![]() ![]() You know, we were clicking on all cylinders. Because we were on fire before COVID came. But with COVID, you know, everybody looked at life differently. QUARANTINE!!! #LETSGO #FANTRUTH #CLIPPERDARRELLCARES /tnc4bINlZK Clipper Darrell, as one of the most visible fans of a team in the league after having attended nearly every Clippers home game for the previous 20 years, represents that separation anxiety. The team struggled with a variety of issues, culminating with a loss to the Nuggets in the Western Conference semifinals despite leading the series 3-1.įor the thousands of fans unable to see their teams in person this NBA season, a part of their recreation and leisure is missing. And as has been the case since the Clippers “hosted” the Lakers on March 8, 2020, their fans can only watch on TV.Ĭlipper Darrell is still hurting about how it all went down in the bubble. It’s the longest homestand any team has had all season, and the longest for the Clippers in more than six years. The Clippers are in the middle of a nine-game homestand that continues on Sunday against the Lakers. That’s about as close as Clipper Darrell has been able to get to the team in more than a year. Special thanks: Dara Siegel for .“I was mad I couldn’t hug him,” Clipper Darrell said. ![]() I drive, I live, I bleed red, white, and blue.” I can work anywhere else, but I’m happy here in Los Angeles. You have to be happy with what you do, and if you’re not happy, you can’t do it. Would Dallas fans love me as much as Clippers fans do? That’s what it comes down to for me. When I turned down his offer to be Maverick Darrell it was because-well, you can always have the money, but I wanted the satisfaction. “When Mark sent me out to Dallas, I felt guilty. Mark Cuban, renegade owner of the Dallas Mavericks, offered Darrell a position if he would bring his special brand of energy and commitment to Texas. The fallout turned into a widely covered spectacle in the sports world. They accused him of trying to profit from their name, conveniently forgetting the many years they put him up on the Jumbotron so their fans would have something to cheer to. In 2012 the Clippers decided they wanted to dissociate themselves from Clipper Darrell. “The loyal, the ones who were here from day one, are getting priced out now…It started as fun to come out here and cheer our team on, but now it has become a business.” The newfound success comes with strings attached. Concurrently, the Lakers are hitting a low-point during a transition period, ushering in a new fan base that’s bringing life to the Clippers. With tragedy on the court, he brought comedy to the stands, and over time he became Clipper Darrell.Īfter drafting Blake Griffin and acquiring Chris Paul, the Clippers are now legitimately a good team. Sometimes he was the only thing at a game worth seeing. He was committed to getting the team’s small group of fans excited about the game. But for Darrell, battling low morale was part of the fun. Until the last two seasons, the Clippers were consistently one of the worst teams in the NBA, with a notorious season of only nine wins. And I said, ‘This is my team we’re going to rise and die together.’”ĭarrell slowly transitioned his life into one of fandom. I was watching TV and the Clippers game came on, and they said the same thing about the Clippers-how horrible they were, and how they would never amount to anything. ![]() Over a pupu platter, he chronicles his life of fanaticism. He arrives in predictable garb-leather Clippers jacket, hat, and pants. He is, simply, Clipper Darrell.ĭarrell and I arrange to meet at the Trader Vic’s near the Staples Center in Downtown Los Angeles. Better known as the voice and face of Clippers fans worldwide, Darrell has been the unofficial, yet oh-so-official, mascot of the team since some Clippers fans were in diapers. He has given himself over, body and soul, to what is widely seen as not only the worst basketball team but also the worst sports franchise in history. chants, and Yankees fans.ĭarrell Bailey is the exception. The ones with real gusto often attach themselves to some perception of righteousness, power, or victory-think holy wars, U.S.A. There is something to respect about people who can dedicate themselves completely and unwaveringly to something-be it religion, a profession, even a team-treading the line between fanaticism and unbridled insanity. Don’t You Know, Baby, I Bleed These Colors ![]()
