R critical role
Critical Role
2015.05.08 07:27 Critical Role
Fan-run discussion forum for the liveplay D&D show Critical Role on Twitch and The Legend of Vox Machina on Amazon Prime. New episodes of Critical Role air Thursday nights at 19:00 Pacific on https://www.twitch.tv/CriticalRole
2023.03.27 11:44 piskeywhixel HotCriticalRoleGuests
We all know the cast of Critical Role are all hot, but this is a place to celebrate and share all of the guests that have started on Critical Role - whether that’s main campaigns, one-shots or spin-offs.
2014.12.17 17:17 toxik0n DnDMemes
DnDMemes is a subreddit dedicated to memes and other humorous content about D&D and other TTRPGs.
2023.06.09 00:23 ahditeacha No, the Corsair didn't blow up from a tiny piece of debris: How misinfo spreads.
https://www.reddit.com/starcitizen/comments/144afc4/some_things_need_to_despawn_immediately_it_just/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3
That thread/video shows a Corsair exploding trying to leave the hangar and avoid debris. If you watched the video fullscreen you'll see one or two big ship weapons colliding and clipping violently from inside his ship creating puffs of smoke by the ramp. That's what blew up his ship, not the little piece of sheet metal floating off to the side. That thread has already devolved into a feeding frenzy of WOW SO BAD!! GAME IS UNPLAYABLE!! UNINSTALL!!! timelines so it's pointless slowing that runaway train. I created this post to implore people to think critically instead of blindly dogpiling. There are a lot of LEGITIMATE bugs and issues and frustrations to report, and CIG should fix them all, but let's stick to facts and report just the actual issues: "Loose weapons in cargo bay collide violently with hull (prob server-client desync). Kaboom!"
submitted by ahditeacha to starcitizen [link] [comments]
That thread/video shows a Corsair exploding trying to leave the hangar and avoid debris. If you watched the video fullscreen you'll see one or two big ship weapons colliding and clipping violently from inside his ship creating puffs of smoke by the ramp. That's what blew up his ship, not the little piece of sheet metal floating off to the side. That thread has already devolved into a feeding frenzy of WOW SO BAD!! GAME IS UNPLAYABLE!! UNINSTALL!!! timelines so it's pointless slowing that runaway train. I created this post to implore people to think critically instead of blindly dogpiling. There are a lot of LEGITIMATE bugs and issues and frustrations to report, and CIG should fix them all, but let's stick to facts and report just the actual issues: "Loose weapons in cargo bay collide violently with hull (prob server-client desync). Kaboom!"
2023.06.09 00:16 ferdous12345 Criticism “burnout”?
I used to consider myself good at taking criticism and I had a growth mindset. I worked a job before medical school that required a lot of detail and reflection, and I got feedback multiple times a week. In school and college I took feedback pretty well too.
I’m on rotations now and every day is criticism after criticism. Most of it is good and helpful, and I strive to implement it all. Of course the role of the student is to learn and improve. However I’ve noticed that outside of medicine I’ve become burnt out to criticism. Like if my boyfriend or friend or parent gives me criticism about something, I get defensive. Obviously it’s something I have to work on, that’s not their fault.
But I’m wondering if anyone has gone through this and if anyone has advice? I guess I internalize the criticism because the fact that it’s happening daily can feel like I’m not improving. On the plus side the feedback is rarely about the same thing, so I think I am getting better.
submitted by ferdous12345 to medicalschool [link] [comments]
I’m on rotations now and every day is criticism after criticism. Most of it is good and helpful, and I strive to implement it all. Of course the role of the student is to learn and improve. However I’ve noticed that outside of medicine I’ve become burnt out to criticism. Like if my boyfriend or friend or parent gives me criticism about something, I get defensive. Obviously it’s something I have to work on, that’s not their fault.
But I’m wondering if anyone has gone through this and if anyone has advice? I guess I internalize the criticism because the fact that it’s happening daily can feel like I’m not improving. On the plus side the feedback is rarely about the same thing, so I think I am getting better.
2023.06.09 00:13 Bl1tz-Kr1eg Analysing the Second West Russian War Part 2 - International diplomacy
Alright, so this is part 2 of my analysis of the 2nd WRW. Part 1, where I looked at the pure statistics, is here,
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While the outcome of the Second WRW will mostly be decided on the ground, international actors can play quite the role in giving Russia a fighting chance, or alternatively hastening their downfall. In this post I will analyse the diplomatic activity that might surround the conflict, along with the possible inputs of the following:-
The Pakt
The US
Japan
Italy
And some others.
For continuity from my last post, we're assuming a scenario where both powers are somewhat successful going into the mid-70's. For Germany, Fash Speer, with the Pakt including Iran or the UAR, or even both. For Russia, a decently competent unifier like Zhukov, Batov, Suslov, Novosibirsk, Irkutsk or Viatka, but no one too extreme on either end. We're also assuming the war begins in 1978, giving Russia about 6-7 years to consolidate and re-arm post reunification.
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So lets start with the war itself. But not what's actually going on. Rather, what it would look like to the international community?
Well, to begin with, a long-dead power has just risen from the ashes of a radio-silent wasteland (where no one knew what has been going on for two decades) possibly following a radically different ideology from its predecessor, the USSR. This new Russia is now, to the disbelief of everyone, is going after the first power of Europe and one of the world's superpowers - a nation that already put it down twice - with a complete disadvantage in manpower, material and support. To anyone with a brain, and a less than average knowledge of domestic affairs in both nations, this is a losing fight, and you wouldn't be ridiculed for suggesting Germany's got this under control.
But there's more going on.
In the background, a web of diplomacy laid by both sides for half a decade prior is now starting to come to fruition. Let's see the options.
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The Pakt - The Pakt by the mid-70's has the potential to be massive. Covering half of Europe in most runs, and possibly more, along with significant influence in the Middle East. People tend to forget the Pakt in their WRW headcanons, but it really is a major player here. After all, is the Pakt not a defensive alliance? But let's assume that none of the nations of the Pakt (apart from Finland and Iran for reasons I'll elaborate on later) want to get directly involved. Germany can still rely on the material and diplomatic support from the entirety of the Pakt, as well as neutral Pakt-aligned nations like Sweden and the UAR. These nations would most definitely condemn Russia, and would cut all trade to Russia, as minor as it is. Additionally, the Zollverein, an EU of sorts, has enough trade flowing within it to keep Germany and it's industry afloat for the duration of the war.
The United States - Surely, the United States will step up! Upon the commencement of the WRW, the last beacon of liberty will waste no time in embargoing the Pakt, and flooding Russia with 5.56cm Democracy! Or will it? Lets consider a few things. Assuming Speer is in charge, and has spent the last ten years signing trade agreements with the OFN and lifting embargoes, why is the US going to just throw away a massive revenue stream for what is most likely a losing fight? As mentioned above, for all observers this is most likely a losing fight for Russia, and the US needs to balance supporting Russia and not antagonising another nuclear superpower when they already have their hands full with Japan.
That's not to say the US won't covertly support Russia with supplies. American Equipment is far superior to Russian Equipment here, and it's use could help balance the scales in the conflict. But the most likely scenario is for American support to amount to covert aid and nothing more.
This may change if Russia wins some quick early victories, and the prospect of a Russia victory grows. In that case, the US may decide it's worth putting all their eggs into the Russian basket, and one could expect diplomatic and material support to grow.
TLDR - It's gonna be a careful balancing act.
Japan - On the other side of Asia and the Pacific lies Japan. I'm gonna start with uncomfortable conversations here - Japan and Germany have very little reason to be antagonistic to each other. Their spheres largely do not interact, and Japan has far more pressing concerns in the Pacific.
On the flip side though any American supported Russia would be seen as a threat to Japanese interests, especially since the prospect of a victorious Russia turning their attention to Primorsky and Vladivostok isn't unrealistic.
Unless someone who is explicitly pro-Japan is in charge, actually providing concrete benefits to the Sphere, there is very little chance of Japan throwing their weight behind Russia.
Italy - Most people wouldn't expect Italy to be Russia's greatest supporter, but hear me out. Italy has a lot of reasons to want to fuck Germany over, as a Russian victory and collapse of the Pakt could see Italy swoop in and pick up the pieces, replacing Germany as Europe's first power. I can see Italy throwing some support behind the Russians, mostly through material and diplomatic support. Considering Italy, even at its weakest, controls the Suez and the Mediterranean, and has a healthy oil supply from the Gulf, an embargo on or from Germany could be weathered. The Italians, nuclear armed, know that Germany wouldn't dare fight both Russia and Italy together.
However, it's still a balancing act, given that Germany literally borders the Italian state. It's just as likely that Italy could support Germany too.
The Pakt (part 2) - I said earlier that Iran and Finland could get directly involved. And it depends entirely on momentum. Should the Germans weather the offensive and begin pushing back, Finland may consider it well worth their time to open up another front and take Karelia back. Iran could potentially share a border with Russia, should the Russians decide to absorb Central Asia, and it's very possible that the Iranians could see the 2WRW as a threat to their own security, similarly throwing their full weight behind Germany should the latter start winning.
Around the world - China - Too busy. India - Bigger fish to fry. Iberia, Britain, Brazil, Argentina - Depends on alignment.
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Equipment and supplies.
We've already established that some powers will send minor to significant amounts of aid to Russia. But how might this look on the field?
To begin with, Japan is the only country that could provide significant amounts of aid to Russia, if they wish to. Why? Ports. Russia has ONE port that it could use throughout the year, and that is Magadan. The arctic ports? Frozen half the year. European ports? Kriegsmarine says hello. Japan can largely bypass this by supplying aid through Manchuria, but regardless of who provides the aid, be it the OFN, CPS or Italy, there is no chance in hell they provide enough to arm every single one of the millions of Russians flooding into Moskowien. Most likely, foreign aid will be limited to select elite units, while the vast majority of the Russian Army is equipped with domestically produced (and likely outdated) equipment.
On the other hand, the Germans would have access to their own domestically produced arms, as well as material produced around the Pakt.
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Nukes
The nuclear option was never off the table. Both are nuclear armed nations, but to lump them into the same category is ludicrous. Russia by the mid-70's has at most five to ten nukes, mostly low-yield, with the first one coming only in 1972. There's no way they can mass-produce nukes with most of their experts dead or emigrated, and with an industry that is a shadow of the USSR's. Germany, on the other hand, has tens of thousands of various tonnage, and even if most are in disrepair or disuse, they still have orders of magnitude more.
Although I think a nuclear exchange is highly unlikely, someone pointed out in the last post that Germany can and most likely would use tactical nukes if pushed far enough, and I agree to an extent. Where I disagree with most on this sub is 1) When they'd use one and 2) The response. So, here's a scenario I want to propose :-
1) When - Moskowien is a money sink, and largely useless as anything more than a buffer state, at least that is what most of the sub thinks. I think it's worth more, but Moskowien is still worth less than the other three RK's. If the Russians begin to threaten Ostland, Ukraine or the Caucasus, I can definitely see Germany consider the nuclear option, issuing threats. If Russia pushes too far, off go 10 low-yield tactical nukes to turn a few field armies into a smouldering crater in the ground.
2) The response - Russia, of course, would be furious. Off goes the entire Russian arsenal in response. A few get intercepted, three or four proceed to turn a few frontline cities in Ostland or Ukraine to ash (realistically the Russian's don't have long range capabilities to hit Berlin or Vienna only six years after reunification). Well done, the Russians have no more nukes left, and Germany is PISSED.
A few people think this would spur an all-out OFN and CPS response, but I ask the question - will the US and/or Japan really want to start an all-out nuclear war over a few low-yield nukes in a country that wasn't even on the map ten years ago? More likely there would be widespread condemnation of the Reich, with the OFN, CPS, Italy and even some Pakt nations embargoing and diplomatically isolating Germany, but no all-out nuclear war.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Well, that's it. Personally, my opinion from last time stands. Russia's best chance is to strike fast and hard, capitalising on a moment of weakness, and keeping their aims limited to Moskowien and the Caucasus. If the war drags on, Germany just gets stronger as the Russians lose momentum, and a war of attrition would be disastrous.
This is just my analysis, and all this is subjective. I'd love to know what you guys think. Perhaps next week, I'll analyse in detail the industrial and logistical situations of each side.
submitted by Bl1tz-Kr1eg to TNOmod [link] [comments]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
While the outcome of the Second WRW will mostly be decided on the ground, international actors can play quite the role in giving Russia a fighting chance, or alternatively hastening their downfall. In this post I will analyse the diplomatic activity that might surround the conflict, along with the possible inputs of the following:-
The Pakt
The US
Japan
Italy
And some others.
For continuity from my last post, we're assuming a scenario where both powers are somewhat successful going into the mid-70's. For Germany, Fash Speer, with the Pakt including Iran or the UAR, or even both. For Russia, a decently competent unifier like Zhukov, Batov, Suslov, Novosibirsk, Irkutsk or Viatka, but no one too extreme on either end. We're also assuming the war begins in 1978, giving Russia about 6-7 years to consolidate and re-arm post reunification.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
So lets start with the war itself. But not what's actually going on. Rather, what it would look like to the international community?
Well, to begin with, a long-dead power has just risen from the ashes of a radio-silent wasteland (where no one knew what has been going on for two decades) possibly following a radically different ideology from its predecessor, the USSR. This new Russia is now, to the disbelief of everyone, is going after the first power of Europe and one of the world's superpowers - a nation that already put it down twice - with a complete disadvantage in manpower, material and support. To anyone with a brain, and a less than average knowledge of domestic affairs in both nations, this is a losing fight, and you wouldn't be ridiculed for suggesting Germany's got this under control.
But there's more going on.
In the background, a web of diplomacy laid by both sides for half a decade prior is now starting to come to fruition. Let's see the options.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Pakt - The Pakt by the mid-70's has the potential to be massive. Covering half of Europe in most runs, and possibly more, along with significant influence in the Middle East. People tend to forget the Pakt in their WRW headcanons, but it really is a major player here. After all, is the Pakt not a defensive alliance? But let's assume that none of the nations of the Pakt (apart from Finland and Iran for reasons I'll elaborate on later) want to get directly involved. Germany can still rely on the material and diplomatic support from the entirety of the Pakt, as well as neutral Pakt-aligned nations like Sweden and the UAR. These nations would most definitely condemn Russia, and would cut all trade to Russia, as minor as it is. Additionally, the Zollverein, an EU of sorts, has enough trade flowing within it to keep Germany and it's industry afloat for the duration of the war.
The United States - Surely, the United States will step up! Upon the commencement of the WRW, the last beacon of liberty will waste no time in embargoing the Pakt, and flooding Russia with 5.56cm Democracy! Or will it? Lets consider a few things. Assuming Speer is in charge, and has spent the last ten years signing trade agreements with the OFN and lifting embargoes, why is the US going to just throw away a massive revenue stream for what is most likely a losing fight? As mentioned above, for all observers this is most likely a losing fight for Russia, and the US needs to balance supporting Russia and not antagonising another nuclear superpower when they already have their hands full with Japan.
That's not to say the US won't covertly support Russia with supplies. American Equipment is far superior to Russian Equipment here, and it's use could help balance the scales in the conflict. But the most likely scenario is for American support to amount to covert aid and nothing more.
This may change if Russia wins some quick early victories, and the prospect of a Russia victory grows. In that case, the US may decide it's worth putting all their eggs into the Russian basket, and one could expect diplomatic and material support to grow.
TLDR - It's gonna be a careful balancing act.
Japan - On the other side of Asia and the Pacific lies Japan. I'm gonna start with uncomfortable conversations here - Japan and Germany have very little reason to be antagonistic to each other. Their spheres largely do not interact, and Japan has far more pressing concerns in the Pacific.
On the flip side though any American supported Russia would be seen as a threat to Japanese interests, especially since the prospect of a victorious Russia turning their attention to Primorsky and Vladivostok isn't unrealistic.
Unless someone who is explicitly pro-Japan is in charge, actually providing concrete benefits to the Sphere, there is very little chance of Japan throwing their weight behind Russia.
Italy - Most people wouldn't expect Italy to be Russia's greatest supporter, but hear me out. Italy has a lot of reasons to want to fuck Germany over, as a Russian victory and collapse of the Pakt could see Italy swoop in and pick up the pieces, replacing Germany as Europe's first power. I can see Italy throwing some support behind the Russians, mostly through material and diplomatic support. Considering Italy, even at its weakest, controls the Suez and the Mediterranean, and has a healthy oil supply from the Gulf, an embargo on or from Germany could be weathered. The Italians, nuclear armed, know that Germany wouldn't dare fight both Russia and Italy together.
However, it's still a balancing act, given that Germany literally borders the Italian state. It's just as likely that Italy could support Germany too.
The Pakt (part 2) - I said earlier that Iran and Finland could get directly involved. And it depends entirely on momentum. Should the Germans weather the offensive and begin pushing back, Finland may consider it well worth their time to open up another front and take Karelia back. Iran could potentially share a border with Russia, should the Russians decide to absorb Central Asia, and it's very possible that the Iranians could see the 2WRW as a threat to their own security, similarly throwing their full weight behind Germany should the latter start winning.
Around the world - China - Too busy. India - Bigger fish to fry. Iberia, Britain, Brazil, Argentina - Depends on alignment.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Equipment and supplies.
We've already established that some powers will send minor to significant amounts of aid to Russia. But how might this look on the field?
To begin with, Japan is the only country that could provide significant amounts of aid to Russia, if they wish to. Why? Ports. Russia has ONE port that it could use throughout the year, and that is Magadan. The arctic ports? Frozen half the year. European ports? Kriegsmarine says hello. Japan can largely bypass this by supplying aid through Manchuria, but regardless of who provides the aid, be it the OFN, CPS or Italy, there is no chance in hell they provide enough to arm every single one of the millions of Russians flooding into Moskowien. Most likely, foreign aid will be limited to select elite units, while the vast majority of the Russian Army is equipped with domestically produced (and likely outdated) equipment.
