three Athenian region leaders. Unfortunately, I had been favoring Sparta up to that point and all the regions within my level at the time were all controlled by Sparta. I had to kill and weaken my own favored people in order to shift the control so I could do it all over again against a different faction for epic gear and rewards. Doing all of this unlocks conquests, where are full on battles where you fight hordes of your chosen enemy faction while dealing with captains, bosses, and mercenaries that like to pop up during them. It’s probably the more fun of the new mechanics but I can already see it as just ‘going through the motions’ at a certain point, but they’re worth doing due to the amount of experience they offer.

Speaking of Mercenaries, the game has a bounty and “Wanted” system, reminiscent of earlier games. In games like AC2, your wanted meter affected how quickly Ezio got caught by patrolling guards. In Odyssey, you get hunted by enemy mercenaries which you can choose to kill or knock out and recruit them to your ship’s crew. There’s even an entire tier system as your character earns their way up a “tier” listing and eventually become the top dog. It’s all very similar to Shadow of Mordor’s orc hierarchies but it’s a less complex variant. They all have their unique names, backstories, and weaknesses but there are no over-bosses and nothing you can really do to manipulate their flow. You can only really control your bounty meter, which you can pay it off or kill the sponsor who hosted the contract against you. Beyond that, it lends to some interesting encounters. One merc helped me against a legendary animal quest, but more often than not they’ll come swarming when I’m trying to stealth or fight through an enemy fort, usually resulting me in fleeing. When they show up, it almost always complicates matters so unless you’re actively hunting for the gear they carry, it’s best to keep your bounty as low as possible.

Also having the same ‘feel’ as Shadow of Mordor’s orc mechanic is the Cult of Kosmos. I only found this story arc, maybe an entire fifteen hours into the game but that’s because I spent several doing nothing but exploring the map as my level allowed. Still, it’s a very interesting idea. Once you discover their existence you’re given an entire menu to hunt them down, and doing so is necessary to power up Leonidas’ Spear, alongside several very powerful legendary sets of armor. The idea is that you don’t have all of their identities unlocked and cannot track them all immediately (though it does give you a handful of freebies to get you started). Instead, you have to explore the world or actively investigate some of the clues they give you. This one is fairly straightforward;

However I once had one that said he was in a “Wolf’s Den” in a certain region, so I had to do some actual footwork. Another was near Athens and just told me to “help people nearby”, which turns out that I just had to do several side quests before their identity was revealed. So some of them are locked behind the story, you won’t get them all right away. It’s a very interesting way to go about it. As I said earlier about the world, you might just trip over some clues as you’re out exploring. While some cultists might be locked behind story, there WILL be some just actively wandering the world and you might not know you’re killing one until the “confirm cultist kill” message pops up. Next we have the naval combat, which I have mixed feelings towards. Black Flag is the series golden boy in terms of naval combat, and is one of the best games in the series if you can stomach the more lackluster main story missions (though the story was great overall and I liked Edward’s arc). While there’s certainly some complexity to be had in Odyssey’s ship combat, I still find it a bit more flighty and fast paced, but not in the best way. In BF, the ships felt... meatier. While not being slow, they were big and they hit the waves in a convincing manner. In Odyssey and even Origin’s own special segments, everything just hauls ass and cuts through water like it’s not even there. Even ramming is considered a major part of ship combat and frankly, I’d prefer the balancing flow of firing volleys and bracing against their own shots at the right time. You even get extra rewards if you manage to cleave a ship in two when you’re finishing them off.

I’d rather just shoot stuff, honestly. It still retains its enjoy-ability and I don’t at all ever hate going out to sea, I just don’t like more extended fights and I’m still not sure which of the three actions nets the most rewards; Cleaving, Boarding, or Shoot N’ Loot? I’ll figure it out eventually. So there’s a couple more of points of contention before I summarize.

It can be glitchy at times. I did a Spartan Kick againt an alpha lion for him to clip into the rocks. The game lacks the movement control Unity once had, so holding shift while trying to run away has Kassandra mount every brazier, stick or overhang which can lead to me losing more health than I’d like when fighting stronger enemies. There are some reports of people not getting legendary items (which only ever drop the once). You have to manually save, because right now it’s all cloud saved so if that gets lost or corrupted, you could lose dozens of hours of progress and that kind of thing causes gamers to quit. It’s not nearly as bad as Unity’s release but there are the occasional game breakers which I’ve yet to experience, thankfully. Finally, I’m a bit iffy on the leveling speed. Using very simple math based on my level and hours placed, I net around one level per hour. There was plenty of exploration within that but I was still actively doing stuff, clearing forts and the like. The world is massive and there’s plenty to do in general, I just feel like there’s a lot of footwork to get anything done. Since enemies scale with you (at 50, all regions will be at least 46, where the rewards cap out), I feel the level locked regions are a bit pointless. This ties into a current bout of controversy, so let’s dive into that before I summarize. 

Microtransactions are still a thing. People are exhausted but we expect it from Ubisoft. While it’s mostly cosmetic, there are sets of gear you can buy that have their own stats and bonuses as legendary sets have their own boost when you wear all five pieces. They aren’t any more powerful than other gear, though having a full legendary set right off the bat will certainly give you an edge. The main debate is that the scaling for endgame becomes a bit skewed and I’ve heard from some players that the last few levels are a hell of a marathon to level through. The story offers a permanent 50% experience and money boost (including a variety of cheaper, more temporary ones) which some reviewers have stated does actually make the game better. I imagine such a boost probably makes questing a better incentive and thus leveling quicker. One reviewer made mention of “Pay to play the game less” I find incredibly inaccurate and they probably haven’t actually played (because of course!). As an actual player, I will say the game is massive. The story is long, the regions are large, and you can’t exactly just sprint through the main story and ignore everything else. Especially when several of those “everything else” can be a lot of fun! Even at level cap, you’re probably still hunting those last few cultists, switching some regions to your favored faction, ekeing out those ship upgrades, getting money to fully upgrade your legendary set, or even finding a full legendary set that suits your playstyle the most if you haven’t already. There’s a lot to do and while offering a permanent boost for 20$ is certainly a bit scummy, the “pay to play less” is a horrendous misunderstanding of the game. The game is good! It’s an improvement on Origins in several ways and for once I actually enjoy exploring the variety of question marks that litter my map. I’m only halfway through the world, there’s so much I want to do, armor sets that I wish to acquire to suit my more stealthy playstyle. The world is gorgeous and photo mode has returned to accentuate that fact. There’s no assassin order nor are there Templars, just a cult you’re set out to destroy for some personal slights. You’re a mercenary and the world is yours. Odyssey will also be receiving some support and attention as they won’t be releasing one in 2019, so for a game we’ll be ‘stuck’ with for a couple of years, we’re in good hands.

[omfgtrump]

The Tale of Two Viruses: Part 14

With the horrendous murder of George Floyd taking center stage in our country, this piece should probably be entitled “The Tale of Two Viruses and One Cancer”. But, first to the viruses.

To witness The Don this week is to beg the question: Is there still a pandemic going on? Has the great America tamed the virus? What’s all the fuss over 100,000 people dying? People die every day. Anyway, most of them are from nursing homes; you know, just a weigh station before the good Lord takes you away anyway. So what’s the fuss all about?

The delusional man with the little hands and devil’s heart is telling us they have little value, little value.

Many lost are black and brown people and because they are already a sickly bunch it’s actually their fault.

The delusional man with the little hands and the devil’s heart is telling us they have little value, little value.

America needs its meat, so sorry plant workers, we give so little shit about you that OSHA hasn’t bothered to set up federal safety guidelines for you.

