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Hello students and parents!

We are glad to let you know that we are meeting for High School Ministry at our regular date & time, except it’s online! In light of our current crisis, we think it’s best to have a fun INTERACTIVE service online instead of meeting in person! Don’t worry! It’ll have all the elements that we have in our youth room, all you’ll need is an internet connection!

How do you do join us online? We’ll be hosting a ‘Zoom meeting’. That means, we can play games together, talk and even worship! If you aren’t familiar with ‘Zoom’ it’s simply a video-conferencing application that can do a lot!

Here’s how you prepare for Friday!
Step 1) Download the ‘Zoom’ app on your device! Here are the links below!

Mac – CLICK HERE
PC – CLICK HERE
Andriod – CLICK HERE
iOS – CLICK HERE

*You don’t have to download the app if you’re on a laptop/desktop, but it’s more robust if you do!*

Step 2) Next, On March 20th @ 7:25pm, click our Zoom Meeting URL

CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE ONLINE SERVICE!

Step 3) Enjoy the service by listening and participating!

The week after that…
We will likely continue with our High School Ministry Interactive Service until we are informed otherwise.  We encourage you to not become isolated during times like these! God is still on the throne!

Feel free to email Mathew, our Youth Director, if you have any questions.
mathew@churchoftherock.ca

MONTHLY CALENDAR

 
Click here for this month’s calendar

The post High School Ministry – March 20th – INTERACTIVE SERVICE! appeared first on Church of The Rock.

Because of the COVID-19 outbreak, titles carrying the Closing Order Minimize-off Dates of March 16, March 23 and March 30 can be returnable at a later date.

“It is a tough scenario for everybody,” stated Picture Writer Eric Stephenson, “and whereas we commend each retailers and customers for placing their well being and security first, we do not really feel all of the burden needs to be positioned on the Direct Market. We wish shops to order with the arrogance they are not going to be caught with inventory they cannot promote, and we hope everybody acknowledges the half all of us can play by becoming a member of collectively to assist each other climate this disaster.”

A full checklist of the affected titles follows. Please Be aware: The titles on this checklist are topic to vary. The checklist can be up to date as these modifications happen.

FOC 03/16/20

• DEADLY CLASS #44
• FARMHAND #15 (MR)
• GIDEON FALLS TP VOL 04 (MR)
• MIRKA ANDOLFO MERCY #2 (OF 6)
• OLIVER TP VOL 01 (MR)
• OUTER DARKNESS CHEW #1 (OF 3) 2ND PTG (MR)
• OUTER DARKNESS CHEW #2 (OF 3)
• POSTAL DELIVERANCE TP VOL 02 (MR)
• REAVER #8 (MR)

ON FOC 03/23/20

• BITTER ROOT #8 (MR)
• CLOCK #3 (OF 4)
• DEADLY CLASS TP VOL 09 BONE MACHINE (MR)
• DECORUM #2 (OF 8) (MR)
• DIE DIE DIE #10 (MR)
• EXCELLENCE #7
• HARDCORE RELOADED #5 (OF 5) (MR)
• MARKED TP VOL 01 FRESH INK (MR)
• NOMEN OMEN #6 (OF 15) (MR)
• PRETTY VIOLENT #7 (MR)
• SONATA #10 (MR)
• SPAWN #307
• STEALTH #2 (OF 6)
• STRAY BULLETS SUNSHINE & ROSES #42 (MR)
• TARTARUS #3

ON FOC 03/30/20

• FAMILY TREE #6 (MR)
• HEART ATTACK #6 (MR)
• KILLADELPHIA #6 (MR)
• LOW #23 (MR)
• LUCY CLAIRE REDEMPTION #5 (MR)
• MIDDLEWEST #17 (MR)
• OLYMPIA #5 (OF 5)
• ON THE STUMP #3
• PROTECTOR #4 (MR)
• REDNECK #27 (MR)
• SEX CRIMINALS #29 (MR)
• UNDISCOVERED COUNTRY #6  (MR)

The CW has shifted the release dates for the next two weeks of The Flash and Legends of Tomorrow episodes.

The March 24 episode of Legends of Tomorrow, titled “Zari, Not Zari,” has been taken off the schedule and replaced with a rerun of “A Head of Her Time.” Similarly, the March 31 episode “The Great British Fake-Off” has also been replaced with a rerun of “Mortal Khanbat.” The Flash‘s March 31 episode, “So Long and Goodnight,” will be replaced with “Grodd Friended Me.”

Production on all Arrowverse shows being halted because of coronavirus (COVID-19). Both The Flash and Legends of Tomorrow will air new episodes on March 17.

2019 was a strange yet a strong year for comics. In the past 12 months of 2019, there were some of the best Indie titles released. However, the output of some of the mainstream outfits, such as DC, Marvel, as well as Image, can be well described as average with just one or two high points. If truth be told, the best work in the medium last year didn’t really come from the publishers with the glossiest names. So, to ensure that you didn’t miss the best of the year, we have come up with our best picks of the year. You can use this as your guide to ensure that you don’t miss any of the stellar comics of 2019. Now, let’s get started and take a look at the 4 best comics of 2019.

