A special thanks to u/SpacePaladin15 for the fantastical universe.
Have a really long chapter!
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Memory transcription subject: Jaxton, son of a humble sheep farmer
Date [standardized human time]: October 11th, 2136
If someone asked me years ago how many people would travel the globe just to see me. My answer would have been three; my father, my mother, and Dex Mason. My mother and father would have been simply obligated to do so, as I was their son, and I would have done the same thing. Dex was my best friend when I went to middle school in America, and he stayed my best friend when I went back to Wales, going back to Atlanta for many vacations.
What can I say? He had a nice collection of guns, and his general cheerful attitude made many people optimistic, so a day on the range with him led to the both of us being happier.
Then you add in Dex’s older and younger brothers, our mutual friend John Dillinger, and then you have a recipe for a fun time; guns, video games, hiking, and the occasional sheep herding if they ever come to my home: It’s a blast!
An alien porcupine though… I honestly never expected that I would ever in my honest-to-God lifetime, have such an impact on someone before. We barely knew each other for even a few minutes, yet she to my knowledge was merely some sad Gojid that was struggling with depression and loss. All I did was walk in and comfort her, or well, that’s how I saw it.
I still feel like an absolute idiot for forgetting about what I told her. It wasn’t a promise, but based on the implication of how I said it. It may as well have been a declaration to see the girl a few hours later, or however long it took her to get ready.
Now, speaking of Barlim, it’s been a few minutes since she arrived at my doorway at the most unexpected of times. I had her sitting in our living room on our couch. The Gojid, or Gojya, that I had to have explained to me, had her arms wrapped around one of our decorative pillows. She was giving squeezes every few seconds depending on how she felt, and if she was really giving it a firm squeeze, I’d reach over and stroke the top of her head. Barlim seemed to relax every time I did this.
“You holding up better?” Barlim appeared to be holding up better: No longer sobbing out tears from her eyes, or having mucus running from her nostrils.
She merely sniffed weakly for a second, nuzzling into my hand. If I had to admit, I had no idea if I was performing some massive social taboo by patting her like an animal, but if she wasn’t going to complain, neither was I. I mean, I already poked myself twice more! “I’m feeling much better. Sorry for intruding…”
“Don’t be,” I said while holding back a small laugh. “Are you feeling better enough to talk now?” Barlim’s ears flicked in response, and then she nodded in response upon realizing I didn’t know what those ear flicks meant. “Good.”
“Hey, I would just like to apologize for how I acted,” my mother started before I had the chance to speak. “It’s just that I’ve seen on the news and read of murderous xenophobic aliens…-”
“It’s fine,” Barlim let out the most adorable-sounding chittering noise I have ever heard. It sounded as if a porcupine was, well, laughing! “I would not have reacted much differently… Three days ago?” At least she could make fun of herself for how she acted. Her ears gave a few flicks, gesturing towards amusement or self-depreciation if I had to guess. They burned bright blue.
My father took a minute to stand up and walk over to Barlim. She only fidgeted a little bit, but not much when he reached out to her with one hand. “Jameson, again, it’s been pleasant to meet you so far.” The man’s hand hung in the air for several seconds. Barlim eyeing it up with what had to be a quizzical expression. “You’re supposed to grab it and firmly shake it,” my father eventually grunted.
“Oh!” That seemed to snap Barlim out of her stupor. She reached forward in kind with one paw, clasping her surprisingly big paw around my father’s hand, which he shook. The Gojid seemed to have a fair understanding of the action after a few seconds, at which point the handshake ended and my father returned to his seat.
A brief, quiet pause occupied the four of us before there was more knocking at the front door. “Oh, uh, that may be the rest of my friends. I sort of forgot about them when I realized we were so close.” The tips of Barlim’s ears turned a delicate shade of blue. She started to get up, but with a firm palm on the top of her head, I held her down, gently.
“You traveled a long way. Let me get the door,” I state and get up from the couch. My knees and back stretch, giving a satisfactory series of pops before I work my way to the front door. I decide against grabbing the mask, assuming that Barlim’s friends have gotten quite used to the infamous human binocular stare. When I open it, I see a rather eclectic group of individuals, some familiar and some not.
“Arwen, Trivi, Tova, and I take it Barlim’s friends.” Arwen and Trivi issue some friendly waves. Tova has her forearms clasped around Arwen’s neck from behind, jaw resting on the redhead’s shoulders. Her eyes are puffy and orange. It was pretty easy to assume what she had been going through. Meanwhile, the other three flick their ears and tails in a way that was most likely a greeting, but that was just me making an inference based on this being our first interaction, and them not giving waves in greeting.
I really need to learn Gojid and Venlil body language.
“Just delivering the rest of that one Gojid’s friends.” Arwen’s tone was the general cheerful tone it always was. She briefly stepped back from the door and swung an arm to the side, pointing to the three aliens behind her, doing so while under the weight of Tova.
“Barlim,” one of the Gojid said to Arwen. “My name is Pragh,” she then pointed over to another Gojid, “That’s Tack, and,” she indicated to the final Gojid, “That is Telg.” Again, the other two Gojid gave very similar flicks of the ears when they glanced at me with one of their eyes. “I take it you’re Jaxton?”
I couldn’t resist the urge to curl my lips upwards in a smile. The three Gojid didn’t flinch when I exposed my teeth, for which I was grateful. I really didn’t feel like bowing to more people than I needed to at the moment, having not gotten a particularly great amount of sleep last night was not a wise idea. “You’d be correct. It seems I’m the popular man of the hour. What can I do for you all?”
“Well, Tack and I were simply following Barlim, so we were going to stay with her until the UN or whoever really controls the whole Gojid refugee camp situation comes looking for us-”
I cut off Pragh with an amused tone. “So let me get this straight. You wanna come and mooch off my family for a bit because you have nowhere to stay at the moment?” I hold my tongue for just the slightest second, letting Gojid raise up her paws defensively. Even Arwen’s eyes widen briefly at what I just said.
“That’s not-” Pragh doesn’t speak for long before I dismissively wave my hand.
“I’m joking, yes, I’m sure my parents will allow you to stay for a bit, but you’ll have to clean up after yourselves, and all that stuff.” I lean up against the doorframe. “Ok though, jokes aside, what do you all want?”
Pragh rubbed her paws over her blue ears. “Yes, well, you did sort of hit one of them. I will admit, there was very little planning other than we’re going to Wales on our part. You don’t have to worry about Telg though.”
“I scored myself a date! Hah!~ So, I will be going back to Georgia in about an hour or two.” The Gojid paused, popped open one of the pockets on his hoodie, and took a peek inside at a slip of paper he pulled out. “Two hours, yeah, I have about an hour to spend here. So you and Tack are going to stay here?”
Pragh nodded to Telg’s words. “Yep, someone has to make sure Barlim continues to be a responsible Gojid. Also, I still have more research to do over the internet-”
“Ah yes, research, Pragh, research, am I right?~”
“No! Not that! I’m not going to be looking up that!”
The two male Gojid couldn’t help but hold back giggles and chitters, making me feel as if I was missing some sort of- Oh. The second it clicked for me, I just let out a long, slow sigh. “Please, let me just say that humanity is probably not whatever you found. Factory farms are a thing of the past.” Apparently, I was wrong, for the other two Gojid started laughing more uproariously, “Ok, I’m wrong it seems…” The gears proceeds to click a second time after realizing it was something a lot more bawdy than damning. I opened my mouth to say something but quickly realized that I wouldn’t have anything to follow up on if one of them decided to make any sort of accusation, so I quickly shut my plan to speak about that down. “How about you all just come inside now? Your friend Barlim already came by, and I’m pretty sure you all would like a break from your adventure.”
“Actually, Trvi and I were going to take Tova to my home. Might take her to the hospital if Quilix has calmed down. God, I wished they transported him to Ysbyty Gwynedd, but no. He had a freakout and had to be moved to London.”
“It’s all my fault…” The dark venlil whined.
Arwen’s hand managed to work its way between Tova’s ears, giving a few scritches. Scritches that Tova nuzzled into. “Come on you big, big venlil. I know you’re upset. Just, hang in there for a little while longer. I’m sure Quilix will come around. Let’s take you home, see ya Jaxton!” Arwen waved and carried the venlil toward the parked taxi in front of my house. Well, carried was a generous term for half-carry/half-assisted in guiding toward the car.
Trivi followed seconds later, giving his own bye and wave. “Tell your mother and father I said hi, see you tomorrow!” And with that, the blonde venlil scampered off, following after his human lover.
This left me with the three other hedgehog-looking aliens standing awkwardly in front of my door. They looked amongst themselves, thinking about saying something.
Wait, someone’s missing…
“Arf! Arf!”
The three Gojid who looked like they were about to say something all jumped about a foot in the air when Lacey came bounding through them, running straight past me into my home. “Oh, Lacey! Welcome ho- Oh, and ignored.” I shake my head upon hearing the following oof that comes from my father. Lacey must’ve claimed my father’s lap as her seat. “Well, if you want to come inside and meet the rest of my family. Come right on in.”
The next few minutes are filled with more pleasantries being exchanged. The Gojid all take their place on the couch, somehow managing to fit four of them on a couch meant for three. I end up choosing to stand by my father, who gently strokes Lacey across her back. The border collie panting jovially, looking back and forth between us and our alien guest, giving the occasional bark to beg for more attention.
The Gojid guests seem calm for the most part, sitting on that couch, but it is quite clear that the dog makes them uncomfortable since they flinch every time Lacey either makes a noise or stares at them with those heterochromatic eyes. “Not a fan of dogs, are you?” My father breaks the silence once it starts up again.
“I didn’t like…” Pragh started but stopped seconds later. “Listen, I believe you know why most Federation species don’t like humans, right?” Pragh’s words earned an affirmative grunt from my father. My mother and I nodded too. “Well, you’re all sapient and in control of your hunting instincts…” I raised my eyebrow at that but chose to say nothing. “That dog though-”
My father raised a hand, telling Praph to stop speaking for a moment. “I am going to have to stop you right there. Firstly, humans don’t, or we believe don’t have hunting instincts, and secondly, Lacey is a good girl that has harmed no person before, human or alien. I can assure you, as well as Quilix, Trivi, and Tova, that Lacey wouldn’t harm any of you, your pups, or anything else you will be worried about.”