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![]() ![]() ![]() The town was sacked, with its inhabitants butchered and left as carrion. The southern squadron bypassed Dragonstone, believing that it was to strong to assault, and instead attacked Driftmark, setting afire the harbor of Spicetown with fire ships. North and south of Dragonstone the battle continued into nighttime. Jacaerys leapt free, but was then killed by Myrish crossbowmen. ![]() Survivors said he struggled in the rigging of a burning galley and sank with it. Vermax flew too low, however, and crashed down into the sea, possibly wounded from a crossbow bolt to the eye or pulled down by a grapnel. When Jacaerys was joined by Ulf the White on Silverwing, Nettles on Sheepstealer, Addam Velaryon on Seasmoke, and Hugh Hammer on Vermithor, the line of warships from the Free Cities shattered as one galley after another turned away. One ship caught on fire and then another, however. The sailors had experience fighting Prince Daemon Targaryen and his dragon, Caraxes, during the war for the Stepstones, so their captains directed their spears and arrows against Jacaerys. įlying on Vermax to meet the fleet of the Triarchy, Prince Jacaerys Velaryon swept down upon a line of Lysene galleys. They attacked at sunrise, surprising House Velaryon's fleet. Sharako Lohar divided the Triarchy's ships into two squadrons entering the Gullet to the north and south of Dragonstone. Battleīattle began on the fifth day of the new year, 130 AC. Stormcloud died at Dragonstone from his wounds. Nevertheless, they flew to Dragonstone, where Aegon delivered the news of the threat from the east. Sailors attempted to bring them down and Stormcloud was wounded by arrows and scorpion bolts. Aegon escaped the Gay Abandon on his young dragon, Stormcloud. Possessed only of a dragon egg, Viserys had no way of escaping from the cog and was made captive. The Gay Abandon was taken captive and her escorts sunk or captured. Gay Abandon encountered the Triarchy's fleet, which had sailed up to the Gullet. The Sea Snake sent seven of his warships with them as escort. The princes departed on a Pentoshi cog, the Gay Abandon, towards the end of 129 AC. ![]() Meanwhile on Dragonstone, it was decided by Prince Jacaerys Velaryon that his half-brothers, Princes Aegon and Viserys Targaryen, would be fostered with a Prince of Pentos until their mother, Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen, had secured the Iron Throne. Ninety warships, commanded by Admiral Sharako Lohar of Lys, swept from the Stepstones under the banners of the Three Daughters, bending their oars for the Gullet. The schemes of Otto eventually bore fruit, as the High Council of the Triarchy accepted his offer of alliance in Tyrosh. Otto's plan took time and Aegon II eventually ran out of patience with his grandfather's prevarications, replacing him as Hand with Ser Criston Cole. Otto reached out across the narrow sea to enemies of Prince Daemon, the Triarchy, hoping to persuade them to move against the Sea Snake, Lord Corlys Velaryon. After the assault on Harrenhal by Prince Daemon Targaryen and further blows to the greens, Ser Otto Hightower, the Hand of the King to Aegon II Targaryen, hatched a plan to break the Velaryon fleet's blockade. House Velaryon blockaded the Gullet and controlled access to Blackwater Bay at the start of the civil war. ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Once done, continue heading to the left and begin climbing up until you arrive at the next room above you. Defeat both enemies to have both gates opened again. After defeating the Heavy Sentry, a Winged Sentry and a Husk Sentry will spawn. The gates behind and across you will close once the sentry notices your presence. Walk towards this direction to come face-to-face with a Heavy Sentry. Once you reach the top, you should see a piece of paper lying on the ground to your left. A well-timed Howling Wraith should take care of them. Head east from here while dealing with the Winged Sentries–flying variants of the Husk Sentries. Just before the elevator enters the building, you should spot a platform on your right. Ride it and slash the lever above to make it go up. From the entrance of the Nailmaster’s area, hit the lever to summon the elevator. Once your nail is upgraded, exit the hut and make your way back to where you came in. Moving forward, however, you’ll need to find and collect Pale Ores to have your nail upgraded. For now, he will only ask for 250 Geos to upgrade your nail. The Nailsmith is an NPC who will upgrade your melee weapon. Enter this structure to meet the Nailsmith. Head upwards and walk to the right and you’ll spot an odd-looking hut. Once you reach the far end of the area, you’ll hear a metal clanking sound. Just continue in this direction while defeating or avoiding the Husks and Vengeflies along the way. The region now known as Greenpath used to be much more extensive, stretching over the Queen's Gardens and possibly Fog Canyon.From here, proceed left. ![]() She is calling the mosskin, who are waiting for the call to return. Unn is said to have created all of the area's flora and the Mosskin themselves from her dreams. The most glaring displays of their skills of carving and construction are the Lore Tablets scattered across Greenpath and the temple built to worship their god, Unn, which is located on the shores of the Lake of Unn, where the Higher Being lives. They allowed the Pale King to build roads