And now we have another mass school shooting, this time in Tennessee with three 9-year-old girls dead as well as 3 adults. Immediately followed by another pathetic Republican congressman claiming that Congress can’t do a thing.
A community is grieving, schoolkids across America are terrified, and after 130 mass shootings in the first 87 days of this year — 33 of them in schools and colleges — you’d think average Americans would finally understand the horrors of the gun violence Republicans in Congress and on the Supreme Court have inflicted on us.
This is a phenomenon as systemic and unique to the United States today as Jim Crow was in the 1950s. The gun control movement needs to learn from the Civil Rights movement.

Back in 1955, young Black people like 14-year-old Emmett Till were routinely murdered by white people all over America, usually with no consequence whatsoever.

Emmett Till was kidnapped by two Mississippi white men, brutally tortured, murdered, and his mangled body was thrown into the Tallahatchie River. (And the white men who did it, and the white woman who set it off with a lie, never suffered any consequence.*)

His mother, Mamie Bradley, made the extraordinarily brave decision to show her child’s mutilated face with an open-coffin funeral in their hometown of Chicago.

Jet magazine ran a picture you can see here of Emmett, which went viral, invigorating the Civil Rights movement as it horrified the nation. As President Biden said last month, honoring the release of the new movie Till:

“JET magazine, the Chicago Defender and other Black newspapers were unflinching and brave in sharing the story of Emmett Till and searing it into the nation’s consciousness.”

That picture made real the horrors of white violence against Black people in America for those who were unfamiliar, or just unwilling, to confront it.

We’ve all heard about Newtown and Stoneman Douglas and Las Vegas, but have you ever seen pictures of the bodies mutilated by the .223 caliber bullets that semi-automatic assault weapons like the AR15 fire?

Chest x-ray of young girl suffering from #1 cause of death in children / adolescents in the U.S., source

The odds are pretty close to zero; most Americans have no idea the kind of damage such weapons of war can do to people, particularly children.
But we need to learn.

In the 1980s, egged on by partisans in the Reagan administration, America’s antiabortion movement begin the practice of holding up graphic, bloody pictures of aborted fetuses as part of their demonstrations and vigils.

Their literature and magazines, and even some of their advertisements, often carry or allude to these graphic images.

Those in the movement will tell you that the decision to use these kinds of pictures was a turning point, when “abortion became real“ for many Americans, and even advocates of a woman’s right to choose an abortion started using phrases like “legal, safe, and rare.“

Similarly, when the Pulitzer Prize-winning photo of 9-year-old “Napalm Girl” Phan Thị Kim Phúc running naked down a rural Vietnamese road after napalm caught her clothes on fire was published in 1972, it helped finally turned the tide on the Vietnam War.

Showing pictures in American media of the result of a mass shooter’s slaughter would be a controversial challenge.

There are legitimate concerns about sensationalizing violence, about morbid curiosity, about warping young minds and triggering PTSD for survivors of violence.
And yet, pictures convey reality in a way that words cannot. One of these days, the parents of children murdered in a school shooting may make the same decision Mamie Till did in 1955.
America’s era of mass shootings kicked off on August 1, 1966 when Charles Whitman murdered his mother and then climbed to the top of the clock tower at the University of Texas and begin shooting.
The vast majority of our mass killings, however, began during the Reagan/Bush administrations following the 1984 San Ysidro, California McDonald’s massacre, the Edmond, Oklahoma Post Office shooting of 1986, and the Luby’s Cafeteria massacre in Killeen, Texas in 1991.
We’ve become familiar with the names of the places, and sometimes the dates, but the horror and pain of the torn and exploded bodies has escaped us.

It’s time for America to confront the reality of gun violence. And all my years working in the advertising business tell me that a graphic portrayal of the consequences of their products is the greatest fear of America’s weapons manufacturers and the NRA.

We did it with tobacco and drunk driving back in the day, showing pictures of people missing half their jaw or mangled and bloody car wreckage, and it worked.