The delusional man with the little hands and the devil’s heart is telling us they have little value, little value.

The delusional man with the little hands and the devil’s heart had to be convinced to fly the flag at the White House half- mast to honor the dead. Maybe for him, half-mast is wimpy, like a flaccid penis. Doesn’t project strength, like wearing a mask.

And guess what The Don was doing as we approached 100,000 dead? You guessed it: playing golf. Mr. Mulligan was tired of being cooped up and wanted to set an example to the country’s premature reopening by taking to the links. As he bragged about hitting his One Iron as far as Tiger Woods, moved his ball to better positions (called cheating!), took do overs of shots he didn’t like (mulligans) and then took whatever score he earned on a hole and lowered it by two (cheating again),ultimately declaring how extraordinary he was (bloviating grandiosity), the country was in mourning.

The Don was peeved that all this talk about mourning was going on as it was harshing his mellow, creating an unwanted hitch in his swing.

He turned to his caddie, and rumor has it, this is the conversation they had:

The Don: I thought Memorial Day was a celebration, a review of all the great things I have done as president. This whole virus thing is just so unfair to me, it’s trying to upstage me. Nobody upstages me.  I just say move on, the virus is dead to me. Isn’t that hilarious, the virus is dead to me. I will kit it!”

Caddie: Amazing, but how will you do it, Mr. President?

The Don: Just watch. I will tweet it away. Bam!

 Joe Scarborough, the MSNBC host, implying that he was under investigation for murdering a former staff member in 2001. “A blow to her head? Body found under his desk? Left Congress suddenly? Big topic of discussion in Florida.  “Big topic of discussion in Florida…and, he’s a Nut Job (with bad ratings) Keep digging, use forensic geniuses!”

Caddie: That’s a real zinger Mr. President. Though from what I read Scarborough wasn’t in Florida at the time of the death.

The Don: So? Anyone who can be so nasty to me could be a murderer. Here’s a great retweet. Boom!

“The only good Democrat is a dead Democrat.” Can you hand me my 9 Iron? Shit. That shot doesn’t count. You know what I mean?

Caddie: “Absolutely, Mr. President. I never even saw you take that shot.

And look at these cool retweets I am making by John Stahl. Remind me to invite him to play golf with me. Pow Pow.

Kamala (Harris) “Willie’s Ho.” (This is a reference to Willie Brown, the powerful California State Assembly speaker who was her mentor and onetime boyfriend.0

(Laughing) Stahl called Stacey Abrams “Shamu,:

And Stahl said this about MSNBC’s fake news host Joy Reid: “When you’re born butt-ugly, changing your hairstyle every day is only going to make you look phonier than your nonsense, pathetic show.”

The Don: (Swings his club) Now that’s the 9 Iron shot I wanted. Remember, I got to the green in one shot.

Caddie: Absolutely.

The Don: Trying to focus on your shot while tweeting is tricky. Makes you more error prone. Putter please.

And look at Sleepy Joe in the black mask. Quite a look. I am going to destroy him in the election.

How about this retweet. Shazam! Isn’t it the coolest thing ever?

And his demise is going to begin at the in-person Republican convention in August. Can you believe the nerve of the Democratic Governor of North Carolina saying it might not be safe?  The nerve. If he won’t do it other Republican governors will. And to show America how amazing we are no one who comes to the convention can wear a mask!

Shit. The wind messed up that putt.

Caddie: I know, sir, never saw it, don’t count.

The Don: Shit, the wind messed up my putt again.

Caddie: I know sir, never saw it, don’t count.

The Don: Now that I think of it the ball really should be much closer to the hole because the original shot was held up by the wind.

Caddie: Sure thing.

Shit. Let me move closer. Kerplunk. (The sound of ball in cup.) So satisfying a sound. Amazing how I one putted this from the edge of the green; I challenge any pro to do that.

And can you believe what Twitter did to my post about mail-in voting? That’s war! Do they know who they are dealing with?

Caddie: That was something. No one should ever start a war with you. But there is one thing. It seems what you are trying to change, you know, the law protecting folks who post on Twitter from being sued for spreading lies about people that might, as they say, come back and kick you in the butt.

The Don: That’s ridiculous. Why would I do something so stupid? What’s my score going in to the 10th hole?

Caddy: Um, let’s see. Do you want the real score or you know, the one you want it to be?

The Don: You know, the same way we deal with the virus.

  Now to the cancer.

Let’s state some simple, but harsh, truths.

America’s very being is founded on violence through its genocide of its indigenous people.

America was built on the backs of slaves.

Our constitution refers to black people as three fifths of a person. That is the foundation of the White Supremacy that rules this country.

The majority of the people in prison are black and brown, though they make up a smaller percentage of the population.

Despite some progress in their civil rights, blacks on the whole, suffer from gross economic inequities, are still targets of voter suppression and disenfranchisement and are targets of egregious and unrelenting police brutality.

If you are black, you can be gunned down for going out for a jog.

If you are black, a police offer can enter your home without a warrant and shoot you while you are in your own bed.

If you are black you can be suffocated to death by a knee in your throat by a white police officer in plain sight, all the while yelling that you “can’t breathe.”

The day to day stress black people endure just because of the color of their skin is impossible for white people to comprehend. They live in a world that continues to see them as more dangerous and more expendable because of the color of their skin.

For blacks. The “Land of the Free,” is for white people. For blacks it is more the “A People Under Siege.”

Black people are tired (and so am I) of platitudes that promulgate American decency.

Black people are tired of hearing that “America is better than this,” when we see riots in the streets.

Let’s be real: The rage we see is real. The pain we see is real. The White Supremacy we see is real. The cancer of American racism is real. The fact that black and brown people are dying from the virus at much higher rates is real and reflects the underlying cancer of racism.

The trope of American exceptionalism is taking a beating. The bottom line is that unless we are honest with ourselves and truly acknowledge our original sin of enslaving an entire people and its impact and treat it like we would a stage 4 cancer, America will never be exceptional.

I would like to believe this country can change. I would like to believe that we have the courage to do so. To not have this courage is to perpetuate the lie that “All men are created Equal…

The Don did not create this but he has built his brand sowing division, promoting hate, excusing (and encouraging) White Supremacy and has made comments during his presidency that have stoked the fires for the moment we find ourselves.

The Don’s responses to tragic death of George Floyd and the protests that have ensued is to quote Walter E. Headley, Miami’s former police chief, who in 1967 said, “When the looting starts, the shooting starts,

One of Trump’s most revealing tweets since the rioting began was a boast about the prowess of the Secret Service — and to threaten to sic “the most vicious dogs, and most ominous weapons” on the crowds outside the White House if things intensified.

We need to rid ourselves of this toxic White Supremacist before any healing can begin. We need a leader to bring us together, not further apart. I am not sure America is up to the task but as MLK said: We shall overcome because the arc of the moral universe is long but it bends toward justice.