throughout their lush caves, but anyone straying from the paths would face the law of Unn. Greenpath is inhabited by the Mosskin Tribe, a group of plant-like bugs. In the section above, lies the Hunter in his lair set up in a small cave. In the very southeastern portion of the area, near the connection to Fog Canyon, the Stone Sanctuary can be found at the end of a dark passage below the Bench room. In the southwest sector of the area, at the end of a challenging path full of thorns and Durandas, is Sheo's Hut, where the Knight can learn the Great Slash Nail Art. Further west, on the other side of the lake, Unn can be encountered at the bottom of the lake. In the northwest part of Greenpath, to the left of the arena where Hornet is fought, the Lake of Unn can be found with a lone Moss Knight standing on the edge of the pier next to the shrine. ![]() The Knight has the choice to either save him or leave him to die. Zote the Mighty can be found in the north part of the area being attacked by the Vengefly King. Throughout all of Greenpath, pillars and egg-shaped stones with swirling carvings, sometimes reaching enormous sizes, can frequently be spotted. These features are deeply reflected in its inhabitants, who developed a natural mossy camouflage, allowing them to perfectly blend in with their surroundings. Greenpath is an exuberant green cavern, composed of diverse vegetation, mossy valleys, and broad lakes of acid. ![]() ![]() He's a champion level shooter that knows 5 languages and cage fights. The big problem I have is with the main character Pitt. He has a great villain that is revealed in a unique way. Michael from United States I really enjoyed the realistic gun use, none of that ridiculous Hollywood B.S.! Larry Correia knows real guns, their modifications, and what it takes to use them realistically. I do hope the gun love is toned down for the next book, but I doubt it.Ĩ/10 The shape and flow of the story is well defined and you easily breeze through the pages with glee.Ģ positive reader review(s) for Monster Hunter International The shape and flow of the story is well defined and you easily breeze through the pages with glee. This was enjoyable book, which came as a surprise. It may have just been easier to write it as such and have it done with. For example, there is an ancient obelisk with writing across its surface, which the Cursed One thinks relates to him and a prophecy, but it was fairly obvious from the words written and the "hidden" context it was meant for Pitt. ** SPOLIER ** Certain concept points came across a little transparent and while not taking away from the story they didn’t leave much of a mystery for the reader. The author gave great detail and description to each weapon used or mentioned, almost like he was writing a manual on how to perform brain surgery. Don't get me wrong I am not adverse to some gun action but it was taken to another level in this book. I did have issues with the amount of gun love throughout the book, but considering the biography of the author, it is not surprising (have a read, you'll see why). Within the last ten years these creatures have been done to death (pun intended), the only original aspect I took away from the vampires in this story was the idea that a vampire’s strength and mental control did not come from age (being an old vampire) but from the creature who turned them in the first place as well as the amount if blood they have drunk to date. Soapbox time! I have said it before and I am sure to say it again, I am not a fan of vampire/werewolf fiction. ** SPOLIER ** He even has a shred of humanity at the end and saves the day for an even greater evil, so you kind of feel bad (only a little) when he dies. This main agent of destruction, The Cursed One was a well thought-out character that inspired distrust and dislike from the moment the reader is introduced to them. We have the expected love interest, an over-arching villain with their willing and unwilling agents and a hidden Evil. We still have the traditional fantasy memes, only one person has the innate skills, untapped power and destiny to save mankind and that man is Owen Pitt. ![]() Stepping back I will say the idea behind Pitt was a little on the nose for me and he could have had some bigger flaws and a little more of a learning curve as he deals with his new world. He has been trained from an early age by his military father in all things war - he is the perfect monster fighting machine. With a dark past as a bare knuckle fighter he initially hides away as an accountant to escape his sins. The main character Pitt is a hulking beast of a man: tall, strong, skilled and smart. Think of it as a book that runs up hill without stopping and then jumps off. From the opening pages this book contains a lot of action and gun love, and continues in this vain from the start to finish. ![]() It’s a hidden world known only to those who fight these creatures and those who have suffered at