#also the double stripped branches

[mephiles-the-jester]

rewatching wreck it ralph the worldbuilding is actually insane for how many worlds there are to build i love it,,time for some random thoughts while i watch the movie in a single post

i like felix and ralph,and i think with the scene in the hallway on its own people can see felix not liking ralph but when you see him next to the nicelanders its clear he really does want to let ralph into the anniversary party when he comes,he doesnt want to tell him to leave despite how everyone doesnt want him there, i think inversely to how ralph finds it difficult to break from being the 'bad guy', felix finds it difficult to break from being the 'good guy',, or smth like that idk,,,

other thing, i love how the movie treats vanellope,like she's a child and so silly but shes also a strong parallel to ralph and it takes her seriously for it, i don't know why ive noticed that but its really cool to think about. it might be a while since ive watched movies with a child protagonist like her but i noticed it and i appreciate how shes not written off as just a child ralph just relates to, because she gets what its like for ralph and she knows it

no huge thoughts on felix and calhoun i love them both,also god i with that were me,,,(both of them)

also ive been thinking this for years and i must come out and say it now that i have the chance,,but king candys warning to ralph i think is the movie's best example of how much it succeeded with its storytelling and with both its princess vanellope reveal and its turbo motivation reveal. because vanellopes glitch getting the game put out of order when players see it, and her not being able to escape the cabinet being unplugged are,,like actual concerns if she was a regular racer,like if she wasnt a princess and an actual game anomaly than that scenario might happen, because she really cant escape the game when the cybugs do come, and she does retain her glitch ability when she enters the roster,,. and it makes ralph destroying her kart more sad than infuriating because you know as much as him and that he wants to keep her out of danger, and despite king candy being an antagonist,the audience isnt told why he truly doesnt want her in the race, and he gives a realistic explanation to ralph of a series of events that could threaten vanellope, and mislead the audience while giving foreshadowing. after all, turbo does have experience glitching a game into getting unplugged,,so,,,

also while writing this ralph telling king candy that the players will love vanellope and king candy going "and if they dont",,,im gonna hit that candy cane stripped ass mf 12 yards across a willy wonka world of imagination,,,with glasses

damn this movie look gorgeous the scene of ralph talking to gene with the orange out of order sign is beautiful,,

i think when i first watched the movie i thought it was unfair that vanellope had a built in power up in the form of glitching around when she gets added to the roster,but candlehead can turn cherries nearby into bombs so ill accept that,,i would play a real game of this tbh

i love turbo and ralph/felix recognising the other immediately since they were literally neighbours when turbo was plugged in, and you can even notice it in the salmon castle when king candy cane recognise ralph despite the audience getting the vibe that he just stays in sugar rush,(he has to because he probably has his disguise only in that game)

vanellope keeping her glitching is great for the disability allegory of her character, becoming a princess doesnt magically solve what happened to her code being disconnected like that and thats fine, she just becomes an absolutely busted racer that all the players are gonna use and i love that for her

the characters who got their game unplugged being invited to a bonus level is so funny,they dont even have to deal with copyright its perfect

in conclusion: wreck it ralph i think has become a favourite movie of mine

[flightlessangelwings]

FlightlessAngelWings Kinkotber 2023 Prompt List!

Here it is, the Kinktober Prompt List!!

Compiled by myself and edited/peer reviewed/approved by my bestie @the-purity-pen who had made fantastic prompt lists in the past (and who also made the beautiful graphics for me)!! This list has a little bit of everything from more vanilla to more hardcore prompts so there’s a little something for everyone, or to branch out and try something new if you feel like it!

Write fics, make art, graphics, gifs, moodboards, whatever your heart desires!! Any type of creations are welcome too: reader insert, oc, ships, original works, anything!

Have fun and be creative!!

Below the cut are 31 days of prompts for the month of October! Each day has 3 choices with a free space day on the 31st!

Because of the nature of the event, this is 18+ ONLY! Minors interacting or participating will be blocked!

Please tag me @flightlessangelwings and use the hastag #fawktober2023 and I’ll share your works!

Please use proper warnings in your posts with this event as some of the prompts may not be for everyone. And if you’re doing a reader insert, please work to be inclusive of your writing/art!

No kinkshaming please! I made this list to be varied so there may be things on here you hate. That’s ok! There’s things here that even I don’t like but I designed it that way so there’s something for everyone! But that’s also why tags and warnings are so important!!

Reblog this post so others and find this list and to share the fun!! And don’t forget to reblog other people’s work too throughout October and support each other!!

If none of the prompts for the day speak to you, feel free to pull from another day if you want! Don’t feel pressured at all! Have fun with it!!

List under the cut in graphic and text format!

Banner free to use for your posts with credit to @the-purity-pen 💖

Both dividers by the lovely @saradika ❤️

Love bites * Overstimulation * Impact play

Bath/shower * Public * Knife play

69 * Exhibitionism * Monster au

Thigh riding * Sex pollen * Forced orgasm

Table sex * Threesome * Sensory deprivation

Sexting/phone sex * A/B/O * Bondage

Slow and soft * Partner swap * Spanking

Cockwarming * Temperature play * Rough sex

Role play * Pegging * Hunter/prey

Stripping * Anal * Double penetration

Seduction * Blindfold * Degradation

Formal wear * Glove kink * Gun play

Body worship * Being recorded * Anonymous sex

Tit/nipple play * Object insertion * BDSM

Against a wall * Size kink * Free use

Lap dance * Role reversal * Whipping

Praise kink * Rimming * Tentacles

Masturbation * Squirting * Dacryphilia (crying/emotional release)

Hand job * Voyeurism  * Somnophilia

Sex toys * Orgy/group * Corruption

Romantic sex * Piercings * Hate sex

Voice kink * Virginity * Fisting

Dirty talk * Begging * CNC

Lingerie * Edging * Leather/latex

Mirror sex * Orgasm denial * Breeding

Face sitting * Deep throating * Choking

Food play * Period sex * Wax play

Blowjobs * Intercrural sex * Cock rings

Fingering * Cream pie * Gagging

Cunnilingus * Costumes * Breath play

FREE SPACE

[aloeverified]

boruto rewrite where the show actually still focuses on the original characters from naruto, but we're seeing them face their struggles that come with being adults in the society they live in and after going through what they did. their children are also in the show and we're given their perspective on the events compared to their parents'.

the overall plot revolves around naruto trying to change the shinobi system. he knows first hand how terrible the repercussions are when children are forced to be soldiers, and now that he's the hokage, he finally has the power to change it.

the only problem is, not everyone agrees with him. many believe by changing the age that shinobi begin their training, they won't be as strong later on and the village will become weaker over the years. not only that, but some people just don't understand why naruto feels this way. they were shinobi all their life and they turned out just fine — why fix what isn't broken?

it causes conflict within the cast and allows us to delve into each character more, showing why they feel the way they do and how their experiences have built up to the person they are.

besides that, other characters get their own storylines as well that connect with the theme of recovering from trauma.

gaara realizes that he's only ever lived for his village — as a soldier, a weapon, the kazekage. he works himself to the bone for his village while ignoring his basic needs, still having not realized he's a human just like everyone else. when he gets shinki, he realizes what it's like to prioritize something; what it's like to nurture and love.

sakura works at a hospital for young shinobi, doubling as both a healer and a therapist of sorts. she listens to the children tell their stories and gives them a shoulder to try on. she saw what being alone did to her teammates and she doesn't want any other child to go through what they did.

during her time at the hospital, she slowly begins to see pieces of herself within her patients. her trauma, which she's always pushed away and ignored, starts to come out. she's forced to face these memories she's always tried to bury deep. she struggles with understanding it as well as feeling validated compared to what naruto and sasuke had to go through.

