#worth 50 of my own diamonds ? ….no especially after waiting so long for it to be fixed

[aslanvlad]

well, at least they finally fixed the Adrian bug from last update! The scene was really sweet 🖤

[worldcakecakecake]

Feliciano and the King of Hearts

Chosen by the gods as the Queen of Hearts from the moment of birth, we follow Feliciano’s story as he grows into royal life, learns to rule, go against age old customs, and his relationship with his husband to be, the King of Hearts.

Chapter 1 I  Chapter 2 I Chapter 3 I Chapter 4 I Chapter 5 I Chapter 6I Chapter 7 I Chapter 8 IChapter 9I Chapter 10I Chapter 11I Chapter 12 I Chapter 13 I Chapter 14 I Chapter 15 I Chapter 16 I Chapter 17 I Chapter 18 I Chapter 19I Chapter 20 I Chapter 21 I Chapter 22 I Chapter 23 I Chapter 24 I Chapter 25 I Chapter 26 I Chapter 27 I Chapter 28I Chapter 29 I Chapter 30 I Chapter 31 I Chapter 32 I Chapter 33 I Chapter 34 I Chapter 35 I Chapter 36 I Chapter 37I chapter 38 I Chapter 39 I Chapter 40 I Chapter 41 I Chapter 42 I Chapter 43 I Chapter 44 I Chapter 45 I Chapter 46I Chapter 47 I Chapter 48 I Chapter 49 I Chapter 50 I Chapter 51 I Chapter 52 I Chapter 53 I Chapter 54 I Chapter 55 I Chapter 56 I Chapter 57 I Chapter 58 I Chapter 59 I Chapter 60I Chapter 61 I Chapter 62 I Chapter 63 I Chapter 64  I Chapter 65 I Chapter 66 I Chapter 67 I Chapter 68  I Chapter 69 I Chapter 70 I Chapter 71

                                                   Chapter 72

For that farewell and welcome, they chose one of the many entrance rooms at the very front of the castle. Here were all their bags, weapons, parchments and books of new plans, all hurdled waiting for their transfer. Those who had to leave, found it hard to depart from the arms of those they loved, kissing, and wishing words as if they were the last ones. It was highly likely and so they told everything they could.

 Alfred and Arthur settled with one another in deep comforts, the smaller close to crying, holding himself by keeping a strong grip to his husband’s cloak. Roderich and Elizabeta kept saying words of poems, tight in the gaze of their eyes, refusing to look at anything else. Renata drowned Antonio in blessings, Lovino and Augustino joining in a last family embrace.

 “I would have gone with you if I could,” Aldrich told them, his posture weakened, the wrinkles and white strands in his hair more noticeable than ever before. No one was going to permit him to go to war at the heights of age, now with loss, gone his beloved King grandson.

 “You are needed here,” Roderich told his grandfather, taking his hand in a beloved hold, Aldrich sharing in it, for once a smile, if even small, in this gloom.

 “We will send what we can from battle,” Antonio reminded.

 “We’ll be here, ready to act at the worst,” Kiku bellowed, straight and ready to command that instant. Despite his scars, the tiredness that he pushed aside and the pain in his eyes at losing his King, he was a Jack at full service and well still to rule the kingdom. Herakles stood beside him proud.

 “I grant you blessings, safety, protection and every strength the Aces can offer us now,” Aldrich wished them all in might, ever the show of a King.

 Lili sighed, whispering to Kiku, “it’s hard to believe the Aces can offer us anything.” How it hurt the Jack to see a girl usually so hopeful and believing, discard such wishes as if talking of fairy tales and legends…especially from a girl that was technically still a child.

 “If the Heart Kingdom needs defending, we’ll come back as quick as possible,” Emil promised, the first to take his bags and standing near the door.

 “May it never come to that need,” Louis kept optimism.

 After him, all began their dreaded picking, their dreaded steps with direction to head out of the castle, on to their waiting transport that would take them their separate ways to play their part in the war. Last embraces, last kisses, and waves…fearful that these were perhaps last sights. Arthur was the first to stomp inside, trembling and surely begging for loneliness, to show his emotions how he wanted by himself. This was no time for a Queen to show any kind of weakness to any kind of people. Louis did not share in that sentiment, for she wept and depended on Aldrich’s hold to stand.

 One by one, slow and agonizing, did they make their way into the castle, dreading another meeting to discuss the bloodied passing and more dead ends.

  “-Greece will refuse to send more of their people into battle, and I agree. So many must remain to guard the protection spell were planning on doing. If either Khaos or Destro comes to Hearts, the Greecians islands will be the first place they meet. We need their force there,” Kiku commanded, pointing and marking on the large map of the four kingdoms.

 “Are you sure this protection spell will work? My kingdom is depending on the very same one,” Lili still doubted.

 “It was a spell from Augusta herself. I’m sure it will buy us time,” Renata added.

 “I’m confident in it and the strength my province has,” Herakles was clear.

 “Alfred is ready to use it in his own kingdom,” Kandake informed.

 “When Khaos approaches, we will truly see then if it is worth the use in Diamonds and Hearts,” Aldrich said.

 “Re-reports of where Khaos and Destro…cur-currently stand?” Vincenzo’s voice was hoarse, the only one who kept a sitting, more heavily bandaged than any of the newcomers. Every move he made looked strained, every breath shook him with pain. Renata feared the scars she would meet under those bandages, not from their looks, but showcasing the horror her husband went through. So many thought he shouldn’t be there to gather more burden, but he insisted, wanting to keep his part somehow.

 “Destro is currently ravaging Hungary,” Renata answered, biting her lips, not wanting to tear more than she had already done.

 “While Khaos makes fast approach to the Amazon. The Spadian border is preparing for the oncoming battle,” Louis informed from letters she just finished reading.

 “More of my people are coming from hiding to help them. Others were evacuated to Hearts and Spades. Our people can no longer call Clubs home,” Kandake told with hurt.

 “Who is fighting Khaos and who Destro?” Aldrich demanded.

 “The Royal Heartian Battalion are currently trying to whether down Khaos. They also have the aid of the Arabian Soldiers of Diamonds and another special Clubian Fighter Squadron where Ivan is in,” Arthur informed, placing their symbols on the map with his fast wielding magic.

 “Another part of our army faces Destro, along with the people of the White Kingdom and the Spadian High Protection Squadron,” Kiku continued.

 “What have they been using to fight? These monsters are still standing and destroying. We must plan new tactics immediately,” Aldrich imposed.

 “We’re going through every single book that Ludwig and Feliciano got from Khaos’s library,” Lili exasperated, not liking the dictate her grandfather asked it in.

 “I believe we have to start looking at something else other than these books,” Louis felt like she was getting betrayed by them.

 “What other thing can we possibly read into to get ideas now?” Elizabeta glared.

 “Maybe this,” there was the add of a new book, dropped unto the table, seeming to glow alone on top of all the items that were there. The voice was not one that had been there with them…one that they thought they wouldn’t hear again as lively. When they raised their eyes, they didn’t think he would be standing as he did before them, dressed, cleaned, Pookie well placed on his shoulder, licking his paws as if nothing. He shone ready for what was to come as the days before the alignment.

 “Feliciano…?” Herakles was the first to say a word, like the rest, startled into a stupor.

 Renata couldn’t hold it, rushing and tumbling, the first to give him an embrace, probably his first in a long while. To the surprise of all…Feliciano smiled, his arms around her, cradling into her neck and accepting a settling.

 “You’re actually here?” Arthur was finding it hard to believe.

 “I…I think so…aren’t I…aren’t I here?” His tone was sure, with chuckles and brightness that brought ease once again after so long.

 Kiku was the next, laughing and instigating his own embrace, joyous and as the times from before. It was like they were seeing other again after years. “You are…and it has brought me more happiness than you can imagine.” To whimpers they surely would have gone, but with a silent understanding, they knew that they had done well enough of that. As the Queen and Jack, once united to their King so strongly, Kiku felt the loss almost as profound as Feliciano, and so they understood the pain the most, the perfect console in their grasps and cradle.

 “Are you sure you are well?” It made Kandake as ecstatic as the rest, but she wanted to know if his health was the right one to be able to stand so righteously as he did.

 Feliciano touched himself as if trying to find some new bruise. Upon not finding it, he gazed back sure, Kandake confident in that air of perseverance.

 “I’m…still…really sad, and I still…feel pain and it hurts me…in a way I assume none of you will know…I miss Ludwig, I miss him dearly and… I would still pay anything so he wouldn’t have given his life as he did.” There was deep mourning in his eyes, there even when he had entered the room. They were too surprised in his sudden presence to have noticed it. “But despite that…I can stand…I can move, I can act… I’m still…able to do something…” he breathed, as if once again coming to the realization that he could do all these very things. “My world is at stake…everything we know could die and I…” he gripped his hands, feeling well the jewels. “Cannot let that happen…I cannot let all those I care for and love die. I have a responsibility for my children… I have a duty as Queen… and as Augusta’s chosen…” He came close to the table, his hand reaching to read a letter from Diamonds, one of a small village heavily fearful, their concerns drowning, some accepting the outcome of death and thinking themselves forgotten by their kingdom. “I will take part. I will do what’s necessary and fight if I have to,” he declared, a proclamation well stated, and all knew they could not back him out of, no matter what concerns they still held.

 “Glad you can join us, your majesty,” Louis bowed, with a deep smile that Feliciano gave her back, despite her excessive greeting.

 Vincenzo wished he had the strength to stand and hug his son, but he settled with a smile and a grip on the table, “well, let’s get straight to work then. What have you brought us?” He pointed to the book, bringing all their attention back on it.

 “The Soul and Spirit Interludes,” Elizabeta offered to read aloud, being close, her own welcome to Feliciano but a grasp of her hand to his to show her support.

 “This is only about the afterlife,” Aldrich said.

 “How can we use it?” Lili agreed with her grandfather’s skepticism.

 “To be honest…I don’t know. I was only given a sign by Augusta herself…I haven’t sat down to read and figure it out,” Feliciano admitted shyly.

 “If Augusta told you, something indeed must be kept in it,” Kiku took it and offered his start of a read, with an introduction, explanations, and simple spells that all in this table surely knew.

 “Why are we checking for new ways and reading into books about the dead? Feliciano is awake, he has power of the alignment to go and face Khaos and Destro. We should settle off this instant,” Herakles put in, thinking it the clearest answer.

 “Feliciano was underground, protected by a Validity Sphere field…nothing from that power came to him. He well missed it,” Lili informed.

 “Are you sure, Feliciano?” Kandake wanted to make clear. Perhaps he still grasped something and maybe they couldn’t see it…maybe Feliciano could feel it…but he moved his head in a negative, assuring that no new magic had surged within him.

 “This is the power we hoped for to save us all. What else can we depend on now?” Aldrich insisted.

 “Whatever that book has,” Lovino pointed, obvious, easy and every answer at their disposal. He spared a smile at his brother, both not being able to embrace each other because of their distance.

 “I would prefer something immediate,” Aldrich, even as he gazed forward, with the ever stature of a king, there was trembling in his tone, a shining worry, all understanding that his insistence was on fearing for his people.

 “I’m afraid…” Kandake gazed over to Kiku, taking in every new word in the book, but not enlightened enough as if to shout a new idea, “…we must wait still.”

 “And what do you suppose we do in the meantime?” Arthur glared, indeed not liking how no sort of action was to take even with Feliciano awakened.

 “We read, we write, we talk, about whatever that book has. We’ll go through every detail, every idea…” Lovino explained.

 “Something…something must be in here,” Kiku said.

 “And the war?” Arthur wanted to return them to those currently in battle.

 “We keep fighting back with whatever we can,” Feliciano leaned close, now a sure add.

 “We’ve used everything. Nothing has been successful,” Aldrich exasperated.

 “No, we haven’t,” Feliciano fought back, in a defend that all were impressed by. “There is so much we believe to be useless that can be just what we need. Herakles! Are you willing to lead at our borders?” It was sudden, the imposed responsibility that shook him that moment…but quick, he stood, forward, nodded sure, ready. “By my command…the moment Destro touches Austria in Clubs…I want you to head off to the Grecians islands and help everyone not just for a protection spell, but for a Tuemia spell as well.”

 “Tuemia?” Arthur grimaced, almost disgusted.

 “Isn’t that spell just used…for fireworks?” Louis found herself confused.

 “When heightened and the force intensified, the cracks can be as deadly as our most powerful fire spell.”

 “I know the tactic. Herakles, I can teach you it myself,” Kandake offered.

 Although hesitant, his trust in them was more than his questions, so he nodded, ready to practice.

 “I want messages sent instantly to the fronts telling them to try this spell as well. I must know if there is any other reaction that can help us.” Some set off to work on the writing. “Diamonds is at risk at being attack by the Georgiatian sea. Lili, I need you to send immediate messages to guard the entire line that faces it. If they must come from battle, so be it.” She nodded and went to writing herself. “Arthur, of the Sloan cannons, begin to spread of the lesser ones around your kingdom. Where is the big Sloan currently?”

 “It’s being used against Khaos on the front in Russia.”

 “Keep it always by them then. After every Tuemia, fire a shot. Send whatever aid to keep the protection spells on the soldiers strong.” And like that commands continued, a movement in the room constant in action and working towards any kind of advance.

  Days went on of the same actions, now spread across the castle as they kept researching information in any of the libraries and studies, taking it with them even as they rested, as they chatted, as they cared for little Augustino. The Queens and the Heartian Jack took it to only study ‘The Soul and Spirit Interludes’, always huddled in a tightness that almost looked private and secretive, their chats so low as they used whatever energy to try and concentrate on the fullest.

 Feliciano’s suggestions on battle have proven to be successful enough. Khaos and Destro were still menaces rampaging and killing, but the Tuemia had managed force enough to even move them away from paths largely populated, given enough time to get the people evacuated. It was not the defeat they wanted, but as Feliciano had intended, it gave them time to huddle and give all the depth to the reading of this book.

 Arthur groaned, now angrily tapping his fingers to the table they used, “we know all this.”

 “Patience, we must keep reading, I’m sure the answer is right before us,” Kiku told as he continued his reading, only stopping to add notes in the many parchments they had.

 “The deceased enters. The first realm is a mirror lake. All resided magic must be released. This takes a period of four days by our time. Second realm is the Inhabitance. A stronger aware comes, with speech and understanding to the movement of your new spirit body. From the magic of mourning in the living, it estimates how long you remain. Some stay only a mere amount of days, others months. The third realm, although it is not a new location, it is a period of transformation into your soul, an outlook that can take the form the Aces decide. The last and fourth realm is the sea passage, a route to the heavens. Angels come and guide you to the other world of our Aces, to serve them until they send you to a new life,” Elizabeta repeated the known process of afterlife from the notes they had taken. The book did go well into detail on each realm’s structure and workings, fascination to some, to others, those who were utter experts, found it a bore and found themselves less patient.

 “We still haven’t finished it. I’m sure there has to be something in the last two chapters,” Lili reminded.

 “There has been cases of people coming back from the dead while being in the fourth realm,” Kiku said as he read one of the last paragraphs in the current chapter. It was one of the details that perked their interest, but they knew it would be useless in the war, so they continued in their indifference.

 They stood staring at a beautifully decorated seal, they guessed a representation of the door of entrance into the fourth realm. Wondered they were at the shine, that the tittle of the next chapter came like a sudden breaking.

 “Self-passage through the Soul and Spirit Interludes,” Feliciano read aloud.

 Arthur sat up, leaning with the rest, “Self-passage? …It almost sounds like a map to go.”

 “…and come back,” Elizabeta caught the words, pointing them, right in the very first page of the chapter.

 They all froze at the realization of what it could mean.

 “Is that…what Augusta is trying to tell us?” Feliciano questioned.

 “You are Augusta’s chosen, she lives within you, you should know more than we do,” Lili said.

 “She never told me anything on how I can use the Soul and Spirit Interludes.”

 “I don’t understand what could be in there that we can use,” Kiku said.

 “We are not finished yet,” Arthur interrupted, attentive now more than ever, begging in his closeness to continue.

 Indeed there were still two chapters left, and so this time they tried to hurry, difficult as this chapter gave grave details on a journey that done the wrong way could mean immediate death or even getting lost between, with no onward to the heavens or a return to their world. They wrote as serious as if they were to take that trip themselves, trembling and hesitant, hoping each new page brought something that didn’t mean submitting themselves to this.

 That last chapter gave the reasoning, the purpose.

 “The Eternal Reserve,” Lili read breathless.

 Already it promised greatness, all staring between themselves, ready for what could be the answer they were looking for.

 “As all humans and creatures go through this process, power and magic is also part of the transition,” Feliciano joined in reading aloud, the rest of the passage only mentioning a known process of when magic and power dies.

 “Some join the Aces in their heaven, some disappear from existence, and some, if even a short time, can remain in the Eternal Reserve, found between the first and the fourth realm in a unique connection,” Arthur shook along with the rest, anticipating.

 It began to list all kinds of powers that had been stored there, great ones that had them gasping and creaking. “-the Fickicious Blow and the power of the universal alignment,” Kiku read and almost fell from his chair.

 “There’s our answer right there!” Lili pointed, standing, her chair screeching in her loud proclaim.

 “Hold it! We haven’t finished reading,” Elizabeta raised a finger, commanding silence, this time putting Arthur to read since Kiku looked too taken to his thoughts to do so.

 “-all of these have been proven to be transportable. Once in the human world they regain their power in their original form.” Even so, they excited, for once a light in this long tunnel of despair appeared and they were ready to submerge no matter. “-there are even ways to heighten the power, but only the Aces, or someone of their power, can achieve that.” They all looked to Feliciano, longing and waiting for a reply from him…but he remained silent, yet with widened eyes and a shake now with worry. They returned their gaze back to Arthur for the next part of the reading, but no more came. The Spadian Queen stared extensively at the design of a jewel at the very end…hoping for any new words.

