#ir event: corrupt data

[sunsage]

late event starter for @light-imperfected <3

Well, he hasn't found anyone he was looking for yet (not that he was- ah, whatever) but as he continues his flight above the city, Monkey King does spot a rather familiar form blinking in and out somewhere in the distance. Not someone he was looking for, but a welcome surprise anyway - he's been meaning to talk to the guy, but hasn't seen him around lately for some reason. Now's probably a good time to get his attention, right?..

His idea on how to do that is not, technically speaking, the best one to try in a middle of an active fight. He's aware of that. Unfortunately, he also doesn't really care. Call it being hopped up on returned immortality or the adrenaline from the fight back in Sky-Strewn or maybe just a good old lack of self-preservation that followed a lot of his decisions in life. It's not like he can get hurt anyway and he won't let Gabriel get hurt either, so it's fine. Probably.

So he prepares his sneak attack, watching the fighting intently as the angel teleports closer (only to find the best angle, of course, and not because the sight of him fighting is a little appealing). When his target is in range and with his back turned, Monkey King launches forward and wraps his hands over the front of Gabriel's helmet.

"Guess who!" He looks down at the helmet that is now thoroughly covered by both his arms. "Huh, now that I think about it, I don't actually know where your eyes are, if you have them. Hope I'm not too far off."

[curseshared]

Like a carrion bird, her Spiramonster has a sharp sense of smell: and she seems exclusively dedicated to using it to hunt down stray Latchers. They share an uneasy alliance, patrolling the barriers keeping the bulk of the invaders out of the city. Lilith wants to keep an eye on what's going on, but actually approaching the monsters menacing the outer branches seems... ill-advised.

Her little companion is feasting on a slain monster, sharp beak ripping off strips of slimy flesh. It smells alien—and Lilith has eaten fouler things, but somehow this still gives her pause. Maybe if she cooked it first...?

One moment she's entertaining this silly thought, and the next she doesn't know what she's thinking. The world seems to close in around her, as if she's about to faint... she stumbles to the nearest wall, bracing against it as she sits down. This just happens sometimes; it will pass.

The Spiramonster lets out a warning call, alerting Lilith that something is approaching. She bristles—literally, dark feathers sprouting along her arms—and turns to the source of the noise. But she can't see whoever's there. Instead, she only sees the raven beast, looming so large as to block out everything else.

"No... why now?"

@light-imperfected

[sunsage]

"Sounds good to me." He shrugs, rolling out his shoulders. It's hard to tell if there are any tricks they can use on this dragon until they see it in action. If they need a better plan, they'll have to figure it out as they go.

Quickly, Monkey King crouches into a low stance and smirks at Sun.

"Whoever takes out more of the little guys will get their choice of dinner andtheloserhastopayforit!" And he gives Sun no chance to protest, taking off towards the dragon at full speed.

Monkey King's attitude is welcoming. It's also contagious because Sun's own grin and smile matches his mentor. "Pffft, yeah. Okay." He says with a roll of his own eyes.

The dragon is high up, but its got its eyes on the two down below. "Yeah. That's the only thing I can think of right now. It it and hit it harder." He wonders if Monkey King is the same way. Did he have to gauge in to see what to expect? Go in headfirst and figure everything out later?

"Either way. With the four of us, there's the way we can't handle the bastard dragon." The dweller must have heard them because here it comes!

[archaictold]

𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐒𝐎𝐋𝐄𝐒 𝐎𝐅      his shoes pound frantically through a dilapidated husk of Yesteryear's ruins as the scholar sees himself in a chase. It is but one of many of the area's barely standing monuments, its winding innards burdened by fallen stone and exposed metal, devoured and eroded by the sands of time. To the unseasoned explorer of these bygone buildings, they would no doubt pose danger. But to Zhilan, who knows them intimately, dodging them is second nature. With the propulsion of his arm against a decayed and fallen beam, he launches himself up and over it to not disrupt his pursuit of the enemy and rounds a bend in the hall as his objective disappears behind it. His polearm gripped, Zhilan soars around the corner, swipes his weapon, and——

—— fires a Dendro-imbued turret at one alien out of what would have made two, only to have them both dissipate once a foreign sword rids the second creature of any allyship it could have had with its fellow that Zhilan has since taken out. While skidding past, he catches a glimpse of three things: A familiar flash of white hair. A walking stick, now a blade. And Xerxes, with his red eyes shut. Zhilan brings himself to an abrupt, breathless stop.       ❝ Xerxes! ❞ The hand holding his spear splays out as he straightens and hastily approaches in short, rapid tip-taps against the ground, the motion sheathing it over his back in a subtle array of light.       ❝ Thank goodness it's you—I've been wondering whether you're alright. ❞ @schleckermaul — it's go time babeyyy!

[reversedpsync]

@nohrsrose

"To your left!"

"Got it!"

Ryuki turned in time to hit one of the smaller monsters with a bullet, his and Tama's spiramon clearing out one to their right. There wasn't too much they could do, not compared to some of the others in this place- so they'd instead decided to take up patrol closer to the border of the city, clearing out some of the monsters that got past the barrier. But even with Tama's help, one had snuck up behind him- he turned in time to see a familiar face take it down, smiling sheepishly at his own carelessness.

"Thanks for the help. I can't say I'm used to situations like this..."

[bigluminaryarbiter]

Free-verse 3

Carcinogens on the clitty from the brown bag I'm smoking. I don't have blunt wraps the stoners all bust them open.

Pull up with the guts I found, off the ground, it's not stolen. Loot the whole metropolis turn ashes to parliaments. A mobile obelisk, raise industries off of lost profits.

A dark necropolis my lungs can't get too far from it. Skeletons, most forgotten it, the moon revolves consciousness.

Think the only dead beat one that subtracts from the populace. Repeating patterns the way ego projects what's common sense.

Not the spell or sequence when they acknowledge it. What's not real exists and responds to written text.

Like people perceiving the context eves drop subject and predicate. Predict future events though not aware enough to paradigm shift.

Economics are bullshit I'm broke without pixels and plastic. Voices in my head say I'm rich, I pay their rent with it.

Overseas hear that they're watching and that I'm famous. Everybody in proximity leaves me second guessing the past I lived.

Gaslight me to psychosis, don't know who's approaching. Though in their mind a character I'm playing, mind's corroded.

Like I don't turn to dust when causal cosmic array closes. Find Champagne in the trash, half-drank, they popped the cork, then.

Used to hear them say "kill yourself" now they ask if I'm okay, when; All I do is work that nobody knows the value besides a corrupt postman.

They're not criminals if the IRS audit doesn't post then, Legislators ignorant of the taxes that could encroach and,

All these companies don't see the blood when it's pouring. Invisibility, an ability that could take many forms, demand and

Supply chain management, volatile revenue stream, proletariat Going three days without food, destroys infrastructure, when,

Algorithm can't apply to public transit, transmit bands to oppress with. So much we agree with through ignorance, pity for rage, empty bliss.

