text:
CARBON SUBSULFIDE is an inorganic chemical compound with the formula C₃S₂. This deep red liquid is immiscible with water but soluble in organic solvents. It readily polymerizes at room temperature to form a hard black solid.

Synthesis and structure

C₃S₂ was discovered by Béla Lengyel,[1] who assigned it an unsymmetrical structure. Later, infrared and Raman spectroscopy showed that the structure is symmetrical with a D∞h point group symmetry,[2] i.e. S=C=C=C=S. This compound is analogous to carbon suboxide whose structure is O=C=C=C=O.

Lengyel first synthesized this compound by passing carbon disulfide (CS₂) vapor through an electric arc with carbon electrodes. This treatment produced a black solution that after filtration and evaporation gave a cherry-red liquid. He determined the molecular mass by cryoscopy. Later preparations of C₃S₂ include thermolysis of a stream of CS₂ in a quartz tube heated to 900 to 1100 °C as well as flash vacuum pyrolysis (FVP) of 1,2-dithiole-3-thiones.[3]

Reactions and occurrence

Among its few known reactions, C₃S₂ reacts with bromine to form the cyclic disulfide.[4]

C₃S₂ polymerizes under applied pressure to give a black semi-conducting solid. A similar pressure-induced polymerization of CS₂ also gives a black semiconducting polymer.

In addition, reactions of C₃S₂ can yield highly condensed sulfur-containing compounds, e.g. the reaction of C₃S₂ with 2-aminopyridine.

Using microwave spectroscopy, small CnS₂ clusters have been detected in interstellar medium.[5] The rotational transitions of these molecular carbon sulfides matched with the corresponding molecules.

[1] {{ cite journal | author = von Lengyel, B. | title = Ueber ein neues Kohlenstoffsulfid | journal = Berichte der Deutschen Chemischen Gesellschaft | year = 1893 | volume = 26 | issue = 3 | pages = 2960–2968 | doi = 10.1002/cber.189302603124 | url = https://zenodo.org/record/1425718 }}

[2] {{ cite journal |author1=Smith, W. H. |author2=Leroi, G. E. | title = Infrared and Raman Spectra of Carbon Subsulfide | journal = The Journal of Chemical Physics | year = 1966 | volume = 45 | issue = 5 | pages = 1778–1783 | doi = 10.1063/1.1727828 |bibcode = 1966JChPh..45.1778S }}

[3] {{ cite journal | author = Pedersen, C. T. | title = The formation of 1,2-propadiene-1,3-dithione (carbon subsulfide) from flash vacuum pyrolysis of 1,2-dithiole-3-thiones | journal = Tetrahedron Letters | year = 1996 | volume = 37 | issue = 27 | pages = 4805–4808 | doi = 10.1016/0040-4039(96)00941-0 }}

[4] {{ cite journal |author1=Stadlbauer, W. |author2=Kappe, T. | title = The Chemistry of Carbon Subsulfide | journal = Sulfur Reports | year = 1999 | volume = 21 | issue = 4 | pages = 423–445 | doi = 10.1080/01961779908047951 }}

[5] {{ cite journal |author1=Cernicharo, J. |author2=Guelin, M. |author3=Hein, H. |author4=Kahane, C. | title = Sulfur in IRC + 10216 | journal = Astronomy and Astrophysics | issn = 0004-6361 | year = 1987 | volume = 181 | issue = 1 | pages = L9–L12 | bibcode = 1987A&A...181L...9C }}

title: Carbon subsulfide

question: Summarize everything relating to Lengyel.

answer: Carbon subsulfide was discovered by Bela Lengyel. He was the first to synthesize this compound by passing carbon disulfide vapor through an electric arc with carbon electrodes. He determined the molecular mass by cryoscopy and assigned it an unsymmetrical structure.

question: Summarize carbon subsulfide's reactions.

answer: Carbon subsulfide reacts with bromine to form the cyclic disulfide. It also polymerizes under applied pressure to give a black semi-conducting solid, and under a similar state it can give a black semiconducting polymer. Carbon subsulfide can yield highly condensed sulfur-containing compounds.

question: What does the text say about the structure of carbon subsulfide?

answer: Carbon subsulfide was assigned an unsymmetrical structure. Its analogous to the structure of carbon suboxide. It also has a structure that is symmetrical with a D∞h point group symmetry

question: What does the text say about carbon dioxide?


split: train

text:
[Elisabeth Beck-Gernsheim
2011]

ELISABETH BECK-GERNSHEIM (born 14 October 1946 in Freiburg), is a German sociologist. She holds a professorship at the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg.[1]

After studying sociology, psychology and philosophy in Munich, she obtained her PhD in 1973. After several fellowships, she graduated from Munich University in 1987.

Her main research interest is in social changes and the changing situation of the institution of the family. She is the widow of sociologist Ulrich Beck.

Works

-   _Das halbierte Leben_ (1980)
-   _Vom Geburtenreckgang zum ganz normalen Leben_ (1984)
-   -   -   _Das ganz normale Chaos der Liebe_ (1990)
    -

-   _Was kommt nach der Familie?_ (2000)
    -

-   -   -   _“Ein Türke geht nicht in die Oper” – was Deutsche über Türken wissen_, in: Robertson-von Trotha, Caroline Y. (ed.): Kultur und Gerechtigkeit (= Kulturwissenschaft interdisziplinär/Interdisciplinary Studies on Culture and Society, Vol. 2), Baden-Baden 2007,

[1]

title: Elisabeth Beck-Gernsheim

question: If Elisabeth Beck-Gernsheim had not been a widow, do you think she would have progressed so much in her research?

answer: Being a widow could be a reason in which Elisabeth spent more time, focus, and energy on her research.

question: How well educated was Elisabeth Beck-Gernsheim?

answer: Elisabeth was very well educated, having studied the disciplines of sociology, psychology, and philosophy, and obtaining her PhD. She also held several fellowships.


text:
COUNT GEORG MAGNUS SPRENGTPORTEN (; ; ; 16 December 1740 – 13 October 1819), was a Finland-Swedish politician, younger brother of Jacob Magnus Sprengtporten. As he defected to Russia, he went down Swedish history as a traitor.

Early life

Sprengtporten was born in Porvoo (), Uusimaa (), Kingdom of Sweden (now Finland). He entered the army and rose to the rank of captain during the Seven Years' War. He assisted his brother in the revolution of 1772, and in 1775 was made a colonel and brigadier of the Savolax brigade in east Finland. Here he distinguished himself greatly as an organizer and administrator. The military school which he founded at Haapaniemi (then Tuhkaniemi), Kuopio (1 August 1780 until 1 May 1781 when it was moved to Haapaniemi estate in Rantasalmi, where it operated until a transfer to Hamina in 1819) subsequently became a state institution (Hamina Cadet School).

1779–81

Like his brother he also came to the conclusion that his services had not been adequately appreciated, and the flattering way in which he was welcomed by the Russian court during a visit to Saint Petersburg in 1779 still further incensed him against the perceived ingratitude of his own sovereign. For the next two years he was in the French service, returning to Finland in 1781. Due in part to contacts with Benjamin Franklin who was there contemporaneously he conceived of the idea of separating the grand duchy from Sweden. This aim was first approached through the Walhalla-orden subversive secret society and scheming with the king's brother, Charles XIII of Sweden. This scheming was apparently stillborn, as Charles informed his brother of the schemers' approaches.

1786

The chosen Plan B was to establish an independent state under the protection of Russia. During the Riksdag of 1786 he openly opposed Gustav III of Sweden, at the same time engaging in a secret and treasonable correspondence with the Russian ministers with the view of inducing them to assist his plans for an independent Finland by force of arms.

1788–1808

In the following year, at the invitation of Catherine II of Russia, he formally entered the Russian service. When the Russo-Swedish War of 1788–1790 began, Sprengtporten received the command of a Russian army corps directed against Finland. He took no direct part in the Anjala conspiracy but urged Catherine to support it more energetically. His own negotiations with his fellow countrymen, especially after Gustav III of Sweden had brought the treacherous army officers of the Anjala conspiracy back to their allegiance, failed utterly. Nor was he able to serve Russia very effectively in the field for he was seriously wounded at the battle of Porrassalmi 1789. At the end of the war, indeed, his position was somewhat precarious, as the High Court of Turku condemned him as a traitor, while Catherine regarded him as an incompetent impostor who could not perform his promises. For the next five years, therefore 1793–1798, he thought it expedient to quit Russia and live at Teplice in Bohemia. He was re-employed by the emperor Paul of Russia who, in 1800, sent him to negotiate with Napoleon concerning the Maltese Order and the interchange of prisoners. After Paul's death Sprengtporten was again in disgrace for seven years, but was consulted in 1808 on the eve of the outbreak of hostilities with France. On 1 December 1808 he was appointed the first Russian Governor-General of Finland with the title of count, but was so unpopular that he had to resign his post the following year.

Retirement

The last ten years of his life were lived in retirement. Sprengtporten died in Saint Petersburg in 1819.