 “Is that it?” Lili tried to wake.

 “Indeed. There is really…nothing else.” To demonstrate, he shut the book, the first time done since Feliciano had presented it.

 Stillness as each was devoted to their own thoughts, their own conclusions and plans, breathing in and out as the only chorus of the room.

 Their next step was present, it was surely decided the moment the necessary lines were read. Now they were missing a declare, for someone to stand up and word out exactly the new comings. Lili was the first to not take this silence any longer, not while there was a war, with her brother still fighting. She stood, loud despite her smallness, “It’s obvious what we have to do. Someone has to go to the Interludes.”

 “A process which involves actually killing one of us in order to even start,” Elizabeta reminded.

 “The book itself mentions that it has to be dealt with extreme caution and in very specific ways. We push too much or miss a step, and we have a body in which the spirit and soul cannot return to. Then indeed it is a permanent death,” Arthur added.

 “Not only are we left with the weight of killing someone of royal importance, but losing the last chance we had to getting something to win this war,” Kiku said.

 “We have to be extremely cautious on how we do this. We can’t go headfirst and risk ourselves without a proper understanding,” Elizabeta continued.

 Lili sat back, feeling embarrassed and frustrated, a heavy sigh, gripping her hands and biting her lips, deep anguish for her family and kingdom.

 “Lili, we understand what you’re feeling right now. We all want to do something immediately. But we really can’t mess this up…not when it’s the only thing we have,” Arthur told her in the small calm and composure he could utter.

 Silence came once again, Lili this time accepting it…finding it fair to put her mind and find the proper way.

 “What should we start with?” Kiku sat straight, ready to begin this arduous planning.

 “I guess…who’s going to go…” Lili said.

 They all inhaled as if they were all placed under a sword to partake immediately.

 “…does it really have to be one of us?” Arthur groaned.

 “It is us that everyone is looking upon,” Kiku had begun to bite his nails, thinking it in the worst case of both…none of them looking well no matter who did it and how.

 Arthur sighed, “is there really nothing else we can do?”

 “What else? Besides, if we do find something different, it’ll be the same levels of dangers as this,” Lili pouted.

 “This is the only way,” Elizabeta only said what surely all knew. It was currently their only door.

 “Then…we must head…and we have to start as soon as possible,” Arthur had no choice but to agree.

 “Then, let us begin as gruesome as possible…how exactly are we going to fulfill this killing…our entrance to the Interludes and what do we do to get them back?” Kiku went straight to, “if one of us is going to risk themselves, then, at least we should know beforehand how exactly it’s going to work.”

 “What exactly did the book recommend?” Arthur took it, looking through the pages.

 “…drowning…” Feliciano uttered, low and shinning with the most dread in his expression.

 “…along with a suspension freeze spell. The body must remain in the water for the entire process,” Lili added, knowing Feliciano must still be in the deep shock to give more words.

 “Those who stay must remain watchful of the body and make a mourning for once they reach the second realm. The longest we can let the person stay is a month,” Kiku continued.

 “I’m going to assume it’s just enough time to get this thing in the interludes,” Arthur said.

 “How exactly do we even find it there?” Elizabeta got the book this time, wanting specifications.

 “Found between the first and the fourth realm in a unique connection,” Kiku repeated the words, “nothing else is mentioned.”

 “So, whoever goes has to find this on their own once there?” Lili trembled.

 “Precisely,” Elizabeta assured, finding nothing else in the book. It made the mission harder, more prominent in its danger.

 “And…let’s say that whoever goes, finds it. How will we know that? When will it be safe for us to revive the body?...How do we even do it?” Arthur asked.

 “The notes here say that the person is able to bring themselves back if they find what they need,” Lili rummaged through the papers.

 “The month limit is for if it takes too long and we don’t want to risk them truly dying,” Elizabeta said.

 “And for that we just stop the suspension freeze and bring them out of the water,” Lili continued.

 “Where are we going to keep them? How will we deal having one of us missing?” Kiku worried.

 “There’s many baths in this castle. I’m sure any will be sufficient,” Lili said.

 “There’s more than us working on the war this instant while we discuss. If one of us is gone, it will be a chance to save the four kingdoms. They will understand,” Elizabeta said.

 “But we have to keep watch on the body,” Lili reminded.

 “And we can do that while also working on the efforts of the war,” Elizabeta was sure.

 “Then…once again…whose going?” Kiku brought them back to their first point.

 And they were back in silence, in wondering, in biting their lips, searching for the push, that bravery that could raise their hands in the acceptance of such a faith. Minutes went on, lost in nothing, hesitant, still questioning its true eligibility, but it was the only one, it was the only answer, and it annoyed Feliciano greatly that they were debating to do the only thing left. He stood, not taking it, this his form of explosion, if even surprisingly calm for him, “when can we start?”

 “Once we know who-”

 “I’m going,” fierce and powerful, a demand that had all in the table meeting their gaze to him in shock and question. “So… when can we start?”

[smilingformoney]

America’s Most Eligible 3 Diamond Scene: Cheer Up Carson

You: Okay, Carson. I’ll help you work out your Ivy woes, for old time’s sake. Carson: Thank you, Jamie! I’ll even take you to the top-secret AME bourbon cellar as thanks. You: I swear, this place has more secret locations than a supervillain’s lair. Carson: Just you wait. You’re about to have your mind blown!

A short walk later, you’re standing in a rustic, immaculately-stocked bourbon cellar! You: Whoa… Your nose fills with the sweet scent of bourbon ageing in barrels stacked along the walls. You: How long has this been here? Carson: The long answer? Since I realised stress pairs perfectly with two fingers of Black Maple Hill 16-year-old Small Batch bourbon on the rocks. You: And the short answer? Carson: I had it constructed and written into my contract halfway through Season 1. Carson reaches high up on the shelf and grabs a dusty bottle with a plain-looking beige label. He pours a large amount of bourbon into two small glasses, then offers you one. Carson: To celebrate your upcoming wedding. Congratulations, Jamie. You: Salud!

-Knock it back!

You close your eyes and toss back the shot of bourbon. You shiver as your belly fills with warmth from the sweet, smoky liquor. Carson sputters as he swallows his small sip. You: What? You expect me not to take a shot that’s sitting in front of me? Carson: It’s not a shot, it’s a glass. That ‘shot’ is worth more than your wedding. This bourbon’s 100 years old! You: If it’s any consolation, it was a really good shot. Carson takes a long sip of his bourbon, then starts to rub his temples. Carson: I thought the bourbon would help me sort out my feelings, but I’m still as conflicted as ever. You: Are you? You like Ivy, she likes you. Sounds like a pretty straightforward situation to me. Carson: That’s exactly why it’s so complicated. It should be simple… but there’s so much history between us. You: Then consider me a historian. Dish. You give Carson a friendly nudge. He smiles softly, then takes another sip of bourbon and sighs. Carson: I’m worried what Ivy and I had was just a fling for her… but it was so real for me. Carson: And I want it to be real, but I’m worried she only sees me as someone who can secure prizes and fame for her. You: All you need to do is prove to her that your feelings are real. She’s had enough showmanship for one lifetime. Carson: I just don’t know if she’ll ever take me seriously as a romantic partner. You: You’ll never know unless you go for it. Otherwise, you’ll always be left thinking ‘what if…’ Carson: But how do I woo her without scaring her away? Carson: I only have one shot left, Jamie. An improbable, complex shot. You: What you’ve got is a complex person. Honestly, there’s a lot of things that turn Ivy off. Carson: Which is why I’m at such a loss. I haven’t felt this way since they discontinued my favourite pomade. Carson: I can’t live like this, Jamie. What do I do? You: I can’t help you be a good boyfriend, but I think I know how to secure that first date.

You: When you start wooing Ivy, you should… -Make her work for it. -ADVICE

You: Play hard to get! Even make it seem like you don’t like her! You: The more you push her away, the more she’ll come to you. Carson: I’m not so sure about that… Carson: Ivy’s been playing games her whole life. She deserves to know someone will be there for her. You: Oh! That’s… a really good point. You: See? You already know what to do.

-Treat her like a queen. +ADVICE

You: After dating someone like Vince, she deserves a partner who will cherish and treasure her. You: She needs someone to lift her up. Carson: Of course! Just like my hair! You: What? Carson: My hair and Ivy have both been repeatedly damaged. Now they need something to help them stand tall again. You: Not the way I would put it, but I’m glad you’ve got the gist, Carson.

Carson takes another sip of his bourbon then starts pacing around the small cellar. Carson: But what do I do once I get her attention? Carson: I used to think I knew what Ivy wanted in a man, but since she got with Vince… Carson: Do I even know what she wants anymore? Does she? You: Of course, that’s easy!

You: Ivy hates when men… -Give her expensive gifts. -ADVICE

You: Ivy is a simple, salt-of-the-earth kinda gal. Forget fancy gifts, she only needs words to sustain her. Carson: Are you sure we’re talking about the same Ivy? The woman practically sustains herself on Hermes scarves and Tiffany necklaces. Carson: I doubt she’d mind if I bought her a Cartier bracelet… or three. You: That’s a solid point. Carson: And, not to brag, but after twelve seasons of AME I’ve got the cash for it. You: Still kind of bragging, but you’re right. You can provide for Ivy in more ways than one.

-Treat her like she’s fragile. +ADVICE

You: If you treat her like she’s some delicate flower, it’ll turn her off immediately. Carson: I would never! You: Good. Treat her like an equal from the start, and try not to patronise her. Carson: My Ivy-profen is one of the strongest people I’ve ever met. I couldn’t dream of treating her any other way.

Carson stops pacing, then comes to stand next to you at the makeshift bar. You place a comforting hand on his shoulder. You: I know you’re nervous. It can be scary to go for something that means a lot to you… especially when it feels safer to live in the fantasy of it. You: But you know Ivy. There’s a lot more to her than her tough façade. Carson: I know… I just don’t want to be another person in her life that lets her down. Carson: What if I can’t give her what she needs? You: You can, and you will.

You: Deep down, Ivy is just… -A hopeless romantic. +ADVICE

You: You saw the way Ivy’s face lit up at the wedding showcase. She loves love. You: As long as you keep the romance alive, then your relationship will flourish.

-Looking for stability. +ADVICE

You: She’s had a rocky life full of people who haven’t exactly had her back in the past… including her own mother. You: If you make sure she knows you’ll be there for her through thick and thin, you’ll win her heart.

Carson: I can do that. Carson downs the rest of his glass, then pulls you into a sloppy bear hug.

-If you gave good advice

Carson: You know what, Jamie? I get why people are always reaching out to you. You: Because I give great advice? Carson: Well, yes. But you listen, too. Which is just as important.

-If you gave poor advice

Carson: I gotta be honest, that wasn’t the best advice I’ve ever received… Carson: But talking to you helped me work out my worries. I think I just needed someone to listen. You: I’m always here to listen, Carson.

Carson smiles at you, and you start to see tears welling in his eyes. You: Carson, are you crying? He pulls an expertly pressed pocket square from his lapel and dabs his eyes before answering. Carson: I know I’ve pulled some messed-up stunts in the past… You: I think AME’s lawyers would classify them as more than that, but go on. Carson: But I think I just realised how much I’m going to miss you, Jamie.

-If you’re marrying Jen

You: Don’t worry, you’ll probably be seeing a lot of me still because of the threesome… Carson: Wait, I never agreed to— You: Jen and her two loves… me and AME. Carson: Right.

-If you’re marrying anyone else

You: I’m gonna miss a lot about this place. I think I’ll always have a soft spot for the way your hairspray smells. Carson: It’s hard to go wrong with warm vanilla and spice… and just a hint of isopropyl alcohol.

Carson gestures to the bottle of bourbon still on the counter. Carson: One for the road? You: Nah, someone told me it’s more of a sipper than a shooter. I think I’d be doing it a disservice. Carson chuckles as he sets the glasses in the sink, then places the top shelf bourbon back on the top shelf. He faces you, lighter and smiling. Carson: Thank you for sticking it out. This show wouldn’t shine the way it deserves without you.

You: Aw, Carson… -I couldn’t have done it without you. +50

You: You sure caused some chaos, but that chaos helped us make some damn good TV. Carson: We made a pretty good team, you and I. You: However backwards it was at the time.

-I’ll miss you too, ya weirdo. +50

You: You and all your eccentricities. Despite everything, I’ve grown to see you as a friend. Carson: I couldn’t agree more.

You: I might not be here, but don’t doubt I’ll be rooting for you from the sidelines. Carson: I can’t wait to see what you do next, Jamie. And for what it’s worth… I’ll always be rooting for you too.

[littlecafe]

a very condensed guide to superstar starship! 

feel free to message me if you need further help with anything + don’t forget to use your coupon code “WELCOMESSS" for 100 Diamonds, 50,000 RP, PCP10, and R Card (help in the read more if you don’t know how to claim)

also i forgot to include info about the challenges and rehearsal mode (basically the newer features in superstar games) so if you need clarification on those please read more:

COUPON CODE

click on the grand opening banner on the side and it will open up the page with all the events and importantly, the place where you can enter you coupon code!

after you enter it in the gift will be inside your inbox for you to claim

CHALLENGES + MISSIONS

missions are self explanatory, you can view them in the missions tab seen on the home page:

there are daily missions and weekly missions, you can complete them everyday to get more cards/rp/etc, and if you complete the weekly missions you can get 50 diamonds!

for challenges there are 2 types:

monthly challenges

song challenges 

song challenges: you get them every few song clears, it’ll pop up like this

you’ll be asked to beat your current high score of the song (in whatever mode the your highest score is in) by 10,000 points and if you do you’ll get a C card, a headphone, and a very good RP bonus reward (2,000 or more!), you get 3 chances so don’t be sad if you didn’t clear it the first time

this is a really good way to get RP, the trick is to keep your scores AS LOW AS POSSIBLE (minus your scoring songs since you still want to climb leagues lol) so you can easily clear them without needing to spend too much RP upgrading your cards

monthly challenges: this requires you to clear songs and beat the score shown in the game within a month, the more scores you beat that month, the more prizes you will get! (prizes are sent out once the month is over you don’t get them right away) 

this will reset every month and next month you’ll have to clear the score again to get prizes! you can view the full list in game but here’s a screenshot of most of them

also this is where you can see what the monthly score is to beat, it’s in the corner of every song above the World Record/My Record

you can also keep track of how many you’ve cleared personally on the home page

NOW THE CHALLENGE PROBLEM

so if you couldn’t already tell, there’s a big problem with the challenge formats....they clash with each other ;o; one requires you to get really high scores while the other one is way better if you keep your score as low as possible

so you have to decide which prizes you want more, but if you want my two cents i would keep my scores lower atm and go for the song challenges since RP is very much needed at the beginning stages (at all stages tbh lol) and will keep doing that until i get good enough decks for the monthly scores

especially since there are very few songs in the game currently, it’s more common that the game will end up selecting one of your higher score songs as the challenge to beat which will be hard for you since then you have to upgrade your cards even higher which would negate the RP bonus entirely...

REHEARSAL MODE

it's completely separate from the weekly league, it’s just there for you to try out songs that you have trouble clearing

it does cost one headphone to play and it will not save your score, again my two cents: this mode is NOT WORTH IT since you have to spend a headphone but it literally gives nothing back, unless you really cannot clear a song with your card deck and would just like to play and see what the rest of the song is like

but anyways if you do want to try it, this is what it looks like after you pick a song you want to try out

it gives you some options that you can pick from, if you’re trying to clear a song then pick the R50 deck, it’ll make it almost impossible to fail the song if you’re really trying so you can hopefully go all the way through!

during game play it’ll tell you some stats to the side as well

you can view the notes breakdown in the normal mode as well once the song ends though so don’t worry this isn’t exclusive to just rehearsal mode

MY UN-FILTERED TIPS

so my tips in the picture is pretty standard ones but some more cheeky tips or reality checks would be

sometimes you can get away with key smashing your way through some parts of the beatmap asjhsdf so if there’s ever a lot of blue notes and you panic just start smashing the screen and if you’re lucky you won’t miss c;

you can combo chain yellow drag notes!! this is harder to explain but basically you don’t have to lift your finger if you go from yellow note to yellow note (you still have to tap for blue notes though so this doesn’t work if there are blue notes), the only video example i can find is from superstar bts if you need a visual to see what happens

the game will not be this generous later on, right now it’s in the newly released phase so they will be giving out really good rewards for events and everything is new and fun but the reality of this game is that there’s a lot of waiting for new songs and repeated events that sometimes aren’t even worth the rewards...but this just means to take advantage of the good stuff right now because it will end!!

don’t log in right at reset, basically most people believe that the good players log in right away or the snipers because they were on last minute right before the league resets so you have a higher chance of running into them if you go on right away...of course this is just to minimize the chances, you can run into snipers and good players no matter what time you go on ^^;;

you can save your card packs in your inventory as long as it hasn’t expired! a lot of old players will do this for comeback events since when the game updates with a new theme, all the card packs (even the ones in your inventory that you got from a previous event) update to include it so it just gives another chance for you to get the new cards if you’re lucky! but please keep an eye on the timer, don’t let them expire or it will be a waste

comeback events are generally very hard to clear and requires a lot of time and saved resources so don’t be sad if you can’t clear these in particular but in return you have a chance to win a signed CD (or other things), so if you know your fav group is coming back then start saving early if you want to participate! (ofc physical goods like signed cds rely on the company and how good their relation is with dalcom i know jyp was really slow on sending out their promised prizes to dalcom which soured the relationship and there was no signed album prizes for months in superstar jyp....)

monbebes you will get attacked by limited edition themes so this is your warning!!! i wish i was joking but basically dalcom works very closely with the companies and each company has their (1-3ish) money makers, dalcom will release a looooot of limited edition themes for said money makers and in starship it’s pretty obvious that it will be monsta x mainly so if you want limited edition themes save your diamonds!! but don’t be too sad if you can’t collect them all it’s the nature of rng and starship/dalcom trying to milk you for money bc they know monsta x has dedicated fans

not really a tip but a reminder that dalcom WORKS WITH THE COMPANY!! they don’t have the right to just add whatever songs they want or whatever events they want, everything has to be approved by starship first because starship owns rights to the artists, the songs, the pictures....so try not to get too mad at dalcom if they do some mega money milking scheme or don’t add songs you like, it’s mainly starship’s decision and dalcom just has to go with it

also reminder limited edition themes aren’t any better than normal ones lmao it just comes with a pretty border and are ~limited~ so go for it if you like the look if not you’re not really put behind or anything

and of course don’t forget this is a game, don’t worry too much about how others are progressing and don’t be disheartened if you can’t finish events because there’s always something going on, you can just play it at your pace and have fun! 

i think that’s all for now but if you have anymore questions again just message me i’d be glad to help C:

[inveesible]

OC FALLOUT COMPANION MEME

Tagged by @scarecrow-forest​ and @mrninjapineapple , thank you for thinking of me^^

a companion May would probably be a "champion of justice", former member of the Brotherhood of Steel, devoted to helping the defenseless that fight under no banners.

