The grand 1894 opera house tickets
HIM
2013.02.28 20:44 HIM
Discuss the past, current and future goings on with Finnish love metallers; HIM. Got something you want to say or share with other fans? Post it here!
2013.12.11 22:50 rossbot Mercer University
This subreddit is for Mercer University students, prospective students, alumni, and anyone else who just wants in on what's going on at the Harvard of the South [sic].
2015.05.26 02:58 The Struts
Welcome to /TheStruts! This is a subreddit dedicated to the English rock band from Derby, Derbyshire featuring lead vocalist Luke Spiller, guitarist Adam Slack, bassist Jed Elliot and drummer Gethin Davies.
2023.06.06 07:43 massahoochie Grand Ole Opry 06/06
Hey ya’ll! Who’s got 2 extra tickets they’re looking to sell for the grand ole Opry Tuesday 06/06? Please be willing to meet up in person to exchange. Or at least prove you have tickets before any sort of money exchange. Thx :)
submitted by massahoochie to nashvillebuyandsell [link] [comments]
2023.06.06 07:11 hnqn1611 TOP 10 Things to do in SEATTLE - [2023 Travel Guide]
![TOP 10 Things to do in SEATTLE - [2023 Travel Guide]](https://b.thumbs.redditmedia.com/VfZtXAL0iI-86Rp8lEk2KmG5zLsJmd-dcE2ZHz2cw0k.jpg "TOP 10 Things to do in SEATTLE - [2023 Travel Guide]") | https://preview.redd.it/cq8xg8dczb4b1.jpg?width=1280&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ca929ed3e8eae96d85190b7a8ac3217277de7344 submitted by hnqn1611 to TopPersonality [link] [comments] TOP 10 Things to do in SEATTLE - [2023 Travel Guide] In this post, we'll show you the top 10 things to do in Seattle. This post is based on our fun trip to this beautiful city. Don't forget to like this post, subscribe to our channel, and enable notifications. And share your own experience or ask a question in the comments below. Sponsored by an award-winning language learning software Rosetta Stone. The link is in the description. Here are our top 10 picks: Number 10: Seattle Waterfront Seattle Waterfront is one of the most popular attractions in the city, with an array of iconic restaurants, unique souvenir shops, and other attractions. While walking around Waterfront Park and the promenade, you’ll experience incredible views of the skyscrapers and Elliot Bay. Visiting the Miner's Landing refurbished 1890s Gold Rush pier 57 will not be complete without riding the Seattle Great Wheel or enjoying plenty of family-friendly activities and food options. If you like sea life, visiting the Seattle Aquarium is a must. The aquarium features sea animals, marine exhibits, and interactive displays, focusing on Pacific Northwest with a planned renovation to make it even bigger in the future. They even let you gently touch some of the animals. Number 9: Museum of Pop Culture The Museum of Pop Culture, located in Seattle Center, an area dating back to the 1962 World's Fair, is a non-profit museum celebrating the creative art of science fiction, fantasy, film, and music. Visit the world's most extensive collection of artifacts from Seattle's greatest musicians and bands, like Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and Jimi Hendrix, or admire memorabilia from one of the most iconic movies, like Star Wars and Matrix or Terminator. You can even try playing different instruments and sneak into the studio to record your own song. The museum offers endless possibilities. Did you know that this museum was founded by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen in 2000 as the Experience Music Project? It was designed by renowned Canadian-American architect Frank Gehry, who is famous for creating Walt Disney Concert Hall in LA, Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, the Dancing house in Prague, and many others. Of course, there are other fascinating museums to discover in Seattle. Number 8: Space Needle If you like to explore the city from a different angle, visit Space Needle. Designated as a historic landmark in Seattle, the Space Needle is a 605 feet or 184 m observation deck and attraction presenting a scenic 360-degree view of the city. Enjoy glass benches leaning over the tilting glass. Don't forget to experience the city from above on a revolving glass floor, the first and the only one in the world. There are other observation decks in Seattle. Check our travel guide for more suggestions. By the way, our mobile-friendly travel guide covers the top 20 things to do in Seattle and things to know before you visit, including maps, opening hours, links to buy tickets, itinerary suggestions, and other information. Number 7: Companies from Seattle Seattle is home to many Fortune 500 companies, like Microsoft and Boeing. If you have time, explore a worldwide renowned coffee chain - Starbucks, with its original coffeehouse at Seattle's Pike Place Market from the 70s. Don't skip Seattle Spheres, constructed by three glass domes or conservatories of the Amazon campus. Just around the corner, there is one of several Amazon Go, a cashier-less convenience store. Number 6: Woodland Park Zoo The Woodland Park Zoo, founded in 1899, is a one-of-a-kind zoological experience featuring plenty of rare animals and endangered species. It offers Washington's highest number of animals representing more than 250 species, and it received several Best National Exhibit awards. Walk around 92 acres of land occupied by exhibits, parks, playgrounds, and other spaces. Over 1 million tourists visit the zoo every year, especially drawn to its mission to wildlife conservation. Number 5: Gas Works Park at Lake Union Built on on the grounds of a former gasification plant from the early 20th Century, the city bought the site and transformed into a public park in 1975. Gas Works Park is an internationally-acclaimed project of American landscape artist Richard Haag, who gained numerous recognition for his work in the park. Gas Works still incorporates elements of the former plantation. Climb Kite Hill to get a better view of the plant and its surroundings. Check our travel guide for more information. Of course, there are plenty of other parks and beach areas in Seattle and its surroundings worth exploring. By the way, the park is set on Lake Union, a glacier lake dug by the Vashon glacier 12,000 years ago, now a significant part of the Lake Washington Ship Canal. Here, you can rent a boat, go sailing, paddleboarding, or explore the attractions on the Southern part of the lake. You can even embark on a Cheshiahud Lake Union Loop trail that takes you around the lake. Number 4: Pioneer Square Pioneer Square, the city's oldest neighborhood, is a historical community in southern Seattle, where the founders settled in 1852. Since the area's early-day structure was primarily wooden, Pioneer Square was almost all destroyed in the 1889 Great Seattle Fire. Preserving its touch of its 19th-century Richardsonian Romanesque architecture, the structures of most buildings in Pioneer Square are now made of old bricks and stones. Find more about this neighborhood's history by joining the Beneath the Streets underground tours or inside the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park Pioneer Square is full of trendy bars and galleries. By the way, visit Smith Tower, one of the world's first skyscrapers, where you can enjoy a scenic open-air view of the city. Don't skip other exciting neighborhoods in Seattle, like Fremont district with the famous Fremont Troll or Chinatown-International District. with plenty of Asian food and shopping options. And that brings us to Rosetta Stone - the sponsor of this video. Use this easy-to-learn language software whenever you are planning to explore new places around the world and want to learn a new language. Rosetta Stone helps you tap into your brain's natural ability to learn new languages. Imagine, it's very similar to how you learn your native language. You won't be memorizing a long list of vocabulary. You'll be seeing, hearing, speaking, reading, and writing – only in your new language. That way, you're ready for real-world conversations in your favorite destination. You can improve your Italian while exploring Rome or even learn new languages while on your next adventure in Vietnam, France, Colombia, or anywhere else. We’ve used it to learn Spanish on our recent trip to Mexico. So, before you decide to travel abroad, or even during your travels, download an easy-to-use app, and start learning your next language now. Use our exclusive discount on lifetime subscription. The link is in the description. Number 3: Chihuly Garden and Glass Seattle is a glass art center, globally recognized as a glassblowing hub. The Chihuly is an artistic collection of the work of world-renowned American glass artist Dale Chihuly. Visit Chihuly Garden and Glass, located just below the Space Needle in Seattle Center, one of his permanent exhibits in the U.S. Launched in May 2012, the project boasts a garden, the centerpiece glasshouse, eight galleries, and a theater. The Glasshouse is an iconic 40-foot-tall structure made of glass and steel and is one of the artist's largest suspended works. You can see Chihuly's glassblowing work, techniques, and history in a movie theatre, also a place for various community gatherings and educational workshops. Number 2: Water transportation What better way to travel and experience Seattle's surroundings than by riding one of the city's efficient water transportation, like King County Water Taxi or Seattle-Bainbridge Ferry, which takes you on a 35-minute ride from Seattle to Bainbridge Island? The exciting ferry ride offers a breathtaking view of the city skyline and good food and drinks selections from its café. Don't miss a chance to embark on a cruise tour, sail around the harbor, and enjoy spectacular views of Elliot Bay and the beautiful Seattle skyline from the water. Number 1: Pike Place Market Serving for more than a century, the Pike Place Market is one of the oldest operating public markets in the US. Branded as the "soul of the city," it has been brought to life and color by local farmers, fishmongers, merchants, antique shops, and its 10 million visitors annually. The century-old market attraction is known for its fish market, with a tradition of throwing fish, which started out as a prank and became a tradition since people enjoyed the show. Explore the market to try some of Seattle’s authentic food options or just to buy beautiful flowers as the locals do. Visit the upper and lower Post Alley, with plenty of bars and restaurants that got its name after the former Post-Intelligencer newspaper. Don't skip the famous Gum Wall right under Pike Market Place. We wish you an amazing trip to Seattle. |
2023.06.06 07:04 kheinz_57 I Think the only time I met my dad was when he died.
So for context, you can read some of my other posts about my shitty and horrible childhood but I’m gonna touch on it a little more things to make sense. My mom was the baby sitter for my dad’s children (my now siblings) and their one night stand led to my mom getting pregnant. My aunt had just gotten her an apartment but when she asked about the pregnancy, my mom lied. So my aunt took her to the doctor and boom, 7 months. So my dad after finding out moved his family across town bc things became a liability for his lie. My grandparents didn’t think my mom could be a single mother so they moved her 10 hours away to stay with them and honestly that made my dad’s life easier. Anyway, when my mom got us a house, things were horrible. The house from hell ruined a good part of my life. I would always ask about my dad and my mom would scream IDK WHY YOU CARE!! HE HATES YOU EVEN MORE THAN I DO, IM JUST THE ONE THAT GOT STUCK WITH YOU! You know, normal mom shit. She also said if I ever contacted my dad, I would go to jail (????) I was literally like 6 but okay. So life goes on, and it felt like my dad finding me would be my golden ticket. I fucked myself up thinking he would come back for me, but he never did. I was kept out of the loop about everything. So in 7th grade, a little before school started, I never remembered the exact date bc I just blew this event off, it was super early in the morning, like as the sun was rising but like fully up above the horizon, I was sleeping and someone patted my legs to get me to scoot them over so it could sit on the side of my bed next to me. I remember not being scared. I just listened and moved my legs to the side. When it sat on my bed, I remember feeling the weight shift in the bed. I don’t remember what all was said but I remember at one point saying yeah and like scoffing a little in response to what it said. I wish for the life of me I could remember but you know how it is being half asleep. When I woke up later, I thought it was weird. I asked my mom if she came in my room early in the morning. She said why the fuck would I be in your room. Okay. I asked my stepdad (he worked night shifts) and he said he didn’t get home until 10am… Okay so was it a dream?? I ended up blowing shit off and surviving the life I was living. Now I didn’t have a phone until I was 15 so if I wanted to text my friends, I had to use my moms phone. This was sometime in October and I saw that she had texted my aunt that “[dad’s name] is dead.” I showed her and asked if she was talking about my dad. I got screamed at for even asking but she did confirm she was talking about my dad. She said he died in early august “or some shit.” Well I did some digging later in life and found out it was august 9th. Which would be around the same time that I had that encounter with that apparition. And if what they say is true about unfinished business, I can’t imagine any more unfinished business than a child you abandoned. Amends maybe? Maybe he saw my situation and home life and felt bad? The only other weird thing I had happen around that time was waking up with a red handprint on my chest… it was sideways, like the bottom of the palm was on my right breast, and the fingers straying over to my left breast. The pinky was closest to my neck and no matter how much I tried to recreate it, I couldn’t twist my hand up like that long enough to make an impression. Plus it was bigger than my hand… anyway, I’d love to hear what others think bc I’m 25 now and still can’t make sense of it.
submitted by kheinz_57 to Paranormal [link] [comments]
2023.06.06 06:58 AnisEtoile New member. Any of you bought a house with a weird layout because it came with a nice piece of land
We bought our place after 20 years living in smaller places in downtown areas. We were renter in an other province (Canada) and I got the opportunity of buying the 2 appartment building where my mother lived for super cheap after the passing of my grand parents.
The place was nice. We had a very big backyard (for inner city, approx. 60x60f) with a firepit, small garden and a lawn.
We decided to leave the city for what I would call "country suburbs" We have a grocery, pharmacy and 2 small restaurants within 15km.
Our house was "cheap" for the market but the layout was sooooooo inconvenient.
It's 3 stories because it flanks the mountain.
Toilet next to the dining table. Closed off kitchen. No real main entrance (come in through the garage or walk around and climb makeshift stairs and navigate a narrow path to the back). We'll buils a staiway this year.
I'm all for being self sufficient but we spent so much trying to improve acces just for us. Now that so much was invested we do not want to move.
On top of it. My chickens are being attacked by foxes, my fishes prewed upon by weasels.
It just seems like it's not wortj the work but I realy want to make it.
Any advice is welcome.
submitted by AnisEtoile to Homesteading [link] [comments]
The place was nice. We had a very big backyard (for inner city, approx. 60x60f) with a firepit, small garden and a lawn.
We decided to leave the city for what I would call "country suburbs" We have a grocery, pharmacy and 2 small restaurants within 15km.
Our house was "cheap" for the market but the layout was sooooooo inconvenient.
It's 3 stories because it flanks the mountain.
Toilet next to the dining table. Closed off kitchen. No real main entrance (come in through the garage or walk around and climb makeshift stairs and navigate a narrow path to the back). We'll buils a staiway this year.
I'm all for being self sufficient but we spent so much trying to improve acces just for us. Now that so much was invested we do not want to move.
On top of it. My chickens are being attacked by foxes, my fishes prewed upon by weasels.
It just seems like it's not wortj the work but I realy want to make it.
Any advice is welcome.
2023.06.06 06:40 lbabinz [Microsoft] Weekly Digital Xbox Game Sale
2023.06.06 06:37 Goose_jpg Do not swim down to Ravenser Odd. If you do, make sure you never return.
My name is Oliver Stubbs. My whole life and identity are all inextricably entwined with my camera, and to say that I make a living behind the lens would be a monumental understatement. Ever since I was a child, I've been fascinated by the power of photography, the ability to freeze time - to immortalise a moment. At an early age, I discovered a knack for capturing more than just images but stories, emotions, and life itself, though looking back, my pictures weren't all too impressive as a child. But, as I grew older, my fascination turned into a burning passion. I studied photography at the prestigious University of Arts London and became prominent for my evocative storytelling through images. I had the unique ability to capture the unseen, the unheard, the unspoken - the soul of a scene. My distinctive style was hailed as revolutionary.
My work spans a range of genres, but my underwater photography has become particularly renowned. The unseen world beneath the waves, teeming with life, captivated me, and I devoted myself to capturing it in all its vibrancy and mystery. My photos were acclaimed for their vivid detail and uncanny ability to transport viewers beneath the surface into the heart of the underwater world. My images graced the covers of National Geographic and Time magazines, and my exhibits were frequented by photography enthusiasts worldwide. And at the age of 30, I was awaiting the dreaded 'burnout' my friends had all complained about.
I was a natural choice when the renowned historical and marine research organisation, the Sea Past Society, decided to take on the ambitious task of finding and documenting Ravenser Odd, Britain's own Atlantis. They needed someone who could document the submerged ruins in a way that showcased their historical significance and captured the mystique of a town long lost to the sea. A challenge that I knew was perfect for me.Dr Katherine Howard, the head of the Sea Past Society and a well-respected marine historian, contacted me personally. She believed in my unique talent for visual storytelling and thought I could bring the sunken town's story to life. She felt my photos could inspire a global audience, stir their imagination, and allow them to connect with a past submerged beneath the cold waters of the North Sea. Naturally, I was thrilled and honoured to be selected for such a significant project. The chance to dive into the mysterious depths and uncover the secrets of a lost town was a dream come true, and although I had done similar projects - something just felt... Different.
My flat in London soon became a frenzy of activity, cluttered with new high-tech underwater cameras, powerful lights for illuminating the dark ocean depths, and all manner of equipment for preserving my gear against the corrosive effects of saltwater, all funded by the Sea Past Society. But amid the chaos, there was an undercurrent of palpable excitement. Beneath the exhilaration was a thin layer of anxiety, like a dusting of frost on an otherwise warm window pane. It lingered there, never once stepping into the light but ominously hovering in the room's dark corners. The task ahead was daunting. This was not a recreational dive into a well-explored reef but an expedition into a town lost to the depths six centuries ago. Unease did not overshadow my enthusiasm; it fueled it. The chance to tell the story of Ravenser Odd, to breathe life into its submerged and silent streets, was a thrill like no other. I relished the challenge. Before long, it was time to travel to Yorkshire. I was introduced to my dive buddy, a man named Callum, a burly Scotsman with a twinkle in his eye and a jovial demeanour. But beneath his light-hearted exterior was an individual of impressive expertise and meticulous attention to detail. Dr Howard had assembled a unique team of historians, marine archaeologists, and technical experts. Most of them were to say above the sea and watch through another camera broadcasting to the boat.
Callum was the Sea Past Society's Health and Safety Coordinator, a veteran diver with an impeccable track record. His task was to ensure the safety of the divers as they explored the undersea ruins, and I was to be his primary responsibility. Callum was hired not just for his expertise in dive safety but also for his ability to remain calm in a crisis. His warm personality put me at ease, making me feel safer about the dive.
In the days leading up to the dive, Callum and I worked closely together. We conducted practice dives, tested our equipment, and developed a dive plan. His attention to detail and uncompromising approach to safety impressed me. He was careful and cautious - but also open to the spirit of adventure that this exploration held. The excitement and nerves within me swirled like a tempest. The idea I was soon to explore a piece of history untouched for centuries, about to uncover stories that had been silenced by the sea, kept me tossing and turning in my bed at night.The day finally arrived. Our vessel was a massive, state-of-the-art boat stocked with all the equipment necessary for the dive, including cutting-edge sonar systems, robotic submersibles, and a plethora of diving gear. There was an undercurrent of tension in the air, a static charge that prickled the skin and raised the hair on the back of your neck. I noticed hushed conversations among the crew, quick, sidelong glances that hinted at concern. Was it the enormity of the task that caused this? Or perhaps they were wary of a new face? I shook it off; I had a talent for overthinking things, especially while stressed.
Callum meticulously checked my gear, ensuring every piece was functioning correctly. His diligent inspection was comforting, a touch of solidity amid a sea of anticipation. We ran through our final checklist - emergency signals, the navigation route, and ascent and descent points. As we finished our preparations, the moment we'd been waiting for was finally upon us. With one last nod of reassurance from Callum, we plunged into the icy embrace of the North Sea. The sudden chill was a shock, biting through the thick neoprene of my diving suit, but it did nothing to dampen my spirits. If anything, it heightened my senses, focusing my mind on the world we were about to enter.
As we descended, the remnants of Ravenser Odd slowly emerged from the gloom. The water had eroded much, but what remained bore a spectral reminder of the bustling town it once was. Buildings, streets, the outlines of what might have been a town square, all blanketed in a shroud of decay and encrusted with marine life. Intricate stonework, long worn away by the constant current, was now home to vibrant corals and anemones, creating an eerie fusion of man-made and natural beauty. The coral had claimed these structures, using them as foundations for their colonies, transforming them into organic, living artworks that swayed gently with the ocean's rhythm. It was a haunting sight, a tableau of life abruptly halted and preserved beneath the waves.
Statues stood guard over their underwater realm, their features softened by centuries under the sea, their stony gaze meeting mine through a veil of tiny bubbles that streamed from my regulator. A fish darted past, a flash of iridescent colour that stood out against the grey stone and green-blue water. I was caught between two worlds, the ancient human past and the teeming marine life of the present. It was simultaneously humbling and thrilling, a testament to nature's uncanny ability to reclaim and repurpose. With my camera at the ready, I eagerly started documenting this hauntingly beautiful underwater world. Callum and I navigated through the labyrinth of sunken streets. Each building was a monument to the past, offering a unique glimpse into the lives of those who once called Ravenser Odd home. While I concentrated on capturing the visual essence of these ancient structures, other team members avoided us and engaged in their own tasks. They meticulously scraped away at the encrusted stone walls, collecting samples to further understand how the sea had affected the material over the centuries. Though this underwater world was extraordinary, it wasn't entirely alien. I'd spent years exploring and documenting similar sites. Yet, each site had its own unique character, a singular atmosphere that made every dive a new adventure.
My previous major project had been an exploration of the underwater ruins of a Second World War shipwreck in the Mediterranean Sea. That was a poignant journey, a testament to a grim period of human history. But despite the historical significance and the eerie beauty of the coral-clad wreckage, the experience was different, perhaps because it lacked the element of human life that Ravenser Odd held. Once a mighty symbol of naval power, the decaying hull now lay silent and broken on the ocean floor. Ravenser Odd was not merely a relic of an ancient era, but a snapshot of everyday life frozen in time and lost to the ocean depths. It had once been filled with people, their hopes and dreams, their daily routines. This tangible human element made this dive so much more thrilling. I felt like an interloper peering into a time capsule of lives lived centuries ago.
I was careful to capture every significant structure, every suggestive detail that hinted at the lives once lived here. I photographed the decay, the rich marine life, and the profound contrasts between human architecture and natural adaptations. Each click of my shutter felt like a tribute, a way to immortalise the town and its untold stories for posterity
.The underwater world has a curious way of warping one's sense of time. Minutes stretch into hours, and each moment is amplified in the silent stillness of the ocean depths. Before I knew it, our dive time was up, and the team began their gradual ascent back to the surface. As I started to swim upwards, I felt an unaccountable tug, like an unseen current pulling me back towards the sunken town. It was as if Ravenser Odd was reluctant to let us go, whispering silent pleas for us to stay and listen to its muted stories a while longer. Mistaking it for my thirst for excitement was a mistake.
A few days later, I found myself in the Sea Past Society's dedicated photography lab, surrounded by the familiar hum of high-end development equipment and the sharp, comforting scent of photographic chemicals. Developing photos was always a ritual of anticipation and discovery for me. The way an image gradually emerged on the paper felt almost like magic, a portal opening up to a frozen moment in time. As the first of the underwater images began to materialise, I was thrilled to see the haunting beauty of the sunken town coming to life once more. But as I went through the developing photos, unease started to creep in. I first noticed it in one of the shots of the town square. There was a shadow that didn't align with the underwater light refraction, a blur that felt out of place. I thought it might be a technical glitch, perhaps an equipment malfunction or an error in the development process.