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[pennapartmentsolutions-blog]

How to Become the Candidate Recruiters Can’t Resist

Recruiters are constantly searching for amazing candidates to fill the millions of open jobs in the U.S. And the search can be hard! After all, reading thousands of resumes and talking to potential candidates about a particular role can be time-consuming. So why not make it easier for recruiters to find and hire you? How do you do that, you ask? By being the most informed candidate possible. Sure, skills and experience matter, but according to HR insiders, a candidate who is knowledgeable about the company and is highly engaged is a must-hire. Your goal as a job seeker should be to stand out from the crowd for all of the right reasons, and at all of the pivotal moments, from application to negotiation and, ultimately, on the job. One employer said, “An informed candidate is someone that knows about the company — that’s done research and that has read the job description,  understands the opening so that when you’re contacting them, they’re essentially meeting you half way. It also shows me that that person is motivated because they are doing the work they need to do.” With a depth of information that job seekers can’t find anywhere else, Glassdoor is the only place where employers can source truly informed candidates. Job seekers who use Glassdoor fully — from job listings and company reviews to salary reports, interview questions, and even photos — are more engaged, knowledgeable and have the right expectations of an employer. Recruiters know this, and we’re here to reveal the steps you need to take to become the informed and irresistible candidate of their dreams. 1. Learn The Ins & Outs of the Company Here at Glassdoor, we believe that shotgunning an application to a company that you sorta know about through friends or reputation is no way to job search. Do your homework by reading recent news articles about the company,  check out their Twitter page to get a sense of  what they stand for, click around on Google to read about executives who work there, and be sure to look for any red flags like recent lay-offs, public scandals, or public uncertainty. Do this to get a holistic view of the companies you’re interested in. Don’t cross any company off your list just yet, because one red flag or corporate mistake does not necessarily point to poor company culture. 2. Do Your Research Once you have looked at the companies you’re interested in from a “100-foot level,” dig in for a closer look. Head to the company’s Glassdoor profile to investigate things like their company rating (3.3 is the average on Glassdoor), reviews about the CEO, insights and feedback from current and former employees, and be sure to scroll through the photos, videos and mission statements. Click on the ‘salaries’ tab to dive deeper into the compensation specifics. After all, money matters. Glassdoor has salaries, wages, tips, bonuses, and hourly pay based upon employee reports and estimates. Next to the ‘Salaries’ tab, you’ll spot all of the available jobs at that company. Dive in, not just to the jobs you’re interested in, but also to see what else and where else the company is hiring. In some cases, you’ll notice estimated salary ranges in job listings to help people instantly know what they could be paid before applying to a job. This way, if a company is majorly misaligned with your expectations, you can rethink whether or not they’re worth applying to after all. 3. Make Your Resume Stand Out Now that you have done your homework, you’ve likely narrowed down the list of companies that interest you. Go a level further by diving into the company mission and culture — once you get a sense of these, you’ll be able to strategically narrow down your list in order to apply more thoughtfully.  From here, you’ll be able to dig into what you should highlight from your work history in order to show that you’re a perfect fit for this company — customizing your resume to the job and the company is key. Make your resume shine by: Crystalizing your brand to show the value that you’re bringing to the table. Front-loading accomplishments, then describing how each was achieved with numbers and facts. Showcasing transferable skills (such as leadership and managing change) as well as soft skills (such as problem-solving) and hard skills (like knowledge of a particular software program). Showing culture fit based on your research and mutual interests, revealing that you’re just as interested in the company and what it stands for as you are for the job itself. 4. Prepare for the Interview Before You Get It Search interview questions and get insights into the exact questions recruiters and hiring managers at your ideal company will ask. You can often browse dozens of interview questions that are asked of candidates applying to the specific role that you are. Preparing in advance and over time will prevent last-minute cramming and get your mind churning about the specific anecdotes and examples of excellence you want to share. Plus, learning about the interview experiences of others offers additional insight into what the company is really like. Here’s an easy cheat sheet: 50 Most Common Interview Questions Behavioral Interview Questions Brain Teaser Interview Questions 45 Questions You Should Ask In Every Job Interview 5. Continue to Learn Throughout the Recruiting Process As you progress through the interview and recruiting process, continue to fact check the information you’re being told by hiring managers and recruiters with the reviews of employees on Glassdoor. This will inform the questions you ask and allows you to dig even deeper into the company culture as well as to the dynamics of the specific team you will join. Be sure to: Click ‘Follow’ on the company’s Glassdoor profile to get regular updates, job alerts and notifications. Read employees’ real feedback on certain perks and benefits like free lunch, PTO, health insurance and professional development. Follow up with the interviewers you’ve spoken to and the current employees you have met. 6. Negotiate Like a Pro It’s important to understand that negotiating your salary is a perfectly normal part of the employment process, and recruiters expect it! According to studies by Glassdoor, men are more likely to negotiate salary than women. But studies show this “negotiation gap” disappears when information about other job applicants’ negotiation experience is public information. Therefore, knowledge is power. Before heading to the negotiation table, make sure you: Know Your Worth. Get a free, personalized salary estimate based on today’s job market to understand your current value and explore ways to increase your pay. Think base pay, and beyond! Everything from support for education and training, parental leave to vacation time, and moving expenses are up for negotiation. Be confident and equipped with information. 7. Ask As Many Questions As Necessary 93% of job seekers today want to be informed about all aspects of a company prior to accepting a job offer, according to a Glassdoor site survey, so don’t think you’re nagging the recruiter. It’s their job to answer your questions and help you make the best decision.  After all, they want to hire the candidate best suited for the job to improve retention and the company ranks. Can’t think of any more questions? Read these first: 7 Questions To Ask Yourself Before Accepting A Job Offer 12 Sneaky Questions You Can Ask To Uncover Company Culture 8. Say “Yes” If the Job & Company Are Right For You Feeling 100-percent sure? Go for it! Say yes and start living the life you’ve always wanted with a job that you love. And remember, just like you benefitted from all of the reviews, insights, and feedback from millions of people on Glassdoor, be sure to return the favor. Leave a review on Glassdoor about your experience. Now that you’ve got the tools to become a candidate that recruiters cannot resist, get out there and find a job that fits your life! Don’t forget, we’re here to help every step of the way. Read the full article

[arnoldbhuck]

Male Strippers In Seattle

Top 7 Tips Hiring Male Strippers in Seattle.

Are you looking to host the wildest private party including some of the hottest exotic dancers Seattle has to offer? Look no further because when it comes to hiring the best Seattle strippers for bachelor or bachelorette parties use Hunks & Babes when only the best will do. With many rookie party planners booking their first exotic dancer in Seattle, it is important to utilize the following tips to ensure both parties are happy and your night is successful.

You can use one or all of these tips when ordering adult entertainment for your private bachelor, bachelorette, or birthday party. If anything, this information will give you excellent insight into an unfamiliar adult industry.

Tip #1 Spend time and thoroughly investigate the company you wish to do business with.

Here’s a big secret: Male strippers in Seattle are independent contractors who are free to work with any adult agency they choose. Ordering private party strippers online is not regulated or monitored by any group or agency and most likely never will be. It is up to consumers like you to report any wrongdoing or misrepresentation to social media or complaint websites. However, when researching your favorite online stripping agency, please keep in mind that reviews both good and bad could be written by competitors instead of real customers.

Tip #2 Compare photos of dancers in different regions within the same company website.

Newer agencies that try to expand into other cities they do not have coverage in copy and paste their exotic dancers who only work in one city. The same stripper who works in Chicago obviously can’t work in Las Vegas, but online stripping agencies have the same dancer for you to choose from. Employee turnover is also fairly high so you run into the risk of ordering a stripper who no longer works for the company.

Tip #3 Look for improper grammar, misspelled words, and mismatched exotic dancer stage names.

Most prices for ordering exotic dancers are competitive and do not fluctuate immensely. However, the overall cost of hiring a private dancer is expensive and premium quality service is expected. What kind of service should you expect from a company that does not maintain the quality of their own website?

Tip #4 Research using search engines and type in the company name or stage name with city.

It is common to use Google or Yahoo to research reputation and reliability. Most customers do not consider actually typing in an exotic dancer’s stage name + Seattle. You may be shocked to find the female or male stripper you’re looking at is actually much older than the pictures provided or that they work for multiple agencies. You may find comments on the actual dancer themselves and get a good grasp as to the authenticity of their entertainment. See if you can find the time-stamp on the most recent comment and if it is longer than one year, chances are that guy or girl does not work anymore.