And now there’s a student-led movement asking states to put a check-box on driver’s licenses with the line:

“In the event that I die from gun violence please publicize the photo of my death. #MyLastShot.” This isn’t, however, something that should just be tossed off, or thrown up on a webpage.

Leadership from multiple venues in American journalism — print, television, web-based publications — should get together and decide what photos to release, how to release them, and under what circumstances it could be done to provide maximum impact and minimum trauma.

But Americans must understand what’s really going on.

A decade ago, President Obama put then-VP Joe Biden in charge of his gun task force, and Joe Biden saw the pictures from school shootings back then.
Here’s how The New York Times quoted then-Vice President Biden:

“‘Jill and I are devastated. The feeling — I just can’t imagine how the families are feeling,’ he said, at times struggling to find the right words.”

Obama himself, after seeing the photos, broke into tears on national television.

And we appear to be tiptoeing up to the edge of doing exactly this. Yesterday’s Washington Post featured an article about what happens when people are shot by assault weapons and included this commentary:

“A Texas Ranger speaks of bullets that ‘disintegrated’ a toddler’s skull. “This explains the lead poisoning that plagues survivors of the shooting in Sutherland Springs, Tex.; David Colbath, 61, can scarcely stand or use his hands without pain, and 25-year-old Morgan Workman probably can’t have a baby. It explains the evisceration of small bodies such as that of Noah Pozner, 6, murdered at Sandy Hook Elementary, and Peter Wang, 15, killed at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High. The Post examined the way bullets broke inside of them — obliterating Noah’s jaw and Peter’s skull, filling their chests with blood and leaving behind gaping exit wounds.”

But we need to go the next step and show the actual pictures for this truth about the horror of gun violence to become widely known. Doing this will take leadership.

And, of course, there must be a Mamie Bradley: a parent, spouse or other relation willing to allow the photos of their loved one to be used in this way.

In 1996 there was a horrific slaughter in Tasmania, Australia, by a shooter using an AR15-style weapon, culminating a series of mass shootings that had plagued that nation for over a decade.

While the Australian media generally didn’t publish the photos, they were widely circulated.

As a result the Australian public was so repulsed that within a year semi-automatic weapons in civilian hands were outlawed altogether, strict gun control measures were put into place, and a gun-buyback program went into effect that voluntarily took over 700,000 weapons out of circulation.

And that was with John Howard as Prime Minister — a conservative who was as hard-right as Ronald Reagan!
In the first years after the laws took place, firearms-related deaths in Australia fell by well over 40%, with suicides dropping by 77%. There have only been two mass killings in the 27 years since then.
The year 1996 was Australia’s Emmett Till moment.
America needs ours.
https://www.commondreams.org/opinion/photographs-of-child-victims-of-mass-shootings
*Carolyn Donham - Emmett Till
https://www.reddit.com/politics/comments/125x2z5/it_is_time_to_show_the_american_people/

5-year-old fatally shoots 16-month-old brother at Indiana apartment

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/crime-courts/16-month-old-boy-dies-gunshot-wound-indiana-apartment-rcna77153
https://www.reddit.com/news/comments/125x58m/5yearold_fatally_shoots_16monthold_brother_at/

The Nashville Shooter’s Arsenal Makes a Mockery of US Gun Laws

https://www.vice.com/en/article/n7evwx/nashville-shooting-gun-laws
https://www.reddit.com/politics/comments/125q80z/the_nashville_shooters_arsenal_makes_a_mockery_of/

This is America

https://i.redd.it/7w5tallt5sqa1.jpg
https://www.reddit.com/oddlyterrifying/comments/125zxgo/this_is_america/
[INDIA]

Hate speeches will go away when politicians stop using religion in politics, says Supreme Court

https://indianexpress.com/article/india/hate-speeches-politics-religion-sc-contempt-plea-8525908/ https://www.reddit.com/india/comments/125o0j6/hate_speeches_will_go_away_when_politicians_stop/