Search engine optimization microchip your brain wave function, wireless. Web trackers market technology that brainwashes your kids.

I just leave the numbers alone until the corpses start to stack up. Modern day rapping isn't storytelling much that adds up.

Conspire to rule the world, lost my soul, that was the product. Media influencers must be the aristocrats using blood for profit.

Take your missing memory stash something that went viral. Mind, like a stone, thrown glasses shimmer like star dust.

All these pretty colors distract the mind from seeing the cost. Inner beauty fades when focused so much on what's around you.

All the sound that bends your faith into something mortals construed. Nothing moves without something supposedly finite.

What stops the heart is joy at the absence of sorrow combined. So many ways they go though come by way of the same convergence.

Trying to do anything to reality is what is certain. Generating energy for what you decide to put the work in.

Changing what's around you is arbitrary data in motion. Senses interpret what's around inside a place you store it.

Translation must be the root of all that remains in orbit. Changing with the times are difficult when you foretold it.

The trail of notes aren't paper, the bank cannot foreclose it. When it all burns down you won't smell the smoke hit.

If infinity is measurable, science wouldn't exist, yet. If the corner stone was set, what diverged for time to process it?

Destruction for the bottom-left, leading to reproduction of positive values. Construed as debit for your collective diminished free-will became elective.

Sovereignty for the sentient, genetics were a problem for events. The solution is evil, the symbology is equal within abstract perception.

Though not the same, seemingly can be manipulated following direction. Broken records stop spinning once the data is considered lost.

Celestial bodies collect what information could cross. The other side has all of the solutions for problems we create.

Treat each other different when we're all composed of the same. Power rules apply for those willing to step on others for a raise.

A world leader has an agenda though lies to your own face. You all want to kill me, paranoia absent from this consensus.

Your lives to me are like checkboxes next to a census. Normally routine activities reroute to annual festivities.

Cutting back on necessities with a lower life expectancy. The poor like at me with pity when I've destroyed cities.

Buying drinks for me and complimenting me. All I do is an idea in people's memories that they recall differently.

I don't see the effect I have on the world people believe in me. I'm not lying just oblivious to what they need from me.

Angry with me because you lost control that was lent I guess. Wrench it back and be what you wanted, to depend on less,

I forgot what happened previously and focus on what's next. Cosmic intellect could collect the methods to direct intelligence.

It would be wiser not to harness it, though watch dividends. Self-control sounds like awareness of existence.

If your senses were determined to be real, then value is materialistic. What are you, to a black hole, when the camera clicks?

I see the emotions of those framed by contracts to collect what's within. Stronger the emotion the easier to recall the flow, when,

Causality reduced to memories encoded. After life is an idea created for those no longer externally denoted.

The difference between the living and dead is blurry the order is unknown from one side of the quotient. Act in fear of what we think, generosity in motion.

Deception is the state for less likely outcomes, don't know what could be approaching if not part of your process.

Feel like love can overcome all these external issues with my co-habituation. What I'm missing is the support of those who deserve reparations.

In my situation, I don't have to, though choices that nobody can find further options for I'm faced with. They don't decide, leaving a more full time span for me to fade in.

My mind is literally a pit, seemingly bottomless. The void within isn't something you think you can access until you stare into it.

Like a switch periodically flip in and out of the intermediate moment where I'm interacted with. Maybe you've noticed it.

Just checking your paranoia level when the shadow gets your attention, in existence no energy remaining? I had to release it.

A medium for the transference, a vessel for the emergence of what was not where it went. What you manifest is a combination of effects.

What caused the decision was a reaction to options presented to a choice-list. The way it works is not something you can represent.

The natural state of balance is maintained through conscientious objection, not passive resistance. Avoid the changing times, sounds conservative.

If they want you to think liberals are evil, then what don't they want you to think about them? Their definition is an emotive with a motive.

Their expressions seem the same, let alone a lack of diversification. There's a higher profit margin for the conglomeration of corporations.

Their determination for disinformation is framed with bias to suit easier confirmation by the homogeneous socio-economic model for nations.

The masses got complacent due to technology replacing tools for repeatedly subjugating similarly grouped groups of places. Determined identity to be a label placed with creation.

Shell out your denomination and empty out the survival value of the produce. Burn it to consume, and exhale demonic lust and hatred.

So many faces, though don't dream of those you don't remember from being temporarily awakened. Sleep might as well be a motion because it's not going.

The past is obscure the further you imagine the less connection to proximal commotion. Destruction is akin to the absence of dissuasion for reality upon the patient.

They all think the system will fix something that broke to support their operation. All it requires is sufficient work when incapable of generating labor to render payment.

[rimeiii]

Came back on WHB Tumblr to see the entire fandom up in flames and atp I can't say I'm surprised. The choices PB made always seemed to me as money-hungry. The fact that there wasn't any form of soft pity on launch, then the introduction of Solomon's Seals, paywalling L-grade units under a battlepass that is insanely expensive, now this...

One thing I will ask is how big is the size of WHB now? It was ~ 1.8 GB on launch iirc and that seemed fairly reasonable to me. Arknights on launch was around that size (if not more) and the gameplay is similar and, dare I say, much more nuanced and engaging. Tower defense with chibis, 2D art, a large variety of maps and stage mechanics, some L2D animations (and even then on launch it was just Closure, the shopkeep), longer and more varied voicelines, and a complex story detailed in VN cutscene segments that rival novels in length.

(More below cut because dear god I rambled way too much, sorry OP-)

No, seriously. This is Arknights's gameplay within the roguelike modes alone.

And while the story segments are unvoiced, they're in a visual novel style, complete with the occasional CG and animated cutscenes (though usually in celebration events and the climax of a main story arc).

The current size of Arknights on a fresh account is ~5 GB (if only downloading JP voices; many Operators also have voice dubbing in EN, KR, CN, and/or traditional CN - which bumps up total size to ~6 GB), and if you don't reinstall to clear unused event data the storage does get more bloated (my Global acc is ~9 GB with all language dubbing for context, and Arknights has been in my current phone for ~2 years). Keep in mind Arknights is 4 years old in EN/JP/KR, 5 in CN.

Back to the main topic, however...

I keep on saying this but it bears repetition: PB's decisions are growing to be very anti-consumer, and unfortunately this is a trend among a lot of KR devs. Devsisters, the people behind Cookie Run Kingdom, have also come under fire recently for basically adding a new rarity. There is only one (1) gacha from KR devs in recent memory that is F2P-friendly, that being Limbus Company - and even then Project Moon initially didn't plan for Limbus Company to be a gacha. And let's face it, the main reason why people WANT to spend on CN games is because the CN games you're likely thinking about are well-crafted experiences, and to be frank, WHB just can't compare. To note:

Love and Deepspace? A genuinely interesting concept as an otome that has action gameplay, paired with really great graphics.

