John was bored one night and decided to get to work on something. He didn't know what exactly to do, so he decided to write a story since writing was one of his hobbies. However, John was so bored that he didn't even know what to write about, so that's when he gave up and went right back to bed staring at his vinyl record copy of The Best of Bread resting on his turntable. He was too lazy to at least make an attempt to drop the needle on the record and listen to some music. Instead, he just stared at the ceiling desperately wanting to do something great, but lacking the energy and motivation to do so; he needed some kind of incentive... John suddenly jolted not realizing that he had dosed off, so he decided to call it a night and close his eyes for good till morning. It was 12:37am...
Twisting, turning, and mumbling, John finally woke up not feeling too well, but it was only 2:00am. He stumbled to the bathroom like a blind drunk man to pee and wash his face. He was cold and shivering like a worried puppy trying to shake off the unpleasant dream that he woke from. After he washes his hands, he stares at himself in the mirror recalling the dream he just had...
A white middle aged man was mowing a lawn. The lawn looked like a small version of John's childhood home in Jonesborough Tennessee. The man was wearing a beige straw hat and had a smirk on his face while constantly wiping his sweat. There was no one else around, just the man mowing the lawn. There was something cold and unwelcoming about the lawn mowing man's presence. He never made eye contact with John, yet John felt as though he was looking at him. "But how?" John whispered to himself... The more John wondered that question to himself, the more hostile the presence of the lawnmowing man became. Still, the man never batted an eye at John, but gave the feeling as though he knew everything about John and was watching him like a Hawk... The lawn mowing man's smirk grew larger, more sweat began to pour from his face as he violently swatted his hands across his sunburnt forehead... Suddenly the ambience became louder and louder which resembled a chaotic orchestral crescendo and...
John suddenly snaps back to reality while still gazing at himself in the mirror; he smirks and tries to laugh the dream away, but there was just something so unsettling about the dream that words just couldn't describe. John desperately wanted to forget about the dream and was too scared to go back to bed fearing that the dream may reappear. He gets back in bed and stares at the ceiling once again but accidentally doses off...
John finally sleeps well until morning when he wakes up to briefly eat some cereal and then gets back in bed realizing he doesn't work on Saturdays... It was dark and raining, but no thunder or lighting, just rain. John hears the sound of a lawnmower revving. It comes in and out of audible range. He rolls out of bed like lazy lion and peeks out of the window only to see the lawnmowing man once again. This time however, the lawnmowing man waves with a normal looking smile on his face while politely hollering, "Hi John! How are ya?"
John suddenly springs upward on his bed like a petrified deer unable to move and process what's going on! "Oh crap, it's 2:00pm!" John says to himself feeling like the end of the world is at hand. John's mind slowly starts to wake up as he begins to relax remembering that he doesn't work on Saturdays. But nothing seemed to be able to ease him away from that dreadful dream. Nothing he did could shake that feeling off, it was almost as though the dream really did happen in some unearthly dimension or realm that the human spirit goes to while slumbering... But there it was again, the sound of the lawnmower slowly going in and out of audible range... John chuckles realizing that the active lawnmowing team outside was the reason he dreamed of a lawnmower in his dream... But what about the first dream? he thought to himself...
It was a beautiful sunny day and John wanted to take advantage of the day while also hoping to forget about the unpleasant dream he had. He ate a quick meal and dressed himself for an adventure to the grocery store. He had to pee before leaving, so he went to the bathroom to take care of business... While washing his hands, he stares at himself in the mirror and chuckles again trying to convince himself that it was just a normal dream. "It was literally just a dream about a man mowing the lawn, I mean how is that scary?" he said. "I mean, maybe I was feeling a little sick and that's why such a normal dream felt so terrifying. Oh well, it's normal. Let's go get some groceries and ice cream so that I can focus on that story I want to try to write this time tonight!"
John hits the road in his silver 2012 Mustang leaving nothing but dust and bad bad dreams behind. As he's driving through a suburban area, he notices a man in a beige straw hat mowing their lawn... John chuckles and says, "Haha, see? Totally normal!" John finally arrives at the local grocery store... John parks his Mustang when the sky suddenly turns grey as rush of pale clouds dim the skies. The grocery store looked rather ghostly and depressing. There were many old looking cars that resembled a 2002 Toyota Camry, some with rusting canopies and dirty hubcaps. Out in the distance of the lot, there was a lawnmowing team truck branded with a decal that read Straw Hat Lawncare...
John made his way into the the grocery store and felt a bitter welcome from everyone inside. Nobody glanced at John. Everyone in the store looked like depressed fish passing by each other. There was a Hispanic family talking Spanish. The father was wearing a green jersey and the mother was sporting a pink sweater with grey sweatpants. Their kids were following along while randomly touching items. John was Hispanic as well, but felt no connection around this family. That's when John started to notice that nobody made eye contact with him, even when he said "excuse me" to reach for something. Not the employees, not the local sheriff, not the old lady looking at flowers, nobody... Not that John wanted to be looked at or noticed, but there was something odd about this, almost as if everybody was purposefully told not to make any kind of contact with him. It was a feeling that was hard to explain.
John quickly grabs some groceries to rush over to checkout to test if the cashier would at least say hello or something. But to John's disappointment, the cashier did not even greet John when he set his items down on the checkout countertop. The conveyor belt squeaks every time it moves; it's movement seems so lifeless, just like the cashier... Still, no eye contact whatsoever, not even if he tried to make conversation. The cashier just looked down the whole time. John started to panic inside, something just didn't feel right. It's not all in my head! John thought to himself... John grabs his groceries and heads for the exit when he notices a dirty looking man wearing beige straw hat smoking a cigarette. This man happened to be the only person that glanced at John, but it wasn't a pleasant glance. The man had a grim look on his face... John started to get the feeling that everybody was on to him, and that even the people who were ignoring him were actually very aware of his presence.
John was a good guy, not a saint, but a good-hearted person. He's never caused any harm to anyone and has always been a respectful gentlemen. But why? Why does it feel like these people hate me for no reason? John thought to himself again. Although John was physically being ignored, he got the feeling that everybody was actually looking at him... John quickly paces towards his Mustang. His heart throbbing, muscles tightening, jaw clenching, head aching; John starts his car and glances around. He looks out his right window and sees the dull grocery store. He looks straight ahead and sees the lawnmowing team truck. He looks to his left and sees a man with a beige straw hat right next to the window. The man knocks looking like he was begging for money. John being good hearted lowers the window but the man speaks before John could do anything, "Your back tire is flat!" The man kept repeating the same phrase over and over as if having a flat tire was bad luck. The man reeked of whiskey and tabaco, he had no front teeth and looked like he was wired on methamphetamine or something. "Come on out here and look!" the man exclaimed. "That tire's lookin bad man, you gotta get that fixed. You got one of them spares?" "Yeah, I got a spare." John said. "I got this, don't worry about me." "OF COURSE I'm gon worry bout you brother, that's what we do round here!"
The man starts telling a story about his brother Phil who had a flat tire because he was being shot at by some thugs. The man's story seems to go on forever and John starts to tune out. John glances out in the distance over the man's shoulder; the man's voice begins to get muddled as John focuses on someone getting out of the lawnmowing team truck in the distance. His heart starts to race when he sees another man with a beige straw hat stepping out of the car, except this time, John felt a very hostile vibration. The man in the distance puffed a cloud of smoke when he quickly glanced towards John's way with an evil look on his face... John looks behind and sees another man with a beige straw hat just like the one from his dream. Oddly enough, this man waved and shouted, "Hello! Need some help?"
John's heart started to pound and he almost felt like fainting. Maybe it's just my anxiety. "I've got to go!" John told the whiskey breathed man and cranked on his Mustang. He peeled out of the parking lot like a rabbit fearing for it's life. He could still hear the whiskey breathed man crying, "Hey man! I just wanted to help!" The whiskey breathed man kept crying, "I just wanted to help man! I JUST WANTED TO HELP!!" Tears rolling down his face, down his now sad face, "I just wanted to help you DOOD!! Why? WHY this gotta happen to me man? WHY! Why man? Come on! I JUST WANTED TO HELP!! I just wanted to help! Ahh!! AHHH!!!"
John finally arrived back home and hurried out of his car into his house... Suddenly everything was quiet... Too quiet... Finally, peace. I just have to rest and forget about that dream I had. It's ok, that whiskey breathed man was just really high on meth, he didn't hurt me. I was just really freaked out, that's all. I hope that man will be alright. I feel kind of bad, I didn't want to leave him there all alone. He looked like he was a hurting man, could've used a little company. No, what am I thinking? He was just high. Why should I trust some random meth-head like that? Awe, he's alright. He's cool... I'm tired now, I'm just going to relax and see if I can start that story! Yeah, that'll cheer me up! It's just life, weird stuff happens! But what about... No, forget it... But why was I seeing men with beige straw hats all day like the man in my dream? Nah, I'm overthinking, it was just a hot sunny day today, duh... But what about all of those grim looking people at the store? I felt like they were on to me, like they were all in on it. Oh crap! Maybe they know about my dream! No way, that's not possible... But what if dreams really are connected to real-life? I mean, it's part of life after all... Nah, that's too weird, it's all in my head...
Suddenly, the sound of a 4-stroke engine starts revving... Grass? At this time? It's late evening. John crawls over to his window and sees a man in a beige straw hat cutting the neighbors lawn... "Ahh!!" John jolts upwards biting his nails. He crawls back to his bed and tries to once again justify what's happening... Suddenly, he smells cigarette smoke. "What's that smell?" he says... He slowly glances at a dirty light blue uniform and before he could make out what it is, a raspy voice 'declares, "WE"RE WATCHING YOU..." Another voice says, "WE'RE LOOKING AT YOU, HAPPY NOW?" Another voice answers that one, "LOOK WHAT YOU DID TO DALE JERK! AH HAHA!" "YEAH, YOU'RE SO MEAN FOR LEAVING HIM BEHIND!" "DALE ERA UN BUEN HOMBRE..." Said a Spanish voice...
John slowly looked up and saw an extremely pale faced version of the cashier from the grocery store and still not making eye contact, but three inches away from John saying, "Hi honey, how are ya?" and then repeats the phrase over again, "I SAID HOW ARE YA HONEY? WHAT, CAT GOTCHA TONGUE? WELL I'LL FEED IT TO MUH CATS WHEN I GET HOME THEN! BET CHU DON'T HAVE THE DECENCY TO HELP OUT DALE WITH A LITTLE BIT OF FOOD, DO YA?" She kept shouting at John three inches away while still not making eye contact. "SO? HOW YA DOING HONEY? FIND EVERYTHING YA NEED? HAHAHAHA! YOU SU................
John wakes up again... It's 2:00am. Everything is quiet. Desperately trying to forget the bad dreams and the strange day at the grocery store, he finally decides to drop the needle on the Best of Bread vinyl record. The music is soothing. He begins to drift into slumber once again.
John sleeps in and wakes up at 2:00pm on Sunday, he doesn't work on Sunday's either. John realizes he never got the groceries that he actually needed, so he makes his way to the grocery store once again. on another sunny day. He pulls into the parking lot, but this time they sky stays sunny and blue. The lawn mowing team truck is gone. John makes his way inside the grocery store. This time, a jolly old man greets him as he walks in. "How are you doing young man?" Says the old man. "Fine, thank you." John replies. Today, everybody was acknowledging John and making him feel welcome. Lots of smiles and hellos. There was even another Hispanic family who smiled at John while crossing paths. Even the children seemed happy. Hmm, too suspicious. It's almost like they're watching me and know what happened yesterday.
John grabbed all the items he needed and headed for checkout. He approached the counter and was greeted by the same cashier from last time. This time she actually speaks to John... "Hey honey, how are ya?" Says the cashier with a cute smile. "Great, how are you? John replies. "Oh honey, I had such a busy day yesterday! First I had to go see my doctor because of my back pain, then my car ran out of gas and I had to tell my hubby to help me out. Then he starts going off on me about how these lawn mowing guys woke him up at 5 in the mornin' and I told him, honey, they just doin' they job. Oh honey, today is much better, it's a beautiful day and my back feels better." Something about this doesn't seem right... She knows... She knows and she's playing around with me... Everybody is... No, I'm just being paranoid. Forget it, today is a great day!
John makes his way back to his mustang with a kart full of groceries... "HEY DOOD!!" suddenly screams the whiskey breathed man from behind. "Whoa man, you scared me!" Says John. "Oh I'm sorry man, didn't mean to startle ya.. Hey, I noticed you got a spare tire now. Good job buddy! Hey listen man, I'm feeling happy today a.. a.. and I just want to give you my hat!" John looks at the beige straw hat... "Are you sure?" John asks. "Yeah man, go on and take it, it's time I let go of somethings in life. I'm trying to start a new life man and stay away from theses drugs out here man. You go on an take it, it has good luck man!" John accepts and takes the hat. The man smiles. John smiles. "Hey I'll see ya later DOOD!"
It's 12:37am and John is staring at the beige straw hat that the whiskey breathed man gave him... John lugged out his vintage 1970's typewriter and was finally in the mood to write. He knew what he wanted to start with, but just right before he was about to type the letter L with his ring finger, the sound of a 4-stroke engine starts revving...
​
​
WERE LOOKING AT YOU. WE KNOW WHO YOU ARE. HOW YA DOING HONEY?

Hello all, this is my first post here and i'm so happy to have found it! I'm definitely an HSP and have been my whole life.
After 2 different apartments over the course of 3 years, in conjunction with testimony from others and their apartment experiences, I have finally conceded the fact that I need to move and live somewhere where no one is sharing walls with me - ESPECIALLY - if they are walls constructed out of whatever materials apartment developers use, which have an absolutely awful habit of amplifying trivial sounds from your neighbors. Sure, you might not hear voices often, but you SURE AS SHIT do hear it every time a closet door is shut, or the inexplicable sound of a brick hitting your ceiling because either your upstairs or downstairs neighbor dropped a paper clip.
With how awful the market is, I know I'll never be able to afford OWNING a house, and even RENTING one seems like a pipe dream. I feel like my options are limited to returning to a "shared rooming house" situation, but as a HSP, that has its own triggers for me..like close quarter roommates who do drugs/drink a lot and cause disturbances.
​
But I feel like my only options are to grin and bear it, or move to that housing situation mentioned above. Some might suggest to move to a top floor unit in my current building, which would surely help, but if you can hear the footsteps/banging noises from those UNDERNEATH you, this really isn't an ideal fix. Plus I'm worried about potential roof noises being so close in proximity.
I should mention outdoor noises don't bother me at all, so I know I don't suffer from misophonia, but for some reason structure-borne booms and bangs really make me agitated, paranoid, panicky and hypervigilant. The immediacy of it as well as the amplification is what makes it all sooooo much worse :(
​
Has anyone been in this situation and found a way out? Or maybe even a way to remain in my current living situation but get used to the bangs and thuds a little better? So far I use white noise with fans, and also use earplugs for sleep, but i'm still getting unsatisfactory results.
Thanks for any input guys!

Hey Everyone!
Let’s go….
Newly Covered Today:

1. Ohhhhhhh! This did not go in the SEC’s favor. https://twitter.com/ArmySpies/status/1666492499505090563
2. IOG’s response to the SEC suits against Coinbase and Binance. https://iohk.io/en/blog/posts/2023/06/07/iog-response-to-the-recent-sec-filings/
3. The court in Coinbase’s earlier Petition for Writ of Mandamus against the SEC (basically just requesting the SEC to do its rulemaking job and provide some clarity) has noted the SEC v. Coinbase complaint and is ordering the SEC to respond in seven days. https://twitter.com/iampaulgrewal/status/1666234163110748160
4. Brian Armstrong says they will NOT shut down their staking service in response to the complaint. https://twitter.com/TheOCcryptobro/status/1666545429306290176
5. With all the SEC complaints it’s easy to forget that the Digital Asset Market Structure Discussion Draft is still in play. https://financialservices.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=408838
6. The SEC is busy filing documents that are pretty bad for Binance. We’ve seen some of the chat logs before. But, some of the docs are new. https://twitter.com/adamscochran/status/1666473028610408450
7. Looks like Binance wants the court to know they were once in discussions with Gensler to bring him on as an advisor. https://www.cnbc.com/2023/06/07/binance-lawyers-say-sec-chair-gensler-offered-to-be-advisor-in-2019.html

Previously covered, but still interesting:

1. Cardano Native Assets are vastly superior to BRC20 and ERC20 tokens. https://twitter.com/TheOCcryptobro/status/1655673557710692352
2. Rumor: SEC is going to make a move against Binance. Will the DOJ also? https://twitter.com/AP_Abacus/status/1655546961968103425
3. At the end of Q3 of last year, 722 banks reported unrealized losses greater than 50% of capital. https://www.federalreserve.gov/supervisionreg/files/board-briefing-on-impact-of-rising-interest-rates-and-supervisory-approach-20230214.pdf
4. Wyoming is inching closer to a state stablecoin. IOG’s significant presence there may turn out to be a huge advantage. https://cowboystatedaily.com/2023/05/09/wyoming-stable-token-a-multibillion-dollar-opportunity-as-officials-wrestle-with-how-to-make-it-happen/
5. Paypal disclosed almost $1 billion in customer crypto in its latest 10-Q. https://blockworks.co/news/paypal-discloses-1b-crypto
6. MiCA is shifting the balance of crypto investment to Europe. https://twitter.com/paddi_hansen/status/1655883224726241281
7. Today (May 10) will be a joint hearing of the Agriculture and Financial Services Committees on Crypto. The CLO of Kraken will testify. https://financialservices.house.gov/
8. This is a legit point about centralized L2s: the best ones are called Coinbase, Kraken, and Binance. https://twitter.com/el33th4xostatus/1655845787593502720
9. There’s already a new version of Lace Wallet out. https://twitter.com/lace_io/status/1656347737355608066
10. A nice thread on the many strengths of Cardano. https://twitter.com/TobiasIlskov/status/1656388178369212416
11. Remember, lobster traps are a thing. https://twitter.com/TheCardanoTimes/status/1656064744225120257
12. Today (May 11 at 1pm EST) there will be a Messari Cardano Analyst call with Charles & Frederik. https://twitter.com/StakeWithPride/status/1656272372452954112
13. I think we all love it when they start making our case for us. https://twitter.com/WatcherGuru/status/1656379837823561730
14. Ethereum is lamenting many of its poor design choices that Cardano already fixed. https://twitter.com/moo9000/status/1656215016016683008
15. Drunkenmiller says this is the broadest asset bubble he’s ever even studied let alone seen firsthand and we’ve only had a few soft landings since 1950. https://twitter.com/Stephen_Geigestatus/1656416819312222219
16. Live footage of meme coin investors accepting their ROI. https://twitter.com/KaylerSmithTV/status/1656130092966264834
17. Here’s the Messari call from today with both Fred & Chaz. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ouUhWwF74MM
18. People really seem to be enjoying the CF’s Blockchain Education Alpha Program. https://twitter.com/andreassosilo/status/1644263843743293451
19. The US Chamber of Commerce brief in the Coinbase case is calling out the SEC for acting “unlawfully”. https://twitter.com/MetaLawMan/status/1656737447756038177
20. About that whole self-custody thing we’ve discussed… https://twitter.com/BitcoinMagazine/status/1656706653801136132
21. The SPO poll on K and minFee starts today (May 15)! You should redelegate if your stake pool doesn’t vote the way you would vote! https://cardanofoundation.org/en/news/entering-voltaire-poll-experiment-live-on-mainnet/
22. There are also a series of forum topics for discussion of the various options in the Cardano.org forums. https://twitter.com/Lovecoach_nic/status/1657700010148896770
23. Coinbase spotlights Empowa! May be the first time they’ve ever given such a spotlight to a Cardano project. Tides are turning. https://twitter.com/coinbase/status/1657081243518005254
24. Wow. Leaked “Key Messages” document for the joint committee meeting in the US House last week. Best part: they basically complain about separation of powers in point three. https://twitter.com/EleanorTerrett/status/1656362002577772544
25. Dr. Vanishree Rao on ZK-Rollups. https://twitter.com/InputOutputHK/status/1657778843854274560
26. Here’s a new Decentralized Identity article from IOG. https://iohk.io/en/blog/posts/2023/05/11/atala-prism-pioneering-digital-identity-with-decentralized-solutions/
27. There are reasons we’re in a hard capped cryptocurrency like Cardano. https://www.cnn.com/2023/05/15/business/argentina-interest-rates-inflation/index.html
28. What is a dRep? This video is for you. There will be additional categories of default dReps that vote abstain or no confidence on every vote. https://twitter.com/InputOutputHK/status/1658034085401337857
29. The US Dept. of Justice is officially saying they are targeting exchanges. Great. Great. https://www.ft.com/content/5aac457e-cc80-44ae-ac40-9b51d9b601a3
30. Wow! Ledger just made what is possibly the greatest PR blunder in the history of crypto. Trezor will be poppin’ bottles tonight. https://twitter.com/Ledgestatus/1658458714771169282
31. People are claiming that the hysteria is a misunderstanding of cryptography. But, that’s not what’s going on here if Ledger plus one of the other two shard custodians can reconstruct your private key without having to use your private key. https://twitter.com/nimuepool/status/1658517533836574720
32. The Ledger Recover FAQ seems to support this understanding as it suggests you use a brand new device for recovery. https://support.ledger.com/hc/en-us/articles/9579368109597
33. Wow. Unfortunate timing for this. https://twitter.com/Ledgestatus/1658095051375800321
34. Ken Kodama will be doing a Japanese language interview on CardanoSpot on May 18. https://twitter.com/Emurgo_Ken/status/1658838077136162828
35. The stake pool operator poll on network parameters of K and minPoolCost is live. See the results here. The re-delegation phase will begin on May 25th. https://adastat.net/polls/96861fe7da8d45ba5db95071ed3889ed1412929f33610636c072a4b5ab550211
36. Cornucopias dropped some new in-game footage. As expected, Solace is beautiful. https://youtu.be/j5iwNsQVMDQ?t=1846
37. Wow….the Ledger shards are encrypted with “a master key that is contained in all devices”. Wut? https://twitter.com/P3b7_/status/1658809445965606913
38. Sadly, the Ledger CEO seemed to be denying exactly the above just a day ago. https://twitter.com/_pgauthiestatus/1658508082941403144
39. Here’s why 340 ADA minPoolCost promotes multi-pools. https://twitter.com/ArmySpies/status/1659387255537176581
40. Numbers are emerging on the benefits of K=1000 over K=500. https://twitter.com/StakeWithPride/status/1659398551917727744
41. Here’s the latest on the Stake Pool Operator poll. https://adastat.net/polls/96861fe7da8d45ba5db95071ed3889ed1412929f33610636c072a4b5ab550211
42. Rep. Tom Emmer is trying to help crypto by cutting crypto assets out of the definition of a “security”. He creates a new non-security asset category called “investment contract asset”. https://twitter.com/GOPMajorityWhip/status/1659291641281146886
43. Prof. Wadler (co-inventor of Cardano’s Plutus) has been elected a Fellow of the Royal Society joining the likes of Einstein, Darwin, Hawking, and Isaac Newton. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PLOm-dWje-M
44. Huge amount of voting for economic self-interest by multi-poolers in the SPO poll. Earlier today (May 21), 84.73% by stake of the vote for K=500, Min Cost 340 ₳ was multi-poolers. Only 15.6% of the vote for K=1000, Min Cost 170 ₳ was multi-poolers. https://adastat.net/polls/96861fe7da8d45ba5db95071ed3889ed1412929f33610636c072a4b5ab550211
45. Large pools also voted heavily for economic self-interest with the K parameter. 70.02% by stake of the vote for K=500, Min Cost 170 ₳ was pools with delegation over 35 million. Only 30.57% of the vote for K=1000, Min Cost 170 ₳ was pools over 35 million. https://adastat.net/polls/96861fe7da8d45ba5db95071ed3889ed1412929f33610636c072a4b5ab550211
46. Apparently Cardano has its own wiki now! Probably better given our previous treatment by the big wiki group. https://twitter.com/StakeWithPride/status/1660383700243329024
47. Rep. Tom Emmer is getting some reactions on the bill he sponsored with Rep. Soto. https://twitter.com/GOPMajorityWhip/status/1660329932495486977
48. You’re really gonna hold up a debt ceiling deal because you hate crypto so bad? https://twitter.com/gaborgurbacs/status/1660248530135515138
49. Looks like a few big multi-poolers have voted in the poll since yesterday. Pretty easy to predict what they didn’t vote for. https://adastat.net/polls/96861fe7da8d45ba5db95071ed3889ed1412929f33610636c072a4b5ab550211
50. Reports coming in that DCG has defaulted on the payment owed to Genesis. https://twitter.com/AP_Abacus/status/1660671386388504577
51. Ledger Recover would allow governments to confiscate crypto assets by subpoena? Called “not a real concern in the end.” Really? https://twitter.com/TheBTCTherapist/status/1660677064700178436
52. Frederik Gregaard on DeFi and regulation. https://twitter.com/F_Gregaard/status/1660655806709211137
53. Don’t Forget, the May Cardano 360 will be on May 25th. https://twitter.com/InputOutputHK/status/1660621805017608194
54. Here’s the daily check-in on the status of the SPO Poll. We have surpassed 590 pools voting (as of May 23). https://adastat.net/polls/96861fe7da8d45ba5db95071ed3889ed1412929f33610636c072a4b5ab550211
55. The Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong has decided to get our hopes up with a proposed regulatory framework for crypto exchanges that could mean more trading for coins like Cardano. https://apps.sfc.hk/edistributionWeb/gateway/EN/news-and-announcements/news/doc?refNo=23PR53
56. Here’s an IOG thread on the latest out of Atala Prism and Self-Sovereign Identity. https://twitter.com/InputOutputHK/status/1660904360925188097
57. Here’s an IOG article on Cardano native tokens. https://twitter.com/InputOutputHK/status/1660975383997448193
58. The difference in decentralization between Cardano and Bitcoin is still…laughable. https://twitter.com/StakeWithPride/status/1660979639907500033
59. Ledger is finally caving (a little) to the backlash. It’s reported that they will focus on open sourcing parts of their code and only release the “Recover” firmware after that open sourcing is finished. https://twitter.com/NFTherdestatus/1661026174779420672
60. Looks like the Hong Kong announcement yesterday might have been a hint of what’s coming. https://twitter.com/cz_binance/status/1661391542504902664
61. The Cardano Layerverse is coming to life. https://twitter.com/TobiasIlskov/status/1660697833115385856
62. Wow! Incredible! Thank you for voting in favor of decentralization, 1PCT! https://twitter.com/StakeWithPride/status/1661460222203002880
63. Federal Reserve report debunks claim that crypto is not useful to people in the US. https://twitter.com/SebVentures/status/1661063483369177108
64. The SPO phase of the poll is over. Nearly 800 pools voted. Now it’s your turn to see how your pool voted and re-delegate if you think they voted against decentralization and for their own pocketbook. https://adastat.net/polls/96861fe7da8d45ba5db95071ed3889ed1412929f33610636c072a4b5ab550211
65. The May Cardano 360 is out! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7_bCa_xCoxA
66. Charles dropped an update today. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KfL2U2hAGWw
67. Sen. Cynthia Lummis declares her opposition to the 30% tax on bitcoin mining. https://twitter.com/SenLummis/status/1661803569341759495
68. Lots of volume being transacted on Cardano recently! https://twitter.com/cwpaulm/status/1662929296329981952
69. Recent subpoenas to the Python Package Index don’t bode well for those hoping to store seed phrases with third-party custodians. https://twitter.com/_jonasschnelli_/status/1662531840606093312
70. Transaction volume is looking very interesting right now. https://messari.io/charts/cardano/txn-vol
71. JPG Store has now launched Android and IOS apps. https://twitter.com/jpgstoreNFT/status/1663281982262919170
72. It’s true. Cardano is straight killing it on the security leg of the trilemma.https://twitter.com/cardano_whale/status/1662987243655684096
73. Just checked. Yep. The centralization in ETH is still staggering. https://twitter.com/StakeWithPride/status/1663222056870350848
74. There’s a documentary about a 2022 Plutus hackathon in Argentina. https://twitter.com/LarsBrunjes/status/1663111319732535297
75. Pavia is testing NFT gating. This could get very interesting. https://twitter.com/Pavia_io/status/1663153213988823040
76. Marlowe is on mainnet! You can now code Cardano smart contracts in javascript or blockly via Marlowe! This is an amazing leap forward. https://twitter.com/marlowe_io/status/1663480828016435200
77. Don’t forget! We are still in the re-delegation phase of the CF Poll. See how your stake pool voted! If they were voting for their pocketbook instead of decentralization, you should re-delegate! https://twitter.com/Cardano_CF/status/1663564854572244994
78. Wow! Cardano projects are doing big things these days! https://twitter.com/CardanoCrocClub/status/1663468916843114498
79. The CCP has dropped a white paper on how it will develop Web 3 including NFTs and the metaverse. https://twitter.com/milestones_nft/status/1663458500922712064
80. Lace is now open source! https://twitter.com/IOHK_Charles/status/1663953642045714433
81. Binance is back and apparently they don’t care if someone had that ticker first. https://twitter.com/pool_pm/status/1663809731603906560
82. Summon is now allowing for multichain swaps of ADA & ERG. https://twitter.com/N8iveToEarth/status/1664038846563225600
83. Charles did a Twitter Space with World Mobile. https://twitter.com/IOHK_Charles/status/1663984094252810283
84. Here’s an easy infographic on CIP-1694 Voltaire governance from IOG. https://twitter.com/Hornan7/status/1664007623799185409
85. Apparently, Cardano sushi is a thing! https://twitter.com/Allison_Fromm/status/1663841386074976257
86. This kind of sums up the problems with central bank behavior over the last 20 years. https://twitter.com/JeffWenigestatus/1664012650781585409
87. Interesting news about the currency in one of Cardano’s biggest metaverse projects. https://twitter.com/Pavia_io/status/1664240389610704896
88. Messari has released an article on operational decentralization in proof-of-stake crypto. https://messari.io/report/evaluating-validator-decentralization-geographic-and-infrastructure-distribution-in-proof-of-stake-networks
89. The Bureau of Labor Statistics has MASSIVELY revised their figures on Q4 of 2022. No surprise, the numbers were much worse than they told us. https://twitter.com/FrogNews/status/1664253845399130113
90. Looks like DAOs are getting a little hesitant about fee switches due to possible legal/tax implications. https://twitter.com/FrogNews/status/1664253845399130113
91. We even have Arctic block production. https://twitter.com/Laponia_pool/status/1664226409466740737
92. Questions are being raised regarding the blockspace consumption of dApps still on Plutus v1. https://twitter.com/matiwinnetou/status/1664385383122051073
93. Atomic wallet got hacked. https://twitter.com/zachxbt/status/1665080799253733377
94. No surprise: general interest in crypto & Cardano is still pretty low according to google trends. https://trends.google.com/trends/explore?date=today%205-y&geo=US&q=cardano&hl=en
95. Here’s the Weekly Development Update from June 2. https://twitter.com/InputOutputHK/status/1665394985934499840
96. The Chairs of the House Committee on Financial Services (McHenry) and the House Committee on Agriculture (Thompson) are co-sponsoring a new pro-crypto Digital Asset Market Structure Bill. Currently just a discussion draft. Here’s the summary. https://docs.house.gov/meetings/AG/AG00/20230606/116051/HHRG-118-AG00-20230606-SD002.pdf
97. Here’s the actual discussion draft. https://docs.house.gov/meetings/AG/AG00/20230606/116051/HHRG-118-AG00-20230606-SD003.pdf
98. Here’s a section-by-section with exhibits. https://docs.house.gov/meetings/AG/AG00/20230606/116051/HHRG-118-AG00-20230606-SD001.pdf
99. Cornucopias has released more game footage. https://twitter.com/RobGreig3/status/1665310543589040130
100. SEC vs. Binance/CZ. It begins!!!!! https://twitter.com/ArmySpies/status/1665845917268815874
101. Written response from Charles to the SEC/Binance complaint. https://twitter.com/IOHK_Charles/status/1665780536177217537
102. Written response from Binance on the SEC complaint. https://www.binance.com/en/blog/ecosystem/sec-complaint-aims-to-unilaterally-define-crypto-market-structure-8707489117122437402
103. Video response from Charles. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1zBZ-aGqldA
104. Cornucopias has dropped a whole new reel of gameplay footage. It looks really good. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E8ftHH8bbxQ
105. Cardano Gaming at the NFT.Brazil event! https://twitter.com/cardanowarriors/status/1665815653398507520
106. SEC vs. Coinbase. Yep…crypto is now at war. https://twitter.com/ArmySpies/status/1666159275217911835
107. Brian Armstrong’s response. https://twitter.com/brian_armstrong/status/1666129111025324035
108. The Cardano Foundation has disputed the characterization of Cardano as a security in comments to Fortune. https://twitter.com/Cardano_CF/status/1666128229952897024
109. Here’s Coinbase politely pointing out the SEC’s complete refusal to provide any direction or cooperation despite Coinbase’s continuous and plentiful attempts. https://twitter.com/coinbase/status/1666135834062467083
110. The question of regulatory jurisdiction may end up being the biggest problem for the SEC in all these crypto matters. https://twitter.com/MetaLawMan/status/1653821211544092672
111. Rumor: There could also be a DOJ case coming for Binance. https://twitter.com/AP_Abacus/status/1666180524535062529

~Army of Spies

On the 8th and 9th of June 2013 aka, The Queen's Birthday long weekend. Triple J held another all time Hottest 100 celebrating the music that came out between 1993 and 2012. The years that the Hottest 100 was running it's yearly countdown. What came of it was an incredible stretch of iconic banger after iconic banger spread across two days. 100-51 on Saturday and 50-1 on Sunday. It even gave voters a redemptive moment in finally giving tracks like Naive,Hallejulah, Banquet, Around The World and Sweet Disposition the countdown placements they deserved but never got in their respective years.
Full list:

1. Wonderwall - Oasis
2. Seven Nation Army - The White Stripes
3. Last Goodbye - Jeff Buckley
4. The Nosebleed Section - Hilltop Hoods
5. Bittersweet Symphony - The Verve
6. Everlong - Foo Fighters
7. Mr Brightside - The Killers
8. These Days - Powderfinger
9. Somebody That I Used To Know - Gotye ft. Kimbra
10. My Happiness - Powderfinger
11. No One Knows - Queens Of The Stone Age
12. Hearts A Mess - Gotye
13. Paranoid Android - Radiohead
14. Little Lion Man - Mumford & Sons
15. Breathe - The Prodigy
16. Skinny Love - Bon Iver
17. Tomorrow - Silverchair
18. Hey Ya! - Outkast
19. Dammit (Growing Up)
20. Prisoner of Society - The Living End
21. 1979 - The Smashing Pumpkins
22. Song 2 - Blur
23. Knights Of Cydonia - Muse
24. One Crowded Hour - Augie March
25. Bullet With Butterfly Wings - The Smashing Pumpkins
26. Chop Suey! - System Of A Down
27. Frontier Psychiatrist - The Avalanches
28. Scar Tissue - Red Hot Chili Peppers
29. Take Me Out - Franz Ferdinand
30. Californication - Red Hot Chil Peppers
31. Teardrop - Massive Attack ft. Elizabeth Fraser
32. Stinkfist - TOOL
33. Zombie - The Cranberries
34. Brick - Ben Folds Five
35. Karma Police - Radiohead
36. Hallelujah - Jeff Buckley
37. Sabotage - Beastie Boys
38. Sweet Disposition - The Temper Trap
39. Heart-Shaped Box - Nirvana
40. Closer - Nine Inch Nails
41. Yellow - Coldplay
42. Brother - Matt Corby
43. Betterman - John Butler Trio
44. One More Time - Daft Punk
45. Float On - Modest Mouse
46. Into My Arms - Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds
47. Self Esteem - The Offspring
48. Last Nite - The Strokes
49. Dog Days Are Over - Florence and the Machine
50. Better Man - Pearl Jam
51. Bohemian Like You - The Dandy Warhols
52. Feel Good Inc. - Gorillaz ft. De La Soul
53. Every You Every Me - Placebo
54. Sex On Fire - Kings Of Leon
55. Praise You - Fatboy Slim
56. Born Slippy .NUXX - Underworld
57. Banquet - Bloc Party
58. No Aphrodisiac - The Whitlams
59. Around The World - Daft Punk
60. Glycerine - Bush
61. Lonely Boy - The Black Keys
62. Buy Me A Pony - Spiderbait
63. Chemical Heart - Grinspoon
64. Kids - MGMT
65. Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger - Daft Punk
66. Berlin Chair - You Am I
67. Breezeblocks - Alt-J
68. Are You Gonna Be My Girl - Jet
69. Lose Yourself - Eminem
70. ! (The Song Formerly Known As) - Regurgitator
71. Clint Eastwood - Gorillaz ft. Del The Funky Homosapian
72. Joker & the Thief - Wolfmother
73. Home - Edward Sharpe & Magnetic Zeros
74. Let's Dance To Joy Division - The Wombats
75. Somebody Told Me - The Killers
76. Electric Feel - MGMT
77. My People - The Presets
78. Freak - Silverchair
79. I Bet You Look on the Dancefloor - Arctic Monkeys
80. Bulls On Parade - Rage Against The Machine
81. Big Jet Plane - Angus & Julia Stone
82. Teenage Dirtbag - Wheatus
83. Common People - Pulp
84. Gold Digger - Kanye West ft. Jamie Foxx
85. Gangsta's Paradise - Coolio
86. When You Were Young - The Killers
87. Naive - The Kooks
88. Monsters - Something For Kate
89. Wolf Like Me - TV on The Radio
90. Straight Lines - Silverchair
91. Harpoon - Jebediah
92. Little Talks - Of Monsters and Men
93. Black Hole Sun - Soundgarden
94. Pumped Up Kicks - Foster The People
95. Cigarettes Will Kill You - Ben Lee
96. Hello - The Cat Empire
97. Paper Planes - M.I.A
98. Leaving Home Jebediah
99. Video Games - Lana Del Rey
100. Intergalactic - Beastie Boys
101. Zebra - John Butler Trio (revealed later by Tom and Alex)

​
What memories to associate with this countdown. I remember I was a couple of weeks out from my trial HSC exams and I was half studying but couldn't really pay attention due to how good the countdown was.