On the other hand, the Germans would have access to their own domestically produced arms, as well as material produced around the Pakt.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nukes
The nuclear option was never off the table. Both are nuclear armed nations, but to lump them into the same category is ludicrous. Russia by the mid-70's has at most five to ten nukes, mostly low-yield, with the first one coming only in 1972. There's no way they can mass-produce nukes with most of their experts dead or emigrated, and with an industry that is a shadow of the USSR's. Germany, on the other hand, has tens of thousands of various tonnage, and even if most are in disrepair or disuse, they still have orders of magnitude more.
Although I think a nuclear exchange is highly unlikely, someone pointed out in the last post that Germany can and most likely would use tactical nukes if pushed far enough, and I agree to an extent. Where I disagree with most on this sub is 1) When they'd use one and 2) The response. So, here's a scenario I want to propose :-
1) When - Moskowien is a money sink, and largely useless as anything more than a buffer state, at least that is what most of the sub thinks. I think it's worth more, but Moskowien is still worth less than the other three RK's. If the Russians begin to threaten Ostland, Ukraine or the Caucasus, I can definitely see Germany consider the nuclear option, issuing threats. If Russia pushes too far, off go 10 low-yield tactical nukes to turn a few field armies into a smouldering crater in the ground.
2) The response - Russia, of course, would be furious. Off goes the entire Russian arsenal in response. A few get intercepted, three or four proceed to turn a few frontline cities in Ostland or Ukraine to ash (realistically the Russian's don't have long range capabilities to hit Berlin or Vienna only six years after reunification). Well done, the Russians have no more nukes left, and Germany is PISSED.
A few people think this would spur an all-out OFN and CPS response, but I ask the question - will the US and/or Japan really want to start an all-out nuclear war over a few low-yield nukes in a country that wasn't even on the map ten years ago? More likely there would be widespread condemnation of the Reich, with the OFN, CPS, Italy and even some Pakt nations embargoing and diplomatically isolating Germany, but no all-out nuclear war.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Well, that's it. Personally, my opinion from last time stands. Russia's best chance is to strike fast and hard, capitalising on a moment of weakness, and keeping their aims limited to Moskowien and the Caucasus. If the war drags on, Germany just gets stronger as the Russians lose momentum, and a war of attrition would be disastrous.
This is just my analysis, and all this is subjective. I'd love to know what you guys think. Perhaps next week, I'll analyse in detail the industrial and logistical situations of each side.
2023.06.09 00:04 subredditsummarybot Your weekly /r/ottawasenators roundup for the week of June 01 - June 07
Thursday, June 01 - Wednesday, June 07
submitted by subredditsummarybot to OttawaSenators [link] [comments]
Top Remaining Posts
2023.06.09 00:03 call24comm Order-Taking Services: Unleash the Power of E-commerce Success
 | submitted by call24comm to u/call24comm [link] [comments] https://preview.redd.it/t62kd8z1av4b1.png?width=720&format=png&auto=webp&s=975f549da5d2c5208c3bc6e1315c889cd134e1ed In the fast-paced world of e-commerce, your business’s heartbeat lies in the order-taking process — a vital connection between your customers and the products they crave. To ensure your online retail operation thrives, you need efficient and accurate order-taking services that guarantee customer satisfaction, foster loyalty, and drive long-term growth. Join us on a journey through the intricacies of order taking services, as we explore their essential components, the advantages of outsourcing, and real-life examples of exceptional and subpar experiences. Get ready to optimize your order-taking process and elevate your business to unprecedented heights, as we uncover the secret weapon for e-commerce success. Understanding the Essence of Order-Taking ServicesOrder-taking services encompass the systems and procedures that manage customer orders from initial inquiry to final delivery. This integral component of e-commerce operations ensures accurate order processing, handles customer inquiries, and guarantees timely fulfillment. Acting as a bridge between customers and your business, order-taking services provide a seamless experience that cultivates customer satisfaction and loyalty.Key Components of a Seamless Order-Taking Process Accessible and User-Friendly Ordering Channels To offer customers a frictionless experience, provide multiple ways to place orders — through your website, mobile app, phone calls, or emails. By catering to various preferences, you ensure ease of use and accessibility, enhancing customer convenience. Well-Trained and Knowledgeable Staff Whether in-house or outsourced, your order-taking representatives must possess a comprehensive understanding of your products, services, and processes. Their expertise allows for efficient and accurate assistance, ensuring a seamless customer experience. Integrated Systems for Streamlined Operations To maintain accuracy and efficiency, it’s essential to connect your order-taking system with other critical e-commerce platforms, such as inventory management and payment processing systems. This integration enables seamless information flow, reducing errors and delays. Clear and Transparent Communication Providing customers with timely updates on their orders, including shipping notifications and tracking details, fosters transparency and trust. Clear communication throughout the order journey contributes to customer satisfaction and loyalty. Efficient Issue Resolution Establishing a robust system for handling customer complaints, returns, or cancellations promptly and fairly is crucial. Effective issue resolution prevents dissatisfaction and mitigates the risk of negative reviews, safeguarding your brand reputation. Types of Order-Taking Services: In-House vs. Outsourced When it comes to order-taking services, businesses have two options: in-house or outsourced. In-House Order-Taking: Pros: Greater control over operations. Cons: Higher overhead costs, increased management responsibilities, and potentially limited scalability. Outsourced Order-Taking: Pros: Access to experienced professionals, reduced overhead costs, and increased scalability. Cons: Potential communication barriers and reliance on third-party service quality. Therefore, choosing a reputable and experienced third party is crucial. Unleashing the Advantages of Quality Outsourced Order-Taking ServiceElevating Customer Experience and Satisfaction Quality order-taking services prioritize customers’ needs, offering a seamless and convenient shopping experience. Prompt responses, accurate order processing, and transparent communication contribute to a positive customer journey, resulting in increased overall satisfaction.Streamlining Operations and Boosting Efficiency By entrusting order-taking tasks to a dedicated team or provider, businesses can streamline their operations and allow their staff to focus on core areas. Specialization leads to increased efficiency, faster order processing times, and ultimately, better customer service. Ensuring Order Accuracy and Minimizing Errors A well-structured order-taking process ensures accurate order processing and minimizes errors. This reduces the likelihood of shipping wrong items or facing delays due to miscommunication, ultimately enhancing customer satisfaction. Fostering Customer Retention and Repeat Business Positive order-taking experiences encourage customers to return for future purchases. By nurturing customer loyalty through effective order-taking services, businesses can cultivate repeat business and secure a steady revenue stream. Scalability and Adaptability for Business Growth Whether you choose an in-house team or an outsourced provider, order-taking services can be scaled up or down to meet your business’s changing demands. This flexibility allows you to accommodate fluctuations in order volume, seasonal trends, or long-term growth, ensuring your e-commerce operations can adapt and thrive. Showcasing Outstanding Phone Order-Taking Service ExperienceImagine the following exemplary phone order-taking service experience:Jane, in search of new running shoes, discovered an online sports store offering phone order placement. Dialing the provided number, she was swiftly connected to a friendly and knowledgeable representative. The agent expertly guided her through the available options, helping her find the perfect pair tailored to her needs. During the call, the representative explained payment methods and shipping options with utmost clarity. Once Jane provided her details, she received an immediate confirmation email, complete with her order number and the expected delivery date. The next day, Jane received a text message containing a tracking number and a link to track her order. True to their promise, her new running shoes arrived within the estimated delivery window, securely packaged and exactly as she had ordered. Throughout the entire process, the call order-taking service demonstrated clear communication, accurate order processing, and timely delivery. The result? A satisfied customer who would undoubtedly choose to shop from the online store again. Highlighting a Poor Call Order-Taking Service ExperienceNow, let’s delve into an unfortunate call order-taking service experience:John wished to purchase a birthday gift for his friend and found the perfect gadget on an e-commerce website offering phone order placement. Upon calling the provided number, he endured long hold times before finally reaching a representative. To John’s dismay, the agent appeared disinterested and uninformed, making it challenging to locate the desired product. During the call, the checkout process proved slow and convoluted, with limited payment options and unclear shipping information. After placing his order, John received a vague confirmation email lacking any details about the expected delivery date. Over the following days, he received no updates on his order status, prompting him to contact customer service again. Sadly, the representative he spoke with proved unhelpful and unable to provide any information about the order. Eventually, the gift arrived two days after his friend’s birthday, only to find it damaged. In this case, the call order-taking service failed to deliver clear communication, accurate order processing, and timely delivery. The result? A disappointed customer who is unlikely to choose the e-commerce website for future purchases. Introducing Call24: Your Partner for E-commerce SuccessAt Call24, we understand the crucial role of order-taking services in shaping exceptional customer experiences and optimizing your e-commerce operations. Our mission is to empower ambitious online retailers, enabling them to dominate their markets and fulfill their customers’ desires without the headaches and frustrations of inefficient order management. Our highly skilled professionals are committed to providing unparalleled order-taking services that enhance customer satisfaction, foster loyalty, and drive repeat business. We recognize that every detail matters in the world of e-commerce, and we pride ourselves on our unwavering dedication to accuracy, efficiency, and personalized service. Partnering with Call24, you can expect:Accessible and User-Friendly Ordering Channels We ensure your customers have a seamless experience placing orders through various channels, making it easy and convenient for them to do business with you. Expertly Trained and Knowledgeable Staff Our order-taking representatives possess a deep understanding of your products, services, and processes. This enables them to provide quick, accurate, and reliable assistance to your valued customers. Integrated Systems We seamlessly connect our order-taking platform with your existing e-commerce infrastructure, maintaining accurate and up-to-date information throughout the entire order journey. Transparent Communication We prioritize keeping your customers informed, providing them with timely updates on their orders and ensuring they feel valued and respected at every step of the way. Efficient Issue Resolution Our robust system allows us to address customer concerns, returns, or cancellations promptly and fairly. By safeguarding your reputation and maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction, we help you build long-lasting relationships with your clientele. Experience the Call24 Difference Unleash the full potential of your e-commerce business with Call24. With our support, you can confidently pursue your dreams of growth and success, knowing that your order-taking process is in the hands of true professionals. Let Call24 be your secret weapon in the quest for e-commerce dominance. Together, we will redefine the standards of customer service and satisfaction, setting new benchmarks in the industry. Embark on this transformative journey with Call24 today and unlock the hidden potential of your e-commerce enterprise. Contact us now and discover how our exceptional order-taking services can revolutionize your business. source: https://www.call24.com/blog/2615/order-taking-services-secret-weapon/ |
2023.06.08 23:57 CanyonsEclipse I don't feel ready work after a really bad experience from my last job but the jobcentre constantly pressure me to find work. The pressure is too much ( England)
I am 26 year old woman. Throughout my life I have always been a naturally confident and outgoing person, it was something just natural for me. I was that person who took school and university seriously and thrived. All my jobs I have had since graduating universiity were all WFH because a lot offices in my city have kept the policy post pandemic. I have struggled with WFH
I got fired earlier this year from my first ever full and serious job since graduating university and it has damaged my confidence so much. I worked in the housing sector.
Before I got fired the job role itself was very challenging it was doing resident complaint handling. I really wanted to help the people in my cases but it was hard due to the fact the organisation had lots of issues with the management and bureaucracy. The organisation has been in the news a couple of times over its controversial management and not supporting residents housing problems. The department I worked in was very target driven culture and management used to criticise me for not closing cases quickly even though the cases I had ongoing repair issues. So much kept going wrong at work. I really wanted to be a good employee.
I struggled to fit in at work being the youngest and my colleagues were not nice people. Someone who I thought was a friend at work and trusted gossiped about me to everyone else at work while pretending to be my friend. This woman is a mother whoose kids are the same age as me which makes it more disturbing. Her gossip spread and made my life at work absolute hell because the humiliation she put me through. My boss blamed me for bringing "nothing but problems" to the department ever since I arrived. His criticism was so brutal. I take things personally unfortunately.
I got fired for underperforming and not meeting the organisations high standards of good customer service. Since getting fired I feel like I am not good enough anymore for anything and I am scared of getting fired again. If I get another job I will feel have to pretend to be someone else so I can fit in with everyone else.
The jobcentre just keep giving me stress and so much pressure to find work quickly.
submitted by CanyonsEclipse to DWPhelp [link] [comments]
I got fired earlier this year from my first ever full and serious job since graduating university and it has damaged my confidence so much. I worked in the housing sector.
Before I got fired the job role itself was very challenging it was doing resident complaint handling. I really wanted to help the people in my cases but it was hard due to the fact the organisation had lots of issues with the management and bureaucracy. The organisation has been in the news a couple of times over its controversial management and not supporting residents housing problems. The department I worked in was very target driven culture and management used to criticise me for not closing cases quickly even though the cases I had ongoing repair issues. So much kept going wrong at work. I really wanted to be a good employee.
I struggled to fit in at work being the youngest and my colleagues were not nice people. Someone who I thought was a friend at work and trusted gossiped about me to everyone else at work while pretending to be my friend. This woman is a mother whoose kids are the same age as me which makes it more disturbing. Her gossip spread and made my life at work absolute hell because the humiliation she put me through. My boss blamed me for bringing "nothing but problems" to the department ever since I arrived. His criticism was so brutal. I take things personally unfortunately.
I got fired for underperforming and not meeting the organisations high standards of good customer service. Since getting fired I feel like I am not good enough anymore for anything and I am scared of getting fired again. If I get another job I will feel have to pretend to be someone else so I can fit in with everyone else.
The jobcentre just keep giving me stress and so much pressure to find work quickly.
2023.06.08 23:54 EccentricBai Fanwars stay suspended for this Week too
As we are running 500k Celebrations contest, Fanwars are suspended this Friday as well. Even appreciation posts of F4 is banned. Only new news can be posted.
Many posts have been given Awards. This is not a contest where there is only one winner, all good posts gets Awarded by us. Keep posting good content till Sunday.
Poll results were inconclusive. This isn't a democracy where we declare winner by 2 votes. Mod team will discuss and decide if they want to deal with Fanwar Weekly or Monthly . They can even decide fortnightly, it is in their hands as they have to do the hard work
We took a poll to see if we can gauge mood of members. Sub is divided on their opinion, so Mods will take a call.
Helpdesk Account
Please do not DM u/BBNG-Helpdesk for everyday post approvals. All posts from low Karma members go to Mods and they approve it, when they are online. Helpdesk account is for other issues
Brigading and Showboating
Please do not discuss your bans on other Subs here. We don't encourage Brigading (Vote manipulation of other Subs) and Showboating (Discuss bans or mod actions on other Subs), it is strictly not allowed as per Reddit rules.
Such posts will be removed, member will be banned and we will inform Mods of the Sub you try to criticize on this Sub. Please go to Meta Subs for such activities.
Happy Weekend
submitted by EccentricBai to BollyBlindsNGossip [link] [comments]
As we are running 500k Celebrations contest, Fanwars are suspended this Friday as well. Even appreciation posts of F4 is banned. Only new news can be posted.
Many posts have been given Awards. This is not a contest where there is only one winner, all good posts gets Awarded by us. Keep posting good content till Sunday.
Poll results were inconclusive. This isn't a democracy where we declare winner by 2 votes. Mod team will discuss and decide if they want to deal with Fanwar Weekly or Monthly . They can even decide fortnightly, it is in their hands as they have to do the hard work
We took a poll to see if we can gauge mood of members. Sub is divided on their opinion, so Mods will take a call.
Helpdesk Account
Please do not DM u/BBNG-Helpdesk for everyday post approvals. All posts from low Karma members go to Mods and they approve it, when they are online. Helpdesk account is for other issues
Brigading and Showboating
Please do not discuss your bans on other Subs here. We don't encourage Brigading (Vote manipulation of other Subs) and Showboating (Discuss bans or mod actions on other Subs), it is strictly not allowed as per Reddit rules.
Such posts will be removed, member will be banned and we will inform Mods of the Sub you try to criticize on this Sub. Please go to Meta Subs for such activities.
Happy Weekend
2023.06.08 23:48 massettawm "Helium Explained: Past, Present, and Future" & Total Helium (TOH.v TTLHF), the only publicly traded producer of helium
 | "Helium Explained: Past, Present, and Future An Essential Element's Untold Journey" from The Deep Dive introduces the helium opportunity, detailing its history, industrial uses, the helium shortage 4.0 and more: https://youtu.be/weVLF-Cn3y8?t=1 submitted by massettawm to EducatedInvesting [link] [comments] With no substitutes and a limited supply, the global helium market is forecast to grow ~50% over the next 5 years as helium plays an essential role in a range of industries bringing a critical component of various applications including MRI machines, semiconductor manufacturing, and fibre optics. However, the $4.4 billion helium market is facing a supply shortage due to helium's significant demand, resulting in a supply crisis that is squeezing prices higher. As the only publicly traded producer of helium, Total Helium (TOH.v TTLHF) is positioned to be a top supplier of helium in North America & yielding significant returns with its strategy of acquiring already producing assets to eliminate a large amount of risk.https://preview.redd.it/gkakco0d7v4b1.png?width=1730&format=png&auto=webp&s=d05258ad2a95d83a5e55f1065ce6b4b20ff09205TOH is on track to have 20 wells by the second quarter of 2023, with plans to scale up to over 150 wells at its 27,000-acre Pinta South Project located in Arizona's Holbrook Basin, a major and helium-rich field site, where gas concentrations are ~5-8% which is significantly higher than the average helium concentration of up to 3%. For more information on Pinta South, check out TOH CEO Robert Price on Proactive providing an operational update on the project: https://youtu.be/lZruebTtvmk https://preview.redd.it/6xho1agc7v4b1.png?width=1730&format=png&auto=webp&s=a7e82d9eea1ef41f86ef83a8a2589ef532477d17 Notably, TOH has partnered with the largest industrial gas company in the world, Linde ($LIN, $170+B market cap), who committed to fund the pipeline expansion for the project and pay $500/Mcf for the first 10 wells This partnership solidified robust economics for the project as TOH's two wells have already produced 50,000mcf of helium at 8% which amounts to over $9M of helium in three years just from the partnership. With this, TOH provides a compelling investment opportunity to capitalize on a high-growth industry and is strongly positioned to support the rapid growth of America’s high-tech industries that depend on helium. For more information, check out this deep dive from Energy and Gold: https://energyandgold.com/2023/06/06/a-us-helium-producer-aggressively-growing-its-production-profile/ Posted on behalf of Total Helium Ltd |
2023.06.08 23:44 massettawm "An Essential Element's Untold Journey" & the only publicly traded producer of helium, Total Helium (TOH.v TTLHF)
"Helium Explained: Past, Present, and Future An Essential Element's Untold Journey" from The Deep Dive introduces the helium opportunity, detailing its history, industrial uses, the helium shortage 4.0 and more: https://youtu.be/weVLF-Cn3y8?t=1
With no substitutes and a limited supply, the global helium market is forecast to grow ~50% over the next 5 years as helium plays an essential role in a range of industries bringing a critical component of various applications including MRI machines, semiconductor manufacturing, and fibre optics.
