Asset protection specialist home depot pay
Need Help Selling
2023.06.05 18:36 Neverpullover Need Help Selling
I recently started helping my father closeout his existing inventory of statues, fountains, and lamps and I need help.
Background Our company used to be big in Home Depot, Walmart, Costco, pier 1 etc. but 6 years ago my father restructured the business and started shipping products direct from factory to our clients while making a percentage in between. He closed down our popular Amazon store which was doing around $2,000-$3,000 sales a week which was slow but the margins were great. The store still exists but is currently paused but I’m able to reactivate it if I need to.
Currently we are paying about $4,000 a month in warehousing fees and we have around $2 million dollars (retail) worth of brand new goods statues, fountains, and lamps of all different themes (Tiffany lamps, animal statues, religious themed stuff and more).
My father is growing old and has pretty much checked out of doing this closeout and im pretty much on my own here. The monthly warehousing fees aren’t bankrupting us but it sucks to light money on fire like this every month and it’s causing stress in my family esp. my mom.
What can I do to closeout all these new boxes full of home and garden goods? I’m willing to sell at a discount or closeout but liquidation websites and centers aren’t really responding to me. I need help. I’m losing sleep over this every night. I don’t make any wage but my father says I can make the pricing and take a 50% commission on anything sold. Any ideas? And Yes I have detailed manifests and catalogues on the products.
submitted by Neverpullover to Entrepreneur [link] [comments]
Background Our company used to be big in Home Depot, Walmart, Costco, pier 1 etc. but 6 years ago my father restructured the business and started shipping products direct from factory to our clients while making a percentage in between. He closed down our popular Amazon store which was doing around $2,000-$3,000 sales a week which was slow but the margins were great. The store still exists but is currently paused but I’m able to reactivate it if I need to.
Currently we are paying about $4,000 a month in warehousing fees and we have around $2 million dollars (retail) worth of brand new goods statues, fountains, and lamps of all different themes (Tiffany lamps, animal statues, religious themed stuff and more).
My father is growing old and has pretty much checked out of doing this closeout and im pretty much on my own here. The monthly warehousing fees aren’t bankrupting us but it sucks to light money on fire like this every month and it’s causing stress in my family esp. my mom.
What can I do to closeout all these new boxes full of home and garden goods? I’m willing to sell at a discount or closeout but liquidation websites and centers aren’t really responding to me. I need help. I’m losing sleep over this every night. I don’t make any wage but my father says I can make the pricing and take a 50% commission on anything sold. Any ideas? And Yes I have detailed manifests and catalogues on the products.
2023.06.05 18:33 Colatsc Trip Report May 28th - June 3rd
Spent from May 28th -June 3rd in Iceland doing the Ring Road with another family member.
Lodging- Booking.com and Airbnb were the two primary sources used for securing lodging.
Car rental - Renault Captur drove 1314 miles and cost $1000 for full protection , prepaid fuel, and roadside assistant. I hold top tier status with National so this was a cheaper route renting from them.
Clothing - Base layer thermals, 5.11 pants, layered fleece, and a outside Columbia jacket that acted as a wind and rain protection layer. Wore a Icelandic wool hat that I purchased from a previous trip. Wore sneaker Oboz trail shoes. No need for hiking poles, gloves, etc.
Planning - Most reservations were made in October and November 2022. Restaurant reservations were made as they came available.
Pace - We did not have an extended time so we did do some “jumps” on the Ring Road in the more wildnerness areas by driving 2-3 hrs to lodging or early morning. For some people this sounds horrible, but we both really enjoy the lowering sunlight casting it rays on the mountians along with the solitude. We had a lot of buffer times built in and actually was stuck with a lot of free time.
Driving - Driving is rather easy with mostly paved roads and some gravel. Be mindful of your driving capabilities, exhaustion, and weather ahead. Always check the apps, weather reports, and general reddit post every morning.
Gas - Go to N1 and walk inside to the attendant and ask for the pump to be turned on. They may ask for an ID. Or purchase N1 gift cards to use at the remote pumps if your feeling bold. Never go below half a tank and if you plan your trip right that won’t be a big concern. No need for credit card pin unless using remote pumps.
Weather - Rain and wind on day one arriving with cold temperatures. Weather broke with sunny and mid 50’s the rest of the trip around the Ring Road. Highest temperature we saw was 60 degrees.
Sunday, May 28th
Arrived at Baltimore Airport and stayed in the airport lounge before departure at 7pm. Priority boarding was purchased along with seat selection.Plane ride was fine, but was stuck next to an oversize passenger who invaded my seat preventing me from sleeping. We arrived at 5:00 am after a 30 minute delay on take off. Weather was chilly 40 with a drizzle rain. Heavy rolling fog and overcast sky.
Walked through customs with almost no wait. They are under remodel so big changes will be coming here. Got on the sky blue rental car shuttle that was empty and dropped us off at our stop. We picked up the car with National at a schedule pick up 6:30 am with an actual pick up at 6 am. Got upgraded due to status with a vehicle with a higher clearance. First thing we did was the bridge between continents as we waited for the bakery to open. Got breakfast at Kökulist bakery near the airport which opened at 7 am. Blue Lagoon Reservation at 8:00 am - Upgraded to premium - not really worth it in my opinion. Drinks were good. Attempted to stop at the grocery stores or Costco at 10: 30 am, but things were closed. Parked at Laugavegur parking garage, napped for 30 mins in car, and ate breakfast at Grillhusio and walked downtown to kill time.
We pressed onward and drove to Golden circle with random stops for scenery. Stopped at the Oxarafoss waterfall top parking lot first and hiked it. Then drove by the Geysir Geothermal area, but due to miserable weathecrowds we passed by. Went to Gulfoss and it was - windy/rainy. rainy, parked at top and only did top observation deck. Observed many people unprepared for weather and the winds.
We did not do Faxafoss as paid access was required and it wasn’t worth it to us.
Had Reservations at Friðheimar 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm. Excellent food and we did the unlimited soup and bread for about $20 a person. Had the apple pie dessert which was fabalous. To pay just go to the bar and tell them your table number that is on the twig piece on your table.
Finally stop was our lodging at the Blue View Hotel - Cabin 7A right by the restaurant which was a clean, new two bedroom cottage. Well worth the value and was easy to access with self checkin using an email from them with codes.
Notes: Drive Time Between Airport and Lodging = 2 hours We stayed up for a day and half to overcome the time difference. We arrived at our lodging at 5pm and were in bed by 6:30 pm to take advantage of the 24/7 light.
Monday, May 29th
Breakfast was items left from the bakery the previous day we purchased.
Did Seljalandfoss/Gljurabui (early arrival the better due to crowds/pay parking) - arrived 6 am after 3:30 am wake up. We actually circled back to Gluggafoss which was completely empty around 7:30 am. Drove Fjotshiloavegur rd back to the N1 in Hvolsvollur for gas and breakfast proper.
Then get to horse back riding at Skalalot Manor Hotel - 9:30 am arrival required. Arrived at 8:30 am actual time. Place was well kept and they treated their horses with a lot of love and respect. Did an all day ride with the morning spent on the glacier and the evening ride on the black sand beaches. I actually had a difficult horse that was having a bad day in the morning and she successful threw me/I controlled bailed out off the horse to avoid getting implaed on a fence post. Lunch provided at the hotel was excellent and a lot of high end options.
Went to Skogsfoss around 6:30 pm. Then drove through Vik, but did not stop as it was extremely crowded with buses and the gas station looked mobbed.
Arrived at Hotel Laki around 7:45 pm and found that the rooms were clean, simple, and under remodel in the hallways. Excellent simple buffet with hot and cold choices with two protein choices. Staff were attentive and the weather started to break with sun peeking though.
Note: Drive time from Blue View to Horseback Riding = 1 hour and 30 minutes- finished at 6 pm Drive time from Horseback Riding to Hotel Laki = 1 hour and 30 mins Dinner at Hotel Laki (anytime between 7-9 pm )
Tuesday, May 30th
Woke up at 8 am and ate breakfast buffet at Hotel Laki. Left hotel at 10 am. Also, we woke up to a road closure by Diamond Beach due to high winds causing a motor vehicle accident per the Iceland news site and the road safety app. We hiked Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon for about an hour with moderate crowds. Beware of parking in the lot as people can trap you in blocking with a camper van. Finally around 11 am the Road closure on ring road due to wind was reopen so we decided to immediately start that way after a quick stop at the N1 by Hotel Laki. Drive time from Canyon to Diamond beach - 1 hr and 45 minutes. Stopped and did first overlook at the Mulagljufur Canyon. Narrow parking lot with limited options. The Fjallsarlon Iceberg tour site has an on-site restaurant . Ate here about 30 mins before a 2:30 pm boat tour. Excellent food with a choice of buffet, soup, and sandwiches. Tour lasted an hour. Tour Diamond Beach and Glacial Lake (about 12 mins btw the two glacier lakes) Drive time from Diamond Beach to Hofn for dinner at Pakkhús Restaurant - 1 hr. Got gas at the N1 here. Then 2 hr 45 min to Egilsstadir - arrived at cottage at about 10 pm. We LOVED this drive with the Ring Road turning into gravel with steep cliffs, sweeping views, and beautiful dramatic landscapes. The sun was really hitting everything making it even more special. Stay near Egilsstadir at Abot Cottage. Cute and practical place with one bedroom and a loft.
Wednesday, May 31st
Big driving day for us - FYI Woke up around 6 am and left immediately to seize early morning opportunity. Stopped off at the Stuolafoss Canyon but nesting birds prevented hike. Did 100 ish stairs down to overlook. Noticed a few people violating the posted signage of closure till June 10th for nesting birds on the cliff. Drove to Selfoss/Dettifsoss. One road is gravel and more adventurous and the other side of the canyon is completely paved now for tour buses. Was about a 2 hr drive herre from cottage this morning. Arriving at Dettifoss there was no one on the adventure side which was amazing experience. We didn’t see another human or car for almost 3 hrs! We decided to do the gravel road side up and stop off at the Asbury Cliffs for gas at the N1 and see the little museum. Ate lunch right at 11 am on the paved road side back to the Ring Road. Excellent little burger place. Did geothermal area (parking $10) and also the John snow grotto. Stopped at gas station/grocery store for snacks and drinks. Stopped at Godafoss - got here at 1:45 pm Drove into Akureyri/Piddle around shops - spent 35 mins here and left at 4:30 pm. I mostly wanted to go to one knitted sweatershop and talk to the older lady who knits there. Always super kind! Pay your toll for the tunnel within 24 hours! 2 hr drive to Stay in Northwest Guesthouse and Restaurant in Víðigerði, 531 Hvammstangi, Iceland. Looked dumpy from the outside but they had excellent lamb chops - room was small but had a common sitting area outside rooms. Breakfast was lacking. Did waterfall right by hotel that was a favorite. Do not let this place fool you!
Thursday, June 1st
Goal -Hvammstangi to outside Reykjavik. We had a lot of buffer time built in and decided to redo some things from first day that was rained out. First, we stopped at the KIDKA Wool Factory Shop in Hofoabraut at 8 am. Then stopped at the Alafoss Wool Factory Shop near Reykjavik to finish shopping. Then drove to the Secret Lagoon for 2 pm access. Did the geysers we drove past and got lunch here at the cafe. Drove to Reykjavik downtown to walk around, relax , bread bowl soup, ice cream and some beers till 10:30 pm. Stayed at Airbnb. Note - I left my headphones at the cottage on night one so we picked those up as well.
Friday, June 2nd
Penis museum at opening and hotdogs for breakfast at the famous hot dog place nearby . Got coffee at famous cat place, was mobbed for food and a really small place. Hike into the Volcano Tour - 12 pm takes six hours. Easy drive to parking lot for tour. Highlight of trip. They provide food, harnesses, and helmet. Not strenuous walk, just a tad long hike over a gravel path in the lave field. Walked downtown after volcano tour, swapped police patches, and other random items. Our big dinner was at Matur og Drykkur at 8:30 pm and was beyond amazing with a good wine pairing. Stayed at the Airbnb night 2.
Saturday, June 3rd
Walked downtown and went to Brauo & Co Bakery for cinnamon rolls at 9:30. Returned car at 11:30 am with a boarding at 2 pm. I value not waiting in security or lines so a 30 minute early arrival meant no lines for car return, bus, or security. Sat down in airport and ate lunch in preparation for long flight home. Flight back 3:00 pm
submitted by Colatsc to VisitingIceland [link] [comments]
Lodging- Booking.com and Airbnb were the two primary sources used for securing lodging.
Car rental - Renault Captur drove 1314 miles and cost $1000 for full protection , prepaid fuel, and roadside assistant. I hold top tier status with National so this was a cheaper route renting from them.
Clothing - Base layer thermals, 5.11 pants, layered fleece, and a outside Columbia jacket that acted as a wind and rain protection layer. Wore a Icelandic wool hat that I purchased from a previous trip. Wore sneaker Oboz trail shoes. No need for hiking poles, gloves, etc.
Planning - Most reservations were made in October and November 2022. Restaurant reservations were made as they came available.
Pace - We did not have an extended time so we did do some “jumps” on the Ring Road in the more wildnerness areas by driving 2-3 hrs to lodging or early morning. For some people this sounds horrible, but we both really enjoy the lowering sunlight casting it rays on the mountians along with the solitude. We had a lot of buffer times built in and actually was stuck with a lot of free time.
Driving - Driving is rather easy with mostly paved roads and some gravel. Be mindful of your driving capabilities, exhaustion, and weather ahead. Always check the apps, weather reports, and general reddit post every morning.
Gas - Go to N1 and walk inside to the attendant and ask for the pump to be turned on. They may ask for an ID. Or purchase N1 gift cards to use at the remote pumps if your feeling bold. Never go below half a tank and if you plan your trip right that won’t be a big concern. No need for credit card pin unless using remote pumps.
Weather - Rain and wind on day one arriving with cold temperatures. Weather broke with sunny and mid 50’s the rest of the trip around the Ring Road. Highest temperature we saw was 60 degrees.
Sunday, May 28th
Arrived at Baltimore Airport and stayed in the airport lounge before departure at 7pm. Priority boarding was purchased along with seat selection.Plane ride was fine, but was stuck next to an oversize passenger who invaded my seat preventing me from sleeping. We arrived at 5:00 am after a 30 minute delay on take off. Weather was chilly 40 with a drizzle rain. Heavy rolling fog and overcast sky.
Walked through customs with almost no wait. They are under remodel so big changes will be coming here. Got on the sky blue rental car shuttle that was empty and dropped us off at our stop. We picked up the car with National at a schedule pick up 6:30 am with an actual pick up at 6 am. Got upgraded due to status with a vehicle with a higher clearance. First thing we did was the bridge between continents as we waited for the bakery to open. Got breakfast at Kökulist bakery near the airport which opened at 7 am. Blue Lagoon Reservation at 8:00 am - Upgraded to premium - not really worth it in my opinion. Drinks were good. Attempted to stop at the grocery stores or Costco at 10: 30 am, but things were closed. Parked at Laugavegur parking garage, napped for 30 mins in car, and ate breakfast at Grillhusio and walked downtown to kill time.
We pressed onward and drove to Golden circle with random stops for scenery. Stopped at the Oxarafoss waterfall top parking lot first and hiked it. Then drove by the Geysir Geothermal area, but due to miserable weathecrowds we passed by. Went to Gulfoss and it was - windy/rainy. rainy, parked at top and only did top observation deck. Observed many people unprepared for weather and the winds.
We did not do Faxafoss as paid access was required and it wasn’t worth it to us.
Had Reservations at Friðheimar 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm. Excellent food and we did the unlimited soup and bread for about $20 a person. Had the apple pie dessert which was fabalous. To pay just go to the bar and tell them your table number that is on the twig piece on your table.
Finally stop was our lodging at the Blue View Hotel - Cabin 7A right by the restaurant which was a clean, new two bedroom cottage. Well worth the value and was easy to access with self checkin using an email from them with codes.
Notes: Drive Time Between Airport and Lodging = 2 hours We stayed up for a day and half to overcome the time difference. We arrived at our lodging at 5pm and were in bed by 6:30 pm to take advantage of the 24/7 light.
Monday, May 29th
Breakfast was items left from the bakery the previous day we purchased.
Did Seljalandfoss/Gljurabui (early arrival the better due to crowds/pay parking) - arrived 6 am after 3:30 am wake up. We actually circled back to Gluggafoss which was completely empty around 7:30 am. Drove Fjotshiloavegur rd back to the N1 in Hvolsvollur for gas and breakfast proper.
Then get to horse back riding at Skalalot Manor Hotel - 9:30 am arrival required. Arrived at 8:30 am actual time. Place was well kept and they treated their horses with a lot of love and respect. Did an all day ride with the morning spent on the glacier and the evening ride on the black sand beaches. I actually had a difficult horse that was having a bad day in the morning and she successful threw me/I controlled bailed out off the horse to avoid getting implaed on a fence post. Lunch provided at the hotel was excellent and a lot of high end options.
Went to Skogsfoss around 6:30 pm. Then drove through Vik, but did not stop as it was extremely crowded with buses and the gas station looked mobbed.
Arrived at Hotel Laki around 7:45 pm and found that the rooms were clean, simple, and under remodel in the hallways. Excellent simple buffet with hot and cold choices with two protein choices. Staff were attentive and the weather started to break with sun peeking though.
Note: Drive time from Blue View to Horseback Riding = 1 hour and 30 minutes- finished at 6 pm Drive time from Horseback Riding to Hotel Laki = 1 hour and 30 mins Dinner at Hotel Laki (anytime between 7-9 pm )
Tuesday, May 30th
Woke up at 8 am and ate breakfast buffet at Hotel Laki. Left hotel at 10 am. Also, we woke up to a road closure by Diamond Beach due to high winds causing a motor vehicle accident per the Iceland news site and the road safety app. We hiked Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon for about an hour with moderate crowds. Beware of parking in the lot as people can trap you in blocking with a camper van. Finally around 11 am the Road closure on ring road due to wind was reopen so we decided to immediately start that way after a quick stop at the N1 by Hotel Laki. Drive time from Canyon to Diamond beach - 1 hr and 45 minutes. Stopped and did first overlook at the Mulagljufur Canyon. Narrow parking lot with limited options. The Fjallsarlon Iceberg tour site has an on-site restaurant . Ate here about 30 mins before a 2:30 pm boat tour. Excellent food with a choice of buffet, soup, and sandwiches. Tour lasted an hour. Tour Diamond Beach and Glacial Lake (about 12 mins btw the two glacier lakes) Drive time from Diamond Beach to Hofn for dinner at Pakkhús Restaurant - 1 hr. Got gas at the N1 here. Then 2 hr 45 min to Egilsstadir - arrived at cottage at about 10 pm. We LOVED this drive with the Ring Road turning into gravel with steep cliffs, sweeping views, and beautiful dramatic landscapes. The sun was really hitting everything making it even more special. Stay near Egilsstadir at Abot Cottage. Cute and practical place with one bedroom and a loft.
Wednesday, May 31st
Big driving day for us - FYI Woke up around 6 am and left immediately to seize early morning opportunity. Stopped off at the Stuolafoss Canyon but nesting birds prevented hike. Did 100 ish stairs down to overlook. Noticed a few people violating the posted signage of closure till June 10th for nesting birds on the cliff. Drove to Selfoss/Dettifsoss. One road is gravel and more adventurous and the other side of the canyon is completely paved now for tour buses. Was about a 2 hr drive herre from cottage this morning. Arriving at Dettifoss there was no one on the adventure side which was amazing experience. We didn’t see another human or car for almost 3 hrs! We decided to do the gravel road side up and stop off at the Asbury Cliffs for gas at the N1 and see the little museum. Ate lunch right at 11 am on the paved road side back to the Ring Road. Excellent little burger place. Did geothermal area (parking $10) and also the John snow grotto. Stopped at gas station/grocery store for snacks and drinks. Stopped at Godafoss - got here at 1:45 pm Drove into Akureyri/Piddle around shops - spent 35 mins here and left at 4:30 pm. I mostly wanted to go to one knitted sweatershop and talk to the older lady who knits there. Always super kind! Pay your toll for the tunnel within 24 hours! 2 hr drive to Stay in Northwest Guesthouse and Restaurant in Víðigerði, 531 Hvammstangi, Iceland. Looked dumpy from the outside but they had excellent lamb chops - room was small but had a common sitting area outside rooms. Breakfast was lacking. Did waterfall right by hotel that was a favorite. Do not let this place fool you!
Thursday, June 1st
Goal -Hvammstangi to outside Reykjavik. We had a lot of buffer time built in and decided to redo some things from first day that was rained out. First, we stopped at the KIDKA Wool Factory Shop in Hofoabraut at 8 am. Then stopped at the Alafoss Wool Factory Shop near Reykjavik to finish shopping. Then drove to the Secret Lagoon for 2 pm access. Did the geysers we drove past and got lunch here at the cafe. Drove to Reykjavik downtown to walk around, relax , bread bowl soup, ice cream and some beers till 10:30 pm. Stayed at Airbnb. Note - I left my headphones at the cottage on night one so we picked those up as well.
Friday, June 2nd
Penis museum at opening and hotdogs for breakfast at the famous hot dog place nearby . Got coffee at famous cat place, was mobbed for food and a really small place. Hike into the Volcano Tour - 12 pm takes six hours. Easy drive to parking lot for tour. Highlight of trip. They provide food, harnesses, and helmet. Not strenuous walk, just a tad long hike over a gravel path in the lave field. Walked downtown after volcano tour, swapped police patches, and other random items. Our big dinner was at Matur og Drykkur at 8:30 pm and was beyond amazing with a good wine pairing. Stayed at the Airbnb night 2.
Saturday, June 3rd
Walked downtown and went to Brauo & Co Bakery for cinnamon rolls at 9:30. Returned car at 11:30 am with a boarding at 2 pm. I value not waiting in security or lines so a 30 minute early arrival meant no lines for car return, bus, or security. Sat down in airport and ate lunch in preparation for long flight home. Flight back 3:00 pm
2023.06.05 18:05 AutoModerator Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse Online At Free Reddit Home
Sony Pictures! Here are options for downloading or watching Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse streaming the full movie online for free on 123movies & Reddit, including where to watch marvel's latest live-action adaptation movies at home. Is Spider-Verse 2 available to stream? Is watching Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse on Peacock, Disney Plus, HBO Max, Netflix or Amazon Prime? Yes, we have found an authentic streaming option/service.
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Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse will be in theaters beginning June 2. If you're wondering how and where you can watch it yourself, take a look at the information below.
Miles Morales returns for the next chapter of the Oscar-winning Spider-Verse saga, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse. After reuniting with Gwen Stacy, Brooklyn’s full-time, friendly neighborhood Spider-Man is catapulted across the Multiverse, where he encounters the Spider Society, a team of Spider-People charged with protecting the Multiverse’s very existence. But when the heroes clash on how to handle a new threat, Miles finds himself pitted against the other Spiders and must set out on his own to save those he loves most. Anyone can wear the mask – it’s how you wear it that makes you a hero.
The much-anticipated Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is only a few weeks away, and fans can’t wait to see the new adventures of Miles Morales. Once the Sony Pictures-produced movie ends its theatrical run, it will come to the most popular streamers, including Netflix and Disney Plus. But when is Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse coming to Netflix and Disney Plus? Here’s what you need to know.
'Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse' features the return of Shameik Moore as Miles Morales and Hailee Steinfeld as Gwen Stacy. Just before the release of Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, producers of the feature have announced a couple of other projects. Producer Amy Pascal has announced a forthcoming third installment titled Beyond the Spider-Verse expected to be released next year. That is not the only project announced.
Paint-on-glass, Realistic Cartoon-style to Japanese Manga, makers explore not a couple but way too many animation styles! Shameik Moore’s Miles, in a way, gets a Star-Lord-like treatment in which he beautifully balances his character arc without overstepping the broader scheme of things. Hailee Steinfeld’s Gwen finally gets a chance to narrate her side of things, and it mixes well with the ‘star-crossed’ relationship she’s currently sharing with Miles.
If you’re like just about everyone else on the planet who saw Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse in 2018 and loved it, you’ve probably been waiting for the sequel. You won’t be waiting long, as Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is finally coming out in 2023, a full five years later. It’s been a long wait but by all indications the film is going to be a blast for fans of comic book movies, Miles Morales’ version of Spider-Man, and this new animated franchise featuring the iconic webslinger.
Modern cinema has seen the gap between theatrical and streaming releases shorten dramatically, begging the question of when Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse will release online. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, streaming releases have been much closer to the theatrical release of films. While the mid-COVID marketing technique of releasing movies in theaters and on streaming services at the same time for an extra price is a thing of the past, the gap between the respective releases is still considerably shorter than in decades past.
While we currently don’t know the exact online release date for Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, we do know the movie will be released in cinemas worldwide, including the US and UK, on June 2nd, 2023. We know where to watch Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse online, but do we also know when? We can guess once again, assuming it charts the same theater-to-streaming path as Into the Spider-Verse did in 2018 with two months between the theatrical release and its digital renting/buying services. You may be able to buy or rent the movie digitally as early as late July of this year, with a physical release roughly a month or so after that, if not sooner. This also means that you will probably be able to stream Spider-Man: Across on Netflix in early December 2023, as it took about six months from Into the Spider-Verse’s release before the movie landed on the streamer.
When Is the Release Date for Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse?
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse was one of the many films to get hit by a delay due to the COVID-19 pandemic, moving from its original date of April 8, 2022, to October 7, 2022. That's the date seen in the above trailer, but the film has since seen another significant delay since then. Now the film is officially set for release on June 2, 2023. Hopefully, we won't see another delay, but if it means getting a sequel that lives up to the sky-high heights of the original, we'll gladly wait.
Is Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse in Theaters?
Not only was Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse the subject of rave reviews, but it also pulled in some gargantuan levels of cash at the international box office, with a final tally that quadrupled the film's ninety-million dollar budget. With incredible success like that, it's only natural that Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse would also be taking advantage of a theatrical release. That is the case, as the upcoming film will be exclusively available in theaters when it premieres on June 2nd, 2023.
When is 'Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse' streaming?
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse The home distribution rights for Across the Spider-Verse are in a rather interesting place. In April 2021, it was reported that Sony Studios had signed a multiyear deal with both Netflix and Disney for shared streaming rights to Sony films coming out between 2022 and 2026. This deal includes Across the Spider-Verse as well as the third film in the series, Beyond the Spider-Verse, due out in March 2024.
As for releases like Across the Spider-Verse, the film will be available on Netflix with "first-pay-window-rights" for the first 18 months of its home media release. While it will not be streaming concurrently with its theatrical release, it will be available on Netflix following its theatrical run.
Some of the films are not currently available on the service because Sony has pre-existing partnerships with Starz, as that's where most of the absent films are available to stream. That is except for Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, which is instead only streaming on Fubo TV and FX Now.
For anyone else looking to watch the film as soon as possible, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse will be released in theaters on June 2.
How to Watch Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
At the moment, you can watch Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse at your local theater. But like most movies these days, it should hit a streaming website in the near future.
Like its predecessor, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is a flick produced by multimedia conglomerate Disney. What's more, the production studio owns a number of other famous franchises, like the Marvel Cinematic Universe and Star Wars. Titles made under these umbrellas have both hit Disney+ sometime after arriving at the box office. Fans may also know the original Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is currently available to stream on the site as well. So, if the 2023 version follows the same pattern, folks will likely get to see Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse on Disney+ later this year too.
As for an exact release date for Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, that's more complicated. Most movies produced by Disney often go to its streamer site within three months after debuting in theaters, like the most recent Marvel film Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania. If this is the case for Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, it will probably drop in late August 2023 or sometime near Labor Day in early September.
When the time comes for Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse to splash onto Disney+ though, make sure you're all prepared to watch it. If you don't have access yet, you can opt into a 30-day free trial before choosing a plan that start at $7.99 per month or $79.99 per year. After your account is all set, click on the title page on Disney+'s official website or the Disney+ app.
As you wait for Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse to hit the streamer, why don't you watch the animated version and its sequel Spider-Man: into the Spider-Verse? Or if you want to immerse yourself in another live-action version, click on the 2019 ABC TV special Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse Live!. Enjoy!
Where To Watch Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse Online:
As of now, the only way to watch Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is to head out to a movie theater when it premieres on June 2, 2023. You can find a local showing on Fandango.
Watch Now: Spider-Verse (2023) Movie Online Free
Otherwise, you’ll just have to wait for it to become available to rent or purchase on digital platforms like Amazon, Vudu, YouTube or Apple, or become available to stream on Disney+.
Is Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse coming to Netflix?
Yes, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is coming to Netflix approximately in December 2023. In 2021, Sony and Netflix signed a five-year deal that gave the latter exclusive first-pay-window U.S. streaming rights for Sony Pictures titles after their theatrical and home entertainment windows. Fans can expect to watch Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse on Netflix six months after the film’s theatrical release, thus in December 2023. The date seems reasonable considering that Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse dropped on Netflix on June 26, 2019, six months after its U.S. release on December 14, 2018. The pay-one window usually begins about nine months after a film’s theatrical release, but it might start earlier in particular cases. This post will be updated once there is a 100% officially confirmed Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse Netflix release date.
When Will Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse Be Available On Netflix?
