For longer than I can remember, I've been looking for someone like you.... Someo

hell

Tue, 06 Nov 2007 11:42:09 GMT

So, this Samhain was... er fun.

Well, it would have been if it wasn't for the fact that my best friend and his now current x had a domestic violence issue.

Oct 31: Time=Afternoon,
I was out and about refilling medication and running errands. I get a call from my best friend, didn't pick up the phone fast enough, BUT I did get a voice mail. listened to the voice mail. IT was my best friend stating that he and his bf(at the time) wanted to goto "The Bar Complex" and they needed a DD. I figured why not, I usually get a few drinks from being a DD. Well, the now ex was being okay, he was getting drunk by the moment. Finally he got to the drunk point that we needed to leave. So, I went to the car, drove it up,my best friend assisted in helping his now x into the vehicle, and then he got into my back seat. The X, will call him Adam(name has been falsified for the bastard's protection), started just spouting stupid stuff. Which, my Best Friend(will call him Steve), and I are used to.

Got to the apartment. Whew, no puke in my car or anything, Adam decided to stumble out to the balcony played his digiri for a quick bit, then stumbled back in. At this point, Steve had decided he was going to sleep. Adam, I guess, Decided that Steve was ignoring him or something, and was spouting crazy, the only thing I remember about the spouting was: " I can call forth Thor's hammer, and spite anything that gets in your and my way..." and then more inane/insane rambling. Steve decided to goto bed, I agreed that it would be a good thing...I decided to leave, so they could lock the door behind me.

I get home and begin to game, I get a call from Steve's friend stating that he as called and Steve was screaming "he's going to kill me" over and over, and hearing Adam in the background screaming and pounding on the door. Steve's friend called the cops and headed right over. By the time I was called the cops have shown up.

I get another call from Steve's friend saying the cops are gone, and so is Adam(across the street). in the background I hear my Steve crying and in shock. I inquired if Steve wanted me to come over, which he did and to bring over fluids and Newports, so I did. I grabbed Louie, my Shinai, and a larger knife, medical supplies, and headed over.

When I got to the apartment, I decided to stop across the street and get Adam's side of th story first. I dressed his wounds, and all Adam said was " Your best friend beat the Shit out of me." Basically Adam said that he decided to goto sleep, and then Steve beat the shit out of him. I shrugged and then came over to Steve's apartment.

At Steve's Apartment:
Walked in, and it looked like Baghdad after an insurgent attack, and that was after it had already been cleaned up some. Steve was beaten pretty bad, but less so than Adam(though that means shit). There were already 3 other there, I brought up my stuff, and got Steve's story.

Steve's story:

After I left, Adam continued to be odd. Steve laid down in the fetal position and began to fall asleep. The next thing he knew Adam was beating him with punches. Steve got up and went to kitchen, Adam followed and grabed a fork and attempted to stab Steve with it(Steve got scratched with it) and then Adam stabbed himself multiple times with it. Adam also then grabbed the swiffer we and was beating Steve with that. Steve ran into the bedroom and attempted to barricade himself into it, but Adam was able to break into it. Steve then ran into the bathroom and got himself into it, and locked himself into the bathroom, where he called his friend that ended up calling me. Adam then broke into it again and knocked the phone out of Steve's hands. Adam then sprayed shaving gel into Steve's eyes. Steve wiped it out, and grabbed the towel bar off the wall and began smacking Adam on top of the head with it multiple times. Adam knocked Steve to the ground, and beat him with the toilet paper holder they had. Steve then grabbed Adam's head and smacked it into the bathtub several times. I guess Adam stumbled out of the bathroom which allowed Steve to get the door closed and barricaded again, Adam then barricaded the front door and began to throw shit around the apartment. Finally Steve's friend got here and finally was able to get him out of the apartment. The cops showed up and they were separated. We were worried that the dog that Steve and Adam got together was injured or killed since nobody could find him. We finally found him cowering in the corner, and pissed on the floor.

The Aftermath:

Adam kept calling a mutual friend's phone and saying he was going to commit suicide, he then called Steve's friend's phone, which was handed off to me, before much happened I advised that if I thought he was seriously going to attempt to kill himself I would HAVE to call 911 immediately. While on the phone he advised he had several Tylenol PM's in hand and was going to take them, I attempted to talk him down, telling him to think of his family etc. I then heard a bottle shake and he hung up the phone. At that time I advised people to call 911, and 2 people and myself raced to where he was. when we got there he swore he did not take any, but the ambulance was already heading there, so he got a free ticket to UKY hospital. We called his parents so that he could be picked up etc. We then went to another person's house for safety.