However, the $4.4 billion helium market is facing a supply shortage due to helium's significant demand, resulting in a supply crisis that is squeezing prices higher.
TOH is on track to have 20 wells by the second quarter of 2023, with plans to scale up to over 150 wells at its 27,000-acre Pinta South Project located in Arizona's Holbrook Basin, a major and helium-rich field site, where gas concentrations are ~5-8% which is significantly higher than the average helium concentration of up to 3%.
For more information on Pinta South, check out TOH CEO Robert Price on Proactive providing an operational update on the project: https://youtu.be/lZruebTtvmk
https://preview.redd.it/70fsmy3p6v4b1.png?width=1730&format=png&auto=webp&s=205b93b4981478635c11a11ea9d98b38256baa6f
Notably, TOH has partnered with the largest industrial gas company in the world, Linde ($LIN, $170+B market cap), who committed to fund the pipeline expansion for the project and pay $500/Mcf for the first 10 wells
This partnership solidified robust economics for the project as TOH's two wells have already produced 50,000mcf of helium at 8% which amounts to over $9M of helium in three years just from the partnership.
With this, TOH provides a compelling investment opportunity to capitalize on a high-growth industry and is strongly positioned to support the rapid growth of America’s high-tech industries that depend on helium.
For more information, check out this deep dive from Energy and Gold: https://energyandgold.com/2023/06/06/a-us-helium-producer-aggressively-growing-its-production-profile/
Posted on behalf of Total Helium Ltd
submitted by massettawm to wallstreetbets2 [link] [comments]
With no substitutes and a limited supply, the global helium market is forecast to grow ~50% over the next 5 years as helium plays an essential role in a range of industries bringing a critical component of various applications including MRI machines, semiconductor manufacturing, and fibre optics.
However, the $4.4 billion helium market is facing a supply shortage due to helium's significant demand, resulting in a supply crisis that is squeezing prices higher.
As the only publicly traded producer of helium, Total Helium (TOH.v TTLHF) is positioned to be a top supplier of helium in North America & yielding significant returns with its strategy of acquiring already producing assets to eliminate a large amount of risk.
https://preview.redd.it/29lj4bao6v4b1.png?width=1730&format=png&auto=webp&s=719c6846f58a3591cbdf00b675b568d8de6e6615TOH is on track to have 20 wells by the second quarter of 2023, with plans to scale up to over 150 wells at its 27,000-acre Pinta South Project located in Arizona's Holbrook Basin, a major and helium-rich field site, where gas concentrations are ~5-8% which is significantly higher than the average helium concentration of up to 3%.
For more information on Pinta South, check out TOH CEO Robert Price on Proactive providing an operational update on the project: https://youtu.be/lZruebTtvmk
https://preview.redd.it/70fsmy3p6v4b1.png?width=1730&format=png&auto=webp&s=205b93b4981478635c11a11ea9d98b38256baa6f
Notably, TOH has partnered with the largest industrial gas company in the world, Linde ($LIN, $170+B market cap), who committed to fund the pipeline expansion for the project and pay $500/Mcf for the first 10 wells
This partnership solidified robust economics for the project as TOH's two wells have already produced 50,000mcf of helium at 8% which amounts to over $9M of helium in three years just from the partnership.
With this, TOH provides a compelling investment opportunity to capitalize on a high-growth industry and is strongly positioned to support the rapid growth of America’s high-tech industries that depend on helium.
For more information, check out this deep dive from Energy and Gold: https://energyandgold.com/2023/06/06/a-us-helium-producer-aggressively-growing-its-production-profile/
Posted on behalf of Total Helium Ltd
2023.06.08 23:32 Valor_Kish Binged AHS in 10 days - my rankings with explanations
Hello! I'm the same person who made this post and ever since then I have spent hours binging AHS season 2 through 11. I thought I could give my two cents as a brand new fan and hopefully open an interesting discussion! :D The ranking of each season depends on several factors, such as probability of me rewatching it, how immersed I was in the story, how much I liked the characters, and stuff like that. I'll be starting from the bottom and make my way up to first place. Keep in mind I'm not trying to hate on the lowest ranked seasons, I'm just explaining how I perceived them and hopefully somebody can change my mind!
Okay, phew. That was a bit long which I apologise for... and please excuse my repeated usage of the words "interesting" "fun" "easy", I'm a bit tired right now, ha. I hope people will change my mind about Hotel because I really do want to enjoy that particular season more. Again, I don't mean to hate or bash any seasons, I'm just giving my opinion as a brand new watcher and fan. I'm sure some older fans on here can help me understand the appeal of the lower-ranked seasons! Not sure if I should proceed to watch American Horror Stories... if it's any good, I just might.
Thanks for reading this messy ramble and reviews, I wish y'all a great day!
submitted by Valor_Kish to AmericanHorrorStory [link] [comments]
- Double Feature - it feels unfair to put this one at the absolute bottom because I generally liked Red Tide a lot, I enjoyed seeing Lily Rabe and Finn Wittrock playing the protagonists and their daughter was a pretty ok (slightly antagonistic?) character. I also enjoyed Evan Peters as Austin Summers, just a funky dude. Unfortunately, the complete mess that was Death Valley brings this down to last place. I may be biased because I don't like aliens/UFOs/space-themed things, but the second part just felt so out of place and cluttered. The whole alien pregnancy thing just felt gross to watch, to me. Death Valley was incredibly boring and I didn't understand much of the black&white parts of the episodes. If it wasn't for Death Valley, I'd probably rank this season on place 7.
- Hotel - it was very difficult for me to get through this season. I very much enjoyed James Patrick March and The Countess as characters, but besides them I didn't have a lot of interest in the rest. I didn't really enjoy John Lowe as the protagonist (I'm also not familiar with the actor) and at the end I didn't get what the message was. It felt a bit out of place that this season played out in modern times, I think I would've enjoyed it more if it were the fifties or something like that. I also cringed a bit hearing the Swedish girls talk (I am Swedish), but I guess that's just a personal thing... I'm surprised they survived until the end though (unless my memory betrays me), but honestly that was an interesting detail. I think people here have mixed opinions of Hotel, I usually see it falling somewhere in the bottom-middle of rankings... James March was entertaining to watch and I found him pretty funny, but I think he was the only character that made it worthwhile for me to continue watching.
- NYC - to my knowledge, this season is all about the AIDS epidemic and the history of homosexuals in USA... which was interesting and insightful to watch! The last two episodes were a bit of a bore for me, but I found the rest of the episodes pretty good. I read somewhere that Big Daddy was supposedly a symbol of AIDS/HIV(?) which I think was creative. Honestly though, I almost solely watched this season for Zachary Quinto, lol, and I think he was great! With Evan Peters, Jessica Lange, and Lily Rabe missing I didn't find this season as interesting as the older ones, but in general I think this season highlighted the struggles of LGBTQ people during that time period in the US pretty well. Though it's not a subject I'm passionate about, it made me more knowledgeable. I was happy to see Patti LuPone and Joe Mantello as I had previously seen both of them in the show "Hollywood"!
- Apocalypse - like many others have said, this season kind of feels like a Coven 2. I was very happy to see the witches returning and I think them fighting the Antichrist was entertaining, as well as seeing his backstory explained (plus bringing back Jessica as Constance). The first few episodes were a bit slow, but ultimately it was fun watching the witches battle the (male) witches for the place of the Supreme. Besides that, I didn't think this season was that remarkable, and I think it would've been justified as a part two of Coven instead of a stand-alone season. I think this season got my hopes up because of its name (I like apocalypse-themed movies, like 2012, World War Z, Greenland...), so that's why it takes eighth place.
- Roanoke - it was definitely different seeing the "show within a show" turn the directors decided to take, and I think it was well-executed! The story was relatively easy to follow, and I think Kathy Bates played an excellent role. Short as his screen time might be, I liked Evan Peters' performance as Edward Mott (it was interesting to see a character related to Dandy Mott also!). This season definitely felt a bit more raw and scary, and I generally enjoyed it a bunch. The reason it's not higher on the list is because I wasn't really used to the "show within a show" concept and I didn't find any characters particularly extraordinary, but it was a fun season and I liked it nonetheless.
- 1984 - just like Roanoke, the storyline was easy to follow and I liked seeing Emma Roberts this time around as well. While I think it was good, I couldn't go in-depth about it because it felt a bit... light compared to other seasons? Maybe because it only had 9 episodes, but it didn't give me enough time to really become interested in the characters and wanting to know their backstory. It was kind of a feel-good season for me because I just love the 80s and its whole aesthetic (+music and fashion), and so I didn't focus a whole lot on the plot. I did enjoy the ending though and in my opinion it is one of the best season endings in AHS (always happy to see Finn Wittrock returning). I can imagine rewatching it, this time paying a bit more attention to the details rather than the aesthetics.
- Coven - so, prior to even watching AHS, I had heard and seen a lot of Coven. Supposedly many people say it's one of the most iconic seasons. In general, I like witches and spells, and I think the casting this season was perfect. The reason this one falls a bit low though, is because of the treatment of Kyle by Zoe and Madison. The fact they built the perfect body for him, then resurrecting him, then bringing him to his abusive mother was so unbeliavably cruel. It's not like Kyle returned to his old self once he came back to life, he was aggressive and confused and had to be taught basic things like a lab rat and he was treated like an object, more or less. It was saddening to see and I honestly don't appreciate the direction they decided to go with his character. I think if Kyle had ended up not getting into the bus and getting killed (instead discovering the witches on his own and being part of their company) it would've been way more interesting! So yeah, I miss pre-death Kyle. It was also a bit confusing for me to understand the plot and some of its witchy concepts, but for that reason I might also rewatch this one. However, I cannot explain how much I loved Fiona and the Axeman - I am obsessed with them and I don't know what the general consensus of this "ship" is, but Danny Huston and Jessica Lange's chemistry together is amazing, which is why I was happy to see him starring in Freak Show as well! I also found Delphine and Queenie's interactions hilarious, and was happy to see they ended up being friends despite their different... views. Generally, it's fun seeing a character from like the 1700s travel to modern time and having to get used to what's happening now.
- Cult - I've seen many people here saying they don't like Cult because it's too political, which is understandable, but as somebody who enjoys politics (and is non-American!) this season was incredibly insightful for me. I got an image of how the US in 2016 might've looked, both for politicians and citizens. Kai Anderson was a bit of an infuriating character since he reminded me of chronically online redpilled incels, but I think he was a good antagonist and Evan played him perfectly. I was happy to see Winter not taking the same direction as her brother politically, instead standing her ground and holding her own beliefs whilst also having a kind of wholesome bond with him. I think Ally could get a bit annoying at times with all of her phobias, but ultimately I don't really dislike her. I enjoyed this season lots actually, even though I don't tend to prefer seasons being played out in modern time.
- Murder House - like many here have said, this is the season that made most people watch AHS, and so I think it deserves appreciation for that alone. While I think Ben and Vivien seemed a bit underdeveloped, I enjoyed Evan's first role as Tate, as well as Taissa Farmiga as Violet. I'm not the type to "ship" Tate and Violet, but I did find their interactions interesting because of their different personalities. Initially I didn't pay a lot of attention to Jessica Lange as Constance, but in hindsight I can say she played a vital role. I found the feud between Constance and Moira funny at times, and I also enjoyed Jamie Brewer's performance when she played Adelaide! I did find Hayden pretty irritating though. Besides that, this is an entertaining season and I have no bigger issues with it... was also happy to see Zach here, lol.
- Freak Show - I like the concept of horror circuses and scary clowns, so this was an easy season for me to digest. I know quite a few people don't like Jessica Lange's singing performances this season, but I honestly think she killed the cover of "Gods and Monsters". Seeing Pepper's backstory was sad, but it was also interesting seeing why she had ended up at Briarcliff. It was pretty fun seeing Michael Chiklis (Dell Toledo) since I had previously seen him playing in the show Gotham, and as always nice to see Danny Huston. I know a lot of people here also don't like Dandy Mott, but honestly, I think Finn Wittrock KILLED this role. He wasn't your typical villain, he was a rich, spoiled, man-child who kept throwing tantrums and I found that so funny. I also enjoyed Frances Conroy's performance as Dandy's mother Gloria. I was surprised to see Neil Patrick Harris in this season, but he played his role pretty good and I think he made the later episodes a bit more interesting. I think the highlight of this season is definitely Dandy Mott, he was hilarious and appeared super annoying but also had a very dark personality... and his mother trying to defend him, lmao. Also was fun seeing Twisty return in Cult! Great season all around, honestly.
Okay, phew. That was a bit long which I apologise for... and please excuse my repeated usage of the words "interesting" "fun" "easy", I'm a bit tired right now, ha. I hope people will change my mind about Hotel because I really do want to enjoy that particular season more. Again, I don't mean to hate or bash any seasons, I'm just giving my opinion as a brand new watcher and fan. I'm sure some older fans on here can help me understand the appeal of the lower-ranked seasons! Not sure if I should proceed to watch American Horror Stories... if it's any good, I just might.
Thanks for reading this messy ramble and reviews, I wish y'all a great day!
2023.06.08 23:27 Drakolf Dragon Rising- 24. Divine Agency:
She was malice and hatred, her efforts to undermine the Empire's efforts for peace- in spite of everything the Humans had done- had culminated in her attempting to simply raze everything and force the issue.
Brave and Noble Kurtulmak, God of Kobolds, had roared with all of the ferocity of a Dragon, sacrificing himself to ensure Bahamut, the Justicemaker, could strike Tiamat's heart, and in his final breath, begged Bahamut to protect his people.
"That's a load of fucking bullshit!" I yapped.
The Priests of Bahamut recoiled at my words, clearly not anticipating that I- who miraculously returned, whose resurrection was clearly a divine miracle, and was thus also clearly a sign of Bahamut's favor- would be pissed.
"There is absolutely zero fucking way that actually happened!" I snapped.
It was a full day since my resurrection, and I'd been exhausted. I was still exhausted, but I absolutely was not having any fuckery. So I calmly asked them for the account of what had happened, after overhearing them talking about how Bahamut had clearly brought me back and pushing the holy vestments on me.
Which I did wear, because I wasn't going to go around naked.
This of course was the wrong choice because it gave their story some implicit weight.
"Alright, so first off, Asgorath was the one who brought me back, not Bahamut." I said, shutting down that narrative immediately. "Second, the only reason he did that was because I guess I impressed him? Third, he brought me to Bahamut's palace, Bahamut didn't bring me there, and fourth-" I paused, my anger at the situation briefly giving way to a pang of grief. "And fourth, Kurtulmak was already dead when Bahamut arrived."
"Imperator, clearly you must still be exhausted and confused from-"
I flung Magic Missiles at him, he was sturdier than Humans, but he still died. "Bring him back!" I ordered. "I though he'd survive."
This of course terrified the priests, who did bring him back immediately.
I stood up and walked over to the window overlooking the area. The town had been eradicated, it was only thanks to our efforts to get Darastrixthurhi livable that the nursery survived.
"Do any of you remember what Christianity was like?" I asked.
"Y-yes, Imperator." One of the Priests stated.
"Stop acting like a Christian, and start following your God's tenets, or I swear upon mine I will kill you and leave him to deal with you."
"Ruuk, that's enough." Tallyn warned. "We lost most of our family, we didn't know what to think of what happened, we went with what made sense."
"I can understand that." I said. "Mistakes happen, and sometimes things are misunderstood." I shot a glare at the Priest. "I will not tolerate attempts at gaslighting me into believing your story. Bahamut is ashamed of you."
He looked away, then looked back at me before bowing. "I am sorry, Imperator. Please forgive my transgression."
"I've already killed you once." I said. "You don't need forgiveness, you only need to do better. Make your actions your apology, words are meaningless before Bahamut." The way he stared at me with such profundity indicated that he had absolutely not considered that before.
"Tallyn, what the fuck is going on when something that basic escapes your notice?"
"Times have been difficult." Tallyn replied. "Galax was killed on that day, he gave his life protecting us from Tiamat's breath weapon."
"A shame. He was a dick, but he was at least on the right path. Who's in charge of the Temple?"
"That would be Mitne, the Dragonborn." Tallyn replied. "We've been quarantined since the attack, except this time, it's for a good reason."
"Yeah, Kurtulmak's divine essence is causing Humans to turn into Kobolds, but without his guidance." I said. "Have they at least let anyone out?"
"No. It extends to anyone we touch, anyone we try to heal. We chose to be quarantined."
This wasn't even square one. This was the table being flipped by an irate player who didn't get their way.
"Any negative effects on our people?" I asked. He shook his head. "Good, there's that, at least. Did any worshipers of Kurtulmak remain?"
"There were some holdouts, but..."
"But?" I pressed.
"We converted them." Tallyn said. "Not by force, I know you would never forgive us for that, but since Kurtulmak is dead... There's no point in worshiping a dead god."
"I see." I said. "I want everyone who was affiliated with Kurtulmak's Temple brought to me immediately."