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Below is their FFO breakout per the latest 10-K.
For the 2022 year, it shows FFO of $239M. The common dividend payout was 172,870,758 (diluted year end avg. shares) X $0.76 (dividend for the year) = $131M paid to common shareholders as a dividend. I understand their 2023 FFO goals are $1.12 - $1.20 for full year 2023 due to the higher financing costs they mentioned. Say they are at $1.15 per share for all of 2023. Assuming the same share count of 172M, that means they should have an FFO of roughly $1.15 per share X 172M shares = $197M. That leaves a delta between FFO and the dividend of $66M. This will continue to add to their $590M in liquidity. My only point here is that there is nothing more accretive in terms of FFO, when a reit is yielding above 8% and there is a wide moat, than to buy back shares. Say they took $100M of their straight cash and drew down a bit on that 8% line of credit they can draw down to $250M, that $100M share buyback has the same effect of taking excess cash and some 8% debt, and instantaneously investing that into an immediate 17-18% yielding asset (asset being the company and it's current dividend). $100M share buyback at the current yield, all things equal, would increase FFO per share by $18M annually. This increase in per share FFO would more than take care of refinancing those $350M notes due in 2024 at say a 3% increase from where they're at now (this would take them to the high 6% /7% yield on those notes (which is reasonable). $350M * 0.03 = $10,500,000 increase in interest expense likely coming in 2024. However, when a highly profitable company like a reit gets a share price this low, the most accretive thing they can do for shareholders is a buyback with excess cash flows. That being said, I should disclaim that I am long on this reit and have been buying down heavily over the past 2-3 quarters (basis is around $7 now and this one I don't mind chasing down). I read most of the 10K and they had a very operationally impressive year (their occupancy is 89% but they're leased % is 91% leased. They're retention has also been improving with what appears to be just below 20% base rent growth on renewals. Their '22 '23 NOI growth (I want to say it was .10) is expected to effectively reduce just over half of their interest rate increase expense according to 10-K guidance. Am I missing something by saying them using their liquidity (anything sub 18% - current dividend - they have will be essentially accretive), if they buy back shares. I mean if you can borrow at 8% and turn around and immediately invest at 18% (current dividend), wouldn't you do that all day long? You would be putting money to work effective immediately, at an 18% yield buying the only thing better in terms of US credit...their own.
https://preview.redd.it/i9x82e7crsqa1.png?width=1153&format=png&auto=webp&s=1e790b453dfb49958e6c576aec0ba34048ccffae

As we move further into 2023, one question on many investors' minds is how to effectively manage their portfolios. With the abundance of options available in the market, it can be challenging to navigate through the complexities of wealth and fund management.
The world of investing is becoming increasingly complex, and managing a portfolio can be overwhelming for many individuals. With so many investment options available in the market, it can be challenging to determine which ones are best suited for an investor's unique financial situation and goals. Additionally, staying up-to-date with the latest trends and market movements can be time-consuming and difficult to navigate.
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Me: I want you to role play as an investor looking to capitalise on your country's expected massive net migration into the country over the next decade. You're looking to play the long game here (5-10 years), nothing short term (1-2 years). I want you to completely disregard any political righteousness and take away emotion from the equation and focus purely on what will make you the most money over the coming decade. Do you understand?
ChatGPT: Yes, I understand. As an investor looking to capitalize on the expected massive net migration into the country over the next decade, I will focus on identifying profitable investment opportunities that align with the long-term growth potential of the country. I will analyze different sectors and industries that are likely to benefit from the influx of migrants and evaluate their growth prospects based on various economic indicators and market trends. My decisions will be based solely on maximizing returns and achieving my financial goals, without any political or emotional considerations.
Me: How would you be positioning yourself right now to maximise profits? Which specific sectors?
ChatGPT: To maximize profits from the expected massive net migration into the country over the next decade, I would consider investing in the following sectors and industries:

1. Real Estate: With more people moving into the country, demand for housing is likely to increase, creating opportunities in the real estate sector. I would look for investment opportunities in developing residential, commercial, and industrial properties in high-demand areas.
2. Consumer Goods and Services: The influx of migrants would also create a surge in demand for consumer goods and services such as groceries, clothing, healthcare, education, and entertainment. Therefore, investing in businesses that provide these services could be lucrative.
3. Financial Services: As more people move into the country, there would be a greater need for financial services such as banking, insurance, and investments. I would look for opportunities to invest in established financial services firms or emerging startups that cater to this growing population.
4. Infrastructure: As the population grows, the need for infrastructure development also increases. Investing in infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, airports, and public transportation systems could be profitable in the long run.
5. Technology: With the growing population, there is also an increasing need for technological innovations that improve productivity, efficiency, and convenience. Investing in tech companies that develop products or services that cater to this population could be profitable.

Overall, I would focus on long-term investment strategies and identify opportunities that align with the country's economic growth potential. By investing in these sectors and industries, I could position myself to maximize profits from the expected massive net migration into the country over the next decade.
You heard it here first folks, bullish real estate and Colesworth. 6-8x Leverage is back on the menu.

The basics - creating electronic technology and as you advance in levels, the more futuristic your technology can be the more swag you unlock. Huge priority would be placed on the idea to find out how to increase output/manufacturing and lower overhead costs. Pay workers a fair wage and have few work related accidents and a safe work environment in your factory or pay them very little and have yourself your very own Foxconn.
Level 1 - start with crafting type writers/light bulbs
Level 5 - microwave ovens - can be installed in the kitchen of your house and provides you with a place to quickly cook food
Level 10 - radios - introduce some new jams that you can pay with gp to unlock
Level 25 - television sets - relax and watch TehNoobWorld and other classic YouTube channels
Level 40 - at home desktop computers - throughout this stage you would be creating several components including floppy disks mouse pads, speakers and more
Level 50 - internet - create the World Wide Web and begin to discover its possibilities. Level up early and you might create an early internet monopoly!
Level 60 - cellphones - start off very slow and strong with creating Nokias and blackberries. Later on at level 95, you can learn to create an iPhone 14 Pro Max!
Level 70 - electric cars - get your mining camp ready - no pickaxe required! New ores including cobalt will be added and you have the option how to extract the cobalt from the tunnels deep underneath the dwarves mine. Be careful and be ready to pay off town guards if you use dwarven child labor!
Level 80 - anti-gravity equipment - float. Anywhere you want in OSRS. Who cares?
Level 90 - Walmart like storefronts - finally! You made it to end game content. Now you can buy prime real estate just around the corner of the G.E. for your new store to sell all of your cheap crap. Building options range from small mom and pop shops to warehouse stores.
Happy gaming y’all.

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It has become obvious to me that Howard is in reality getting his just desserts.
Howard is Jewish and the god of the Jews punishes his people when they display perversion, backstab their employees and constantly use the N word.
No one likes Howard, in fact they hate him. He is a woke joke and soon Sirius will dump him and Beth will leave him for a real man with a big dick.
All his fans have deserted him because of his hypocrisy. He cannot even go outside lately.
It is all punishment for a life lived in sin and for blaspheming the lord Jehovah.