Those few calmly spoken, but sternly voiced words are enough to calm the four Gojid down a fair amount. While I can’t see their muscles under their fur all that well, I can safely assume that their muscles grew lax at such information. Maybe we can do more to ease them around the dog while they’re here?
With an idea springing to mind, I take a few steps over to our old wooden hall tree. It is adorned with a few coats and hats, but what I am interested in is blue colored, six feet long rope of dog leash. The second it makes the lightest noise, Lacey is bolting toward me. “Eistedd!” The dog swiftly responds to the command: Hind quarters hitting the ground the second the word leaves my lips. I reach down and stroke the top of the dog’s head with one hand, getting a jovial arf out of her. “Merch dda, merch dda.~” I give the dog’s head a little bit more tender love with my palm and fingers before attaching the leash.
“Cefn.” I keep my voice low, coaxing Lacey into walking toward the couch.
The four Gojid, three of which have probably spent some time outside with the dog, all had a similar reaction when the dog came over: Paws came up off the ground, retracting safely onto the cushions above. It wasn’t really out of the border collie’s reach, but it was clearly instinctual-driven or propaganda-driven fear. “No need to be afraid, she won’t bite you - eistedd.” True to my words, Lacey gets close, sniffing along the edge of the sofa, but not jumping up onto the furniture.
“I see you’ve been practicing, Jaxton. You showing off for the guest?” My dad jokes.
“Hey, I don’t really get a good chance to speak Welsh. Dam- Darn it, really should’ve paid more attention in school. Might go get some lessons so I’m not part of the ten percent that can’t speak it. All I can do is shepherd a dog around, ask for the bathroom, a beer, where am I, and a few other things.” It’s hard not to let out a disappointed sigh. “I need to get off my backside and stop being so lazy.” I pause for one small moment. “And that probably translated for all of them to their native tongue. Doesn’t matter if I say it in English, Welsh, or honestly, Mandarin.”
My old man grins and laughs, leaning his back into the old rocking chair he claimed. My attention returns back to the dog, the fearful porcupine, and three scared hedgehogs.
The first one to reach out if I recall his name is Tack. The Gojid’s claws lightly brush the top of Lacey’s head in a tepid fashion. The dog stares back up at the curious paw; not growling, barking, yipping, biting, or making any sort of fuss that could freak out the apprehensive Gojid. Slowly, Lacey’s tail beings to wag as the curious touching continues for a few seconds. “Is that normal?”
“Mhm… Yes, dogs’ tails wag when they are happy. If she was really happy, she’d jump on you and start licking your face.”
The four Gojid recoiled with what looked like disgust: The thought of a predator’s maw all over their face, tasting them as if they were her next meal was probably what was coursing through their minds. “I think… That’s something I wouldn’t like from a non-sapient creature.” Telg adds in.
He says he doesn’t want it from a non-sapient, but what about a sapient? Oh, what wonderful thoughts this one has. I internally joked.
Both my father and mother let out an audible cough at Telg’s… Well, it could’ve been an indecent statement, or maybe licking was a sign of greeting? There was no way for me to know with my lack of knowledge of Gojid customs.
God damn; Gojid customs, language, body language, and Welsh! That was leaving out Venlil ear and tail signals as well! Too much to learn.
With a gentle nudge, I guide Lacey down the bottom of the couch, letting each Gojid get about a minute or two of bonding time with the goodest of girls. It’s only been a few minutes, but the four could be easily seen relaxing: Tack and Telg are both confident enough to let their paws touch the floor again.
From fearful of anything that ate meat their entire life to sort of fearfully allowing a dog to sniff them, or them to touch a dog, must be leaps and bounds beyond possibility months ago.
“So, you all more comfortable around dogs?”
I get a non-varied amount of reactions: All of them positive to a minor degree, but none are negative or super positive. “Good.”
With such a positive, or well, lacking in a negative reaction from our alien guests. I reach down and unhook the canine’s restraint. No one flinches and Lacey continues to sit for about another few seconds before lazily pacing around the front of the couch, sniffing at paws for some more time before retreating back beside my father’s feet.
“So… What’s the history between humans and dogs?” Pragh was the one that shot this question. One is no doubt born from the fact that we probably allowed a non-sapient predator into our home.
Well, if I was using their logic, of course: I wouldn’t be surprised if it came from ‘Wouldn’t predators eliminate the competition?’ if I had to guess.
“The history involving our canine companions is long and complex.” I reach behind my head to adust my blonde ponytail, tightening up the black band to keep my hair from falling in front of my face. “Most domesticated dogs you’ll see; German shepherds, border collies, Australian shepherds, golden retrievers, and on and on the list goes. I believe there are hundreds of breeds, but that is another tangent we can go on another date. What you’re more interested in is the history, as you have asked.”
I took a few steps around toward the front of the couch, using this new position to project my voice onto my alien audience. My parents had already heard this story a few times when they spoke with one of our dog breeders.
“It all started roughly speaking, thirty-thousand years ago.” I paused, totally for dramatic effect, but to also allow the Gojid to digest this fair-sized crumb of information. “Our competitor, an antagonizing species of persistent pack predators with a strong social bond, the wolf, would often invade human territories, and vice versa. You see, humans and wolves aren’t too dissimilar. We’re both highly social species, pursuit pack predators as I have heard, emotionally intelligent, highly adaptive, strong parental connections, and good communication skills. I can go into specific details another time, but those are some of the big traits we share. I’d say that the large preference for having a social structure coupled with good communication skills on both sides were the two assets that helped the most. Emotional intelligence and actual intelligence would probably be third and fourth. Dogs and wolves can be pretty smart.”
I take a moment again, allowing my audience to follow along with what I am saying, waiting to see if any of them have a question. “So due to these similarities, humans and these wolves cross species’ barriers?” The bipedal porcupine opined.
I nod to Barlim’s question. “Very close, but not quite.” I take a moment to swing a pointing finger down to Lacey. “I mean, as much as I love Lacey. I don’t see a dog diplomat coming through any time soon to argue for their sapience let alone an alliance.” I then straighten my posture back up, holding back a small laugh by letting a grin stretch across my lips. “It was more along the lines of wolves were desperate for food, and they’d feed off the scraps we humans left behind. This would go on for some time with the braver or more docile canines being allowed to slowly integrate with human society.”
“But they’re eating your scraps and food, but what do they do for you? Other than herd sheep? It just seems like your competition is swooping your food from under your nose, but… You’re not complaining at all.” Pragh was the one to ask that question.
Called it!
“These proto-dogs had many purposes! Just look at Lacey and you can probably see what she has that is superior to a human. Tell me what traits you can see.”
I give the four Gojid some time to look over the dog. They eventually look like they all have something to say, so I slide down the line of them; Pragh, Telg, Tack, and then finally Barlim.
“A better sense of smell to hunt for prey you can’t see?” Pragh opined.“Better hearing for locating threats?” Telg questioned.
“Sharp teeth and claws for fighting off other humans.” Tack would state rather confidently.
“To form an emotional connection with and to not feel lonely?” Barlim tilted her head to the side, giving the dog another look.
I let them stew over their answers for about thirty seconds to discuss amongst themselves. Needless to say, I was kind of shocked, but also not by Barlim’s answer. Maybe my time spent with her gave me some subconscious understanding of her mentality? The other Gojid all looked at her, so I assume her different answer probably made something click amongst all of them.
“Well, to answer your questions; yes, yes, yes, and yes. You’re all correct. Some may say that the first three are probably the priority.” This statement earns a chitter from the four Gojid occupying the couch. “But I like to have hope for that last one: When you’re by yourself. The world is a scary place after all. It’s best not to be alone. I believe you all have herds? Well, we humans have families, tribes, or nations, depending on how deep you wish to look into it, and yes, dogs can be a part of a human family. Family cares not from where the blood comes.”
“Quick question and not to side-track the conversation too far, but I was told by my date that humans dislike being called predators. Is that true here too, or was that a dialect or cultural thing?” Telg was the one throwing this question.
“It is that way here too. When humans refer to other humans as predators, it is because that other human is a gross pervert that does horrific, deviant, and sexual things toward other people, animals, or in this case now that aliens exist, aliens, so I would refrain from calling humans predators unless you personally know the individual and they are ok with it. That being said, humans define predator as more of a relationship adjective when between animals. A deer is a predator to plants as a wolf is a predator to a deer. It is the relationship of consumption rather than dietary traits.” I finish off my statement with a nod.
“Well… If you don’t mind me referring you to as a predator for one statement…” Telg droned on.
I take a brief glance over toward my parents. My dad gives me a nonchalant shrug. My gaze returns back to Telg. “Go ahead and shoot your question or statement at me.”
The four Gojid look stunned for a moment, off-put by something I said-
Oh, don’t tell me ‘shoot’ was predatory… Probably was.
“Just… throw out your question.”
“It was more of a statement, actually, but anyways. Family cares not from where the blood comes, has to be one of the most herd-like statement I have heard from a predator.”
Did he really just say that?
He really did, but I can’t fault him. From his point of view, he’s been spun so many times that up is down, and left is right.
I shake my head, lowering it. A small chuckle slipping from between my lips. I could even hear my mother and father laughing behind me a few seconds later.
“Was what I said really that funny?”
“No, just the logic behind it is kinda funny. Like I said, humans don’t normally refer to ourselves as predators, and this whole alien thing is kind of new to me.” My words carried upon by a light tone earns some laughs as well from our Gojid guests.
I clap my hands together, signaling the end of our little tangent. “Now, if I may resume my, if I do say so myself, informative explanation… The proto-dogs seamlessly integrated into our small tribes at the time; they could track threats and prey miles before we were even aware of them, they could hear the smallest sounds and alert us of their dangers. Moreover, their sharp teeth and claws served as deterrents against other threats such as large carnivores, food-stealing rodents, or hostile human forces. Additionally, their companionship provided solace to lonely humans. As you can see,” I pointed back to Lacey, who was having her back rubbed by my father’s sock-covered foot, “Lacey seems to be enjoying herself quite nicely, but so is my father. In short, interacting with dogs triggers the release of feel-good chemicals in both human and canine brains. Activities such as petting, snuggling, and playing contribute to this positive bond."