 

First – The River At Night

Publisher – Drawn & Quarterly

Maira, who works with a platform where you can pay someone to write a paper, says that The River At Night is a reworked compilation of the material which first appeared in the much-hyped and well-acclaimed series, that is, Kevin Huizenga’s Ganges. This book again is a masterpiece where you’ll see a heartfelt sincerity and an inquisitiveness to interact with the people and the world around us. Further, it is an accurate depiction of phantasmagorical insomnia and the weird thoughts that it invokes in the people afflicted. Additionally, the comic has multiple moments that will seem recognizable to anyone who has ever had a sleepless night. It is witty, beautiful, and intelligent, all at once. I believe, if the book gets the recognition it deserves, it will surely make Kevin a household name.

 

Second – Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up With Me 

Publisher – First Second Books

This book by Mariko Tamaki is a touching yet fun take on high school relationships. However, despite the title, it not just revolves around romantic relationships, but rather uncovers the relief of overcoming the toxic influences in life. Brian, who offers online assignment help services, says that the biggest winner of this YA graphic novel is certainly Rosemary Valero-O’Connell’s art. Tamaki’s work is achingly beautiful. The color palette and the variation in the depiction are outright beautiful. Moreover, it is lifelike, and the performances by every character in the book are outstanding, The nervous “me” from the title, Freddy, to Laura, and the other supporting cast is brilliant in every way. It is one helluva romantic story that you have always yearned for.

 

Third – The Hard Tomorrow

Publisher – Drawn & Quarterly

Kiara, who offers online assignment help Sydney, says that if there’s one book that’s in sync with the world today, then it is The Hard Tomorrow by Eleanor Davis’. The book is heart-breaking and ambitious all the way, where the author writes with the hope of a better world. It revolves around a political activist and a caregiver. In the book, you’ll find instances where you can see how blurry the line is between the political and the personal events is, and how this thin line puts all the relationships at a risk. Honestly, it is an emotionally draining book yet one of the kindest books I have read so far. The best thing about The Hard Tomorrow is that it is a much-needed break from the earlier work by Eleanor. For me, it is the book of the year and for all the right reasons.

 

Fourth – Is This How You See Me? 

Publisher –  Fantagraphics Books

Just as we discussed above, if ‘Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up With Me’ is the perfect book for our hidden high schooler, ‘Is This How You See Me?’, is the book from the age spectrum’s entirely opposite end. This book by Jaime Hernandez puts forth the story of Hopey and Maggie, who decide on revisiting their youth. So, from the middle age, they go back to the young days by attending a punk reunion show. Amidst the show, they realize how much has changed, and yet there are a few things that never change. After reading this book, it is pretty clear that Jaime’s work has matured to sensitivity and subtlety that the book is well able to hit you with the nostalgia of lost youth and leave you with a melancholic smile on the face. Lily, who offers the best online digital marketing courses online, says that for her, Jaime has always been the number 1 living cartoonist, and after reading the book, her thoughts for him have not changed even one bit.

So, these, according to us, are the top 4 best comics of 2019. You should take out some time and give them a good read. You will thank us later! If you have more to add to the list, leave your suggestions in the comments below.

Red Sonja: Age of Chaos #3

writer: Erik Burnham  |  artist:  Jonathan Lau

covers: Lucio Parrillo (A), Alan Quah (B), Alé Garza (C)

                Kunkka (D), Shannon Kingston Cosplay (E)

                Derrick Chew #4 Sneak Peek Cover (RI)

                Derrick Chew Monochromatic #4 Sneak Peek Cover (RI)

                Lucio Parrillo “Pure Pencil” Sketch Cover (RI/BW)

                Shannon Kingston Cosplay (RI-Virgin), Lucio Parrillo (RI/BW)

                Alah Quah “Pure Pencil” Sketch Cover (RI/BW Virgin)

                Icon Edition Cover: Adam Hughes (RI)

                Icon Edition Cover: Michael Turner (RI)

                Lucio Parrillo CGC-Graded Cover

FC  |  32 pages  |  Fantasy/Horror  |  $3.99  |   Teen+ 

Red Sonja, paired with the half-vampire Chastity, is on the path to setting things right, restoring the timeline and hopefully saving humanity in the process. But Chastity isn’t the only strange visitor from another time; Jade, Evil Ernie, and Purgatori have all come to Hyboria as well, and they’ve taken a shine to the savage world as an easy place to indulge their dangerous natures. They may not take so well to the notion of going home. (Plus, Ernie gets to ride a dragon, which is almost impossible where he comes from.) The She-Devil’s adventure in the Age of Chaos continues here!