she also struggles with her marriage to sasuke as she starts to unpack all the terrible things he's done to her. she's knows why he did them and she can justify his actions as much as she wants, but it doesn't change the fact he traumatized and tried to kill her at one point.

hinata's would focus on the hyuga. she's an outsider to them without any power. when she was stripped of her title and allowed to marry naruto, she thought it was a dream come true. she was so confident that hanabi would change the clan, that the branch system would be destroyed and neji wouldn't have died in vain.

only, without hinata, hanabi began to crack under the pressure of the elders and her father until she became just like them. the seal system is still in place, the branch families are still treated as servants.

it's a lot about generational trauma. how no matter how much hinata tried to change things for hanabi, she was always destined to fall into the same path as her father. only by recognizing this and making the changes her family refused to do in the past, are they able to change things.

i think there could also be something about how once, a long time ago, hiashi had wanted to change the hyūga. he wanted to dispel the main/side branch family system so his brother could be free. but overtime, he became complacent — very similar to hanabi.

as for the kids, i would show the differences between them based on how their parents feel about them being raised as soldiers.

for example, shikatema would have no problem with the shinobi system (at first) and their child would be entered into the academy and ready to become a ninja.

boruto, however, was raised by parents who want to change the system and hate the senseless violence, therefore he was not enrolled. this causes him to have some resentments for his parents as he's in the minority of children who aren't attending the ninja academy. he's viewed as a weak and soft-hearted by his companions and he hates it. maybe he goes against his parents and attends the academy in secret somehow.

there's a lot you can do with each character, honestly. i won't go further into it unless asked, but here's my main thoughts. i have a lot of idea with how to conclude the arcs as well, but i'm not sure how people would feel about it.

gaara stepping down as kazekage and leaving suna, sakura divorcing sasuke as she realized she never truly loved him romantically, hinata becoming the hyūga head/disbanding the hyūga, etc. many ideas.

[infestedguest]

A favorite Benny Gecko headcanon of mine is that before House “civilized” the Chairmen/Boot Riders his name was literally just Gecko.

The name Benny is a double reference to both the most powerful trump card in the card game Euchre, and to Benjamin “Bugsy” Siegel, the real life mobster who owned the Flamingo Hotel and Casino and who drove a lot of the development of the Las Vegas Strip in the 1940s. Benny’s entire brand is pretty clearly influenced by Bugsy Siegel, both out of universe by the devs as well as in universe by House and possibly Benny himself, especially considering the buffalo plaid suit. (Bugsy Siegel almost definitely also existed in the Fallout universe and played a similar role as he did irl because the Fallout timeline branches off from ours in 1945, only two years before he was assassinated).

It’d be one hell of a coincidence if that was the name he had as a tribal, and since we know that House’s reinvention of the strip families was specifically in the image of the old world, it only makes sense that that would include names. Swank probably wasn’t called Swank before the Boot Riders became the Chairmen either (I mean, his name is literally Swank).

Gecko doesn’t seem like a particularly unusual name for a tribal to have. It’s the name of a fairly common hostile creature in the Mojave Wasteland that the Boot Riders probably encountered regularly. Geckos were likely at least associated with combat or ferocity in their culture, which given Benny’s description of them when you talk to him at the fort were probably traits that the Boot Riders valued. Thus it isn’t that hard to believe that a Boot Rider would name their kid Gecko. Alternatively he may have earned the name after some kind of encounter involving one or more Geckos, if earning names was a thing in their culture a la the Khans.

We can assume that the usage of Gecko as a sort of surname for Benny could’ve been started by other members of the Chairmen while they were still getting used to the name transition. Like, imagine every single person you know suddenly has a completely different name. Informally tagging a person’s Boot Rider name onto the end of their Chairman name could’ve been a way to prevent confusion in the early days of them being Chairmen. (The implication of this subheadcanon being that every Chairman has a “surname” like this, which I personally think is really cool). People outside of the Chairmen probably just assumed those were their full names, so now they basically are, at least in the public consciousness of the city.

Another possible contributing factor to it’s usage as a surname is the general usage of surnames by other groups the Chairmen interact or associate with, especially the NCR. If House didn’t give the Chairmen last names, or if last names just weren’t a thing for the Boot Riders, it doesn’t seem unreasonable for them to just put their Boot Rider name as their last name when signing paperwork or whatever, or whenever else other people expect them to have one, especially if my subheadcanon from the last paragraph is true and they were already kind of using them that way anyway. Also I like to think there were at least a few Chairmen who, when asked what their last name was, assumed the asker meant the last name that they had.

[swearyshera]

Slowly making my way through the inbox, here's today's big bunch!

@freedfromthegalactichivemind Snap! It's not beyond the realms of possibility, we shall see what happens with my other ideas for continuing the series.

I can write them down for you! It reads...

Following the events of the finale, life changed for everyone on Etheria.

Scorpia was officially handed her kingdom back. Upon seeing the state of it she yelled "What motherfucking thundercunt did this?!" She is still apologising.

Within a month of Prime's defeat, Perfuma held the biggest Trans Pride parade Etheria had ever seen. Prince Peekable still did not turn up. He was later found dead, but Perfuma insisted that this was not an excuse for failing to support trans people.

Frosta was finally able to return to Hell. The other demons had not changed at all during her absence and were still massive dicks. She has now made this realm her permanent home. It has more cake.

Mermista initially failed to respond to our request for comment on how her life had changed. When we reached out again, she said "It's fine, I guess, whatever." Her smile indicated things were a lot better than 'just fine'.

Sea Hawk celebrated the defeat of Prime with a series of 'victory fires'. The resulting court cases found him guilty of arson and sentenced to a total of five years in prison. Mermista officially pardoned him after a lot of convincing.

After finishing Sweary She-Ra, Entrapta was tasked with writing the SPOP movie. It has been hailed as the greatest movie of all time and received glowing reviews from all critics. It never received a release outside of Etheria.

Hordak finally achieved his dream of taking over Etheria. There is now a branch of Greggs in every town and village on the planet. He and Entrapta created a unique menu of tiny sausage rolls.

Shadow Weaver's remains were returned to Mystacor. The burial site is now a popular gender-neutral bathroom.

Double Trouble opened an acting school. They closed it a week later after realising no-one could be as good they are.

Bow used his spare time to focus on inventing more tech. His inventions have changed the everyday lives of many Etherians. The French horn alarm clock was not one of them.

Glimmer now spends her days collecting antique weapons. Though she has no need to use them, they are maintained in perfect condition... just in case.

Catra went through a fuckton of therapy at Mystacor. Things may not be perfect but she's happy. Also, Castaspella told her several embarrassing stories about Glimmer as a child. Catra has them saved up for when she really needs to piss Glimmer off.

The first thing Adora did after defeating Prime was take a well-earned rest. Well, she slept for a few hours. Well, I say slept, she lay down on the bed for a few minutes. What can I say? Adora is still Adora.

@hi-im-uur It's been my pleasure! There are a good few thousand strips to go through, so enjoy it all over again!

[ltwilliammowett]

The Irish Currach

The currach is a traditional Irish boat built from a light wooden frame covered with tarred leather or canvas. They were usually 4.80 to 5.50 m long and slightly less than 1 m wide. Depending on the purpose for which they were built and where they were built, they could be seaworthy with a keel and sail or flat as a river or coastal vessel. It is not known exactly when they first appeared on the coasts of Ireland, but they seem to have been around since the Neolithic period.