But as more photos developed, the anomalies kept appearing. Patches of darkness seemed to move across sequential shots, undefined shapes lurking in the corners of the frame, and odd distortions that seemed to warp the scenery. They were subtle and could easily be dismissed as flaws or artefacts of the photographic process, but something about them made me feel uneasy. I reviewed the images over and over, trying to find a logical explanation, but the more I looked, the more the inconsistencies gnawed at me. It felt as though the images were hiding something, something that lurked just beyond the edges of perception. It was as if the quiet town of Ravenser Odd had secrets it was reluctant to reveal, secrets that I had inadvertently brought back with me to the surface.
In some sort of sicking denial, I laid out the images before me, my mind teetered between disbelief and fear. Something was wrong, but I couldn't discern whether it was a simple mistake on my part or something more profound. This was my work, and the anomalies, however bizarre, had emerged from my own camera. I wanted it to be my error. It had to be... Right?
Doubt seeped into my thoughts, creating a whirlpool of uncertainty. Had I overlooked something in the underwater conditions? Had I mishandled the equipment? Was there something wrong with my camera? I was well-respected in my field and known for my precision and attention to detail. A mistake like this felt uncharacteristic, but I couldn't ignore the possibility. And then, there was the question of whether to reveal these anomalies to my superiors. I found myself wrestling with the implications.
I was not one to be easily intimidated, but the thought of jeopardising my position unsettled me. Despite my accomplishments, the all too familiar feeling of imposter syndrome set in, and I found myself questioning my abilities and whether I really belonged here. Despite this, deep within me, a quiet resolve began to form. As much as the prospect of uncertainty unnerved me, the idea of not pursuing this anomaly felt even worse. I've always been driven by a hunger for truth and understanding. I had to find out if I had messed up; if not, what was causing the distortions? Ravenser Odd had presented me with a puzzle, and I could not resist the pull to delve deeper.
I approached Dr Howard with a carefully considered proposal. I had crafted an excuse, one that was rooted in genuine scientific curiosity and made to cover my arse if it turned out to be my fault the entire time. I suggested we needed a more detailed visual record of the site, a series of panoramic images that could be digitally stitched together to provide a 360-degree view of the underwater town.
"This could enhance our understanding of the spatial layout of the town, Doctor," I argued, maintaining an air of professional concern. "Imagine being able to virtually navigate through the streets of Ravenser Odd. It could reveal architectural patterns, structural relationships, aspects that we may have missed during the first dive."I had chosen my words carefully, knowing that the proposal would appeal to Dr Howard's keen interest in experimental archaeological techniques. The prospect of contributing a unique method of documentation to the field was too enticing for her to disregard. To my relief, she agreed.
"That sounds like an excellent idea, Oliver," she nodded, a spark of excitement in her eyes. "Prepare for another dive. And make sure this time, we document every inch of that town."
With the go-ahead secured, a new wave of anticipation swept over me. I was going back. I found myself relieved, yet something still sat deep inside of me.
In the days leading up to the dive, I found myself spending more time with Callum. Our shared passion for ocean exploration had naturally drawn us together, but our contrasting personalities solidified our bond. With his infectious enthusiasm and easy-going nature, Callum was the perfect counterbalance to my more focused and often intense demeanour. Callum had a knack for putting people at ease. He was full of stories about his adventures from all around the world - from wild encounters with marine creatures to the time he got lost in a coral maze off the coast of Australia. His tales were always told with a broad grin and a glint of mischief in his eyes, leaving anyone within earshot in fits of laughter. One evening, as the sunset bathed the sea in hues of orange and red, Callum and I found ourselves sitting on the company dock, just minutes from our temporary accommodations. He had brought two hot cocoa mugs, a comforting drink perfect for the cold evening. Callum turned to me as we sipped the sweet beverage and watched the sun sink below the horizon.
"You know, Ollie, diving isn't just about the adrenaline rush or the sense of adventure," he said, his eyes reflecting the dying light of the setting sun. "It's about connection. It's about understanding our place in the grand scheme of things and how we, as humans, interact with the world around us," he spoke, his words rich with his accent.
His words resonated with me. It was comforting to know that someone else understood and shared this sentiment. It was this shared sense of connection, this shared appreciation of the ocean's magnitude and mystery, that had drawn me to this profession in the first place.
As the night deepened and the stars shone brightly above, I hesitated, weighing my words carefully before speaking.
"Callum," I began, my voice barely above a whisper, "there's something about the last dive I haven't told anyone."
Callum turned to look at me, his usually cheerful expression giving way to concern.
"What is it, Ollie?"
"The photographs from the dive, there are... anomalies," I confessed, watching his face nervously for any sign of ridicule or disbelief."Anomalies?" He echoed, leaning back in his chair and crossing his arms."Yeah," I nodded, "Shadows that don't make sense, blurs that seem to... move. It's as if something was there with us."A silence stretched between us, filled only by the distant lapping of waves against the boat's hull. Callum's face was thoughtful; momentarily, I feared I had crossed a line.
Finally, he broke the silence.
"Ollie, we were diving into a sunken town. A place that held life, history, probably secrets too," he began, his tone measured. "And let's not forget we were deep underwater, where light behaves strangely, and visibility can play tricks on your eyes and the camera."I nodded, knowing his rationale made sense - but also knowing that my concerns weren't mere illusions.
"It's more than that. The photos, they... they feel wrong. I can't explain it, but it's like the town was trying to tell us something. Or warn us."Callum regarded me for a long moment, the lines on his face deepening as he processed what I'd just shared. Then, with a firm nod, he clapped a hand on my shoulder."Ollie, you're one of the best underwater photographers out there. If you say something was off, then it was off. We'll keep our eyes open on the next dive. Together."His reassurance brought a wave of relief, and I found myself smiling at his words. His support and willingness to believe in my concerns made me feel better about the upcoming dive.
There was a moment of silence as Callum finished speaking."Thank you, Callum," I finally said, my voice filled with gratitude. "I know it sounds...odd. I just needed someone to know. Just in case."
"In case of what?" he asked, his eyes searching mine for answers. I paused for a moment, staring out at the endless expanse of the sea.
"I'm not sure," I admitted. "But whatever it is, I have a feeling it's tied to Ravenser Odd. This is different from my other dives. It feels like something more than just a sunken town."
Callum continued to look at me, his eyes reflecting concern and curiosity. It was clear that part of him didn't believe me, but he remained silent.
"Well," he said, after a considerable pause, "we'll face it. As you said, this is about more than just the town. Whatever it is."I nodded, feeling a sense of camaraderie in his words.
"Yeah." I agreed, taking a deep breath as I turned to face the sea again.
The following morning dawned bright and clear, the crisp blue sky starkly contrasting the enigma that awaited us beneath the surface. As we prepared for the dive, I couldn't help but feel a mix of anticipation and unease. There was a silent tension in the air, like the stillness before a storm. Callum, once again, meticulously checked over our equipment, his attention to detail a welcome source of comfort amidst my apprehension. Every buckle, valve, and gauge was inspected; every aspect of our gear was scrutinised to ensure maximum safety.
As we began our descent, the familiar coolness of the water enveloped us, and my senses heightened. This time, however, the thrill of the dive was tinged with an undercurrent of uncertainty. As the town of Ravenser Odd came into view, an odd sensation settled over me. It was as though the town was somehow aware of our presence. There was a whisper at the edge of my consciousness, a sense of being observed from the shadows. The closer we got, the more palpable this feeling became. It felt like we were intruders in this lost town, disturbing the peace of its long-forgotten inhabitants.
As we began our exploration, I continued to notice fleeting shadows at the edge of my vision. Faint movements caught in the corners of my eyes, seemingly disappearing as soon as I turned to look. My heart pounded in my chest as a chill ran down my spine, but I forced myself to stay composed and focused on the task. Determined to fulfil my promise to Dr Howard, I set about capturing the panoramic images of Ravenser Odd. I methodically swam from one building to the next, with Callum following close behind. I captured every detail of the sunken town. The remains of the harbour, the ancient sea wall, and the collapsed roofs of houses are all immortalised in my camera. Yet, with each shutter click, the sense of unease grew. It was as though the very act of photographing the town was disrupting something. And with each disruption, the uncanny sensation that we were not alone intensified.
It felt like the sea had a heartbeat, a thrumming rhythm that pulsed around me, seeping into my bones. The feeling of being watched became stronger as we swam through the main square, where a towering statue, ravaged by time and water, stood as a testament to the town's lost glory. As my flash illuminated the worn stone, I could swear the statue's gaze was locked onto us, the cold eyes of stone holding a cold glare. I shook my head, trying to dismiss it as a trick of the light, but Callum had noticed too.
The murkiness of the water seemed to thicken around us as we continued to the outskirts of the town, the once vibrant coral that adorned the buildings appearing pallid and ghostly under our torchlight. Occasionally, a fish would dart away, its silvery scales shimmering briefly before disappearing into the blue abyss, leaving us in solitude once more.
Examining the town more, I noticed each structure held its own tale of decay. Houses, once filled with the hum of life, now stood desolate, their skeletal remains encrusted with marine life. The town's church, with its toppled spire, lay half-buried under the sand. I captured the eerie beauty of the forsaken town etched in each frame.
As we neared the end of our exploration, the sensation of being watched peaked. The water around us seemed to ripple with an unseen presence. Suddenly, a gust of underwater current swept past us, an inexplicable chill that froze my blood. A dark form darted in the corner of my eye, but when I turned, there was nothing but the ancient ruins and the haunting darkness beyond. My heart pounded in my chest as I watched Callum signal our ascent, his eyes wide with fear.
A dark shadow darted towards him from the corner of my eye. A surge of adrenaline rushed through me as I turned to look, but it was too late. An unseen force struck Callum, pushing him with a violent current into the decrepit wall of a nearby building below. His regulator was knocked free, bubbles bursting from his mouth in a panicked rush, yet his training prevented him from breathing in water."Callum!" I screamed into my regulator, my voice muffled and carried away by the water. Frantically, I swam towards him, my heart pounding in my chest. His eyes were wide in shock, and his hands desperately grappled for the regulator as he struggled against the new, unusual current. I grabbed him, anchoring myself and fighting the force battering us. I swam down and, holding onto Callum with one hand, I grabbed his backup regulator and shoved it towards him. He took it, jamming it into his mouth. He purged the water out of the piece, and his panicked eyes softened slightly as the life-giving air flowed once more.
I turned to face the town, a sense of anger burning inside me. Whatever was lurking in the forgotten depths of Ravenser Odd had shown itself not just as an uncanny presence but as a threatening force. The water seemed to pulsate with sinister energy, the town's ruins casting ominous shadows in our torchlight. I could feel it watching us, pressing against us, making its displeasure known.
I signalled an ascent to Callum, who nodded, his eyes wide but resolute. We kicked upwards, each stroke taking us further from the menacing depths of Ravenser Odd. As we rose, the water grew lighter, the pressure eased, and the sense of dread began to dissipate.
Just as we thought we were clear, a sudden force pulled us back down, even stronger than before. It was as if the entire ocean had become an invisible hand dragging us back towards the malevolent town.
I screamed into my regulator again as I saw him get pulled away from me, his form disappearing into the murkiness. Desperate, I tried to swim towards him but the force was too strong. Then, suddenly, my grip on my camera slipped, and it began to sink, its attached lights flickering like a falling star into the watery void. I watched, horror-stricken, as it fell into a crack and deeper into the abyss.
I cried out, my voice lost in the aquatic emptiness. That camera was my lifeline, not just for my profession, but now it seemed, for our survival. It sank rapidly, swallowed up by the eternal darkness of the ocean
.Whatever was targetting us was weak, as if it needed us to be closer to the town to fully overpower us. As I was about to dive after it, I felt a hand grip my arm. I turned to see Callum, his eyes wide with fear and confusion, but alive. He shook his head. He was right. Going after it spelt more danger than either of us could imagine.
We ascended again with nothing else to do, hoping the loss of our evidence calmed the town.The effort was physically taxing, the cold seawater churning around us as we battled to ascend. Each kick and each push felt like we were fighting against a relentless tide. My muscles screamed in protest, but I forced myself to keep going, pushing past the pain and exhaustion. Callum was ahead of me, every sinew in his body straining as he, too, fought against the pull. Determination was etched on his face, yet he kept his eye on me.
Slowly, painstakingly, we began to gain distance, the pull of the town lessening. I could see the lighter waters above us, the sun's rays penetrating the deep blue, beckoning us towards safety.
We broke to the surface and found ourselves clinging to the side of the boat, our breaths ragged and our bodies exhausted. Our crew helped our heavy bodies aboard, their faces masks of concern and confusion. We exchanged no words. The terror of our experience had left us momentarily speechless.
As we docked back at the mainland, Dr Howard was there to meet us. She looked troubled, eyes scanning Callum and me, noting our bruised and battered bodies. We were a far cry from the enthusiastic team that had embarked on a journey to chronicle the sunken town.
"Oliver, Callum," she began, her voice a mixture of concern and something else, something I couldn't quite place. "What happened out there?"I
exchanged a glance with Callum before turning back to her. Taking a deep breath, I recounted the inexplicable experiences, the unseen force, the threatening shadows, and the attack.
Dr Howard listened, her face paling as we described our encounter. As I mentioned the loss of the camera, I saw a flicker of disappointment cross her face. But it was quickly replaced by a serious expression as I continued.
"I know this may sound... impossible," I concluded, bracing myself for her reaction. "But something is down there, Dr Howard. Something that doesn't want us there."
For a moment, there was silence. Dr Howard seemed to be processing what we'd told her, her gaze distant. Then, to my surprise, she nodded.
"I believe you, Oliver," she said quietly. "In fact, I owe you both an apology."She took a deep breath, and then began to explain. Teams before us had reported the same strange feelings, the same sense of being watched. But it was more than that. After their third dive, members started returning with inexplicable injuries. Those who were brave enough to attempt a fourth dive... they never returned at all. "I had hoped... foolishly perhaps... that capturing photographic evidence would help us understand what was happening," Dr Howard confessed, her voice wavering slightly. "I... I didn't want to believe that the town itself could be dangerous."While we were gone,
Dr Howard admitted she had examined the photos from our first dive. She also admitted to noticing the same strange phenomena I had. Ghostly figures, inexplicable shadows... things that didn't make sense. But she'd dismissed them, attributing them to lighting or damage to the camera. "But now, hearing your account... I understand that there's something more at play here," she admitted, her eyes reflecting a deep remorse. "I should have warned you, should have stopped the dives. But my desire for discovery overrode my caution."
Her confession left us shocked. The realisation that she had known, at least partially, of the potential danger but had not shared it... it stung. Yet, looking at her, seeing her genuine remorse, I could only feel a deep sense of sadness. I shook it all away. As Dr Howard's confession hung in the air, a deep sense of betrayal began to coil in the pit of my stomach. Anger, hot and quick, started to rise within me, searing away the icy dread that had gripped me since the dive.
I stared at Dr Howard, my mind a whirlwind of disbelief. My chest tightened, and my heart pounded in my ears. The woman who had entrusted us with an assignment of a lifetime, a woman we respected and admired, had knowingly led us into a trap. A trap that could have cost us our lives. We had trusted her, relied on her, and she had betrayed us. The pressure built inside me, a physical weight pressing against my chest, the corners of my vision growing red with rage. The sting of betrayal cut deep.
A flash of memory— the cold, unforgiving waters, the threatening shadows in the deep, Callum's terrified eyes, the invisible force that had almost claimed us— all came crashing down, feeding the fire of my anger.
"You knew?" My voice was low and harsh, carrying the weight of my brewing anger. "You knew, and you still sent us down there?"
Dr Howard tried to respond, her voice placating, but the words were lost on me. The anger was all-consuming now, blotting out any reason. "We could have died, Howard... Callum could have died!" the words tore from my throat, raw and furious.
At that moment, I felt a sudden urge to leave, to put as much distance between myself and Dr Howard as possible. To escape from the bitter taste of betrayal. But instead, I stood there, my fists clenched, my body trembling with unspent rage. My career, my love for the ocean, and the trust I had in those I worked with all felt like they were sinking. A shiver ran through me, a mix of anger and something else: a deep, echoing sadness as profound as the ocean itself.
I walked out after that. In a rush of adrenaline, I packed away my belongings, leaving behind the new equipment tainted by the darkness of the project, and left.
I hope whatever inhabits that town, stays there.
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My work spans a range of genres, but my underwater photography has become particularly renowned. The unseen world beneath the waves, teeming with life, captivated me, and I devoted myself to capturing it in all its vibrancy and mystery. My photos were acclaimed for their vivid detail and uncanny ability to transport viewers beneath the surface into the heart of the underwater world. My images graced the covers of National Geographic and Time magazines, and my exhibits were frequented by photography enthusiasts worldwide. And at the age of 30, I was awaiting the dreaded 'burnout' my friends had all complained about.
I was a natural choice when the renowned historical and marine research organisation, the Sea Past Society, decided to take on the ambitious task of finding and documenting Ravenser Odd, Britain's own Atlantis. They needed someone who could document the submerged ruins in a way that showcased their historical significance and captured the mystique of a town long lost to the sea. A challenge that I knew was perfect for me.Dr Katherine Howard, the head of the Sea Past Society and a well-respected marine historian, contacted me personally. She believed in my unique talent for visual storytelling and thought I could bring the sunken town's story to life. She felt my photos could inspire a global audience, stir their imagination, and allow them to connect with a past submerged beneath the cold waters of the North Sea. Naturally, I was thrilled and honoured to be selected for such a significant project. The chance to dive into the mysterious depths and uncover the secrets of a lost town was a dream come true, and although I had done similar projects - something just felt... Different.
My flat in London soon became a frenzy of activity, cluttered with new high-tech underwater cameras, powerful lights for illuminating the dark ocean depths, and all manner of equipment for preserving my gear against the corrosive effects of saltwater, all funded by the Sea Past Society. But amid the chaos, there was an undercurrent of palpable excitement. Beneath the exhilaration was a thin layer of anxiety, like a dusting of frost on an otherwise warm window pane. It lingered there, never once stepping into the light but ominously hovering in the room's dark corners. The task ahead was daunting. This was not a recreational dive into a well-explored reef but an expedition into a town lost to the depths six centuries ago. Unease did not overshadow my enthusiasm; it fueled it. The chance to tell the story of Ravenser Odd, to breathe life into its submerged and silent streets, was a thrill like no other. I relished the challenge. Before long, it was time to travel to Yorkshire. I was introduced to my dive buddy, a man named Callum, a burly Scotsman with a twinkle in his eye and a jovial demeanour. But beneath his light-hearted exterior was an individual of impressive expertise and meticulous attention to detail. Dr Howard had assembled a unique team of historians, marine archaeologists, and technical experts. Most of them were to say above the sea and watch through another camera broadcasting to the boat.
Callum was the Sea Past Society's Health and Safety Coordinator, a veteran diver with an impeccable track record. His task was to ensure the safety of the divers as they explored the undersea ruins, and I was to be his primary responsibility. Callum was hired not just for his expertise in dive safety but also for his ability to remain calm in a crisis. His warm personality put me at ease, making me feel safer about the dive.
In the days leading up to the dive, Callum and I worked closely together. We conducted practice dives, tested our equipment, and developed a dive plan. His attention to detail and uncompromising approach to safety impressed me. He was careful and cautious - but also open to the spirit of adventure that this exploration held. The excitement and nerves within me swirled like a tempest. The idea I was soon to explore a piece of history untouched for centuries, about to uncover stories that had been silenced by the sea, kept me tossing and turning in my bed at night.The day finally arrived. Our vessel was a massive, state-of-the-art boat stocked with all the equipment necessary for the dive, including cutting-edge sonar systems, robotic submersibles, and a plethora of diving gear. There was an undercurrent of tension in the air, a static charge that prickled the skin and raised the hair on the back of your neck. I noticed hushed conversations among the crew, quick, sidelong glances that hinted at concern. Was it the enormity of the task that caused this? Or perhaps they were wary of a new face? I shook it off; I had a talent for overthinking things, especially while stressed.
Callum meticulously checked my gear, ensuring every piece was functioning correctly. His diligent inspection was comforting, a touch of solidity amid a sea of anticipation. We ran through our final checklist - emergency signals, the navigation route, and ascent and descent points. As we finished our preparations, the moment we'd been waiting for was finally upon us. With one last nod of reassurance from Callum, we plunged into the icy embrace of the North Sea. The sudden chill was a shock, biting through the thick neoprene of my diving suit, but it did nothing to dampen my spirits. If anything, it heightened my senses, focusing my mind on the world we were about to enter.
As we descended, the remnants of Ravenser Odd slowly emerged from the gloom. The water had eroded much, but what remained bore a spectral reminder of the bustling town it once was. Buildings, streets, the outlines of what might have been a town square, all blanketed in a shroud of decay and encrusted with marine life. Intricate stonework, long worn away by the constant current, was now home to vibrant corals and anemones, creating an eerie fusion of man-made and natural beauty. The coral had claimed these structures, using them as foundations for their colonies, transforming them into organic, living artworks that swayed gently with the ocean's rhythm. It was a haunting sight, a tableau of life abruptly halted and preserved beneath the waves.
Statues stood guard over their underwater realm, their features softened by centuries under the sea, their stony gaze meeting mine through a veil of tiny bubbles that streamed from my regulator. A fish darted past, a flash of iridescent colour that stood out against the grey stone and green-blue water. I was caught between two worlds, the ancient human past and the teeming marine life of the present. It was simultaneously humbling and thrilling, a testament to nature's uncanny ability to reclaim and repurpose. With my camera at the ready, I eagerly started documenting this hauntingly beautiful underwater world. Callum and I navigated through the labyrinth of sunken streets. Each building was a monument to the past, offering a unique glimpse into the lives of those who once called Ravenser Odd home. While I concentrated on capturing the visual essence of these ancient structures, other team members avoided us and engaged in their own tasks. They meticulously scraped away at the encrusted stone walls, collecting samples to further understand how the sea had affected the material over the centuries. Though this underwater world was extraordinary, it wasn't entirely alien. I'd spent years exploring and documenting similar sites. Yet, each site had its own unique character, a singular atmosphere that made every dive a new adventure.
My previous major project had been an exploration of the underwater ruins of a Second World War shipwreck in the Mediterranean Sea. That was a poignant journey, a testament to a grim period of human history. But despite the historical significance and the eerie beauty of the coral-clad wreckage, the experience was different, perhaps because it lacked the element of human life that Ravenser Odd held. Once a mighty symbol of naval power, the decaying hull now lay silent and broken on the ocean floor. Ravenser Odd was not merely a relic of an ancient era, but a snapshot of everyday life frozen in time and lost to the ocean depths. It had once been filled with people, their hopes and dreams, their daily routines. This tangible human element made this dive so much more thrilling. I felt like an interloper peering into a time capsule of lives lived centuries ago.