Memorial stones

Georg Magnus Sprengtporten's Memorial stones are located in Harbour park (Satamapuisto) of Kuopio, near the place where his military school was originally located. While staying in Teplice, Sprengtporten was in regular contact with the Count Waldstein's librarian, Giacomo Casanova. Their correspondence has been saved and is well known to scholars.

title: Georg Magnus Sprengtporten

question: How long did Sprengtporten live?

answer: For 79 years.

question: Wen was Sprengtporten in French service?

answer: 1779–81.

question: How long was Sprengtporten Russian Governor-General of Finland?

answer: For a year.

question: Why did the High Court of Turku condemn Sprengtporten as a traitor?

answer: Because he defected to Russia.


text:
MATTHEW MOSKOWITZ (born 1976 in the United States) is an American abstract painter who works in New York. In 2012 his paintings were seen in the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA).[1] Moskowitz's show in London England was held in the art district Trinity Buoy Wharf. Moskowitz represented the United States. The title of the show was “Breathe.” It was an international event with career artist from several different countries. http://www.trinitybuoywharf.com/whats-on/event/breathe-art-exhibition Moskowitz's painting are within both private and corporate art collections. http://oysterbayenterprisepilot.com/2014/02/auctioning-art-for-charity/ Moskowitz is within the collection of Guild Hall Art Museum in East Hampton, New York. His painting titled “Safari” hung in its 79th Annual Artist Member Exhibition in April 2017. The show is the oldest running exhibition on Long Island. http://www.guildhall.org/events/?id=1098&mode=id [Matthew Moskowitz]

[1]

title: Matthew Moskowitz

question: Who is Matthew Moskowitz?

answer: an American abstract painter who works in New York

question: When was Matthew Moskowitz born?

answer: 1976

question: When did Matthew Moskowitz's work appear in the Museum of Modern Art?

answer: 2012

question: Where was Matthew Moskowitz's London England show held?

answer: in Trinity Buoy Warf

question: What are some notable works by Matthew Moskowitz?

answer: Breathe and Safari

question: Write a ~1 sentence summary.

answer: Matthew Moskowitz is an American abstract painter who works in New York.


text:
In statistics, a TSALLIS DISTRIBUTION is a probability distribution derived from the maximization of the Tsallis entropy under appropriate constraints. There are several different families of Tsallis distributions, yet different sources may reference an individual family as “the Tsallis distribution”. The q-Gaussian is a generalization of the Gaussian in the same way that Tsallis entropy is a generalization of standard Boltzmann–Gibbs entropy or Shannon entropy.[1] Similarly, if the domain of the variable is constrained to be positive in the maximum entropy procedure, the q-exponential distribution is derived.

The Tsallis distributions have been applied to problems in the fields of statistical mechanics, geology, anatomy, astronomy, economics, finance, and machine learning. The distributions are often used for their heavy tails.

Note that Tsallis distributions are obtained as Box-Cox transformation[2] over usual distributions, with deformation parameter λ = 1 − q. This deformation transforms exponentials into q-exponentials.

Procedure

In a similar procedure to how the normal distribution can be derived using the standard Boltzmann–Gibbs entropy or Shannon entropy, the q-Gaussian can be derived from a maximization of the Tsallis entropy subject to the appropriate constraints.

Common Tsallis distributions

q-Gaussian

See q-Gaussian.

q-exponential distribution

See q-exponential distribution

q-Weibull distribution

See q-Weibull distribution

[1] Tsallis, C. (2009) “Nonadditive entropy and nonextensive statistical mechanics-an overview after 20 years”, _Braz. J. Phys_, 39, 337–356

[2]

title: Tsallis distribution

question: What is a Tsallis distribution?

answer: A probability distribution derived from the maximization of the Tsallis entropy under appropriate constraints.

question: What are some common Tsallis distributions?

answer: q-Gaussian, q-exponential distribution, and q-Weibull distribution

question: How can the q-Gaussian be derived?

answer: From a maximization of the Tsallis entropy subject to the appropriate constraints.

question: What fields has the Tsallis distributions been applied to?

answer: Statistical mechanics, geology, anatomy, astronomy, economics, finance, and machine learning.

question: Write a ~2 sentence summary.

answer: This Wikipedia page is about the Tsallis distribution, a statistical  probability distribution derived from the maximization of the Tsallis entropy under appropriate constraints. The article describes problems that this distribution has been applied to, and some common Tsallis distributions.


text:
[Bradley Dack of Blackburn Rovers]
Dack's goal at the KCOM was his fourth in all competitions so far this season
Bradley Dack scored the only goal as Blackburn Rovers earned their first Championship victory since promotion against Hull.

Dack's close-range finish - his fourth goal in all competitions so far this season - came just before the break and followed Elliott Bennett's cross from the right.

A frantic finale saw good chances come and go for Hull's Jordy de Wijs and Nouha Dicko.

The result means Tony Mowbray's side recorded their first second-tier victory since they were relegated on the final day of the 2016-17 season.

-   Relive Saturday’s EFL action
-   Listen: 'The only decisions in my future are what I make' - Adkins on Hull position

The visitors enjoyed the better of the first half, and could have taken an earlier lead had Kasey Palmer not been denied by David Marshall in the Tigers' goal.

But there were worrying scenes midway through the opening half, after a sickening clash of heads between Palmer and Hull defender Stephen Kingsley resulted in the latter being forced off injured.

After the break, Australia international Jackson Irvine forced Blackburn goalkeeper David Raya into action with a smart save.

However, it should have been 2-0 midway through the second half when Adam Armstrong showed a turn of speed to get into the area before his shot was saved by Marshall, and Bennett put the rebound wide.

The visitors negotiated six added minutes to secure victory, as Hull remain without a league victory since 10 April.

HULL BOSS NIGEL ADKINS TOLD BBC RADIO HUMBERSIDE:

"I won't hide in any corner. My shirt's wringing wet - I've been sweating like mad trying to get something from the game with the team.

"The scenes at the end where the crowd had turned on the players and turned on us is not what we want. We want to try and be together, especially so early in the season.

"[It] highlighted that it's going to be a tough season. It was a tough game for the guys today. We gave a poor goal away at half-time and we needed to get to half-time because, for me, they [Blackburn] were in the ascendancy."

BLACKBURN BOSS TONY MOWBRAY TOLD BBC RADIO LANCASHIRE:

"There were lots of components to the game that were good today.

"[There was] the fact we came away from home, started on the front foot and could have scored two or three in the first half.

"Then to get the goal, to keep going and add some great opportunities, second-half - we had some great opportunities that weren't to be, but we're standing here with three points."

-   Line-ups
-   Match Stats
-   Live Text

Line-ups

Hull

-   1Marshall
-   2Lichaj
-   15MacDonald
-   4de Wijs
-   23Kingsley
    Substituted forToralat 29'minutes
-   20Bowen
    Substituted forMilinkovicat 72'minutes
-   22Henriksen
-   16Irvine
-   17Kane
-   7Evandro_Booked at 68mins_
-   25Campbell
    Substituted forDickoat 72'minutes

Substitutes

-   6Stewart
-   9Dicko
-   10Toral
-   11Milinkovic
-   12Long
-   19Keane
-   26Curry

Blackburn

-   1Raya
-   2Nyambe_Booked at 60mins_
-   26Lenihan_Booked at 52mins_
-   14Mulgrew
-   17Bell
-   6Smallwood
-   29Evans_Booked at 47mins_
-   45Palmer
    Substituted forTravisat 67'minutes
-   23Dack
    Substituted forGrahamat 59'minutes
-   31Bennett
-   7Armstrong
    Substituted forRothwellat 78'minutes

Substitutes

-   8Rothwell
-   9Samuel
-   10Graham
-   13Leutwiler
-   25Downing
-   27Travis
-   32Conway

Referee:
    David Coote

Attendance:
    12,233

Live Text

1.  Match ends, Hull City 0, Blackburn Rovers 1.

2.  Second Half ends, Hull City 0, Blackburn Rovers 1.

3.  Foul by Evandro (Hull City).

4.  Amari'i Bell (Blackburn Rovers) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

5.  Attempt missed. Corry Evans (Blackburn Rovers) right footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses to the left.

6.  Foul by Evandro (Hull City).

7.  Darragh Lenihan (Blackburn Rovers) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

8.  Attempt saved. Jordy de Wijs (Hull City) header from the centre of the box is saved in the top centre of the goal. Assisted by Evandro with a cross.

9.  Corner, Hull City. Conceded by Darragh Lenihan.

10. Attempt blocked. Nouha Dicko (Hull City) right footed shot from the left side of the box is blocked. Assisted by Todd Kane with a cross.

11. Attempt missed. Danny Graham (Blackburn Rovers) right footed shot from the centre of the box is high and wide to the right.

12. Attempt missed. Danny Graham (Blackburn Rovers) left footed shot from the left side of the box misses to the right. Assisted by Corry Evans.

13. Attempt saved. Danny Graham (Blackburn Rovers) header from the centre of the box is saved in the centre of the goal. Assisted by Darragh Lenihan with a headed pass.

14. Foul by Markus Henriksen (Hull City).

15. Lewis Travis (Blackburn Rovers) wins a free kick on the left wing.

16. Substitution, Blackburn Rovers. Joe Rothwell replaces Adam Armstrong.

17. Attempt blocked. Evandro (Hull City) right footed shot from a difficult angle on the left is blocked.

18. Corner, Hull City. Conceded by Charlie Mulgrew.

19. Jackson Irvine (Hull City) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

20. Foul by Richard Smallwood (Blackburn Rovers).

question: Who is Bradley Dack?

answer: Bradley Dack is a player for the Blackburn rovers.

question: Who was injured in the first half?

answer: Hull defender Stephen Kingsley was injured in the first half.

question: When is the last time that Hull won a league game?

answer: Hull has not won a league game since April 10.

question: Who is the Blackburn goalkeeper?

answer: David Raya is the Blackburn goalkeeper

question: Write a ~2 sentence summary.

answer: This article details a game between Hull and the Blackburn Rovers. Blackburn won, 1-0.


text:
He slides around the corner, presses his back tightly against the wall, and they rush past him without noticing.  Resting hands on knees, panting and sweaty, he takes a moment to catch his breath. They are after him. He has been running through this building for hours.

Finding him has become a competition. We all want to be the one that traps the rabbit. He knows me from a time when I was on his side. I'm not sure if he will still trust me, but what's the worst that can happen?

I gesture towards my door offering sanctuary, mouthing, "Come on! They are right behind you!" He scurries over, and darts under my arm just as a team of officers turns the corner. I shut the door behind him, and brace myself as he tries to force it open.

"Hey, I found him! He's in here!"

