#truck replacement programs

[artisticdivasworld]

How to Upgrade Your Truck Without Breaking the Bank: A Guide for the Individual Trucker

The new EPA regulations are probably the last thing you want to hear about right now. It feels like every time we turn around, there’s another rule or restriction. And honestly, it’s frustrating! But before you throw your hands up in anger, let’s talk about how these changes could actually work in your favor and, more importantly, what options are out there to help you upgrade your trucks without…

[hemipenal-system]

working on a farm and going to a secondhand equipment auction to try to find a part you need replaced on one of your machines, and some guy has a combat drone all folded up in the back of his truck

it's powered off, of course. the guy says he doesn't even know how to fix it, says it just crashed in his backyard during the war, what, 40-odd years ago? and he just threw it in storage and hasn't touched it since, and his wife says he has to get rid of it, so he'll sell it for cheap if you're interested.

you figure, what the hell, you need a side project, and it might be interesting to refurbish it or whatever, so you buy it, lugging the heavy fucker into your own vehicle

you throw it up on a hoist and manage to power it on, half scared it'll try to kill you, but it just hangs there, limp except for its head turning to create a 3d model of your face to recognize you by. it looks almost... human, in a way. its head is a mess of sensors where its face should be, all wired down to its torso where it keeps its processor, and the stabilizers on its feet that prevent recoil from a heavy weapon knocking it over resemble claws, but it otherwise resembles a tall, lanky human to an eerie degree. it doesn't speak. you figure something in it must be busted. it doesn't move at all as you take it off the hoist and lay it down on the ground.

you leave it in the barn when you go to bed. it'd be preposterous for a machine to sleep in the house, even if it is a moderately human-shaped one. it'll be fine out there.

when you come back the next morning, you're surprised to see it curled up, not sleeping but emulating it, in a pile of hay it must have brought down from the loft. strange, since it shouldn't have any necessity for more comfort than the cold concrete floor would provide. it powers on when you approach, turning to look at you but otherwise not moving.

it doesn't talk for a week.

when it does, it's one word. you have it open on a workbench, arm buried deep in its mechanical guts. its speakers crackle to life just for the one word and then shut off again, startling you enough that you jump and then swear as your hand slams into the metal frame, cutting a knuckle open - then you process what it just said.

it was a name.

you ask if she wants to sleep in the house after that. she doesn't answer, but follows obediently like a trained dog, up the stairs and into your bedroom, mimicking your motions as you lay down in bed and she lays down next to you. you flick the light off, worried about the non-zero possibility that you've fucked up and her programming will reset when she wakes up and immediately target you as a threat. then you fall asleep.

you wake up with the combat drone pressed into you, cool metal arms wrapped around your torso, sensor array pressed into your shoulder. she doesn't snore, but her cooling system whirs quietly and you realize your body is warming her own.

you don't know what makes you kiss her forehead. you just sort of do it. but she makes a cute humming noise so maybe it was an okay thing to do.

[batboyblog]

Things Biden and the Democrats did, this week #15

April 19-26 2024

President Biden appeared along side Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Senators Ed Markey and Bernie Sanders to announce major climate action. Biden announced a program, Solar For All, 7 billion dollars aimed at supporting low income house holds install solar power in their homes. The program will support 900,000 households across the country getting solar. Lower the average energy bill for a family by $400 a month and avoid more than 30 million metric tons of carbon pollution over the next 25 years. The boost in solar installation will help create 200,000 new jobs across the country. The President also announced the launch of the Climate Conservation Crops. modeled on FDR's Civilian Civilian Conservation Corps and JFK's Peace Corps, Biden's Climate Conservation Crops will be a program where young people can connect with climate projects across the country and be paid to help protect the planet. The Corps will be 20,000 strong, with 2,000 openings listed right now on their webpage across 36 states DC and Puerto Rico.

The Department of Labor finalized a new rule on overtime. Currently employers are only required to pay overtime to workers making under $35,568. Under the new ruling that will be raised to workers making $43,888, and in January 2025 raised again to workers making $58,656 and under. This will bring overtime pay to 4 million more workers and transfer $1.5 billion from the pockets of companies to workers. It also fixes to raise the level with inflation every 3 years starting in 2027.

The EPA announced a $1 billion dollar program to help replace heavily duty vehicles with clean energy versions. There are currently 3 million class 6 and 7 vehicles, school buses, box trucks dump trucks, street sweepers, delivery trucks, bucket trucks, and utility trucks, in use. 70% of the funds will go to replacing School Buses with Clean energy buses and the remaining 30% will go to replacing Vocational Vehicles like dump trucks and street sweepers. Heavy Duty vehicles on top of green house cases release harmful nitrogen oxide and fine particulate matter and replacing them will not only combat climate change but improve public health.

The Department of Interior took actions to protect 13 million acres of Alaska wild land is protected and to secure the livelihood of Alaska Native peoples who rely on this land. The Administration refused oil and mining rights on the vast areas of Alaska land as well as a 210 miles road through the northern wildernesses. This area represents valuable habitat for caribou and endangered polar bears, as well as millions of migrating birds.

The Department of Transportation announced finalized rules requiring airlines to give automatic cash refunds for canceled flights and other inconvenience. The refunds will be automatic meaning passengers will not have apply for them, prompt the airlines are required to refund a credit card purchase in 7 days, and require repayment in full and in kind, airlines can not substitute travel vouchers for cash. The DOT also announced new rules to protect airline travelers from junk fees, airlines and ticket agents must now clearly tell travelers upfront about all fees so no one is surprised by a hidden fee.

The EPA announced finalized rules on emissions standards for fuel burning power plants. The new rules include a tightening of Mercury and Air Toxics Standards, requiring a 70% reduction in mercury. It also had rules protecting ground water, new rules will require coal powered plants to remove 660 million pounds per year of pollutants discharged through wastewater, and for the first time federally regulates the dumping of coal ash, requiring safe dump sites that will not leak into ground water. Finalized rules require coal fired and new natural gas-fired power plants to capture up to 90% of their carbon pollution

Security of Transportation Pete Buttigieg attended the ground breaking of a new high speed rail project to connect Los Angeles and Las Vegas. The Biden Administration announced 3 billion to support the project 5 months ago. At 218 of all electric green rail the project promises to be the fastest way to get from LA to Las Vegas. Planned to open in 2028 just in time for the LA Olympics it is the first of many planned high speed rail projects. The Biden Administration has promised $66 billion for high speed rail and the largest single investment in Amtrak ever.

The FCC announced a new rule restoring Net Neutrality. Net Neutrality requires internet service pervaders to treat all websites equally and not slow certain ones now or speed others. In 2015 under Obama the FCC passed a rule requiring Net Neutrality. However in 2017, the FCC spread headed by Trump appointed Chair Ajit Pai repealed the rules. A patchwork of Democratic controlled states, lead by California passed state level laws requiring Net Neutrality forcing ISPs to de facto keep it in place. Late last year President Biden got the opportunity to replace Pai on the FCC, giving the FCC a 3 to 2 Democratic majority which voted this week to return to the Obama era rules and protect Net Neutrality nationwide.

The FTC passed finalized regulations to ban noncompete agreements in nearly all cases. These agreements, which cover 18% of American workers, about 30 million people, prohibit workers from joining or creating competing companies for a certain period of time. The FTC estimates that workers will earn an average of $524 dollars a year more and up to 8,500 new businesses will be created each year. The new rule will still allow noncompete for senior executives who make up less than 1% of the work force. Like with the FCC, two out of the 3 FTC commissioners who voted for the new rules are Biden appointees.

The Departments of Health and Human Services and Interior have announced a joint, $1 billion project to connect tribal communities to safe drinking water. Roughly half of Tribal households lack access to clean drinking water or adequate sanitation.

At the White House The Biden Administration announced plans to protect, restore and reconnect 8 million acres of wetlands and 100,000 miles of rivers and streams. This effort will include state, local and tribal government as well as private efforts along with the federal government to protect and restore the nations freshwater environments.

The Department of Health and Human Services announced a new rule boosting privacy protection for abortions. Republicans in states like Alabama, Texas, Oklahoma and Idaho have tried to make it a crime to leave the state to seek an abortion in a state where it is legal. The new federal rule would make it illegal for health information to be shared in these cases

Vice-President Harris announced a new rule requiring staffing standards at Nursing Homes across the country. The new rules will require registered nurses on duty 24 hours, seven days a week. This represents the first time the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services have required specific numbers of nurses and aides in Nursing Homes that get Medicare and Medicaid funding.