 

en+ 

Vampirella (Vol.5) #9

writer: Christopher Priest  |  artist:  Ergün Gündüz

covers: Lucio Parrillo (A), Guillem March (B), Fay Dalton (C)

                Ergün Gündüz (D, Teena Titan Cosplay (E)

                Juan Gedeon “Zombie” Variant (RI), Lucio Parrillo “Pure Pencil”

                Sketch Cover (RI/BW), Teena Titan Cosplay (RI/Virgin)

                Ergün Gündüz (RI/Virgin), Guillem March (RI/Virgin)

                Lucio Parrillo “Pure Pencil” Sketch Cover (RI/BW Virgin)

                Icon Edition Cover: Mark Texeira (RI)

                Icon Edition Cover: Bruce Timm (RI), Lucio Parrillo CGC-Graded Cover

FC  |  32 pages  |  Horror  |  $3.99  |   Te



he story fans thought they would never see! This all-new emotional rollercoaster stars fan-favorites Max and Chloe, and picks up after the critically-acclaimed game! Torn between universes, can a splintered Max reckon with the sins of Arcadia past… and is there any future for Max and Chloe when time itself is against them? Written by Emma Vieceli, with art by Claudia Leonardi! Life is Strange #1 is available in comic shops on November 14, 2018, and also on digital devices. Issue #1 comes with 5 covers to collect, plus an exclusive Forbidden Planet variant: https://bit.ly/2COHYvT

 

 

 

Product Title: Life is Strange: Partners in Time

 

Issue/Volume Number: 1

 

Number of Issues/Volumes in Series: Ongoing

 

Frequency of Publication (Monthly, Bimonthly, Quarterly, etc.): Monthly

 

Intended Audience (All Ages, Mature Themes, Adult): Mature Themes

 

Genre (Superhero, Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Horror, Western, etc.): Gaming / Drama / Supernatural

 

Format (dimensions, pg count, FC/B&W/PC, SC/HC): 170 x 258mm / 32pp / FC / SC Comic

 

Retail Price: $3.99

 

Diamond Discount:

 

Printer: Senatobia LSC

 

Country of Printing: US

 

Ship Date/Month: April 15, 2020

 

UPC Code:

Cover A: 7 93611 73564 4 00111

Cover B: 7 93611 73564 4 00121

Cover C: 7 93611 73564 4 00131

Cover D: 7 93611 73564 4 00141

Cover E: 7 93611 73564 4 00151

 

 

ISBN:

 

Author(s): Emma Vieceli

Artist(s): Claudia Leonardi, Andrea Izzo

Cover Artist(s): Ilya Kuvshinov (CVR A), Sarah Graley (CVR B), T-Shirt (CVR C), Cover A B&W Variant (CVR D) Ilya Kuvshinov B&W Variant (CVR E)

 

Synopsis

(approx 50 words):

 

NOTE: alternate cover text should be 1-2 sentences max with product details only. A NEW ERA, A NEW #1!

 

The adventures of Max, Chloe, and Rachel, from the hit game Life is Strange, continue into a new era!

Time-rewinding photographer Max has spent the last couple of years in a reality parallel to her own.

Lately, she realised she was running from her responsibilities… and from the Chloe she left.

 

Now… there may be a way for her to get home.

With the universe against her, it’s time for the coast-to-coast road trip of multiple lifetimes to find it  – following the band The High Seas towards an uncertain destiny!

 

 

 

Special Notes:

 

This is a featured item (contracted, comic) in February 2020 Previews.

 

Hero Collector have revealed details of the June releases in their popular Doctor Who figurine range The fortnightly Doctor Who Figurine Collection Magazine from Hero Collector will again balance classic and modern characters this June. Issue 177 features Series 12’s Judoon Captain Pol-Kon-Don. Her distinctive mohawk and blinded right eye marks her out among other […]

The post Doctor Who Figurines for June 2020 appeared first on Blogtor Who.

I’m a sucker for a few things: Action figures. Translucent plastic. Nostalgia. A good deal. An intriguing mystery. A full collection. I could go on. Like, I could really go on. I… I might be a real sucker. I’ll reflect […]

The post Off The Shelf – Turtle Power appeared first on Looking For Group.

Discover the Highly Anticipated Return from the Acclaimed Creators of the
Most Controversial Series of 2019

​

LOS ANGELES, CA (March 17, 2020) – BOOM! Studios today revealed a first look at FAITHLESS II, a brand new six-issue sequel series from critically acclaimed team of writer Brian Azzarello (Batman: Damned) and artist Maria Llovet (Heartbeat), who return to the world of their bestelling erotic series, with letterer AndWorld Design, as Faith and her lovers, Louis (AKA The Devil) and Poppy (his daughter), bring magic and chaos to the streets of Italy.

Turin, known as the epicenter of black magic, is also a place of high fashion, art, and literature. Now, Faith is in the center of it all and with that, her own power grows. But any power comes with a price. Faith has only just begun to pay for hers.

FAITHLESS II #1 features main cover art by series artist Llovet, variant cover art by fan favorite Kris Anka (White Trees), and the first in a series of erotic variant connecting covers by acclaimed artist Tula Lotay (Black Widow) that will be polybagged and not publicly previewed due to sexually explicit material. Each erotic variant cover will be limited to its initial print run and will not be reprinted or collected in any subsequent formats. All issues of FAITHLESS II will continue this variant cover program with similar content, limited release, and packaging.