A modern Kerry currach 

Used for fishing or transport, they could also be used for other purposes. Pytheas of Massalia is said to have used one around 340 BC during his exploration of north-western Europe. Whether he actually did so is questionable, since his account of the voyage has been lost and other ancient authors like to portray him as a liar and label his observations as fictitious. Today's researchers, however, believe him to a large extent.

Pytheas on his voyage to Thule in 340 BC, by Stephen Biesty 2011

In chapter 4 of the Navigatio Sancti Brendani, the author describes how St Brendan and his monks built a curragh for the planned sea voyage in 565 and 573 AD across the open sea to the "Isle of the Blessed". The material is described in detail: resin-soaked ox hides tanned in oak tan for the covering, ash wood for the frames and oak wood for gunwale, oars, oars and mast, all made waterproof with (sheep) fat. Then a hull was constructed from longitudinal and transverse frames joined with leather strips, the skins pulled over them and sewn together with flax fibre threads. Oars, mast, leather straps (for the shrouds and sheets), leather sails, as well as spare skins, woods and grease completed the equipment.

Book illustration Manuscriptum translationis germanicae Cod. Pal. Germ. 60, fol. 179v (University Library  of Heidelberg, Germany), written around 1460 AD. St. Brendan in a currach.

A similarly constructed boat is described in the mythical tales Immram Curaig Maíle Dúin ("The Voyage of the Boat of Máel Dúin") from the 10th century and Immram Brain ("Bran's Voyage") from the 8th century. The currach survives to this day and caused quite a stir in the 17th century when an attempt was made to recreate a seagoing one. Captain Thomas Phillips, described and drew it as follows: "A portable vessel made of wicker, commonly used by the wild Irish". The ocean-going vessel is about 6m long, has a keel and rudder, a ribbed hull and a mast in the middle of the vessel. Because of the keel, the ship is built from the bottom up. A fairing (probably made of animal skins) was added, with the sides supported by poles in the gaps.

The mast is supported by stays and double shrouds on each side, the latter sloping down to an outer plank which serves as a chain stay. The forestay runs over a small fork above the yard, which carries a square sail: a branch is tied to the top of the mast. The stern is topped by double half-rings which could support a cover.

Captain Thomas Phillips - Currach, 17th century

Phillips' sketches suggest that such a vessel was by all means common in his time and probably in use earlier. The keel would improve the handling of the boat, but the hull would remain flexible.

A modern Donegal Sea Currach

Today's currachs are sturdy, light and versatile vessels. Their framework consists of a truss formed by frames and stringers and surmounted by a gunwale. There is a stem and stern post, but no keel. For this it is rowed but can also have a mast and sail, but with a minimum of rigging. The outside of the hull is covered with tarred canvas or calico, a substitute for animal skin. They are used for, recreation, fishing, ferries and for transporting goods and livestock, including sheep and cattle.  

[orreanintrepidness]

How Orre works (2024 Lore Update)

This one is much, much longer than the original, and so is going under a keep reading

Orre has an actual government, somehow, nevermind the fact that said government is just Alistair, who doubles as the region's champion, alongside an advisory council that mostly oversees things on his behalf. Disagreements between himself and said council are frequent, and the two often act against one another until Alistair outright overrules them entirely out of frustration. Even with all this, support for Alistair remaining in the position he is in is immensely popular within Orre, meanwhile it is condemned outside of Orre. But with this power, Alistair does not meddle in the day to day living of Orreans whatsoever, absolute or not, he does not overstep without good cause, Tyranny is not his taste.

Non-Orreans CANNOT become the region's champion. Not only because Alistair seems nigh-unbeatable, but also because no Orrean would ever even bother listening to them, thus, making it impossible for them to remain.

Orre in fact, has very lax laws when it comes to weaponry, while other regions have laws that prohibit the ownership of many (E.g firearms) Orre has none to speak of, everything is fair game.

Technologically, Orre is no longer stuck in the early-mid 90s, though in some areas it does still lag behind somewhat, it is actually ahead of other regions in a number of areas primarily in the field of hover-based technology and power generation.

As such, the idea of paying for power to one's home is a thing entirely of the past. Orre produces enough power to not only fuel itself, but also enough to power all of Unova all year round, though this power is not shared with the Unovan network.

Touching Orrean mines, be they empty or not, as a non-Orrean is genuinely the FASTEST way to get yourself killed. The mines are seen in a way that is borderline sacred, especially since most of them have dried up and thus Orreans giving someone anything made of Orrean metals is considered an EXTREMELY significant gesture. Though, in more recent times, with the newer technology, most of these mines have since been re-opened to fuel the now booming Orrean industrial base.

Ownership of Shadow Pokemon is considered legal, and is extremely common in the region, even with the production of them being halted when Cipher was "Destroyed" the first time around. With the real destruction of Cipher, Orrean Shadow Pokemon production has genuinely and entirely been ceased once and for all.

Interpol is still outright forbidden from entering the Orre region at all, and instead, Orre is policed by a democratically elected Sheriff system. Each town/city/village elects their sheriff, who doubles as the town's mayor, as well as law enforcement, said sheriff is free to appoint deputies as they see fit. Each Sheriff is in place for six months between elections.

Outside Corporations are all but forbidden from operating within Orre, many of these corporations are the very same ones that almost stripped the region bare of resources after the collapse of the last real government of Orre. The sole exception to this ruling is the Aether Foundation, however even then, they had to create a seperate Orrean branch that has to answer to both Alistair and the greater foundation itself. The only real Orrean corporation is the OAA, the Orrean Arms Association, which is the primary head of the Region's military industrial complex which in turn fuels the majority of the Orrean economy, followed closely by it's subdivision, the OOA, or Orran Oil Association, which is responsible for handling the region's huge oil production. Both the OAA and OOA are headed by Alistair, who makes sure that the council cannot meddle in the goings on of these two key parts of the Orrean machine.

The OAA, however, is not entirely clean, a lot of the arms produced within Orre go on to end up in the hands of criminal organisations across the world, though this information is not public, nor is the reasoning for it known to anyone in particular beyond Alistair himself.

Orre has become an extremely diverse region, thanks in no small part to the fact that Interpol cannot set foot there. Many criminals from the likes of Team Magma, Team Aqua, Rocket, and other organisations that have either collapsed, or downsized, have ended up here. Though most are welcome, a key exception to this rule are those who were part of Team Plasma, who are instead shown the full length of Orrean justice, as though the crimes they committed elsewhere were committed on Orrean soil. Thanks to the fact that Alistair himself actively fought against them during his time living in Unova. Large parts of Orrean research is done by former members of Team Galactic and a few stragglers from Flare, though those are much rarer.

Even with this diversity, tradition, at least in it's historic form, is dead in Orre. The Shrine for Celebi no longer sees use, the gods aren't worshipped, the old ideal of might makes right no longer applies. Old Orrean tradition has all but ceased to be, replaced by the tradition of progress, and the future ahead.

The above however, does not apply to the much, much older indigenous religions and faiths that exist within Orre, which are treated with respect. They live freely within Orre.

With all this, Orre has reached complete and total parity with the other "major" regions, and is now seemingly unshaking in it's new position, finally asserting itself as the large region it is.

[ninja-go-to-therapy]

Ringalingaling

Chef grumbled as she made her way through the undergrowth. The incessant ringing was a good sign, proof that one of her traps had been tripped by tonight's dinner.

Ringalingaling

But oh, was it annoying! She wondered if the bells had been secretly imbued with essence of Troll—the annoyance she felt was certainly the same. That she might never again hear the annoying peal of a happy Troll's singing made the sound—the reminder—all the more grating.

Ringalingaling

But what else could she do? Those blasted little ingrates dug tunnels out of Bergentown, and none had been recovered. And then her fellow Bergens, whom she had kept happy for decades, turned out to be just as ungrateful and banished her for something that was no fault of her own.