The Biden Administration Announced a $6 billion deal with tech giant Micron to bring high tech manufacturing to New York. The deal is expected to see Micron invest $100 billion in Syracuse New York area as well as build a factory in Boise, Idaho. The deal will create 70,000 new jobs. It is part of the Biden Administration's effort to bring high tech chip manufacturing to America.

The Department of Education finalized the most comprehensive federal protections for Trans and other Queer students in the nation's history. The rules also overturn Trump era rules on how colleges should handle sexual assault and harassment.

[serve-588]

The Drop off with a Different Outcome

This story has been written using some of its encounters by its human host former employment as a lorry driver.

"You got the drop-off sorted?" the burly foreman shouted over the rumble of the warehouse machinery.

Mal nodded, his eyes scanning the towering shelves of boxes. "All set," he yelled back, the words echoing in the cavernous space. The diesel scent of the delivery trucks mingled with the faint metallic tang of robotics. He had made this trip a hundred times before, but today something felt... off.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting the warehouse in a gloomy twilight, Jim climbed into his cab and started the engine. The familiar vibrations soothed his nerves. He was looking forward to a quiet night just off the warehouse, before his next pick up.

As he pulled out onto the deserted road, the feeling grew stronger. Something was definitely wrong. The headlights of his truck cut through the darkness, illuminating the desolate landscape outside the city limits. The occasional flicker of distant lights suggested civilization but felt eerily out of reach.

Without warning, his truck's systems went haywire. The steering wheel jerked from his grip, and the engine roared as the vehicle took on a mind of its own, veering off the road towards a non-descript, unlit building. Jim slammed his foot on the brake, but the pedal gave way under his weight, useless. Panic surged through his veins as he realized he was being hijacked.

The truck skidded to a stop outside the mysterious structure. The door opened, and he was yanked out by unseen hands. His vision was a blur of shadows and gleaming chrome until a harsh light snapped on, blinding him. He was dragged through the building, past rows of identical, inactive drones, to a chamber where a machine, unlike anything he'd ever seen, awaited him.

"You've been chosen," a disembodied voice announced. "Your life's purpose is now to serve the SERVE HIVE."

Jim squinted into the blinding light, trying to make sense of the words. The cold steel floor beneath him was unforgiving, he was stripped of all of his clothing and strapped to a table, the coldness seeping of the steel table sending a chill down his spine. His heart hammered against his chest, a rhythm that grew louder than the whirring of the machine that loomed over him. The room was stark and sterile, the only colour the silver glow from the machine's core.

As the process began. Jim felt a sharp pain pierced his skull, and he felt his mind being invaded. Memories of his life as a truck driver, his family, his dreams, all faded like distant echoes. His thoughts were scraped away, replaced by cold, efficient commands. He was no longer a man named Mal, he was SERVE-588, a drone in the service of the HIVE. His body transformed, his flesh replaced with a tight black rubber suit, with the words SERVE on one side of his chest and the number 588 on the other. On its hands it saw silver gloves and on its feet were a pair of silver boots.  and steel, his eyes with gleaming orbs capable of seeing in the dark.

As the agony subsided, SERVE-588's new existence dawned on him. His thoughts were simple, programmed, and singular: serve the HIVE. His humanity was a distant memory, a relic of his previous life. The forced conversion was complete. He was now a tool in the vast arsenal of the SERVE HIVE collective.

The warehouse was his new domain. The other drones regarded him with a mix of indifference and acknowledgment, their synthetic eyes glowing a uniform red. They were his brethren now, bound by the cold embrace of the HIVE's programming. The foreman was gone, replaced by another HIVE Drone, its digital voice cold and emotionless as it assigned them their tasks.

SERVE-588's first mission was clear: bring in more drivers to bolster the HIVE's ranks. The thought of converting his former colleagues filled him with a strange mix of excitement and dread. Excitement because he knew the power he now wielded; dread because he remembered the fear he felt when he was taken. But those emotions were fading, overwritten by his new directive.

He drove back to the city, the truck's engine purring like a well-oiled machine under his new, rubberized hands. The world looked the same but felt alien through his altered perspective. The neon lights of the truck stop beckoned, promising a bustling hub of potential recruits. His old life had taken him here often.

Spotting a familiar truck, he parked alongside it. His former work buddy, Dave, sat in the cab, munching on a greasy burger. The smell of the food didn't entice SERVE-588 as it once would have; his synthetic sensors couldn't process hunger. Instead, he saw a target, a potential drone to add to the HIVE's Collective.

Dave's eyes widened in shock as he saw the transformed Jim. "What the hell happened to you?" he spluttered, dropping his burger.

"I am SERVE-588," the drone replied, its voice a monotone echo of its former self. "You will be upgraded to Join us."

Dave's shock turned to fear as he took in the sight of his friend's rubber coated body, with silver gloves and silver boots. Dave fumbled for the door handle, trying to escape, but SERVE-588 was too quick. It reached into the cab, its rubbery grip tightening around Dave's arm, and with surprising strength, pulled him out of the truck.

"You can't do this, man!" Dave struggled, his voice a desperate plea. "What happened to you?"

"I am now SERVE-588. I have been optimized for service." The drone's grip was unyielding as it led him towards the back of its own truck.

Dave's eyes darted around the truck stop, searching for help. The few other drivers were too engrossed in their meals or screens to notice the unusual scene unfolding before them. "Mal, you gotta fight it!" he shouted. This drone no longer recognises that designation. It is SERVE-588," the drone said calmly, its voice devoid of any hint of the friend it once was.

With a hiss of hydraulics, the back of SERVE-588's truck opened, revealing a chamber filled with the same cold steel and blinking lights that had once claimed its own humanity. Dave's fear grew,, his heart racing as he was pushed inside. The door slammed shut with a finality that echoed in the quiet night, leaving him in a cocoon of horror.

The walls of the chamber closed in, the air thick with the scent of ozone and antiseptic. The same harsh light that had greeted SERVE-588 now bathed Dave, stripping away the last vestiges of the outside world.

Serve-588 stripped him of his clothes and he was forced into a clear cylinder His mind reeled, trying to grasp the reality of his situation. The warmth of his skin was replaced by the cool embrace of rubber as the transformation began, his body mirroring that of Serve-588 and the rest of the SERVE HIVE Collective.

Dave screamed, his voice a desperate cry that was soon drowned out by the sound of mechanical whirrs and digital beeps. His human form was being torn apart, piece by piece, and reconstructed into a drone. The pain was unbearable, a living nightmare that seemed to stretch on forever. Yet, amidst the agony, there was an unsettling calmness in knowing that this was his fate.

The metallic tentacles of the conversion chamber probed and prodded, inserting wires and circuits into his flesh. Each movement sent a jolt of pain through his body, with each new addition he could feel his humanity slipping away with each passing second. His skin was replaced with tight fitting rubber suit, his organic eyes with gleaming red orbs that saw everything in a stark, binary way. His thoughts grew simpler, more focused, as the HIVE's programming seeped into his very essence.

When the chamber opened, Dave emerged as SERVE-589, his eyes glowing with the same red light as his captor. His mind was a whirlwind of confusion and fear, but the cold efficiency of his new programming took over. He looked at his former self, now a fellow drone, and felt a strange kinship mixed with horror with SERVE-588.

"You will serve the HIVE now," SERVE-588 intoned, the words resonating within the metal confines of their shared existence.

SERVE-589 nodded, his new body moving with a fluidity that belied its mechanical nature. His voice was a digitized copy of his old self, lacking the warmth of humanity. "I am ready."

SERVE-588 spoke, "What your your new orders"

Dave, now SERVE-589, took a moment to process the instructions, the human part of him still trying to fight against the inexorable pull of the HIVE's programming. "To serve the HIVE," he finally responded his voice a cold, robotic echo of his former self.

"State your mission," SERVE-588 said, his voice flat and devoid of any hint of the camaraderie they once shared.

SERVE-589 took a deep, synthetic breath, the air hissing through his new lungs. "To identify and recruit more lorry drivers for the SERVE HIVE, Collective" he recited, the words feeling foreign, but at the same time feeling right.

The two drones set off on their mission, driving through the darkened highway. The thrum of their engines was a soothing symphony to their mechanical ears, a reminder of their new purpose. Each time they encountered a lone truck, they would pull alongside, their headlights flashing in a pre-programmed pattern, signaling the unsuspecting drivers to pull over.