Tip #5 Find reviews or social media comments on all of the male strippers in Seattle you’re looking to order.

To coincide with tip number four, you may stumble across the Facebook page of a Seattle stripper. Of course these pages can be monitored and changed to mold the desirable image and gain more business. It is difficult to create hundreds of fake profiles and like your page or even write detailed comments. There are even stripper LinkedIn profiles that you can look over. Be careful just like ordering entertainment off of Craigslist, you do not know who are want will show up at your door to your event. Please use social media only as a method of research and not for contacting the exotic dancer. There have been cases of police sting operations arresting non-suspecting customers using other websites to hire disguised escorts. Just be safe and order from Hunks & Babes. None of our dancers escort and pass a rigid quality standards test.

Tip #6 Uncover the truth about Seattle female exotic dancers.

If you’re having a Seattle bachelor party and planning on having the hottest girls parading around in their sexiest lingerie, you might be correct. The breathtaking supermodel type strippers that rate over the 10+ scale usually are not doing toy shows for cheap tips. The upper echelons of exotic dancers know they do not have to get nasty dirty to get your money. They will work at the busiest Seattle strip clubs to maximize their exposure to as many hungry men as they can. Guys will empty their wallet simply to just be in the presence of this dream girl. If this is what you are looking for, then go visit a gentlemen’s club! You are sure to find the dirtiest girl that will perform tricks that will be seared into your mind’s eye forever. You want to see, hear, and smell things that you may never experience again in your lifetime. You want a trained female stripper who not only knows what you like, but how to give it to you. The girl that is most likely to perform this ultimate strip show does not look like a supermodel. Ordering from a website that shows all playboy model quality photos should throw up a red flag to you.

Still Need More Male Strippers In Seattle?

Consider a package that unwraps itself. A package so large, you need your friends to help you. You want an amazing party? Then you need to order our amazing team of dancers. Double or triple your wildness with male strippers who know how to get the job done. Your friends will hug you after a performance from a certified Hunk.

Lap dances for everyone? You got it! This is a ‘hands on’ experience everyone can enjoy. More strippers means more time enjoying the moment and less time worrying about life’s daily stresses. You’ve worked hard so why not order 2 male strippers for an extraordinary night?

A majority of female customers order only one male because it is their first time ordering. They are always concerned with the total cost instead of the once in a lifetime experience. You will do well with one of our Hunks, so we are offering a discount on two or more! Check out our PRICES in the main menu.

Male Strippers In Seattle is available on www.hbstrippers.net HB Strippers Adult Entertainment

[ryantsumrall]

Male Strippers In Seattle

Top 7 Tips Hiring Male Strippers in Seattle.

Are you looking to host the wildest private party including some of the hottest exotic dancers Seattle has to offer? Look no further because when it comes to hiring the best Seattle strippers for bachelor or bachelorette parties use Hunks & Babes when only the best will do. With many rookie party planners booking their first exotic dancer in Seattle, it is important to utilize the following tips to ensure both parties are happy and your night is successful.

You can use one or all of these tips when ordering adult entertainment for your private bachelor, bachelorette, or birthday party. If anything, this information will give you excellent insight into an unfamiliar adult industry.

Tip #1 Spend time and thoroughly investigate the company you wish to do business with.

Here’s a big secret: Male strippers in Seattle are independent contractors who are free to work with any adult agency they choose. Ordering private party strippers online is not regulated or monitored by any group or agency and most likely never will be. It is up to consumers like you to report any wrongdoing or misrepresentation to social media or complaint websites. However, when researching your favorite online stripping agency, please keep in mind that reviews both good and bad could be written by competitors instead of real customers.

Tip #2 Compare photos of dancers in different regions within the same company website.

Newer agencies that try to expand into other cities they do not have coverage in copy and paste their exotic dancers who only work in one city. The same stripper who works in Chicago obviously can’t work in Las Vegas, but online stripping agencies have the same dancer for you to choose from. Employee turnover is also fairly high so you run into the risk of ordering a stripper who no longer works for the company.

Tip #3 Look for improper grammar, misspelled words, and mismatched exotic dancer stage names.

Most prices for ordering exotic dancers are competitive and do not fluctuate immensely. However, the overall cost of hiring a private dancer is expensive and premium quality service is expected. What kind of service should you expect from a company that does not maintain the quality of their own website?

Tip #4 Research using search engines and type in the company name or stage name with city.

It is common to use Google or Yahoo to research reputation and reliability. Most customers do not consider actually typing in an exotic dancer’s stage name + Seattle. You may be shocked to find the female or male stripper you’re looking at is actually much older than the pictures provided or that they work for multiple agencies. You may find comments on the actual dancer themselves and get a good grasp as to the authenticity of their entertainment. See if you can find the time-stamp on the most recent comment and if it is longer than one year, chances are that guy or girl does not work anymore.

Tip #5 Find reviews or social media comments on all of the male strippers in Seattle you’re looking to order.

To coincide with tip number four, you may stumble across the Facebook page of a Seattle stripper. Of course these pages can be monitored and changed to mold the desirable image and gain more business. It is difficult to create hundreds of fake profiles and like your page or even write detailed comments. There are even stripper LinkedIn profiles that you can look over. Be careful just like ordering entertainment off of Craigslist, you do not know who are want will show up at your door to your event. Please use social media only as a method of research and not for contacting the exotic dancer. There have been cases of police sting operations arresting non-suspecting customers using other websites to hire disguised escorts. Just be safe and order from Hunks & Babes. None of our dancers escort and pass a rigid quality standards test.

Tip #6 Uncover the truth about Seattle female exotic dancers.

If you’re having a Seattle bachelor party and planning on having the hottest girls parading around in their sexiest lingerie, you might be correct. The breathtaking supermodel type strippers that rate over the 10+ scale usually are not doing toy shows for cheap tips. The upper echelons of exotic dancers know they do not have to get nasty dirty to get your money. They will work at the busiest Seattle strip clubs to maximize their exposure to as many hungry men as they can. Guys will empty their wallet simply to just be in the presence of this dream girl. If this is what you are looking for, then go visit a gentlemen’s club! You are sure to find the dirtiest girl that will perform tricks that will be seared into your mind’s eye forever. You want to see, hear, and smell things that you may never experience again in your lifetime. You want a trained female stripper who not only knows what you like, but how to give it to you. The girl that is most likely to perform this ultimate strip show does not look like a supermodel. Ordering from a website that shows all playboy model quality photos should throw up a red flag to you.

Still Need More Male Strippers In Seattle?

Consider a package that unwraps itself. A package so large, you need your friends to help you. You want an amazing party? Then you need to order our amazing team of dancers. Double or triple your wildness with male strippers who know how to get the job done. Your friends will hug you after a performance from a certified Hunk.

Lap dances for everyone? You got it! This is a ‘hands on’ experience everyone can enjoy. More strippers means more time enjoying the moment and less time worrying about life’s daily stresses. You’ve worked hard so why not order 2 male strippers for an extraordinary night?

A majority of female customers order only one male because it is their first time ordering. They are always concerned with the total cost instead of the once in a lifetime experience. You will do well with one of our Hunks, so we are offering a discount on two or more! Check out our PRICES in the main menu.

Male Strippers In Seattle is available on www.hbstrippers.net HB Strippers Adult Entertainment

[fiircbird-archive-blog]

Because we all need a retcon that elaborates on that 7 year gap ;) and makes Phoenora canon amirite ~ <3

It just didn’t feel right. That entire trial, the evidence shared, the knowledge of the prosecution… Lenora turned it over in her mind a thousand times and everything she saw threw up red flags.