Where will Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse stream specifically? Due to an ongoing deal between Netflix and Sony (remember that these movies are not produced by Disney), Across the Spider-Verse will see Netflix as the streaming home for the film when it finishes its theatrical run. It will no doubt make its way to Disney+ eventually, as Disney and Sony do have an agreement for Disney to include Sony’s Spider-Man content in their offerings, but that will at least be some time after Across the Spider-Verse has come out on Netflix.
In terms of which of the streaming giants Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse will be released on, Netflix will house the film upon its streaming debut. While again, Sony does not have its own dedicated streaming service, a deal was struck in 2021 between the studio and Netflix. The deal, stating that Netflix would stream Sony's films after theatrical release, was penned for 5 years meaning Across the Spider-Verse is part of the arrangement.
Is Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse coming to Disney Plus?
Yes, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is also coming to Disney Plus approximately in 2025.
Once the pay-one window runs its time and Netflix’s exclusive rights expire, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse will be available on Disney Plus. The pay-one window might last as long as 18 months, which means it will be a while before Disney Plus subscribers can watch the much-anticipated sequel. Unlike in other countries, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse isn’t yet available on the Disney-owned streamer in the U.S.
While Sony's Spider-Man content is also streaming on Disney+, due to the collaborations between Sony and Marvel Studios in recent years, Across the Spider-Verse will be a Netflix release. While the deal struck between Marvel Studios and Sony may extend to this film, Disney+ is only allowed to begin streaming Sony's Spider-Man releases upon their release on Netflix. As a result, Netflix will be the first streaming service that Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse will be available on after its theatrical release.
Regarding when the film will be available on Netflix, the answer is less definitive. The first film, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, began streaming six months after its theatrical release. Based on this, it is safe to assume Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse will see a similar gap between its cinematic and streaming releases. Given the film's theatrical release of June 2, 2023, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse will likely begin streaming on Netflix in December 2023.
Will Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse Be On HBO Max?
No, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse will not be on HBO Max since it’s not a Universal Pictures movie. Last year, the company released its films in theaters and on the streamer on the same day. However, they now allow a 45-day window between the theatrical release and the streaming release.
Is Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse Available On Hulu?
Viewers are saying that they want to view the new animation movie Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse on Hulu. Unfortunately, this is not possible since Hulu currently does not offer any of the free episodes of this series streaming at this time. It will be exclusive to the MTV channel, which you get by subscribing to cable or satellite TV services. You will not be able to watch it on Hulu or any other free streaming service.
How to Watch Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse Online For Free?
Most Viewed, Most Favorite, Top Rating, Top IMDb movies online. Here we can download and watch 123movies movies offline. 123Movies website is the best alternative to Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (2023) free online. We will recommend 123Movies is the best Solarmovie alternatives.
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Download ➤ ► 🔴🧿⭕👉Watch Spider Man: Across the Spider Verse Movie Online
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse will be in theaters beginning June 2. If you're wondering how and where you can watch it yourself, take a look at the information below.
Miles Morales returns for the next chapter of the Oscar-winning Spider-Verse saga, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse. After reuniting with Gwen Stacy, Brooklyn’s full-time, friendly neighborhood Spider-Man is catapulted across the Multiverse, where he encounters the Spider Society, a team of Spider-People charged with protecting the Multiverse’s very existence. But when the heroes clash on how to handle a new threat, Miles finds himself pitted against the other Spiders and must set out on his own to save those he loves most. Anyone can wear the mask – it’s how you wear it that makes you a hero.
The much-anticipated Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is only a few weeks away, and fans can’t wait to see the new adventures of Miles Morales. Once the Sony Pictures-produced movie ends its theatrical run, it will come to the most popular streamers, including Netflix and Disney Plus. But when is Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse coming to Netflix and Disney Plus? Here’s what you need to know.
'Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse' features the return of Shameik Moore as Miles Morales and Hailee Steinfeld as Gwen Stacy. Just before the release of Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, producers of the feature have announced a couple of other projects. Producer Amy Pascal has announced a forthcoming third installment titled Beyond the Spider-Verse expected to be released next year. That is not the only project announced.
Paint-on-glass, Realistic Cartoon-style to Japanese Manga, makers explore not a couple but way too many animation styles! Shameik Moore’s Miles, in a way, gets a Star-Lord-like treatment in which he beautifully balances his character arc without overstepping the broader scheme of things. Hailee Steinfeld’s Gwen finally gets a chance to narrate her side of things, and it mixes well with the ‘star-crossed’ relationship she’s currently sharing with Miles.
If you’re like just about everyone else on the planet who saw Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse in 2018 and loved it, you’ve probably been waiting for the sequel. You won’t be waiting long, as Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is finally coming out in 2023, a full five years later. It’s been a long wait but by all indications the film is going to be a blast for fans of comic book movies, Miles Morales’ version of Spider-Man, and this new animated franchise featuring the iconic webslinger.
Modern cinema has seen the gap between theatrical and streaming releases shorten dramatically, begging the question of when Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse will release online. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, streaming releases have been much closer to the theatrical release of films. While the mid-COVID marketing technique of releasing movies in theaters and on streaming services at the same time for an extra price is a thing of the past, the gap between the respective releases is still considerably shorter than in decades past.
While we currently don’t know the exact online release date for Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, we do know the movie will be released in cinemas worldwide, including the US and UK, on June 2nd, 2023. We know where to watch Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse online, but do we also know when? We can guess once again, assuming it charts the same theater-to-streaming path as Into the Spider-Verse did in 2018 with two months between the theatrical release and its digital renting/buying services. You may be able to buy or rent the movie digitally as early as late July of this year, with a physical release roughly a month or so after that, if not sooner. This also means that you will probably be able to stream Spider-Man: Across on Netflix in early December 2023, as it took about six months from Into the Spider-Verse’s release before the movie landed on the streamer.
When Is the Release Date for Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse?
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse was one of the many films to get hit by a delay due to the COVID-19 pandemic, moving from its original date of April 8, 2022, to October 7, 2022. That's the date seen in the above trailer, but the film has since seen another significant delay since then. Now the film is officially set for release on June 2, 2023. Hopefully, we won't see another delay, but if it means getting a sequel that lives up to the sky-high heights of the original, we'll gladly wait.
Is Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse in Theaters?
Not only was Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse the subject of rave reviews, but it also pulled in some gargantuan levels of cash at the international box office, with a final tally that quadrupled the film's ninety-million dollar budget. With incredible success like that, it's only natural that Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse would also be taking advantage of a theatrical release. That is the case, as the upcoming film will be exclusively available in theaters when it premieres on June 2nd, 2023.
When is 'Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse' streaming?
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse The home distribution rights for Across the Spider-Verse are in a rather interesting place. In April 2021, it was reported that Sony Studios had signed a multiyear deal with both Netflix and Disney for shared streaming rights to Sony films coming out between 2022 and 2026. This deal includes Across the Spider-Verse as well as the third film in the series, Beyond the Spider-Verse, due out in March 2024.
As for releases like Across the Spider-Verse, the film will be available on Netflix with "first-pay-window-rights" for the first 18 months of its home media release. While it will not be streaming concurrently with its theatrical release, it will be available on Netflix following its theatrical run.
Some of the films are not currently available on the service because Sony has pre-existing partnerships with Starz, as that's where most of the absent films are available to stream. That is except for Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, which is instead only streaming on Fubo TV and FX Now.
For anyone else looking to watch the film as soon as possible, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse will be released in theaters on June 2.
How to Watch Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
At the moment, you can watch Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse at your local theater. But like most movies these days, it should hit a streaming website in the near future.
Like its predecessor, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is a flick produced by multimedia conglomerate Disney. What's more, the production studio owns a number of other famous franchises, like the Marvel Cinematic Universe and Star Wars. Titles made under these umbrellas have both hit Disney+ sometime after arriving at the box office. Fans may also know the original Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is currently available to stream on the site as well. So, if the 2023 version follows the same pattern, folks will likely get to see Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse on Disney+ later this year too.
As for an exact release date for Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, that's more complicated. Most movies produced by Disney often go to its streamer site within three months after debuting in theaters, like the most recent Marvel film Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania. If this is the case for Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, it will probably drop in late August 2023 or sometime near Labor Day in early September.
When the time comes for Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse to splash onto Disney+ though, make sure you're all prepared to watch it. If you don't have access yet, you can opt into a 30-day free trial before choosing a plan that start at $7.99 per month or $79.99 per year. After your account is all set, click on the title page on Disney+'s official website or the Disney+ app.
As you wait for Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse to hit the streamer, why don't you watch the animated version and its sequel Spider-Man: into the Spider-Verse? Or if you want to immerse yourself in another live-action version, click on the 2019 ABC TV special Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse Live!. Enjoy!
Where To Watch Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse Online:
As of now, the only way to watch Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is to head out to a movie theater when it premieres on June 2, 2023. You can find a local showing on Fandango.
Watch Now: Spider-Verse (2023) Movie Online Free
Otherwise, you’ll just have to wait for it to become available to rent or purchase on digital platforms like Amazon, Vudu, YouTube or Apple, or become available to stream on Disney+.
Is Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse coming to Netflix?
Yes, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is coming to Netflix approximately in December 2023. In 2021, Sony and Netflix signed a five-year deal that gave the latter exclusive first-pay-window U.S. streaming rights for Sony Pictures titles after their theatrical and home entertainment windows. Fans can expect to watch Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse on Netflix six months after the film’s theatrical release, thus in December 2023. The date seems reasonable considering that Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse dropped on Netflix on June 26, 2019, six months after its U.S. release on December 14, 2018. The pay-one window usually begins about nine months after a film’s theatrical release, but it might start earlier in particular cases. This post will be updated once there is a 100% officially confirmed Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse Netflix release date.
When Will Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse Be Available On Netflix?
Where will Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse stream specifically? Due to an ongoing deal between Netflix and Sony (remember that these movies are not produced by Disney), Across the Spider-Verse will see Netflix as the streaming home for the film when it finishes its theatrical run. It will no doubt make its way to Disney+ eventually, as Disney and Sony do have an agreement for Disney to include Sony’s Spider-Man content in their offerings, but that will at least be some time after Across the Spider-Verse has come out on Netflix.
In terms of which of the streaming giants Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse will be released on, Netflix will house the film upon its streaming debut. While again, Sony does not have its own dedicated streaming service, a deal was struck in 2021 between the studio and Netflix. The deal, stating that Netflix would stream Sony's films after theatrical release, was penned for 5 years meaning Across the Spider-Verse is part of the arrangement.
Is Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse coming to Disney Plus?
Yes, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is also coming to Disney Plus approximately in 2025.
Once the pay-one window runs its time and Netflix’s exclusive rights expire, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse will be available on Disney Plus. The pay-one window might last as long as 18 months, which means it will be a while before Disney Plus subscribers can watch the much-anticipated sequel. Unlike in other countries, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse isn’t yet available on the Disney-owned streamer in the U.S.
While Sony's Spider-Man content is also streaming on Disney+, due to the collaborations between Sony and Marvel Studios in recent years, Across the Spider-Verse will be a Netflix release. While the deal struck between Marvel Studios and Sony may extend to this film, Disney+ is only allowed to begin streaming Sony's Spider-Man releases upon their release on Netflix. As a result, Netflix will be the first streaming service that Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse will be available on after its theatrical release.
Regarding when the film will be available on Netflix, the answer is less definitive. The first film, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, began streaming six months after its theatrical release. Based on this, it is safe to assume Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse will see a similar gap between its cinematic and streaming releases. Given the film's theatrical release of June 2, 2023, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse will likely begin streaming on Netflix in December 2023.
Will Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse Be On HBO Max?
No, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse will not be on HBO Max since it’s not a Universal Pictures movie. Last year, the company released its films in theaters and on the streamer on the same day. However, they now allow a 45-day window between the theatrical release and the streaming release.
Is Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse Available On Hulu?
Viewers are saying that they want to view the new animation movie Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse on Hulu. Unfortunately, this is not possible since Hulu currently does not offer any of the free episodes of this series streaming at this time. It will be exclusive to the MTV channel, which you get by subscribing to cable or satellite TV services. You will not be able to watch it on Hulu or any other free streaming service.
How to Watch Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse Online For Free?
Most Viewed, Most Favorite, Top Rating, Top IMDb movies online. Here we can download and watch 123movies movies offline. 123Movies website is the best alternative to Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (2023) free online. We will recommend 123Movies is the best Solarmovie alternatives.
2023.06.05 17:58 partypastor Unreached People Group of the Week - The Omani Arabs of Oman
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Happy Monday everyone, welcome to another UPG of the Week. Meet the Omani Arabs in Oman!
Stratus Index Ranking (Urgency): 52
It has been noted to me by u/JCmathetes that I should explain this ranking. Low numbers are more urgent, both physically and spiritually together, while high numbers are less urgent. The scale is 1-177, with one number assigned to each country. So basically on a scale from Afghanistan (1) to Finland (177), how urgent are the peoples physical and spiritual needs.
The Dhofar mountains in the summer
Terrain: A gravel desert plain covers most of central Oman, with mountain ranges along the north (Al-Hajar) and southeast coast (Qara or Dhofar Mountains). The peninsula of Musandam (Musandem), strategically located on the Strait of Hormuz, is an exclave separated from the rest of Oman by the United Arab Emirates.[116] Coast of Sur Madha, another exclave, is an enclave within UAE territory located halfway between the Musandam Peninsula and the main body of Oman.
An Oasis in Oman
Wildlife of Oman: Oman has many animals for its relatively small land size. It is one of the last places in which the Arabian leopard survives is the Dhofar mountains in southern Oman. Other carnivores present include the striped hyena, the honey badger, the red fox, the caracal, the sand cat, Blanford's fox and Arabian wildcat. Some other mammals include the the Arabian oryx, the sand gazelle, the mountain gazelle, the Nubian ibex, the camel. Off Muscat there are other humpback whales, pygmy blue whales, Bryde's whales, sperm whales, false killer whales, Risso's dolphins, spinner dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, Indo-Pacific humpbacked dolphins, and the occasional killer whale. Most of the approximately one dozen or so snake species in the country are harmless, but the uncommon horned viper, carpet viper, puff adder and cobra are venomous. There are no monkeys (afaik) in Oman!
The Arabian Leopard
Environmental Issues: Both drought and limited rainfall contribute to shortages in the nation's water supply. The nation's soil has shown increased levels of salinity. Pollution of beaches and other coastal areas by oil tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman is also a persistent problem.
Languages: Arabic is the official language. There are dialects of Arabic spoken, all part of the Peninsular Arabic family: Dhofari Arabic (also known as Dhofari, Zofari) is spoken in Salalah and the surrounding coastal regions (the Dhofar Governorate). According to CIA (freakin lol), besides Arabic, English, Baluchi (Southern Baluchi), Urdu, Bengali (spoken by Indians and Bangladeshis), Hindi, Malayalam, Tulu and other Indian languages are the main languages spoken
Government Type: Unitary Islamic absolute monarchy
Population: 1,967,000
Estimated Foreign Workers Needed: 39+
Beliefs: The Omani Arabs of Oman are 0% Christian. That means out of their population of 1,967,000 there are little to no Christians at all.
Most Oman Arabs belong to the Ibadi sect of Islam, one of the religion's oldest and most traditional branches. Ibadi principles of puritanism and idealism have greatly influenced Arabs in surrounding countries.
The Great Sultan Qabus Mosque in Oman
History: During the 8th century BCE, it is believed that the Yaarub, the descendant of Qahtan, ruled the entire region of Yemen, including Oman. Wathil bin Himyar bin Abd-Shams (Saba) bin Yashjub (Yaman) bin Yarub bin Qahtan later ruled Oman. It is thus believed that the Yaarubah were the first settlers in Oman from Yemen.
Over centuries tribes from western Arabia settled, making a living by fishing, farming, herding or stock breeding. Arab migration to Oman started from northern-western and south-western Arabia and those who chose to settle had to compete with the indigenous population for the best arable land. When Arab tribes started to migrate to Oman, there were two groups. One group, a segment of the Azd tribe migrated from Yemen in A.D. 120/200 following the collapse of Marib Dam, while the other group migrated centuries before the birth of Islam from Nejd (what later is Saudi Arabia), named Nizari. Other historians believe that the Yaarubah from Qahtan which belong to an older branch, were the first settlers of Oman from Yemen, and then came the Azd.
The Azd settlers in Oman are descendants of Nasr bin Azd and were later known as "the Al-Azd of Oman". 70 years after the first Azd migration, another branch of Alazdi under Malik bin Fahm, the founder of Kingdom of Tanukhites on the west of Euphrates, is believed to have settled. According to Al-Kalbi, Malik bin Fahm was the first settler of Alazd. He is said to have first settled in Qalhat. By this account, Malik, with an armed force of more than 6000 men and horses, fought against the Marzban, who served a Persian king in the battle of Salut and eventually defeated the Persian forces. This account is semi-legendary and seems to condense centuries of migration and conflict into a story of two campaigns that exaggerate the success of the Arabs. The account may represent an amalgamation of traditions from not only the Arab tribes but also the region's original inhabitants.
In the 7th century CE, Omanis came in contact with and accepted Islam. The conversion of Omanis to Islam is ascribed to Amr ibn al-As, who was sent by the prophet Muhammad during the Expedition of Zaid ibn Haritha (Hisma). Amer was dispatched to meet with Jaifer and Abd, the sons of Julanda who ruled Oman. They appear to have readily embraced Islam.
Omani Azd used to travel to Basra for trade, which was a centre of Islam, during the Umayyad empire. Omani Azd were granted a section of Basra, where they could settle and attend to their needs. Some of the Omani Azd who settled in Basra became merchants and, under their leader Muhallab bin Abi Sufrah, started to expand their influence of power eastwards towards Khorasan. Ibadhi Islam originated in Basra through its founder, Abdullah ibn Ibadh, around the year 650 CE; the Omani Azd in Iraq would subsequently adopt this as their predominant faith. Later, Al-hajjaj, the governor of Iraq, came into conflict with the Ibadhis, which forced them back to Oman. Among those who returned was the scholar Jaber bin Zaid. His return (and the return of other scholars) enhanced the Ibadhi movement. Alhajjaj made an attempt to subjugate Oman, then ruled by Suleiman and Said (the sons of Abbad bin Julanda). Alhajjaj dispatched Mujjaah bin Shiwah, who was confronted by Said bin Abbad. This confrontation devastated Said's army, after which he and his forces retreated to the Jebel Akhdar (mountains). Mujjaah and his forces went after Said, successfully flushing them out from hiding in Wadi Mastall. Mujjaah later moved towards the coast, where he confronted Suleiman bin Abbad. The battle was won by Suleiman's forces. Alhajjaj sent another force (under Abdulrahman bin Suleiman); he eventually won the war, taking over the governance of Oman.
The first elective Imamate of Oman is believed to have been established after the fall of the Umayyad Dynasty in 750/755 AD, when Janaħ bin ʕibadah Alħinnawi was elected. Other scholars claim that Janaħ bin Ibadah served as a Wāli (governor) under the Umayyad dynasty (and later ratified the Imamate), and that Julanda bin Masud was the first elected Imam of Oman, in A.D. 751. The first Imamate reached its peak power in the 9th century A.D. The Imamate established a maritime empire whose fleet controlled the Gulf, during a time when trade with the Abbasid Dynasty, the Far East, and Africa flourished. The authority of the Imams started to decline due to power struggles, the interventions of Abbasid, and the rise of the Seljuk Empire.
During the 11th and 12th centuries, the Omani coast was in the sphere of influence of the Seljuk Empire. They were expelled in 1154, when the Nabhani dynasty came to power. The Nabhanis ruled as muluk, or kings, while the Imams were reduced to largely symbolic significance. The capital of the dynasty was Bahla. The Banu Nabhan controlled the trade in frankincense on the overland route via Sohar to the Yabrin oasis, and then north to Bahrain, Baghdad and Damascus. The mango-tree was introduced to Oman during the time of Nabhani dynasty, by ElFellah bin Muhsin. The Nabhani dynasty started to deteriorate in 1507 when Portuguese colonisers captured the coastal city of Muscat, and gradually extended their control along the coast up to Sohar in the north and down to Sur in the southeast. Other historians argue that the Nabhani dynasty ended earlier in A.D. 1435 when conflicts between the dynasty and Alhinawis arose, which led to the restoration of the elective Imamate.
In 1552 an Ottoman fleet captured the fort in Muscat, during their fight for control of the Persian Gulf and the Indian Ocean, and departed after destroying the surroundings of the fortress. Later in the 17th century, using its bases in Oman, Portugal engaged in the largest naval battle ever fought in the Persian Gulf. The Portuguese force fought against a combined armada of the Dutch East India Company (VOC) and English East India Company support by the Safavid empire. The result of the battle was a draw and resulted in the loss of Portuguese influence in the Gulf. Cities were sketched in the 17th century and appear in the António Bocarro Book of fortress
The Ottoman Empire temporarily captured Muscat from the Portuguese again in 1581 and held it until 1588. During the 17th century, the Omanis were reunited by the Yaruba Imams. Nasir bin Murshid became the first Yaarubah Imam in 1624, when he was elected in Rustaq. Nasir's energy and perseverance is believed to have earned him the election. Imam Nasir and his successor succeeded in the 1650s in expelling the Portuguese from their coastal domains in Oman. The Omanis over time established a maritime empire that pursued the Portuguese and expelled them from all their possessions in East Africa, which were then incorporated into the Omani domains. To capture Zanzibar Saif bin Sultan, the Imam of Oman, pressed down the Swahili Coast. An obstacle to his progress was Fort Jesus, housing the garrison of a Portuguese settlement at Mombasa. After a two year siege, the fort fell to Imam Saif bin Sultan in 1698. Saif bin Sultan occupied Bahrain in 1700. The rivalry within the house of Yaruba over power after the death of Imam Sultan in 1718 weakened the dynasty. With the power of the Yaruba Dynasty dwindling, Imam Saif bin Sultan II eventually asked for help against his rivals from Nader Shah of Persia. A Persian force arrived in March 1737 to aid Saif. From their base at Julfar, the Persian forces eventually rebelled against the Yaruba in 1743. The Persian empire then tried to take possession of the coast of Oman until 1747.
After the Omanis expelled the Persians, Ahmed bin Sa'id Albusaidi in 1749 became the elected Imam of Oman, with Rustaq serving as the capital. Since the revival of the Imamate with the Yaruba dynasty, the Omanis continued with the elective system and, provided that the person is deemed qualified, gave preference to a member of the ruling family. Following Imam Ahmed's death in 1783, his son, Said bin Ahmed became the elected Imam. His son, Seyyid Hamed bin Said, overthrew the representative of his father the Imam in Muscat and obtained the possession of Muscat fortress. Hamed ruled as "Seyyid". Afterwards, Seyyid Sultan bin Ahmed, the uncle of Seyyid Hamed, took over power. Seyyid Said bin Sultan succeeded Sultan bin Ahmed. During the entire 19th century, in addition to Imam Said bin Ahmed who retained the title until he died in 1803, Azzan bin Qais was the only elected Imam of Oman. His rule started in 1868. The British refused to accept Imam Azzan as a ruler, as he was viewed as inimical to their interests. This view played an instrumental role in supporting the deposition of Imam Azzan in 1871 by his cousin, Sayyid Turki, a son of the late Sayyid Said bin Sultan, and brother of Sultan Barghash of Zanzibar, who Britain deemed to be more acceptable.
Oman's Imam Sultan, defeated ruler of Muscat, was granted sovereignty over Gwadar, an area of what later is Pakistan. Gwadar was a part of Oman from 1783 to 1958. This coastal city is located in the Makran region of what is later the far southwestern corner of Pakistan, near what is later the border of Iran, at the mouth of the Gulf of Oman.
The British empire was keen to dominate southeast Arabia to stifle the growing power of other European states and to curb the Omani maritime power that grew during the 17th century. The British empire over time, starting from the 18th century, began to establish a series of treaties with the sultans with the objective of advancing British political and economic interest in Muscat, while granting the sultans military protection. In 1798, the first treaty between the British East India Company and the Albusaidi dynasty was signed by Sayyid Sultan bin Ahmed. The treaty aimed to block commercial competition of the French and the Dutch as well as obtain a concession to build a British factory at Bandar Abbas. A second treaty was signed in 1800, which stipulated that a British representative shall reside at the port of Muscat and manage all external affairs with other states. As the Omani Empire weakened, the British influence over Muscat grew throughout the nineteenth century.
In 1854, a deed of cession of the Omani Kuria Muria islands to Britain was signed by the sultan of Muscat and the British government. The British government achieved predominating control over Muscat, which, for the most part, impeded competition from other nations. Between 1862 and 1892, the Political Residents, Lewis Pelly and Edward Ross, played an instrumental role in securing British supremacy over the Persian Gulf and Muscat by a system of indirect governance. By the end of the 19th century, and with the loss of its African dominions and its revenues, British influence increased to the point that the sultans became dependent on British loans and signed declarations to consult the British government on all important matters. The Sultanate thus came de facto under the British sphere.
Zanzibar was a property as the main slave market of the Swahili Coast as well as being a producer of cloves, and became an increasingly important part of the Omani empire, a fact reflected by the decision of the Sayyid Sa'id bin Sultan, to make it the capital of the empire in 1837. Sa'id built palaces and gardens in Zanzibar. Rivalry between his two sons was resolved, with the help of forceful British diplomacy, when one of them, Majid, succeeded to Zanzibar and to the Omani domains on the Swahili Coast. The other son, Thuwaini, inherited Oman and the Asian domains. Zanzibar's influences in the Comoros archipelago in the Indian Ocean indirectly introduced Omani customs to the Comorian culture. These influences include clothing traditions and wedding ceremonies. In 1856, under British arbitration, Zanzibar and Muscat became two sultanates.
The British imperial development over Muscat and Oman during the 19th century led to the renewed revival of the cause of the Imamate in the interior of Oman, which has appeared in cycles for more than 1,200 years. The British Political Agent, who resided in Muscat, owed the alienation of the interior of Oman to the influence of the British government over Muscat, which he described as being completely self-interested and without any regard to the social and political conditions of the locals. In 1913, Imam Salim Alkharusi instigated an anti-Muscat rebellion that lasted until 1920 when the Sultanate established peace with the Imamate by signing the Treaty of Seeb. The treaty was brokered by Britain, which had no economic interest in the interior of Oman during that point of time. The treaty granted autonomous rule to the Imamate in the interior of Oman and recognized the sovereignty of the coast of Oman, the Sultanate of Muscat. In 1920, Imam Salim Alkharusi died and Muhammad Alkhalili was elected.
On 10 January 1923, an agreement between the Sultanate and the British government was signed in which the Sultanate had to consult with the British political agent residing in Muscat and obtain the approval of the High Government of India to extract oil in the Sultanate. On 31 July 1928, the Red Line Agreement was signed between Anglo-Persian Company (later renamed British Petroleum), Royal Dutch/Shell, Compagnie Française des Pétroles (later renamed Total), Near East Development Corporation (later renamed ExxonMobil) and Calouste Gulbenkian (an Armenian businessman) to collectively produce oil in the post-Ottoman Empire region, which included the Arabian peninsula, with each of the 4 companies holding 23.75% of the shares while Calouste Gulbenkian held the remaining 5% shares. The agreement stipulated that none of the signatories was allowed to pursue the establishment of oil concessions within the agreed on area without including all other stakeholders. In 1929, the members of the agreement established Iraq Petroleum Company (IPC). On 13 November 1931, Sultan Taimur bin Faisal abdicated
Said bin Taimur became the sultan of Muscat officially on 10 February 1932. The rule of sultan Said bin Taimur was backed by the British government, and has been characterised as being feudal, reactionary and isolationist. The British government maintained administrative control over the Sultanate as the defence secretary and chief of intelligence, chief adviser to the sultan and all ministers except for one were British. In 1937, an agreement between the sultan and Iraq Petroleum Company (IPC), a consortium of oil companies that was 23.75% British owned, was signed to grant oil concessions to IPC. After failing to discover oil in the Sultanate, IPC was interested in some promising geological formations near Fahud, an area located within the Imamate. IPC offered financial support to the sultan to raise an armed force against any potential resistance by the Imamate.
In 1955, the exclave coastal Makran strip acceded to Pakistan and was made a district of its Balochistan province, while Gwadar remained in Oman. On 8 September 1958, Pakistan purchased the Gwadar enclave from Oman for US$3 million.
Sultan Said bin Taimur expressed his interest in occupying the Imamate after the death of Imam Alkhalili, thus taking advantage of any potential instability that might occur within the Imamate when elections were due, to the British government. The British political agent in Muscat believed that the only method of gaining access to the oil reserves in the interior was by assisting the sultan in taking over the Imamate. In 1946, the British government offered arms and ammunition, auxiliary supplies and officers to prepare the sultan to attack the interior of Oman. In May 1954, Imam Alkhalili died and Ghalib Alhinai was elected Imam.
In December 1955, Sultan Said bin Taimur sent troops of the Muscat and Oman Field Force to occupy the centres, including Nizwa, the capital of the Imamate of Oman, and Ibri. The Omanis in the interior led by Imam Ghalib Alhinai, Talib Alhinai, the brother of the Imam and the Wali (governor) of Rustaq, and Suleiman bin Hamyar, who was the Wali (governor) of Jebel Akhdar, defended the Imamate in the Jebel Akhdar War against British-backed attacks by the Sultanate. In July 1957, the Sultan's forces were withdrawing, and were repeatedly ambushed, sustaining casualties. Sultan Said, with the intervention of British infantry (two companies of the Cameronians), armoured car detachments from the British Army and RAF aircraft, was able to suppress the rebellion. The Imamate's forces retreated to the inaccessible Jebel Akhdar.