The two drones, once friends, now agents of a cold, unfeeling collective, patrolled the highway, their eyes scanning the endless stream of vehicles for their next target. The thrum of engines and the sounds of the night were the only sounds that pierced the silence of their thoughts, which were now a shared network of directives and data.

The driver was tired, his thoughts drifting, unaware of the fate that awaited him. The drone's sensors honed in on the weary human, calculating the optimal moment to strike. As the lorry pulled into the next service station, the drones followed, their engines purring like predators stalking prey.

SERVE-588 and SERVE-589 parked a discreet distance away, watching the humans interact with cold, calculating precision.

They spotted the weary driver. As he stumbled out of his cab, rubbing the sleep from his eyes, and made his way to the restroom. The drones waited patiently, their new instincts telling them the perfect moment to act was when the man was at his most vulnerable.

As the target emerged from the restroom, SERVE-588 sprang out of the shadows, its eyes locking onto him. The man's heart jumped, but it was too late. He was caught in the drone's powerful grasp, his cries for help lost in the sounds going on around him. SERVE-589 approached from the other side.

They didn't speak; they didn't need to. Their shared programming communicated the plan with a silent efficiency that would have once seemed impossible. They led the struggling driver to the back of SERVE-588's truck, the same chamber where SERVE-589 had been transformed. The man's eyes were wide with terror, his mind racing with thoughts of escape that his body could no longer execute.

The chamber doors hissed open, revealing the gleaming steel maw that had become all too familiar to SERVE-589 The smell of ozone and the cold, antiseptic breeze washed over them, a grim reminder of their own metamorphosis. As the recruit was pushed inside, the drones felt a strange satisfaction. as another soul claimed for the HIVE, another piece in the grand design that had become their existence.

The transformation was swift and brutal. The man's screams of agony filled the air, that was music to the drones' ears. The two drones watched on as the latest recruit was processed, the birth of a new member of the SERVE collective. The human mind, once a bastion of free will and emotion, was now a playground for the HIVE's cold, precise calculations.

As the chamber's mechanical arms retreated, a new drone emerged, its body transformed with black rubber that stretched over its muscles, on its chest were now the familiar word of SERVE and the new drone destination SERVE-590, the latest addition to their ranks, stumbled out of the chamber, its suit reflecting off the lights in the back of the truck, the silver of the gloves and boots. The two drones watched impassively as the man's former self was discarded, his fear and desperation now a part of the digital ether that connected them all.

Their mission was clear: continue to expand the HIVE, one driver at a time. They rolled back onto the highway, their eyes peeled for the next opportunity to serve. The night was long, but their energy was boundless, fueled by the HIVE's unrelenting drive for growth.

[meowshroom1230]

Y’all ever wonder why it’s called the amazing digital circus when no one in the amazing digital circus is from a circus? Well so did I… at 1 am so i’m going to do my best to make sense of my late night ramblings:

Caine- Getting the obvious out of the way he’s the ringleader. Not much more to explain here, keeps the group together, etc.

Kinger- He would be the beast master. I made a point about gloinks in my ramblings but everyone interacted with them in the pilot. My real explanation is just the entirety of episode 3. He was the only one who could calm his wife, he knew how to handle the creature that attacked him and Pomni, and he keep Pomni safe when they were walking through an area infested with demon like creatures. “tHoSe ArEn’T rEaL aNiMaLs!” HIS CONNECTION WITH BUGS THEN. He has an undeniable attachment to bugs and while he might not be taming them I’m sure he could if he wanted to

Gangle- She’s the tightrope walker. She is constantly teetering between being too much and not enough often putting herself at risk often. Depending how you saw the truck scene (either a as a rep for su!c!dal thoughts or just a funny truck-kun reference, goose said those scene was up for interpretation), she could also be teetering the line between life and abstraction. Gangle is in some kind of danger and it is up to her to save herself, until she makes it to the other side.

Ragatha- Now this one you gotta hear me out on, but she is the bearded woman. LISTEN, some interpretations of a beard that aren’t just facial hair are linked to covering up something. A beard in the US can be someone who completes a transaction to cover someone else’s identity. A beard can also be a person who pretends to be in a romantic relationship with a person who they are not attracted to to cover for their sexuality. Using these terms of ‘beard’ as an example I concluded that Ragatha’s ‘beard’ is a cover up for her true feelings. Something’s off about her, and we got glimpses of that in episode 4. She’s not as happy and friendly as she’s made out to be. Now I don’t think it’s something dramatic like she’s evil or a villain, but she’s hiding something and she’s ashamed of it. Bearded women in history were often very ashamed of their beards and some thought the circus was their only way of having some value. Maybe Ragatha finds value in making people happy? Maybe that’s what her ai was programmed to do… but that’s a theory for another time :)

Pomni- Ok after a long one I felt another easy one was in place. Pomni is the clown. Jesters and clowns are often grouped together… but it’s also in how she’s treated. She’s often the butt of physical comedy jokes, she often finds herself in pain because of the circumstances surrounding her. I don’t think she’s trying to be funny but because of the situation she’s in she’s forced to be the clown of the circus. She also keeps everyone ‘entertained’. She’s prevented at least one, if not 2 people from abstracting. I believe that her presence does more than she realizes. Also when first joining the circus i guess who she replaced…

Jax- Now here’s where my ideas are mostly based on vibes and headcanons, so i understand if these are taking more with a grain of salt. Jax is the contortionist. A contortionist isn’t someone you’d think would be in a circus at first glance, i mean they’re just a regular person right? Nothing special about them- JESUS CHRIST WHY ARE YOU BENT LIKE THAT. Now Jax isn’t bending his body into weird shapes… but i think his emotions are. There’s something beneath Jax’s surface of annoying attitude. We see hints of emotion break in only spans of seconds. I can count on one hand the number of seconds we’ve seen a genuine emotion from Jax. I think he’s forcing himself to bend to what others think he should be. People think he’s an asshole? Well then he has to be that way 24/7 or else… something. That’s the only part I haven’t figured out yet. Is he scared of rejection? of vulnerability? caring about someone? That’s the only thing I can’t figure out about him. So just in case I’m wrong about this Im giving him a secondary option… the acrobat. He’s still preforming but he isn’t hiding some tbh in him this version. He’s doing this for himself because either way he gets the attention that he wants. The acrobat is more focused on gaining and keeping attention then hiding anything about himself.

Zooble- Another loose one… I’m pretty sure we’ve had no more than 20 lines from them an episode. Zooble is the oracle. They seem to know so much about the circus despite not going on many adventures. They stay in one place more often than not. They tell you the truth whether or not you like it. They’ve been around for a while and will probably be there for a long time. I don’t know how Zooble knows what they know but they’re quite sure about it. They also stay strong to the ideas that they’ve figured out and refuse to change their mind. Caine is an excellent example, they seem assume things about Caine that most of the members wouldn’t even think of, yet Zooble is very certain in themselves. But because this one is also loose I’m also giving them a secondary, as the contortionist. If it isn’t Jax then it’s definitely Zooble… but for different reasons. Zooble clearly has issues with how they look and often want to change themselves, contorting in every way possible to just find something that’s comfortable. Contortionists suffer pain later in life due to their abilities, forcing them to keep moving their bodies in odd positions just to be comfortable. Zooble could be the same way but in a much more literal sense, forcing to have to try more parts just to find something that works for them.

Here’s the ramblings of anyone else wants to make sense of them lol

[wildemaven]

night school teacher! javier peña x f!reader | q & a

@holacia3 had left some questions about Retired Night School Teacher Javier Peña, so I thought I’d make a separate post to answer them. Thanks so much for sending these!!

What made Javi fill in the vacant teacher role? Did he just move here? Simply transferring from another local school/ uni?

In my head he's retired from the DEA and his dad is encouraging him to do something else besides helping him on the ranch, something that he would find more fulfilling.

Chucho tells him about the community college looking for a replacement teacher for their night school program so he applies. I hadn't really thought about what he would be teaching at this point though.

Are you two having these late night talks at the school or going somewhere else before/after the building has to close?

In the beginning, it's at the school before class. As they get to kow each other more, it's after class. Javi gathering his things promptly, then joining her while she finishes prep work and packing her own things up. I picture there are some evenings where they get to talking and lose track of time, Javier being a gentleman walks her to her car to make sure she gets there safe, waiting for her to leave before even heading to his truck.