NAME: May (non romanceable companion)

FOUND: Cambridge Police Station during Fire Support, not recruitable until the end of Tour of Duty, but since she is not on the Prydwen anymore, you must looking for her in a random settlement, Diamond City or Goodneighbor.

FLAGGED: unessential, you can kill her right away.

PRESENT: one Rad-Away a day + Occhio di Falco (+50% damages if you take a headshot in V.A.T.S., 100% limbs damages in V.A.T.S.) after personal quest.

MAX APPROVAL PERK: Rampage - when your health drops below 20%, May enters a state of battle frenzy that instantly headshots all the enemies involved. Only works if May is the active companion.

WEAPON OF CHOICE: unnamed Laser Rifle (she says it's a gift) + Combat Knife (even if it's in her inventory, she doesn’t use it in combat and you can’t take it)

I THINK WE SHOULD TRAVEL TOGETHER: (first meeting) “Fine, but remember: if I don't like the way you go about, we are done; if I REALLY don't like the way you go about, YOU are done.” - “Check your supplies first, especially for Rad-X and Rad-Away… and cigarettes.”- (after reached max affinity) “Sure buddy. After you.” – “I was really looking forward to this, thank you.” – “Who drives? *little pause* yep, sorry…”

YOUR THOUGHTS? “Don't you miss taking a bath in a nice, warm and fragrant bathtub? Or taking a shit in a working and clean toilet? *deep sigh*” – “Am I the one always cold or is it a frozen men thing?” – “aaaand with this I officially read all the books here in Boston… *sigh*” – “Too many Raiders, too few composers… *deep sigh*” – and other nostalgic mumbling…

OPEN INVENTORY: “if there is only one pack of cigarettes left, it's mine.” – “sure, take all the Nuka-Cola you want.” – “deposit or withdrawal?”

USE STIMPAK: “NO DON’T WAST-*sigh*, thank you…” – “I'll return the favor, thank you.”

WAIT HERE: “Don't take too long, please.” – “If you don't come back in two cigarettes, I'll leave.” – “Just whistle when you're ready”

FOLLOW ME: “*sigh* about time…” – “*sarcastically* as you wish, your Lordship.”

DISMISSED: “I'll take care of some personal stuff while you're away, be careful.”

SEND HER HOME: “You know where you find me if you change your mind.”

CHANCES OF UNIQUE DIALOGUES IF YOU…: start a relationship with MacCready, Danse or Cait (you can romance them all, but the dialogue will be triggered only the first time) - end forever your relationship with MacCready, Danse, Preston or Cait – side with the Nuka-World Raiders – destroy Acadia with the Brotherhood of Steel.

LOCATIONS COMMENTS:

(Diamond City) “I hate this... city, but unfortunately there is no safer place to do business.” – “if you want advice, stay away from the reporter… Oh, you already know her…” - (if Unlikely Valentine is complete): “Thanks for saving Valentine. If something happened to him I would never have forgiven myself…”

(Goodneighbor) “You should not mess with these people, but if you behave yourself, they are pretty decent folks…”- “Hancock says we can put everything on his tab at the Third Rail, but if you're up for something else, don't count me in.” - (if Long Road Ahead is completed): “I wonder how RJ and Duncan are getting on? Oh, thanks from me too, by the way.”

(Listening Post Bravo) (if Blind Betrayal is complete): “ca-can we just l-leave, please?”

(The Prydwen): “Did I ever tell you I was an “almost Knight”? Then I left for, well, let's say "differences of opinion."

(Cambridge Police Station) (until Blind Betrayal): “Do you mind? I'd like to greet a friend, if is there.”

(Vault-111): “With your permission, I'll wait outside. I seem to go back in time when I go in there…”

(Abernathy Farm) (if Blind Betrayal is complete): “Excuse me a minute, I go check and see how Lisa's doing.”

(any research laboratory): “It’s so weird, I never felt at home even at my home, but here…” – “This was my life before… certainly the best part.”

MAY LIKES THAT: helping innocents  - healing Dogmeat – weapon or armour customization

MAY LOVES THAT: killing named super mutants – killing named Raiders – killing named Gunner - entering power armor – flipping the bird to Maxson (*snort* just kidding)

MAY DISLIKED THAT: taking chems - picking owned locks and stealing - taking too much alcohol in a row

MAY HATED THAT: murder - killing cats or domesticated dogs - getting addicted to chems or alcohol - destroying all the three factions in Far Harbor, one “hated” per faction - agreeing to become the new Overboss in Nuka-World

PERSONAL QUEST: before gaining enough affinity to unlock May’s personal quest, your partnership could proceed, end well or end badly depending on your actions from Blind Betrayal onwards:

1 – if you bring May with you and you agree to kill Danse, after talking to him, and then you do, she will leave the party and she will never travel with you again - you can still find her wandering the Commonwealth and you can kill her if you want to [bad end].

2 – if you bring May with you and you agree to kill Danse, after talking to Maxson and then you do, she will attack you immediately, forcing you to kill her first [bad end].

3 – if you bring May with you and you can’t persuade Maxson to spare Danse, May will attack him immediately, forcing the Elder to incapacitate her first, then she will leave the party and she will never travel with you again - if you decide to destroy the Brotherhood in With Our Powers Combined, you will find May at The Castle ready to help you deal with those assholes [bad end].

4 – if you spare Danse, regardless of whether you bring May with you or not, you gain a considerable amount of affinity that unlocks her personal quest (The Sleeping Beauty, read below) - from this moment on, the Combat Knife in her inventory will disappear forever [good end]

5 – if you (or Maxson) kill(s) Danse without bringing May with you, the next time you see her she will ask you for explanations about it, you can tell her that you tried everything to save him, even lying if required, and still unlock her personal quest, but not the “considerable amount of affinity”, you still have to work for that. [good end]

6 – if the events of Blind Betrayal never take place, you being vilified from the Brotherhood and you proceed with With Our Powers Combined, Rockets' Red Glare or Airship Down, May will fight alongside the Brotherhood and Danse, forcing you to kill her [bad end]

7 – you can still reach a “good end” without unlocking May’s personal quest if the events of Blind Betrayal never take place and you destroy The Institute alongside the Minutemen - doing so you get the perk but not Occhio di Falco [good end].

THE SLEEPING BEAUTY: once you gain enough affinity, May will ask you to take her to Vault-111; once there you have to follow her to her cryopod, then she will tell you that this is where [May’s real name] died and where May was born, confessing that she is the creator of the technology that brought the Sole Survivor up to here; you can choose to blame her for everything that happened to your family (and eventually kill her), or tell her that if it wasn't for her, you and your family would surely have died with the bombs dropping, so she will tell you that thanks to this second life chance, she was able to find many things to live for and many people that were worth keeping close to, including you, then May will give you her 10mm, Occhio di Falco, and ask you to get the hell out of there.

I’m tagging YOU, that you read up to here.

Wooo this was a hell of a work XD!

[austinpanda]

Gallbladder Surgery, with Firefly

5:00 a.m. - Wake up, make coffee, then realize, “Shit, I can’t have anything to eat or drink.” And Zach won’t have any coffee, because he’s both empathetic, and nervous on my behalf, so a whole pot of coffee went to waste. I hate that.

6:05 a.m. - Stacy shows up! She’s going to do the driving. She has brought with her a gift for me, a plush gallbladder holding a handful of pretty stones it created. Basically my sister is the shit.

6:15 a.m. - Stacy, Zach and I head for Seton Southwest Hospital on FM 1826. That “FM” stands for “farm to market” which makes it sound like my hospital is in the middle of a cow pasture, but this is not so. It’s actually a pretty busy part of southwest Austin. They said there’d be plenty of parking, and they were right! Since it’s not yet 7:00 a.m. when we get there, we pretty much have the whole place to ourselves. And it’s not an emergency room, so the reception area has no one in it when we show up.

6:50 a.m. - The receptionist (who is almost certainly not called that, maybe she’s a nurse?) is curly-haired and ebullient, a bit too much for this early in the day, but it beats grumpy and curt, I suppose. She cheerfully takes my driver’s license, my insurance card and $1607.22. She prints about a hundred stickers with my name and barcodes on them. She isn’t shy about showing us the spiral notebook where she keeps all her passwords written down. Again, though, polite and cheerful!

7:00 a.m. - We take the elevator to the second floor and head for the Day Surgery area. We’re shown to a little three-sided cubbyhole room with the hospital bed, a couple of chairs, a TV and a crucifix on the wall, and stuff starts happening.

[At this point, I begin to lose track of what time things happened, so I’m giving up on that format. I blame the drugs they gave me. The sweet, sweet, wonderful drugs.]

Over the next 90 minutes, I’m seen by numerous people, completing many, many tasks. They put an IV in my left arm. Blood pressure cuff on my right arm, which is never removed until just before I’m discharged. I’m given socks. They have a name: Pillow Paws, and they’ve thoughtfully provided me the XXL-sized ones.

They got me a gown and said to get completely naked and put the gown on. “It ties in the back, so your hiney is going to be sticking out.” “Great.” Once I had it on, Zach advised it was inside out, so I did it again. Put the special socks on. Gave Zach my glasses, my watch, and my wedding ring. Everyone wanted to make sure I was comfortable and not too cold. Everyone was so kind!

They put this stuff that looked like green food coloring in my IV. It’s a dye called, no shit, Firefly. It’s something they can use to illuminate something inside me, for the purpose of making something they’re doing inside me easier to see.

They make a point of asking me the same questions repeatedly. What’s our date of birth? What’s your height? Who’s your surgeon today? And what procedure are we having done? I take great (and undoubtedly insufficiently concealed) pride in whipping out my special English Major Superpowers to give them the exact name of my procedure: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy, with robots and Firefly. (My English Major Superpower is that I took the time to look up the term and teach myself how to say it, because not knowing what my own surgery is officially called would bug the shit out of me.) They laugh. They say, “It not a bunch of robots or anything, just the one robot.”

I notice the same thing I noticed in the Emergency Room at St. David’s: Almost every woman there has a trim waist and a HUGE diamond wedding ring.

At one point, one of the women came into the room to give us The Talk About Pain. She went to great lengths to point out that, not gonna lie, it’s gonna hurt. You’re gonna have, you know, a big incision in your belly button, and that’s right at your core, so everything you do, every move you make, every breath you take, every leaf you rake, etc. is going to hurt a bit. I’m just saying, gotta be honest with you about this, we can do a lot to make the pain tolerable, but we can’t make it go away completely, so...yeah, there’s gonna be some pain. You’ll notice it especially when you sit down or stand up, or cough, or try to lift something, so don’t. The idea with the pain medications is to keep the pain from getting up to 8 by keeping it down at about a 3 or 4 proactively. She said: you’ll take your pain meds every six hours. Do not skip a dose because it’s in the middle of the night. You don’t want to wake up with the pain at an 8. Set an alarm and take the overnight dose, without fail.

The TV in the room just happened to be showing a movie I loved as a child, and hadn’t seen in decades: Halloween II. I used to watch this over and over when we first got cable TV as an adolescent. This movie was my introduction to the song, “Mr. Sandman,” which was its end theme. It honestly felt a little bit magical to be seeing Halloween II while waiting for my surgery. This may sound banal, but it gave me hope, when I hadn’t realized I needed some. Movies do that kind of thing to me.

More questions. Date of birth. Surgeon’s name. What’s the procedure? Laparoscopic cholecystectomy with one damn robot and Firefly juice. Am I a little bit loopy? Must be the Versed they gave me. Not sure why they give me this. The stated purpose is to relax me, but the unstated purpose seems to be that it gives you amnesia, so you don’t remember anything that happens next. Oh well. I was relaxed, and I don’t remember shit, so I guess it worked, and I guess I’m okay with it.

The surgeon came. He said, “Hey, how’s it going, just doing some paperwork here, we’ll get started soon, everything looks good, any questions, kay I’m outta here, see you the operating room, can someone get me a Campari and soda?” (I made up that last thing.) Then the anesthesiologist came, and while Stacy observed that he had a really rich, deep voice, I don’t remember that at all. All I remember was having to ask, “So...if I’m something of a professional-grade pot head, you know, is that going to interfere with--” He was already smiling and shaking his head before I finished the question. Normally I don’t like my questions being dismissed so glibly, but this was, in fact, the answer that I was hoping for. “No, it’s not going to cause any problems. You won’t wake up during the procedure.” Maybe I woke up lots of times, and the Versed made me forget them! Didn’t think of that, didja, tough guy?

Finally, it was time. As they wheeled me out, Zach (the guy I married) had them stop so he could give me a kiss. He said later that it felt weird, us being two big gay homosexuals, kissing in front of everybody, but it felt great that he did it. A couple of women took me to the operating room. I asked, “The boil-water restrictions just lifted yesterday...how did everybody scrub in for surgeries when that was happening?” I have no recollection of her answer at all.

In the emergency room, the first thought that hit me was, “Money, money, money. All the money. I’m surrounded by millions and millions of dollars worth of medical equipment.” Being lower middle class makes you conscious of when you’re sitting next to something that’s worth more money than you’ll make in your whole lifetime. Where does this happen? Museums and hospitals.

I scooted off my bed onto the surgery table while they laid me flat and started getting me ready. I assumed the (and this is the name of a Soundgarden song) Jesus Christ pose, with my arms outstretched, like I was being horizontally crucified. I looked right, saw my arm had a strap holding it to the arm rest, then looked left and saw the same thing.

They asked, “How we doin?” And I said, “I’m good! Except now that I know my arms are tied down, my nose itches.” So, and this is why I love nurses, they scratched my nose. I repaid them with happy sounds and a hearty, “THAAANK you!”

Then they put the breathing mask on. I didn’t sense that anything was coming out of it, and I didn’t get the result I’d anticipated, which was, “Count down from one hundred.” “Okay, ninety-zzzzzzzzzz.” What they said was, “Now take deep breaths, deep as you can...deep as you can. The last patient was able to take breaths about twice as deep.” And I thought, seriously? You’re going for my nuts at a time like this? And the other woman said, “Well, the last one was a meditation expert.” Fine. Whatever, dude. BIG DEEP BREATHS while I waited for the lights to go out. It wasn’t instantaneous, until it was. I took a deep breath, and woke up an hour or so later in the recovery room with a woman puttering around me.

Her name was Kathleen, and that’s about all I remember of her. I’m sure she told me things and I responded, but I don’t recall what was said. I wasn’t in pain, but I could feel that a few things weren’t like they were before. (Later I realized it was the stab wound in my belly button and the sore throat. More about that in a bit.) I remember being more comfortable than I’d ever been in a bed in my whole life. I knew my feet were sticking out the bottom of the bed, because I’m tall, and that felt great, too! I felt half weird, half great. Anesthesia is just the best.

The fog lifted, gradually. Kathleen puttered, made notes, talked to me, people walked by. Before long, Kathleen said I was recovering nicely and wheeled me back into the pre-op room, where Stacy and Zach were waiting. Apparently I was more alert and lucid than they anticipated. I attribute this to my life-long ah...efforts to appear alert and lucid while fucked up. They were paying off now, dangit! I was not hurting. I was pleased that it was over, because I knew it must have been boring for them to wait.

Over about another hour, they did all the things they do after the surgery. How are you feeling? You sound good. Want some water? (Ohmygod, yes. I’d been fasting since the previous midnight.) The surgery went well! You’re really recovering quickly! I seemed to be their ideal patient, and it was sweet of them to say so. It’s not that I was pleasant and funny, although they did really like the gallbladder plush, which I took with me. It’s that they liked how smoothly everything had gone, and how quickly and chipperly I seemed to be recovering.

The surgeon spoke with Stacy and Zach after the surgery, and gave them some pictures taken by the surgery robot. Apparently, my gallbladder did NOT look good. He could tell it had needed to come out for some time. He showed them pictures, and sent some on his phone to Zach, and then got Stacy’s number and texted her the pictures too, and showed them some of the pics he’d taken on his phone, just like he’d shown me in our first consultation visit. This guy really likes showing you pictures of gallbladders on his cell phone. I hope he’s not taking his dirty-ass cell phone into the operating room.

I marvel that my stomach has been shaved, and I’ve been covered with iodine, which has been cleaned off, leaving an orange stain. My hairless, orange tummy reminds everyone of the president.