They hesitated, but complied.
There were only fifty of them, all dressed in Bahamut's vestments.
"I'm going to give you all a choice." I said. "Remain in Bahamut's Temple, or join me in a fool's errand to worship a dead God." They looked at each other. "Until yesterday, not a single one of you made any efforts to worship him, I am currently the only one stubborn enough to do so. Now, make your choice. If you will join me, cast aside your vestments, and pledge your service to my God. If Bahamut complains, he can bother me about it."
The way they removed the vestments indicated they only went with Bahamut's Temple because they were convinced to, or maybe even forced to, I couldn't trust that Tallyn knew everything.
"Tonight." I said, looking at them critically. "We will be performing a public ritual in Kurtulmak's honor. If the Temple of Bahamut deigns to strike against us, do not kill them if you can help it, but make them suffer, for they act against their God's wishes."
Maybe. I wasn't entirely certain why he searched for me, or why Asgorath brought me back- the latter, at least, I could think as doing it just for the sake of doing it, maybe there was some sort of balance my being brought back would achieve, or maybe he wanted Kurtulmak's story to have a more satisfying ending, I wasn't certain, nor would I ever really be certain.
All I knew was, if there was some way to bring him back, I would most certainly do it, and the first thing that came to mind was worship, there was a reason why Gods needed followers,
In spite of my exhaustion, keeping my resurrection a secret was a Bad Idea. If the Temple of Bahamut's new High Priest was a problem, he'd try to do more than a little gaslighting,
I looked at the Priests of Bahamut, who observed this all with disappointment in their eyes.
"Gather the people." I said. "Tell them their Imperator has words that must be heard."
One of them scowled, I walked up to her. "Is there going to be a problem?" I asked in a low tone. "Do not think for a second I did not see that look you gave me. A year may have passed, but do not forget the antagonism the Temple brought me under better leadership. I was the one Bahamut directed when platinum was needed for your Temple, I was the one who had the platinum sword forged."
I paused, bending over to keep her looking at me as she tried to look away. "Your actions now dictate whether I return as a benevolent leader, or a cruel tyrant, I will happily go either way as long as what needs to get done gets done. I am electing to do good, in honor of your God's pact with mine. I do not need to be. Is this understood?"
"Yes, Imperator." She said.
"Direct your High Priest here." I said. "Tell him his Imperator wants him for words."
"Imperator, the High Priest does not answer to anyone other than Bahamut." Another spoke.
"He will, if he understands what's good for him." I said. "Last I recall, Mitne is not a Kobold, he was Human before he was reborn, and unless he has proven he understands what is necessary for the Warren, and not just his God's glory, I cannot trust that the very concerning actions I've seen today are not indicative of a more systemic problem."
"We serve Bahamut's will." The third Priest stated.
"Your names, tell me them." I said. They blinked, confused. "Are you disobeying a direct order from one whom Bahamut sought out in death, whom Asgorath saw fit to return to life?" I asked. "Or am I only a convenience if I am compliant to the machinations of the Temple?"
"Rahmut." The Priestess spoke, her gaze turned downward.
"Kuudra." The first spoke, his gaze meeting mine evenly.
"Farin, Imperator." The third spoke with slightly more respect.
"This one gets it." I said. "The people gathered now, the High Priest brought in here immediately. Failure to do either will be considered treason. Is this understood?"
"What, may I ask, is the punishment for treason?" Kuudra asked.
"For the time being, a sharp slap to the face. I'll move up to the death penalty if it gets particularly egregious."
They bowed.
"Fuck's sake, did you forget our salute?" I asked. They froze. "Out."
They left.
"Imperator." I looked toward the fifty, all saluted. I smiled and nodded.
Slowly, the people below gathered, Tallyn returned, and for a moment, there was a moment of tension between us.
"Does my manner of addressing your Temple displease you, Tallyn?" I asked.
"I'd be lying if I said it didn't." He replied. He held out a bundle of cloth, and I took it. My eyes widened as I saw the crimson sheen of the leather armor Kurtulmak had made for me.
"I thought I was incinerated?" I asked.
"Our Artificers classify it as a legendary item, unsurprising considering it was created by a God." He said. "It takes more than a solid blast to destroy an item like that. I may have needed to punch a few Priests to get it out, Bahamut will take it out of my hide at his discretion.
My once-blind eye ached. "He will not." The words came unbidden from my own lips, I held hands grasping my shoulders firmly. Tallyn's eyes widened, he knelt immediately. "I speak through your Imperator, and shall only reveal myself when necessary. Tallyn is, and always has been since that day two and one half years ago, my claimed agent upon this world." The chuckle I heard did not come from my own mouth, yet it reverberated throughout the room. "He has made me almost regret giving him my regard many times."
"What is your wisdom, my God?" Tallyn asked.
"Justice and Good above all else, yet even Evil may be paid unto Evil. So long as justice is served, so long as Good is preserved, the means to achieve that Justice may be forgiven. Ruuk understands what I need*, I will tolerate his indiscretions so long as it achieves that ultimate goal."*
I felt those hands loosen, for a moment, I felt like I was going to faint.
'I am here, Ruuk, as I always have been. Do what needs done.' Bahamut's voice echoed in my mind, and the aching in my eye faded.
"The people are gathered." Tallyn spoke. "Let them know their Imperator has returned."
I put on my armor, finding comfort in its presence, and I strode toward the balcony. It was dead silent before I showed up, and the only indication that anyone realized who I was, was a few startled gasps.
'We have imbued you with further power.' Bahamut spoke. 'A year is a long time to be gone, this gift will ensure the people understand who has advocated for your return.'
I climbed onto the balcony. "Altiuiri thran hansa tairais." My words reverberated with power, and I stepped off of the balcony. The screams were short lived, once the spectral wings burst out from my back. I descended such that everyone could clearly see me.
"By the effort of Bahamut, and the grace of Asgorath, your Imperator has returned." I spoke. "I am very, very disappointed, I am gone for one year, and everything goes to shit."
I made it obvious that, in spite of my clear disapproval with things, I was trying to be humorous. A handful of people laughed. Good, I didn't need fear quite yet. Everyone was dressed in some kind of vestment, which told me a lot about how the prior administration ran. I could feel Bahamut's anger burning within my heart.
'They are required by law to show fealty to me.' He spoke. 'I grant you permission to destroy this mockery of my will.'
"To those who do not feel the need to pledge your fealty to Bahamut, disrobe immediately. Those vestments are nothing but a mark of slavery to a faith you do not follow."
I could see palpable relief in the eyes of most of the people, who didn't even hesitate to undress. "To the rest, may your faith to your God be respected, you are the ones who have use for such things- even so, you are not required to show your devotion in such a way. Disrobe, if it is your desire."
A handful of Kobolds undressed. "Place the vestments over there." I said, pointing at an empty spot. They did so.
'Now, burn this mockery against me.'
I pointed my finger at the pile, each vestment folded with respect. "Docar ethim nil'gnos." I spoke, and the firebolt streaked toward the pile, setting it ablaze instantly. There were a few shocked gasps.
"May this affront to Bahamut's ideals be burned away, zyak qe coi."
"Tomorrow." I said. "I want each of you to write any complaints or criticisms you may have had in the preceding year. If for whatever reason you do not have access to paper or writing implements, I will ensure you have something, if only to ensure clear communication. You will write your name, as well as anything that comes to mind, no matter how petty, no matter how insignificant. And if anyone bars your way toward delivering these to me personally, you have every right to strike them down, as they will be a traitor to the Empire."
'Call out the name of Kova, have her approach.'
"Kova." I spoke, "You are within this crowd, approach."
A female Kobold slowly made her way over to me. she was bruised, her eyes downcast. "What has happened to you?" I asked, lowering myself to stand before her.
"I- spoke out against the Temple." She said. "They beat me for blasphemy."
'This is my gift to you, it is your own power, you do not need to pray to me for this.' Bahamut spoke.
I gently rest my hand on her, guided by Bahamut, but not controlled. I spoke, "Irisv itov erlelee." I felt a rush of power completely unlike Sorcery, the bruises healed, her dull scales regained their luster, she looked up at me with wide eyes.
"Brutality to our own is evil." I spoke. "Speak freely, your voice is the voice of the Empire, as are the voices of your fellow Kobolds. In benevolence or tyranny, I would never silence you."
I had some very sharp words for Mitna.
I pulled away from her and flew up again. "Tomorrow." I spoke. "Though I work within the gifts given to me by Bahamut, I will be leading a ritual in honor of Kurtulmak." A quote came to mind. "That is not dead which can eternal lie; and with strange aeons even death may die. Until the day I die, I will not give up on my God, our Emperor. Go in peace."
I flew back up to the throne room. "Tallyn." I said. "Why have beatings occurred under your leadership?" I asked.
"Wait, beatings?" He asked.
Footsteps echoed as one of the Priests returned. "Imperator." Farin stated, he started to bow, caught himself, and then saluted. "The High Priest has refused to see you." He said.
[Navigation for 'Dragon Rising'- [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9] [10] [11] [12] [13] [14] [15] [16] [17] [18] [19] [20] [21] [22] [23] [24] [25]]
submitted by Drakolf to DrakolfsWritings [link] [comments]
Brave and Noble Kurtulmak, God of Kobolds, had roared with all of the ferocity of a Dragon, sacrificing himself to ensure Bahamut, the Justicemaker, could strike Tiamat's heart, and in his final breath, begged Bahamut to protect his people.
"That's a load of fucking bullshit!" I yapped.
The Priests of Bahamut recoiled at my words, clearly not anticipating that I- who miraculously returned, whose resurrection was clearly a divine miracle, and was thus also clearly a sign of Bahamut's favor- would be pissed.
"There is absolutely zero fucking way that actually happened!" I snapped.
It was a full day since my resurrection, and I'd been exhausted. I was still exhausted, but I absolutely was not having any fuckery. So I calmly asked them for the account of what had happened, after overhearing them talking about how Bahamut had clearly brought me back and pushing the holy vestments on me.
Which I did wear, because I wasn't going to go around naked.
This of course was the wrong choice because it gave their story some implicit weight.
"Alright, so first off, Asgorath was the one who brought me back, not Bahamut." I said, shutting down that narrative immediately. "Second, the only reason he did that was because I guess I impressed him? Third, he brought me to Bahamut's palace, Bahamut didn't bring me there, and fourth-" I paused, my anger at the situation briefly giving way to a pang of grief. "And fourth, Kurtulmak was already dead when Bahamut arrived."
"Imperator, clearly you must still be exhausted and confused from-"
I flung Magic Missiles at him, he was sturdier than Humans, but he still died. "Bring him back!" I ordered. "I though he'd survive."
This of course terrified the priests, who did bring him back immediately.
I stood up and walked over to the window overlooking the area. The town had been eradicated, it was only thanks to our efforts to get Darastrixthurhi livable that the nursery survived.
"Do any of you remember what Christianity was like?" I asked.
"Y-yes, Imperator." One of the Priests stated.
"Stop acting like a Christian, and start following your God's tenets, or I swear upon mine I will kill you and leave him to deal with you."
"Ruuk, that's enough." Tallyn warned. "We lost most of our family, we didn't know what to think of what happened, we went with what made sense."
"I can understand that." I said. "Mistakes happen, and sometimes things are misunderstood." I shot a glare at the Priest. "I will not tolerate attempts at gaslighting me into believing your story. Bahamut is ashamed of you."
He looked away, then looked back at me before bowing. "I am sorry, Imperator. Please forgive my transgression."
"I've already killed you once." I said. "You don't need forgiveness, you only need to do better. Make your actions your apology, words are meaningless before Bahamut." The way he stared at me with such profundity indicated that he had absolutely not considered that before.
"Tallyn, what the fuck is going on when something that basic escapes your notice?"
"Times have been difficult." Tallyn replied. "Galax was killed on that day, he gave his life protecting us from Tiamat's breath weapon."
"A shame. He was a dick, but he was at least on the right path. Who's in charge of the Temple?"
"That would be Mitne, the Dragonborn." Tallyn replied. "We've been quarantined since the attack, except this time, it's for a good reason."
"Yeah, Kurtulmak's divine essence is causing Humans to turn into Kobolds, but without his guidance." I said. "Have they at least let anyone out?"
"No. It extends to anyone we touch, anyone we try to heal. We chose to be quarantined."
This wasn't even square one. This was the table being flipped by an irate player who didn't get their way.
"Any negative effects on our people?" I asked. He shook his head. "Good, there's that, at least. Did any worshipers of Kurtulmak remain?"
"There were some holdouts, but..."
"But?" I pressed.
"We converted them." Tallyn said. "Not by force, I know you would never forgive us for that, but since Kurtulmak is dead... There's no point in worshiping a dead god."
"I see." I said. "I want everyone who was affiliated with Kurtulmak's Temple brought to me immediately."
They hesitated, but complied.
There were only fifty of them, all dressed in Bahamut's vestments.
"I'm going to give you all a choice." I said. "Remain in Bahamut's Temple, or join me in a fool's errand to worship a dead God." They looked at each other. "Until yesterday, not a single one of you made any efforts to worship him, I am currently the only one stubborn enough to do so. Now, make your choice. If you will join me, cast aside your vestments, and pledge your service to my God. If Bahamut complains, he can bother me about it."
The way they removed the vestments indicated they only went with Bahamut's Temple because they were convinced to, or maybe even forced to, I couldn't trust that Tallyn knew everything.
"Tonight." I said, looking at them critically. "We will be performing a public ritual in Kurtulmak's honor. If the Temple of Bahamut deigns to strike against us, do not kill them if you can help it, but make them suffer, for they act against their God's wishes."
Maybe. I wasn't entirely certain why he searched for me, or why Asgorath brought me back- the latter, at least, I could think as doing it just for the sake of doing it, maybe there was some sort of balance my being brought back would achieve, or maybe he wanted Kurtulmak's story to have a more satisfying ending, I wasn't certain, nor would I ever really be certain.
All I knew was, if there was some way to bring him back, I would most certainly do it, and the first thing that came to mind was worship, there was a reason why Gods needed followers,
In spite of my exhaustion, keeping my resurrection a secret was a Bad Idea. If the Temple of Bahamut's new High Priest was a problem, he'd try to do more than a little gaslighting,
I looked at the Priests of Bahamut, who observed this all with disappointment in their eyes.
"Gather the people." I said. "Tell them their Imperator has words that must be heard."
One of them scowled, I walked up to her. "Is there going to be a problem?" I asked in a low tone. "Do not think for a second I did not see that look you gave me. A year may have passed, but do not forget the antagonism the Temple brought me under better leadership. I was the one Bahamut directed when platinum was needed for your Temple, I was the one who had the platinum sword forged."
I paused, bending over to keep her looking at me as she tried to look away. "Your actions now dictate whether I return as a benevolent leader, or a cruel tyrant, I will happily go either way as long as what needs to get done gets done. I am electing to do good, in honor of your God's pact with mine. I do not need to be. Is this understood?"
"Yes, Imperator." She said.
"Direct your High Priest here." I said. "Tell him his Imperator wants him for words."
"Imperator, the High Priest does not answer to anyone other than Bahamut." Another spoke.
"He will, if he understands what's good for him." I said. "Last I recall, Mitne is not a Kobold, he was Human before he was reborn, and unless he has proven he understands what is necessary for the Warren, and not just his God's glory, I cannot trust that the very concerning actions I've seen today are not indicative of a more systemic problem."
"We serve Bahamut's will." The third Priest stated.
"Your names, tell me them." I said. They blinked, confused. "Are you disobeying a direct order from one whom Bahamut sought out in death, whom Asgorath saw fit to return to life?" I asked. "Or am I only a convenience if I am compliant to the machinations of the Temple?"
"Rahmut." The Priestess spoke, her gaze turned downward.
"Kuudra." The first spoke, his gaze meeting mine evenly.
"Farin, Imperator." The third spoke with slightly more respect.
"This one gets it." I said. "The people gathered now, the High Priest brought in here immediately. Failure to do either will be considered treason. Is this understood?"
"What, may I ask, is the punishment for treason?" Kuudra asked.
"For the time being, a sharp slap to the face. I'll move up to the death penalty if it gets particularly egregious."
They bowed.
"Fuck's sake, did you forget our salute?" I asked. They froze. "Out."
They left.
"Imperator." I looked toward the fifty, all saluted. I smiled and nodded.
Slowly, the people below gathered, Tallyn returned, and for a moment, there was a moment of tension between us.
"Does my manner of addressing your Temple displease you, Tallyn?" I asked.
"I'd be lying if I said it didn't." He replied. He held out a bundle of cloth, and I took it. My eyes widened as I saw the crimson sheen of the leather armor Kurtulmak had made for me.
"I thought I was incinerated?" I asked.
"Our Artificers classify it as a legendary item, unsurprising considering it was created by a God." He said. "It takes more than a solid blast to destroy an item like that. I may have needed to punch a few Priests to get it out, Bahamut will take it out of my hide at his discretion.
My once-blind eye ached. "He will not." The words came unbidden from my own lips, I held hands grasping my shoulders firmly. Tallyn's eyes widened, he knelt immediately. "I speak through your Imperator, and shall only reveal myself when necessary. Tallyn is, and always has been since that day two and one half years ago, my claimed agent upon this world." The chuckle I heard did not come from my own mouth, yet it reverberated throughout the room. "He has made me almost regret giving him my regard many times."
"What is your wisdom, my God?" Tallyn asked.
"Justice and Good above all else, yet even Evil may be paid unto Evil. So long as justice is served, so long as Good is preserved, the means to achieve that Justice may be forgiven. Ruuk understands what I need*, I will tolerate his indiscretions so long as it achieves that ultimate goal."*
I felt those hands loosen, for a moment, I felt like I was going to faint.
'I am here, Ruuk, as I always have been. Do what needs done.' Bahamut's voice echoed in my mind, and the aching in my eye faded.
"The people are gathered." Tallyn spoke. "Let them know their Imperator has returned."