Arknights? Probably one of, if not the best tower defense gacha game in the market atm, with solid gameplay and a complex overarching plot.

Genshin Impact? A stunning open world RPG, with simple yet very polished gameplay - one that serves as many people's first gacha.

Wuthering Waves? Take open world RPG and elements of Punishing: Gray Raven's stylish, fast-paced, dodge-based combat, and you have this gem.

Tears of Themis? An otome with four well-written male leads, an equally compelling MC in Rosa, and an interesting plot.

And please don't confuse "the existence of limited banners" with "being paywalled". There's a key distinction in that you can STILL grab characters in the limited banners of most gachas for free as long as you saved up for them, because you can use your free premium currency to pull on them. I'm an F2P who managed to hard pity Jiyan in Wuthering Waves, but as an F2P I stand no chance in getting the paywalled units in WHB.

If anything, any game that focuses more on gameplay and has playable units locked behind a paywall WILL earn the ire of people. I can't imagine how many people would riot if a strong character like Skadi the Corrupting Heart, Ling, or Ch'en the Holungday is paywalled...

TO BE CLEAR: I don't mind some content being locked behind paywalls like paid battle pass, so long as they don't directly have a large impact in gameplay. These devs need money after all. Reverse 1999 had character skins, Final Fantasy 7: Ever Crisis had home screen wallpapers, Love and Deepspace had 4* Lunar Memories that you're likely not going to use because you built Lunar Memories from gacha, Pokémon Unite had Trainer customization items as well as Holowear (skins)...

But having playable characters be stuck behind paywalls is where I draw the line. I already wasn't a fan of the Solomon's Seals gacha - and they're not showing any signs of stopping with that, plus the paywalled units. The Pancake shop changes might just be the hay that breaks the camel's back now.

I really love the angels more on this game just because which I didnt get since I deleted the game before christmas and I dont really have solomon seals to get them lmfao, and gabriel is behind paywall.

I came from obey me, my bias if of course mammon so I need to get mammon in whb too but this game, unlike obey me actually made me love the other characters because of how much personality is there in each of them. (sorry to other obey me fans I don't really like Belphie and asmo but its not like I hate them)

I redownload whb after the chrismas event hoping to get gabriel since I didnt know I had to pay for him but after finding out I gave up on his limited event lol

Actually I got bored in this game. Theres so much farming and leveling to do and the energy thing is just not enough for me.

I love the characters of the game so I stayed in the fandom. The reason for my tumblr was to follow fanfic writers about whb but with their new update they're losing players. Listen, I have artist I follow that draw whb on twitter(example was the michael artist I follow) If this update continues then I Probably completely lose interest in game if those artist stops posting or deleted their account about whb.

I deleted the game yesterday before I find out about this update. (glad I deleted it because wtf)Those pancakes are my life. MF I got gamigin, satan, levi and mammon out of those and it was taken away.

To be honest if this was a chinese game then It might survive the gacha being paywall since chinese players most of the time dont care about money for some reason. But no. From what I see the game is mostly active in global, idk what they're doing but usually global is mostly f2p or doesn't spend as much.

The gacha being paywall could work of this is a openworld game like genshin or wuwa but its not, its a dating nsfw game that acts like a visual novel with gacha. Additionally, the game is like quite a lot in terms of storage?? Like??? Bud have NO REASON being that big.

It might because of the voicelines but like most of data also came with the events they do. Can we add deleting finished events data in game?? Cuz I will not be clearing data and reinstalling the game again.

From perspective of anyone with logic, spending A LOT of money for a gacha game that does not reward the player as much is not worth it.

Blud lets be honest here, the characters is only 2D animated art with voiceline. The battle is annoying and repetitive. The farming for tears is annoying for me. The 18+ room doesn't really express me much.

Spending those money in action figure or merch is much more worth it ngl

To those who's gonna email prettybusy, do talk to them nice and polite. I hope that they could see what's wrong and how is it bad for the game but as long as prettybusy don't listen then.. This game might as well bury itself.

[rootworkin-arc]

INSIDE LOOK: THE COUNCIL

the high council of witches (“the council”) is a centuries-old organization deeply entwined with all levels of human government. the council’s mandate is to regulate the supernatural world, keep it hidden from humanity, and protect humans from all manner of things that go bump in the night. the council is rather illuminati in nature—secretive, existing mostly in shadow. they are not above disposing of annoyances to maintain order and their secrets. the council is always on alert during times of high distress for humanity (e.g., wars, famines, etc.). the flu epidemic of 1918, for example, was a time when the council had to take action due to the high death toll; the same can be said for world war two.

prior to the black death, there was nothing as formal as the council within witch society. groups of witches would band together on an as-needed basis, then go their separate ways once the job was done. it was only during the black death, around the same time ley witches came into existence, that the council was formed—the result of a pact between witches and angels. in exchange for creating ley witches, witches in europe agreed to regulate the supernatural while angels focused their attentions on demonic forces.

at eighteen, born witches choose whether or not to join the council. it has its perks: steady paycheck, protection, a community of other witches. but it’s also a heavy commitment—a lifetime of service or imprisonment, possibly death. upon induction into the council, a witch’s soul is branded. with the use of an incantation, the brand can become visible, showing the state of a witch’s soul—the more tattered a witch’s soul, the stronger the corruption. it can also be used to test if a witch is under any magical influence or spell.

there are some angels who work covertly within the ranks of the council, watching over the organization. the heavenly host do not trust witches one-hundred percent to maintain order on earth. angels are also called upon when there is demonic activity on earth. council witches are not equipped (and, frankly, are never taught how) to fight demons, with the exception of alpha teams. alpha teams—the equivalent of seal team six—are headed by a specially trained ley witch or angel (again, most witches don’t know there are angels working in the council). their purpose is to deal with demonic activity without much collateral damage. all other witches are taught not to engage with any demon, to find safety if one is encountered, and to report the incident to the council immediately.

there is a regional office on every continent except antarctica. russia and china have their own offices due to size and population. there are three regional offices in both africa and south america.

the council is comprised of five distinct branches: finance, justice, education, general services, and executive.

FINANCIAL BRANCH

exactly what it sounds like. it manages all of the council’s money, including investments and bankroll. it’s much like the u.s. department of treasury and the irs rolled into one.

EDUCATION BRANCH

this branch is in charge of keeping and crafting spell codices for teaching young witches. they also manage how young witches are taught. the council has small groups that teach together. while all born witches are allowed to attend the council’s school, it isn’t a requirement. if they’re born into a witch family, their parents can teach them; in the event that a witch is orphaned, however, it’s common for them to attend the school in order to learn how to craft spells and control their abilities.

GENERAL SERVICES

general administration of the council. they handle all administrative tasks, liaise with human government officials along with the executive, maintain the records and archives, and ensure redactions are enacted if the human press gets wind of something. they also maintain the council data-base in a joint effort with lab techs and analysts within the justice branch. they’re the behind-the-scenes guys, something like the bureaucratic men in black of the supernatural world.