“Pete knows what he saw, Martha!”

“Bunch ‘a frightened children ain’t exactly the--”

A door slammed shut.

Clark Kent, only a young boy, squeezed his eyes shut until it hurt and pressed his hands against his ears until his temples throbbed.

One step after the other. Heavy. Crunching grass.

“You think I’m an idiot, Martha?!”

“Now, I never said that.”

The pained look on Clark’s face softened -- softened, so it could be remolded into a whimper while the rest of his body stiffened.

“He ain’t done nothing wrong, all I’m saying is--”

“All you’re saying is that you’d rather not talk about it!”

“There’s nothing to talk about!”

Then why wouldn’t they stop talking! All of these voices, the thousand-million voices screaming at him, and all Clark could hear were the two arguing over him! Him!

A long, creaking groan. Wood shuddering.

“CLARK!”

The word, his name, knocked the other two sources of dismay from his head, an instant of soothing comfort before the pain took hold again and even more intensely, now as if he were pressing his head against a bass booster. “Pa!” Clark cried out, only to regret it as quickly as he had acted on the impulse.

“CLARK!”

His father called for him again and, judging from what should have been the imperceptible way the wind whistled, began dashing around in search of him; it took nothing less than an eternity for Pa to finally find him and one thunderous thwump after the other to finally lay eyes on him.
Pa pulled down the last barrel of hay -- Clark had stacked some around himself in an attempt to muffle the noise -- before breathing a sigh of relief; little did he know, it was a veritable wind storm to his son. “Remember…” he made sure to whisper, his small crisis finally abetting, if only a little. “This is all you. You’re inside your own head and that’s making it so much worse. You are the one in control.”
Clark’s only response was a strangled noise and to curl up further into himself.
To that, Pa felt his own throat tighten. “So open your eyes, son, get on back to the rest of the world… I’m right here.” He extended his hand, gently nudging Clark.
Again, no response and, again, Pa’s throat tightened, twisting and winding until the strain became too much to bear, and finally snapped loose under the pressure.

“DAMNIT, CLARK!”

He burst out, the sudden snap of tension giving each word a trembling quality as it all came pouring out. And then Clark flinched, like all boys do when they’re scared or hurt or both, and the dam was suddenly closed again, sealed with a silent promise.
“Son, I--” Pa stammered, his voice the sort of wreck so mired with cracks and creaks that it was a miracle it held together at all. “I didn’t--”
It was then that Clark finally stirred, hands at last unwrapping themselves from around his head, which peaked up ever so slightly to look out beyond his hay-fort at his father. “I’m sorry,” he said, voice so small that Pa struggled to hear it.
His body screamed a thousand different things to say, but he knew that just was the last thing Clark needed right now. So, fighting back to the calm, measured tone he had managed just a scant few moments ago, Pa said, “You best not be sorry, you ain’t done nothing wrong,” and pulled his son out from his refuge.
“Seriously?” Clark seemed dumbfounded by the statement, so much so that he even resisted the tug, if only for a passing second. “You seen what’s happening back there?” He jabbed a finger towards the house. “It’s all me. Literally. They’re arguing about me. ‘Cuz I-I’m some sort of freak or something!”
Pa was quick to correct him. “You ain’t no different from any other boy I ever met.”
He was met with a piercing glare from his son.
“You know what I mean, aside from your gifts--”
“How the hell’re these supposed to be gifts!” Clark threw up his hands in his best attempt at exasperation, but even an ear without super hearing could hear how his throat stiffened with each word.
Pa smiled, shrugging. “Able to race the car, leap the barn in a single bound…”
“But I don’t want to do any of that!” he said, voice finally breaking. “And w-when it comes with stuff like… this…! I just wanna be Clark Kent: Pete and Lana’s friend. Your and Ma’s son. Not some freak!”
“Clark--!” A cross of anger and dread flared in Pa’s voice, and he caught himself from pulling Clark into a hug. Swallowing hard, he instead summoned the warmest smile he could, ruffling the boy’s hair.

“You are my son, but you are so much more than that too.”

🔻 🔺 🔻 🔺 🔻
DC Next Proudly Presents…!

SUPERMAN: HOUSE OF EL

The Return of Superman - Part 3, Moving at Super Speed
By JPM11S
Edited by ClaraEclair & Deadislandman1
< Next>>
🔻 🔺 🔻 🔺 🔻
To say silence hung thick in the air would have been an understatement, because even silence was something more than being frozen in a single, inescapable instant: Kal-El staring down the man clutching his throbbing hand, the man’s friend looking on flush-faced, and the rest of the establishment bracing for whatever happened next. It was a rare thing that Jon Kent found himself slipping into Bullet Time on accident -- a state of heightened awareness where the world seemed to grow still around him -- and an even rarer thing that it should happen when a bright red cape wasn’t slung around his shoulders; simply put, as an instinctual reaction to being threatened, there needed to be, well, something that could threaten him, and there weren’t very many things that seriously could: Kryptonite, which Jon was confident wasn’t in play, and being yelled at, which he couldn’t have even known.
It was then that it dawned on him, so obvious that the muscles and tendons along Jon’s arm tensed in anticipation of slapping himself upside the head before he stopped himself -- a small thunderclap born from his own embarrassment was likely to only make the feeling worse. ‘Just an adrenaline rush…’ Jon explained to no one but himself. ‘Because… you know… watching dad do… that.’ The recently appeared doppelganger of his father had broken a man’s finger to “teach him a lesson” -- something his father most certainly would not have done; what he would have done, and what Jon was currently doing, was take a deep, relaxing breath, easing the stress away so that he could “hit play” on the rest of the world.
It came as something of a mild surprise when… nothing happened; Jon panicked, doing a double take as the terrible thought sprung into his mind: What if this was something else, some time-weapon unleashed just then on the city? Or what if he had failed to slow himself down? Would he be forced to wander the world a waking ghost? Jon shook his head, knocking such silly notions from his mind -- and also getting the attention of Natasha Irons.
“Something up?” she asked, broken from her spellbound trance.
Jon blinked. “Nope. Nothing.” The Ace ‘o Clubs could be a little rough around the edges, so what didn’t even qualify as a minor scuffle at the bar hardly registered with many of the patrons, who merely kept about their business as if nothing had happened -- because, to them, nothing had. Jon shook his head again, chidding himself for thinking that a cursory glance in that general direction had been any real indication of interest; his own bias, he supposed.
Kal-El returned to the table, his sheer weight and size making it known despite the fact that Jon’s attention had been elsewhere. No one said anything, and it took the visitor from another world a few passing seconds to realize that fact -- like they were all waiting for him to do something.
Kal looked up, a look of restrained puzzlement on his face.
Lois’s lips went thin. “What was that?”
“What was… what?” Kal-El’s eyes darted across everyone’s face, searching for an answer.
Irons nudged him gently.
“Wait, really?” he almost recoiled, tilting his chin up and cocking his head, confusion finally overtaking him. “I--”
“Was wrong.” Lois finished the sentence for him. “The hell were you thinking?!”
Jon and Natasha exchanged looks.
Kal-El shrugged it off. Literally. “The way I see it, a broken finger or two isn’t going to impede him in any real way, while also being something he’s not going to just forget.”
“So that makes it alright?!” insisted Lois, leaning forward.
“...yes?” he answered. “Though I feel like that’s… not the answer you wanted.”
“That’s not how we do things here.”
At that moment, with just how each word was frozen in a block of ice, Jon could have swore his mom had spontaneously developed Frost Breath; ironically, that was what inspired him to finally intervene. “You know, mom,” he explained, “In class, the professors always talked about how different all these cultures were from each other: food, clothing, language, medicine, you get the idea… Their sense of justice, how they handled punishments and such… that was one of the big ones too. Judeo-Christian morality versus something like Hammurabi's ‘an eye for an eye.’” He paused, making sure his mom was actually listening. “So, you know, on Kal’s Earth, maybe that was perfectly acceptable. Heck, there’re a lot of people here who would agree with him.”
Lois stopped to consider her answer, though it seemed more an imitation of the action than a genuine attempt. “He’s here now, and that wouldn’t make it right if he wasn’t.”
“Listen, I’m really sorry if--” Kal-El raised his hands in apology.
“No, no,” Jon waved him off, gaze never breaking from his mom. “You can’t just force your values onto another culture.”
“Like he forced that guy’s finger back?” she countered, rising to the bait. “Seems like that’s exactly what you’re talking about.”
“If I was talking about him right now, sure, but I’m talking about you,” insisted Jon. “You’re just doing the same thing you’re complaining about him doing.”
Lois lowered her chin, motioning towards herself. “So, wait, I’m the one who’s done something wrong here?”
“The both of you, yes.”
“So you’re saying it was perfectly alright?”
“I just said it wasn’t.”
“Oh, so you’re not judging him based on your own values?”
Jon shook his head, grinning. “You’re trying to distract from the point!”
“No, I just think the entire argument is flawed, since by criticizing someone like that, you’re inherently impressing your own values on them,” she explained. “You know, the thing you’re taking issue with.”
“But you’re from the same culture as I am: he isn’t.”
“He isn’t sitting right here, yes…” Kal-El groaned.
Lois and Jon kept going like he wasn’t.
“He’s impressing his own cultural values on someone from another.”
“Right, and I agree, but I’m taking issue with you right now, because--”
“Because it’s time for this conversation to end,” Irons finally interjected, much to the audible relief of Kal and Natasha, whose shoulders visibly relaxed. “Seriously, I think I speak for all of us when I say I can hardly follow what you two are going on about.”
“We’re saying--” Jon and Lois began in unison, only to be cut off with a raised hand.
“We’ll manage without it,” he chuckled.
There was a brief lull in the conversation, a time where the most activity was Jon’s eyes scampering about the place and the beat of Kal-El’s fingers against the table. Eventually, Jon’s gaze locked onto something or, more accurately, the lack of something.
With his mouth hung open just slightly, Jon asked, “Hey, did anyone notice Mr. Bibbowski?”
“Yeah,” Natasha spoke up, glancing around the table. “Didn’t you guys’s see?”
She took the blank stares as a no.
“Didn’t you guys catch the sign-note-thing?”
More blank stares.
“Okay, seriously, two of you have literal super senses and the other two are, like, super geniuses.” Nat waved her hands around. “You know what, doesn’t matter. I’m getting off topic. Bibbo’s in the hospital. The sign was about raising money.”
“What?” Lois pressed, immediately leaning forward. “What’s wrong?”
His gaze a million miles away -- or, more accurately, only a few -- Jon answered first. “Lung cancer. He’s in Metropolis General. Room 414.”
Irons chewed his lip, then looked up directly into Jon’s eyes. “First thing tomorrow, you pay him a visit, ‘kay?”
“But I was just going to now…?” Jon cocked his head. “What don’t I know about?”
🔻 🔺 🔻 🔺 🔻
In retrospect, the thought that Kal-El would need somewhere to stay really should have occurred to him sooner than it had -- well, that might have been putting it a little too generously: had occurred to him at all. To be fair, though, it wasn’t every day that you met your deceased father from another world, though, also to be fair, he dealt with weirder things on a regular basis.
The Fortress of Solitude, Superman’s icy abode at the top of the world and one of the scant few remaining pieces of Krypton, seemed the most logical place to house Kal while they worked on returning him -- and everyone else -- back to the proper Earth, and it seemed that Jon wasn’t the only one who thought so. Following their malaise-laiden departure from the Ace ‘o Clubs, it was the immediate destination of the not-so-merry band, traveling up across the globe to it’s frosty doorstep, where they needed Jon to heft the Fortress’s giant, golden key above his head and unlock an equally gargantuan front door. The key was made of Supermanium, a metal forged by Clark from the heart of a dying star, and weighed an incalculable millions of tons, the only security measure needed despite it sitting out in the open.
Jon slotted the end of the key bearing the Crest of El into the groove, turning it to trigger the rumblings of icy shards as they peeled back to reveal a wall of blinding, cleansing white light. The group took a step forward, entering into another world -- almost literally: born of materials not of Earth and minds born far from it, the Fortress resembled something best described as an alien, crystalline landscape. The ground was a maze of large, roughly hexagonal spires with smoothly shorn tops, each of which peaked at a slightly different elevation and tapered off in the distance to create a sheer drop; at the edge of that cliff sat a circular array of crystals gently pulsing with light and humming just barely above perception. Placed around what was assumedly the central chamber of the Fortress, judging from the hewn hallway entrances at the perimeter, were trophies and mementos from Clark’s decades-spanning career as Superman, items ranging from the mundane, like Lex Luthor’s shrinking ray, to the absurd, such as psychic sand from the dimension of Quarm, to the profound, like the precious Bottled City of Kandor, a shrunken Kryptonian city rescued from the clutches of the vile Brainiac many years ago.
Kal-El loosed a low whistle. “Wow,” he said, eyes flitting about the place, jumping from the looming pillars that came together to form an arched ceiling, to the large, gaping voids dotted around where the spires didn’t conjoin. “It’s so… clean.”
“Come again?” Jon quirked a brow.
With a flutter of his cape and a look that Jon almost mistook for melancholy, Kal-El raised several inches above the ground and began drifting between the various exhibits on display. “Clean. See, I… I live in my… Fortress of Solitude, so--”
Jon finished for him. “Like a dirty room.”
“Exactly,” Kal looked up from the display and flashed him a subtle smile. “Like a dirty room.”
Lois, unable to fly and wearing shoes ill-begotten for her husband’s arctic-O.S.H.A.-violation, carefully stepped across one hexagonal tile to the next until she finally approached the black-suited Superman. “Little lonely living at the top of the world, no?”
“It is called the Fortress of Solitude.” There was a slight edge to his voice, though Lois could tell it wasn’t one pointed towards her. “Maybe, I wanted to be alone.”
Lois cocked her hip, rested her hand on it, and considered for a long moment pressing deeper, giving in to the gut screaming at her that this was the thing to pick at. Her heart, though… her heart counseled now was not the time, and she had long since learned the wisdom of always following her heart. “If you’re looking for solitude, we might have brought you to the wrong place,” she suggested instead.
In the same manner Jon had not a moment ago, Kal quirked a brow. “What do you mean?”
“A thousand apologies.” From across the room, a voice not unlike his carried, though distorted to an almost unnatural bass and strained with what was best described as someone fighting hard against a thick accent. “If I had been expecting guests, I would have prepared something for you all to enjoy.”
The comparisons to Clark and Kal-El didn’t end with just the man’s voice; while his face and form were the same general shape, his skin was ashen and craggy, like a smooth stone. With every step forward he took, the mass of rippling, coiled muscle underneath his purple-blue Superman t-shirt strained against their confines. “Ah, I see we have another visitor, unless my brother decided death didn’t suit him.” He inclined his head, placing a large hand over his even larger chest. “For now, you can call me Bizarro.”
Natasha, a gleaming smile on her face, chimed in. “We’ve been working on choosing a name!” she said, bounding towards the behemoth and wrapping herself around one of his hulking arms.
Bizarro returned the affection as best he could. “It was Nat’s idea. We were watching Space Trek: Pathfinder one night and--”
“And I was there too,” Jon interjected.
“And Jon was there too,” he chuckled. “But one of the characters was searching for a name and, considering the circumstances, it seemed appropriate that I do the same.”
Floating over towards Bizarro, Kal-El dragged his sight up and down the man, the doppelganger of his enemy from another world, eyeing him with a mix of reservation and curiosity. Eventually, Kal paused on the Crest of El worn on his chest. “You’re not like mine.”
Bizarro nodded. “In one key respect, yes. I’m not as--”
“Dumb.”
“Slow,” he finished, correcting him with a side-eyed glance. “While Jon was working a case with the Flash, Mister Allen devised a way to ‘speed up’ my thought processes.” (Author’s Note: See The Flash #19!) Bizarro paused for several more long moments, looking at Kal like he had to him not a second ago before shaking his head, seemingly perishing the thought. “You’ve met me,” he said, smiling. “Have you had the chance to meet our other housemate?”
Kal cocked his head. “Other housemate?” He threw his eyes behind Bizarro, expecting someone else to enter the chamber, but no one came. “Another reformed villain?”
“Your cousin,” Jon interjected, taking a step forward. “Kara. She got here only a few months ago.”
The spark of joy on Kal’s face lived up to its description: appearing in a bright instant, only to vanish as soon as it came, replaced now by a deeply furrowed brow, emphasizing the lines on the man’s face. “How’s she taking the adjustment? Losing one world, then another, I can’t--” Kal cut himself off when he saw Jon’s eyes widen slightly and his mouth open in response: he didn’t need to wait for the correction he was about to receive. “She’s not from another Earth like me… Where is she? I’d like to meet her.”
Lois shrugged. “She’s busy in National City right now, if I remember correctly, but--”
Irons stepped behind Lois, his hulking form framing her. “But we’d like to wait a minute and figure out how to break the news to her first.”
“No,” Kal said, every muscle in his powerful body visibly tensing, rearing. “She needs my help! You don’t understand what it’s like! You’re not like her! None of you, not really. Only I can understand.”
With a withering look, Irons replied. “You’ve never even met her, how can you know better than her own family?”
“I am her family,” asserted Kal, beginning his ascent into the air. “I helped my Kara through this once already, I can do it again.”
“And you’re the problem! You know how much she’s going through right now?!” Irons shouted up at him. “You died! The person she was sent here to protect! Dead! And now here you are in the flesh and blood! She’s got a lot to process already without that!”
There was a lengthy bout of silence between Kal and everyone else, only coming to an end when the otherworldly Man of Steel asked, “And who’s going to stop me if I try anyway?”
Jon swallowed.
🔻 🔺 🔻 🔺 🔻
To be continued in Superman: House of El #4, Don’t Call her Supergirl!

Hi,
I just got a car from my relative. It has engine swapped with a uses engine of the same model with 80k milage and the hybrid battery was replaced. The milage on the body is 500,000. Was used as a taxi but now painted white. It cost me a total of 3k and i had to spend another 3k to replaced the hybrid wires as they were corroded, front left fender as it was rusted, got original 17 inch rims with summer tires, a wheel bearing, some suapension parts etc. The car came with 16 inch winter tires on rim on which 2 definately need to be replaced. Good deal or should I return it. All safety is done now. I am a big fan of clean cars however the internal body panels are a bit loose in some cases and seat belts are frayed. I can return it but for 6k not sure if I can get better value for money. Giving me 7L/100 km indicated. No noise from engine etc.
Thanks in advance.