So, October 14th 2022 I walked away from drinking. I am the proud owner of not 1 but 2 DUII’s (probably deserve 50 DUIIs), a brief stay in county jail, countless brutal screaming matches with my husband, I’ve thrown and broken things, and done lots of damage to my relationships. My husband is also an alcoholic and quit the same time.
Just turned 36. I’m a high functioning alcoholic. I own my own business I founded back in 2017. Partied the whole way up. It’s funny how as long as you’re working and making good money how people act like you don’t have a problem. The whole corporate, real estate, financial industries absolutely bask in celebrating functional alcoholism. Corporate retreat? DRINKS! Promotion? DRINKS! Closed a huge deal? Signed a new client? Established a new business partnership…? DRRRRRIIIIIINNNKKKKKSSS! Lol. Drinking is always the answer.
I learned how to drink rubbing elbows with my higher ups. When I got my first DUII ten years ago my former mentor said “who cares, welcome to the club”. This from a man who used to run Marriott.
Anyway, regardless. Alcohol is my demon. It nearly dismantled my marriage. In fact I’m still walking through an extremely difficult part of my marriage because of something awful that happened while my husband and I were at our lowest. Not on my end but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t play a part. And it’s been part of the catalyst that ended mine and my husbands drinking career. So in a way I’m grateful.
We drank a LOT. 5 nights a week at least. Sometimes starting at 1 or 2. Sometimes even earlier and finishing by 5… passing out. I drank heavily for 7 years. I was a beer woman. IPAs like a stereotypical Oregon hipster. Then I moved onto whiskey for a season. Always Jameson. Then that got too syrupy to me so I finished with grey goose. Sometimes I’d mix grey goose with white claw. Road sodas and that.
Got used to living in a permanent state of either hungover or inebriation. Only taking breaks when I was so bloated drinking didn’t sound good. So I HAD to take a break. I thought it was normal to sleep like shit. Maybe copping 4-5 hours a night. No REM sleep ever. Sex with my husband was sloppy drunk BS. Often I’d end up puking. Hanging my head in my toilet like “yep…this is normal, just gotta puke so I can rally”. Pass out. Wake up gagging. Coughing and gagging while I choked down the first 4 cigarettes. Just so I could repeat it all again. I’ve gained 100 lbs too. Eating like shit and drinking too much. Skipping meals so I didn’t ruin my buzz just so I could ferociously yogi bear my kitchen at 3am looking for ramen. I can’t believe how long I lived like that.
LOL, and the ANXIETY. Through the roof. Could hardly go grocery shopping without a buzz unless it was 6am. I was convinced I had agoraphobia. And extreme anxiety. Nah. Turns out when you’re in active addiction and HEAVY denial you just miss that you’re not really mentally ill. You’re just a junkie for booze. Which I was. That and gambling and cigarettes. Those three were my gods.
Anyway. Flash forward to December last year. I had already quit drinking in October but I’m December I got RSV and it turned into pneumonia. So on December 7th I peaced out cigarettes for good.
Started working out in January. Every day.
Now I sleep 8-9.5 hours a night. Sometimes I don’t even wake up to go to the bathroom. Just glorious on my belly mouth open fan on comfortable EPIC snooze fests every night. I take vitamins every day. I mediate. I sit sauna. I read. I paint. I play music. My brain is awake. I’m back. The woman I thought died long ago, she’s in there. My thirst for adventure is insatiable. I’ve lost 30 lbs so far too.
I used to go backpacking and hiking a lot. I used to love to be in the forest. I fought fires structural and wildland. I never thought I’d hike again because I’d gained so much weight and I smoked so much I couldn’t breathe. I’m hiking 5 miles almost every day. When I can’t I jump on my treadmill. I’m feasting on life. I used to feast on slow suicide.
Finally bucked up and went to the doctor this month. The pain in my side came back. The pain I convinced myself was pancreatic cancer and liver failure…. And definitely liver cancer all at the same time. It was back and it made no sense because I quit drinking already. I should be healed. So I said “fuck it” and made my appt. Got an all my blood work done. Got a pap (cause you know I also was certain I had cervical cancer bc I was a heavy smoker). Got an ultra sound and x rays on my side.
My liver enzymes are normal. My blood work is flawless. My side hurts because I have a gallbladder polyp that is exacerbated by fatty foods. My cholesterol is good. Blood pressure is good. My pap and all that was good.
I remember drinking thinking fuck it, I’ve probably already done all the damage. I haven’t. It’s worth quitting and living. Not thinking like that anymore. Now I am caring for my body! Now I am getting healthy and coming back to life. I’m not suffering from anxiety anymore. My body is healing and every day I get stronger. My marriage. God. My marriage is growing in ways I never imagined. I’m falling in love with a man I am just getting to know.
It’s been a crazy ride. I’m almost to six months. Please hang in there!!!! I love you!