FAITHLESS II is the newest release from BOOM! Studios’ eponymous imprint, home to critically acclaimed original series, including Once & Future by Kieron Gillen and Dan Mora; Something is Killing the Children by James Tynion IV and Werther Dell’Edera;  Abbott by Saladin Ahmed and Sami Kivelä; Bury the Lede by Gaby Dunn and Claire Roe; Klaus by Grant Morrison and Dan Mora; Folklords by Matt Kindt and Matt Smith; The Red Mother by Jeremy Haun and Danny Luckert; Alienated by Simon Spurrier and Chris Wildgoose and King of Nowhere by W. Maxwell Prince and Tyler Jenkins.

Print copies of FAITHLESS II #1 will be available for sale on April 22, 2020 exclusively at local comic book shops (use comicshoplocator.com to find the nearest one) or at the BOOM! Studios webstore. Digital copies can be purchased from content providers, including comiXology, iBooks, Google Play, and Madefire.

For continuing news on FAITHLESS II and more from BOOM! Studios, stay tuned to www.boom-studios.com and follow @boomstudios on Twitter.

Dear Industry Press and Colleagues,

On behalf of all of us at AfterShock Comics, we want to let you know that we take the health of our fans, colleagues, creators, and retail partners very seriously – no matter where in the world they happen to find themselves at this unprecedented time.

Beyond continued good health and supporting all the precautions that continue to be promoted at various community and government levels, if there’s anything we would wish for you and your friends and family right now is that you find yourself able to continue to support your local comic shop.

We’ve been impressed and somewhat comforted by the ways in which many shops across North America and around the world have already modified their businesses to ensure the ongoing safety of their employees, as well as to continue to serve you, the loyal AfterShock reader.

The vast majority of comic shops have already put into place plans to get through the current COVID-19 outbreak – and they want to make it as easy and safe as possible for you to get your comics. If you’re not feeling up to your regular visit, many shops can arrange for curbside pickup and can take payment over the phone. Some have modified their operating hours or staggered suggested peak times to visit in the interest of social distancing. Some even offer the opportunity to buy online and have your comics and collections delivered straight to your door (often with free or reduced shipping). Never underestimate the ingenuity of comics people!

As for us, we’re working as doggedly as ever to bring you the caliber of escapist fare that you expect from AfterShock.

It’s been said that a situation like this, in which more and more people are being prompted (or in some cases, required) to stay at home, is a perfect opportunity to catch up on one’s reading. We couldn’t agree more.

Stay healthy. Stay safe. Stay AfterShock. 

Hello students and parents!

We are glad to let you know that we are meeting for High School Ministry at our regular date & time, except it’s online! In light of our current crisis, we think it’s best to have a fun INTERACTIVE service online instead of meeting in person! Don’t worry! It’ll have all the elements that we have in our youth room, all you’ll need is an internet connection!

How do you do join us online? We’ll be hosting a ‘Zoom meeting’. That means, we can play games together, talk and even worship! If you aren’t familiar with ‘Zoom’ it’s simply a video-conferencing application that can do a lot!

Here’s how you prepare for Friday!
Step 1) Download the ‘Zoom’ app on your device! Here are the links below!

Mac – CLICK HERE
PC – CLICK HERE
Andriod – CLICK HERE
iOS – CLICK HERE

*You don’t have to download the app if you’re on a laptop/desktop, but it’s more robust if you do!*

Step 2) Next, On March 20th @ 7:25pm, click our Zoom Meeting URL

CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE ONLINE SERVICE!

Step 3) Enjoy the service by listening and participating!

The week after that…
We will likely continue with our High School Ministry Interactive Service until we are informed otherwise.  We encourage you to not become isolated during times like these! God is still on the throne!

Feel free to email Mathew, our Youth Director, if you have any questions.
mathew@churchoftherock.ca

MONTHLY CALENDAR

 
Click here for this month’s calendar

The post High School Ministry – March 20th – INTERACTIVE SERVICE! appeared first on Church of The Rock.

Hello students and parents!

We are glad to let you know that we are meeting for Threshold Junior at our regular date & time, except it’s online! In light of our current crisis, we think it’s best to have a fun INTERACTIVE service online instead of meeting in person! Don’t worry! It’ll have all the elements that we have in our youth room, all you’ll need is an internet connection!

How do you do join us online? We’ll be hosting a ‘Zoom meeting’. That means, we can play games together, talk and even worship! If you aren’t familiar with ‘Zoom’ it’s simply a video-conferencing application that can do a lot!

Here’s how you prepare for Wednesday!
Step 1) Download the ‘Zoom’ app on your device! Here are the links below!

Mac – CLICK HERE
PC – CLICK HERE
Andriod – CLICK HERE
iOS – CLICK HERE

*You don’t have to download the app if you’re on a laptop/desktop, but it’s more robust if you do!*

Step 2) Next, On March 18th @ 7pm, click our Zoom Meeting URL

CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE ONLINE SERVICE!

Step 3) Enjoy the service by listening and participating!

This week!

Online Game Show!
March 18th – Wednesday 7 – 9pm
Fabulous candy prizes are to be won on our next game show! We also start a new faith-based series on Doubts!