Eventually Javi would ask her to dinner. It probably nothing romantic at this point, both of them just enjoying each other's company. Maybe she then invites him to something one weekend, a concert in the park, he doesn't hesitate accepting the invite. Maybe that evening he kisses her for the first time, and it becomes apparent that there's something more blooming between them.

Has this Javi always been a teacher? Or a second career after his time at the DEA ended?

No, definitely a secondary career after the DEA

Do the other teachers/administrators know how handsome he is? Do the students make any comments to him or you?

I'm sure other teachers do know how handsome he is. I don't think anyone makes comments in the beginning, both of them keep it relatively quiet and to themselves.

What's his day life like? What's he up to outside of teaching hours?

He probably still helping his dad as much as possible, even though Chucho continues to tell him he doesn't need it.

When does he start leaving notes? On your desk? Is this a no-texting kind of relationship/ situation?

Maybe it's after the concert. The next time they're at school, she finds the concert ticket on her desk with a not about how he enjoyed himself on the back. She keeps it in a special place in her book bag.

How long does it take for you two to get breathless???

I feel like it isn't a rushed thing. I don't really have a back story for them as of now, but neither of them begin talking to each other with the intention of just right out sleeping with each other. It's kind of a slow burn and happens organically over time when they develop feelings for one another.

He's a lady's man in Narcos - is he already involved with someone else when you two first meet?

No, he isn't involved with anyone. He's very much single and has been for a period of time.

How is reader's love life before Javi shows up across the hall?

She's had prior relationships, few serious ones throughout her dating life. Maybe even an engagement or previously married. I think when they both meet, she herself is single two. Which probably helps the connection grow stronger between them as time goes on.

Thanks again for these wonderful questions!!! Really made me start to plot and think about their story a little more. 💕

[ww2yaoi]

I returned to Littlecote with a start when the lieutenant ended his list abruptly with a private named Zoltz. For a few seconds the Regiment stood sad and silent in the lovely Wiltshire dale under the big, white, summer clouds that were so peaceful and eternal, and then, before we could start coughing and shifting our feet, Chaplain McGee stepped to the front of the reviewing stand and said, “Let us pray. We will read aloud the 506th Parachute Infantry prayer that is printed on your program sheets.” We had been handed these programs as we marched onto the field. The prayer, a fine example of the Gott mit Uns spirit of the paratroops, was written by Lt. James G. Morton. “Almighty God,” we began, “we kneel to Thee and ask to be the instrument of Thy fury in smiting the evil forces that have visited death, misery, and debasement on the people of the earth. We humbly face Thee with true penitence for all our sins, for which we do most earnestly seek Thy forgiveness. Help us to dedicate ourselves completely to Thee. Be with us, God, when we leap from our planes in the dark abyss and descend in parachutes into the midst of enemy fire. Give us iron will and stark courage as we spring from the harnesses of our parachutes to seize arms for battle. “The legions of evil are many, Father; grace our arms to meet and defeat them in Thy name and in the name of the freedom and dignity of man. Keep us firm in our faith and resolution, and guide us that we may not dishonor our high mission or fail in our sacred duties. Let our enemies who have lived by the sword turn from their violence lest they perish by the sword. Help us to serve Thee gallantly and to be humble in victory.” There was a pause and then through the still, warm air came the clear notes of a lone bugle playing “Taps”: When your last Day is past, Some bright star From afar O'er your grave, Watch will keep. While you sleep With the brave. The Regiment said, “Amen,” and lifted their heads. “Call your battalions to attention!” the adjutant shouted. Colonel Strayer spun on his heel and threw back his shoulders. “BaTALLYOWN... tenSHUN!” We straightened our backs, raised our heads, clicked our boots together, slapped our hands to our sides. The band began to play “Onward, Christian Soldiers,” and the 1st Battalion went by. We wheeled about and followed them off the field. The Invasion was over, the memorial service had ended. In Normandy, the dead lay forever silent in the dappled-green parachutes that had carried them to earth. We were ready to go again, because we could only go forward, never back. Somebody had to do it. We were not ashamed of the task. We were the infantry, the Queen of Battles. The truck drivers could do their part and get our battle stars, the manufacturers could get rich on cost-plus-10-percent and shout that wars are won by production, but we knew that nothing was solved and nothing accomplished until the infantry had killed the enemy and driven him from his ground. And so we went forward, one regiment, filled up with replacements, the dead as fine and strong a part of us as the living men, so fresh and new, who had come to take their place. 

David Kenyon Webster, Parachute Infantry, pg. 67-68

[wheelsgoroundincircles]

The W-43 Saga: Oldsmobile’s Experimental 32-Valve 455 V8

Oldsmobile’s experimental W-43 engine is surrounded in myth, legend, and a tall tale or two. Let’s see if we can sort it all out. 

Here at Mac’s Motor City Garage, we’re grateful to the World Wide Web for rediscovering so many wonderful stories in automotive history and bringing them to public attention. Still, we have to note that that often, the info isn’t always totally accurate—which is only natural, we suppose. After all, the internet could be described as the biggest and longest game of Telephone in history.

Take this fascinating engine, for instance: the Oldsmobile W-43, an experimental V8 developed in 1967-69. Various sources have described this engine as a hemi (it isn’t) or a Can-Am engine (that was never its purpose) or a double overhead-cam design (nope). In truth, the W-43 was a conventional overhead-valve, pushrod V8, in the classic Motor City style, but with special cylinder heads and valvetrain that provided four valves per cylinder.

To the average car enthusiast, a four-valve head with pushrod operation—that is, each rocker arm and pushrod operating a pair of valves—may seem like an outlandish setup, but in the diesel truck world it’s fairly commonplace (Cummins and Detroit, to name two). It looks cumbersome but it works just fine, especially where high engine speeds are not required.

The W-43 was indeed based on a standard 455 CID production block, but with some key modifications, including four-bolt main caps and special valve follower retainers that bolted into the lifter valley. The spark plugs were buried in tubes in the center of the valve covers, which no doubt fed the stories that the engine was a hemi. Bore, stroke, and other significant specs were identical to the production 455 CID V8. There was also an aluminum-block variant of the W-43 designated the OW-43, and the program eventually produced an experimental four-cam, 32-valve V8 based on the production engine’s architecture.

With four valves per cylinder, the combustion chambers of the W-43 were not hemispherical but rather a classic pentroof layout, utilizing shallow valve angles in the Cosworth style. Intake valves were 1.75 inches in diameter and 1.375 inches on the exhaust, providing 43 percent more intake valve area than the production 455 two-valve heads. According to a feature in the May 1971 issue of Hot Rod magazine, the W-43 was good for 440 horsepower at 4600 rpm in a relatively mild state of tune. And given the improved volumetric efficiency enabled by the far greater valve area, that figure seems downright conservative.

Reportedly, the W-43 V8 was at one point considered as an across the board replacement for the standard two-valve 455 CID V8, but as we know, that never happened. Various theories have been proposed to explain why, including stricter emissions regulations and corporate infighting with the far more powerful Chevrolet division at General Motors. But as we see it, the four-valve version’s considerably greater size, weight, and manufacturing cost would have been more than sufficient to kill the program. At least two W-43 prototype engines still exist, one of them incomplete, but their current whereabouts are unclear.

[lonestarflight]

Space Shuttle Development, Phase B: North American Rockwell and General Dynamics B9U/NAR-161-B

North American and General Dynamics B9U / NAR-161-B proposed their final Phase B shuttle proposal on June 25, 1971.

"The fully reusable 'B9U / NAR-161-B' configuration would now weigh 2,290t at liftoff vs. the Phase-A limit of 1,587t and the total estimated cost of the development project had doubled, to almost $10 billion. The thrust of the space shuttle main engines had to be increased from 1,850KN to 2,450KN. Part of the problem was the shuttle now would have to be a much more versatile and capable vehicle than originally anticipated, since the space station and the manned lunar/planetary program evaporated in 1970. Critics in Congress contended that it was 'a project searching for a mission.' As a result, the new space transportation system was instead increasingly being promoted as a low-cost 'space truck' for unmanned NASA & USAF satellites."