Colonel David Smiley, who had been seconded to organise the Sultan's Armed Forces, managed to isolate the mountain in autumn 1958 and found a route to the plateau from Wadi Bani Kharus. On 4 August 1957, the British Foreign Secretary gave the approval to carry out air strikes without prior warning to the locals residing in the interior of Oman. Between July and December 1958, the British RAF made 1,635 raids, dropping 1,094 tons and firing 900 rockets at the interior of Oman targeting insurgents, mountain top villages, water channels and crops. On 27 January 1959, the Sultanate's forces occupied the mountain in an operation. Imam Ghalib, his brother Talib and Sulaiman managed to escape to Saudi Arabia, where the Imamate's cause was promoted until the 1970s. The exiled partisans of the abolished Imamate of Oman presented the case of Oman to the Arab League and the United Nations. On 11 December 1963, the UN General Assembly decided to establish an Ad-Hoc Committee on Oman to study the 'Question of Oman' and report back to the General Assembly.The UN General Assembly adopted the 'Question of Oman' resolution in 1965, 1966 and again in 1967 that called upon the British government to cease all repressive action against the locals, end British control over Oman and reaffirmed the inalienable right of the Omani people to self-determination and independence.
After deposing his father in 1970, Sultan Qaboos opened up the country, embarked on economic reforms, and followed a policy of modernisation marked by increased spending on health, education and welfare. Slavery was outlawed in 1970.
In 2002, voting rights were extended to all citizens over the age of 21, and the first elections to the Consultative Assembly under the rules were held in 2003. In 2004, the Sultan appointed a female minister with portfolio, Sheikha Aisha bint Khalfan bin Jameel al-Sayabiyah. She was appointed to the post of National Authority for Industrial Craftsmanship, an office that attempts to preserve and promote Oman's traditional crafts and stimulate industry. The Sultan continued to rule by decree. Nearly 100 suspected Islamists were arrested in 2005 and 31 people were convicted of trying to overthrow the government. They were ultimately pardoned in June of the same year.
Inspired by the Arab Spring uprisings that were taking place throughout the region, protests occurred during months of 2011. While they did not call for the ousting of the regime, demonstrators demanded political reforms, improved living conditions and the creation of more jobs. They were dispersed by riot police in February 2011. Sultan Qaboos reacted by promising jobs and benefits. In October 2011, elections were held to the Consultative Assembly, to which Sultan Qaboos promised greater powers. The following year, the government began a crackdown on internet criticism. In September 2012, trials began of 'activists' accused of posting "abusive and provocative" criticism of the government online. 6 were given jail terms of 12–18 months and fines of around $2,500 each.
Qaboos, the Arab world's longest-serving ruler, died on 10 January 2020, and the government declared 40 days of national mourning. He was buried the next day. On 11 January 2020, Qaboos was succeeded by his first cousin Sultan Haitham bin Tariq.
Nakhal Fort, one of the best-preserved forts in Oman.
Culture: Typical qualification that all people groups can't be summed up in small paragraphs and this is an over generalization.
The Omani Arabs live in extended family units. Their society is patriarchal, or male-dominated. The men seldom abuse this authority because they believe that their families should obey them out of respect rather than fear. Also, there are clearly defined roles for both sexes. Even the children are given gender-specific duties. The men work outside in the fields while women work in the homes. Men and women often eat separately and never pray together. While men worship at mosques, women attend ceremonies conducted at home by female religious leaders. Marriages are generally pre-arranged by the parents. Children are a considered the family's greatest asset because they provide the parents with additional laborers and social security.
An Omani Souq
Cuisine: The cuisine of Oman uses spices and marinades to complete a dish, which usually consists of chicken, fish, and lamb. Unlike that of many other Asian nations, Omani cuisine is not spicy, and varies regionally. Everyday meals generally have components such as rice, a wide variety of soups, salad, curry, and fresh vegetables. For dessert, a known Omani sweet Omani halwa is usually served. This is usually served before the consumption of kahwa, a preparation of coffee with cardamom, which is very popular and remains a symbol of hospitality. Other popular beverages include tea, laban (a kind of salty buttermilk), yoghurt drinks, and soft drinks like mountain dew.
Omani Halwa
Prayer Request:
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Here are the previous weeks threads on the UPG of the Week for Reformed from 2023 (plus a few from 2022 so this one post isn't so lonely). To save some space on these, all UPG posts made 2019-now are here, I will try to keep this current.
* Tibet belongs to Tibet, not China.
** Russia/Turkey/etc is Europe but also Asia so...
*** this likely is not the true religion that they worship, but rather they have a mixture of what is listed with other local religions, or they have embraced a liberal drift and are leaving faith entirely but this is their historical faith.
As always, if you have experience in this country or with this people group, feel free to comment or let me know and I will happily edit it so that we can better pray for these peoples! I shouldn't have to include this, but please don't come here to argue with people or to promote universalism. I am a moderator so we will see this if you do.
Here is a list of definitions in case you wonder what exactly I mean by words like "Unreached".
Here is a list of missions organizations that reach out to the world to do missions for the Glory of God.
submitted by partypastor to Reformed [link] [comments]
Happy Monday everyone, welcome to another UPG of the Week. Meet the Omani Arabs in Oman!
Region: Oman
mapStratus Index Ranking (Urgency): 52
It has been noted to me by u/JCmathetes that I should explain this ranking. Low numbers are more urgent, both physically and spiritually together, while high numbers are less urgent. The scale is 1-177, with one number assigned to each country. So basically on a scale from Afghanistan (1) to Finland (177), how urgent are the peoples physical and spiritual needs.
The Stratus Index - Synthesizes reliable data from different sources to clearly display the world’s most urgent spiritual and physical needs.Climate: Summer temperatures in Muscat and northern Oman average 30 to 40 °C (86.0 to 104.0 °F). Annual rainfall in Muscat averages 100 mm (3.9 in), occurring mostly in January. In the south, the Dhofar Mountains area near Salalah has a tropical-like climate and receives seasonal rainfall from June to September as a result of monsoon winds from the Indian Ocean, leaving the summer air saturated with moisture and fog. Summer temperatures in Salalah range from 20 to 30 °C (68.0 to 86.0 °F)
The vast majority of missions resources go to people and places already Reached by the Gospel, while only 3% of missionaries and 1% of missions money are deployed among the Unreached. This is the Great Imbalance. As a result, there are more people without access to the Gospel today than a decade ago. Stratus seeks to equip the global church with fresh vision to accomplish the Great Commission by addressing some of the factors that perpetuate the Great Imbalance. We hope this tool allows the church to better understand what steps will be required to overcome the barriers that prevent needs from being met, spurring informed and collaborative missions strategy. Stratus Website
The Dhofar mountains in the summer
Terrain: A gravel desert plain covers most of central Oman, with mountain ranges along the north (Al-Hajar) and southeast coast (Qara or Dhofar Mountains). The peninsula of Musandam (Musandem), strategically located on the Strait of Hormuz, is an exclave separated from the rest of Oman by the United Arab Emirates.[116] Coast of Sur Madha, another exclave, is an enclave within UAE territory located halfway between the Musandam Peninsula and the main body of Oman.
An Oasis in Oman
Wildlife of Oman: Oman has many animals for its relatively small land size. It is one of the last places in which the Arabian leopard survives is the Dhofar mountains in southern Oman. Other carnivores present include the striped hyena, the honey badger, the red fox, the caracal, the sand cat, Blanford's fox and Arabian wildcat. Some other mammals include the the Arabian oryx, the sand gazelle, the mountain gazelle, the Nubian ibex, the camel. Off Muscat there are other humpback whales, pygmy blue whales, Bryde's whales, sperm whales, false killer whales, Risso's dolphins, spinner dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, Indo-Pacific humpbacked dolphins, and the occasional killer whale. Most of the approximately one dozen or so snake species in the country are harmless, but the uncommon horned viper, carpet viper, puff adder and cobra are venomous. There are no monkeys (afaik) in Oman!
The Arabian Leopard
Environmental Issues: Both drought and limited rainfall contribute to shortages in the nation's water supply. The nation's soil has shown increased levels of salinity. Pollution of beaches and other coastal areas by oil tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman is also a persistent problem.
Languages: Arabic is the official language. There are dialects of Arabic spoken, all part of the Peninsular Arabic family: Dhofari Arabic (also known as Dhofari, Zofari) is spoken in Salalah and the surrounding coastal regions (the Dhofar Governorate). According to CIA (freakin lol), besides Arabic, English, Baluchi (Southern Baluchi), Urdu, Bengali (spoken by Indians and Bangladeshis), Hindi, Malayalam, Tulu and other Indian languages are the main languages spoken
Government Type: Unitary Islamic absolute monarchy
People: The Omani Arabs of Oman
Omani Arab manPopulation: 1,967,000
Estimated Foreign Workers Needed: 39+
Beliefs: The Omani Arabs of Oman are 0% Christian. That means out of their population of 1,967,000 there are little to no Christians at all.
Most Oman Arabs belong to the Ibadi sect of Islam, one of the religion's oldest and most traditional branches. Ibadi principles of puritanism and idealism have greatly influenced Arabs in surrounding countries.
The Great Sultan Qabus Mosque in Oman
History: During the 8th century BCE, it is believed that the Yaarub, the descendant of Qahtan, ruled the entire region of Yemen, including Oman. Wathil bin Himyar bin Abd-Shams (Saba) bin Yashjub (Yaman) bin Yarub bin Qahtan later ruled Oman. It is thus believed that the Yaarubah were the first settlers in Oman from Yemen.
Over centuries tribes from western Arabia settled, making a living by fishing, farming, herding or stock breeding. Arab migration to Oman started from northern-western and south-western Arabia and those who chose to settle had to compete with the indigenous population for the best arable land. When Arab tribes started to migrate to Oman, there were two groups. One group, a segment of the Azd tribe migrated from Yemen in A.D. 120/200 following the collapse of Marib Dam, while the other group migrated centuries before the birth of Islam from Nejd (what later is Saudi Arabia), named Nizari. Other historians believe that the Yaarubah from Qahtan which belong to an older branch, were the first settlers of Oman from Yemen, and then came the Azd.
The Azd settlers in Oman are descendants of Nasr bin Azd and were later known as "the Al-Azd of Oman". 70 years after the first Azd migration, another branch of Alazdi under Malik bin Fahm, the founder of Kingdom of Tanukhites on the west of Euphrates, is believed to have settled. According to Al-Kalbi, Malik bin Fahm was the first settler of Alazd. He is said to have first settled in Qalhat. By this account, Malik, with an armed force of more than 6000 men and horses, fought against the Marzban, who served a Persian king in the battle of Salut and eventually defeated the Persian forces. This account is semi-legendary and seems to condense centuries of migration and conflict into a story of two campaigns that exaggerate the success of the Arabs. The account may represent an amalgamation of traditions from not only the Arab tribes but also the region's original inhabitants.
In the 7th century CE, Omanis came in contact with and accepted Islam. The conversion of Omanis to Islam is ascribed to Amr ibn al-As, who was sent by the prophet Muhammad during the Expedition of Zaid ibn Haritha (Hisma). Amer was dispatched to meet with Jaifer and Abd, the sons of Julanda who ruled Oman. They appear to have readily embraced Islam.
Omani Azd used to travel to Basra for trade, which was a centre of Islam, during the Umayyad empire. Omani Azd were granted a section of Basra, where they could settle and attend to their needs. Some of the Omani Azd who settled in Basra became merchants and, under their leader Muhallab bin Abi Sufrah, started to expand their influence of power eastwards towards Khorasan. Ibadhi Islam originated in Basra through its founder, Abdullah ibn Ibadh, around the year 650 CE; the Omani Azd in Iraq would subsequently adopt this as their predominant faith. Later, Al-hajjaj, the governor of Iraq, came into conflict with the Ibadhis, which forced them back to Oman. Among those who returned was the scholar Jaber bin Zaid. His return (and the return of other scholars) enhanced the Ibadhi movement. Alhajjaj made an attempt to subjugate Oman, then ruled by Suleiman and Said (the sons of Abbad bin Julanda). Alhajjaj dispatched Mujjaah bin Shiwah, who was confronted by Said bin Abbad. This confrontation devastated Said's army, after which he and his forces retreated to the Jebel Akhdar (mountains). Mujjaah and his forces went after Said, successfully flushing them out from hiding in Wadi Mastall. Mujjaah later moved towards the coast, where he confronted Suleiman bin Abbad. The battle was won by Suleiman's forces. Alhajjaj sent another force (under Abdulrahman bin Suleiman); he eventually won the war, taking over the governance of Oman.
The first elective Imamate of Oman is believed to have been established after the fall of the Umayyad Dynasty in 750/755 AD, when Janaħ bin ʕibadah Alħinnawi was elected. Other scholars claim that Janaħ bin Ibadah served as a Wāli (governor) under the Umayyad dynasty (and later ratified the Imamate), and that Julanda bin Masud was the first elected Imam of Oman, in A.D. 751. The first Imamate reached its peak power in the 9th century A.D. The Imamate established a maritime empire whose fleet controlled the Gulf, during a time when trade with the Abbasid Dynasty, the Far East, and Africa flourished. The authority of the Imams started to decline due to power struggles, the interventions of Abbasid, and the rise of the Seljuk Empire.
During the 11th and 12th centuries, the Omani coast was in the sphere of influence of the Seljuk Empire. They were expelled in 1154, when the Nabhani dynasty came to power. The Nabhanis ruled as muluk, or kings, while the Imams were reduced to largely symbolic significance. The capital of the dynasty was Bahla. The Banu Nabhan controlled the trade in frankincense on the overland route via Sohar to the Yabrin oasis, and then north to Bahrain, Baghdad and Damascus. The mango-tree was introduced to Oman during the time of Nabhani dynasty, by ElFellah bin Muhsin. The Nabhani dynasty started to deteriorate in 1507 when Portuguese colonisers captured the coastal city of Muscat, and gradually extended their control along the coast up to Sohar in the north and down to Sur in the southeast. Other historians argue that the Nabhani dynasty ended earlier in A.D. 1435 when conflicts between the dynasty and Alhinawis arose, which led to the restoration of the elective Imamate.
In 1552 an Ottoman fleet captured the fort in Muscat, during their fight for control of the Persian Gulf and the Indian Ocean, and departed after destroying the surroundings of the fortress. Later in the 17th century, using its bases in Oman, Portugal engaged in the largest naval battle ever fought in the Persian Gulf. The Portuguese force fought against a combined armada of the Dutch East India Company (VOC) and English East India Company support by the Safavid empire. The result of the battle was a draw and resulted in the loss of Portuguese influence in the Gulf. Cities were sketched in the 17th century and appear in the António Bocarro Book of fortress
The Ottoman Empire temporarily captured Muscat from the Portuguese again in 1581 and held it until 1588. During the 17th century, the Omanis were reunited by the Yaruba Imams. Nasir bin Murshid became the first Yaarubah Imam in 1624, when he was elected in Rustaq. Nasir's energy and perseverance is believed to have earned him the election. Imam Nasir and his successor succeeded in the 1650s in expelling the Portuguese from their coastal domains in Oman. The Omanis over time established a maritime empire that pursued the Portuguese and expelled them from all their possessions in East Africa, which were then incorporated into the Omani domains. To capture Zanzibar Saif bin Sultan, the Imam of Oman, pressed down the Swahili Coast. An obstacle to his progress was Fort Jesus, housing the garrison of a Portuguese settlement at Mombasa. After a two year siege, the fort fell to Imam Saif bin Sultan in 1698. Saif bin Sultan occupied Bahrain in 1700. The rivalry within the house of Yaruba over power after the death of Imam Sultan in 1718 weakened the dynasty. With the power of the Yaruba Dynasty dwindling, Imam Saif bin Sultan II eventually asked for help against his rivals from Nader Shah of Persia. A Persian force arrived in March 1737 to aid Saif. From their base at Julfar, the Persian forces eventually rebelled against the Yaruba in 1743. The Persian empire then tried to take possession of the coast of Oman until 1747.
After the Omanis expelled the Persians, Ahmed bin Sa'id Albusaidi in 1749 became the elected Imam of Oman, with Rustaq serving as the capital. Since the revival of the Imamate with the Yaruba dynasty, the Omanis continued with the elective system and, provided that the person is deemed qualified, gave preference to a member of the ruling family. Following Imam Ahmed's death in 1783, his son, Said bin Ahmed became the elected Imam. His son, Seyyid Hamed bin Said, overthrew the representative of his father the Imam in Muscat and obtained the possession of Muscat fortress. Hamed ruled as "Seyyid". Afterwards, Seyyid Sultan bin Ahmed, the uncle of Seyyid Hamed, took over power. Seyyid Said bin Sultan succeeded Sultan bin Ahmed. During the entire 19th century, in addition to Imam Said bin Ahmed who retained the title until he died in 1803, Azzan bin Qais was the only elected Imam of Oman. His rule started in 1868. The British refused to accept Imam Azzan as a ruler, as he was viewed as inimical to their interests. This view played an instrumental role in supporting the deposition of Imam Azzan in 1871 by his cousin, Sayyid Turki, a son of the late Sayyid Said bin Sultan, and brother of Sultan Barghash of Zanzibar, who Britain deemed to be more acceptable.
Oman's Imam Sultan, defeated ruler of Muscat, was granted sovereignty over Gwadar, an area of what later is Pakistan. Gwadar was a part of Oman from 1783 to 1958. This coastal city is located in the Makran region of what is later the far southwestern corner of Pakistan, near what is later the border of Iran, at the mouth of the Gulf of Oman.
The British empire was keen to dominate southeast Arabia to stifle the growing power of other European states and to curb the Omani maritime power that grew during the 17th century. The British empire over time, starting from the 18th century, began to establish a series of treaties with the sultans with the objective of advancing British political and economic interest in Muscat, while granting the sultans military protection. In 1798, the first treaty between the British East India Company and the Albusaidi dynasty was signed by Sayyid Sultan bin Ahmed. The treaty aimed to block commercial competition of the French and the Dutch as well as obtain a concession to build a British factory at Bandar Abbas. A second treaty was signed in 1800, which stipulated that a British representative shall reside at the port of Muscat and manage all external affairs with other states. As the Omani Empire weakened, the British influence over Muscat grew throughout the nineteenth century.
In 1854, a deed of cession of the Omani Kuria Muria islands to Britain was signed by the sultan of Muscat and the British government. The British government achieved predominating control over Muscat, which, for the most part, impeded competition from other nations. Between 1862 and 1892, the Political Residents, Lewis Pelly and Edward Ross, played an instrumental role in securing British supremacy over the Persian Gulf and Muscat by a system of indirect governance. By the end of the 19th century, and with the loss of its African dominions and its revenues, British influence increased to the point that the sultans became dependent on British loans and signed declarations to consult the British government on all important matters. The Sultanate thus came de facto under the British sphere.
Zanzibar was a property as the main slave market of the Swahili Coast as well as being a producer of cloves, and became an increasingly important part of the Omani empire, a fact reflected by the decision of the Sayyid Sa'id bin Sultan, to make it the capital of the empire in 1837. Sa'id built palaces and gardens in Zanzibar. Rivalry between his two sons was resolved, with the help of forceful British diplomacy, when one of them, Majid, succeeded to Zanzibar and to the Omani domains on the Swahili Coast. The other son, Thuwaini, inherited Oman and the Asian domains. Zanzibar's influences in the Comoros archipelago in the Indian Ocean indirectly introduced Omani customs to the Comorian culture. These influences include clothing traditions and wedding ceremonies. In 1856, under British arbitration, Zanzibar and Muscat became two sultanates.
The British imperial development over Muscat and Oman during the 19th century led to the renewed revival of the cause of the Imamate in the interior of Oman, which has appeared in cycles for more than 1,200 years. The British Political Agent, who resided in Muscat, owed the alienation of the interior of Oman to the influence of the British government over Muscat, which he described as being completely self-interested and without any regard to the social and political conditions of the locals. In 1913, Imam Salim Alkharusi instigated an anti-Muscat rebellion that lasted until 1920 when the Sultanate established peace with the Imamate by signing the Treaty of Seeb. The treaty was brokered by Britain, which had no economic interest in the interior of Oman during that point of time. The treaty granted autonomous rule to the Imamate in the interior of Oman and recognized the sovereignty of the coast of Oman, the Sultanate of Muscat. In 1920, Imam Salim Alkharusi died and Muhammad Alkhalili was elected.
On 10 January 1923, an agreement between the Sultanate and the British government was signed in which the Sultanate had to consult with the British political agent residing in Muscat and obtain the approval of the High Government of India to extract oil in the Sultanate. On 31 July 1928, the Red Line Agreement was signed between Anglo-Persian Company (later renamed British Petroleum), Royal Dutch/Shell, Compagnie Française des Pétroles (later renamed Total), Near East Development Corporation (later renamed ExxonMobil) and Calouste Gulbenkian (an Armenian businessman) to collectively produce oil in the post-Ottoman Empire region, which included the Arabian peninsula, with each of the 4 companies holding 23.75% of the shares while Calouste Gulbenkian held the remaining 5% shares. The agreement stipulated that none of the signatories was allowed to pursue the establishment of oil concessions within the agreed on area without including all other stakeholders. In 1929, the members of the agreement established Iraq Petroleum Company (IPC). On 13 November 1931, Sultan Taimur bin Faisal abdicated
Said bin Taimur became the sultan of Muscat officially on 10 February 1932. The rule of sultan Said bin Taimur was backed by the British government, and has been characterised as being feudal, reactionary and isolationist. The British government maintained administrative control over the Sultanate as the defence secretary and chief of intelligence, chief adviser to the sultan and all ministers except for one were British. In 1937, an agreement between the sultan and Iraq Petroleum Company (IPC), a consortium of oil companies that was 23.75% British owned, was signed to grant oil concessions to IPC. After failing to discover oil in the Sultanate, IPC was interested in some promising geological formations near Fahud, an area located within the Imamate. IPC offered financial support to the sultan to raise an armed force against any potential resistance by the Imamate.
In 1955, the exclave coastal Makran strip acceded to Pakistan and was made a district of its Balochistan province, while Gwadar remained in Oman. On 8 September 1958, Pakistan purchased the Gwadar enclave from Oman for US$3 million.
Sultan Said bin Taimur expressed his interest in occupying the Imamate after the death of Imam Alkhalili, thus taking advantage of any potential instability that might occur within the Imamate when elections were due, to the British government. The British political agent in Muscat believed that the only method of gaining access to the oil reserves in the interior was by assisting the sultan in taking over the Imamate. In 1946, the British government offered arms and ammunition, auxiliary supplies and officers to prepare the sultan to attack the interior of Oman. In May 1954, Imam Alkhalili died and Ghalib Alhinai was elected Imam.
In December 1955, Sultan Said bin Taimur sent troops of the Muscat and Oman Field Force to occupy the centres, including Nizwa, the capital of the Imamate of Oman, and Ibri. The Omanis in the interior led by Imam Ghalib Alhinai, Talib Alhinai, the brother of the Imam and the Wali (governor) of Rustaq, and Suleiman bin Hamyar, who was the Wali (governor) of Jebel Akhdar, defended the Imamate in the Jebel Akhdar War against British-backed attacks by the Sultanate. In July 1957, the Sultan's forces were withdrawing, and were repeatedly ambushed, sustaining casualties. Sultan Said, with the intervention of British infantry (two companies of the Cameronians), armoured car detachments from the British Army and RAF aircraft, was able to suppress the rebellion. The Imamate's forces retreated to the inaccessible Jebel Akhdar.
Colonel David Smiley, who had been seconded to organise the Sultan's Armed Forces, managed to isolate the mountain in autumn 1958 and found a route to the plateau from Wadi Bani Kharus. On 4 August 1957, the British Foreign Secretary gave the approval to carry out air strikes without prior warning to the locals residing in the interior of Oman. Between July and December 1958, the British RAF made 1,635 raids, dropping 1,094 tons and firing 900 rockets at the interior of Oman targeting insurgents, mountain top villages, water channels and crops. On 27 January 1959, the Sultanate's forces occupied the mountain in an operation. Imam Ghalib, his brother Talib and Sulaiman managed to escape to Saudi Arabia, where the Imamate's cause was promoted until the 1970s. The exiled partisans of the abolished Imamate of Oman presented the case of Oman to the Arab League and the United Nations. On 11 December 1963, the UN General Assembly decided to establish an Ad-Hoc Committee on Oman to study the 'Question of Oman' and report back to the General Assembly.The UN General Assembly adopted the 'Question of Oman' resolution in 1965, 1966 and again in 1967 that called upon the British government to cease all repressive action against the locals, end British control over Oman and reaffirmed the inalienable right of the Omani people to self-determination and independence.
After deposing his father in 1970, Sultan Qaboos opened up the country, embarked on economic reforms, and followed a policy of modernisation marked by increased spending on health, education and welfare. Slavery was outlawed in 1970.
In 2002, voting rights were extended to all citizens over the age of 21, and the first elections to the Consultative Assembly under the rules were held in 2003. In 2004, the Sultan appointed a female minister with portfolio, Sheikha Aisha bint Khalfan bin Jameel al-Sayabiyah. She was appointed to the post of National Authority for Industrial Craftsmanship, an office that attempts to preserve and promote Oman's traditional crafts and stimulate industry. The Sultan continued to rule by decree. Nearly 100 suspected Islamists were arrested in 2005 and 31 people were convicted of trying to overthrow the government. They were ultimately pardoned in June of the same year.
Inspired by the Arab Spring uprisings that were taking place throughout the region, protests occurred during months of 2011. While they did not call for the ousting of the regime, demonstrators demanded political reforms, improved living conditions and the creation of more jobs. They were dispersed by riot police in February 2011. Sultan Qaboos reacted by promising jobs and benefits. In October 2011, elections were held to the Consultative Assembly, to which Sultan Qaboos promised greater powers. The following year, the government began a crackdown on internet criticism. In September 2012, trials began of 'activists' accused of posting "abusive and provocative" criticism of the government online. 6 were given jail terms of 12–18 months and fines of around $2,500 each.
Qaboos, the Arab world's longest-serving ruler, died on 10 January 2020, and the government declared 40 days of national mourning. He was buried the next day. On 11 January 2020, Qaboos was succeeded by his first cousin Sultan Haitham bin Tariq.
Nakhal Fort, one of the best-preserved forts in Oman.
Culture: Typical qualification that all people groups can't be summed up in small paragraphs and this is an over generalization.
The Omani Arabs live in extended family units. Their society is patriarchal, or male-dominated. The men seldom abuse this authority because they believe that their families should obey them out of respect rather than fear. Also, there are clearly defined roles for both sexes. Even the children are given gender-specific duties. The men work outside in the fields while women work in the homes. Men and women often eat separately and never pray together. While men worship at mosques, women attend ceremonies conducted at home by female religious leaders. Marriages are generally pre-arranged by the parents. Children are a considered the family's greatest asset because they provide the parents with additional laborers and social security.
An Omani Souq
Cuisine: The cuisine of Oman uses spices and marinades to complete a dish, which usually consists of chicken, fish, and lamb. Unlike that of many other Asian nations, Omani cuisine is not spicy, and varies regionally. Everyday meals generally have components such as rice, a wide variety of soups, salad, curry, and fresh vegetables. For dessert, a known Omani sweet Omani halwa is usually served. This is usually served before the consumption of kahwa, a preparation of coffee with cardamom, which is very popular and remains a symbol of hospitality. Other popular beverages include tea, laban (a kind of salty buttermilk), yoghurt drinks, and soft drinks like mountain dew.
Omani Halwa
Prayer Request:
- Pray for a spiritual discernment and hunger that will allow Omani Arabs to seek and find Christ.
- Pray for Holy Spirit-directed believers to go to the Omani Arabs.
- Pray for a Disciple Making Movement to spread far and wide among Omani Arabs.
- Pray against Putin and his insane little war.
- Pray for our nation (the United States), that we Christians can learn to come alongside our hurting brothers and sisters and learn to carry one another's burdens in a more Christlike manner than we have done historically.
- Pray that in this time of chaos and panic that the needs of the unreached are not forgotten by the church. Pray that our hearts continue to ache to see the unreached hear the Good News.