The final:

Needless to say Steve and Adam are no longer together, and that is a good thing. All of Adam's shit is packed waiting for pickup. Steve is under constant guard by friend's atleast one at all times. Louie is on loan until the move away from hell is completed, I have yet been able to sleep at his place again, keep getting nightmares and bad visions, will be glad when this is completed.

-P.S. Louie==Louisville Slugger Wooden Baseball Bat.

Web Comics, Development, Memories

Wed, 05 Sep 2007 13:51:03 GMT

I was reading one of the web comics I read, and I realized that I have read that comic for Eight Years…the longest I have done anything besides school. I only realized that for two reasons. First, the creator/Artist for the comic was mentioning how her daughter is going to school for the first day, and I was reading it since atleast her pregnancy, though before. Lastly, I looked at the archives for dates, and that the earlies year is 1999. I read it slightly after that…but yeah, it is amazing. In the journal entry she made about her daughter, I mentioned how fascinating the development of a child can be, but had to make sure she didn’t think I was revering the Freud’s ideas of development, which is totally bogus.

I really don’t think that Freud knew what he was talking about. His “Theories” were based on case studies of female patients he had. So, we are talking about people who are going to a psychologist for issues, and he took what he was hearing and using those things to make an idea of development. Everything is sexual in his theory. The only thing that he could have done to make things worth while, is just make a theory of Sexual development, instead of overall development through methods of sexual ideals.

When talking about overall development of a person, I think the two psychologists that have it closest to actuality are Piaget and Erikson…Jean Piaget’s Theories of Cognitive Development and Erik Erikson’s Theories of Psychosocial Development. Another idea I think is okay is Lawrence Kohlberg’s Stages of Moral Development, but to a lesser degree than Piaget and Erikson.

In Piaget’s Theories, there are four main stages. The stages are: Sensorimotor Period, Preoperational Period, Concrete Operational Period and Formal Operational Period.

Sensorimotor Period:

This is where you develop those essential spatial abilities and understanding. There are 6 sub-stages in this Period. These Sub-stages are the reflex schema stage, primary circular reactions phase, secondary circular reactions phase, co-ordination of secondary circular reactions stage, tertiary circular reactions phase, and finally the invention of new means through mental combinations stage.

Preoperational Stage: (Ages: 2-7)

Piagetian theory is any procedure for mentally acting on objects. The main idea of the preoperational stage is sparse and logically inadequate mental operations. There are six processes that are essential to the Preoperational stage. These are: Symbolic functioning, Centration, Intuitive thought, Egocentrism, Inability to Conserve, and Animism.

Concrete Operational Stage: (Ages 7-11)

Third of the four states. This stage is characterized by the appropriate use of logic. Like with the previous two stages, there are six main processes that are essential to the stage. These are: Seriation, Classification, Decentering, Reversibility, Conservation, and the Elimination of Egocentrism.

The Formal Operational Stage: (Ages: 11-Adult)

This is the Final Stage, This stage brings forth the ability to think abstractly Reason Logically, and draw conclusions from the information available. Some people will not be able to develop this form of reasoning properly, so they stay as concrete thinkers.

For more information on the Theory of Cognitive development, you may refer to the Wikipedia article, located Here. Since I did not include all info on the sub-stages etc.

The next Theory of Development is the Erikson Theory of Psychosocial Development. This theory has eight stages. Basically from birth to death. I will concentrate on the early development stages as that is basically what I have been talking about. (four stages) Infancy, Younger years, Early, Middle Childhood. The way this theory works is that you have Challenges you must overcome at each stage paced throughout life(a rarity in developmental stages). Dependant on if you succeed or fail these challenges will determine what aspect of the stage you will envelope.

Remember these will not be fully explained, will provide the link for this stage at the end of the segment.

The First stage: Infancy, Ages Birth-12mo. Crisis: Trust vs Mistrust.