She had never personally met Phoenix Wright, but she had run plenty of toxicology and forensics tests for him. She, like the rest of the LAPD, knew of his ridiculous accomplishments and infamous turnabout cases. He had exposed corruption in the legal system plenty of times before, had sent plenty of crooks before –

So why? Why would he of all people use forged evidence in court? It didn’t make sense. It was wrong. To see someone so well-respected crash and burn at the drop of a hat – or in this case, a diary page – just didn’t sit well with her. She had to speak with him herself.

When he emerged from his office, she could tell by the look on his face that he hadn’t slept in days; he had been harassed, she knew. The media had caught wind of the whole debacle and now people were questioning every case he had ever won, every defendant he had ever gotten acquitted. God, was it not enough that he had been disbarred? The look in his eyes assured her he was innocent.

She spoke plainly, but with careful consideration of all that he felt. Introduced herself and informed him of her observations, her opinions He still seemed weary – but he invited her in. They sat and spoke for about an hour. Near the conversation’s end, she mentioned off-hand how she worried for the defendant’s daughter; he seemed to perk up at that.

“Would you happen to know how I could get in contact with her?”

It was a strange request, but she provided the information necessary. She even escorted Trucy Gramarye to his office herself, although she allowed them privacy and waited in the main room while they spoke. Phoenix had offered to find her relatives to stay, but apparently there were none. Lenora was shocked to learn that, upon hearing that, he offered to adopt Trucy as his own. Just what sort of man was he?

She would keep an eye on the two regardless, as well as offer to help in investigating what had really happened. Phoenix took to the streets, she remained in the LAPD, keeping an ear to the ground for suspicious activity. As cases came in and out, there certainly was a harsher demeanor when it came to the court system. Full acquittals became rare; it sounded like the LAPD was simply great at its job, but…no. No, she knew who she worked with: idiots.

Although a bit skeptical at the start, Lenora had become completely committed to seeking out the stray thread that would lead to the unraveling of this conspiracy. If she wasn’t working late nights at the lab, she was looking into suspicious individuals at Phoenix’s request, or even going out on investigations with him herself. Either way, there was plenty of time to get to know each other.

Developing feelings hadn’t been her intent – nor his. They both just wanted to get to the bottom of things and to right the wrongs of the legal system. That was it. That was all.

But things took a turn when the MASON System came into play. It was a terrifyingly brilliant piece of technology that allowed users to access, review, and replay scenes from their memories – something out of a science fiction novel. It wasn’t, though. Sayoko Robbins was the top neurologist/memory specialist in her field, and her husband Richard an impeccable software developer; Lenora had met Dr. Robbins while working at a military base, and it didn’t take much convincing to get her to help with their endeavors.

The minor dilemma, however, was that the first iteration of the system required two people to use it. This meant the source of the memories had to be hooked up to the system, while the other reviewed them and chose what memories to search for and save; and that meant taking a very intimate look at Phoenix’s life.

“Phoenix. Are you really sure you trust me with this?”

“Yeah, I do.” He glanced up at her from the chair. Over the years, he had grown bolder – a development that was necessary for the potentially dangerous work he had done – and changed how he carried himself. But now, in this moment, he was looking at her with the same clear expression he had when he practiced law. Careful, comforting, observant. “I wouldn’t want it to be anyone else, Lenora. Go ahead.”

It also couldn’t be anyone else, as only they knew the information shared between them. But… still, how he had said it made her look away to hide the flush of her cheeks. Murmuring a promise that she would be careful and respectful as possible, she turned the machine on as she had been instructed, and started the search.

It wasn’t easy. She ended up seeing a lot through his eyes, even though she did her best to skip what wasn’t in the correct timeframe. Terrifying, heartbreaking experiences – both in and out of court. She had to step away from the screen a few times. It was more intense than she had anticipated.

But they got the job done eventually. It took a solid two weeks to sort through everything, and to package it up and send it back to the Robbins for further development into the system. Between then and later, Lenora couldn’t help but talk with Phoenix over what she had seen. Some of it was really…well, nobody had a perfect life. But some of it would be stuck with her – the encounters with that redhead, specifically. He had been abused.

“Lenora – sweetheart, I’m fine,” It wasn’t the first time he had called her that, but it was the first time he had done so with such alarm. Probably because she was crying. He pulled her into his arms and pet her hair, murmuring apologies that she had to experience that – but no! No, she protested, why was he sorry? He wasn’t at fault! And she short of talked in circles about it for a bit, clearly distressed, and he nodded along, assuring her he was okay. At some point she kissed him. He kissed back. It sort of went on from there.

It didn’t affect their investigations. If anything, it gave them the strength to power through it even more. Trucy was happy, too, once she realized the reasons for Lenora’s frequent visits. They had developed quite the bond as well. Together, they felt like an unstoppable force.

But they weren’t. Lenora knew that. The more she dug and uncovered, the higher that corruption ladder grew: every rung reached revealed two more, and suddenly the forging of evidence was the least of their problems. This was insane.

Lenora kept it to herself for months, debating on whether or not to share her findings. She needed Phoenix’s help, certainly, but this was the sort of thing people disappeared for. She couldn’t do that to him. Couldn’t put him or Trucy at risk.

So she decided to leave.

“Lenora—“

This is the only way, Phoenix. “ She shook her head, steeling her tears still. “if I tell you what I know, you’ll be a target. You have an investigation to complete and a daughter to raise. I…I can’t put a target on your head.”

“So you’ll put one on yours?”

“No. That was accidental.” She smiled weakly. “But now I have to see it through. Otherwise, we’ll never be safe. And…at this point, Phoenix. That’s all I want.” She moved forward, taking his face in her hands. “I love you. I wouldn’t do this if I didn’t.” Her forehead pressed to his. “When…when I come back. Let’s get married, okay? When I’m back, it’ll mean we’re safe. And then we can finally start the life together we’ve talked about. Okay?” Despite her best efforts, she started crying. God, she wept so easily when it came to him. “I’ll contact you whenever I can. But… but that doesn’t mean you have to wait. If you find some—“

“Stop.” He curled his arms around her. “Don’t even imply that. There won’t be anyone else, Lenora. Never. It’s you or no one else.” His voice was starting to break, too. “I know you have to do what you have to do. I trust you. Just come back safe.”

“I will. I promise.”

~

Years slipped by, more than she had hoped would. Her communication with Phoenix was as frequent and secure as possible. She never spoke about what she was doing or where she was, or who she was meeting with. The forensics chemist had somehow turned into a private investigator with a specialization in whistleblowing along the way. That was all he had to know. That and how much she loved him and his – their daughter.

For a few weeks, there was no communication. There couldn’t be, even though she knew he was worried. She was wrapping it up – snipping loose ends, cutting ties, fading back into obscurity. She couldn’t leave a trace. It had to be that way, so for nearly two months it was nothing but radio silence.

Then she flew back into California. His office was closed, so she could only imagine he was in court. Once this was confirmed, she slipped into the defense lobby and waited.

To her surprise, Trucy was with him. She wasn’t sure of the details as to why, but she certainly wasn’t opposed to seeing her all grown up. They hadn’t been able to send pictures, after all, and yet she was even more beautiful than she had envisioned. And Phoenix… he was… he was a lawyer again, and the pride he took in that position and how it helped others was evident on his face. His client thanked him enthusiastically before running off to enjoy her freedom – rushing right past her, which finally drew the father-daughter pair to the stranger in the room.

“—Daddy? Who’s that?”

Of course they wouldn’t know. She looked awfully suspicious, all covered up in a trench coat and sunglasses, hair cut significantly shorter than he had last seen. Yet somehow, even before she turned to face them and remove said sunglasses, she could see in Phoenix’s expression that he had an idea.