I was careful to capture every significant structure, every suggestive detail that hinted at the lives once lived here. I photographed the decay, the rich marine life, and the profound contrasts between human architecture and natural adaptations. Each click of my shutter felt like a tribute, a way to immortalise the town and its untold stories for posterity
.The underwater world has a curious way of warping one's sense of time. Minutes stretch into hours, and each moment is amplified in the silent stillness of the ocean depths. Before I knew it, our dive time was up, and the team began their gradual ascent back to the surface. As I started to swim upwards, I felt an unaccountable tug, like an unseen current pulling me back towards the sunken town. It was as if Ravenser Odd was reluctant to let us go, whispering silent pleas for us to stay and listen to its muted stories a while longer. Mistaking it for my thirst for excitement was a mistake.
A few days later, I found myself in the Sea Past Society's dedicated photography lab, surrounded by the familiar hum of high-end development equipment and the sharp, comforting scent of photographic chemicals. Developing photos was always a ritual of anticipation and discovery for me. The way an image gradually emerged on the paper felt almost like magic, a portal opening up to a frozen moment in time. As the first of the underwater images began to materialise, I was thrilled to see the haunting beauty of the sunken town coming to life once more. But as I went through the developing photos, unease started to creep in. I first noticed it in one of the shots of the town square. There was a shadow that didn't align with the underwater light refraction, a blur that felt out of place. I thought it might be a technical glitch, perhaps an equipment malfunction or an error in the development process.
But as more photos developed, the anomalies kept appearing. Patches of darkness seemed to move across sequential shots, undefined shapes lurking in the corners of the frame, and odd distortions that seemed to warp the scenery. They were subtle and could easily be dismissed as flaws or artefacts of the photographic process, but something about them made me feel uneasy. I reviewed the images over and over, trying to find a logical explanation, but the more I looked, the more the inconsistencies gnawed at me. It felt as though the images were hiding something, something that lurked just beyond the edges of perception. It was as if the quiet town of Ravenser Odd had secrets it was reluctant to reveal, secrets that I had inadvertently brought back with me to the surface.
In some sort of sicking denial, I laid out the images before me, my mind teetered between disbelief and fear. Something was wrong, but I couldn't discern whether it was a simple mistake on my part or something more profound. This was my work, and the anomalies, however bizarre, had emerged from my own camera. I wanted it to be my error. It had to be... Right?
Doubt seeped into my thoughts, creating a whirlpool of uncertainty. Had I overlooked something in the underwater conditions? Had I mishandled the equipment? Was there something wrong with my camera? I was well-respected in my field and known for my precision and attention to detail. A mistake like this felt uncharacteristic, but I couldn't ignore the possibility. And then, there was the question of whether to reveal these anomalies to my superiors. I found myself wrestling with the implications.
I was not one to be easily intimidated, but the thought of jeopardising my position unsettled me. Despite my accomplishments, the all too familiar feeling of imposter syndrome set in, and I found myself questioning my abilities and whether I really belonged here. Despite this, deep within me, a quiet resolve began to form. As much as the prospect of uncertainty unnerved me, the idea of not pursuing this anomaly felt even worse. I've always been driven by a hunger for truth and understanding. I had to find out if I had messed up; if not, what was causing the distortions? Ravenser Odd had presented me with a puzzle, and I could not resist the pull to delve deeper.
I approached Dr Howard with a carefully considered proposal. I had crafted an excuse, one that was rooted in genuine scientific curiosity and made to cover my arse if it turned out to be my fault the entire time. I suggested we needed a more detailed visual record of the site, a series of panoramic images that could be digitally stitched together to provide a 360-degree view of the underwater town.
"This could enhance our understanding of the spatial layout of the town, Doctor," I argued, maintaining an air of professional concern. "Imagine being able to virtually navigate through the streets of Ravenser Odd. It could reveal architectural patterns, structural relationships, aspects that we may have missed during the first dive."I had chosen my words carefully, knowing that the proposal would appeal to Dr Howard's keen interest in experimental archaeological techniques. The prospect of contributing a unique method of documentation to the field was too enticing for her to disregard. To my relief, she agreed.
"That sounds like an excellent idea, Oliver," she nodded, a spark of excitement in her eyes. "Prepare for another dive. And make sure this time, we document every inch of that town."
With the go-ahead secured, a new wave of anticipation swept over me. I was going back. I found myself relieved, yet something still sat deep inside of me.
In the days leading up to the dive, I found myself spending more time with Callum. Our shared passion for ocean exploration had naturally drawn us together, but our contrasting personalities solidified our bond. With his infectious enthusiasm and easy-going nature, Callum was the perfect counterbalance to my more focused and often intense demeanour. Callum had a knack for putting people at ease. He was full of stories about his adventures from all around the world - from wild encounters with marine creatures to the time he got lost in a coral maze off the coast of Australia. His tales were always told with a broad grin and a glint of mischief in his eyes, leaving anyone within earshot in fits of laughter. One evening, as the sunset bathed the sea in hues of orange and red, Callum and I found ourselves sitting on the company dock, just minutes from our temporary accommodations. He had brought two hot cocoa mugs, a comforting drink perfect for the cold evening. Callum turned to me as we sipped the sweet beverage and watched the sun sink below the horizon.
"You know, Ollie, diving isn't just about the adrenaline rush or the sense of adventure," he said, his eyes reflecting the dying light of the setting sun. "It's about connection. It's about understanding our place in the grand scheme of things and how we, as humans, interact with the world around us," he spoke, his words rich with his accent.
His words resonated with me. It was comforting to know that someone else understood and shared this sentiment. It was this shared sense of connection, this shared appreciation of the ocean's magnitude and mystery, that had drawn me to this profession in the first place.
As the night deepened and the stars shone brightly above, I hesitated, weighing my words carefully before speaking.
"Callum," I began, my voice barely above a whisper, "there's something about the last dive I haven't told anyone."
Callum turned to look at me, his usually cheerful expression giving way to concern.
"What is it, Ollie?"
"The photographs from the dive, there are... anomalies," I confessed, watching his face nervously for any sign of ridicule or disbelief."Anomalies?" He echoed, leaning back in his chair and crossing his arms."Yeah," I nodded, "Shadows that don't make sense, blurs that seem to... move. It's as if something was there with us."A silence stretched between us, filled only by the distant lapping of waves against the boat's hull. Callum's face was thoughtful; momentarily, I feared I had crossed a line.
Finally, he broke the silence.
"Ollie, we were diving into a sunken town. A place that held life, history, probably secrets too," he began, his tone measured. "And let's not forget we were deep underwater, where light behaves strangely, and visibility can play tricks on your eyes and the camera."I nodded, knowing his rationale made sense - but also knowing that my concerns weren't mere illusions.
"It's more than that. The photos, they... they feel wrong. I can't explain it, but it's like the town was trying to tell us something. Or warn us."Callum regarded me for a long moment, the lines on his face deepening as he processed what I'd just shared. Then, with a firm nod, he clapped a hand on my shoulder."Ollie, you're one of the best underwater photographers out there. If you say something was off, then it was off. We'll keep our eyes open on the next dive. Together."His reassurance brought a wave of relief, and I found myself smiling at his words. His support and willingness to believe in my concerns made me feel better about the upcoming dive.
There was a moment of silence as Callum finished speaking."Thank you, Callum," I finally said, my voice filled with gratitude. "I know it sounds...odd. I just needed someone to know. Just in case."
"In case of what?" he asked, his eyes searching mine for answers. I paused for a moment, staring out at the endless expanse of the sea.
"I'm not sure," I admitted. "But whatever it is, I have a feeling it's tied to Ravenser Odd. This is different from my other dives. It feels like something more than just a sunken town."
Callum continued to look at me, his eyes reflecting concern and curiosity. It was clear that part of him didn't believe me, but he remained silent.
"Well," he said, after a considerable pause, "we'll face it. As you said, this is about more than just the town. Whatever it is."I nodded, feeling a sense of camaraderie in his words.
"Yeah." I agreed, taking a deep breath as I turned to face the sea again.
The following morning dawned bright and clear, the crisp blue sky starkly contrasting the enigma that awaited us beneath the surface. As we prepared for the dive, I couldn't help but feel a mix of anticipation and unease. There was a silent tension in the air, like the stillness before a storm. Callum, once again, meticulously checked over our equipment, his attention to detail a welcome source of comfort amidst my apprehension. Every buckle, valve, and gauge was inspected; every aspect of our gear was scrutinised to ensure maximum safety.
As we began our descent, the familiar coolness of the water enveloped us, and my senses heightened. This time, however, the thrill of the dive was tinged with an undercurrent of uncertainty. As the town of Ravenser Odd came into view, an odd sensation settled over me. It was as though the town was somehow aware of our presence. There was a whisper at the edge of my consciousness, a sense of being observed from the shadows. The closer we got, the more palpable this feeling became. It felt like we were intruders in this lost town, disturbing the peace of its long-forgotten inhabitants.
As we began our exploration, I continued to notice fleeting shadows at the edge of my vision. Faint movements caught in the corners of my eyes, seemingly disappearing as soon as I turned to look. My heart pounded in my chest as a chill ran down my spine, but I forced myself to stay composed and focused on the task. Determined to fulfil my promise to Dr Howard, I set about capturing the panoramic images of Ravenser Odd. I methodically swam from one building to the next, with Callum following close behind. I captured every detail of the sunken town. The remains of the harbour, the ancient sea wall, and the collapsed roofs of houses are all immortalised in my camera. Yet, with each shutter click, the sense of unease grew. It was as though the very act of photographing the town was disrupting something. And with each disruption, the uncanny sensation that we were not alone intensified.
It felt like the sea had a heartbeat, a thrumming rhythm that pulsed around me, seeping into my bones. The feeling of being watched became stronger as we swam through the main square, where a towering statue, ravaged by time and water, stood as a testament to the town's lost glory. As my flash illuminated the worn stone, I could swear the statue's gaze was locked onto us, the cold eyes of stone holding a cold glare. I shook my head, trying to dismiss it as a trick of the light, but Callum had noticed too.
The murkiness of the water seemed to thicken around us as we continued to the outskirts of the town, the once vibrant coral that adorned the buildings appearing pallid and ghostly under our torchlight. Occasionally, a fish would dart away, its silvery scales shimmering briefly before disappearing into the blue abyss, leaving us in solitude once more.
Examining the town more, I noticed each structure held its own tale of decay. Houses, once filled with the hum of life, now stood desolate, their skeletal remains encrusted with marine life. The town's church, with its toppled spire, lay half-buried under the sand. I captured the eerie beauty of the forsaken town etched in each frame.
As we neared the end of our exploration, the sensation of being watched peaked. The water around us seemed to ripple with an unseen presence. Suddenly, a gust of underwater current swept past us, an inexplicable chill that froze my blood. A dark form darted in the corner of my eye, but when I turned, there was nothing but the ancient ruins and the haunting darkness beyond. My heart pounded in my chest as I watched Callum signal our ascent, his eyes wide with fear.
A dark shadow darted towards him from the corner of my eye. A surge of adrenaline rushed through me as I turned to look, but it was too late. An unseen force struck Callum, pushing him with a violent current into the decrepit wall of a nearby building below. His regulator was knocked free, bubbles bursting from his mouth in a panicked rush, yet his training prevented him from breathing in water."Callum!" I screamed into my regulator, my voice muffled and carried away by the water. Frantically, I swam towards him, my heart pounding in my chest. His eyes were wide in shock, and his hands desperately grappled for the regulator as he struggled against the new, unusual current. I grabbed him, anchoring myself and fighting the force battering us. I swam down and, holding onto Callum with one hand, I grabbed his backup regulator and shoved it towards him. He took it, jamming it into his mouth. He purged the water out of the piece, and his panicked eyes softened slightly as the life-giving air flowed once more.
I turned to face the town, a sense of anger burning inside me. Whatever was lurking in the forgotten depths of Ravenser Odd had shown itself not just as an uncanny presence but as a threatening force. The water seemed to pulsate with sinister energy, the town's ruins casting ominous shadows in our torchlight. I could feel it watching us, pressing against us, making its displeasure known.
I signalled an ascent to Callum, who nodded, his eyes wide but resolute. We kicked upwards, each stroke taking us further from the menacing depths of Ravenser Odd. As we rose, the water grew lighter, the pressure eased, and the sense of dread began to dissipate.
Just as we thought we were clear, a sudden force pulled us back down, even stronger than before. It was as if the entire ocean had become an invisible hand dragging us back towards the malevolent town.
I screamed into my regulator again as I saw him get pulled away from me, his form disappearing into the murkiness. Desperate, I tried to swim towards him but the force was too strong. Then, suddenly, my grip on my camera slipped, and it began to sink, its attached lights flickering like a falling star into the watery void. I watched, horror-stricken, as it fell into a crack and deeper into the abyss.
I cried out, my voice lost in the aquatic emptiness. That camera was my lifeline, not just for my profession, but now it seemed, for our survival. It sank rapidly, swallowed up by the eternal darkness of the ocean
.Whatever was targetting us was weak, as if it needed us to be closer to the town to fully overpower us. As I was about to dive after it, I felt a hand grip my arm. I turned to see Callum, his eyes wide with fear and confusion, but alive. He shook his head. He was right. Going after it spelt more danger than either of us could imagine.
We ascended again with nothing else to do, hoping the loss of our evidence calmed the town.The effort was physically taxing, the cold seawater churning around us as we battled to ascend. Each kick and each push felt like we were fighting against a relentless tide. My muscles screamed in protest, but I forced myself to keep going, pushing past the pain and exhaustion. Callum was ahead of me, every sinew in his body straining as he, too, fought against the pull. Determination was etched on his face, yet he kept his eye on me.
Slowly, painstakingly, we began to gain distance, the pull of the town lessening. I could see the lighter waters above us, the sun's rays penetrating the deep blue, beckoning us towards safety.
We broke to the surface and found ourselves clinging to the side of the boat, our breaths ragged and our bodies exhausted. Our crew helped our heavy bodies aboard, their faces masks of concern and confusion. We exchanged no words. The terror of our experience had left us momentarily speechless.
As we docked back at the mainland, Dr Howard was there to meet us. She looked troubled, eyes scanning Callum and me, noting our bruised and battered bodies. We were a far cry from the enthusiastic team that had embarked on a journey to chronicle the sunken town.
"Oliver, Callum," she began, her voice a mixture of concern and something else, something I couldn't quite place. "What happened out there?"I
exchanged a glance with Callum before turning back to her. Taking a deep breath, I recounted the inexplicable experiences, the unseen force, the threatening shadows, and the attack.
Dr Howard listened, her face paling as we described our encounter. As I mentioned the loss of the camera, I saw a flicker of disappointment cross her face. But it was quickly replaced by a serious expression as I continued.
"I know this may sound... impossible," I concluded, bracing myself for her reaction. "But something is down there, Dr Howard. Something that doesn't want us there."
For a moment, there was silence. Dr Howard seemed to be processing what we'd told her, her gaze distant. Then, to my surprise, she nodded.
"I believe you, Oliver," she said quietly. "In fact, I owe you both an apology."She took a deep breath, and then began to explain. Teams before us had reported the same strange feelings, the same sense of being watched. But it was more than that. After their third dive, members started returning with inexplicable injuries. Those who were brave enough to attempt a fourth dive... they never returned at all. "I had hoped... foolishly perhaps... that capturing photographic evidence would help us understand what was happening," Dr Howard confessed, her voice wavering slightly. "I... I didn't want to believe that the town itself could be dangerous."While we were gone,
Dr Howard admitted she had examined the photos from our first dive. She also admitted to noticing the same strange phenomena I had. Ghostly figures, inexplicable shadows... things that didn't make sense. But she'd dismissed them, attributing them to lighting or damage to the camera. "But now, hearing your account... I understand that there's something more at play here," she admitted, her eyes reflecting a deep remorse. "I should have warned you, should have stopped the dives. But my desire for discovery overrode my caution."
Her confession left us shocked. The realisation that she had known, at least partially, of the potential danger but had not shared it... it stung. Yet, looking at her, seeing her genuine remorse, I could only feel a deep sense of sadness. I shook it all away. As Dr Howard's confession hung in the air, a deep sense of betrayal began to coil in the pit of my stomach. Anger, hot and quick, started to rise within me, searing away the icy dread that had gripped me since the dive.
I stared at Dr Howard, my mind a whirlwind of disbelief. My chest tightened, and my heart pounded in my ears. The woman who had entrusted us with an assignment of a lifetime, a woman we respected and admired, had knowingly led us into a trap. A trap that could have cost us our lives. We had trusted her, relied on her, and she had betrayed us. The pressure built inside me, a physical weight pressing against my chest, the corners of my vision growing red with rage. The sting of betrayal cut deep.
A flash of memory— the cold, unforgiving waters, the threatening shadows in the deep, Callum's terrified eyes, the invisible force that had almost claimed us— all came crashing down, feeding the fire of my anger.
"You knew?" My voice was low and harsh, carrying the weight of my brewing anger. "You knew, and you still sent us down there?"
Dr Howard tried to respond, her voice placating, but the words were lost on me. The anger was all-consuming now, blotting out any reason. "We could have died, Howard... Callum could have died!" the words tore from my throat, raw and furious.
At that moment, I felt a sudden urge to leave, to put as much distance between myself and Dr Howard as possible. To escape from the bitter taste of betrayal. But instead, I stood there, my fists clenched, my body trembling with unspent rage. My career, my love for the ocean, and the trust I had in those I worked with all felt like they were sinking. A shiver ran through me, a mix of anger and something else: a deep, echoing sadness as profound as the ocean itself.
I walked out after that. In a rush of adrenaline, I packed away my belongings, leaving behind the new equipment tainted by the darkness of the project, and left.
I hope whatever inhabits that town, stays there.
2023.06.06 06:35 OurQuarterMaster 11th Moon of 200AC Recap
Crownlands
In an act of justice, Aerea Targaryen partakes in the burning of the Carons and the sell swords, only to see Urrax rise from dragonstone, leading to her anger and displeasure.Amongst the Red Keep, the brothers Bracken duel knights to show their skills. However, they went too far, prompting the Grand Maester, in his mercy, to tend to the maimed Knights before the still standing Brackens.
Following the removal of Aerys Targaryen, Ryman Caron attempts to flee the Crownlands with his sellswords and sell sails. However, the fleet of the Targaryen dynasty had moved to prevent such, with the Queen herself joining the fray. In the turmoil, both Joffrey Caron and Ryman Caron are pushed overboard resulting in their deaths.
Following her flight from the North, Princess Gaelyn Targaryen, Heir to the Iron Throne, encounters her father and engages him in combat, and eventually, her mother. This would result in the death of Princess Gaelyn
Following his duel with his daughter, the dragons dance once more, as Prince-Consort Aerys Targaryen clashes with his sister wife, Queen Aerea Targaryen. This results in the death of Aerys Targaryen.
North
Dale Whitehill and Domeric Bolton plot to bring their men to Winterfell and gauge the Princess' demeanor, seeking to bring about an end to Corin Stark's rule of the North with her help.Corin Stark and Harmond Umber return to Winterfell and the news they receive upon their return is staggering. Royals are dead, armies are warring, and everything seems to be spiraling. Corin convenes the assembled nobility to take their counsel but also to make his course of action known to them all.
At Winterfell, Lord Ryswell meets with Lord Stark. He is troubled by the foreboding vision that his wife, Lady Sarra, had seen.
On the voyage to scout Crowtown once again, Magnar Sweyn and his sister Saga discuss matters of family and the coming winter. All the while, the men have begun to go mad. Be it from stress, a curse, or something other, it's not clear. But that matters not when survival is on the line. And the Crowls seek to survive. As Sweyn of Crowl discusses with his sister her time away from home, a strange madness spreads among the Skagosi of Deepdown on their way to Crowtown.
Vale
Joffrey and Jonquil Arryn arrive at Gulltown, ready to make allies in the South for the upcoming conflict. They have their sights set on Starfall and are eager to set sail as soon as possible.Lady Vanya puts a bounty on the head of Lord Harwin Manderly. Vanya and Harwin then exchange letters.
Luceon Lipps meets a beautiful but unfortunate girl and decides to give her money. \
Gretchel Waxley has adopted a puppy, the runt of the litter, Clover.
Stormlands
At Storm’s End, in the wake of the deaths of the King, the Princess and both their dragons, the Stormlords gather to discuss the future of their lands. Unwilling to support a kinslayer for a Queen, or recognise the authority of any regent who may replace her, the Stormlords opted to declare themselves independent, with Aelinor Baratheon crowned as their Storm Queen.Reach
In the wake of Dayne's accident, Lord Daven is summoned by lady Aurola to Highgarden for the trial of three. With his lady wife under house arrest at Highgarden, Lord Daven agrees to meet with Lady Paramount at Oldtown, asking to bring his wife Fiona there.At Highgarden, Ser Olyvar Hightower enjoys a lunch after the spar, chatting with lords and ladies of the Reach. Meanwhile, Lady Aurola orders her cooks to bake the cakes, which she wants to share with Ser Lucantine Redwyne. But it's not why she asked him to be in her solar, where she asked him for a favor in return for stopping taxation of Arbor.
Ser Victor Hightower passes through the gates of Highgarden, requesting an audience with Lady Aurola.
At nightfall, lady Leona Roxton wanders outside, enjoying the night.
Elayna Banefort arrives at Highgarden, seeking a meeting with the lady of Horn Hill.
At Old Oak, Eden Oakheart remembers the last years with his mother, singing her a song and promising to never stop being himself.
After being asked by Lord Gynir Greyjoy to join forces , Lyla Mullendore writes to the Hightower and is given permission to wage war against the West. Later, Lyla seeks an audience with Lady Greyjoy to join up with the Ironborn.
Ser Steffon Marbrand is called back to West by his sister, breaking off his match with lady Agnes Cuy.
At Ashford, Lord Aladore ponders the need for a wife.
By the end of the moon, the news of Queen Aerea's kinslaying, murder of her husband-brother and a daughter, has reached Highgarden. Lady Aurola holds a meeting to discuss this matter with her lords.
Riverlands
The forces of House Lannister are engaged by Alysanne Velaryon and her dragon Morning. Hundreds of Lannister men burn to death beneath the walls of Pinkmaiden, however the dragon and its rider were driven off by Tygren Lannister, the Dragonbane, as one of his arrows managed to wound the Lady of Driftmark… Though, the young Lannister’s skill with the bow couldn’t spare him from Morning’s flames.Iron Islands
Through the combined efforts of Baela Celtigar, Zhoe Myre, Roryk Volmark, and the crew of the Dog’s Revenge, a giant squid is successfully caught and brought under the ownership of Sigfryd Farwynd.Gyrnir Greyjoy toasts the fall of House Targaryen and beseeches his liege lady to attack the Westerlands soon.