He is trapped and knows it. His executioners walk in behind me. He sulks over to one of my desks. We shoot each other sideways glances as we take our positions. We nod silently saying, "Good game."

His case manager storms in followed by a suit. She immediately begins to deliver the lecture she has been waiting all day to give. I sit closest to him. He won't hit me... but her... none of us are too sure about her. The suit sits closest to the door, looking uncomfortable and annoyed.

He tries to explain why he ran, but she had hours of chasing to prepare this speech. There were no planned pauses for his input. He is fidgeting and looking around the room. He knows I won't hesitate to tackle him if he makes a play for the door. He and I have been down that road together at "the other place." He locks eyes with me and I see big tears welling up. I can hear him telepathically asking for help. I want to scream at her to,

 "SHUT THE FUCK UP!"

but he must have been reading my mind too because he bolts up and yells it. The suit says in his best authoritative voice, "Kevin, stop."

I think to myself, "What's that bitch gonna do."

He and I lock eyes again and I ask, "So, are you taking any art classes this year?" He looks stunned. He wants another reason to yell but there isn't one. It dawns on him that I am throwing him an out and he grabs it with both hands.

"Not yet, but I want to."

In the background the lecture from Mr. & Mrs. Bitch continues, but we have entered into our own conversation bubble. In our bubble it is calm and quiet and the topic is art.

"You know there are a lot of great courses offered here."

We maintain intense eye contact because this reprieve is fragile.

"Is there a sculpture class? Remember when I made you...

POP!

I had heard it in the background too. The Bitch crossed the line. She is already at the phone and looking up the number for his mom.

He begins to shake. "You gonna call her so you can tell her more lies? Just like with that email you sent her." He is getting angry again and his eyes are darting around the room. He is starting to panic. "You know FUCK YOU BITCH! I've put up with fifteen years of abuse and you know that."

"I didn't lie in that email. It's not my fault if your mom didn't undesta..."

"It is your fault! I am back in that house now and I hate it. What happened over that email is YOUR FAULT."

She moves uncomfortably in her chair and looks away. She does feel the guilt. She changes her tone and softly says, "I am so sorry if you got in trouble because your mom didn't understand my email."

He senses her weakness and lobs into his verbal assault. He goes on about how she lies and how much she hates him.  He begins to make fun of her for the tears in her eyes when I turn my gaze back towards him.

"I know you don't like her, but do you know your brother hates ME?"  This phrase strikes him speechless. I have known him for years. I protected him from the bigger kids when we were at "the other place." He has cried in my arms more than once.

"It's true. I am the one that has to boss him around and he hates me for it. I was just trying to figure out what to do with him before we found out you were missing. He is worried sick about you right now."

He studies my face to for a tell. I hold his gaze and continue. "Did you hear her? What she said? She said she's sorry and that you're right. Do you think you can forgive her?"

His face twists with rage and tears stream down his cheeks. He looks at her and begins screaming again. I reach out and hold his hand.

"You know, all of the problems with your mom were there before her. You can't blame her for what your mom did."

And just like when he was small he sobs in my arms. On cue, his brother walks in. Kevin runs up and hugs him.

I would like to say he hugged Mrs. Bitch as well, but truth be told, as soon as she got him into the hall he took off running.

title: The Runner

question: What does the story say about the narrator's relationship with Kevin?

answer: The narrator and Kevin go to school together. They are friends and the narrator protects Kevin from the bigger kids. Kevin has an abusive mother.

question: What does the story say about Kevin's quarrel with the teacher?

answer: The teacher tells Kevin to stop talking and is going to call his mother. Kevin starts yelling at her that she hates him and that she lied to his mother last time. He will be abused by his mother because of the teacher's call. The teacher says she is sorry if Kevin got in trouble because his mom didn't understand the teacher's email.

question: What does the story say about the narrator's family?


text:
For my fear of copyright laws and so forth I only have here a few paragraphs of a fantasy epic I plan on and have already begun writing.
The main problem with these things is they take forever, and I would really appreciate some reassurance that people might actually be interested. Thanks.

Nark had never been more exultant. The air reeked of blood, sweat and the blistering cold of the great eastern mountains of Norskabba. The half-light of dusk cast an eerie glow off the thick rock hard snow. This Nark regarded with intense interest; he had always found it fascinating how the entire world would change in nature so incredibly drastically in a matter of hours.
Earlier a heavy blizzard had suffocated them, but now the battle worn fellowship stood in a world completely frozen. They had fought under a blanket of ice cold blades, each of which had stung with such mind numbing pain Nark felt sure that by the end of the slaughter he would be riddled with scars. Indeed, the young adolescent warrior was covered head to toe in frozen blood, though none of it was his own. The ice had done no more than the swords, and even when three burly pale men had targeted him at once he had not flinched. These men were armed and armored with steel, iron and bronze, but their glorious trinkets cost them their speed, and though the metal was impenetrable it provided no comfort from the cold, and for this the men became lumbering bulks of roars and self pity. The ice stung their eyes, their discomfort in this strange new frozen wasteland stung their hearts, and Nark’s narwhal tusk dirk stung their exposed throats. His three opponents had fallen as one, and as their life’s blood ebbed from them, wept as one.
Nark sank into his furs and his thoughts while around him his companions did the same. There were ten of them now. Earlier there had been twelve; but Zrej and Barlask had been given the appropriate rites and burnt. They had died bravely and honorably, and even when Barlask had been found, his stomach torn open and a thousand writhing black snakes pouring out, neither had begged nor cried nor wept. Nark approved, and cut off a lock of hair for each of them with the others during the rites. Throughout this, and the battle, no one had spoken. There was no need, and sound carried on the ice plains. That was how they had found the enemy.
There had been a hundred of them- perhaps two hundred- clattering their way down a river bed between two ridges. For whatever reason they had thought the roar of the blizzard would muffle any sound they might make, and so had made it their mission to complain their way through the wet and cold. The Norsk warriors had fallen on them in silence. The blizzard was their ally, and the cold all the armor they had required. They had spared no survivors.

title: Sample from Fantasy Epic; Feedback Appreciated

question: What mountains is Nark exploring?

answer: Norskabba.

question: What is the name of the main character?

answer: Nark.

question: How many companions does Nark have?

answer: Ten.

question: What are the names of the companions he has lost?

answer: Zrej and Barlask.

question: Write a ~2 sentence summary.

answer: The story is about a battle-hardened warrior, Nark, patrolling the mountains of Norskubba with his troupe. He reflects upon the death of his companions and the battles they had fought in the past.


text:
[]I was elated to see Sunday night that the musical movie, _La La Land_, did so well at the Golden Globes. We needed a movie that screamed hope and optimism. As Emma Stone said in her Golden Globes acceptance speech, “This is a film for dreamers. And I think that hope and creativity are two of the most important things in the world, and that’s what this movie is about. So, to any creative person who’s had a door slammed in their face, either metaphorically or physically … or anybody anywhere, really, who feels like giving up sometimes, but finds it in themselves to get up and keep moving forward, I share this with you.” We – in the social sector – are the ultimate dreamers. One of my favorite social entrepreneurs, Elisa Birnbaum, did an amazing piece on this very topic in her online publication, SEE Change Magazine, that warmed my soul, and I begged her to share it with us here at the Social TrendSpotter. I hope you walk away refreshed and ready to dream big in 2017.

_In the recently released movie,_ La La Land_, two aspiring artists navigate the demands, expectations and sobriety of the “real world.” Mia (Emma Stone) is an actress with consistently disappointing auditions who moonlights as a coffee shop barista, while Sebastian (Ryan Gosling) is an old-school jazz musician, a purist with dreams of opening his own jazz club, who’d rather lose money than play simplistic holiday jingles at a restaurant._

_The movie’s other prominent character is Los Angeles. In some scenes, it’s portrayed as a bright and cheery place where dreams really do come true. In others, with its mask unfurled, LA is painted with gloomier brushstrokes of rejection and disappointment. At various points in the film, both characters reconsider their “foolishness” and contemplate trading in their dreams for more grown-up (read: realistic) pursuits. Lucky for us – and them – they come back to their (non)senses._

_In one pivotal scene, Mia is asked to relate a personal story during an audition. She proceeds to sing (this is a musical, after all) about a beloved aunt, a fellow dreamer, fool – and apparent role model who lived life to the fullest, skeptics be damned. The song is a powerful homage to the fool in our midst: “Here’s to the ones who dream, Foolish as they may seem, Here’s to the hearts that ache, Here’s to the mess we make. … So bring on the rebels, The ripples from pebbles, The painters and poets and plays …”_

_“LA LA LAND STANDS AS AN ODE TO THE DREAMER, A TRIBUTE TO THE FOLKS WHO TAKE RISKS, WHO STAND TALL AND STRONG IN FACE OF NAYSAYERS AND DISBELIEVERS – OFTEN THEMSELVES INCLUDED.”_

_In many ways, it’s the story of writer-director Damien Chazelle, who was repeatedly denied the chance to make the movie. But this dreamer didn’t give up, pulling off the passion project after six years, a testament to the power of foolish pursuits. As he stated in an interview, “I wanted the movie to be a love letter to not just dreams, but to the kinds of dreams that society often mocks.”_

_And that’s the point. The world needs dreamers just like it needs realists whose feet never soar beyond the puddles on the pavement. Dreamers yearn for a better world, a better life. They infuse our possibilities with color, awe and wonderment. Dreamers believe in something bigger than ourselves, even when it’s deemed impractical, unrealistic. They question the status quo and convention, regularly defying them and their assumptions, and always ask for more – of themselves and of others._

_Dreamers give us pause, inspire contemplation, push boundaries and force us beyond comfort zones, begging us to see beauty in the ordinary. Dreamers gave us Harry Potter, Facebook and Apple. But dreamers were also suffragettes, civil and human rights activists, environmentalists and peacemakers. Like Mia, Sebastian and Chazelle, they believe that life is not fully realized without those dreams._

_I spend a lot of my time writing about dreamers – social entrepreneurs, changemakers, who are often dismissed, rejected outright for their seemingly utopian fantasies, for believing in the value of social currency, business as a force for good, peaceful coexistence, among other fantastical illusions._

_Some called me a dreamer too when I launched_ SEE Change Magazine _with the belief that storytelling focused on social change and social good was a valuable endeavour, that providing a platform for inspirational stories about changemakers could help other fools gain the courage to follow their own dreams. But with social entrepreneurship on the constant rise and with readers asking for more content exploring that intersection of profit and purpose, can it be dreamers are actually onto something?_

_So, if you have a dream, embrace it and take every step possible to realize it. Don’t let fear or critics sway you. Start that business, pursue that innovation, do what you can to change the world, jump in deep, travel far, get your hands dirty, your feet wet, enter that contest, ask her out, speak up, shout out in the face of injustice. But, above all, believe in your dream because no one else will believe in it for you._

_Here’s to a New Year filled with dreams and foolish contemplation. Here’s to believing in the possibilities, in the pursuit of those things which may cause your heart to ache but fill you with wonder, vibrancy, life and love. Here’s to the ones who dream, foolish as they may seem._

Social TrendSpotters, I hope this optimistic message inspires you as much as it did me. I wish you the very best as you pursue your dreams for a better world in 2017, and hope you will share them with us.