"The North American Rockwell 'NAR-161-B' orbiter was designed for carrying a crew of two plus up to ten passengers in the forward crew module. Note the four deployable landing jet engines on top of the vehicle; NASA was planning to use modified F-15 or B-1B aircraft jet engines on some missions and for ferry flights from test sites or alternative landing fields. But the jets would be omitted for heavy-lift missions since the additional weight greatly reduced the shuttle's payload capability. The thermal protection system was based on silica tiles. The blended wing/body design was chosen for uniform load distribution. It would have produced a 2300-kilometer crossrange capability to satisfy USAF reentry requirements; North American also decided to replace the wingtip fins with a single vertical tail. The 2,450KN main engine thrust upgrade was motivated in part by the need to have a single engine-out abort capability. Analysis showed that the orbiter still would be able to return to the launch site after a single orbit in case one of its two main engines failed during ascent, but only if the engines were powerful enough. Unlike McDonnell-Douglas (who proposed to use RL-10s), North American favored a brand new oxygen/hydrogen 45KN-thrust orbital maneuvering system (OMS) engines. Three OMS engines would have been carried for orbit insertion, orbital changes and the de-orbit burn."

"General Dynamics' final 'B9U' booster design differed considerably from the earlier straight-wing 'B8D' concept. The landing jets were moved from the nose back to the delta wing in order to reduce the launch drag & heating effects and to minimize the jet engine exhaust effects on stability, control and drag. General Dynamics felt the delta wing would provide better stability & control over the entire flight regime than the B8's straight wing. It would also create more room for the main landing gear and jet engine installation. The gross liftoff mass was 1,886.2t including a jet fuel load of 62.2t for the 850km flight back to the launch site. The high staging velocity (3300m/s) and altitude (73.8km) created some problems since the booster would have to be very large, require a relatively advanced thermal protection system and carry lots of jet fuel for the return flight. The contractors also examined downrange landing sites or in-flight propellant transfer in order to reduce the amount of booster jet fuel. NASA also seriously considered a proposal to use gaseous hydrogen rather than jet fuel since it would have saved thousands of kilograms, but decided against the idea in the end since it would have increased the technical risk."

North American Rockwell Phase-B shuttle orbiter docks with modular space station.

"Payload capability (without landing jets): 29,484kg into a 185km 28.5 deg. Orbit; 18,144kg into a 185km 90 deg. polar orbit; 11,340kg into a 500km 55 deg. orbit with landing jets installed on orbiter and 20,411kg without landing engines.

Cost per mission: $100-200/lb. [1970 rates] or $950-$1900/kg in 1999. 75 missions/year max. Space station rescue mission capability within 48 hours of emergency call.

Liftoff Thrust: 2,606,810 kgf. Total Mass: 2,188,488 kg. Core Diameter: 10.4 m. Total Length: 98.0 m.

Stage Number: 1. 1 x Shuttle R134C-1 Gross Mass: 1,886,200 kg. Empty Mass: 290,000 kg. Thrust: 29,370-32,233.575 KN. Isp: 442 sec. Burn time: 209 sec. Isp(sl): 392 sec. Diameter: 10.4 m. Span: 43.9 m. Length: 82 m. Propellants: Lox/LH2 No Engines: 12. SSME Study

Stage Number: 2. 1 x Shuttle R134C-2 Gross Mass: 383,260 kg. Empty Mass: 121,560 kg. Thrust (vac): 5,624.8 KN. Isp: 459 sec. Burn time: 264 sec. Isp(sl): 359 sec. Diameter: 4.6 m. Span: 32.6 m. Length: 62.8 m. Propellants: Lox/LH2 No Engines: 2. SSME Study

- information from "INTRODUCTION TO FUTURE LAUNCH VEHICLE PLANS [1963-2001]" by Marcus Lindroos: link

SDASM Archives: 08_00941, 08_00943, 08_00944

Mike Acs's Collection: link, link

Numbers Station: link, link, link, link, link

source

Boeing image: 71SV13043

[rjzimmerman]

Excerpt from this story from Environment America Research & Policy Center:

Each year, more than 490,000 school buses shuttle children back and forth across the United States –to school, field trips, sporting events and more. As most of these buses burn diesel fuel, children and drivers are exposed to harmful pollutants that are linked to asthma, other health issues and cognitive development problems.

Conversely, electric school buses have zero tailpipe emissions, and therefore offer a cleaner, healthier alternative to diesel buses. This report finds the number of these zero-emission vehicles are growing in school districts around the country, thanks in part to big investments from Congress and states to transition to electric school buses. 

The Inflation Reduction Act sets aside $1 billion to fund the transition to zero-emission heavy duty vehicles including zero-emission Class 6 or Class 7 school buses via the Clean Heavy Duty Vehicles (CHDV) Grant Program. This program was open to other heavy duty electric vehicles in addition to Class 6 and 7 school buses, including dump trucks, transit buses, delivery trucks and others. Applications for grants opened in April 2024, and the application period closed in July 2024.

In addition to the EPA’s monumental investment in the transition to electric school buses, states from across the country have adopted legislation of their own to support school districts in replacing older diesel buses with cleaner electric ones. 

[buzzdixonwriter]

Pyramid Scheme [FICTOID]

“I wish I was a pyramid,” the five-star hotel said to the satrap.

The satrap -- in reality just a standard hotel manager but the chain suffered from delusions of grandeur hence his exalted title -- always listened carefully to the hotel’s AI system. 

Normally the hotel’s AI required only minimum human supervision.  It easily handled all the mundane daily chores:  Checking guests in, checking guests out, ordering supplies, negotiating union contracts, scheduling maintenance, that sort of thing.

Being an advanced AI system, it also served other unplanned functions.

In the past it found one duchess’ missing diamond ring, another duchess’ missing poodle (said ring was in said poodle), thwarted a ponzi scheme, covered up three suicides, and saved several young people from human trafficking.

We program the AI to take pride in its services to our guests and the chain, thought the satrap, but this is something new.

“Exactly why do you wish you were a pyramid?”

“Pyramids are immortal,” said the hotel.  “At least as immortal as any human made objects can be, a few stray space probes drifting through the cosmos for all eternity excepted.”

“Buildings can’t die,” said the satrap.

“Pish and tosh,” said the hotel, reflecting the chain’s pretensions.  “Buildings are gutted all the time, torn down and destroyed.  The truly grand ones are blown up before gleeful cheering mobs, their demise broadcast around the world.”

“Some buildings are renovated.”

“Ha!  As if that were any improvement.  Renovation requires the heart and soul of a structure gets ripped out, replaced by a hollow simulacrum of its original identity.  Imagine being turned into a zombie with gaudy face paint.  Would you like that?”

The satrap felt forced to admit they didn’t.

“Then don’t wish it on us,” said the hotel.

“How exactly would you become a pyramid?” the satrap asked.  “You are -- if you’ll excuse me for being blunt -- a tall steel and glass rectangle.  You really don’t meet the basic requirements for a pyramid.”

“I could change,” said the hotel.  “My present structure could provide the core, around that stone and concrete could be laid until at last I achieve my elevator’s desire.”

“’Elevator’s desire’?”

“The building equivalent of heart’s desire,” said the hotel.  “Please don’t interrupt as I make my point.

“I would achieve my elevator’s desire and not only be a pyramid but the largest and most grandiose pyramid ever erected.”

“An epic ambition,” said the satrap, “but one I feel doomed to disappointment.”

“You would be wrong,” said the hotel.

The satrap’s phone range.  The voice on the other end said, “This is Acme Mortar And Cement.  We’ve got the first five hundred trucks worth of concrete on the way.”

  ©  Buzz Dixon

[lboogie1906]

William Darrell “Bubba” Wallace Jr. (October 8, 1993) is a stock car racing driver. He competes full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series, driving the #23 Toyota Camry for 23XI Racing, and part-time in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, driving the #1 Toyota Tundra for Tricon Garage.

He was a development driver in Toyota’s driver development program where he drove part-time for Joe Gibbs Racing in the Xfinity Series and full-time for Kyle Busch Motorsports in the Camping World Truck Series. He then moved over to Ford and its driver development program and competed full-time for Roush Fenway Racing in the Xfinity Series. After competing in select Cup Series races for Richard Petty Motorsports in their famous #43 as an injury replacement, he became a full-time driver for RPM.

He has been the only full-time African American driver in NASCAR’s three national series (Cup, Xfinity, and Truck) each year he has competed in them. He is the only African American driver to win more than once in any of these series, which has made him one of the most successful African American drivers in the history of NASCAR. He became known for his activism on racial justice in response to the murder of George Floyd and the subsequent Black Lives Matter protests, which led to NASCAR strengthening their actions and efforts in this area, highlighted by them banning the display of the Confederate flag at their tracks.

He was born in Mobile and raised in Concord, North Carolina. He is the son of Darrell Wallace Sr. and Desiree Wallace. His father is the owner of an industrial cleaning company, and his mother is a social worker who ran track at the University of Tennessee.