Time to leave! IV out, bandaid on, blood pressure cuff off, backless gown off, clothes back on, and yep, just like the movies, they don’t let you walk out. They wheelchair your ass out. I could tell it was time when they said, “Who’s driving? Okay, you’re probably going to want to go now and get the car and pull it up front,” which Stacy did. I thanked the nice lady who wheeled me out for everyone’s hard work and kindness.

On the way home, Stacy said, “Want to get your pain pills from the pharmacy?” And I said, “Sure!” Then I did a body check: I was beginning to feel the stab wound in my belly button. I was really beginning to feel the sore throat, and it was getting unpleasant. So, despite my desire to make this easier for Stacy, since she was working so hard to make things easy for me, I said fuggit, “Um, can I go home instead?” After getting home, Stacy and Zach went to the pharmacy to pick up my Hydrocodones The charge for the 30 pills was just over a dollar. Sometimes insurance is so sweet, I could kiss it! Other times, like those $1607.22 times, not so much.

Now it’s Tuesday and the surgery is more than 24 hours in the past. My belly button hurts like a sonofabitch, but the hydrocodones and the ice pack are keeping it manageable. They make it so that it doesn’t actively hurt when I’m just sitting here; it only hurts when I stand up or sit down or cough.

Next pain pill in 42 minutes. Cautious optimism! :)

[dontshootmespence]

Here’s To Forever

A/N: A request from @marvelfanlife for a JJ x Female Reader where JJ proposes to the reader. Fluff and smut! @coveofmemories @sexualemobitch @jamiemelyn

                                                             -----

After her relationship with Will didn’t go as planned, JJ was sure she’d never find love again, especially moving Henry from her house to Will’s to make sure they both had equal time with their young son. It may not have worked out between them, but they were both dedicated parents. 

It was more than a year before JJ allowed herself to go on a date with someone, and it had been with someone she never expected. You. JJ had always enjoyed other women, but she’d leaned towards men. That was until she met you. 

The two of you always seemed to pass each other in the mornings when you went to get your coffees, and although you’d known she was married, you tended to look at the beautiful blonde when no one else was looking. After all, it didn’t hurt to admire, right? Then one day you noticed she wasn’t wearing her ring anymore, but she also didn’t seem to be into dating anyone. You could understand that, so you’d waited.

By the time a year had passed, you were still single and so was she, so you’d asked her out. Surprisingly, according to her, she’d accepted and now it was 18 months after the fact. You were without a doubt in love with the beautiful Agent Jennifer Jareau. Her son was the light of your life as well as hers, and you knew you wanted to spend your life with her. After telling your mother how you planned to propose to her, she’d helped you pick out a ring. Now you just had to build up the courage to actually ask her. 

Earlier in the day, the love of your life had called to say that she just had to finish some paperwork and she’d be home. Henry was going to spending the next couple of days with Will, so she wanted to cook for you like she had on your first date. It was perfect. You'd be home and all alone. It would be the best time to propose. You were freaking out, but you wanted JJ to be your wife more than anything in the world.

“Hi honey,” she said, walking into your apartment with grocery bags in hand. Since she had a son, she didn’t want to bring anyone into her own home on a permanent basis until a long-term commitment was discussed; she didn’t think it was fair to Henry and you totally understood, so instead, you lived apart. Whenever she didn’t have Henry though, she was with you.

Pushing up off the couch, you walked into her arms and pressed a kiss to her lips. She nearly dropped one of the bags on your foot but it would’ve been totally worth it. “How was work?”

“Boring today, thankfully,” she replied. “I got out about an hour ago, but I wanted to go to the supermarket to make sure I had everything for dinner. Sirloin steak, roasted potatoes, the way you like when I crisp them in the oven, and string beans.”

“Sounds delicious.” You pulled at her lip again, tasting the sweetness of the bubblegum she’d had earlier. “Kinda like you.”

After a mini-makeout session and a phone call to Will to say hello to Henry, JJ hung up the phone and began to cook dinner. “Since I knew we were doing dinner tonight and you like to cook and I like to bake, I decided to make this.” From the cool air of refrigerator, you pulled out a raspberry truffle cheesecake that you’d only made one before, but JJ had practically foodgasmed when she’d eaten it. If anything would get her to marry you, cheesecake was it.

“Oh my god, you do love me!” she exclaimed licking her lips and giving you another kiss before checking on the steak. You put the cheesecake back in the refrigerator and set up the table while JJ finished your meal. It wasn’t as if you would pull out the candles and things for a regular dinner, you both would, but it felt different this time. The lights were dimmed and two candles were lit. They smelled faintly of cinnamon, which you both loved. It was just enough to set a mood but not overpowering in the slightest. “What are you up to?” she asked, placing the steak, potatoes and vegetables on a couple of plates.

“Nothing,” you replied. You stood there with your hands behind your back and a devilish grin on your face. “Just reveling in the fact that I’m dating the most beautiful woman in the world.”

“Flattery will get you everywhere,” she giggled as she placed your dinners on the table. After eating dinner, which was absolutely delicious, you started talking about Henry and work before you went and pulled out the cheesecake you’d made. 

As you fed each other, you could see that JJ was thinking about something, but she wasn’t saying what it was. You knew why you weren’t as talkative as usual. You were insanely nervous about proposing, but why she wasn’t talking, you weren’t sure. She normally wouldn’t shut up when she got home from work. “What’s up baby?” you asked. 

Her lip quivered a bit as the tears stung at the corners of her eyes. All you could think was that she was going to break up with you, but you waited for her to speak. “You know how much I love you, right?”

“Yea, of course,” you replied hesitantly. This sure sounded like a precursor to a breakup and your heart began to catch in your throat. 

Standing up, she moved her chair closer to yours, not breaking your gaze. “After things didn’t work out with Will, I was pretty sure I was never going to find love again. I thought he was it for me, and we just didn’t work. The year after we broke it off was one of the hardest of my life. But then...I found you. You weren’t who I expected to love, but you came out of nowhere and changed my life forever. Henry loves you, I love you, and...” She reached into her bag and pulled out a small velvet box, opening it to reveal a small solitaire diamond ring. “If you marry me, I’ll work as hard as I can to show you how much I love you each and every day.”

“Oh my god,” you breathed. Boy was she in for a surprise. 

“Will you marry me?” she asked. You would remember the soft smile and the tear in her eye for the rest of your life.

You nodded. “On one condition.”

“Yea?”

Reaching into your own pocket, you pulled out the ring you’d bought with your mother. “Marry me?”

“Yes!” she cried as she placed the ring on your finger and vice versa. She took your face in her hands as her tongue sought out yours. “Yes! When did you get this?” She looked down at her ring in awe.

“Last week.”

“Me too!”

You leaned into her and pressed your lips to hers, yours overlapping her top. You were so close to her nose you could’ve kissed it, so you pulled away and did exactly that. Instead of clearing the plates as she normally would, JJ stood you up and backed you toward your bedroom as she pulled your shirt over your head. Her delicate hands slide over the skin of your back ever so slightly, bringing a layer of goosebumps to your skin that sent a delicious shiver up your spine. “I love you,” you breathed.

“I love you more.”

As you fell into the mattress, you pulled her shirt off and ran your hands through her hair as it cascaded in golden curtains around her face, highlighting those beautiful blue eyes you hoped to stare into for the rest of your life. Hurriedly, she pushed off the bed and peeled off her jeans, hopping back onto the bed with an innocent enthusiasm that made you chuckle. “Come here,” you said huskily, running your fingers under the delicate swath of lace she was wearing. “This is my ass for the rest of our lives.”

“And these are mine.” She had a thing for your boobs and you loved her ass, so it was a win-win situation. You giggled at each other as you peeled your own jeans off, bringing your panties with them and throwing them on the floor. More intent now, she placed her hands on your thighs and pushed them downward, leaving her open access to tease your center. JJ was always such a tease, but you gave as good as you got.

She breathed slightly above your center, watching as your arousal pooled underneath her gaze. “Can I expect this kind of reaction for the rest of our lives?” she asked, biting down amazingly gently on your folds. When she dipped her tongue between them, she groaned. “Because that I think I could get used to.”

“Definitely,” you breathed. This was what she loved doing. Giving you the slightest touches so that your sex was practically thrusting up into her mouth by the end. “Please.”

As you asked, she dipped her head to your center and licked up your slit, reveling in your taste and pressing down on your thighs to keep you open for her. With your hands over hers, you motioned for her to dig her nails into your inner thighs. The mixture of pleasure and pain was always intoxicating and watching you lose yourself made JJ lose herself as well. 

When she suctioned her lips around your clit, you cried out, and she placed two fingers inside you and kept going, until your body was so overwhelmed with sensation that your legs clamped about her head. “Oh my god, baby,” you choked out, reaching down and grabbing her hair to bring her lips to yours. You tasted yourself off her and positioned her underneath you, returning the favor as you licked at her core and pressed your fingers to that sweet spot inside her. 

The flush washed over her within minutes. You could live together for 50 years and never get used to that look on her face. It always broke you in the best possible way. With a whimper, she came and arched herself into your hand, pulling you down so you collapsed on top of her. “Here’s to forever, okay?” she whispered, caressing your face. A tear fell down onto the pillow belong and you kissed away the other.

“To forever and ever.”

[damnthatnoise]

Most Anticipated For 2017 | Article

2016 is dead to me. Not only did it take way to many of my childhood celebrity heroes, it has also brought us the unbearable burden of knowing that vile orange piece of combed over shit is going to be POTUS. So with the stack of 2016 albums still fresh in our collective media devices/turntables we sit and think about what 2017 might bring for our ears. Tim, Lucas, and I decided to jot down the top 5 things we are each looking forward to/hoping for this year. Take a look, share it, shoot us an e-mail and tell us what you are looking forward to, and who you think we should keep an eye out for. 

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Tim’s Top 5 Predictions/Anticipations for 2017

           With the year that we were blessed with in 2016, it’s hard to see how there’s any possible way that 2017 could top it. Run the Jewels 3 was going to be at the top of my list, but Killer Mike and El-P blessed us with that gem of an album three weeks early – just another indicator of how 2016 is shaping up. There are a few things dropping in 2017 that I’m super excited about, and I have some personal predictions as well that I could see happening in the next year.

Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth’s reunion

When Pete Rock was on Sway in the Morning with Smoke DZA to promote their collaborative album – Don’t Smoke Rock – Pete dropped a hint that he and C.L. Smooth had been working together again. Shortly after this specific radio appearance, the internet exploded with the news that Pete Rock and C.L. will be dropping a new album in 2017.

 Although there have been song collaborations between the two over the past 20 years, they haven’t teamed up for a full-length album since 1994. As one of my favorite duos of all-time, this is no doubt my most anticipated piece of music that will be dropping next year. 23 years is quite the hiatus, but if anyone’s still capable of making incredible music after a prolonged break, it’s these two.

Ka & Roc Marciano’s collaborative album as Metal Clergy

This is an album that I’ve been waiting on for a long time, and I know that I’m not alone. There has been a collaborative album with Roc Marciano listed in Ka’s Wikipedia page for a couple years now, but the world has never seen the project come to fruition. Ka released Honor Killed the Samurai in 2016, and Roc Marciano will be dropping Rosebud’s Revenge in the immediate future.

 Roc Marciano was answering questions on his personal Facebook page, and I beckoned the question about a Metal Clergy album; Roc said that since both he and Ka will have recent solo releases out of the way, the odds for a Metal Clergy album in 2017 are highly likely. When it comes to lyrical ability, there aren’t many emcees better than these two, and when they connect on the same record, the results are utterly remarkable.

Rapsody’s Roc Nation Debut 

Not only is Rapsody one of my favorite female emcees, she’s one of my favorite emcees period. I’ve been following her music since 2012 when she dropped her debut album The Idea of Beautiful on 9th Wonder’s Jamla imprint. Since 2012, Rapsody has released three critically acclaimed projects (one mixtape and two EPs), and in 2016 she signed to Jay-Z’s Roc Nation imprint. After being featured on Kendrick Lamar’s album – To Pimp a Butterfly – Rapsody has been setting the world on fire with guest appearances; she also dropped one of the best albums of 2016 – Crown.

There’s two beautiful things about this label marriage that Rapsody has going: she has the financial backing and push of Jay-Z, and she has the production of 9th Wonder’s Soul Council (9th Wonder, Hi-Tek, Nottz & Eric G) behind her. With a team that strong, it’s awfully hard to lose no matter what obstacles you go up against.

Pusha T’s album King Push

This album is on my list for 2017 because I falsely predicted that it would drop at the end of 2016. Last year, Pusha T dropped his album King Push – The Prelude: Darkest Before Dawn in the month of December, so I figured that he would follow suit again in 2016 after he dropped a lyric that stated he’s the “contender for album of the year – every year”.

Well, I was wrong. I’ve been known to be on more than one occasion.

 Only adding fuel to the fire, both Thornton brothers said that they would be open to a Clipse reunion album. It’s possible that we could see a Pusha T solo album in 2017 and a new Clipse record in 2018; that’s the type of shit that should get every Hip-Hop head excited.

 In an article, earlier in 2016, the G.O.O.D. Music President said that Big Sean’s new album would be next - and then his album would follow. Big Sean’s album I decided. is slated for a February 3rd release; we could potentially see a new King Push album by second quarter of 2017.

WE STILL DON’T GET A FUCKING JAY ELECTRONICA ALBUM

 A lot of you are probably thinking to yourselves: “Wow, Tim, you really like beating a dead horse, don’t you?” The answer, is yes. Frankly, I don’t think it would be an anticipation or prediction list if I didn’t mention Jay Electronica.

 Usually when people talk about the reasons that Act II hasn’t come out, it has to do with the fact that Jay-Z didn’t think there were any commercially viable singles. I’m going to go ahead and call BS on that bluff; J. Cole has released back-to-back records with no guest appearances and no huge singles. In this era of music, it’s fully possible to release something successful that isn’t massively popular.

 There’s a reason that I still hold out hope that we will get this project some day: From the first time, I heard his music back in 2007, I knew that he was something special. In fact, I still bump “Exhibit C” regularly to this day. Jay Electronica is the type of artist that only comes along once in a great while, and while he says that his train is running on schedule, I have hopes that Hova hasn’t derailed it.

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Lucas Dix Top 5 Anticipations For 2017

Watching The Last Artful, Dodgr Blow Up (and all other things Eyrst)

When Macklemore hit the mainstream scales with The Heist, the friendly hip hop competition between Rose City and Emerald City tilted heavily in favor to the northern neighbors. No matter how many Illmacs, Cloudy Octobers, Vursatyls, Sleeps, or Resistances PDX submitted for consideration, the response in any debate was always, “Yeah, but they don’t have that person who just makes hits”. Well, that rebuttal is about to be rendered futile.

 The Last Artful, Dodgr (who hails from LA but reps the hell out of Portland) is going to blow the fuck up in 2017, and although she may not reach Macklemore level omnipresence, she will definitely have more critical acclaim than he experienced from a more diverse audience. Since signing with Eyrst Records, the label owned by former Trail Blazer Martell Webster, she’s dropped the Fractures EP (2015), 5 solo singles (all in 2016), and a Rare Treat EP with Myke Bogan. On all of the joints, she showcases her developing starpower. Her #bars are drenched in swagger, her cadence is head-noddingly infectious, and her ear for beats/eye for videos gives her songs a cinematic feel. She’s a gully butterfly, a rainbow with a gold chain. All of that makes her exciting, but add on the fact that she can sing (watch “Caverns” if you don’t believe me), and you’ve got the recipe for “The Next Big Thing”.

Jay Z’s Potential Lemonade Response

There have been multiple reports that Jay Z is working on a record that tells his side of the “Lemonade” story. I do not think this is a good idea, and here’s why: there is a 0% chance he can make a record/experience better than Beyonce’s. From the film to the Super Bowl performance to the songs and guests of Lemonade, Jay just can’t compete, especially because I can’t imagine a scenario where people empathize with him for cheating (or as the story goes). Now, if this album does drop, will I listen? Abso-fuckin’-lutely. As someone who appreciates and consumes pop culture and owns most Jay Z records, I couldn’t not. However, if I had my wish, I’d have Jay get back in the studio with all them Just Blaze beats that Jay Electronica isn’t using and drop some grown, rich man, “being a father is my newfound purpose” type records.

Drake Bouncing Back with a New “Playlist”

I’m an admitted Drake stan. I own everything, and I mean everything, he has credited to his name on iTunes. From the solo albums, mixtape with Future, the occasional “9:00 am in Dallas” type singles, and random songs from Game/Gucci Mane/Lil Wayne albums, I’ve learned the words and bumped them loudly with the windows down. Just your average 31 year-old middle school teacher in a Dodge Stratus rapping along to such relatable topics as “I’m richer than you”, “I’ll steal your girlfriend”, “Things haven’t been the same lately”, and “Seriously, I’m way richer than you.” All of Drake’s albums are in my top 10 year end list for the year in which they dropped.

Having said all of that, Views is trash. The thing is an 82 minute long Crying Jordan meme. Its got way too many aggressively mediocre songs. Its guest features aren’t exciting. It showcases way more of the Jamaican-accented, mob boss Drake, and not enough of the “6 am the day after dropping $100,000 dollars at the strip club questioning if it’s all worth it” Drake. Both Drake’s can be mad corny, but at least the latter lets his guard down from time to time.

 Not only do I think that Views is the Lex Diamond Story of his catalogue, but, judging by Twitter comments and reviews, a lot of his fans frown upon the effort as well. Some are even questioning if it’s Drake’s time to go the way of 50 Cent and slowly fade to irrelevance (though his sales and Billboard positions may suggest otherwise). I would venture to guess Drake has heard all of this and used the criticism for bulletin board material, which is why he’s dropping a new “playlist” in 2017. You read that right. It’s a playlist, not a mixtape or an album, which means a couple things: 1) It doesn’t hold the same weight or pressure as an album so he can take more chances and 2) he has once again originated a new phrase that will sweep over pop culture (I can’t wait for the Lil Yachty playlist). I’m guessing that with this playlist Drake, hopefully with a little help from Quentin Miller, bounces back and reclaims his hold of the people’s hearts.