their hands. In Monster Hunter International we inhabit a world of werewolves, vampires, trolls, orcs and much much more. I know it sounds ridiculous but it was the combination of these things that encouraged me to purchase the book, which I was thankful for, as I did really enjoy the story. ![]() In the end what actually pushed me over the edge was something a little sillier and real world - it was the feel of the pages as I flicked through them, soft, silky and very tactile. I had lifted it at random from the shelf at my favourite bookshop, Pulp Fiction, read the blurb and immediately had my interest piqued. ![]() Initially, I did not think I would enjoy this style of book (vampires, werewolves etc.) but I was pleasantly surprised when I did. ![]() ![]() ![]() The effect of the end of support is detailed on an FAQ page the former device maker is hosting. The promised period of support actually ended over a year ago, so it has already over-delivered on its promises. The last version of the BlackBerry OS it released dates back to 2013, so the devices affected here are now extremely old. ![]() AdvertisementīlackBerry eventually gave up on its own phones, and started releasing Android versions before exiting the hardware business entirely (it now primarily provides corporate security services). In the mean time, corporate users fell in love with their Apple and Android phones, and compelled their IT departments to support them. It took over a year after the iPhone's release for the company to come out with its own touch screen phone, and its software remained an awkward mix of old and new for some time after. It dismissed on-screen keyboards, and counted on its stranglehold on corporate services to maintain its market. Unlike the people who developed Android, BlackBerry's leadership was blindsided by the iPhone's popularity. An indication of its importance is that early internal builds of Android looked like a cheap BlackBerry knockoff, rather than the cheap iPhone knockoff that was eventually released. Its keyboard-based hardware was widely adopted in corporate settings, in part because the services it provided typically ran through BlackBerry servers, allowing for high levels of security and control. It may seem difficult to imagine if you weren't using cell phones at the time, but BlackBerry once dominated the smartphone market. As of January 4th, the phones will no longer be provided with provisioning services, meaning that they will gradually lose the ability to join networks, including the cellular network. BlackBerry, the company that once dominated smart mobile devices, recently announced that it was finally discontinuing key services that support its phones. ![]() ![]() When the small band of Rebels demonstrate some success in reaching their initial goal against the Evil Empire, the rest of the Rebel forces join in. The executives and managers recognize that this new approach means doing things in a radically different way They want to do a "pilot", but realize that whatever venue they choose for their pilot must be wholeheartedly committed to the new processes and approach The dedicated Rebels realize that only being half-in will doom the entire effort to failure They decide to give it their all The small group of executives and managers decides that they must try to bring long-lasting and effective change so that their bottom-line can (finally) see some real growth and their "evil" competition can be overthrown The small band of dedicated Rebels decides they must try to do whatever it takes to defeat the Evil Empire and expose the self-destructive defect in the Death Star's reactor Many executives and managers in your company don't believe that there is a defect in "the way we've always done things" or that is even possible to make dramatic improvements to the bottom-line by trying new methodsĪ small, but dedicated, group of Rebels believe that it just might be possible to defeat the Evil Empire-especially if the alleged defect in the reactor design exists Besides, continue as they are today is to continue without any real hope for the futureĪ few executives and managers in your company begin to believe that a real change is possible if the alleged defect in traditional approaches to inventory and supply chain management is real and can be overcome Besides they are tired of the constant firefighting without real hope for the future Many of the Rebels don't believe that the halographic message is real, or that it is possible to overcome the Evil Empire Imperial transport pilot Bodhi Rook defects, bringing with him a halographic message from Galen Erso, making Rebel leaders aware of a defect he has built into the Death Star's reactor designĪ consultant who as defected from "the Dark Side" (read: traditional inventory and MRP methods, see below) brings your company news that there is a fatal defect in traditional MRP logic and related methods The Evil Empire continues to oppress the galaxyĬontinual firefighting, expediting, high logistics expenses, and excess payrolls and overtime expenses continue to oppress (depress) your company's bottom-line I have outlined the connections I see in the table (below). I found a lot of relevance in "Rouge One" to what we do as a company, and to what we see happening with our clients (in too many cases). ![]() ![]() I watched the latest Starwars over the holiday break " Rogue One." Not only was I was intrigued by the title but by the trailers' reference to taking on what seems to be an enemy too overwhelming to ever defeat. Business / Enterprise Intelligence (24). ![]() ![]() ![]()