This does not just include the environment, but also the maternal contact. will the infant be able to trust the environment and the mother, can it trust its mother for…nourishment and for protection. The main question is: is my Environment(parent) trustworthy? The Positive outcome is the ability to trust in people, and the Environment, and as far as the quality you gain for the ego, it is hope.

Younger Years: Ages 1-3 years, Crisis: Autonomy Vs. Shame & Doubt

If denied independence the child will turn against urges to manipulate his/her environment. If they do this thing this can add to doubt of being successful, and shame of not being able to do things. The main question is: Do I need help from others? The sense of autonomy fostered in the child and modified as life progresses serves the preservation in economic and political life of a sense of justice.

Early Childhood: Ages 3-5, Crisis: Initiative vs Guilt

Initiative add to autonomy the quality of undertaking. The child is learning to master the world around them, learning basic skills, and principles of the world around them. Guilt is a new emotion for the child and is confusing, and may happen when normally illogical. If the child is successful then the child will have normal initiative, otherwise when his/her initiative does not produce the desired results. The main question asked How moral am I?

Middle Childhood, Ages 6-10, Crisis: Industry vs. Inferiority

To bring a productive situation to completion is an aim which gradually supersedes the whims and wishes of play. The fundamentals of technology are developed. To lose the hope of such “industrious” association may pull the child back to the more isolated, less conscious familial rivalry of the oedipal time. The main question is: Am I good at what I do?, Team play things.

More information about this Theory can be found on the Wikipedia article Here. Since I only covered 1/2 the stages, and did not fully go over everything.

As I said I kinda like the moral stages, but that is subject to personal belief, so I will not cover that here. if you want to see the other stages of development, goto wikipedia and search for Developmental Theories.

Anyway, when I read my web Comics I remember my best friend, Rick, who is getting married. He actually introduced me to a few of the web comics I read. I really wish I could make it to his wedding, since he is my best friend AND he wanted me to be his best man…which is the greatest honour he could have granted me *sighs* Just sometimes there is nothing one can do to make it to places.

Web comic in question:
College Roomies from Hell by: Maritza Campos. It is a good comic, if you are into mutated college roommates fighting against the devil, etc.

wedding

Thu, 30 Aug 2007 00:34:54 GMT

my friend's...want to go, dont think I can...damn no money.

hap-penis in mis pantalones!

Mon, 06 Aug 2007 12:40:03 GMT

so here I sit, trying to figure out what to do with my life. Earlier yesterday I saw a commercial for some random online university. I tried to find it online, but to no avail. I decided to look online at university of phoenix, if they updated their majors, which they did, and that makes me happy. They Now have My major there...YAY!!!!! so I have requested information, I am hoping to get back into classes soon, and doing this at home hopefully will fix somethings. When going to school at UK, I had to get up and do shit, but with this, it will be online, which means that if my back goes out, I can still "attend" classes, and do what is necessary for me to finish.

I hope I can do this, so that I can finish my BA/BS, so that I can move onto my grad school, or atleast have my degree...yay

-d-

yay

Wed, 01 Aug 2007 10:04:32 GMT

I am happy I am home. home means that I can relax and finally sleep through the night, and not have kids give me headaches

Mon, 30 Jul 2007 09:13:53 GMT

prepping for sleep was so hard, I don't want tomorrow to come. I am dreading it. not because of the family...though wow. and not because of the whole religious stuff. The real reason I am dreading tomorrow, is because I HAVE to come to terms with what is happening. Being out here, seeing my grandma, and doing things grandpa and grandma, Jen and myself would do is actually making grieving begin, though, when at my grandma's I ave to be strong, because I know just by the way my grandma is acting any little thing will get her to go...and I dont want to be the reason. looking at old pics aren't helping. wen I say old pics, I mean from 1920's era on up, and when my grandparents were young etc.

I don't know why...but my grandfather looks like my cousin Brad, and they aren't the same family tree even...weird.'

Großväter, Ich vermisse Sie

Back to the Stomping Grounds (Barrio)

Sat, 28 Jul 2007 04:52:03 GMT

So, I made it safe to Cali from KY... What you didn't know I went to Cali? Well, My Grandmother decided to have a service, so My mom, myself and my sisters all went to Cali fro the funeral, which is scheduled on Tuesday. After the 31st, it is off to KY once more, and back to normalcy...or something.

anyway, back to the family life.

whee

Fri, 13 Jul 2007 03:18:46 GMT

so around the 26th I get to goto California, mostly because I actually get to goto the funeral, which makes me happy, in a sense

nooooooooooooooooooooooooo

Thu, 05 Jul 2007 08:38:39 GMT

As per AFP(Agence France-Presse). This is a sad day for me personally. See I am hardcore Dr. pepper Fan, and unless it is done by 7-up(ie: Michigan), Dr. pepper is Distributed by Pepsi. because of that, and I prefer pepsi products, I just never pay attention to Coke, BUT...