Andre 3000s Three Guest Verses

It’s become a yearly tradition at this point. We see a snap from a rapper saying he’s recorded a verse for the new Outkast album, or we hear that someone was in the studio with 3 stacks recently, or we read an interview where Andre himself says “to be clear there is no retirement”. Our hopes get high and we think to ourselves, maybe this will finally be the year, but we know better. There is no album. There will be no album. The only thing we can really expect from perhaps the greatest rapper to ever live is a splattering of guest verses that can be cited as evidence to support claims like the aforementioned one I just made. I’ve come to accept, even appreciate and love, this realization. Now, I just wonder whose record he hops on.

 Top 5 Andre 3000 Collab Candidates for 2017

1.    Nikki Minaj

2.    Eminem

3.    Young Thug

4.    Gucci Mane

5.    Anderson .Paak

 Top 5 Andre 3000 Collab Performances

1.    UGK ft Outkast - “Int’l Players Anthem”

2.    Rick Ross ft Andre 3000 - “16”

3.    Frank Ocean ft Andre 3000 - “Solo (Reprise)”

4.    UNK ft Outkast, Jim Jones - “Walk It Out (Remix)”

5.    Devin the Dude, Andre 3000, Snoop Dogg “What A Job”

New News on “No News is Good News”

If you need to know anything about me as a hip hop fan, it’s that Phonte is one of my favorite rappers. I first heard him on The Foreign Exchange record Connected back in 2005. I was in a Best Buy, and I saw an album in the rap section with a silhouetted couple kissing in front of a bluish-green sunset. I didn’t know anything about the group or project, but I was intrigued by the cover art. Bumping that album while driving down the cold January streets of Wisconsin is still one of my favorite new-record listening experiences. The production is phenomenal, but more impressively, Phonte, on that record and all records, is the embodiment of the poetic everyman. He’s struggling to provide for his family while chasing his dream and finding the best path and choices for himself, and he does it all with flair and a sense of humor.

 Unfortunately, other than Connected and 2011s Charity Starts at Home, we haven’t gotten any other solo rap albums from Phontigallo. He’s mainly singing with Foreign Exchange these days, and he’s released some collaborative records with Eric Roberson or as part of Little Brother, but I spent most of those projects waiting for ‘Te to start rapping again. Originally, a rumored album called No News is Good News was supposed to drop in September of 2016, but with all of his endeavors, it never made it to a digital download service near you. I’m anxiously awaiting the day in 2017 where I wake up to an inbox full of the 23048230984 Facebook messages Tim has sent me re: the new record.

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Ralph’s Top 5 Anticipations For 2017

The  Return of P.O.S. 

Chill Dummy is set to drop at the end of this month on 1/27/17. It’s the Doomtree native’s first solo effort since We Don’t Even Live Here dropped; if you recall at the time of the record, he was dealing with Kidney issues – which led to a transplant and indefinite tour halt.If his singles released throughout 2016 (I fucked up not putting “Sleeperdrone/Superposition” on my year end song list) are any indication of what’s to come, then Chill Dummy promises to be an all-out heavy handed smack to our faces as a reminder of why Stef was and is one of the most enthralling, and entertaining MC’s around. Chill Dummy also marks the first album from P.O.S. on the Doomtree Record imprint – as he was previously on Rhymesayers Entertainment. This is all very exciting to me because I’ve been a huge Doomtree Stan for a long time. 

The Last Artful, Dodgr Becoming an All-Out Star 

I remember first hearing Dodgr’s music when her 199NVRLND dropped. I wrote about how outstanding she was, and even then, I had a feeling that she was going to be an artist from Portland that was going to blow up. Just last year – in 2016 – The Last Artful, Dodgr killed it on a Sway in the Morning guest appearance, she supported Amine on Jimmy Fallon, she dropped a slick ass EP with Myk Bogan as Rare Treat, and she ended an already amazing year with the INCREDIBLE single and accompanying video for “Caverns” with Neill Von Tally. She even performed to a sold-out crowd at Roseland. Not only can the woman sing, but she is one of the most exciting MC’s to come out in a while. Like I’ve always said, there is something about folks who can rap & sing that makes their music even more special. I will be impatiently waiting for her LP to drop this year via Eyrst, and I will be making sure we give her as much shine as possible here at DamnThatNoise. 

Jay-Z’s Return 

Hova must be lurking out there with a new surprise album coming – especially after the popularity of Lemonade. Let’s not forget his dope ass “All the Way Up” remix verse –  not to mention his guest spot on Pusha T’s “Dope Dealers Anonymous”. Hova has been relatively quiet since he hit us with the Samsung sponsored, Magna Carta record. It feels very fitting to have the veteran lyricist slide through in 2017 to drop a record that reminds us why he is one of the greatest of all-time. With Kanye losing it this year on his The Life Of Pablo tour and taking shots at Jay, I can’t see him not having material ready to fire out into the stratosphere and blow our wigs back right away. The question is does the man still have it in him to put together a relatable, hard-hitting album that people want to hear? Do 14-25-year-olds even care about a Jay-Z album at this point? Will he follow suit and drop it exclusively through Tidal ONLY – and frustrate those of us who purchase albums? Who knows! What I do know for sure is, that whatever Jay does, I will be waiting for it, and I will probably have on repeat for most of the year. 

Tomorrow Kings Collective 

It might be safe to say that since listening to NRTM from Tomorrow Kings, I have become a huge fan of the Chicago super group. The crew didn’t drop a group album in 2016, but they did have individual projects from Lamon Manuel, Skech185, Gildead7, and Jyroscope, and these projects were all incredible in their own way. If you read my year-end-list for 2016, then you know that Lamon & Skech’s projects made my list. It has all just made my appreciation and fandom for these guys even stronger. I haven’t heard a crew of very different, yet complimentary emcees come together as a collective since the mid 90’s; these cats have strong, exciting and thought provoking lyrics, and they have wild production to boot. Not since the mid 90’s has a collective of very different, yet complimentary MC’s come together as a crew to give us such strong, exciting and thought provoking music with wild and heavy production to boot. In 2017, I anticipate a record from Lamon & Skech185 sharing the mic time, an official Jyroscope record, and maybe even a Wizard Jenkins The Great record – or a new Gilead7 album?! Whatever it is that these gifted brothers put together, you best believe I will be there listening, supporting, and telling anyone I can about it.

New Action Bronson

Bam Bam was everywhere this year! Like cooking shows? Check out “Fuck, That Delicious!”! Like smoking weed and watching weird shit about aliens? Check “Action Bronson’s Ancient Aliens”! Want to see Bronson eat hot wings? Check his episode of “Hot Ones”!. And lastly, check out his 4th quarter half court shot single “Durag Vs Headband”. With all of this content, one can only hope that the mad Albanian has a new full-length album and a mixtape or two up his sleeve. You know who it is?! It’s me!

[preciousmetals0]

Outplaying Big Banks; J.B. Hunt Bucks Up

Outplaying Big Banks; J.B. Hunt Bucks Up:

Banks Can’t Dance

Regular Great Stuff readers know that music underpins many of our pop culture references. But, try as I might, I couldn’t come up with a good banking song for today’s issue. Not even a jingle.

The only banking-related pop culture reference that came to mind was the old 1970s Smith Barney commercial: “They make money the old-fashioned way. They earn it.”

It’s not musical at all. And considering that Smith Barney was bought out by Morgan Stanley (NYSE: MS) during the 2009 financial crisis, maybe Smith Barney could’ve used some samba lessons or something.

Today’s big banks certainly can’t samba worth a damn, but they can certainly jump, jive and wail.

The Brian Setzer Orchestra? Really?

Hey, you take what you can get when you’re out of coffee.

The biggest of banks, such as JPMorgan & Chase Co. (NYSE: JPM), Goldman Sachs Group Inc. (NYSE: GS) and Bank of America Corp. (NYSE: BAC) are well past the jump phase. They hit that point back when federal interest rates were rising many moons ago.

Now, with corporate earnings season underway amid a pandemic-driven economic lockdown, you get a heavy dose of jive.

Yesterday, analysts touted JPMorgan’s 32% jump in trading revenue — even though the company missed consensus earnings estimates. It seems JPMorgan earmarked $6.8 billion for potential loan losses and defaults.

We’re seeing the same jive story today from Goldman Sachs. The gold man whiffed on earnings expectations and saw profits tumble 46% year over year, but it had its strongest bond-trading performance in five years. Goldman set aside about $937 million for potential loan losses.

We can all but copy and paste this same story for Bank of America, which missed earnings expectations, posted a strong trading performance and set aside $4 billion for loan losses.

The Takeaway:

I see the jump and jive … but where’s the wail? You can’t just jump and jive with no wail! Where’s my wailing?

That absence of wailing you noticed is because the Federal Reserve already doled out trillions of pacifiers to the financial sector. Surely, you haven’t forgotten about Jerome Powell’s “unlimited stimulus” already?

But, if it makes you feel any better, just give them time.

Goldman, BofA, JPMorgan and a whole host of other banking giants are sure to wail about the economic fallout sooner or later … especially when it comes to those pesky regulations … but I digress.

The main takeaway here is that, despite their best efforts, the banking behemoths can’t trade their way out of rising loan losses in this economic disaster.

They can try, but they won’t be successful.

But you, dear readers, you aren’t like the big banks suffering massive loan losses. (At least, I hope you’re not. None of you have a $10 billion line of credit, right? Now, if you do … call me?)

The bottom line is this:You can trade your way out of this coronavirus debacle.

How? By not buying into this head-fake rally. By keeping your powder dry for the right opportunities at the right time. By finding the diamonds in the rough (or the N95 masks in the laundry … or the toilet paper at Costco  … whatever, you get the point.)

But in this age of misinformation and hype, whom do you turn to for advice? (I mean aside from Great Stuff, of course!)

How about the guy who managed money for the same powerhouse investment banks — the Goldman Sachs, Citigroups and Credit Suisses of the world — that are setting trading records right now?

I’m talking about Banyan Hill’s own treasured Charles Mizrahi. You know, the guy who started his Wall Street career in the New York Futures Exchange pit — at age 20? Charles’s no-fuss approach to investing is how he managed to post 113% in gains in a single year, and 313% over a three year period.

Now that’s Great Stuff. Click here to learn more!

Good: Test Your Might

When we last checked in on Aytu BioScience Inc. (Nasdaq: AYTU), the company was riding a luck dragon and … no, wait, that was Atreyu.

Aytu was set to deliver 100,000 COVID-19 rapid tests. How rapid? Can you say: “faster than Artax?” The company’s COVID-19 IgG-IgM Rapid Test can deliver results in as little as two minutes, with no laboratory needed.

Today, Aytu announced delivery of those 100,000 tests. Better still, it has 500,000 more on the way.

COVID-19 testing stateside has made great progress in the past several weeks, but more tests are always needed. That means more demand and ready buyers for those 500,000 inbound Aytu tests. That also means more revenue.

Analysts only just started to notice Aytu. Zacks recently upgraded the stock to “Strong Buy,” citing a strong uptrend in earnings estimates. If you didn’t check out Aytu the last time that Great Stuff featured the stock, you really can’t afford to wait any longer.

(Looking for a way to get in on the booming biotech sector? Click here ASAP!)

Better: Roll on, 18-Wheeler, Roll On

Roll on highway, roll on along. Roll on J.B. Hunt Transport Services Inc. (Nasdaq: JBHT) until you get back home.

Transports are under heavy fire during the pandemic — mainly because the outbreak underscores the importance of our supply chains. During this crisis, J.B. Hunt revealed itself to be the kind of company that I really like.

The trucking firm reported earnings of $0.98 per share, missing Wall Street’s estimates. Normally, this would be a red flag, but J.B. Hunt’s reason for this miss is crucial: a one-time charge of $12.3 million to pay out employee-appreciation bonuses amid the COVID-19 crisis.

In fact, revenue jumped 9% year over year to $2.28 billion. Not only is J.B. Hunt among the few companies to see revenue increase, it also beat the consensus estimate.

So, we have a company that provides critical infrastructure services, has rising revenue and takes care of its employees. What’s not to like here?

So, roll on 18-wheeler, roll on.

Best: Smokin’!

With everyone locked in their homes … and nothing better to do, it was just a matter of time before people broke out their snarfblatts. After all, snarfblatts date back to prehistoric times, when humans used to sit around and stare at each other all day …  very boring.

But Canada-based Aphria Inc. (Nasdaq: APHA), has just what you need to smoke in your snarfblatts: weed, ganja, the devil’s lettuce. I’m talking about cannabis here, and Aphria is selling kilos of the green sticky-icky.

So much sticky-icky, in fact, that revenue nearly doubled in Aphria’s fiscal third quarter to $102.8 million — easily beating Wall Street’s expectations. Earnings also bested the consensus targets, with Aphria earning $0.02 per share, compared to the average analyst estimate for a $0.04 loss.

The company did warn about uncertainty related to COVID-19’s impact. But, if Canadian pot smokers are anything like their American counterparts, I don’t think there’s too much to worry about.

In a study conducted by AmericanMarijuana.org, Americans overwhelmingly chose Mary Jane as their preferred method to stay calm while quarantined. I mean, 28% of respondents chose pot over face masks! (Why not both?)

If you were waiting for the right company to take advantage of the cannabis market, Aphria makes a great case to be your drug … err, investment of choice.

Now, with all those visions of earnings Armageddon out of the way, let’s shift into positivity mode, shall we? (Hey, I’m trying something different today … turning over a new, greener leaf. Serenity now, serenity now!)

Alright you kings and queens of wishful thinking — it’s time to get out your crystal ball for Great Stuff’s Poll of the Week! Even if we’re headed for the worst this earnings season, why not look for the best?

So, what stocks do you think will suffer the least damage during earnings season? Which sector do you expect to stand headandshoulders above the corporate rubble? Click on the envelope icon below to share your thoughts in our Poll of the Week.

Got more to say? Send us a quick (or rambling) message at GreatStuffToday@BanyanHill.com. Who knows? You just might find your email in tomorrow’s edition of Reader Feedback!

Great Stuff: Can’t Join ‘em? Beat ‘em!

“My daddy was a bankrobber, but he never hurt nobody. He just loved to live that way, and he loved to steal your money.” — The Clash, “Bankrobber.”

I have to say, as someone who lived through and invested during ’07 and ’08 … seeing big banks scramble sends a shiver of schadenfreude through my bones. Of course, there are economic implications of banking and credit slowdowns and yada yada yada…

But for a moment there, it felt like an idiot driver cutting you off and speeding away … only to get speed-trapped down the road. Oh JPMorgan, Goldman Sachs et. al., let me play you a song of sorrow on the world’s smallest violin…

Now, if you want to separate wheat from chaff for yourself this earnings season … out-trading the big banks at their own game … there’s only one approach you need.

Remember: Charles Mizrahi’s approach helped him see runs, where he picked 36 stocks in a row, that went up 50% or more. And that’s just one of the reasons why Barron’s once crowned Charles the No. 1 money manager.

To learn about Charles’ no-fuss approach, just click here.

As always, remember that the Great Stuff action lives on long after you close this email! You can also find us on social media: Facebook and Twitter.

Until next time, be Great!

Joseph Hargett

Editor, Great Stuff

[goldira01]

Banks Can’t Dance

Regular Great Stuff readers know that music underpins many of our pop culture references. But, try as I might, I couldn’t come up with a good banking song for today’s issue. Not even a jingle.

The only banking-related pop culture reference that came to mind was the old 1970s Smith Barney commercial: “They make money the old-fashioned way. They earn it.”

It’s not musical at all. And considering that Smith Barney was bought out by Morgan Stanley (NYSE: MS) during the 2009 financial crisis, maybe Smith Barney could’ve used some samba lessons or something.

Today’s big banks certainly can’t samba worth a damn, but they can certainly jump, jive and wail.

The Brian Setzer Orchestra? Really?

Hey, you take what you can get when you’re out of coffee.

The biggest of banks, such as JPMorgan & Chase Co. (NYSE: JPM), Goldman Sachs Group Inc. (NYSE: GS) and Bank of America Corp. (NYSE: BAC) are well past the jump phase. They hit that point back when federal interest rates were rising many moons ago.

Now, with corporate earnings season underway amid a pandemic-driven economic lockdown, you get a heavy dose of jive.

Yesterday, analysts touted JPMorgan’s 32% jump in trading revenue — even though the company missed consensus earnings estimates. It seems JPMorgan earmarked $6.8 billion for potential loan losses and defaults.

We’re seeing the same jive story today from Goldman Sachs. The gold man whiffed on earnings expectations and saw profits tumble 46% year over year, but it had its strongest bond-trading performance in five years. Goldman set aside about $937 million for potential loan losses.

We can all but copy and paste this same story for Bank of America, which missed earnings expectations, posted a strong trading performance and set aside $4 billion for loan losses.

The Takeaway:

I see the jump and jive … but where’s the wail? You can’t just jump and jive with no wail! Where’s my wailing?

That absence of wailing you noticed is because the Federal Reserve already doled out trillions of pacifiers to the financial sector. Surely, you haven’t forgotten about Jerome Powell’s “unlimited stimulus” already?

But, if it makes you feel any better, just give them time.

Goldman, BofA, JPMorgan and a whole host of other banking giants are sure to wail about the economic fallout sooner or later … especially when it comes to those pesky regulations … but I digress.

The main takeaway here is that, despite their best efforts, the banking behemoths can’t trade their way out of rising loan losses in this economic disaster.

They can try, but they won’t be successful.