____________________________________________________________________________________________
Here are the previous weeks threads on the UPG of the Week for Reformed from 2023 (plus a few from 2022 so this one post isn't so lonely). To save some space on these, all UPG posts made 2019-now are here, I will try to keep this current.
| People Group | Country | Continent | Date Posted | Beliefs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Omani Arabs | Oman | Asia | 06/05/2023 | Islam |
| Turks | Bulgaria | Europe | 05/22/2023 | Islam |
| Kinnara | Sri Lanka | Asia | 05/15/2023 | Buddhism*** |
| Yonaguni | Japan | Asia | 05/08/2023 | Animism |
| Persian | Iran | Asia | 04/10/2023 | Islam |
| Ngazidja Comorian | Comoros | Africa | 04/03/2023 | Islam |
| Uyghur (2nd) | China | Asia | 03/27/2023 | Islam |
| Aimaq | Afghanistan | Asia | 03/20/2023 | Islam |
| Shughni | Tajikistan | Asia | 03/13/2023 | Islam |
| Punjabi | Canada | North America | 03/06/2023 | Sikhism |
| Kurds | Turkey | Asia** | 02/13/2023 | Islam*** |
| Krymchak | Ukraine* | Europe** | 02/06/2023 | Judaism |
| Talysh | Azerbaijan | Asia** | 01/30/2023 | Islam |
| Shan | Myanmar | Asia | 01/23/2023 | Buddhism*** |
| Shaikh - 2nd post | Bangladesh | Asia | 01/09/2023 | Islam |
| Hindi | United States | North America | 12/19/2022 | Hinduism |
| Somali | Finland | Europe | 12/05/2022 | Islam |
| Hemshin | Turkey | Asia** | 11/28/2022 | Islam |
| Waorani (Reached) | Ecuador | South America | 11/21/2022 | Christianity |
** Russia/Turkey/etc is Europe but also Asia so...
*** this likely is not the true religion that they worship, but rather they have a mixture of what is listed with other local religions, or they have embraced a liberal drift and are leaving faith entirely but this is their historical faith.
As always, if you have experience in this country or with this people group, feel free to comment or let me know and I will happily edit it so that we can better pray for these peoples! I shouldn't have to include this, but please don't come here to argue with people or to promote universalism. I am a moderator so we will see this if you do.
Here is a list of definitions in case you wonder what exactly I mean by words like "Unreached".
Here is a list of missions organizations that reach out to the world to do missions for the Glory of God.
2023.06.05 17:52 whitespadex How to get appointments for $25-$30 Per Call with Prospects That Pay $5,000+ (FACEBOOK ADS)
This is a post about how to generate high ticket appointments for ridiculously cheap costs on Facebook right now…
If you’re in the mood to read 3,300+ words go ahead. There’s no TL;DR. This post is only for serious business owners that want to learn how to run profitable Ads.
I’m currently managing between $500,000 - $550,000 per week in Facebook Ad spend across multiple businesses in over 3 dozen industries…
This works for ALL types of businesses that sell High-Ticket services and products.
But first…
I’ll start this off by pointing out to everybody having Ad account issues. Every single day I pop into this sub to see so many of you struggling with being banned from advertising on Facebook.
If your ad accounts are disabled, if your BMs are disabled - it’s sad.
It’s sad because I wrote a detailed post on EXACTLY how to setup your FB assets so that you NEVER have to encounter this issue - and you still haven’t read it.
I’m currently spending over $500k a week across multiple accounts, multiple clients, and nobody, NOBODY has their accounts banned…
Simply because we follow my asset management structure (laid out here).
First, do yourself a favor and get your accounts in order by reading that post… then come back here for the good stuff so you can actually make some money!
Now for those of you that have no account issues…
Here’s HOW to get High-Ticket Appointments for $25-$30 bucks a call… with prospects that pay $5,000+ in retainers, service fees, consulting - whatever you sell…
That clearly implies that I’m talking about HOW to target people with money…
Not just people with money, but people with a burning desire to buy your products & services…
No matter what type of product or service you’re selling, there are people on Facebook that are “in-the-market” for your help.
I’ve run Ads in almost every niche you can practically think of — from targeting accredited investors for investment funds, to luxury homes, to enterprise software, to high end home remodeling… all the way down to video & photography studios, web dev shops, production houses etc. etc. (just refer to that long list I published above…)
There’s a market for EVERYTHING. And your clients are on Facebook.
The problem is that there is too much garbage being touted by people that have no clue about how the platform works - that leaves you confused and paralyzed as to what to do…
So let me clarify, your clients ARE on Facebook, and you can connect with them for a lot less than you think…
You can generate high quality sales meetings for a lot less than you think…
In fact, you can do it with an extremely simple process that doesn’t require large budgets, doesn’t require highly produced VSLs, or anything time consuming…
And in this post I’m going to show you how. But first understand why most marketing fails.
WHY MOST MARKETING ON FB FAILS…
The biggest disconnect between them (your prospects) and you (your business) lies in not properly understanding 3 things:
And even if you have these two things in order… If your “setup” isn’t accurate you’ll end up seeing extremely high CPMs, very low CTRs and therefore, very expensive clicks…
So either you won’t get any leads signing up to book a call with you…Or you’ll get random junk leads filling up your lead forms.
Here’s what a commonly bad “Lead Gen” campaign looks like:—> Business owner is new to FB Ads—> He selects the Leads objective—> Sets up a Lead form ad—> Runs generic interests in his niche—> Maybe runs between $10-$100 a day in budget—> Gets LOW quality junk leads that don’t pick up—> Gets frustrated and pauses campaigns after a few hundred dollars spent—> Then browses all over Reddit and YouTube looking for answers
As I’ve said before, running Lead Form Ads will NOT get you the leads that will buy from you instantly…
The term “LEAD” means a lot of different things in different situations.
-When someone opts-in for a free lead magnet, that’s a lead-When someone fill out a form of any sort, that’s a lead-When someone goes to the end of a call booking funnel, that’s a lead-When someone watches a 30-min long webinar and fills out an application, that’s a lead…
So just aiming for “Leads” without paying attention to the “Setup” will get you nowhere. You will lose your hard-earned money and get nothing back.
Understand what happens when you select the “Leads Ad” objective using a lead form Ad FB shows it to the lowest rung of prospects that just like to get something for free!
That’s why when you run Lead Form Ads, most of your leads are junk. When you call them they either won’t answer or they’ll put it incorrect information.
The reason Facebook does this, is NOT to intentionally hurt you. But FB classifies this type of objective as extremely “TOF Leads” - Top Of Funnel Leads…
These leads opt-in for free information, or extremely low cost information, and have to be further nurtured using Email sequences to eventually get them on a call..
You’ll need thousands of these leads to start building any momentum… And therefore this setup is FLAWED if you want to get leads that will buy from you instantly.
SO HOW DO YOU GET LEADS THAT WANT TO BUY YOUR PRODUCTS & SERVICES NOW?
In a nutshell, you use the “Conversions” objective and you follow the exact formula that I’m going to teach you in this post.
If you follow everything I say, your results will look something like this:
Daily spend = $50-$100Leads = 6-8 per dayApplications = 5-7 per dayCalls Booked = 3-5 per dayShow ups = 2-3 per day (and even 95-100% show ups if you use my warm up protocol)
With numbers like these, off late I’ve been pulling down at minimum $5,000 for every $700-900 spent on Ads.
This will ONLY work IF you have a good offer. I previously written TONS of posts on how to create a high-converting, In-demand that people happily pay $5k+ for.
Again, if you want results like these, remember we need 3 things ON POINT:
First things first, let’s start with your assets, because that’s the primary driver of the entire campaign.
ASSETS
Your marketing assets include everything you use to run your campaign. Your funnel, your creative, your copy, your landing page, your landing page copy… ALL of these things are your assets.
How do you know what assets to make? Should you make a webinar? Should you make a lead magnet? Should you produce a VSL? What should your landing page consist of?
It’s ASTONISHING how few people think about the nature of their assets, and fewer actually ponder over WHY they are using the assets they’re using…
The nature and quality of your assets will play a crucial role in how your campaign will perform.
In another post I will dive into what assets work best for various offers and niches… but for the sake of this post, I’ll get straight to the point.
1. THE FUNNEL: Since we’re aiming for High-Ticket Sales right off the bat, the best Funnel asset I recommend is “The Sales Letter” or “The Offer Letter” (that’s what I call them these days)…
A “Offer Letter” is essentially a long-form sales letter (3000-4000 words) that does the job of taking the prospect from being in a “Top of funnel mindset” to “Bottom of funnel mindset”
That means - when the prospect first starts reading the letter, he’s only curious enough about your service…
But by time he’s down to the bottom of the page - his emotions are heightened, he’s very interested, and you potentially have a “hot lead"
At the bottom of the page he first fills up the “Initial opt-in form”… after that he’s taken to a calendar to pick a time & day to speak with you…
After choosing a day & time, he’s then sent to an “Application Form”. The application form is designed in a way to further qualify your prospect on whether he is the right fir for your business…
If he successfully fills out the application form, you now have a qualified appointment booked on your calendar.
The reason why he is qualified is because he first reads about 2000+ words of copy about your offer ONLY then can he even opt-in…
After opting in, he has to fill out an application form that is SPECIFICALLY designed to qualify his motivation level. We are only trying to pull down people with a HIGH motivation level to buy your products.
2. THE NURTURE SEQUENCES: Now just because he applied doesn’t mean that he’s going to remember the meeting. Most people suffer from ridiculously HIGH no-show rates because they don’t understand nurturing.
You HAVE to nurture your prospect.
I’ve seen the LAZIEST business owners run this funnel, and just sit back and expect the prospect to show up.
Why should the prospect show up? They don’t owe you anything. What are you ACTIVELY doing to excite them about the meeting? What are you doing to even remind them about the meeting?
People would come to me with high no-show rates, and when I look at their backend they have absolutely ZERO SMS reminders, ZERO email sequences, ZERO value..
Here’s how to nurture your prospects who applied to talk to you:
a) First understand, the minute the apply to talk to you, the pixel that captures that data also tells FB this person is “in-the-market” for such & such service..
SO what does FB do? FB immediately shows this person MORE ads from people that are advertising the exact same service as you - your competitors!
Your prospect is not only applying to talk to you, you’re not that exclusive! They’re also applying to other ads they see… so you HAVE to nurture them!
You HAVE to go above & beyond in giving them value EVEN after they’ve booked to talk to you..
This is easily accomplished via backend SMS systems and EMAIL systems with tight copywriting.
b) Secondly, your emails leading up to the call should provide more value. Links to case studies, reports, any free lead magnets… just give them value so they FEEL like showing up to the meeting.
- My show-up rates are at 95%- My clients show-up rates are at 95%- Anybody that’ve worked with has high show-up rates…
The only people that have HIGH no-show rates are those that don’t pay attention to backend nurturing.
3. THE WARM UP PROTOCOL: This is the secret sauce. I’ve been doing this since 2019 and literally is the number #1 reason why my cold prospects turn in to 5-figure/per month paid clients.
As soon as they’ve applied, a sales development representative from my team reaches out to them, and warms them up for the forthcoming appointment.
My SDRs give our prospects tremendous value on the phone. They ask them the right questions and they LISTEN to them. Then they give them free advice on the call… and they assure them that this is only the tip of the iceberg - there’s a LOT more to uncover in the forthcoming meetings with our closers…
Once prospects have heard a real human voice from our company, now they’re even more motivated to show up for the call.
Are you doing this? Are you nurturing your leads with value? Are you calling your leads and giving them value? - Ask yourself these questions before asking why they’re not showing up!
4. AD CREATIVES & COPY: This is a hard one to teach… I’m just a naturally good copywriter, I’ve formally studied direct response from the masters… Ive studied the greats from Eugene Schwartz and Roger Reeves, to Gary Halbert & Dan Kennedy, and John Carlton to the modern day masters, of whom several are my mentors…
Copywriting is a hard one to teach in a post that’s why I wrote an entire book on how to write copy to get clients…
But here’s a few tips.
Make your Ad Creative extremely compelling by using high-quality visual imagery, and create an Headline inside the creative that stands out using this font: Montserrat Extra Bold…
Your Headline should be based on a “Big Idea” that can tell an entire story of the benefits your product can deliver in 5-8 words. That’s for the Ad Creative.
Ad Copy: I used to previously write really long form ads… but I’ve seen that shorter form Ad copy does a lot better these days. You need to keep your Ad copy punchy and emotionally compelling. Your copy should target your prospects core desires.
Your copy needs to be exciting, Intriguing AND beneficial for your prospects.
When you’re first starting out, you should make 2 creatives, and you you need to have 1 primary text.
A good book to read to learn the fundamentals of this is: Micro-Script Rules by Bill Schley…
I think this is by far the best book I’ve read on how to write hard hitting copy in a condensed format. And it’s very applicable for writing Facebook Ads copy.
TARGETINGNow let’s talk about targeting. If you’ve got your funnel, creatives and full-copywriting fully built out, and you’re confident that you’re targeting your prospects core desires..
… now you need to make sure that your TARGET audience is actually seeing your ads.
Now, there’s a lot of debate in this industry about what works when it comes to targeting and what doesn’t.
Some people preach that interests are absolutely useless and you should go wide, some people say interests are still alive and gets them good results.
And if you ask this question anywhere - you’re told to just TEST everything!
So I’m going to do my best to explain to you how targeting works, what I do to target for me & my clients, and how you can effectively target your ideal customers.
1) Broad Vs Interests: It is true that interests are going away by the thousands every month… it is also true that broad works very well. Every media buyer has their own strategies and various budgets that they have to work with..
Everything I talk about is dedicated to a reader-base that has at least $50-$100/day to run ads. If you don’t even have $50 a day to spend on Ads NONE of my methods will work for you..
BUT interests do have their place. You see, broad is great for mass market consumer goods.
When you’re selling a Toothpaste, literally every single human being on the planet needs one. In this case why would you need to use interests?
When you’re selling mass market consumer goods, you should go broad.
BUT we’re NOT selling “mass market” remember? This post is about getting High-Ticket clients - by the virtue of that fact everything we do is niched down to our IDEAL customers core desires…
So if you’re selling specialized nano-technology, or luxury homes, or targeting accredited investors, or annuity insurance how could you possibly go broad?
In one example, I helped an enterprise software consultant target decision makers of mid-sized businesses, and I took his business from 0 to $200k/per month…
There’s NO WAY I could’ve done that by going broad…
So you need to understand the context within which you are advertising.
If you’re advertising a specialized service for a specific niche - you will need to use interests in the beginning.
BUT, you’ll need to insert specific keywords that your marketing responds to, in your Ad copy and creative…
The combination of KEYWORDS in your primary text, your Headline, in your description, in your ad copy AND your Interests - will result in targeting high quality people who need your service.
Here’s a fact: They’re removing interests BUT they’re also adding interests… there are a TON of hidden interests I’ve found that never did exist before, and they randomly popped up last month.
(I’ve been running FB Ads since 2010, so you best believe I’ve seen it all - I’ve been running FB ads even before there was this thing called the FB Pixel)
Having said that, I barely ever use interests anymore - and neither do I go broad. Instead I use a very specialized approach.
Here’s how I laser-target my prospects:You need a LOT of tech skill for this. And I'd written another post on this But here’s what I do in a nutshell. I custom build large lists from running very industry specific CRON jobs. I then encrypt the “targeted” database and send them over to my Ad Account audiences using FB’s API. From there FB matches the database to their data sets - and I get a 60-70% high match rate because of how I scrape my lists.
These lists are SO targeted and big enough to create very high quality lookalikes. I create a 1% US lookalike of this custom list.
And then we get into SETTING UP everything.
SETUPThis is the easiest FB Ads setup you’ll ever find on the internet.
You see, we’ve put in all the effort into our Offer Letter, Funnel, Creatives, Ad copy…
And most importantly, our targeting…
FB Ads are the easiest thing to setup. And here’s how you do it.
If you do exactly what I’ve written above, you should EASILY get prospects on a call that will happily pay you $5,000+ (provided you have a good offer)
This is what you stats should look like:Daily spend = $50-$100Leads = 6-8 per dayApplications = 5-7 per dayCalls Booked = 3-5 per dayShow ups = 2-3 per day
Hope this has been helpful…
Let me know what you’re struggling with in the comments below and I will help you.
submitted by whitespadex to FacebookAds [link] [comments]
If you’re in the mood to read 3,300+ words go ahead. There’s no TL;DR. This post is only for serious business owners that want to learn how to run profitable Ads.
I’m currently managing between $500,000 - $550,000 per week in Facebook Ad spend across multiple businesses in over 3 dozen industries…
This works for ALL types of businesses that sell High-Ticket services and products.
But first…
I’ll start this off by pointing out to everybody having Ad account issues. Every single day I pop into this sub to see so many of you struggling with being banned from advertising on Facebook.
If your ad accounts are disabled, if your BMs are disabled - it’s sad.
It’s sad because I wrote a detailed post on EXACTLY how to setup your FB assets so that you NEVER have to encounter this issue - and you still haven’t read it.
I’m currently spending over $500k a week across multiple accounts, multiple clients, and nobody, NOBODY has their accounts banned…
Simply because we follow my asset management structure (laid out here).
First, do yourself a favor and get your accounts in order by reading that post… then come back here for the good stuff so you can actually make some money!
Now for those of you that have no account issues…
Here’s HOW to get High-Ticket Appointments for $25-$30 bucks a call… with prospects that pay $5,000+ in retainers, service fees, consulting - whatever you sell…
That clearly implies that I’m talking about HOW to target people with money…
Not just people with money, but people with a burning desire to buy your products & services…
No matter what type of product or service you’re selling, there are people on Facebook that are “in-the-market” for your help.
I’ve run Ads in almost every niche you can practically think of — from targeting accredited investors for investment funds, to luxury homes, to enterprise software, to high end home remodeling… all the way down to video & photography studios, web dev shops, production houses etc. etc. (just refer to that long list I published above…)
There’s a market for EVERYTHING. And your clients are on Facebook.
The problem is that there is too much garbage being touted by people that have no clue about how the platform works - that leaves you confused and paralyzed as to what to do…
So let me clarify, your clients ARE on Facebook, and you can connect with them for a lot less than you think…
You can generate high quality sales meetings for a lot less than you think…
In fact, you can do it with an extremely simple process that doesn’t require large budgets, doesn’t require highly produced VSLs, or anything time consuming…
And in this post I’m going to show you how. But first understand why most marketing fails.
WHY MOST MARKETING ON FB FAILS…
The biggest disconnect between them (your prospects) and you (your business) lies in not properly understanding 3 things:
- Targeting
- Assets
- Setup
And even if you have these two things in order… If your “setup” isn’t accurate you’ll end up seeing extremely high CPMs, very low CTRs and therefore, very expensive clicks…
So either you won’t get any leads signing up to book a call with you…Or you’ll get random junk leads filling up your lead forms.
Here’s what a commonly bad “Lead Gen” campaign looks like:—> Business owner is new to FB Ads—> He selects the Leads objective—> Sets up a Lead form ad—> Runs generic interests in his niche—> Maybe runs between $10-$100 a day in budget—> Gets LOW quality junk leads that don’t pick up—> Gets frustrated and pauses campaigns after a few hundred dollars spent—> Then browses all over Reddit and YouTube looking for answers
As I’ve said before, running Lead Form Ads will NOT get you the leads that will buy from you instantly…
The term “LEAD” means a lot of different things in different situations.
-When someone opts-in for a free lead magnet, that’s a lead-When someone fill out a form of any sort, that’s a lead-When someone goes to the end of a call booking funnel, that’s a lead-When someone watches a 30-min long webinar and fills out an application, that’s a lead…
So just aiming for “Leads” without paying attention to the “Setup” will get you nowhere. You will lose your hard-earned money and get nothing back.
Understand what happens when you select the “Leads Ad” objective using a lead form Ad FB shows it to the lowest rung of prospects that just like to get something for free!
That’s why when you run Lead Form Ads, most of your leads are junk. When you call them they either won’t answer or they’ll put it incorrect information.
The reason Facebook does this, is NOT to intentionally hurt you. But FB classifies this type of objective as extremely “TOF Leads” - Top Of Funnel Leads…
These leads opt-in for free information, or extremely low cost information, and have to be further nurtured using Email sequences to eventually get them on a call..
You’ll need thousands of these leads to start building any momentum… And therefore this setup is FLAWED if you want to get leads that will buy from you instantly.
SO HOW DO YOU GET LEADS THAT WANT TO BUY YOUR PRODUCTS & SERVICES NOW?
In a nutshell, you use the “Conversions” objective and you follow the exact formula that I’m going to teach you in this post.
If you follow everything I say, your results will look something like this:
Daily spend = $50-$100Leads = 6-8 per dayApplications = 5-7 per dayCalls Booked = 3-5 per dayShow ups = 2-3 per day (and even 95-100% show ups if you use my warm up protocol)
With numbers like these, off late I’ve been pulling down at minimum $5,000 for every $700-900 spent on Ads.
This will ONLY work IF you have a good offer. I previously written TONS of posts on how to create a high-converting, In-demand that people happily pay $5k+ for.
Again, if you want results like these, remember we need 3 things ON POINT:
- Targeting
- Assets
- Setup
First things first, let’s start with your assets, because that’s the primary driver of the entire campaign.
ASSETS
Your marketing assets include everything you use to run your campaign. Your funnel, your creative, your copy, your landing page, your landing page copy… ALL of these things are your assets.
How do you know what assets to make? Should you make a webinar? Should you make a lead magnet? Should you produce a VSL? What should your landing page consist of?
It’s ASTONISHING how few people think about the nature of their assets, and fewer actually ponder over WHY they are using the assets they’re using…
The nature and quality of your assets will play a crucial role in how your campaign will perform.
In another post I will dive into what assets work best for various offers and niches… but for the sake of this post, I’ll get straight to the point.
1. THE FUNNEL: Since we’re aiming for High-Ticket Sales right off the bat, the best Funnel asset I recommend is “The Sales Letter” or “The Offer Letter” (that’s what I call them these days)…
A “Offer Letter” is essentially a long-form sales letter (3000-4000 words) that does the job of taking the prospect from being in a “Top of funnel mindset” to “Bottom of funnel mindset”
That means - when the prospect first starts reading the letter, he’s only curious enough about your service…
But by time he’s down to the bottom of the page - his emotions are heightened, he’s very interested, and you potentially have a “hot lead"
At the bottom of the page he first fills up the “Initial opt-in form”… after that he’s taken to a calendar to pick a time & day to speak with you…
After choosing a day & time, he’s then sent to an “Application Form”. The application form is designed in a way to further qualify your prospect on whether he is the right fir for your business…
If he successfully fills out the application form, you now have a qualified appointment booked on your calendar.
The reason why he is qualified is because he first reads about 2000+ words of copy about your offer ONLY then can he even opt-in…
After opting in, he has to fill out an application form that is SPECIFICALLY designed to qualify his motivation level. We are only trying to pull down people with a HIGH motivation level to buy your products.
2. THE NURTURE SEQUENCES: Now just because he applied doesn’t mean that he’s going to remember the meeting. Most people suffer from ridiculously HIGH no-show rates because they don’t understand nurturing.
You HAVE to nurture your prospect.
I’ve seen the LAZIEST business owners run this funnel, and just sit back and expect the prospect to show up.
Why should the prospect show up? They don’t owe you anything. What are you ACTIVELY doing to excite them about the meeting? What are you doing to even remind them about the meeting?
People would come to me with high no-show rates, and when I look at their backend they have absolutely ZERO SMS reminders, ZERO email sequences, ZERO value..
Here’s how to nurture your prospects who applied to talk to you:
a) First understand, the minute the apply to talk to you, the pixel that captures that data also tells FB this person is “in-the-market” for such & such service..
SO what does FB do? FB immediately shows this person MORE ads from people that are advertising the exact same service as you - your competitors!
Your prospect is not only applying to talk to you, you’re not that exclusive! They’re also applying to other ads they see… so you HAVE to nurture them!
You HAVE to go above & beyond in giving them value EVEN after they’ve booked to talk to you..
This is easily accomplished via backend SMS systems and EMAIL systems with tight copywriting.
b) Secondly, your emails leading up to the call should provide more value. Links to case studies, reports, any free lead magnets… just give them value so they FEEL like showing up to the meeting.
- My show-up rates are at 95%- My clients show-up rates are at 95%- Anybody that’ve worked with has high show-up rates…
The only people that have HIGH no-show rates are those that don’t pay attention to backend nurturing.
3. THE WARM UP PROTOCOL: This is the secret sauce. I’ve been doing this since 2019 and literally is the number #1 reason why my cold prospects turn in to 5-figure/per month paid clients.
As soon as they’ve applied, a sales development representative from my team reaches out to them, and warms them up for the forthcoming appointment.
My SDRs give our prospects tremendous value on the phone. They ask them the right questions and they LISTEN to them. Then they give them free advice on the call… and they assure them that this is only the tip of the iceberg - there’s a LOT more to uncover in the forthcoming meetings with our closers…
Once prospects have heard a real human voice from our company, now they’re even more motivated to show up for the call.
Are you doing this? Are you nurturing your leads with value? Are you calling your leads and giving them value? - Ask yourself these questions before asking why they’re not showing up!
4. AD CREATIVES & COPY: This is a hard one to teach… I’m just a naturally good copywriter, I’ve formally studied direct response from the masters… Ive studied the greats from Eugene Schwartz and Roger Reeves, to Gary Halbert & Dan Kennedy, and John Carlton to the modern day masters, of whom several are my mentors…
Copywriting is a hard one to teach in a post that’s why I wrote an entire book on how to write copy to get clients…
But here’s a few tips.
Make your Ad Creative extremely compelling by using high-quality visual imagery, and create an Headline inside the creative that stands out using this font: Montserrat Extra Bold…
Your Headline should be based on a “Big Idea” that can tell an entire story of the benefits your product can deliver in 5-8 words. That’s for the Ad Creative.
Ad Copy: I used to previously write really long form ads… but I’ve seen that shorter form Ad copy does a lot better these days. You need to keep your Ad copy punchy and emotionally compelling. Your copy should target your prospects core desires.
Your copy needs to be exciting, Intriguing AND beneficial for your prospects.
When you’re first starting out, you should make 2 creatives, and you you need to have 1 primary text.
A good book to read to learn the fundamentals of this is: Micro-Script Rules by Bill Schley…
I think this is by far the best book I’ve read on how to write hard hitting copy in a condensed format. And it’s very applicable for writing Facebook Ads copy.
TARGETINGNow let’s talk about targeting. If you’ve got your funnel, creatives and full-copywriting fully built out, and you’re confident that you’re targeting your prospects core desires..
… now you need to make sure that your TARGET audience is actually seeing your ads.
Now, there’s a lot of debate in this industry about what works when it comes to targeting and what doesn’t.
Some people preach that interests are absolutely useless and you should go wide, some people say interests are still alive and gets them good results.
And if you ask this question anywhere - you’re told to just TEST everything!
So I’m going to do my best to explain to you how targeting works, what I do to target for me & my clients, and how you can effectively target your ideal customers.
1) Broad Vs Interests: It is true that interests are going away by the thousands every month… it is also true that broad works very well. Every media buyer has their own strategies and various budgets that they have to work with..
Everything I talk about is dedicated to a reader-base that has at least $50-$100/day to run ads. If you don’t even have $50 a day to spend on Ads NONE of my methods will work for you..
BUT interests do have their place. You see, broad is great for mass market consumer goods.
When you’re selling a Toothpaste, literally every single human being on the planet needs one. In this case why would you need to use interests?
When you’re selling mass market consumer goods, you should go broad.
BUT we’re NOT selling “mass market” remember? This post is about getting High-Ticket clients - by the virtue of that fact everything we do is niched down to our IDEAL customers core desires…
So if you’re selling specialized nano-technology, or luxury homes, or targeting accredited investors, or annuity insurance how could you possibly go broad?
In one example, I helped an enterprise software consultant target decision makers of mid-sized businesses, and I took his business from 0 to $200k/per month…
There’s NO WAY I could’ve done that by going broad…
So you need to understand the context within which you are advertising.
If you’re advertising a specialized service for a specific niche - you will need to use interests in the beginning.
BUT, you’ll need to insert specific keywords that your marketing responds to, in your Ad copy and creative…
The combination of KEYWORDS in your primary text, your Headline, in your description, in your ad copy AND your Interests - will result in targeting high quality people who need your service.
Here’s a fact: They’re removing interests BUT they’re also adding interests… there are a TON of hidden interests I’ve found that never did exist before, and they randomly popped up last month.
(I’ve been running FB Ads since 2010, so you best believe I’ve seen it all - I’ve been running FB ads even before there was this thing called the FB Pixel)
Having said that, I barely ever use interests anymore - and neither do I go broad. Instead I use a very specialized approach.
Here’s how I laser-target my prospects:You need a LOT of tech skill for this. And I'd written another post on this But here’s what I do in a nutshell. I custom build large lists from running very industry specific CRON jobs. I then encrypt the “targeted” database and send them over to my Ad Account audiences using FB’s API. From there FB matches the database to their data sets - and I get a 60-70% high match rate because of how I scrape my lists.
These lists are SO targeted and big enough to create very high quality lookalikes. I create a 1% US lookalike of this custom list.
And then we get into SETTING UP everything.
SETUPThis is the easiest FB Ads setup you’ll ever find on the internet.
You see, we’ve put in all the effort into our Offer Letter, Funnel, Creatives, Ad copy…
And most importantly, our targeting…
FB Ads are the easiest thing to setup. And here’s how you do it.
- Create a conversions campaign
- Create 1 Ad set
- Add the custom audience + 1% Lookalike to your targeting
- If you don’t have access to targeted lists, then use Interests specific to your prospects and narrow them down using filters
- Incase of interests - keep your audience size NOT more than 3-5M
- All genders, 18-65+, Advantage+ placements (auto placements)
- 2 Ads, 2 Creatives, 1 primary text copy
- Make sure domain is selected and domain events are prioritized
If you do exactly what I’ve written above, you should EASILY get prospects on a call that will happily pay you $5,000+ (provided you have a good offer)
This is what you stats should look like:Daily spend = $50-$100Leads = 6-8 per dayApplications = 5-7 per dayCalls Booked = 3-5 per dayShow ups = 2-3 per day
Hope this has been helpful…
Let me know what you’re struggling with in the comments below and I will help you.