Hello!
I hope everyone here is doing well.
Now, this is an odd write up, in that there really was not a lot to say for the vast majority of the fights, it's such a low interest card that it feels like a fight night that they used to throw for Mighty Mouse when he defended his belt, you remember those old cards? wacky time that was.
With that said, you guys know that my interest for a card translates into far better analysis, so if this card feels like opinion instead of analysis, that's because it's one of those bad cards lmao.
Lets get this over and done with yeah?
(c) - Champ
D/DWCS - Debut/Dana Whites' Contender Series
FLS - Fight Lose Streak
FWS - Fight Win Streak
NS - No Streak
(#x) - Rank in Division
x/3 - Confidence Levels
Lets go!
Prelims
Women's Strawweight
Diana Belbita (-105) (14-7-0, NS) v Maria Oliveira (-115) (13-6-0, NS) - Well this is certainly a tale of two losers, and I mean that in the nicest possible sense. Belbita is coming off a tough but very hard fought loss against Gloria de Paula, and whilst Belbita did show a lot of initiative in starting exchanges, her strikes were only landing at a 37% rate which is fairly low. She does look busy and is very active on the feet, her striking is relatively standard, but ultimately I feel like she does tend to lack in the grappling and wrestling department. Now, Belbita is obviously a striker, she does throw a lot of volume but she also has natural power as well, however she kind of reminds me of a long reach fighter with the way they strike, its a long movement and motion that packs a lot of power, but with that comes a downside of speed, she seems like she’s punching underwater at times and whilst she can knock out her opponents, if she is facing a much quicker, more traditional combat sports striker like a Muay Thai fighter, she tends to fall behind. Oliveira is also coming off a tough loss, this time against Demopoulos in which Demopoulos ended up controlling her in more dominant positions, not allowing Oliveira to set her own pace and rhythm with her striking. Oliveira has similar grappling and wrestling disadvantages that Belbita has, in that it’s certainly not her best attribute as a fighter. However, Oliveira has been a lot more active than Belbita, and I feel like even feeling the strength and durability of Demopoulos is enough to give her a taste of things to come, and that would allow her to make the proper adjustments. Oliveira is a very explosive starter, she is no doubt a very dangerous Muay Thai fighter who is still finding her footing in the UFC, and I feel like the fact that Belbita is a bit of a striker herself will only play in the favour for Oliveira. There is also the different way both fighters strike. Belbita tends to kind of load up, you can see her pull back the punch then throw them, they’re not tight punches, and that’s where Oliveira has that advantage, Oliveira, if her team knows what they’re looking at, knows that Belbita is a bit of a long striker, and that speed is a necessity when fighting against her. I got Oliveira winning this one, she has been a lot more active and overall is, in my opinion, the slightly better pick here.
Oliveira via UD - (1/3)
Flyweight
David Dvorak (#11) (-175) (20-5-0, 2 FLS) v Steve Erceg (D) (+150) (9-1-0, 8 FWS) - This is going to be an interesting one. Dvorak is coming off two back to back losses against some incredible tough fighters in Kape and Nicolau, that’s a tough outing for anyone, and one thing that I’m almost certain of is that Dvorak has improved a whole lot just by preparing for those two warriors. Dvorak is a very well rounded fighter who has a very tight striking style, he throws his punches relatively accurately and is quick on the feet. His striking will be a necessity in this fight since he is taking on a very dangerous submission specialist, so the longer he keeps the fight on the feet, the longer Erceg will have to play a completely different game, away from any planned attacks that himself and his corner have prepared him for. Now, Dvorak has a huge experience advantage in this fight, and he has faced a litany of challenges in the UFC. I also suspect that he is very well aware of a lot of submissions that Erceg may attempt since Erceg is a very tall and long fighter, the set ups will be a bit different from a more equal physique opponent. Overall, I think Dvorak will be well prepared for anything that comes his way, although once things get to the ground, anything can happen. Erceg is coming in as a late replacement and no doubt is excited to finally fight in the UFC. Erceg has one significant win in his career that I’ll highlight, and that was against Shannon Ross, that’s one hell of a win. Erceg is an interesting one to talk about, because he also comes from a gym that is relatively small and has no major fighters, in fact I believe he is the only pro fighter, so I feel like the lack of higher level fighters in his gym might not translate too well in the competitive sphere of the UFC. I hope that made sense because I have no other way to explain why I think him being in a relatively unknown gym might hamper his capabilities in the UFC. Regardless of that though, he is still a ferocious submission artist and I suspect that from the get go he is going to look for chokes, whether its a jumping guillotine (his length may allow him to wrap up Dvorak easily) or just a takedown followed by progressional submission movements. Either way, if Erceg wins, it will have to be by submission, because I don’t see him outstriking Dvorak. I got Dvorak winning this one, but i’m eager to see how Erceg does against him on his debut.
Dvorak via UD - (1/3)
Featherweight
Blake Bilder (-200) (8-0-1, 8 FWS) v Kyle Nelson (+165) (13-5-1, 2 FLS) - I always find it difficult to categorise what a draw is, I don’t know whether to include that as a loss, or a win, so if you’re wondering why Nelson is on a losing streak, that’s why. Bilder is on one hell of a nice streak at the moment, and during his fight against Young, it became a bit clear as to why he is riding such a streak. There is a uniqueness to his movement, he is very tricky to get a hold of and his lateral movement allows him to find angles and openings, especially when his opponent wants to reach and try to land punches, he lures his opponent into his own range in which he fires away with a quick counter. He is also fairly proficient at throwing kicks, especially the left high kick in orthodox stance in which he flicks up with such speed and accuracy that it barely disrupts his own movement and motions. Bilder is also an excellent wrestler and grappler, he’s strong on the ground and often looks for takedowns, constantly keeping his opponent guessing and working, and all of this works well with his lateral movements because it makes his opponent chase and walk him down, focusing on closing distance rather than the potential level changes that might come his way. Nelson is in a very difficult spot in his career, not really a winner in the Featherweight division, he is coming off a tough back and forth fight against Choi and even prior to that hasn’t exactly won a whole lot. He is a fairly well rounded fighter who does look for takedowns fairly often, but ultimately doesn’t do a whole lot with them, he is a very submission focused grappler who doesn’t mix it up very well on the ground, he can be a bit one dimensional and I can see him being frustrated with Bilder’s movements and thus making a forced mistake in which Bilder capitalises on it. However, if Nelson turns up the offence and throws volume, that can slow down Bilder a whole lot, because the more his opponent presses the action, the more movement is involved, and that can sap at the cardio of Bilder. However, all of that aside, on paper I think Bilder is going to get a win here, he performed very well against the very dangerous Shane Young, and with him fighting in his own backyard, he has a home-town advantage which is very much a real thing, there is no need to worry about logistics of travel, adapting to time zones and knowing where to train when you’re training in the same country. I got Bilder winning this one.
Bilder via UD - (2/3)
Bantamweight
Aiemann Zahabi (+105) (9-2-0, 2 FWS) v Aoriqileng (-130) (24-9-0, 2 FWS) - Well this is certainly something. Zahabi is coming off two relatively good wins, albeit those wins have taken place in the span of two and a bit years, and the quality of his opponents have been a bit questionable. Regardless of that, Zahabi is a very well rounded fighter who has a fairly high fight IQ, which is no doubt a trait that he learnt from training alongside his brother Faras Zahabi, the head coach of Tristar. However, with how low quality his opponents have been, it’s fairly difficult to gauge where he is at compared to someone like Aoriqileng. One potential advantage that I can see Zahabi having over someone like Aoriqileng is in the wrestling department. Zahabi has a black belt in BJJ and since we know fairly well that Tristar produces outstanding wrestlers, I highly suspect that wrestling will be in the game plan since Aoriqileng is a very dangerous knockout artist. However, one thing comes into mind and that’s age and activity. Zahabi isn’t nearly as active as Aoriqileng has been, and Aoriqileng has a whole lot of experience in comparison to the older fighter in Zahabi. Aoriqileng is someone who I hyped up when he started fighting, it was everything about him that made me a fan, his nickname, his ferocity when he strikes, his first round fury and power, everything you love to see in a striker, however, he still was a bit of a greenie. Now, with more time in the Octagon against some tough competition, I think he has found his footing, and I feel like now that he has settled down a little bit and become a bit more methodical with his strikes, I suspect that he is going to have a power advantage here. The only problem is that Zahabi is a methodical fighter who can get a very good read on his opponents movements and set ups, and of course there’s that possible grappling advantage. The fact here is that it’s a highly close match and a tough one to predict, either fighter has, in my opinion, a relatively equal chance to win, but i’m gonna make a rough prediction here and say that Zahabi is going to get a win. Aoriqileng doesn’t have great takedown defence, and whilst Zahabi has not shown any capability (yet) on the ground, there is always a surprise in a fight, and I think Zahabi will make said adjustments coming into this fight. You do not become a black belt whilst training under Danaher without putting in the work, and you do not become a high level MMA fighter without the assistance of veteran coaches in Faras Zahabi. I know I sound like i’m gargling the balls of Tristar, but I think that in this particular case, style wise, Zahabi can get a win here.
Zahabi via UD - (1/3)
Women’s Flyweight
Jasmine Jasudavicius (+240) (8-2-0, NS) v Miranda Maverick (#13) (-300) (11-4-0, 2 FWS) - This is the only fight that I look forward to watching in the prelims. Well, one of two fights actually. Jasudavicius is coming off a rather boring wrestle-heavy fight against Fernandes, who was making her debut and thus kind of suffocated under the pressure of Jasudavicius and her superior wrestling. Jasudavicius is a tough one to talk about because I feel like she’s been a touch overhyped by the commentators and promotion team at the UFC, there is nothing significant about her that Maverick does multitudes better and I think the only main advantage Jasudavicius has over Maverick is her reach and height, that could cause some severe problems for Maverick, especially since Maverick will need to hunt down a takedown and that could leave her open for any knees or uppercuts that Jasudavicius has in her pocket. Jasudavicius is a good wrestler in her own right, but she hasn’t exactly fought the best competition, I mean, the best win on her record is Kay Hansen who is about as relevant as the Commodore 64. This upcoming fight is a true test for Jasudavicius, and I suspect that her striking is going to be the only major problem for Maverick. Maverick is someone who is always on my “must watch” list. If you’ve been reading my stuff for a while, you know for a fact that I think she’s going to be a contender sooner or later, she’s something special and even though she had a slip up against Blanchfield (who is now currently the hottest prospect in the division) she has improved substantially since then, a whole lot of improvements have been made to her wrestling and just her workload, she is exceptional in the cage and can absolutely wear down her opponents. The biggest difference in terms of wrestling between both fighters here is that Maverick implements ground and pound in high volume, she is a fully evolved MMA fighter and that’s the major difference maker in this fight. It’s why I think she has the best chance to win this fight. The only problem or challenge that I see Maverick running into is frustration in being unable to achieve a takedown, if Maverick cannot get a takedown, I suspect that she’s going to be behind on the scorecards because all Jasudavicius is going to do is back up and throw counters, a whole lot of jabs and just be ahead in volume on the feet. With that said though, I am in full belief that Maverick is going to get a win here.
Maverick via UD - (3/3)
Middleweight
Nassourdine Imavov (#13) (-125) (12-4-0, NS) v Chris Curtis (#14) (+105) (30-10-0, NS) - This is the other fight that I am very much looking forward to on the prelim card. Imavov is coming off quite a devastating loss against Sean Strickland, and whilst he did lose mostly due to the sheer volume and pressure of Strickland, he has gained incredibly valuable experience at the higher levels of the UFC, and is going to be a lot more prepared since Curtis is not a late replacement fight, so there is no doubt a lot of tape study and preparation involved. However, Imavov does have one major advantage that isn’t a fighting related one, and that’s that Xtreme Couture have prepared for Imavov twice now, they saw Strickland fight Imavov and no doubt went “alright so that’s his intricacies as a fighter, he likes a clean fight, so lets throw a crapload of volume and break him” and I highly suspect that Curtis is going to implement a very similar game plan this time around. However, Imavov isn’t just a striker with impeccable accuracy and timing, he is a dangerous wrestler too, and whilst Curtis has stuffed every takedown that has come his way, Imavov will still have that ability to mix it up and perhaps get a fight changing takedown. One other thing that I see happening is Imavov trying to copy what Hermansson did against Curtis, and that’s frustrate with a tactical style, don’t take risks and make Curtis force an attack, and from there, retaliate with a counter, and counters are something Imavov is very good at doing. Imavov also has impeccable footwork and I believe that he will a bit more of a chance to utilise it in this fight since its a three rounder and Curtis is not exactly as volume-oriented as Strickland is. Curtis is coming off a tough loss against Gastelum, and it was a very close fight in which a fair few thought Curtis won the fight, but that headbutt kind of changed things a bit. Curtis is a highly dangerous, well rounded fighter who is a lot more technical than Strickland, he moves around a lot more, has a lot more emphasis in his strikes and is just a bit more well rounded than Strickland has recently shown. This might create a challenge that Imavov will struggle to work around, that, alongside the fact that Xtreme Couture know Imavov’s capabilities very well might lead to Curtis having a massive advantage. Let’s not forget the fact that Curtis has 40 fights under his belt whilst Imavov has 16, advantage in experience has been proven to be a dangerous attribute. Either way, this is a very, very 50/50 prediction, but I think Imavov will be able to get a win here, his movement, evasiveness and counters might be enough to frustrate Curtis and cause him to make mistakes. However, Curtis could be a good underdog here, depending on how the line moves, and of course your own preference.
Imavov via UD - (1/3)
Main Card
Middleweight
Eryk Anders (+115) (15-7-0, NS) v Marc-Andre Barriault (-140) (15-6-0, NS) - This is bound to excite the crowd. Anders is coming off a strong win against Kyle Daukaus, and it was fairly clear from the start that Anders had a power advantage, and boy did he decimate Daukaus. Anders has always been a highly athletic and explosive fighter, but there has been one thing that has held him back, and that’s his cardio, and that’s simply because he doesn’t tag up his opponents, he throws with nasty intent and also has quite explosive takedowns, all of these things, when strung together well, make Anders a wrecking ball that not many Middleweights can stand against. As I said though, he does tend to slow down a little bit, he doesn’t throw a lot of volume and everything he does is explosive, and thus comes in short, albeit effective bursts. The primary reason why i’m talking about his cardio and his conditioning is simply because Barriault has all of that and much more. Barriault is coming off a strong TKO win against Julian Marquez, a relatively dangerous fighter but perhaps not on the level of Barriault. Barriault is a very well rounded fighter, he is a ferocious striker with incredible power, with the added bonus of having the cardio to carry said power throughout three rounds, which makes him such a dangerous challenger for anyone who isn’t able to get him taken down to the ground. Even once the fight gets taken down to the ground, Barriault is never complacent with being in a bad position, he constantly works to get back into a standing and striking position, and that alone can exhaust even his opponents. I just feel like Barriault is going to look like the fresher fighter the longer this fight goes on, and once Anders starts to slow down (assuming that Anders throws heavy and often early) that’s when we’ll see Barriault turn up the striking a little bit. This is a tough one to predict though because whilst Anders isn’t the best fighter, neither is Barriault, the only major difference between these two warriors is the cardio factor, in which Barriault wins that comparison. Bit of a short but sweet prediction here, but I got Barriault winning this one, and I suspect that this would be a late fight KO due to how durable Barriault is.
Barriault via KO R3 - (1/3)
Featherweight
Dan Ige (#13) (-230) (16-6-0, NS) v Nate Landwehr (+190) (17-4-0, 3 FWS) - Ige is coming off a tremendous KO win against the fairly tough and durable Damon Jackson, and for the most part it was a scrappy back and forth fight, with Ige looking like the more cleaner striker. Ige has always been a phenomenal boxer, and he has such substantial knockout power for a Featherweight that it doesn’t take a lot for him to land the fight-ending punch. Ige’s best attacks are within the pocket though, short hooks, especially the right one, are perhaps his most perfected weapon and he uses it brilliantly either entering the pocket or breaking from a clinch. One other thing that I need to highlight is the sheer quality of competition that Ige has faced over the past couple of years, I mean, his losing streak, whilst a bit of a bad look, is stacked with insane fighters… Evloev, The Korean Zombie, Emmett… all of these fighters are contender calibre and Ige shared 45 minutes total with them. That’s a whole lot of experience gained just from those three fights alone, so to say that there is a substantial difference in quality of competition is a bit of an understatement. Landwehr is a wildcard when he fights, but he is riding one hell of a strong streak at the moment, and each and every fight has been entertaining. This is primarily due to how much output and activity Landwehr utilises when he fights, he is a non-stop action packed fighter who throws everything and anything at his opponent and just doesn’t stop until he’s knocked out. Now, the big problem that Ige will need to deal with is the crowd, there is a possibility that the crowd roaring and cheering at the action will lure Ige into throwing wild, volume heavy combos that leaves his chin open, and Ige isn’t exactly a strong, long range boxer, he tends to overextend and perhaps Landwehr’s aim is to lure him into throwing like that so Ige can make mistakes. Landwehr and Ige’s style tends to clash in my opinion, because whilst Ige wants a methodical approach, set up his own attacks and read the actions of his opponent, Landwehr doesn’t slow down and is constantly in the face of his opponent, and that could cause Ige to lose his ability to settle down and set a rhythm and pace where he is at his best. However, despite all of that, I still think that Ige has the necessary experience to handle Landwehr, I mean, if Landwehr’s biggest attributes is activity and volume of attacks, that’s no different from Emmett or The Korean Zombie if we’re talking sheer stand up striking, and if you want to lean on the wrestling aspect of Landwehr, Evloev is a takedown machine. What I’m trying to say here is that Landwehr seems to be a combination of all three losses that Ige has experienced, and even though they are losses, Ige is the type to learn from those losses and thus turn it into an advantage.
Ige via KO R2 - (1/3)
Welterweight
Mike Malott (-210) (9-1-1, 5 FWS) v Adam Fugitt (+170) (9-3-0, NS) - Alright this is going to be a bit of a rant induced post because if we look at this without any context other than Malott v Fugitt, this is ultimately a prelim fight. Malott has no doubt been gifted this position in the main card, and some might say its for a very good reason, and I would somewhat agree. Malott has three finishes in the UFC, all in the first round, all against relatively green fighters (green = newcomers). The reason why i’m saying all of this is simply because at its core, this fight needs to be treated as a regular prelim fight where a “prospect” fights someone who isn’t quite a prospect. In this case Malott has a whole lot of momentum behind him, fighting against someone who has just found his footing. Malott is a very well rounded fighter who is highly explosive but also does everything very cleanly and just so… textbook. I don’t know if that sounds like a compliment, but with him winning his fights within minutes, it’s hard to say how far he is going to go. All I can say confidently is that he is definitely someone that we need to keep an eye on since he has the skill set to make it fairly far in the UFC, and with him being the last canadian to make a walk out to the Octagon, that’s only going to hype up the crowd a whole lot more, and Malott, who has been asking to be on this card, is going to absorb that energy like a sponge. Malott has one massive advantage that cannot be underestimated, and that’s his wrestling, he is very quick to find that takedown, but not force it, he kind of makes feints and reads before shooting for that takedown, and once the fights taking place on the ground, he works effortlessly to get into a dominant position and chase a finish. He is a genuine prospect and perhaps the only chance Canada has at really having a prospect or a future contender. Fugitt on the other hand is someone who i’m still trying to get a read on, because during his last fight against Kinoshita, he did land many takedowns on Kinoshita, but I have a rule, and it’s a rule that maybe only I follow, and that’s “the less takedowns, the better”. What I mean by that is if you are unable to keep your opponent on the ground, and you require numerous attempts to keep him on the ground, you’re an inefficient wrestler who is only wasting cardio. It’s fantastic to watch and is a display of sheer athleticism and cardio, sure, but ultimately it’s much, much better to watch one takedown followed by 4 minutes of control/ground and pound, compared to 4 of 7 takedowns for only just under 3 minutes of control time and 6 ground strikes. Do you guys understand what i’m saying? Anyway, Fugitt is, in my opinion, not on the level of Malott and perhaps only accepted this fight because its on a PPV in front of a large crowd. Rant aside, Malott in my opinion has a higher chance to win compared to Fugitt, and I say that simply because those three first round wins are nothing but immaculate displays of fight IQ and well roundedness, stuff that we need to see more of, so with that said, I got Malott winning this one early.
Malott via KO R1 - (2/3)
Co-Main Event
Lightweight
Charles Oliveira (#2) (+105) (33-9-0, NS) v Beneil Dariush (#3) (-130) (22-4-1, 8 FWS) - This is the fight we all were waiting for, i’m sure. Oliveira is in an interesting position at the moment, and I think a lot of hype disappeared when he lost his title against Makhachev. People need to remember that Oliveira has never really been a well rounded, high level fighter, there have always been holes in his games, namely his ability to take a punch, it’s not quite there any more and we saw that when he fought the three heaviest hitting fighters in the division in Poirier, Chandler and Gaethje. The main difference between these three guys and Oliveira is the ground game and that’s how Oliveira won against Poirier and Gaethje. Oliveira’s grappling is on a whole different level however, and its an interesting aspect of this fight since we are about to see Oliveira’s grappling tested once again, but this time against an incredibly hungry, and very talented wrestler in Dariush. Now, Oliveira’s striking is not going to be a major problem for Dariush simply because Dariush has excellent striking defence and tends to avoid a lot of the striking exchanges through his wrestling sequences and actions, so that somewhat eliminates, in my opinion, one major tool that Oliveira has somewhat relied on in recent years. On the ground, specifically in any submission position, Oliveira has the edge, but he has only had that edge against mostly strikers, and whilst there have been some exceptions, its clear that his last 4 wins have been mostly strikers who don’t quite have a capable grappling skill set that matches Oliveira. That is where Dariush steps in. Dariush has been on an insane tear through the division, and only recently has been on the radar in many fans and pundits minds, simply because the quality of competition kind of held him back a tiny bit. It was only when he fought Gamrot that I saw some serious potential for him holding the belt in the future. To counter-wrestle and fight that effectively against an elite, best of the best wrestler like Gamrot is ground shattering, there was of course expectations prior to that fight that Dariush could resist the takedowns, but to look that quick, with reactions that fast and the ability to adapt and adjust against one of the best wrestlers in the UFC in Gamrot really puts a shine on Dariush. Dariush has similar striking to Oliveira, in that it’s certainly a thing, but Dariush hasn’t been dropped yet nor has he suffocated under a strikers pressure, mostly due to his ability to just shoot and get a takedown. Now, obviously Dariush will need to be careful of the submission threat that Oliveira is very well known for, but any good wrestler will recognise immediately what his opponent will be setting up, and since Oliveira is primarily a submission specialist, not a wrestler, I feel like Dariush is going to just bully Oliveira on the ground. All the groundwork and fundamentals to defeat Oliveira is there, Makhachev made sure of that, and I highly suspect that Dariush is going to mimic or copy what Makhachev did, and that’s wrestle, shut down the submission capabilities by manoeuvring out of danger, and just punish with ground and pound. I got Dariush winning this one, but i’m not counting out Oliveira wholly, mostly because that submission threat is very real.
Dariush via UD - (2/3)
Main Event
Women’s Bantamweight Championship Bout
Amanda Nunes (c) (-330) (22-5-0, NS) v Irene Aldana (#4) (+260) (14-6-0, 2 FWS) - I don’t actually have a lot to say about this one. Nunes is coming off a rematch win against Pena and it was a reasonably good fight if you were a Nunes fan, and a disappointing mismatch if you were a Pena fan. Nunes has always been a step above a lot of the competition, mostly due to how shallow the division is, and just how much of an advantage Nunes has with her power and speed when she strikes. Striking is no doubt a realm that Nunes has ruled for a long time in this division, and I can only suspect that she will have a power advantage in this fight. However, when it comes to technique, she tends to fall a tiny bit behind in my opinion, she’s mostly a brawler and I feel like Aldana has a tiny bit of an advantage on the feet due to her technical boxing. However, I'm going to piss off a lot of Nunes fans (if there are any)... Nunes reached her ceiling long ago, and has not improved at all, she has begun to plateau as a fighter and is only a champion because of the lack of competition and high level fighters, and Aldana has a fairly clear chance at winning, because whilst Nunes has had a full camp, she is facing someone who she is unfamiliar with in the cage, instead of facing Pena who she shared the Octagon twice with, and whilst Aldana isn’t exactly a championship level fighter, its the technical boxing and her ability to gauge range and timing well that might catch Nunes a few times. Aldana is coming off a strong win against Macy Chiasson, and it was a bit of a rare upkick KO win that crumbled Chiasson. Now, a win against Chiasson is great and all, but to go from Chiasson to Nunes with a noticeably short amount of time to prepare is a whole different thing, not to mention that this is a 5 rounder main event makes me think that Aldana will be woefully unprepared. There is of course a chance that Nunes will get caught by Aldana, since Aldana does have the boxing advantage over Nunes, which does make me think that Aldana would make a great underdog pick, but there’s still that chance that Nunes will get a win, but really she has fought fucking shit fighters over the past few years, I mean, Megan Anderson? Felicia Spencer? That’s not bottom of the barrel competition, that’s underneath the damn barrel stuff. I do have Nunes winning purely because of the longer camp and experience in 5 round fights, especially at this calibre, but Aldana has a solid chance at winning too since she does seem like a capable contender if we are speaking on boxing skill alone. This is a weird prediction post, I know, but I truly don’t give any shits about this fight, its a coin toss.
Nunes via KO R4 - (1/3)
And that's it!
As I said, i'm not happy with this write up, only because it's such a weird card overall and I felt no motivation to write even this much for this card lmao.
Locks of the week are: Bilder, Maverick, Malott and Dariush.
Primary Parlay is: Oliveira/Belbita o1.5 - Dvorak/Erceg o1.5 - Maverick/Jasudavicius o1.5 - Barriault/Anders o1.5 - Ige/Landwehr Does Not Go The Distance
Alt Bets are: Curtis Points, Anders KO R1 or 2 (combo rounds), Landwehr ML, Aldana KO
if you wish to keep in contact with me or follow me on twitter, my twitter handle is @Slayer_Tip, and my Discord is Slayertip#7013.
Lets have a fun and friendly discussion down below about this weekends card!
I hope you all have an amazing day, look after yourselves, and enjoy this awesome event!

BACKGROUND
Long story short I spent 8 years on the West Coast holding increasingly important positions in the energy industry, but I hated it with every fiber of my being. I started taking nursing prerequisite courses in January of 2020. Family trauma happened. I moved home to Texas to be closer to my family, quit my job (was making ~$130k with bonus), and took the plunge and went to back to school for nursing at 31. I am half way done with an accelerated BSN program and I have a 4.0 GPA. I love it so much despite it being very difficult. I have externship currently and I have an ICU internship lined up for my final semester, which is basically a guaranteed new grad job.
I currently live with my mom and brother. We are remodeling our house so we are in an apartment for a bit. Very tight quarters but thankful to be with them. Boyfriend just successfully made a big career move and is now a superintendent for an important and well respected organization in town making $60k annually with a 8% bonus. Very proud of him and very excited for our future - we are talking about getting engaged in the next year. He is getting an apartment in the next couple months after living at home with his family due to some major family health issues he has been helping out with so you will see some of the apartment search start to happen in this diary!
Currently boyfriend and I split going out expenses pretty much down the line, but with this new job we had a discussion last week about how he will pay for the majority of our going out costs moving forward once he gets his first paycheck this month until I start working full time again in January!
Previous money diary from August 2022 here.
ASSETS (comparing last money diary to now):
​

	August 2022	June 2023	Difference
401k	$156,400	$158,600	$2,200
Roth IRA	$68,000	$68,500	(500)
Saving's account	$41,001.43	$26,572.63	($14,428.81)
Checking Account	$3,024.58	$915.41	($2,109)
HSA	$8,800	$7,100	($1,700)
Brokerage	$440	$444	$4
UGMA	$85,000	$84,000	($1,000)
Pension	forgot to include	$27,000	N/A

NET WORTH: $373k
**I don’t carry any credit card debt / no student loan debt / no equity in any kind of home. I was lucky enough to be in a position where I saved up over $40k cash to pay for living expenses when in school. My UGMA account will be used as part of a down payment for a house in the next couple years. My current BSN degree is being covered through family. Also, trying to figure out what to do with my pension - depending how finances go the next 8 months I am in school / if I have any emergencies (I have 2 senior pets) I could cash part of it out or completely roll it over into an IRA.
INCOME
Income Progression: I worked in the energy industry for 8 years; my starting salary was $35,000.
I worked in the Seattle area starting out at $35k in 2014. Moved to a new job in 2016 for $65k and then another new job in 2018 for $85k +12% bonus. Got up to $104k + 20% bonus before I quit. Also worked as a CNA on the weekends for about 6 months for $15 an hour during COVID to make sure I really wanted to go to nursing school.
Main Job Monthly Take Home: It varies but the average so far this year it is $535. I have an incredibly flexible externship at a hospital very close to where I live where my director literally just lets me show up whenever I want to work. I make $17 an hour. I met a couple incredible mentors but I think I am going to quit soon since it just won’t be feasible to work this semester and I already have my ICU internship lined up for September. Trying to be easier on myself and put myself first and I feel very lucky that I don’t need to work. Don’t get me wrong the extra money is SO NICE but I want to concentrate on school, myself, family, partner, and friends. Work on top of an accelerated nursing program is too much. I am actually the only one working in my cohort currently.
Any Other Monthly Income Here: I live with my mom right now and she pays for most of the groceries, utilities, etc. I feel incredibly privileged and lucky that I can live with her and that she is able to support me in this way while I transition careers. I do lots for her to support her such as chores, errands, paying for big Costco runs, etc. My boyfriend also helps out with pet expenses and other things I want / need.
MONTHLY EXPENSES

• Rent: $400 to my mom for a very discounted rate at our current apartment. I don’t pay rent when we are at the house. I will not be paying rent when I semi-move in with my boyfriend in the next couple months. Our goal is to get our own luxury apartment next year close to both of our places of employment after a year lease at a cheaper place. Between now and then I’ll split my time with him and my mom.
• Cellphone: $15 (on family plan & I just pay for additional data)
• Spotify: $5.40 (student plan)
• iCloud: $2.99
• Prime: $8.11
• Gym membership: $20
• Regular therapy: $5 a session and I go biweekly
• Health insurance: $122.54 monthly
• Costco: $60 annually

I allocate the following to my biggest expense categories monthly:

• Gas: $120
• Groceries: $300
• Eating out: $400
• Pet expenses: $200
• Other discretionary spending: $400

WEDNESDAY - DAY 1
8:45: I slept 10 hours last night and it was glorious. I worked a 12 hour shift at the hospital yesterday and our patient acuity was very high.
9:30: Make a coffee and walk and feed my pup. I walk over to the pool for a morning swim. I love a quiet morning swim so much.
11:30: I had a nice 500 yd swim, drank a Premier Protein shake & ate overnight oats with blueberries for breakfast, had a relaxing shower, and started some laundry. Feeling anxious about everything I have on my plate currently. Also I feel hungover from work yesterday. I was going to work another 12 hour shift tomorrow but now I don’t know if I can handle it with school also starting on Friday and a very busy social weekend coming up. Luckily, my director literally lets me show up whenever I want so I may do 7 or 8 hours tomorrow instead of a full 12. Try to table my feelings to discuss in therapy this afternoon.
11:40: Sit down to finish some online orientation for my internship that is coming up my final semester.
13:03: Orientation stuff only took about 20 minutes thank god. I ran to the grocery store and grab a 4 pack of watermelon Celsius, frozen veggies, Eggo waffles, tea bags, string cheese, coffee filters, Wheat Thins, and lean ground beef ($37.01). Head up to the rooftop lounge at the apartment complex to FaceTime a friend that lives across the country since there is zero privacy in the apartment.
14:15: Get off FaceTime, work on some more laundry, and head out to therapy.
16:15: Good, productive, fun, and validating therapy session and I make it over to my friend’s condo to check on her kitties. I had set up a reoccurring biweekly therapy appointment now that I know my school schedule for the upcoming semester too. We talked about money fixation and anxiety and trying to let that go. We agree that I should sleep in a bit tomorrow, walk my dog, go for a swim, and then go to work. I don’t ~need~ the money so working 12 hours vs 7 or 8 is not an issue. My mental health is more important. Also the work hangover from yesterday is real.
17:00: Boyfriend comes over after work and jumps in the shower while I’m a couch potato (Disclaimer: he’s friends with my friend too and she’s 100% comfortable with him hanging out too.) We relax and hang with the kitties and catch up on our days.
18:45: We head to dinner. We grab burritos at one of our favorite local spots and I pay ($25.88). We look at houses for fun on Zillow and discuss what apartments we want to tour in the next couple weeks.
20:00: I make it home and have a long talk with my mom about her friend who ended up in the hospital today with a compound fracture. Long story short I’ll need to stay up until midnight to hand off the house keys, garage door opener, etc. to a friend who is driving into town that can take care of her dog. Her dog is a pit bull that is vicious to strangers so no one else can go over to the house other than this friend who pet sits and knows the dog.
23:30: The friend makes it and we hand him the keys and everything he needs. I had spent the evening tidying up and meal prepping and looking at more apartments. It’s amazing to me how much time goes into keeping a clean and tidy home.
12:08: I spent a half hour setting up my June budget and then pass out.
TOTAL: $62.89
THURSDAY - DAY 2
9:05: I finally wake up to a bunch of texts from multiple different friends / friend groups. Ugh. I’m just feeling really anxious about school starting tomorrow, my mom being very distraught over her colleague / friend, working today, and a busy weekend coming up. I make some coffee and walk my pup.
9:33: I call my mom while feeding my pup breakfast and tell her how I’m feeling and we both agreed I ran around too much last semester and I told her I am setting firm boundaries with myself to basically not do anything social during the school week once clinical start (Monday - Thursday) unless it’s like a super casual dinner and I truly have the capacity for it. I burned myself out at the end of last semester and spent weeks putting the pieces back together.
9:55: I make another cup of coffee and take myself for a morning swim. It brings me so much joy and grounds me. I swim 500 yards and then jump into the shower, throw my scrubs on, kiss my pup goodbye and head to the hospital. I drink a chocolate Primer Protein shake and call my friend L on the way to hear how her trip has been going so far. It was nice to catch up even though we saw each other over the weekend lol.
10:54: Ate my overnight oats made with half and half and some blueberries, clocked in, and headed out to the floor. Immediately get asked to be a sitter which literally never happens. Thank you universe. Feeling a little less anxious now that I’m here and feeling thankful for the little bit of extra money I’m making and being here for my community.
14:04: Maybe not thank you universe - the patient slept for a while then got extremely combative and was trying to punch me. I switch off with a coworker and head to the break room to eat a bowl I made with frozen veggies + rotisserie chicken from Costco + cheddar cheese on top.
19:09: I finally clock out. I had a snack of 2 rice cakes and some almonds at one point. Rest of work was wild (i.e. a psychotic patient that pulled out his IV and was throwing things everywhere, someone screaming in pain for hours nonstop, etc.) and had me questioning what I am doing making this career change. I am tired.
19:49: I make it home after swinging by L’s to check on her kitties. Jump in the shower. My mom has dinner ready and I scarf down this gorgeous basil, mozzarella, peppers, tomatoes, avocados, and olive salad + a couple Trader Joe’s dolmas + a couple pieces of fresh bread. Delicious. I force myself to get my food and my school bag ready for tomorrow and lay my scrubs out before I crawl into bed a little after 9.
TOTAL: $0
FRIDAY - DAY 3
06:22: Alarm goes off and I roll out of bed and take my pup for a nice walk. Give him breakfast / shower / throw on my scrubs / pack my lunch / give the pup a big kiss goodbye and I am out the door a little after 7:00.
07:47: I get to school and I am NOT feeling it lol. I stopped at Costco for gas on my way ($20.67) and I also swung by a very Texas niche store that sells all kinds of beef jerky my brother really likes to grab some for his birthday coming up ($17.98).
10:00: Class is boring - it’s tough getting back into it with an 8 hour cardiac lecture. It’s good to see my friends but struggle is real. I run into my favorite professor and she makes my morning. I tell her all about my upcoming internship and my boyfriend’s new job and she was stoked and told me to “lock him down” hahaha. I also make 2 phone calls to apartment complexes we are interested in cause my boyfriend doesn’t get great reception at work during business hours. One place doesn’t have any current availability but the lady was so nice and will be sending me a virtual tour later today. Schedule another tour on Monday afternoon.
11:30: We break for lunch and I eat the same thing as yesterday - rotisserie chicken + frozen veggies + cheddar cheese.
12:30: Spend the afternoon in class completely unable to concentrate. The professor is throwing ECG rhythms around left and right. 8 hours of ECG lecture is NOT a productive way to learn the material. I work on a couple study guides during class cause I cannot.
3:30: We get out a little early and I rush to meet my mom for a walk through of the house. I follow her back to her office because I sent a big Chewy order there. Pick up the box along with a Diet Coke, order us Cava for dinner, pick up Cava, check on my friends cats on my way home real quick, and then have a shower and relax. Mom pays for Cava and I thank her multiple times.
7:00: We eat dinner all together when everyone is eventually home (harissa avocado bowl for me!) and then my boyfriend calls right when I head out to walk my dog. Perfect. I miss him and have been having anxiety around our new schedules. We have a good 30 minute chat about our days before I spend the evening basically doing nothing. I chat with my family and mess around on my phone. Text boyfriend about different apartments.
22:44: Bed time after I brush and floss my teeth. I’m zonked from the week.
TOTAL: $38.65
SATURDAY - DAY 4
08:30: I’m awake! Did not sleep well at all cause thunderstorms. My pup is deathly afraid and will not stop shaking for hours so I end up sleeping on the couch on and off. We were up and down all night but somehow I feel okay. We go for a quick walk, feed him, and start a load of whites in the washer.
09:08: I have a shower, and then I head out to get my family coffee from one of our favorite spots.
10:45: Make it back home with 2 cold brews for my brother and I and a latte for mom. I also picked up 5 breakfast tacos and a German chocolate cake for Sunday dinner tomorrow ($56.24). I eat a bean and cheese taco and a potato and egg taco, start some laundry, and put air in my tires with my home compressor since my low air light has been on in my car for an embarrassing amount of time. Brother needs air in his tires too so turns into a production lol.
12:18: Spent a couple hours putzing around dealing with the tires and more laundry and packing a bag for tonight. We are headed to the lake for a friend’s bday party and I have no clue what I want to wear so I pack a lot of options and clothes for church tomorrow morning too. Now it’s time to drive around for a little bit and check out some potential apartments and do a small Target run.
14:02: I make it home from apartment cruising and my Target run. I bought a 3 subject notebook, tire pressure gauge with valve caps included, two bags of frozen veggies, mini coke zeros, and a bag of Lesser Evil popcorn ($21.50). I was so tempted to stop for lunch on my way home but lines were long everywhere so I made myself some cheesy eggs + 2 Eggo waffles when I got home. Put the valve cap on my tire that is missing one.
14:36: Make it to L’s condo and clean up after the cats and start the Roomba. Boyfriend texts that he is out of work and on his way over! He’s been up since 4 am this morning for work and I am feeling some type of way with everything on my plate / anxiety so we will see how long we make it tonight lol.
15:30: S is showered and we are out the door!
16:30: We make it to the rental, change into our bathing suits, and walk down to the river.
19:00: We hang out in the river for a good 2.5 hours. It was a good time - nice to chat with my school friends and their partners. Boyfriend and I head out before the real partying starts lol.
20:00: We eat dinner at this cute Tex Mex place. Boyfriend has some kind of alcoholic mixed drink and we share a fajita for 2 plate. Boyfriend pays - it was $70.56 with tip. I drive us back because he does not like to drive even after one drink which I am 100% here for. We are so tired lol.
21:15: Make it back to L’s condo and we take a hot shower and get into bed in the guest bedroom. It takes forever for us to both fall asleep.
TOTAL: $77.74
SUNDAY - DAY 5
6:50: Oh boy neither of us slept well. There was another thunderstorm. One of the cats was yowling nonstop outside our door. The ceiling fan was clanking on and off. The bed was way too soft. Up and down again all night for a second night in a row for me lol.
8:11: I’m showered and we are both dressed and we head out to one of our favorite taquerias for breakfast. I get 2 bean and cheese tacos and one machacado + egg taco. Boyfriend also gets 3 tacos and we both get coffee. We sit and chat for a while until it was time to go to church. I pay on the way out ($22.98 with tip).
11:40: After an hour of church and an hour meeting for a committee I’m on - I’m wiped out. Still have a house walk through to do with my family and boyfriend so I head over there and we are there for about an hour.
13:10: Finally made it home, walked my pup, and made myself a late lunch of Dave’s Killer bread toast + peanut butter + banana.
13:54: A girlfriend calls and asks if I want to get a pedicure this afternoon. We decide to get dinner together on Thursday instead. I’m actually very touched she called me because we are friends through another friend and normally don’t get together just the two of us. I’m really happy she reached out. I also invite one of my friends from school - I have been wanting them to meet for a while.
14:30: Nap timeeeee! I knock out for an hour then realize how thirsty I am and how badly I need to get out of the apartment. I get up, take the pup for a spin with my brother, and head to Sonic to get a large diet cherry limeade and then head to L’s condo to check on the kitties and chill ($3.34).
18:00: I spent a couple hours chilling on the internet - working on my google calendar, school organization, church emails, reviewing some apartments we may drive by tomorrow, and I download the remaining episodes of season 1 of Nurse Jackie to watch tonight. I had bought the complete first season over a month ago and still haven’t watched it all lol. That’s how little I watch tv.
20:00: We had bibimbap for dinner and German chocolate cake for dessert. Delicious. I clean up the dishes and do more laundry because that’s my life between school, work, working out, having 2 hairy pets, etc. Unpack my bags from the river day and sleepover last night too. Chat with my family.
22:00: Crawl into bed and watch some Nurse Jackie before passing out.
TOTAL: $26.32
MONDAY - DAY 6
7:33: I slept better but still tossed and turned. Still just anxious with everything going on, especially the start of another intense semester.
8:47: Pup is fed and walked. I open the windows because it is 68 degrees which is unheard of in June in south Texas.
10:06: I ended up doing a deep clean of my room hahah. Wiped down and vacuumed every surface. So much hair. My pup is shedding so bad. I change my bedding and toss my comforter in the wash. Thank goodness I have 2 sets of sheets now. I had only 1 for the longest time lol. I take a break and eat some Greek yogurt + pecans + banana + drizzle of honey.
11:03: I vacuumed the common areas in the apartment, took a long shower, and I’m dressed and ready for my boyfriend to pick me up. I felt like being cute today so I put on this new leather skirt from Alice + Olivia my boyfriend got me as a present that I haven’t worn yet + a white crop top + my cheetah old skool Vans. I’m so tired though lololol. This is one of the only Mondays we both have off for the foreseeable future so I am gonna rally and make the most of it!
11:15: Boyfriend is so tired too bahah. We go grab coffees at this cute little coffee shop I’ve been wanting to check out. I get a cortado. Boyfriend gets an iced caramel almond milk latte and I treat ($11.82 with tip). We sit and chill and map out what apartments we want to check out today.
12:30: Walk across the street to grab Tex Mex for lunch at a pretty famous place in town. I get the enchilada plate and boyfriend gets a chicken quesadilla plate. He pays and it is $27.89 with tip.
1:30: Go for our first apartment tour of the day and it is depressing. We drive around and check out the other apartments we are I interested in and then go on one more tour at a place that we are really impressed by. It’s $1.3k or so for a 500 sq ft one bedroom and that’s a stretch. Ideally he wants the base rent to be $1,000 or less which is quite doable. Yet again - south Texas prices for the win. He is looking at older buildings, but they are well kept up and in good neighborhoods. They are not in the hottest places to be in town, but definitely still nice.
16:00: We go back to L’s condo and chill and take care of the kitties. Discuss the apartments and ask my brother if he wants to get dinner with us and he agrees.
18:00: We head back to my apartment, pick up my brother, and head to dinner. We order a large caesar salad, an arugula and sausage pizza, and a mushroom and pepperoni pizza. This spot does $10 two topping pizzas on Monday and it slaps. I treat my boyfriend and brother to dinner ($48.01 with tip).
20:00: Home and boyfriend walks my pup with me. Brother makes us both tea and we have a nice cup of tea and chat until boyfriend heads home. I put together my breakfast and lunch tomorrow and then lay down to chill and have some quiet time.
22:30: Bed time! First day of critical care didactic is tomorrow and I am feeling mostly excited.
TOTAL: $59.82
TUESDAY - DAY 7
6:22: My alarm goes off and wakes me from a deep sleep. I finally slept a good 8 hours though!
7:10: I am showered and throw on some black Lululemon Align leggings and a swiftly tech tee. I was gonna wear real pants but screw that haha. I am really dragging this morning.
7:50: Make it to school and lecture starts at 8. Honestly - that lecture could have been given in 45 minutes but we spent the first 2 hours simply going over the schedule and clarifying assignments since everything is such a disorganized hot mess at the beginning of the semester.
10:05: We take a break and call a fellow church congregation member to see if we want to meet today to tour an organization that supports people immigrating. We are debating if we want to allocate church donation funds to them. We agree to meet at the location at 1:30.
12:41: We are done with class and I stayed a bit after to start making my study guide for our first test even though it isn’t for 5 weeks. I realize the time and quickly pack up and go heat up my lunch. Chat with an MSN student who I had met in orientation for my internship a couple weeks ago and he expressed his frustration about how the start of this semester is rough for him too.
2:38: We finish our tour and we are very impressed at the clean and organized operation. We agree to each write our own follow up email to the rest of the group before the end of the day supplying the church donating.
3:30: I make some jasmine tea and have some quiet time when I get home before starting on some dosage calculation problems that are due on Friday.
5:45: I end up spending almost 2.5 hours on homework - dosage calculations, an article summary, and start on a medication sheet. Ouch. I lay down for 20 minutes, take my pup out, and then head out to meet my friend for dinner at Cava.
6:30: I get the lemon chicken bowl and pita chips ($13.69) and we sit and chat for a 1.5 hours. We just saw each other a couple weeks ago, but so much to catch up on.
20:00: We agree to go on a double date in the next couple weeks and I head home. I walk my pup with my mom and brother, pack my gym bag and my food for tomorrow, write my follow up emails from today’s visit to the church committee, and relax in bed.
TOTAL: $13.69
TALLY OF DAILY EXPENSES:

• Food + Drink: $240.36
• Fun / Entertainment: $0
• Home + Health: $0
• Clothes + Beauty: $0
• Transport: $30.67
• Other: $17.98

TOTAL EXPENSES: $279.11
REFLECTION
I spent quite a bit on going out to eat this week with my boyfriend, family, and friends. It was the end of my school break and boyfriend is transitioning to a new job so we were a bit out of whack with spending on food. Usually we eat at home with our families more, but it was nice to go out and enjoy ourselves too. It was a super busy week for me too - which is the norm lately. I have a great community and social life here compared to the West Coast and I do not take that for granted. Trying to make myself more of a priority so I don’t burn out again, which is difficult for me.