Ringalingaling

Chef growled, snapping a branch off of a tree as she passed. Horrid, lazy, ungrateful dimwits! She gave them everything she had and yet they still threw her out! And it was all because those little tree-dwelling elves snuck away! She had done everything right; guards were assigned to watch the Trolls in shifts, the cage kept the riffraff out—the Trolls had been so happy that she hadn't seen a single gray one in nearly a decade. She had done everything right, and where had it gotten her?

Ringalingaling

Oh! That incessant ringing! Chef leaned against a tree, breathing to try and clear her anger. Letting her fury take the reins would only lead her to further ruin, she knew. She needed to take the reins of her fury, carefully cultivate the bitterness until she had coals hot enough to hurl upon her enemies. Roaring and destroying the undergrowth would get her nowhere.

Ringalingaling

Still, the ringing continued. It was a good sign—it wouldn't be ringing if whatever had been caught had somehow wriggled free. But the noise might also draw opportunistic predators; Chef needed to get to her trap sooner.

Ringalingaling

She had done everything right, and yet she had still ended up here. Banished from her home, stripped of her power and dignity. Out in these woods with nary a Troll in sight and only her wits and what she could purchase at fringe territories to survive off of. The bells were a recent addition to her traps; a warning system. An annoying warning system that reminded her of what she had lost, but a warning system nonetheless.

Ringalingalinginginging

Oh, was the ringing getting more frantic? More frenzied, as her steps closed in? Chef grinned at the thought that whatever she had trapped knew it was being hunted—a little fear went a long way in elevating the taste of most dishes. She licked her lips as she imagined what kind of dishes she might be able to make... she had recently found a source of honey not far from her camp... and her spice rack wasn't short on variety either.

Ringalingalingalinging

Chef pulled back a section of undergrowth to reveal the sprung trap. It was simple enough in design; any unfortunate critter that passed by had a good chance of being snagged in the snare. That same snare had a bell tied along the string, making it so that every struggle would only alert her to the trap's success.

Ringalingalingalingalinginging

Chef beamed at the panicking Troll tangled up in her snare. A Troll! It squeaked up at her, its useless struggles doubling as Chef reached down. "Oh, you poor thing." Chef crooned, licking her lips. "Let me help you." Poison dripped in her voice, and the Troll—no, a Trolling, if the size was any indication—dug little paws into the dirt in an attempt to scramble away.

Ringalin—

The bell ceased its clamoring as Chef grabbed the Troll. With her free hand, she unzipped her fannypack. The Troll in her fist squirmed, bringing tiny claws and teeth to bear against her tough skin—not that she could feel more than the slightest itch. A gentle squeeze, and the little thing stilled completely. Chef wasted no time in untangling the Troll, moving to put it in the fannypack so she could reset the trap—

Wait.

Chef lifted the Trolling up to look at it more closely. That it was small was of no concern; size didn't matter when it came to the effect that eating a Troll had, and the younger Trolls tended to be much happier than the adults, anyway, but—

Gray eyes stared at her from a face of gray fur. Dark hair whipped impotently at her hands, gray paws grasping and squirming and kicking in an attempt to break free of her grip. Gray gray gray, down to the tip of its little tail.

"Rotten." Chef growled. The Trolling shrieked out another plea. "Useless." Trolls had one purpose in their insignificant lives, one use that they contributed to this miserable world amidst all their frivolity. To cultivate happiness and goodwill, so that when the time for harvest was nigh they could bring that same joy to the Bergens that depended on them. A Troll that had gone gray couldn't do anything of the sort—they had gone rotten, useless, unhappy—

Chef snarled, shoving the Trolling into her fannypack. She leaned down and reset the trap, the bell giving out one more pathetic ring before falling silent again. Anger raked up her throat and she snorted, lips curling in disgust.

She had finally found herself the one thing that might get her her old life back—

And it was utterly useless.

OH MY GODDDD THIS IS SO GOOD

[lizzie-bennetdarcy]

Fic stats meme

rules: give us the links to your fic with the most hits, second most kudos, third most comments, fourth most bookmarks, fifth most words, and fic with the least words.

Tagged by @hippolotamus @stereopticons and @smblmn thank you, lovelies 😘😘

Most hits:

[Art] I'll take you apart with my teeth, sweetheart (nsfw link)

This has the most hits by like... a lot 😂

After an extended time apart, Alex and Henry finally have some alone time.

Second most kudos

(He) was a fast machine

The first time Patrick heard his neighbors having sex he had yet to meet them. Mostly, he was impressed, and a little turned on. It was incredibly metronome-like, rhythmic, and lasted nearly an hour. There was no doubt about it - someone was getting absolutely railed.

Third most comments (we're going with comment threads, since I try to reply to all comments)

One day you'll understand how much I love you

"Come on David, we're gonna be late!" Patrick calls up the stairs. He double checks the time. They're technically still plenty early for the airport, but he's been married for long enough to know that Rose Family Time works differently than everyone else's time.

"I'm almost finished, you know packing my knits is a delicate process," David yells back at him.

"It's the middle of summer and we're going to San Francisco. I don't think you'll need your knits, David!"

After a busy few months working at the rapidly-expanding Rose Apothecary, David and Patrick take a much needed vacation.

Fourth most bookmarks

Also (He) was a fast machine

Fifth most words

A taste of you

So here he is, alone. In this stupid Elmdale strip mall, in a space he is certain does not live up to health code standards. He looks around the room and sees mostly couples, which only serves to drive home the fact that he is so, so very single this holiday season.

Or...

David and Patrick meet at random at a holiday cake pop decorating class

Least words

24 hour photo

A quick conversation between Patrick and Marcy following David's olive branch.

(Aka the missing date night photo from Lock it up)

Tagging @wordthieve @walnuts-and-berries @hullomoon @swearphil @rosedavid @treluna4 @jesuisici33 if you wanna play!! 🥰

[mineralsrocksandfossiltalks]

FOSSIL FRIDAY: DIPLODOCUS

Diplodocus, the "double beam" in reference to it's double-beamed chevrons on the caudal verts. It was discovered by S.W. Williston

and named by Othniel Charles Marsh.

It is from the Late Jurassic Morrison Formation of North America.

Diplodocus carnegii is one of the longest dinosaurs known from a complete skeleton. It's tail is composed of 80 caudal verts.

It has been speculated that the tail could have been used as a defensive or noise making weapon, that it could be used much like a whip. Or it simply was a counterbalance for the neck.

There is a 2015 paper by Foth et al that seems to indicate the weaponized use of the tail. They never outright say a sauropod did it, but the Allosaurus in question had damage on it's scapula and all it's ribs on the left side and that it was caused by a sudden traumatic event, such as getting the smackdown from an angry diplodocid. But that's just my opinion. Then again, I also think the whip-cracking would be cool too.

Diplodocus has some other cool features too. It has a single large claw on each front foot that we have no idea what it's used for yet.

It has 15 cervical verts in its neck at least and we have found skin! Look at all the fun patterned skin!

Finally, like all sauropods, it has pneumatic vertebrae. This means they were full of holes that would connect to the respiratory system, just like in birds.

There has been some debate over the years about how Diplodocus and it's relatives would have held it's neck and head. Some believe they could hold it up to browse high branches.

Others believe they didn't have the flexibility and simply help them horizontal to the ground.

Personally, I think it's probably a little of both. It makes the most sense in my head. Why have a long neck if you can't take advantage of the food? Which leads to another debate: could they tripod feed? Meaning, could they rear up and use their tail to as a sort of seat?