To learn more about Elisa’s fantastic work with SEE Change Magazine, check it out, and I encourage you to subscribe to the free digital publication.

Sign up to receive the Social TrendSpotter e-newsletter

question: Summarize everything relating to the theme of the film.

answer: The movie screams hope and optimism. It is a film for dreamers and is about hope and creativity. It's a tribute to those who take risks and stand toll in the face of naysayers and disbelievers. It's a love letter to not just dreams, but to the kinds of dreams that society often mocks.

question: Summarize everything concerning the film's actors.

answer: Emma Stone said in her Golden Globes speech that the film was for dreamers and the movie was about hope and creativity. She plays Mia, an actress moonlighting as a coffee shop barista, while Ryan Gosling plays Sebastian, an old-school jazz musician.

question: What did Ryan Gosling have to say about the film?

question: What does the article say about entrepreneurs?

answer: Elisa Birnbaum, one of the authors favorite social entrepreneurs, did a pice on the topic of La La Land and dreams in her online publication, SEE Change Magazine. She spends a lot of time writing about dreamers, including social entrepreneurs. Social entrepreneurship is on the rise. The author encourages readers to start their businesses, pursue innovation, and believe in their dreams.


text:
josh was an ordinary boy Just like you or me or... so it seemed, on the outside he was just a boy who for some reason , Hated life. In other words he was just a fifteen year old boy who showed no emotion, no feeling, no compassion. He appeared as if he WANTED to be hated in public, wearing clothes no other would DARE to wear at fancy party's he wore jeans a novelty shirt such as a video game character and he always held a cane for NO reason when asked the question "josh what has happened to you" he would reply,
"that name serves no purpose to me ... and what did i TELL YOU! i am the same GUY" but he wasn't he had changed... he had not always been like this with jet black hair the dyed red tip scraping his chin. people around him would know, he would only talk sorrow and death after that day... he spoke to M

title: Black and M a short story i am begging to write please tell me what you think

question: How can you describe Josh?

answer: Josh can be described as a teenage boy who wanted to be hated and was throwing fits. He was rude and showed no emotion, feeling, or compassion.

question: What feeling does this story emote?

answer: This story emotes the feeling of sadness and anger, as Josh is changing and is in quite a turbulent time of his life.


text:
Sticks and Stones may break my bones, But these words will always kill me.

Time is short, they have found me and they will soon break through the wards on the doorways, I cannot tell you everything but I can give you enough to see the truth.

At the beginning of mankind, a dangerous world of monsters threatened its very existence. The life of each individual balanced delicately on a knife edge and nobody was safe no matter how they tried to hide or defend themselves. That was the way of things, until one day a break through was made, Enuncia.

A weapon that not only saved mankind from extinction, but was instrumental in their eventual mastery of the world. Words of power that when heard could trick, maim and even kill. A perfect, versatile weapon not limited to the physical ability of the user. These words took two forms, those of creation and those of destruction.

The first people debated in what circumstances such words should be used in and which words were too powerful, which words were too cruel, which words were good and evil. A disagreement took place, the first people split into two tribes. These tribes were named after the form of Enuncia they used, good and evil.

I cannot tell you these words or un-words rather, pronunciation is very particular a slight lapse in a phrase commonly results in a lack of effect or on the rare occasion it may cause harm to you and the world around you. I've seen people burst like a ripe grape, sectioned into geometric pieces and far worse. In fact many of the "spontaneous combustions" reported are in fact people making mistakes in Enuncia or accidentally forming these un-words of power without the proper training to survive speaking them.

The evil were not satisfied, they began a war with the good. A war that killed thousands, burst reality like a spent shell casing and left in its place scars in the skin of the universe. A war that lasted millennia, a war that may yet begin again.

One such scar in reality was created during a battle at sea between Sartan of the Evil and Gabreel of the good, a conflict of such magnitude that warped interpretations of these two mighty people appear in religious texts even now. Sartan horribly wounded, in desperation combined un-words into one final attack, causing an explosion that killed them both and left a wound so large in the fabric of reality that it still swallows people, ships and planes. I believe they call this place the Bermuda triangle now.

I digress, in the end both tribes threw all they had into one final effort, destroying each other until all that remained was a few deserters from each side avoiding each other in mutual fear. Thus the knowledge of Enuncia degraded over time, the words became corrupted through the changing of accents and the improper transference of knowledge to their descendants.

Few remembered the old weapon, even fewer were willing to use it, those using it were seen as gods, daemons and sorcerers. Some were worshipped, some hunted down and killed. I will not recite their stories here as a great many became myths or legends that are well known even now. Witches and wizards, great heroes, world leaders. Hitler was one such descendant of the evil tribe, you never wondered how his speeches were so influential on people, driving them to do terrible things? You never thought it strange that prayer, trying to bring salvation through the spoken word, is such a core part of most religions? So naïve.

Then again, much of the truth in these tales have been lost over the years, lost or covered over. Adam and eve were tricked by a snake, this is partially true as a descendant of the evil tribe had his tongue surgically altered to be forked in order to better pronounce some of the words of destruction as the purer the pronunciation the more effective the un-word becomes. Notice how the words good and evil are so similar to God and Devil? It is no coincidence.

Do you wonder why we have curse words? There are words that can curse you or others but you're too far from proper pronunciation to use them.

If you ever inexplicably bleed from the mouth but have good dental hygiene you may even have said a lesser un-word by accident without ever realizing. So many of those words are lost to us now, but they are making progress in recovering them, they listen to your conversations through the microphone on your phone and laptop, in the hopes that if you are killed through an accidental enunciation they will have recorded the word. As the saying goes enough monkeys at type writers would eventually produce the combined works of Shakespeare. So enough people spontaneously combust and the beautiful language of Enuncia will live again and bring humanity into new heights of success or new depths in depravity. Those who crave this are known only as the whisper men.

It's too late for me, the whisper men will soon break down the warded door. The whispers have turned to shouts, the shouts have turned to roars and the roars have turned to concussive booms. There is no time left, there is one thing they do not know, we of the good left clues for you in some of the most famous literally works. I can't say more than that, just be careful for if you but whisper the right words you can still stop them.

Remember, sticks and stones may break your bones but words will always be the key.

title: [HF] [FN] Sticks and stones may break my bones, But words will always kill me

question: What does the story say about angels?

question: What does the story say about Enuncia?

answer: Enuncia was a weapon discovered by saved mankind from extinction at the hands of the monsters that roamed the ancient world. It was words of powers that could maim, trick, and even kill when heard. Enuncia was a perfect, versatile weapon not limited to the physical ability of the user. It had two forms, those of creation and those of destruction. The first people had a disagreement about how to use Enuncia and they split into two tribes based on the words they used: good (creation) and evil (destruction).

question: Why do people spontaneously combust or burst like ripe grapes?

answer: People spontaneously combust when they pronounce the un-words wrong. Even a slight lapse in a phrase can either result in a lack of effect or, on rare occasions, bring harm to the speaker and the world around them. The reported cases of spontaneous combustion are actually people making mistakes in Enuncia or accidentally forming un-words without the proper training to survive speaking them.

question: Summarize the main conflict in the story.

answer: The evil tribe, led by Sartan, was not satisfied and began a war with the good tribe, led by Gabreel. The war killed thousands and lasted for millennia, bursting reality and scarring the skin of the universe in the process. Sartan and Gabreel faced off one last time during a battle at sea, and a wounded Sartan combined un-words in desperation, causing a massive explosion that killed them both and left a scar on reality now known as the Bermuda Triangle. The remaining members of each tribe threw all they had at each other, destroying almost everyone except for a few deserters on either side. The knowledge of Enuncia degraded over time, but a few remembered the old weapon and were seen as gods, demons, sorcerers, witches, great heroes, and world leaders. Throughout history, descendants of the evil tribe have tried to gain a foothold in society (Hitler), and those who seek destructive Enuncia (the whisper men) are going after descendants of the good tribe for one final push.


text:
DENNIS ALEXIO VS. BRANKO CIKATIĆ was a heavyweight kickboxing bout that took place at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, US, on March 16, 1992, which ended in a controversial technical draw.

Background

Dennis Alexio was the golden boy of American kickboxing, having lost only one bout in his career (a controversial decision to Don "The Dragon" Wilson at light heavyweight in 1984) and co-starred in the film _Kickboxer_ with Jean-Claude Van Damme.[1] The undisputed World Heavyweight Kickboxing Champion, he held titles for all the major kickboxing associations such as PKA, IKF, ISKA, KICK and WKA.