“Hey, stranger,” Tucking her hair behind her ear, she smiled and took a few steps closer; her trenchcoat, parted to reveal a short, white little cocktail dress beneath. Trucy immediately started to squeal, understanding. “You feel like getting married today?”

[nathanielburgos]

PERM Audit Reasons & Triggers

Approximately 30% of PERM Labor Certification cases get selected randomly for audit by the Department of Labor (DOL). In an effort to ensure that all applicants are transparent and honest in the process, a PERM audit may be requested by DOL officials. In this article, we’ll explore PERM audit reasons and ways in which you can potentially avoid a PERM audit altogether.

In 2016, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), in conjunction with the Freedom of Information Act, released, officially announced the details regarding common PERM audit reasons and triggers. Because receiving an audit during the PERM process can delay your employment-based immigration considerably, here are the common reasons for why an audit is issued and how you can best avoid this obstacle.

As you likely know, a PERM labor certificate is one of the primary steps in the employment-based green card process and likewise, the path to citizenship. One of the requirements of the certification is for employers and foreign workers to meet a set of eligibility criteria.

All employment-based green cards require a PERM except for the EB-1 and the EB-2 with a National Interest Waiver. Keep in mind that the sponsoring employer is responsible for the entire PERM process from recruitment to the filing process.

Why Did I Receive a PERM Audit?

Are you hoping to avoid becoming a part of that statistic? If so, keep reading for a list of PERM audit reasons 2020. If you would like to check the status of your PERM case, you can track your case number and see where your PERM stands.

If you received an audit, what that essentially means is you’ll need to provide detailed documents to the DOL in support of the employer’s claims on the Application for Permanent Employment Certification (Form 9089).

Common PERM Audit Triggers and Explanations

There are two main types of audits that are issued by the DOL: random and targeted. The random audits are just that, random. There is no way to anticipate or avoid these. The DOL performs these types of audits to keep the system in check and to help prevent employers from taking advantage of the PERM process.

A targeted audit, however, can be triggered by several things that are completely avoidable. Here are the most common audit triggers according to the Department of Labor:

If the primary requirements for the foreign worker’s offered job is less than a Bachelor’s Degree, this very often raises a red flag. Unless of course, it is for a dairy worker position, because this is generally excluded.

Audits also commonly occur when applicants are offered a position related to trade.

The DOL has identified a handful of public schools that get scrutinized further for PERM applications but unfortunately due to confidentiality reasons, the exact list of which schools is unavailable.

Another significant trigger is applications where the foreign worker needs a degree (i.e., bachelor’s or master’s) but not necessarily any work experience. Roughly fifty percent of these PERM applications get audited because they seem questionable in the eyes of DOL.

The fifth trigger is applications in which the employer acknowledges a recent layoff. Again, approximately fifty percent of these cases get audited. This is because it is a popular practice for employers to replace current U.S. workers with foreign nationals.

An audit can also be triggered if you and the applicant share close familial ties or if the applicant holds an interest in the company such as stocks or other equity.

The foreign national beneficiary got his or her training or experience with the petitioning employer or received payment for education from them.

The petitioning employer received some payment from the foreign national beneficiary for the PERM Labor application.

The job position has a foreign language requirement where it is unclear whether the foreign language will be needed to perform the job duties.

The job position requires certifications that aren’t typically required for a job.

In the case of an audit, the DOL will deem that your recruitment report is insufficient or contains suspicious circumstances that need to be examined more closely. 

How Do I Know If My PERM Application Is Selected for Audit Review?

If your PERM application is selected for an audit, the DOL will send you an audit notice detailing the list of additional information or documentation you will need to submit. The DOL will request all supporting documents and evidence that have been collected throughout the recruitment process. So when responding to a PERM audit, the supporting documents should include:

The audit request

The dated and signed ETA form 9089

The completed Notice of Filing

The prevailing wage determination

Copies of all documents including all advertisements placed.

Receipts of purchase when placing ads in places like the radio or television

All resumes collected during the recruitment

Signed declarations

These documents will need to be submitted to a Certifying Officer (CO) assigned to your case by the DOL. This CO will be your contact throughout the PERM audit process. It is also important to keep in mind that once an audit has been requested, there is no way to avoid it. Withdrawing your PERM application will not excuse you from the audit.

The Certifying Officer Will Review the Response

The audit notice will also include the deadline for the submission of the requested documentation. The deadline is generally 30 days from the date the audit letter was issued, and failure to meet up by the deadline may result in application denial. 

After submitting the requested information, the CO will review it and decide whether the documentation is complete or not and whether it is in line with the response on the original ETA 9089. If the CO is satisfied, he or she will approve the application. 

However, if the CO deems the submission to be incomplete and/or inconsistent, they may deny the application. Other possible outcomes may be for the CO to request even more documentation or require the petitioning employer to undergo supervised recruitment.

Can the Deadline for PERM Audit Be Extended?

While the standard deadline for audit notice is 30 days, the CO has the authority to extend the deadline beyond 30 days if the situation warrants it. If, after the given timeframe, the petitioner fails to respond, the application will be considered to have been abandoned, leading to denial. Additionally, the CO may also decide to require the petitioning employer to conduct supervised recruitment for any of their future labor certification applications for a period of up to two years.

Word of advice to all employers–based on our experience, we recommend you keep any and all supporting evidence on file for a minimum of five years from the point of filing just in case an audit is later presented.

These sorts of documents include resumes, advertisements, prevailing wage determinations, etc.

Not all PERM denials occur after an audit. There is always the possibility that your PERM will be denied without an audit. If this happens, you will need to consult with your immigration attorney to determine the appropriate next steps.

How to Prevent Receiving PERM Audit

Receiving a PERM audit can extend the total processing time of the PERM application for several months. The application may even get denied or the petitioner may be subjected to supervised recruitment for future certification processes. These and many other reasons are why employers should endeavor to prevent receiving an audit request. Some of the recommendations that can help guide against PERM audit are as follows:

Do not tailor the job position requirements to suit the beneficiary.

Ensure that all advertisement procedures used for the recruitment exercise are consistent with the DOL guidelines.

Make sure to do due diligence when screening and interviewing all applicants for the position.

Keep all the supporting documentation intact for a minimum of five years. These may include prevailing wage determination documents, advertising, and recruitment documents, business necessity documents.

Supervised Recruitment Triggers 2020

The next three points are supervised recruitment triggers and should be taken very seriously:

If the same employer and foreign employee submit an application (following a prior denial) in the same year, this typically triggers an audit.

The second supervised recruitment trigger is applications by the same employee/employer after an audited case has been withdrawn in the same calendar year. As you can imagine, this type of activity seems suspicious and warrants additional investigation on behalf of DOL.

The final trigger in this category is applications that are not filed electronically but instead, on paper. While there may be legitimate reasons for this, it’s still grounds for an audit in some cases.

While an audit requires that you send your documents in to be reviewed after your recruitment period, PERM supervised recruitment may be issued before your recruitment process begins. This usually occurs if there have been issues with your PERM applications in the past.

Supervised recruitment may also be mandated even after your recruitment period has ended, meaning that you will need to go through the recruitment process a second time under the supervision of the DOL. During this time, you will need to submit all documents to the CO throughout the process.

In past years, the DOL has released data to suggest which states have the highest PERM filings, and these include California, Texas, New York, New Jersey, and Washington.

It’s necessary to note that the aforementioned points are not automatic. Instead, they should serve as broad guidelines to mindful of during your application process. Whether you are a sponsoring employer or the foreign worker being sponsored, it’s always advised to seek the help of a reputable immigration lawyer. A professional PERM attorney will best be able to guide you and review the documents provided to avoid a PERM audit altogether.