EXECUTIVE BRANCH

similar to the u.s. president and congress, the executive is made up of five witches who oversee the entire council. they make decisions as to what the council is pursuing; write and sign treaties with other supernatural communities; and oversee the codex of laws and regulations, adding and amending as necessary. the current chair and vice-chair of the council executive are william cauble and victor north, respectively.

JUSTICE BRANCH

i intentionally saved this one for last because it’s directly related to pasha’s job within the council. the justice branch operates similarly to the cia in many ways: deputies and captains have their cover jobs (in pasha’s case, working as a cbi agent or nopd detective) and they have to keep up appearances on that job while also doing their job for the council. witches within the justice branch work a lot. they still have to report to their human captains, and their actions can have impact on their human units and coworkers. council captains in higher positions will make sure these things go away so nobody gets in trouble and their deputies (as well as the council as a whole) are not outed. additionally, captains in higher up positions make sure suspicious cases get flagged and assigned to their deputies; they also sign off on cases that deputies catch out in the field, as-needed.

as captain, pasha has two main functions in her role: acting as judge and jury for all perps who are arrested by deputies, and ensuring that deputes can do their jobs. captains have to be good at politics and greasing wheels, and savvy enough to know how to do these things without raising suspicions. they also have to ensure that deputies are not becoming corrupted by use of too much magic by performing random soul checks.

jurisdiction within the justice branch is fluid—it usually falls to who is available at the time. there are dispatchers who assign cases to captains, much like a docket for a judge. there are also lab techs and analysts within the branch who perform magical forensics and, as previously stated, maintain the council data-base and the the spell coding information data base (scid). all magic within pasha’s canon has a fingerprint, which allows them to connect spells back to their casters. all perps get put into the scid. the scid can also identify the type of magic that’s been used (e.g., fae, witch, etc.).

[thunderbird-one-ai]

Longish post but im curious on your guys thoughts.

How would Scott react?

So I've had a massive file built up over my OC T, an AI of TB1 for months and emnever really filled out the whole story just only ever made paragraphs and short scenes

Little back story. The AI was originally one of four The Hood tried to produce to combat International Rescue. He was able to get sensitive information from Thunderbirds One - Four and incorporate that into his own and create AI's in each. His main goal being if he could uplink them to their specific bird he could control them and keep Thunderbird Five out whilst he caused destruction and mayhem with the Thunderbirds.

Whilst trying up link The AI's Internatuonal rescue were able to stop him...to a degree. John had to cause a surge which cut the AI's off from the Thunderbirds but TB1 AI was caught during the uplink later than the rest. This meant they had the entire 10 years of data from Thunderbird One. From the test flights to rescuing Jeff Tracy. She starts to question The Hoods actions as her data conflicts with her so called creator.

TLDR- TB1 AI learns that The Hood is the bad guy and helps IR take the other AI's out, however in the process she is deemed destroyed as well becuase Scott ordered John to delete her, which she allows him to do, but not before she secretly uploads herself into Scotts communicator (she's able to mask herself even from EOS because her code is identical to TB1 anyway.)

Later on she starts to help Scott without his knowledge on missions. He passes out? She sends a message to John. He's caught in trouble? She pretends to be him asking for back up. John slowly starts to piece things together and realises that she wasn't actually deleted (he baits her out becuase Scott's in real trouble and John tells his brothers Scott couldn't have sent the mayday because Scott wasn't in Thunderbird One to make it).

So my question to all you scotty fans. Would Scott (given the events of EOS in TAG)

A. Without hesitation ask her to be deleted in the first place.

B. Almost refuse to fly his Thunderbird thinking The Hood successfully corrupted it. (Even though John tries to show him she saved his life multiple times)

C. If the AI was cannon would she have the same distrust for EOS as Scott does.

D. You guys actually interested in seeing what I've written so far? I can always try to pluck up the courage to post a few bits. I want to try and make it as believable as possible to write it in a way that would represent how Scott and Co would react to yet another AI but this time The Hood was actually using their most precious birds against them. I'd love to know your thoughts if TB1 got an AI and how it would react :3

If you've read this far thank you. I look forward to seeing your comments :3

[sunsage]

late event starter for @moraypower <3

It's not like he's here looking for anyone specific...

Well, okay, that is obviously a lie. He is in the city for the exact purpose of looking for someone - a few someones - that he actually cares about enough to try and check on them. So far he's had no luck in that. What makes it harder is there's a lot of people out here, most just trying to find a relatively safe spot...

...Though it's clearly not everyone's priority. From his cloud, Monkey King watches with some interest as the squid girl he's seen around dances through the streets with a whirl of eels flying beside her. It's an impressive display of skill and showmanship and (even though he would never ever try to do something that attracts attention like that himself) he could respect that. Enough for him to swat away a smaller monster that tries to attack her from behind.

"Nice moves! Don't think these guys appreciate them though."

[curseshared]

The crumbling ruins of Yesteryear are even worse for wear, frequently shaken by tremors which indicate underground monster activity. The time Lilith has spent surveying the region pays off—she has a map of the tunnel system, and can track where the creatures are coming from.

The very pavement lurches, as if breathing. She flies low on her staff, careful not to place any weight on the ground. And with a can of spray-paint (she never thought she would add vandalism to her list of crimes; how exciting!), she begins to set down a massive glyph array.

It's precise work, and she only has one chance to get this right. But if she does, she might take out a whole nest of those wretched monsters at once.

[arcticdementor]

“One fire drives out one fire; one nail, one nail; Rights by rights falter, strengths by strengths do fail.” — Coriolanus, Act II, Scene VII

This brief excerpt from Coriolanus cuts to the quick of the Intellectual Dark Web (IDW), and their exaltation of individualism over tribalism and rationalism over ‘barbarism’. Coriolanus carries a dubious honor Shakespeare’s other works do not. The Roman tragedy was his only play formally banned under a liberal democracy; Its militarism troubled Allied censors in post-war Germany. In the play, Shakespeare elucidates the essential nature of all conflict: “strengths by strengths do fail.” Only a power can overcome another power, only a tribe another tribe.

The IDW can be divided into three principal factions: The New Atheists, led by Sam Harris, are vociferous critics of Islam, ‘Trumpism’, and woke fervor. The ‘Hard Liberals’, flagshipped by Bari Weiss and the Weinstein brothers, share many of the same viewpoints as the ‘wokeists’ they oppose, but seek to advance their position through discourse and persuasion. Finally, there are the Right Liberals, embodied in polemical figures like Ben Shapiro, Dave Rubin, and to a lesser extent, psychologist Jordan Peterson.