2023.06.05 17:43 Agreeable_Fall_956 An entitled Karen got us raided and we got her entirled son arrested instead
I'm a 24 year old male, living with my dad. I have a steady home based job who pays a lot in our contry. Basically, a job that allows us to spend as much as we want on whatever we want whenever we want. Me and my 4 other friends also have the same type of jobs but with different companies.
This story started about a month ago. There was a karen that moved in around 2 years ago, just around the time where everything started getting back to normal. This Karen was bad news from the getgo.
Since me and my friend word graveyard shifts, we always hang out at one of my friends, let's call him Friend 1. We hang out almost every afternoon since that karen moved in and made friend 1's place as a hangout place since he lives along and he has a huge garage space that can fit 3 cars but he only has 1.
We usually cook, have some spirits, listentong to music, game on our phones and just talk for hours about TV shows, Anime, And movies. We dress very casually, shorts, tank tops, flipflops as it's very normal in our country, so we don't stand out as having a lot of cash outside.
Around 2022, we all got hooked into some TV series like Breaking bad, Narcos and movies like loving pablo and american made ( basically, drig cartel movies ). We were deep in our conversations about which series is the best and this Karen enviter herself into friend 1's garage and asked " Hi guys, can you keep it down, I'm doing a video call with a foreign guy ", since she sounded nice at that moment, we went ahead and lowered our voices a bit.
The next day, her son started to talk to us while we were on a convenient store laughing at a meme we found in facebook. This kid ( let's call him kevin ) suddently barged into our conversation like he's trying to force himself in. Since we were nice guys, we let him join the conversation and eventually, Envite him over from time to time in the garage since he seems like a nice kid.
around a week after, Karen frequently stands across friend's garage on the other side of the road. We always say hi ans she always smiled back, so we did'nt mind.
a week after that, we started noticing a guy on a motorcycle with a half face helmet and a mask on, he frequently stops at that area on the same timeframe for about 10 days straight. We thought it was just a delivery driver going home or a debt collecter. But it started being weird as we notice the guy on the motorcycle, always on the phone with someone, at the same place on the same timeframe as he was always in.
Since we watched a lot of TV shows that have those scenarios, Friend 1 got some hidden cameras setup around his house, some in the form of mechas that will blend in to his collection of mecha model kits. around this time, Kevin is still invited and gows to the garage from time to time.
fast forward 3 weeks. We were hanging out, doing our usual thing but this time, kevin was with us the whole afternoon. Kevin asked if he could use the bathroom on which friend 1 said ok. A few minutes after, A van stopped outside the garage with 8 guys with firearms stepped out and demanded us to drop, kneel and we were handcuffed. They stated what we were being arrested for and it's about Illegal Substances. Suddenly, Kevin went out of Friend 1s house and handed a packet of "grass" to the men outside. they tell us that kevin was an asset and we were being monitored. We told the guys from the DEA that we dont know nothing about that and stated that we have been recording all that's happening at our place for a whole month now.
We were explaining that we dont do it and if we meed to do a drug test, we'll do it, but we'll need out lawyers suggested clinic so we could guarantee that we will not be rigged. The DEA guys stated yes, but we need to be detained until we were proven innocent. Suddenly, while the DEA guys were talking, Karent stepped in and told us that we were drug dealers. She said that "Those men don't have a dayjob, stays up all night and have a lot of money from working as a "call center agent". My son (kevin) is also a call center agent and he said that since it's 2022, companies required their agents to come back to their offices ( 35km away from our town ). Kevin already worked for 3 comapnies and none of those companies pay that much. I also heard these guys talk about meth and cocaine dealing. So there is no need for you to prove it."
we told karen that " We dont work on a normal call center, we work as an independent contractor to a direct client and get paid USD". We also told the DEA guys ro check the camera on where kevin found the "grass" so we could determine if it's really from friend 1's house. The DEA guys and Karen agreed but the look on kevins face is proceless... as pale as a guy who lost a lot of blood, it's obvious rhat he did not know rhat they were cameras inside the house. the DEA guys removed the handcuffs from friend 1 but he was escorted by 2 armed personel while the 4 of us are lying handcuffed on the floor in the garage surrounded bu kevin, And 5 armed men.
Around 15 minute passed, friend 1 and the 2 escorts stepped out of the house and one of the 2 escort ordered one of his men to handcuff Kevin and and removed the handcuffs from us.
They saw on the camera that when kevin stepped in the house, he immediately reached inside his pocket, Took out the "grass", called the DEA guys to come in and arrest us. We were not off the hook though since we still need to get tested and prove that we are clean. Karen Begged the DEA guys to release her son and go as far as punching one of the DEA guys on the jaw which awarded her with a new, shining pair of handcuffs. The DEA guys asked if we want to press charges on which we said yes.
fast forward 2 days. Since every evidence that we needed to prove ourselves innocent are there, we got of the hook from that issue. Kevin was sent i to jail for possesion of illegal substances and Karen was detained for assaulting an officer and obstruction of justice.
submitted by Agreeable_Fall_956 to amithejerkpodcast [link] [comments]
This story started about a month ago. There was a karen that moved in around 2 years ago, just around the time where everything started getting back to normal. This Karen was bad news from the getgo.
Since me and my friend word graveyard shifts, we always hang out at one of my friends, let's call him Friend 1. We hang out almost every afternoon since that karen moved in and made friend 1's place as a hangout place since he lives along and he has a huge garage space that can fit 3 cars but he only has 1.
We usually cook, have some spirits, listentong to music, game on our phones and just talk for hours about TV shows, Anime, And movies. We dress very casually, shorts, tank tops, flipflops as it's very normal in our country, so we don't stand out as having a lot of cash outside.
Around 2022, we all got hooked into some TV series like Breaking bad, Narcos and movies like loving pablo and american made ( basically, drig cartel movies ). We were deep in our conversations about which series is the best and this Karen enviter herself into friend 1's garage and asked " Hi guys, can you keep it down, I'm doing a video call with a foreign guy ", since she sounded nice at that moment, we went ahead and lowered our voices a bit.
The next day, her son started to talk to us while we were on a convenient store laughing at a meme we found in facebook. This kid ( let's call him kevin ) suddently barged into our conversation like he's trying to force himself in. Since we were nice guys, we let him join the conversation and eventually, Envite him over from time to time in the garage since he seems like a nice kid.
around a week after, Karen frequently stands across friend's garage on the other side of the road. We always say hi ans she always smiled back, so we did'nt mind.
a week after that, we started noticing a guy on a motorcycle with a half face helmet and a mask on, he frequently stops at that area on the same timeframe for about 10 days straight. We thought it was just a delivery driver going home or a debt collecter. But it started being weird as we notice the guy on the motorcycle, always on the phone with someone, at the same place on the same timeframe as he was always in.
Since we watched a lot of TV shows that have those scenarios, Friend 1 got some hidden cameras setup around his house, some in the form of mechas that will blend in to his collection of mecha model kits. around this time, Kevin is still invited and gows to the garage from time to time.
fast forward 3 weeks. We were hanging out, doing our usual thing but this time, kevin was with us the whole afternoon. Kevin asked if he could use the bathroom on which friend 1 said ok. A few minutes after, A van stopped outside the garage with 8 guys with firearms stepped out and demanded us to drop, kneel and we were handcuffed. They stated what we were being arrested for and it's about Illegal Substances. Suddenly, Kevin went out of Friend 1s house and handed a packet of "grass" to the men outside. they tell us that kevin was an asset and we were being monitored. We told the guys from the DEA that we dont know nothing about that and stated that we have been recording all that's happening at our place for a whole month now.
We were explaining that we dont do it and if we meed to do a drug test, we'll do it, but we'll need out lawyers suggested clinic so we could guarantee that we will not be rigged. The DEA guys stated yes, but we need to be detained until we were proven innocent. Suddenly, while the DEA guys were talking, Karent stepped in and told us that we were drug dealers. She said that "Those men don't have a dayjob, stays up all night and have a lot of money from working as a "call center agent". My son (kevin) is also a call center agent and he said that since it's 2022, companies required their agents to come back to their offices ( 35km away from our town ). Kevin already worked for 3 comapnies and none of those companies pay that much. I also heard these guys talk about meth and cocaine dealing. So there is no need for you to prove it."
we told karen that " We dont work on a normal call center, we work as an independent contractor to a direct client and get paid USD". We also told the DEA guys ro check the camera on where kevin found the "grass" so we could determine if it's really from friend 1's house. The DEA guys and Karen agreed but the look on kevins face is proceless... as pale as a guy who lost a lot of blood, it's obvious rhat he did not know rhat they were cameras inside the house. the DEA guys removed the handcuffs from friend 1 but he was escorted by 2 armed personel while the 4 of us are lying handcuffed on the floor in the garage surrounded bu kevin, And 5 armed men.
Around 15 minute passed, friend 1 and the 2 escorts stepped out of the house and one of the 2 escort ordered one of his men to handcuff Kevin and and removed the handcuffs from us.
They saw on the camera that when kevin stepped in the house, he immediately reached inside his pocket, Took out the "grass", called the DEA guys to come in and arrest us. We were not off the hook though since we still need to get tested and prove that we are clean. Karen Begged the DEA guys to release her son and go as far as punching one of the DEA guys on the jaw which awarded her with a new, shining pair of handcuffs. The DEA guys asked if we want to press charges on which we said yes.
fast forward 2 days. Since every evidence that we needed to prove ourselves innocent are there, we got of the hook from that issue. Kevin was sent i to jail for possesion of illegal substances and Karen was detained for assaulting an officer and obstruction of justice.
2023.06.05 17:41 MNPDebt310 How can I manage my CERB repayments?
 | The Federal Government rolled out the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) to support those who were unable to work during the COVID-19 pandemic — and many people signed up quickly before the eligibility requirements were complete. submitted by MNPDebt310 to u/MNPDebt310 [link] [comments] https://preview.redd.it/hnavapl7z74b1.jpg?width=1200&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b56d9a81eb015a1b9034660117bb8717541bf5ac You may be one of the many Canadians who signed up for CERB to receive a notice saying you need to repay the benefits you received. On top of that, you may already be dealing with financial stress as rising inflation eats into your personal savings. Don’t worry — many Canadians are in the same position and there are solutions that can help you manage your repayments. We’re here to answer your questions about your CERB repayment and what you should do next if you can’t pay back your CERB debt or any other debt immediately. How do I pay back my CERB benefits?The government introduced CERB payments during the COVID-19 pandemic to provide $2,000 for each eligible four-week period to Canadians who were unable to work during lockdown.The program was rolled out quickly to respond to the urgent situation. Many people signed up without understanding if they met the eligibility criteria and collected payments they were not eligible to receive. Some people also received multiple payments by mistake. If you are one of those many Canadians, the government may now be requiring that you repay the full $2,000 for each four-week period that you were not eligible to receive it. You can pay back your CERB overpayments in full or over a period of time. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) does not charge interest on COVID-19 benefit debts and can help you arrange a repayment plan. The repayments can be made to the CRA online, by mail, or in person. What are the consequences of not repaying my CERB benefits?The CRA can impose several penalties if you fail to pay back the CERB benefits you owe, including:
What should I do if I can’t pay back my CERB benefits?Respond promptly when you receive a notice of CERB repayment — especially if you can’t pay it back immediately. The CRA can help you arrange a timeline to pay back what you owe. Your debt can also be written off if you file for Bankruptcy or enter into a Consumer Proposal.Contact a Licensed Insolvency Trustee (LIT) if you’re struggling to pay back your CERB benefits. They’ll help you review your options and choose the solution that works best for your situation to help you achieve a debt-free future. Option 1: Make a plan with the CRAContact a CRA agent if you are struggling to pay back your CERB benefits. They can work with you to arrange an affordable repayment plan so you can pay back your CERB benefits on a timeline that works for you.The CRA will take action if you fail to make your repayments on schedule and they don’t hear from you in a reasonable timeframe. Make sure that the CRA is aware of your situation and communicate with them throughout the repayment process to avoid facing any of the strict consequences. Option 2: Enter into a Consumer ProposalIf you are not able to reach a repayment agreement with the CRA, you can enter into a Consumer Proposal to release your debt. A Consumer Proposal can only be filed by an LIT, who will review your income and expenses to determine the monthly debt payment you can afford and use that amount to calculate a fair payment with your creditors — including the CRA.If your creditors vote in favour (50 percent, plus one by dollar value owed) of your Consumer Proposal, the terms are set and you will make monthly payments to the LIT. These payments will go to your creditors until all your debts such as the CERB benefit repayment are settled in accordance with your Proposal. You can take up to five years to repay a Consumer Proposal, but there is no penalty for paying it off sooner. Many people choose this option because it is budget-friendly, flexible, has fewer duties, offers more opportunities to keep your assets, and is less damaging to your credit rating than a Bankruptcy. Option 3: File for BankruptcyFiling for Bankruptcy can also release you from debts such as the CERB benefits repayment. Like a Consumer Proposal, Bankruptcy can only be filed by an LIT — who also will notify your creditors and deal with them directly on your behalf.During Bankruptcy, you must submit monthly income and expense reports to the LIT, attend two budgeting and money management counselling sessions, and pay any required amounts to the LIT. Any such amounts will be calculated in accordance with the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act rules. The assets you get to keep vary from province to province and the LIT can help you understand which assets you may be eligible to hold onto. Bankruptcy typically lasts nine to 21 months and you will be discharged after you meet all the requirements. It will remain on your credit score for six to seven years after you have been discharged if it is your first Bankruptcy. Get the right adviceIf you are struggling to pay back your CERB benefits, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. MNP Licensed Insolvency Trustees can help you review all your options to choose the solution that works best to help you manage your CERB repayments and achieve a debt-free future. |
2023.06.05 17:35 NegativeDuck8216 A Wolf among the Lilacs
New My Son Sanctuary
Deep Periphery, 50 light years spin-coreward of Spitz
May 3rd, 3145
Elizabeth Hugh was meditating in her small cabin. The smell of lilac and cedar from the gardens surrounding the temple wafted gently through the open windows and doors, coming in on the warm spring breeze. Her cream colored robes marked her as a Sister in the Order that had made this uncharted world its home. She was comfortable here, her eyes closed, her hair - once vibrant and red, now gray - braided and expertly tied with a piece of twine. She - who had once been called a Queen - contented herself with simple meals taken at a shared table, and a simple cot where she could lay her head.
How far she had come was a testament to the person who had held this post before her - for Elizabeth had been a Queen, the terrible pirate who had led the Mailed Fist Marauders. They had raided all throughout the spinward periphery, from the Raven Alliance to the Fronc Reaches. Brutal and destructive, the Marauders left nothing but death and destruction in their wake. Badly injured in a fire fight with the TDF, they had made a wild jump into an uncharted system. Getting weaker, Elizabeth had fought to stay in command, but she was unceremoniously dumped into an escape pod and shot at the planet she would come to learn was “New My Son Sanctuary”, a Buddhist temple and retreat settled centuries ago during the height of the Old Star League.
While being nursed back to health, Elizabeth discovered that the sanctuary had BattleMechs. She began to scheme on how to use this information to get back at her old pirate band. The Abbess had figured out what she was plotting, saying she had a raging fire burning within her - and that it would consume her if she tried. A deal was struck - the Abbess would support her if she could defeat her in battle.
Elizabeth had laughed, letting her pirate Queen side into full view before this woman for the first time. The Abbess didn’t react and instead led her to the Mech hanger. Here, two ancient ARC-2K Archers had been prepped by the Monks and Nuns. Instead of their robes they wore gray uniforms and carried a mix of antipersonal and anti-armor weapons - Elizabeth had not been prepared for that, nor with how well the two machines had been maintained. She was a natural MechWarrior, born and raised into a pirate band, but she was starting to feel she was in over her head. She was right.
After her defeat, shocked at how easily it had been managed she had stood before the Abbess in broken humility. It was the moment that had changed her life. “You have a choice. We have the ability to send you away, if you choose to go back to your old life we can make that happen, though I will tell you now you will die. Or you can stay here. Here you can live and thrive. If you choose to stay here, then go to the well and bring me water.” Elizabeth had stood there for a moment, but had turned and taken a step towards the wooden bucket by the door. It was the first step that would define her new life.
She ended her meditation with a carefully exhaled breath and stood. Despite being almost 70 years of age, and the terrible wound she had suffered, she still was able to move with the grace of an athlete. Even with the ever growing pain and itchiness around her old wound. The meditation and her ability to focus her mind kept the worst of it at bay.
This was because she still trained every day with the younger Monks and Nuns that called this Sanctuary home, while also maintaining her duties as Abbess. Duties that required attending now. She stepped out onto the wooden walkway that meandered through the blossoming lilacs and flowers of the garden and walked slowly through the morning sun towards the open courtyard that would hold her visitor - Brother Michael of the Brotherhood of Randis. She caught him staring at a fountain, keeping their koi pond aerated. “Brother Michael!” Her voice - which had once screamed names, now was soft and light. The man turned and smiled.
“Abbess!” He bowed slightly towards her. “Thank you again for your hospitality. The extra rice and wheat will be greatly helpful for the victims of the Broken Bones faction.” Elizabeth nodded and smiled, “And the extra missiles provided by your facilities will help keep us engaging.” He frowned, “But again, I must beg of you - Wolf Empire forces have been raiding deep into this region, can we assign any extra guards to you?”
Elizabeth shook her head, “No Brother Michael, we are fine.” She gestured towards the gardens and towards the wider temple complex. “While they might come into this system, there is little chance they would see this and think of us as having resources worth taking or wasting their time on. Our larger manufacturing capabilities are deep underground in the old Star League supply depot.” She paused, “Would you care to join me for tea?”
Brother Michael shook his head and smiled, “I am glad you feel safe but if you change your mind we will come when you call. And yes, I will join you for tea before leaving.”
With that, Elizabeth and Michael adjourned to the dining area where they discussed logistics and how the Sanctuary and the Brotherhood could continue to support one another over the next few months of operations.
Wolf Empire Ship, Kerensky’s Blood
Unnamed System
Deep Periphery, spin-coreward of Federated Suns territory
May 6th, 3145
“Listen up!” Star Captain Maria Stims floated into the conference room and strapped herself into a chair. Around her were the young MechWarriors assigned to her trinary. Their mission was simple, follow old Explorer Corp routes to uncover ComStar or Word of Blake depots or other useful information. “Our next target is an isolated world called New My Son Sanctuary. Records were difficult to uncover. The Star League became aware of it during the Periphery Uprising, shortly before the vile Usurper struck. They had created a supply depot away from the colony that had come here - some kind of religious order.” She looked down at her data pad. “ComStar made contact roughly 100 years ago - supposedly the colony still existed but that was all that the Acolyte had recorded.” She placed the data pad down on the velcro strip intended to hold it place when in zero G. “Obviously with both ComStar and the old Star League having been here, it is important that we get eyes on this world and determine what - if anything - is of value to Clan Wolf. Quiaff?” The table gave her the affirmation she was seeking. “Questions?’
One of the MechWarriors, brash and aggressive, quickly raised his hand, “When we get there will we strike immediately?” She could see the eagerness in his eyes.
“Neg. We shall follow custom and issue a batchal for a Trial of Possession of the world. We have no reason to believe that those that are there are even warriors, and we are not pirates to raid and attack undefended targets.” That was what David wanted though, he felt the blood lust and the eagerness for war. She turned sharply to the other warriors, “Any other questions? Good. We jump in one hour, then we will burn 2g into the system. We estimate three days until landing. Dismissed.”
The Wolf warriors went to their duties eagerly, hoping that this landing would be contested, hoping that they would have a chance to howl and hunt.
New My Son Sanctuary
Deep Periphery, 50 light years spin-coreward of Spitz
May 9th, 3145
Abbess Elizabeth and two of her Monks were reviewing the telescope and radar telemetry coming in. It had been three days since their systems - ancient Star League communications equipment - had alerted them to the unexpected arrival of a JumpShip. The Wolf Empire forces had eagerly announced themselves with a standard Clan Batchall, and Elizabeth had decided to wait till they landed. She calmly worked a string of beads hanging from the sash she had tied around her waist as her advisors and she discussed what they were seeing. They helped her focus and think of a plan. Their small arms and handful of mechs and vehicles would not be up to the task of fighting off what they estimated to be a full trinary of Clan OmniMechs. But their Batchall and code of honor might be helpful. In more ways than one.
The challenge had been simple. The Wolf Empire was claiming this world and all resources upon it. They had not mentioned the Supply Depot but Elizabeth knew that was probably why they were here.
Elizabeth nodded to her advisors, “So we are decided then?” They both nodded their consent. She turned to their Star League equipment and switched it on. “Empire ship Kerenksy’s Blood. This is the independent settlement of New My Son Santuary, I am Abbess Elizabeth, leader of the religious order that resides here. I am transmitting landing coordinates. We accept your batchall, and wish to meet to discuss terms. I shall have one of my monks wait for you.”
A short amount of lag later, allowing for the signal to go out and for them to respond, a woman’s voice crackled to life. “Aff, Abbess. We shall meet to discuss terms. Kerensky’s Blood out.” The radio went silent.
Elizabeth nodded, “Well then, I must go prepare.”
Wolf Empire Ship, Kerensky’s Blood
New My Son Sanctuary
May 9th, 3145
The landing had gone smoothly, with the Monks providing clear direction and instruction to the experienced DropShip crew. The old Union-C had participated in the original Clan Invasion of the Inner Sphere a century ago. It now was used by this inexperienced Trinary on a mission of great importance to their Empire. As the dust cleared, ground crews approached swiftly to prepare the Union. Star Captain Maria stopped them quickly, not until the crew of the DropShip could confirm that no trickery was afoot.
Standing on the tarmac, she watched as the ground crews worked with the DropShip crew and with a quick hand signal saying everything was alright she finally relaxed. This changed in an instance when a person close behind her cleared their throat. “Star Captain Maria?” She whirled to see a young man dressed in a cream robe, his hands politely clasped in front of him. His face was serene with no sign of fear or alarm. His only ornamentation was a set of beads tied to a sash. He bowed slightly as she turned to face him. “The Abbess is this way.” Her Trinary - really just cubs if she thought about it - followed behind her. They were eager to fight and pillage but she had explained that the rules of engagement must be followed.
She was disturbed that there was no fear apparent on this young man’s face. Everyone seemed to think their arrival was completely ordinary in fact. She felt something was wrong, but couldn’t put her finger on what. But the monk was already walking away so she gestured for her MechWarriors to follow her and strode forward trying not to let her unease get the best of her.
Away from the space port, the colony became very quiet. Maria was impressed with the beauty of the gardens and architecture. But this was no place of warriors, and she was mildly contemptuous of the monks she saw tending to the flowers and gardens. She heard one of the MechWarriors behind her comment on food that food eats and she laughed internally though she wouldn’t let it show on her face.
They finally emerged into a courtyard where a table was set up. Around the courtyard stood a handful of Monks, and sitting at the table, puttering with a tea pot and tray was an older woman. Star Captain Maria paused for a brief second for on the table were two bare blades - two kiem style blades, one decorated in garnets the other with amethysts. Despite the jeweled ornament, both blades looked functional - and sharp. Her MechWarriors noticed the blades as well and stopped at the well manicured grass edge of the Courtyard.
The Abbess gave no sign that she saw them or even was aware of their existence. Maria decided to stand on tradition. “The Wolves of Kerensky have claimed this world for their own. What tame dogs defend it?” She called out with conviction, her voice projecting the ancient challenge clearly through the air.
The Abbess looked up and smiled faintly, “Tame dog is it? That I might be, that I might be!” At this she laughed, “Please, come forward and sit. I have prepared tea. We shall outline our defenses and options, and if I remember correctly, choose the place of combat. Is that correct?” She began to pour the tea, “And this will be for a Trial of Possession - primarily of the old Star League supply depot. It is fully operational by the way.”
Maria paused. This Abbess was not what she had expected from a Periphery backwater far off the map. She began to approach when one of her MechWarriors, a hot head named David, stepped forward, “What is this?” He demanded, gesturing to encompass the entirety of the table and the courtyard. The Abbess just looked at him. “We come to claim this world and you wish us to drink tea like children?!”
“MechWarrior David!” Maria snapped loudly, “Stand down!” He looked outraged. The Abbess did not seem to have any reaction at all. Maria stepped forward, “My apologies Abbess, some of my MechWarriors are new and this is their first mission.” She sat and took the offered cup of tea, she sipped at it cautiously. It was delicious and fresh, green and light on her tongue. “Which is what I have brought: 15 Wolf Empire MechWarriors with a range of light and medium OmniMechs. What forces do you bid?”
The Abbess smiled. “Myself.”
Maria stopped for a second, “My apologies, but you wanted to discuss a battle challenge.” She placed her tea down, “I cannot fight an old woman.” The Abbess laughed.
“Pick a blade.” The Abbess smiled. Maria looked at them both for a moment and reached for the garnet encrusted blade. Her hand was quick, her movement sure but as her fingers wrapped around the blade the amethyst blade flashed in the light and was at her throat.
The Clan MechWarriors all stepped forward. Maria raised her other hand and ordered them to stop. “If the Abbess wanted me dead, I would be dead. She is trying to demonstrate that we should acknowledge her as a warrior.” Maria nodded and let go of the blade on the table, the amethyst sword disappeared, silently finding a scabbard within the robes of the Abbess. Maria considered how her people were surrounded by very calm Monks and Nuns wearing similar robes.
“I would like to propose a duel. Myself against one of your warriors. First, the duel must be between equal equipment, second if we emerge successful, the Wolf Empire must cede all claim on this world and it’s people. Third, the person who I face, if they lose, must join the Sanctuary.”
Maria shook her head, “That doesn’t seem entirely fair. Whatever BattleMechs you have would be keyed for your people, mine would not know the first thing about them or be comfortable with them.”
Elizabeth nodded, “Fair. I shall grant you a period of two weeks to familiarize yourself with the machines. You will have access to both BattleMechs we will use, whichever one you choose I shall take the other. You can have both for the two week period. The battle shall be fought within the bamboo forests to our east. The victor shall be the first person to bypass the other’s armor and go internal.”
Before Maria could speak, David spoke. “I demand the honor of accepting this challenge for the Wolf Empire!” Maria frowned, as David was one of her best pilots - but an absolute hot head. They knew nothing about the machines. But she was stuck. David had unexpectedly bound her to this Trial.
Star Captain Maria stood, “Well bargained and done.”
Elizabeth stood and bowed, “Well bargained and done.”
Wolf Empire Ship, Kerensky’s Blood
New My Son Sanctuary
May 21st, 3145
True to her word, two ARC-2K Archers had been brought to the Kerensky’s Blood. Despite their age, they were well maintained. One of Maria’s Mechtechs informed her that - if he hadn’t seen their service records, he would have assumed they had been preserved right off of the assembly line. He had been incredibly impressed. Despite their age and primitive technology - compared to the Clans - both were towering examples of the powerful weapons and capabilities of the Archer class. The LRM and Large laser combo made for a dangerous and deadly machine, elegant and straightforward.
As with the blades, both Mechs followed a similar pattern. Both were painted an off white cream color, one decorated in red, the other purple, with stylized flower designs. Maria had her techs go over them in detail within the first few hours and they had signed off. Other than the paint, both were identical. There were no hidden changes, no traps. This was going to be a shear test of skill and stamina - the old woman against the young pup.
David had chosen the red Archer, the orchid design appealing to his sense of style. “Red like the flame that burns within me!” he had quipped as he climbed up into the cockpit. He had begun by running the mech through its paces in what would become the battlefield. Testing the laser and missile systems. He complained bitterly about how primitive they were, comparing the targeting and tracking systems to iron sights. Maria’s concern grew. She ordered him to keep going and practicing while her techs continued to dig into both BattleMechs. When he exhausted his ammo, she was prepared to argue for more but when she opened the discussion more was simply provided. A large truck pulled up to their DropShip, and the Sanctuary workers helped to unload the ammo bins.
While Maria was incredibly impressed with the professionalism and the dignity in which everyone operated, including invitations to dinner and tea, she was uneasy. They behaved with incredible honor and she must respect that - but she had a sinking feeling that within two days she would be leaving this world in defeat. The Abbess was serene and calm, and the only preparation Maria had seen her perform was practicing tai chi in the courtyard.
She tried to give what wisdom she could to David, but he was headstrong and confident, eager to prove his value as a warrior in a perfect duel of honor that would highlight his abilities to the Clan. He scorned her cautions and words, and enjoyed his two weeks of throwing an incredibly large amount of missiles down range.
Maria frowned and was also aware that the DropShip captain was watching this unfold uneasily as well. Both discussed what would happen and both grew worried. The Abbess would return to pick up the lilac Archer, and then both would head towards the forest.