PERM Audit Denial Procedures

Receiving a PERM Audit is no grounds to panic. In the event that your case is audited and denied, you can file what’s known as a request for reconsideration. This is basically an appeal to the Department of Labor for the denial to be given a second look for reasons like an application error or other related consideration.

Then, if the DOL refuses to reconsider your case, it moves onto the Board of Alien Labor Certification (BALCA) and can take more than a year to reach a final decision.

PERM audits, supervised recruitment, and denial appeals can all add a significant amount to your PERM processing time. To get a better feel for what you can account for in your particular case, ask your immigration attorney.

PERM RFE

There are certain situations in which a PERM is not denied outright but also not approved. This usually happens when the DOL has not received sufficient evidence to support your recruitment report and may result in them issuing you a Request for Evidence (RFE).

Again, this is no reason to panic. In fact, an RFE is something like a second chance. Rather than having to go through the PERM recruitment process all over again, an RFE allows you to simply submit the missing information to allow the DOL to make an informed decision.

If you receive a PERM RFE, the first thing you need to do is bring it to your immigration attorney as soon as possible. This is because you will likely be given a narrow window of time with which to respond to the RFE. This response must include the evidence requested as well as a thorough explanation or argument that addresses any issues brought up in the RFE.

PERM Audit FAQs

Can I submit alternative evidence in the absence of the exact evidence required in the audit request?

The most ideal thing is to respond to a PERM audit request with the exact evidence requested by the DOL. However, if the primary evidence requested is not available, you may attempt to respond by providing alternative documentation. Apart from the close similarities between the requested primary evidence and the alternative provided, the manner of submission is another factor that will determine whether it will be accepted or not. If you are in this situation, it’s best to work with an immigration lawyer.

How long does the PERM audit process take?

Generally, petitioning employers are given 30 days after receiving the audit notice to respond. After receiving the response, it may take the DOL up to four months to make a decision on the application. In some cases, it can take much longer, depending on how quickly the petitioner properly responds to the audit notice with satisfying documentations. Ordinarily, the DOL takes an average of six months to process PERM applications. But with an audit request coming to the picture, you may end up being delayed up to ten months or more.

How much does the PERM cost?

Petitioning employers do not have to pay any filing fee for the PERM, as there is no cost attached to the ETA Form 9089. However, some costs will come with publishing job advertisements for the recruitment period. 

Is there a way to avoid the PERM requirement?

You may bypass the PERM labor certification requirement if you qualify for certain employment-based green card categories. If you qualify for any of the three subcategories of the EB-1 green card, you will not need to undergo the PERM process. Another option is the EB-2 green card if you qualify for a National Interest Waiver (NIW). For the NIW, you will need to demonstrate that the U.S. would benefit from waiving the PERM requirement, as your proposed endeavor (job or investment) will contribute significantly to the U.S. economy.

How Our Immigration Attorneys Can Help

Nothing in the world of immigration law is simple or easy, and the PERM process is no exception. Because a simple error or lapse in judgment can result in a major delay or even a denial of your PERM application, it is important not to go it alone. This is why you need an immigration lawyer to help you process your PERM, especially when it involves audit or supervised recruitment.

Here at our firm, we have a team of immigration attorneys with excellent track records of PERM processing. We can help you navigate each step of the PERM process and deliver the most effective strategies for approval. We offer a flat PERM application fee and are available to address any issues that arise along the way.

To get in touch with one of our experienced PERM attorneys, just fill out this contact form and schedule your consultation today.

 RELATED PERM AUDIT TOPICS

PERM Labor Certification

PERM Denial After Audit 

PERM Prevailing Wages 

PERM Prevailing Wage Determination FAQ

PERM Recruitment

PERM Advertising Requirements

NIW vs PERM

PERM Transfer of Employment

The post PERM Audit Reasons & Triggers appeared first on SGM Immigration Law Group.

PERM Audit Reasons & Triggers published first on https://ordergcmsnotescanada.tumblr.com/

[evelynmfoye]

Experts And Novices Alike Need This Volkswagen Shopping Information

Many people dread Volkswagen shopping. There are many things to consider when making a Volkswagen in Lynchburg VA purchase, and car shopping can take a bit of time. This article will remove that extra stress. Continue looking through this piece to learn more.

Get a loan for a car online prior to going to a dealership. The length of time it takes to buy a car often hinges on whether they have to find financing for you or not. If you already have a loan when you walk through the door, you will have a much faster transaction.

When you go Volkswagen in Lynchburg VA shopping, you must know what you need before you leave the house. How much money can you afford to spend? How many people are you going to be driving around? How much gas mileage should the Volkswagen have? Do you want a Volkswagen with two or four doors? Write out your wish list, and take it to the dealership with you.

Search the web to get the best deals. Searching the Internet for low prices is one of the best things you can do. Whenever you have discovered the best car for you, you can either get your dealership to buy this car, or go to the dealership that is selling the car and buy it from them. Find the closest reliable dealership to save money on gas.

Get your Volkswagen loan online before you even walk into a dealership. A big reason why the process of buying a Volkswagen in Lynchburg VA takes a long time is because they have to run your credit and find a lender. If you’ve already got a loan, then the process will be a lot easier.

Research your dealer as much as you do the models you’re interested in. You will have more negotiating power if you know how they operate and what finance options they offer. Also, learning about their customer reviews can help you avoid getting ripped off.

You should not buy a used Volkswagen without having a good third-party mechanic look at it first. If your dealer does not want to do this, turn around and go somewhere else. You need a mechanic to give you an objective opinion about the car’s condition and check for damages, submersion in water or other problems some dealers try to hide.

If you’re buying your vehicle through a private party, let a mechanic look at it before buying it. Think twice about buying a car from someone who refuses to let you do so. The car may have costly issues that make it worth far less than the asking price. Do not purchase a car without knowing about possible mechanical problems.

If you’re looking to buy a new vehicle, try and get financing from a bank before starting your search. This is just for your own security. Many times the finance department of a dealership can find better rates than your bank. You should have an idea of what you would like your interest rate to be before you start shopping.

You do not need to pay the full sticker price for your next car. What the dealers list on the sticker is not what they actually think they will get. If you’re not a great negotiator, bring someone who is. Know the amount you can reasonably spend, as well as the fair market value, prior to heading to the dealership.

If you drive a pricey vehicle already, don’t bring it with you on your Volkswagen shopping trip. They will look at the Volkswagen and refuse any lowball offers you make, This is only acceptable if the Volkswagen in Lynchburg VA you arrive in is going to be something you are trading in.

Salespeople often have monthly quotas to reach. They have to sell X number of cars monthly, and knowing this puts you in the proverbial driver’s seat. If a salesperson hasn’t reached their quota for the month, they will be more likely to give you a better deal to help ensure a purchase. That way, you have more leverage as you negotiate.

You don’t have to buy from a dealer. You can often find something comparable from an independent seller or a mall, local dealer. Use social networking sites and classifieds to help you find the Volkswagen you want at a good price.

Purchasing a new vehicle can be both exciting and exhausting at the same time. That said, you can at least comparison shop online. There are places on the Internet that have tools to help you find the car you need and want. That way, you can quickly narrow your list of potential vehicles in advance.

Do not be so free in giving out your SSN. Some dealerships want this information so they can ruin your credit. Having your credit checked for no reason can hurt you when it comes to getting financing. Do not give out your SSN and other personal information until you are seriously considering purchasing a vehicle.