Again, I pause, giving everyone some time to follow along. “Thus, they’d impact our evolution and vice versa: Humans that had dogs in their tribes were more successful than tribes without dogs. Humans that bonded more effectively with their canine companions would get even farther. As millennia went by, humans would get better at reading dog expressions, and dogs would get better at reading human expressions.”
I reached into my pocket and pulled out my phone. I typed into it for a bit until an old photo of a wolf showed up. I turned my phone’s screen toward the four Gojid. “Here you can see a wolf. They aren’t extinct due to some wildlife restoration efforts, but we had a few close calls. Wolves are extinct in the UK and Ireland as of now, but not in North America, Europe, or Asia. What you see before you are what thirty-thousand years of evolution has done to us.”
Based on the look that the Gojid were giving me. I would guess it was along the lines of wow.
“Now, before you start asking more questions. I should let you know that humanity has not only domesticated one carnivorous species, but a few others as well; some birds of prey like falcons, felines, and mustelidae such as ferrets. Meanwhile, on the herbivorous side, we have horses, elephants, rabbits, and so on. Yeah, it’s quite a long list. Means more animals for us to pet and touch. Humans can bond with just about anything, even non-living things, but that’s a story for another time.”.
I perform a small stretch, feeling my back pop. A small break in the monotony of speaking for so long.
“Now, to go back to the human-dog bond. I should remind myself to tell you the story of Gelert. It’s quite a sad story, but bear with me for just a moment.”
I clear my throat, getting ready to speak out an old Welsh folklore myth.
“A long time ago, a prince of North Wales by the name of Llywelyn went out hunting without his trusty dog, Gelert. He’d return home later that day to see Gelert, covered in blood, jovially returning to him. This freaked out the prince, who rushed to his son’s crib, finding it knocked over and messy with blood. He feared that the dog had killed his son and immediately plunged his sword into the dog’s side.” The four Gojid wince at the description, having just been told of the forged bond I have described moments ago. “The dog’s pained cry heralds the cry of the prince’s infant son, who lay on the other side, protected from a slain wolf. Gelert had valiant fought to protect Llywelyn’s son from the wolf, and in so was rewarded with a blade through its heart! A tragic tale to discourage impulsive thoughts and rash rushes to judgment. It was said that the prince buried Gelert and never smiled again.”
I never considered myself a great storyteller, but somehow I managed to get the four Gojid all teary-eyed. Barlim was rubbing at her eyes once again, and so was Tack too.
“H-how could he have done that to the dog..?” Barlim’s meek voice trailed off.
“Well, as said, Llywelyn thought Gelert killed his son. It was a rash decision. This moral folklore is supposed to warn against such tragedies, speaking of which, isn’t there an extermination fleet heading this way?”
While I may have been speaking for so long, having taken all our attention away from the potential destruction of Earth, or the general mopey attitude that came from meeting Tova. It probably was wise to bring up the fact that armageddon was on its way to Earth.
The four Gojid just sort of looked down sheepishly at the ground or flicked their ears in a way that probably meant the same thing. I didn’t really mean to put them on the spot like that, considering it was some of their former allies committing this attack, but I guess that’s just how the cookie crumbles sometimes.
“I think I can speak for all of us here that we don’t-” Telg was interrupted by my father.
“We don’t blame you, or at least I can attest to myself, my son, and my wife over here. One day, assuming we survive this looming catastrophe. There will be regret, followed by hope, and then love and compassion once again. Though, I don’t think that’s what my son was hinting toward, more over the fact that your allies are about to make a rash decision they don’t understand. Probably one you would have made years ago, but that doesn’t really matter here, or there. We live in the now, and I think it’s time we started stocking up on some goods for our cellar. Well, we got goods actually, and a couple of guns too, but nothing fancy like the Americans and all their machine guns. A .30-30 lever action, an old .44 revolver, a twelve gauge shotgun, and a .22 hunting rifle. Nothing fancy,” he shrugs and grunts. “I’m more worried about my sheep. The best we can do is pray they don’t shoot the barn.”
There’s a brief silence as the seven of us come down from the long monologue that was dispersed between moments of questionnaires. I rub one of my eyes, stretching my jaw open wide in a hand-covered yawn.
How long have by been talking?
“Sprak! I gotta go or I am going to miss my flight!” Telg clamors, quickly hopping off the couch. He quickly taps at his phone with his claws, making his way toward the front door. “See you guys later, and thanks for letting us stay! Yes, I know how to call a taxi!” He opens the door and bolts outside. At least had the manners to close it back without slamming it.
This left us with three Gojid!
“Well,” my mother stood up from her chair. “I’m certain you’re all hungry after such a long adventure, and Telg is probably too, but he’s gone already. Let me see if I can make you all something to eat…” She hesitates for a second before continuing. “Nothing with meat or animal products in it. Just vegetables and fruit,” she iterates before walking off to the kitchen, leaving my father and I with the three Gojid.
You know, that leaves one important question that’s been on my mind. One that I had asked Barlim, but have been quickly distracted by her onslaught of sudden tears due to my forgetful nature. “A quick question if I may have your attention.”
The three Gojid turned their attention toward me, looking at me as they awaited my question
“How the hell did you all get here?”
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A few things from my stay: Tokyo Disneyland Hotel - beautiful. Everything is clean and amazing. Highly recommend staying here if you can. The short walk to the front entrance is unbeatable.
June 5- Tokyo Disneyland -I arrived to the security line at about 7:15 and there was a pretty long line already there ahead. Most people were sitting while waiting so maybe bring something soft to sit on for entry waits and parades? -Employees asked people to not run at park open. They proceeded to run whenever they passed the employees lol -volume on all rides is on the loud side so prepare accordingly for those sensitive to loud sounds. -people WILL just walk right in front of you, no "excuse me" no "oh sorry". Just, walk right past and in front of you on the way to rides (note: we were power walking so its not like we were going slow) -book it STRAIGHT to the beauty and the beast ride. Prepare elbows if needed. It's easily the best dark ride Disney has ever made. Speakers were well hidden, scenery and music was amazing and each "scene" didn't clearly show where you were going next. I remember always thinking "where is the next room?" but it was always themed so well you couldn't tell. -poohs hunny hunt is cute and enjoyable. The bounce scene is my favorite part. -monsters Inc ride was enjoyable. The competitive part of me wishes they had some score or indicator who had the most flashlight reveals/points but still very great fun for all ages. -the staff were all proficient enough at English to help us out with ordering or paying anywhere on property. Most just knew to speak English by looking at us -my capital one venture credit card worked just fine through the park. Even the food carts accept card -papago app helped a lot with non-english menus -at most food places, there is a "pre-order" person that writes down your order on a paper that you take to the register to pay/receive your food. The paper has English on it so you could always just point to the paper if there is a communication issue. They get food VERY fast at all locations and are super nice. -people show up EARLY to stake a spot for parades(like, 2 hours). They are very worth it so consider setting up a bit earlier than you would think to get a good view. Don't panic if you are behind an umbrella, people put them away right before the show. The show music WILL get stuck in your head. -Plazma Ray's and Tomorrowland Terrace have outdoor seating areas that offer shade and a GREAT view of the parade thats out of the heat (hint hint). Get there early if you plan on viewing there. They also have AC inside so it's a great easy resting spot. -most food locations have a free water station with small cups next to them, so don't fear on the water front (you can refill your own containers too) -people straight up brought food and drinks through security. If you need a snack or morning coffee they will just let you take it in if its in the bag going through the security scanner (note: "officially" you are not supposed to, but...) -the pirates and haunted mansion rides seemed to have more "empty space" between scenes than the American counterparts but maybe I am remembering wrong.
June 6- Tokyo Disneysea -there are two security and ticket areas (north and south). If you have the early access pass, when exiting the disney resort line gates, GO LEFT to the Northern lot area (towards miracosta hotel if you follow the signs). There are no signs that tell you early access is this way and its not printed on the ticket. After going left to the security gates, go to the VERY FAR lane and be sure to line up early. Again, there were ZERO signs telling us this and we waited an hour on the wrong side just to see people on the opposite security side entering, and we had to ask a cast member where to go. By the time we got over there into the correct line, it was already enormous with every school child in a 70 km radius in the line. At that point, they were letting in everyone else before we even got to the security check point, making the whole point of the ticket moot. Morale of the story: GO LEFT -the line for soarin' was astronomical by the time we got in and never let up at any point in the day. -we went to journey to the center of the earth first and it was a walk on DESPITE our blunder at security. It was fun, but could be a bit intense for younger ones since it was very loud and had some scary animatronics. I also didn't expect it to be as short as it was. Enjoyable but a very quick ride. -20,000 leagues opened right at 9 and a short line already formed before open. -the seashell ice cream is sold at a large number of ice cream stands throughout the park for 400 yen (about 2.50 usd) It is very cute and yummy without being overly filling. Great for a small snack and photo-op. -Sinbad ride was cute and enjoyable. Similar to it's a small world but more of a storyline. -go in the single rider line for Indiana Jones. It saves a lot of time and there's a small chance you might wind up in the same car as your party anyway -Indiana Jones ride has incredibly comfortable seats? Weird detail but they were super nice lol -curry popcorn from the arabian coast cart is amazing. That and honey popcorn were our favorites. They are both sold in Disneyland as well -creme Brulee churro is amazing. Sushi roll at Port of discovery was a hard pass from us but YMMV -the Nemo ride was a slightly less intense star tours but enjoyable. -the afternoon show has similathe same music as the Disneyland afternoon parade. It's just the characters dancing on a boat so it's an easy skip if you would rather ride more rides.
Feel free to ask any questions if you have any.