Hanh Forest
New My Son Sanctuary
May 23rd, 3145
David smiled smugly as he followed the Abbess down the winding path. It would diverge ahead and both would have a few minutes to get to their respective staging areas. The Archer did move smoothly under his command, and he was vibrating with eagerness to get into this duel and claim this world for the Empire. When they hit the break, the Abbess turned. His comms crackled to life, “MechWarrior David of the Wolf Empire, please follow the designated path to your staging area. When you are ready please signal the Monk who is your attendant. He will signal my attendant and we will begin.”
“Aff, Abbess” He shot off immediately and turned down the path. He quickly reached the staging area as he could see on his heads up display that Elizabeth had reached hers. Their battle area was a small forest with rolling hills. Ideal for ranged combat. He reviewed everything he had studied and practiced and after taking a steadying breath bared his teeth like a wolf and sent the signal to the Monk. A single flag was waved and a red firework shot off into the sky. A moment later a purple firework exploded and he slammed his Mech forward as fast as it could go straight towards the Abbess. It was too far for his LRMs, but he would close that distance quickly.
***
Elizabeth shifted to her right, watching her displays and seeing the young MechWarrior charge straight ahead. She smiled faintly as she thought of her own charge, and maneuvered expertly through the bamboo. Her Archer - despite its size and weight - was graceful, and she maneuvered with light touches and an ease brought on by years of experience.
He was closing the distance, changing direction slightly to match her own shift. As he crested a hill at the maximum range of their LRMs, he opened fire. Elizabeth casually shifted direction and speed, and his missiles went wide, flying through the forest branches like birds. She tracked back along their exhaust and as her Mech settled into position gently squeezed her triggers causing thirty of her own dangerous birds to soar across the distance before eagerly tearing into David’s armor. While nothing penetrated, he was bloodied.
***
David gasped as both the heat and damage indicators spiked within his console. He reeled, and slammed his controls down and over, shoving himself into thicker cover while also trying to pivot for a new lock. He had a perfect site line and she had just casually side stepped him. He hammered his controls while fighting the mech’s inertia and the laws of physics. She was already on the move and he was having a hard time tracking her. Another wave of missiles came at him and more armor popped. Again he fired, this time more desperately, and managed to slightly clip her legs. He howled for now he was not alone in taking damage.
***
Elizabeth twisted to the left and slowed to a walk. Her opponent had managed to cause some light damage to her legs, but she had avoided the worst of it. His aim was improving but she had scored multiple groupings across his torso and arms, significantly weakening his armor.
She watched as he tried to charge straight at her again, and she correctly anticipated his path - more missiles shot out at much closer range. This time his speed partly saved him for less missiles hit but he still took some damage. He opened up with his large lasers and missiles, spiking his heat to a dangerously high level - and only scoring a single hit against her. She sped up again as he slowed down to a crawl, the heat level quickly overloading his machine.
***
David gasped for air, his throat screaming in agony at the super heated gas he was desperately trying to breathe filled his lungs. He slammed the override button, as every system screamed in protest at him. Finally switching focus to his scans he realized that the Abbess was gone - where she was what felt like a second ago she was gone now. Alarms blaring in his ears he struggled to reorient himself and try to figure out where she was. He gasped as a laser slammed into his arm, boiling away the last of the armor there. He tried to turn but the Archer was ignoring his need for speed, and responded only sluggishly. He screamed and pounded the controls, desperately trying to get any weapon system pointed towards his opponent. Getting one arm up he fired desperately, the shot going well wide of his target. Another laser flashed and cut into his torso - boiling away the armor and in a flash his autoeject system had triggered, launching him brutally into the sky as the LRM ammo cooked off and destroyed the Archer.
Sanctuary Medical Ward
New My Son Sanctuary
May 30th, 3145
MechWarrior David jerked awake with a gasp, sitting upright he looked around wildly for a second before he realized where he was. “I…” he paused. “I lost.” He whispered quietly.
“Yes, you did.” The voice was that of the Abbess. She was sitting next to him. He looked at her realizing what his honor required.
“What happened?”
Elizabeth nodded, “You were aggressive and forward in the finest tradition of Clan Wolf. You fought hard and you lost. Star Captain Maria accepted the outcome of the Trial and has returned to the Empire. You remain as the newest Monk of the Sanctuary.” He nodded, it was what honor required.
“How did I lose?” He couldn’t understand how he couldn’t get a lock, couldn’t find her.
“As I said you fought hard - but you didn’t just fight me. You fought your BattleMech. You fought yourself. The more you fought the more you resisted yourself, the more your BattleMech resisted you. Warfare and battle is not about challenge and aggressiveness. I didn’t fight you. I let you fight yourself.”
He digested that for a few minutes. Elizabeth just sat silently. “What happens now?”
Elizabeth smiled and reached over. “You came to us raw, here you shall train and become a true warrior.” She paused and looked around. “Your timing was fortunate, I am dying. And while I might have a few years left in me with treatment, we were preparing to find a replacement for me when you came to us. You will now learn how to lead and protect these people and the responsibilities you are entrusted with. You shall become a wolf among the lilacs, guarding this world and protecting it.”
He nodded. “What must I do?” He asked.
She pointed to a wooden bucket, “First you will get water, then you shall chop wood. We shall make tea.” He nodded, and got out of bed. He picked up the cream robe over the chair and put it on, grabbing the bucket he went out to the yard and filled it. The fire that was consuming him was out, and he was ready to begin his life.
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Deep Periphery, 50 light years spin-coreward of Spitz
May 3rd, 3145
Elizabeth Hugh was meditating in her small cabin. The smell of lilac and cedar from the gardens surrounding the temple wafted gently through the open windows and doors, coming in on the warm spring breeze. Her cream colored robes marked her as a Sister in the Order that had made this uncharted world its home. She was comfortable here, her eyes closed, her hair - once vibrant and red, now gray - braided and expertly tied with a piece of twine. She - who had once been called a Queen - contented herself with simple meals taken at a shared table, and a simple cot where she could lay her head.
How far she had come was a testament to the person who had held this post before her - for Elizabeth had been a Queen, the terrible pirate who had led the Mailed Fist Marauders. They had raided all throughout the spinward periphery, from the Raven Alliance to the Fronc Reaches. Brutal and destructive, the Marauders left nothing but death and destruction in their wake. Badly injured in a fire fight with the TDF, they had made a wild jump into an uncharted system. Getting weaker, Elizabeth had fought to stay in command, but she was unceremoniously dumped into an escape pod and shot at the planet she would come to learn was “New My Son Sanctuary”, a Buddhist temple and retreat settled centuries ago during the height of the Old Star League.
While being nursed back to health, Elizabeth discovered that the sanctuary had BattleMechs. She began to scheme on how to use this information to get back at her old pirate band. The Abbess had figured out what she was plotting, saying she had a raging fire burning within her - and that it would consume her if she tried. A deal was struck - the Abbess would support her if she could defeat her in battle.
Elizabeth had laughed, letting her pirate Queen side into full view before this woman for the first time. The Abbess didn’t react and instead led her to the Mech hanger. Here, two ancient ARC-2K Archers had been prepped by the Monks and Nuns. Instead of their robes they wore gray uniforms and carried a mix of antipersonal and anti-armor weapons - Elizabeth had not been prepared for that, nor with how well the two machines had been maintained. She was a natural MechWarrior, born and raised into a pirate band, but she was starting to feel she was in over her head. She was right.
After her defeat, shocked at how easily it had been managed she had stood before the Abbess in broken humility. It was the moment that had changed her life. “You have a choice. We have the ability to send you away, if you choose to go back to your old life we can make that happen, though I will tell you now you will die. Or you can stay here. Here you can live and thrive. If you choose to stay here, then go to the well and bring me water.” Elizabeth had stood there for a moment, but had turned and taken a step towards the wooden bucket by the door. It was the first step that would define her new life.
She ended her meditation with a carefully exhaled breath and stood. Despite being almost 70 years of age, and the terrible wound she had suffered, she still was able to move with the grace of an athlete. Even with the ever growing pain and itchiness around her old wound. The meditation and her ability to focus her mind kept the worst of it at bay.
This was because she still trained every day with the younger Monks and Nuns that called this Sanctuary home, while also maintaining her duties as Abbess. Duties that required attending now. She stepped out onto the wooden walkway that meandered through the blossoming lilacs and flowers of the garden and walked slowly through the morning sun towards the open courtyard that would hold her visitor - Brother Michael of the Brotherhood of Randis. She caught him staring at a fountain, keeping their koi pond aerated. “Brother Michael!” Her voice - which had once screamed names, now was soft and light. The man turned and smiled.
“Abbess!” He bowed slightly towards her. “Thank you again for your hospitality. The extra rice and wheat will be greatly helpful for the victims of the Broken Bones faction.” Elizabeth nodded and smiled, “And the extra missiles provided by your facilities will help keep us engaging.” He frowned, “But again, I must beg of you - Wolf Empire forces have been raiding deep into this region, can we assign any extra guards to you?”
Elizabeth shook her head, “No Brother Michael, we are fine.” She gestured towards the gardens and towards the wider temple complex. “While they might come into this system, there is little chance they would see this and think of us as having resources worth taking or wasting their time on. Our larger manufacturing capabilities are deep underground in the old Star League supply depot.” She paused, “Would you care to join me for tea?”
Brother Michael shook his head and smiled, “I am glad you feel safe but if you change your mind we will come when you call. And yes, I will join you for tea before leaving.”
With that, Elizabeth and Michael adjourned to the dining area where they discussed logistics and how the Sanctuary and the Brotherhood could continue to support one another over the next few months of operations.
Wolf Empire Ship, Kerensky’s Blood
Unnamed System
Deep Periphery, spin-coreward of Federated Suns territory
May 6th, 3145
“Listen up!” Star Captain Maria Stims floated into the conference room and strapped herself into a chair. Around her were the young MechWarriors assigned to her trinary. Their mission was simple, follow old Explorer Corp routes to uncover ComStar or Word of Blake depots or other useful information. “Our next target is an isolated world called New My Son Sanctuary. Records were difficult to uncover. The Star League became aware of it during the Periphery Uprising, shortly before the vile Usurper struck. They had created a supply depot away from the colony that had come here - some kind of religious order.” She looked down at her data pad. “ComStar made contact roughly 100 years ago - supposedly the colony still existed but that was all that the Acolyte had recorded.” She placed the data pad down on the velcro strip intended to hold it place when in zero G. “Obviously with both ComStar and the old Star League having been here, it is important that we get eyes on this world and determine what - if anything - is of value to Clan Wolf. Quiaff?” The table gave her the affirmation she was seeking. “Questions?’
One of the MechWarriors, brash and aggressive, quickly raised his hand, “When we get there will we strike immediately?” She could see the eagerness in his eyes.
“Neg. We shall follow custom and issue a batchal for a Trial of Possession of the world. We have no reason to believe that those that are there are even warriors, and we are not pirates to raid and attack undefended targets.” That was what David wanted though, he felt the blood lust and the eagerness for war. She turned sharply to the other warriors, “Any other questions? Good. We jump in one hour, then we will burn 2g into the system. We estimate three days until landing. Dismissed.”
The Wolf warriors went to their duties eagerly, hoping that this landing would be contested, hoping that they would have a chance to howl and hunt.
New My Son Sanctuary
Deep Periphery, 50 light years spin-coreward of Spitz
May 9th, 3145
Abbess Elizabeth and two of her Monks were reviewing the telescope and radar telemetry coming in. It had been three days since their systems - ancient Star League communications equipment - had alerted them to the unexpected arrival of a JumpShip. The Wolf Empire forces had eagerly announced themselves with a standard Clan Batchall, and Elizabeth had decided to wait till they landed. She calmly worked a string of beads hanging from the sash she had tied around her waist as her advisors and she discussed what they were seeing. They helped her focus and think of a plan. Their small arms and handful of mechs and vehicles would not be up to the task of fighting off what they estimated to be a full trinary of Clan OmniMechs. But their Batchall and code of honor might be helpful. In more ways than one.
The challenge had been simple. The Wolf Empire was claiming this world and all resources upon it. They had not mentioned the Supply Depot but Elizabeth knew that was probably why they were here.
Elizabeth nodded to her advisors, “So we are decided then?” They both nodded their consent. She turned to their Star League equipment and switched it on. “Empire ship Kerenksy’s Blood. This is the independent settlement of New My Son Santuary, I am Abbess Elizabeth, leader of the religious order that resides here. I am transmitting landing coordinates. We accept your batchall, and wish to meet to discuss terms. I shall have one of my monks wait for you.”
A short amount of lag later, allowing for the signal to go out and for them to respond, a woman’s voice crackled to life. “Aff, Abbess. We shall meet to discuss terms. Kerensky’s Blood out.” The radio went silent.
Elizabeth nodded, “Well then, I must go prepare.”
Wolf Empire Ship, Kerensky’s Blood
New My Son Sanctuary
May 9th, 3145
The landing had gone smoothly, with the Monks providing clear direction and instruction to the experienced DropShip crew. The old Union-C had participated in the original Clan Invasion of the Inner Sphere a century ago. It now was used by this inexperienced Trinary on a mission of great importance to their Empire. As the dust cleared, ground crews approached swiftly to prepare the Union. Star Captain Maria stopped them quickly, not until the crew of the DropShip could confirm that no trickery was afoot.
Standing on the tarmac, she watched as the ground crews worked with the DropShip crew and with a quick hand signal saying everything was alright she finally relaxed. This changed in an instance when a person close behind her cleared their throat. “Star Captain Maria?” She whirled to see a young man dressed in a cream robe, his hands politely clasped in front of him. His face was serene with no sign of fear or alarm. His only ornamentation was a set of beads tied to a sash. He bowed slightly as she turned to face him. “The Abbess is this way.” Her Trinary - really just cubs if she thought about it - followed behind her. They were eager to fight and pillage but she had explained that the rules of engagement must be followed.
She was disturbed that there was no fear apparent on this young man’s face. Everyone seemed to think their arrival was completely ordinary in fact. She felt something was wrong, but couldn’t put her finger on what. But the monk was already walking away so she gestured for her MechWarriors to follow her and strode forward trying not to let her unease get the best of her.
Away from the space port, the colony became very quiet. Maria was impressed with the beauty of the gardens and architecture. But this was no place of warriors, and she was mildly contemptuous of the monks she saw tending to the flowers and gardens. She heard one of the MechWarriors behind her comment on food that food eats and she laughed internally though she wouldn’t let it show on her face.
They finally emerged into a courtyard where a table was set up. Around the courtyard stood a handful of Monks, and sitting at the table, puttering with a tea pot and tray was an older woman. Star Captain Maria paused for a brief second for on the table were two bare blades - two kiem style blades, one decorated in garnets the other with amethysts. Despite the jeweled ornament, both blades looked functional - and sharp. Her MechWarriors noticed the blades as well and stopped at the well manicured grass edge of the Courtyard.
The Abbess gave no sign that she saw them or even was aware of their existence. Maria decided to stand on tradition. “The Wolves of Kerensky have claimed this world for their own. What tame dogs defend it?” She called out with conviction, her voice projecting the ancient challenge clearly through the air.
The Abbess looked up and smiled faintly, “Tame dog is it? That I might be, that I might be!” At this she laughed, “Please, come forward and sit. I have prepared tea. We shall outline our defenses and options, and if I remember correctly, choose the place of combat. Is that correct?” She began to pour the tea, “And this will be for a Trial of Possession - primarily of the old Star League supply depot. It is fully operational by the way.”
Maria paused. This Abbess was not what she had expected from a Periphery backwater far off the map. She began to approach when one of her MechWarriors, a hot head named David, stepped forward, “What is this?” He demanded, gesturing to encompass the entirety of the table and the courtyard. The Abbess just looked at him. “We come to claim this world and you wish us to drink tea like children?!”
“MechWarrior David!” Maria snapped loudly, “Stand down!” He looked outraged. The Abbess did not seem to have any reaction at all. Maria stepped forward, “My apologies Abbess, some of my MechWarriors are new and this is their first mission.” She sat and took the offered cup of tea, she sipped at it cautiously. It was delicious and fresh, green and light on her tongue. “Which is what I have brought: 15 Wolf Empire MechWarriors with a range of light and medium OmniMechs. What forces do you bid?”
The Abbess smiled. “Myself.”
Maria stopped for a second, “My apologies, but you wanted to discuss a battle challenge.” She placed her tea down, “I cannot fight an old woman.” The Abbess laughed.
“Pick a blade.” The Abbess smiled. Maria looked at them both for a moment and reached for the garnet encrusted blade. Her hand was quick, her movement sure but as her fingers wrapped around the blade the amethyst blade flashed in the light and was at her throat.
The Clan MechWarriors all stepped forward. Maria raised her other hand and ordered them to stop. “If the Abbess wanted me dead, I would be dead. She is trying to demonstrate that we should acknowledge her as a warrior.” Maria nodded and let go of the blade on the table, the amethyst sword disappeared, silently finding a scabbard within the robes of the Abbess. Maria considered how her people were surrounded by very calm Monks and Nuns wearing similar robes.
“I would like to propose a duel. Myself against one of your warriors. First, the duel must be between equal equipment, second if we emerge successful, the Wolf Empire must cede all claim on this world and it’s people. Third, the person who I face, if they lose, must join the Sanctuary.”
Maria shook her head, “That doesn’t seem entirely fair. Whatever BattleMechs you have would be keyed for your people, mine would not know the first thing about them or be comfortable with them.”
Elizabeth nodded, “Fair. I shall grant you a period of two weeks to familiarize yourself with the machines. You will have access to both BattleMechs we will use, whichever one you choose I shall take the other. You can have both for the two week period. The battle shall be fought within the bamboo forests to our east. The victor shall be the first person to bypass the other’s armor and go internal.”
Before Maria could speak, David spoke. “I demand the honor of accepting this challenge for the Wolf Empire!” Maria frowned, as David was one of her best pilots - but an absolute hot head. They knew nothing about the machines. But she was stuck. David had unexpectedly bound her to this Trial.
Star Captain Maria stood, “Well bargained and done.”
Elizabeth stood and bowed, “Well bargained and done.”
Wolf Empire Ship, Kerensky’s Blood
New My Son Sanctuary
May 21st, 3145
True to her word, two ARC-2K Archers had been brought to the Kerensky’s Blood. Despite their age, they were well maintained. One of Maria’s Mechtechs informed her that - if he hadn’t seen their service records, he would have assumed they had been preserved right off of the assembly line. He had been incredibly impressed. Despite their age and primitive technology - compared to the Clans - both were towering examples of the powerful weapons and capabilities of the Archer class. The LRM and Large laser combo made for a dangerous and deadly machine, elegant and straightforward.
As with the blades, both Mechs followed a similar pattern. Both were painted an off white cream color, one decorated in red, the other purple, with stylized flower designs. Maria had her techs go over them in detail within the first few hours and they had signed off. Other than the paint, both were identical. There were no hidden changes, no traps. This was going to be a shear test of skill and stamina - the old woman against the young pup.
David had chosen the red Archer, the orchid design appealing to his sense of style. “Red like the flame that burns within me!” he had quipped as he climbed up into the cockpit. He had begun by running the mech through its paces in what would become the battlefield. Testing the laser and missile systems. He complained bitterly about how primitive they were, comparing the targeting and tracking systems to iron sights. Maria’s concern grew. She ordered him to keep going and practicing while her techs continued to dig into both BattleMechs. When he exhausted his ammo, she was prepared to argue for more but when she opened the discussion more was simply provided. A large truck pulled up to their DropShip, and the Sanctuary workers helped to unload the ammo bins.
While Maria was incredibly impressed with the professionalism and the dignity in which everyone operated, including invitations to dinner and tea, she was uneasy. They behaved with incredible honor and she must respect that - but she had a sinking feeling that within two days she would be leaving this world in defeat. The Abbess was serene and calm, and the only preparation Maria had seen her perform was practicing tai chi in the courtyard.
She tried to give what wisdom she could to David, but he was headstrong and confident, eager to prove his value as a warrior in a perfect duel of honor that would highlight his abilities to the Clan. He scorned her cautions and words, and enjoyed his two weeks of throwing an incredibly large amount of missiles down range.
Maria frowned and was also aware that the DropShip captain was watching this unfold uneasily as well. Both discussed what would happen and both grew worried. The Abbess would return to pick up the lilac Archer, and then both would head towards the forest.
Hanh Forest
New My Son Sanctuary
May 23rd, 3145
David smiled smugly as he followed the Abbess down the winding path. It would diverge ahead and both would have a few minutes to get to their respective staging areas. The Archer did move smoothly under his command, and he was vibrating with eagerness to get into this duel and claim this world for the Empire. When they hit the break, the Abbess turned. His comms crackled to life, “MechWarrior David of the Wolf Empire, please follow the designated path to your staging area. When you are ready please signal the Monk who is your attendant. He will signal my attendant and we will begin.”
“Aff, Abbess” He shot off immediately and turned down the path. He quickly reached the staging area as he could see on his heads up display that Elizabeth had reached hers. Their battle area was a small forest with rolling hills. Ideal for ranged combat. He reviewed everything he had studied and practiced and after taking a steadying breath bared his teeth like a wolf and sent the signal to the Monk. A single flag was waved and a red firework shot off into the sky. A moment later a purple firework exploded and he slammed his Mech forward as fast as it could go straight towards the Abbess. It was too far for his LRMs, but he would close that distance quickly.
***
Elizabeth shifted to her right, watching her displays and seeing the young MechWarrior charge straight ahead. She smiled faintly as she thought of her own charge, and maneuvered expertly through the bamboo. Her Archer - despite its size and weight - was graceful, and she maneuvered with light touches and an ease brought on by years of experience.
He was closing the distance, changing direction slightly to match her own shift. As he crested a hill at the maximum range of their LRMs, he opened fire. Elizabeth casually shifted direction and speed, and his missiles went wide, flying through the forest branches like birds. She tracked back along their exhaust and as her Mech settled into position gently squeezed her triggers causing thirty of her own dangerous birds to soar across the distance before eagerly tearing into David’s armor. While nothing penetrated, he was bloodied.
***
David gasped as both the heat and damage indicators spiked within his console. He reeled, and slammed his controls down and over, shoving himself into thicker cover while also trying to pivot for a new lock. He had a perfect site line and she had just casually side stepped him. He hammered his controls while fighting the mech’s inertia and the laws of physics. She was already on the move and he was having a hard time tracking her. Another wave of missiles came at him and more armor popped. Again he fired, this time more desperately, and managed to slightly clip her legs. He howled for now he was not alone in taking damage.
***
Elizabeth twisted to the left and slowed to a walk. Her opponent had managed to cause some light damage to her legs, but she had avoided the worst of it. His aim was improving but she had scored multiple groupings across his torso and arms, significantly weakening his armor.
She watched as he tried to charge straight at her again, and she correctly anticipated his path - more missiles shot out at much closer range. This time his speed partly saved him for less missiles hit but he still took some damage. He opened up with his large lasers and missiles, spiking his heat to a dangerously high level - and only scoring a single hit against her. She sped up again as he slowed down to a crawl, the heat level quickly overloading his machine.
***
David gasped for air, his throat screaming in agony at the super heated gas he was desperately trying to breathe filled his lungs. He slammed the override button, as every system screamed in protest at him. Finally switching focus to his scans he realized that the Abbess was gone - where she was what felt like a second ago she was gone now. Alarms blaring in his ears he struggled to reorient himself and try to figure out where she was. He gasped as a laser slammed into his arm, boiling away the last of the armor there. He tried to turn but the Archer was ignoring his need for speed, and responded only sluggishly. He screamed and pounded the controls, desperately trying to get any weapon system pointed towards his opponent. Getting one arm up he fired desperately, the shot going well wide of his target. Another laser flashed and cut into his torso - boiling away the armor and in a flash his autoeject system had triggered, launching him brutally into the sky as the LRM ammo cooked off and destroyed the Archer.
Sanctuary Medical Ward
New My Son Sanctuary
May 30th, 3145
MechWarrior David jerked awake with a gasp, sitting upright he looked around wildly for a second before he realized where he was. “I…” he paused. “I lost.” He whispered quietly.
“Yes, you did.” The voice was that of the Abbess. She was sitting next to him. He looked at her realizing what his honor required.
“What happened?”
Elizabeth nodded, “You were aggressive and forward in the finest tradition of Clan Wolf. You fought hard and you lost. Star Captain Maria accepted the outcome of the Trial and has returned to the Empire. You remain as the newest Monk of the Sanctuary.” He nodded, it was what honor required.
“How did I lose?” He couldn’t understand how he couldn’t get a lock, couldn’t find her.
“As I said you fought hard - but you didn’t just fight me. You fought your BattleMech. You fought yourself. The more you fought the more you resisted yourself, the more your BattleMech resisted you. Warfare and battle is not about challenge and aggressiveness. I didn’t fight you. I let you fight yourself.”
He digested that for a few minutes. Elizabeth just sat silently. “What happens now?”
Elizabeth smiled and reached over. “You came to us raw, here you shall train and become a true warrior.” She paused and looked around. “Your timing was fortunate, I am dying. And while I might have a few years left in me with treatment, we were preparing to find a replacement for me when you came to us. You will now learn how to lead and protect these people and the responsibilities you are entrusted with. You shall become a wolf among the lilacs, guarding this world and protecting it.”
He nodded. “What must I do?” He asked.
She pointed to a wooden bucket, “First you will get water, then you shall chop wood. We shall make tea.” He nodded, and got out of bed. He picked up the cream robe over the chair and put it on, grabbing the bucket he went out to the yard and filled it. The fire that was consuming him was out, and he was ready to begin his life.
2023.06.05 17:30 theythembian (Seen on Facebook of course) This same person before self checkouts: "when are they gonna open up another lane?!" Can't have your cake & eat it too, boss
 | submitted by theythembian to Target [link] [comments] |
2023.06.05 17:26 trickyvinny We don't own a car but rent occasionally through the year. Should we get a liability insurance policy?
Or better yet, how?
We live in Brooklyn so a car is a hassle rather than an asset. We own our home and are building a decent savings that I want to protect.
I reached out to our home owners insurance broker and asked if we could get a policy to cover us, and was told that most credit cards provide coverage. They do, but I have only seen collision coverage. I'm trying to research the best way to get the right coverage, and honestly paying the rental agency for the additional coverage each time seems pretty expensive.
At this point, opening a credit card with a liability or comprehensive policy, even if there is a yearly fee, seems like the cheapest and safest way forward. Do such cards exist and am I wrong? Or do I have insurance wrong altogether?
submitted by trickyvinny to personalfinance [link] [comments]
We live in Brooklyn so a car is a hassle rather than an asset. We own our home and are building a decent savings that I want to protect.
I reached out to our home owners insurance broker and asked if we could get a policy to cover us, and was told that most credit cards provide coverage. They do, but I have only seen collision coverage. I'm trying to research the best way to get the right coverage, and honestly paying the rental agency for the additional coverage each time seems pretty expensive.
At this point, opening a credit card with a liability or comprehensive policy, even if there is a yearly fee, seems like the cheapest and safest way forward. Do such cards exist and am I wrong? Or do I have insurance wrong altogether?
2023.06.05 17:20 number33234 [H] Home Depot $55, WaWa $25 and Cracker Barrel $50 [W] PayPal GS
submitted by number33234 to giftcardexchange [link] [comments]
2023.06.05 17:18 HopalongKnussbaum Replacing combo switch/receptacle with GFCI one
Hi all - I’m replacing a combo switch/receptacle with a GFCI version, with the intent of providing GFCI protection to the switch part. The switch operates a garbage disposal, which I’m replacing (and is what kickstarted this whole thing). The disposal wasn’t grounded so a GFCI on the switch is something I read as a recommendation for user safety (I know it’s not the same as a ground). Also note that the combo switch isn’t grounded, which is something I’m scared to have learned is common in older houses (this one is late 1970s).
My question is, how should I wire this up? I’ve attached pics of the existing switch (an older Leviton tamper resistant unit) as well as the new Leviton GFCI unit I picked up at Home Depot. I greatly appreciate your help - thanks!! (https://imgur.com/a/Yx0dIJK)
submitted by HopalongKnussbaum to AskElectricians [link] [comments]
My question is, how should I wire this up? I’ve attached pics of the existing switch (an older Leviton tamper resistant unit) as well as the new Leviton GFCI unit I picked up at Home Depot. I greatly appreciate your help - thanks!! (https://imgur.com/a/Yx0dIJK)
2023.06.05 17:14 GoldAlfalfa Light at the end of the tunnel - can’t see it
I am trying to take things day by day. I have 130k of debt on 180k income as a 30 year old male. i made a series of bad investments as i have accepted that i cannot trade stocks. I try to get up everyday and stay on this path towards paying off my debt as I have no expenses and my take home is 8500 a month. I am trying to get a second job so the burden of this debt is not so heavy. But some days are hard because every conversation I have with people money seems to come up coincidentally. Then i feel a huge amount of shame for being completely broke with no assets and nothing to my name, on top of all the debt. I often think that I could have bought a house many years ago and it would’ve been paid off by now. I am struggling to see the light at the end of the tunnel even though logically i will get there it just takes time. how can I keep going when things seem so bleak?
submitted by GoldAlfalfa to personalfinance [link] [comments]
2023.06.05 17:13 ourpseudonym A $1.5 Trillion Backstop for Homebuyers Props Up Banks Instead
From bloomberg: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2023-06-04/us-effort-to-help-homebuyers-get-affordable-loans-mainly-benefits-banks-instead
submitted by ourpseudonym to investing [link] [comments]
The first sign of deep trouble in US banking this year came from a sunbaked office complex in a San Diego suburb. There, a small firm called Silvergate Capital Corp. assured investors it was weathering a run on deposits. Its lifeline: about $4.3 billion from a Federal Home Loan Bank.