Ask your dealer to let you take the car to your mechanic. Choose an honest mechanic with a good reputation. Never use the mechanic the dealer suggests. Your mechanic will tell you what is wrong with the car, and whether the price is right.

Before you start shopping for a Volkswagen, you should decide how much you want to pay. This number must be based on what you wish to spend, along with market research on your chosen model’s general value.

When purchasing a used car, it’s important that you do thorough research. The Internet is replete with useful resources about a car’s value. Kelly Blue Book is a great resource to determine the value of a car. If a dealer is overcharging based on these sources, shop elsewhere.

It is best to avoid talking about your trade-in early in the negotiations. First get a price on the new car before negotiating the trade-in. If you tell them right way, they will be working deals in their head.

Never agree to an as-is warranty if you purchase a used vehicle. This can be something that you will regret in the future. The dealer needs to give you a 30 to 90 day guarantee if you’re buying a car. If the transmission or engine blows the day after you drive off the lot, you will be responsible for the repair.

As soon as you feel the high pressure sale coming on, you should leave. Simply ignore any further pressuring and walk out of the dealership. If you do not want to leave without a good excuse, do not hesitate to make one up. Get out of there quickly! There are many other options available to you out there. It’s simply not worth being hassled.

Try your best to get rid of unnecessary charges such as the advertising fee. You should never pay such a fee. If they wish to keep it, then consider walking away from this deal. Chances are, you won’t get too far.

Sort through car prices online as well as your surrounding area. People from different zip codes may have prices that are different, and it could be cheaper to go to a city that’s nearby. Looking at price trends online will help to give you an idea of which cities offer the best prices.

The first offer a salesman gives you won’t be the lowest possible offer. You can give them another offer, and then the next one should be the lowest. They should come back with a rock-bottom price at this point in the process.

At the end of the month, it’s sometimes easier to shop for cars. Salespeople want to meet their monthly goals by making another sale that could put them in their desired count. Allow yourself some time to negotiate in advance of month’s end in order to get the best deal.

Rebates need to be found beforehand. Dealerships offer rebates as incentives to sell cars fast. Those dealership that are less ethical won’t mention the rebate and will try to take the cash themselves while you’re unaware.

Before committing to a new vehicle, check with your insurance provider for an estimate. You may find out the cost will be exceptionally high. Choose a Volkswagen that balances price and insurance rate.

Low monthly payments should be a red flag when you are buying a car. You can easily become distracted with a low payment without realizing the total amount you will be paying for the car. There are sellers that will use this to get you to agree to low monthly payments with a high cost of buying. Make sure that you understand every item on your contract.

When choosing a dealership, it’s always good to research the service department. Talk to previous customers about the service level. Call the department yourself and test them on a question to which you already know the answer. Select a dealer that has a competent staff so that you have a good source to turn to when the need arises.

You should ask your friends, family and coworkers about the dealerships where they got their cars. Did they have a good experience? Talk to them about specifics like after sales service and the condition of their car six months down the road. If one dealership is getting a lot of positive comments, you should consider going there.

Know that the initial counteroffer presented to you isn’t the lowest available price. Make a counteroffer, and see what happens. The salesperson and manager want to close deals quickly, so they will generally offer the lowest price on the next round of offers.

Investigate your finance options prior to car shopping. You will then know what you’re able to afford and can search for vehicles within that range. This will also prevent you from making a purchase that could result in financial ruin, as the bank will not offer to loan you more than you should be able to afford, but a car dealer will.

Now that you’ve read the above article, now is the time to begin the car shopping process. Shopping for a car should not be stressful if you use the tips from this article. You will be in a car you love in no time at all.

Knowing what you’re doing is essential to purchasing a car. Actually, no one ought to go to a dealership unless they do their research first. Learn about the models, makers, dealerships and financing options available to you.

Learning this great deal on Volkswagen in Lynchburg VA information can reduce stress and make life simpler. Therefore, learning all you can about widgets was crucial. There is so much to learn, so keep reading and absorbing information. Keep in mind everything you learned, as you may need to refer to it at any time.

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[kayla1993-world]

A Calgary retired person says he was "sick to his stomach" after learning his bank wired more than $800,000 of his savings to criminals notwithstanding security red flags.

Rod McLeod, 75, was a longtime customer with Cidel Bank — one of dozens of private banks in Canada that handle wealth management for people with high incomes or big valuables.

"It has turned my life upside down," says McLeod, a retired lawyer. "I expected them to protect me."

McLeod is suing, declaring "carelessness, breaking a contract and failure of valuable duty" by Cidel in a statement of claim filed last week.

It's one more case of what's become a multibillion-dollar problem in Canada and the U.S., according to people in charge.

Stealing is a "huge problem" and "so widespread and growing," investigator and former FBI agent Don Vilfer told Go Public, that better laws are needed in Canada and the U.S. to protect bank customers.

"Laws in both Canada and the U.S. is behind in terms of asking banks to take certain steps … [to prevent] this kind of thing," Vilfer said.

In September 2018, McLeod was excited to make an offer on a condo in Rancho Mirage, Calif. — just north of Palm Desert.

He had Cidel wire a deposit to a California bank account and waited for instructions on the outstanding balance of $619,000 US ($820,000 Cdn).

A few weeks later, an email seemingly from the realtor handling the sale, said the balance should go to a different bank — Chase Bank in Denver, Colo.

Even though his financial agent had cautioned him, two months earlier, against any sudden changes, McLeod says the warning was forgotten in the push to seal the deal.

The seller, he'd been told, was a billionaire. "So it made sense that he banked in various places."

McLeod sent the new instructions to his contact at Cidel.

But the email wasn't from his realtor, Brady Sandahl. It was from a new email address, created by criminals who had transferred the last two letters of Sandahl's name so that, at the first look, it appeared real and true.

When that email arrived at Cidel, it appears the bank's mail server flagged it, tacking "SUSPICIOUS MESSAGE" onto the subject line.

Notwithstanding that warning, a bank employee emailed the criminal, asking for the address of the bank account owner — adding a senior Cidel employee and McLeod to the email thread.

McLeod says his excitement about the condo got the better of him. He didn't see the email had been flagged, and, he says, had no prior experience wiring money to another country.

"I don't do this every day. This is something that's totally new to me," he said.

"My wife said, 'You wanted it too much, you ignored the red flags.'"

McLeod and his wife approved the wire transference. The money went to Denver, where criminals quickly gave most of it to the Bank of China in Hong Kong.

Days later, when McLeod made queries about next steps, it became obvious he was the victim of deception.

"I thought, this can't be happening," he says. "It just can't be happening."

Chase Bank was able to keep $26,000 US from being given, and that money was returned to McLeod.

McLeod hired Vilfer to review. Since leaving the FBI over ten years ago, Vilfer has given proof in over 100 cases, often providing expert facts on digital crime-solving in cases involving stealing money.

"It's very helpful for the criminals when they can pull it off," he says. "We had one client that lost $14 million — and they're [fraudsters] doing this all day long."

In his report to McLeod, Vilfer says the realtor's email account may have been broken into and recommended further analysis of the realtor's devices and accounts.

"With email hijacking scams of this type, in my experience, it is the realtor or mortgage intermediary who is targeted," he wrote.

Sandahl did not answer calls for comment from Go Public.

The case is an example of what investigators call "business email accommodation" — a type of stealing that targets businesses and their customers. Usually, the criminal hacks into a business's email account and mimics the sender, instructing the customer to redirect the money.

Go Public lately examined this type of scam, and spoke to a Toronto-area businessman who lost almost $3,000.

Incoming business emails — especially in the real estate division — led to a predicted loss of $12 billion US over the past five years, according to the FBI. Such scams were reported in 150 countries, and all 50 U.S. states.