The week after that…
We will likely continue with our Threshold Jr Interactive Service until we are informed otherwise.  We encourage you to not become isolated during times like these! God is still on the throne!

Feel free to email Mathew, our Youth Director, if you have any questions.
mathew@churchoftherock.ca

MONTHLY CALENDAR

  Click here for this month’s calendar

The post Threshold Jr – Mar 18th – ONLINE Game Show! appeared first on Church of The Rock.

In a world where children as young as a single day old can fall prey to fraud, it is more important than ever to educate parents and other caretakers about the dangers of child identity theft. While the hope is that perceptions can be changed and criminals brought to justice, likely the biggest concern for parents is how to reclaim their child’s identity, should they ever be in such an unfortunate position.

That is, unless the parents or guardians are the ones behind the fraud in the first place. In part 1 of our series on child identity theft, we talked about familiar fraud—fraud committed by someone who personally knows the victim—and how children are increasingly being targeted for this crime. We also touched on the repercussions of familiar fraud in the lives of kids and their families.

In part 2 of our series, we look at turning back the tables and reclaiming your child’s identity, whether it’s been stolen by a stranger or someone who knows them. In addition, we highlight the signs your child’s information might be compromised and how parents or guardians can better protect their data.

Signs of child identity compromise

When it comes to figuring out if a child’s identity has been compromised and is being used, thankfully, there are telltale signs that parents and guardians can look out for. These signs are displayed both in the real world and the digital world. They include:

• Physical mail arriving to your home that is addressed to your child. These include card applications, banking statements, and credit card or insurance applications for accounts under their name, and they’re the most obvious sign of compromise. Your child may also receive a notice from the IRS either because of unpaid income taxes or having multiple tax returns filed under their SSN.
• Phone calls received from collection agencies directed to your child.
• If the landline has a caller ID, your child’s name may appear on it. This indicates that someone has stolen and is misusing their information.
• A turned-down application for government benefit for your child. This is because someone with the same SSN as your child may already be benefiting from it.
• Bank turning down an account application for a child due to the negative credit score associated with the child’s SSN.
• Important documents of your child suddenly going missing, including their SSD card and birth certificate.
• In addition, the Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC) has listed several documents that may suddenly show up—or, in certain cases, not show up—that potentially give away active ID theft activity.

How to reclaim your child’s identity

Reclaiming a stolen identity takes a lot of work. This is true whether the victim is an adult or a child. And the length of time spent undoing the harm to your child’s reputation potentially correlates with how long the fraud has been taking place before it was identified and acted upon.

If you, dear parent or guardian, have seen any of the telltale signs of identity fraud, immediately contact the top credit bureaus to freeze your child’s credit until they are old enough to enter into a contract. Doing so means that these reports will be taken out of circulation.

A credit report for a child is normally non-existent, but if one is found, the parent or guardian should contact an organization that deals with child identity theft, such as the Identity Theft Report. If a parent would only like to take extra precaution, they can ask their credit reporting agencies (CRA), which are Experian, Equifax, TransUnion, or other smaller bureaus to create their child’s credit report and freeze it.

It is equally important for parents and/or guardians to keep the PIN that each of these credit unions have assigned to them.

Beyond freezing and receiving credit reports, other important steps for reclaiming your child’s identity include:

• Contacting any companies where fraudulent accounts in your child’s name were opened. Tell the fraud department about what happened, and ask them to close the account and send a letter confirming your child isn’t liable. If necessary, send a letter explaining your child is a minor who can’t enter into contracts and attach a copy of their birth certificate.
• For parents in the United States, contacting the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at IdentityTheft.gov or call 877-ID-THEFT to report the fraud.

How to protect your child’s identity

In the Experian survey report mentioned in part 1 of our series, more than half of victims (63 percent) wished that their parents had done more to protect them from potential fraud. Interestingly, 61 percent of parents felt the same way.

Awareness of the risks and underlying dangers of child identity theft is something parents should be actively practicing. To avoid opening an opportunity for fraudsters to take advantage of your child’s information, here are some tips:

• Don’t carry your child’s SSN card. There is no need—keep it safe at home instead.
• Know when your child’s SSN is really needed when applying for something on their behalf. Schools, for example, don’t ask for a child’s SSN, so there is no need to provide it.
• When throwing out mail or documents with your personal information or your child’s, shred them before disposing.
• You may also want to consider getting your child another form of identification, such as a passport or a state identification card.
• If you receive news of your child’s school getting breached, don’t hesitate to call the school and ask for more information.
• Inquire about your child’s school directory information policy. A directory information contains a lot of personally identifiable information (PII) about a child. And sometimes, such information is shared outside of the school. Parents and/or guardians can either inform the school that they shouldn’t share their child’s information without their expressed consent, or opt out of having their information shared.
• Keep all important documents of your child in a safe and secure place.

Early detection is key. Getting acquainted with the red flags and keeping an eye out for them would nip fraud in the bud. Not only that, it’d make reclaiming and restoring a child’s identity back a little easier—emotionally, mentally, and financially.

Half of Experian respondents with children who have been victimized by fraud have learned the hard way not to share personal information with family. Some have also started actively checking credit scores and enrolling for identity theft protection services.