Westerlands
Rohanne Banefort reveals Mina Marbrand's murderous betrayals to Lady Ella while Forley Banefort is captured at Seagard. Fearing the war and Lord Tywald’s retribution, Rohanne and Ella Marbrand flee to the Banefort.Lord Lefford arrives at his home only to find it full to bursting with Lord Tywald Lannister’s great host. He throws a feast for his noble guests which Tywald announces will be the site of his wedding with Lady Arwen Arryn.
At the Battle of Pinkmaiden, Ser Tygren Lannister successfully beats back the Piper army, Lady Alysanne Velaryon, and her dragon Morning. Most of Tyg’s force is engulfed in dragonflame, killing everyone on his own flank but himself. Though he survives, he suffers horrific burns.
Later, at Deep Den, Tyg begs for death that his men do not grant him, and proves to have become both physically and mentally changed by the ordeal.
Dorne
All is quiet in Dorne this moon.Faith
The Faithful lie in wait this moon.Essos
Across the sea, all appears quiet in Essos…The Wall and Beyond
From the Wall, Lord Corin Stark writes to Driftmark, offering his support and marriage of his son Theon to Laena Velaryon.Beyond the wall, Magnar Corpse of Milkwater tribe arrives at Crowtown, where he is met by its commander, Torrhen.
Igrin, healer of Thenns, manages to tame a beaver named Cheddar in the wake of her being separated from most of her family. Igrin has tamed a beaver name Cheddar in the wake of being separated from most of her family. Meanwhile, Jenny faces the King of Winter and the Dark Prince as she reports what has happened to her people and that Winter comes for Westeros.
Torrhen, commander of Crowntown, relays the orders of Lord Commander that Crowtown is to be abandoned. He is set to return to Castle Black and wishes to let the wildling through the Wall.
It is at this time, when Others arrive, surrounding the Crowtown.
Magnar Sweyn of Crowl set sail from Crowtow but as the time passes, the more of his people turn mad. They dispose of the bodies by eating them.
2023.06.06 06:18 firmsconsultingreal1 INVESTMENT PLANNING FOR IMMIGRANTS
Investment Planning for Immigrants
My friends often talk about their investment strategies. They have 401(k) and Roth IRAs, health savings accounts, brokerage accounts, and investment properties. I live in a very nice area, and my friends are well-educated business leaders who had successful parents who taught them well. They are wealthy people. Their parents often encouraged them to set up their investment accounts in their twenties, and they benefited from compounding growth over decades. Many have education savings and investment accounts to pay for their children’s education. Some have just one child. Yet, they often seem incredibly stressed about finances, investing, and retirement. They often tell me I am lucky not to have kids because it’s too expensive and tiring.
As an immigrant, my financial obligations are far larger than that of my friends. And I do not have support. I have to do my investing and retirement planning to ensure I can support myself and my extended family. I am not just planning for my retirement. I am planning everyone’s lives and their retirements as well. I am the backstop. Yet, I do not have anyone to bail me out if I even need support.
What makes it hard is the limited influence one has on their extended family. If I had kids, I could guide them and help them avoid expensive problems in life. I would have visual oversight of them with daily contact. For my extended family, while I financially support them, I do not have as much influence over their decisions. How do you influence the decisions of a parent or sibling? They are adults, and they think they know best.
For example, my father recently sold my childhood home to pay down debt because of a bad business investment. My parents had to go live in their village home, which is called a dacha. Then my sister asked my parents to sell their investment 1-room apartment, which they had bought with money left from the sale of my childhood apartment after the debt was paid. This apartment was meant to give them some monthly rental income for their retirement.
During the war in Ukraine, I had to get my sister, nephew, and half Ukrainian brother-in-law, with Ukrainian last name, out to Mexico on very short notice. Moving them cost me $35,000. That is a significant amount. This is not counting my lost income and lost health due to the tremendous effort, prolonged stress, and weeks of working around the clock. We barely got them to leave the country. I had to buy multiple airplane tickets because they were not allowed to have a layover in some countries without visas, and visas were not possible to obtain. The plan was to bring my parents and brothers next, but after all the work was done to set up my sister’s and her family’s lives in Mexico and sort out their documentation, they suddenly decided to go back.
When it’s your immediate family, you would usually plan such a large expenditure and defer things until they were manageable and more cost effective. As an immigrant like myself with an extended family, I am financially obligated over actions and needs I often cannot control. So, while I plan for my family, my planning often changes if they make financially poor investment choices, or something happens out of their control. I have found that careful planning is less important than keeping a large savings buffer. Strategic and operational flexibility is more important than a plan.
Investing has always been difficult. I have lived in multiple countries. In each country, I would set up a retirement account to benefit from tax-free or tax-deferred benefits and make my contributions. Yet, I never had the opportunity to see the benefits of compounding interest and re-invested dividends. Interest needs time to have an impact. A very long time.
Each time I moved, I had to decide if I should keep the account or cash it out. Rolling it over to my new account in my new country was not even possible. Keeping the account open has many other problems. I have a bank account with money in it, but I cannot move the money. That bank authenticates the login with an SMS but will only recognize a phone number with that country’s area code. I have long since given up that number. The bank will allow me to change my mobile number, but first, I would need to log in and be authenticated with the number I no longer have. The support desk is of little help. They take months to respond.
In another case, I want to pay the taxes owed. It’s not much, but if I owe it, I want to pay it. I have no means of contacting the revenue service in that country. The phones are never answered, and my emails get a response after three to four months. The two checks I FedEx’d were returned since they could not locate my tax account and were unwilling to follow up to authenticate my ID. They basically wanted me to stop bothering them.
In another example, I decided to keep my retirement account in Canada. Yet, I found out the Canadian Revenue Agency would impose a 1% per month penalty on any deposits made while I was not physically present in the country. This is why I have to close accounts as I move.
Americans spend their entire lives trying to understand one set of tax codes and investment options. As an immigrant, I had to spend just a few years mastering each country’s tax code and investing options. And then I had to leave and start over.
To pay for my MBA, I had to sell my house. Yet, that was not the only reason. I was very worried about having so much of my wealth tied up in a foreign country. Many things could go wrong, including the illegal seizure of my property. So, I had to sell and give up the asset appreciation. And pay the full taxes, and get permission from the revenue agency to transfer the money. And pay the transfer fees to the bank and revenue agency. In all the situations above, I did not want to give up my investments. Yet, I had to do so, and often, at a time that was not beneficial for me.
Many of my friends have seen incredible compounding gains from holding 401(k), and Roth IRA accounts since their twenties. Now in their sixties or seventies, they have benefited from almost fifty years of gains. The same applies to their homes. They have greatly appreciated in value. Most bought amazing homes when they were in their thirties and will sell those often fully paid-off homes, downsize to a smaller home, and live off the profits.
Many will not have to downsize. The fifty years of returns from their 401K and Roth IRA accounts will be sufficient. As immigrants, we almost never have the time to fully benefit from the two sources of the greatest wealth creation (time-based home and equity appreciation), as much as people born in the USA. This is something that investment advice does not take into account when advising immigrants. This is why I had to study investing for myself and make my own decisions.
Yet, as an immigrant, each time I move and give up what I have built, I am making a bet on myself. It is an investment I can fully control. It is the only investment I can fully control. That is the path I have taken. My American friends and neighbors slowly built their wealth because they had the power of time on their side to let their assets appreciate. I could not do that. By the time I need my 401(k) and Roth IRA, those investments will not have as much time to grow and compound as my American friends.
I set up my 401(k) last year at the age of 41, only after I was sure I would not move again. I was tired of having to close accounts and lose money. The compounded gains will not be as significant over twenty or even thirty years when compared to my friends. That is a hard barrier I cannot change. Most people try to overcome this hard barrier by making risky investments to earn higher returns to make up for the shorter investing time period. I am not going to do that. I worked too hard to build what I have, and I cannot afford to lose it.
So, what could I do? How would I overcome this barrier? I had to invest in myself to rapidly create wealth and, thereafter, invest it in property and equity. My solution has been to earn more. Then I invest it modestly. Most people focus less on earning more, and pursue aggressive, another word for risky, investments. I would rather invest a hypothetical $1,000,000 and earn 3% after inflation and taxes than invest a smaller $100,000 and aim for 10% after inflation and taxes. The bigger the principal investment, which I get from investing in myself to increase my earnings, the less I need to chase returns. And given the hard barrier of too little time, those returns will not compound as fast anyway. The stock market works over long stretches of time.
I know the salaries of consulting equity partners, investment bankers, and the like. I mentor many of them as my clients. When I looked at the obligations I had for my family, it scared me. When I did the math, I realized that, even as a senior banker or consulting partner, I would need to stay in an apartment, or a very basic house, for probably most of my life, work in a job I did not like, and just barely earn enough to take care of everyone.
If I achieved all of this, I would not be having a great life. I would just get by. This is me working as a corporate finance banker when I did not at all like being a corporate finance banker. And I was good at my job, getting promoted in 6 months to director. I did not just want to get by financially in a career I did not like. I wanted a full life. That is why I built an authority-based business. The goal was to bet on me and build a business around my name that could never be taken from me. Earn more. Invest wisely without chasing risky returns. Help more people. And live a happy life while caring for the people I love.
An authority-based business is not for people who want to get rich overnight. It is betting on yourself and building a business for the long-term. If you are inclined to build your own business the way I built mine, potentially initially on the side while working full time, and want Michael and me to coach and guide you through the process, you are welcome to learn about The Authority-Based Business coaching program and apply to enroll. Levels of effort and installment options are available.
Here are the details:
https://www.firmsconsulting.com/authority-based-business-program/
Take care,
Kris Safarova
submitted by firmsconsultingreal1 to u/firmsconsultingreal1 [link] [comments]
My friends often talk about their investment strategies. They have 401(k) and Roth IRAs, health savings accounts, brokerage accounts, and investment properties. I live in a very nice area, and my friends are well-educated business leaders who had successful parents who taught them well. They are wealthy people. Their parents often encouraged them to set up their investment accounts in their twenties, and they benefited from compounding growth over decades. Many have education savings and investment accounts to pay for their children’s education. Some have just one child. Yet, they often seem incredibly stressed about finances, investing, and retirement. They often tell me I am lucky not to have kids because it’s too expensive and tiring.
As an immigrant, my financial obligations are far larger than that of my friends. And I do not have support. I have to do my investing and retirement planning to ensure I can support myself and my extended family. I am not just planning for my retirement. I am planning everyone’s lives and their retirements as well. I am the backstop. Yet, I do not have anyone to bail me out if I even need support.
What makes it hard is the limited influence one has on their extended family. If I had kids, I could guide them and help them avoid expensive problems in life. I would have visual oversight of them with daily contact. For my extended family, while I financially support them, I do not have as much influence over their decisions. How do you influence the decisions of a parent or sibling? They are adults, and they think they know best.
For example, my father recently sold my childhood home to pay down debt because of a bad business investment. My parents had to go live in their village home, which is called a dacha. Then my sister asked my parents to sell their investment 1-room apartment, which they had bought with money left from the sale of my childhood apartment after the debt was paid. This apartment was meant to give them some monthly rental income for their retirement.
During the war in Ukraine, I had to get my sister, nephew, and half Ukrainian brother-in-law, with Ukrainian last name, out to Mexico on very short notice. Moving them cost me $35,000. That is a significant amount. This is not counting my lost income and lost health due to the tremendous effort, prolonged stress, and weeks of working around the clock. We barely got them to leave the country. I had to buy multiple airplane tickets because they were not allowed to have a layover in some countries without visas, and visas were not possible to obtain. The plan was to bring my parents and brothers next, but after all the work was done to set up my sister’s and her family’s lives in Mexico and sort out their documentation, they suddenly decided to go back.
When it’s your immediate family, you would usually plan such a large expenditure and defer things until they were manageable and more cost effective. As an immigrant like myself with an extended family, I am financially obligated over actions and needs I often cannot control. So, while I plan for my family, my planning often changes if they make financially poor investment choices, or something happens out of their control. I have found that careful planning is less important than keeping a large savings buffer. Strategic and operational flexibility is more important than a plan.
Investing has always been difficult. I have lived in multiple countries. In each country, I would set up a retirement account to benefit from tax-free or tax-deferred benefits and make my contributions. Yet, I never had the opportunity to see the benefits of compounding interest and re-invested dividends. Interest needs time to have an impact. A very long time.
Each time I moved, I had to decide if I should keep the account or cash it out. Rolling it over to my new account in my new country was not even possible. Keeping the account open has many other problems. I have a bank account with money in it, but I cannot move the money. That bank authenticates the login with an SMS but will only recognize a phone number with that country’s area code. I have long since given up that number. The bank will allow me to change my mobile number, but first, I would need to log in and be authenticated with the number I no longer have. The support desk is of little help. They take months to respond.
In another case, I want to pay the taxes owed. It’s not much, but if I owe it, I want to pay it. I have no means of contacting the revenue service in that country. The phones are never answered, and my emails get a response after three to four months. The two checks I FedEx’d were returned since they could not locate my tax account and were unwilling to follow up to authenticate my ID. They basically wanted me to stop bothering them.
In another example, I decided to keep my retirement account in Canada. Yet, I found out the Canadian Revenue Agency would impose a 1% per month penalty on any deposits made while I was not physically present in the country. This is why I have to close accounts as I move.
Americans spend their entire lives trying to understand one set of tax codes and investment options. As an immigrant, I had to spend just a few years mastering each country’s tax code and investing options. And then I had to leave and start over.
To pay for my MBA, I had to sell my house. Yet, that was not the only reason. I was very worried about having so much of my wealth tied up in a foreign country. Many things could go wrong, including the illegal seizure of my property. So, I had to sell and give up the asset appreciation. And pay the full taxes, and get permission from the revenue agency to transfer the money. And pay the transfer fees to the bank and revenue agency. In all the situations above, I did not want to give up my investments. Yet, I had to do so, and often, at a time that was not beneficial for me.
Many of my friends have seen incredible compounding gains from holding 401(k), and Roth IRA accounts since their twenties. Now in their sixties or seventies, they have benefited from almost fifty years of gains. The same applies to their homes. They have greatly appreciated in value. Most bought amazing homes when they were in their thirties and will sell those often fully paid-off homes, downsize to a smaller home, and live off the profits.
Many will not have to downsize. The fifty years of returns from their 401K and Roth IRA accounts will be sufficient. As immigrants, we almost never have the time to fully benefit from the two sources of the greatest wealth creation (time-based home and equity appreciation), as much as people born in the USA. This is something that investment advice does not take into account when advising immigrants. This is why I had to study investing for myself and make my own decisions.
Yet, as an immigrant, each time I move and give up what I have built, I am making a bet on myself. It is an investment I can fully control. It is the only investment I can fully control. That is the path I have taken. My American friends and neighbors slowly built their wealth because they had the power of time on their side to let their assets appreciate. I could not do that. By the time I need my 401(k) and Roth IRA, those investments will not have as much time to grow and compound as my American friends.
I set up my 401(k) last year at the age of 41, only after I was sure I would not move again. I was tired of having to close accounts and lose money. The compounded gains will not be as significant over twenty or even thirty years when compared to my friends. That is a hard barrier I cannot change. Most people try to overcome this hard barrier by making risky investments to earn higher returns to make up for the shorter investing time period. I am not going to do that. I worked too hard to build what I have, and I cannot afford to lose it.
So, what could I do? How would I overcome this barrier? I had to invest in myself to rapidly create wealth and, thereafter, invest it in property and equity. My solution has been to earn more. Then I invest it modestly. Most people focus less on earning more, and pursue aggressive, another word for risky, investments. I would rather invest a hypothetical $1,000,000 and earn 3% after inflation and taxes than invest a smaller $100,000 and aim for 10% after inflation and taxes. The bigger the principal investment, which I get from investing in myself to increase my earnings, the less I need to chase returns. And given the hard barrier of too little time, those returns will not compound as fast anyway. The stock market works over long stretches of time.
I know the salaries of consulting equity partners, investment bankers, and the like. I mentor many of them as my clients. When I looked at the obligations I had for my family, it scared me. When I did the math, I realized that, even as a senior banker or consulting partner, I would need to stay in an apartment, or a very basic house, for probably most of my life, work in a job I did not like, and just barely earn enough to take care of everyone.
If I achieved all of this, I would not be having a great life. I would just get by. This is me working as a corporate finance banker when I did not at all like being a corporate finance banker. And I was good at my job, getting promoted in 6 months to director. I did not just want to get by financially in a career I did not like. I wanted a full life. That is why I built an authority-based business. The goal was to bet on me and build a business around my name that could never be taken from me. Earn more. Invest wisely without chasing risky returns. Help more people. And live a happy life while caring for the people I love.
An authority-based business is not for people who want to get rich overnight. It is betting on yourself and building a business for the long-term. If you are inclined to build your own business the way I built mine, potentially initially on the side while working full time, and want Michael and me to coach and guide you through the process, you are welcome to learn about The Authority-Based Business coaching program and apply to enroll. Levels of effort and installment options are available.
Here are the details:
https://www.firmsconsulting.com/authority-based-business-program/
Take care,
Kris Safarova
2023.06.06 06:05 AutoModerator Weekly Discussion: Democratic Presidents
James K. Polk:
(November 2, 1795 – June 15, 1849)He was the 11th president of the United States, serving from 1845 to 1849. Before he became president, Polk served as the 13th speaker of the House of Representatives (1835–1839) and ninth governor of Tennessee (1839–1841). A protégé of Andrew Jackson, he was a member of the Democratic Party and an advocate of Jacksonian democracy. Polk is known for extending the territory of the United States through the Mexican–American War; during his presidency, the United States expanded significantly with the annexation of the Republic of Texas, the Oregon Territory, and the Mexican Cession following American victory in the Mexican–American War.
After building a successful law practice in Tennessee, Polk was elected to its state legislature in 1823 and then to the United States House of Representatives in 1825, becoming a strong supporter of Andrew Jackson. After serving as chairman of the Ways and Means Committee, he became Speaker of the House in 1835, the only person to serve both as Speaker and U.S. president. Polk left Congress to run for governor of Tennessee, winning in 1839 but losing in 1841 and 1843. He was a dark horse candidate in the 1844 presidential election as the Democratic Party nominee; he entered his party's convention as a potential nominee for vice president but emerged as a compromise to head the ticket when no presidential candidate could secure the necessary two-thirds majority. In the general election, Polk defeated Henry Clay of the rival Whig Party.
Presidency (1845–1849))
Transition, inauguration and appointments
Foreign Policy:
Partition of Oregon Country
Annexation of Texas
Mexican-American War
Road to War
Course of the War
Peace: the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo
Post War and the Territories
Other Initiatives
Domestic Policy:
Fiscal Policy
Development of the Country
Judicial Appointments
Election of 1848
Post Presidency and Death)
Burials
Polk and Slavery
Legacy
2023.06.06 06:04 jouneitx Suggestions on how to handle this. I thought it was criminal, but apparently not. Civil matter?
Location: Harris Co, Texas
I have the neighbor from hell. They were nice enough when they moved in around 10 years ago, but within the first 2 years I caught the wife trying to kill our dogs in the backyard by throwing rat poison back there. I have no earthly idea what pre-empted that. I went over to talk to her about it and she S C R E A M E D "f you bitch mother fucker" and kept screaming until I left and called the police. We were not exactly friends, but were well more than cordial right up to that point. The cops came, and she denied it until they showed her video evidence caught by the very edge of my security camera. She was written a ticket. Both dogs survived.
Since then, it has gone downhill fast. She stole a package off my porch, and was caught red handed by the police - but the case was dismissed as they fought it and the officer did not show up to "qualify the body camera footage or his report" which is insane. My tires were slashed. My trash cans stolen. Things have been thrown through my windows several times.
I have spent ungodly amounts of money on home security cameras, but they stay just out of sight from them. I can catch audio of it sometimes, but never fully catch them in the act since the incident with my dogs.
They have installed multiple cameras in their yard right at the property line pointing directly at both doors of my home. I thought this alone was an invasion of privacy, but according to the officers that have come out, it is not. If I step one foot outside... they come running out screaming, threatening, cussing, etc. Every time. And I mean EVERY time I step outside, they come running out within seconds. They have installed floodlights pointing right at several windows of my home (including my master bedroom). There is only 20 feet separating the two homes, so to say it is bright is an understatement.
Last week, they decided to get one of those huge steel pipe wind chimes. I have learned to phase them out as much as possible, but the sound from it kept me up all night. I went to ask if they could please at least take it down in the evening, and was met with the same cussing, screaming, etc. So I called the police again. They came out and agreed that it was a bit excessive, but they wouldn't come to the door, so the police said there was nothing they could do and to try calling during the day. I did, and that spiraled out of control quickly.
The cops asked them to remove the windchime after 10pm or they may get a ticket, and they told the cops to go f themselves. I have no idea how that much was allowed, but it went further as the couple immediately stormed past the cop running at my house screaming they would kill me. I thought SURELY that this would be the final straw. The cops would do something. You cannot just make a threat like that.
But, they let it go. MANY officers showed up, and I was simply told it was "said in the heat of the moment" and that next time we would both be going to jail (I am still not certain what I did, but regardless, they apparently made up something to tell the cops).
Last night, I am woken up at 2am by what sounds like the Notre Dame bells in my eardrums. I look outside, and fully lit - to make sure I could see them - is now 20 of the wind chimes, and an industrial shop fan (those really tall ones that blow a ton of air) knocking them around. I call the cops, and the neighbors won't answer their door, and they tell me there is nothing I can do.
Today when leaving for work, I have them start the usual bs of screaming, cussing, flipping me off - added with turning the water hose on me as I am trying to get into the car.
I fear for my safety, and apparently cannot get the sheriff to do anything about it, even when done right in front of them. I have tried finding a lawyer to either take a case of harassment or get a protective order, but cannot find anyone to take this case. My life is being turned upside down, and I do not want to leave my dream home (on top of it being a bad financial decision at the moment) I have been in for 18 years, because of these two - but this has to come to an end.
Someone, anyone, help. I don't know who to contact or what to do. I would have thought that this was more than enough to justify a criminal harassment case, but according to our sheriff, it is not. I have tried hunting down civil attorneys, and cannot find one either through my own search or referral services for our county. So what is the best means to handle this? What type of lawyer should I be looking for, or is there another route I should go?
submitted by jouneitx to legaladvice [link] [comments]
I have the neighbor from hell. They were nice enough when they moved in around 10 years ago, but within the first 2 years I caught the wife trying to kill our dogs in the backyard by throwing rat poison back there. I have no earthly idea what pre-empted that. I went over to talk to her about it and she S C R E A M E D "f you bitch mother fucker" and kept screaming until I left and called the police. We were not exactly friends, but were well more than cordial right up to that point. The cops came, and she denied it until they showed her video evidence caught by the very edge of my security camera. She was written a ticket. Both dogs survived.