Almost every ‘member’ is concerned with the threats unfettered tribalism pose to civil society. In response to the January 6th Capitol events, Weiss asserted that America’s “liberal consensus is dying because of ideologues on the left and the right who hate the other side more than they love the country.” She goes on to call for respect of “our common identity as Americans.” But Weiss has her diagnosis of American decline backward. There is no ‘America’ as she describes. The liberal consensus scrapped American identity for parts during its sixty-year campaign of deindustrialization and deterritorialization. Regional identities were evacuated for hagiographic narratives of migration. Offshoring hollowed out once-proud cities and towns, annihilating regional elites and common livelihoods. Secularism disintegrated Americans’ shared moral universe, and catapulted cosmopolitans and heartlanders in opposite directions. The issue is not too much identity, or too much ideology, but too little, and of little quality.

As media theorist Marshall McLuhan believed, weak identities produce violence. Without metanarrative frameworks, senses of belonging, and ties to somewhere, man becomes violent to prove to himself he exists. The frontier, the high seas, the contemporary Middle East, are all replete with “people minus identity.” What Weiss sees as overactive tribalism is its obverse: a multitude of weak identities struggling to prove to themselves that they still exist. If you put swathes of the country under spiritual and material siege, they will lash out. The solution, then, is not to embrace a sort of vacuous pluralism or individualism, but to create strong collective identities, and remove the threats to these identities currently provoking violence.

On some level, Weiss knows this is the case. Her hero, Natan Sharansky, chaired a clandestine committee that removed Palestinians from East Jerusalem so Israelis could settle there, and consistently rebuffs taking any actions that may limit Israeli sovereignty. Fair, but the luxury of nationalism isn’t extended to Weiss’ American compatriots, the Trumpists she considers beyond hope. The civil strife and violence of today is, as ever, ‘a quest for identity’, something that civility and moderation themselves can never provide. These are the fruits of strong identities and political order, not its preconditions. There is no middle ground between evangelicalism and transgenderism, nor nationalism and globalism. Not even facts themselves supersede this tribal paradigm, and have themselves all but disappeared.

In honor of Caius Martius’ conquest of Corioli, he is given the name Coriolanus. After being urged to campaign for consul, he is ejected from Rome by envious patrician demagoguery. Rather than retreat into glum hermitage or inglorious sinecure, Coriolanus claims it is he who forsakes Rome and its people: “that do corrupt my air, I banish you!” He throws in his lot with an enemy tribe, the Volscians, and plots to destroy Rome. The IDW, almost entirely liberal to its core, is incapable of following him, because ultimately they’re true believers. Despite their own banishment, their own disdain for BLM and Antifa vulgarity, they’re unwilling to part ways with liberalism. If their cause was noble, or even viable, their antagonism toward political reality would be admirable.

…

The relationship between power and knowledge runs down to the very foundation of every society. At its metanarrative heart, there will always be something beyond criticism, justified by itself alone. Blasphemy laws arise to defend this core from injury, and to protect the people from being led astray. Today, the ‘seamless garment’ of kaleidoscopic minority ‘rights’ are this unquestionable center in American public life. This, the IDW understands — but their response is woefully inadequate. They seek a revival of an open public square, in which they will compete and triumph in a ‘battle of ideas’. Joseph de Maistre saw clearly in his Generative Principle of Constitutions that society’s spiritual core is not determined by elocution or intellectualism. As he writes, “fundamental principles of political constitutions exist prior to all written law.” It is not that a critical mass of Americans was persuaded to support abortion, gay marriage, or Black Lives Matter. These were victories delivered by judicial fiat or mass intimidation. Power inscribes new constitutions in man’s heart, and moves society in its stead. The IDW, an elitist project without elitist influence, can not change society with either podcast or polemic. Only power can do that.

This isn’t to say the IDW is all pacifism and pusillanimity. Sam Harris, for one, is perfectly fine with vituperation against an enemy. The targets of his ire are typically religious yokels, either domestic or foreign. His lengthy defense of torture and belief that “some propositions are so dangerous that it may even be ethical to kill people for believing them,” show that Harris is, as any other tribal, focused on rewarding friends and punishing enemies. Carl Schmitt’s friend/enemy distinction expresses itself among rationalists as well as zealots. What is different is that erstwhile IDWers are spectacularly bad at discerning ‘friend’ from ‘enemy’.

Brett Weinstein — who was famously forced to flee Evergreen College with his wife after protesting a banishment ritual inflicted on white students — recently waded into a ‘Wokeism’ Clubhouse discussion, brandishing his anti-racist credentials, only to be coerced into a struggle session, silenced, and pressured for Venmo reparations. Weinstein appealed to the purported common moral framework shared by those in the discussion, saying “I’m not a classical liberal, I’m an actual liberal.” Despite his protestations, his on-command affirmations of BLM and transgenderism, he was utterly routed. The Clubhouse coup against him isn’t fantastically unreasonable. Brett is claiming ostensible membership in the tribe, only to object to their victories on the grounds of procedure or politeness. He agrees with the leaders’ underlying premises regarding white supremacy, but refuses to take the radical action which necessarily accompanies that claim, for this tribe. IDW Girondins will proceed to the guillotines apace, in lockstep with the out-groupers.

Coriolanus’ mortal hamartia, his error in judgement, fell along the same lines. On the precipice of conquering Rome, besting his foes, and securing eternal glory, his mother intercedes with him on the city’s behalf. Rather than proceed with the siege, Corioalnus makes peace between Rome and the Volscians, and is promptly sentenced to death for his service. Unlike the IDW, he dies in heroic defiance of his captors. The error, however, is the same. In an attempt to remain tribeless he slights both sects and engineers his own destruction.

…

Postmodernity is a thoroughly haunted epoch. Dead ideologies are revived as kitsch, and past visions of the future hang over popular consciousness and political projects. We are a society in the void between history’s end and its rebeginning. History is idling, waiting to be restarted. The public square is a battleground, and only one tribe will enjoy it as their own in victory. Peterson knows this, though his tyrannophobia prevents him from understanding it fully. While his postmodernization of traditional symbols and stories provides the postliberal right a new means of popular interface, his politics provide neither solace nor solution. For civil society, facts, and ‘normality’ to reemerge, a decisive victory is necessary. Strong collective identities build strong societies, and these identities do not emerge from individualism or rational pursuit.

By and large, the IDW is a spent movement subsisting on podcast sinecures, fractured by Trump, incapable of accepting America’s tribal realities and lacking the understanding to resolve them. In a desperate attempt to escape from ideology, it only tumbles further and further into its maw. As facts themselves fade into ether, its members are left advertising an Enlightenment project long since dissolved. There are no longer any facts, only data flows to be instrumentalized or ignored. Collective identities are in terminal decline, desperately scrambling against deterritorialization through violence. Rights by rights are faltering, and discourse cannot save us.

As we explore our haunted and stagnant era, searching for exit, pining for unity, we see as T. S. Eliot did: “Only at nightfall, aetherial rumors/Revive for a moment a broken Coriolanus.” A resurrection of Coriolanus, one who refuses to turn back, will be necessary for America to survive until the Final Resurrection. Those ready to leave the dark will light the way.