Branko Cikatić, meanwhile, had spent the majority of his career fighting in Muay Thai matches as a cruiserweight throughout Europe. After a storied amateur career, he became the European Muay Thai Champion in 1985 before going on to take the world title two years later. In 1989, he won the WKA Cruiserweight Kickboxing Championship and then the IKBF Cruiserweight Kickboxing Championship the following year.[2]

The fight

Alexio faced Cikatić on March 16, 1992, at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, US, live on pay-per-view as part of the World Martial Arts Challenge event. The only title on the line was the inaugural WMAC Heavyweight Championship. 14,000 spectators were in attendance at the venue.[3]

The rules of the bout were disputed between both fighters right up to the day of the fight. Alexio, who had competed exclusively under American kickboxing rules, wanted both fighters to wear foot pads and low kicks to be illegal. Cikatić, a Muay Thai fighter, wanted low kicks as well as the Thai clinch to be allowed. In the end, low kicks were allowed and Alexio wore foot pads, and knees and the clinch were banned. The duration of the fight was set at eight, three-minute rounds.[4]

The first two rounds were close, with Alexio utilising better boxing skills but Cikatić using his powerful low kicks to his advantage. Cikatić was docked a point in the second round for kneeing Alexio in the clinch. The fight then ended in confusion in the third round when a stoppage was called as Alexio's right foot pad came off. Referee Pat Burleson decided to continue the fight without retrieving the foot pad as it had fallen out of the ring. However, before the fight was restarted Alexio hit Cikatić with two left hooks and then kicked at him but missed as he fell to the canvas.

The fight was stopped there and, as it had gone less than half of the set eight rounds, was ruled a technical draw.

Aftermath

The fight was considered to be a disappointment due to the nature that it ended in. The rules and the referee, Pat Burleson, were also criticized.[5] Cikatić claimed the decision to rule the fight a draw was biased as he was the foreign fighter, stating that due to the nature of the stoppage, Alexio should have lost via disqualification. As the WMAC Heavyweight title was won by neither man, Dennis Alexio was set to face Maurice Smith, who had defeated Steven Kruwell that night in a contender match, for it. Despite talks, Smith and Alexio would never meet in the ring.

In his next bout, Alexio faced Stan Longinidis under a similar rule-set in Australia and had his leg broken by a low kick from Longinidis. Although he recovered and went on to fight many more times afterwards, the loss virtually removed Alexio from contention as the world's best heavyweight kickboxer. Branko Cikatić, on the other hand, went on to win the first K-1 World Grand Prix in December 1993. By defeating Changpuek Kiatsongrit, Masaaki Satake and Ernesto Hoost in the same night, he went down in history as one of the sport's greatest fighters.

[1]

[2] Pay-Per-View Card Features Alexio, Long

[3] World Martial Arts Challenge does kickboxing no favours

[4] Ringside at the WMAC by Bill Wallace

[5] Puzzled by Alexio-Cikatic bout

title: Dennis Alexio vs. Branko Cikatić

question: What does the article say about street brawls?

question: Explain Alexio's stance on the debated rules of the fight with Branko Cikatić.

answer: His fighting style doesn't include low kicks, and he wants those banned. He seems to be worried about injuries to his ankles, wanting to wear footpads. He might be aiming to remove a move that his opponent prefers.

question: Summarize Alexio's fights in the article.

answer: The article is mostly about his fight with Branko Cikatić. The rules are that low kicks are allowed, and Alexio can wear footpads. They trade blows for the first two rounds, Alexio's boxing managing to match Cikatić's powerful low kicks. In the third round, Alexio's footpad comes off, but the referee lets the fight go on. However, before the match restarts, Alexio hits Cikatić, and the fight stops there. It gets ruled as a technical draw. Alexio fights Stan Longinidis with similar rules and gets his leg broken with a low kick. He manages to recover and continue to fight, just not at the top level.

question: Summarize Alexio's career.

answer: Alexio is a famous kickboxer, with only a single loss in his career in 1984 against Don "The Dragon" Wilson. He stars alongside Jean-Claude Van Damme in the film "Kickboxer". He holds all the major titles for a long while until his fight against Stan Longinidis, where his leg gets broken. His top form never recovers after that despite managing to fight again.


text:
LEWELLYN FARR CHRISTENSEN[1] (May 6, 1909 – October 9, 1984)[2] was a ballet dancer, choreographer and director for many companies. He was largely associated with George Balanchine and the San Francisco Ballet, which he directed from 1952–1984. Other companies Christensen was a part of include Ballet Caravan, directed by Lincoln Kirstein, and Ballet Society, directed by Kirstein and Balanchine.[3]

Early life and training

Christensen was born in Brigham City, Utah, to a family with roots in dance and music. His grandfather, Lars Christensen, who emigrated from Denmark, taught folk and social dances.[4] Christensen was raised a Mormon, and this upbringing informed his latter career with of a sense of focusing on propriety.[5]

Christensen began studying dance with his uncles and music with his father when he was ten. He was taught early ballet technique by Stefano Mascagno, an Italian teacher. His brother Willam started Lew and their third dancing brother, Harold, in vaudeville. In addition to small vaudeville shows, the three brothers landed jobs in the Broadway musical _The Great Waltz_, during which time Christensen became a student at Balanchine's new School of American Ballet. In 1935, he joined the Metropolitan Opera's American Ballet Ensemble with Harold.[6]

Dancing with Balanchine

As soon as Christensen began his training, he received special attention from George Balanchine, who recognized his talent. Among Balanchine’s first lead male dancers, Christensen danced principal roles, receiving much praise for his lead roles in _Orpheus and Eurydice_ and _Apollon Musagète_.[7] Christensen, the first American to dance Apollo, set a new standard for that role, and was thereafter considered to be America's first home grown significant male dancer.[8]

At the onset of World War II, Lew Christensen was drafted into the United States Army. On return to New York in 1946 he joined Balanchine's and Kirstein's latest project, Ballet Society – later to be known as the New York City Ballet – where he became a ballet master. Although considered by many to be the logical heir to Balanchine's company, Christensen was instead enticed to join his brothers at the San Francisco Ballet in 1948.[9]

Ballet Caravan

Ballet Caravan, begun in 1936 by Kirstein, was intended to provide American ballet dancers with summer employment during off-seasons.[10] As a member, Christensen was a lead soloist, choreographer, and ballet master until 1940.

Between 1936 and 1941 ballets Christensen choreographed included _Pocahontas_ (1936), _Filling Station_ (1938), _Charade_ (1939), and _Pastorela_ (1941). _Filling Station_ incorporated Christensen's vaudeville roots, acrobats, deadpan humor, and tap dancing.

With Ballet Caravan, Christensen and his wife Gisella Caccialanza toured South America in 1941.[11]

San Francisco Ballet

Christensen served as associate director of the San Francisco Ballet in 1949, and was co-director in 1951 with his brother Willam. He served as director from 1952–1984.

Christensen transformed the San Francisco Ballet to an internationally recognized neoclassical company.[12] Although he joined the San Francisco Ballet in 1949, Christensen continued to act as ballet master for the New York City Ballet until 1950. After becoming co-director of the San Francisco company in 1951, he kept a good relationship between it and the New York City Ballet. In 1952, on his brother Willam's departure to establish the ballet program at the University of Utah, Lew became the director of the company. He choreographed over 110 works for the San Francisco Ballet. He brought impressive choreography from Balanchine to the company. With Christensen as director, San Francisco Ballet made its first tours nationally and internationally and received much acclaim.[13]

[1]

[2]

[3] Sowell, Debra. “Christensen Brothers.” _International Encyclopedia of Dance_. Vol. 2. ed. Selma Jeanne Cohen. 1998. 160–162.

[4] Sowell, Debra. “Christensen Brothers.” _International Encyclopedia of Dance._ Vol. 2. ed. Selma Jeanne Cohen. 1998. 160.

[5]

[6] Sowell, Debra. “Christensen Brothers.” _International Encyclopedia of Dance._ Vol. 2. ed. Selma Jeanne Cohen. 1998. 160–162.

[7]

[8] Sowell, Debra. “Christensen, Lew.” _International Dictionary of Ballet_. Vol. 1. ed. Martha Bremser. 1993. 277.

[9] Sowell, Debra. “Christensen, Lew.” _International Dictionary of Ballet._ Vol. 1. ed. Martha Bremser. 1993. 274–277.

[10] “Christensen Brothers.” _San Francisco Ballet._ 2008. San Francisco Ballet. Mar. 24, 2008 <http://www.sfballet.org/about/history/christensenbrothers.asp>.

[11]

[12] “Christensen Brothers.” _San Francisco Ballet._ 2008. San Francisco Ballet. Mar. 24, 2008 1

[13] “Christensen Brothers.” _San Francisco Ballet_. 2008. San Francisco Ballet. Mar. 24, 2008 2

title: Lew Christensen

question: What does the text say about Christensen's work with Balanchine?

answer: Balanchine quickly recognized Christensen's talent, and Christensen was among Balanchine's first male dancers and received several principal roles. After his service in WWII, Christensen joined Balanchine's Ballet Society in New York, which would later become the New York City Ballet, where he became a ballet master. Many considered Christensen to be the logical heir to Balanchine's company, but instead he chose to join his brothers at the San Francisco Ballet in 1948. Christensen brought impressive choreography from Balanchine to the company.

question: What does the text say about Christensen's family?

answer: Christensen was born in Brigham City, Utah, to a family with roots in dance and music. His grandfather, Lars Christensen, emigrated from Denmark and taught folk and social dances. Christensen was raised Mormon, and this informed some of his later career choices. Christensen studied dance with his uncles and music with his father when he was ten. His brothers William and Harold began their careers in vaudeville.

question: What does the text say about Christensen's death?


text:
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question: What is the purpose of the post?

answer: It is an advertisement for Liteblock.

question: What is Liteblock?

answer: Liteblock is a hollow block that is 50% lighter than traditional hollow blocks, for added earthquake protection.

question: What are the listed benefits of Liteblock?

answer: They're lighter; heat insulated; sound insulating; mold, fungus, and algae resistant; highly fire resistant; and steel reinforced.

question: The post compares the installation to that of what?

answer: Legos

question: Write a ~2 sentence summary.

answer: This is an advertisement for Liteblock. Liteblock is a hollow block that is 50% lighter than traditional hollow blocks, for added earthquake protection.


text:
He stood there and watched as the Senior Portman guided his boat towards the sand. He was a proud captain, only three contracts ever signed, but he was well respected for his actions. Three contracts, two of them kind of rushed into but the last one at least had a happier ending. One went on for far too long, it ended officially but then continued on through the black market for some time after that, his only real mistake. What he was doing right now was fulfilling his philosophy, if you aren't going to sign a contract, get your ship out of port. He had signed a contract with The Fleet, which was going to make it hard to have any personal contracts. While it was possible to have personal contracts while in The Fleet, in the end The Fleet's contract took priority. His ship was finally lodged firmly into the sand, he departed to the party he was invited to.