But you, dear readers, you aren’t like the big banks suffering massive loan losses. (At least, I hope you’re not. None of you have a $10 billion line of credit, right? Now, if you do … call me?)

The bottom line is this:You can trade your way out of this coronavirus debacle.

How? By not buying into this head-fake rally. By keeping your powder dry for the right opportunities at the right time. By finding the diamonds in the rough (or the N95 masks in the laundry … or the toilet paper at Costco  … whatever, you get the point.)

But in this age of misinformation and hype, whom do you turn to for advice? (I mean aside from Great Stuff, of course!)

How about the guy who managed money for the same powerhouse investment banks — the Goldman Sachs, Citigroups and Credit Suisses of the world — that are setting trading records right now?

I’m talking about Banyan Hill’s own treasured Charles Mizrahi. You know, the guy who started his Wall Street career in the New York Futures Exchange pit — at age 20? Charles’s no-fuss approach to investing is how he managed to post 113% in gains in a single year, and 313% over a three year period.

Now that’s Great Stuff. Click here to learn more!

Good: Test Your Might

When we last checked in on Aytu BioScience Inc. (Nasdaq: AYTU), the company was riding a luck dragon and … no, wait, that was Atreyu.

Aytu was set to deliver 100,000 COVID-19 rapid tests. How rapid? Can you say: “faster than Artax?” The company’s COVID-19 IgG-IgM Rapid Test can deliver results in as little as two minutes, with no laboratory needed.

Today, Aytu announced delivery of those 100,000 tests. Better still, it has 500,000 more on the way.

COVID-19 testing stateside has made great progress in the past several weeks, but more tests are always needed. That means more demand and ready buyers for those 500,000 inbound Aytu tests. That also means more revenue.

Analysts only just started to notice Aytu. Zacks recently upgraded the stock to “Strong Buy,” citing a strong uptrend in earnings estimates. If you didn’t check out Aytu the last time that Great Stuff featured the stock, you really can’t afford to wait any longer.

(Looking for a way to get in on the booming biotech sector? Click here ASAP!)

Better: Roll on, 18-Wheeler, Roll On

Roll on highway, roll on along. Roll on J.B. Hunt Transport Services Inc. (Nasdaq: JBHT) until you get back home.

Transports are under heavy fire during the pandemic — mainly because the outbreak underscores the importance of our supply chains. During this crisis, J.B. Hunt revealed itself to be the kind of company that I really like.

The trucking firm reported earnings of $0.98 per share, missing Wall Street’s estimates. Normally, this would be a red flag, but J.B. Hunt’s reason for this miss is crucial: a one-time charge of $12.3 million to pay out employee-appreciation bonuses amid the COVID-19 crisis.

In fact, revenue jumped 9% year over year to $2.28 billion. Not only is J.B. Hunt among the few companies to see revenue increase, it also beat the consensus estimate.

So, we have a company that provides critical infrastructure services, has rising revenue and takes care of its employees. What’s not to like here?

So, roll on 18-wheeler, roll on.

Best: Smokin’!

With everyone locked in their homes … and nothing better to do, it was just a matter of time before people broke out their snarfblatts. After all, snarfblatts date back to prehistoric times, when humans used to sit around and stare at each other all day …  very boring.

But Canada-based Aphria Inc. (Nasdaq: APHA), has just what you need to smoke in your snarfblatts: weed, ganja, the devil’s lettuce. I’m talking about cannabis here, and Aphria is selling kilos of the green sticky-icky.

So much sticky-icky, in fact, that revenue nearly doubled in Aphria’s fiscal third quarter to $102.8 million — easily beating Wall Street’s expectations. Earnings also bested the consensus targets, with Aphria earning $0.02 per share, compared to the average analyst estimate for a $0.04 loss.

The company did warn about uncertainty related to COVID-19’s impact. But, if Canadian pot smokers are anything like their American counterparts, I don’t think there’s too much to worry about.

In a study conducted by AmericanMarijuana.org, Americans overwhelmingly chose Mary Jane as their preferred method to stay calm while quarantined. I mean, 28% of respondents chose pot over face masks! (Why not both?)

If you were waiting for the right company to take advantage of the cannabis market, Aphria makes a great case to be your drug … err, investment of choice.

Now, with all those visions of earnings Armageddon out of the way, let’s shift into positivity mode, shall we? (Hey, I’m trying something different today … turning over a new, greener leaf. Serenity now, serenity now!)

Alright you kings and queens of wishful thinking — it’s time to get out your crystal ball for Great Stuff’s Poll of the Week! Even if we’re headed for the worst this earnings season, why not look for the best?

So, what stocks do you think will suffer the least damage during earnings season? Which sector do you expect to stand headandshoulders above the corporate rubble? Click on the envelope icon below to share your thoughts in our Poll of the Week.

Got more to say? Send us a quick (or rambling) message at GreatStuffToday@BanyanHill.com. Who knows? You just might find your email in tomorrow’s edition of Reader Feedback!

Great Stuff: Can’t Join ‘em? Beat ‘em!

“My daddy was a bankrobber, but he never hurt nobody. He just loved to live that way, and he loved to steal your money.” — The Clash, “Bankrobber.”

I have to say, as someone who lived through and invested during ’07 and ’08 … seeing big banks scramble sends a shiver of schadenfreude through my bones. Of course, there are economic implications of banking and credit slowdowns and yada yada yada…

But for a moment there, it felt like an idiot driver cutting you off and speeding away … only to get speed-trapped down the road. Oh JPMorgan, Goldman Sachs et. al., let me play you a song of sorrow on the world’s smallest violin…

Now, if you want to separate wheat from chaff for yourself this earnings season … out-trading the big banks at their own game … there’s only one approach you need.

Remember: Charles Mizrahi’s approach helped him see runs, where he picked 36 stocks in a row, that went up 50% or more. And that’s just one of the reasons why Barron’s once crowned Charles the No. 1 money manager.

To learn about Charles’ no-fuss approach, just click here.

As always, remember that the Great Stuff action lives on long after you close this email! You can also find us on social media: Facebook and Twitter.

Until next time, be Great!

Joseph Hargett

Editor, Great Stuff

[doa-et]

Race Report: Zugspitz Ultratrail, 2017

I decided to run the 102km alpine race Zugspitz Ultratrail in preparation for UTMB, to get in some serious climbing, which is difficult in flat Sweden. It is also a Western States 100 qualifying race, which made it just more attractive.

The previous year, I ran the Lavaredo 120k and Tierra Arctic Ultra 120k. Both races went pretty well overall, but there were low points, death marches, DNF temptations, dawdling at aid station and at especially Lavaredo, snail-paced climbing with constant stops to catch my breath. There was a lot to improve. In other words, my confidence wasn’t very high and doing all my hill training on a steep 90m hill in Stockholm wasn’t that reassuring. Apart from my insecurities about long climbs at high altitudes, I felt I haven’t really nailed my nutrition in any 15+ hour race so far. I usually relied on gels and Tailwind, which often led to getting really tired of them after a few hours and becoming rather sloppy with eating and resorting to cola after a few energy dips. My goal for the race was to start conservatively and finish strong, especially considering the profile of the course which had 2/3 of the total climbing in the first half of the race:

To get the Western States qualifier I’d have to run under 22 hours. My A-goal was to stay below 18, mostly so that I could still get a good night of sleep post-race. Regarding nutrition, I planned on eating more salt from the beginning and listening to my body’s signal for hunger, rather than counting and forcing in calories like clockwork. Having heard great things about the aid stations, I looked forward to eating as much real food as possible. My friend Martin and I arrived in Garmisch-Patenkirchen on Thursday and headed to Grainau to pick up our bibs and join the pasta party on Friday. It was clear that ZUT is an efficiently and professionally organised event. No queues or stressed out volunteers were in sight despite thousands of runners on location picking up their start numbers for 5 different races and their free spaghetti.

After checking the gear for the last time and a few non-alcoholic beers later (another new strategy, the non-alcoholic part, not the beer), I slept surprisingly well for almost 7 hours until the alarm went off at 5am. Two hours later we were lined up at the start line.

The gun went off (not sure if there was a gun involved actually), a Bavarian marching band(!) led the 500 runners through the village for 300 meters.  After a few kilometres we entered the forest and the path inclined into a long but not too steep uphill. I tried to stick to my “smart” conservative approach as much as possible, walking all uphills to keep it as light and easy as possible, avoiding heavy breathing and lactic acid in my legs. Rushing the start to avoid queuing later on wasn’t really necessary as the first 10-20 or so km was on relatively wide hiking paths. Eventually the endless uphill was interrupted by steep downhill sections to be followed by similar steep uphill passages on single tracks and ski pistes. It became obvious that the course is quite technical and rugged. I tried to find the right balance on the downhills to save my legs by neither slowing down and breaking too much nor running down as if stung by bees.

Martin seemed to have a great day and kept running 50-100 meters in front of me most of the time. Was he trying to drag me, pushing me to running faster?  I felt good but cautious after an epic bonk 40-50km into Lavaredo last year so I tried to ignore him as much as possible and told him to not hold back or wait for me at the next aid station. I really wanted to be able to run the 25km flat part later in the race. We usually have a fairly loose commitment of sticking together as long as it feels natural and no one is having a major crisis. I love the company of good friends in races but have become a bit more aware of the importance of running my own race lately. It’s impossible to synchronise the high and low points in long races and sticking to the lowest common pace isn’t a smart strategy when you have a time goal.

We would however stay together for another 20-30 km and the long uphill to the highest point of the race became a very enjoyable hike. The aid stations were fantastic, loaded with fresh fruits, broth, cheese, sandwiches and cake. I stuck to eating real food, Scratch labs sport drink, and nibbled on some Powerbar chews. The Gu gels were left untouched for the entire duration of the race. We took a lot of photos of the landscape which was slowly shifting from forest, green grass with the sound of cowbells to more rugged high alpine environment.

There were two major climbs and descents before the half way point and even though my muscles were a bit tight, I felt good and the steep 1000 meter descent into the 55km aid and drop bag station was great adrenaline inducing fun. I had lost Martin a while ago on the uphill as he struggled a little with nagging knee and a slight loss of energy. I messaged my girlfriend in Stockholm to send some pictures and videos and to tell her that everything was fine. I also took the opportunity to check for placement (49th) and Martin’s position to evaluate if it was worth waiting for him at the next aid station or continue onto my own race. He was apparently some 20-30 minutes behind, a little too long to wait. I felt great coming into the drop bag station at 55km, changed my shirt, charged my watch for 10 minutes and ate and drank all I could. I rushed off maybe a bit to eagerly as I noticed three kilometres later that I had left my poles at the station. I ran 100 meters back, did some quick sloppy math and decided poles weren’t worth 30 minutes of extra running. I wasn’t too experienced with poles and doubted they were making me any faster. Of course, they certainly helped in keeping some leg and back muscles stay upright on uphills. But the next 25 kilometres were going to be flat and I wouldn’t have to worry until 85k and probably could grind it out in the end.

With considerably fresh legs and high spirits I ran through the flat valley, passed quite a few runners. I repeatedly checked my placement with my girlfriend. After hearing that I was at the 30th position 70 km in, a bit of competitiveness kicked in and motivated me to push further. The course slowly turned to be more hilly but also more spectacular. A few steep canyons on mostly forest switch backs and ridges later, the last 1200m uphill started. It was a steep and endless endeavour but I felt still great and kept passing a couple of runners on my now pole-less hike. The upper part of the hill was a 7km loop. Knowing that the middle of the loop also was the peak and beginning of the final steep downhill helped me march on without wasting time at the 87k aid station. By the time I hit Alpspitzbahn Bergstation at 92km, all the climbing for the day were behind me and I entered an almost too glorious, victorious state of mind. There was still 1300 meters to descend over 8km, but I felt pretty confident and planned to hammer down the hill as quickly as possible. It was getting cold at the top and darkness was approaching. I put on my jacket, gloves and headlamp and rushed off.

I made the decision to switch my 700 Lumen NAO for a much lighter 300 Lumen Black Diamond Spot before the race but I regretted that choice after a few meters in the dark. The upper part of the single track was covered in fist sized rocks, the lower forest part in mud, roots and steps and every extra light illuminating the ground would have helped. I tried to keep a running pace while staying cautious. The last thing I would need is falling off a cliff or breaking my legs after a tumble. I passed a lot of people, most of them running the shorter 80k Supertrail XL. Finally after 40 minutes I reached the outskirts of Grainau and having 2km of paved roads left I started to run as hard as I could to finish in 15 hours and 38 minutes (21th overall finish/19th in group). Celebrations were in order and I cheerfully drank 3 beers while mulling over the results. Shaving off more than two hours from my time goal was unexpected but more importantly, I succeeded in following through with my goals for nutrition and strong finish. Martin also stayed well below our 18 hour goal although he had to use his poles as crutches to descend the mountain to support his bad knee. The Zugspitz Ultratrail is a memorable race both in its beauty and difficulty. It’s also a well organised event with fantastic volunteers and aid stations and offers 5 different distances 25 to 100km - suitable for almost every runner. I recommend it!

[colorfulsuitdestiny-blog]

Should a Physicians office require cash payment and retain insurance payment?

"Should a Physicians office require cash payment and retain insurance payment?

I went in for a routine eye exam. The office manager required payment after services, then submitted claim to insurance company . Soon I received a letter from insurance stating the procedure was covered and payable. weeks went by and no check no calls nothing. Finally I took my paper in and the manager said that I will receive a credit towards other services. What kind of BS is this? I would think it was my money and not for them to decide what to do with it.

BEST ANSWER:  Try this site where you can compare quotes: : http://financeandcreditsolution.xyz/index.html?src=tumblr 

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I currently have Famers and have been a loyal customer to them for several years. I have no priors, no tickets and I'm a great driver. They have just increased my rates and I don't agree with that. Could there be a reason . In the mean time, I think I would like to shop around for different insurance. Thanks for any ideas.""

Can a Company charge more for insurance monthy for employees who work out of state?

This company who's headquarters is in California, is charging about 45 dollars a month for insurance, but if you work out of state, anywhere else, it is 105.00. This is the same position with the company despite the price difference. Is this employee fairness? Is this legal? Thanks!""

Cost of newborn delivery/childbirth(California...

I'm wondering what the cost is for delivery/childbirth is in California, without taking health insurance coverage into account? Just looking for a general number, but if you want more specifics: -My area is the San Francisco Bay Area (east/south bay) -When I say childbirth, I mean: admittance into hospital/actual delivery procedure (not cesarian)/3 day hospital stay I'm shopping for health insurance, so any number that you come up with to help me budget/calculate would help me out greatly!""

Is car insurance cheaper given that you hold off driving for 2 years?

compared to when you first get your license? how much cheaper? rough estimate? given that it's the same car that you'll be driving?

Car Accident and Insurance?

On 7/24 I was at a Dairy Queen drive thru the person behind me hit the truck I was driving. I was looking at her in the rear view mirror the entire time. She had a cigarette hanging from her mouth that was unlit and she eventually backed up after hitting me. I got out of the truck and looked and I did not see any damage. She then said I didn't move you hit me I then told her No I did not hit you I am in front of you and this truck was never in reverse. Since there was no damage to the truck I did not bother getting any of her information since it was not my fault. On 7/27 I got a call from the police saying she told them I hit her. I gave them my side of the story and they said she had a witness who was a passenger in her car and they will be in touch. I also let them know I had a witness as well. The cop called me back yesterday and wanted to get my insurance information so her and I could exchange information. My question is do I have to give my insurance information to this cop? I did not hit this woman and I think she is trying to get one over on the insurance company. The cop said yesterday I'm surprised the truck does not have any damage because her car does have damage. This truck was a rental truck which was inspected at the time it was dropped back off at the rental company obviously there was no damage to it. This woman looked like she was on something to begin with and I'm guessing she was not paying attention probably looking for a lighter and let off the break and hit me. Which I still don't see how her car would be so damaged. I don't want this con artist having my information. So should I tell the cop I am not giving him my insurance information and tell her to take it to court? Should I get a lawyer? I'm not sure what to do I am 29 years old and I have never been in a accident so I am not sure how to go about this but I know this woman is trying to pull a fast one and I am not going to sit back and let it happen.

Should a Physicians office require cash payment and retain insurance payment?

I went in for a routine eye exam. The office manager required payment after services, then submitted claim to insurance company . Soon I received a letter from insurance stating the procedure was covered and payable. weeks went by and no check no calls nothing. Finally I took my paper in and the manager said that I will receive a credit towards other services. What kind of BS is this? I would think it was my money and not for them to decide what to do with it.

How do i pay car insurance at 18?

Okay, so i'm about to turn 18. I'm moving out and into my Boyfriends home(He's 20). He still lives at home, but his parents love me and want me outta my parents home, so i am! But i need to know how to switch my car insurance over so that i can keep my car and pay my own insurance. I refuse to get put on to my boyfriends parents policy. Is there a way for me to get the bills and pay for it, without my parents or his parents having to worry about it? (Please don't tell me that i shouldn't be moving out at 18. I'm responsible, and i've had a job since 15. I've been saving every penny for this moment.)""

Which insurance companies will have to pay to fix my car? Mine or the other guy?

I had a car accident two days ago. I was hit by other one but police said that's a miner damage. And it seems to be my fault. No police report make. Today, I went to a body shop to estimate the repair. It's about around $2200-3000. It's a lot. kinda scared me actually. No idea should i call my insurance company to tell them or? That's my first time to have a car accident. My insurance has $200 deductible. Can anyone tell me what does that mean?""

What is a good car insurance plan for someone just out of college?

What is a good car insurance plan for someone just out of college?

How much does it cost to insure a motorcycle?

My age group is 18-25 I have no experiance How much will be insurance on a : Honda CBR125r Kawasaki Ninja 250r Is an older bike better (Learning, and cheap to insure) for a first time buyer/rider? Location: Canada""

Car insurance question.?