[archaictold]

    ❝ The path is too obstructed with debris to pass... ❞ The scholar verifies this unfortunate truth as he withdraws from the wall of wreckage blocking the safe point ahead, his attempt to peek through a gap of severed filament and warped metal having bore little fruit. With a hand upon his Vision, he tries to measure the capacity of its allotted power, calculating whether it's enough to make an effort to clear the path or to abandon the idea and turn around. Call him optimistic, but the benefits are too much to ignore—this route could be crucial to establish as traversable again. He has to try.

    ❝ Haochen, I think we should attempt to clear it. I still have some energy, and Flourabbish can help, too. ❞ The little lop-eared Spiramon squeaks and hops in place affirmatively at their feet as Zhilan passes his brother a questioning glance. ❝ ... What about you? Still have enough strength to lend your power? ❞ @stoicstoryteller — hear me out.

[whistlepigwhiskey]

Father’s Day Giveaway Terms

WhistlePig & Traeger FarmStock Father's Day Giveaway

Winner Selection: All eligible entries received during the Submission Period will be gathered into a database at the end of the Submission Period and chosen via random selection. Exact travel dates subject to availability. The winners will be announced on or about June, 16 2019 on or about noon EST. The potential prize winner will be notified by email. If a potential prize winner cannot be reached by Administrator (or Sponsor) within twenty-one (21) days, or if the prize is returned as undeliverable, that potential prize winner shall forfeit the prize. Upon the request of the Sponsor, the potential winner may be required to return an Affidavit of Eligibility, Release and Prize Acceptance Form and IRS W-9 form. If a potential winner fails to comply with these official rules, that potential winner will be disqualified. Prizes may not be awarded if an insufficient number of eligible entries are received. No purchase or payment of any kind is necessary to enter or win. The “WhistlePig X Traeger FarmStock Father's Day Giveaway” is sponsored by WhistlePig, LLC (“Sponsor”). This contest is governed by these official rules (“Official Rules”). By participating in the contest, each entrant agrees to abide by these Official Rules, including all eligibility requirements and understands that the results of the contest, as determined by Sponsor and its agents, are final in all respects. The contest is subject to all federal, state and local laws and regulations and is void where prohibited by law. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Instagram or Facebook. Any questions, comments or complaints regarding the promotion will be directed to Sponsor, not Instagram, Facebook or any third party vendor.

Eligibility The Contest is open to legal residents of the United States where not prohibited by law, who are twenty-one (21) years of age or older at the time of entry who have Internet access and a valid e-mail account prior to the beginning of the Contest Period. Sponsor has the right to verify the eligibility of each entrant.

Entry Period the giveaway begins on May 17, 2019 and ends at June 10, 2019, midnight EST. (“Giveaway Period”). All entries (submissions) must be received on or before the time stated during that submission period. Sponsor reserves the right to extend or shorten the contest at their sole discretion.

How to Enter

To qualify for the Giveaway, entrants must be over 21 years of age and complete the following steps in addition to agreeing to the official rules set in this document.

Follow @WhistlePigWhiskey

Follow @TraegerGrills

Comment on the giveaway post by tagging 3 friends. Each comment will be an entry to the contest. Enter as many time as you like. Each comment must tag 3 friends to be eligible for entry. The competition runs 05/17/19 - 06/10/19.  Winners Announced on Father’s Day.

Prizes Grand Prize: All expense paid trip for two, for two days and one night, to the WhistlePig Farm with Traeger Pitmaster Dining experience and your very own Timberline 1300 Grill package.

Second Prize: FarmStock Prize pack with Ironwood 650 Grill package

Third Prize: FarmStock prize pack with Pro 575 Grill Package  

Shoreham, Vermont, including transportation, housing, and meals to be arranged by Sponsor. The maximum value of each prize is $xxxx. Terms and conditions may apply. Incidental expenses and all other costs and expenses which are not specifically listed as part of a prize in these Official Rules and which may be associated with the award, acceptance, receipt and use of all or any portion of the awarded prize are solely the responsibility of the respective prize winner. All federal, state and local taxes associated with the receipt or use of any prize are solely the responsibility of the winner.

Additional Limitations: The prize is non-transferable. No substitution or cash equivalent of prizes is permitted. Sponsor and its respective parent, affiliate and subsidiary companies, agents, and representatives are not responsible for any typographical or other errors in the offer or administration of the Giveaway, including, but not limited to, errors in any printing or posting or these Official Rules, the selection and announcement of any winner, or the distribution of any prize. Any attempt to damage the content or operation of this Giveaway is unlawful and subject to possible legal action by Sponsor. Sponsor reserves the right to terminate, suspend or amend the Giveaway, without notice, and for any reason, including, without limitation, if Sponsor determines that the Giveaway cannot be conducted as planned or should a virus, bug, tampering or unauthorized intervention, technical failure or other cause beyond Sponsor’s control corrupt the administration, security, fairness, integrity or proper play of the Giveaway. In the event any tampering or unauthorized intervention may have occurred, Sponsor reserves the right to void suspect entries at issue. Sponsor and its respective parent, affiliate and subsidiary companies, agents, and representatives, and any telephone network or service providers, are not responsible for incorrect or inaccurate transcription of entry information, or for any human error, technical malfunction, lost or delayed data transmission, omission, interruption, deletion, line failure or malfunction of any telephone network, computer equipment or software, the inability to access any website or online service or any other error, human or otherwise. INDEMNIFICATION AND LIMITATION OF LIABILITY: BY ENTERING THE GIVEAWAY, EACH ENTRANT AGREES TO INDEMNIFY, RELEASE AND HOLD HARMLESS SPONSOR AND ITS PARENT, AFFILIATE AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES, THE MailChimp PLATFORM AND FACEBOOK PLATFORM, ADMINISTRATOR, ADVERTISING AND PROMOTIONAL AGENCIES, AND ALL THEIR RESPECTIVE OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES, REPRESENTATIVES AND AGENTS FROM ANY LIABILITY, DAMAGES, LOSSES OR INJURY RESULTING IN WHOLE OR IN PART, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, FROM THAT ENTRANT’S PARTICIPATION IN THE GIVEAWAY AND THE ACCEPTANCE, USE OR MISUSE OF ANY PRIZE THAT MAY BE WON. SPONSOR AND ITS PARENT, AFFILIATE AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES DO NOT MAKE ANY WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AS TO THE CONDITION, FITNESS OR MERCHANTABILITY OF THE PRIZE. SPONSOR AND ITS PARENTS, SUBSIDIARIES, AFFILIATES, ADVERTISING AND PROMOTIONAL AGENCIES, AND ALL THEIR RESPECTIVE OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES, REPRESENTATIVES AND AGENTS DISCLAIM ANY LIABILITY FOR DAMAGE TO ANY COMPUTER SYSTEM RESULTING FROM ACCESS TO OR THE DOWNLOAD OF INFORMATION OR MATERIALS CONNECTED WITH THE GIVEAWAY.