Since then, it has gone downhill fast. She stole a package off my porch, and was caught red handed by the police - but the case was dismissed as they fought it and the officer did not show up to "qualify the body camera footage or his report" which is insane. My tires were slashed. My trash cans stolen. Things have been thrown through my windows several times.
I have spent ungodly amounts of money on home security cameras, but they stay just out of sight from them. I can catch audio of it sometimes, but never fully catch them in the act since the incident with my dogs.
They have installed multiple cameras in their yard right at the property line pointing directly at both doors of my home. I thought this alone was an invasion of privacy, but according to the officers that have come out, it is not. If I step one foot outside... they come running out screaming, threatening, cussing, etc. Every time. And I mean EVERY time I step outside, they come running out within seconds. They have installed floodlights pointing right at several windows of my home (including my master bedroom). There is only 20 feet separating the two homes, so to say it is bright is an understatement.
Last week, they decided to get one of those huge steel pipe wind chimes. I have learned to phase them out as much as possible, but the sound from it kept me up all night. I went to ask if they could please at least take it down in the evening, and was met with the same cussing, screaming, etc. So I called the police again. They came out and agreed that it was a bit excessive, but they wouldn't come to the door, so the police said there was nothing they could do and to try calling during the day. I did, and that spiraled out of control quickly.
The cops asked them to remove the windchime after 10pm or they may get a ticket, and they told the cops to go f themselves. I have no idea how that much was allowed, but it went further as the couple immediately stormed past the cop running at my house screaming they would kill me. I thought SURELY that this would be the final straw. The cops would do something. You cannot just make a threat like that.
But, they let it go. MANY officers showed up, and I was simply told it was "said in the heat of the moment" and that next time we would both be going to jail (I am still not certain what I did, but regardless, they apparently made up something to tell the cops).
Last night, I am woken up at 2am by what sounds like the Notre Dame bells in my eardrums. I look outside, and fully lit - to make sure I could see them - is now 20 of the wind chimes, and an industrial shop fan (those really tall ones that blow a ton of air) knocking them around. I call the cops, and the neighbors won't answer their door, and they tell me there is nothing I can do.
Today when leaving for work, I have them start the usual bs of screaming, cussing, flipping me off - added with turning the water hose on me as I am trying to get into the car.
I fear for my safety, and apparently cannot get the sheriff to do anything about it, even when done right in front of them. I have tried finding a lawyer to either take a case of harassment or get a protective order, but cannot find anyone to take this case. My life is being turned upside down, and I do not want to leave my dream home (on top of it being a bad financial decision at the moment) I have been in for 18 years, because of these two - but this has to come to an end.
Someone, anyone, help. I don't know who to contact or what to do. I would have thought that this was more than enough to justify a criminal harassment case, but according to our sheriff, it is not. I have tried hunting down civil attorneys, and cannot find one either through my own search or referral services for our county. So what is the best means to handle this? What type of lawyer should I be looking for, or is there another route I should go?
2023.06.06 05:44 RoughTask9061 The Perfect Blend of Function and Style: Oak Console Tables for Every Home
When it comes to enhancing the aesthetics and functionality of your living space, selecting the right furniture pieces is key. Among the many options available, oak console tables stand out as versatile and timeless additions to any home. These tables offer a perfect blend of function and style, providing a focal point that elevates the overall decor of your living room, hallway, or entryway. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the beauty and versatility of oak console tables and how they can transform your home into a space that exudes elegance and sophistication.
a) Entryway Elegance: Place an oak console table in your entryway to create a grand entrance that leaves a lasting impression on guests. It serves as the perfect spot to display decorative accents such as vases, sculptures, or a stylish table lamp. Additionally, the table's surface can be utilized for storing everyday essentials like keys, wallets, and mail, keeping your entryway neat and organized.
b) Living Room Focal Point: Make a statement in your living room by incorporating an oak console table. Its slim and sleek design adds a touch of sophistication, making it an ideal choice for displaying art pieces, photo frames, or a collection of books. Moreover, you can utilize the drawers or shelves of the table to store remote controls, magazines, or other living room essentials.
c) Functional Hallway Addition: In narrow hallways, where space is often limited, an oak console table becomes a practical solution. Its slim profile allows it to fit seamlessly against the wall, providing a surface for decorative items or a place to drop off keys and bags when entering or leaving the house. Some console tables even offer additional storage with drawers or shelves, maximizing the functionality of the piece.
a) Traditional Elegance: If you have a traditional or vintage-inspired interior, opt for an oak console table with intricate carvings, ornate details, and turned legs. This classic design exudes timeless elegance and adds a touch of old-world charm to your space.
b) Modern Minimalism: For those with a contemporary or minimalist style, choose an oak console table with clean lines, sleek finishes, and minimalist hardware. The simplicity of the design highlights the natural beauty of the oak wood, creating a refined and uncluttered look.
c) Rustic Charm: Embrace the rustic charm of oak wood with a console table that features a distressed or reclaimed finish. This style adds character and warmth to any space, making it ideal for farmhouse or country-inspired interiors.
d) Scandinavian Simplicity: Scandinavian design is known for its simplicity, functionality, and understated elegance. An oak console table with clean lines, light finishes, and tapered legs perfectly embodies the essence of Scandinavian style, creating a fresh and inviting atmosphere.
a) Regular Cleaning: Dust your oak console table regularly with a soft, lint-free cloth to remove any surface dirt or dust particles. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or harsh chemicals that can damage the wood's natural finish.
b) Avoid Excessive Moisture: Oak wood is sensitive to excessive moisture, so it's important to avoid placing drinks directly on the surface of the table without coasters or protective mats. Wipe up spills immediately to prevent any potential damage.
c) Periodic Polishing: To maintain the luster of your oak console table, consider applying a high-quality furniture polish or wax periodically. This helps protect the wood and enhances its natural beauty.
d) Avoid Direct Sunlight: Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause the oak wood to fade or discolor over time. Position your console table away from direct sunlight or use curtains or blinds to filter the sunlight.
submitted by RoughTask9061 to u/RoughTask9061 [link] [comments]
- The Allure of Oak Console Tables
- Versatility in Functionality
a) Entryway Elegance: Place an oak console table in your entryway to create a grand entrance that leaves a lasting impression on guests. It serves as the perfect spot to display decorative accents such as vases, sculptures, or a stylish table lamp. Additionally, the table's surface can be utilized for storing everyday essentials like keys, wallets, and mail, keeping your entryway neat and organized.
b) Living Room Focal Point: Make a statement in your living room by incorporating an oak console table. Its slim and sleek design adds a touch of sophistication, making it an ideal choice for displaying art pieces, photo frames, or a collection of books. Moreover, you can utilize the drawers or shelves of the table to store remote controls, magazines, or other living room essentials.
c) Functional Hallway Addition: In narrow hallways, where space is often limited, an oak console table becomes a practical solution. Its slim profile allows it to fit seamlessly against the wall, providing a surface for decorative items or a place to drop off keys and bags when entering or leaving the house. Some console tables even offer additional storage with drawers or shelves, maximizing the functionality of the piece.
- Design Options to Suit Your Style
a) Traditional Elegance: If you have a traditional or vintage-inspired interior, opt for an oak console table with intricate carvings, ornate details, and turned legs. This classic design exudes timeless elegance and adds a touch of old-world charm to your space.
b) Modern Minimalism: For those with a contemporary or minimalist style, choose an oak console table with clean lines, sleek finishes, and minimalist hardware. The simplicity of the design highlights the natural beauty of the oak wood, creating a refined and uncluttered look.
c) Rustic Charm: Embrace the rustic charm of oak wood with a console table that features a distressed or reclaimed finish. This style adds character and warmth to any space, making it ideal for farmhouse or country-inspired interiors.
d) Scandinavian Simplicity: Scandinavian design is known for its simplicity, functionality, and understated elegance. An oak console table with clean lines, light finishes, and tapered legs perfectly embodies the essence of Scandinavian style, creating a fresh and inviting atmosphere.
- Maintaining the Beauty of Oak
a) Regular Cleaning: Dust your oak console table regularly with a soft, lint-free cloth to remove any surface dirt or dust particles. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or harsh chemicals that can damage the wood's natural finish.
b) Avoid Excessive Moisture: Oak wood is sensitive to excessive moisture, so it's important to avoid placing drinks directly on the surface of the table without coasters or protective mats. Wipe up spills immediately to prevent any potential damage.
c) Periodic Polishing: To maintain the luster of your oak console table, consider applying a high-quality furniture polish or wax periodically. This helps protect the wood and enhances its natural beauty.
d) Avoid Direct Sunlight: Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause the oak wood to fade or discolor over time. Position your console table away from direct sunlight or use curtains or blinds to filter the sunlight.
2023.06.06 05:39 Responsible_Dog_5927 The sad decline of Netflix originals
The decline of Netflix originals I feel like started after netlfix started spam canceling shows during the pandemic like grand army, daybreak, I’m not okay with this, bojack horseman, and a few others. Now by all means day break, grand army and I’m not okay with this were not groundbreaking by any means, but they were different and entertaining with impressively good writing. Also Netflix originals actually had a pretty good run back in the day with the marvel shows, bojack horseman, stranger things, narcos, house of cards but then 2020 happened and for some odd reason netflix then started to put out some of the worse ideas known to man on their platform like cuties and big mouth tho big mouth came out earlier before the new phase of bad netlfix shows came out. I genuinely think it’s 2020 when everything declined because now they just put out shit.. like dog shit with a few good originals here and there like fear street… and it’s a shame because they really had it in the bag with some of their shows that had major potential
submitted by Responsible_Dog_5927 to netflix [link] [comments]
2023.06.06 05:37 SomeInternetGuitar Bloody wedding done right
I’ve seen some posts about how useless bloody weddings are, and I wanted to share a story of one done right.
In my current game as custom Duke of Austria turned Holy Roman Emperor, I vassalized France by restoring the Capets from the Vlaanderen usurpers. Both my chad ruler and the Capet restorer died and my wrathful son and new King of France hated each other. King of France then started independence faction. On top of that, my new heir was married to a sterile Karling and wanted to replace her. It just so happens that the Queen Mother of France is a Karling, and as such the Karlings and Capets were one united family.
Enter my evil plot. I search for a random adult unmarried grandchild (who, much later turned out, wasn’t even my son’s son) and killed the husband of the sister of the King of France. I propose a grand wedding, wait for the King of France to return from a hunt and start the event.
After careful analysis of the french succession, it’s clear that the next in line that is not on the slaughter list is the newborn child of the younger brother of the king. I order the little guy be imprisoned and, apart from an opinion hit and minor tyranny gain, I don’t receive that much of a penalty. Events have already been set in motion anyways.
Finally, all guests arrive. The King of France, all his brothers, children, nephews (except for the little guy), and Karling cousins (including my son’s wife) are slaughtered as planned. House Karling goes extinct, apart from the Queen Mother, who ofc hates my guts now. The legacy of Charlemagne is snuffed out in a single night.
As predicted, I get excommunicated. I don’t care, as the single greatest threat to my power was the France-lead faction, which has now completely fallen apart. The new King of France is in my dungeons. I grant him the Kingdom of Aquitaine then revoke it, granting it to the Duke of Aquitaine of House Toulouse, effectively cutting France in half, ensuring who was once my most dangerous vassal will never again be powerful enough to rebel by themselves.
I release the boy king on a hook and use it to force him into a betrothal with one of my granddaughters. I also take him as my ward. He grows up to be a terrific ruler, even managing to take back Normandy in his 30’s from a weakened England.
4 generations later, the resulting split of France and Aquitaine still holds, the two kingdoms evenly matched and engaged in constant wars, forever keeping each other in check.
submitted by SomeInternetGuitar to CrusaderKings [link] [comments]
In my current game as custom Duke of Austria turned Holy Roman Emperor, I vassalized France by restoring the Capets from the Vlaanderen usurpers. Both my chad ruler and the Capet restorer died and my wrathful son and new King of France hated each other. King of France then started independence faction. On top of that, my new heir was married to a sterile Karling and wanted to replace her. It just so happens that the Queen Mother of France is a Karling, and as such the Karlings and Capets were one united family.
Enter my evil plot. I search for a random adult unmarried grandchild (who, much later turned out, wasn’t even my son’s son) and killed the husband of the sister of the King of France. I propose a grand wedding, wait for the King of France to return from a hunt and start the event.
After careful analysis of the french succession, it’s clear that the next in line that is not on the slaughter list is the newborn child of the younger brother of the king. I order the little guy be imprisoned and, apart from an opinion hit and minor tyranny gain, I don’t receive that much of a penalty. Events have already been set in motion anyways.
Finally, all guests arrive. The King of France, all his brothers, children, nephews (except for the little guy), and Karling cousins (including my son’s wife) are slaughtered as planned. House Karling goes extinct, apart from the Queen Mother, who ofc hates my guts now. The legacy of Charlemagne is snuffed out in a single night.
As predicted, I get excommunicated. I don’t care, as the single greatest threat to my power was the France-lead faction, which has now completely fallen apart. The new King of France is in my dungeons. I grant him the Kingdom of Aquitaine then revoke it, granting it to the Duke of Aquitaine of House Toulouse, effectively cutting France in half, ensuring who was once my most dangerous vassal will never again be powerful enough to rebel by themselves.
I release the boy king on a hook and use it to force him into a betrothal with one of my granddaughters. I also take him as my ward. He grows up to be a terrific ruler, even managing to take back Normandy in his 30’s from a weakened England.
4 generations later, the resulting split of France and Aquitaine still holds, the two kingdoms evenly matched and engaged in constant wars, forever keeping each other in check.
2023.06.06 05:13 Lets_just_be_random Any recommendations for artists on this years lineup for funky, disco, electronic lovers?
I had two tickets given to me and I’ve never been to this festival. Usually I attend more electronic music festivals so I don’t recognize a lot of the lineup artists. I like funk, disco, house, techno, bass, and some jam bands what have electronic sounds. Any recommendations on artists to see while I’m there? TIA, and excited to be there the end of the month 🙏🏻
submitted by Lets_just_be_random to HSMF [link] [comments]
2023.06.06 04:54 HeadOfSpectre The Silver Baron - 5
July 7th Excerpt From the Journal of Violet Stone
I don’t remember much. Just the scenery flying by me as I ran from the train station. I didn’t see anyone chasing me. But I felt chased. I didn’t know what to think, what to feel, or even where the hell I was going. The only thing I felt was fear.
When I finally stopped, it was because I just couldn’t run any further. My lungs burned, begging me for air. So I ducked into an alley, trying to catch my breath, and organize my thoughts. The rain pounding down around me was too loud. The street was too quiet and every car that passed by sent another fresh jolt of terror through me as I replayed what had happened at the train station over and over again in my mind. The way that he’d fallen, the look on his face in the instant before he’d gone under the train. Oh God… I couldn’t get it out of my head! I couldn’t stop seeing it in my mind!
I wanted to go home, but was that even an option? How the hell does someone just go home after something like that? I couldn’t just waltz through the door like nothing was wrong! If Sam and Lisa didn’t notice, Rose sure as hell would and that assuming that the police weren’t already there. Someone could have recognized me! That Marilyn Monroe looking girl on the platform had gotten a good look at me. What if she told someone? It didn’t matter whether I’d meant to push the guy or not! It didn’t matter how much I’d fucking hated him at the time. He was dead. I was responsible. I’d pushed him. It was my fault.
‘I’ve just fucking killed a man!’
That thought… that reality didn’t feel real. It hadn’t truly hit me yet.
‘I’ve just fucking killed a man!’
I felt sick. If I actually had anything in my stomach, I might have even thrown up. Moving made me feel even worse, so I just stood there, letting the rain soak me to the bone, shaking from the horror and the cold while I tried to figure out what the hell I was going to do next. But all I could think about was the way he looked as the train went over him, and wondering if anything would have changed if I’d at least tried to grab him. Could I have caught him? Could I have saved him? What then? What would happen next? As far as I knew that motherfucker had murdered my goddamn parents! Should I really have even bothered trying to save him? Maybe I should have felt vindicated by all of this? Maybe this was some kind of justice, right? It sure as hell didn’t feel like justice. It’s not like I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that this had been the guy! There were doubts! There were a lot of fucking doubts!
I heard the sirens in the distance. But nobody came for me. I saw a police cruiser pass my alley. It didn’t stop for me, but it did make me think about my sweater. The goddamn sweater… it would probably be enough to identify me, right?
For a moment, I thought about turning myself in to the police. I mean, maybe once I told them that it was an accident, then maybe they’d be cool with it and let me go? I mean, the police are just known for being trustworthy and reasonable, right? What did I possibly have to worry about with them? I could just turn myself in and everything would be hunky fucking dory! ‘Oh, you just threw a man in front of a fucking subway train! Yeah, no big. Go home! Take a load off! Get some coffee! Try not to think about the man you just threw under a fucking subway train!’ Yes! Go to the police Violet! Great idea! And while you’re at it why don’t you do it in the fucking nude too? GREAT IDEA VIOLET! ALMOST AS GREAT AS THE TIME YOU THREW A MAN IN FRONT OF A FUCKING SUBWAY TRAIN! REMEMBER THAT?
I took off the sweater and abandoned it in the nearest dumpster. I hid it under some trash bags and hoped to God that nobody would ever find it, then, after standing in the rain like an idiot for several minutes with no idea on where to go next, I started walking home.
Nobody noticed me.
Nobody followed me.
The city was just… quiet. Not quiet, quiet. But nothing felt out of place. The world around me almost felt normal, and it was my own fault that the normalcy felt wrong somehow.
I entered my old bedroom through the fire escape, just like I used to back in high school when sneaking out at night to drink was the worst thing I’d ever done. I could hear people in the apartment, and I listened to see if any of the voices were unfamiliar. I heard Sam and Lisa talking over breakfast, and I could hear the TV. Nothing out of the ordinary. It satisfied me enough that I was safe. I locked my bedroom door and crawled into bed, pulling the covers over my head and listening to the rain and the voices outside. But I heard nothing out of the ordinary. It was like nothing had happened. Like it was all just a bad dream. Eventually, I fell asleep.
I stayed in bed until well after noon, staring up at the ceiling when I couldn’t sleep anymore. Sam and Lisa both left for work. I could hear Rose going around the house. She’d said that she had the day off, save for classes in the evening. She only bothered me once, though. Knocking on my door to check on me. I told her I was sick, and she didn’t pry. She didn’t sound suspicious. Just concerned.
I kept replaying what had happened at the subway station over and over again in my head. I couldn’t stop thinking about it and I couldn’t stop hating the quiet around me.
Sometimes, I wondered if it was just a bad dream. If maybe I’d never even left my room at all. Maybe I just wanted to believe that. It was better than thinking I’d just killed someone. There was a part of me that didn’t really seem to care. It still hadn’t fully hit me yet. After all, no one had come for me. So maybe it really was just a bad dream? Even if it hadn’t been, how had that man known who my Mom was? What about the things he’d said? Was it just a weird coincidence, or a horrible mistake? Maybe it was both.
I checked my phone when the afternoon began to slip into evening. The whole event was getting hazier in my mind. I was starting to convince myself it hadn’t happened. Lisa had messaged me, asking how I was feeling. Rose must’ve told her I was sick. I lied and said I was feeling a bit better, then I checked the news.
When I read the story I felt sick all over again. No name for my victim, no information at all. The man who’d gone under the train was just identified as ‘a man.’ That was it. Nothing else. There wasn’t even a picture of him.
There was however a picture of me… kinda.
It was blurry as hell. I tried to make out my own face amongst the black and white pixels but I couldn’t. It might have been me as I entered the station, although my hood was over my head, my hair was covered, and the only thing I could sort of identify was my lips, which aren’t exactly that distinct. Really, it could have been anyone in that picture. Anyone at all.
‘An unknown possible suspect’ It said under the picture. Followed by: ‘The suspect is believed to be male, approximately 6’2 and was last seen wearing a grey hoodie and jeans.’
They got the outfit right, and were only a little off with the height by two inches.
All in all… I can’t say that any of this really seemed damning to me. Although the idea that the police (or at least the news) had no idea who I was didn’t do a whole hell of a lot to calm me down. The idea of ‘getting away with it’ seemed just as bad as being caught.
For the second time that evening, I wondered about turning myself in to the police. I mean, this wasn’t exactly first degree murder. It was an accident! That had to be at least manslaughter, right? I mean, it was still a crime but it wasn’t first degree murder, right?
Christ… I was probably committing an even bigger crime by not coming forward! Why wasn’t I going to the nearest police station? What the hell was stopping me? Fear? Fear of what, consequences? You don’t fucking kill a man and not suffer any consequences! Even if it was an accident, there had to be some kind of consequence, right?
Was it justice? Assuming that this guy really had been the one who’d killed my parents all those years ago, did he really deserve to die like that? Thrown screaming under a train and… and…
God I didn’t even know if it was really the guy or not! It could have been anyone! He could’ve just randomly known my Mom and just so happened to look like her killer! It wasn’t even a perfect resemblance! I mean, fuck, how many fucking people in New York have blond hair, blue eyes and glasses? Thousands at least! Justice wasn’t a valid excuse! It just wasn’t!
I wanted to continue to lie there and stew, but I don’t know if that was really an option anymore. Slowly, I forced myself to get out of bed and head into the kitchen. I’d eaten nothing all day, which wasn’t all that healthy of a diet. As a further fuck you to my digestive system, I rummaged through the cupboard. There was a box of off brand pop tarts that I jammed them in the toaster for breakfast, if you could still call it that at five in the evening.
While I waited for my sugar enriched breakfast to ‘cook’ I raided the fridge for a drink. I found some OJ, and wandered into the living room. Rose had already left for class, but I knew Sam and Lisa would have been home soon.
When they did come home, they found me in the living room, under a blanket and finishing my shitty off brand pastries. Lisa fussed over me, like I knew she would. Sam just took over the TV and changed the channel to something other than the news.
I went to bed early last night, checking the news stories again on my phone before lying awake in bed. I might have slept a little. I couldn’t really say. I was just alone with my thoughts.
I’m not supposed to go back to Toronto for another day or so. But maybe I could leave early? Fuck off, leave all of this behind me and try to move on with my life? Sam and Lisa wouldn’t question it… much. That sounded like a horrible idea though. Just… fucking off, forgetting, pretending that this didn’t happen. It sounded like a mistake. Running away seemed like the exact kind of thing that would come back to bite me in the ass… and then what would I do? Was I supposed to just keep running from it? I knew in my gut that this would only ever make things worse. What would that do to Sam and Lisa? What would it do to Rose? I didn’t want to find out. I didn’t want to put them through that!
As I lay in bed a quiet resignation settled over me… and oddly enough, with it came a bit of peace. I guess even if no one else ever found out about what had happened at Prince Street, even if I took that secret to my grave, it would still gnaw at me. I’d still be looking over my shoulder, waiting for the day to come when it caught up with me. I didn’t want to deal with that. I didn’t want to put my family through that!