Hi everyone! I have been solodeving a small B2B business with my wife making games and activities for seniors in nursing homes. It is a bunch of games and activities similar to wheel of fortune, jeopardy, and card matching. The twist is that you can upload your own content like pics or personalized questions. It isn't much but it is pretty low maintenance and has potential. Anyway, when I first started back in 2015, I focused mostly on learning webdev from scratch and relied mostly on jQuery/vanilla js and css along with some bootstrap v3. I even slowly phased out bootstrap with flex and grid, too. So, I basically have a vanilla tech running some complicated state-based game logic in the front end.
Fast forward to today, I looked up laravel precognition and it looks like it's really all for reactive frontends with vue or react. I was pretty bummed and really made me question my decision back then to skip vue to build my games. Granted, it would probably be 10x easier to write and manage a wheel of fortune game with lots of states with Vue--it is made to do exactly that!
I am seeking some advice on whether the kind of overhead in converting all my games to vue from jQuery/vanilla JS is worth it. I get shamed for using jQuery a lot but I just consider it easy shorthand for vanilla js and not very concerned with it's size and effects on speed. We work with nursing homes which are very tolerant for stuff like that.
I always get very insightful feedback from this subreddit and I greatly appreciate all of your wisdom as a lowly solodev. Thank you!

Creation

• First of all, create or duplicate a new database (note: DO NOT MODIFY DIRECTLY THE DEFAULT DATABASE).
• Create every worker, company, arena... you need using the in-game tools.
• Then, to upload a custom render for the workers, go in Settings/Upload Custom Worker Render and paste the image (or folder with the images) .png or.jpeg, and make sure to turn to 'Yes' the Use Renders option.
• Go back to the Edit worker menu, select the desired worker and click Edit Outfit to open the menu from where you will be able to select an image uploaded (note: game restart is needed after uploading an image).
• Do the same thing for the other logos, but instead of uploading the files in Worker Renders, upload them in Logo.
• For the Titles, upload the images in Title Renders.
• To upload music, go in Settings/Upload Custom Music and copy there your .wav or .mp3 files (you can also group them in a folder).

You're ready to go, just make sure to save the database with the Save button.
Export

• Go in the folders previously mentioned, and copy the images and renders you used for your database.
• Also copy the database from the 'Databases' folder.
• Zip all these files and you're done!

Installation

• After downloading a custom database, open the game and go in Settings.
• Click Upload Custom Worker Render and copy there the downloaded renders for the workers.
• Click Upload Custom Images and copy there the downloaded logos, stable images...
• Click Upload Custom Title Renders and copy there the downloaded title renders.
• Click Upload Custom Music and copy there the downloaded custom music.
• Finally, copy the downloaded database file in the Databases folder.

Restart your game and enjoy!
(It may require some time to load a lot of files)
​
This processes will work for both Android and PC! For Android you must find the folders since there aren't the options in the Settings.

I’m seeking out clinics with different lasers (looking for Enlighten after stints with both PicoWay and PicoPlus), and am asking prospective clinics for some before-and-after photos, naturally, to get a sense of their previous work. One of the first to reply to my enquiry is a clinic that is a bit further away but that says they cannot share such photos via email (or presumably put them on their Web site) due to medical confidentiality concerns.
Is a tattoo - or its leftovers - a personal identifier in the same way that a face would be preventing anonymity? I have not heard of this before. I am in Switzerland.
They are offering a free consultation and say they can share some photos while I’m there. But it is an hour train ride for me each way. Should I pursue it, or is this claim a red flag?