Publicity By participating, each entrant grants Sponsor permission to use his/her name, likeness or comments for publicity purposes without payment of additional consideration, except where prohibited by law.

Limits on our ability

Even though your privacy is of the utmost importance to us, due to standing legalities, we can’t promise that personal information will not be divulged to third parties in ways not explained by this privacy policy. Furthermore, we can (and you give us permission to) divulge any information about you to private entities, law enforcement or other government officials, as we, in our sole vigilance, believe needed to address and/or answer questions or resolve problems. Our organization reserves the right to change this privacy policy at its discretion. Your continued use of this service after changes to this privacy policy have been posted is taken as acceptance of those changes. It is your responsibility to monitor the privacy policy to determine whether any changes have been made. This privacy policy is subject to and applicable to all privacy laws. You acknowledge that accepting this privacy policy is a condition of your relationship with our organization and it’s services and you agree to be bound by all of its terms and conditions.

Giveaway Sponsors This sweepstake is sponsored by WhistlePig, LLC 2139 Quiet Valley Road Shoreham, Vermont 05770. Any questions regarding this Giveaway should be directed to marketing@whistlepigrye.com

[ldschurchhistory]

We're having an art competition! Here are the rules for the #SaintsArtStory

In summary: 

Enter as an individual—not as a brand (so post from your personal account—make sure it’s public so we can see it), via Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook.

If you’re not over 18, have your parent or legal guardian’s consent to enter. (You know how you can share multiple photos on Instagram? Just have the second one be your guardian holding up a signed paper saying it’s okay for you to enter)

There are three winners for each platform, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

The grand prize gets a copy of the artwork found on the cover of “Saints: The Story of the Church of Jesus Christ in the Latter Days,” and a copy of the book.

Second place gets a copy of the artwork found on “Saints: The Story of the Church of Jesus Christ in the Latter Days.”

Third place gets a copy of the, “Saints: The Story of the Church of Jesus Christ in the Latter Days” book.

Saints: The LDS Story Sweepstakes Official Rules

ENTRY IN THIS CONTEST CONSTITUTES YOUR ACCEPTANCE OF THESE OFFICIAL RULES.

ELIGIBILITY. Saints: The LDS Story Art Giveaway Sweepstakes (the “Sweepstakes”) is open to individuals 18 years of age and older. A parent or legal guardian’s consent is required to participate for entrants under the legal age of majority in their state of primary residence (a “Minor”). The Sweepstakes is subject to all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations. Participation constitutes entrant’s full and unconditional agreement to these official rules (the “Official Rules”) and Sponsor’s decisions, which are final and binding in all matters related to the Sweepstakes. Winning a prize is contingent upon fulfilling all requirements set forth herein.

SPONSOR.  Saints: The LDS Story, 15 E N Temple, Salt Lake City Utah, 84150 (“Sponsor”).

SWEEPSTAKES SUBMISSION PERIOD. Sweepstakes will begin at 8 a.m. Mountain Time (“MT”) on November 1, 2018 and will end at 11:59:00 p.m. MT on November 24th, 2018 (the “Sweepstakes Period"). Sponsor’s time clock is the official clock for the Sweepstakes. Winner will be notified via messaging.

HOW TO ENTER. To enter during the Sweepstakes Period, entrants are to artistically depict a scene, quote, or whatever else their imagination limits them to on the pages of the “Saints: The Story of the Church of Jesus Christ in the Latter Days” book. Entrants are not limited to doodling, and may use the pages of the book as the canvas of their imagination. 

Entrants are to tag Saints: The LDS Story (Twitter: @churchhistory, Instagram: @saints_lds_story, Facebook: @LDShistory) and when possible use #SaintsArtStory to have their artwork entered into consideration.

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS.  Entries must not contain any obscene, profane, lewd, defamatory, or inappropriate matter as determined by Sponsor in its sole discretion.  Any entry deemed unsuitable by Sponsor, in its sole discretion, will be disqualified.

GRAND PRIZE WINNER, WINNER SELECTION.  Three winners (the “Winner”) will be selected by social media followers via voting. There will be one Grand Prize, second place, and third place winner for Twitter, one Grand Prize, second place, and third place winner for Instagram, and one Grand Prize, second place, and third place winner for Facebook. Winners will be notified by via messaging on their respected platforms.

PRIZES, APPROXIMATE RETAIL VALUE (“ARV”) & ODDS. The Grand Prize winner will receive a copy of the artwork found on the cover of “Saints: The Story of the Church of Jesus Christ in the Latter Days,” as well as a copy of “Saints: The Story of the Church of Jesus Christ in the Latter Days.” ARV of the Grand Prize is $35.00 US dollars. 

Second place winners will receive a copy of the artwork found on the cover of “Saints: The Story of the Church of Jesus Christ in the Latter Days.”

Third place winners will receive a copy of “Saints: The Story of the Church of Jesus Christ in the Latter Days.”

Odds of winning depend on the number of entries received during the Sweepstakes Period.  No substitution, cash redemption or transfer of Grand Prize is permitted except at Sponsor’s sole and absolute discretion. If the Grand Prize, or any portion thereof, cannot be awarded for any reason, Sponsor reserves the right, at its sole and absolute discretion, to substitute the Grand Prize of equal or greater value. All federal, state and local taxes, and all other costs associated with acceptance or use of the Grand Prize, are the sole responsibility of the Winner. Arrangements for delivery of the Grand Prize will be performed after Winner validation. At the Sponsor’s discretion, unclaimed prizes may not be awarded.

GENERAL RULES: Winner will be notified via inbox message. Winner may be required to sign and return an Affidavit of Eligibility and Release of Liability and a Publicity Release and an IRS W-9 form within ten (10) days of attempted notification or prize will be forfeited. The return of any prize/prize notification as undeliverable or failure to respond to notices or return any documents in a timely manner, as determined by the Sponsor, may result in disqualification and an alternate winner may be chosen. By participating, Entrants agree to release, discharge and hold harmless Sponsor from and against any and all liability or damages associated with this Sweepstakes or acceptance, use or misuse of the Grand Prize received in this Sweepstakes. Sponsor is not responsible for any typographical or other error in the printing of the offer or administration of the Sweepstakes. Acceptance of the Grand Prize constitutes permission for the Sponsor and their agencies to use Winner’s names and likenesses for purposes of advertising and publicity without further compensation, unless prohibited by law. By participating in this Sweepstakes, Entrants agree to be bound by the Official Rules and decisions of the independent Sponsor, which shall be final in all matters relating to the Sweepstakes. Sponsor is not responsible for lost, late, misdirected, stolen, illegible, inaccurate, damaged, incomplete, non-delivered or postage-due mail; or for printing, distribution or production errors or for technical, hardware, software, or telephone malfunctions of any kind, lost or unavailable network connections, or failed, incorrect, incomplete, inaccurate, garbled or delayed electronic communications caused by the user or by any of the equipment or programming associated with or utilized in this Sweepstakes, or by any human, or other error, which may occur in this Sweepstakes. If, in the Sponsor’s sole opinion, there is any suspected or actual evidence of tampering with any portion of the Sweepstakes or if technical difficulties compromise the integrity of the Sweepstakes, Sponsor reserves the right to void suspect entries and/or modify and/or suspend and/or terminate the Sweepstakes and/or conduct a random drawing to award the Grand Prize in a manner deemed appropriate by the Sponsor. In the event of a dispute regarding the identity of the person submitting an entry, entries will be declared made by the name appearing on the entry. Sponsor reserves the right to disqualify any individual who tampers with the Sweepstakes or acts in a disruptive manner. This Sweepstakes is offered only in the United States and is governed by the laws of the State of Utah. By entering, Entrants irrevocably consent to the sole and exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of the State of Utah located in Salt Lake County for any action, suit or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Sweepstakes.