I put on my armor, finding comfort in its presence, and I strode toward the balcony. It was dead silent before I showed up, and the only indication that anyone realized who I was, was a few startled gasps.
'We have imbued you with further power.' Bahamut spoke. 'A year is a long time to be gone, this gift will ensure the people understand who has advocated for your return.'
I climbed onto the balcony. "Altiuiri thran hansa tairais." My words reverberated with power, and I stepped off of the balcony. The screams were short lived, once the spectral wings burst out from my back. I descended such that everyone could clearly see me.
"By the effort of Bahamut, and the grace of Asgorath, your Imperator has returned." I spoke. "I am very, very disappointed, I am gone for one year, and everything goes to shit."
I made it obvious that, in spite of my clear disapproval with things, I was trying to be humorous. A handful of people laughed. Good, I didn't need fear quite yet. Everyone was dressed in some kind of vestment, which told me a lot about how the prior administration ran. I could feel Bahamut's anger burning within my heart.
'They are required by law to show fealty to me.' He spoke. 'I grant you permission to destroy this mockery of my will.'
"To those who do not feel the need to pledge your fealty to Bahamut, disrobe immediately. Those vestments are nothing but a mark of slavery to a faith you do not follow."
I could see palpable relief in the eyes of most of the people, who didn't even hesitate to undress. "To the rest, may your faith to your God be respected, you are the ones who have use for such things- even so, you are not required to show your devotion in such a way. Disrobe, if it is your desire."
A handful of Kobolds undressed. "Place the vestments over there." I said, pointing at an empty spot. They did so.
'Now, burn this mockery against me.'
I pointed my finger at the pile, each vestment folded with respect. "Docar ethim nil'gnos." I spoke, and the firebolt streaked toward the pile, setting it ablaze instantly. There were a few shocked gasps.
"May this affront to Bahamut's ideals be burned away, zyak qe coi."
"Tomorrow." I said. "I want each of you to write any complaints or criticisms you may have had in the preceding year. If for whatever reason you do not have access to paper or writing implements, I will ensure you have something, if only to ensure clear communication. You will write your name, as well as anything that comes to mind, no matter how petty, no matter how insignificant. And if anyone bars your way toward delivering these to me personally, you have every right to strike them down, as they will be a traitor to the Empire."
'Call out the name of Kova, have her approach.'
"Kova." I spoke, "You are within this crowd, approach."
A female Kobold slowly made her way over to me. she was bruised, her eyes downcast. "What has happened to you?" I asked, lowering myself to stand before her.
"I- spoke out against the Temple." She said. "They beat me for blasphemy."
'This is my gift to you, it is your own power, you do not need to pray to me for this.' Bahamut spoke.
I gently rest my hand on her, guided by Bahamut, but not controlled. I spoke, "Irisv itov erlelee." I felt a rush of power completely unlike Sorcery, the bruises healed, her dull scales regained their luster, she looked up at me with wide eyes.
"Brutality to our own is evil." I spoke. "Speak freely, your voice is the voice of the Empire, as are the voices of your fellow Kobolds. In benevolence or tyranny, I would never silence you."
I had some very sharp words for Mitna.
I pulled away from her and flew up again. "Tomorrow." I spoke. "Though I work within the gifts given to me by Bahamut, I will be leading a ritual in honor of Kurtulmak." A quote came to mind. "That is not dead which can eternal lie; and with strange aeons even death may die. Until the day I die, I will not give up on my God, our Emperor. Go in peace."
I flew back up to the throne room. "Tallyn." I said. "Why have beatings occurred under your leadership?" I asked.
"Wait, beatings?" He asked.
Footsteps echoed as one of the Priests returned. "Imperator." Farin stated, he started to bow, caught himself, and then saluted. "The High Priest has refused to see you." He said.
[Navigation for 'Dragon Rising'- [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9] [10] [11] [12] [13] [14] [15] [16] [17] [18] [19] [20] [21] [22] [23] [24] [25]]
2023.06.08 23:26 AnnihilatedTyro /r/Mariners will go dark June 12th to protest Reddit's API changes
This subreddit will be joining in on the June 12th-14th protest of Reddit's API changes that will essentially kill all 3rd party Reddit apps.
What's going on?
A recent Reddit policy change threatens to kill many beloved third-party mobile apps, making a great many quality-of-life features not seen in the official app permanently inaccessible to users.On May 31, 2023, Reddit announced they were raising the price to make calls to their API from being free to a level that will kill every third party app on Reddit, from Apollo to Reddit is Fun to Narwhal to BaconReader. Apollo and RIF have already announced they will be forced to shut down June 30th.
Even if you're not a mobile user and don't use any of those apps, this is a step toward killing other ways of customizing Reddit, such as Reddit Enhancement Suite or the use of the old.reddit.com desktop interface.
This isn't only a problem on the user level: many subreddit moderators depend on tools only available outside the official app to keep their communities safe from spammers, scammers, brigades, and illegal/NSFW content.
Additionally, this is a critical issue for the visually impaired, as third-party apps have implemented accessibility features that Reddit itself has not. Reddit's proposed changes effectively remove these users from the site.
What's the plan?
On June 12th, many subreddits will be going dark to protest this policy. Some will return after 48 hours: others will go away permanently unless the issue is adequately addressed, since many moderators aren't able to put in the work they do with the poor tools available through the official app. This isn't something any of us do lightly: we do what we do because we love Reddit, and we truly believe this change will make it impossible to keep doing what we love.The two-day blackout isn't the goal, and it isn't the end. Should things reach the 14th with no sign of Reddit choosing to fix what they've broken, we'll use the community and buzz we've built between then and now as a tool for further action.
What can you do as a user?
- Complain. Message the mods of /reddit.com, who are the admins of the site: message reddit: submit a support request: comment in relevant threads on /reddit, such as this one, leave a negative review on their official iOS or Android app- and sign your username in support to this post.
- Spread the word. /Save3rdPartyApps is there to help. Rabble-rouse on related subreddits. Meme it up, make it spicy. Bitch about it to your cat. Suggest anyone you know who moderates a subreddit to join the coordinated mod effort at /ModCoord.
- Boycott and spread the word...to Reddit's competition! Stay off Reddit entirely on June 12th through the 13th- instead, take to your favorite non-Reddit platform of choice and make some noise in support!
- Don't be a jerk. As upsetting this may be, threats, profanity and vandalism will be worse than useless in getting people on our side. Please make every effort to be as restrained, polite, reasonable and law-abiding as possible.
-Mariners Mod Team
2023.06.08 23:26 Flashy_Editor6877 The P3 Wide Gamut Color 'Gotcha'
Flutter listened to us...sort of about supporing P3 Wide Gamut Colors with the latest release. BUT...it's only for images. I don't know how or why only images got P3 support, but it almost makes it worse having bright popping images with a flat/dull UI and videos. If Flutter wants to compete and stay on top, this is critical for the end users.
Original Github Issue:Add Display P3 wide gamut colors profile to Flutter (a.k.a. enable 25% more colors in Flutter)https://github.com/flutteflutteissues/55092#issuecomment-1569362683
"Speak Up" Post:https://www.reddit.com/FlutterDev/comments/yywx66/attn_all_your_vote_is_needed_to_fix_critical/
"Victory" post...so I thought:
https://www.reddit.com/FlutterDev/comments/11gqjvo/we_did_it_add_display_p3_wide_gamut_colors/
Let's do this right though and be cautious of "farming" thumbs up
This is a democracy, so if you want full support, you know what do do and where to do it ;)
New Github Issue to FULLY support P3:
Implement wide gamut color support in the Framework
https://github.com/flutteflutteissues/127855
submitted by Flashy_Editor6877 to FlutterDev [link] [comments]
Original Github Issue:Add Display P3 wide gamut colors profile to Flutter (a.k.a. enable 25% more colors in Flutter)https://github.com/flutteflutteissues/55092#issuecomment-1569362683
"Speak Up" Post:https://www.reddit.com/FlutterDev/comments/yywx66/attn_all_your_vote_is_needed_to_fix_critical/
"Victory" post...so I thought:
https://www.reddit.com/FlutterDev/comments/11gqjvo/we_did_it_add_display_p3_wide_gamut_colors/
Let's do this right though and be cautious of "farming" thumbs up
"before y'all misinterpret the "squeaky wheel" thing, the way we decide what to work on is the number of thumbs-up reactions on an issue. Please don't just comment about how much something is important to you or ask for updates on the issue (doing it in the #general channel on discord is fine, just not the GitHub).Also remember that Flutter is open source and that "we did it" can sometimes be achieved faster by submitting a fix directly rather than waiting for the current contributors to do it for you. :-) - hixie"
This is a democracy, so if you want full support, you know what do do and where to do it ;)
New Github Issue to FULLY support P3:
Implement wide gamut color support in the Framework
https://github.com/flutteflutteissues/127855
2023.06.08 23:24 traitor25 CaRMS 2022-2023 Pathway Experience + Advice/Tips from a UK Graduate CSA Perspective
Hey guys! I just wanted to put up my own experience moving through this year’s Canadian Resident Matching Service or CaRMS cycle so that others have a bit more clarity into what to prepare/focus on for future cycles. Here’s a bit of my background in a nutshell below to give some context:
I am currently a 27M Vietnamese-Canadian studying abroad (CSA originally born in Winnipeg, MB but spent the majority of my life in Ottawa, ON) awaiting to start family medicine residency on July 1 in Brandon, Manitoba but started this journey back in 2015.
I originally did 1.5 years of my undergraduate degree in Biochemistry at the University of Ottawa before seriously deciding on medicine as my career path. During my 1st university year, I applied to different medical schools in the UK (I think only Cardiff + Bristol considered me briefly but still turned down in the end) but got rejected from them. I was only invited + accepted to the MBChB programme at the University of Buckingham Medical School which lasted for about 4.5 years starting from January 2015. I had also done 2 electives in Ottawa (one under neurosurgery and the other in orthopaedics) during my final year of medical school prior to graduation in June 2019.
From there, I entered into the Foundation Programme in August 2019 (equivalent of medical internship in the US/Canada), which I did under the West Midlands South Foundation School, with pretty much all my time being in Worcestershire county. I did my FY1 rotations at the Alexandra Hospital, Redditch and my FY2 rotations at the Worcestershire Royal Hospital, Worcester. During this time, I had attempted the MCCQE1 exam twice (failed at 202 in January 2020, passed at 236 in October 2020) and attempted the NAC exam once (failed at 390 in March 2020). Ultimately, I withdrew early before my last FY2 rotation in April 2021 to focus on my 2nd NAC exam attempt, gain some clinical experience/connections on Canadian ground, and sort out other personal issues. I attempted the NAC exam again in October 2021 but failed at 1364. After taking a mixture of time off to mentally recover with family support and studying for the USMLE step I via UWorld as a distraction from November 2021 to April 2022, I took up a few different private NAC courses in the following chronological order from then onward to figure out where I was lacking at up until my third NAC attempt (passed with superior performance at 1452 on September 17, 2022):
During my time giving advice about both, these were the most important points in terms of approaching preparation for the NAC exam that I've encountered:
These next points are more towards preparing for upcoming CaRMS cycles from what I've gathered reading/listening around:
Overall, I was glad to have had the opportunity to try for FM ON in the first iteration even if it didn't work out as I understand they only invite the top 300 applicants for interviews and even fewer of those 300 match (only ~80-90 from I heard but could be wrong so feel free to correct me). I understood the possibility my poor QE1 score and 2-year gap from formal clinical training may filter me despite my other scores being good.
I’m sure there are other things in this that I didn’t quite cover or explore (ex. the F2 Standalone process, IELTS/OETS, BC CAP/AIMG requirements, gaining permanent residency/PR, clinical/physician/medical assistant positions, CV/PL structure, thoughts around the different private programs/courses I took etc.) but I’m more than happy to discussing finemiscellaneous points via Reddit, Discord (herrdok#6944), email ([[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])), text, or virtual/phone call. For the time being though, I’m not taking on any new, regular NAC practice partners but would consider it once I figure out things more.
Otherwise, thanks to anyone reading this wall of text (if anything is incorrect/inconsistent, do let me know and I can have a look), looking forward to giving advice where I can, and best of luck to everyone moving through what is an extremely vague, challenging, and unforgiving process for matching into Canadian residency!😊
submitted by traitor25 to MCCQE [link] [comments]
I am currently a 27M Vietnamese-Canadian studying abroad (CSA originally born in Winnipeg, MB but spent the majority of my life in Ottawa, ON) awaiting to start family medicine residency on July 1 in Brandon, Manitoba but started this journey back in 2015.
I originally did 1.5 years of my undergraduate degree in Biochemistry at the University of Ottawa before seriously deciding on medicine as my career path. During my 1st university year, I applied to different medical schools in the UK (I think only Cardiff + Bristol considered me briefly but still turned down in the end) but got rejected from them. I was only invited + accepted to the MBChB programme at the University of Buckingham Medical School which lasted for about 4.5 years starting from January 2015. I had also done 2 electives in Ottawa (one under neurosurgery and the other in orthopaedics) during my final year of medical school prior to graduation in June 2019.
From there, I entered into the Foundation Programme in August 2019 (equivalent of medical internship in the US/Canada), which I did under the West Midlands South Foundation School, with pretty much all my time being in Worcestershire county. I did my FY1 rotations at the Alexandra Hospital, Redditch and my FY2 rotations at the Worcestershire Royal Hospital, Worcester. During this time, I had attempted the MCCQE1 exam twice (failed at 202 in January 2020, passed at 236 in October 2020) and attempted the NAC exam once (failed at 390 in March 2020). Ultimately, I withdrew early before my last FY2 rotation in April 2021 to focus on my 2nd NAC exam attempt, gain some clinical experience/connections on Canadian ground, and sort out other personal issues. I attempted the NAC exam again in October 2021 but failed at 1364. After taking a mixture of time off to mentally recover with family support and studying for the USMLE step I via UWorld as a distraction from November 2021 to April 2022, I took up a few different private NAC courses in the following chronological order from then onward to figure out where I was lacking at up until my third NAC attempt (passed with superior performance at 1452 on September 17, 2022):
- BeMo’s OSCE Preparation Platinum (all done virtually over Zoom; first session on April 11, 2022 and last session on August 28, 2022 for a total of 13 sessions).
- TutorIMG NAC OSCE Live Online Course (all done virtually over Zoom; first session on July 21, 2022 and last session on August 30, 2022 for a total of 11 sessions over).
- Medical Training Express Live Online OSCE Course (all done virtually over Zoom on July 28, 2022 and last session on September 10, 2022 for a total of 12 sessions).
- Mark’s MedSckool Reviews (technically took last year in person from August 30 - September 3, 2021 and again virtually over Zoom from August 22 – 26, 2022).
- CaRMS documents (e.g. personal CV, personal letters, letters of reference/LOR’s, MSPE/MSPR, post-graduate internship regarding Foundation training, university & high school transcripts).
- Additional exams (FMProC and CASPer) – wrote my FMProC exam on December 12, 2022 and CASPer exam on December 15, 2022 after registering for them separately.
- USMLE Step I (wrote on November 29, 2022 but had been revising for it again since my 3rd NAC wrapped up; was originally a backup plan in case I had failed the NAC for a 3rd time as you’re only allowed a maximum of 3 attempts).
- F2 Standalone application – the application window was opening on January 16 this year and was preparing evidence of my previous Foundation training + securing my Reapplication to Foundation Training form from my previous Foundation School director.
- Volunteer shadowing at local family medicine practice (managed to shadow a GP in Ottawa for both Canadian experience and fortunately an LOR in the end).
- Mock interview scenarios – did not have any previous formal/professional interview experience so I practiced with a combination of family members, my previous NAC study partner, and BeMo’s Residency Interview Gold Program (3x mock interview sessions with feedback from different assessors).
- USMLE Step II CK (after passing the USMLE step I around early December, I was intermittently studying for the USMLE Step II CK until Match Day on March 22, 2023).
- Edmonton Manual, “Master the NAC” by Dr. Bryce Lowry
- “NAC OSCE – A Comprehensive Review” by Canadaprep
- “OSCE and Clinical Skills Handbook” by Dr. Katrina F. Hurley
- “Canadian IMG’s Guide to OSCE and Practice” by Dr. Hanan Ahmed
During my time giving advice about both, these were the most important points in terms of approaching preparation for the NAC exam that I've encountered:
- Make sure you exhaust the presenting complaint(s) as that will ensure your following questions into the systems review (mostly for ruling in/out the 3-5 differentials on your list) + associated risk factors (i.e. PMedHx, PSurgHx, medications, allergies, smoking, alcohol, drugs, social living/financial conditions, occupational history, travel/immigration history) will be focused on what's relevant as not every section of a mnemonic needs to be asked (ex. SOCRATES, OCD PQRST AAA, COCA OCDCS, PM BINDE, MGOS, DIGFAST/MSIGECAPS).
- If a patient is acting in pain, acknowledge it and try to address it on the spot if you can by offering pain relief with a follow-up question about allergies to ensure it's safe to give.
- Counselling can be difficult as it's not a format many people are used to but you still need to take a focused history regardless so that your management options are personalized/tailored to the person in front of you (ex. do not discuss smoking cessation/NRT as a long term management option for someone you're counselling about asthma for if they told you clearly they are a non-smoker; do discuss changing to hypoallergenic soaps/shampoos if they have an asthma exacerbation triggered by a new shampoo they tried out 3 days ago).
- Be wary that you're expected to rule in/out differentials (you should have ~3-5 by the time you enter after knocking) that you have considered outside the door within the time given (ex. don't stop asking other questions about PE, pneumothorax, GERD, or costochondritis even if the case sounds dead on for acute congestive cardiac failure).
- Do not try to track the time on the timer in the room because it can be anywhere (the side, top of a wall, behind the SP/examiner) and your focus should be on the SP/examiner anyways.
- Make good use of transitioning statements when moving between different sections of your consultation whether it's the history or physical exam (ex. after exhausting the presenting complaint, you could say "There is a list of other symptoms we look for in patients experiencing [insert their presenting complaint/issue if applicable] and I just want you to give me a yes or no answer, OK?" to transition to the systems review).