So I made a decision.
I don’t know if this will be my final entry or not.. I might not be coming back after this. Sam, Lisa, Rose… if any of you are reading this, I’m sorry. I swear to God, I didn’t mean for any of this to happen.
I’m going to go to the police in the morning and I’m going to turn myself in. So if this is it… well… goodbye.
I hope you don’t hate me too much.
***
Okay, so what the fuck?
I did the right thing! I turned myself in to the police! I was ready to go to jail over this!
Instead, I’m back in my old bedroom at Sam and Lisa’s and I’m 99.9% sure that I’m off the hook.
I went to the police station. I told them that I was there to confess and up until that point, things went as expected. They took me to an interrogation room and I waited for someone to come and talk to me. I was in there for about an hour, fidgeting aimlessly with my hands and waiting for some kind of judgment before someone finally bothered to show up.
The guy who walked through the door had a sort of ex military look to him. His eyes were intense and he had a muscular physique with a neatly trimmed goatee. He didn’t say a word to me as he came in. He just looked down at the file in his hands before sitting down at the desk.
“Violet Stone, right?” He asked. Straight to business. I always thought that Detectives were supposed to come off as friendly at first. This guy seemed like he’d come in with the express purpose of kicking my ass.
“Yeah, I’m Violet.” I said.
He looked up at me, sizing me up for a moment before huffing.
“Alright… well Violet, well my name is Vincent Bennett. I’m the Detective assigned to the Arthur White case. I understand you’re here with information, correct?”
Arthur White? Was that the name of the guy I’d killed?
“Yeah… I was… I was the one on the subway platform with him.”
“The one who pushed him?” Bennett asked.
I hesitated for a moment before nodding.
“It… it was an accident!” I said, “He’d grabbed my arm, I was just trying to get him off of me!”
“Right… tell you what Violet, why don’t you walk me through what happened yesterday morning, okay? Tell me everything that you remember.”
I did just that. I told him about how I’d run into Arthur and his daughter while I’d been out on a jog, I told him about how he’d mentioned my mother and how I’d followed him, and finally I told him about what had happened on the subway platform.
The whole time, Bennett just took notes and nodded quietly, only pausing a few times to ask a question.
“So - you attest that it was an accident, that Mr. White fell into the path of the oncoming train?” He asked.
“Yeah… yeah, it was.” I said.
“Okay. You mind if I ask why it took so long for you to come forward?” He asked, “I mean… this happened yesterday morning. It’s been at least twenty four hours.”
“I was panicking!” I said, “Look, I didn’t know what to do or if I should come forward or what!”
“A man was killed,” Bennett replied. “And you fled the crime scene. You also took a while to come forward. Forgive me if I find any of that suspicious.”
“Well, I’m trying to do the right thing now!” I argued although Bennett’s stony expression didn’t seem to change much.
“Miss Stone… are you aware of who Arthur White is?” He asked. “Do you know much about the White family?”
That question of his seemed awfully loaded.
“No, why are they important?” I asked.
“Depends on which circles you run in,” Bennett replied. “I’m gonna be honest with you… Arthur White was a real piece of shit. I wouldn’t really call him the worst member of the White family. Arguably he made the rest of them look saintly in comparison. But he was still a man with a… history. You say he resembled the man who you believed killed your parents… was that your only motivation for following him to the Prince Street station?”
“He mentioned my Mother by name!” I said, “He said he knew Diana Stone!”
Bennett paused, before looking up at me again.
“You’re Diana Stone’s daughter?” He asked.
My brow furrowed.
“What, you knew her too?” I asked.
“I’ve… heard the name before.”
My heart skipped a beat.
“So he did kill them…” I said softly, “You’re telling me that he did kill them?”
“Arthur White was not a suspect in the Diana Stone murder, no. His-”
Bennett’s phone started to ring before he could finish whatever it was that he was trying to say. His ringtone was the opening riff of ‘Phantom of the Opera’ by Iron Maiden.
He paused, tensing up a little at the sound of the ringtone. Then he quietly reached into his pocket to take his phone out. He stared at the screen, which depicted a big red X on it, before quietly standing up.
“Excuse me,” He said softly as he left the room, and for a few minutes, I sat there in the uneasy silence, waiting for him to come back. I found myself fidgeting with my hands again as I looked over at the mirror that dominated the wall to my left. I figured that there had to be someone behind it, watching me. Maybe it was Bennett? I squinted, trying to see if I could see him behind the glass, but there was no luck.
The only thing I saw was my own reflection, squinting back at me like an idiot and the security camera in the corner behind me. I looked back up at the camera, staring into it for a moment. I wondered if maybe Bennett was watching me through there. Maybe nobody was watching me? It was hard to say. I stared back into the iris of the camera for a moment, before the door opened again and Detective Bennett came back in. I saw him stuffing his phone back into his pocket.
Something about his demeanor had changed, but it was hard to say exactly what. When he spoke to me again, his tone was much quieter.
“Thank you for your time, Miss Stone. We have all we need. You’re free to go.”
Free to go?
“Wait, what?” I asked. “I… I just killed a guy! What do you mean I’m free to go!”
“You indicated that Mr. White’s death was an accident, correct?” Bennett asked. “That’s all we need. Go home, kid.”
I stared at him in disbelief. He was just letting me go? I’d fucking killed a man and they were just letting me go? That didn’t make any sense!
“So that’s it?” I asked, “You’re not going to arrest me or… or press charges or…?”
“No. We’re not,” He said. “You’re free to go.”
He picked up his folder and headed for the door again, pausing before looking up at the camera and then back to me. He held the door open for me, and after a moment, I got up and followed him.
“Do I need to get a lawyer?” I asked.
“That won’t be necessary,” He replied as he led me back through the police station. Once we were back at the front door, he pushed through and gestured for me to follow.
Once we were outside, I watched him take out a pack of cigarettes and a lighter.
“So that’s just it, then?” I asked. This whole thing still confused me.
Detective Bennett still didn’t reply. He just looked up toward the building, before taking a drag on his cigarette.
“Take my advice, kid… don’t ever look a gift horse in the mouth. It might not always be so pretty on the inside,” He didn’t look at me as he said that. He started down the steps of the police station, before pausing. “And do yourself a favor, keep your head down for the next little while.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” I asked, but Detective Bennett was already walking away from me.
I’m not an idiot.
Something isn’t right here. I just don’t know what.
I keep thinking back to the phone call Bennett got. I’ve got a feeling that it had something to do with my sudden release. What I don’t know is what or why and to be honest, I’m not sure that I want to find out.
Bennett told me to keep my head down, and I’m smart enough to take his advice.
I’m leaving tonight.
I’m going to let Sam, Lisa, and Rose know over dinner. I’ll think of some bullshit excuse. Maybe I’ll say that it’s a work thing, or something. They’re not going to check. I’m supposed to be heading home in a couple of days anyway, so they’re not going to think too much of it if I leave early.
Either way, whatever the hell I’ve gotten myself into, I want to get out of it sooner rather than later.
submitted by HeadOfSpectre to HeadOfSpectre [link] [comments]
I don’t remember much. Just the scenery flying by me as I ran from the train station. I didn’t see anyone chasing me. But I felt chased. I didn’t know what to think, what to feel, or even where the hell I was going. The only thing I felt was fear.
When I finally stopped, it was because I just couldn’t run any further. My lungs burned, begging me for air. So I ducked into an alley, trying to catch my breath, and organize my thoughts. The rain pounding down around me was too loud. The street was too quiet and every car that passed by sent another fresh jolt of terror through me as I replayed what had happened at the train station over and over again in my mind. The way that he’d fallen, the look on his face in the instant before he’d gone under the train. Oh God… I couldn’t get it out of my head! I couldn’t stop seeing it in my mind!
I wanted to go home, but was that even an option? How the hell does someone just go home after something like that? I couldn’t just waltz through the door like nothing was wrong! If Sam and Lisa didn’t notice, Rose sure as hell would and that assuming that the police weren’t already there. Someone could have recognized me! That Marilyn Monroe looking girl on the platform had gotten a good look at me. What if she told someone? It didn’t matter whether I’d meant to push the guy or not! It didn’t matter how much I’d fucking hated him at the time. He was dead. I was responsible. I’d pushed him. It was my fault.
‘I’ve just fucking killed a man!’
That thought… that reality didn’t feel real. It hadn’t truly hit me yet.
‘I’ve just fucking killed a man!’
I felt sick. If I actually had anything in my stomach, I might have even thrown up. Moving made me feel even worse, so I just stood there, letting the rain soak me to the bone, shaking from the horror and the cold while I tried to figure out what the hell I was going to do next. But all I could think about was the way he looked as the train went over him, and wondering if anything would have changed if I’d at least tried to grab him. Could I have caught him? Could I have saved him? What then? What would happen next? As far as I knew that motherfucker had murdered my goddamn parents! Should I really have even bothered trying to save him? Maybe I should have felt vindicated by all of this? Maybe this was some kind of justice, right? It sure as hell didn’t feel like justice. It’s not like I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that this had been the guy! There were doubts! There were a lot of fucking doubts!
I heard the sirens in the distance. But nobody came for me. I saw a police cruiser pass my alley. It didn’t stop for me, but it did make me think about my sweater. The goddamn sweater… it would probably be enough to identify me, right?
For a moment, I thought about turning myself in to the police. I mean, maybe once I told them that it was an accident, then maybe they’d be cool with it and let me go? I mean, the police are just known for being trustworthy and reasonable, right? What did I possibly have to worry about with them? I could just turn myself in and everything would be hunky fucking dory! ‘Oh, you just threw a man in front of a fucking subway train! Yeah, no big. Go home! Take a load off! Get some coffee! Try not to think about the man you just threw under a fucking subway train!’ Yes! Go to the police Violet! Great idea! And while you’re at it why don’t you do it in the fucking nude too? GREAT IDEA VIOLET! ALMOST AS GREAT AS THE TIME YOU THREW A MAN IN FRONT OF A FUCKING SUBWAY TRAIN! REMEMBER THAT?
I took off the sweater and abandoned it in the nearest dumpster. I hid it under some trash bags and hoped to God that nobody would ever find it, then, after standing in the rain like an idiot for several minutes with no idea on where to go next, I started walking home.
Nobody noticed me.
Nobody followed me.
The city was just… quiet. Not quiet, quiet. But nothing felt out of place. The world around me almost felt normal, and it was my own fault that the normalcy felt wrong somehow.
I entered my old bedroom through the fire escape, just like I used to back in high school when sneaking out at night to drink was the worst thing I’d ever done. I could hear people in the apartment, and I listened to see if any of the voices were unfamiliar. I heard Sam and Lisa talking over breakfast, and I could hear the TV. Nothing out of the ordinary. It satisfied me enough that I was safe. I locked my bedroom door and crawled into bed, pulling the covers over my head and listening to the rain and the voices outside. But I heard nothing out of the ordinary. It was like nothing had happened. Like it was all just a bad dream. Eventually, I fell asleep.
I stayed in bed until well after noon, staring up at the ceiling when I couldn’t sleep anymore. Sam and Lisa both left for work. I could hear Rose going around the house. She’d said that she had the day off, save for classes in the evening. She only bothered me once, though. Knocking on my door to check on me. I told her I was sick, and she didn’t pry. She didn’t sound suspicious. Just concerned.
I kept replaying what had happened at the subway station over and over again in my head. I couldn’t stop thinking about it and I couldn’t stop hating the quiet around me.
Sometimes, I wondered if it was just a bad dream. If maybe I’d never even left my room at all. Maybe I just wanted to believe that. It was better than thinking I’d just killed someone. There was a part of me that didn’t really seem to care. It still hadn’t fully hit me yet. After all, no one had come for me. So maybe it really was just a bad dream? Even if it hadn’t been, how had that man known who my Mom was? What about the things he’d said? Was it just a weird coincidence, or a horrible mistake? Maybe it was both.
I checked my phone when the afternoon began to slip into evening. The whole event was getting hazier in my mind. I was starting to convince myself it hadn’t happened. Lisa had messaged me, asking how I was feeling. Rose must’ve told her I was sick. I lied and said I was feeling a bit better, then I checked the news.
When I read the story I felt sick all over again. No name for my victim, no information at all. The man who’d gone under the train was just identified as ‘a man.’ That was it. Nothing else. There wasn’t even a picture of him.
There was however a picture of me… kinda.
It was blurry as hell. I tried to make out my own face amongst the black and white pixels but I couldn’t. It might have been me as I entered the station, although my hood was over my head, my hair was covered, and the only thing I could sort of identify was my lips, which aren’t exactly that distinct. Really, it could have been anyone in that picture. Anyone at all.
‘An unknown possible suspect’ It said under the picture. Followed by: ‘The suspect is believed to be male, approximately 6’2 and was last seen wearing a grey hoodie and jeans.’
They got the outfit right, and were only a little off with the height by two inches.
All in all… I can’t say that any of this really seemed damning to me. Although the idea that the police (or at least the news) had no idea who I was didn’t do a whole hell of a lot to calm me down. The idea of ‘getting away with it’ seemed just as bad as being caught.
For the second time that evening, I wondered about turning myself in to the police. I mean, this wasn’t exactly first degree murder. It was an accident! That had to be at least manslaughter, right? I mean, it was still a crime but it wasn’t first degree murder, right?
Christ… I was probably committing an even bigger crime by not coming forward! Why wasn’t I going to the nearest police station? What the hell was stopping me? Fear? Fear of what, consequences? You don’t fucking kill a man and not suffer any consequences! Even if it was an accident, there had to be some kind of consequence, right?
Was it justice? Assuming that this guy really had been the one who’d killed my parents all those years ago, did he really deserve to die like that? Thrown screaming under a train and… and…
God I didn’t even know if it was really the guy or not! It could have been anyone! He could’ve just randomly known my Mom and just so happened to look like her killer! It wasn’t even a perfect resemblance! I mean, fuck, how many fucking people in New York have blond hair, blue eyes and glasses? Thousands at least! Justice wasn’t a valid excuse! It just wasn’t!
I wanted to continue to lie there and stew, but I don’t know if that was really an option anymore. Slowly, I forced myself to get out of bed and head into the kitchen. I’d eaten nothing all day, which wasn’t all that healthy of a diet. As a further fuck you to my digestive system, I rummaged through the cupboard. There was a box of off brand pop tarts that I jammed them in the toaster for breakfast, if you could still call it that at five in the evening.
While I waited for my sugar enriched breakfast to ‘cook’ I raided the fridge for a drink. I found some OJ, and wandered into the living room. Rose had already left for class, but I knew Sam and Lisa would have been home soon.
When they did come home, they found me in the living room, under a blanket and finishing my shitty off brand pastries. Lisa fussed over me, like I knew she would. Sam just took over the TV and changed the channel to something other than the news.
I went to bed early last night, checking the news stories again on my phone before lying awake in bed. I might have slept a little. I couldn’t really say. I was just alone with my thoughts.
I’m not supposed to go back to Toronto for another day or so. But maybe I could leave early? Fuck off, leave all of this behind me and try to move on with my life? Sam and Lisa wouldn’t question it… much. That sounded like a horrible idea though. Just… fucking off, forgetting, pretending that this didn’t happen. It sounded like a mistake. Running away seemed like the exact kind of thing that would come back to bite me in the ass… and then what would I do? Was I supposed to just keep running from it? I knew in my gut that this would only ever make things worse. What would that do to Sam and Lisa? What would it do to Rose? I didn’t want to find out. I didn’t want to put them through that!
As I lay in bed a quiet resignation settled over me… and oddly enough, with it came a bit of peace. I guess even if no one else ever found out about what had happened at Prince Street, even if I took that secret to my grave, it would still gnaw at me. I’d still be looking over my shoulder, waiting for the day to come when it caught up with me. I didn’t want to deal with that. I didn’t want to put my family through that!
So I made a decision.
I don’t know if this will be my final entry or not.. I might not be coming back after this. Sam, Lisa, Rose… if any of you are reading this, I’m sorry. I swear to God, I didn’t mean for any of this to happen.
I’m going to go to the police in the morning and I’m going to turn myself in. So if this is it… well… goodbye.
I hope you don’t hate me too much.
***
Okay, so what the fuck?
I did the right thing! I turned myself in to the police! I was ready to go to jail over this!
Instead, I’m back in my old bedroom at Sam and Lisa’s and I’m 99.9% sure that I’m off the hook.
I went to the police station. I told them that I was there to confess and up until that point, things went as expected. They took me to an interrogation room and I waited for someone to come and talk to me. I was in there for about an hour, fidgeting aimlessly with my hands and waiting for some kind of judgment before someone finally bothered to show up.
The guy who walked through the door had a sort of ex military look to him. His eyes were intense and he had a muscular physique with a neatly trimmed goatee. He didn’t say a word to me as he came in. He just looked down at the file in his hands before sitting down at the desk.
“Violet Stone, right?” He asked. Straight to business. I always thought that Detectives were supposed to come off as friendly at first. This guy seemed like he’d come in with the express purpose of kicking my ass.
“Yeah, I’m Violet.” I said.
He looked up at me, sizing me up for a moment before huffing.
“Alright… well Violet, well my name is Vincent Bennett. I’m the Detective assigned to the Arthur White case. I understand you’re here with information, correct?”
Arthur White? Was that the name of the guy I’d killed?
“Yeah… I was… I was the one on the subway platform with him.”
“The one who pushed him?” Bennett asked.
I hesitated for a moment before nodding.
“It… it was an accident!” I said, “He’d grabbed my arm, I was just trying to get him off of me!”
“Right… tell you what Violet, why don’t you walk me through what happened yesterday morning, okay? Tell me everything that you remember.”
I did just that. I told him about how I’d run into Arthur and his daughter while I’d been out on a jog, I told him about how he’d mentioned my mother and how I’d followed him, and finally I told him about what had happened on the subway platform.
The whole time, Bennett just took notes and nodded quietly, only pausing a few times to ask a question.
“So - you attest that it was an accident, that Mr. White fell into the path of the oncoming train?” He asked.
“Yeah… yeah, it was.” I said.
“Okay. You mind if I ask why it took so long for you to come forward?” He asked, “I mean… this happened yesterday morning. It’s been at least twenty four hours.”
“I was panicking!” I said, “Look, I didn’t know what to do or if I should come forward or what!”
“A man was killed,” Bennett replied. “And you fled the crime scene. You also took a while to come forward. Forgive me if I find any of that suspicious.”
“Well, I’m trying to do the right thing now!” I argued although Bennett’s stony expression didn’t seem to change much.
“Miss Stone… are you aware of who Arthur White is?” He asked. “Do you know much about the White family?”
That question of his seemed awfully loaded.
“No, why are they important?” I asked.
“Depends on which circles you run in,” Bennett replied. “I’m gonna be honest with you… Arthur White was a real piece of shit. I wouldn’t really call him the worst member of the White family. Arguably he made the rest of them look saintly in comparison. But he was still a man with a… history. You say he resembled the man who you believed killed your parents… was that your only motivation for following him to the Prince Street station?”
“He mentioned my Mother by name!” I said, “He said he knew Diana Stone!”
Bennett paused, before looking up at me again.
“You’re Diana Stone’s daughter?” He asked.
My brow furrowed.
“What, you knew her too?” I asked.
“I’ve… heard the name before.”
My heart skipped a beat.
“So he did kill them…” I said softly, “You’re telling me that he did kill them?”
“Arthur White was not a suspect in the Diana Stone murder, no. His-”
Bennett’s phone started to ring before he could finish whatever it was that he was trying to say. His ringtone was the opening riff of ‘Phantom of the Opera’ by Iron Maiden.
He paused, tensing up a little at the sound of the ringtone. Then he quietly reached into his pocket to take his phone out. He stared at the screen, which depicted a big red X on it, before quietly standing up.
“Excuse me,” He said softly as he left the room, and for a few minutes, I sat there in the uneasy silence, waiting for him to come back. I found myself fidgeting with my hands again as I looked over at the mirror that dominated the wall to my left. I figured that there had to be someone behind it, watching me. Maybe it was Bennett? I squinted, trying to see if I could see him behind the glass, but there was no luck.
The only thing I saw was my own reflection, squinting back at me like an idiot and the security camera in the corner behind me. I looked back up at the camera, staring into it for a moment. I wondered if maybe Bennett was watching me through there. Maybe nobody was watching me? It was hard to say. I stared back into the iris of the camera for a moment, before the door opened again and Detective Bennett came back in. I saw him stuffing his phone back into his pocket.
Something about his demeanor had changed, but it was hard to say exactly what. When he spoke to me again, his tone was much quieter.
“Thank you for your time, Miss Stone. We have all we need. You’re free to go.”
Free to go?
“Wait, what?” I asked. “I… I just killed a guy! What do you mean I’m free to go!”
“You indicated that Mr. White’s death was an accident, correct?” Bennett asked. “That’s all we need. Go home, kid.”
I stared at him in disbelief. He was just letting me go? I’d fucking killed a man and they were just letting me go? That didn’t make any sense!
“So that’s it?” I asked, “You’re not going to arrest me or… or press charges or…?”
“No. We’re not,” He said. “You’re free to go.”
He picked up his folder and headed for the door again, pausing before looking up at the camera and then back to me. He held the door open for me, and after a moment, I got up and followed him.
“Do I need to get a lawyer?” I asked.
“That won’t be necessary,” He replied as he led me back through the police station. Once we were back at the front door, he pushed through and gestured for me to follow.
Once we were outside, I watched him take out a pack of cigarettes and a lighter.
“So that’s just it, then?” I asked. This whole thing still confused me.
Detective Bennett still didn’t reply. He just looked up toward the building, before taking a drag on his cigarette.
“Take my advice, kid… don’t ever look a gift horse in the mouth. It might not always be so pretty on the inside,” He didn’t look at me as he said that. He started down the steps of the police station, before pausing. “And do yourself a favor, keep your head down for the next little while.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” I asked, but Detective Bennett was already walking away from me.
I’m not an idiot.
Something isn’t right here. I just don’t know what.
I keep thinking back to the phone call Bennett got. I’ve got a feeling that it had something to do with my sudden release. What I don’t know is what or why and to be honest, I’m not sure that I want to find out.
Bennett told me to keep my head down, and I’m smart enough to take his advice.
I’m leaving tonight.
I’m going to let Sam, Lisa, and Rose know over dinner. I’ll think of some bullshit excuse. Maybe I’ll say that it’s a work thing, or something. They’re not going to check. I’m supposed to be heading home in a couple of days anyway, so they’re not going to think too much of it if I leave early.
Either way, whatever the hell I’ve gotten myself into, I want to get out of it sooner rather than later.
2023.06.06 04:49 waynerad GeniusTrip.AI -- Use AI to plan your vacation
It asked me where I wanted to go. I put in "Mons, Belgium", because, why not?
It asked for travel dates. I said July 12 to July 27 of this year. Nice 2-week vacation.