Pt 1 If you haven't read it
​
Pt 2 If you haven't read it
​
Pt 3 If you haven't read it
​
Pt 4 If you haven't read it
​
To address a point brought up in the comments in Pt 4 about the spread of diseases, since any bacteria or virus would have to evolve to cross the species barrier, the spread of diseases to other species only start to become a concern after prolonged contact, and that's assuming it would even evolve to do that in the first place.
​
Hope you enjoy Pt 5 and happy reading!
​
After setting up the sound isolators, Will walked over to the portable synthesizer and used it to print these bottles which he then brought into the bathroom, which he had opened the door for. Along with the strange white opaque bottles he also brought that same pair of shorts that he had worn last night, presumably to change into. I think I much preferred it to a human's sleep. Sure it can be boring at times, and because half your brain is off everything feels kind of funky and you lack depth perception, but I just couldn't imagine what it would like to be totally unaware of my surroundings for so long.
Eventually, not too long after he closed the door, I heard these coughing sounds from the bathroom, I suppose when he took off his shawl to give some of it to me he must've inhaled too much dust. That was a really nice thing he did for me. I heard the toiled flushing and shortly thereafter the shower turn on. Wait a minute. Will had only had one meal today! and I haven't eaten at all! But yet, I'm not hungry, now that I think about it this planet seems to have a much faster day-night cycle, at least a half of what I'm used to. Not too long after he finished using the toilet, he began his shower, which didn't last very long, I just hope it's long enough to get that smell off of him.
He exited the bathroom, his damp skin glistening in the warm glow of the lightbulb. It struck me once more, this time much more so as I was closer to him and the lighting was better, just how tightly human skin hugs the body. Even with no depth perception I could still make out a significant number of the muscle groups. He didn't seem to notice my staring, all he did was sit down at the desk and watch a live feed of Kepler on his communicator, who, for the record I still don't trust. I may trust Will, but not Kepler, I will never trust that thing. Eventually, he got up and walked over to his bed, laying down in between the blanket and the mattress, only letting his head poke out, which faced away from me.
A few hours later, as the warm, red light of Ix crept in through the blinds, and the hunger became too much to ignore, I got up, slowly though as my back was rather displeased by the amount of time I had spent lying down. I stretched, and walked around a bit to try and clear out some of that fogginess that tends to linger after hibernation a bit quicker. Big day ahead. Glancing over at Will I noticed he was still asleep, which looked quite funny, eyes closed, drool was leaking from his mouth, occasionally twitching. He looked quite peaceful, cute even. By the time he had woken up, I had already gotten my UV cleanse done, and since he had taken a shower last night, he would need is paint inspected for any cracking, of which I would have to help with since he lacks proper motor function in his right hand. While I waited for him to be done changing in the bathroom, I used the synthesizer to print me a Nutrition Pack, which of course would remedy my hunger. I also tried to print his breakfast for him but apparently only he is allowed to print the hazardous chemicals, which makes sense I suppose. Instead I read over his report he made, was just detailing local flora and small fauna, infrastructure, weather data, architecture, etc, etc. All things considered I was quite proud of how he did.
"Hey so uhh, I wasn't sure if you noticed but, the day-night cycle here, super short." Will said, exiting the bathroom.
"I was just about to tell you that! Oh by the way I tried to print your breakfast but it refused since it included caffeine."
"Well thanks for trying but we typically eat different things for each meal, the categorization really depends on the person, but personally" he walked over to me and leaned over the table, inputting some numbers into the keypad.
"I really like to go for a BLT, some chips with a glass of water for my lunches." He said as the synthesizer spun into action once more.
"What's that?" I asked
"You wanna try it?" Will responded, side-eyeing me.
"Well.. no."
"Can you just tell me what it is?"
"Bacon, Lettuce, Tomato, Mayonnaise, Everything bagel seasoning, bread, and some thinly sliced, fried potatoes."
"I think I'm sticking with my Nutrition Packs for now."
Will rolled his eyes, and with time to kill before we had to leave to catch the train we just talked some more.
"So has Captain Reloxyn responded to your report yet?"
"Mmm yeah, she said, let's see.. ah, "Good work, forwarding to Central Command.""
"Best response you can hope for."
"Really? Huh. Was expecting something with a bit more... personality."
"We all do at first, but the Federation is adamant that protocol be followed strictly to the letter in dealing with Pre-FTL societies, don't want to risk them finding out."
"I see, let's just hope I don't try to modify that synthesizer again." Will joked.
"You know, you'd make a great surveyor, you should put in a transfer request."
"Well that's new, usually I'm the one suggesting these kinds of things."
"But no, I think I'm good. I quite like being an engineer."
"Oh will you... looks like you got a little something around your mouth."
"Shit I do." He said straining his neck to glance over into the mirror.
"Eh, no biggie, I'm just gonna wipe it off with a paper towel." He said, inputting a new code for the synthesizer.
"So how's the Nutrition Pack treating you so far?"
"Just as flavorless as ever!" I said with a massive, very Will-like grin on my face.
After double checking all the disguise makeup was all intact, we both got ready to go leave to catch the train to Hl'ix. Once we got into the lobby Will tapped the bell on the check out desk to call for a receptionist, who turned out to be the same woman that checked us in the night prior.
"Leaving so soon! You haven't even gotten a chance to explore!" She said, rounding the corner to face Will.
"Yeah well we have a train to catch in about half an hour so we should probably be heading out soon."
"Well in that case your total is $40!"
Will glanced at me in terror, having entirely forgotten the matter of the bill. I got up bringing all our stuff with me over to the desk so I could manage it. Once I got there I reached into a pouch and pulled out the exact amount requested in local currency. Scouts always keep a very small synthesizer on them to produce currency.
"Here you go." I said handing her the money.
"Well have a great day and good luck on your travels!" Za'ul said as we left the building.
Thankfully the wind had died down, Will released another Weather Sheet for data recording, and gave me the weather run down, though this time much briefer than last time.
"It's nice out." He said
"Great, now which way to the train station?" I asked.
Will turned around scanning his environment.
"There! Look, here's a sign pointing to the train station, see, not that far!"
The sign read 1 kilometer, so it would probably take me about 20 minutes. Zorxians like myself aren't exactly known for our speed.
"Hold on, I'll take your stuff." Will graciously offered.
"Oh thank you!" I responded, handing him my suitcase.
Thanks to Will carrying my things for me, we made it to the station in about 18 minutes.
"Hi, could we have two tickets on the 10:30 to Hl'ix?" Will said to the ticket agent.
"Sure thing, here's your tickets! Enjoy your trip!"
Will walked over to me with the two paper slips in hand.
"Just got a transmission from Captain, a day here is about 16 hours. 8 hours of sun, 8 hours of night." He said, talking quietly as to not arouse suspicion in the waiting area.
"10 minutes until the train gets here." He said once again, though in a much less secretive tone.
We both made our way over to the platform. Will handed me my ticket, which indicated a private cabin was booked so we could discuss things without revealing our identities. The train was nice, with a reddish carpet illuminated by the same temperature lighting as from the hotel. The car we entered had a hallway running along the right side of the car, with about 6 rooms to a train. Each room was separated by a glass door which slid open and closed, and could be locked. I closed and locked the door behind me, and Will placed down the sound dampeners in the four corners of the room. Inside were two long couch like chairs running perpendicular to the window, with a table about 2/3rds the length of the room running down the middle. Above the seating were some racks for luggage, but not wanting to risk forgetting even the smallest of things, we placed our luggage right next to ourselves, as we sat opposite from each other.
"So, we should start going over some of our observations so far for the first full report." I said, pulling my notepad out of one of the pouches on my suitcase.
"Yeah, sure thing." Will responded, doing the same thing as I had just done by taking his notepad out.
"One thing I've noticed is that this planet never developed the use of hydrocarbons. When Earth was at this stage in development, we used them everywhere. Not saying it's a bad thing they don't use them, actually it's a good thing, just something I find strange. Looking at the planet's age one would assume that they'd have access to such recourse."
"Well, we used fossil fuels for a short while, but we ditched them long before we got here, technologically speaking."
"Huh. I wonder if we're an outlier, wouldn't be the first time." Will chuckled.
"How come you stayed with them so long?" I asked
"Weren't you aware of how dangerous they were?" I followed up.
"Oh we were, we know just how bad they could be. Now, this was prior to when we achieved post-scarcity so things were a little... complicated, so I'll try to sum things up. Basically, a very small number of people had amassed massive fortunes off of selling and trading fossil fuels, now at this time corruption was rampant, so they used these fortunes to maintain their dominance without actually needing to do anything. They lied to everyone, they influenced policies, funded denial, and tried to keep the science quiet. Things eventually thought got out of hand and it became impossible to deny, at least, outright denial. So instead they just stalled action, prolonged it, made it less effective, and in some cases, reversed it. Things got really bad. But, humans are resilient creatures, and sure, we caused a mass extinction event in the process, but eventually we picked up the pieces, and slowly but surely, reversed the damage we had done."
I had heard of civilization that had gone down that route before, I had even done a scout mission on one of those worlds before, but all that was left were graveyards.
"That's horrifying..." I responded.
"Yeah... that tends to be the reaction I get when I talk about our history. We did some pretty fucked up shit."
"Why...?"
Will sighed.
"It's just, humans are a diverse species, and you meet, more often than not, just some really wonderful people, but... there's also an astonishingly high number of shitheads. And for most of our history, we had societal structures that rewarded these shitheads."
"Huh."
"I should still include that right... the part about no fossil fuels?" He asked.
"Yeah, but just know it's not that big of a deal." I answered.
"Got it."
My communicator beeped.
"Looks like I'm getting a transmission from the ship."
"What does it say?" Will asked as he craned his neck over to me.
"Well it's a weather model, it looks like those big wind and dust storms happen every couple of days- our days I should say, we just happened to be a little bit unlucky with timing our landing."
"Right, when does it say the next one's coming?" Will sat back down in his seat.
"Not for another 3 us days, or about 5 days here."
"You know, I really wasn't a fan of the whole using the local days for sleeping. I much prefer the 24 hour days I've gotten used to on the ship."
"Yes I too agree, but it would be far too risky to do so."
"Suppose." Will said, turning his head to face the window.
"So could you tell me a bit more about your family?" I asked Will.
"Well, I already told you about Mike, he was just an absolute shithead, you already know that. My sister, Kim, she's wonderful. A few years older than me, my parents adopted her since they weren't sure if it was safe to have another kid after Mike... but here I am! So the doctor got that one wrong! Anyways, she helped me a lot, with school, dealing with Mike's bullshit, friends, she was the first person I told I was gay. I don't know where I'd be without her. My dad, he was an inspector for the Department of Agriculture, so always away stars know where to inspect some farm. My mom was a surgeon at Massachusetts General Hospital so always dealing with some kind of medical emergency. That's why Mike was able to make my life so fucking miserable for so long, that and he had all his friends do it for him, plausible deniability and all that shit. When I was 12 my mom got this promotion, which meant my dad could quit and stay home, so Mike stopped but that's when he got his friends to do it for him. Eventually when my mom retired a few years later she found out about the shit he did and got his friends to do it for him and cut him off while he was away at University. It served as a wakeup call for Mike, he's now a maintenance technician, inspecting buildings, roads, train tracks, all that stuff. I'm kind of glad he got his shit together, he did apologize, I know he means well now and I do think he's made a change for the better, but it's just so hard to forgive him. Kim, she works for The Federation too, but as one of their ambassadors at the Lunar Embassy on Shackleton Crater."
Unlike last time I asked him, his eyes didn't well up, but he just kept rubbing his face, making the skin all puffy.
"Oh, careful you don't rub the makeup off." I told him.
"I'm thirsty I... I should get some water."
Will opened up his suitcase to grab the synthesizer, pressing a few buttons and quickly making a bottle of water before quickly putting the synthesizer back. I decided it was wise to do the same, but instead grabbing a Nutrient Drink from the outermost pouch of my suitcase. After chugging down the entire bottle, Will turned to me once more and asked:
"Right Tomō, now you have to tell me more about your family."
"So my parents were both professors at the University of Lenage, my mom was a Professor of Language Development and my dad was a Professor of Anthropology, they would often go on research trips together all over The Federation, and since they went together they would bring me, and eventually my brother, along with them. I suppose that's where I developed my interest in Pre-FTL scouting."
"Damn." Will chuckled.
"You know, I don't really blame my parents, I used to, but they did their best. Mom had a late start to her career, didn't realize she wanted to be a surgeon until she was 28, and my dad quit as soon as he could, plus he kept trying to get transferred to a different department so he wouldn't have to travel. They did everything they could."
"KCHH This is the conductor speaking just wanted to give you all a heads up that we are now on final approach to Hl'ix Central with an ETA of 5 minutes. Please start getting ready to disembark. KCHH"
We both stood up, Will collected his things, and I collected mine. He packed up the sound dampeners and we both did a second inspection of each other's sides to make sure we didn't miss anything. By the time we had finished doing so I unlocked the door to the room, and stood in the line that began to form out the door as the train slowly rolled to a stop.
*ding*
The doors had open and we all began to make our way out the car, we both walked over to the right side of the station marked "EXIT" we made no time to inspect the station hall, as to not arouse suspicion. upon exiting we were greeted by buildings no higher than 15 floors, though much taller buildings could be seen under construction off in the distance. That, and the metro station entrance across the street being marked as "Central Station/Historic Hl'ix" lead me to conclude that they had decided to preserve the older, more centrally located parts of their city, and push the newer developments further away.
"There!" Will said over the sound of the crowded sidewalks and jammed roads
"Hotel!"
"Okay!" I shouted back.
The light to cross the street changed and we made our way across and down the block, arriving at the hotel just a few moments later. Upon entering, the building was far nicer than the one we had stayed at in Urup, and Will darted to the check in desk to get us a room, I followed suit.
"Hi there! My name is Rozca, what can I do for you?" The man behind the desk said to Will as he approached.
"Well we would like a room, preferably one on your top floor."
"Well sir, the top floor only has suites, and suites only have one bed, unless one of you sleeps on the pull-out."
After a few seconds of deliberation Will responded.
"Sure thing we'll take that."
"Alright and for how long will you be staying with us?"
"Just for 3 nights."
"Alright, your total is $3,650."
"Here you go." Will said, pulling the money out of the small pouch I had handed him earlier.
"Your room is 1507, Enjoy your stay!"
After grabbing two keys, one for each of us and handing me my copy, we headed over to the elevator, got in, went up to the 15th floor, walked over to our room and dropped our luggage off. Will gestured for me to come inside.
"So, we need a plan for exploring the city." Will said once he had placed down the sound barriers.
"Now I propose that we take the train over to where all the new development is, and meet back at the metro station over there around dusk to head back here." He said standing back up.
"And we can put these trackers on each other so we know where we are." I said, rummaging through my suitcase to grab the tiny, transparent, tracking beacons that adhere to the skin.
"Found them!" I said holding the labeled baggie.
Carefully taking one out I placed it on his right forearm, which felt strange to the touch as I was able to feel the muscle fibers lying beneath the skin. Then, taking the other one out, Will placed it on my right forearm, which I'm sure must've felt equally strange to his touch, the loose skin sliding around. Afterwards, we took our communicators and paired them to each other's beacons.
We both left the room shortly afterwards making sure to lock the door behind me as I left. Heading out the lobby back into the busy sidewalk we made our way to the metro station, descending into the cool underground tunnel. We both bought our tickets, with the train arriving just moments after we got to the platform. The train itself was quite crowded, and a quick change of gloves made it socially acceptable to grab onto the straps hanging from the ceiling. The ride itself only lasted about 8 minutes, stopping at about 3 places along the way. We got the ticket hole punched on the way out, walked up the stairs and went our separate ways to observe and explore the more modern parts of town.
After about 10 minutes of walking I paused to take in my surroundings, craning my neck upwards to examine the under-construction skyscrapers. Lost in observation however, I failed to notice a vehicle coming my way.
I heard the whirr of the electric motors but it was far too late.
I heard the gravel cracking beneath the spinning tires, but I failed to pay any attention to it.
It was only when I felt the hand grab onto the back of my sweater that I finally, truly, paid attention to what was happening.
And now, I found myself in the back of a van, and a piece of black cloth covering my eyes, with another one stuffed into my mouth.
​
Looks like I'm going to leave it off there on a nice cliffhanger, Pt 6 should be coming out Friday since that one's going to be quite the action packed part. Hope you enjoyed!