It might actually be possible. The base of the tail is incredibly muscular and can take a lot of stress. An important part of feeding is teeth and Diplodocus and fam had some weird teeth compared to other sauropods. They were long and skinny.

I mean, look at these suckers! The wear on said teeth showed that the used unilateral strip-feeding. Ever strip leaves off of a tree branch as a kid with one hand? Yeah, kinda like that but with their mouths instead.

See that vert in the upper righthand corner? That's our diplodocid at the Evil Tree Bonebed site. It's still very much stuck in the ground along with a few friends it's articulated to. If you need something to do this upcoming July, come help us get her out! Check out the link and come join us! The more hands we get, the more stuff we can pull out!

[thelistingteammiami]

Homeowners, Here's Your Maintenance and Safety Checklist for May

After April showers come May, with weather too wonderful to be stuck inside, but just make sure not to spend too much of your time relaxing, but also keep up with your home maintenance and improvements that will prepare your home for the hotter months ahead. Of course, getting it ready for your summer barbecues and outdoor entertaining is also part of the deal. 

Here are a few things you should do for your home in May while enjoying more of the sunshine:

Check your home's electrical system.

May is National Electrical Safety Month, which is the perfect time to check on your home's electrical system. Start your inspection by checking cables, cords, and outlets for damages, as they can cause electrical hazards, especially around water. Replace those that have frayed wires or damage to the outer casing.

Make sure that the power strips throughout your home aren’t overloaded, and double-check that they have a surge protection feature. While you’re at it, replace any extension cords that are being used to power heavy appliances like an AC unit, as these cords aren’t designed to work continuously. Likewise, don’t forget to cover any unused outlets to prevent small children and pets from accidentally shocking themselves. This also helps to keep debris and dust from interfering with the sockets.

Clean and mend your fence.

After the spring rains, your fence might not be looking its best. As the weather becomes more consistent, spend some time outside to touch up your fence. A simple spot cleaning or pressure-washing may be just what it needs to look like new. Also, check for holes or gaps that need attention. And if replacing old rails is a task that's too intimidating for you, call a professional to help out.

Patch cracks on your pathways and walkways.

If you haven't done so, take a closer look at the walkways and pathways on your property, and also those that are leading to and passing by your house. Large cracks and uneven surfaces can pose a hazard to you and your neighbors who walk around the area, so it’s worth taking the time to fix them. If there are cracks or potholes in the sidewalks, it’s best to call your local municipality to report it and see who is responsible for repairs.

Wash the windows.

A pleasant, rain-free day after the pollen eases is the perfect time to wash dirt and grime that accumulated on your exterior windows. Avoid doing this chore on very sunny days or at a time when a window is in direct sunlight, though, as the heat may cause the glass to dry too quickly and cause smears, according to window cleaning experts. Some of the items you need to clean your windows effectively include some warm water, quality dish soap, a non-scratch scrub pad, a sponge or washcloth, and a squeegee. Or best to leave it with the pros if the windows are hard to reach and you're not comfortable working on a ladder.

Have your HVAC serviced.

Before the days start to completely warm up, have your air conditioning system inspected so it will keep you cool through the summer season. There's no denying that repair costs like this can be quite expensive, but it’s well worth it to keep your system running well during the hot months. So set up a schedule and consult a licensed professional to inspect and service your home’s HVAC. If your HVAC system doesn’t already have a programmable thermostat, remember to install one this time around to save money on your cooling bills this summer.

Clean rain gutters and downspouts.

Your home's gutters should be cleaned at least twice a year— yes, not just in the fall but also this spring. This task is necessary to prevent any clogging and drainage issues, especially after April showers and you have evergreens and trees around your property.

Before clearing off debris from your gutters, such as fallen leaves, tree branches, pebbles, and others, make sure you are equipped with a stable and sturdy ladder that can support you. Also, don’t forget to put on gloves and goggles to protect your hands and face.

Get the grill ready.

If you haven't cleaned the grill before stowing it for the winter, now is the time to give it a good scrub so it can go a long way during summer’s outdoor cooking and entertaining. No matter what type of grill you have, check the owner’s manual first for tips and recommendations. But in general, you will need a new or at least a clean wire grill brush, a bucket of soapy water, a soft sponge, and gloves. Cleaning your grill as part of your spring cleaning will not only improve its efficiency but also extend its life expectancy so you can keep enjoying it for the years to come. Now, let the barbecue fun begin!

[robjtolley]

The Process of Producing Coffee

Coffee is one of the world’s most famous beverages, as it is consumed around the globe. The process of coffee production, from seed to consumer, entails several steps. Coffee beans, essentially seeds, must undergo drying, roasting, and grinding before brewing into the beloved beverage.

Coffee seeds, known as unroasted coffee beans, are grown in rows shaded by excessive sunlight. Fresh seeds typically germinate within approximately two and a half months after planting, although older seeds may take up to six months to sprout. Coffee plants should ideally be cultivated in hilly regions with nitrogen-rich volcanic soil for optimal growth.

Elevation plays a crucial role in coffee cultivation. The arabica species thrives at higher altitudes, whereas the robusta species is typically grown at lower elevations or sea level. Additionally, coffee plants have specific rainfall requirements. A distinct wet season for cultivation and a dry season for harvesting is crucial.

Whether by machine or human hands, coffee is harvested through one of two methods: strip picking or selective picking. The strip-picking method involves removing cherries from the branch, which can be done manually or with a machine. When employing selective picking, only the red cherries are harvested, leaving the green ones to mature further.

After the harvest, coffee cherries undergo immediate processing to prevent spoilage. Two primary methods are employed based on resources and location: the dry and wet methods. The dry method, known as unwashed or natural processing, is commonly used in areas with limited water access and by small-scale farms. Cherries are spread on drying beds, exposed to the sun for 15 to 20 days, regularly turned, and covered at night to prevent moisture absorption. The wet method involves washing and sorting cherries before pulping them to remove the skin.

Next, the mucilage-coated beans ferment in large tanks with added enzymes to dissolve the sticky substance. After approximately 24 hours, beans are repeatedly washed to eliminate residue. These beans are sun-dried for a day or two before being sorted into different grades.

The coffee milling process involves several steps, including preparing dried beans for market. Hulling removes the dried husk layers (exocarp, mesocarp, and endocarp) from parchment coffee beans. Polishing eliminates sliver skin that may remain after hulling. Polished beans are considered higher quality but show little difference in content compared to unpolished beans.

Grading involves sorting beans based on size, weight, color consistency, and flaws. Initially done by hand, the process can take hours. A more efficient method uses pneumatic sorting by air jet to separate light and heavy beans. Beans are also sized through screens on a scale of one to ten. Only the finest beans are graded as high quality.

Coffee roasting is the pivotal process that transforms green coffee beans into the aromatic brown beans we love. Whenever feasible, the roasting process occurs near the consumer to maintain freshness. Beans begin to deteriorate in quality as soon as they are roasted. It’s conducted at about 550 degrees Fahrenheit, with the beans continuously turned to prevent burning. Initially, the beans dry and turn yellow, emitting a roasting aroma. When the beans reach about 400 degrees Fahrenheit, a first crack occurs, causing the beans to double in size and become light brown.

The beans turn medium brown as the temperature rises, releasing a fragrant oil called caffeol. This pyrolysis stage is crucial, imparting the aroma and flavor to coffee. Beans can be stopped at this stage for a light or medium roast or continue for a darker roast. Around 440 degrees Fahrenheit, a second crack signals the start of the second pyrolysis, resulting in dark brown, oily beans. After roasting, the beans are rapidly cooled with water.