It said "Choose your budget." Options were: low, medium, high, and luxury. I chose "low". Though I'll bet Mons, Belgium is a place where you could do "luxury".
It said "Choose your vacation type." Options were "Relaxed" and "Packed". I picked "Packed". (Can you actually picture me relaxing?)
It said "Choose your category." Options were "Romantic", "Adventure", "Touristic", "Party", "Family", "Cultural", "Mixed". I picked "Adventure", though I was tempted by "Party".
It said, "Choose your dietary preference." Options were "Vegan", "Vegetarian", "Pescatarian", "Halal", and "No preference". I picked "No preference". Vacation isn't the time to be picky, right?
Never heard of the word "pescatarian" before but the "fish" icon makes me think it means fish.
Anyway, I clicked "Submit".
----
Recommended accommodation: Hotel Lido Mons Centre
Day 1:
Recommended transport mode: Taxi
Arrive at Brussels Airport and take a taxi to your hotel in Mons. Spend the day exploring the city on foot, visiting the Grand Place, the Belfry, and the SainteWaudru Collegiate Church. For dinner, head to Le Pain Quotidien for some delicious vegetarian options.
Day 2:
Recommended transport mode: Walking
Start your day with a visit to the Mons Memorial Museum to learn about the city's history. Then, take a walk to the Van Gogh House, where the famous artist lived for a short time. For lunch, try some traditional Belgian cuisine at Le Pain Quotidien. In the afternoon, take a stroll through the Parc du WauxHall and enjoy the beautiful scenery. For dinner, head to Le Pain Quotidien for some more vegetarian options.
Day 3:
Recommended transport mode: Train
Take a train to the nearby city of Tournai and spend the day exploring its beautiful architecture, including the NotreDame Cathedral and the Belfry. For lunch, try some local specialties at Le Pain Quotidien. In the evening, take the train back to Mons and enjoy dinner at Le Pain Quotidien.
Day 4:
Recommended transport mode: Walking
Explore the city's art scene by visiting the BAM Beaux-Arts Mons museum and the Mundaneum, a museum dedicated to the history of information and communication. For lunch, try some delicious vegetarian options at Le Pain Quotidien. In the evening, head to the Theatre Royal de Mons for a show.
Day 5:
Recommended transport mode: Bicycle
Rent a bicycle and take a ride through the beautiful countryside surrounding Mons. Stop for lunch at a local restaurant and try some traditional Belgian cuisine. In the evening, head back to the city and enjoy dinner at Le Pain Quotidien.
Day 6:
Recommended transport mode: Walking
Take a walking tour of the city's many parks and gardens, including the Jardin du Mayeur and the Parc du Beffroi. For lunch, try some vegetarian options at Le Pain Quotidien. In the evening, head to the Grand Place and enjoy a drink at one of the many bars.
Day 7:
Recommended transport mode: Train
Take a train to the nearby city of Charleroi and spend the day exploring its many museums and galleries. For lunch, try some local specialties at a restaurant in the city. In the evening, take the train back to Mons and enjoy dinner at Le Pain Quotidien.
Day 8:
Recommended transport mode: Walking
Explore the city's many churches and cathedrals, including the SainteElisabeth Church and the Saint-Nicolas Church. For lunch, try some vegetarian options at Le Pain Quotidien. In the evening, head to the Theatre Royal de Mons for a show.
Day 9:
Recommended transport mode: Bicycle
Rent a bicycle and take a ride through the beautiful countryside surrounding Mons. Stop for lunch at a local restaurant and try some traditional Belgian cuisine. In the evening, head back to the city and enjoy dinner at Le Pain Quotidien.
Day 10:
Recommended transport mode: Walking
Take a walking tour of the city's many museums and galleries, including the Musée François Duesberg and the Musée du Doudou. For lunch, try some vegetarian options at Le Pain Quotidien. In the evening, head to the Grand Place and enjoy a drink at one of the many bars.
Day 11:
Recommended transport mode: Train
Take a train to the nearby city of Namur and spend the day exploring its many castles and fortresses. For lunch, try some local specialties at a restaurant in the city. In the evening, take the train back to Mons and enjoy dinner at Le Pain Quotidien.
Day 12:
Recommended transport mode: Walking
Explore the city's many parks and gardens, including the Jardin du Mayeur and the Parc du Beffroi. For lunch, try some vegetarian options at Le Pain Quotidien. In the evening, head to the Theatre Royal de Mons for a show.
Day 13:
Recommended transport mode: Bicycle
Rent a bicycle and take a ride through the beautiful countryside surrounding Mons. Stop for lunch at a local restaurant and try some traditional Belgian cuisine. In the evening, head back to the city and enjoy dinner at Le Pain Quotidien.
Day 14:
Recommended transport mode: Walking
Take a walking tour of the city's many churches and cathedrals, including the SainteElisabeth Church and the Saint-Nicolas Church. For lunch, try some vegetarian options at Le Pain Quotidien. In the evening, head to the Grand Place and enjoy a drink at one of the many bars.
Day 15:
Recommended transport mode: Taxi
Take a taxi to
----
Weirdly, it cut off that last entry. I assume back to the airport for the flight back.
Also weirdly, it thinks I want to eat at Le Pain Quotidien every day. Which actually means "The Daily Bread" in French. The bread must be just ridiculously awesome?
It does look like the trip ought to be rather low cost, with lots of walking and biking and the occasional train. Some of the attractions look like they're low-cost, like biking in nature, visiting churches and parks and gardens. Some might be expensive like art galleries. Most of the cost, though, probably just goes to getting a hotel that is so close to the center of the city. I suppose it's worth it to get so much within walking distance.
No idea how this system works. I'm guessing it's using a generative AI model, but what it generates is based on a database of destinations and attractions and is shoe-horned into the format of a trip plan. Wonder if they trained a model from scratch or fine-tuned a model from somewhere else.
https://geniustrip.ai/
submitted by waynerad to u/waynerad [link] [comments]
It asked for travel dates. I said July 12 to July 27 of this year. Nice 2-week vacation.
It said "Choose your budget." Options were: low, medium, high, and luxury. I chose "low". Though I'll bet Mons, Belgium is a place where you could do "luxury".
It said "Choose your vacation type." Options were "Relaxed" and "Packed". I picked "Packed". (Can you actually picture me relaxing?)
It said "Choose your category." Options were "Romantic", "Adventure", "Touristic", "Party", "Family", "Cultural", "Mixed". I picked "Adventure", though I was tempted by "Party".
It said, "Choose your dietary preference." Options were "Vegan", "Vegetarian", "Pescatarian", "Halal", and "No preference". I picked "No preference". Vacation isn't the time to be picky, right?
Never heard of the word "pescatarian" before but the "fish" icon makes me think it means fish.
Anyway, I clicked "Submit".
----
Recommended accommodation: Hotel Lido Mons Centre
Day 1:
Recommended transport mode: Taxi
Arrive at Brussels Airport and take a taxi to your hotel in Mons. Spend the day exploring the city on foot, visiting the Grand Place, the Belfry, and the SainteWaudru Collegiate Church. For dinner, head to Le Pain Quotidien for some delicious vegetarian options.
Day 2:
Recommended transport mode: Walking
Start your day with a visit to the Mons Memorial Museum to learn about the city's history. Then, take a walk to the Van Gogh House, where the famous artist lived for a short time. For lunch, try some traditional Belgian cuisine at Le Pain Quotidien. In the afternoon, take a stroll through the Parc du WauxHall and enjoy the beautiful scenery. For dinner, head to Le Pain Quotidien for some more vegetarian options.
Day 3:
Recommended transport mode: Train
Take a train to the nearby city of Tournai and spend the day exploring its beautiful architecture, including the NotreDame Cathedral and the Belfry. For lunch, try some local specialties at Le Pain Quotidien. In the evening, take the train back to Mons and enjoy dinner at Le Pain Quotidien.
Day 4:
Recommended transport mode: Walking
Explore the city's art scene by visiting the BAM Beaux-Arts Mons museum and the Mundaneum, a museum dedicated to the history of information and communication. For lunch, try some delicious vegetarian options at Le Pain Quotidien. In the evening, head to the Theatre Royal de Mons for a show.
Day 5:
Recommended transport mode: Bicycle
Rent a bicycle and take a ride through the beautiful countryside surrounding Mons. Stop for lunch at a local restaurant and try some traditional Belgian cuisine. In the evening, head back to the city and enjoy dinner at Le Pain Quotidien.
Day 6:
Recommended transport mode: Walking
Take a walking tour of the city's many parks and gardens, including the Jardin du Mayeur and the Parc du Beffroi. For lunch, try some vegetarian options at Le Pain Quotidien. In the evening, head to the Grand Place and enjoy a drink at one of the many bars.
Day 7:
Recommended transport mode: Train
Take a train to the nearby city of Charleroi and spend the day exploring its many museums and galleries. For lunch, try some local specialties at a restaurant in the city. In the evening, take the train back to Mons and enjoy dinner at Le Pain Quotidien.
Day 8:
Recommended transport mode: Walking
Explore the city's many churches and cathedrals, including the SainteElisabeth Church and the Saint-Nicolas Church. For lunch, try some vegetarian options at Le Pain Quotidien. In the evening, head to the Theatre Royal de Mons for a show.
Day 9:
Recommended transport mode: Bicycle
Rent a bicycle and take a ride through the beautiful countryside surrounding Mons. Stop for lunch at a local restaurant and try some traditional Belgian cuisine. In the evening, head back to the city and enjoy dinner at Le Pain Quotidien.
Day 10:
Recommended transport mode: Walking
Take a walking tour of the city's many museums and galleries, including the Musée François Duesberg and the Musée du Doudou. For lunch, try some vegetarian options at Le Pain Quotidien. In the evening, head to the Grand Place and enjoy a drink at one of the many bars.
Day 11:
Recommended transport mode: Train
Take a train to the nearby city of Namur and spend the day exploring its many castles and fortresses. For lunch, try some local specialties at a restaurant in the city. In the evening, take the train back to Mons and enjoy dinner at Le Pain Quotidien.
Day 12:
Recommended transport mode: Walking
Explore the city's many parks and gardens, including the Jardin du Mayeur and the Parc du Beffroi. For lunch, try some vegetarian options at Le Pain Quotidien. In the evening, head to the Theatre Royal de Mons for a show.
Day 13:
Recommended transport mode: Bicycle
Rent a bicycle and take a ride through the beautiful countryside surrounding Mons. Stop for lunch at a local restaurant and try some traditional Belgian cuisine. In the evening, head back to the city and enjoy dinner at Le Pain Quotidien.
Day 14:
Recommended transport mode: Walking
Take a walking tour of the city's many churches and cathedrals, including the SainteElisabeth Church and the Saint-Nicolas Church. For lunch, try some vegetarian options at Le Pain Quotidien. In the evening, head to the Grand Place and enjoy a drink at one of the many bars.
Day 15:
Recommended transport mode: Taxi
Take a taxi to
----
Weirdly, it cut off that last entry. I assume back to the airport for the flight back.
Also weirdly, it thinks I want to eat at Le Pain Quotidien every day. Which actually means "The Daily Bread" in French. The bread must be just ridiculously awesome?
It does look like the trip ought to be rather low cost, with lots of walking and biking and the occasional train. Some of the attractions look like they're low-cost, like biking in nature, visiting churches and parks and gardens. Some might be expensive like art galleries. Most of the cost, though, probably just goes to getting a hotel that is so close to the center of the city. I suppose it's worth it to get so much within walking distance.
No idea how this system works. I'm guessing it's using a generative AI model, but what it generates is based on a database of destinations and attractions and is shoe-horned into the format of a trip plan. Wonder if they trained a model from scratch or fine-tuned a model from somewhere else.
https://geniustrip.ai/
2023.06.06 04:44 Internal_Pitch4542 Help: I am an idiot
So it has recently come to my attention that the deadline to order Commencement tickets passed like two weeks ago. I currently have a grand total of zero tickets. If anyone has extra tickets for either the Math Department or Stats Department Commencement, PLEASE dm me.
submitted by Internal_Pitch4542 to ucla [link] [comments]
2023.06.06 04:40 SilverMoonArt Love Trio Pokémon Teams (Jan-March)
2023.06.06 04:35 Zestyclose_Youth3604 Job to career pipeline as a trans person
(Just to be clear, I'm grateful for the job, money is money. And while its not livable, at least I have a roof over my head. My rant isn't about being poor or anything, its just.. frustration)
To give some background, I'm 23, I live in Florida, and my parents who house me do not support trans people. Out of highschool, my mother and I had some disagreements about what I should do with my life (and due to some circumstances at that time, I wasn't strong enough to argue). It resulted in me going to work immediately instead of college. Now, several years later, I am only a part time freshman (and have been for two years) at my community college. If I am honest, I've been dragging my feet. My mother insists I need a vocational job, saying no other job will make me money or is reasonable. Plus she doesn't believe in four year degrees, saying they're a waste of time and will not get me a job. Even when expressing that most jobs ask for a minimum of a bachelors regardless of the degree field, she dismisses it and calls it ridiculous. Every time I bring up a vocational job that is even remotely tolerable, she shuts it down.
My mother, despite her disagreement, is obsessed with the idea of me being in the medical field.
There has never been anything I've wanted less for myself. That has been consistent for me since highschool. I don't want to be in the medical field, I hate it, it bores me, I dislike being in a service industry, and I don't support how it works in this country. My mother thinks I'm just underestimating myself.
Its been... maddening because I live with her and I do not feel like I can argue. And everytime I try to reason with her, she tells me I'm being childish and an asshole. Then blames millennials. I've had other people listen to her talk and they... definitely agree I'm not being an asshole in the conversation.
The truth is, I already work in a hospital. I do registration and insurance eligibilities. I enjoy working with insurance, even though I hate its reason for existence, the actual job is fun. Plus I've been able to help other trans people with their insurance issues if I've been aware of it. There's also been times where my presence has helped an LGBTQ person feel comfortable being in the hospital. Thats the only joy I've had working there. It does not balance out the negativity AT ALL. Because of my parents being very transphobic (not enough to kick me out but definitely too scary to comfortably discuss it), I have more or less gone back into the closet after highschool. Its very don't ask don't tell in my house. Cept for when they want to make fun of me for it or complain about trans people to me. I have been working in the hospital as if I'm not trans at all. Which, is good, because I hear the clinical team laugh at trans people, or say transphobic stuff. Even my own team, who are not clinical, has done this. On more than one occasion, I've been told to go peak at a trans person in their room because "they're so funny to look at". They all were normal people. I can't imagine coming out now in this environment... And its worse because while the company boasts for trans people (even the application has a pronouns section), I can't speak up about it because of the power dynamic. Plus, in Florida, that seems like a bad idea at the moment.
I want to... get on with my life. I'm twenty three. I wanted to start my transition by nineteen. I want to move out so I can safely do so. I want top surgery. I want to have my partner with me. I have to be so careful about how much I mention being trans to my parents because I don't want them to blame it on my also trans boyfriend. Since I spent so long scarcely mentioning it. Only when they questioned if I had grown out of it yet would I bring it up and remind them I've always been trans. I can't afford to move out and do things I'd like. I can barely afford my car payment and I'm getting 15 an hour!
If I want a job that pays better, I need a degree. If I want a degree, I need to move out. If I want to move out, I need a job that pays better. It never fuckin ends.
I'm so tired. I can't find anything that pays well enough for me to move out that doesn't require a degree. And even then, some places who require a degree don't pay enough. I feel so stuck. My mother thinks she's giving me this amazing opportunity to go to school and live under her roof so that I just have to pay for tuition and my car but not rent. Its just... not as grand as she thinks. I don't want to be in the clinical field. I want to get a degree and be an editor or a technical writer or in HR or SOMETHING. I even wouldn't mind doing IT. Except she turns it all down and I'm too anxious of what will happen if I ignore her.
My physical safety (in my house) isn't at risk at all. Which is good. I'm still scared though. There's a major power dynamic in my house. Their house, their rules. They've told me before that I'm lucky they let me live in the house as a guest. Which, I don't like the implications of.
I applied to Folx and Plume but I'm still waiting to hear back. The length of time feels like I definitely got passed up even with having experience in a clinical setting. My boyfriend says to have hope and that I might still hear back but its... hard. I feel urgent.
I just don't know what to do with myself? I regret not having more balls in highschool and applying to university. I didn't have faith in my grades and in my IQ to apply for scholarships or schools. I wish I had. I'm glad I went and got work experience but it seems like its doing nothing for me. I'm coming to a cusp of having to apply to a technical program. I'm scratching and clawing to find any excuse not to fall down the clinical pipeline and wind up hating my life in two years. I don't want to waste my life anymore than I already have but it feels too late.
Just... frustrated and upset. Wish I was more brave. Wish I had options to get myself out of this rut.
submitted by Zestyclose_Youth3604 to ftm [link] [comments]
To give some background, I'm 23, I live in Florida, and my parents who house me do not support trans people. Out of highschool, my mother and I had some disagreements about what I should do with my life (and due to some circumstances at that time, I wasn't strong enough to argue). It resulted in me going to work immediately instead of college. Now, several years later, I am only a part time freshman (and have been for two years) at my community college. If I am honest, I've been dragging my feet. My mother insists I need a vocational job, saying no other job will make me money or is reasonable. Plus she doesn't believe in four year degrees, saying they're a waste of time and will not get me a job. Even when expressing that most jobs ask for a minimum of a bachelors regardless of the degree field, she dismisses it and calls it ridiculous. Every time I bring up a vocational job that is even remotely tolerable, she shuts it down.
My mother, despite her disagreement, is obsessed with the idea of me being in the medical field.
There has never been anything I've wanted less for myself. That has been consistent for me since highschool. I don't want to be in the medical field, I hate it, it bores me, I dislike being in a service industry, and I don't support how it works in this country. My mother thinks I'm just underestimating myself.
Its been... maddening because I live with her and I do not feel like I can argue. And everytime I try to reason with her, she tells me I'm being childish and an asshole. Then blames millennials. I've had other people listen to her talk and they... definitely agree I'm not being an asshole in the conversation.
The truth is, I already work in a hospital. I do registration and insurance eligibilities. I enjoy working with insurance, even though I hate its reason for existence, the actual job is fun. Plus I've been able to help other trans people with their insurance issues if I've been aware of it. There's also been times where my presence has helped an LGBTQ person feel comfortable being in the hospital. Thats the only joy I've had working there. It does not balance out the negativity AT ALL. Because of my parents being very transphobic (not enough to kick me out but definitely too scary to comfortably discuss it), I have more or less gone back into the closet after highschool. Its very don't ask don't tell in my house. Cept for when they want to make fun of me for it or complain about trans people to me. I have been working in the hospital as if I'm not trans at all. Which, is good, because I hear the clinical team laugh at trans people, or say transphobic stuff. Even my own team, who are not clinical, has done this. On more than one occasion, I've been told to go peak at a trans person in their room because "they're so funny to look at". They all were normal people. I can't imagine coming out now in this environment... And its worse because while the company boasts for trans people (even the application has a pronouns section), I can't speak up about it because of the power dynamic. Plus, in Florida, that seems like a bad idea at the moment.
I want to... get on with my life. I'm twenty three. I wanted to start my transition by nineteen. I want to move out so I can safely do so. I want top surgery. I want to have my partner with me. I have to be so careful about how much I mention being trans to my parents because I don't want them to blame it on my also trans boyfriend. Since I spent so long scarcely mentioning it. Only when they questioned if I had grown out of it yet would I bring it up and remind them I've always been trans. I can't afford to move out and do things I'd like. I can barely afford my car payment and I'm getting 15 an hour!
If I want a job that pays better, I need a degree. If I want a degree, I need to move out. If I want to move out, I need a job that pays better. It never fuckin ends.
I'm so tired. I can't find anything that pays well enough for me to move out that doesn't require a degree. And even then, some places who require a degree don't pay enough. I feel so stuck. My mother thinks she's giving me this amazing opportunity to go to school and live under her roof so that I just have to pay for tuition and my car but not rent. Its just... not as grand as she thinks. I don't want to be in the clinical field. I want to get a degree and be an editor or a technical writer or in HR or SOMETHING. I even wouldn't mind doing IT. Except she turns it all down and I'm too anxious of what will happen if I ignore her.
My physical safety (in my house) isn't at risk at all. Which is good. I'm still scared though. There's a major power dynamic in my house. Their house, their rules. They've told me before that I'm lucky they let me live in the house as a guest. Which, I don't like the implications of.
I applied to Folx and Plume but I'm still waiting to hear back. The length of time feels like I definitely got passed up even with having experience in a clinical setting. My boyfriend says to have hope and that I might still hear back but its... hard. I feel urgent.
I just don't know what to do with myself? I regret not having more balls in highschool and applying to university. I didn't have faith in my grades and in my IQ to apply for scholarships or schools. I wish I had. I'm glad I went and got work experience but it seems like its doing nothing for me. I'm coming to a cusp of having to apply to a technical program. I'm scratching and clawing to find any excuse not to fall down the clinical pipeline and wind up hating my life in two years. I don't want to waste my life anymore than I already have but it feels too late.
Just... frustrated and upset. Wish I was more brave. Wish I had options to get myself out of this rut.
2023.06.06 04:33 I_T_Burnout Need advice on what to do with my mom.
Hi all,
My mom is 77 y/o. My dad passed away 9 years ago and ever since she hasn't been the same person. She constantly talks about him, specifically the day he died, how he died (of a heart attack), every little detail. She practically relives it over and over and again.
When he died, she lost his social security which is normal and to be expected. I borrowed about $5,000 from her in 2015 and had been paying her slowly back until 3 years ago. I go to visit her one night in 2020 and she asks me if she could have some extra on top of what I usually was giving her. I tell her I should be able to and ask how much. She say's "all of it." I'm like, mom, what have you done?
That was the beginning of a journey into hell. It turns out that she worked up $30,000 in credit card debt, then went and got a home equity line of credit or HELOC against her house. She paid that 30k in CC debt off, then maxed out those very same credit cards again to the tune of another 30k and then maxed out her 50k HELOC. So all told, she amassed a total of $110,000 in debt with only $1,500 in social security income per month. 30k the first time, 30k again and 50k in HELOC.
Ever since I've been supplementing her income. I almost always buy her groceries, pay her internet and TV bill, pay for any repairs around the house. If its broken I fix it and if I can't fix it I replace it or have it repaired. I've become very handy around the house so to speak.
I'm hemorrhaging cash. For instance, on top of her internet/TV/other bills I help with I just cut her a check for $400 Thursday 06/01. Today, Monday 06/05 she tells me she needs more money. She acts like I'm made out of money. She belittles me, saying things like "You don't know how much it costs to live." People, I'm 46, married with 5 people including myself under my own roof. I am the sole provider for my family. I KNOW how much it costs to live. We ourselves have a HELOC. She has asked me if I could draw against it to help her. I refuse to go into debt to solve hers and have told her as much. This month it was $400, last month she asked me for $839. She didn't get $839. Its never $20 or $50 or even a $100. Its always hundreds of dollars she needs.