TRACK 1: Mad House
[Intro: Announcer]
Ladies and Gentleman
To those among you who are easily frightened
We suggest you turn away now
To those of you who think they can take it
We say welcome to the mad house
[Verse: Rihanna & Announcer]
Ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, oh, oh
Ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, oh, oh (Mad house)
Na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na
Na, na, na, na, na, na, na
Come on, come on, come on in
Come on, come on in (Mad house)
Ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, oh, oh
Ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, oh, oh
(Welcome to the mad house)
Na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na
Na, na, na, na, na, na, na
Come on, come on, come on in
Come on, come on in
TRACK 2: Wait Your Turn
[Intro]
It's just the way the game is played
It's best if you just wait your turn
[Bridge]
The wait is over, the wait is over
The wait is over, the wait is over
The wait is over, the wait is over
The wait is over, the wait is over
[Verse 1]
I pitch with a grenade
Swing away if you're feeling brave
There's so much power in my name
If you pop off and you say it
Stadium gon' do the wave
I'm such a fucking lady
You don't have to be so afraid
'Cause I got room up on my team
You can play but hold up
[Refrain]
It's just the way the game is played
It's best if you just wait your turn
[Chorus]
It's getting crowded over here
But babe, the wait is over
Sometimes it takes a thousand tries to win
The wait is over
Fumble, don't you fumble, that's a flag on the play
Babe, if you don't wanna then you don't have to wait
But together, we gon' be taking over
[Refrain]
It's just the way
The game is played
It's best if you just
Wait your turn
[Verse 2]
So you don't wanna wait?
I hate to hear that, such a shame
'Cause if you play it sideways, ain't no timeout in my game
They already underway
I know you want to win
And you wish I would let you in
Get in line over here
You can play but hold up
[Refrain]
It's just the way the game is played
It's best if you just wait your turn
[Chorus]
It's getting crowded over here
But babe, the wait is over
Sometimes it takes a thousand tries to win
The wait is over
Fumble, don't you fumble, that's a flag on the play
Babe, if you don't wanna then you don't have to wait
But together, we gon' be taking over
[Refrain]
It's just the way the game is played
It's best if you just wait your turn
[Verse 3]
Baby put the work in like a champion
But the crowd is screaming with their hands way up
Couldn't be with no one else, you're the only way I'll win
Baby got the whole world standing up
Damn, I'm glad I picked ya, took a chance on love
Babe, you're up
The time is now and now the wait is over
[Bridge]
The wait is over, the wait is over
The wait is over, the wait is over
Just wait your turn
The wait is over, the wait is over
The wait is over, the wait is over
Just wait your turn
[Chorus]
It's getting crowded over here
But babe, the wait is over
Sometimes it takes a thousand tries to win
The wait is over
Fumble, don't you fumble, that's a flag on the play
Babe, if you don't wanna then you don't have to wait
But together, we gon' be taking over
[Refrain]
It's just the way the game is played
It's best if you just wait your turn
[Outro]
Just wait your turn
The wait is over, the wait is over
The wait is over, the wait is over
TRACK 3: Hard
[Intro: Rihanna, Jeezy]
Yeah, yeah, yeah (Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah)
Yeah, yeah, yeah (Ah yeah, yeah, yeah yeah, yeah, yeah)
Ah yeah yeah yeah (Ah yeah yeah yeah, haha)
Ah yeah (Ah yeah) ah yeah (Ah yeah, ah yeah)
Ah yeah (Ah yeah) yeah (Yeah)
Ah yeah (Ah yeah) ah yeah (Ah yeah)
Ah yeah (Ah yeah) yeah (Yeah)
[Verse 1: Rihanna, Jeezy]
They can say whatever, I'ma do whatever
No pain is forever, yup! You know this (Young!)
Tougher than a lion, ain't gon' needa try it
I live where the sky ends, yup! You know this (Young!)
Never lying, truth-teller
That Rihanna reign just won't let up
All-black on, blacked-out shades (Shades)
Blacked-out Maybach
I'ma rock this shit like fashion
As in, going 'til they say stop (Hold up)
And my runway never looked so clear
But the hottest bitch in heels right here (Here)
No fear, and while you're getting your cry on
I'm getting my fly on
Sincere, I see you aiming at my pedestal
I better let you know
[Chorus: Rihanna, Jeezy]
That I, I, I, I'm so hard (So hard)
Yeah, yeah, yeah, I'm so hard (Too hard)
That I, I, I, I'm so hard (So hard)
Yeah, yeah, yeah, I'm so hard (Too hard)
That I, I, I, I'm so hard (So hard)
Yeah, yeah, yeah, I'm so hard (Too hard)
So hard (Yeah!) so hard (Yeah!)
So hard (Yeah!) so hard (Yeah!)
[Post Chorus: Rihanna, Jeezy]
Brrah, ah (Yeah, yeah, yeah)
That Rihanna reign just don't let up
Brrah, ah, ah (Yeah, yeah, yeah)
That Rihanna reign just don't let up
Brrah, ah (Yeah, yeah, yeah)
That Rihanna reign just don't let up
So hard (Yeah!) so hard (Yeah!)
So hard (Yeah!) so hard (Yeah!)
[Verse 2: Rihanna, Jeezy]
All up on it, know you wanna clone it
Ain't like me, that chick too phony (Young!)
Ride this beat, beat, beat like a pony
Meet me at the top, top, top getting lonely (Young!)
Who think they test me now?
Run through your town, I shut it down
Brilliant, resilient
Fan mail from twenty-seven million (Young!)
And I want it all
It's gonna take more than that, hope that ain't all you got
I need it all (Hold up!)
The money, the fame, the cars, the clothes
I can't just let you run up on me like that
All on me like that, yeah
I see you aiming at my pedestal
So I think I gotta let you know
[Chorus: Rihanna, Jeezy]
That I, I, I, I'm so hard (So hard)
Yeah, yeah, yeah, I'm so hard (Too hard)
That I, I, I, I'm so hard (So hard)
Yeah, yeah, yeah, I'm so hard (Too hard)
That I, I, I, I'm so hard (So hard)
Yeah, yeah, yeah, I'm so hard (Too hard)
So hard (Yeah!) so hard (Yeah!)
So hard (Yeah!) so hard (Yeah!)
[Verse 3: Jeezy]
It's go hard or go home, back to your residence
Soon the Red Dogs give the block back to the presidents
I used to run my whole block like Obama them
You ain't gotta believe me, go ask my momma them
Couldn't even come in my room, smelled like a kilo
Look like me and two of my boys playing casino
Count the style I keep in my bag, they can't afford it
Tell 'em "Give me back my swag," they tryna clone it
See my Louis chucks, Louis flag, Louis frames
Louis belt, what that make me, Louis Mane?
I'm in the all-white party wearing all black
With my new black watch, call it the heart attack
Cardiac arrest, Carti'ac a wrist
Yeah, they say they hard, they ain't hard as this
Hard: the one word describes me
If I wasn't doing this, you know where I'd be to 'em
[Bridge: Rihanna, Jeezy]
Where them girls talking trash? Where them girls talking trash?
Where they at? Where they at? Where they at?
Where them bloggers at? Where them bloggers at?
Where they at? Where they at? Where they at?
Where your lighters at? Where your lighters at?
Where they at? Where they at? Where they at?
So hard (Yeah!) so hard (Yeah!)
So hard (Yeah!) so hard (Yeah!)
[Chorus: Rihanna, Jeezy]
That I, I, I, I'm so hard (Yeah!)
Yeah, yeah, yeah, I'm so hard (Yeah!)
That I, I, I, I'm so hard (So hard)
Yeah, yeah, yeah, I'm so hard (Too hard)
So hard, so hard (So hard)
So hard, so hard (Too hard)
[Outro: Rihanna]
That I, I, I
TRACK 4: Stupid In Love
[Intro]
Stupid in love
Oh
Stupid in love
[Verse 1]
Let me tell you something
Never, have I ever, been a size ten in my whole life
I left the engine running
I just came to see, what you would do if I
Gave you a chance to make things right
So I made it, even though Katy, told me that this would be nothing but a waste of time
And she was right, mmm
Don't understand it, blood on your hands
And still you insist on repeatedly trying to tell me lies
And I just don't know why, oh
[Chorus]
This is stupid, I'm not stupid
Don't talk to me, like I'm stupid (Stupid in love)
I still love you, but I just can't do this
I may be dumb, but I'm not stupid
[Verse 2]
My new nickname is "You Idiot" (Such an idiot)
Mmm, that's what my friends are calling me when
They see me yelling into my phone
They're telling me, "Let go, he is not the one"
I thought I saw your potential
Guess that's what made me dumb
He don't want it, not like you want it
Scheming and cheating, oh girl, why do you waste your time?
You know he ain't right
You're telling me this, I don't wanna listen
But you insist on repeatedly tryna tell me lies
And I just don't know why
[Chorus]
This is stupid, I'm not stupid
Don't talk to me, like I'm stupid (Stupid in love)
I still love you, but I just can't do this
I may be dumb, but I'm not stupid
[Bridge]
Tryna make this work
But you act like a jerk
Silly of me to keep holding on (Oh)
But the dunce cap is off
You don't know what you've lost
And you won't realize
Till I'm gone, gone, gone
That I was the one
Which one of us is really dumb?
Oh, no, no, no
I'm not stupid in love
[Chorus]
This is stupid (No, no), I'm not stupid (No, no, no)
Don't talk to me, like I'm stupid (Like I'm stupid)
I still love you, but I just can't do this
I may be dumb, but I'm not stupid
[Outro]
I may be dumb, but I'm not stupid in love
TRACK 5: ROCKSTAR 101
[Intro]
I told ya, I told ya
I told ya baby, baby
Uh, uh, I told ya, baby
Uh oh
Uh, uh, I told ya, baby
Uh, uh, I told ya, baby
Uh oh
Uh, uh, I told ya, baby
Uh oh
Uh, uh, I told ya, baby
Uh oh
Uh, uh, I told ya
[Verse 1]
Got up in the club, posted in the back
Feeling so good, looking so bad
Rocking this skirt, rocking this club
Got my middle finger up, I don't really give a fuck
Rocking these diamonds, I'm rocking this chain
Make sure you get a picture, I'm rocking my fame
[Pre-Chorus]
To be what you is you gotta be what you are
The only thing I'm missing is a black guitar
[Chorus]
I'm a rockstar (Rockstar)
Hey baby, I'm a rockstar (Rockstar)
Hey baby
Big cities (Big cities)
Bright lights (Bright lights)
Sleep all day (All day)
Long nights
Baby, I'm a rockstar (Rockstar)
Hey baby, I'm a rockstar (Rockstar)
Hey baby, it's big cities (Big cities)
Bright lights (Bright lights)
Sleep all day (All day)
Long nights (Long nights)
Baby, I'm a
[Post-Chorus]
Oh, baby, I'm a
Oh, baby, I'm a
Oh, baby, I'm a
Oh, baby, I'm a
Oh, baby, I'm a
Oh, baby, I'm a
Oh, baby, I'm a
Oh, baby, I'm a
Hey, hey, hey
[Verse 2]
Six-inch walker, big shit talker
I never play the victim, I'd rather be a stalker
So baby take me in, I'll disobey the law
Make sure you frisk me good
Check my panties and my bra
Wild'n out, a crazy house
With my white jacket on
Won't you come and sign me out?
[Pre-Chorus]
To be what you is you gotta be what you are
The only thing I'm missing is a black guitar
[Chorus]
I'm a rockstar (Rockstar)
Hey baby, I'm a rockstar (Rockstar)
Hey baby
Big cities (Big cities)
Bright lights (Bright lights)
Sleep all day (All day)
Long nights
Baby, I'm a rockstar (Rockstar)
Hey baby, I'm a rockstar (Rockstar)
Hey baby, it's big cities (Big cities)
Bright lights (Bright lights)
Sleep all day (All day)
Long nights (Long nights)
Baby, I'm a
[Post-Chorus]
Oh, baby, I'm a
Oh, baby, I'm a
Oh, baby, I'm a
Oh, baby, I'm a
Oh, baby, I'm a
Oh, baby, I'm a
Oh, baby, I'm a
Oh, baby, I'm a
Hey, hey, hey
[Bridge]
Hey
I'm rocking out tonight
'Cause I can't wait 'til tomorrow
I'ma live my whole life in the night
'Cause I ain't got time to borrow
I'm rocking out tonight
Why wait 'til tomorrow
I'ma live my whole life in the night
[Chorus]
I'm a rockstar (Rockstar)
Hey baby, I'm a rockstar (Rockstar)
Hey baby
Big cities (Big cities)
Bright lights (Bright lights)
Sleep all day (All day)
Long nights
Baby, I'm a rockstar (Rockstar)
Hey baby, I'm a rockstar (Rockstar)
Hey baby, it's big cities (Big cities)
Bright lights (Bright lights)
Sleep all day (All day)
Long nights (Long nights)
Baby, I'm a
[Post-Chorus]
Oh, baby, I'm a
Oh, baby, I'm a
Oh, baby, I'm a
Oh, baby, I'm a
Oh, baby, I'm a
Oh, baby, I'm a
Oh, baby, I'm a
Oh, baby, I'm a
Hey, hey, hey
TRACK 6: Russian Roulette
[Verse 1]
Take a breath, take it deep
"Calm yourself", he says to me
If you play, you play for keeps
Take the gun and count to three
I'm sweating now, moving slow
No time to think, my turn to go
[Chorus]
And you can see my heart beating
You can see it through my chest
Said I'm terrified, but I'm not leaving
I know that I must pass this test
So just pull the trigger (Trigger, trigger, trigger)
[Verse 2]
Say a prayer to yourself
He says, "Close your eyes
Sometimes it helps"
And then I get a scary thought
That he's here, means he's never lost
[Chorus]
And you can see my heart beating
Oh, you can see it through my chest
Said I'm terrified, but I'm not leaving
Know that I must pass this test
So just pull the trigger
[Bridge]
As my life flashes before my eyes
I'm wondering, will I ever see another sunrise?
So many won't get the chance to say goodbye
But it's too late to think of the value of my life
[Chorus]
And you can see my heart beating
No, woah, you can see it through my chest
Said I'm terrified but I'm not leaving, no
Know that I must pass this test
And you can see my heart beating
Oh, you can see it through my chest
Now I'm terrified, but I'm not leaving, no, no
Know that I must pass this test
So just pull the trigger (Trigger, trigger, trigger)
TRACK 7: Fire Bomb
[Intro]
Yeah, whoa
[Verse 1]
Gunfire left a hole in the tank, losing gasoline
Fire is on my trail and he's after me
Hope it don't get here before I get where I'm goin'
I gotta get where I'm goin'
Take off my mask to breathe
You could've been a part of a masterpiece
Fluid in the brakes was the last to leak
That's the thing
[Pre-Chorus]
Where I'm goin', I don't need my brakes (Brakes)
Can't wait to see your face
When your front windows break
And I come crashing through
[Chorus]
The lovers needa clear the road
Oh, oh
'Cause this thing is ready to blow
Oh, oh
I just wanna set you on fire
So I won't have to burn alone
Then you
Then you'll know where I'm comin' from
Fire bomb
Fire bomb
[Verse 2]
Seems cold, but baby, no, it doesn't have to be
Microwaving our metal tragedy
Watching it burn and it's beautiful and it's blue
And it's pitiful when it's through, it's the other half of me
I didn't do it, you lit the match for me
Now we're flying from the blast, baby
That's the thing
[Pre-Chorus]
Where we're going, we don't need no brakes (Brakes)
Can't wait to see your face
When your front windows break
And I come crashing through
[Chorus]
The lovers needa clear the road
Oh, oh
'Cause this thing is ready to blow
Oh, oh
I just wanna set you on fire
So I won't have to burn alone
Then you
Then you'll know where I'm coming from
Fire bomb
Fire bomb
[Bridge]
Baby, we were killin' 'em
They couldn't handle the millionth degree
We were criminals
'Cause we were burning, the world called the police
Fire department, ambulance
You can call me crazy
'Cause I believe the only move for me and you is to go out blazing
[Chorus]
The lovers needa clear the road, oh, oh
'Cause this thing is ready to blow, oh, oh
I just wanna set you on fire
So I won't have to burn alone
Then you, then you'll know where I'm comin' from
Fire bomb, fire bomb
TRACK 8: Rude Boy
[Chorus]
Come here, rude boy, boy, can you get it up?
Come here, rude boy, boy, is you big enough?
Take it, take it (Yeah), baby, baby (Yeah)
Take it, take it (Yeah), love me, love me
Come here, rude boy, boy, can you get it up?
Come here, rude boy, boy, is you big enough?
Take it, take it (Yeah), baby, baby (Yeah)
Take it, take it (Yeah), love me, love me
[Verse 1]
Tonight, I'ma let you be the captain
Tonight, I'ma let you do your thing, yeah
Tonight, I'ma let you be a rider
Giddy-up, giddy-up, giddy-up, babe
Tonight, I'ma let it be fire
Tonight, I'ma let you take me higher
Tonight, baby, we could get it on, yeah, we could get it on, yeah
[Pre-Chorus]
Do you like it?
Boy, I want, want, want whatchu want, want, want
Give it to me, baby, like boom, boom, boom
What I want, want, want is what you want, want, want
Nah, nah-ah
[Chorus]
Come here, rude boy, boy, can you get it up?
Come here, rude boy, boy, is you big enough?
Take it, take it (Yeah), baby, baby (Yeah)
Take it, take it (Yeah), love me, love me
Come here, rude boy, boy, can you get it up?
Come here, rude boy, boy, is you big enough?
Take it, take it (Yeah), baby, baby (Yeah)
Take it, take it (Yeah), love me, love me
[Verse 2]
Tonight, I'ma give it to ya harder
Tonight, I'ma turn ya body out
Relax, let me do it how I wanna
If you got it, I need it, and I'ma put it down
Buckle up, I'ma give it to ya stronger
Hands up, we could go a little longer
Tonight, I'ma get a little crazy, get a little crazy, baby
[Pre-Chorus]
Like it?
Boy, I want, want, want whatchu want, want, want
Give it to me, baby, like boom, boom, boom
What I want, want, want is what you want, want, want
Nah, nah-ah
[Chorus]
Come here, rude boy, boy, can you get it up?
Come here, rude boy, boy, is you big enough?
Take it, take it (Yeah), baby, baby (Yeah)
Take it, take it (Yeah), love me, love me
Come here, rude boy, boy, can you get it up?
Come here, rude boy, boy, is you big enough?
Take it, take it (Yeah), baby, baby (Yeah)
Take it, take it (Yeah), love me, love me
[Bridge]
I like the way you touch me there
I like the way you pull my hair
Babe, if I don't feel it, I ain't faking, no, no (Oh no)
I like when you tell me 'kiss you there'
I like when you tell me 'move it there'
So giddy-up, time to get it up
You say you a rude boy, show me what you got now
Come here right now
Take it, take it, baby, baby
Take it, take it, love me, love me
[Chorus]
Come here, rude boy, boy, can you get it up?
Come here, rude boy, boy, is you big enough?
Take it, take it (Yeah), baby, baby (Yeah)
Take it, take it (Yeah), love me, love me
Come here, rude boy, boy, can you get it up?
Come here, rude boy, boy, is you big enough?
Take it, take it (Yeah), baby, baby (Yeah)
Take it, take it (Yeah), love me, love me
Love me, love me (Love me, love me, love me, love me)
Take it, take it, baby, baby
Take it, take it, love me, love me
Love me, love me (Love me, love me)
Yeah, yeah, yeah
Take it, take it, baby, baby
Take it, take it, love me, love me
TRACK 9: Photographs
[Intro: Rihanna]
Here's a little story I've gotta tell
'Bout this boy I know so well
Back in the day was cool and all
Fell in love, I fell in love
Thought he was the one for me
Other boys I could not see
And look what happened to our love
I'm like how could it be?
[Verse 1: Rihanna & will.i.am]
It shoulda been me and you
It coulda been you and me
But boy, you broke my heart and now I'm standing there
It shoulda been me and you
It coulda been you and me
Now all I got are these photographs
[Chorus: Rihanna & will.i.am]
All I've got, all I've got
All I've got are these photographs
All I've got, all I've got
Is nothing without you, you, you
Got nothing without you, you, you
Got nothing without you
[Verse 2: Rihanna]
Now baby, it's killing me
I'm saying it's killing me
The fact that you ain't around
Baby, I'm falling down
I need me a remedy
Been looking for remedies
I need you to be around
Baby, I'm hurting now
I know you're a better man
When I was your girl
This land is a better land
When you're in my world
Today will be better, babe
If it were like yesterday
So happy and lovely
Hey, hey, hey
[Chorus: Rihanna & will.i.am]
All I've got, all I've got
All I've got are these photographs
All I've got, all I've got
Is nothing without you, you, you
Got nothing without you, you, you
Got nothing without you
[Refrain: Rihanna]
All I've got are these photographs
I remember when I used to make you laugh
I don't wanna be stuck in the past
But you're all that I have, that I had
And I don't wanna lose what we built this far
This is me and you, you're my superstar
I'd give anything, baby, here's my heart
My heart, my heart
[Verse 3: will.i.am]
My heart don't stop, my heart be beating over
My loving never stop, even though that it's over
Girl, I've been reminiscing when I play that Casanova
Way back when we was kissing on your grandmama's sofa
Girl, I got us lovey-dovey on my photo album
I got them pictures back when I was rocking Calvin Klein
You had your Guess jeans on, looking sexy, oh no
Girl, why could it not be the one?
[Bridge: Rihanna & will.i.am]
Why? Why? Why?
Why couldn't I be the one?
(Why? Why? Why?)
Why couldn't you be the one?
(Why? Why? Why?)
Why couldn't you be the one?
(Why? Why? Why?)
[Chorus: Rihanna & will.i.am]
All I've got, all I've got
Is nothing without you
All I've got, all I've got
Is nothing without you, you, you
Is nothing without you, you, you
Is nothing without you
[Outro: Rihanna with will.i.am]
All I've got, is nothing without
All I've got, is nothing without
All I've got, all I've got are these photographs
TRACK 10: G4L
[Verse 1]
I lick the gun when I'm done
'Cause I know that revenge is sweet
So sweet
This is a gang, ladies thang
Baby bang, tell me what you need, oh
Any motherfucker wanna disrespect
Playing with fire finna get you wet
How it feel down there on your knees
[Pre-Chorus]
I got this
Girls like a soldier
Trip and it's goin' down, down, down
[Chorus]
I'm ready to roll
Girl, I'm with you
If they get you, they get me
So come on, let's go
Bitch, I'm with you
If you with it, you with me
You know I'm down
Down for life
Load it, reload it and let's go
Gangsta for life
'Til the day that I die
Yeah, I promise I'm standing high
'Cause you know that I'm down
You know I'm down
Gangsta for life
[Verse 2]
We drivin' by with them headlights off
We know where you stay
Know what you did, we don't play that shit
Nigga we don't play, no
Everybody cried when you did your dirt
Acting like a bitch finna get you hurt
Breaking lives down to their knees, oh
[Pre-Chorus]
I got this
Girls like a soldier
Trip and it's goin' down, down, down
[Chorus]
I'm ready to roll
Girl, I'm with you
If they get you, they get me
So come on, let's go
Bitch, I'm with you
If you with it, you with me
You know I'm down
Down for life
Load it, reload it and let's go
Gangsta for life
'Til the day that I die
Yeah, I promise I'm standing high
'Cause you know that I'm down
You know I'm down
Gangsta for life
[Bridge]
Guns (Check), Girls (Check)
Come on, we ain't done yet
Got a lot to handle
We ain't takin' over the world yet
We're an army
Better yet, a navy
Better yet, crazy
Guns in the air
Guns in the air
Guns in the air
Can't hurt us again when you come around here
We got our guns, got our guns
We got our guns, got our guns
We got our guns in the motherfuckin' air, oh
[Chorus]
I'm down for life
Gangsta for life
I'm down for life
Gangsta for life
You know I'm down
Down for life
Load it, reload it and let's go
Gangsta for life
'Til the day that I die
Yeah, I promise I'll stand and fight
'Cause you know that I'm down
You know I'm down
Gangsta for life
[Outro]
I lick the gun when I'm done
'Cause I know that revenge is sweet
TRACK 11: Te Amo
[Verse 1]
Te amo, te amo
She says to me
I hear the pain in her voice
Then we danced underneath the candelabra
She takes the lead
That's when I saw it in her eyes, it's over
[Chorus]
Then she said te amo
Then she put her hand around me waist
I told her no
She cried te amo
I told her I'm not gonna run away
But let me go
My soul is awry
Without asking why
I said te amo
Wish somebody'd tell me what she said
Don't it mean I love you?
Think it means I love you
Don't it mean I love you?
[Verse 2]
Te amo, te amo
She's scared to breathe
I hold her hand, I got no choice, uh
Pulled me out on the beach, danced in the water
I start to leave
She's begging me and asking why it's over
[Chorus]
Then she said te amo
Then she put her hand around me waist
I told her no
She cried te amo
I told her I'm not gonna run away
But let me go
My soul is awry
Without asking why
I said te amo
Wish somebody'd tell me what she said
Don't it mean I love you?
Think it means I love you
Don't it mean I love you?
[Bridge]
Listen, we can dance
But you gotta watch your hands
Watch me all night
I’m moving through the light
Because I understand
That we all need love
And I'm not afraid
To feel the love, but I don't feel that way
[Chorus]
Then she said te amo
Then she put her hand around me waist
I told her no
She cried te amo
I told her I'm not gonna run away
But let me go
My soul is awry
Without asking why
I said te amo
Wish somebody'd tell me what she said
Don't it mean I love you?
Think it means I love you
Don't it mean I love you?
Think it means I love you
[Outro]
Te amo, te amo
Don't it mean I love you?
TRACK 12: Cold Case Love
[Verse 1]
On my roof
Dark and I'm burning a rose
I don't need proof
I'm torn apart and you know
What you did to me was a crime
Cold case love
And I let you reach me one more time
But that's enough
[Pre-Chorus]
Your love was breaking the law
But I needed a witness (Oh-oh, oh)
So wake me up when it's over
It don't make any difference (Oh-oh, oh)
Will it ever be solved
Or am I taking the fall?
Truth was there all along
Tell me, how did we miss it?
[Chorus]
We opened up a cold case love
And it got the best of us
And now prints, pictures and white outlines
Are all that's left at the scene of a crime
Of a cold case love
[Verse 2]
Should've investigated
But love blinded eyes, couldn't see (No)
And then I tried to cage it
But your love ain't the kind that you can keep
Release me now 'cause I did my time
Of this cold case love
My heart's no longer cold and confined
I've had enough
[Pre-Chorus]
Your love was breaking the law
But I needed a witness (Oh-oh, oh)
So wake me up when it's over
It don't make any difference (Oh-oh, oh)
Will it ever be solved
Or am I taking the fall?
Truth was there all along
Tell me, how did we miss it?
[Chorus]
We opened up a cold case love
And it got the best of us
And now prints, pictures and white outlines
Are all that's left at the scene of a crime
Of a cold case love (Oh, oh, oh-oh)
[Bridge]
We lost our way
Took this too far
Now I'll never find the pieces of my heart
We've lost enough looking for a truth
That was here all along, no
[Chorus]
A cold case love
And it got the best of us
And now prints, pictures and white outlines
Are all that's left at the scene of a crime
Of a cold case love
We opened up a cold case love
And it got the best of us
And now prints, pictures and white outlines
Are all that's left at the scene of a crime
Of a cold case love
Love
TRACK 13: The Last Song
[Verse 1]
Here we are
Midair off of the cliff
Staring down at the end again
But then again, maybe we're finally on
The road that's headed away from all your complaining
Of hearing the same song
But baby, we'll hear it when I'm gone
[Chorus]
It's time to turn on the last song
Oh-oh
The last song
Oh-oh
[Verse 2]
What if you wasted love and our love in time disappeared?
And the sad song ends up being the last song you'll ever hear
It was ours
But I'd do it again, holding hands with my friend again
But then again, maybe we gave our all
A song we'll never forget
Baby let 'em play it, maybe it'll save the world
They gon' miss hearing it when it's gone
[Chorus]
But it's time to turn on the last song
Oh-oh
The last song
Oh-oh
[Verse 3]
What if we left every moment that we could spare?
And the perfect song ends up being the last song you'll ever hear
You'll never know when the songs gonna play
The last song you'll hear is the one you made
Your song was beautiful
That's why I started singing it
But this song is our song, it's playing 'til the end
Even if it's the last song
[Chorus]
The last song
Oh-oh
The last song
Oh-oh
[Outro]
What if you wasted love and our love in time disappeared?
And the perfect song ends up being the last song you'll ever hear
TRACK 14: Hole In My Head
[Intro: Justin Timberlake]
Let's go!
You got a hole in my head
You got a hole in my head, girl
You got a hole in my head
You got a hole in my head, girl
You got a hole in my head
You got a hole in my head, girl
[Verse 1: Rihanna]
No use, your lips keep moving
But I got a couple of screws loose
Them other boys talkin' about me
They say I'm bad news
And probably best for you to keep this short
It's my time to interrupt
Gonna take a lot to start me up
I don't think you wanna deal right now
And not with me (With me)
Don't start with me (With me)
I got a, got a, got a gun on me
I don't think you really wanna run your mouth
'Cause I was feelin' watered down
You're gonna drown
[Pre-Chorus 1: Rihanna]
All over your radio, see me in the stadium
I'll spin your body
Imma run to let these ladies know
Watch your tone around me
Don't push my buttons
You don't really wanna see me get wild
G-G-get wild
[Chorus: Rihanna]
I got a hole in my head
A hole in my head
Sometimes I get crazy and I ain't scared of nobody
Don't look at me funny like you ain't hear what I said
I got a hole in my head (My head, my head)
I got a hole in my head (My head, my head)
I got a hole in my head (My head, my head)
Don't look at me funny like you ain't hear what I said
I got a hole in my head (My head, my head)
[Verse 2: Rihanna]
Buckle up, I ride this like a fast car
Suck it up, don't even try to act hard
And you can try to run but you won't get very far
And you can try to hide but I know where you are
Let loose, I see right through you
You got a hole in your head too
And I knew it the very moment I met you
So I hope you got your swagger up
You know just what I love
Gonna take a lot to work me up
I don't think you wanna do it right now
And not with me (With me)
Don't start with me (With me)
I got a, got a, got a attitude on me
And I don't think you really wanna run your mouth
'Cause I was feelin' watered down
Baby might drown
[Pre-Chorus 2: Rihanna]
Catch me on your mind baby
Don't waste my time baby
Now watch me wine
You can take that as a sign baby
So left and right with me
Now push my buttons
You see me go wild
Go, go wild
[Chorus: Rihanna]
I got a hole in my head
A hole in my head
Sometimes I get crazy and I ain't scared of nobody
Don't look at me funny like you ain't hear what I said
I got a hole in my head (My head, my head)
I got a hole in my head (M-my head, my head)
I got a hole in my head (M-my head, my head)
Don't look at me funny like you ain't hear what I said
I got a hole in my head (My head, my head)
[Post-Chorus: Rihanna]
(Oh, oh)
Sometimes I go crazy
(Oh, oh)
Watch me, watch me
(Oh, oh)
Sometimes I go crazy
(Oh, oh)
[Bridge: Justin Timberlake & Rihanna]
(Uh, uh, break it down) Oooh
I hear voices in my head, they go "Oooh"
I hear voices in my head, they go "Oooh"
I hear voices in my head, they go "Oooh" (Oh)
Uh, now go "Oooh"
I hear voices in my head, they go "Oooh"
I hear voices in my head, they go "Oooh"
I hear voices in my head, they go "Oooh" (Oh)
Now go...
[Chorus: Rihanna]
I got a hole in my head
A hole in my head
Sometimes I get crazy and I ain't scared of nobody
Don't look at me funny like you ain't hear what I said
I got a hole in my head (My head, my head)
I got a hole in my head (M-my head, my head)
I got a hole in my head (M-my head, my head)
Don't look at me funny like you ain't hear what I said
I got a hole in my head (My head, my head)
[Outro: Justine Timberlake & Rihanna]
You got a hole in your head
You got a hole in your head, girl
You got a hole in your head
You got a hole in your head, girl (Oh)

Specs:
Installed on M.2 SSD, 5600G, 6700 XT, 16Gb RAM
Update 1.1.2 installed
Mods: BetterFog, 30 FPS Static, Dynamic FPS 1.5.1, Anisotropic Filtering Fix, Disable Dynamic Res, Disable Internal FSR downscaling and Sharpening, Disable Internal FXAA V2, Disable LOD Quality Reduction, LOD Improvement, 1024x Shadows, "Visual Improvements", Xbox UI Mod V9 Western White.
Enabled Settings:
GENERAL: Limit Speed Percent, Mulitcore
CPU: Auto
GRAPHICS: Vulkan, Disk Pipeline Cache, Asynchronous GPU Emu, Accelerate ASTC Decoding, Vsync Off, GPU encoding, Fullscreen,16:9, 2X res, AMD FSR, FXAA
GRAPHICS(ADVANCED): Accuracy (I've tried Normal and High), ASTC Recompression BC3, Asynchronous Presentation, Force Max Clocks (I've tried on and off), Reactive Flushing, Asynchronous Shader Building, Vulkan Pipeline Cache, 16x Anisotropic.
I've tried changing a few different settings, I've tried FPS++ and Static, tried disabling mods, changing resolution, and the game runs poor (stuttering and slow-downs) both capped at 30fps and 60fps. I've now seen a video with integrated 5600G graphics running 30fps pretty smoothly, and 5600X+6700XT running 60 smoothly. I can get 60 no problems in the menus of course, but playing the game it averages maybe 50 if I stand still and don't move the camera, but while actually playing it bounces around between around 45 and 22, and when capped to 30 it's the same deal. The goes into slow motion constantly and also stutters constantly. I think my CPU sits around 61C (stock cooler) and my GPU around 52-55C (XFX QICK 319, 3 fan card so it stays pretty cool). With my specs, and comparing to videos with similar specs, I feel like something's wrong and the game should be running a lot smoother. I can provide a video clip or screenshots if needed.

Notes:

• I am EXTREMELY busy, but I check my messages and DMs at least ONCE per day. Please be patient and wait at least 24 hours for my response if I don't get back to you immediately.
  
• I buy only in Unrevealed Key Link Format or Plain Steam Keys. No gift links.
  
• For PayPal, I am in the US region and I only send via G&S. Please note there will be PayPal fees (including international/conversion and purchasing fees) to consider.
  
• All games that you sell to me should ideally be REGION-FREE. Please ensure the games are not region-locked/bound to a specific country.
  
• You must be willing to fill a spreadsheet with steam keys.
  

 
I pay with the following:
TF2 & PayPal
 

I Buy Pixel Pride Bundle	with TF2	with PayPal
Celeste	1.4 TF2 Price Will Be Ready Soon	$2.81 PP Price Will Be Ready Soon
All Games Above (Special)	1.6 TF2 + You Keep Any Remaining Bundle Games Bundle Price Will Be Ready Soon	$3.21 PP + You Keep Any Remaining Bundle Games Bundle Price Will Be Ready Soon
Full Bundle (Special)	TBD	TBD

I Buy Humble Choice (Jun 2023)	with TF2	with PayPal
Curse of the Dead Gods	1.0 TF2 Price Will Be Ready Soon	$1.95 PP Price Will Be Ready Soon
Ghostwire Tokyo	3.0 TF2 Price Will Be Ready Soon	$5.95 PP Price Will Be Ready Soon
GRIME	0.7 TF2 Price Will Be Ready Soon	$1.45 PP Price Will Be Ready Soon
Remnant: From the Ashes - Complete Edition	3.5 TF2 Price Will Be Ready Soon	$7.02 PP Price Will Be Ready Soon
All Games Above (Special)	7.3 TF2 + You Keep Any Remaining Bundle Games Bundle Price Will Be Ready Soon	$14.48 PP + You Keep Any Remaining Bundle Games Bundle Price Will Be Ready Soon
Full Bundle (Special)	7.68 TF2	$15.28 PP

I Buy Must-Play Metroidvanias Bundle	with TF2	with PayPal
Blasphemous	1.0 TF2 Price Will Be Ready Soon	$1.98 PP Price Will Be Ready Soon
Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night	1.3 TF2 Price Will Be Ready Soon	$2.64 PP Price Will Be Ready Soon
Hollow Knight	2.4 TF2 Price Will Be Ready Soon	$4.84 PP Price Will Be Ready Soon
Rain World	0.8 TF2 Price Will Be Ready Soon	$1.64 PP Price Will Be Ready Soon
All Games Above (Special)	6.4 TF2 + You Keep Any Remaining Bundle Games	$12.69 PP + You Keep Any Remaining Bundle Games
Full Bundle (Special)	8.29 TF2	$16.5 PP

I Buy Luck of the Draw: Roguelike Deckbuilders Bundle	with TF2	with PayPal
Dicey Dungeons	1.0 TF2	$2.08 PayPal
Luck be a Landlord	1.0 TF2	$1.91 PayPal
Alina of the Arena	2.1 TF2	$4.23 PayPal
Chrono Ark	2.8 TF2	$5.56 PayPal
Tainted Grail: Conquest	3.8 TF2	$7.56 PayPal
Fights in Tight Spaces	6.0 TF2	$11.88 PayPal
All Games Above (Special)	12.5 TF2 + You Keep Any Remaining Bundle Games	$24.81 PP + You Keep Any Remaining Bundle Games
Full Bundle (Special)	12.57 TF2	$25.01 PP

I Buy May Multiplayer Bundle	with TF2	with PayPal
Generation Zero®	0.8 TF2	$1.58 PayPal
Northgard	1.2 TF2	$2.38 PayPal
Borderlands 3 Super Deluxe Edition	2.4 TF2	$4.85 PayPal
Destiny 2: Beyond Light	1.2 TF2	$2.39 PayPal
PULSAR: Lost Colony	0.3 TF2	$0.61 PayPal
All Games Above (Special)	6.8 TF2 + You Keep Any Remaining Bundle Games	$13.5 PP + You Keep Any Remaining Bundle Games
Full Bundle (Special)	6.98 TF2	$13.9 PP

I Buy Capcom Heroic Collection Bundle	with TF2	with PayPal
Mega Man Legacy Collection	0.4 TF2	$0.79 PayPal
Dragons Dogma - Dark Arisen	1.1 TF2	$2.11 PayPal
Mega Man Legacy Collection 2	0.6 TF2	$1.25 PayPal
MONSTER HUNTER RISE	4.2 TF2	$8.41 PayPal
Street Fighter 30th Anniversary Collection	2.4 TF2	$4.84 PayPal
All Games Above (Special)	10.0 TF2 + You Keep Any Remaining Bundle Games	$19.89 PP + You Keep Any Remaining Bundle Games
Full Bundle (Special)	TBD	TBD

I Buy Easy-Going Games: White Thorn Games Bundle	with TF2	with PayPal
APICO	2.3 TF2	$4.61 PayPal
Lake	0.7 TF2	$1.41 PayPal
All Games Above (Special)	3.5 TF2 + You Keep Any Remaining Bundle Games	$6.88 PP + You Keep Any Remaining Bundle Games
Full Bundle (Special)	TBD	TBD

I Buy Feel The Rhythm Bundle	with TF2	with PayPal
No Straight Roads: Encore Edition	1.3 TF2	$2.63 PayPal
All Games Above (Special)	1.5 TF2 + You Keep Any Remaining Bundle Games	$3.01 PP + You Keep Any Remaining Bundle Games
Full Bundle (Special)	TBD	TBD

I Buy Humble Choice (May 2023)	with TF2	with PayPal
Bendy and the Dark Revival	0.2 TF2	$0.48 PayPal
Builder Simulator	0.3 TF2	$0.56 PayPal
Operation: Tango	0.3 TF2	$0.66 PayPal
Warhammer 40,000: Chaos Gate - Daemonhunters	1.6 TF2	$3.22 PayPal
All Games Above (Special)	2.8 TF2 + You Keep Any Remaining Bundle Games	$5.62 PP + You Keep Any Remaining Bundle Games
Full Bundle (Special)	TBD	TBD

I Buy Striking Soulslikes Bundle	with TF2	with PayPal
Salt and Sanctuary	1.1 TF2	$2.1 PayPal
Blade of Darkness	1.1 TF2	$2.23 PayPal
Mortal Shell	1.4 TF2	$2.74 PayPal
Aeterna Noctis	1.5 TF2	$2.91 PayPal
Loot River	2.9 TF2	$5.76 PayPal
All Games Above (Special)	9.0 TF2 + You Keep Any Remaining Bundle Games	$17.99 PP + You Keep Any Remaining Bundle Games
Full Bundle (Special)	TBD	TBD

I Buy Fight 4 Your Friends Co-Op Shooters Bundle	with TF2	with PayPal
Warhammer: Vermintide 2	0.7 TF2	$1.44 PayPal
Zombie Army Trilogy	0.5 TF2	$0.97 PayPal
Back 4 Blood	2.8 TF2	$5.55 PayPal
Zombie Army 4: Dead War	1.8 TF2	$3.64 PayPal
All Games Above (Special)	6.7 TF2 + You Keep Any Remaining Bundle Games	$13.26 PP + You Keep Any Remaining Bundle Games
Full Bundle (Special)	8.29 TF2	$16.5 PP

I Buy In Your Face VR Bundle	with TF2	with PayPal
Vertigo Remastered	0.4 TF2	$0.8 PayPal
Into the Radius VR	3.1 TF2	$6.22 PayPal
Wanderer	1.1 TF2	$2.16 PayPal
Zenith MMO	2.2 TF2	$4.32 PayPal
All Games Above (Special)	7.8 TF2 + You Keep Any Remaining Bundle Games	$15.43 PP + You Keep Any Remaining Bundle Games
Full Bundle (Special)	TBD	TBD

I Buy Humble Choice (Apr 2023)	with TF2	with PayPal
Aliens: Fireteam Elite	1.0 TF2	$1.92 PayPal
DEATH STRANDING DIRECTOR'S CUT	3.0 TF2	$5.89 PayPal
Life is Strange 2 Complete Season	0.7 TF2	$1.44 PayPal
Rollerdrome	0.3 TF2	$0.58 PayPal
All Games Above (Special)	5.6 TF2 + You Keep Any Remaining Bundle Games	$11.23 PP + You Keep Any Remaining Bundle Games
Full Bundle (Special)	6.78 TF2	$13.5 PP

I Buy Best of Boomer Shooters: Bigger and Boomier Bundle	with TF2	with PayPal
Forgive me Father	0.2 TF2	$0.39 PayPal
WRATH: Aeon of Ruin	0.3 TF2	$0.5 PayPal
All Games Above (Special)	0.5 TF2 + You Keep Any Remaining Bundle Games	$1.02 PP + You Keep Any Remaining Bundle Games
Full Bundle (Special)	TBD	TBD

I Buy Scary Games to Play in the Dark Bundle	with TF2	with PayPal
Labyrinthine	1.8 TF2	$3.54 PayPal
Propnight	0.7 TF2	$1.37 PayPal
The Blackout Club	0.6 TF2	$1.11 PayPal
The Mortuary Assistant	2.4 TF2	$4.77 PayPal
SCP: Pandemic	2.4 TF2	$4.85 PayPal
Visage	2.9 TF2	$5.83 PayPal
All Games Above (Special)	11.2 TF2 + You Keep Any Remaining Bundle Games	$22.23 PP + You Keep Any Remaining Bundle Games
Full Bundle (Special)	11.27 TF2	$22.43 PP

I Buy Humble Heroines: Warriors, Dreamers, and God Slayers	with TF2	with PayPal
Control Ultimate Edition	1.9 TF2	$3.86 PayPal
Dreamscaper	0.2 TF2	$0.47 PayPal
Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice	1.4 TF2	$2.87 PayPal
Praey for the Gods	0.5 TF2	$0.9 PayPal
Sable	0.3 TF2	$0.61 PayPal
Syberia: The World Before	1.1 TF2	$2.25 PayPal
All Games Above (Special)	6.3 TF2 + You Keep Any Remaining Bundle Games	$12.53 PP + You Keep Any Remaining Bundle Games
Full Bundle (Special)	8.29 TF2	$16.5 PP

I Buy Humble Choice (Mar 2023)	with TF2	with PayPal
BIOMUTANT	1.6 TF2	$3.25 PayPal
Edge Of Eternity	0.2 TF2	$0.36 PayPal
Hero's Hour	0.3 TF2	$0.61 PayPal
Jurassic World Evolution 2	2.2 TF2	$4.41 PayPal
All Games Above (Special)	5.0 TF2 + You Keep Any Remaining Bundle Games	$9.86 PP + You Keep Any Remaining Bundle Games
Full Bundle (Special)	6.78 TF2	$13.5 PP

I Buy Türkiye-Syria Earthquake Relief Bundle	with TF2	with PayPal
PAYDAY 2	0.5 TF2	$0.91 PayPal
Pathfinder: Kingmaker - Enhanced Plus Edition	0.6 TF2	$1.24 PayPal
Mount & Blade: Warband	0.8 TF2	$1.57 PayPal
XCOM 2	0.4 TF2	$0.76 PayPal
Strange Brigade	0.5 TF2	$0.9 PayPal
Stick Fight: The Game	0.6 TF2	$1.28 PayPal
Farming Simulator 17	0.6 TF2	$1.11 PayPal
Euro Truck Simulator 2	1.6 TF2	$3.19 PayPal
Armello	0.3 TF2	$0.69 PayPal
Gotham Knights	5.5 TF2	$10.85 PayPal
Ghostrunner	1.8 TF2	$3.67 PayPal
All Games Above (Special)	15.0 TF2 + You Keep Any Remaining Bundle Games	$29.91 PP + You Keep Any Remaining Bundle Games
Full Bundle (Special)	TBD	TBD

I Buy Unparalleled Puzzlers Bundle	with TF2	with PayPal
Baba Is You	1.5 TF2	$3.06 PayPal
Creaks	0.2 TF2	$0.46 PayPal
DARQ: Complete Edition	0.2 TF2	$0.36 PayPal
Dorfromantik	2.0 TF2	$4.0 PayPal
The Last Campfire	0.4 TF2	$0.7 PayPal
All Games Above (Special)	4.9 TF2 + You Keep Any Remaining Bundle Games	$9.81 PP + You Keep Any Remaining Bundle Games
Full Bundle (Special)	5.78 TF2	$11.5 PP

I Buy Humble Choice (Feb 2023)	with TF2	with PayPal
Fallout 76	2.2 TF2	$4.37 PayPal
Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous	1.4 TF2	$2.84 PayPal
Thronebreaker: The Witcher Tales	0.3 TF2	$0.55 PayPal
All Games Above (Special)	4.5 TF2 + You Keep Any Remaining Bundle Games	$8.87 PP + You Keep Any Remaining Bundle Games
Full Bundle (Special)	TBD	TBD

I Buy Sim-ple Life Bundle	with TF2	with PayPal
Garden Paws	1.0 TF2	$2.0 PayPal
Lake	0.7 TF2	$1.41 PayPal
Staxel	0.6 TF2	$1.11 PayPal
Summer in Mara	0.5 TF2	$1.04 PayPal
Townscaper	0.6 TF2	$1.17 PayPal
Winkeltje: The Little Shop	1.0 TF2	$2.08 PayPal
Yonder: The Cloud Catcher Chronicles	1.3 TF2	$2.66 PayPal
All Games Above (Special)	6.0 TF2 + You Keep Any Remaining Bundle Games	$11.9 PP + You Keep Any Remaining Bundle Games
Full Bundle (Special)	6.08 TF2	$12.1 PP