NEW YORK (AFP) - Coca-Cola is interested in buying the popular Snapple and Mott's juice brands from investors now bidding for the US beverages business of Britain's Cadbury Schweppes PLC, US media reported Thursday.

The Wall Street Journal reported that Coca-Cola, in an effort to expand its non-carbonated drinks business, has already contacted the two private equity firms bidding for the Cadbury division over the possibility of purchasing the two brands.

Coke declined to confirm the report to the Journal, it said.

Cadbury is putting its US drinks business, which includes bottled juice and sweetened tea brand Snapple, juice brand Mott's and carbonated brands Dr Pepper and 7 Up, up for sale, and is expected to decide on a buyer by the end of July, the Journal said.

The portfolio of brands could go for around 10 billion dollars, it said, and it is not certain the bidders would be willing to break it up to sell Snapple and Mott's to Coca-Cola.

This makes me wish that I had 10 billion dollar, more around 15billion or so, so I could bid high, so I could control Dr. pepper. at that point I would sell Mott's and Snapple to coke, sure.

Peru <3 anal

Sat, 30 Jun 2007 05:06:59 GMT

Peru loves anal

End

Fri, 29 Jun 2007 07:07:30 GMT

R.I.P. Donald Foreman, Thursday, June 28, 2007, Pacific time.

stuff

Thu, 21 Jun 2007 04:13:41 GMT

I found my deathrace 2000, cowboy bebop the movie, and my psp's 1gig memory stick duo card...that makes me happy.

oh and my ps2 is dead

Tue, 19 Jun 2007 20:14:07 GMT

oh the things you find. such as this alarm clock.

bwahahha so fun

Mon, 11 Jun 2007 14:59:44 GMT

so I updated my zone alarm finally. in doing so I wanted to run live messenger so that I could leave notes on my windows machine to do things. in doing so I found out I had to update it, so be it. I began to DL and was DL'ing at a terribly slow rate, thinking it was because of zone alarm, I tried on my mac...NOPE. it is just Microsoft being extremely slow, and annoying. I downloaded Google Earth(a larger application) FASTER than the installer for live messenger. live messenger is downloading at 14k, Google Earth 115k...wtf.

now for a nap

transformers shit

Sat, 19 May 2007 02:58:24 GMT

basically transformers have made this large scale thing for the people waiting for the movies, called Sector seven. it is kinda neat..... sectorseven.org is the website, passwords are found in the trailers, or just in the lj cut below...

isingdragon11: 04/17/2007 10:11 AM
I realize that there is a huge amount of information regarding Sector Seven. While we’ve only scratched the surface, we’ve got quite a bit to work with. I’ve come up with a compilation of what we know. I warn you, it’s long. Feel free to add anything I’ve missed.