- PLEASE show empathy and kindness when the SP is acting/says something unusual ex. SP appears visibly down in mood, poor eye contact, and slow in speech so acknowledge it, "Mr. Anderson, I see that you appear quite down in yourself. I want to assure you that everything we discuss between us will remain confidential unless required by law." This also applies to situations where the patient's most pressing issue is different from what's on the door (ex. door vignette suggestive of abdominal pain hinting appendicitis but the patient abruptly drops that they're pregnant).
- Make good use of the time (about 1.5 minutes) outside the door to write your ~3-5 differentials along with any relevant investigations, management/counselling, and follow-up.
- Don't forget to ask about vital signs and any pending lab work/investigations if a station has a physical exam component (ex. highly relevant to ask if vital signs are available and if a FAST USS + routine bloods have been done in a patient you suspect with a dissecting AAA just before you're about to start your physical exam).
- The SP cannot lie to you however they can be vague or provide a different answer other than a clear, "No." ex. You ask the SP, "Have you ever smoked any tobacco or cigarettes in the past? and the SP responds, "Well, not recently that I know of, doctor." This is your cue to probe further about what they mean by "not recently".
- Some NAC stations can be mean by giving you normal investigations in what seems like a highly suggestive history/physical in an attempt to mislead you ex. You complete your history/physical exam and your working diagnosis in a 3 year old child with 4-day history of fever, SOB, and purulent sputum production is bacterial pneumonia but you're handed a normal CXR (treat based on the clinical evidence gathered/known not on your gut feeling).
- Avoid repeating or leading questions as it wastes time, unless it’s to clarify something a patient says that you may not understand, and looks unprofessional (remember the CANMEDS framework expected for CMG's in your clinical approach; these are some ways I practiced phrasing my intro, "How would you like to be addressed today?" or "How would you like me to address you?" or "What name do you usually go by?").
- You can place the exam sticky labels you get on the back of your hand prior to entering a station so you don't fumble/experience difficulty handing it to the examiner (?unless the MCC decides you can just verbalize your candidate code for the NAC this year).
- Introduce yourself as a doctor not a medical student (you're assuming the role of a family/ED physician or PGY-1 resident on exam day depending on the scenario).
- Don't assume a patient's mode of address/pronouns used. Ask them first how they would like to be addressed today.
- Make sure to clearly wash your hands AT THE START of BOTH your history-taking AND physical examination.
- Even if you feel like you messed up the previous station, try as hard as you can to push it out of your mind until the NAC is over. You can cry, vent, or get frustrated AFTERWARD but not in the stations themselves.
These next points are more towards preparing for upcoming CaRMS cycles from what I've gathered reading/listening around:
- High MCCQE1 & NAC scores (most people who were invited for interviews, if not matched, to ON FM from the CaRMS 2024 Discord server and the CaRMS stats spreadsheet set up by Carms#5615 (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1HAtnmyfCIAxKIux2akj8-hgWGvPgOVejVlfEHXuUa-8) had QE1 scores > 250-260 and NAC scores well above 1420-1430.
- Research into how CaRMS works to really have a careful look at the general overview, current year timelines, program descriptions, past trending data (may need to scroll down page further) in previous cycles. This will give you a good idea into what to have ready in time for the CaRMS file submission opening.
- Recent practice or graduation (my last time practicing clinically was in April 2021 as an FY2 doc at the time which was only 2 years back at the time of my application (my year of graduation/YOG was 2019 but I know that time since YOG or gaps in studying/training are scrutinized especially if they're big like >5 years so it'd be worthwhile having an explanation ready if this applies to you).
- At least one Canadian LOreferee (seems a lot of university programs prefer applicants who have had clinical exposure in the form of shadowing/electives/observership with a Canadian doctor related to their field that you're applying to; mine happened to be a GP in Ottawa I connected to via family friends).
- Personal research around First Nation/Indigenous Peoples of Canada (this one is very specific particularly to Manitoba as they had several questions around ethnic minorities + Indigenous peoples; ex. smudging as a common Indigenous practice that even I only became aware of via the IMG/IEHP resources provided by Ontario Health Force or [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])).
- Canadian research and electives - at the time of application, I was involved in a systematic review around women's health issues (had not been published at time of application) and I had done two electives under neurosurgery + orthopedics (heard that observerships don't count as formal clinical experience relative to electives so this was important too).
- High CASPer + FMProC scores (had 4th quartile score for CASPer and 516/4th quartile for FMProC which I know a lot of FM and some psych/pediatric programs look at).
- Try to secure as many Canadian LOR's/referees as they're favoured over international ones (ideally 3 but even 1 seems to be good), shadowing Canadian doctors depending on where you're applying to (ex. FM has the biggest seat pool so reach out to Canadian GP's around you to see who's willing to take you on).
- If you have the time and money for it, try to apply to as many programs and attend their relevant socials/events (can be found on CANPREPP closer to the opening of CaRMS) that you think you may have a chance at as you'll never know who might invite you later on for interviews!
- Really rank by your TRUE preference as CaRMS will prioritize your rank order first BEFORE considering how other programs ranked you (Rural Brandon was my 13th choice out of 22 programs I ranked across FM ON + FM MB). Even if you ranked a program at the bottom of your ROL, as long as that particular program has ranked you and they still have an available spot, you will match to them in the end!
- Make sure to check your main email’s spam/junk inbox during the period where interview invitations/rejections are sent out as they can end up here sometimes (my joint FM ON interview invitation ended up in my spam and it is time sensitive to take it up).
Overall, I was glad to have had the opportunity to try for FM ON in the first iteration even if it didn't work out as I understand they only invite the top 300 applicants for interviews and even fewer of those 300 match (only ~80-90 from I heard but could be wrong so feel free to correct me). I understood the possibility my poor QE1 score and 2-year gap from formal clinical training may filter me despite my other scores being good.
I’m sure there are other things in this that I didn’t quite cover or explore (ex. the F2 Standalone process, IELTS/OETS, BC CAP/AIMG requirements, gaining permanent residency/PR, clinical/physician/medical assistant positions, CV/PL structure, thoughts around the different private programs/courses I took etc.) but I’m more than happy to discussing finemiscellaneous points via Reddit, Discord (herrdok#6944), email ([[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])), text, or virtual/phone call. For the time being though, I’m not taking on any new, regular NAC practice partners but would consider it once I figure out things more.
Otherwise, thanks to anyone reading this wall of text (if anything is incorrect/inconsistent, do let me know and I can have a look), looking forward to giving advice where I can, and best of luck to everyone moving through what is an extremely vague, challenging, and unforgiving process for matching into Canadian residency!😊
2023.06.08 23:23 teemochowmein r/queensofgenshin will be joining the Reddit blackout from June 12th to 14th, to protest the planned API changes that will kill 3rd party apps.
Hi queensofgenshin girlies,
One of the less enjoyable mod posts today, but an important one, that we hope you'll take the time to read.
Recently, Reddit Inc, has announced changes to their API which, if enacted, will shut down many, if not all, 3rd party apps that a large number of Redditors use to access and enjoy their favorite communities - this one included.
One of the most critical changes to the API is that it is moving from a free to a paid model, resulting in expenses that developers of 3rd party apps simply cannot afford. To put the price change in to context, Apollo, one of the most popular 3rd party apps for Reddit, is looking at a cost of $1.7 million per month to continue operating. That's a cost of $12,000 per 50 million API requests. In contrast, Apollo pays Imgur $166 for every 50 million API calls.
This means popular apps like Apollo, Reddit Is Fun, Narwhal and many more will have to shut down, permanently.
Even if you're not using a 3rd party app yourself, these changes are likely to impact the communities you enjoy as well, with the vast majority of moderation teams relying on 3rd party or self-made tools, that utilize Reddit's API.
For us specifically, that means u/F1-bot, which does a whole lot of work behind the scenes to help mods manage the sub as well as deliver the content you've come to enjoy: Sidebar stats and schedules, standings, race threads with timings, starting grids, stats and results, the daily discussion, just to mention a few of the visible ones.
And on top of all that, it paints a bleak picture of what is to come for those of us who use other tools, like Reddit Enhancement Suite and old.reddit.com.
View this little TLDR on why this is important.
So what are we planning?
On June 12th, we and a growing number of other subs - large and small - will go dark for 48 hours. During that time, you will not be able to view or post any content on queensofgenshin.
This action isn't something we take lightly.
We understand that many of you enjoy coming here on a daily basis to keep up with the sport (and to trash talk the latest Ferrari strategy), but we believe that we must take a stand on this topic - and this is how we can do so.
We understand that Reddit is a company that has to make money in order to offer us a place to be the community that we are - but killing beloved 3rd party apps is not they way to do it.
We are not asking Reddit to provide a paid service for free - we are asking for reasonable pricing for apps that people have come to love and depend on to participate in their communities.
We can't tell you that the blackout will solve the problem, because we simply don't know. But we have to try.
What you can do to support this
While subs going dark is one thing, regular users can help as well.
Reach out to Reddit via the channels available to you: Modmail reddit, comment in relevant posts regarding the API changes, submit your comments via the contact forms.
Spread the word about the changes and the consequences where you can. Doesn't have to be on Reddit. The important thing is getting it attention.
Participate in the communities that highlight this issue: Save3rdPartyApps, apolloapp, redditisfun, getnarwhal/
And finally stay off Reddit completely from June 12th to 14th. The blackout is one thing, but users staying away from the site entirely will send an equally important message.
But don't forget: Don't be a jerk. As frustrating as this is, being toxic or aggressive is not the way to go. Remember the human on the other side of the screen.
Blurb copied from the formula1 announcement, but seriously, I hope this blackout is an effective way to show Reddit NOT to be greedy about this issue. Ever since this announcement, I've been getting A LOT more porn bots following my Reddit account, almost one every day. It's frankly irritating.
The Queens of Genshin Discord Server is going to be active throughout the blackout, so join it in order not to wonder why the queenies suddenly entered their ghosting era.
submitted by teemochowmein to queensofgenshin [link] [comments]
One of the less enjoyable mod posts today, but an important one, that we hope you'll take the time to read.
Recently, Reddit Inc, has announced changes to their API which, if enacted, will shut down many, if not all, 3rd party apps that a large number of Redditors use to access and enjoy their favorite communities - this one included.
One of the most critical changes to the API is that it is moving from a free to a paid model, resulting in expenses that developers of 3rd party apps simply cannot afford. To put the price change in to context, Apollo, one of the most popular 3rd party apps for Reddit, is looking at a cost of $1.7 million per month to continue operating. That's a cost of $12,000 per 50 million API requests. In contrast, Apollo pays Imgur $166 for every 50 million API calls.
This means popular apps like Apollo, Reddit Is Fun, Narwhal and many more will have to shut down, permanently.
Even if you're not using a 3rd party app yourself, these changes are likely to impact the communities you enjoy as well, with the vast majority of moderation teams relying on 3rd party or self-made tools, that utilize Reddit's API.
For us specifically, that means u/F1-bot, which does a whole lot of work behind the scenes to help mods manage the sub as well as deliver the content you've come to enjoy: Sidebar stats and schedules, standings, race threads with timings, starting grids, stats and results, the daily discussion, just to mention a few of the visible ones.
And on top of all that, it paints a bleak picture of what is to come for those of us who use other tools, like Reddit Enhancement Suite and old.reddit.com.
View this little TLDR on why this is important.
So what are we planning?
On June 12th, we and a growing number of other subs - large and small - will go dark for 48 hours. During that time, you will not be able to view or post any content on queensofgenshin.
This action isn't something we take lightly.
We understand that many of you enjoy coming here on a daily basis to keep up with the sport (and to trash talk the latest Ferrari strategy), but we believe that we must take a stand on this topic - and this is how we can do so.
We understand that Reddit is a company that has to make money in order to offer us a place to be the community that we are - but killing beloved 3rd party apps is not they way to do it.
We are not asking Reddit to provide a paid service for free - we are asking for reasonable pricing for apps that people have come to love and depend on to participate in their communities.
We can't tell you that the blackout will solve the problem, because we simply don't know. But we have to try.
What you can do to support this
While subs going dark is one thing, regular users can help as well.
Reach out to Reddit via the channels available to you: Modmail reddit, comment in relevant posts regarding the API changes, submit your comments via the contact forms.
Spread the word about the changes and the consequences where you can. Doesn't have to be on Reddit. The important thing is getting it attention.
Participate in the communities that highlight this issue: Save3rdPartyApps, apolloapp, redditisfun, getnarwhal/
And finally stay off Reddit completely from June 12th to 14th. The blackout is one thing, but users staying away from the site entirely will send an equally important message.
But don't forget: Don't be a jerk. As frustrating as this is, being toxic or aggressive is not the way to go. Remember the human on the other side of the screen.
Blurb copied from the formula1 announcement, but seriously, I hope this blackout is an effective way to show Reddit NOT to be greedy about this issue. Ever since this announcement, I've been getting A LOT more porn bots following my Reddit account, almost one every day. It's frankly irritating.
The Queens of Genshin Discord Server is going to be active throughout the blackout, so join it in order not to wonder why the queenies suddenly entered their ghosting era.
2023.06.08 23:23 Affectionate-Ad2081 The Case for Tim Duncan as the GOAT
I know what you're thinking: no way; there's no chance Tim Duncan is the GOAT. He's not even the best player of his generation you might say. You're thinking there's no way Tim Duncan belongs in the same category as MJ or LeBron. If you believe this, there are three things that you'll probably bring up as I make this argument.
Duncan's notable accolades from his NBA career are as follows:
Don't forget about his college accomplishments though, because remember: Duncan came out of Wake Forest after four years despite people like Jerry West who said he could have been the number one overall pick had he left after his sophomore year.
Duncan's accolades form his collegiate years:
Here's where Duncan ranks all-time on some of the major statistical categories across his NBA career:
Such is the case with Tim Duncan, whose success and greatness transcends a box score. You can't judge Tim Duncan with numbers alone. The fact of the matter is, that if you ran a team and if you could pick from any NBA player that ever played the game, and your goal is to win, you would pick Tim Duncan.
Offensively, Duncan was dominant for his first ten years in the NBA. From '98 to '08, he averaged 21.6/11.8/3.1 while playing on one of the slowest teams in the league. In that span, the Spurs never ranked in the top half of the league for PACE. Adjusting his stats for PACE and looking at his stats per 100 possessions (31.2/17.1/4.5 with 3.5 BLK at 50.8 FG%), you're looking at a big man who was every bit as productive as any other offensive player in the league at the time.
You already know about his skillset. He was, after all, The Big Fundamental. He could pass out of double teams, face up and break down the defense with surprising agility, consistently knock down shots from the elbows, and torch any big man in the league with his array of moves in the post and suddenly imposing physicality. He could masterfully run a PnR with any guard with working limbs. And, of course, he had his signature bank shot, one of the most consistent and reliable shots of all time along with Kareem's Sky Hook and Dirk's fadeaway. Those skills never deteriorated throughout his career, except perhaps his last year.
This is where I want to attack the 2nd idea that his second act was unexceptional. His scoring numbers dipped in last 8 years, where he never averaged over 20 PPG. But, as the Spurs offense became more collaborative and free-flowing, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili shouldered more of that scoring burden as Duncan aged. Duncan's shot attempts fell, though he remained efficient. His skills hadn't waned; the Spurs just didn't need him to score 28 points every night. He retained his role as alpha dog during this stretch and contributed in other facets of the game. He could pick his spots, put his teammates in position to succeed, and save himself undue punishment and wear until is was needed. That's why in 2013, at the age of 36, he became the oldest player ever named to First Team All-NBA.
Duncan was never a prolific scorer, even in his prime. His game was never predicated on gawdy point totals like Malone or Dirk. With a different offense, he took fewer shots, and with fewer shots, he scored fewer points. In his last eight years, he remained a tremendous rebounder, was the go-to guy in crunch time, and the best defender, maybe ever. And this is what hurt his stats: the lack of flashy numbers for defense outside of blocks and steals. It's so hard to measure how much a drive was cut off because of his presence or a shot that was altered because of his contention. There are some metrics that attempt to measure this, like DRTG, Defensive Win Shares, and Defensive +/- , and while it is an inexact science, these measures do a fairly good job at assessing a player's impact on defense. Duncan's ranking in those metrics is unmatched:
FiveThirtyEight published this article in 2016, where analyst Neil Paine calculated career WAR values that took into consideration defense and offense, and Tim Duncan led the WAR rankings, by a mile:
Enough with the numbers. I want to talk about Duncan when it mattered the most: the playoffs. You can look at any numbers, read any article, or talk to any fan who paid attention to the game at the time, and you'll come to the same conclusion: Tim Duncan was a killer in the playoffs. All of his most memorable performances came in the postseason, and more often than not, came in crucial games when his team needed him most. From his near quadruple double in 2003 to close out the Nets and earn his 2nd championship to his 25 point first half against the Heat in Game 6 of the 2013 Finals ten years later, there was never a moment too big for Duncan. Here are his playoff numbers, significantly higher in almost every category than he his in the regular season:
In the mid-to-late 2000s, Duncan's Spurs remained a fixture in the playoffs against competition like Dirk's Mavs, Nash's Suns, and Kobe's Lakers. He repaid them with two more titles in '05 and '07. He also gave us one of the clutch shots of his career in Game 1 against the Suns in 2008 with this 3 point game-tying three pointer in OT.
Like I said earlier, in Game 6 of the 2013 Finals, at age 36, playing against Wade, Bosh, and apex LeBron on the road, Duncan put up 25 points in the first half. It would have gone down as an all-time series clinching performance had it not been for Ray Allen's iconic game-tying 3-pointer. Looking for revenge in the 2014 Finals, Duncan set the tone in Game 1 with the classic 21/10 game, while shooting 9/10 from the field. As his final playoff hurrah in 2015, trying to defend the title at the ripe age of 38 in Game 7 of a first round series against the Clippers, Duncan reached all the way back and put up 27/11, sinking crucial free throws to tie it, before Chris Paul hit a clutch, game-winning shot near the buzzer.