The things we leave behind

It’s easy for adults to forget that, like them, children have data and information that needs protecting, too. And even if their children are too young to use a computing device, they still have digital footprints. The reason? Mom and Dad or other legal guardians leave them behind. Unfortunately, it is unavoidable.

Mom needs to schedule a doctor’s appointment for the little one’s check-up, so she uses her healthcare app. Proud dad shares short clips of his bundle of joy with Aunt Martha, who lives far away and couldn’t visit the newborn in hospital. And before all of this, Mom and Dad announced the pregnancy to all their social media channels.

Sadly, the very activities that give us joy and make tasks convenient can also leave behind breadcrumbs that identity thieves can sniff out and follow. Rarely do parents or guardians stop to think about how their sharing can impact their child’s digital life.

Take, for example, baby pictures you may have shared on social media. They may contain metadata pointing to the location where they were taken. Or when you made that public announcement about your baby on the way: Did you also reveal their name? Fraudsters can easily glean from this information the baby’s full name and location. If they don’t have the child’s SSN yet, they can easily pair it with another SSN to create a synthetic identity.

This isn’t to say that parents and/or guardians should deprive relatives and friends of your little one’s adorable moments, or avoid entering any of their children’s information online. Just be mindful when doing so. Share privately by making use of your social network’s privacy settings. Also caution or remind your relatives and friends to avoid re-sharing media you post to others without your consent.

We’re all in this together

In this age of data breaches, it is easy for us to focus on the security of our own data. But let us be aware that kids and young adults are becoming more of a target, too. Children, especially, are blank slates—a highly-prized quality for someone with access to their information and with malicious intent. Hackers are after them; yet often, it’s those that are closer to them who cause the greatest harm—sometimes without knowing they are doing it. Worse, more than one person could be fraudulently using an innocent child’s identity.

While parents and guardians are advised to be equally vigilant in protecting the data of their children—biological and adopted ones—as much as their own or anyone else’s, we encourage any other responsible adult in the family to take part. If familiar fraud becomes a family problem, it should be a family affair to thwart it off at all costs for the future of the most vulnerable in the household.

The post Child identity theft, part 2: How to reclaim your child’s identity appeared first on Malwarebytes Labs.

We're offering MAJOR DISCOUNTS on our tabletop games through the end of March. You can get Rick and Morty games, entries in the DC-Deck-Building Game and Epic Spell Wars series, and more. Free shipping in the continental U.S. for orders over $50! Pick up some amazing games on our eStore and chill at home with your friends and family!

I hope everybody is keeping safe. As I am not involved in the medical profession or politics there is little I can do other than follow the guideline that have been outlined by various health departments and help my family to do the same.

However the situation is confusing to many so last night I thought to put some of what I learned  about writing toward outlining the threat that Covid-19 (Coronavirus) represents.

Hope this helps everybody understand what we are facing.

• In a normal flu season for every individual infected 1.3 additional people get infected. Of the people who got infected less than .1% died thus giving 35,000 to 40,000 annual death in the United States due to the flu.
• The H1N1 virus circa 2009 was around 1.5 people infected for every person who came down with the virus. Fatality rate was three time higher at around .3%
• In contrast for Covid-19, for every person infected 2.2 (Jan 2020) to 2.7 (Feb 2020) additional people will get infected. Of those people who get the disease 3.5% will die.
• Different age bracket respond differently with those 70+ have been suffering a 16% fatality rate due to Covid-19
• Covid-19 numbers slightly more deadlier than to that of the 1919 Influenza virus which has an infection rate of 1.8 and a fatality rate of 2% to 3%

This based on data using standard epidemiology procedures in place for decades.

Furthermore these are fatalities, an order of magnitude (10x) more cases do not result in death but do require medical intervention and hospitalization.

In the case of the flu the annual flu shot means that actual number are far less than just multiplying the fatality rate by the population.

For my small rural town which has a population of 30,000 (city and the two surrounding townships) this means the following

• During a normal flu season (Nov to April) we can expect around 30 flu related death. The actual number will be less because of the flu shot. We can also expect 300 cases requiring hospitalization spread across those months. The actual numbers will also be less because of the flu shot.
• With Covid-19 which has no vaccine at this point, my town can expect 900 deaths probably spread across three months. More seriously we can expect 9,000 severe case requiring medical intervention like hospitalization.
• This compounded by that fact that in the case of the annual flu the onset of the disease is 1 to 4 days. For covid-19 the onset period is 3 to 14 days. A person can pass on the infection during the onset period for both.
• Moreover the fact without further measures to help the medical system handling Covid-19 cases this means all the other things like those having complication from the annual flu, trauma, infections, seizures, cancer, etc will have problem getting proper treatment thus driving up their death rate.

My town can't handle that. Nobody can handle that which is why we saw in Wuhan emergency hospitals being erected overnight.

What we can do is slow down the spread so these 9,000 cases and 900 death are spread across a longer span of time. So that those cases and the other cases get needed medical attention. And just maybe a vaccine will be developed or enough of a quarantine is place so that the cases start declining.