I Buy Survival Instinct Bundle	with TF2	with PayPal
Chernobylite Enhanced Edition	1.0 TF2	$1.92 PayPal
The Long Dark: Survival Edition	0.4 TF2	$0.89 PayPal
SCUM	3.4 TF2	$6.86 PayPal
State of Decay 2: Juggernaut Edition	3.1 TF2	$6.21 PayPal
Volcanoids	1.4 TF2	$2.81 PayPal
All Games Above (Special)	9.2 TF2 + You Keep Any Remaining Bundle Games	$18.35 PP + You Keep Any Remaining Bundle Games
Full Bundle (Special)	9.42 TF2	$18.75 PP

I Buy In Case You Missed It: Gems of 2022 Bundle	with TF2	with PayPal
PowerSlave Exhumed	1.4 TF2	$2.74 PayPal
Source of Madness	0.6 TF2	$1.12 PayPal
Supraland Six Inches Under	1.1 TF2	$2.23 PayPal
ZERO Sievert	5.3 TF2	$10.57 PayPal
Prehistoric Kingdom	1.3 TF2	$2.5 PayPal
All Games Above (Special)	11.0 TF2 + You Keep Any Remaining Bundle Games	$21.9 PP + You Keep Any Remaining Bundle Games
Full Bundle (Special)	TBD	TBD

I Buy Fighting Farmers Bundle	with TF2	with PayPal
Forager	1.1 TF2	$2.16 PayPal
Kitaria Fables	0.4 TF2	$0.75 PayPal
Stranded Sails - Explorers of the Cursed Islands	0.3 TF2	$0.58 PayPal
Len's Island	4.1 TF2	$8.16 PayPal
Re:Legend	1.0 TF2	$1.94 PayPal
Spirit Of The Island	1.4 TF2	$2.88 PayPal
All Games Above (Special)	8.6 TF2 + You Keep Any Remaining Bundle Games	$17.06 PP + You Keep Any Remaining Bundle Games
Full Bundle (Special)	8.67 TF2	$17.26 PP

I Buy Humble Choice (Jan 2023)	with TF2	with PayPal
Doom Eternal	2.6 TF2	$5.21 PayPal
OlliOlli World Rad Edition	0.3 TF2	$0.52 PayPal
Tribes of Midgard	0.8 TF2	$1.54 PayPal
All Games Above (Special)	4.2 TF2 + You Keep Any Remaining Bundle Games	$8.31 PP + You Keep Any Remaining Bundle Games
Full Bundle (Special)	TBD	TBD

I Buy Best of Boomer Shooters Bundle - Holiday Encore	with TF2	with PayPal
AMID EVIL	0.6 TF2	$1.15 PayPal
Dusk	2.0 TF2	$4.0 PayPal
Forgive me Father	0.2 TF2	$0.39 PayPal
All Games Above (Special)	3.2 TF2 + You Keep Any Remaining Bundle Games	$6.33 PP + You Keep Any Remaining Bundle Games
Full Bundle (Special)	TBD	TBD

I Buy Fantastic Journeys: Middle Earth & Beyond - Holiday Encore	with TF2	with PayPal
Gauntlet™ Slayer Edition	0.2 TF2	$0.49 PayPal
LEGO Harry Potter: Years 1-4	0.3 TF2	$0.55 PayPal
LEGO Harry Potter: Years 5-7	0.6 TF2	$1.2 PayPal
LEGO® The Hobbit™	0.4 TF2	$0.83 PayPal
LEGO Lord of the Rings	0.3 TF2	$0.56 PayPal
Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor Game of the Year Edition	0.9 TF2	$1.77 PayPal
Middleearth Shadow of War Definitive Edition	1.2 TF2	$2.41 PayPal
All Games Above (Special)	4.5 TF2 + You Keep Any Remaining Bundle Games	$8.93 PP + You Keep Any Remaining Bundle Games
Full Bundle (Special)	5.78 TF2	$11.5 PP

I Buy LEGO at the Movies Bundle: Holiday Encore	with TF2	with PayPal
LEGO® DC Super-Villains	0.5 TF2	$0.95 PayPal
LEGO® Jurassic World™	0.5 TF2	$0.92 PayPal
LEGO® MARVEL's Avengers	0.4 TF2	$0.77 PayPal
LEGO® Marvel Super Heroes 2	0.7 TF2	$1.32 PayPal
The LEGO Movie 2 Videogame	0.4 TF2	$0.79 PayPal
The LEGO Movie: Videogame	0.3 TF2	$0.51 PayPal
LEGO® Ninjago® Movie Video Game	0.2 TF2	$0.48 PayPal
All Games Above (Special)	3.3 TF2 + You Keep Any Remaining Bundle Games	$6.56 PP + You Keep Any Remaining Bundle Games
Full Bundle (Special)	TBD	TBD

I Buy Best of Stealth Bundle: Holiday Encore	with TF2	with PayPal
Aragami	0.4 TF2	$0.89 PayPal
Hitman Game of the Year Edition	1.3 TF2	$2.58 PayPal
HITMAN™2 Gold Edition	3.0 TF2	$5.88 PayPal
Styx: Shards Of Darkness	0.9 TF2	$1.74 PayPal
All Games Above (Special)	6.4 TF2 + You Keep Any Remaining Bundle Games	$12.67 PP + You Keep Any Remaining Bundle Games
Full Bundle (Special)	6.78 TF2	$13.5 PP

I Buy Ultimate Racing Sim Bundle: Holiday Encore	with TF2	with PayPal
Assetto Corsa Competizione	3.1 TF2	$6.13 PayPal
Assetto Corsa Ultimate Edition	6.8 TF2	$13.53 PayPal
Automobilista 2	9.4 TF2	$18.68 PayPal
DRIFT21	0.6 TF2	$1.11 PayPal
NASCAR Heat 5 - Ultimate Edition	0.5 TF2	$1.08 PayPal
rFactor 2	4.8 TF2	$9.55 PayPal
All Games Above (Special)	7.9 TF2 + You Keep Any Remaining Bundle Games	$15.77 PP + You Keep Any Remaining Bundle Games
Full Bundle (Special)	8.03 TF2	$15.97 PP

I Buy 2k Megahits Holiday Encore Bundle	with TF2	with PayPal
Sid Meier's Civilization VI	0.7 TF2	$1.43 PayPal
XCOM: Ultimate Collection	1.3 TF2	$2.56 PayPal
Mafia: Definitive Edition	2.2 TF2	$4.3 PayPal
Duke Nukem Forever Collection	0.3 TF2	$0.5 PayPal
Borderlands 3 Super Deluxe	2.4 TF2	$4.85 PayPal
BioShock Collection	1.1 TF2	$2.23 PayPal
All Games Above (Special)	9.1 TF2 + You Keep Any Remaining Bundle Games	$18.14 PP + You Keep Any Remaining Bundle Games
Full Bundle (Special)	9.62 TF2	$19.14 PP

I Buy The Tactician's Bundle	with TF2	with PayPal
Warhammer 40,000: Mechanicus	0.2 TF2	$0.41 PayPal
Dark Deity	0.4 TF2	$0.83 PayPal
Gears Tactics	4.8 TF2	$9.55 PayPal
The Red Solstice 2: Survivors	0.4 TF2	$0.78 PayPal
Star Renegades	2.9 TF2	$5.82 PayPal
All Games Above (Special)	7.3 TF2 + You Keep Any Remaining Bundle Games	$14.48 PP + You Keep Any Remaining Bundle Games
Full Bundle (Special)	7.58 TF2	$15.08 PP

I Buy Humble Choice (Dec 2022)	with TF2	with PayPal
First Class Trouble	0.6 TF2	$1.1 PayPal
GreedFall	0.8 TF2	$1.53 PayPal
Wasteland 3	1.3 TF2	$2.6 PayPal
All Games Above (Special)	3.0 TF2 + You Keep Any Remaining Bundle Games	$5.98 PP + You Keep Any Remaining Bundle Games
Full Bundle (Special)	TBD	TBD

I Buy Premiere VR Bundle	with TF2	with PayPal
Arizona Sunshine	2.1 TF2	$4.19 PayPal
After the Fall® - Launch Edition	5.0 TF2	$10.02 PayPal
Vox Machinae	3.4 TF2	$6.7 PayPal
All Games Above (Special)	12.0 TF2 + You Keep Any Remaining Bundle Games	$23.9 PP + You Keep Any Remaining Bundle Games
Full Bundle (Special)	TBD	TBD

I Buy Black Friday VR Voyager's Pack Bundle	with TF2	with PayPal
Car Mechanic Simulator VR	0.6 TF2	$1.13 PayPal
Cook-Out	0.2 TF2	$0.49 PayPal
I Expect You To Die	1.3 TF2	$2.67 PayPal
Sairento VR	0.2 TF2	$0.43 PayPal
SUPERHOT VR	2.2 TF2	$4.46 PayPal
Until You Fall	0.7 TF2	$1.39 PayPal
All Games Above (Special)	6.1 TF2 + You Keep Any Remaining Bundle Games	$12.08 PP + You Keep Any Remaining Bundle Games
Full Bundle (Special)	6.78 TF2	$13.5 PP

I Buy Complete Your Twin Sails Collection Bundle	with TF2	with PayPal
Small World	0.3 TF2	$0.59 PayPal
A Game of Thrones: The Board Game - Digital Edition	1.4 TF2	$2.72 PayPal
All Games Above (Special)	1.9 TF2 + You Keep Any Remaining Bundle Games	$3.78 PP + You Keep Any Remaining Bundle Games
Full Bundle (Special)	TBD	TBD

I Buy 11 Bit Studios: The Complete Collection Bundle	with TF2	with PayPal
This War of Mine: Complete Edition	0.7 TF2	$1.41 PayPal
Children of Morta	0.6 TF2	$1.24 PayPal
Frostpunk	1.0 TF2	$2.04 PayPal
All Games Above (Special)	2.7 TF2 + You Keep Any Remaining Bundle Games	$5.36 PP + You Keep Any Remaining Bundle Games
Full Bundle (Special)	TBD	TBD

I Buy Humble Choice (Nov 2022)	with TF2	with PayPal
Eldest Souls	0.3 TF2	$0.52 PayPal
Hell Let Loose	6.3 TF2	$12.52 PayPal
Roboquest	0.5 TF2	$1.05 PayPal
All Games Above (Special)	7.3 TF2 + You Keep Any Remaining Bundle Games	$14.48 PP + You Keep Any Remaining Bundle Games
Full Bundle (Special)	7.78 TF2	$15.48 PP

I Buy Day of the Devs Bundle (2022)	with TF2	with PayPal
Brutal Legend	1.0 TF2	$2.03 PayPal
Gang Beasts	3.0 TF2	$5.94 PayPal
Psychonauts	0.3 TF2	$0.51 PayPal
All Games Above (Special)	4.9 TF2 + You Keep Any Remaining Bundle Games	$9.69 PP + You Keep Any Remaining Bundle Games
Full Bundle (Special)	5.78 TF2	$11.5 PP

I Buy Melee Mayhem Bundle	with TF2	with PayPal
Mordhau	1.8 TF2	$3.54 PayPal
MORTAL KOMBAT 11	1.6 TF2	$3.25 PayPal
Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl	0.2 TF2	$0.46 PayPal
River City Girls	1.4 TF2	$2.83 PayPal
Chivalry 2	3.5 TF2	$6.87 PayPal
All Games Above (Special)	9.7 TF2 + You Keep Any Remaining Bundle Games	$19.37 PP + You Keep Any Remaining Bundle Games
Full Bundle (Special)	TBD	TBD

I Buy Humble Choice (Oct 2022)	with TF2	with PayPal
The Dark Pictures Anthology: Little Hope	2.1 TF2	$4.21 PayPal
DEATHLOOP	2.7 TF2	$5.35 PayPal
Disciples: Liberation	0.3 TF2	$0.52 PayPal
Monster Train	0.5 TF2	$0.98 PayPal
All Games Above (Special)	6.4 TF2 + You Keep Any Remaining Bundle Games	$12.64 PP + You Keep Any Remaining Bundle Games
Full Bundle (Special)	6.78 TF2	$13.5 PP

I Buy Serious Sam Bundle	with TF2	with PayPal
Serious Sam 3: BFE	1.0 TF2	$1.95 PayPal
Serious Sam 2	0.8 TF2	$1.57 PayPal
Serious Sam 4	4.7 TF2	$9.3 PayPal
Serious Sam: Siberian Mayhem	2.2 TF2	$4.47 PayPal
All Games Above (Special)	9.9 TF2 + You Keep Any Remaining Bundle Games	$19.76 PP + You Keep Any Remaining Bundle Games
Full Bundle (Special)	TBD	TBD

I Buy TinyBuild x Versus Evil Smashup Bundle	with TF2	with PayPal
Hello, Neighbor!	0.5 TF2	$1.01 PayPal
Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire	1.0 TF2	$2.02 PayPal
Totally Reliable Delivery Service	0.6 TF2	$1.23 PayPal
All Games Above (Special)	2.4 TF2 + You Keep Any Remaining Bundle Games	$4.87 PP + You Keep Any Remaining Bundle Games
Full Bundle (Special)	TBD	TBD

 
IGS Rep Page:
https://www.reddit.com/IGSRep/comments/ggsaik/fappidydats_igs_rep_page/
 
SteamTrades Rep Page (1000+):
https://www.steamtrades.com/use76561198097671494
 
GameTrade Rep Page:
https://www.reddit.com/GameTradeRep/comments/ggrz1y/fappidydats_gametrade_rep_page/?
 
SGSFlair Rep Page:
https://www.reddit.com/sgsflaicomments/ggag04/flair_profile_ufappidydat/

A little over a year ago in this forum, I correctly predicted 39/39 locks to make the 53 man roster out of camp (although I was convinced by a fellow user to remove my 40th player (Sam Eguevoen), who turns out also made the team!). Given my success a year ago with this exercise, I figured it was worth giving it another shot in 2023.
https://www.reddit.com/miamidolphins/comments/ugbujd/i_only_count_14_available_53_man_roster_spots_as/
*Of note, last year's post was prior to the signing of Melvin Ingram on 5/14/22, who would of also been considered a lock upon signing for $3.5 million in guarantees.
*I recognize the 53 man roster's importance has lessened somewhat since the change in practice squad rules in 2020. Still, I believe this exercise is informative in terms of overall roster construction, trying to predict players who will be in the organization come the fall, and identifying remaining areas of weakness.
*I will cite dead cap figures frequently. A good rule of thumb is to consider all players contracts that contain a dead cap charge of >500k if cut as likely to remain on the roster. For reference, Solomon Kindley had a $350k dead cap figure this team a year ago, and this was the highest figure of any player cut at the end of camp. Grier probably views the nearly $9 million in 2023 dead cap as too high as is, based on figures from prior years since he has been in charge.
​
​
I utilize an approach to making these predictions that can be summed up with the old expression, "follow the money". I also use this approach to review players on the roster bubble headed into camp, and then lump them into several neat(ish) categories. Below I will list my roster locks (with brief explanation as needed), review bubble players (think mostly everyone who isn't a high priority UDFA or a inconsequential futures signing), and offer a few musings about the roster construction that I feel warrant further discussion among the fanbase (not Dalvin Cook!!).
​
Locks (40)
QB: Tua, White, Skylar
RB: Mostert, Wilson Jr., Achane, *Ahmed
FB: Ingold
WR: Hill, Waddle, *Berrios ($3 mill dead cap hit)
TE: Smythe
OT: Armstead, Jackson, *Wynn ($2 mill dead cap)
OG/C: Williams, Hunt, Eichenberg, *Feeney (3.1 mill dead cap hit), Jones
DT: Wilkins, Sieler, Davis
Edge: Philllips, Chubb, Ogbah, AVG
LB: Baker, Long, Riley, *Tindall
CB: X, Ramsey, Kader, Cam Smith
S: Holland, Jones, Elliot
K/P/LS: Sanders, Ferguson
*Ahmed: First off, I firmly believe he played his way into roster safety late last season. He is also still very cheap at his $1.4 cap figure, which was negotiated down from the cost of his right to first refusal tender. It would be pretty bad business to cut Ahmed after convincing him to take a decrease from his tender, thus forgoing his shot at free agency.
*Tindall: Former third rounders in their second camp are mortal locks to make it onto the 53. Patrick Turner was the last Dolphins 3rd round pick to not make it into his second season, for reference. And as I have now reminded myself, even Michael Egnew got a second season here.
*Berrios, Feeney, Wynn: Each of these players were guaranteed enough money on their deals this offseason that it would be a colossal front office failure if they were to be cut after camp.
​
Roster Bubble (13 spots available)
​
Too Expensive? (2)
Last year there was a group of 4 role players that I deemed vulnerable to release/trade at this stage, primarily because they were relatively expensive and could be replaced by a cheaper option with virtually no dead cap hit if released. Of the 4 players listed a year ago, two of them were in fact moved before the season, with Adam Butler waived/injured and Adam Shaheen traded and then traded back and put on IR. This year, I only identified one player that fits this specific description:
Keion Crossen $3.155 cap hit, $0 in dead cap hit
-Now, I still believe Crossen is likely going to be here, as he was signed to be a special teams ace, and also showed himself to be serviceable at CB when thrust into duty in 2022. However, at his premium cost for a 5th corneST ace and no guaranteed money, he is absolutely vulnerable to being replaced by a younger player who can replicate his production.
-Another expensive role player that is impossible to lock into a roster spot at this point is Cedric Wilson, though the reasons are pretty much the exact opposite of Crossen. Wilson is going to count $8 million against the cap, and his release would incur a $7 million dead cap. And yet, he might the team's 5th best receiver right now. In fairness to Grier, this is a good problem and a direct result of the unexpected Hill trade.
Trading Wilson has been discussed at ad nauseum in fan circles, but I do want to note, this depth chart makes very little sense with both Wilson and Robbie Chosen on it come week 1. Given Berrios projects as getting a heavy snap count in the slot and also as PR, the team would likely be keeping one of Chosen or Wilson inactive as a 5th receiver. That level of depth is excessive given other need areas, and also potentially blocks Ezukanma's path to playing time. While Wilson being traded would be the ideal scenario for cap purposes, don't discount Chosen being moved instead given his enticing vet minimum salary.
​
Swing and a miss? (6)
Last year I had another group of players who either had too much in guarantees or enough draft standing to at least have a strong chance to make the roster. These were guys that if they were released, the team is owning up to a (major or minor) personnel flub, whether it be a failed FA signing (or re-signing), or a whiffed draft pick. Most notably, Trent Sherfield and Solomon Kindley fit this profile a year ago. This year I have identified 6 such players to watch:
Noah Igbinoghene $2.4 mill dead cap
Jake Bailey: $1.1 mill dead cap
Eric Saubert: $850k dead cap
Nik Needham: $750k dead cap
Malik Reed: $750k dead cap
Erik Ezukanma: $545k dead cap
(Outside of EE, the other 5 players profile as veterans with a decent shot to make roster, who still could conceivably be outplayed for their spot).
-Noah has finally reached an amount of owed guaranteed money where it is realistic for Grier to finally cut his losses, although he would still cost them $1.4 mill whether he is here or not. There are a number of factors at play here, but there is a scenario in which other corners proving their health and a resulting numbers game makes Grier grit his teeth and move on. Of note, I would not be putting any old player owed $1.4 mill here or elsewhere on this list. Noah is on this list for his inability to prove his value.
-Bailey is pretty straight forward, fighting with the young Turk for the punter job.
-Saubert I feel is very likely to make it, though the Phins also have tough decisions to make at TE. They are unlikely to have space for 5 tight ends, and thus to keep Saubert they would have to move on from either one of Elijah Higgins/Tanner Conner or cut veteran Tyler Kroft, who costs you nothing to release, but is also cheaper than Saubert and more of an analogue to Durham Smythe.
-Pains me to put Needham off the lock list, but the Achilles tear is so unpredictable. I think there is a decent chance he starts out on PUP and provides depth in back half of season.
-Reed I believe is up against a few undrafted kids, as well as the veteran edge rusher market, as the team needs as much reliable depth at edge rusher as possible and Reed has had a difficult time since he last played for Vic Fangio. Remember, a year ago he was traded from Denver to Pittsburgh for a bag of footballs right around the cut down to the 53 man rosters, which is code for he was otherwise going to be cut by Denver at final cuts.
-EE is a classic case of a kid with draft investment goin up against over achievers like River Cracraft and Braylon Sanders.
​
Veterans in an uphill battle (9)
Then you have your vets who are guaranteed very little money (if any at all), and have enough competition, that they are directly in the line of fire and have an uphill battle to make the team if not for a change in circumstances. These players are all pretty much clinging to their NFL lives at this stage:
Myles Gaskin $0 dead cap
River Cracraft $0 dead cap
Robbie Chosen $125k dead cap
Geron Christian $350k dead cap
Kendall Lamm $200k dead cap
Cedric Ogbuehi $50k dead cap
Tyler Kroft $25k dead cap
Justin Bethel $75k dead cap
Elijah Campbell $0 dead cap
​
-It is very hard to see Gaskin's pathway to a roster spot. I remain unsure why he re-signed here.
-Cracraft would be the perfect depth wr or practice squad call up if Wilson or Chosen are moved. If not, I don't see how he sticks on 53 and how he gets back on field barring major injuries.
-It was tough to put Chosen on this list given his talent level and with things remaining so up in air. FWIW, I fully believe he makes zero sense to release while signed at the vet minimum. If his head is on straight, he could get us through an extended absence from Tyreek or Waddle, which is not something we can say for any other receiver on roster.
-Christian, Lamm, Ogbuehi, and rookie 7th rounder Ryan Hayes potentially could all be battling for a fourth OT spot, unless Hayes is moved inside to guard. I give Christian the inside track given the highest dead cap and his remaining upside at age 27. Realistically, the fourth tackle may not be on the roster, or they could even keep only 3 OT's given some of the interior guy's versatility.
-Kroft's status was already largely addressed. If Smythe is gonna be the guy, I'd think we need another guy who can be a poor man's version. Perhaps Ingold allows for that guy to be a PS guy.
-Bethel I believe is likely to be a victim of a numbers game.
-Don't sleep on Campbell as the fourth safety. He is a survivor.
​
Young Pups, will they bite? (12)
With any roster, the last few spots are often taken by low draft pedigree players with cheap contracts and perceived upside, as opposed to low ceiling vets making 1 million+. The following young pups I believe are the most likely to challenge for a 53 man spot:
UDFA Year 2 WR Braylon Sanders
UDFA year 2 TE Tanner Conner
6th round 2023 TE Elijah Higgins
7th round 2023 OT Ryan Hayes
UDFA year 1 DT Brandon Pili ($100k guaranteed)
UDFA year 1 LB Aubrey Miller ($100k guaranteed)
UDFA year 1 LB Mitchell Agude
UDFA year 3 CB/S Trill Williams
UDFA year 1 S Keidron Smith ($125k guaranteed)
UDFA year 2 S Verone Mckinley
XFL stand out S Bryce Thompson
UDFA year 1 P Michael Turk
-I've thought about Higgins and Conner battling for one spot behind Saubert, as they all aim to replace Gesiki's snaps. It is also hard for me to envision Mcdaniel and Grier giving up on Higgins or Conner so soon, given the investment and hype for both.
-Hayes as a 7th round pick will definitely be given a real chance to make it. The organization has had a lot of success with 7th round picks in the last decade, but also whiffed on the only one they recently used on OL (Larnel Coleman).
-Based on the current roster, 1-2 udfa's are likely to make it on defense, either to fill a ST role or add depth. Look out, however, for veteran signings between now and training camp.
-They are going to keep 10-11 in the secondary. This is the unit I fear most in terms of losing a player to waivers with upside. I also always overestimate how much the league values our players, so take it with a grain of salt. Keidron Smith is here because he has the most guaranteed money of any UDFA, which has been predictive in recent years, as Kader and Robert Jones both garnered hefty UDFA bonuses.
​
Thanks for reading. And thanks for spotrac
https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/miami-dolphins/cap/

Here on /GME I'm sure all of you guys are watching GameStop (GME) stock today, as the video game retailer will report its first-quarter fiscal 2023 earnings after the market close. Despite demonstrating some impressive growth over the past month, the stock has struggled to retain momentum.
However, if the company can beat Wall Street’s modest expectations, GME stock has a chance to rise. Given its meme stock status, GameStop tends to garner skepticism from experts, even on its best days. As InvestorPlace’s Eddie Pan reports, institutional sentiment toward GME remains mixed, even as the stock has risen since Q1. Additionally, Ray Dalio’s Bridgewater Associates recently divested from its GameStop position, generating further uncertainty.
Not that long ago, CEO Matt Furlong released a letter to shareholders, detailing the company’s plan and focus for the year.
“In fiscal 2022, GameStop’s operating environment dramatically changed due to the onset of inflation, rising interest rates and macro headwinds,” said Furlong. “Rather than stand still, we pivoted to cutting costs, optimizing inventory and enhancing the customer experience.”
That’s exactly what the company has been doing. In Europe, for example, GameStop has placed an emphasis on cutting costs by initiating exits and partial wind-downs. GameStop has also focused on forming partnerships with other retail and gaming companies in order to accelerate efficient top-line growth. To drive revenue, the company has explored building market share in high-margin related businesses, like collectibles and toys.
Now, with earnings coming up, investors will get a preview of GameStop’s cost-cutting efforts. This is not the type of post you wanna skip onto the tl;dr portion. These details are going to be key, so let's get into it.
For the quarter, analyst have forecasted revenue of $1.358 billion, which would imply a year-over-year (YoY) decline of 1.45% and a quarter-over-quarter decline of about 39%. During the past few years, Q4 has been a strong quarter for GameStop, likely due to the holiday season. This can explain the quarter-over-quarter decline.
Meanwhile, adjusted net income is expected to be a loss of $36 million, while adjusted EPS is expected to be a loss of 12 cents. Analyst believe that GAAP EPS will be a loss of 15 cents. A year ago, GameStop reported an adjusted net income loss of $158 million and an adjusted EPS loss of 52 cents.
Just as important, if not more important, than earnings is guidance. For the second quarter, analysts have forecasted revenue of $1.155 billion, which reflects YOY growth of 1.67% and a quarterly decline of about 15%. Adjusted net income is expected to be a loss of $62 million, which would equate to an adjusted EPS loss of 21 cents.
For the full year of 2023, analysts believe that revenue will be $5.908 million, down by 0.33% YoY. Adjusted net income is expected to be a loss of $91 million, while adjusted EPS is expected to be a loss of 30 cents.
Things to Note: Short Selling Ban
GameStop fans have been watching closely for updates on a pending short selling ban. If regulators successfully enact a policy that prohibits the practice of short selling, it may put an end to some of GameStop’s problems, as it is a popular target for short sellers.
GameStop management will likely address the potential short-selling ban during the June 7 earnings call, offering insights as to how they will handle operations if the bill becomes a law.
Things to Note: Plans for Web.3.0 Gaming
In 2022, GameStop turned plenty of heads when it ventured into the world of NFTs. You know, those fungus tokens or whatever? Hype around this controversial commodity has since died down, but the company still is digitally innovating.
It recently announced a partnership with the Telos Foundation to integrate blockchain technology into its “upcoming Web3 game launcher.” This new development certainly has the potential to bolster GME stock if executed correctly. This foray into Web 3.0 will likely also be a point of focus during the earnings call, as investors will want to know the company’s plans for scaling its new launcher and improving the gaming experience through blockchain. Additionally, it may also mean updates on GameStop’s NFT marketplace and its impact on the company’s profitability.
Why GameStop Could Go Parabolic
Last quarter, GameStop caught bears off-guard by reporting earnings per share of 16 cents. Analysts had predicted the video game retailer would post a loss per share of 13 cents. GameStop's unexpectedly profitable quarter caused GME shares to soar about 50% after the earnings announcement.
Last quarter, one of the few analysts covering GameStop, Wedbush's Michael Pachter, provided a $6.50 price target for GME, with an "Underperform" rating. Pachter claimed that shares were "at trading levels that are disconnected from the fundamentals of the business due to irrational support from some retail investors."
Although GameStop shares are still trading 40% higher than they were before the previous earnings release — and 73% above the Wedbush analyst's target — Pachter has reinforced his bearish thesis for Q1 earnings and left his price target intact.
Holiday sales largely contributed to GameStop's fourth-quarter net profit — making it questionable whether the video game retailer can pull off that feat for the second quarter in a row. But if GameStop does report a net profit in Q1, it will be a catalyst for the stock's retail investors to drive share prices higher. Currently, short sellers hold about 21% of GameStop's outstanding shares.
As demand for shorting the stock has reduced dramatically since March, borrow fees for GME have dropped from 40% to 7.6%. But because the company continues to attract short sellers, these fees may increase.
With the stock outperforming the S&P 500 by about 30%, GME shorts will likely accumulate mark-to-market losses this year. This, combined with high borrow fees, will likely result in a short squeeze.
Update on DRS Numbers
Besides a potential second consecutive quarterly net profit, GameStop's shareholder base is looking forward to another piece of information: the number of GME shares registered with Computershare, the company's transfer agent.
In recent quarters, GameStop investors have increasingly registered their shares directly with Computershare via the Direct Registration System (DRS). With this service, shareholders do not need to hold shares through a broker.
In addition to giving holders the autonomy to have their shares registered in their name, recording shares through the DRS also reduces short sellers' ability to borrow GameStop shares. That is because, unlike brokers, transfer agents cannot lend shares to short sellers.
Since the third quarter of 2021, GameStop has disclosed the number of shares registered with the transfer agent in the quarterly filings.
In the most recent annual filing, 76 million GameStop shares were registered with the transfer agent. Considering the size of GameStop's float, about 25% of all GME shares outstanding are held beyond brokers and banks.
Does this affect the stock's trading volume? Yes. If you look at GameStop's trading volume history, it is clear that there has been a decline in activity since May of last year. Check this chart, data from yahoo finance.
It is impossible to say with certainty that GameStop's recent volume drop is due to investors using the transfer agent to keep their shares away from short sellers. But, we can say that if GameStop reports that more shares have been registered through the DRS, retail shareholders could send the stock higher.
What does the chart say?
GameStop shares have rallied higher since the start of May, with a supportive trendline following the share price higher. We can see the stock came close to testing $25 on several occasions last week and this could be a key level to watch considering it has held as a reliable ceiling since late last year, apart from one brief move above here after it posted that surprise profit in the last quarter. A move above here would pave the way for the stock to climb above $27.
On the downside, a slip below the supportive trendline risks seeing the stock unravel back toward the lows seen at the start of May of $18, with the 2023 lows back in play below that.
What I'm doing for earnings?
All the research is telling me to get calls. I'm gonna be dropping a significant portion of my portfolio into GME 6/9 30c for $100 each. Then I'll watch the stock at 4pm, and hope for the best.
Disclaimer
That being said, it's up to you guys to read this and come to your own conclusions. IV is very high so it's better to go for a spread, regardless of what you choose. I make posts like this for all sorts of earnings, check my post history. However, I felt that this one for Gamestop should be posted here. It's my first post on /GME so I hope you like the write-up. If you're interested in more like this for other stocks, please give me a follow or join my discord.

Here are my notes I gathered about Lenovo Legion 7 Gen 7 AMD 2022 (16ARHA7), aka AMD Advantage. Sharing them for future researchers like myself. Something useful is missing? Do tell.

Product pages

Unlike most brands, these actually have most information you may need: * Marketing page (lenovo.com)/len101g0017) - specs, ports, generic information * Product Specifications Reference (psref.lenovo.com) - specs in detail, exact model list, ports (other images) * Support page (pcsupport.lenovo.com) - software and drivers download, user manual and guides, parts, customer support (select your exact model - take it from PSREF)

Reviews

• [YouTube] Jarrod's Tech - Legion 7i (Intel) - Intel+NVIDIA model, rest applies
• [YouTube] Jarrod's Tech - Legion 7 vs 7i - comparison between AMD+AMD and Intel+NVIDIA models
• [YouTube] Mash IT

Possible configurations/variants

• GPU: AMD Radeon RX 6700M (10 GB VRAM) or AMD Radeon RX 6850M (12 GB VRAM) > keep in mind that S suffix is different from M suffix on regular factor laptops
• RAM: 2 DDR5 4800 MHz SO-DIMM memory sticks, usually in total of 16 or 32 GB configuration
• SSD: 1 TB or 2 TB M.2 SSD

Aside from the above, most models vary in keyboard layout. See PSREF for details.

Notes on hardware and firmware

• RAM: My unit has 2x8 GB Micron MTC4C10163S1SC48BA1 running in quad-channel with CL 40 (40-39-39-77)
• Storage: There are 2 M.2 SSD slots - the occupied one doesn't fit drive with chips on both sides, but the other one does
• Storage: My unit has 2 TB SAMSUNG MZVL22T0HBLB-00BL2 NVMe PCIe 4 SSD
• WiFi card: My unit has RealTek RTL8852BE (WiFi 6 802.11ax)
• Ports: USB4 port (left side, left port) connects to iGPU when in Hybrid mode - all other video ports are connecting to dGPU
• Removing/replacing any part (battery, RAM, WiFi, SSD etc.) is described in Hardware Maintenance Manual with pictures. There are also disassembly videos. Don't forget to unplug the battery!
• "Hybrid mode" ON means that both iGPU and dGPU are enabled - OFF means dGPU only. There's no mode for iGPU only
• Toggling "Hybrid mode" requires reboot
• Battery in conversation mode limits charging to 80%
• "Thermal mode" has 3 levels:
  • Quiet (blue) - reduces CPU clocks to maintain lower temperatures, and so keep the fan quiet
  • Balance (white) - adjusts CPU clocks and fans as needed
  • Performance (red) - available only with charger plugged in, I recommend lifting the device up somehow to allow better cooling

Keyboard layouts

• ANSI QWERTY (Polish)
• ANSI QWERTY (Netherlands)
• Italian QWERTY
• German QWERTZ
• French AZERTY

Using exact model from PSREF, you can enter PC Support page and find how exact for the model exactly look like in Parts tab.