The same Tim Duncan giving the business to a 22-year-old Kevin Garnett, was the same Tim Duncan taking a 26-year-old DeAndre Jordan to school. Duncan was ready to win championships from the day he entered the league to the day he left. And I think that is why his peak is used against him as an argument for GOAT status. The fact that his championship window lasted his entire 19-year NBA career and that his teams were always somewhere between 50 and 60 wins meant that it's hard for any one of his seasons to stand out from the rest. And for some unfathomable reason, being consistently great is less of an accomplishment than being great for short stints.
Like I said, his 2003 season was his best, after leading his team to 60 wins and his 2nd consecutive MVP, Duncan eviscerated everything in his path as he tore through the playoffs. He upended the Suns, ended the Lakers 3-year reign as champions, and outdueled Dirk before absolutely torching the Nets in the finals. By the time he was holding the trophy, it was clear beyond a shadow of a doubt that Duncan was the league's best, most complete player.
Now, I'd be lying if I said that Duncan's peak was higher than Shaq's. But I also wouldn't feel comfortable saying that the difference between the two is great enough for me to lose sleep over. To me, the truth is that Shaq was so much more of a spectacle. To watch peak Shaq was an experience unlike anything else. To see someone of his size and stature move so powerfully and fluidly is still something of a miracle. To see Duncan at the peak of his powers was a lot like seeing him seven or eight years later. He was just a little faster, a bit stronger, and a touch quicker in his prime. But do aesthetics denote superiority? I'd say, no. And though Shaq in his prime was certainly a more dominant offensive player, there was never a time where he could match Duncan's abilities as a defender, leader, or teammate. The two are the antithesis of each other. Shaq loves fame; Duncan loathes it. Shaq would sometimes show up to training camp out of shape, often battle with his co-stars and finished his career having played for six different teams. Duncan took great care of his body, cemented himself as the cornerstone of his franchise, and is one of the most celebrated teammates in NBA history. Shaq left a little on the table. You can never say the same thing about Duncan. Shaq cared a little too much about what everyone thought of him, while Duncan couldn't have cared less.
Let's tackle the third criticism: that he always had Pop. To me, Pop is the greatest coach of all time, but he would be the first one to tell you that he wouldn't be here without Tim Duncan.
For one, Duncan can play any style of basketball, in any era. You want to go slow school, old-pace, dump it off to the big man down low, let him bang and be solid on defense? Titles. Remove the hand-checking and illegal defenses, increase scoring and start moving toward the perimeter? Titles. The league goes small ball, the pace explodes and shooting and ball movement is more important than anything? The largest margin of victory in NBA finals history.
Secondly, he can play with any team. Honestly, has any superstar done more with less? Jordan had Pippen his entire run and Rodman for the last half. Bird had McHale and Parish. Wilt had West and Hal Grier. Russell had Cousy, Jones, and Havlicek. Magic had Kareem and vice-versa. Kobe had Shaq and vice-versa. And LeBron has had Wade, Kyrie, and AD. Duncan's best teammates? Old David Robinson, Tony Parker, and Manu Ginobili, who combined for 5 Third Team All NBA appearances and 4 Second Team appearances during their time with Duncan. Parker and Ginobili are long shots for the HOF, and even though Robinson's in the HOF, he wasn't playing at a HOF level alongside Duncan.
Third, and most importantly, Duncan forged the culture of the Spurs. Pop was essential in acquiring players and reinforcing the culture that Tim wanted, but Duncan was truly the most vital component. The NBA is a star-driven league and finding a great player who hasn't gotten a coach fired is like finding a good Star Wars movie: they're few and far between. Not only did Duncan not get Pop fired, he let Pop coach him harder than any superstar ever. If Tim had ever thought to himself, "you know what I don't feel like getting my chops roasted in front of the whole team today because I didn't box out well in practice" he could have gone right to RC Buford, and Pop would have been gone - end of story. But Tim understood what Pop was about, and trusted him enough to be mentored in an unprecedented way. He set the example for his teammates, that no one is immune to criticism and that it's expected of everyone to leave their egos at the door.
In 2017, the Spurs SB Nation blog, Pounding the Rock, spoke to Sam Walker, author of "The Captain Class," a book which examines winning culture in team sports, from field hockey to rugby. In an exchange, Walker said this:
"[T]he book's main conclusion is that the only one factor that must be present in order to maintain greatness over a long period of time is the presence of a particular kind of selfless, relentless, independent-minded, publicity-averse, emotionally composed captain with strong communication skills. And that's Tim Duncan. Duncan was a pure example of the species."
I love Pop, but I have to believe that Duncan was the catalyst that powered Pop to be what he is now. This isn't Belichick-Brady where you wonder who made who. Pop is the greatest coach of all time, because of Tim Duncan. If you want to take credit away from Duncan by saying he played for the best teams, you might be right, but only because he made them the best team. He gave up touches, let other guys hold the torch, put everyone around him in the best position to succeed, and he enjoyed it when they did.
When I said earlier that the thing that hurt Duncan's stats more than anything was a lack of defensive numbers, I lied. The thing that hurt Duncan's stats more than anything was the fact that he never gave a shit about stats or awards. Ever. He wanted his teams to succeed and he wanted to win. That's it. Just read about how his teammates talk about him:
"The best PF ever! Thanks for the memories old man. A great player and teammate."
- Lamarcus Aldridge
"Sometimes all you NEED to say is THANK YOU....To the BEST EXAMPLE of a Leader, Brother, Friend."
- Bruce Brown
"Even tho I knew it was coming, I'm still moved by the news. What a HUGE honor to have played with [Duncan] for 14 seasons!
- Manu Ginobili
I don't think there is a more beloved teammate than Tim Duncan. In the words of NBA commissioner Adam Silver, "...his understated selflessness made him the ultimate teammate." Duncan was always the big brother. Correcting his teammates when they made mistakes and throwing his arms around their shoulders when things didn't go their way. He led in the most effective way possible, not with tweeting, bombastic words, or showy halftime speeches, but by example.
Of all the end-of-career farewell wishes, the one from his former teammate, Brent "Bones" Barry stuck out to me the most. He quoted Mark Twain, saying "'To be good is noble, but to show others how to be good is nobler and no trouble'; for your brilliance TD, I am grateful. For your skills as a player I am in awe. And for your friendship I am honored."
Milwaukee Bucks coach and former Spurs Assistant, Mike Budenholzer said to ESPN's Kevin Arnovitz in 2016: "The magnitude of that, the number of people in this league who have enjoyed opportunity or found fortunate spots in the league, you can trace it back to this one guy -- to the way Timmy played ball and the way he conducted himself. The 'culture' is Timmy."
The NBA is a league of superstars and dynasties - from Russell to Jordan, from Wilt to LeBron. We'll remember its history through its champions, and in the history of North American sports, no team has been as good for as long as the Spurs. San Antonio's success is completely unprecedented in the world of basketball. Aside from his lockout shortened sophomore season, Duncan won 50 or more games and qualified for the playoffs in every season of his NBA career. He finished his career with a win percentage of 71%, the highest of anyone, in any sport, ever. The Spurs run of success started in 1997, the year they drafted Duncan. Since then, he was the cornerstone, the engine of the franchise that has perpetually defined what winning culture looks like - in and outside of basketball.
And so I say again, if you could pick any NBA player from any era of basketball and your goal was to win, you would pick Tim Duncan. His abilities as a basketball player are what made him a superstar. But his consistency, willingness to be coached, love and support of his teammates, and humility are the things that make him transcendent.
I'll let Pop have the last word. This is what he said to the press after Duncan announced his retirement:
"Everybody always talks about who they'd like to eat dinner with, if you had one night and you could go to dinner or lunch with someone. Some people say Mother Teresa, Jesus, the Dalai Lama...I could honestly tell you, my dinner would be with Timmy. He is the most real, consistent, true person I've ever met in my life."
submitted by Affectionate-Ad2081 to nba [link] [comments]
- The Second Act: If you're the kind of person who rates players through spreadsheets, his career in the 2010s is statistically underwhelming.
- The Peak: You might say that Duncan never had a real peak where he was the most dominant player in the league on a daily basis, like Shaq.
- Greg Popovich: Duncan has always had Pop, arguably the greatest coach of all time in his corner.
Duncan's notable accolades from his NBA career are as follows:
- 5 Championships
- 15 All-Defensive Teams (8x First Team, 7x Second Team)
- 15 All Star selections
- 2 Regular Season MVP's
- 3 Finals MVP's
Don't forget about his college accomplishments though, because remember: Duncan came out of Wake Forest after four years despite people like Jerry West who said he could have been the number one overall pick had he left after his sophomore year.
Duncan's accolades form his collegiate years:
- 3x NABC Defensive Player of the Year
- 2x ACC Player of the Year
- 2x consensus All-American
- 1997 Naismith Player of the Year
- Most rebounds in NCAA history.
Here's where Duncan ranks all-time on some of the major statistical categories across his NBA career:
- Points: 16th
- Rebounds: 6th
- Blocks: 5th
- Steals: 158th
- Assists: 100th
Such is the case with Tim Duncan, whose success and greatness transcends a box score. You can't judge Tim Duncan with numbers alone. The fact of the matter is, that if you ran a team and if you could pick from any NBA player that ever played the game, and your goal is to win, you would pick Tim Duncan.
Offensively, Duncan was dominant for his first ten years in the NBA. From '98 to '08, he averaged 21.6/11.8/3.1 while playing on one of the slowest teams in the league. In that span, the Spurs never ranked in the top half of the league for PACE. Adjusting his stats for PACE and looking at his stats per 100 possessions (31.2/17.1/4.5 with 3.5 BLK at 50.8 FG%), you're looking at a big man who was every bit as productive as any other offensive player in the league at the time.
You already know about his skillset. He was, after all, The Big Fundamental. He could pass out of double teams, face up and break down the defense with surprising agility, consistently knock down shots from the elbows, and torch any big man in the league with his array of moves in the post and suddenly imposing physicality. He could masterfully run a PnR with any guard with working limbs. And, of course, he had his signature bank shot, one of the most consistent and reliable shots of all time along with Kareem's Sky Hook and Dirk's fadeaway. Those skills never deteriorated throughout his career, except perhaps his last year.
This is where I want to attack the 2nd idea that his second act was unexceptional. His scoring numbers dipped in last 8 years, where he never averaged over 20 PPG. But, as the Spurs offense became more collaborative and free-flowing, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili shouldered more of that scoring burden as Duncan aged. Duncan's shot attempts fell, though he remained efficient. His skills hadn't waned; the Spurs just didn't need him to score 28 points every night. He retained his role as alpha dog during this stretch and contributed in other facets of the game. He could pick his spots, put his teammates in position to succeed, and save himself undue punishment and wear until is was needed. That's why in 2013, at the age of 36, he became the oldest player ever named to First Team All-NBA.
Duncan was never a prolific scorer, even in his prime. His game was never predicated on gawdy point totals like Malone or Dirk. With a different offense, he took fewer shots, and with fewer shots, he scored fewer points. In his last eight years, he remained a tremendous rebounder, was the go-to guy in crunch time, and the best defender, maybe ever. And this is what hurt his stats: the lack of flashy numbers for defense outside of blocks and steals. It's so hard to measure how much a drive was cut off because of his presence or a shot that was altered because of his contention. There are some metrics that attempt to measure this, like DRTG, Defensive Win Shares, and Defensive +/- , and while it is an inexact science, these measures do a fairly good job at assessing a player's impact on defense. Duncan's ranking in those metrics is unmatched:
- 95.6 DRT (3rd all time)
- 106.3 Defensive Win Shares (2nd all time)
- Defensive +/- (5th all time)
These metrics along with his All-Defensive selections serve as a testament to how Duncan thrived when the opponent had the ball. Legendary basketball writer, Jack McCalllum wrote this for SI in 2016 after Duncan retired:
FiveThirtyEight published this article in 2016, where analyst Neil Paine calculated career WAR values that took into consideration defense and offense, and Tim Duncan led the WAR rankings, by a mile:
- Tim Duncan: 109.2
- KG: 96.2
- Karl Malone: 95.4
- David Robinson: 89.3
- Hakeem: 85.9
- LeBron: 82.8
- Kareem: 78
- Larry Bird: 74.2
- Shaq: 73
- Pippen: 72.7
Enough with the numbers. I want to talk about Duncan when it mattered the most: the playoffs. You can look at any numbers, read any article, or talk to any fan who paid attention to the game at the time, and you'll come to the same conclusion: Tim Duncan was a killer in the playoffs. All of his most memorable performances came in the postseason, and more often than not, came in crucial games when his team needed him most. From his near quadruple double in 2003 to close out the Nets and earn his 2nd championship to his 25 point first half against the Heat in Game 6 of the 2013 Finals ten years later, there was never a moment too big for Duncan. Here are his playoff numbers, significantly higher in almost every category than he his in the regular season:
- Points: 6th
- Rebounds: 3rd
- Blocks: 1st
- Steals: 46th
- Assists: 33rd
In the mid-to-late 2000s, Duncan's Spurs remained a fixture in the playoffs against competition like Dirk's Mavs, Nash's Suns, and Kobe's Lakers. He repaid them with two more titles in '05 and '07. He also gave us one of the clutch shots of his career in Game 1 against the Suns in 2008 with this 3 point game-tying three pointer in OT.
Like I said earlier, in Game 6 of the 2013 Finals, at age 36, playing against Wade, Bosh, and apex LeBron on the road, Duncan put up 25 points in the first half. It would have gone down as an all-time series clinching performance had it not been for Ray Allen's iconic game-tying 3-pointer. Looking for revenge in the 2014 Finals, Duncan set the tone in Game 1 with the classic 21/10 game, while shooting 9/10 from the field. As his final playoff hurrah in 2015, trying to defend the title at the ripe age of 38 in Game 7 of a first round series against the Clippers, Duncan reached all the way back and put up 27/11, sinking crucial free throws to tie it, before Chris Paul hit a clutch, game-winning shot near the buzzer.
The same Tim Duncan giving the business to a 22-year-old Kevin Garnett, was the same Tim Duncan taking a 26-year-old DeAndre Jordan to school. Duncan was ready to win championships from the day he entered the league to the day he left. And I think that is why his peak is used against him as an argument for GOAT status. The fact that his championship window lasted his entire 19-year NBA career and that his teams were always somewhere between 50 and 60 wins meant that it's hard for any one of his seasons to stand out from the rest. And for some unfathomable reason, being consistently great is less of an accomplishment than being great for short stints.
Like I said, his 2003 season was his best, after leading his team to 60 wins and his 2nd consecutive MVP, Duncan eviscerated everything in his path as he tore through the playoffs. He upended the Suns, ended the Lakers 3-year reign as champions, and outdueled Dirk before absolutely torching the Nets in the finals. By the time he was holding the trophy, it was clear beyond a shadow of a doubt that Duncan was the league's best, most complete player.
Now, I'd be lying if I said that Duncan's peak was higher than Shaq's. But I also wouldn't feel comfortable saying that the difference between the two is great enough for me to lose sleep over. To me, the truth is that Shaq was so much more of a spectacle. To watch peak Shaq was an experience unlike anything else. To see someone of his size and stature move so powerfully and fluidly is still something of a miracle. To see Duncan at the peak of his powers was a lot like seeing him seven or eight years later. He was just a little faster, a bit stronger, and a touch quicker in his prime. But do aesthetics denote superiority? I'd say, no. And though Shaq in his prime was certainly a more dominant offensive player, there was never a time where he could match Duncan's abilities as a defender, leader, or teammate. The two are the antithesis of each other. Shaq loves fame; Duncan loathes it. Shaq would sometimes show up to training camp out of shape, often battle with his co-stars and finished his career having played for six different teams. Duncan took great care of his body, cemented himself as the cornerstone of his franchise, and is one of the most celebrated teammates in NBA history. Shaq left a little on the table. You can never say the same thing about Duncan. Shaq cared a little too much about what everyone thought of him, while Duncan couldn't have cared less.
Let's tackle the third criticism: that he always had Pop. To me, Pop is the greatest coach of all time, but he would be the first one to tell you that he wouldn't be here without Tim Duncan.
For one, Duncan can play any style of basketball, in any era. You want to go slow school, old-pace, dump it off to the big man down low, let him bang and be solid on defense? Titles. Remove the hand-checking and illegal defenses, increase scoring and start moving toward the perimeter? Titles. The league goes small ball, the pace explodes and shooting and ball movement is more important than anything? The largest margin of victory in NBA finals history.
Secondly, he can play with any team. Honestly, has any superstar done more with less? Jordan had Pippen his entire run and Rodman for the last half. Bird had McHale and Parish. Wilt had West and Hal Grier. Russell had Cousy, Jones, and Havlicek. Magic had Kareem and vice-versa. Kobe had Shaq and vice-versa. And LeBron has had Wade, Kyrie, and AD. Duncan's best teammates? Old David Robinson, Tony Parker, and Manu Ginobili, who combined for 5 Third Team All NBA appearances and 4 Second Team appearances during their time with Duncan. Parker and Ginobili are long shots for the HOF, and even though Robinson's in the HOF, he wasn't playing at a HOF level alongside Duncan.
Third, and most importantly, Duncan forged the culture of the Spurs. Pop was essential in acquiring players and reinforcing the culture that Tim wanted, but Duncan was truly the most vital component. The NBA is a star-driven league and finding a great player who hasn't gotten a coach fired is like finding a good Star Wars movie: they're few and far between. Not only did Duncan not get Pop fired, he let Pop coach him harder than any superstar ever. If Tim had ever thought to himself, "you know what I don't feel like getting my chops roasted in front of the whole team today because I didn't box out well in practice" he could have gone right to RC Buford, and Pop would have been gone - end of story. But Tim understood what Pop was about, and trusted him enough to be mentored in an unprecedented way. He set the example for his teammates, that no one is immune to criticism and that it's expected of everyone to leave their egos at the door.