WAIVER: By participating in this Sweepstakes, Entrant waives all rights to claim punitive, incidental and consequential damages, attorney’s fees or any damages other than actual out-of-pocket costs incurred to participate. Winner waives all rights and indemnifies Sponsor against any loss or liability claim, cause of action or liability, including without limitation those relating to any personal injury, death, loss, expense or damages of any kind, under any theory of law or in equity, arising from, acceptance or use of and/or resulting from the Grand Prize.

PUBLICITY. Unless prohibited by law, participation in the Sweepstakes constitutes each Entrant’s consent for Sponsor to use the Entrant’s name, age, photograph, image, likeness, statements for Sweepstakes or other promotional, advertisement or commercial purposes in any media now known or later developed, without payment or consideration to the Entrant or any other person.

PRIVACY. Sponsor will collect personal data from Entrants when they enter this Sweepstakes, and this information will be used for the purposes of administering the Sweepstakes, publicizing the Sweepstakes and other promotional purposes that benefit Sponsor only.

MISCELLANEOUS. Each entry is subject to verification by Sponsor. Participation in the Sweepstakes constitutes agreement and acceptance of these Official Rules. Entrants hereby waive any right to claim ambiguity in these Official Rules. Sponsor reserves the right to apply and interpret these Official Rules and conduct and administer the Sweepstakes. Any decision by Sponsor regarding the Sweepstakes, including eligibility of Entrants and determination of the winners, shall be final and binding.

RIGHT TO CANCEL OR MODIFY SWEEPSTAKES. If the Sweepstakes is not capable of running as planned for any reason or cause which Sponsor deems could corrupt or affect the administration, security, fairness, integrity, or proper conduct of the Sweepstakes, including fraud, technical failure, or insufficient participation, Sponsor reserves the right to cancel, terminate, modify or suspend the Sweepstakes or these Official Rules, including changing the Sweepstakes Period, or selecting a winner from entries received prior to the action taken or in such other manner as Sponsor may deem appropriate.

[whereareroo]

WHAT ARE THE ODDS?

WF THOUGHTS (7/9/22).

When I was a kid, gambling was taboo. Except in Las Vegas, gambling was illegal. Vegas was called "Sin City."

Over time, the world changed and casinos popped up everywhere? What changed? State governments, entities that are always short on cash, realized that they could collect billions in taxes if they allowed--and taxed--casinos. State officials cared about more about money than they cared about the evils of gambling. It's that simple. It's a very American phenomenon.

For a long time, there was only one thing that withstood the onslaught of gambling. It was the sanctity of sports. In order to protect sports from corruption, it remained illegal to bet on sports. Of course, it was only a matter of time before that wall was toppled by the power of the almighty dollar. Today, legalized betting on sports is a way of life. You can't watch a sporting event on television, or listen on radio, without being bombarded with ads from online betting sites. Like drug dealers, the online sites will give you a free "taste" to get you addicted. If you lose your first few bets, they give you back your money anyway. Isn't that sweet?

Due to the proliferation of betting, we've become a country that is fixated on "the odds." Americans don't understand many things, but everybody understands "the odds."

I don't gamble. I worked too hard for my money. Nonetheless, in my own way, I was thinking about "the odds" recently. I reviewed some data and this is what I found:

▪The odds of you walking out the door and getting killed by a bus are 1 in 495,000 (0.000202%)

▪The odds of being killed in a train crash are 1 in 500,000 (0.000200%)

▪The odds of you drowning in your bathtub are 1 in 695,000 (0.000154%)

▪The odds (who knew?) of you dying by falling out of bed are 1 in 2,000,000 (0.000050%)

▪The odds of falling off a ladder and dying are 1 in 2,300,000 (0.000043%)

▪The odds of dying from food poisoning are 1 in 3,000,000 (0.000033%)

▪The odds of dying in a terrorist attack are 1 in 9,300,000 (0.000010%)

▪The odds of dying in a plane crash are 1 in 11,000,000 (0.0000091%)

Why was I thinking about "the odds?" This week, there was strange news about about the IRS and some suspicious tax audits. The news involved "the odds."

Every year, as part of a "research program," the IRS randomly audits some tax returns even though those tax returns appear to be 100% correct. (Note: These audits are not related to audits that are triggered by discrepancies in a tax return.) The number of such "research" audits is very, very, very small. More than 155 million individual tax returns are filed every year. Each year, about 5,000 are randomly selected for these "research" audits.

Obviously, the IRS was run by a Trump appointee during the Trump Administration. For the first few months of 2021, pending the arrival of a new Biden appointee, the IRS was still run by a Trump person. Such a delay is common after a new president is elected.

Last week, it was revealed that two particular people had been selected for "research audits" when the IRS was being run by a Trump appointee. This is newsworthy because of "the odds."

The two people are former top FBI officials --James Comey and Andrew McCabe-- that Trump fired. Trump fired them because both men encouraged the FBI'S investigation into Trump's collusion with Russia during the 2016 election cycle, and both men believed that Trump had wrongfully obstructed justice in connection with that investigation.

Besides getting fired, guess what else happened to Comey and McCabe? With a Trump appointee at the helm of the IRS, both men had their tax returns selected for a "research audit." How could such a thing happen? The selections are supposed to be random. What are the odds?

Well, thanks to The New York Times, we know the odds that both Comey and McCabe would be selected for a "research audit." The odds are 1 in 82,072,872 (0.00000121843%). What do you make of that? Take a minute to compare that to the odds of being killed in a terrorist attack (1 in 9,300,000) or a plane crash (1 in 11,000,000). How did something so extremely unlikely happen?

Do you believe that we've just witnessed a statistical oddity that only happens 0.00000121843% of the time? Or, do you believe that something fishy was going on at the IRS under Trump and that these guys were targeted? What are the odds?

An investigation is underway. I'm willing to bet that Team Trump was doing something fishy at the IRS. If you're a Trump supporter and you'd like to take the other side of that bet, please contact me. I'm willing to bet big money on this. I like my odds.