Hotkeys during boot

• F2 - BIOS Setup: contains information on CPU, GPU, BIOS version, serial number, thermal mode, boot device order, Graphic device selection (MUX Switch / "Hybrid Mode" ON/OFF), can proceed to settings
• F9 - "Novo Menu": quick access menu for everything else
• F10 - Diagnostics UEFI: can display information and test individual hardware parts and see storage's S.M.A.R.T.
• F12 - "Boot Device" (boot menu)

Function keys

• Fn + Space - firmware based RGB presets
• Fn + Up/Down - RGB brightness
• Fn + Q - switch power profile / thermal mode
• Fn + R - 60/165Hz switch ①②
• Fn + U - back port icon light
• Fn + L - Legion logo light on lid
• Fn + F1 - sound toggle (mute/unmute)
• Fn + F2/F3 - volume down/up
• Fn + F4 - microphone toggle (mute/unmute) ①
• Fn + F5/F6 - brightness down/up ③
• Fn + F7 - project screen menu (display modes when external display is connected)
• Fn + F8 - plane mode (no network) ①
• Fn + F9 - software quick access (Lenovo Vantage) ①②
• Fn + F10 - touchpad toggle (enabled/disabled)
• Fn + F11 - Windows: ALT-TAB equivalent, Linux GNOME: something else (I am uncertain what is it)
• Fn + F12 - calculator
• Fn + PrtSc - screenshot cropping (like Win+Shift+S) ②
• Fn + Home/End/PgUp/PgDn - media keys (respectively: Play/Pause, Stop, Previous, Next)

① Windows: requires Lenovo Fn and Function Keys software
② Linux: does not work out of the box as tested on Fedora 38 GNOME with kernel 6.3.5-200
④ Linux: does not work with Hybrid Mode OFF (dGPU only) on Fedora 38 GNOME with kernel 6.3.5-200

Official generic video

Linux support

Overall - pretty good. As shown in function key section - most of them work out of the box, as they are handled by firmware. This includes switching thermal mode, "RGB" (keyboard and other backlight) profiles, switching between them and changing brightness level. Project screen menu works, though there's no HUD/GUI for it and switches mode immediately, which may be inconvenient.
As tested on Fedora 38 GNOME with kernel 6.3.5-200, speakers, webcam, WiFi, Bluetooth works. Fingerprint reader does not work, at least out of the box. I came across mentions that speakers do not work for the slim variant.

Third party tools:

• Lenovo Legion Toolkit - open source alternative to Lenovo Vantage
• Lenovo Legion Linux - tools (power and fan control) for Linux (model currently not supported)

Community

• "Lenovo Legion" Reddit
• "Legion Series" Community Discord

Link to Hub

Recapping 2022

2022 was a dangerous year to be a Vikings fan, especially if you have a pre-existing heart condition. While a season of 13 wins -- tied for the most since 1998 -- may seem like the team is in a position to make a Superbowl push, the actual quality of the team is a lot more... well, mediocre.
The 2022 Vikings ranked 19th in offensive EPA per play, 25th in defensive EPA per play, 27th in Overall DVOA, and 15th in Pythagorean Wins (with 8.4 expected wins). Kevin O'Connell always preached the performance of the team in priority situations. The team finished 12th in 3rd down conversion rate and 8th in red zone conversion rate. And the team led the league -- by far -- in the number of 4th quarter comebacks and game winning drives. When it was time to put up or shut up, the team put up hard. Except for in the playoffs.

2023 Offseason

All of that made the future of the Vikings tough to read. But Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and the rest of the front office told us what they thought of the team with their free agency moves. In a league where teams are trading the farm for Hall of Fame QBs and giving $20M/Year deals to nose tackles and guards, the Vikings' big free agent splash were a one year deal on an injury-prone DE and a good-not-great corner that doesn't even crack the top 20 highest AAVs at the position. Concurrently, the team parted ways with half of the team's 2022 captains to try to get under the cap. All of this while the team is not done with transactions -- Dalvin Cook still presents as a cut candidate due to his age and contract structure.
Notable Departures:

• WR Adam Thielen ($6.4 Saved / $13.5 Dead)
• LB Eric Kendricks ($9.5 Saved / $1.93 Dead)
• CB Patrick Peterson (Unrestricted Free Agent)
• DT Dalvin Tomlinson (Unrestricted Free Agent)
• EDGE Za'Darius Smith (Post-draft trade)

Notable Arrivals:

• CB Byron Murphy (2Y / $17.5TOT / $8.1GTD)
• EDGE Marcus Davenport (1Y / $13TOT / $10GTD)
• TE Josh Oliver (3Y / $21TOT / $8.2GTD)
• DT Dean Lowry (2Y / $8.5TOT / $4.2GTD)

Other Notable Transactions:

• Re-Signed C Garrett Bradbury (3Y / $15.75TOT / $5.15GTD)
• Re-Signed RB Alexander Mattison (2Y / $7TOT / $6.35GTD)
• Re-Signed FB CJ Ham (3Y / $5.6TOT / $3.3GTD)
• Re-Signed All-Pro LS Andrew DePaola (3Y / $4.025TOT / $1.515GTD)

The other major change that influenced how the team addresses the draft was the shift from Ed Donatell's Cover 2 shell defense to Brian Flores's aggressive man defense. Compared to the 2022 Vikings, Flores's 2021 Dolphins blitzed over twice as often and played with light boxes at roughly half the rate. On top of the front seven, one of the biggest changes in scheme is the Cover 2 alignment, which Donatell employed on nearly half of all defensive snaps compared to just 12% for Flores's 2021 Miami team. With one crop of rookies and free agents brought in to play in a Fangio style scheme, the defense would have to undergo a massive shift to succeed in a scheme that can only be described as the complete opposite of what was run in 2022.

Draft Needs

Cornerback - Arguably the Vikings' biggest need, the team was without a true CB1. Byron Murphy comes aboard as the most experienced player. Pegged a slot-only player through his first three years, Murphy spent most of his time in 2022 outside and had a career year. After that, the team looked to rely on improvements from their 2022 draft class with Andrew Booth and Akayleb Evans, two players that combined for fewer than 300 defensive snaps last season primarily due to injury. You can see how KAM and crew, confident in their scouting ability, are betting on health to affect the secondary for the better. But taking another bet on a young player is a smart move at a position where depth is always a good thing.
Interior Defensive Line - The loss of Dalvin Tomlinson -- who played 551 snaps last year and compiled 14 pressures -- leaves issues next to Harrison Phillips. Jonathan Bullard was third on the IDL with 319 snaps last season and returns on a one year deal. Tonga and Lynch had some flashes, and the team brought in Lowry. The rotation (optimistically) can get to competent. But finding a true winner on the inside of the line was viewed by many as a priority.
Wide Receiver - The Vikings starting personnel at WR heading in to the draft was Justin Jefferson (stud), KJ Osborn (decent), and... Jalen Nailor? Brandon Powell? Oh dear Lord don't tell me it's Jalen Reagor. The loss of Adam Thielen was expected, but nevertheless leaves a gaping hole next to JJ and KJ in the lineup. Keenan McCardell is arguably the best WR coach in the league, and playing with Jefferson would give one-on-one opportunities for any receiver. But having somebody that can actually win those one-on-ones remains a question.
Inside Linebacker - Eric Kendricks's jersey change marks the true end of an era at LB. Kendricks struggled in Donatell's scheme last season, as did most players. But he was a longtime leader on the defense and a valued community member. Jordan Hicks, Brian Asamoah, and Troy Reeder sit atop the depth chart. Hicks can be solid and Asamoah had flashes, but counting on this group as every down players is a risk to say the least.
Offensive Guard - Ed Ingram was one of the worst starting guards in the league last season. But he's a rookie. Maybe he gets better in year 2. Maybe he stays terrible. Even if you're optimistic there, Ezra Cleveland is entering a contract year at left guard. Adding interior offensive line depth is always smart.
Quarterback - This offseason, reports surfaced that the team and QB Kirk Cousins could not finalize a contract extension. That means for the first time in his Vikings tenure, Cousins is entering a contract year. Cousins has been an above average QB during his time in Minnesota. Last year saw him finish 4th in yards, but he was painfully mediocre at efficiency stats like TD percent (17th), ANY/A (18th), and ADOT (20th). Entering his age-35 season, it would be wise to look for a successor even if the team plans on retaining Cousins past 2023.

The Draft

*Indicates measure is taken from Pro Day
1.23 WR Jordan Addison, USC
Profile: Jr 5'11 173lbs 31.5 Arm\ 8.75 Hand 75.125 Wing* 4.49 40 1.57 10 34 VJ 10'2 BJ 4.19 SS* 7.05 3c 5.95 RAS*
2022 Stats: 11 Gm 59 Rec 875 Yds 8 TD 2 Drops
Steve Smith Sr: "Addison has one of the highest ceilings among WRs in this draft due to his blend of route running chops and his all around athleticism. He is a three level route runner: intermediate, deep, and short... The way he can get in and out of his breaks is so natural. He uses leverage. And he manipulates the DB consistently"
Addison -- a Biletnikoff Award winner during his Pitt days -- is one of the highest floor players in the class. He is a route running technician with proven dominance playing inside and outside. He had more than 3 yards per route run in two different offenses. He understands how to marry his athleticism and quickness with the breaks in his routes. He finds the DB's blind spot and forces them to lose. Addison is a bit on the small side, but not abnormally so given this draft class. He does have some concerns with his hands -- his drop rates as a freshman and sophomore were 14% and 10%, respectively -- but he showed improvement in this as a junior.
The need here is clear. As mentioned earlier, the WR depth past JJ and KJ is abysmal. Even with Thielen and Osborn on the roster in 2022, the Vikings needed juice in the WR room. The 2022 Vikings had one top 5 WR in yards per route run (Jefferson). There was no other receiver in the top 100. Teams were not worried about Thielen or Osborn. Teams could put two or three defenders on Jefferson without any fear of what anyone else might do to their defense. Hockenson fixed this a bit down the stretch, but an outside playmaker was still needed.
The real question here is why the team opted not to go for CB Joey Porter Jr, who filled what many considered to be the team's biggest need and was a higher ranked prospect for Lance Zierlein, PFF, Danny Kelly, Matt Miller, and Dane Brugler. The answer here -- if I can take a guess and stretch my logic a bit -- is that the need at WR2 was greater than the need at CB. Patrick Peterson was the biggest loss in the secondary, and the team brought in Byron Murphy to try to fill that role. On offense, Minnesota had not brought in a replacement for Adam Thielen. The depth chart past Jefferson and Osborn was filled with bodies that might not make a 53-man roster on a lot of teams.
Trade: SF gives 3.87 to MIN for 3.102, 5.164, 7.222

	Jimmy Johnson	Rich Hill	Fitzgerald-Spielberger	Harvard
Total give	155	48	737	115
Total get	117.7	45	1334	197
Absolute Diff	-37.3	-3	+597	+82
Percent Diff	-24%	-6%	+81%	+71%

The biggest thing to consider when evaluating this trade is that the Vikings came into the draft with 5 picks, only two of which were in the top 100. In my biased opinion, this was a home run trade, even if the traditional charts disagree. To take three swings at the bat instead of one is a humble and wise strategy, especially for a team with limited draft capital. The move looks even better in hindsight because there were no CBs taken between 87 and 102.
3.102 CB Mekhi Blackmon, USC
Profile: 6Sr 5'11" 178lbs 31" Arm 9.25" Hand 74.625" Wing 4.47 40 1.47 10 36 VJ 10'5" BJ 11 Bench 7.44 RAS
2022 Stats: 14 Gm 66 TKL 2 TFL 1 FF 15 PD 3 INT
Brett Kollman: "Feisty, physical press corner who definitely has to play more under control in the NFL to avoid flags, but he has all the competitiveness you want to see from a potential CB1 at the next level. Never backs down from anyone. Has easy gas to stay in control of a route from top down, even against true burners. Legit 4.4 speed and gets up to it quickly. Outstanding ball production... Held up extremely well despite being targeted often. Battle tested, aggressive, and confident... Very similar to Desmond Trufant."
An unrecruited high school positionless player out of high school that signed with JuCo San Mateo, Blackmon followed up four seasons at Colorado with a breakout 2022 campaign as one of the best defenders on the USC defense. The Trojans played a man-heavy scheme, which let Blackmon shine. He has great anticipation and instincts. His production this year says as much. He plays bigger than his size, and he has inside-outside versatility. He will have to clean up some of his physicality to avoid flags at the next level. He will also have to refine his technique to stay with the more complex routes he'll see. But he is a strong culture and scheme fit for what Brian Flores is bringing to the defense.
The need at CB was obvious even before hiring Flores. The Vikings ranked 31st in passing yards allowed, 26th in Passing DVOA, and 24th in EPA allowed per pass attempt. Bringing in Byron Murphy helps. So do the healthy returns of Booth and Evans. But Murphy has not yet shown that he can be a consistently great player (or at least not markedly better than what we got out of Patrick Peterson last year). And Booth and Evans are unproven. Blackmon -- taken with the last pick on Day 2 -- is not expected to come in and be Jalen Ramsey or Sauce Gardner. But in a shift to a more aggressive man-coverage defense with a thin CB room, Blackmon is an upside player that will have every chance to take a starting spot on a porous defense.
Trade: MIN gives 4.119 to KC for 4.134, 2024 5th\*

	Jimmy Johnson	Rich Hill	Fitzgerald-Spielberger	Harvard
Total give	56	24	578	88
Total get	58.4	24	898	133
Absolute Diff	+2.4	0	+320	+45
Percent Diff	+4%	0%	+36%	+34%

On top of entering the weekend with a mere 5 draft picks in the current year, the Vikings also entered with a mere 5 draft picks in the 2024 class (3rd rounder traded for Hockenson, 5th rounder traded for Reagor). Dropping 15 picks in a relatively flat part of the draft while adding a mid-Day 3 pick is good business given this team's lack of capital.
*Here we assume a future pick in round n is valued at the middle pick of round n+1, not accounting for compensatory picks. In this case, a 2024 5th is equated to pick 176.
4.134 S Jay Ward, LSU
Profile: Sr 6'0.5" 188lbs 32.5" Arm 8.25" Hand 76.875" Wing 4.55 40 1.54 10 34.5 VJ 11' BJ 4.35 Shuttle\ 7.31 3c 16 Bench 6.70 RAS*
2022 Stats: 13 Gm 60 TKL 2.5 TFL 5 PD 1 INT 2 FR TD
Nate Tice: "A ton of fun. I just like this fit because of Brian Flores's defense. Just picture all of those mixture guys that the Patriots have used over the years... Jay Ward can be that"
A three year starter with reps at safety, slot, and outside CB, Ward is one of the most versatile players in the class. He possesses excellent length and movement skills. His experience at CB make him a fluid player in coverage. In the run game, Ward's size is a concern. His 188lbs Combine weight puts him in just the second percentile for safeties. This translates to issues with taking on blocks. He is a very aggressive player, beelining to the ball as soon as it's out. But his size coupled with his impatient playstyle lead to a lot of missed tackles. He was also flagged seven times last season.
In his final season in Miami, Flores was extremely creative with how he employed his safeties. Jevon Holland had the 2nd most blitzes in the league at the position. The number 1 player? His teammate Brandon Jones. With the defense taking on Flores's amoeba identity, an aggressive player with experience at multiple positions has the potential to find a role early on. The defense will look to utilize him similar to how Jevon Holland was used as a rookie. And with Harrison Smith well into the twilight of his career, Ward is a timely pick as the team attempts to thread the needle in their competitive rebuild.
Trade: MIN gives 5.158, 6.211 to IND for 5.141

	Jimmy Johnson	Rich Hill	Fitzgerald-Spielberger	Harvard
Total give	32.4	13	722	103
Total get	36	15	492	74
Absolute Diff	+4	+2	-230	-29
Percent Diff	+10%	+13%	-47%	-39%

It's a bit strange to see Adofo-Mensah move away from the analytics charts in favor of the traditional ones, but the value swap here is not absurd. The real question with this trade will be if Roy ends up being a true contributor.
5.141 NT Jaquelin Roy, LSU
Profile: Jr 6'3" 305lbs 32.75" Arm 10.125" Hand 78.125" Wing 5.13 40\ 1.82 10* 26" VJ* 8'5" BJ* 5.00 Shuttle 8.01 3c 30 Bench 3.72 RAS*
2022 Stats: 13 Gm 49 TKL 3.5 TFL 0.5 SCK
Lance Zierlein: " The more you watch, the more you like the way Roy plays the game... Despite limited starting experience at LSU, he already displays signs of a rush plan and the athletic talent to execute it. Roy is an ascending talent with the potential to become a quality starter. "
After a 30 tackle, 1.5 sack campaign as a rotational player in 2021, Roy shifted from a penetrating 3T position to more of a traditional nose tackle under new HC Brian Kelly. This transition let Roy shine as a run stuffer. He eats space and is incredibly tough to move from his spot. He averaged almost 52 snaps a game in 2022 and his motor never let up. He has some work to do if he wants to be a three down player, particularly as a pass rusher. His bend and balance in this front are especially lacking.
The Vikings' front office seems to be a lot more comfortable with the current IDL room than I am. Harrison Phillips is a plus starter. Past that, the roster is filled with unproven youth or proven subpar players. As a 5th round pick, Roy has an uphill battle to separate himself from that group. But he's a good lottery ticket at this price. His positional versatility ensures that the defense can simply put their best players on the field.
5.164 QB Jaren Hall, BYU
Profile: RSr 6'0" 207lbs 39.75" Arm 9.5" Hand 71.875" Wing 4.63 40\ 1.59 10* 4.19 Shuttle* 7.06 3c* 7.96 RAS*
2022 Stats: 12 Gm 248 Comp 376 Att 66% Comp 3171 Yds 31 TD 6 INT 86 Rush 789 Rush Yds 9 RUsh TD
Kwesi Adofo-Mensah: "We added a really talented player that has a ton of upside... The ability to make decisions, throw the football accuracy, deal with conflict when it comes his way, and sometimes try to make a play outside the framework of the playcall. He does all those things at a really great level... That's an outstanding young man. I'd like to see him lead my team or any organization I'm a part of."
Despite being the third oldest prospect in the QB class, Hall only has 24 starts under his belt due to two years on religious mission and one year with a hip injury. But when Hall took over for Zach Wilson in 2021, he hit the ground running. BYU went 10-3 in that first year with Hall compiling a 4:1 TD:INT ratio. He is a two time team captain, and all reports of his character are off the charts.
Hall is a poised pocket passer capable of extending plays and picking up yardage on the ground. He was only sacked 12 times in 2022, which is a testament to both BYU's offensive line and Hall's ability to create under pressure. There are conflicting opinions on Hall's upside and arm strength, with Lance Zierlein calling his arm "unimpressive" while Kyle Crabbs claiming that hall has a "live arm with the ability to throw with juice off platform". Where there was near-universal agreement was in his understanding of the scheme, as Hall operated BYU's RPO-heavy offense like a machine. He has a clean release and quickly gets into a rhythm. His largest universal concerns are his age (he turned 25 in March) and his injury history (missed 20 games in the last 4 years). He also has ball security issues with 13 fumbles over his career.
I expected the Vikings to draft a QB in this class. The only question was if it would have been via a trade up on Day 1 or a flyer on Day 3 (or a falling Will Levis). With his age, size, and injury history, there are plenty of questions about what Hall can be. He will have a year in practice to put together his audition tape to be Kirk Cousins's replacement -- it's certainly a viable path for this team to take a RiddeHowell/Mills-esque year to evaluate Hall while they continue retooling the defense. But the more likely path is that Hall becomes a long-term backup for the team. Cousins has been the model of health, but that doesn't mean that QB2 is an unimportant position. Sean Mannion, Kellen Mond, and Nick Mullens have manned that position to various degrees over the past few years. None has shown that they can be a competent plug-in player if needed. There is some hope that Hall -- who operated the BYU offense with a mechanic efficiency -- can be that player.
7.222 RB DeWayne McBride, UAB
Profile: Jr 5'10" 209lbs 30.625" Arms 9.5" Hands 73.125" Wing 20 Bench\*
2022 Stats: 11 Gm 233 Att 1713 Yds 19 TD 7.4 Y/A 2 Rec 10 Rec Yds
Dane Brugler: "Overall, McBride is unproven as a pass catcher and blocker, which might restrict his NFL role, but his contact balance, vision and lateral agility are among the best this running back draft class has to offer"
In an era of advanced metrics and Combine showmanship, perhaps the trait that has gone underappreciated more than any other in RB scouting is balance. McBride may have the best balance in the entire RB class outside of Bijan Robinson. He comes from a heavy outside zone scheme at UAB, where he led the FBS in yards per game and set school records for single-game and single-season rushing. McBride absorbs contact like a sponge. His short area burst is strong, and he makes defenders miss with power and finesse. McBride has ideal size and toughness. His concerns are simple. He was not utilized as a receiver in college, and he had more career fumbles than catches in that time. McBride profiles as a two-down player at the next level. Although Adofo-Mensah has voiced his belief that McBride's passing game usage was a product of scheme rather than ability, McBride still has to prove that he is more than just a short yardage runner in the NFL.
After spending a pick in back to back years on RB and re-signing Mattison to a modest contract, RB was a bit of an unexpected pick for this regime. Dalvin Cook still seems to be movable (a likely cut candidate at this point), which would make this pick more logical. Chandler struggled with injuries as a rookie, but both he and Nwangwu profile more as speedy scatbacks than true between-the-tackle runners like Mattison. Even Mattison has never been a true three-down back. McBride plays much more similarly to Mattison than the other backs on the team. He will try to carve out a role behind him as the future thunder to the lightning provided by Chandler and Nwangwu.

UDFA

FB Zach Ojile, Minnesota Duluth
Profile: 6Sr 6'0" 241lbs 31.5" Arms 8.5" Hands 75.5" Wing 4.78 40\ 1.79 10* 31" VJ* 9'1" BJ* 4.40 Shuttle* 31 Bench* 4.15 RAS*
2022 Stats: 11 Gm 12 Rush 53 Rush Yds 3 Rush TD 25 Rec 289 Rec Yds 5 Rec TD
A Twin Cities native, Ojile was a late addition to the roster, joining after a May rookie minicamp tryout. Ojile played LB, QB, FS, and RB in high school but found a role as an H-Back at UMD. He served as a team captain the past two seasons and finishes his collegiate career with over 1100 total yards and 24 total TDs. He was an All-Conference player for the DII NSIC Bulldogs. Whether Ojile participates at FB or TE, he'll need to prove his versatility to beat out the veterans on the depth chart. Working in his favor is Kevin O'Connell's shift to a more base-heavy offense in 2023.
WR Cephus Johnson, Southeastern Louisiana
Profile: 6Sr 6'4" 223lbs 33.25" Arm\ 8.5" Hand* 78.625" WIng* 4.57 40* 1.59 10* 36.5" VJ* 10'1" BJ* 4.39 Shuttle* 7.25 3c* 18 Bench* 9.48 RAS*
2022 Stats: 11 Gm 184 Pass Att 65% Comp 1354 Pass Yds 10 Pass TD 5 INT 89 Rush 488 Rush Yds 5 Rush TD
Johnson is making the fulltime switch from QB to WR as he attempts to latch on to an NFL practice squad. He earned the starting role for South Alabama as a redshirt junior before transferring to SE Louisiana, where he took some snaps at WR in spring games. Johnson's stats were unimpressive as a starting QB, notching just 1354 yards and a 2:1 TD:INT ratio in 11 starts. He has good size and instincts as a runner, but he has basically no experience playing WR.
WR Lucky Jackson, W Kentucky / XFL DC Defenders
Profile: RSr 6'0" 179lbs 9.624" Hand\ 32.25" Arm* 75.875" Wing**
2023 Stats: 10 Gm 36 Rec 572 Yds 5 TD 1 Fmb
Jackson last put on a college uniform before the pandemic for Western Kentucky, where his 2019 season saw him put up over 1100 yards on 94 receptions. Following his college days, Jackson spent time in the CFL and the Spring League before joining the XFL's DC Defenders and becoming an All-XFL receiver.
WR Malik Knowles, Kansas St
Profile: RSr 6'2" 196lbs 32.25" Arm 8.75" Hand 77.625" Wing
2022 Stats: 14 Gm 48 Rec 725 YDs 2 TD 8 Rush 164 Rush Yds 3 Rush TD 23 KR 592 KR Yds
Knowles is a vertical threat with good size and length. He offers value as a kick returner and leaves Kansas State with a top 5 rank in all-purpose yards. Knowles is an undeveloped route runner that struggles with quick change-of-direction. He also has trouble with press coverage. He'll need to prove his value on special teams, where he has plenty of collegiate experience as a kick returner.
WR Grant Maag, North Dakota
Profile: 5Sr 6'4" 206lbs 9.25" Hand\ 31.875" Arm* 77.625" Wing* 4.49 40YD* 1.60 10YS* 40.5" VJ* 10'5" BJ* 4.34 Shuttle* 6.90 3c* 8.50 RAS*
2022 Stats: 12 Gm 41 Rec 540 Yds 5 TDs
Maag was brought in following the announcement of Ben Ellefson's retirement. He is an Inver Grove Heights native and a graduate of St Croix Lutheran in St Paul. He leaves North Dakota with over 2000 yards over his five years and served as a team captain the past two seasons. His size gives him an advantage with a shorter WR group ahead of him, but Maag is a far cry from a roster lock.
WR Thayer Thomas, NC State
Profile: 6Sr 6'0" 198lbs 9" Hand\ 30.125" Arm* 73.5" Wing 4.56 40* 1.63 10* 37" VJ* 10' BJ* 4.03 Shuttle* 6.93 3c* 15 Bench* 7.85 RAS*
2022 Stats: 13 Gm 57 Rec 642 Yds 4 TDs 2 Rush Att 44 Rush Yds 1 Rush TD 17 PR 128 PR Yds
A multisport athlete that was drafted by the Red Sox in 2019, Thomas walked onto the Wolfpack football team and got onto the field any way he could. In 2018, he saw work as a receiver, punt returner, and passer. Thomas has good hands (a career drop rate of 4%) and a high work ethic, but he is an undeveloped route runner that struggles to create much after the catch. He will need to prove his worth on special teams if he wants to make the roster.
TE Ben Sims, Baylor
Profile: RSr 6'4" 250lbs 33.125" Arm\ 9.5" Hand* 80.125" Wing* 4.58 40YD* 1.56 10YS 36" Vert* 10'2" Broad* 4.41 Shuttle* 7.46 3c* 15 Bench* 8.40 RAS*
2022 Stats: 12 Gm 31 Rec 255 Yds 3 TDs 2 Drops 1 Rush TD
Sims projects as a blocking tight end with limited ability as a receiver. He's a patient run blocker with good balance and toughness, but he is still cleaning up some technique. He isn't a creator with the ball in his hands and his tape fails to demonstrate the explosiveness that his testing suggests.
OL Alan Ali, TCU
Profile: RSr 6'4" 301lbs 32.875" Arm 9.5" Hand 77.625" Wing 5.23 40\ 1.89 10* 26.5" VJ 8'5" BJ* 4.91 Shuttle* 7.94 3c* 3.80 RAS*
A 5 year starter for TCU and SMU, Ali is a fundamentally sound center prospect with good body control and core strength. He has experience playing at all 5 OL positions but spent most of the past 4 years at center. His lack of athleticism and length are likely the reason he went undrafted.
OT Jacky Chen, Pace
Profile: RSr 6'5 1/4" 299lbs 10" Hand\ 34.5" Arm* 80.75" Wing* 5.41 40* 1.81 10* 29" VJ* 8'10" BJ* 4.74 Shuttle* 7.90 3c* 24 Bench* 5.39 RAS*
It's hard to find very much information on an undrafted lineman from a DII school whose toughest opponent was the University of New Haven. Chen is an OT prospect that is viewed as a ball of clay. Chen's 40 yard dash and 3 cone were underwhelming to say the least, but he was an above average tester in burst and explosiveness drills. That combined with his length make him an interesting project.
EDGE Andre Carter II, Army
Profile: Sr 6'6.5" 256lbs 9.375" Hand 33.275" Arm 81 Wing 4.91 40\ 1.65 10* 30" VJ 9'1" BJ 4.36 Shuttle 6.97 3c* 11 Bench 6.29 RAS*
2022 Stats: 10 Gm 41 TKL 7 TFL 3.5 SCK 2 PD
The highest profile UDFA signing of the class, Carter was getting 1st round buzz this time last year. At that time, Carter was coming off an 18.5 TFL / 15.5 sack season. However, Carter struggled to repeat his production as a senior, notching just 3.5 sacks. Carter finished out the draft cycle with lackluster testing, failing to run under a 4.90 in the 40 yard dash and weighing in at a mere 256 lbs -- a big concern given his 81 inch wingspan and towering stature. Carter has a ton of upside, but he doesn't have the frame to be a real NFL player right now. After 4 years training to be an officer in the US Army, he will need at least one season (maybe more) in an NFL weight room where he can focus on building muscle mass. He'll look to follow the mold of fellow Army player Alejandro Villanueva, who added 43 lbs to his 277 lbs frame entering the league before becoming a 7-year starter. Luckily, he joined the team with one of the best training facilities in the league.
EDGE Junior Aho, SMU
Profile: 6'2" 260lbs 9" Hand 33.875" Arm 79.875" Wing 4.58 40\ 1.66 10* 33.5" VJ* 10'3" BJ* 4.90 Shuttle* 7.38 3c* 9.38 RAS*
2022 Stats: 13 Gm 23 TKL 2 TFL 2 SCK 1 FF
Quite simply, Aho is an athletic freak that should find his way onto the team thanks to the International Player Pathway roster spot. He takes pride in his speed and athleticism, but he also understands the limitations to his game. Aho was a solid rotational player for SMU. He will look to follow in the footsteps of other International Pathway players like Efe Obada and Jordan Mailata.
DT Calvin Avery, Illinois
Profile: RSr 6'1" 343 lbs 10" Hand\ 32.5" Arm 81.87" Wing 5.37 40* 1.84 10* 30.5" VJ* 8'5" BJ* 8.01 3c* 31 Bench* 3.12 RAS*
2022 Stats: 13 Gm 23 TKL 2 TFL 1 PD
Avery is a former four star recruit out of Texas, earning snaps in 12 games as a true freshman. He started 12 games in 2022, primarily at nose tackle. He has a wide, large frame that makes him hard to move. However, he is an underwhelming athlete to say the least, and his statistical production is nearly non-existent.
LB Abraham Beauplan, Marshall
Profile: RSr 5'11" 241 lbs 9.25" Hand 31.75" Arm 77 1/4" Wing 4.62 Shuttle 35.5" VJ 9'9" BJ 7.33 3c 22 Bench 4.52 RAS
2022 Stats: 12 Gm 66 TKL 6.5 TFL 1 SCK 3 PD
Beauplan started the draft process by making an appearance on Bruce Feldman's Freaks List, reportedly squatting as much as 565 lbs and benching as much as 285. The few reports that exist on Beauplan suggest he's an urgent, downhill run defender that will look to carve out a role on special teams early on.
LB Wilson Huber, Cincinnati
Profile: 6Sr 6'4" 241lbs 9.75" Hand 32.375" Arm\ 80" Wing* 4.70 40* 1.66 10* 35" VJ* 10'4" BJ* 4.45 Shuttle* 6.91 3c* 18 Bench* 8.34 RAS*
2022 Stats: 13 Gm 54 TKL 6.5 TFL 1 SCK 1 PD
A 3 star recruit out of Indiana, Huber started his career at Cincinnati as a TE. He played a hybrid role in his first 2 non-redshirt seasons, earning snaps on offense, defense, and special teams. He made a full role switch to the defensive side of the ball in 2020 and eventually earned the team captain moniker in 2022. Huber had some solid testing despite profiling as more of a thumper.
LB Ivan Pace Jr, Cincinnati
Profile: Sr 5'10.5" 231lbs 30.25" Arm 9.5" Hand 72" Wing 4.59 40\ 1.70 10* 35" VJ 9'8" BJ* 4.40 Shuttle * 7.18 3c* 22 Bench* 5.71 RAS*
2022 Stats: 13 Gm 137 TKL 21.5 TFL 10 SCK 3 FF 4 PD
Ranked the 11th best LB for Daniel Jeremiah, 9th for Dane Brugler, and 7th for PFF, many thought Pace could have gone as early as Round 3. Pace was a one year starter for the Bearcats after transferring from Miami (Ohio), and he hit the ground running. He led the AAC in tackles and TFLs. He is a smaller player (although not abnormally so in today's game) that plays with his hair on fire. He gives tremendous effort on every play and is always around the ball. Pace is a super tough player that loves to tackle. His size is a concern; he gets washed out of plays too easily. He is also lacking in coverage skills, struggling to stay connected in man coverage. Still, it's incredible that Pace went undrafted. He's an easy special teams projection as a rookie with the upside to be put in position to win under Flores.
CB CJ Coldon, Oklahoma
Profile: 6Sr 5'10" 186lbs\ 8.375" Hand* 31.125" Arm* 75.125" Wing* 4.60 40* 1.58 10* 37 1/2" VJ* 10'5" BJ* 4.24 Shuttle* 7.31 3c* 3.92 RAS*
2022 Stats: 12 Gm 42 TKL 2 TFL 4 INT 6 PBU
Coldon is an instinctual football player that relies on his feel to create ball production. He spent 5 years at Wyoming before transferring to Oklahoma and leading the team in INTs and PBUs. In zone, Coldon watches the QB and looks for the right cue to understand when and where the ball is headed.
CB NaJee Thompson, Georgia Southern
Profile: 5'10" 200lbs 9.125" Hand 32.75" Arm 76.625" Wing 4.57 40\ 1.63 10* 32" VJ* 9'8" BJ* 4.56 Shuttle* 7.40 3c* 13 Bench* 1.59 RAS*
2022 Stats: 13 Gm 37 TKL 1 TFL 11 PD 1 INT
Thompson's love for the game is undeniable. After struggling to latch onto the Georgia Southern WR room, Thompson approached his head coach asking to be exclusively a special teams player. He relishes being a gunner on punts. He eventually got moved to CB in 2021, logging 557 snaps at the position in 2022. He's undeveloped at the position, but his special teams prowess gives him a good shot at the roster.
CB Jaylin Williams, Indiana
Profile: RSr 5'9" 184lbs 9.125" Hand 29.875" Arm 71.75" Wing 4.43 40\ 1.58 10* 34.5" BJ* 9'11" BJ* 4.20 Shuttle* 7.01 3c* 13 Bench* 5.54 RAS*
2022 Stats: 10 Gm 40 TKL 2.5 TFL 7 PD 1 FR 1 BLK
A longtime role player for the Hoosiers before becoming a fulltime starter in 2019, Williams's 6 career INTs were the most amongst active players on the team last season. He earned second team All-Confernece honors in 2020 and was an honorable mention in 2021.
K Jack Podlesny, Georgia
Profile: RSr 6'0" 195lbs 29.25" Arms 9" Hands 74.75" Wing
2022 Stats: 31 Att 26 Made 50 Long 109 Kickoff 72 Touchbacks 74 PAT Att 73 PAT Made
Ranked as Dane Brugler's 4th kicker and Lance Zierlein's 3rd kicker, Podlesny enters Vikings camp following a career that saw him walk on to Georgia's football team and finish with an 82% hit rate. He hit all but one extra point last season for the national champion Bulldogs. A concern with Podlesny is his leg strength. His accuracy beyond 40 yards falls to just 54%. His clutchness may also come into question as he missed two kicks in the national championship semifinals against Ohio State.