In 2017, the Spurs SB Nation blog, Pounding the Rock, spoke to Sam Walker, author of "The Captain Class," a book which examines winning culture in team sports, from field hockey to rugby. In an exchange, Walker said this:
"[T]he book's main conclusion is that the only one factor that must be present in order to maintain greatness over a long period of time is the presence of a particular kind of selfless, relentless, independent-minded, publicity-averse, emotionally composed captain with strong communication skills. And that's Tim Duncan. Duncan was a pure example of the species."
I love Pop, but I have to believe that Duncan was the catalyst that powered Pop to be what he is now. This isn't Belichick-Brady where you wonder who made who. Pop is the greatest coach of all time, because of Tim Duncan. If you want to take credit away from Duncan by saying he played for the best teams, you might be right, but only because he made them the best team. He gave up touches, let other guys hold the torch, put everyone around him in the best position to succeed, and he enjoyed it when they did.
When I said earlier that the thing that hurt Duncan's stats more than anything was a lack of defensive numbers, I lied. The thing that hurt Duncan's stats more than anything was the fact that he never gave a shit about stats or awards. Ever. He wanted his teams to succeed and he wanted to win. That's it. Just read about how his teammates talk about him:
"The best PF ever! Thanks for the memories old man. A great player and teammate."
- Lamarcus Aldridge
"Sometimes all you NEED to say is THANK YOU....To the BEST EXAMPLE of a Leader, Brother, Friend."
- Bruce Brown
"Even tho I knew it was coming, I'm still moved by the news. What a HUGE honor to have played with [Duncan] for 14 seasons!
- Manu Ginobili
I don't think there is a more beloved teammate than Tim Duncan. In the words of NBA commissioner Adam Silver, "...his understated selflessness made him the ultimate teammate." Duncan was always the big brother. Correcting his teammates when they made mistakes and throwing his arms around their shoulders when things didn't go their way. He led in the most effective way possible, not with tweeting, bombastic words, or showy halftime speeches, but by example.
Of all the end-of-career farewell wishes, the one from his former teammate, Brent "Bones" Barry stuck out to me the most. He quoted Mark Twain, saying "'To be good is noble, but to show others how to be good is nobler and no trouble'; for your brilliance TD, I am grateful. For your skills as a player I am in awe. And for your friendship I am honored."
Milwaukee Bucks coach and former Spurs Assistant, Mike Budenholzer said to ESPN's Kevin Arnovitz in 2016: "The magnitude of that, the number of people in this league who have enjoyed opportunity or found fortunate spots in the league, you can trace it back to this one guy -- to the way Timmy played ball and the way he conducted himself. The 'culture' is Timmy."
The NBA is a league of superstars and dynasties - from Russell to Jordan, from Wilt to LeBron. We'll remember its history through its champions, and in the history of North American sports, no team has been as good for as long as the Spurs. San Antonio's success is completely unprecedented in the world of basketball. Aside from his lockout shortened sophomore season, Duncan won 50 or more games and qualified for the playoffs in every season of his NBA career. He finished his career with a win percentage of 71%, the highest of anyone, in any sport, ever. The Spurs run of success started in 1997, the year they drafted Duncan. Since then, he was the cornerstone, the engine of the franchise that has perpetually defined what winning culture looks like - in and outside of basketball.
And so I say again, if you could pick any NBA player from any era of basketball and your goal was to win, you would pick Tim Duncan. His abilities as a basketball player are what made him a superstar. But his consistency, willingness to be coached, love and support of his teammates, and humility are the things that make him transcendent.
I'll let Pop have the last word. This is what he said to the press after Duncan announced his retirement:
"Everybody always talks about who they'd like to eat dinner with, if you had one night and you could go to dinner or lunch with someone. Some people say Mother Teresa, Jesus, the Dalai Lama...I could honestly tell you, my dinner would be with Timmy. He is the most real, consistent, true person I've ever met in my life."
2023.06.08 23:21 CheeseyKnobb Realistic Porto Career at start of Season Two
 | submitted by CheeseyKnobb to FifaCareers [link] [comments] |
2023.06.08 23:16 mr_fors What do you guys think about metacritic score?
 | submitted by mr_fors to diablo4 [link] [comments] |
2023.06.08 23:10 Feeling_Sky_7775 How the hell does this self-love thing work
I roll out of bed every morning
Walk to the mirror
Boldly exclaim “you are beautiful”
The reflection doesn’t seem so convinced
I drive mindlessly to work
Blasting a broken record of mantras
“You are right where you need to be”
My ears reject that bullshit
I stagger down the halls
Thanking my body for carrying me with each step
But who am I kidding
Trying to tell that to these swollen, aching knees
I sit outside on the porch
Soaking in the sun
Attempting to fill the void with gratitude
Only to wake up with a seething burn from the sun
I surround myself with friends,
Desperate to soothe my soul
Then I remember
I hate these people
I do all these things
Often in vain
Because my therapist tells me to
Something about self-love
https://www.reddit.com/poetry_critics/comments/143upgn/if_there_is_no_reason_to_do_anything_there_is_no/
https://www.reddit.com/poetry_critics/comments/144fe61/current_events/
submitted by Feeling_Sky_7775 to poetry_critics [link] [comments]
Walk to the mirror
Boldly exclaim “you are beautiful”
The reflection doesn’t seem so convinced
I drive mindlessly to work
Blasting a broken record of mantras
“You are right where you need to be”
My ears reject that bullshit
I stagger down the halls
Thanking my body for carrying me with each step
But who am I kidding
Trying to tell that to these swollen, aching knees
I sit outside on the porch
Soaking in the sun
Attempting to fill the void with gratitude
Only to wake up with a seething burn from the sun
I surround myself with friends,
Desperate to soothe my soul
Then I remember
I hate these people
I do all these things
Often in vain
Because my therapist tells me to
Something about self-love
https://www.reddit.com/poetry_critics/comments/143upgn/if_there_is_no_reason_to_do_anything_there_is_no/
https://www.reddit.com/poetry_critics/comments/144fe61/current_events/
2023.06.08 23:07 Quiet_Mouse_5800 Central Bankers' Role in Wars
In an era plagued by misinformation and one-sided narratives, it becomes imperative to delve into the harsh realities often concealed from the public 👁️. This text aims to shed light on an uncomfortable truth: the direct involvement of 💼🏦 in instigating wars, driven by their insatiable 💰 and 🔌. By exploring the historical context and unveiling the mechanics of 💸, we can empower ourselves with 📚 and challenge the narrative that has kept us ensnared in a cycle of manipulation and enslavement.
I. Understanding the Mechanics of 💸:
To comprehend the motives behind wars orchestrated by 💼🏦, we must first grasp the intricate nature of 💰 itself. Originally designed as a medium of exchange, 💰 gradually evolved into an interest-bearing system. This shift allowed 💼🏦 to create 💰 out of thin air by selling imaginary funds in the form of 💵. The process involves 🏛️ issuing Treasury Bonds to private 🏦, which, in turn, lend 💰 to commercial 🏦 at low interest rates. Through fractional reserve 🏦, the 💰 supply expands exponentially, leading to a perpetual cycle of 💵🫴🏽, recessions, 💀, 💰📉, and 🔫. This inherently destructive mechanism serves as the foundation for the 💼🏦's agenda of domination and control.
II. Unveiling History:
Contrary to the education provided in 🏫, history holds numerous instances of 🌍🗽 who paid the ultimate 💀 for opposing private 🏦. From the assassination of Prime Minister Spencer Perceval in 1812 to the mysterious deaths of Presidents Zachary Taylor, James Buchanan, Abraham Lincoln, Andrew Johnson, James Garfield, and William McKinley, those who challenged the supremacy of private 🏦 were ruthlessly eliminated. These incidents exemplify the lengths to which 💼🏦 would go to preserve their stranglehold on nations' 💰 supply and manipulate 🏛️ to serve their interests.
III. World War I and World War II:
Examining the two most devastating 🔫 in history, we uncover the underlying role of 💼🏦 in their inception. World War I, though initiated by the conflict between 🇦🇹-🇭🇺 and 🇷🇸, quickly shifted to 🇩🇪. The 🇩🇪 industrial capacity posed a threat to 🇬🇧, whose declining 💰 further fueled their apprehension. Despite 🇩🇪 not initiating the 🔫, it was portrayed as the primary antagonist due to its economic prowess and restricted private 🏦 system. The Treaty of Versailles imposed exorbitant war costs on 🇩🇪, pushing the nation into insurmountable 💵 and crippling 💰, ensnaring its people in perpetual bondage.
In World War II, 🇩🇪's ascendance under the National Socialists threatened the existing global 💰 order. By issuing their own state 💰, 🇩🇪 circumvented the private 💼🏦's control, experiencing rapid economic growth and industrial revitalization. This newfound independence posed a direct threat to the 💰 and 🔌 of 💼🏦, leading to a global boycott against 🇩🇪. Winston Churchill's own admissions reveal that the 🔫's true purpose was to safeguard sales markets and prevent 🇩🇪's economic liberation, rather than an altruistic fight against 🤔- Winston Churchill (The Second World War - Bern, 1960)
IV. Modern 🔫: A Continuation of 💼🏦's Agendas:
Modern conflicts, such as the U.S. invasions of 🇮🇶 and 🇱🇾, as well as the current tensions surrounding 🇺🇦, exhibit the same pattern. These 🔫 are driven by ulterior motives, primarily the control of resources, suppression of alternative 💰, and the perpetuation of the dominance of private 🏦. The orchestrated narratives presented to the public merely serve as a smokescreen to hide the true intentions behind these acts of aggression.
In the pursuit of genuine 📚 and emancipation, we must confront the uncomfortable truth that 💼🏦 play a significant role in igniting 🔫 and perpetuating global strife. Private 🏦 exist to serve their owners, not the interests of the general public. Through their control of the 💰 supply and manipulation of 🏛️, 💼🏦 wield immense 💪 and influence over nations, economies, and ultimately, all the lives of ordinary 👥.
To break free from this cycle of manipulation and perpetual 🔫, 📚 and 📖 are key. By understanding the mechanics of 💰 and unveiling the hidden history of 💼🏦 involvement in 🔫, we can challenge the prevailing narrative and demand transparency and accountability.
Moreover, alternative systems of 💰 and monetary policy should be explored. Initiatives such as decentralized 💰 and community-based 🏦 models offer promising alternatives to the centralized control exerted by private 🏦. By promoting financial independence and empowering local 🌍, we can create a more equitable and just system that prioritizes the well-being of all 👥 rather than the 💰 of a select few.
It is incumbent upon us, as individuals and as a society, to question the prevailing power structures and demand a fair and transparent 💰 system that serves the interests of humanity as a whole. By unmasking the role of 💼🏦 in instigating 🔫, we take a crucial step towards dismantling their control and working towards a more ☮️ and 🌟 future for all.
In conclusion, the hidden truth of 💼🏦' involvement in 🔫 is a harsh reality that demands our attention. By understanding the mechanics of 💰, unveiling historical patterns, and critically analyzing modern 🔫, we can challenge the dominant narrative and strive for a more just and ☮️ 🌍. It is through 📚, 🧠, and collective action that we can break free from the grip of 💼🏦 and forge a 🛣️ towards a brighter future.
submitted by Quiet_Mouse_5800 to copypasta [link] [comments]
I. Understanding the Mechanics of 💸:
To comprehend the motives behind wars orchestrated by 💼🏦, we must first grasp the intricate nature of 💰 itself. Originally designed as a medium of exchange, 💰 gradually evolved into an interest-bearing system. This shift allowed 💼🏦 to create 💰 out of thin air by selling imaginary funds in the form of 💵. The process involves 🏛️ issuing Treasury Bonds to private 🏦, which, in turn, lend 💰 to commercial 🏦 at low interest rates. Through fractional reserve 🏦, the 💰 supply expands exponentially, leading to a perpetual cycle of 💵🫴🏽, recessions, 💀, 💰📉, and 🔫. This inherently destructive mechanism serves as the foundation for the 💼🏦's agenda of domination and control.
II. Unveiling History:
Contrary to the education provided in 🏫, history holds numerous instances of 🌍🗽 who paid the ultimate 💀 for opposing private 🏦. From the assassination of Prime Minister Spencer Perceval in 1812 to the mysterious deaths of Presidents Zachary Taylor, James Buchanan, Abraham Lincoln, Andrew Johnson, James Garfield, and William McKinley, those who challenged the supremacy of private 🏦 were ruthlessly eliminated. These incidents exemplify the lengths to which 💼🏦 would go to preserve their stranglehold on nations' 💰 supply and manipulate 🏛️ to serve their interests.
III. World War I and World War II:
Examining the two most devastating 🔫 in history, we uncover the underlying role of 💼🏦 in their inception. World War I, though initiated by the conflict between 🇦🇹-🇭🇺 and 🇷🇸, quickly shifted to 🇩🇪. The 🇩🇪 industrial capacity posed a threat to 🇬🇧, whose declining 💰 further fueled their apprehension. Despite 🇩🇪 not initiating the 🔫, it was portrayed as the primary antagonist due to its economic prowess and restricted private 🏦 system. The Treaty of Versailles imposed exorbitant war costs on 🇩🇪, pushing the nation into insurmountable 💵 and crippling 💰, ensnaring its people in perpetual bondage.
In World War II, 🇩🇪's ascendance under the National Socialists threatened the existing global 💰 order. By issuing their own state 💰, 🇩🇪 circumvented the private 💼🏦's control, experiencing rapid economic growth and industrial revitalization. This newfound independence posed a direct threat to the 💰 and 🔌 of 💼🏦, leading to a global boycott against 🇩🇪. Winston Churchill's own admissions reveal that the 🔫's true purpose was to safeguard sales markets and prevent 🇩🇪's economic liberation, rather than an altruistic fight against 🤔- Winston Churchill (The Second World War - Bern, 1960)
IV. Modern 🔫: A Continuation of 💼🏦's Agendas:
Modern conflicts, such as the U.S. invasions of 🇮🇶 and 🇱🇾, as well as the current tensions surrounding 🇺🇦, exhibit the same pattern. These 🔫 are driven by ulterior motives, primarily the control of resources, suppression of alternative 💰, and the perpetuation of the dominance of private 🏦. The orchestrated narratives presented to the public merely serve as a smokescreen to hide the true intentions behind these acts of aggression.
In the pursuit of genuine 📚 and emancipation, we must confront the uncomfortable truth that 💼🏦 play a significant role in igniting 🔫 and perpetuating global strife. Private 🏦 exist to serve their owners, not the interests of the general public. Through their control of the 💰 supply and manipulation of 🏛️, 💼🏦 wield immense 💪 and influence over nations, economies, and ultimately, all the lives of ordinary 👥.
To break free from this cycle of manipulation and perpetual 🔫, 📚 and 📖 are key. By understanding the mechanics of 💰 and unveiling the hidden history of 💼🏦 involvement in 🔫, we can challenge the prevailing narrative and demand transparency and accountability.
Moreover, alternative systems of 💰 and monetary policy should be explored. Initiatives such as decentralized 💰 and community-based 🏦 models offer promising alternatives to the centralized control exerted by private 🏦. By promoting financial independence and empowering local 🌍, we can create a more equitable and just system that prioritizes the well-being of all 👥 rather than the 💰 of a select few.
It is incumbent upon us, as individuals and as a society, to question the prevailing power structures and demand a fair and transparent 💰 system that serves the interests of humanity as a whole. By unmasking the role of 💼🏦 in instigating 🔫, we take a crucial step towards dismantling their control and working towards a more ☮️ and 🌟 future for all.
In conclusion, the hidden truth of 💼🏦' involvement in 🔫 is a harsh reality that demands our attention. By understanding the mechanics of 💰, unveiling historical patterns, and critically analyzing modern 🔫, we can challenge the dominant narrative and strive for a more just and ☮️ 🌍. It is through 📚, 🧠, and collective action that we can break free from the grip of 💼🏦 and forge a 🛣️ towards a brighter future.
2023.06.08 23:01 KingKechos Well, okay then
 | I decided to give dragon mommy a present and hot damn... submitted by KingKechos to NikkeMobile [link] [comments] |
2023.06.08 22:57 CatOfTheDecade Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence
I'm saying this as a Catholic:
I see catholicism is having a mini-meltdown or something because Bishop Barron wants people to denounce the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. Apparently they've criticized the Church or something. I don't know, I'm an adult with a full-time job and volunteer work on the side so I don't have time to keep up on whatever our Church is upset about this week. Anyway, various factions within the church are calling forcanceling some sports team.
A few years ago I asked my diocese to denounce The Catholic League for their 2018 response to the grand jury investigation into the widespread sexual abuse of minors, where they said things like "no one was found guilty of anything" and "MYTH: the priests 'raped' their victims".
I got silence.
EDIT: Whoopsie, changed "canceling" to "boycotting". It's only "cancel culture" when other people do it.
EDIT 2: Evidently it's because people who aren't Catholic nuns are dressing up like Catholic nuns. As the books says, "you will know themby their works the color, cut, and shape of clothing that they wear"
submitted by CatOfTheDecade to Christianity [link] [comments]
I see catholicism is having a mini-meltdown or something because Bishop Barron wants people to denounce the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. Apparently they've criticized the Church or something. I don't know, I'm an adult with a full-time job and volunteer work on the side so I don't have time to keep up on whatever our Church is upset about this week. Anyway, various factions within the church are calling for
A few years ago I asked my diocese to denounce The Catholic League for their 2018 response to the grand jury investigation into the widespread sexual abuse of minors, where they said things like "no one was found guilty of anything" and "MYTH: the priests 'raped' their victims".
I got silence.
EDIT: Whoopsie, changed "canceling" to "boycotting". It's only "cancel culture" when other people do it.
EDIT 2: Evidently it's because people who aren't Catholic nuns are dressing up like Catholic nuns. As the books says, "you will know them