-Centuries ago, an unknown alien mechanoid crashed in the Arctic Circle on Earth.
-1897: an expedition in the Arctic Circle discovers this being. Archibald Witwicky came into contact with this being, which supposedly took over his mind for a brief period of time.
-1899: the being is excavated from its frozen prison. It is nicknamed “Mega-Man.” Sometimes referred to as “Ice Man” or NBE-1.
-1902: the Allspark Cube is discovered in a body of water in Colorado.
-1930: Sector Seven is founded to take over the project of researching the Mega-Man and the Cube. They also serve to hide this information from anyone and everyone but themselves.
-July 16th, 1969: After years of reverse-engineering the Mega-Man’s technology, Sector Seven was able to create a spacecraft of extraordinarily advanced technology. This craft was named Ghost 1, and was intended to make a short spaceflight. It was launched from Sector Seven’s Arctic base at the same time the Apollo 11 spaceflight was launched. It slipped away, unnoticed. Some time later, it accidentally entered a wormhole, after which it came into contact with other beings like the Mega-Man, referred to as Non-Biological Entities, or N.B.E.s. Not wanting these warring beings to follow them to Earth, the crew of the Ghost 1 sacrificed themselves to save the planet. Their actions only delayed the inevitable.
At the same time, the Mega-Man was moved from the Arctic Circle down to Nevada. There, Sector Seven established a new base beneath the Hoover Dam, and stored the Mega-Man there. Of note is the fact that the Mega-Man reactivated briefly during its transport, causing chaos in its destructive wrath.
-1983: Sector Seven forms an agreement with toy company Takara, allowing them the rights to make a franchise based on the N.B.E.s, in order to make it all fictitious. This counter-information campaign is referred to as Operation: Hungry Dragon.
-2003: the Hubble telescope spots something enter the atmosphere of Mars. This object transforms once it reaches the surface. Sector Seven realizes that this being is from the same race as the Mega-Man. An N.B.E. lands in Virginia, apparently transforms into the appearance of a '75-'76 Chevy Camaro, manages to evade capture. Beagle rover lands on Mars, is destroyed by what appears to have been an N.B.E.
-The Present: Sector Seven continues to research the Mega-Man and the Cube. One experiment on the Cube led to failure, along with the deaths of two scientists. Sector Seven has also continued its massive counter-information campaign. Its latest cover-up is in the form of the Transformers movie due out this summer. This counter-information campaign is called Operation: Hungry Dragon 2. They do not wish for anyone to know the potential problems that could stem from their research. One scientist, Dr. Rebecca Howard, disagreed with their views. She made contact with yet another N.B.E., referred to as NBE-2, though the being gave its name as “Optimus Prime.” This being said that “Megatron wants to enslave the human race,” and, “[Megatron] must be stopped, no matter the cost.” Presumably, Megatron is the Mega-Man. This could mean serious problems if it is true. Sector Seven, however, were not interested in forming an alliance with NBE-2, for they seem to believe that all N.B.E.s are trouble.
Meanwhile, a rogue individual, who calls himself Agent X, distributed backdoor passwords into Sector Seven’s website:
Takara83
Thefirst7
NBETWO
Fwiffo
ByeByePowers
gravesen
CodeBlack

From this, a number of civilians were able to access information about Sector Seven. We have learned that Sector Seven is monitoring many locations around the world, including the Middle East, Eastern Asia, and the western United States. They also have a group called “Tiger Team,” which has hacked into the Department of Defense’s satellite system in order to monitor for signs of N.B.E.s. Also, Operation: Seek and Destroy uses such satellites, presumably to find and eliminate any N.B.E.s.
Agent X has told us that there are more N.B.E.s here on earth, and that the human race is in danger. He has sent out pod casts, and gathered allies together on this website to spread the word to the world. Also, he saved Dr. Howard from imprisonment. Both are now in a secure location. A recent video on Sector Seven’s site shows an attack on X and Howard’s location. Despite an explosion in the building, both are presumed safe, as I have made contact with Howard after the video was released.
4/23/07: X sends a video to Agent Powers, showing a UAP, presumably another N.B.E., heading towards Earth. Supposedly, it has the same signature reading as N.B.E. Two. Its fate is unknown.
05 2007: Sector Seven's mobile ground team has taken to the streets. So far, sightings have only occurred in California. We have had no word yet from X about what to do should we come across these teams, but eyewitness accounts claim that protestors against S7 have shown up at these locations as well. Also, a mobile network has been set up allowing users to gain instant information from X regarding Sector Seven.
This is what we know.

Right now, it seems as though Sector Seven is afraid of their opposition: us. They have lost Powers, and Agent Snup has presumably been imprisoned. Agent Powers has made one mistake too many, and will not last much longer there. They are trying to put down our movement, but have been unsuccessful so far.

For now, we must continue our efforts to stop Sector Seven from keeping all this a secret. We must tell the world the truth. We have been given this mission by Agent X and Dr. Howard. We must not fail. Some have asked, “Why are we doing this?” It is because the world must know. People must be able to prepare for possible threats. Saying “what you don’t know can’t hurt you” does not apply. There might be initial pandemonium, but it’s for the best. Once the world knows the truth, it will be a safer place. I urge all of you to continue in your efforts and do your best to achieve our goal. We must work together. Lately, there has been a lot of arguing and infighting. We cannot have this. Troublemakers will be banned from posting here. Posts that insult others, bait others, or spam topics will be deleted. We cannot lose sight of our goal. We must focus on the task at hand if the truth is to be revealed and Sector Seven is to be put out of business.