Heads turned across the financial industry.
Silvergate didn’t have a network of branches serving consumers, and it barely offered mortgages. It specialized in moving dollars for cryptocurrency ventures.
Soon it became apparent that a roster of troubled regional banks was leaning on FHLBs — a relic of the Great Depression originally aimed at ensuring financial firms have cash to lend to homebuyers. Yet the banks had little to do with everyday mortgage lending.
Silicon Valley Bank, catering to venture capitalists and tech startups, said it held $15 billion from an FHLB at the end of 2022. Signature Bank, with clients including crypto platforms, had $11 billion. And by April, First Republic Bank, offering mortgages to millionaires on unusually sweet terms, ended up with more than $28 billion. All four banks collapsed.
For many, that was a crystallizing moment for the 90-year-old Federal Home Loan Bank system, which has ballooned to more than $1.5 trillion while playing a growing role as a backstop for banks taking all kinds of risks — and a diminishing role in funding new mortgages. That’s raising questions about the purpose of FHLBs and why the private institutions enjoy so much government support.
This look at the system is based on interviews with more than 30 current and former FHLB officials, overseers, borrowers and other market participants, most of them speaking on the condition they not be named to candidly discuss confidential experiences. Many described an environment where loans are made quickly with little due diligence, generating billions of dollars a year in profits for FHLBs and the banks they serve — plus millions of dollars in bonuses and other compensation for their own executives.
It’s hard to imagine the Federal Reserve rewarding bosses for arranging industry bailouts, but that is in effect what now happens at FHLBs.
The FHLB of San Francisco, for example, more than doubled its assets last year as Silicon Valley Bank, First Republic and others embarked on their borrowing binges. Its chief executive officer, Teresa Bazemore, was awarded $2.4 million — much of it in bonuses — during 2022, her first full year atop the institution. SVB and First Republic now rank as the second- and third-largest bank failures in US history.
Bazemore's pay was tied to goals and other metrics the San Francisco FHLB's board set in consultation with a third-party expert and showed to regulators, said Elliot Sloane, a spokesperson for the San Francisco FHLB. “The level of advances to a member is based on a careful, thoughtful and conservative underwriting approach that takes all the relevant risk factors into account. That is our congressionally directed function,” Sloane said.
Many of the largest banks also have become accustomed to drawing financing from FHLBs, even as they pull back from lending to US homebuyers.
Wells Fargo & Co., JPMorgan Chase & Co. and Citigroup Inc. — among the system’s biggest users since 2010 — collectively tapped at least $62 billion during last year’s relatively sedate markets. Citigroup’s $19 billion amounted to 3% of the total cash pool, while the firm originated only 0.3% of the nation’s mortgages in 2022, according to bank regulatory filings and federal mortgage records. Wells Fargo borrowed $32 billion before announcing in January that it’s slashing mortgage operations.
The lion’s share of US home loans are instead issued by nonbanks, such as Rocket Mortgage, which sell them to free up cash to make new loans.
Those businesses generally aren’t eligible to tap the FHLB system.
More than 80% of the top 100 FHLB users borrowed more from the system than they loaned out as mortgages. Fourteen banks reported no originations.
One quirk of the system is that the government’s assistance doesn’t appear as a line in the US budget — sparing FHLBs the kinds of bitter congressional debates over expenditures that have gripped Washington in recent months.
Instead, government support starts with special treatment, giving FHLBs an edge in raising money cheaply. They gather most of their funding by selling bonds exempt from state and local income taxes. Buyers are also more comfortable with the debt because of the widespread assumption that if an FHLB ever runs into trouble, the government would jump in with taxpayer money to prevent default. Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s have said their credit ratings for the FHLB system would be several notches lower if not for the government's presumed backing.
“The implied guarantee is also not something that's conveyed by the government,” Ryan Donovan, CEO of the Council of Federal Home Loan Banks, said in an interview. “It's something the market perceives, that we're a safe place, that our debt that we issue is solid.”
Economists vigorously debate the value of the government’s support. Defenders of the system, such as former White House adviser Jim Parrott and economist Mark Zandi, estimate it was worth around $5 billion last year, while detractors peg the boost closer to $9 billion. Some of that is passed on to banks as a discounted source of financing. It also translates into higher profits for the FHLBs, which last year produced $3.2 billion in net income.
They held on to more than half that, lifting their stockpile of retained earnings to $24.6 billion.
A portion — about $1.4 billion — was paid banks and other “members” as dividends.
In the end, the $1.5 trillion FHLB system contributed a mere $355 million to a program supporting housing affordability last year.
“It’s embarrassing,” said Cornelius Hurley, an independent director on the board of Boston’s FHLB for about 14 years through 2021. “This is a public entity. We should be demanding more from them.”
Defenders acknowledge that the system is a quirk of history but say its ability to provide funding quickly is crucial, especially when crises erupt. FHLBs can start stabilizing lenders before they resort to tapping the Fed’s discount window, and before policymakers can meet to discuss other extraordinary measures.
Banks that do tap the discount window have to worry about stoking the very same public panic they are trying to quell.
“The members certainly could go to the Fed,” said Michael Ericson, CEO of the Chicago FHLB. “The challenge is there is a reputation risk associated with that. In talking with member institutions, they feel that the stigma is real.”
FHLBs didn’t always provide cash so freely. The system was almost comically risk-averse when President Herbert Hoover signed the law for its creation in 1932. In the first two years, hopeful borrowers filled out 41,000 applications for mortgages funded with FHLB money. Three were approved.
Back then, thrifts and insurers were the biggest lenders to homebuyers. The firms were supposed to go to local FHLBs and pledge collateral — such as home loans — to borrow cash and make additional mortgages.
But by the late 1930s, Franklin Roosevelt’s administration was creating an even simpler system: A new entity, Fannie Mae, would buy mortgages. About three decades later, Congress chartered Freddie Mac to help thrifts manage interest-rate risks. The pair gave rise to the mortgage-securities market, which funds most home loans today.
But in the 1980s, the savings and loan crisis erupted, prompting a government bailout. With so many thrifts failing, the FHLBs were losing too many members to sustain themselves. So in 1989, George H.W. Bush’s administration reached a deal to expand the FHLB system to serve thousands of banks — on the condition that 10% of profits would go toward supporting housing affordability.
FHLBs fought that requirement at the time, people involved in that process said. They now tout it as a core piece of their mission. Sticking to the Mandate
FHLBs have to set aside 10% of their profit for affordable housing grant programs. They rarely do more.
The number of lenders using FHLBs more than doubled to more than 8,000 by 2005 — while the system’s balance sheet swelled about sixfold to $1 trillion.
But after the 2008 financial crisis, the nation’s largest banks began pulling back en masse from mortgage lending.
Wells Fargo, JPMorgan and Citigroup collectively originated 4% of residential mortgages in the country in 2022, down from 13% in 2010. Rocket Mortgage increased its market share over the same period.
Still, FHLBs continued to swell as banks sought financing, especially in emergencies. The system’s total loans to members surged 28% to $1.04 trillion in this year’s first three months, beating a record set in the third quarter of 2008.
“What the home loan banks have become is a source of general liquidity to big banks,” said Bruce Morrison, former chair of the Federal Housing Finance Board. “They’ve made a great contribution for the last 50 years, but the market has changed. They’re doing a job that the Fed should be doing.”
Most Americans aren’t familiar with the arcane system.
A software engineer from a think tank recently went on National Public Radio’s “The Indicator” to take a quiz about this year’s turmoil in US banking. Asked to identify the industry’s “lender of second-to-last resort” from a list, she paused on the correct answer: the FHLB system.
“Sounds made-up,” she said.
When deposit runs at regional banks began making headlines around the world in March, few eyes were on the FHLBs as they furiously raised money to meet the incoming demand to aid banks, issuing $304 billion of debt in one week alone.
“People underestimate how much value they bring,” said Ted Tozer, the former president of Ginnie Mae. “The record number of advances this year when there was contagion shows a lot of it happens under the covers. The FHLBs are the shock absorbers.”
FHLBs can react so quickly because it’s hard for them to lose. They have a so-called super lien on the money they lend, putting them at the front of the line to get repaid if a bank collapses. The FHLBs note that any secured lender would take priority in the event of a bank failure.
But insiders say the super lien contributes to features of FHLB loans that can make them especially egregious. It's not uncommon for banks to bend accounting rules to get bigger advances. There's also little incentive to do thorough due diligence.
“You can look at who they are lending to and see it’s not because they’re doing a good job screening for bank quality,” said Kathryn Judge, a Columbia Law School professor who focuses on financial regulation. “It’s a byproduct of the fact there’s a mechanism in place to protect their interests.”
Two people who worked in different FHLBs for more than a decade said they never saw a loan turned down, no matter how poor the financial health of an institution. What matters, they said, is getting collateral — US Treasuries, home loans, mortgage-backed securities and other real estate assets.
*Though banks often have to pledge more collateral than they borrow, they have found ways to maximize the value of that collateral. Normally, firms label assets they intend to hold short term as “available for sale.” If the value of those assets fall in the market, the bank marks them down on its books and takes an immediate hit to its earnings. *
But firms may avoid markdowns by moving assets to a longer-term accounting bucket dubbed “held-to-maturity.” That allows them to preserve the value of collateral they present when borrowing from an FHLB.
Charles Schwab Corp.’s banking arm shifted $189 billion of agency mortgage-backed securities to that category last year. The firm borrowed $12.4 billion from the FHLB system through the end of 2022, and had the capacity to borrow $68.6 billion, according to an annual report. In the first quarter of 2023, its FHLB loans more than tripled.
The FHLBs don’t track how banks use their financing. The lifelines can help troubled banks avoid fire sales of assets. But if a firm’s balance sheet is in bad shape, collateralized lending may do little more than postpone the bank’s inevitable demise, potentially letting losses worsen. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. is left to clean up the mess.
“That delay makes a difference,” said Judge, the law professor. “Fresh liquidity allows them to limp on longer rather than evaluate their own viability.”
After the Fed embarked on a rapid series of rate hikes early last year, Silicon Valley Bank, Signature Bank and First Republic watched their assets lose value and their financial condition worsen until depositors panicked and FHLB lifelines were no longer enough. The FDIC estimates their failures will cost its main insurance fund more than $31 billion, including coverage of uninsured deposits that will be paid by a special assessment on the industry.
Meanwhile, the FHLBs and their lobbying arm boast that they’ve never had a loss on a loan in more than eight decades.
Large banks borrow from many sources, sometimes including more than one FHLB, putting the regional hubs under pressure to compete for business. A former official described how one of the nation’s four giant commercial banks played regional FHLBs off of each other, scoring better rates and terms.
Earlier this year, the FHLB of Chicago announced a sweetener for its members: “Early bird discounts.”
Through May 31, the FHLB promised better rates for loans given before 10 a.m. Banks could also get “volume discounts” if they took out advances larger than $100 million, according to its website.
Such gamesmanship irks policy advocates such as Aaron Klein, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution. “No banks should be able to arbitrage the FHLBs against each other,” he said. “Members should only be allowed one.”
Chicago FHLB’s Ericson said that enticing members to come in the morning helps with planning and that it’s increasingly common for banks to borrow from just one FHLB.
Last year, the FHLB’s overseer — the Federal Housing Finance Agency — announced it would conduct a sweeping review of the system to consider whether it needs to be dramatically reshaped. The agency’s director, Sandra Thompson, later signaled dissatisfaction: “The status quo is not acceptable,” she said at a Brookings symposium in February.
But in the wake of March’s regional banking blowup, Biden administration regulators have been emphasizing the importance of FHLBs in stabilizing the industry’s balance sheets. “Through this period of market stress, the FHLBanks remained in a safe and sound condition and continued to serve their critical role,” Thompson told a congressional panel in May.
Her agency’s recommendations are expected later this year.
Some FHLBs are starting to voluntarily pay 50% more than required to housing affordability, and others are in the process of doing so, Donovan wrote to Thompson in March. That would raise their contribution to 15% of their profits.
Meanwhile, there’s a measure for consideration in Congress that would boost it to 20%. Housing advocates say that’s not enough, arguing that improving affordability should be a more central part of the business model than carving off a slice.
That wouldn’t include offering better financing terms to Community Development Financial Institutions, which fill gaps in lending to communities, such as minorities or people with low incomes or living in rural areas. The organizations often have to put up more collateral than banks and have a harder time accessing funding even though they more directly address affordability.
The FHLBs now have around 6,800 members. About 1% are CDFIs. At the same time, more than 500 insurers, including giants like MetLife Inc. that no longer play a pivotal role in housing, are some of the system’s biggest borrowers. On its website, investment firm Wellington Management urges insurers to burnish their profits by drawing even more FHLB money for leverage.
“You can be outraged but the outrage is in their purpose,” said Morrison, the former Federal Housing Finance Board chair. “The question is whether we really need this huge trillion-dollar institution or if they should be restyled. They serve a private purpose with public subsidy.”
2023.06.05 17:03 Englishontrail If you work in an office, how much do you expect to actually work in a given week?
I moved to the UK about six months ago for a new corporate job. I think I honestly work about 15-25 real hours any given week, with the exception of a week here or there with OT before events. I am considered a niche expert/ specialist, but in my last job (in my home country) I usually worked 60-70 hours/wk and there was always more to do. My boss will even sometimes tell me that she thinks I try to do too much!
My friends here in London say I'm just in shock leaving a country with no workers rights, and that this is the "European way." I'll admit I often even get paranoid that I'll be made redundant when they realize they don't need a full time employee in my role, which my local friends also find pretty funny. I literally look for work to do. Surely no manager is okay paying someone to work half time on a full time salary? (First world problems I guess!)
So-- if you're in an office job, how much do you actually work compared to the hours you technically signed up for?
And related, is the "hours worked" question more strongly correlated with class/ income in the UK?
submitted by Englishontrail to AskUK [link] [comments]
My friends here in London say I'm just in shock leaving a country with no workers rights, and that this is the "European way." I'll admit I often even get paranoid that I'll be made redundant when they realize they don't need a full time employee in my role, which my local friends also find pretty funny. I literally look for work to do. Surely no manager is okay paying someone to work half time on a full time salary? (First world problems I guess!)
So-- if you're in an office job, how much do you actually work compared to the hours you technically signed up for?
And related, is the "hours worked" question more strongly correlated with class/ income in the UK?
2023.06.05 17:00 tinfoilsparkle My (f34) partner (f33) of 12 years walked out
I am looking for advice to help us get back together. My partner of 12 years walked out on me. We had become each other's only relationships. She started wanting a third after she got fired from her job and then she got fired from another and kinda went off the rails. So Friday she came home and she had been distant and then she got mad at me because I was ill and not functioning well, I have chronic fatigue, and left with one of the cats. She came back a little later and said she was just scared because she thought some bad things were happening at work and she needed to protect me. Well she started cleaning and asked me to help. I was still reeling from her leaving earlier and started to cry she got angry because I was snotting while folding the clothes. She then yelled because one of the cats peed one something. I pointed out he was scared because she had stormed out with one of the cats. And she got angry at that and left for a hotel and didn't talk to me the rest of the night. We spoke a little the next morning and she said she still loved me and was hoping we could work it out and didn't think this was then end. I love her. She says that she left because she needs to heal herself and can't do that with me here. She had also made herself my everything. She took me away from my abusive family and made me depend solely on her. We've tried to talk several times and she keeps changing her mind and answers of the situation. So she went to a hotel for a night and I went to live with a friend. I ended up getting rid of our chins and our gecko as she had repeatedly said they were too much for her. I told her before I did and she didn't say anything but then she got mad. The first time I talked to her she said she was done and then later in the conversation said she is still figuring things out and praying to the moon we can work out and she doesn't think this is the end. She also says i need to trust her and shes not my mom who left me. Then she called again and said she was done. I will admit ive tried to reach her several times because she said we were done and I was trying to figure out Financials and living situation and she said is that all you care about. But like if were over I have to figure that out. We share an apt. She has the only car and all of our stuff is intertwined. She has a savings and I've asked her to pay me back for certain things and she said okay and then got offended. So I am getting whiplash. Well yesterday I knew I was going to end up in the hospital because I couldn't hold down anything including water. I tried to reach her all morning to let her know. Well she never called so I went that afternoon with my friend I'm staying with because she needs space. She called when I was walking on the door and I let her know where I was. She asked if it was because I s/h and I said no I recognized I needed help and went to the Dr. She said her Bear and Pig , our 2 other cats, were moving on. I asked about my cellphone because it's on her plan and she got mad asking if that was all I cared about. And said she would bag my stuff up and bring it to someone. We'll I panicked and had to hand the phone over as I was well at the hospital and she hung up. She called back when I was in the room. And said she was cleaning and I can send my friend over to clean so she can see the pigstye we were living in, my friend had been there and it wasnt and then i asked about Financials again only to tell her u had to my a smoothie on our joint so I put money from savings in it. I had used my sddi to pay the rent before I knew this was going to happen so took half of what was in the account and put it in my bank account and left the rest in the joint for her. The car is solely in her name and I paid that and the joint cell phone as well. She then went on to say she was still cleaning and she couldn't talk to me until after because she was still mad and that after she would call me about going on if we can go on. Again whip lash and said we had been together for 12 years and I needed to trust her again (wtf). I asked if she wanted pics of the cat I had and or memes as she mentioned before and she said if I wanted to. So I have sent her cat pics and memes since. She hoped she would be done last night cleaning but I guess she wasn't as she didn't call. Today is Monday I have sent her another pic of the cat and that I loved her. Because I feel like I'm in a lose lose situation. I really want to work things out with her but I'm trying to figure out the chance of her wanting to get back together and her changing her mind is challenging my mental health. Note: yes she did alot of the cleaning but I did all the emotional labor. Staying calm, doing her schedule, helping her answer emails, looking for jobs, texting her mom when she asked. Helping her etc. I also recently started moving around more and doing some things and that seemed to upset her as well. Also about a week before she had wanted to call off at her new job and I said I didn't think it was a great idea as shes been there a month and had called off twice already. She also thinks she can take over our lease or rent a new apt which her income would disqualify her and we also owe our old apt from when she lost her job. She's gone through 4 jobs in a year. And during that time she said she wouldn't let me leave her and she loved me. What do you think the chances of her coming back are and how can I increase them? I am no longer calling her and only sending pics of the pets and that I love her. Sorry this is long I just need help.
submitted by tinfoilsparkle to relationship_advice [link] [comments]
2023.06.05 16:58 spunchy M&B 2023 Lecture 6: Federal Funds, Final Settlement
 | For our schedule and links to other discussions, see the Money and Banking 2023 master post. submitted by spunchy to moneyview [link] [comments] This is the discussion thread for Economics of Money and Banking Lecture 6: Federal Funds, Final Settlement.
Through the lens of the money market, we highlight the distinction between dealers and brokers as well as the distinction between payment and funding. These topics will come up again and again throughout the course. The "Fed Funds" market, in particular, is what we call the part of the money market where US banks lend reserves to each other overnight. Since 2008, US banks have enough reserves that they don't regularly meet each other in the money market anymore. But others do. And the principles of the money market that we explore in this lecture are still valid today. Perry Mehrling says: The relative importance of the various money markets has changed since the 2008 crisis—Fed Funds is now less important—but the conceptual framework remains valid, indeed not only for dollar money markets but also for non-dollar money markets.Below is a 2017 article from Cleveland Fed "Economic Commentary" that describes how the Fed Funds market changed between 2008 and then. In this environment, the institutions willing to lend in the federal funds market are institutions whose reserve accounts at the Fed are not interest-bearing. These include government-sponsored entities (GSEs) such as the Federal Home Loan Banks (FHLBs). The institutions willing to borrow are institutions that do not face the FDIC’s new capital requirements and do have interest-bearing accounts with the Fed. These include many foreign banks. As such, the federal funds market has evolved into a market in which the FHLBs lend to foreign banks, which then arbitrage the difference between the federal funds rate and the rate on IOER.—The Federal Funds Market since the Financial CrisisInstead of a market that facilitates payments, the Fed Funds market looks more like a market for regulatory arbitrage. If all reserve accounts were interest-bearing and faced the same capital requirements, we might not have a Fed Funds market at all. Before the financial crisis, the federal funds market was an interbank market in which the largest players on both the demand and supply sides were domestic commercial banks, and in which rates were set bilaterally between the lending and borrowing banks. The main drivers of activity in this market were daily idiosyncratic liquidity shocks, along with the need to fulfill reserve requirements. Rates were set based on the quantity of funds available in the market and the perceived risk of the borrower.—The Federal Funds Market since the Financial CrisisNext is a blog post from last year by Daniel Neilson that reflects on the Fed Funds market as the Fed raises interest rates. For example, Minsky noted that if banks could easily borrow in the fed funds market, they would be less inclined to hold precautionary levels of unborrowed reserves. At a systemic level, the same amount of reserves would support a larger amount of credit, reducing systemic liquidity. The longer the boom has gone on, the more time this process will have had to play out, and so the more fragile financial arrangements will be.—Positive Interest: Federal funds, then and nowMinsky observed that the money market is a system of "just-in-time" reserves. As long as the money market is functioning, banks don't need to hold any reserves to make the payments system go. But this forces the payments system to become dependent on the money market. The fact that today's banks have lots of excess reserves reinforces the idea that today's Fed Funds market is not the money market that Minsky was describing. It's doing something different. Also from Perry Mehrling: The lectures were developed over 15 years and filmed fall 2012, and much has changed since then, in particular strong regulatory shift to secured away from unsecured credit. Still interbank lending is key to creating one big bank, now globally and secured.Even if domestic US banks no longer need the money market, there remain other institutions that do. Non-bank financial institutions, foreign banks, corporations, and governments all use the money market. Lecture 7 will examine the market for repurchase agreements (repo), which is the modern money market. Repo is a form of money-market lending secured with collateral. Part 1: FT: European Bank Deleveraging
Here's the set of balance sheets that Perry draws on the board: https://preview.redd.it/zmtq0bs5q74b1.png?width=808&format=png&auto=webp&s=2ad0d7f2f4389ffa7dded2cba5684315d9ded612 These balance sheets are a little confusing because they don't actually show capital increasing. What they show is banks' assets being replaced with cash, which will allow their balance sheets to shrink back down, thereby allowing their existing capital to take up a greater proportion of their balance sheet. To satisfy their capital requirements, the European banks could have increased their capital—i.e., added extra assets. But instead, they opted to replace their risky assets (property loans) with safer assets (cash). So far, they're just swapping one asset for another asset. The balance sheet is staying the same size, minus the hit they take to their assets for possibly selling the property loans at fire-sale prices. The next step is to shrink the balance sheet on both sides: https://preview.redd.it/i49nvk18q74b1.png?width=561&format=png&auto=webp&s=7ac73a2597dc81250a82f07ef30a52c979694869 Here, banks are allowing previous loans to be repaid without issuing new ones (A), which leads to a shrinkage of both loans and deposits. At the same time, banks are repaying their short-term debt using cash (B). They possibly received the cash from the sale of property loans shown in the previous set of balance sheets. This part of the lecture also introduces the distinction between three different segments of the money market:
Part 2: What are Fed Funds?The Fed Funds market is a market for banks to borrow reserves (deposits at the Fed) from each other overnight. It does not involve borrowing from the Fed itself. Fed Funds represents an expansion of credit within a single level of the hierarchy.Before 2008, the Fed indirectly targeted the Fed Funds rate to speed up and slow down the economy. A higher Fed Funds rate would correspond with tighter credit and a lower Fed Funds rate would correspond with easier credit. For a few years after 2008, the Fed Funds rate was stuck at zero. Since then, the Fed Funds rate has risen and fallen, but the mechanism has changed. Instead of adjusting the amount of reserves in the banking system, the Fed just pays interest on the reserves that the banking system holds. You're generally not going to lend reserves at a rate that's lower than what you can get by holding onto them. Here's a description of Fed Funds and interest on reserves from the New York Fed, frozen in time from 2013: Part 3: Payment settlement versus Required ReservesAccording to Stigum, banks use the Fed Funds market to achieve two main objectives: settling with the Fed at the end of the day and meeting reserve requirements.After 2008 though, banks were so over-stuffed with reserves that there was never any danger of failing to meet reserve requirements. The banks were no longer reserve-constrained. After Covid hit in March of 2020, the Fed removed reserve requirements altogether. The lecture suggests that the Fed Funds market is still marginally useful for daily settlement in the payments system. I'm not convinced. Part 4: Payment elasticity/discipline, Public and PrivateDuring the day, banks make payments to each other through the Fed's Fedwire payments system. This system allows banks to pay via overdraft if they run out of reserves. If Bank A pays Bank B using a daylight overdraft at the Fed, that automatically adds new reserves (actual money) to Bank B's deposit account at the Fed.https://preview.redd.it/ejd0e29aq74b1.png?width=815&format=png&auto=webp&s=f6996cdfa3468f264f755850a463a2953848020f This is called a Real-Time Gross Settlement System (RTGS) because the payment happens immediately (real-time), and it can happen through a balance-sheet expansion (gross) when insufficient existing reserves are available. The one-big-bank credit-based payments system from Lecture 5 was another example of an RTGS. But Fedwire doesn't accept gross settlement forever. The Fed's daytime balance-sheet expansion is meant to automatically collapse back down at the end of the day when all the banks settle with the Fed. The expansion of overdrafts during the day highlights the credit-based nature of the payment system. This is perhaps closer to how the payment system worked prior to 2008. Since 2008, the part of the payment system that the Fed interfaces with directly has looked less like this. As you can see in the below chart, the volume of daylight overdrafts tanked after 2008. https://preview.redd.it/umz26v3cq74b1.jpg?width=600&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=93b335efd21c349222813375f09b232eb94c7f31 We can compare this to bank reserves, which were are on the order of $42 billion pre-crisis and were recently closer to $1.5 trillion before starting to blow up even further in March and April of 2020. https://preview.redd.it/nlccxuddq74b1.png?width=1318&format=png&auto=webp&s=8a7690335d6c18061728bd347b6fdbbe71c9f7da It seems that US commercial banks aren't coming up against the settlement constraint as much these days. This tension is perhaps being pushed to other parts of the system. US Commercial banks may have plenty of reserves, but perhaps there are other institutions that might not. The Clearing House Interbank Payments System (CHIPS) CHIPS is a private clearing system run by The Clearing House, which is the modern name for what was originally the New York Clearing House Association we discussed in Lectures 3 and 5. Daytime expansion and contraction of credit happens on the balance sheet of CHIPS as well. Instead of overdrafts, members post collateral at the beginning of the day and record due to's and due from's throughout the day. https://preview.redd.it/28wf4t8fq74b1.png?width=1093&format=png&auto=webp&s=f5935a4d78c67ffba771328a274e05eec15e878c Unlike reserve deposits at the Fed, banks don't treat the liabilities (due from's) of CHIPS as reserves/money. This means that CHIPS is not an RTGS. Banks wait until the end of the day to clear with CHIPS and settle their remaining cash commitments over Fedwire. That's when the reserves actually flow. The Fed sits above CHIPS in the hierarchy of money and credit. As of 2017, in addition to CHIPS, the Clearing House also provides an RTGS called Real-Time Payments (RTP). And the Fed is planning to launch a 24/7 RTGS called FedNow in July 2023. Part 5: The Function of the Fed Funds MarketIn a closed system, the payments surpluses and deficits at the end of the day always net out to zero. The surplus and deficit agents just need to find each other. That's what the money market facilitates.The creation of a Fed Funds loan moves reserves from a surplus agent to a deficit agent. https://preview.redd.it/4xysr0bxq74b1.png?width=818&format=png&auto=webp&s=f4f80f276be0f66ae1eea6128a8e568d617048f2 Here's a set of balance sheets that shows how daylight overdraft payments cause an expansion of the Fed's balance sheet that then contracts back down again after the deficit agent (Bank A) borrows reserves in the Fed Funds market. https://preview.redd.it/nx893pgzq74b1.png?width=1116&format=png&auto=webp&s=b375f3047b3e04dded42a9ed0ac4dfb1ab0c0453 Notice that the Fed Funds loan remains. At the end of the day, the expansion of credit is still there. It's just no longer on the balance sheet of the Fed. From the lecture notes: To appreciate the importance of this constraint at the end of the day, it is useful to appreciate the way that banks are allowed to relax the survival constraint during the day. Indeed that violation is essential for the smooth working of the payments system because it allows banks to be the “first mover”, to make payments before they receive payments. The institutional form that violation takes is the “daylight overdraft”.—Lecture NotesBut it's also true that Bank A could have borrowed in the Fed Funds market first instead of paying via overdraft only to borrow Fed Funds to repay the overdraft later. https://preview.redd.it/o25221t7r74b1.png?width=1066&format=png&auto=webp&s=3ad3bdc27cb13eeba39e8dc322684385b5416816 In the first case, the Fed's balance sheet expands and then contracts back down. In the second case, the Fed's balance sheet stays the same size throughout. In either case, Bank A has "paid" Bank B by promising to pay the next day. The asset Bank B receives as payment is a Fed Funds loan instead of reserves. Stigum makes a point that some banks are natural sellers of funds and others are natural buyers. Put another way, the regular business of some banks causes their daily cash inflow to exceed their daily cash outflow, and for some other banks it is just the reverse. Concretely, it seems that the former are small banks in isolated areas that don’t face much demand for loans, while the latter are large city banks that can lend out all their deposits plus more. So the Fed Funds market channels excess funds from the country banks to the city banks. Viewed in this way, we can think of the Fed Funds market as analogous to the older pattern of correspondent banking. This country-city flow was largely intra-regional in the past, and so it remains today. (The regional character of correspondent banking is reflected in the location of the 12 Federal Reserve Banks.)—Lecture Notes Part 6: Payment versus Funding: an exampleHere are the balance sheets from the mortgage example in the lecture.https://preview.redd.it/qb2pl7v9r74b1.png?width=1157&format=png&auto=webp&s=698752bd2bc3e5c57c28f131e04cca48599c72d0 These balance sheets show HSBC starting with reserves. But all of this can still work if nobody starts with any reserves. The necessary reserves can be created through daylight overdrafts to be eliminated at the end of the day. https://preview.redd.it/4ox0zucbr74b1.png?width=1154&format=png&auto=webp&s=34713b86dc9d29cb64a9f6c6c1124b343b74c57c I've left out the balance sheet of the Fed. In the background, the Fed acts as an intermediary, expanding and contracting reserves and overdrafts by expanding and contracting its balance sheet on both sides. After all this is done, Citibank has a mortgage loan asset that is funded by overnight money. Clearly this is not ideal funding, and the bank has some more work to do, but we leave that aside for the moment to concentrate on the payment rather than the ultimate funding. (The issue of ultimate funding is centrally addressed in Lecture 17.)—Lecture NotesNotice that the seller of the house is indirectly funding the mortgage loan to the buyer of the house. This might seem strange. But it's really just an extension of the swap of IOUs. When I borrow from a bank, I am funding my own loan. https://preview.redd.it/em29vzrcr74b1.png?width=783&format=png&auto=webp&s=a5e3096749efd7b7d50f5e61d99059921896f378 Payments, on their own, can benefit from a temporary expansion of credit that then contracts back down once the payment is complete. Funding is an expansion of credit that remains on the books for a period of time to allow someone to establish and maintain a position on their balance sheet. For example, if I invest in a project that's expected to provide a return over time, I might take out a loan to fund that project. In this case, from the perspective of the home buyer's balance sheet, the mortgage is a long-term loan that funds ownership of the house. And from the perspective of Citibank, the Fed Funds loan funds the ownership of the mortgage. Because HSBC is both borrowing and lending Fed Funds, that makes HSBC like a dealer in the Fed Funds market. Dealers are going to continue to come up in this course. The home-buying example shows the mechanics of how HSBC might act as a dealer in the Fed Funds market. The key thing to remember about dealers is that they act as both buyers and sellers in the market. If there are plenty of dealers in a market, then there's always someone to buy from and always someone to sell to (at different prices). In other words, the market is liquid. If there's nobody to buy from and nobody to sell to, then there is no market. So, in the sense that dealers offer to do both, they're "making markets." Withdrawing Lots of Cash Here's what happens if you withdraw your deposits in cash after selling the house: https://preview.redd.it/9rzrx3yer74b1.png?width=1101&format=png&auto=webp&s=e6a85518233dc409f056f0fbd49b0e3652bf299f Chase's balance sheet has contracted and you end up holding liabilities of the Fed (cash) as money. Part 7: Brokers versus Dealershttps://preview.redd.it/xex9mljgr74b1.png?width=813&format=png&auto=webp&s=a815aad5e6de430d60a2ff408a6b3e89ef2b5d74The Fed Funds market was never really a dealer market, in the sense that nobody made a business out of simultaneously borrowing and lending in the Fed Funds market to profit from the interest rate spread. If a bank was both borrowing and lending Fed Funds at the same time, it was usually just a side effect of some other activity. For present purposes, the important point is that dealing activity expands the balance sheet of the dealer, while simple brokering does not.—Lecture Notes Part 8: Payments Imbalances and the Fed Funds RateThe money market helps the balance sheet of the Fed shrink back down. But it doesn't shrink overall credit. The credit just moves off the balance sheet of the Fed and CHIPS and onto the balance sheets of the private banks and the money-market borrowers and lenders.Payment imbalances (after netting) in a reserve-constrained system manifest as an expansion of balance sheets in the money market. Because the Fed Funds market is a market, the Fed Funds rate is a market rate. It is not a single rate but an average of all the rates banks pay in the market. The Fed participates in the money market in various ways. Primarily, they offer standing borrowing and lending facilities. There are prices at which the market can always borrow from the Fed through, for example, the discount window, or the standing repo facility. There are also prices at which the market can lend to the Fed, such as the overnight reverse repo facility. These facilities are set at fixed rates. If the money-market rate moves away from the Fed's standing rates, nobody will go to the Fed. The Fed does not technically participate in the Fed Funds market because the Fed Funds market is defined to be a part of the money market that's not on the balance sheet of the Fed. It's also unsecured. The Fed's standing facilities require collateral. The Fed also participates in the open money market at the market rate to manipulate the quantity of reserves in the system. These actions are called "open-market opertaions," and they normally use repo—i.e. collateralized money-market lending and borrowing. https://preview.redd.it/zdf15wtir74b1.png?width=813&format=png&auto=webp&s=4cfd1b006a5f991b4ac8eed5c77e683ebaa46c16 Part 9: Secured versus Unsecured Interbank CreditThe mortgage loan is secured by the house as collateral. If you fail to pay the mortgage, the bank takes your house. Fed Funds lending, on the other hand, is unsecured. There is no collateral.While it's true that nobody is pledging (or taking) collateral, the banks are in a network, and they know each other. They're always keeping track of their exposures, and they impose limits on how much they want to lend to any given counterparty. They keep a diversified portfolio of Fed Funds lending. When people stop trusting each other, they stop lending unsecured. Repos are a form of secured money-market lending that often has Treasury Bills as collateral. Part 10: Required Reserves, reduxMehrling says that reserve requirements are the least important part of how banking works. If there's always a price at which banks can borrow their needed reserves, then what matters is that price, not the reserve requirements. This was true even before 2008. Since 2008, banks don't typically need to borrow reserves anyway. They hold excess reserves well above the requirements.Not every country even has reserve requirements. And, as of the Covid Crisis, neither does the United States. It's not clear to me whether this made much of a difference or whether reserve requirements will ever be coming back. In a world of modern (and global) finance with shadow banking and market-based credit creation outside of the commercial banking system, it can be a challenge to regulate credit creation/expansion. Please post any questions and comments below. We will have a one-hour live discussion of Lecture 5 and Lecture 6 on Monday, June 5th, at 2:00pm EDT. |
2023.06.05 16:56 throwra13019 I [31F] feel more and more alone when my bf [37M] goes on trips without me
My boyfriend is always leaving for a trip it seems like. The trips usually range from 1-2 weeks. Most of the trips are leisure / for fun, and rarely work related.