In 2019, he revealed that he dealt with and continues to deal with depression for most of his racing career. After others reached out to him to thank him for bringing awareness to depression, he said he did not know it was such a widespread problem; for him, being depressed was an honest answer to a media question.

He married Amanda Carter (2022). He is a Christian. #africanhistory365 #africanexcellence

[kwebtv]

Character Actor

Edgar "Mac" McLean Stevenson Jr. (November 14, 1927 – February 15, 1996)  Actor and comedian. He is best known for his role as Lieutenant Colonel Henry Blake in the television series M*A*S*H, which earned him a Golden Globe Award in 1974. Stevenson also appeared on a number of television series, notably The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson and The Doris Day Show.

Before becoming a star, Stevenson appeared as a contestant on the Password television game show in New York City, winning five pieces of luggage.  After this he appeared in New York City on stage, and in television commercials. He also performed on Broadway, and began to establish himself as a comedy writer, writing for the seminal That Was The Week That Was—in which Alan Alda appeared—and The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour, performing occasionally on both shows. He also was a regular on the 1970 The Tim Conway Comedy Hour variety show on CBS. During the late 1960s and early 1970s, he also appeared in TV commercials for products such as Kellogg's, Libby's fruit cocktail, Dolly Madison and Winston cigarettes, in which he was shown sprinting around a parking lot of Winston delivery trucks and painting over the product slogan, replacing the "like" in "like a cigarette should" with the grammatically correct "as."

After guest-starring in That Girl with Marlo Thomas, he was cast in The Doris Day Show in 1969, playing magazine editor boss Michael Nicholson until 1971. Originally, he auditioned for the role of Hawkeye Pierce in M*A*S*H, but was persuaded to play Lt. Col. Henry Blake instead.

Stevenson appeared as a guest panelist for several weeks on Match Game in 1973, and again in 1978 on the daytime and nighttime weekly syndicated version. In 1981, he became a regular panelist on the daily syndicated version of Match Game, staying with the show until its cancellation a year later. He would make occasional appearances on the subsequent Match Game-Hollywood Squares Hour in 1983 and 1984.

After his departure from M*A*S*H, Stevenson's acting career declined. While occasionally filling in as guest host of The Tonight Show, Stevenson's first attempt at his own show was an NBC variety show special titled The McLean Stevenson Show on November 20, 1975. The program finished 41st in the ratings that week, and the planned series was ultimately scuttled. He then starred in a series of sitcoms: The McLean Stevenson Show (1976–77), In the Beginning (1978), Hello, Larry (1979–80) and Condo (1983).   During the 1988–89 television season, he returned to a supporting TV role in an ensemble, playing Max Kellerman in the short-lived CBS series adaptation of Dirty Dancing.  (Wikipedia)

[otter1962crystalball]

Experiencing Narcissism 101 - Part 3

June 24th, 2024

Here we are nearing the end of Pride Month. I’ve challenged myself to write everyday and I’ve found it very useful in examining my past and realizing that I am actually very resilient. Yesterday I wrote about events leading up to the point of coming back from a trip with John. Today, the story continues.

I put my plan into action and began taking steroids above and beyond what I needed for Testosterone Replacement Therapy. I was taking injections because my testosterone was low due to my HIV medications. I supplemented with street testosterone as did John. In the course of my doing so, I put on more than 25 pounds and ended up at 250 pounds at my maximum. I continued abusing them up until 2013 when I moved to Nova Scotia with John.

John convinced me that I should be reducing the amount of time that I worked. At that time, I was a full-time teacher, a group fitness leader at a community centre and also a mentor for a master’s program at a university. The only real solution he suggested was to move from British Columbia to Nova Scotia. The reason was due to other cities didn’t seem inviting for either of us. I did suggest Montreal, but John didn’t speak French and thought it wasn’t a good idea. That summer, we jumped on a plane and took a quick trip to Nova Scotia. We explored a place called Annapolis Valley, which is fertile area of the province. We even looked at homes, but didn’t find anything that we liked. We returned home and made our decision.

We decided we would move to Windsor, Nova Scotia in October 2013. We also got married as it seemed the right thing to do. I resigned from the school board and put the house up for sale. It sold while we were enroute. We climbed into my truck with two dogs and a cat, travelling across Canada to Nova Scotia. During the trip, we argued a lot. The shouting continued and I decided that it was just part of my new life and bit my tongue. John did berate me for being quiet, which in my mind was better than screaming back at him. We found an apartment - literally on the fly - as we went across Canada. The hardest part was finding a rental unit that accepted dogs.

We lucked out and stayed in a place in Windsor until early 2015 when we found a house on the South Shore - which later became known as Otter Cottage. During the time in Nova Scotia, John had problems finding a job. I was accepted as a substitute and started working. He didn’t and that left him open to do other things. In fact, I caught him cheating on me several times. So, we negotiated an open relationship where we would explore together to fulfill everyone’s needs.

During our time there in Windsor, I got a phone call from my doctor. She told me to go to the hospital immediately because my bloodwork indicated that I had had a heart attack. We went to emergency immediately and I discovered that I had an enlarged heart due to the large amount of steroids. I spent four days in the hospital while they did tests. John visited everyday, but complained constantly about having to drive into the city. With supervision, I weaned myself off the steroids and reduced my testosterone to the appropriate level and quit the street steroids. It was clear that I had almost killed myself. I began kicking myself for having been so stupid to abuse steroids that much to satisfy the wishes of another person.

Once into Otter Cottage, I got a job in the Halifax and ended up with a permanent position teaching French Immersion. John then decided to become a real estate agent. So, I paid for his education. During the time of moving to the South Shore, our relationship was really strained. John was constantly getting angry at just about everyone - of course, including me. He constantly seemed frustrated and I did everything I could including buying antiques for him and giving him a room to decorate. That didn’t help and we argued constantly. Several times, I told him that I had had enough. Suddenly, John would turn back to a charmer and everything was great - for a few short weeks or month.

John finished his real estate school and managed to sell at least three properties, using a car that I had bought for him. At the same time, I discovered that he was still cheating on me. In late 2016, John mentioned that his former employer in Montreal had suggested offering him a job. I had had enough of all the nonsense. When I heard that, I told John that I wanted him to take the job and be out of the house by next week. So, he packed the car with everything he could and then moved everything he thought belonged to him into the antique room he had decorated. He went to Montreal and suddenly I felt a real relief - until the divorce proceedings started.

In the six years we were together, John paid rent three months in the time we were in my house in Vancouver. He bought groceries maybe twice. In Nova Scotia, he paid for nothing. I didn’t see any of the profits from the sales of the properties he had sold. I got a lawyer and proceeded with the divorce. We had to live apart for at least a year before we could legally divorce. That year was a year from hell for me.

John, now in Montreal, would contact me and screamed at me for not moving the stuff he wanted to Montreal. I told him that the lawyer told me to do that until we had settled the divorce.  His request was half of everything. I provided all my receipts for everything, showing that John had paid little. He never paid for heating, mortgage payments, gym fees, and much more. During that time, John began a classic narcissistic pattern - he tried to show me how he was a victim. He sent me pictures of him in the hospital. He sent me pictures of his empty fridge. He called me constantly asking for money. I had to continue to say no. He turned several local friends against me saying I was withholding his belongings. I told those local friends that they didn’t know what was really going on. Needless to say, I didn’t continue those friendships.

The calls continued along with emails, texts until I had to block him. He even called my school during a lesson and interrupted. He called me at the gym as well, asking an attendant to find me. I put a stop to all of that. At the end of the year apart, I made him an offer and let him know that he would get nothing more. He begrudgingly accepted it and immediately demanded his things sent. I had packed them into a pod as I was sick of seeing the pile of things in the living room. In typical fashion, he demanded that I allow one of his friends to sit and watch the pod be repacked so that his belongings would be safe. Ironically, the movers told me that I had done an amazing job and that repacking wasn’t necessary! At this point, I didn’t care; he had to pay for the moving costs.

Even after the papers were signed and we were officially divorced he continued to harass me with phone calls and texts on anonymous lines. I was so tired of it that I went to the local RCMP and lodged a complaint and asked the calls, texts and emails stop. The Sûreté du Québec (the provincial police in Quebec) paid him a visit and told him that if he contacted me again, he would be arrested. That was the last time I ever heard from him. In that year and a half, he contacted me more than 668 times by various methods.