I requested to have myself added as an authorized signer on her checking account. She refused to do so. "She can pay her own bills." Yeah with my money! She can't even tell me where $110,000 went or how she spent it!! If I had spent 110,000 I would have a Silverado 3500 dually in the driveway!! Or a boat, something!!
Her debt is: 50k HELOC 5k unsecured bank loans 6k Amazon Chase CC 1k Hospital bill
She's broke and she's breaking me. This situation has driven a wedge between us as big as the Grand Canyon and I hate it.
She's angry all the time. Angry with me. You should hear some of the things that come out of her mouth. She's bitter. She's bitter at life, she's bitter at me. She's soooo mad and it shows. And I can't help her any more than I already am but it's never enough. I have 2 homesteads to maintain now. I just had hand surgery and am all bandaged up and today she says "I need you to help me. I need help. When are you going to fix this light?" I had surgery Friday and she calls me Saturday asking me to go the grocery store for her. I'm like, no, I'm not going anywhere for a few days mom. You'll just have to go yourself this time. Its not going to hurt you.
I don't know what to do. I'm running out of options. She's so mean and hateful and all I'm trying to do is help as much as I can. I want her happy and I don't want her to lose the house (THEN WHAT!??!?) so I help physically and financially to the very best of my ability.
I'm lost. I'm tired and I'm hurt. What would you do? I never dreamed I would have this kind of problem after dad died.
Thank you for your time.
submitted by I_T_Burnout to Advice [link] [comments]
My mom is 77 y/o. My dad passed away 9 years ago and ever since she hasn't been the same person. She constantly talks about him, specifically the day he died, how he died (of a heart attack), every little detail. She practically relives it over and over and again.
When he died, she lost his social security which is normal and to be expected. I borrowed about $5,000 from her in 2015 and had been paying her slowly back until 3 years ago. I go to visit her one night in 2020 and she asks me if she could have some extra on top of what I usually was giving her. I tell her I should be able to and ask how much. She say's "all of it." I'm like, mom, what have you done?
That was the beginning of a journey into hell. It turns out that she worked up $30,000 in credit card debt, then went and got a home equity line of credit or HELOC against her house. She paid that 30k in CC debt off, then maxed out those very same credit cards again to the tune of another 30k and then maxed out her 50k HELOC. So all told, she amassed a total of $110,000 in debt with only $1,500 in social security income per month. 30k the first time, 30k again and 50k in HELOC.
Ever since I've been supplementing her income. I almost always buy her groceries, pay her internet and TV bill, pay for any repairs around the house. If its broken I fix it and if I can't fix it I replace it or have it repaired. I've become very handy around the house so to speak.
I'm hemorrhaging cash. For instance, on top of her internet/TV/other bills I help with I just cut her a check for $400 Thursday 06/01. Today, Monday 06/05 she tells me she needs more money. She acts like I'm made out of money. She belittles me, saying things like "You don't know how much it costs to live." People, I'm 46, married with 5 people including myself under my own roof. I am the sole provider for my family. I KNOW how much it costs to live. We ourselves have a HELOC. She has asked me if I could draw against it to help her. I refuse to go into debt to solve hers and have told her as much. This month it was $400, last month she asked me for $839. She didn't get $839. Its never $20 or $50 or even a $100. Its always hundreds of dollars she needs.
I requested to have myself added as an authorized signer on her checking account. She refused to do so. "She can pay her own bills." Yeah with my money! She can't even tell me where $110,000 went or how she spent it!! If I had spent 110,000 I would have a Silverado 3500 dually in the driveway!! Or a boat, something!!
Her debt is: 50k HELOC 5k unsecured bank loans 6k Amazon Chase CC 1k Hospital bill
She's broke and she's breaking me. This situation has driven a wedge between us as big as the Grand Canyon and I hate it.
She's angry all the time. Angry with me. You should hear some of the things that come out of her mouth. She's bitter. She's bitter at life, she's bitter at me. She's soooo mad and it shows. And I can't help her any more than I already am but it's never enough. I have 2 homesteads to maintain now. I just had hand surgery and am all bandaged up and today she says "I need you to help me. I need help. When are you going to fix this light?" I had surgery Friday and she calls me Saturday asking me to go the grocery store for her. I'm like, no, I'm not going anywhere for a few days mom. You'll just have to go yourself this time. Its not going to hurt you.
I don't know what to do. I'm running out of options. She's so mean and hateful and all I'm trying to do is help as much as I can. I want her happy and I don't want her to lose the house (THEN WHAT!??!?) so I help physically and financially to the very best of my ability.
I'm lost. I'm tired and I'm hurt. What would you do? I never dreamed I would have this kind of problem after dad died.
Thank you for your time.
2023.06.06 04:28 moistbrisket17 Things to do June 6th-11th
PSA: There’s no tolerance for racist, homophobic, discriminatory, troll or unhelpful comments. If a post about events in DFW triggers you, keep on scrolling. I have zero Fs to give so if you insist on commenting something unhelpful, you’ll never have to be subjected to these free, helpful posts again bc you’ll be blocked.
This is not a top things to do in FW (plenty of posts if you search this sub), these are events specific to this week. There may be mistakes/things change so do your due diligence & search more info online. None of these events are vetted, they’re just copied & pasted.
Join the Fort Worth discord to connect w/other folks in FW, chat & check out different meet ups: https://discord.com/invite/9KUdWdQVdJ
[Tuesday June 6th]
Art Aid 4:30-6PM The Pool, 1801 8th Ave Free This seminar will offer real estate advice for artists looking to purchase, lease, sublet, or partner for a creative space.
Free Yoga Burnett Park 5:30PM
Silent Book Club Hotel Dryce 6:30PM
Trivia Game Night 7p Old Chicago Join us for great food, fun & PRIZES!
Murf’s Trivia J. Gilligan's Bar & Grill 7PM Triple Play Trivia
NoiseROT Presents: Strange and Eternal Tour (2023) w/ MYCHILDREN MYBRIDE The Rail Club Live 7PM $20+
Omar Torres Hyena’s Comedy Club Free 7PM
Geeks Who Drink Trivia Night T&P Tavern Free 7:30-9:30PM
Geeks Who Drink Trivia Night University Pub FW 8-10PM Free
Toad the Wet Sprocket Tannahill's Tavern & Music Hall 8PM $40+
[Wednesday June 7th]
Lunchtime Music Series in Burnett Park 12-1P Free
Indoor Vendor Market Rahr & Sons Brewing 5-9P enjoy 25+ local businesses to shop, live music, food trucks, snacks, sweets, acrylic paint pouring class
Ronda Ray at Fort Brewery & Pizza 6-9P
We Run Wednesday’s The trailhead at clearfork 6:30P
NoiseROT Presents: Victim of Suffering live at Haltom Theater Sidestage 7-11PM
Tall Bearded Guy Trivia Funky Picnic Brewery 7P
STFU Open MicJun 7, 8:00pm - 11:00pm Twilite Lounge FW check out the longest running comedy open mic in FW! Free jokes, drink specials & delicious po' boys! Hosted by Claws Out Comedy w/featured performer Marissa Nieto
Karaoke HopFusion Aleworks 8PM
[Thursday June 8th]
Fort Worth Movies That Matter Modern Art Museum 7-9:30PM Ernie & Joe: Crisis Cops (2019, 96 min., TV-MA) is an intimate portrait of two Texas police officers who are helping change the way police respond to mental health calls Movies That Matter is a FREE, bi-monthly film series that highlights important human & civil rights issues. Each event features a film screening, followed by a moderated discussion w/special guests. Register for free tickets on Eventbrite
Join us every second Thursday to connect with art through cocktails, conversations, & creativity The Carter 5-8PM
Beatles vs. Stones Ridglea Theater 6:30P Jam to a musical showdown $25+
Justin Tipton Fort Brewery Pizza 7PM
Greater Tuna Downtown Cowtown at the Isis June 8-10 8PM comedy show
Anand Wilder of Yeasayer The Post at River East 8P $25+
Midnight River Choir Live Rusty Nickel IceHouse 6PM $10+
Tribute Band Thursday: Local Yoakam Jun. 8 8 p.m. Fat Daddy’s, Mansfield Free live music, Happy Hour drink specials & $12 build-your-own jumbo pizzas
Evenings on Oak Street: Roanoke Austin Street Plaza 6:30PM After Party: Modern Dance Party Hits
Geeks Who Drink Trivia Night HopFusion Aleworks 8P
[Friday June 9th]
Friday on the Green, Magnolia Green Grab your lawn chair for live music from four local musicians 5-10P free
Kimbell Happy Hour 5-7P Kimbell Art Museum free music by Allegro Guitar Society
Dustin Massey w / Generational Wealth at Lola's Doors 8:00pm, Start 9:00pm
Brent Cobb Billy Bob's Texas 6PM $18+
Koe Wetzel Dickie’s Arena 6:30P $39
Kung Fu Vampire Black Heart Machine Tour Haltom Theater 7:30PM
Stockyards Championship Rodeo Cowtown Coliseum 7:30P free
Neon Wave Pool Party Whiskey Garden 8PM
Jimmy Wallace at Twilite Lounge FW 9PM-12AM No Cover
FWSO’s Concerts in the Garden Festival Gates open 6:30 p.m. start 8:30 p.m. Music of the 80s
Dustin Massey (Band) w/ Generational Wealth at Lola's Doors 8pm Show 9pm $10 advance tickets, $15 at the door
Tab Benoit Tannahill's Tavern & Music Hall 8P $40
REYES - Nuestra Fiesta Dedicada a la Realeza de la Música Latina Tulips FW 9P $15
[Saturday June 10th]
Drag Show & Brunch Pride Edition 11AM-2PM Funky Picnic Brewery Join Kiki w/the Kweens for our monthly drag show & brunch!
Glizzy Fest presented by Fletcher’s Original Corny Dogs Martin House Brewing 12-5pm Family Friendly, Live Music, Craft Vendors, & all the hot dogs/corn dogs you could dream of. Tickets $15 if drinking = 4 beers + souvenir pint glass. Those not drinking do not have to pay.
Arlington Pride Celebration the Levitt Pavilion Arlington 6-11pm (doors open at 5) ft. performances from RuPaul's Drag Race Queens Angeria Paris VanMichaels, Symone & Kennedy Davenport, DJ Al Farb & a host of other entertainment on stage along w/a street fair full of vendors
FWSO’s Concerts in the Garden Festival Gates open 6:30 p.m. start 8:30 p.m. Star Wars
Wandering Roots Market Tanger Outlets 15853 North Freeway Shop local pop-up, live music, vendors, food trucks + kid-friendly 10AM-4PM
Jim Suhler & Monkey Beat LIVE Ridglea Room 7PM $25+
Live Jazz Performance Feat. The Rob Holbert Group The Warehouse 8P
LOCALS ONLY VOL. 3 Whiskey Garden 8P
Fenne Lily + Christian Lee Hutson Tulips FW 8P $20+
Dope City Comedy Tour FW’s Hyena's Comedy Club Doors 8:30P
Guttersluts perform Alice in Chains Unplugged w/ Garrett Owen Twilite Lounge FW 9PM-12AM No Cover
Live music HopFusion 7PM
[Sunday June 11th]
Farmers Market 10AM-2PM Funky Picnic Brewery
Giddy Up Drag Brunch Concrete Cowboy FW 1-4PM
Monthly Book Club Funky Picnic Brewery 3-4P We will be focusing on outdoor & adventure-themed books, & every few months will include an outdoor activity prior to meeting to talk about the book! Will be discussing The Hatchet by Gary Paulsen
Matt Hillyer & Kayla Ray at The Post at River East 6-8P $20+
LanceBattalion at Fort Brewery 7-9PM
submitted by moistbrisket17 to FortWorth [link] [comments]
This is not a top things to do in FW (plenty of posts if you search this sub), these are events specific to this week. There may be mistakes/things change so do your due diligence & search more info online. None of these events are vetted, they’re just copied & pasted.
Join the Fort Worth discord to connect w/other folks in FW, chat & check out different meet ups: https://discord.com/invite/9KUdWdQVdJ
[Tuesday June 6th]
Art Aid 4:30-6PM The Pool, 1801 8th Ave Free This seminar will offer real estate advice for artists looking to purchase, lease, sublet, or partner for a creative space.
Free Yoga Burnett Park 5:30PM
Silent Book Club Hotel Dryce 6:30PM
Trivia Game Night 7p Old Chicago Join us for great food, fun & PRIZES!
Murf’s Trivia J. Gilligan's Bar & Grill 7PM Triple Play Trivia
NoiseROT Presents: Strange and Eternal Tour (2023) w/ MYCHILDREN MYBRIDE The Rail Club Live 7PM $20+
Omar Torres Hyena’s Comedy Club Free 7PM
Geeks Who Drink Trivia Night T&P Tavern Free 7:30-9:30PM
Geeks Who Drink Trivia Night University Pub FW 8-10PM Free
Toad the Wet Sprocket Tannahill's Tavern & Music Hall 8PM $40+
[Wednesday June 7th]
Lunchtime Music Series in Burnett Park 12-1P Free
Indoor Vendor Market Rahr & Sons Brewing 5-9P enjoy 25+ local businesses to shop, live music, food trucks, snacks, sweets, acrylic paint pouring class
Ronda Ray at Fort Brewery & Pizza 6-9P
We Run Wednesday’s The trailhead at clearfork 6:30P
NoiseROT Presents: Victim of Suffering live at Haltom Theater Sidestage 7-11PM
Tall Bearded Guy Trivia Funky Picnic Brewery 7P
STFU Open MicJun 7, 8:00pm - 11:00pm Twilite Lounge FW check out the longest running comedy open mic in FW! Free jokes, drink specials & delicious po' boys! Hosted by Claws Out Comedy w/featured performer Marissa Nieto
Karaoke HopFusion Aleworks 8PM
[Thursday June 8th]
Fort Worth Movies That Matter Modern Art Museum 7-9:30PM Ernie & Joe: Crisis Cops (2019, 96 min., TV-MA) is an intimate portrait of two Texas police officers who are helping change the way police respond to mental health calls Movies That Matter is a FREE, bi-monthly film series that highlights important human & civil rights issues. Each event features a film screening, followed by a moderated discussion w/special guests. Register for free tickets on Eventbrite
Join us every second Thursday to connect with art through cocktails, conversations, & creativity The Carter 5-8PM
Beatles vs. Stones Ridglea Theater 6:30P Jam to a musical showdown $25+
Justin Tipton Fort Brewery Pizza 7PM
Greater Tuna Downtown Cowtown at the Isis June 8-10 8PM comedy show
Anand Wilder of Yeasayer The Post at River East 8P $25+
Midnight River Choir Live Rusty Nickel IceHouse 6PM $10+
Tribute Band Thursday: Local Yoakam Jun. 8 8 p.m. Fat Daddy’s, Mansfield Free live music, Happy Hour drink specials & $12 build-your-own jumbo pizzas
Evenings on Oak Street: Roanoke Austin Street Plaza 6:30PM After Party: Modern Dance Party Hits
Geeks Who Drink Trivia Night HopFusion Aleworks 8P
[Friday June 9th]
Friday on the Green, Magnolia Green Grab your lawn chair for live music from four local musicians 5-10P free
Kimbell Happy Hour 5-7P Kimbell Art Museum free music by Allegro Guitar Society
Dustin Massey w / Generational Wealth at Lola's Doors 8:00pm, Start 9:00pm
Brent Cobb Billy Bob's Texas 6PM $18+
Koe Wetzel Dickie’s Arena 6:30P $39
Kung Fu Vampire Black Heart Machine Tour Haltom Theater 7:30PM
Stockyards Championship Rodeo Cowtown Coliseum 7:30P free
Neon Wave Pool Party Whiskey Garden 8PM
Jimmy Wallace at Twilite Lounge FW 9PM-12AM No Cover
FWSO’s Concerts in the Garden Festival Gates open 6:30 p.m. start 8:30 p.m. Music of the 80s
Dustin Massey (Band) w/ Generational Wealth at Lola's Doors 8pm Show 9pm $10 advance tickets, $15 at the door
Tab Benoit Tannahill's Tavern & Music Hall 8P $40
REYES - Nuestra Fiesta Dedicada a la Realeza de la Música Latina Tulips FW 9P $15
[Saturday June 10th]
Drag Show & Brunch Pride Edition 11AM-2PM Funky Picnic Brewery Join Kiki w/the Kweens for our monthly drag show & brunch!
Glizzy Fest presented by Fletcher’s Original Corny Dogs Martin House Brewing 12-5pm Family Friendly, Live Music, Craft Vendors, & all the hot dogs/corn dogs you could dream of. Tickets $15 if drinking = 4 beers + souvenir pint glass. Those not drinking do not have to pay.
Arlington Pride Celebration the Levitt Pavilion Arlington 6-11pm (doors open at 5) ft. performances from RuPaul's Drag Race Queens Angeria Paris VanMichaels, Symone & Kennedy Davenport, DJ Al Farb & a host of other entertainment on stage along w/a street fair full of vendors
FWSO’s Concerts in the Garden Festival Gates open 6:30 p.m. start 8:30 p.m. Star Wars
Wandering Roots Market Tanger Outlets 15853 North Freeway Shop local pop-up, live music, vendors, food trucks + kid-friendly 10AM-4PM
Jim Suhler & Monkey Beat LIVE Ridglea Room 7PM $25+
Live Jazz Performance Feat. The Rob Holbert Group The Warehouse 8P
LOCALS ONLY VOL. 3 Whiskey Garden 8P
Fenne Lily + Christian Lee Hutson Tulips FW 8P $20+
Dope City Comedy Tour FW’s Hyena's Comedy Club Doors 8:30P
Guttersluts perform Alice in Chains Unplugged w/ Garrett Owen Twilite Lounge FW 9PM-12AM No Cover
Live music HopFusion 7PM
[Sunday June 11th]
Farmers Market 10AM-2PM Funky Picnic Brewery
Giddy Up Drag Brunch Concrete Cowboy FW 1-4PM
Monthly Book Club Funky Picnic Brewery 3-4P We will be focusing on outdoor & adventure-themed books, & every few months will include an outdoor activity prior to meeting to talk about the book! Will be discussing The Hatchet by Gary Paulsen
Matt Hillyer & Kayla Ray at The Post at River East 6-8P $20+
LanceBattalion at Fort Brewery 7-9PM
2023.06.06 04:26 Moonymoonymoo I’m planning to attend college out of state and my dad wants to follow me.
I (19F) graduated from high school a week ago, and for as long as I could remember I’ve wanted to leave. I’ve applied to and accepted into a university in a different state with their presidential merit scholarship so finances aren’t the main immediate concern.
However, I grew up in a very traditional, conservative, asian family so this is way out of the norm. Especially in my family. Growing up, my parents have always been very very controlling and outright abusive. Emotionally, mentally, physically, and sexually to not just me, but my younger brother. Off the top of my head, I remember my father telling me to end my life because it would be less of a financial burden for him after someone from church told them I tried to take my life. And most recently, when my mom suspected I had a boyfriend, her first reaction was to say “o that’s impossible because you’re short and ugly and have a bad temper. Who would ever want you”.
I am so so so desperate to leave and I can’t fathom why I can’t have a normal family.
I told my parents that I planned to go out of state after pondering for a long time. I didn’t know how they’d react and I was so sure theyd try to hurt me in whatever way they could. My bank account was created when I was 17, so my father co-signed and my parents have access to all my money. They can see every transaction, every deposit, and can even take out money as they pleased. I worked for a year to save up all I could, and the fact that they would take my money.
It was radio silence for a while and they acted like I never said anything. But lately my mom has been amping up the emotional manipulation x10. Saying things like she didn’t have a daughter and that I was “broken” and needed fixing for wanting to leave my parents. I ignore it as I always do, but then last night she dropped the bomb that my dad was planning to follow me to Florida and live there until I graduate.
I am freaking out. It makes me hyperventilate at the thought of being a goddamn servant for him, being in a house, much less a room with him after everything he did to me as a kid. I planned on moving in with my boyfriend (that they don’t know of because they’re major racists) and I didn’t plan on telling them until after we got engaged. But sweet lord I am absolutely terrified. Even if he didn’t move with me, he has family there and they expect me to live with them.
I’ve lost sleep over this and I can’t even breath most times I think about it. My flight has been booked and I was planning on telling them that the school sent me the ticket. I can’t pen a new bank account until I have an address for the new place. But they have access to my money, my location, and pay my phone bill. I don’t think anything will deter them and I just want to avoid the fight. I’m so tired of yelling and the fighting, the guilt tripping. Being in this house is so suffocating and I want to leave so bad.
submitted by Moonymoonymoo to toxicparents [link] [comments]
However, I grew up in a very traditional, conservative, asian family so this is way out of the norm. Especially in my family. Growing up, my parents have always been very very controlling and outright abusive. Emotionally, mentally, physically, and sexually to not just me, but my younger brother. Off the top of my head, I remember my father telling me to end my life because it would be less of a financial burden for him after someone from church told them I tried to take my life. And most recently, when my mom suspected I had a boyfriend, her first reaction was to say “o that’s impossible because you’re short and ugly and have a bad temper. Who would ever want you”.
I am so so so desperate to leave and I can’t fathom why I can’t have a normal family.
I told my parents that I planned to go out of state after pondering for a long time. I didn’t know how they’d react and I was so sure theyd try to hurt me in whatever way they could. My bank account was created when I was 17, so my father co-signed and my parents have access to all my money. They can see every transaction, every deposit, and can even take out money as they pleased. I worked for a year to save up all I could, and the fact that they would take my money.
It was radio silence for a while and they acted like I never said anything. But lately my mom has been amping up the emotional manipulation x10. Saying things like she didn’t have a daughter and that I was “broken” and needed fixing for wanting to leave my parents. I ignore it as I always do, but then last night she dropped the bomb that my dad was planning to follow me to Florida and live there until I graduate.
I am freaking out. It makes me hyperventilate at the thought of being a goddamn servant for him, being in a house, much less a room with him after everything he did to me as a kid. I planned on moving in with my boyfriend (that they don’t know of because they’re major racists) and I didn’t plan on telling them until after we got engaged. But sweet lord I am absolutely terrified. Even if he didn’t move with me, he has family there and they expect me to live with them.
I’ve lost sleep over this and I can’t even breath most times I think about it. My flight has been booked and I was planning on telling them that the school sent me the ticket. I can’t pen a new bank account until I have an address for the new place. But they have access to my money, my location, and pay my phone bill. I don’t think anything will deter them and I just want to avoid the fight. I’m so tired of yelling and the fighting, the guilt tripping. Being in this house is so suffocating and I want to leave so bad.