![]() Preys on the other hand display vivid warnings of their venom as a means of defence. Predators often hunt using a technique of subterfuge. Some are masters of camouflage, others are true mimic artists. They thrive in the muck, using every single piece of junk as shelter. ![]() But it is exactly this mineral-rich lava that breeds creatures to be found nowhere else.įorced to adapt to the harsh conditions, the marine life here is characterized by many incredible and endemic species. As the name suggests, the muck dive sites in the Lembeh Strait are outright murky because of the fine sediments and volcanic ash, which do not settle down easily after being stirred. You can forget about the crystal clear turquoise water associated with Indonesian islands. You can even witness closely behaviours such as feeding, fighting, mating or laying eggs. Divers in Lembeh can really take time to observe each critter. The plain seabeds expose the extraordinary habitants and unlike on coral reefs. The exact opposite is the case on any muck dive. So why on earth would someone swap coral reefs for muck!?Ĭoral reefs are so full of life, so diverse and so confusing to the point that it is hard to grasp this diversity. These horrid, yet perfect (on that in a second), conditions can be found in the Lembeh strait.ĭespite not having the most charming underwater scenery muck diving is highly popular. The truest muck dive sites are those where the seabed is strewn with natural detritus such as rotting tree trunks, palm leaves, coconut husks as well as man made trash – bottles, cans, tires, fishing waste. Just gloomy black lava sand, muddy sediment, dead coral rubble and waste. ![]() Well, muck diving is nothing you would associate with a tropical destination – no vibrant corals, no amazing visibility, no big fish. Macro lovers will fall head over heels with the muck diving here! You can be sure to tick off a huge chunk of your bucket list on a single holiday and even see species you didn’t know existed.Įvery dive is a marine biology workshop, observing bi zarre creatures you would only see on the covers of dive magazines (you can guess where those photos were taken □ ) In Lembeh, you will most definitely find some of the best muck diving in the world! The black lava sand and rubble in the strait reveal a crazy concentration of unique and exotic marine animals. A fantastic investment pair of wellington boots to see you through the year.If you are a muck diving addict then behold! The Lembeh Strait in North Sulawesi, Indonesia, is a treasure chest packed with the most peculiar creatures.Įstablished as the critter capital of the world, Lembeh has a remarkable biodiversity. Finishing touches include a dual density footbed with memory foam for a customised fit and a solid foundation. ![]() The durable rubber outsole also features tread spacing with lug side profiles, helping to shed mud and clay for easy maintenance. The Muck Boot Company has combined a waterproof rubber upper with a durable outsole for all-weather protection and superior surface traction while you work and walk. The Muck Boot Company Mens Mudder Tall Wellington Bootsįacing the season’s unpredictable weather has never been easier in the Men’s Mudder Tall Wellington Boots. ![]() ![]() ![]() This app is specially designed for joining media, as the name indicates. If your goal is to find a simple app for combining videos, you can opt for MediaJoin. One can even change ‘save as’ formats from the variety of options available.įurthermore, users can combine mp4 files of any size together. To add to these features, users can easily share their creations directly from the application without much hassle. Furthermore, the pool of tools available for editing makes the entire editing process effortless. ![]() It has amazing variations in transition filters and impeccable speed. This mp4 combiner tool is ideal for both beginners and editing experts. However, you can still find the free app from the link below. Microsoft designed the Windows Movie Maker program exclusively for windows OS, which after 17 years got discontinued. See Also: 16 of the Best Tools to Convert Video URL to MP4 Windows Movie Maker Moreover, another handy feature is that you can also preview the outcome after mixing the clips as per your needs. However, the most amazing property apart