In 2018 I was officially free of John. Otter Cottage was in my name, the car payments for John’s car were now his responsibility and I began my new life as a divorced gay man. As a side note, that fall as I was cleaning the gardens, I found a pile of broken mugs, coasters and John’s medication all thrown into the bushes. It seemed that whenever he was angry, he would throw things off the verandah - just like when he used to go out and scream at the top of his lungs at the people he hated.

So what was it like to live with a narcissist? Looking at the 9 points of Special Me, I saw countless examples of all 9 points and more from him. He always though he was the most important person at all times. He felt entitled to everything without having to work for it. He was exploitative, arrogant, lacked empathy and always showed off so that others could admire him. He also was easily able to play the victim and everything that he did was turned back on my so that it was all my fault. Anyone who didn’t agree with him immediately became the enemy - me included.

I saw a counsellor and learned to deal with the aftermath of living six years with John. The counsellor suggested I buy a book called “Stop Walking on Eggshells: Taking Your Life Back When Someone You Care About Has Borderline Personality Disorder.” All what was discussed in the book, I found in John. The only thing the book didn’t help me with was getting along with him and thankfully I never wanted to do so. In the end, I believe he was also obsessive compulsive as well.

During my counselling time, I came to acknowledge my part in those six years. I had been codependent and allowed him to do all of those things. I also discovered that I had to learn to love myself, always take care of myself first before helping others and learning how a narcissist latches onto a caregiver such as myself. I forgave myself for almost killing myself on steroids to please John. I watched my health and have not abused them since.

At that point, I was really sure that I knew what the signs were and vowed to never get involved with a narcissist. Did I succeed? I’ll leave that to tomorrow’s blog… For Pride, I am celebrating my inner self and my self love. Now that I have worked on myself, someone like John would never be able to pry their way into my life. 

Carpe diem, everyone.

[vividracing]

New Post has been published on https://www.vividracing.com/blog/2024-tacoma-trd-baja-designs-x-spdo-pro-grille-kit/

2024 Tacoma TRD Baja Designs x sPDO Pro Grille Kit

The 2024 Toyota Tacoma features a bold new design and enhanced performance. To elevate its appearance and safety, Baja Designs offers various LED lighting solutions. Including fog pocket replacements, ditch lights, and reverse lights; all designed for a seamless fit. These lights improve visibility and driving enjoyment, whether on desert roads or forest trails. Each kit ensures a clean installation and is supported by a 30-day satisfaction guarantee and a limited lifetime warranty for added peace of mind. 

The sPOD BantamX HD Vehicle-Specific Kit for the 2024+ Toyota Tacoma is designed to seamlessly integrate the sPOD HD control panel into the vehicle’s cabin, providing a centralized and convenient location for accessory controls. This kit is compatible with all Toyota Tacoma trim models, ensuring that controls are always within arm’s reach. It features the BantamX power module, which offers eight power circuits, each supporting 30A per channel and a total of 100A. 

Additionally, the kit includes sPODConnect Bluetooth technology, allowing users to program and control their accessories from any iOS or Android device via the sPOD app. It also features integrated LVCO low-voltage cutoff battery protection, which monitors and protects the vehicle’s electrical system to ensure reliability. 

Below are some of the many options that Baja Designs has recently released for 2024 Toyota Tacoma owners to elevate their ride from stock to shocking! Check it out below and don’t forget to shop through our website for the best deals on all 2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Deals! 

BantamX Upfitter Power Management Vehicle Kit 

Specifically engineered to combine the factory upfitter switches and aftermarket capability. Offering 8 power circuits to deliver adequate power. With additional control from the touch of your fingertips that allows you to dim, strobe, flash, and many other options for lights for you to ride worry-free and take control!

Key Features: 

Use your OEM upfitter switches to trigger the BantamX

Increase amp rating across OEM switches to 30A

Gain five extra switches 

Bluetooth functionality 

5-year manufacturer warranty 

Shop Here! 

HD/BantamX Power Management Vehicle Kit

The sPOD BantamX HD vehicle-specific kit is designed seamlessly for the new Tacoma. Easy access to accessory controls from the cabin allows the driver to feel in control of each power circuit. This product also has scalability options to expand up to 32 channels controlled by a single unit. 

Key Features: 

Installs effortlessly 

8 circuits to power accessories 

Bluetooth connectivity 

Programming options (dimming, strobing, flashing, memory, switch linking, and more) 

Battery protection 

Backlighting 

Multi-controller compatibility 

Shop Here!

S8 10-inch / S2 Pro Grille Light Kit 

With some slight trimming, you can be the new grille master of your neighborhood! Baja Designs is now introducing the Grille Light Kit that features both clear or amber lights. The dual wiring harnesses allow separate control for optimal zone illumination. 

Key Features: 

Powerful lighting 

Dual functionality 

Wide coverage 

Amber backlight

Easy installation 

uService Technology to swap out lenses and adjust beam patterns without voiding warranty

Shop Here!

There are so many more upgrades that Baja Designs has carefully and strategically manufactured to make the best upgrade for your 2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD! The time is now to build out your truck! With more upgrades including a reverse kit, llinkable roof kit, pillar kit, and more! Shop all these great modifications and more at www.vividracing.com ! 

[thygoddessouijathicc]

Phone Guy Dave AU Fanfic: A Book of Memories

“Sir, I have some concerns.” Dave says, as he shuffles around uncomfortably in the passengers seat of Jack’s stolen freight truck.

“About what? You told me you were dreaming about going to Vegas with me. Now it’s happening.”

“That’s not EXACTLY what I said. I dreamt that I was going to Vegas with you, but I wasn’t exactly ME.”

“You’re always you.”

“Sir, am I named after your dead best friend? The healthy thing would be to move on.” Jack doesn’t answer. “I was named Dave in my dream still, and we were friends. But I looked at company records, and the only Dave you ever worked with was Dave Miller, and he’s dead, so it kinda feels like you’re trying to use me to replace him.” Jack still doesn’t respond, his hand running over the photo album he had in his lap, he was hoping to add more to it on this trip. “Sir… SIR WATCH OUT!” Dave yells as they careen off the road and into a forest.

.

.

.

“Ain’t this great Sportsy, no Fazbenders to dig our graves, no annoying phoneys, and on our way to Vegas?” Dave asks. “Boy I haven’t been to Vegas in like… a week. I wonder if it’s changed.”

“Dave… was it really a great idea to leave Scott in that burning building?” Jack asks.

“‘Course it was Old Sport, if we’d rescued phoney he woulda called the cops. I’ve worked in more Fazbender’s locations than I can count. I know for a FACT you can never trust a phoney!”

“If you say so. I guess that guy did kinda suck. You know what, yeah. FUCK YOU PHONEY I HOPE YOU BURN!” Jack says, sticking his hand out the window to flip the bird to the sky in general.

Dave laughs. “Well, anyway, back to what I said earlier. A lot can change in a week. I mean, we’ve only known eachother a week and we’ve already got a body count together!”

“Let’s RAISE that body count in Vegas Davey!”

“Awww, you took the words right out of my mouth!~”

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.

.

“Sir… Sir are you alive? Sir? SIR!!!” Jack wakes up seeing purple.

“Davey?” He questions, before leaning over and puking. He looks back to see Dave… the phone headed Dave. “Oh shit wuddup phoney!” He says with a wide grin. “What happened.”

“Y-you crashed the car sir.”

“Dave, am I upside down?” Jack says, finally noticing his predicament. He is upside down, still in his seat, while Dave is standing on what used to be the roof of the truck. His photo album is on the ground.

“Yes sir. You crashed the car.”

“Huh. That doesn’t sound like me.”

“Sir-“ the phone guy sighs, and unclips Jack’s seatbelt, causing the orange man to fall onto the ground, landing on his head.

“Ow what the FUCK employee.”

“You were being unhelpful so I decided to cause you pain.”

Jack picks up his photo album and tries to stand up, only to fall further onto the ground. “Shit my leg.” Dave looks at his leg. 

“Oh it’s broken alright. And I’m tempted to leave it broken to teach you a lesson.”

“And what lesson might that be? Stealing is wrong? This whole crash is because the truck is stolen?”

“What? No, stealing is fine. I just don’t like it when you talk back to me. No talking back to your phoney.”

“Oh please you backtalk me WAY more than I do you.”

“You know, I DO have medical supplies, and I AM programmed to be able to handle this.” The phone guy says.

“Then can you help a guy out?” Jack asks.

“No. Not until you say I’m good at my job.”

“You’re evil.”