The party was a family get together, he just happened to be good friends with them. It was nice for him to be around some permanent contracts, it gave him hope for the future. There was another captain and a contract creator who seemed to be thinking about negotiations, they spent most of the time enjoying the conversation of the other. He was happy when he could see friends move closer to happiness.

Then there was the contract creator who talked to him. Not totally with words, actions silenced those out. He questioned if he was reading them right. The party ended and he departed, his mind never leaving the contract creator. He had been lonely since the end of his last contract. Yet in loneliness he had found some comfort. Freedom, room to breathe, but still no true clarity of mind. He arrived home, asked the contract creator of their intentions, and went to sleep.

He awoke to a disguise, a misdirection, but he had clarity on this morning. He questioned the amount of time the contract creator had thought about trying to enter negotiations. Answer, since they had first arrived in this port, but he had been in another contract at the time, and so not wanting to use the black market, they pursued other interests. Honesty and purity were highly respectable attributes in his book, and so he continued. The last contract that the creator made ended abruptly, why? Simple, the captain failed their end of the contract in the communication section. He understood, many captains struggled there, he tried to make that section as streamlined as possible. Final question, did the know about The Fleet contract. They did indeed, reason two for pursuing other options.

He had lost all of the clarity he had before, logic dictated to dismiss it, loneliness dictated other wise. He would walk a very thin line the next few days, no more rushing into any contracts. Illogical, improbable, but it would be a trial by fire, none the less.

title: Ship in the sand

question: Summarize the scene of the party.

answer: The party was a family get-together. The captain was good friends with the family. A captain and a contract creator conversed with each other at the party. Another contract creator approached the captain. The captain was not sure if he read the contract creator's actions right. The party ended and he left while thinking of the contract creator.

question: Explain everything that happens to the captain.

answer: The captain lodges his boat firmly in sand to remove possible contract discussions. He attends a party where he is approached by a contract creator. When he leaves the party his mind still rests on the contract creator. The captain was lonely after his last contract ended, but he could not accept a new contract. He asks the contract creator to declare their intentions. The captain woke up with a clear mind and asked the contract creator three questions. The answers made it difficult to make a decision. He didn't want to rush into contracts.

question: Summarize the contract negotiations between the captain and the contract creator.

answer: The contract creator said that they had been trying to enter into negotiations with the captain since they arrived at the port, but they had been in another contract at the time. They did not want to use the black market, so they pursued other interests for the time. Honesty and purity are highly valued by him. The contract creator's last contract ended abruptly because that captain failed in the communication section. The captain knows to make this section as streamlined as possible. The contract creator knows about the contract with The Fleet and that is another reason why they pursued other options.

question: Summarize all the information relating to the the captain's existing contracts.

answer: The captain had three contracts. Two of them he rushed into. The last one had a happier ending. One went on for far too long, it continued through the market for a long time. His last contract was with The Fleet, he could not enter into personal contracts while he was busy with one for The Fleet.

question: Write a ~3 sentence summary.

answer: The captain entered into a contract with The Fleet and is removing his ship from port so he does not make himself available for other contract negotiations. He goes to a party where he is approached by a contract creator that is aware of his contract with The Fleet. He has to decide whether to accept the new contract or not.


text:
The pianist leaned back, extending his arms and fingers in unison with the final note, his muscles popping and relieving the tension of 10 minutes of furious playing. The room still silent, the stretch stopped sharp as he remembered his audience.

"Wow, I actually forgot you were there for a minute."

"I'm not surprised, that was incredible!" His patron, as always, sat front and centre. His only company in a forgotten auditorium deep in the bowels of the great University of the Arts. Her legs crossed, a makeshift desk for the notebook she had been scribbling in since the intro. Never seeming to stop. "Every one is better than the last. Can I ask what was your inspiration?"

"It's kind of about loneliness." He shrugged and stacked the pages before him, tapping them lightly against the rack, setting them in order. "You know, like sometimes I go for walks in the early morning and it feels like I'm the only person alive. The campus can be so peaceful, especially by the lake. The smaller one? Even the birds don't seem to know about it."

"Mmhm?" She nodded. He noticed she never took any notes after the music had stopped. In fact her pen had vanished, her book clasped shut. "I want to know more about your process, though. How do you put those images to music?"

"Oh, a true artist should never reveal his secrets." She gave a curt laugh, clipped and professional, and dropped it. Her expression told him she was deciding whether to push the question.

"May I see the notation? Maybe I could glean some insight." With the others, he would always decline. The way they tore through the sheets with a covetous gleam in their eye had always unsettled him. Afterward they would lose interest in him, forsaking the artist for the art. She, his newest patron, had always taken the time to get to know his work on a deeper level. She always asked to see the music eventually, but these little gestures were enough to soften him.

She took the folder he offered and began laboriously scanning each page. The light shone through so the ink could faintly be seen on the other side, eclipsed by her tapered nails, examining each one with a brief but pointed stare.

And elsewhere, on a level of the college far beneath the deepest known to the young student, two tall specular figures saw what she saw, projected on a wall-filling screen. Though they made more sense than they had in the early days, the true meaning of the music -- its underlying form -- still eluded even the greatest minds among the drones.

"Have we not gathered enough samples, now?" Pleaded the junior. "It is cruel to deceive him so. We agreed to release him soon, so he may live out his days with his own kind."

"And what then?" Scoffed the other, leaning in and tracing the shape of a complex arpeggio, slender pearlescent finger dancing around the notes. "What if we decide later that what we have is not enough? The humans did as many things right as wrong, and if we truly aspire to be their betters, then we must learn as much as we can from them. I don't see this as cruel, I see this for what it is. Their swan song."

In the auditorium, the patron gave a droll smile and set the papers aside. "I'd like to commission another."

title: The Piano Teacher [Criticism Welcome]

question: Why did the pianist forget that he had an audience?

answer: Because he became totally engrossed in the music.

question: Does the artist know that he is captive?

answer: He must know because the junior drone mentions that they had promised to let him go so that he live amongst his own kind.

question: What are the drones planning for humans?

answer: Whatever they plan is not good because the drone says that this is human's Swansong, which means that it is their last performance.

question: Why doesn't the narrator tell her about the process?

answer: He says that a true artist doesn't reveal his secrets.

question: Write a ~13 sentence summary.

answer:
The pianist finishes his ten-minute piece. He tells his patron that for a minute he had forgotten that she was there. She says she is not surprised every one of his pieces is better than the last. She writes notes throughout. She asks where he gets his inspiration. He tells her it’s about loneliness. She wants to know more about the process.

She asks to see his music. He had been reluctant to show his previous patrons but she seems to take a deep interest in his music. As she looks at the music, in another part of the university two drones see it projected upon a wall.

The music makes more sense than it did in the beginning, but the true meaning of the music eludes even the greatest minds amongst them. The junior drone begs to let the musician go so he can live among his own, but the elder says they must learn what they can from humans if they aspire to be their betters. The patron commissions another piece.


text:
The N59 on the shore of Kylemore Lough in County Galway
A national secondary road () is a category of road in Ireland. These roads form an important part of the national route network, but are secondary to the main arterial routes which are classified as national primary roads. National secondary roads are designated with route numbers higher than those used for primary roads, but with the same "N" prefix. Routes N51 and higher are all national secondary roads.
National secondary roads have a default speed limit of 100 km/h (62.5 mph) as, along with national primary routes, they fall into the speed limit category of national roads.
There are 2657 km of national secondary roads in Ireland, making up slightly over 50% of the entire national route (national primary and national secondary) network. National secondary routes are generally more poorly maintained than primary routes (although their quality can vary widely), but often carry more traffic than regional roads. Almost the entire network of national secondary roads is single carriageway, although there are some short sections of dual carriageway on the Tallaght bypass section of the N81, on the N52 at Dundalk, on the N85 at Ennis, on
the N67 at Galway, on
the N62 at Athlone, on the N69 at Tralee  and on the N71 between Cork and Bandon. Typically, national secondary roads are of a similar standard or higher than regional roads although some are of lower quality than the better sections of regional roads. Many of them have been resurfaced with higher quality pavements in recent years with relatively smooth surfaces and good road markings and signposting. However, road widths and alignments are often inadequate, with many narrow and winding sections.