Be safe and I hope the above helps you make an informed decision about what you and your family needs to do.

Despite using common language, the Dungeons & Dragons rules feature such precise wording that a close reading answers most questions and foils many schemes to break the game. You can tell that the designers dreamed up plenty of min-maxing exploits, and then engineered text that prevented any shenanigans.

Sometimes the implications of the game’s precise phrasing take experience to spot.

For example, the description for alchemist’s fire says, “Make a ranged attack against a creature or object, treating the alchemist’s fire as an improvised weapon.” That text includes plenty to unpack. Alchemist’s fire is treated as an improvised weapon, so unless you’re a tavern brawler, you don’t add your proficiency bonus to attack. Because the throw counts as a ranged attack, you add your Dexterity bonus to your attack roll. Most players miss the next implication: Ranged attacks add your Dexterity bonus to the damage roll. The specific rule for alchemist’s fire changes the general rule for when a ranged attack inflicts damage. “On a hit, the target takes 1d4 fire damage at the start of each of its turns.” As with any other damage bonus, the one for Dexterity only adds to the attack once.

(For another example of how a close reading of the rules differs from the common interpretation, check out the strict method for rolling damage from a magic missile.)

As I learned the D&D rules, I noticed phrases that once seemed innocuous, but that now reveal importance.

For example, consider the phrase “that you can see” in spell descriptions. Many spells require the caster to see the target of an effect. Invisibility rates as the game’s most potent defensive spell because so much magic requires sight for targeting. Sometimes the phrase “that you can see” turns against the players. Spirit Guardians lets casters spare any number of creatures they can see from the spell’s effect. Any invisible or otherwise out-of-sight allies must suffer the guardians’ effects.

Many monsters can cast spells “requiring no material components.” This enables a flameskull to cast Fireball despite lacking pockets full of bat guano and sulfur. (Flameskulls also cast without somatic components—an essential accommodation for their lack of hands.)

Monsters able to cast spells “requiring no components” gain a significant advantage: These creatures can cast spells without being interrupted by a Counterspell. “To be perceptible, the casting of a spell must involve a verbal, somatic, or material component.” With no components, no one notices the casting until it finishes.

The monsters able to cast without components mainly fall into three categories:

• psionic creatures like githyanki and mind flayers
• constructs
• slaad

I understand the allowance for psionics and constructs, but what makes slaad so special?

Many character features allow extra attacks “when you use the Attack action,” which creates a limitation that often goes unnoticed. For example, a monk’s extra unarmed strike requires an Attack action, so a monk cannot just take the Dash or Dodge action and then use a Bonus action to get some licks in. This same phrase prevents two-weapon rangers from casting a spell, and then making an attack with their off-hand weapon.

Most extra attacks delivered “when you use the Attack action” cost a Bonus action, but the barbarian’s Form of the Beast feature lets you make extra claw attacks as part of your Attack action. This enables such barbarians to rage and to still make that extra attack.

The D&D rules overload the terms “attack,” “melee,” and “ranged,” giving them different meanings in different contexts. That can fuel confusion. The Attack action usually includes an attack (unless you choose to grapple). But sometimes you can make an attack with a Bonus action, often “when you use the Attack action.” Spellcasters can take the Cast a Spell action, and then make a spell attack with something like a Fire Bolt. Spells like Booming Blade and Green-Flame Blade have you to make a melee attack (and not a spell attack) with a weapon as part of the Cast a Spell action.

No wonder the 2nd edition of Pathfinder attempts to cut the fog by calling a single attack a strike.

“Melee” and “ranged” can describe types of weapons and types of attacks. Usually the weapons and attacks stay in their lanes, but when you hurl a melee weapon it crosses into oncoming traffic.

A melee weapon, such as a dagger or handaxe, remains a melee weapon even when you make a ranged attack by throwing it. Normally a ranged attack adds your Dexterity bonus to damage, but the thrown property can change that general rule. The thrown property says, “If the weapon is a melee weapon, you use the same ability modifier for that attack roll and damage roll that you would use for a melee attack with the weapon. If you throw a dagger, you can use either your Strength or your Dexterity, since the dagger has the finesse property.”

When used to make a ranged attack, melee weapons that lack the thrown property count as improvised weapons. They add your Dexterity bonus to the attack and damage rolls, and deal 1d4 damage.

If I were king of D&D, my edition would adopt “strike” for a single attack, and I would consider phrases like “close attack” and “distance attack” in place of the overworked “ranged” and “melee.”

Sometimes a close reading of the D&D rules leads to interpretations that might differ from what the designers first intended. Perhaps lead designer Jeremy Crawford got questions about sneak attack, reviewed the rules, and then thought, I didn’t mean that, but it still works.

Your rogue can use the sneak attack feature “once per turn,” but it’s not limited to your turn. During a round, rogues can sneak attack on their turn and again on someone else’s turn, typically when a foe provokes an opportunity attack.

For spells like Wall of Fire and Blade Barrier, the distinction between turns and rounds also becomes important. These spells deal damage the first time you enter their effect on a turn—anyone’s turn. This means that if a monster gets forced through a Wall of Fire on consecutive turns, they accumulate more damage in a round than if they had just stayed in the fire. I suppose you get used to the heat.