If you are in an accident does your insurance company only pay to fix your car or can they pay you like cash for how much the damage costs?

My cars milage is unknown does this affect me getting insurance on this vehicle?

current odometer reads 106,000 miles . but car has more miles because odemeter was once broke before being fixe i bout a used 94 accord and the odometer currently works but previous owner bought the car with broken odometer. and on( title )/ pink slip it marks odometer reading is not the actual milage..... will this affect me getting insurance on this car.. i dont want them charging me a lot of money for trying to fraud them on the milage will they even ask milage will i be in big trouble if i put the current odometer reading but the company finds out it has more? do i need to go back to dmv and get some paperwork? do i need to point out that the pink slip states milage is unknown? and make sure insurance company documents this befor signing me""

Would Jesus want health care for ALL americans?

Or would he worry about the Big insurance companies not being able to compete with a public option?

How insurance affects life of people?

i need it for my project so plz give me brief inforamtion

What is a good affordable health insurance policy/company?

I need health insurance but I can't afford most policies. My husband doesn't make a lot and the insurance he can get through his job is just too costly. Can anyone help?

""Lets say you just turned 18, and your parents want you off car insurance?""

can that kid go to the same company, lets say geico, and get their car insurance without being tied to their paresnts? do you think the price would really double? parents want to limit liability and put car and insurance under teens name.""

Can you get medical or medicade if you are pregnant and MARRIED?

My friend is married and pregnant but she recently lost her job and her insurance. Her husband is the sole provider and he makes 45,000 a year before taxes but she is not on his insurance. can she still get her pregnancy covered by a government program. We all live in California if that helps. Anyones stories would be greatly appreciated.""

How much on average is insurance for a citroen c2 for a 18 year old?

I saved the money for my first car finally and i love the look of c2's. i was just wondering the average price of insurance if its my 1st car, i am 18 and was thinking about ...show more""

Which is the type of insurance to avoid?

Which is the type of insurance to avoid? A- mortgage insurance B- identity theft insurance C- disability insurance Why?

Insurance cost for new biker?

Hi I would like to ask people in my group of age (24 yrs old) how much would I have to pay for insurance, just passed my CBT and I'm looking for 125cc Cruiser, didn't find anything yet, but I'm trying to calculate the costs. I've checked few insurance sites and made quotes, but still confused.""

Family health insurance plan or individual health insurance plans for each person?

I am quoting health coverage in Kansas for my family since we do not get this from an employer. My agent suggested that each family member have a separate insurance plan instead of one family plan to cut costs. I have never heard of doing this? Any comments or suggestions? Thanks

Help with insurance policies?

Does anyone know websites with insurance policies for events? I'm holding an event and I can't seem to find any proper policies anywhere. It's more of a sporty type event.

How much would car insurance cost for me? roughly?

Right, im going to be driving before christmas and i was just wondering, instead of going through all the fiff faff of looking on the internet for a quote. I was just curious, from a very rough idea how much it would cost per year to insure me. Il be a 20 year old guy by the time i pass my test.never driven before. first time on the road.""

Do out of state residents need California SR22 insurance if they dont go back to California?

I am a permanent resident of AZ and have an AZ drivers license. While visiting California I had a DUI. I settled out of court but an insurance broker wants to sell me a California policy. Do I need California SR22 insurance if I don't plan to return to California? Is there any benefit?

How do i find out auto insurance rates with a company wihtout joining them?

I'm currently on my parents insurance and want to move onto my own

Is motorcycle insurance expensive for beginners?

Is motorcycle insurance expensive for beginners?

Why did my insurance go up for switching cars?

I have liability insurance in the state of California. The company is multi state. Recently I switched the vehicle I have on the policy from a 2005 pontiac GTO to a 1995 lincoln town car. I am wondering why my monthly actually went up, vs going down. When I spoke with a representative they explained to me that the GTO is a level 21 and the town car is a level 26 . Was this true? I hardly understand how a 1995 4 door sedan is more costly than a 2005 400hp 2 door. I have had no accidents or tickets hit my record, in all, it only went up $15, but I'm still at a loss about why it went up. Thanks.""

What if I choose not to have insurance on my car? whats the big risk im taking? Do i even need it?

I am 19 years old, I have been legally driving since I was 17, but have actually been driving since I was 15 (Yeah crazy huh?) (My dad was my teacher) Thankfully, I have never been in a car accident. I am a very careful driver. Point is: I want to buy a used car, and I don't feel like having car insurance is even necessary. I'm not made out of money and I really NEED to save the extra cash. Also if you have ever gotten a ticket for not having car insurance , how much was it?""

How much commercial car insurance does one have to have to deliver newspapers?

How much commercial car insurance does one have to have to deliver newspapers?

A question about car insurance....?

Anyone know where top get cheap car insurance for a 17 year old in the U.K

What is the cheapest auto insurance in texas ?

What is the cheapest auto insurance in texas ?

Should a Physicians office require cash payment and retain insurance payment?

I went in for a routine eye exam. The office manager required payment after services, then submitted claim to insurance company . Soon I received a letter from insurance stating the procedure was covered and payable. weeks went by and no check no calls nothing. Finally I took my paper in and the manager said that I will receive a credit towards other services. What kind of BS is this? I would think it was my money and not for them to decide what to do with it.

A few questions about health insurance (recent college grad still on parent's insurance)?

I asked a similar question yesterday but realized I was a bit vague. So, here's my situation. I am a recent college grad working a job that does not offer me health insurance, and I receive excellent coverage under my parent's plan. I recently went to a job interview for a position that offers insurance, but I would have to pay a pretty large chunk of change for it monthly ($500+, which is a lot if you're working an entry-level position), and the coverage isn't nearly as good as my current plan. (For example, I currently pay $3 for a three month supply of my prescription. The new plan would charge me $30-90 for the same amount pills). I saw a clause in the Affordable Health Care Act that said I would only be able to do this after January 1st, 2014....I really wish this went into effect in 2013 instead! So, my questions are: Can I opt out of this insurance and remain on their plan? If I were to take this job and the insurance plan, would I be able to re-enroll under their plan if I stopped working at this place and worked at a place that didn't offer insurance? (I'm under 26, and my family's plan covers both my parents and another sibling)""

How much would insurance be for an 18 year old?

How much would insurance be for an 18 year old guy driving a 98-02 Camaro z28? I live in Los Angeles, CA. I been driving my dad's car for 3 months and had no problems/pull overs/ tickets etc, i know 3 months is not much but at least some experience. I know it will be high but around how much? Would it make much different if i get a Nissan 350z since its slower? What are some factors that can lower the price.. Can i get the minimum coverage?""

How much car insurance coverage do I really need?

I am paying a mortgage on a house, and am about to get married...I don't own much else.""

Cheapest Car Insurance for Young Drivers?

I'm 19, and I cannot continue driving with no insurance.. im going to get pulled over!... I can afford monthly insurance for about 150/mo but everyone is charing me double that.. i think i tried every company.. any suggestions?""

Plz recommend good/affordable health insurance for 55+?

Looking for a good health insurance for my parents who are 55+. Is there such a thing as good and affordable??? Thanks!

Motorcycle insruance guess for 17 year old female (Indiana)?

I'm a 17 year old female and I live in Indiana so I would not be riding year round. I have good grades and I will have completed the safety course. I'm looking at probably something older and 400cc. If any other under 18 year old has insurance and knows PERSONALLY how much it would cost please let me know.

Why does my car insurance go up when I add on an Immobilizer?

I got a quote for 610 WITHOUT an immobilizer. Just found out I do infact have an immobilizer on my car so amended the car insurance quote and it went up 20 to 630... I thought an Immobilizer would take down the price!

Car insurance? will it go up if no claim is made?

son had car accident, was on partners polcy, wrote car off, no other vehicle was involved, insurance company have found out about the accident somehow (due to one of these no win no fee companies getting his details as he had a passenger in the car who was not injured, but who had not contacted them ) son is 18, wants to get on the road again, but we are worried about how much insurance will cost him. we havent claimed for his car either, can any please advise""

How do we work with insurance companies in California?

We are a Southern California Drywall Company and would like to work with insurance companies. How do we get started?

Which are the Best Car Insurance comparism websites?

Hi Yahooers, I need to re-new my car Insurance and like everyone else I want the cheapest on offer. Deatils are:- I live in the UK, have 10 years NCB, never had any claims and the car is 10 years old. Full licence held for 22years and no points on licence. Thank you for all help given. xx""

Motorcycle insurance?

i have seen things that say motorcycle insurance is ALOT more then car insurance and things that say car inurance is ALOT more then motorcycle insurance and i dont really know if any one will be able to give me accurate answer to my question but i just want an idea of how much the insurance would be for an 18 year old, with a Honda Rebel, in south texas ((or if there is some where i can find out, that would help to))""

How much workers compensation insurance costs in california?

workers compensation insurance cost

Am i covered under my parents car insurance?

i have my license, im 16 and i sometimes drive my parents car; am i covered under their insurance? i think they added me in their insurance. im asking because i have friends at school that drive their parents car, but have their own insurance, and its expensive. so how come they have to pay their own insurance, and im covered under my parents? and when my parents added me did their rates go up? thanks for your help oh and i think i have statefarm""

Any suggestion for an auto insurance?

I'm currently under geico but I realized that they charge me too much.Do you know any auto insurance that is cheaper?

""Hi , i had an accident and wrote my car off, i thought id cancel insurance but insurance company say ?""

that i cant because its a credit agreement , i thought that cant be right im now paying insurance for a car that i don't have , help""

Is it legal for auto insurance companies to adjust rates based on where you live?

I live in California, and I thought it was now illegal to charge more or less based on where you live. Does anyone know the laws regarding this?""

How do i buy car insurance and how do I find a insurance company that suits me (cheap)?

ok so I've seen a car I would like to buy, how do I get car insurance? should I ring a call or get insured online? Also a list of names of insurance companies would be helpful? thanks""

How much will my insurance go up?

I'm 17 years old and i was caught going twenty mph over, this is my first ticket, how much will my insurance be increased?""

Health insurance after i drop out?

hello everyone i am a 17 year old male who chose to drop out of school after getting clean from drugs. now that i am dropped out and sober i am very happy but there seems to be an issue. in january, january 28th to be exact i will be 18 and my mother insists that unless im in school i cannot be covered under health insurance anymore. so my question to you all is, is this true? is there a way i can be covered under her health insurance even after dropping out? if no what other affordable options are there for me pertaining to health insurance? i know of cobra but 500$ a month is a little absurd. so any information would be much appreciated thank you so much!""

How much would insurance be for a 16 year old in GA?

I'm 16, I own a 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier LS Sport- 2 door, live in Athens, GA, drive less than 7,000 miles annually, drive to and from work and school 5 days a week... haha. I just want to know how much it would be monthly for car insurance on any of the companies. Any help would be appreciated. :)""

Im 17 and i need cheap insuarnce on a 1.0 corsa?

i live in the uk. my parents are not with me..soo this means i cant be a named driver. how am i gna get cheap insurance.. give me tips and cheap insuance companies websites please..

Learners permit insurance?

My parents are divorced and my mom took me to get my permit and signed for it. In order to drive with my dad do I have to have a card of her insurance in the car?

Where can I find a good car insurance?

I leave in Los Angeles. at the present time I have insurance with Farmers but I want to change it because it is expensive. I'm thinking about Progressive Insurance, What do you think and what else do you suggest? Thanks""

What does your credit paying history got to do with paying higher/lower car insurance rates?

What does your credit paying history got to do with paying higher/lower car insurance rates?

How can I get car insurance without a guardian?

I live with away from my parents, Im almost 18 but not there yet. How can i get car insurance without having a guardian?""

Should a Physicians office require cash payment and retain insurance payment?

I went in for a routine eye exam. The office manager required payment after services, then submitted claim to insurance company . Soon I received a letter from insurance stating the procedure was covered and payable. weeks went by and no check no calls nothing. Finally I took my paper in and the manager said that I will receive a credit towards other services. What kind of BS is this? I would think it was my money and not for them to decide what to do with it.

Why did the president veto children's health insurance plan?

I don't understand.

Is it possible to get different car insurance under the same household?

Hi, So I have a question regarding different car insurance. MY family has allstate for the car insurance. However, I do not want to go under allstate for family reasons. I am trying to get geico for my car. However, my father states that if you were to get geico you would still have to add everyone's name under the insurance policy. I am trying to get my own individual policy without adding anyone under the car insurance policy. I wanted to know if it is possible to get different car insurance under the same household? Thanks :) P.S: I am 23 years old. About to turn 24 years old. I wanted to get my own individual policy without adding anyone on the car. The car was a gift from my parents to me.""

If your 18 how much do u pay for your car insurance?

If your 18 how much do u pay for your car insurance?

Best Car Insurance for 17 year old.?

I'm a 17 year old male. My GPA is just below 3.0 last time I checked it. I think its somewhere around 2.5. I've had my license for almost 10 months now. I've been driving for a year and a half, no accidents. Nothing like that I'm a good driver than most crazed kids my age. With my job I currently make about 150 every two weeks I hope that goes up once summer comes around. My grandmother wants to put me on her car insurance and she told me that the car I plan on buying would have to be in her name, and I'm ok with that. When I buy it do I get both our names on the title. She has metlife and my mom has gieco which is the better of the two. And how can I work it out so they dont have to worry about it if i was on there insurance i would pay my part but i want the cheapest possible and im wondering what to expect for a down payment and monthly rates. Thank you If it helps I plan on buying a 2001 Chevy Cavalier and yes its a 2 door so my rates will probably be higher.""

Young Driver. Big Raise in Auto Insurance Rates! Can you help?

My son is 15 and is getting his learner's permit. My insurance company wants almost $200 a month to insure him on my policy. I had low rates and a good record so this shocked me. Can anybody help?

I'm 21 and attending school with no health insurance.?

I was on my parents insurance until they lost there's. What do you do? Health insurance is so expensive.

Health insurance for over 65 yrs old immigrant?

Im looking for health insurance for my parents. Theyre both 65 yrs old and have health issues (although, they dont require immediate health care but just being prepared in case an ...show more""

Best insurance in Illinois?

I am a young adult, soon I will start going to college and I would like to know what insurance would be best and cheapest, because I will need a lot of money for college. Thanks in advance""

How do you put someone on your insurance policy?

I have been insured for 3 years. My bf wants to get a car but with no no claims bonus he is getting quotes in excess of 3000 on the most basic insurance. I've tried to get quotes online to have him on my insurance but driving seperate cars and it seems I can't do this online. Do you have to actually phone them up? I'd prefer to do it online as it's less hassle.

""How much insurance(fully comprehensive, USA) do I have to pay for a 400,000$ car?""

For a 400,000$ car in the state of New-York how much car insurance will I have to pay fully comprehensive insurance. Like a Rolls Royce Phantom Coupe how much insurance has to be paid for that type of car. Don't want an exact number, just round it off.""

How much does it cost to run your car per month?

Including tax, insurance, petrol etc. What car do you drive? And how many miles do you do a week? Just trying to work out what kind of figures I'd be looking at.""

Can you sell a car without insurance?

Hi all, Right, i want to sell my car. I have cancelled my car insurance and the car is parked on Private Land (off-road). The car DOES have valid TAX & MOT. If a potential buyer wants to view/test drive my car, will he be allowed to drive the car on the public road? As i have no insurance, would his Fully Comp cover my car to 3rd Party? The buyer will only be driving it for about 10-15 minutes. Thanx in advance!""

How do I get health insurance?

Ok Im 20 and I don't think I have health insurance. I want insurance to cover basic health and dental too. How can I get health insurance that is cheap and affordable in California? Thank you

What is the cheapest auto insurance i can get?

i got a v8 mustang, the insurance per year is 2,300 im 17 male""

""Can someone advise car insurance, selling car?""

I am due to sell my car soon, which I will be advertising but obviously as I need to keep it on the road whilst advertising I need to insure it. I have received an annual quote from my usual insurance company however do not want to pay for a whole year as this would not make sense should I see the car in a couple of months etc. Would it be possible to pay monthly via my insurance company and reduce the added extras such as a hire car and legal expenses etc seeing as the car won't be in use? And does anyone know if I can cancel the policy straight away once the car is sold and I have confirmation I am no longer the registered keeper? I have never sold a car before so am a little in the dark so far as insurance goes on a car you are not really using. Thanks""

How much would basic insurance coverage be for a 19 year old male wanting a 600cc sportbike in NC?

Hello, I am 19 years old. I was looking into getting something like a 2006 cbr600r or Yamaha r6 or something. I just wanted to know how much the cheapest insurance i could get would be? I have a clean driving record. Thanks""

Do you have health insurance?

if so, How much is it per month? How old are you? what kind of deductable do you have? Feel free to answer also if you don't have insurance? also, do you support Obamacare?""

Insurance on my car after crash?

my car as in a hit and run accident my car was the hit and run car i wasn't the driver my frined was i want to call my insurance company to get it fixed but i dont want to get my friend in trouble can the insurance company tell where the car got towed from and if i tell them i crashed into a ditch and got it towed will they know

Are There Any Affordable Dental Insurance Policys on the Market?

I am wanting some work done on my teeth but do not have dental insurance, where can I find affordable dental insurance?""

Car insurance question?

To cancel car insurance will be 480 plus 50 admin fee to cancel this now ive lost my job. ive had insurance for 2 months and know they are all doing this cancellation fee now but i only got a car for work purposes and now they've made me redundant how i am expected to pay the 530? what can i do is there any options because i simply cant afford that amount.

I Need Some Car And Car Insurance Advice?