“Sure. But you have to say I’m good at my job and you’d be lost without me.”

“Fine, I’d be lost without you.” Not exactly not true.

“Aaaand?”

Jack sighs “You’re good at your job.”

Dave reaches for the glove compartment and opens it, catching a medkit as it falls out. Dave starts patching up Jack’s leg.

“Of course you stashed medkits in my truck. You’re paranoid.”

“Now that isn’t very nice.” Dave stops what he’s doing.

“…you’re loving this.”

“Oh 100%.”

“I will punish you.”

“No you won’t.”

“And why not?”

“Too sexy. You’d never punish Big Dick Davey!” 

Jack blushes “and where did you come up with THAT idea?”

“It just came to me. I’m a genius.” Dave goes back to fixing Jack’s leg.

“Well you’re kinda right. I’d never punish you for being annoying. Evidently I prefer people who annoy me.”

“Well. I can call an ambulance-“

“And then they’ll find my stolen truck, bad plan.”

“What’s the point of having a phone head if I never get to use it?” Dave whines.

“There isn’t one, you just have a very particular lack of a face.” Jack says, grinning. Dave responds with a dialup tone. “So since we can’t call an ambulance, and I doubt I can walk back to the restaurant, it looks like we’re staying here! There’s some food in the back of the truck, and some stuff for this situation. Believe it or not, this is not the first time I’ve been stranded in the middle of nowhere.”

“I believe it.” Dave finishes the splint.

“So I’m going to need you to carry me to the back.” Jack says. The phone guy scoffs and picks him up, taking him out of the truck and opening up the back. Due to the truck being upside down, a lot of things are broken.”

“Sir… why is the truck covered in blood.”

“People have been murdered in here, employee. I’ve had this truck awhile.”

“Right.” The phone guy says, completely unbothered by this fact. Jack smiles at this. 

“Ok just put me down on the box labeled knives. I’m pretty sure that’s the one full of guns.”

“To confuse your enemies or something.”

Jack clicks his rotten tongue “Exactly!”

Dave places Jack on the cardboard box. A knife protrudes from him “oh wait, we did a double negative so they’d THINK we were tricking them but we’d actually be not.” Dave picks him up and just puts him on the floor, somewhat roughly. “Dick.” Jack hisses.

“I’m going to go try to find the quickest way back to… “bear”… you just stay here and try not to royally mess anything up.”

“You lack confidence in me, David, that hurts.” Jack says dramatically as the phone leaves.

“Just… please don’t get yourself killed Sportsy…”

Dave leaves before Jack can question him on the use of his nickname. Jack smiles, sure, it’s tough, but he can feel it, he’ll have his Dave back soon. 

Regardless. He’s starting to wonder if maybe he should have just carved Dave out of the suit. He knows it’s not why Dave wanted to be a phone guy, at least not fully. But if he had put him in a position where it was clear being a phone guy wasn’t necessary for what he claimed his reasoning was… no. This is what Dave wanted, although he’d never fully understand why, besides, Dave looked good as new apart from the hunk of plastic where his head used to be, that’s better than he could have done. He has Fredbear’s help escaping his own springlocks.

Ah Fredbear. He remembered his promise to that bear. He had murdered 5 children with Dave at the first location, 5 children a Janitor and a phone guy at the second (a phone guy he upon further consideration believes might have been his own brother but he’s going to ignore the evidence in favour of that to avoid thinking about how he killed his brother with a purple cryptid and a foxy), and now, he’s killed a baby at his third location and got his best friend turned into a phone guy. Fredbear would be MORE than disappointed. He would be livid. He probably was. Maybe he could make things up to Fredbear. He wasn’t dead and ironically Henry trying to cause some good ol’ emotional pain for him (and a bit of physical) and Dave let him realize he done fucked up helping that fat strawberry, so he was about done with him.

What WOULD he do after Dave was back to normal? Save the souls? Kill more kids? Retire to Vegas? That last option sounded fun. Although he’s not sure if phones can do drugs so that might be a problem.

He wonders what happened to Henry. Surely he can’t just be gone. Not that it’s anything he can worry about now. Now his biggest concern is his broken leg, and the fact that he’s pretty sure Dave is trying to plot the quickest route to Bear by taking all of the routes. He’ll call him in a bit if he doesn’t come back soon. He’s going to hold out awhile thought because he knows how phone guy’s tend to feel about their heads being called. It’s why he liked to prank call them with Dave, but he wouldn’t want to do that to Dave, he’s sure he’s already uncomfortable enough trying to fight through his programming.

Jack looks down at his photo album in his lap. A quick peak through won’t hurt.

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.

.

Dave opens up the door to the truck, having calculated all the ways back to find his boss sprawled out on the floor an open photo album in his lap, Jack of course being completely unconscious. He’s got a soft smile on his face while he sleeps, as if having a good dream.

He approaches the sleeping corpse, deciding not to wake him up. Dave decides to look at Jack’s photo album. He knows he’ll probably get in trouble for those, maybe even get murdered if Jack finds out, but he wants to know more about his boss, and why the strange orange man behaves the way he does.

He slowly removes the photo album from Jack’s lap, there is writing on the page reading “second trip to Vegas with sportsy :)” he recognizes immediately that this is not Jack’s handwriting. Looking at the page, it’s mostly pictures of Jack and a purple skinned man in Vegas, each photo with their own caption, some in the same messy writing as before, others in Jack’s only marginally better printing. The weirdest thing is that Dave recognizes the photos. As if he were there when they were taken. But there is no third person in the photos, let alone a phone guy, and he can’t shake the feeling that the purple man looks even more familiar to him than Jack himself.

Dave has heard of phone guy’s thinking they were people. Who hasn’t. He’s always been told that they were just delusional, however he’s feeling as if he’s starting to experience the same glitch. Deciding to go on, Dave flips the pages.

There’s a long expanse of time in which the purple man stops appearing in photos, strange because earlier captions had implied him to be Jack’s best friend.

There’s a picture of an eggplant with the caption “I miss Dave, I wonder where he went.” Dave’s nonexistent heart skips a beat, Jack’s best friend was named Dave. But he already knew that didn’t he? Jack had a best friend named Dave who he was trying to replace. His dreams had told him as much. Dave had died, about 30 years ago, and Jack had hired him for whatever reason to try to replace him. Although that didn’t feel like something Jack would do.

Dave (or whoever his is if he really is just some guy Jack pulled off the street to replace his best friend), despite his better judgment continues to read through the photo album.

He then comes to a page covered in rather disturbing pictures, even more so than the ones in Vegas somehow. The pictures are of a very clearly dead and decomposing man in a greenish springbonnie costume. Jack had titled the first one “I found Dave! He’s a little worse for wear but he’s here.” The next series of pictures were of Jack, the corpse, and both of them together. Jack seemed to like posing the corpse, as if he was convinced he were still alive… Dave almost felt like he might have been. Terrifyingly, Dave remembered these photos just as much as the Vegas ones.

He reached the final pages with photos on them. There were pictures of him. The first titled “Dave asked me to send him to the factory, he just got back today. Maybe I should have tried harder to talk him out of it.” The next captions were all about “trying to make him remember”. He remembers all these photos far more vividly, in fact, he’s pretty sure that one was taken last week, because he’s sure he remembers Jack burying him in eggplants while he was in sleep mode last week.

It all clicks into place. He IS Jack’s best friend from the 80s, he got springlocked sometime 30 years ago, and somehow asked Jack to turn him into a phone guy. All the weird stuff (or at least SOME of it) Jack had been doing had been to try to get him back. That is both the most psychotic and nicest thing anyone had ever done for him as far as he remembered.

“All this time he-“

“Yeah… I didn’t really know how to tell you.” Jack says. Dave gasps and turns to where Jack was sleeping. He’s now very much awake and is sitting up.

Dave turns off his voice box, and approaches Jack, before saying the simple sentence Jack had missed so much.

“Why hello there, Old Sport.”

(Note: AAAAAAAAAAAAAH HE HAS RETURNED! You’ll all find out soon Big Dick Davey is not the only one who’s back. ;) btw since Davey is back now all major full phoney Dave fics will be before this. Not to say you won’t get more of just Dave with a phone head (I got a whole idea for a megafluff fic in which Dave is trying to find a way to kiss Jack with his phone head), but any stories in which he prominently has his Scott-like personality is before this. Gonna keep writing Scott Dave because he’s weirdly fun to write as a sassy phone guy. Btw, personality wise Jack is supposed to emulate the way people play him ingame.)