LAPTOP QUESTIONNAIRE**

• Total budget (in local currency) and country of purchase. Please do not use USD unless purchasing in the US:
  €600, Ireland
  
• Are you open to refurbs/used?
  Yes, preferably I can but new but I'm not against a refurbished laptop
  
• How would you prioritize form factor (ultrabook, 2-in-1, etc.), build quality, performance, and battery life?
  

Would prefer something with a strong build and decent battery life. I'm not bother if it's touchscreen or has a finger-print reader

• How important is weight and thinness to you?
  Preferd to be as lightweight as possible but not a crucial factor
  
• Do you have a preferred screen size? If indifferent, put N/A.
  

Around 14 inch but again not crucial

• Are you doing any CAD/video editing/photo editing/gaming? List which programs/games you desire to run.

CAD drawing and invetor design software, I also run steam games like fallout new Vegas and would like to be able to play subnautica

• **If you're gaming, do you have certain games you want to play? At what settings and FPS do you want?

Games like Fallout new Vegas and possible even subnatica, I'm not sure how much FPS that would be require, I'm not expecting miracles, just looking for something decent.

• Any specific requirements such as good keyboard, reliable build quality, touch-screen, finger-print reader, optical drive or good input devices (keyboard/touchpad)?
  A good keyboard, touchpad and build quality if possible, I'm not too pushed about fingerprints or it being touchscreen
  
• Leave any finishing thoughts here that you may feel are necessary and beneficial to the discussion.
  I just want a decent laptop that can run not especially heavy games and programs, I don't mind having to swap something like the ram. My old acer aspire e 15 pretty much did everything I need it to with 8GB of ram, but I would probably need something a bit more powerful. Any help is very much appreciated!
  

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Fine. I admit it.
The Royal Dawn is a really nice hotel.
And the best part is, after my... demonstration to the Administrative offices today, I didn't have to order the Hotel to give us some rooms! They just offered rooms to us the minute we walked in!
I was given 'The Empress Suite.' I giggled at the name. I wonder if this had something to do with the royal retinue back in the day. Between the opulence, the name, and the theme it feels possible.
It is possible. There was always more than the Throne for you and your retinue. Every Starbase competed to offer you the most luxurious accommodations. After all, if you didn't like them, you could just rest on your starship.
My room - my suite of rooms actually - are easily the nicest place I've slept in my entire life. I made sure Omar, Ava, Um'reli and I each had our own rooms and while I'm glad that they have their own space, I'm too used to being around other people in the close quarters of FarReach or Starbases back home. I rattle around the rooms opening cabinets and drawers until I see it in the corner near a window overlooking the promenade.
They have a bath here!
It's made of some kind of golden flecked white stone, and is carved to look like it was weathered by the wind and water over millions of years. I figure out the taps, and set a bath going.
Once it's finished, I take off my outfit - Ugh, I wish I packed, this is my only clothes unless I use the Nanites to make more - and slip into the bath. It's blissfully relaxing.
I'm laying back in the tub, just floating, and I wish Ava was here with me.
Where did that come from?
I think for a split second about calling her in, but decide against it. I'm sure she'd come running if I called, I'm sure she'd be... enthusiastic about it, but I don't think I'm ready yet. I comfort myself with the thought, and soak for nearly an hour.
After, I dry and climb into the bed naked. I'll deal with clothes tomorrow.
More wild dreams.
My ship, operated and led by my most trusted Builder, Aeche, carries us to her prized Starbase. Built on her order for me, it's beautiful. She takes me on a tour, and we visit all of the highlights. She is especially proud of the transit system, the largest off planet in the Empire.
A team of 10 Builders live and work at the Reach operating in shifts to make sure all the needs of the residents and builders that live here are taken care of. It's one of the most complex Starbases yet and one of the most impressive.
That night, she comes to my rooms while I'm in the bath. She asks to join me, and I accept. For her, this is a culmination of months of jockeying and positioning to catch my eye, it's the realization of a goal years in the making.
For me, it's a fun night. She is easy on the eyes though, I see no harm in keeping her around for a while.
The next day, she leads me to the Throne. The only larger one exists back home on Imperia and I get the impression that this one is smaller only out of courtesy.
Sitting upon the Throne, with a full contingent of Builders behind me, I'm able to instantly take stock of my Empire. Things are going well. There are new reports from the frontier, and I set them to my ship, Worldshaker, so I have something to read while en route to the K'laxi.
This is the last stop before I go see the K'laxi, turn their Gate back on and remind them what the price of insubordination is. Worldshaker is getting reprovisioned and refreshed as the trip is longer than normal and I want to make sure we can stay a while if needed. On my way out, I'll touch the Gate, and commit an upload.
That night, Aeche visits me again, and we have more fun. After, we go to bed and I lay awake thinking about next steps. Aeche sighs and rolls over in her sleep next to me. I stroke her hair gently. Yes, things are going quiet well. It's nice to have some quiet.
I wake up in my bed, alone, in the hotel room, fully myself again. Not only was that the most... idyllic dream I've had yet, it's the first that I felt like it was me doing the things, not some other Empress.
Yes, the Nanites are doing well. You can probably integrate with the Throne if you were to try. It's up to you however. But remember you told The Smell of Soil after Rain to bring everyone today. We should head over there.
Hmm Good point. Okay, let's get up, get dressed, grab everyone and head over. I look over at my outfit from yesterday. It's nice, and it's impressive, but if I'm going to be presenting as Empress to everyone, I need something... more.
I concentrate and think about what would be right. I don't think about specifics, I let the Nanites take my whims into consideration and see what I get. The fog cloud of them surrounds me and my outfit from yesterday and I when they finish I turn and look in the mirror near the bath.
I'm still in royal blue - good, I like that color - but the outfit now is a... strapless ball gown? It's rather severely low cut - I wonder if that's from dreaming about Aeche - and the dress clings on the top half and billows and flows on the lower half and ends in sparking stars and nebulae on a train that flows behind me, rippling gently as if a breeze is blowing it. I check and... yes, it's not touching the ground. That's a neat trick. I'm wearing taller heels than yesterday too, but at least they're comfortable - for now. It's not something that Lieutenant Mullen would ever wear, but it seems... right for Empress Melody The First. I'll roll with it. In deference to who I am, there is a way to mount my rifle on my back. I click it in place and feel complete. I wonder how many Empresses were armed?
Many were. We even have records of a few who would carry a battle rifle with them.
That brings me some happiness. Even after how different we are, there are still some things that I share with Empresses across time.
As I open the door to leave, I see Omar, Ava and Um'reli in the hall already dressed and ready. They turn to see me and Ava and Um'reli both gasp and blush. Omar grins wickedly. "Melody, I have to say that this is the first time since you told us you were an Empress that you look the part. That is an amazing outfit."
I curtsy slightly "Thank you Omar. Did you all sleep well? I have a hunch with the Nanites you had... intense dreams?"
Ava snaps her had up to me. "I did! I dreamt that I was running a Starbase. We were preparing for your visit and I had so much to do, but I knew how to do all of it, and I had a really strong team, and you complimented our readiness when you arrived!"
Um'reli looks at me with an odd expression. "I did too, but... I dreamt I was a human. A Builder. I was operating a Starship, the Sunrunner. We were tasked by you directly to tour the frontier worlds and build a report about how they were doing, if they needed anything and if we thought there was any unrest. We were very proud because you had personally asked for us."
"What about you Omar?" Ava turns and looks at him.
"Yeah, I had a vivid dream. I dreamt that I was a planetary administrator. I ruled over more than a billion people on a world with two suns. One was white and the other was larger and redder. I remember clearly the odd shadows it cast, and how everything had an odd coloration. You had requested an increase in the delivery of Magnesium. We were able to meet the new quota this time, but I was worried that if you had requested to keep the quote high, how we would be able to make it without overworking the miners."
"Wow, so not only did you dream about being a Builder, not only did you dream about being a powerful Builder, but you all were in direct contact with the Empress. I wonder if that's because you received your Nanites from me directly."
"Who knows?" Um'reli looks at all of us. "But I for one am starving. Let's get some breakfast and go back to the Throne. Melody has a performance to give."
We head downstairs and sure enough there is a restaurant attached to the Hotel. We sit down and immediately I ask for a carafe of boiling hot water to be brought. While we wait, I take out my hand grinder and scale and make some coffee. By the time the water arrives, everything is ready. The Mariens who brought me the water is watching curiously as I make the coffee. Soon enough, it's finished, and I take the first sip of coffee in nearly three days.
Ahh, now, I can rule.
"Pardon my asking, Empress, but what is that?" The Mariens points to my beverage.
"It's called coffee. It's the roasted seed of a plant that's native to the planet we lived on. I like to drink an extraction of it made with boiling water. It does have a chemical, called caffeine, that offers a stimulant effect to Hu-Builders, but we've found it to be toxic to other Sapients, like our friends the K'laxi here. You can smell it if you'd like though." I hold out the cup.
The Mariens leans in and gently inhales. They lean back sharply and look at me. "That smells amazing." Their body language expresses wonder. "Truly, the Builders do amazing things. Now, what will you be having for breakfast?"
We order and eat and walk towards the Throne. As we're walking this time, people are not ignoring us. Children wave, people follow us with their eyes. They don't seem to be fearful of us, more respectful this time. As we turn a corner, I see Rapid River Roaring and The Smell of the Ocean. They look worse for wear. Both of them have matted feathers, even a few bare spots. Wild eyed they're looking around. River is clutching a bag of some kind.
Uh oh.
They turn and see me. Relief washes over them and they run up to me "Empress! My Empress!" They both approach me and bow low, head touching the ground. "We have completed your task. We have found Vivvix and Zemmlin and brought them to you."
Ava looks around. "But, where are they?"
I know where they are.
River opens the bag they're carrying.
Inside are most of Vivvix and Zemmlin.
"I see..." I try to not look unsettled. Omar's face darkens and he turns away. Ava look in and nods, satisfied. Um'reli doesn't look in, but she isn't unsettled by this development either.
Well. What's done is done. "I would have preferred they be brought to me alive, but my fault for not specifying that. Where were they?"
"The cowards were hiding in the docks. They were attempting to board another ship and catch up to that traitor, Ottarn. We were able to surprise them, and carried out your order, Empress."
"Yes, I can see that. Er, thank you both for your hard work. Go to High Line and find Starlight on a Moonless Evening. After this presentation, I plan on visiting the ship to assess it for refitting.
They both bow again. "Empress."
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In my family, it’s common for each of us to give each other money for their birthday about £30. I don’t live with my family anymore, but we’re all still close and we all still talk to each other and visit each other etc.
The family consists of me (eldest son), my mum and dad (still together) and my youngest sister. Both my sister and I have partners and my sister also has a young son. My sister and her son live a few streets away from our parents, but I and my partner both live a couple of hundred miles away.
I love my family, but without trying to sound too big headed i’ve definitely done better from a financial point of view. I’m certainly not rich, but we do well enough to afford a roof over our head and we have a small amount in savings. I’ve loaned my parents and sister money at times and have forgiven a lot of debt that they owe me. I distinctly remember having to loan my parents some of my student loan money so they could pay their rent, which left me short until they could pay me back.
By contrast, my dad is medically retired and my mum works in a supermarket. My dad worked as a chef in his career, but had to retire due to arthritis. Mum doesn’t bring that much home, and her wages can be under 1000 a month. Dad gets universal credit (welfare) to help until he can receive his state pension next year. My mum wasn’t very good with money in the past, and I have vivid memories of hiding from bailiffs in the past. She’s gotten better since then, and can afford to go on holiday at least once a year.
My sister also works in retail, but receives universal credit for her and her son to top up her wages. He has a very loving house and I would never want to make my nephew go without.
Usually, I try to send my families birthday money through on time. Sometimes I’m late, but I haven’t gone a year without making sure they get something for their birthday.
Unfortunately, it hasn’t been the same in return. Usually, I get my birthday money a few months after the actual day itself, with both my mum and sister saying that they’re short for one reason or another. There have been years when I don’t get money at all, just a card. To top it off, my parents can usually afford to go on holiday and my sisters weekend photos on social media of going out with friends.
It feels unfair to me. I don’t begrudge my parents having holidays or my sister going out at the weekend, they all work extremely hard and it always makes me happy to see how my nephew has a really loving home life and can go out to do the things we couldn’t always afford to do. But then again, I feel like a bit of an afterthought. Whenever I point this out, my mum gets defensive, my sister is silent and usually I just have to forget the whole thing until Christmas (which thankfully goes a bit smoother).
My birthday was a week ago.
Am I being an arsehole for wanting my birthday money? I feel like I’m being spoilt for asking but this has happened every year since I was 18.