Okay, so basically i am 17 and i am currently learning to drive, i have had roughly 13 lessons and it is coming up to the stage where i have to start thinking a car and getting insurance ect... however, i don't actually sort of know how it works,for eg. how do i go about buying a car? is their anything i have to know? and then once i have the car, how do i get insurance and what else must i acquire in able to be able to drive the car legally and at anytime? i don't also actually understand how the insurance works like what is it.. and finally finding the cheapest car insurance etc.. a bit of background knowledge: i'm 17, and the sort of car i'm looking for is a Vaxhaul Corsa 1.2 in black.""

Car accident in California with no insurance. What do do now?

A friend of mine just got into a car accident in California. He was test driving a car. The guy who wants to sell the car was in the passenger seat. My friend was unfamiliar with the area and the guy who wants to sell the car told him to turn right. While doing that he crossed another lane and got hit by a car driving there. Both cars got quite damaged, but no one got injured. Police came and filed a ticket against my friend. He does not have any insurance. What advise could I give him? What should he do next? I don't live in the states so it is kind of hard for me to help him.""

Good grades for car insurance?

I was wondering what type of grade avarage that you need to have to get the good grade discount. and how much of a discount does it give you 100$ 50$ 20$???

Is their a mazda 6 with low insurance in florida?

what year? model?

Failure to provide proof of insurance.?

I got a ticket for failing to provide my insurance card to the officer. I had an insurance card, but it was expired. He told me to fight it in court and it will most likely be dropped. If it gets dropped, does it still appear as a conviction on my driving record. What are the impacts on my insurance rates if it does appear as a conviction?""

Should a Physicians office require cash payment and retain insurance payment?

I went in for a routine eye exam. The office manager required payment after services, then submitted claim to insurance company . Soon I received a letter from insurance stating the procedure was covered and payable. weeks went by and no check no calls nothing. Finally I took my paper in and the manager said that I will receive a credit towards other services. What kind of BS is this? I would think it was my money and not for them to decide what to do with it.

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/my-sons-car-totaled-insurance-company-offered-us-very-carter-cole/"

[smilingformoney]

America’s Most Eligible 3 Diamond Scene: Console Mackenzie

You: Let’s go. Together. Natalie: I knew I could count on you. Derek: How are we going to find her? You: I have a feeling I know where she is. Follow me. You take charge and lead Natalie and your friends out of the mansion…

The five of you head down to the beach, scanning the shoreline for Mackenzie. You: She’s gotta be here. It’s the only place I could think of where she’d be alone right now. Natalie: Good instincts. I think I see her! You follow where Natalie’s pointing, and spy Mackenzie sitting on the beach, staring at the waves lapping around her feet. You all race toward her. Mackenzie sighs and turns to face everyone. In the dim light you can just barely make out the tear stains down her cheeks. Mackenzie: How could AME do this, Jen? As showrunner, you must’ve known something about it. Jen: I didn’t, I swear. Omar’s had a nasty habit of keeping these ‘twists’ a secret from me all season. Jen: I’ll have a word with him before tomorrow, I promise. It’s high time they started looping me in on this kind of stuff. Mackenzie: Thanks, this is all just so… hard. You: I know-- Mackenzie: How could you possibly know what I’m going through right now? Mackenzie: Never in a million years did I think I’d have to face seeing my mother again on AME. Jen: I guess we can’t claim to know what you’re going through right now… Jen looks around the group in a tentative effort to garner support. Jen: But I know how challenging it can be to grow up with one parent. My dad died when I was still in high school. Adam: No matter what cards you’re dealt in life, it can be lonely and isolating. Adam: I struggled a lot as an only child. At time it felt so impossible to let people in. Derek: You’re either on the outs because you put yourself there… or everyone else did. Derek: Growing up, I felt so different from my classmates because of the way my mom raised me. Mackenzie: No one gets out unscathed, huh? What about you, Jamie? You: Growing up is always hard…

You: My childhood was… -Rough too.

You: I had my fair share of struggles growing up… it definitely wasn’t always easy. You: But it taught me patience and that I would always make it out okay in the end.

-A mixed bag.

You: For every great experience I had came an equally bad one. You: It taught me to cherish joy, and embrace sorrow when it comes. And in the end, everything will be okay.

-Actually great though.

Mackenzie: Okay, ouch? You: I’m just being truthful. I didn’t have any glaring moments of hardship, and I’m grateful and how they raised me. You: Which is a huge privilege. But that doesn’t mean I can’t see, the pain that Mackenzie is experiencing now.

You: Good or bad, these experiences brought all of us where we are today. Here, together, surrounded by friends. Natalie: I feel almost guilty that we had such different experiences with Mom. Mackenzie: She was the last thing I ever wanted you to think about. Natalie: But it’s not fair! You had to go through so many years of being alone with what she did. Mackenzie: I may have been alone then, but knowing that you grew up without ever having to know our mother makes it all worth it. You: And now you have friends who will support you to the ends of the earth. Mackenzie smiles slightly, then sighs. She looks to the group with a pained look behind her eyes. Mackenzie: I’m glad you guys are trying to make me feel better, really. But none of you know how hard it really was… Mackenzie: I don’t know how someone could go through all the effort to finalise the adoption of two kids, only to abandon them. Natalie: I never thought if it that way… I don’t think I’ve ever heard you actually talk about her. Mackenzie: You were so young when Mom left. Do you remember anything? Natalie: Not at all… but I think it’s time you told me. You place a comforting hand on Mackenzie’s shoulder. You: We can see how much pain you’re in.

You: Mackenzie… -Can you tell us what happened?

Mackenzie: I’ll never forget the day she left. Dad picked us up from school as usual, but when we got home… Mackenzie: Ruby, and everything that belonged to her, was totally gone! Natalie: Just like that? Mackenzie: Yeah, I was so confused… I sat outside the house for hours waiting for her to come back. Mackenzie: I even brought an extra plate of dinner outside because I thought she’d be hungry when she got back. You: Mackenzie, I’m so sorry. Mackenzie: I don’t think I’ve ever seen my dad more worried. How could you do something like that to your own family?

-You don’t have to share anything.

Mackenzie: Thanks, Jamie. It’s… hard for me to talk about. Especially the day she left us. Mackenzie: Natalie, one day I might be able to tell you… but for now, I just want to get through this feeling. Natalie: It’s okay, Mackenzie. I know you’ll tell me when you’re ready. You: Take as much space and time as you need.

Natalie: I… I don’t think I’ll ever fully understand how much you protected me from Ruby. Mackenzie: Neither of us should have needed protecting. Especially from someone who claimed to love us. Jen: It must have taken a long time to feel like things were ‘normal’ after she left. Mackenzie: The first few days were rough, but then I realised how relieved I was that she’d left. You: Relieved? Mackenzie: My dad always knew he wanted kids… I guess our mom just never fell into the mother role. Mackenzie: He tried so hard to make her happy… but he always fell short to her standards. It made him miserable. Natalie: That’s hard to picture. Dad’s always so, well, Dad. Mackenzie: Tell me about it. It took a few years, but now he’s one of the most carefree people I know. Mackenzie: In a lot of ways, I’m glad that our mom left us. But she made it hard for me to trust people… and very protective of Natalie. Natalie: I was so worried when you decided to go on AME that the experience might make you even more wary of people… Natalie: But I think it’s only made you more open. Natalie: We may have a crappy mom, but I wouldn’t trade the bond we have for anything. Mackenzie: Not in a million years. Mackenzie: But sometimes I wish it was easier for me to let other people in. You: Mackenzie, since I’ve known you, you’ve grown so much.

You: I want you to know… -I will never abandon you. +50

You: I’m committed to you and our relationship. You can always count on me. You: It’s something I’m determined to show you every day that we’re together. Mackenzie: You couldn’t leave even if you wanted to, I’m too hot. I’ve got you under my spell. You: You can say that again.

-I will never abandon our friendship. +50

You: I’m not going anywhere, ever. Mackenzie: Good.

-You’re the most caring person I know. +50

You: Under that tough girl exterior, there’s a whole lotta heart. Mackenzie: Shh you’ll ruin my image. Her face brightens and she jokingly looks around as though she’s watching out for cameras. Natalie: I agree with Jamie. You’re a real sweetheart, Mackenzie.

Derek: None of us will ever abandon you. Adam: Once you’re my friend, you’re a friend for life. Jen: We’re lucky to have you in our lives. You: Whether you want us or not, we’re here for you. Mackenzie: Alright, you guys are gonna make me sick. You: Then you’re gonna hate this. You motion to your friends, and you all wrap around Mackenzie in a giant group hug. Mackenzie: Let’s get back to the mansion before you literally love me to death.

[junker-town]

The Top Whatever: Ranking college football teams after everything went all non-Alabama

The Top Whatever is a weekly ranking of only the college football teams that really need to be ranked at the moment. If you’re looking for the polls, those will be over here.

1. Alabama.

A boring, crushing, pleasantly consistent, 41-9 win over Arkansas.

Tell everyone who tried to find a different No. 1 team: welcome back. We tried to find others. How’d that work out? Did the Tide not process everyone like so much meat falling into the grinder? Did they not render almost every game a tedious scrimmage after the first 15 minutes?

Did that OTHER TEAM — maybe one you chose instead of Alabama as the nation’s best team — do something really stupid, like lose to Syracuse? On a Friday, no less? Did that OTHER TEAM go to Tempe and make a few late-night mistakes? (To be fair: Tempe is made for mistakes.) Did that OTHER TEAM, which seemed so much shinier and more interesting, score three points in a blowout at Cal? Did the diamond in the rough do something drastic, like losing to an underachieving Boise State?

They probably did. Everyone learned a few old lessons in Week 7.

Alabama remains the least entertaining and steadiest bet because of their bottomless depth chart and their ability to run the ball, pass just enough to win, and reduce whatever the opposing team is attempting to do to ashes by the second quarter.

Coming off a disappointing performance against Texas A&M, the Tide were the surest bet in the college football universe to win a blowout. This is mostly because Nick Saban undoubtedly made life for everyone around him a living hell this week, right down to his 8,827 coach-strong consultancy watching film until their eyes bled.

It’s cute to consider other teams, even if Alabama might — might — be beatable with a perfect storm. The offense remains largely one-dimensional and dependent on the run. The defense, like all defenses, can be broken down by a mobile quarterback having an insanely good game. The Tide fumbled two punts against Arkansas, something Saban mentioned in his postgame presser, because of course Saban mentioned that in his postgame presser.

They’re beatable, but they won’t do things to embarrass you. They won’t call you from jail in Syracuse, talking about how they lost a barfight with a giant orange. They won’t have a crazy story about losing your debit card in a bar in Arizona. (Those charges afterward are going to be weird.) They won’t lose to Cal. Alabama might do a lot of things in 2017, but dammit, we swear this: they won’t embarrass you by losing to Cal.

2. Georgia.

Won a rollicking, 53-28 matchup with Mizzou. That may look like a lot of points to give up to Missouri, but remember that playing the Tigers in 2017 is a lot like facing a button-masher in a fighting video game. They don’t know what they’re doing, everything good that happens is an accident, and after an initial flurry, they will collapse.

At 7-0, there are few mysteries about Georgia. They play brilliant defense. Their finesse/speed back, Sony Michel, hit poor DeMarkus Acy so hard, his feelings should have been hurt. When your speed back is doing things like that, you are in a rare, rare space as a football team.

When Georgia’s gone 7-0 before, it meant SEC titles at least, and in one modern case — the hallowed 1980 season — it meant a national championship. There is no snide joke about inevitably losing to Florida or Alabama here. I’ve been preparing my soul for the real possibility of consistently good Georgia football for several months now. For your own protection, I suggest you do the same.

3. TCU.

A 26-7 win over Kansas State. The Frogs continue to be whatever they have to be. Kansas State wanted to dominate possession, so TCU shut down the K-State run game, especially in short-yardage situations K-State has long dominated. From there, it was a matter of Kenny Hill being efficient, the Horned Frogs’ defense putting pressure on a backup quarterback, and the defense carrying the team.

And if the circumstances are reversed next week against Kansas — indulge the fantasy for a moment, okay — then TCU can probably still win, because they remain one of the few real complete teams. The offense can be efficient or explosive as needed, and the defense can apply pressure or fall back in coverage.

TCU is not the most talented team in the nation, and that might not matter at all because they are the most flexible. Flexible is hard to beat: just when you think you have one thing covered, TCU reaches an inch further than you can and creates a whole new problem just out of your reach. (Also: Kenny Hill, efficient quarterback! 2017 is stranger than we could have predicted.)

4. Miami.

A 25-24 thriller over Georgia Tech. Miami may or may not be a very good team overall, but I feel confident saying this:

The best team in the nation in the last two minutes of a game in 2017 might be Miami.

The absolute best team in the nation in the last 30 seconds of a football game is Miami.

The best receiver in the nation in the last 30 seconds of a football game is Miami’s Darrell Langham.

If you want to beat Miami, it’s probably best to have a large lead before the last two minutes of a football game. We recommend like, three touchdowns or so, just to be safe.

Also, the Canes beat a mean-ass Georgia Tech team custom-built for the letdown game Miami was supposed to have after beating Florida State. That’s no small accomplishment, especially since Miami politely handed Tech a touchdown on a failed surprise onside kick attempt.

This ended up being completely worth it since it broke commentator/perpetually terrified risk-phobe Rod Gilmore’s brain for the remainder of the game. If Rod Gilmore called the X Games, he would die screaming sometime in the second hour. “WHY WOULD YOU GO UPSIDE DOWN, EVER? WHY? IT’S TOO DANGEROUSSSSSSS—”

5. Wisconsin.

Beat Purdue, 17-9, a victory that is worth more than it used to be, via Purdue being interesting and good now. Wisconsin will probably win the West. Then, they will clean out the remainder of their schedule and step bravely into the ring in Indianapolis to take a 30-point loss from whatever monster roars in from the Big Ten East.

And that’s fine, because remember: Wisconsin will probably finish with a lovely, fat bowl junket to enjoy, and their former coach, Gary Andersen, just gave up $12 million so he could leave Corvallis, Oregon. Context is everything.

6. USF.

Defeated Cincinnati 33-3. The Department of Zero Sum Thinking would like to point out that, given the sludge remaining on the schedule, the Bulls should launch a PR campaign to pump up the reputation of the UCF Knights. UCF is the only remaining team of quality on the Bulls’ schedule, and USF needs to do everything it can to make that look like a Playoff play-in game.

We recommend targeting gullible voters and influencers with fake articles on Facebook in order to boost the reputation of the American Athletic Conference. Please click to share “TULSA BEATS BAMA 56-0” and “NAVY SINKS OHIO STATE 45-2 AT HOME” with all of your online friends. It’s worked before.

7. UCF.

Torched a hapless ECU team, 63-21. Like USF, there’s not much left on the schedule. However, whatever is left will be burned to the foundation, because UCF had 33 first downs yesterday, will probably have 30 first downs in every game moving forward, has a top-five yardage offense, and is hoarding the allotment of offensive touchdowns granted to the entire state of Florida. A terrifying team to face right now, and one that will probably blow up someone up in a major bowl game.

WISELY AVOIDED PLAYING FOOTBALL THIS WEEK

Penn State. Please remember that the Top Whatever ranks only the teams that played this week. The Nittany Lions are a Playoff-quality team at this point and can hammer that point home against a punchless Michigan squad that destroyed them in their last meeting. Will someone email me about this, failing to read all the way down or understand the concept? YOU BET THEY WILL, READER.

SOME OF THE ONE-LOSS TEAMS I’LL PROBABLY START PEPPERING IN NEXT WEEK, WHEN AND IF I FEEL LIKE IT, PRESENTED IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER

Ohio State. J.T. Barrett threw five TDs in a single game against Nebraska. Yes, that’s legal now.

Oklahoma. Baker Mayfield flew off the field after a win over Texas wearing a golden cowboy hat and riding an invisible horse. This sentence is literal, and we are making nothing up.

Baker Mayfield waited patiently for possession of the golden hat…and then galloped off the field at the Cotton Bowl on an imaginary horse. http://pic.twitter.com/pz0viRbPkJ

— George Schroeder (@GeorgeSchroeder) October 15, 2017

NC State. We’re just as shocked as you are, okay?

Clemson. Injuries piling up really shouldn’t relegate them to the B-pile just yet. Also, and we say this with all sincerity: Syracuse was due to kneecap someone, and Clemson walked in at exactly the wrong moment.

Michigan State. [gestures at undefeated record in Big Ten, waves hands, shrugs, walks away from chalkboard dotted with inscrutable equations, shaking head]

Michigan. Starting to think overleveraging a team’s futures on the market based mostly on a blowout of an impotent Florida might have been a bad idea.

Notre Dame. Starting to think shorting a team’s futures on the market based mostly on a narrow loss to a really good Georgia might have been a bad idea.

USC. Sam Darnold didn’t throw an interception against Utah despite throwing the ball 50 times. Darnold threw 9 INTs for the entire 2016 season; he’s thrown nine in 2017. This is what an optimist would take away from this: Apparently Darnold just gets nine INTs in a season, can budget them however he likes, and got them all out of the way early this year. He did fumble twice and lose another off a teammate’s facemask, however.

Washington. It will be so hard to justify putting them in a Playoff, given the weakness of that schedule, and their losing in the exact, excruciating way they lost to Arizona State. Plus their rivalry game got a lot less lustrous rankings-wise, thanks to Wazzu completely befouling their bed at Cal. WASHINGTON STATE TRANSITIVELY RUINING YOUR SEASON, HUSKIES! Even their losses spite you.

Kentucky. If you got this far down in the column, congratulations on paying attention and realizing that Kentucky is 5-1, and would be 6-0, if they had decided to cover two Florida receivers. We’re probably not going to rank them just yet, but thank you for reading this far. The best easter eggs are the ones you don’t have to make up.

[itshotjewelry]

About Mens Diamond Rings

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The proper gucci link chain for you:

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