In the past, most national secondary roads would have run through the centres of the towns on their routes; however, that is becoming less and less often the case. For example:
*The N52 bypasses Nenagh, Tullamore, Mullingar, Kells and the centre of Dundalk (as a relief road)
*The N55 (together with the N3) bypasses Cavan.
*The N56 forms part of the Donegal bypass and the Mountcharles bypass.
*The N61 and the N63 bypass Roscommon.
*The N69 forms part of the Tralee bypass.
*The N71 bypasses Halfway and Skibbereen.
*The N74 bypasses Cashel.
*The N76 bypasses Callan.
*The N77 forms the northern part of the Kilkenny ring road.
*The N80 bypasses Carlow.
*The N85 bypasses Ennis.
The former N8 bypass of Mitchelstown was re-classified as the N73 when the Fermoy (Moorepark) to Kilbehenny section of the M8 was completed.
Most national secondary roads were originally Trunk Roads under the old system of road classification in Ireland, although some sections of national secondary routes were formerly Link Roads. Many less important Trunk Roads became regional roads when the road classification system changed from 1977 onward, including some roads, such as the N72 between Killarney and Killorglin, the N86 and the N87, which were originally re-classified as regional roads but later re-classified again as national secondary routes. In 1994, three national secondary roads were reclassified as national primary roads: the N57 between Swinford and Ballina became the N26, the N64 between Oranmore and Claregalway became part of the N18 and the N79 between New Ross and Enniscorthy became the N30. In addition, a section of the N60 between Castlebar and Westport became part of the N5.
Some national secondary roads, though not arterial routes between major cities, connect scenic areas to major population centres. For example, the N59 through County Galway and County Mayo, the N70 road through County Kerry (see Ring of Kerry) and the N71 through West Cork. For this reason, many national secondary roads are well-traveled by tourists.
 List of national secondary roads
(XXXX) = Junction with road XXXX, e.g. (N21) = Junction with N21 road
 Defunct routes
*50px N57 road – Defunct route designation. Swinford – Ballina route prior to its redesignation as the N26 National primary road.
*50px N64 road  – Defunct route designation. Oranmore – Claregalway route prior to its redesignation as the N18 National primary road.
*50px N79 road  – Defunct route designation. Enniscorthy – New Ross route prior to its redesignation as the N30 National primary road.
 Gallery
File:Tralee Bypass.JPG|N69, Tralee Bypass, County Kerry
Image:N62road 046.jpg|N62, County Tipperary
Image:N72roadCork.JPG|N72, near Mallow, County Cork
Image:Kildorrery3.JPG|N73, Kildorrery, County Cork
Image:N76road.JPG|N76, Killamery, County Kilkenny
File:Portlaoise Abbeyleix Road Roadsign.JPG|Signpost at N80, Portlaoise
File:DunlavinRoad.JPG|N81 at its junction with the R412 in County Wicklow

title: National secondary road

question: What type of road would Route N34 be?

answer: A primary road.


text:
Virtual reality jumped from nothing to industry trend in under three years. James Martin/CNET
It's about to go from virtual to very, very real.

The video game industry is embracing virtual reality like never before. Major game makers from Sony to Microsoft and Ubisoft are preparing new products based on the emerging technology even as tech giants including Facebook, Google, Samsung and HTC have plunged into the virtual waters.

Now the industry's Electronic Entertainment Expo, or E3 -- the highest-profile video game conference of the year -- will launch the technology into people's living rooms.

As many as 27 exhibitors will showcase virtual-reality products, up from six last year, according to the expo's organizer, the Entertainment Software Association. What's more, the conference is sold out (it has not always been so), and it attracted 50 more exhibitors than it did last year.

"It's been a really fabulous shot in the arm," said Mike Gallagher, head of the ESA, speaking of virtual reality's impact on the market. "We're months away from being in the marketplace and in consumers' hands."

But virtual reality could do more than give an economic boost to video game makers. It could also deliver another leg of growth to the broader tech industry. Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg says VR could eventually become our primary mode of interacting with computers. Movie makers, television producers and musicians say it could transform how we experience entertainment.

"It's this huge new medium that people have only started to imagine where you could go with it," said Rob Coneybeer, managing director of Shasta Ventures, which led a $4 million investment last year in VR company Survios.

One thing that drew him to the technology is its potential to place players smack in the middle of a 3D world, as action literally swirls around them. "People's excitement is well founded."

March of the game makers

Without question, Oculus --the virtual-reality company Facebook bought for $2 billion last year -- will be one of the most prominent game makers on the show floor. The company made consumers care about VR after unveiling its first prototypes three years ago.

Since then, it's been a virtual march of VR game makers, as companies including Samsung and Google have either revealed upcoming products or talked about their research efforts.

Microsoft, maker of the Xbox video game console and the Windows software that powers most of the world's PCs, on Thursday announced a partnership with Oculus to play Xbox games on the headset. "Oculus had such a head start," said Phil Spencer, head of Microsoft's Xbox group. "It's good for Windows, and it's good for Xbox."

This is the final version of the Oculus Rift (pictures)

See all photos

More game makers will likely join in.

Sony said it will launch its VR headset, called Project Morpheus, next year. Designed for the PlayStation, the device will work with accessories such as the wandlike motion controllers Sony released in 2010. Sony is expected to announce new games at the expo and to offer details about games that will be available when the headset launches.

Oculus and Microsoft will be at the show as well, demonstrating their respective efforts. HTC and Valve, however, said they won't be showing off their Vive headset .

Ubisoft, maker of the popular Assassin's Creed franchise of adventure games, has said it's working on virtual-reality titles, but hasn't provided any more details. Other top game makers like Electronic Arts are researching the technology, though they haven't made public commitments.

Still, it's unclear if customers will buy these products. The game industry failed to sell VR to consumers two decades ago, and has had a mixed success introducing technology to the mainstream.

On the plus side, Microsoft's Xbox 360 and Sony's PlayStation 3 helped to popularize high-definition televisions, and Nintendo's Wii introduced consumers to controllers that sense motion, allowing them to make a swing in the real world and watch a tennis player strike the ball on screen.

But the industry couldn't convince consumers to buy 3D televisions, despite a massive push from both the gaming and TV industries.

And not all video game makers have voiced support for VR, prompting some of the most successful developers and titles to stay clear of the devices for now. And many question the long-term effect the technology (known for causing nausea) could have on our brains and bodies, a concern that's been raised by the US Army.

Still, Gallagher says E3 will be a hotbed of attention-getting VR products and demos.

"The buildup wasn't as large" as with 3D, he said. "This seems quite different."

E3 2020

See All

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question: Describe some of the interesting aspects of virtual reality.

answer: Some of the interesting aspects of virtual reality include the fact that it can deliver another leg of growth to the broader tech industry. It can really transform how humans experience entertainment according to movie makers, television producers, and musicians. And most importantly, it will bring in revenue to many companies such as Samsung and Google, who have taken the research effort to invest in these products.

question: Describe what happened to the gaming industry two decades ago.

answer: Two decades ago, the gaming industry failed to make virtual reality a big thing in the market. Not all video game makes voiced support for VR, which caused some long-term delays for the effect on making new technology. There was also some concern about the success that would happen if this sort of technology was introduced to the mainstream.

question: What specific company has the strongest resources to make the best virtual reality product?


text:
		The Time I Found Love In A Senior Citizen –By Aaron Brooks

	Her Tinged Ciggerate’s heat radiated off into the back of my neck. I could feel her Presence. I couldn’t help but stare. Both me and my mother’s eyes were fixed on the slow burning Marlboro in her hand and the smoke that spit up her wrist.
“I’m A Libertarian, I don’t like to be told what to do.”
She observed my mom, down to the heartbeat. As did I. We both hated everything my mom did. We both hated being told what to do by my mothers all seeing eyes.
	She wasn’t the type of Libertarian who complains about Guantanamo Bay. She’s The Kind Of Libertarian who fucking drops Acid and goes to musical festivals. The epitimy of cool. Everything boring old me needed. Not only did she not have an opinion on Free trade economics SHE DIDN’T GIVE A FLYING FUCK ABOUT FREE TRADE ECONOMICS. She smoked weed on the hood of homeland security vehicals.
	The 14 in me wanted to end my conversation with her. Drugs, fun and freedom had taken there sweet toll on her body. Her hair was frizzed her clothes slightly tattered.  For being at the Jewish religious ceremony centered around death her shoeless feet dancing was quite the practice of someone celebrating life.  She was what a 65 year old women should be physically yet somehow she had redefined sexy for me in thirty seconds. We didn’t say much after that except small talk about “The fucking Bastard” known as Mayor Bloomberg. Everything she Said held so much weight. After our conversation came to a sad conclusion I mulled over her words like a priest reading the book of Mathew. I spent the rest of the night eating salled debating wether to go talk to her or not. I knew I would once have these debates with myself I didn’t know they’d would be about talking to someone who probably spent her morning opening social security checks. At a Shiva for all places! As if my pedophilic fantasies couldn’t get any worse, they had to be during a week that’s supposed to be filled with depression and tears.
	I looked all around the party for her, I curled around all the corners of the house. Elevating myself above tables scanning across the circles of people looking for her. Sometimes I saw her, but than she would be gone and disappear into another women. Some moments I would see her twice, at other times it seemed she never existed.
	Well fuck. She’s gone. I had my chance; I could have gone back to her house and talked into the morning. We could have drank, laughed and loved.
			KIDS THESE DAYS- Muriel Frumberg
	I had to get out of that shiva. My brother died for fucks sake, I can’t have one night of griping and smoking. This boy and his mother whom I had never met before came up to me wish me good luck or some shit. And they both stay fixated on the cigerates I was lighting back to back. People say they don’t care how you look, that’s bullshit. His mom looked so scared that I was talking to her son. Turns out this kid is some kind of Libertarian as well, he tried talking drones with me. Pathetic. I was minding my business my brother had just died. It was not the appropriate time for foreign policy discussion for fucks sake.
	You should have seen this kid. He was fucking weird. His eyes constantly were shifting around. He didn’t let people walk behind him. If you left the fucking boy alone for a second he would start mumbling to himself.
	I couldn’t help but feel bad for him. This kid’s definitely got something fucking wrong with him, probably have to do with something with his shitty bitch of a mother.
	THE NEXT IS A TEXT CONVERSATION AARON’S MOM AND DAD
DAVID: How was Shiva.
SARAH: It was good. Jean says “hi”.
Aaron was acting a little weird.
I think he was talking to voices again.
DAVID: What exactly was he doing
Or saying?
SARAH: He was talking about an old woman
He was talking to “her” about drones and
Mayor Bloomberg. He introduced me to her.
It was all very eerie.
DAVID: What else is there to do?
More therapy? More meds? What?
SARAH: Part of me says yes. However,
This is the first time I’ve seen Aaron
Happy in a long time.
DAVID: Are you suggesting we just
Let him live in his own little universe?
SARAH: Maybe just until the school
Year starts up again?
DAVID: Are you fucking insane? I think
We should send him back to the psych ward.
He’s obviously depressed.

title: I'm a 14 year old with the beginning signs of schizophrenia. Also i'd be happy to translate any Hebrew words (used minimally).

question: The narrator saw the dead woman briefly at the party. What does this say about how he's feeling?

answer: He is sad and missing the dear old lady.


text:
EDIT: Holy mother of formatting problems Batman!