Hi, I don't know if this is the right sub to post in, but I just really don't know what to do.
So, a couple of weeks ago my mom's Facebook profile was shut down. She couldn't use it and I couldn't see her as a profile through my account. If I remember right it was something about "suspicious activity". On the app itself, it then asked her to confirm her identity by uploading some form of government ID. I really didn't want to do this because I was worried it was some scam, but since it was in the app we chose to take the risk. We uploaded a picture of her Drivers license and then it said she would have to confirm something through email afterward. Then shortly later she got two emails from Facebook (it was verified as Facebook in Gmail), but they were both in Chinese/Mandarin (I am from Denmark). The first email asked her to confirm that her email address was correct (because apparently, she didn't have it connected or something, I don't know) and the second one asked her to unlock the profile. I've copied in the emails below (translated to English), and the "from Facebook part" looks legit to me in the actual email. The two emails were in the next five days sent again, with the only change being the code you had to put in to confirm the email address.
Anyway, what should I do? Please help, I really don't have a clue and I'm scared that my mom is getting scammed because of me.
​
Email 1:
Hello, (her name)!
You recently added (her email address) to your Facebook account.
Please verify your email so we can update your contact information.
You may need to enter this verification code: (a code).
confirm (a button)
Thanks!
facebook team
______________________
from
© Facebook. Meta Platforms Ireland Ltd., Attention: Community Operations, 4 Grand Canal Square, Dublin 2, Ireland
This message has been sent to (her email address).
To protect the security of your account, please do not forward this email. Learn more
Email 2:
Hi (her name),
You have not unlocked your Facebook account. Your unlock link will expire on (a date and time), please log into your account before this date.
Retrieve your account now (button)
______________________
from
© Facebook. Meta Platforms Ireland Ltd., Attention: Community Operations, 4 Grand Canal Square, Dublin 2, Ireland
This message has been sent to (her email address).
To protect the security of your account, please do not forward this email. Learn more

Hi folks. Bought a second hand Rancilio Rocky doser grinder a couple of years ago for about £160. So far it has served me well, for both V60 and espresso (with a Cafelat Robot). The fact that it's a doser rather than doserless never bothered me - in fact I think it's been easier to avoid retention as i can get a wooden chopstick into the chute to scrape out the contents into the doser (which would be much harder via the little doserless funnel)
Recently moved house. Packed up the grinder and left the chopstick I'd been using in the doser - it fit fine and didn't seem to be an issue. However upon unpacking I found this really weird issue. Somehow the chopstick must've snapped off a chunk of the plastic - see photos - so now there is essentially a big hole for coffee to fall down on its way out. I can lose up to 3g of coffee down there at the moment.
Any suggestions for how I might attempt to fix this? Bit of silicone? Stuff it with lolly sticks? Or is it not really worth salvaging? If I save up for a couple months I could get a new Barazta Encore, would this be a step down? (I am v broke at the moment as a result of the aforementioned house move so can't really afford anything immediately)
Thanks on advance.

Hi all! I remember one of the very first videos I ever watched on Youtube was a really entertaining narration that described what it would feel like to fall inside a black hole. I don't remember a lot of specifics from the video, but here are the main parts that distinguish it from the top results of some easy searches:
​

• I don't think the video had very exciting B-roll footage - I recall a white background with black animations, and I am pretty sure that was all they used. Could be wrong on this one, but there are definitely many moments of pure white screen during the video
• The video starts by talking about the type of spaceship you would use to travel, by referring to it as a 'magic, impossible spaceship' (or something of the like).
• It was one of (if not the) very first videos I watched on Youtube, so it would probably be from the early 2010s, if I had to guess the time frame in which it was uploaded

​
I've also of course done some of my own searching, and it isn't any of the top results from people like Vsauce, Aperture, Bright Side, etc.
The closest video I found to the one I'm looking for is by Deep Astronomy at this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eI9CvipHl_c , this video has a similar narrative tone and journey to follow.
​
I know that isn't a lot to go off of, but its from a while ago, and I was pretty young at the time. I hope someone might be able to help me find it!

Should we call this big news Tuesday? Both the Citizen and the Zodiac are nice!