After roasting, coffee beans are carefully packaged to retain freshness and flavor. This packaging comes in different types, such as whole bean, ground, or single-serve pods, often sealed in vacuum bags to shield the beans from air and light. Subsequently, the distributed coffee reaches local cafes, retail stores, and consumers. It can journey far from coffee-producing nations to reach regions known for their love of coffee.

[roseaesynstylae]

Heir to the Empire: Chapter 1

We begin with the Star Destroyer Chimaera moving through space. On the bridge is Captain Pellaeon, who reflects bitterly over the loss of the Executor at Endor five years previously.

"Even after five years Pellaeon couldn't help but wince at the memory of that image, the Executor, out of control, colliding with the unfinished Death Star and then disintegrating completely in the battle station's massive explosion. The loss of the ship itself had been bad enough; but the fact that it was the Executor had made it far worse. That particular Super Star Destroyer had been Darth Vader's personal ship, and despite the Dark Lord's legendary -- and often lethal-- capriciousness, serving aboard it had long been perceived as the quick line to promotion.

Which meant that when the Executor died, so also did a disproportionate fraction of the best young and midlevel officers and crewers."

I guess that explains Piett, then. He always seemed much more competent than other Imperial officers, and certainly more competent that Ozzel (who I suspect may have been inflicted on Vader as a punishment by the Emperor). This also makes the sacrifice of Arvel Crynyd even more impressive; he crippled the Empire even more in the long run.

Pellaeon heads to Grand Admiral Thrawn's meditation chamber, encountering Thrawn's Noghri bodyguard Rukh. We'll get to the Noghri more in the future. Fun fact: They were originally intended to be called "Sith," but George Lucas vetoed that as he wanted to use the term in the future.

The reader accompanies Pellaeon into the mediation chamber, which is also Thrawn's personal art museum. "The walls and domed ceiling were covered in flat paintings and planics, a few of them vaguely human-looking but most of distinctly alien origin. Various sculptures were scattered around, some freestanding, others on pedestals. In the center of the room was a double circle of repeater displays, the outer ring slightly higher than the inner ring. Both sets of displays, at least from what little Pellaeon could see, also seemed to be devoted to pictures of artwork."

And here we are introduced to Grand Admiral Thrawn. The first sentence of his description -- "his pale blue skin looking cool and subdued and very alien on his otherwise human frame" -- makes it clear that, even in terms of his appearance, he's not like other Imperial officers. We don't learn much about Thrawn's origins in this trilogy; it isn't until the Hand of Thrawn duology that we learn that his species is called the Chiss. This lack of information actually fits with his depiction in this trilogy. The audience only knows a little more about him than the characters in-universe do, and that's mainly due to the multiple perspectives. Of course, future books have explained a lot, but when this book first came out, Thrawn was a total cipher.

Thrawn reveals that the artwork is holographic due to the originals being inaccessible, a nice little touch I appreciated. Pellaeon agrees with him (in a way that's basically him trying to push through a subject he has no clue about politely) and tells him that scouts have returned from the Obroa-skai system.

Here's some information on Obroa-skai!

Obroa-skai is terrestrial ice planet in the Borderlands Region of the Inner Rim. It's best known for its library, reputed to contain the complete knowledge of the galaxy. 16,787 years before this scene, the Celebratus Archive was founded with the goal of collecting the complete date records of over 30,000 species. A Jedi training academy specializing in data collection and analysis was founded on the planet, but obviously isn't present at this time. While Obroa-skai itself first appeared in this book, the Fusei branch of the library appeared in the Star Wars newspaper strip originally published in 1979.

Okay, back to the story.

The scouts were apparently able to partially tap into the library system and are being pursued. Thrawn casually switches the subject to art, mentioning "'Saffa paintings... Circa 1550 to 2200, Pre-Empire Date. Note how the style changes -- right here -- at the first contact with the Thennqora. Over there are example of Paonidd extrassa art. Note the similarities with the early Saffa work, and also the mid-eighteenth-century Pre-Em Vaathkree flatsculp.'"

While I couldn't find anything on the Saffa, the Thennqora, and the Paonidd, I did find stuff on the Vaathkree.

The Vaathkree are a mineral-based sentient species, noted for being covered in armored plates and their devotion to trade and bartering. They live 300-350 years and have two stages of life. Vaathkree start life as small, shapeless non-sentient beings called Stonesingers. Over time, they develop rudimentary intelligence and absorb minerals. As they become more developed, they lose their fluidity and have to choose a form.

Tangent over. Back to the point.

Thrawn's art exposition (which I would happily read a book of) is interrupted by a lieutenant telling them that they're under attack. When Pellaeon hears that there are four New Republic Assault Frigates and at least three wings of X-wing fighters, he decides that a single Star Destroyer staffed by inexperienced crewers against those numbers are not odds he relishes. He tries to tell the crew to jump to lightspeed, only for Thrawn to interrupt him and order TIE fighters deployed.

This is where Zahn's background in writing military science fiction comes into play. Thrawn tells the bridge to rotate the ship twenty-degrees port yaw and the Sector Four sentry line to reform behind the attackers and jam all transmissions. Then, the TIE fighters execute the Marg Sabl maneuver. This is where Thrawn's interest in art becomes significant.

He explains, "'You see, Captain, there is an Elom commanding that task force... and the Elomin simply cannot handle the unstructured attack profile of a properly executed Marg Sabl.'" Thrawn's most famous aspect is vocalized here: "'Learn about art, Captain. When you understand a species' art, you understand that species.'"

An hour later, Thrawn tells Pellaeon to set course to a planet called Myrkr, providing some foreshadowing when he says that both the Old Republic and the Jedi left it alone for at least three hundred years despite it being well within their borders. That seems a little low, considering how ridiculously long the Jedi and the Republic were in existence, but I'm not sure when Myrkr was discovered, so it isn't necessarily an inconsistency. The other bit of information retrieved from Obroa-skai is the location of a place called Wayland. When Pellaeon asks what puzzle Thrawn is trying to solve, the Grand Admiral responds with a truly badass and intimidating line:

"'Why, the only puzzle worth solving, of course. The complete, total, and utter destruction of the Rebellion.'"

[thenewdeadseascrolls]

Judges 1: 22-26. "The Upward Captain."

Zealousy leads to the subjugation of others. It is forbidden. Steadfastness is encouraged always, especially with the throat and the mouth. Zealousy, which entails literal interpretations and actions based on scripture requires the use of the mouth, so suppression of zeal begins there. Without Ms. Mouth, one cannot boss other people around, spread lies, or enforce a tyranny. And where does the mouth learn how to do this o so swell? In the church.

So the throat of the church is what we attack first, before the little kiddies learn to start talking like mom and dad:

22 Now the tribes of Joseph attacked Bethel "the House of the Lord," and the Lord was with them. 

23 When they sent men to spy out Bethel (formerly called Luz), 

24 the spies saw a man coming out of the city and they said to him, “Show us how to get into the city and we will see that you are treated well.” 

25 So he showed them, and they put the city to the sword but spared the man and his whole family. 

26 He then went to the land of the Hittites "the horribles", where he built a city and called it Luz, which is its name to this day.

Spies are the unborn tendencies of the 12 Tribes. We are exploring their meaning here in the Shoftim, learning how to turn them into extremeties that operate at the behest of the enlightened self. This is how we avoid zealousy to discover intelligent and practical way to be religious instead of a rote follower of someone else's beliefs.

Joseph "the dreamer" uproots a Hittite "horribles" estabslishment after he takes over the Temple. The name changes to Luz which means:

The verb לוז (luz) means to turn aside. In the Bible this word is used mostly negative, either as a turning away from wisdom (Proverbs 3:21, 4:21) or being a "twisted" person (Proverbs 3:32, 14:2). This verb yields two derivations:

The feminine noun לזות (lazut) means deviation or crookedness and is used only in Proverbs 4:24.