B&V FRIENDS JUMBO COMICS DIGEST #279
TWO NEW CLASSIC-STYLE STORIES: First, in “’Fun’-draising,” Betty and Veronica are in a charitable spirit and decide to put all their effort into fundraising for Riverdale Children’s Hospital. But that doesn’t mean that their newfound giving attitudes stop them from a little friendly competition! Then, in “The Perfect Cast,” Young warlock Salem and his friends are holding a spell-casting contest. Salem is feeling outpaced and insecure so he ups the ante with an especially dangerous spell—with some not-so-great consequences!
Script: Bill Golliher, Ian Flynn
Art: Dan Parent, Chad Thomas, Jim Amash, Glenn Whitmore, Jack Morelli
Cover: Jeff Shultz, Rosario “Tito” Peña
On Sale Date: 3/18
192-page, full color comic
$7.99 U.S.

ARCHIE #712
ARCHIE AND KATY KEENE #3
Katy Keene is headed to NEW YORK CITY! …Along with Archie, Veronica, Jughead, Betty and Sabrina. But is Katy ready to take a bite out of the Big Apple? And will Archie finally find musical recognition in the city that never sleeps?
Script: Mariko Tamaki and Kevin Panetta
Art: Laura Braga, Matt Herms, Jack Morelli
Cover: Laura Braga
Variant Covers: Paul Renaud, Marley Zarcone
On Sale Date: 3/18
32-page, full color comic
$3.99 U.S.

Dry Foot #1
Writer: Jarred Lujan
Artist: Orlando Caicedo
Colorist: Warnia Sahadewa
Letterer: Justin Birch
In Shops: June 10, 2020
SRP: $3.99
A group of 4 children in 1980s Miami plot against the most dangerous gang in the city, Los Marielitos. Together they attempt to steal enough cash to escape the life of crime and drugs they are surrounded by.
Writer Jarred Lujan and artist Orlando Caicedo (Pound) deliver a thrilling coming-of-age heist that will show you a different side of The Magic City!

 

Stargazer #2
Writer: Anthony Cleveland
Artist: Antonio Fuso
Colorist: Stefano Simeone
Letterer: Justin Birch
In Shops: June 10, 2020
SRP: $3.99
A rebel alien from an ancient alien race hides a secret inside of 4 young kids in the 90s. 20 years later, they are back to get back what was stolen from them. Now, it’s time for the kids to deal and come to terms with what they dealt with all those years ago.

 

Hellfighter Quinn #4
Writer: Jay Sandlin
Artist: Antagun Ilhan
Colorist: Maria Santaolalla
Letterer: Justin Birch
In Shops: June 17, 2020
SRP: $3.99
When Quinn gets sucked in through a portal in an abandoned NYC train station, he is transported into the Tribunal. Here he will have to battle on behalf of his people to take control of the Azure Sun and prevent future world disasters.

 

Savage Bastards #5
Writer: David Galiano
Artist: Carlos Angeli
Letterer: Miguel Angel Zapata
In Shops: June 24, 2020
SRP: $3.99
In the wild west, half brothers Sam and Elliott must battle through a series of satellite towns, run by their half-siblings, in order to get revenge on their demented Father, Darragh MacDougal.

 

Wolvenheart Vol.1
Writer: Mark London
Artist: Alejandro Giraldo
Letterer: Miguel Zapata
In Shops: June 24, 2020
SRP: $19.99
The story follows Sterling Cross, the most prolific time traveling, monster slayer in Wolvenheart, an organization dedicated to monitoring paranormal anomalies in the space-time continuum, led by the legendary Professor Van Helsing. After the group is infiltrated and decimated by a cabal of history’s most infamous villains, led by the most notorious serial killer of the 16th century, Elizabeth Bathory, Sterling winds up trapped in an alternate reality where his only choice is to fight his way through time and change the course of history. For fans of Dr. Who, Castlevania, Penny Dreadful, and League of Extraordinary Gentlemen.
Collecting the seven-issue run of Writer Mark London (Knights of the Golden Sun, Honor and Curse) and Alejandro Giraldo (Midnight Task Force) journey through space and time that you’re not going to forget!

 

Over The Ropes Vol.1
Writer: Jay Sandlin
Artist: Antonello Cosentino
Colorist: Francesco Segala
Letterer: Justin Birch
In Shops: June 17, 2020
SRP: $14.99
Over the Ropes dives into sports entertainment’s biggest era. A young high-flyer named Jason Lynn goes off-script in a match to win the world title and sets the southern territory on fire, performing as the face-painted wrestler, Phoenix. Jason’s battles between the ropes are only
outperformed by his struggles outside the ring: First dates. Crooked promoters. Cage matches. Factions and families. No matter what problems smack him with a steel chair, Jason lives by his catchphrase: I. Will. Rise. Step Over the Ropes and into 1990s wrestling as artist Antonello Cosentino and writer Jan Sandlin (Hellfighter Quin) throw you into the ring in this five-issue collection.