Thanks for taking the time to read this. I know it’s a lot, but it’s better to have it all in one place. If anyone has anything to add, go right ahead, that’s what this sight is for.
As Agent X has said, “Stay Vigilant.” We can’t fall prey to S7 disinformation and corruption. Just continue to work together. You’ve all done a great job so far. Keep it up.
-RD11

wheee

Fri, 18 May 2007 15:47:01 GMT

So, I randomly go places on the "intar-web" internet thing... One of the sites I visit religiously is this one site called Uncrate, which is a site which has merchandise for all dude(dom).....(there is a female version called Outblush) [both sites rock all in all imho]
Well, while browsing there for today's droppings of awesomeness I found two things that I like, one of which are these Obelisk chairs I mean how awesome is that! Granted way expensive, then again, so is most stuff featured on this site, but it is fun to look at. There is one more thing that I liked, it is a project called: Robots and Monsters. It is an art thing for two aids organizations. You can get an illustration of a robot or a monster for $25, or an illustration of a robot and monster for $40....imo good reasons, and fun images.

That is it for now

[c]

ugh

Wed, 21 Mar 2007 08:45:08 GMT

you know what things like this and this piss me off. animals are going extinct, and we are debating whether the zoo, who stepped in to raise a cub rejected by his mother is good in the eyes of animal rights....kill the cub instead of saving at time of birth...I would take saving the polar bear cub any day of the week

day off

Tue, 20 Mar 2007 17:31:31 GMT

well...here I sit waiting for 300 one of thoswpe movies somewhat based from actual situations....

well I woke up around 9...went to dr, then went to TGIFriday's for lunch...great steak...awesome, and HOT waitress named Chasity...lets say she got a good tip...dunno if she knew exactly how good till after I left...heh

deposited a welcome check from my insurance co. and then after this movie it is off to home for a nap!!! YAY!!!!

tschuss

Tue, 20 Feb 2007 05:48:03 GMT

because I can...and thought it would be fun.....

HowManyOfMe.com

There are:
249
people with my name
in the U.S.A.

How many have your name?

meh

Sat, 17 Feb 2007 08:34:09 GMT

So another year has passed, yep Birthday... so am I a year wiser. I am not quite sure, but for sure I am 1 year more annoyed. I am just waiting to move on, and forth...or just need something different for sure.

sleep, wake, work, sleep, repeat

mooo

Tue, 06 Feb 2007 10:51:58 GMT

Learn how to shower!

Seriously though.....learn how to shower, and then cackle insanely to yourself as you dream of me......nekkid(except paternals and siblings please, I know I am in KY, but 'cmon...else will have to transfer you to retention to cancel service, just pray you don't get disconnected while speaking with the retention rep, as if you do......you are SOL and have to call us again and go through the same cycle and just pray that you get a somewhat competent CARE rep.....or something.....LOOK AIR!

taxes pt.1

Sun, 04 Feb 2007 15:36:56 GMT

WELL, so I did my taxes a few days ago, I got an e-mail saying my federal was accepted....now only have to wait for the almost 700 return to post....still waiting on the state to be approved.

sleep

Wed, 17 Jan 2007 12:27:51 GMT

I just slept for 24 hrs.....no applause is necessary

Sat, 06 Jan 2007 21:31:42 GMT

So I entered in livejournal's web address, forget 1 w, and it takes me to a Russian page, how bizzare! anyway, just wanted to post something random and non downer

ech

Mon, 01 Jan 2007 11:10:08 GMT

So I spent the last few days of 2006 sick, I am guessing food poisoning, couldn't be flu, since I am basically over it....tomorrow I work, and should be all good. I want sleep hardcore. Talking about tomorrow, If I am all good health wise, then I will also work out some more, since I haven't had time to work out.

as far as 2007....I do have some plans....they will stick hidden in my mind until the right time to display said plans. if they happen, then I will be happy.

as well, happy birthday to those in January.....
Sarah, happy birthday hottie, mebbe will see you soon enoug...I need a vacation ;)
Jessa, you and alex....do things like bunnies or something....but yaqy.
Aaron: I am going to kick yer ass.