English was a mostly dead language, its speakers long dead in a cycle of life and death. Time had lost all meaning in this new, barren world. The only time that people now recognised was the rising and the setting of the sun, yet another lost human construct, similar to the giant, monolithic structures that pervaded the dusty landscape. Through the wind tunnel streets of what was once called Melbourne not only people, but monster’s roamed, the city’s original name lost in the sands that filled it’s streets, now it had had only one name, and that name was Death. Crawling through the rusted hulk of a corroded old Honda Jackson spied some half a dozen hunched figures, Death’s reapers, feasting on what appeared to be the bodies of a family, unlucky enough to be caught by surprise. Glancing back at his young sister, barely ten rainy seasons old, he motioned for a flare gun, a seemingly magical device, strong enough to frighten the inhuman denizens of this corrupted city, to push them away and create safe passage. Clutching the small red life saving device to his scrawny, raggedy chest he bolted from hiding place to hiding place, a bizarre almost ritualistic dance, a cultural phenomenon born of fear in a world where men no longer ruled and beasts became top of a new, savage and violent food chain. As Jackson covered ground, his target the sagging wreckage of an old wooden home, different than the husks of cold concrete that reached into the sky, warmer and one of temporary safe harbour from the horrors of the streets, his sister shadowed close behind. Practised in this, they reached what they sought, without a noise breaching the belly of the desiccated corpse, scavengers looking for an easy meal.

Tearing apart the house, they searched, bellies aching for something, anything. They had not eaten in three nights, bones starkly outlined on their ragged clothes, turn from constant exposure to the elements. Jackson even resorted tearing up floorboards, sundering the haven they had found, just hoping to happen across some hidden cache of food that someone forgot. All he found was a note, “Hi from 2014! I hope you enjoy renovating this house as much as we did!” He had no idea what the strange “2014” meant, but his father had taught him enough English to understand the rest. He didn’t feel anything but a slight sadness upon reading this, vaguely sorrowful that whoever “2014” was, that they didn’t know this new world was coming, the writer didn’t know what this world was like. A single tear ran down his cheek when he realised that he hoped they were long dead, better to be dead than to see what the world had become.

As light began to fade, the duo had already torn apart the house, finding little, just a few meagre cans of soup, sealed tight in their tin containers. Placing his makeshift knap-sack on the floor beside the table Jackson pulled out his ancient bowie knife, a relic of ages past and selected the can that read “Tomato Soup” and dug the knife into the metal of the can. In an almost reverent way both he and his sister passed the cold meal between them as they sat huddled on the hard floor, staving away the huger for at least the time being, a welcome diversion from the pains of everyday life. As what was left in the can dwindled Jackson pulled out a thick book, one that his mother once read to them and opened up at his sister’s favourite story, one of heroines and dragons. He struggled to sound out some words, but soldiered on regardless. This continued on until the cries of night terrors began, some shrill and other’s mournfully haunting, malevolent or indifferent, but all frightening. This was something that neither man, nor woman could become accustomed to, the new world order. As was custom, they gathered up what they owned, replaced what they had removed, along with the appropriated supplies and went to hide, selecting a low cupboard for the task of concealing them, collecting a sparse rug the process. They huddled unabashedly, brought together in their fear and need for warmth, brother and sister trying with all their might, if just for one night to block out what they knew was there, even as heavy footsteps thudded across the roof, causing dust to fall from the ceiling.

They awoke to pops and crackles echoing from some distant conflict. Shivering in the morning chill they waited, the noises getting closer and closer and before long, the sharp crack of wood being split open. Through a crack in the cupboard door they saw splinters flying through the room as men in strange clothing, carrying strange metal instruments in their hands filed into the room. Crackling voices filled the room amongst those of the men, ghostly and strange.
‘We’re pinned down in a small building, Richmond. We need to get out of here, now!’ similar conversations went on amongst the men standing in front the Jackson and his sister. As he clutched the flare gun in front of him, his anchor and his only security Jackson Watched, he watched as they tore apart the house, as he had done the night before, but instead of looking for food, they wanted escape, the children’s refuge was their tomb. He watched as the cupboard door was torn from their shelter, as they were revealed the room stopped. Silence ensued as a flashlight shone down on their pale, frail little faces. One of the men leaned down to come to face level with them.			                                                                             ‘This is a slash and burn operation mate, you know what to do.’                                                                 ‘I do’ he replied, never taking his eyes off the little faces in front of him. ‘Listen, what are your names?'            ‘Mines Jackson’ the little boy answered, cautiously, afraid.					                                      ‘Cynthia’ came a quiet voice not long after, clearly not accustomed to talking                                           ‘Okay, can I get you two to close your eyes for a moment, I just need to give you something, it’ll sting a bit, but it’ll be okay, I promise’. They timidly looked at each other, nodded and closed their eyes. And then, nothing.

I was that soldier, I shot the bullets that killed them and I take responsibility. In a world gone to hell, I can only take orders. I’m not a philosophical man, or a particularly intelligent one, but this is how I imagine they had lived for the last day before I stumbled upon them. I had to kill them, I had no choice. The city had to be prepared for re-colonization, and that meant that any possible infected individuals had to be removed. I was following orders, but that doesn’t make seeing their god damn trusting faces every night any easier and no amount of whisky can remove the blood from my hands. All I can do is write this account of my actions and beg those that read it to not make the same mistakes ~~we~~ I made.

Please.

~ Note found with hanging body of Private Gerald Burke, along with two empty bottles of whisky, July 17th, 2345, included in inquest into tactics used in the 2343 Reclamation Campaign, Authorized by general Terrence McCoy.

title: Dead Melbourne, a last message [1205 words]

question: Write a ~0 sentence summary.


text:
(I'm on mobile right now, so please forgive the shoddy formatting.)

Depot Town

Last night I went to a party in Depot Town with Steve. The whole event was promoted as a house show by the tenants, but the night was clearly devoted to the attendees' thirst for cheap beer and vigorous ego stroking. I changed my outfit about seven times before deciding on a pale pink dress and a black cardigan. Within minutes of arriving, it was obvious that I was simply not punk enough to be there. Not even my tactfully applied black eye shadow could fool this crowd into thinking I had one ounce of underground grit to me. But for the sake of this recount, let me set aside my own ego and admit that I was probably just invisible. My notion of not belonging was exaggerated by the sheer volume of forehead tattoos, ironic leather booty-shorts, and 40-something skinheads with gray chest hair popping out of Black Flag v-necks. But, as I always do when caged in unfamiliar social circles for an evening, I drank three beers in quick succession and relished in my anonymity.

The first person I spoke to aside from Steve was a guy named Kristov. I had met Kristov a few weeks earlier at Sidetracks. I remembered only his name and our mutual recognition of each others' self-deprecating humor. Kristov wears a wool trench coat and a gaudy septum ring. His saving grace might be the lack of a fedora. Kristov quickly admitted that he'd recently chosen to live a life of sobriety, and that parties like this were becoming a burden. I nodded my head and smiled, but he must have sensed I was interested in his explanation. That, or he sensed I would engage him if he desired to explain himself, regardless of my interest.

"I get angry. I get really fucking angry when I drink. I get angry because I'm sad all of the time. But the last time I got drunk, I threw a chair at someone's head. And then I punched him until I watched two of his teeth pop out of his jaw. I didn't even know his name. I can't even remember if he did anything to upset me. When I woke up the next morning, looked down at my knuckles and cried. I cried for hours. I felt like dying."

He had broken eye contact with me halfway through his monologue but my eyes were locked on his face. These kinds of interactions with people had always been my Raison d'Etre. I wanted so badly to relate with this person, feeling honored that he had chosen me, to share something so intimate with. My heart pounded like a junkie - I wanted more of his exposition, more intimacy, more feelings.

But as I always do when caged in unfamiliar social circles for an evening, I blurted out the most mundane thing I could muster.

"You made a mistake and then you made a change, based on how you felt about your mistake. That's good, that's growth".

I could feel us both wince at my reply. And another opportunity for me to genuinely connect with another human being left as quickly as it came. We exchanged "Yeah"'s and returned to our posts. Mine being at Steve's side, his in the kitchen.

title: This story is unfinished and unpolished - Just looking for feedback and seeing if it's even worth finishing.

question: Where is the story set?

answer: At a party in Depot Town

question: Who is the narrator?

answer: That information can't be found

question: Why has Kristov decided to stop drinking?

answer: He gets angry when he's drunk, and the last time he was drunk, he badly hurt someone

question: Where did the narrator initially meet Kristov?

answer: Sidetracks

question: Write a ~3 sentence summary.

answer: The narrator goes to a party in Depot Town with their friend Steve. They feel out of place at the party, but they talk to Kristov, a man they met a few weeks earlier, who tells them that he's decided to stop drinking, because the last time he drank he hurt someone badly. The narrator tells him that that is growth and then they part ways.