from zero quality loss is that there is no adware and malware bunched with the app. Furthermore, you can unite videos and audios together as well. Moreover, when the file is trimmed, the quality still remains intact, which is a great benefit of this app. MP4, AVI, WMV, also MOV, and MPEG are some formats that can be run on this Gihosoft Free Video combiner. Any amateur creator can easily utilize the video combiner tool. This free video and audio merger is not just high-powered but also has a clean and uncomplicated interface. Not only it charges nothing, it also aids you in expediting the creation process. Furthermore, you also can add creative transition effects for smooth progression. Also, it is helpful in cutting and merging audios as well. This is another free of charge MP4 joiner tool available exclusively for all window’s versions. It supports 320 video codecs and 50 audio codecs which gives you all the freedom you need to convert or edit your videos.ĭownload: WinX HD Video Converter Gihosoft Convert your MP4 into MP3 within few steps. You can split, merge, crop or embed subtitle tracks into your video. You can convert your video into any format without comprising the quality of your original video. WinX HD Video Converter is a windows MP4 Joiner which serves as a multipurpose video editing software. You can embed your subtitle tracks into the video either as a hard code or by including SRT files.ĭownload: MP4tools WinX HD Video Converter Deluxe You can adjust the Pixel Aspect ratio accordingly. Split your video to reach your preferred video size or start-end time. It also lets you convert your video file formats to help you play your video in any format restricted devices by making your video compatible with your device. MP4tools is a video editing software which enables you to process video files by splitting and merging video clips. Movica Free MP4 Joiner Software MP4tools. ![]() ![]() ![]() To get the printable, fill out your name and email address in the box below. The sixth card is the card with blank squares to fill in your own letters. There are five cards included in the Christmas scattergories printable that have letters assigned to the lists. Simply choose a letter for each round and write it in the boxes. Category Lists for Scattergories The number of categories one has available for playing Scattergories is almost unlimited. Once you’ve used all of the provided cards, you can use the card with the empty letter spaces to create new cards. Each player will need a copy of the same Scattergories lists. Clipboards (or a place for everyone to go to write where they can have privacy)Īfter you download the printable, print as many copies as you need for your players.Additionally, game fans have taken it upon themselves to create and share numerous homemade categories. Pens or pencils (enought for every player/team) The original Scattergories game, copyrighted by Milton Bradley in 1988, has twelve lists, each with twelve categories for a total of a hundred and forty-four starting categories.Here’s what you’ll need to play this game: All categories are appropriate for all ages so if you’re looking for printable Christmas games for adults, consider this as well. This printable pack includes lists that make it work as Scattergories for kids. Players then total their scores for their round.Īt the end of the game, the scores from each round are added together and the player with the highest score wins! If a player has an acceptable word that does not match another player’s word, they can circle it.Įach unique circled word scores 1 point. If someone has a matching answer, players cross that word off their list. Then players take turns reading their answers out loud. When the timer stops, everyone stops writing. The answers must start with the key letter at the top of the list and they must fit the category. Players fill out the first column for round one. Generally, each round is given three (3) minutes to play. Make sure each player is using the same list. The player with the most points at the end of all of the rounds is the winner.Įach player takes a list. At the end of each round, players compare answers and score a point for each unique answer. You have to use the assigned categories and the assigned letter for each round. The object of the game is to fill out the word list with as many unique words as possible. If you’ve never played Scattergories before, here’s a quick rundown on the traditiona l way to play the game. You can play the traditional Scattergories games and just substitute holiday prompts or you can use the Christmas Scattergories list pages included in the printable pack at the bottom of the post. This makes it a great game for holiday parties and celebrations! For bigger groups, players can make teams to play. If you have a small group, everyone can play individually. Christmas Scattergories is not only a great game because it can be played by a wide range of ages. ![]() |