Projected Depth Chart

Pos (Projected 2023 Rostered Count / 2022 Rostered Count): Starter, Rookie, Cuts
QB (2/2): Kirk Cousins, Jaren Hall, Nick Mullens
RB (4/4): Alexander Mattison, Kene Nwangwu, Ty Chandler, DeWayne McBride, Dalvin Cook
FB (1/1): CJ Ham, Zach Ojile
WR (5/5): Justin Jefferson, KJ Osborn, Jordan Addison, Jalen Nailor, Brandon Powell, Trishton Jackson, Jalen Reagor, Blake Proehl, Thayer Thomas, Cephus Johnson, Malik Knowles, Lucky Jackson, Garrett Maag
TE (3/3): TJ Hockenson, Josh Oliver, Johnny Mundt, Nick Muse, Ben Sims
OL (9/10): Christian Darrisaw, Ezra Cleveland, Garrett Bradbury, Ed Ingram, Brian O'Neill, Chris Reed, Austin Schlottman, Oli Udoh, Blake Brandel, Josh Sokol, Vederian Lowe, Alan Ali, Jacky Chen, Sam Schlueter
DT (7/6): Harrison Phillips, Dean Lowry, Jonathan Bullard, James Lynch, Esezi Otomewo, Jaquelin Roy, Khyiris Tonga, Ross Blacklock, Sheldon Day, TJ Smith, Calvin Avery
EDGE (4/5): Danielle Hunter, Marcus Davenport, Pat Jones II, DJ Wonnum, Luiji Vilain, Curtis Weaver, Benton Whitley, Kenny Willekes, Andre Carter II, Junior Aho
ILB (4/4): Jordan Hicks, Brian Asamoah, Troy Reeder, Ivan Pace Jr, Troy Dye, William Kwenkeu, Abraham Beauplan, Wilson Huber
CB (5/6): Byron Murphy, Andrew Booth, Akayleb Evans, Mekhi Blakmon, Joejuan Williams, Kalon Barnes, Tay Gowan, John Reid, CJ Coldon, Najee Thompson, Jaylin Williams
S (5/4): Harrison Smith, Lewis Cine, Jay Ward, Josh Metellus, Camryn Bynum, Theo Jackson
K (1/1): Greg Joseph, Jack Podlesny
P (1/1): Ryan Wright
LS (1/1): Andrew DePaola
KR: Kene Nwangwu
PR: Brandon Powell

2024 Needs

Starters Needed: QB, OG, EDGE, DT -- Whether due to expiring contracts (Cousins, Cleveland, Davenport, Hunter) or overall suckitude (Ingram, Lowry), we need to find new starters at this positions in 2024. Could we go on with average-level free agents? Maybe. Should we? Maybe not.
We'll see how the group plays: CB, LB, RB -- These are positions where the front office is counting on young players (Booth, Evans, Asamoah) to fill the roles of departed starters. If those players take that step up, these positions drop on the needs list. Otherwise, we're in for a rough season.
Depth needed: WR -- The depth after Jefferson, Osborn, and Addison is not great. And Osborn is entering a contract year. Unless Keenan McCardell works some magic with Jalen Nailor or Trishton Jackson or Thayer Thomas, this should be a position we add to next year.

Final Thoughts

Versatility. When we look at this Vikings draft class, that's the first word that comes to mind, and it comes in big bold letters. Addison has inside-outside versatility. So does Mekhi Blackmon. Jay Ward is the most versatile of the group, capable of playing every DB position plus some spot snaps at LB. Roy has been productive everywhere from 0T to 4i. And the team has talked about how much they believe McBride can contribute as a pass catcher on top of his bruiser mindset as a between-the-tackles runner.
On offense, this shift seems to stem from a philosophical change following the TJ Hockenson acquisition last year. O'Connell's unit went from trying to copy-paste Sean McVay's outside zone scheme (largely a 3WR offense) to Kyle Shanahan's outside zone scheme (largely a TE-FB offense). And in that mold, O'Connell was looking for players he could use to create the illusion of complexity. That is, how can we employ versatile players to present defenses the threat of multiplicity?
On defense, the answer is a lot simpler. By bringing over Brian Flores, the team is hoping for a jolt in tenacity and an overall move to a hybrid amoeba scheme. You can look historically at how Bill Belichick has utilized flexibility in his defenses to maximize his gameplan for whatever offensive scheme is next on the menu. You can look at players on the line of scrimmage that have experience in both 43 and 34 schemes (Hunter, Phillips, Lynch, Bullard). And in the secondary, look no further than the selection of Jay Ward as an attempt to clone players like Jevon Holland and Kyle Dugger.
As Adofo-Mensah has repeatedly said, he approaches his job with humility. He listens to those around him and he finds the point where stories marry data to make informed decisions. And in O'Connell, he found someone who shares that mentality. With the emphasis on versatility, that mindset can now be applied on a weekly (and play-by-play) basis to opponents. We'll see how successful that strategy is as the team continues to straddle the line between competitive and rebuilder, but there is certainly an energy around the fanbase with the continued success of the offense and the addition of Brian Flores.

Timestamps
Decided to part out my gaming PC.
All parts were purchased brand new from either Amazon or Microcenter. Willing to meetup locally around 21157. Would greatly prefer this for the 4070ti or Keyboard to save shipping costs.
i5-11600KF - This was from a prebuilt. Never OC'd (not sure if I could anyway). Temps always low. Asking $165 shipped.
Gigabyte 4070ti - Bought new from Microcenter. Always kept in great condition. Never OC'd. Comes with original box. Asking $775 shipped.
Glorious GMMK2 Keyboard - Great condition. I believe these have the Glorious Fox Switches. Asking $80 shipped.
Glorious Model D Wireless Matte White - Great condition, no issues. Will come with the dongle. Asking $50 shipped.
G.Skill Ram - Works great, no issues. Asking $50 shipped.
Crucial BX500 1TB SSD - Works great, no issues. Asking $30 shipped.
WD 500GB NVME SSD - Works great, no issues. Asking $20 shipped.

'Faze'.
At the, "Dere-Licht," Manor, upon the Steps of the Stairs, a Smoked Pipe was placed. In the very Centre of the Meeting Hall (the Room off to the Side from the Bottom of the Stairwell), there was another one, as well. Okay well, throughout the entire building... More like, a GREAT number!
Avem had them placed all throughout that Rebuilt Old Character House, and within that Glorified Mansion, there were Smoked Pipes, In and On Cupboards, Resting Upon Windowsills (with the Drapes Pulled or Left Open), upon Countertops, Hidden Inside of Bookshelves (if not Resting Upon them), of course on the Mantle, Hidden In and Around Corners.. at Every End, Above and Slightly Adjacent to Entrances, and even some, which were included upon the Tabletops...
All of these Smoking Pipes, some with Ashen Remainders in them, some only Constructed Models of, what we imagine, would have been kept for their Interest Sake, were watched by a Careful Set-Up, of Video Surveillance.
The Surveillance, Signaled Hanging Display Monitors, all throughout the House, and also at Avem's Lab in Tokyo. Some of these Monitors, were Hanging from the Ceiling, at the Walls, Facing Down and Into the Rooms. Others, in the Bedrooms, were Level with Sitting Chairs, where one might want to Sit Down and Look At Them.
They were Set Up, Primarily, To Catch Every Angle and Motion of Light or Shadow Upon or Within the Pipes. This Recording of Smoked Rememberances, took place Every Night and Day, from the Rising to the Setting of the Sun, all Throughout the Years. What were the Ashes for?
…
Granny Smith, he yelled. I'm telling you! She didn't believe him one bit. And you pretend you weren't looking for me!?...
She interrogated him fearsomely. Do you know who I am???
Do you know who I am, "Roared," Perry, back at her, bleakly. He was terrified. Though, he somehow managed to pull off a tone, which mirrored her own, with mock mavery.
Down the hall, there was a beep. Close the door, Swarma commanded, looking out through the interrogation Room's Exit. There was the sound of a, "fwoosh," and a, "click," outside of it. Nobody had been at the Exit, either to push or to pull it's heavy door, closed. There was also no telling, of where that other door might be. She took a swab and daubed Perry with it quickly, before leaving. Wait right here, she cackled, smiling a leerily-wisening old grin, as she left him to total.
What's doing this to you? shrieked Ren. June had actually been, in all fact, sobbing and in dread. Her body, becoming purple, as it was, "cast," with some thick layer of unknown chrysoform, which continued to cover her in variegating patches, no matter how much she scratched or peeled. It seemed to keep leaking out from her pores in beads, which coalesced over her skin, recombined, and matted. Heaving, she threw a chunk at the Vending Machine.
She was sitting in Emergency, having just made it through Triage. These are for you, said the Faithful and Believing, Catholic Lady Friend of Wells, who passed her some Pamphlets from the Lecture.
The Professor had stopped everything, to see to it that this kind Lady, would bring Juniper to ER, post-haste. June had brought Ren along as a Study Buddy, for Note-Taking, with a Bribe.
Initially, June went out to the Mountains, to collect Perry's belongings from the Rented Cabin. Upon arriving back in town, both she and Ren decided to Drive out to the College for a Lecture, and to Sight-See, while asking people around the Area if they had Seen or Heard from Perry. Could he be haunting her somewhere? Was there any hope?
Although... the Professor HAD, abruptly interrupted his Lecture to find one of his CPR-trained staff to escort Juniper to the nearby Hospital E.R., in the event that she might not make it there herself, and was, "Truly," facing a Medical Crisis.
The Vending Machine, went lame, and the lights in ER flickered for a moment. I'm getting creeped, said Ren. That's all!
June's problem stemmed back, from when she ate the Oatmeal, which Perry had left behind at the Cabin, while she was inside it, looking at a Newspaper and Doodling.
Some of Avem's Team, had been in the Trails previously, and Driven a Snowmobile through them, tracing Chemicals through the Snow. A or Spoken Split. It had been at just one of her Lab's Testing Zones.
Avem had caught onto Perry, first, when her Voice Exploded from a Crackling Ice Wyrm/ “i”’Sāqa-Šaqqa, in the Cabin's Fireplace.
Avem had been Writing her Vocals into the Chemical Strains of the Ice-Wyrm Constituency Potion, which she concocted in her Lab, and Spread Rumours about, then Codifying it with Automatic Cyber-Sentience Response-Forms, which took initiatives, based on Environmental Factors, and in turn, fed back Information. This Data, was made readable by her Reverse Tonic, which Tabulated it, by Codices, which had Variables in her own Mental Inter-Framing. Cog-Notes, if you will, to her own Cognition. All of, these, Variables, which entered her Consideration, let her Pry, both on Known, and Unknown, Territories. She frequently Drank her Cyber-Tonic from a Vial in her Lab, while going over Her Work.
Perry Wheeled, and Stumbled around the Room, trying to avoid the Icicle Firecrackers, which were Sounding Off whenever he Slid and/or Stepped upon them. He'd apparently been Mega-Dosed, and was now about to Learn what in the World of a Mega-Dosed, Felt Like when Under and In It.
The Wyrms were Sounding Off, in an Acoustics Array, and Perry, Bounded and Rebounded Turning Listless as the Chrysalids Exited him, and Becoming Reinterred into Motion Again, by their Sounds. He was now, well... Not Feeling Like a Perry. That and he was Done, Done, and, "Roared," out. He could No Longer even Find his Own Vocal to Bless How He Felt. Avem came back in, when the Turnabout was Over. She had Observed Perry by a Camera Hidden in the Room, which was Hooked up to her Monitors for Surveillance, as well. Turning on a Ventilation Fan, from outside, which led the Room's Air into a Separate Chamber, she had Two People, Dressed in Dark Robes, walk in, and move Perry back to his Chair, now Limp. They Swept Up, the Remaining Crystalline Deciduates, and Drains Opened, which Took the Little Bit of Liquidine Debris, Out of the Room. Perry, was now Toned.
Swarma, Placed her Hand on his Forehead, at First to Take his Temperature, and then, Mentally Calibrating his Vocal Remembrance within Herself, Uttered a Word to him, While he sat Slumped over the Chair, Catatonic. The Word.
And Therein, may be a Key... His Subconscious Mind, would most certainly Remember. She Had Uttered It, in His Very Own Vocal Tone. Why? It Rendered him Cognizant and Triggered His Mentality, as though His Own... Though, Truly?... Her Own.
Perry was allowed, with the other Time Wraiths as escort, to slowly move around the Manor and familiarize himself with it. He was being taught by them, how to remain very still for long periods of time. Many of the Time Wraiths, were flown out to the Lab down in Tokyo, to use the computers on their Night-Watch Network. The Lab there, housed her prized Hua Niu ("Black Diamond") Apple, Bonsai, kept under specialized lighting, plus numerous other artefacts. It was set up like somewhat of a Museum, with one dimly lit, humming room for computer observancy, which apart from Monitor glare, left much to the realm of the keen observer.
The 34, often formed a Large Pentagram, with two people at each of the five elemental points, two people between each elemental point encompassing, two people between each elemental point intersecting, two people in the very centre, and two people encircling round about. Underneath them, was stone masonwork in black basalt, and a large star outline, traced with gold inlay.
A chandelier hung above them, and the room had an overview of the gated entrance, where birds were often seen in trees, and light could pour in, but at night, the glass of these windows turned sheet-black to buffet them in, high enough up that none might peep.
By no commotion of ceremony, the participants would stand and hear the NicNeven recite her Canon address. The fruits her Science had yielded, sounded in the Hall, and into their collective memory, which disbanded when they did, after she read from her book.
The book, made from gene paper, was their Canon, and this... only a meeting hall. Despite its congressional form, summons were not of sell out to World Teachings. She ranked as their Science-elected, matriarch, of mental-modernity, by the facet of old typings and tyings, to, "new," teachings.
Ruminations from the fruits of her labwork, thereat would be discussed. For if nobody would have them, they most certainly would. Then, and only then, would the lines be codographed (some of the Night-Watch, were also very good hackers). They were secretly culted-over, but by few, and their practicum bore method, not mere devotion. The team were, "Nec-Will'O’Mancer"-affiliate.
An Addendum/Add-On on The Hadena/Gaudy Hadibi/Gift, Out Of Hades/Hell, by Hoodoo (Through Sinter Croft Sinchery, or, alleged Ho-Doctorate).
~ In Other Words: The Elaborately Sinched False-Label on Tobacco Smoke. ~
…
That It Came From, Túḫ-ḫa-a-iz-zi: "To Produce Smoke."
A Variant Of This Hittite Language Word (In Imperative Plural), Is, "Tuḫḫāndu."
…
Because, 'Tuh': Means to, "Pour"/"Give Birth"/"Lay Eggs"/"Touha (Which, implies, by, "Desire")," And/Or, "Tuha," https://en.m.wiktionary.org/wiki/tuh
This, As Well As, 'Tuhh': "Thousand"/"Grand"/"Tonn,” by the Proponent of Measure. https://en.m.wiktionary.org/wiki/tuhh
&
... 'Tuha': "Tuba." https://en.m.wiktionary.org/wiki/туъһа
Where, ... 'Tuba' (Malay Language): Is a, "Poison That Is Made Out Of Root." https://en.m.wiktionary.org/wiki/tuba
Plus, it’s, 'Tuba' (Malay Language), Gives "Duva (Fijian Language),"
For 'Dūbǭ' (Dutch Language): https://en.m.wiktionary.org/wiki/Reconstruction:Proto-Germanic/dūbǭ * 'Dūbǭ', Can Mean, "Dove." *
Thus, “Height.” Though, Holy Spirit (Or Prayers) still, “Intemn”/”Imprison,” you as Indebted by Material Snare (Karmic-Causal Renditions), if not off of it.
…
~ After Tuh, Which Too, Is Tuha.. And Tuha, Which With Tuhh, Is Thousand.. ~
... Kamba Language: "Andu,” for, “Mundu."
• Making, "Tuḫḫāndu."
…
The Reason Why, Is Because,
"Andu (Kamba Language)": "Mundu,"
And "Mundu (Kamba Language)": "A Man,"
When,
"Mʊ̀ntʊ̀ (Proto-Bantu Language)": "Kɪ̀ntʊ̀"/"Thing,"
And "Kɪ̀ntʊ̀"/"Thing,"
When Translated To Nyasa, Chichewa Language: "Chinthu."
This Last Addition Indicates The

• "Co."

Which Is, The, "Man," "Thing," Or, "World," Of It, So To Speak.
Which Would Be The World, If Not By Dove-Letterate.

• Jehu, Jehu, He’ish I Say too. *

Ishi (Hosea). …

• Anyhow, the Natives know it by another name. Hope you've enjoyed the Lesson!

What did you have me on? Some sort of Cerelium Slick? El, in Perry, broke out bawling. Something so licentious that I can’t tell I’m licked. HaHa.
His stupor adored him with affection, and he had a hammering affectation from it. It caused him to clout his knowing, though only briefly.
Perry came through, yamming… I’m looking back on days of Candy Cloaker Gobstoppers! You mean you literally had me erased… or, where am I?
You Hide no Burger, in Finding Fries, Perald. Daytime is where I have you.
At that, there had been an unconventional or out-of-the-norm convening, where not-an-one of all the attendants had-in, to agree, "We are Necropolitan"... Though, their greed to know, would grow.
Perry led himself back in, looking for his girlfriend, strangely feeling sold out of his nut.
…
Ironically, it was just at that point that Juniper had made it there. She too was undergoing her thought detexturing, “rinse,” that is, the opposite of any detox, after looking like a Raisin May's, “In.”
This was to be the, “Turnabout (a new Ceremony was declared by Avem’s Host in Relative-Caster Company, and held somewhat like a House Party).”
A $9,000.00 Maitland Smith Dollhouse Bar Cabinet, was off in isolated room of the newly Renovated Manor, with a load of Porcelain Dolls and cameras to watch it.
That room was off limits.
Juniper had had it in her know long afore, in dream. Now to hack Avem… oh, where?
…
"Osa," circuit of my air... How can, "I," enfold you? Swarma asked, with a vestitude, which only, behooved to surmise her, with surreptitious guiltiness of paridyllic refrain.
She, “The NicNeven,” winked meaningfully, holding an extremely rare pipe up, skyward.
The Time Wraiths all sat, in their, “F”arm-Ended Theatre apart from the once-Ballroom.
Quieting down, it was in their circle that a cast occurred, but in truth they were no relative summoners and Avem’s Mafia had elected them afresh.
That is… that as they were all a, somewhat afraid and eerily sketched out, “Fresh Crop,” yet and though, she would in fact, have them richly afforded, in Good Time.
…
Avem’s Mafia had sent the former Nec-Will’O’Mancers over to her Manor for the Renovations.
Avem, then, was Crowned, “Accorded,” and the Newly Selected Time Wraiths, could be Trained.
Avem’s Clue In, in her new Role, while in her old Manor seemed to live in it’s espies.
I mean, they must have had her drugged for the whole house to be enchanted, somehow, but the only question is who set it up, and when?
One of her clues, came from a former Nec-Will’O’Mancer silently shadow-encoaching a novice approved in the group, by his far larger boding of path had, in-the-off. She heard the man in her head as well, ruling that Smith had to explore her ties in the Mafia, through rank, a second time, and thus a later, termed-submission as a right of accession, had been officed.
She, once again (the man went over in his mind) being indoctrinated into Mafia rank, though slowly, because her freedom-release methods, were her own merital device, and she needed a longer time to work at them.
Avem, had canned herself intentionally, to stay at a head, but nobody fully knew, how it was done.
Reptilian Mind Control.
-‐-
How could that be?
Look to the Wind, and we shall ride. ~ "Phantom Riding The Whip," where one is not standing on top of a vehicle, but rather, riding over a different type of, "Whip," as a, "Phantom-Circuit." ~
"Now we admonish," they recited.
"Peace be," stated the NicNeven. She inhaled from the lit pipe.
They all, “doned,” her infuriatingness, with amicability.
Now yes, your highest love, and what’s our gift they forecried, awaiting something.
Not of in an any Dib of forgery… You will undoubtedly see. She canned.
Please don’t mess us or master us mental, Avem, one girl joked, admitting the kind dark lair WAS weird.
That's Missus, Avem relegated ghasting.
…
Now, I have here the document they stole it from, a man entering the room said. He read aloud,
The remains of a, "chicote"/"cigar butt"/"cigarette butt."
The Nec-Will'O'Mancers, then stated in unison, reading off of the pamphlets they'd previously been handed out, though in a less clear-and-determined tone, or well (it seemed), in a way that hummed and wandered.
"... Far l'fo, Ho glow. How we sway. How does a hard tar, Lie her thieu, In a chi, icy high..."?
When they were finished reciting, the man continued speaking.
By, "sukunai," "少ない," the man continued in Japanese… a word, which means, "few or little," with the root word, "少し ("すこし," "sukoshi").""
Avem exhaled. "The synonym for, which is, "chotto," she said. So yes... in other words? "A little." "ちょっと ("chotto")," may I add, it has a root word in the adverb, "chito..." "... "ちと ("chito")," as in, "slightly," "a little," "a bit," or, "somewhat," where, "ち ("chi," means, “small”)," and, "と ("to," is an adverbial particle). "と ("to")," is also a noun, which is short for, "と金 (tokin)," which will now indicate a promoted, "歩兵 ("fuhyō," or, "pawn”)," that, "moves," like a, "金将 ("kinshō," or, “gold general”).""
Thus, what might have been inferred, perhaps, was that a, "Chicote," in a pipe, was, more or less, alike unto a, "Chi Chót," if it did indeed implicate such.
A, "Chót," of course, meaning something at the, "Bottom," "Lowest Extremity," or, "End," of something, and from there, or at that point, perhaps even then moving forward.
Chicote, apart from being a form of Tobacco, was also, in all truth, a form of, "Whip," known for being a Scourge, in places like the Congo.
The NicNeven, had already caught wise to this, and also how, this form of Tobacco, may have had it's own "Xicohtli (a Nahuatl word, for, "Bumblebee")."
I guess, what needed to be said most (as a nod to the Indigenous People), was that they were good to hold a Peace over the Herb, and also Bow...
Some people may have needed a Peace Blessed over them, knowing the Nature of how all Words exist with ties to Power.
…
This time, however, she was not merely dreaming with the pipe. She aimed to begin work on something more pivotal. Holding her peace, over them, as though the Time Wraiths had not, in fact, been led by her to keep a different mindset, themselves, she kept them aware, of the part of her mind they were let in by.
A part, they would not be able to share. When inhaling, she did so with a strickening wind, through sympathetic diacords and resonance fields, and from a region locked onto by the Time Wraiths collective awareness. The NicNeven (we presume, remaining silent somewhere at the top of an, "imaginary," but quite irregal, circuit of Heaven, and with her pipe), had her whole lot hidden safely away, and blessed unseen.
She, "wind-let," her chosen remote area, with the pipe, from a distance, as though it were a whip and a scourge, creating yet another (this time stronger), bane.
Her smoke summons, were such that, she hoped to collect and open them, one day, as a portal, to dawn on the World.
As for the pipe vision. This one was well formed. She might have make a centrepiece of it, on table somewhere.
Many of them, rested on glass plates, with glass cases overtop. After their Surveillance Circuit had run, "Ash-Line Data," or, "Pipe Particle Intel," was fed through a Computer on the Ash-Configuracy, Analysis-Observancy Program, of the, 'Night-Watch Circuit', of the, "Time Wraiths"-Network, and for a Number of Reasons...
One, being that the Data, would often be used to reproduce these, "In-Pipe Visions," as, "Viable Product-for-Sale ("Furnishings from the, "Furnace,"" so-to-speak)," and so they needed a Good Record of Analysis kept for Reproduction. "Pipe Reproductions," would be made using more Durable Materials, and Non-Smokable Materials. The Data, would also allow the group to Configure Predictions of Ash-Shift, with a Matrix, once Measurements and Variables were Plugged into an appropriate Coded Program Logarithm, which helped them see, potential Shift Patterns, which may yet arise. The Furnishings, were to be kept as Permanent Pipes... Artefacts, for the Mansion, and Museum, of Swarma.
'Necrolith Spectre'. ~ The NicNeven's, "Necrolith Spectre," had a very real premise. She, had drawn Chi through her Summon of Feiz, by a Fix. ~
"Chi (# 14)": https://en.m.wiktionary.org/wiki/%E3%81%A1
"Summon ("Korean," Language)": 徴 https://en.m.wiktionary.org/wiki/%E5%BE%B4#Japanese
"Feiz ("Zhuang," Language)": https://en.m.wiktionary.org/wiki/feiz#Zhuang
"Fix ("Bouyei," Language)": https://en.m.wiktionary.org/wiki/fix
Andrew wrote obscurely,
My thought is that the Jinwen Bian, Bronze Inscription, of, "Fá (in the Mandarin Language)," ties itself over to, "Fät (in the "Volapük," Language)," and thus relates to, "Fate," and, "Karma."
"Fat (in the Cantonese Language)," means, "Buddha," and is related to, "Fá (in Mandarin)," while, "Fät (in the Voläpuk Language)," is characteristic of, "Buddhist Philosophy."
Does anyone else see the Structure of the Modern, "Wheel," in the Mandarin, "Fá?" - A.W.T. (November 18th, 2020).

• No-one knew why. *

‘A, “Marrow Vin Gean”’.
The Holy Spirit Sword cuts through to the Marrow. This is intended to mean that it is versatile. Only, more to the point, that it is not intended for vice.
How this happens, is that it has verses, in tandem occurrence, operating in relevant reflection, on Scripture, and is designed to heal. That is… before having thought of attack or rendering anyone ineffectual.
Wisdom from Jesus, in Scripture, teaches us, that, without Doctrinal relevance, and Revelation, we live on a Dying Planet and cause it.
~ Falling out of our mouths, if I may add. ~ The tongue is a venomous instrument, which apart from destroying, needs to be bridled with Scriptural Truth and or the Gospel, or healing falls away from what we know of vital spirit, sowing, growing, engrafting, and planning.
However picking up on any dead line of “Prayer Chain (for things truly are, by introspection, a righteously bidden, divine godly judgement's in of how to live by a planetary Monodeism and not just by correspondence, but mainly faith in Him),” to help, Christianly, defeat the death of the soul. [Angelic parameters, of what’s barred, of course had in, or it’s out a’barren]
Marrow is where the Blood Cells are created before reaching the Circulatory System.
This is in the bone.
Luz is the Catholic-Bidden Vertebrae/Spinal Column Bone for Resurrection.
As Jesus commands one to Live or the Tree not to grow for being of ill time, Our lines have a prayer solvency to that line of fess, by the Vin, or vine, and gean or Spirit.
However, Merovingeans are babylonian Dragon order. We needed it bidden less graven.

• Remember the Holy Ghost is of the Burning Bush, with Moses, in Exodus, in The Holy Bible (and not only there).

A Spirit Sword (Of The LORD), bids first how to save. One, “should,” not desire to dare another into fire, as God graces the time by his hand.
Made of Heaven, wise, the sword knows the hairs on the heads of the utilizers and counting unequal, may perform.
That is, off for bolder lead, and even balded for baring, out of the Worker’s Parable of God’s Constance and Unequal Nature, bearers of it's Fire, may see, and do oft’ find some in their know, of the Church Hold on Word.
Obvious?
This is the Rate Of Pay, in the Vineyard Parable, of the Workers who worked (un-in Mammon), for their Lord (Christ), earlier, and then some other, later (ie. When, in Truth, found bidden in and by Him, a fair constant is maintained, no matter World Climate, in the Fellowship), for and not toward, the forever, for they may not be bidden.
God unriddled.
Jesus, is the Amen in Revelations 3:14, He Ransoms Believers Souls, through Self Sacrifice and Sovereign Service, his father, created and lawed through the covenants, and the commandments, and owned all heaven host and hierarch, and the Holy Spirit, Blessed the Way.
'On What Could Have Been'.
An expensive matryoshka was brought in for Ralph to look at...
He received the package at his Estate, and had a hard time with his spectacles, adjusting them trying to read the fine print.
The brown paper parcel, with white sticker, opened to a smaller purple gift box, within it. The gift box was about the size of an order of chow mein, and from within the lilac tissue paper inside, was a golden doll. Andrei, Fu, and Evelyn, had driven back and were now seated around Mr. Dizzmith.
Well, here it is, he stated. No word of who it's from, not to mention that I'm not working anymore.
Is it another antique asked Andrei?
Yes, and well, I think it is, replied the Senior, but the thing is, I don't know how to open it. It's a Matryoshka or Russian Nesting Doll, and this one is rather expensive, but the Middle Circumference of the Doll has a Twistable-Dial Lock, and I've never known that to be the case before.
Would you wager all the others inside it are like that, too? asked Evelyn. I know what Matryoshkas are, but you're right. This one DOES seem a little bedeviled.
Perhaps said Ralph.
Do you think there is anything inside, asked Fu.
It looks a little weighty. Is it a bomb? Asked Evelyn.
Nobody would bomb a man like Mr. Dizzmith, said Andrei, but just to be on the safe side, I'll look it up. Andrei pulled out his Smart Phone.
Most bombs don't have Passcodes, said Fu. Look, the Passcode is right here on the box.
It says the code can be adjusted and is made to be matrilineal.
This is most definitely a finely-crafted specimen then, but how does it work? asked Ralph.
Well, it looks like every Doll has two turnable dials at the vertical middle, which run horizontal and around the circumference. These are adjusted from within, when open, and numerically set with dates for a passcode, before the top and bottom on each doll are latched, that is. Each doll is secured, around and over the former one, which has been latched or fastened, and each, in so doing, has its dials consecutively scrambled from the outside, before putting the next doll on it. The dolls are hollow, and increase in scale, to fit, while the locks operate by Birth Years of mothers, or rather, daughters. If one Mother or Grandmother, leaves a Sum, in her Will, to the, 'Matryoshka Fund', it will Increase in Interest, and if they send an Heirloom in With the Money, once the Company is Informed of the Birth of the Final Child, they will send the Doll to the Final Child, Heirloom within It. The Family History, and Records are Sent too, as the Locks are Set with Birth Years, of Mothers, in Chronological Order or First to Last, and this Prevents the Wrong Families from Accessing the Contents.
If No Contents, are Sent by the Ancestral Will-Bearer, Gifts-in-Shop, may also be Included, upon Initial Order Selection.
The Company/Fund, occasionally Touches Base with the Families, but this is Less Common.
Who is it for? asked Evelyn.
I have no idea, but there's some Weird Vial in it!
What could it be of, though?
Well, Matryoshka's are generally not compartments, made use of, for containing things, but this appears to be a Vial of Oil.
"Oyle," is a rare name for the Saviour, "Jesus Christ," remarked Andrei.
"Oyle ("Middle English," Language)": # 2.4. https://en.m.wiktionary.org/wiki/oyle Maybe an Heiress, then? said Ralph. WHO could she have been?!