What's new

1/
Citizen Surprises With New, Smaller, 37mm Promaster Diver Collection
If I were a betting man, I would put the Citizen Promaster line at the very top of divers when it comes to popularity. It is not an expansive collection of watches like Seiko tends to do, and it is an absolute bargain if you are looking for a tough sports watch that will take a beating. However, the line of people who could never wear one is just as long, if not even longer, due to the size of the watch - 44mm is just a huge watch. Well, no longer. Citizen just announced a new Promaster Diver line in 37mm in three colors - black, blue and pink.
Despite shrinking down the watch below 37mm (and 11.6mm thick), the Citizen Promaster remains a capable diver with 200m water resistance. Actually, it retains most of the functionality and looks of the bigger watch. It still has the very recognizable hands, a 4:30 date window, dive time bezel and the legendary rubber strap. Inside the watch is the Eco-Drive E168 movement which is solar powered and gets you six months of power without the need for light exposure.
All three variations – black, blue, and pink (with a rose gold-toned steel case) – will set you back $375.
This watch comes at a perfect time where a lot of watchmakers are skewing smaller to keep up with changing tastes from consumers. To have such a popular watch in such an appealing package and at such a price, this will have to be a huge hit for Citizen.
2/
Zodiac Unveils Two New Incredible Colors To the Super Sea Wolf Compression Diver
Most divers are a sea of blues and blacks, with the occasional silver and a splash of color. Zodiac has a different philosophy. They are on a mission to create the most colorful and out-there diver. And boy, are they good at it. Now they’re introducing two new core colorways into its Super Sea Wolf Compression collection - the Seafoam, obviously a seafoam green with black, white, and a touch of orange, and the Gulf, which takes on the classic light blue, orange, and silver colorway of the Gulf oil company which served as one of the most iconic racing car livery ever.
Both models feature the same 41mm × 13.4mm steel case with a water resistance rating of 200m, and both have the STP 1-11 movement inside. The Gulf model comes on a five-row stainless steel bracelet with a butterfly clasp and a spring-loaded extension while the Seafoam has a color matching tropic-style rubber strap with a pin buckle.
The Gulf has a light blue bezel with an orange minute track that frames a bright silver dial. If the photo’s of this watch look familiar, it’s because this is a callback to the vintage Zodiac Sea Wolf 1781W, one of the most desirable Zodiac models. While this watch is up from the original’s 35mm, it’s still a close-enough recreation that it makes for a good alternative.
The Seafoam also leans vintage, not so much into the Zodiac back catalogue, but rather into popular culture of the late 50’s and the guitars, fridges and cars that came in an almost identical color. The watch has a seafoam green dial, matching strap, a black bezel, and a pop of orange on the minute hand.
Both models are available for purchase now and the new ZO9304 “Gulf”on steel costs US$1,595, while the ZO9305 “Seafoam” on rubber will set you back US$1,295.
3/
Zenith Blings Up The New Defy Skyline Skeleton With Just Enough Gold
The Zenith El Primero movements really are iconic and Zenith knows this. I guess that’s the reason why they are making some of the best skeleton watches today. Following the earlier Defy Skyline Skeleton model which featured symmetrical black and blue open dials with a four-pointed star formed by the cut-out and the Defy Skyline Boutique Edition with silvery-grey finishes, zenith is now releasing a new Defy Skyline Boutique Edition, this one with subtle touches of gold that make the watch even better.
Just like the previous models, this new skeletonized Defy comes in an angular-shaped 41 mm case with a 12-sided, faceted bezel inspired by the Defy models from past times and a screw-down crown. The colorway, as mentioned, is similar to the previous model with silver-grey finishes, but it also has a slightly darker chapter ring and applied gold-plated baton hour markers filled with Super-LumiNova, and matching hour and minute hands, only now there’s less dial and more movement.
Inside the watch, visible through the dial, is the El Primero 3620 SK, with the 3620 as a base, reworked, featuring the 1/10th of a second sub-dial at 6 o’clock, right on top of the watch’s 5Hz escapement, and it comes without the date indication. It has a stop-second feature for accurate time setting and a power reserve of 55 hours. The watch comes on either a steel bracelet or a rubber strap with a starry sky pattern.
The watch costs CHF 10,900, which, all things considering, looks like a very fair price.
4/
Nomos Teams Up With Wempe For An Icy Blue Dialed Tangente For Hot Summer Days
There seem to be two trends this summer in watches. One is something that Zodiac is embracing fully - going all out on color; while the other is one specific color that we have now seen on several watches - ice blue, a color that seems to be the color of the summer. Nomos has teamed up with famous retailer Wempe to create a special edition Tangente Neomatik Update 41 for Wempe Signature Collection in this exact color.
It’s still a Tangente Neomatik. This means a 41mm stainless steel case that’s only 7.9mm thick with straight and angled lugs. The narrow bezel that holds the sapphire crystal serves as a visual trick to make the watch look much larger than it is. The main difference comes from the dial and it’s ice-blue dial, whose light tones are offset by blued hands and black indices and numerals. The darker blue colour is also found on the date complication, which shows each date through cutout sections in between the date digits on the outer rim of the dial.
The reason for the date being displayed in this unique fashion is the Calibre DUW 6101 inside the watch. To keep it as thin as possible and not have to stack the date disc on the movement, Nomos moved the date disc outside of the outer edge of the movement. The date can also be adjusted in both directions through the crown, while the movement itself stores 42 hours of power reserve. The watch comes on a very nice blue-black textile strap with a stainless steel pin buckle
This is a limited edition of 200 pieces, all of which are exclusively sold through Wempe’s showrooms for a price of EUR 3,400.
5/
The New Credor Goldfeather Is An Uncommon, Pricey And Gorgeous Option For A Dress Watch That Will Be Hard To Get
From 1960 to 1969, Grand Seiko was Seiko’s top brand, both in quality and price. However, with the advent of quartz watches, Grand Seiko was dethroned as the most expensive watches. In 1974, Seiko separated their most high-end quartz watches into a line called Crêts d’Or, which literally means Golden Crests, but «Crêts» is a french word that applies more specifically to the summits of the Jura Mountains, a chain of mountains spreading between France and Switzerland, known to be the birthplace of watchmaking.
After alternating the name between Crêts d’Or and Credor a few times, Seiko finally settled on Credor (Credor and Crêts d’or have the exact same pronunciation in French) in 1978 but it still was just a separate line of watches within Seiko’s catalog and was branded with a simple SEIKO logo below the 12 o’clock position. In 1978, Credor became its own brand, with the dial that said Credor Seiko. Since then Grand Seiko and Credor have been the pinnacle of Seiko watchmaking.
It’s not often that you get to se a Credor watch, and they are even more rare outside of Japan. However, the folks over at Fratello have dug up a new, very interesting, release from Credor - the new Credor Goldfeather. The Gold Feather, as Seiko spelled it at launch, is a watch from 1960 which focused on absolute thinness. With the hand-wound caliber 60M it was just 2.95mm thick and was all the more impressive because it had a central seconds hand.
The reissue, named the Credor Goldfeather is thin, but not that thin. The 18k gold case measures 37.1mm wide and 7.7 thick. The watches are powered by the hand-winding 6890 caliber. The 6890 is just 1.98mm thick, and in this watch, the movement is attached directly to the case to keep the thickness to a minimum. However, the new Credor does not have a seconds hand.
The Credor Goldfeather will come in two variants. The first model, reference GBBY982, is in 18K yellow gold limited edition of just 30 pieces. The second model, reference GBBY980, is in 18K rose gold and will be a regular-production piece. The limited yellow gold model has a sunburst brushed dial with engraved hour indices, minute track, and Credor name. On the rose gold variant, Credor chose to use applied indices and a painted logo.
Reference GBBY982 will be released on July 8th in Japan as a pre-sale with availability in April 2024 at the Credor shop. Pricing is not for the faint of heart at approximately €22,700. For the reference GBBY980 pre-orders start on August 11th in Japan and also available in April 2024 in the Credor shop. Pricing is slightly less at roughly €22,000.
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On hand - a selection of reviews

1/
Hands-On With The New Yema Superman 500 Dato In White And Khaki
2/
A Review of Bulgari's New Aluminium Summer-Ready Limited Editions
3/
Is The Patek Philippe Aquanaut Luce Annual Calendar 5261R Really A Women’s Watch?
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Watch Worthy - A look at an offbeat, less known watch you might actually like

The Stella Breslin revives the linen dial for the here and now
All of those features would be nothing if it didn’t have a good base, and the Stella Breslin’s linen dial is breathtaking. Linen dials are a little bit of a lost art in watchmaking, although there’s nothing in theory which makes them more difficult than any other highly textured pattern. The Classic Blue is richer than the Felix’s Dress Blue, and is paired with crisp white lume instead of the cream colour. There’s a Silver dial which almost looks made of polished meteorite, and would be best suited to more formal situations. The most fun option however is the Raspberry dial, hovering somewhere between a hot pink and a crimson red. It’s a truly great colour that you don’t see very often in other watches which boast pink or red dials, making it a unique display of personality.
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People loved the Seiko Alpinist giveaway! That's why I'm doing a new one. This time, we're giving away four Hamilton Khaki Field Automatics in a color of your choice. Head on over to the newsletter if you would like to enter.
If you would like to receive some additional watch-adjacent content, as well as this news overview, every morning Monday-Friday in the form of a newsletter feel free to subscribe. However, there is absolutely no need for you to subscribe, as all the news from the newsletter is posted here. It is only if you want to receive a couple of daily links that are not strictly watch-related and want to get this news overview in your inbox.