He may do some work related socializing / networking while he’s there depending on where he’s going. But for the most part it’s pretty leisurely.
Like this year alone he went to:
But I just feel really alone. he does invite me and prioritize me coming first, but here’s where the issue is we got a dog together about 2 years ago and this dog has really been a handful. He currently has really painful lesions on his skin and for the past month I’ve been dealing with it alone. I’ve already scheduled an appointment with a specialist canine dermatologist but it’s not until after summer was the soonest appointment. In the meantime I’m working with my regular vet but it’s just not enough, it’s barely holding over.
I’m constantly stressed taking care of this dog. And he’s in so much pain he’s also aggressive when I touch or handle his raw areas which just makes me super depressed and sad - on top of how I’ve already been feeling lately.
I’m just overwhelmed and lonely. I feel so disconnected from him. And I am NOT blaming him because he made these plans before our dog got sick, but it’s like even if he wasn’t sick - he knows I can’t go because I don’t trust anyone to watch our dog because he does get sick easily and has a moody temperament and I don’t trust anyone atm to watch him, especially when he’s constantly having issue XYZ and when that clears up, it’s like another issue pops up after that. I’ve said all this to him.
I feel selfish and unreasonable and I know I am.
I don’t want my boyfriend to STOP traveling or stop doing what he wants to do just because I can’t. I completely and totally understand and as someone who has always battled depression, it makes me happy to see him living his best life and I don’t want him to be like me and I don’t want him to stop doing things that bring him joy just because oh ‘I’m sad’.
But at the same time, it just sucks being alone and dealing with this by myself. It also sucks because I don’t know what solution there is. I just feel stuck here until my dog’s health issues are under control because he’s absolutely miserable and my priority is making sure he’s healthy and taken care of above all. Does anyone know what a good compromise could be? Is the solution for me to just suck it up and deal with it (like I have been)? It also just sucks even more because I’ve been in a depressive state for a while (probably because of my dog’s condition and feeling trapped) and I’ve been attending therapy again / still, and I think my boyfriend constantly leaving to go live his best life while I’m at home feeling depressed and hopeless and devastated seeing the condition my dog is in every single day and not knowing when or if he’ll get better and knowing I can’t do anything but wait - is also kind of like a jab to my situation even though it’s not his fault.
TLDR: my bf goes on trips often and I stay home to take care of our sick dog. I feel lonely but don’t want to discourage my bf from living his best life.
submitted by throwra13019 to relationship_advice [link] [comments]
He may do some work related socializing / networking while he’s there depending on where he’s going. But for the most part it’s pretty leisurely.
Like this year alone he went to:
- 2 different conferences (where you pay for a ticket and sit and listen to people popular in this space talk etc)
- 2 beach trips
- Vegas at least once, probably twice for tournaments / gambling
But I just feel really alone. he does invite me and prioritize me coming first, but here’s where the issue is we got a dog together about 2 years ago and this dog has really been a handful. He currently has really painful lesions on his skin and for the past month I’ve been dealing with it alone. I’ve already scheduled an appointment with a specialist canine dermatologist but it’s not until after summer was the soonest appointment. In the meantime I’m working with my regular vet but it’s just not enough, it’s barely holding over.
I’m constantly stressed taking care of this dog. And he’s in so much pain he’s also aggressive when I touch or handle his raw areas which just makes me super depressed and sad - on top of how I’ve already been feeling lately.
I’m just overwhelmed and lonely. I feel so disconnected from him. And I am NOT blaming him because he made these plans before our dog got sick, but it’s like even if he wasn’t sick - he knows I can’t go because I don’t trust anyone to watch our dog because he does get sick easily and has a moody temperament and I don’t trust anyone atm to watch him, especially when he’s constantly having issue XYZ and when that clears up, it’s like another issue pops up after that. I’ve said all this to him.
I feel selfish and unreasonable and I know I am.
I don’t want my boyfriend to STOP traveling or stop doing what he wants to do just because I can’t. I completely and totally understand and as someone who has always battled depression, it makes me happy to see him living his best life and I don’t want him to be like me and I don’t want him to stop doing things that bring him joy just because oh ‘I’m sad’.
But at the same time, it just sucks being alone and dealing with this by myself. It also sucks because I don’t know what solution there is. I just feel stuck here until my dog’s health issues are under control because he’s absolutely miserable and my priority is making sure he’s healthy and taken care of above all. Does anyone know what a good compromise could be? Is the solution for me to just suck it up and deal with it (like I have been)? It also just sucks even more because I’ve been in a depressive state for a while (probably because of my dog’s condition and feeling trapped) and I’ve been attending therapy again / still, and I think my boyfriend constantly leaving to go live his best life while I’m at home feeling depressed and hopeless and devastated seeing the condition my dog is in every single day and not knowing when or if he’ll get better and knowing I can’t do anything but wait - is also kind of like a jab to my situation even though it’s not his fault.
TLDR: my bf goes on trips often and I stay home to take care of our sick dog. I feel lonely but don’t want to discourage my bf from living his best life.
2023.06.05 16:41 letsexchange_io AMLBot Ensures the Legitimacy of Funds Transacted on LetsExchange
 | https://preview.redd.it/z6zkh2ofo74b1.png?width=2468&format=png&auto=webp&s=cd83e31b249e7881ae6caf41eb0e0201ebebb32a submitted by letsexchange_io to LetsExchange [link] [comments] AMLBot, a company certified by the European Institute of Management and Finance, has been cooperating with LetsExchange to ensure the legitimacy of crypto funds transacted on this instant exchange platform. AMLBot verifies that the wallet addresses transacting crypto on LetsExchange are not linked to suspicious or illegal activity. The check result is a percentage representing the probability that a particular address is associated with unlawful activity. This way, the LetsExchange staff can make better decisions to protect customers from scammers and stolen coins. “We are committed to offering premium crypto exchange services to our clients. So, we spare no effort to ensure the security of traders, investors, and other users swapping coins on our platform. AMLBot provides us with reliable and timely information about crypto funds that might have illicit origins and wallet addresses linked to illegal activity so that we can take the necessary measures to guarantee that no malicious actors trade cryptocurrencies on our platform,” Alex J., Chief Product Officer at LetsExchange, commented. AMLBot is a company providing a full range of digital asset tracking for individuals and businesses, helps detect “dirty crypto”, aids companies in achieving AML & FATF compliance, and conducts blockchain investigations. It was founded in 2019 by a team of certified AML specialists following FATF international recommendations. Currently, the company has offices around the world, particularly in Kyiv, London, Gothenburg, and Hong Kong. AMLBot uses a proprietary algorithm that analyzes over 10 thousand open sources and 2.5 thousand+ spam addresses in real time. Also, the company has the most advanced database and shows the most accurate risk score. It supports all major blockchains and the tokens on them, and the team is constantly adding support for additional cryptocurrencies. LetsExchange is an industry-leading exchange platform, supporting over 3,500 crypto coins and tokens, the highest number of cryptocurrencies across the entire market, for seamless instant crypto-to-crypto swaps at competitive rates (particularly for considerable sums) and no upper limits. The platform also provides various services, including buying & selling cryptocurrencies for over 80 fiat currencies, DEX, Telegram bot for crypto swaps, cross-chain swaps, and profitable affiliate programs. |
2023.06.05 15:49 ZenNarwhal Consumer Affairs, Lemon Law, BBB Auto - my experience
I bought a 2022 Pathfinder SL in Oct 2021. I work from home so don’t drive a ton. I was driving home through hurricane rains one afternoon in July 2022 and when I got home noticed water leaking into the cab out of the map light. Since then, the car leaks water after any heavy rain.
Tldr: consumer affairs refused to help me until legally forced to. They made it clear that they won’t do a single thing for me that they are not legally obligated to do. She literally told me this on the phone three days ago. I recommend hiring a lawyer the second you have a lemon law case. Don't just ask for replacement. Ask for a buyback and damages (lost wages, car rental, payments etc)
Between July 2022 and December 2022 I had the Pathfinder at the dealership 4 times to try to fix this leak. They had the vehicle for about 30 days when I contacted consumer affairs to ask for help resolving the situation. Consumer affairs strung me along for three weeks and then denied my claim. This was January 25th. I still didn’t have my vehicle back. I asked consumer affairs to explain why they denied that it fit the Lemon law criteria. They said they’d look again at the case.
Here in VA if the car is in the shop 30 days or 4 times for the same issue and it's new, under warranty it is a lemon and they have to replace or repurchase.
After a week of not hearing from Nissan, I began to investigate lawyers vs BBB Auto Line which is listed on the Attorney General’s website in VA as an alternative to hiring a lawyer to pursue lemon law issues.
I foolishly went with BBB Auto line. This was free for me, but the level of incompetence at BBB Auto was astounding. I opened my claim with them on January 31, 2023. They didn’t get me in front of an arbitrator until April 4th. I asked them in March why they weren’t scheduling the arbitration and they said that Nissan consumer affairs told them that consumer affairs was working with me so there was not a need for it. And they just believed it without verifying with me or notifying me. I had to call, email, insist for three months. They canceled and rescheduled my arbitration twice with 24 hours notice. Finally, they canceled it for the 3rd time and then called me at the time it was scheduled and said I was late for the hearing. The arbitrator and Nissan rep were in the room, where was I? This was after a rep and a supervisor both confirmed via email that it was canceled. There is so much more, but I won’t bore you with it. I wish I had hired a lawyer instead. The incompetence at BBB Auto line made the whole thing feel like a scam.
Meanwhile, the consumer affairs arbitration specialist and I communicated via email. Every few weeks I’d send her an email asking why Nissan wouldn’t help me. My car was in the dealership, I was paying $580 a month for a car I couldn’t access that couldn’t be driven without leaking water on me and having electrical system issues if I were to take it back and drive it – basically safety issues. I would point out how this was a clear lemon law issue and why wouldn’t they replace the vehicle or repurchase? She literally ignored every single email like this. I was polite and professional and was genuinely asking for help. Each time I sent an email she would ignore me for a week then when she responded she wouldn’t address any of my questions, she would just say, “the dealership is still trying to fix your car” At one point she told me on the phone that the Nissan engineer looked at photos and video I provided and said it was probably due to misaligned body seams. I pointed out that this is clearly a manufacturer's defect. She ignored that. During the arbitration hearing she testified that this was clearly not a warrantable defect and Nissan's point of view was that there was no issue.
Finally, the arbitrator found that it was a lemon and ordered them to replace the vehicle. I asked consumer affairs if they would be compensating me in any way for the 117 days my car was in the shop and I didn’t get a rental or anything. She said that they wouldn’t do anything for me they were not legally forced to do. I put in writing that I wanted to speak to someone above her and she called a few days later and said there isn’t anyone I can speak to.
I even asked if they could split the difference with me between the SL and platinum so that I could at least feel like something came out of this for my benefit after this ordeal. (basically, take $2000 off for the car payments I paid while the car was in the shop) She said they wouldn’t take anything off the MSRP even though the local dealership where the replacement is coming from has the actual replacement vehicle listed $2000 under MSRP. When I pointed out that this was a way for Nissan to keep me as a loyal customer (this is my 4th Pathfinder) even after they’ve put me through all this. She said they won’t be doing anything the arbitrator didn’t force them to do. She actually said that the only thing I could really do is complain to BBB “but you already did that so there isn’t an option for you” She told me that her job is to protect Nissan from customer complaints and from paying anything out. So it is 4 weeks since the arbitrator required them to replace the vehicle and I’m waiting for them to send me the paperwork. I made it so clear that they are throwing me away as a customer and that my intention is to trade in this replacement and never drive a Nissan again. She's "sorry I feel that way".
PS. They returned the vehicle to me and now the check engine light is on. The display goes black randomly when I’m driving and won’t turn back on. The compass doesn’t display at random times…the car is a total piece of garbage and Nissan couldn’t care less about their customers.
submitted by ZenNarwhal to Nissan [link] [comments]
Tldr: consumer affairs refused to help me until legally forced to. They made it clear that they won’t do a single thing for me that they are not legally obligated to do. She literally told me this on the phone three days ago. I recommend hiring a lawyer the second you have a lemon law case. Don't just ask for replacement. Ask for a buyback and damages (lost wages, car rental, payments etc)
Between July 2022 and December 2022 I had the Pathfinder at the dealership 4 times to try to fix this leak. They had the vehicle for about 30 days when I contacted consumer affairs to ask for help resolving the situation. Consumer affairs strung me along for three weeks and then denied my claim. This was January 25th. I still didn’t have my vehicle back. I asked consumer affairs to explain why they denied that it fit the Lemon law criteria. They said they’d look again at the case.
Here in VA if the car is in the shop 30 days or 4 times for the same issue and it's new, under warranty it is a lemon and they have to replace or repurchase.
After a week of not hearing from Nissan, I began to investigate lawyers vs BBB Auto Line which is listed on the Attorney General’s website in VA as an alternative to hiring a lawyer to pursue lemon law issues.
I foolishly went with BBB Auto line. This was free for me, but the level of incompetence at BBB Auto was astounding. I opened my claim with them on January 31, 2023. They didn’t get me in front of an arbitrator until April 4th. I asked them in March why they weren’t scheduling the arbitration and they said that Nissan consumer affairs told them that consumer affairs was working with me so there was not a need for it. And they just believed it without verifying with me or notifying me. I had to call, email, insist for three months. They canceled and rescheduled my arbitration twice with 24 hours notice. Finally, they canceled it for the 3rd time and then called me at the time it was scheduled and said I was late for the hearing. The arbitrator and Nissan rep were in the room, where was I? This was after a rep and a supervisor both confirmed via email that it was canceled. There is so much more, but I won’t bore you with it. I wish I had hired a lawyer instead. The incompetence at BBB Auto line made the whole thing feel like a scam.
Meanwhile, the consumer affairs arbitration specialist and I communicated via email. Every few weeks I’d send her an email asking why Nissan wouldn’t help me. My car was in the dealership, I was paying $580 a month for a car I couldn’t access that couldn’t be driven without leaking water on me and having electrical system issues if I were to take it back and drive it – basically safety issues. I would point out how this was a clear lemon law issue and why wouldn’t they replace the vehicle or repurchase? She literally ignored every single email like this. I was polite and professional and was genuinely asking for help. Each time I sent an email she would ignore me for a week then when she responded she wouldn’t address any of my questions, she would just say, “the dealership is still trying to fix your car” At one point she told me on the phone that the Nissan engineer looked at photos and video I provided and said it was probably due to misaligned body seams. I pointed out that this is clearly a manufacturer's defect. She ignored that. During the arbitration hearing she testified that this was clearly not a warrantable defect and Nissan's point of view was that there was no issue.
Finally, the arbitrator found that it was a lemon and ordered them to replace the vehicle. I asked consumer affairs if they would be compensating me in any way for the 117 days my car was in the shop and I didn’t get a rental or anything. She said that they wouldn’t do anything for me they were not legally forced to do. I put in writing that I wanted to speak to someone above her and she called a few days later and said there isn’t anyone I can speak to.
I even asked if they could split the difference with me between the SL and platinum so that I could at least feel like something came out of this for my benefit after this ordeal. (basically, take $2000 off for the car payments I paid while the car was in the shop) She said they wouldn’t take anything off the MSRP even though the local dealership where the replacement is coming from has the actual replacement vehicle listed $2000 under MSRP. When I pointed out that this was a way for Nissan to keep me as a loyal customer (this is my 4th Pathfinder) even after they’ve put me through all this. She said they won’t be doing anything the arbitrator didn’t force them to do. She actually said that the only thing I could really do is complain to BBB “but you already did that so there isn’t an option for you” She told me that her job is to protect Nissan from customer complaints and from paying anything out. So it is 4 weeks since the arbitrator required them to replace the vehicle and I’m waiting for them to send me the paperwork. I made it so clear that they are throwing me away as a customer and that my intention is to trade in this replacement and never drive a Nissan again. She's "sorry I feel that way".
PS. They returned the vehicle to me and now the check engine light is on. The display goes black randomly when I’m driving and won’t turn back on. The compass doesn’t display at random times…the car is a total piece of garbage and Nissan couldn’t care less about their customers.
2023.06.05 15:26 DarthPoTayTo [QCrit] Fantasy, HORN OF SHUKAN (73k words, version 5)
Dear _
Thank you for the opportunity to pitch my work, THE HORN OF SHUKAN. It is a 73,000-word fantasy novel that follows Persephone Esin. It is written to be stand-alone but has series potential. I wrote it to be a rollicking high fantasy action/adventure in the vein of Indiana Jones and the Amelia Peabody adventures.
Professor Persephone Esin, archaeologist and centuries-old vampire, has dedicated her afterlife to the science of archaeology. When her map to an ancient ruin that holds a powerful talisman is stolen by the ogre Farosh, her former protégé and current professional rival, she races against him to find and secure the site first.
Persephone underestimates Farosh and his mysterious employer. She finds herself outgunned and forced to give up the talisman in exchange for her life, and the lives of her employees. After returning home, she learns the real reason Farosh wanted the talisman; not only does it protect its wearer against magic, it contains a clue leading to the Horn of Shukan.
According to legend, the horn can summon and control an ancient entity powerful enough to level cities and destroy armies. Farosh’s employer wants the horn to disrupt peace talks and keep the war going as long as possible to increase his wartime profits.
Persephone steals the talisman back, determined to keep the horn out of anyone else’s hands until she can decide who to entrust it to. With talisman in-hand, she follows a string of clues and ancient trials to the horn.
Persephone is forced to choose as she races for the horn; adhere to her own rules for preserving historical sites and risk the horn falling into the ambassador’s hands, or violating her professional ethics and devolving into a grave robber to reach it first.
More complications arise, when Baris, a handsome young doctor, and former battlefield medic, is foisted on her by necessity. Persephone’s close proximity to him, her desire to drink his blood, and her growing attraction forces her to act ever-more carefully to stay in control and keep her vampiric nature secret; a secret that, were it discovered, would end with Persephone burning at the stake.
Along the way, she’s challenged by deadly magical traps, murderous mercenaries, homicidal statues, her ever-present thirst for blood, and the increasingly complex, and inconvenient, feelings in her heart.
I have professional experience writing non-fiction material as a science/technical writer, journalist, and communications specialist. I am used to writing and editing on tight deadlines and using feedback from others to improve my writing.
I can be reached at.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you.
submitted by DarthPoTayTo to PubTips [link] [comments]
Thank you for the opportunity to pitch my work, THE HORN OF SHUKAN. It is a 73,000-word fantasy novel that follows Persephone Esin. It is written to be stand-alone but has series potential. I wrote it to be a rollicking high fantasy action/adventure in the vein of Indiana Jones and the Amelia Peabody adventures.
Professor Persephone Esin, archaeologist and centuries-old vampire, has dedicated her afterlife to the science of archaeology. When her map to an ancient ruin that holds a powerful talisman is stolen by the ogre Farosh, her former protégé and current professional rival, she races against him to find and secure the site first.
Persephone underestimates Farosh and his mysterious employer. She finds herself outgunned and forced to give up the talisman in exchange for her life, and the lives of her employees. After returning home, she learns the real reason Farosh wanted the talisman; not only does it protect its wearer against magic, it contains a clue leading to the Horn of Shukan.
According to legend, the horn can summon and control an ancient entity powerful enough to level cities and destroy armies. Farosh’s employer wants the horn to disrupt peace talks and keep the war going as long as possible to increase his wartime profits.
Persephone steals the talisman back, determined to keep the horn out of anyone else’s hands until she can decide who to entrust it to. With talisman in-hand, she follows a string of clues and ancient trials to the horn.
Persephone is forced to choose as she races for the horn; adhere to her own rules for preserving historical sites and risk the horn falling into the ambassador’s hands, or violating her professional ethics and devolving into a grave robber to reach it first.
More complications arise, when Baris, a handsome young doctor, and former battlefield medic, is foisted on her by necessity. Persephone’s close proximity to him, her desire to drink his blood, and her growing attraction forces her to act ever-more carefully to stay in control and keep her vampiric nature secret; a secret that, were it discovered, would end with Persephone burning at the stake.
Along the way, she’s challenged by deadly magical traps, murderous mercenaries, homicidal statues, her ever-present thirst for blood, and the increasingly complex, and inconvenient, feelings in her heart.
I have professional experience writing non-fiction material as a science/technical writer, journalist, and communications specialist. I am used to writing and editing on tight deadlines and using feedback from others to improve my writing.
I can be reached at
Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you.
2023.06.05 15:22 TooktoomanyZugZugs How am I doing? I don't know if I need a gut check, I just feel like I could be doing more
General:
28 years old - General Contractor - $95k/year + some random bonuses here and there nothing crazy
submitted by TooktoomanyZugZugs to FinancialPlanning [link] [comments]
28 years old - General Contractor - $95k/year + some random bonuses here and there nothing crazy
- Goals - Ring, House, that whole deal within the next couple years
- Sidegoal - Make some money on the side doing something I like
- 401k (Target Date) - $47,000
- TSP - $28,000
- Roth IRA (Total Stock and International) - $7,000
- Investment (Total Stock and International) - $1,700
- Ally Savings (I want to save for a ring and house, and this is not enough money lol) - $15,500
- I've been using this as an Emergency / Near Future Slush Fund, but I've been thinking about separating the two just to create that line in the sand of money I'm not touching.
- Checking - $1,800
- Credit Card (Current Balance - Always Paid off) - $(1,650)
- Student Loans (All 4% or less) - $(21,000)
- Insurance Payment sitting in Savings for Stolen Vehicle Repairs - $(4,500)
- Rent - $(1,500)
- Parking - $(90)
- Car Insurance - $(100)
- Phone - $(90)
- Subscriptions - $(25) ish I forget what's active a lot of the times to be honest
- Groceries, Restaurants, and Bars - ?
- Absolutely destroys my budget, I couldn't put a hard number on it right now to be honest.
- I'm not out at bars every night or eating at super fancy restaurants or anything, but it just adds up so quick. We can go meet a friend for a few beers and dinner, and the bill is always $150+. I can go to the grocery and pay $120, come home, and not have food for 3 days.
- I remember a day not long ago that I could live off $60 for the week, and now $60 can't get me through a day.