The masculine noun לוז (luz) means almond wood. The latter word is used only in Genesis 30:37, where Jacob strips branches of the crooked almond tree.

The implication of the name Luz is found in the reference to Jacob above. Joseph, a son of Jacob was also a dreamer and prognosticator and a father of nations. Mankind is always going to try to grow like a crooked tree. Rather than cut the tree down, one has to sculpt it by removing the losers from the trunk allowing stronger branches, those named in the Torah to take their place.

For this to work, Torah instructions must be performed in depth, and they must be accurate, following the steps we discussed in the prior frame. If you have ever seen a young pimple faced lad in a big hat with hairy cheeks and long black socks shaking up and down like he's got ants in his pants, you will know how awry Torah lessons can get.

The Christian version reveals a bunch of teenage fat girls with their gay best friends picketing in front of Planned Parenthood on Saturday mornings when they should be home watching cartoons.

Absurd and ridiculous both.

As the text says, they need to be put to the sword like Adam and Eve. The Sword is a dual edged question, "Who is God?" And "Who are you?" Mister Lightning Bolt, a True Jew, whose identity we are building now dreams of being shown the way.

If you can't find the answers through the ways you are currently practicing you need to find another. This is how Luz becomes Bethel, by pruning the mind of spiritual rubbish till it finds tangible truth.

The Values in Gematria are:

v. 22: The Tribes of Joseph attacked Bethel.

Joseph is the personification of Ephesus, "the town of the future. they even sound the same. He had two sons, Ephraim "double the fruits" and Manasseh "evaporation of what is bad from the past." We will learn more about these in the next section.

The Value in Gematria is 5874, ה‎חז‎‎ד‎, the hazed, "the door to understanding prophecy or a vision."

v. 23:  When they sent men to spy out Bethel (formerly called Luz), The Value in Gematria is 4410, דדאאֶפֶס, dadaeps, "understanding of how to understand is eps, "heaven and earth."

Eps also refers to the serpent in the branches of the Tree in Eden.

v. 24:  The spies saw a man coming out of the city. The spies the 12 plus the 70 saw the angel Malachiel, the Angel of the Lord, "the upward captain" who created the Alefbeis. It is Malachiel that ignites the mind using the Hebrew Alphabet, which, if fed to the teen bean bag brain will engineer the responses to its dual edged questions.

The Value in Gematria is 11025, יא אֶפֶס‎בה‎ ya ephesus, "say yes to what happens next."

v. 25: So he showed them. The Value in Gematria is 6610, וואאֶפֶס, wafess, "and frowned."

A frown is obviously a sign of disapproval. In Judaism one is frowned upon when one refrains from the right things and should instead be indulging. Celibacy for example is not encouraged and intercourse is. Intercourse in Judaism promotes intimacy and social literacy. If one is intercoursing and causing problemes, one is then refraining from the observations of the decrees and one would then get a frown for that.

v. 26: He went to the land of the Hittites. The Value in Gematria is 7432, ז‎ד‎גב‎, zdgv=

Zayin Dalet= the door to the Eye of the Fountain

Gimmel Vav= is opened by recompense/pegging the statements together into phrases and sentences.

The Hittites are horrible because they are illiterate in the Alefbeis and the Torah. If one cannot remit from one's mistakes and deliberately try to find the Self, called Ha Shem, the Knower of All Things by hooking or pegging the letters of the Hebrew alphabet into a roadmap one will wind up with a crooked cock instead of one that grows right straight up, and no one likes those.

To avoid this, the Shoftim says not to do as mom and dad do or necessarily what the faith says, but resort instead to comprehensive research into the Torah and the Tanakh and follow one's own most direct course to Ha Shem, the place where all selves are stored and waiting within God's Own Self.

[wiackcom]

Las Vegas is one of the top tourist destinations in the world, drawing over 40 million visitors per year. With its world-class hotels, casinos, restaurants, and entertainment, the city offers endless things to see and do. But to fully experience all that Las Vegas has to offer, having your own set of wheels is a must. Renting a car opens up possibilities to easily explore landmarks on the Strip, take day trips to natural wonders like the Grand Canyon or Death Valley, or discover hidden gems off the beaten path. This comprehensive guide will provide everything you need to know to rent a car in Las Vegas and make the most of your visit. Choosing the Right Las Vegas Rental Car Company With Las Vegas being such a major tourist destination, you'll find branches of all the major car rental companies either at McCarran International Airport or dotted along the Strip. Which one you choose can depend on your budget, what kind of vehicle you need, as well as brand loyalty programs. Comparing National Car Rental Brands BrandOverviewAlamoPopular for unlimited mileage policies on rentals. Good for road trips outside the city.AvisLong-established company with branches at the airport and major hotels.BudgetOne of the more affordable national brands, but with more mileage restrictions.DollarSimilar to Budget, focuses on low base rates but with add-on fees.EnterpriseMajor brand with a large selection of vehicle types and pick-up locations.HertzThe largest rental car company in the world, with well-maintained vehicles.NationalLuxury sister-brand of Alamo, with high-end vehicles available.ThriftyDiscount brand that offers some of the lowest rates but very limited mileage. When comparing the major national brands, be sure to factor in any membership programs you may be a part of that offer perks or discounts. For example, AAA members can save up to 20% with certain companies. Local Las Vegas Agencies Beyond the big national chains, there are also some local Las Vegas rental car companies to consider: Black Jack Rent a Car - Independently owned agency with low rates and free airport shuttle service. City Car Rental - Local brand with cheap deals, mostly compact and economy vehicles. Las Vegas Car Rentals - Family owned agency with new model vehicles and unlimited mileage. Sixt - European rental car company recently expanded to the Las Vegas market. The smaller local companies can sometimes undercut the major brands on pricing, though their fleets may be more limited. They are worth comparing for possible savings. Rental Car Comparison Sites To simplify the process of finding the best deals across various rental companies, you can use an aggregation website that lets you compare rates in one place: Kayak Priceline RentalCars.com RentalCarMomma Be sure to compare the results across a few different comparison sites, as the best price can vary between them. Also double check exclusions or blackout dates directly on the rental company site. Getting the Best Las Vegas Car Rental Deals Renting a car in a major tourist destination like Las Vegas does not have to be expensive, especially if you use these tips to get the best rate: Book Early/Reserve in Advance Avoid Renting at the Airport Look for Coupons and Discounts Consider a Weekly/Monthly Rental Avoid Unnecessary Extras Use Membership Discounts Compare Taxes and Fees Vehicle Types and Features Carefully consider what size and type of rental vehicle will work best for your Las Vegas travel itinerary. Here are some common options: Economy or Compact Cars Midsize/Intermediate Cars Full Size/Standard Cars Luxury/Premium Sedans 7-8 Passenger Vans SUVs Convertibles Specialty Vehicles When booking, only opt for a larger vehicle than you need if you specifically want the extra space or SUV/van capabilities. Over-sizing for just 1 or 2 people will mean wasting more