My whole life straight men have been attracted to me. Maybe not initially, I may have caught their eye but when they got to know me was when they really began to develop feelings. I’m just feminine. I have the less dominant DNA of my family bloodlines and I’ve gotten entirely feminine features and I’m 5’4 with a bouncy, compassionate, bossy, insecure personality. These straight men used me as a gay twink for my attention and doting and then would never want to actually begin a relationship. Most all of those people now, I’ve probably gotten to one of the bases with but my heart was always broken. It wasn’t about sex for me. It was about being with someone I genuinely wanted to be with.
Now it feels the same 3 1/2 years into my transition, except men are easily attracted to me and I do catch their eye. But even if all I want is sex now and once they find out I’m trans, even though they came to my photos a bunch of times, they cut off all contact. I want to start going on dates but I’m not good at dating apps and prefer real life pick-ups. This literally results in the exact same experience…
Hopeful to Hearbroken
I love my soul.. I just wish I was born as a female at birth and still had my heart and everything else I am. I know I would have found the love of my life by now or at least had more devoted intentional love and actual real life romance..
I haven’t felt this way in a long time but actually taking steps to date again is bringing me back here. Painful

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I've uploaded a new video on my channel. It presents an unconventional way (on the Internet, at least) of looking at the Übermensch. I would love to read your comments and opinions about it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QgTRRt_5ItQ&ab_channel=JoyfulWisdom
Abstract: Nietzsche's concept of the Übermensch, or the overhuman or superhuman, is usually interpreted as an ideal of individual cultural excellence. But there's an equally important ecological and global side to the Übermensch that isn't talked about as much. I talk about it in this video. I introduce three interpretations of the Übermensch from respected Nietzschean scholars, Adrian Del Caro, Martin Heidegger, and Vanessa Lemm, all of which highlight its ecological and global meaning. In these interpretations, the Übermensch is a vision of a hypothetical future humanity who would be able to rule the Earth responsibly and who would understand itself as an inherent part of nature, not superior to it in any way. Such a new self-understanding would compel humans to ascribe the same ethical rights and moral concerns to all non-human organisms as to all humans, since nature would be thought of as a necessary part of what makes human beings human.

Hey, we are an American - Hungarian couple living in Hungary.
I am the american citizen and my wife is a hungarian citizen. Currently we've applied for a standalone i130 (october '22) and are wating for approval.
A few questions:

1. I am under the assumption that what we have applied for is enough for now. In other words, that is the only application required (the i130) and once it is approved we will be called for a consular interview. Is this correct? Also, how long can we expect the interview process to take once the i130 is approved?
2. On the online application it said we could take photos of documents. I don't know why I didn't just scan them (kind of regret this now) but I took photos of everything, birth certificate, etc. Is this sufficient? Should i consider scanning them and submitting as unsolicited evidence? Or should the photographs be enough (they are in good quality).
3. My wife somehow lost her original birth certificate. We got a notarized copy that is from the correct agency according to the USCIS guidelines. But it is not an original. Do we need to send in a letter as supplementary evidence explaining this? Or is the replacement enough?

I (26F) went through my (28M) boyfriend’s phone and was shocked. We have been together for two years. We were very happy since the beginning of our relationship. Our chemistry was undeniable and just clicked when we met. We had similar interests and hobbies, we’d spoil each other when we got the chance and we’re open with our communication; or so I thought. After a while into the relationship I noticed he started acting different and an unusual attachment to his phone. We always respected each other’s privacy with our phones but suddenly he’s taking it to the bathroom more often (that was rare before) or trying to hide it when we’d go out. Seemed harmless at first until I woke up to him going to the bathroom for almost 40 minutes without using it. It became more frequent afterwards. He’d wait to see if I was asleep and sneak off to the bathroom. When he’d receive a notification he would act strange and out away the phone. One night we attended a friend’s birthday party. We were having a good time and he was letting loose with the guys. He had too many shots which lead to me asking for help to get back home. One of his friends drive our car back to our place. On the drive to our place he started rambling to him about not saying something to me before passing out. Thought that was odd but he was pretty wasted. He laid him on the bed and left. I took off his clothes and shoes than put a trash can and a water bottle next to him if he were to wake up.. that’s when he got a notification from his email. Not proud to say curiosity got the best of me so I opened it. It was a notification of a post on an OnlyFans account. I clicked on it, my heart dropped. Saw numerous videos and photos he payed for ranging from $5-$45. I couldn’t believe it, I started shaking wanting to throw the phone on his face. Scrolling through I couldn’t find anything else so I checked his social media. On instagram he had saved pictures of women (mostly showing most of their body). Open his Snapchat, he had paid for a subscription saying “the best $30 I’ve ever spent”. Furious I went back to his email to see what else he was hiding. Too many email to go through so I start searching for keywords. Wrote date on the search bar and there they were; several adult dating sites. Than searched for the word adult and more popped up. One of them was a website for anonymous user looking for happy ending massages. He left a review saying how much he liked it. I started to freak out. I looked at the dates when he had made those accounts. They were made before we started dating; but he was in another relationship at the time. When I confronted him about the in the morning he tried to deny it. Showing everything to him his response was “I was curious” and the other stuff happened before me so why would it matter. He deleted the account with the promise to not repeat this mistake. It has been a couple of months, took some time to forgive but I still can’t get over it. He goes as far to show me his bank account to prove he is done with all that. I can’t help but feel as if I was in the wrong for going through his phone when he was blacked out drunk. AITA?

Long time listener, first time caller!
Most of us agree that the entire situation is rotten at this point. Wrong choices being made on impulse, wrong motivations to upload and reach out to us, general mistreatment of viewers - the viewer is emotionally manipulated, doesn't matter if on purpose or not, it's the very core of the channel dynamic. Some of us are in a very toxic parasocial relationship here.
We don't know when she's gonna come or go... I've seen some YT videos/shorts pop up reaching out to her, assuring of forgiveness and continued support. One of them pointed out that some people rely on her presence and content for the inspiration to do better for themselves, or brave the homemaking efforts at all.
​
Let's flip the lens for a second and wonder for a moment - who are WE, the viewers? And how could we get our parasocial needs met without being subjected to abuse...
​
It seems to me that we are many and we're much alike - we may like herbalism, home cooking, natural living, the sims or casual gaming in general, we may be lonely and hungry for connection which day to day life doesn't provide for whatever reason.
So what if this entire situation is a call to realize that WE could do for others what this channel did for us (without the chaos and upset)?
​
There's clearly a gap in the ecosystem created by the on again off again treatment of viewers, maybe some of us could - should! - outsource and start vlogging themselves... There's clearly rewards for it on the horizon: a community, passive income, gifts from fans, FORGIVENESS and ACCEPTANCE to a level which is almost impossible to find elsewhere.
There amount of people deprived of a kind, encouraging word because we've been spiralled down the desperation hole of issues with this channel is overwhelming.
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Bottom line is: I miss the old wholesome content, I miss the relatability of it and see others with similar sentiments as well. Surely there are some of you out there who are kind homemakers but feel too shy right now or feel like they have nothing in particular to "give". But if there's anything this channel has proven is that you really don't need much stuff or don't need to be anything in particular, you just need to show up and reach out...
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I hope that this may be a sign for someone to step in for those who want to continue doing better for themselves, rather than be stuck here because of a lack of an alternative.
If it's allowed, I'd love to see some YT links of creators who make similar content and who you think deserve a community like this in the comments, I'd love to pivot.