on gas and parking. Navigating Las Vegas with your Rental Car Driving in Las Vegas can be a bit bewildering with its massive scale, heavy traffic, and maze of mega-casino parking garages. Here are some pointers for getting around: Use GPS Navigation Study Casino/Hotel Maps Allow Extra Time Use Rideshares Selectively Park Farther Away Consider Valet Parking Helpful Add-Ons to Consider Basic rental cars will include minimum requirements like liability insurance and state-mandated features. But Las Vegas has some unique driving conditions and risks where extra addons can be wise: Collision/Damage Waivers Theft Protection Supplemental Liability Roadside Assistance GPS Navigation Evaluate your personal risk tolerance and safety net to decide which extra protections are worthwhile, if any. Just avoid duplicate coverage between personal and rental policies. Picking Up and Returning Your Vehicle The rental car process should go smoothly as long as you follow some best practices around pick-up and drop-off: Have Your Paperwork Ready Inspect at Pick-Up Check Fuel Level Load Your Luggage Ask About Tolls Allow Extra Return Time Refill Gas If Needed FAQs Here are quick answers to some frequently asked questions about getting a rental car for your Las Vegas vacation: How old do I need to be to rent a car in Las Vegas? Most major companies require renters to be at least 21 years old, and charge added fees for drivers under 25. Some local agencies allow younger drivers but for an added daily surcharge. Is a credit card required to rent a car? Yes, companies require a valid credit card (not debit) in your name to process the rental transaction. Prepaid debit cards generally aren't accepted either. Can I use rideshares like Uber/Lyft instead of a rental car? While rideshares are plentiful, a rental allows more freedom and reliability getting around at your own schedule. Surge pricing can also make rideshares expensive for frequent use. Are taxes and fees included in rental rates? Usually not - expect to pay about 30% extra on top of the base rate for things like airport fees, city taxes, liability insurance, etc. Read the fine print. Is it better to book Las Vegas car rentals in advance? Absolutely - last minute walk-up rates will almost always be far more expensive. Reserve 1-2 months early for the best selection and pricing. Driving Outside Las Vegas A rental car opens up easy side trip options to nearby attractions like National Parks and unique desert landscapes. Just keep these driving tips in mind: Avoid Dirt Roads Beware Heat Stroke Risks Watch for Wildlife Seek Shade for Parking Check Your Cell Service By taking basic safety and preparation steps for out-of-town driving, you can comfortably use your Las Vegas rental for exciting side trips and day excursions. #Wiack #Car #CarInsurance #CarRental #CarPrice #AutoLoans

[sportyconnect]

Las Vegas is one of the top tourist destinations in the world, drawing over 40 million visitors per year. With its world-class hotels, casinos, restaurants, and entertainment, the city offers endless things to see and do. But to fully experience all that Las Vegas has to offer, having your own set of wheels is a must. Renting a car opens up possibilities to easily explore landmarks on the Strip, take day trips to natural wonders like the Grand Canyon or Death Valley, or discover hidden gems off the beaten path. This comprehensive guide will provide everything you need to know to rent a car in Las Vegas and make the most of your visit. Choosing the Right Las Vegas Rental Car Company With Las Vegas being such a major tourist destination, you'll find branches of all the major car rental companies either at McCarran International Airport or dotted along the Strip. Which one you choose can depend on your budget, what kind of vehicle you need, as well as brand loyalty programs. Comparing National Car Rental Brands BrandOverviewAlamoPopular for unlimited mileage policies on rentals. Good for road trips outside the city.AvisLong-established company with branches at the airport and major hotels.BudgetOne of the more affordable national brands, but with more mileage restrictions.DollarSimilar to Budget, focuses on low base rates but with add-on fees.EnterpriseMajor brand with a large selection of vehicle types and pick-up locations.HertzThe largest rental car company in the world, with well-maintained vehicles.NationalLuxury sister-brand of Alamo, with high-end vehicles available.ThriftyDiscount brand that offers some of the lowest rates but very limited mileage. When comparing the major national brands, be sure to factor in any membership programs you may be a part of that offer perks or discounts. For example, AAA members can save up to 20% with certain companies. Local Las Vegas Agencies Beyond the big national chains, there are also some local Las Vegas rental car companies to consider: Black Jack Rent a Car - Independently owned agency with low rates and free airport shuttle service. City Car Rental - Local brand with cheap deals, mostly compact and economy vehicles. Las Vegas Car Rentals - Family owned agency with new model vehicles and unlimited mileage. Sixt - European rental car company recently expanded to the Las Vegas market. The smaller local companies can sometimes undercut the major brands on pricing, though their fleets may be more limited. They are worth comparing for possible savings. Rental Car Comparison Sites To simplify the process of finding the best deals across various rental companies, you can use an aggregation website that lets you compare rates in one place: Kayak Priceline RentalCars.com RentalCarMomma Be sure to compare the results across a few different comparison sites, as the best price can vary between them. Also double check exclusions or blackout dates directly on the rental company site. Getting the Best Las Vegas Car Rental Deals Renting a car in a major tourist destination like Las Vegas does not have to be expensive, especially if you use these tips to get the best rate: Book Early/Reserve in Advance Avoid Renting at the Airport Look for Coupons and Discounts Consider a Weekly/Monthly Rental Avoid Unnecessary Extras Use Membership Discounts Compare Taxes and Fees Vehicle Types and Features Carefully consider what size and type of rental vehicle will work best for your Las Vegas travel itinerary. Here are some common options: Economy or Compact Cars Midsize/Intermediate Cars Full Size/Standard Cars Luxury/Premium Sedans 7-8 Passenger Vans SUVs Convertibles Specialty Vehicles When booking, only opt for a larger vehicle than you need if you specifically want the extra space or SUV/van capabilities. Over-sizing for just 1 or 2 people will mean wasting more

on gas and parking. Navigating Las Vegas with your Rental Car Driving in Las Vegas can be a bit bewildering with its massive scale, heavy traffic, and maze of mega-casino parking garages. Here are some pointers for getting around: Use GPS Navigation Study Casino/Hotel Maps Allow Extra Time Use Rideshares Selectively Park Farther Away Consider Valet Parking Helpful Add-Ons to Consider Basic rental cars will include minimum requirements like liability insurance and state-mandated features. But Las Vegas has some unique driving conditions and risks where extra addons can be wise: Collision/Damage Waivers Theft Protection Supplemental Liability Roadside Assistance GPS Navigation Evaluate your personal risk tolerance and safety net to decide which extra protections are worthwhile, if any. Just avoid duplicate coverage between personal and rental policies. Picking Up and Returning Your Vehicle The rental car process should go smoothly as long as you follow some best practices around pick-up and drop-off: Have Your Paperwork Ready Inspect at Pick-Up Check Fuel Level Load Your Luggage Ask About Tolls Allow Extra Return Time Refill Gas If Needed FAQs Here are quick answers to some frequently asked questions about getting a rental car for your Las Vegas vacation: How old do I need to be to rent a car in Las Vegas? Most major companies require renters to be at least 21 years old, and charge added fees for drivers under 25. Some local agencies allow younger drivers but for an added daily surcharge. Is a credit card required to rent a car? Yes, companies require a valid credit card (not debit) in your name to process the rental transaction. Prepaid debit cards generally aren't accepted either. Can I use rideshares like Uber/Lyft instead of a rental car? While rideshares are plentiful, a rental allows more freedom and reliability getting around at your own schedule. Surge pricing can also make rideshares expensive for frequent use. Are taxes and fees included in rental rates? Usually not - expect to pay about 30% extra on top of the base rate for things like airport fees, city taxes, liability insurance, etc. Read the fine print. Is it better to book Las Vegas car rentals in advance? Absolutely - last minute walk-up rates will almost always be far more expensive. Reserve 1-2 months early for the best selection and pricing. Driving Outside Las Vegas A rental car opens up easy side trip options to nearby attractions like National Parks and unique desert landscapes. Just keep these driving tips in mind: Avoid Dirt Roads Beware Heat Stroke Risks Watch for Wildlife Seek Shade for Parking Check Your Cell Service By taking basic safety and preparation steps for out-of-town driving, you can comfortably use your Las Vegas rental for exciting side trips and day excursions. #Wiack #Car #CarInsurance #CarRental #CarPrice #AutoLoans