Over the course of the past few months I’ve been working on compiling a list of my 500 favorite songs ever. I gave myself a few rules (only 5 songs per artist being the big one) and here’s what I’ve come up with. Just thought this was fun and wanted to see if this might spark any discussion about song placement or lack of certain things. Also wanted to see if anyone had any similar lists.

1. Trash Panda - Aging out of the 20th Century
2. Djo - Roddy
3. The Beatles - Don't Let Me Down
4. Snail Mail - Heat Wave
5. Phoebe Bridgers - Savior Complex
6. Joji - SLOW DANCING IN THE DARK
7. The Shins - The Fear
8. Talking Heads - This Must Be the Place (Naive Melody)
9. The Cranberries - Linger
10. Post Animal - Ralphie
11. Hop Along - Not Abel
12. The Beach Boys - Heroes And Villains
13. Electric Light Orchestra - Livin' Thing
14. The Monkees - As We Go Along
15. Blondie - Heart Of Glass
16. The Strokes - Oblivius
17. Chet Baker - It's Always You - Vocal Version
18. The Beatles - Rain
19. Electric Light Orchestra - Telephone Line
20. Husbands - Must Be a Cop
21. Faces - Ooh La La
22. The Flaming Lips - Do You Realize??
23. Frank Ocean - Nights
24. Harry James - It's Been a Long, Long Time
25. The Turtles - Happy Together
26. Etta James - At Last
27. The Zombies - The Way I Feel Inside
28. The Beatles - Here, There And Everywhere
29. The Beach Boys - God Only Knows
30. Kanye West - Father Stretch My Hands Pt. 1
31. Briston Maroney - Sinkin'
32. John Lennon - Oh My Love
33. Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass - Ladyfingers
34. Squirrel Flower - Headlights
35. The Backseat Lovers - Maple Syrup
36. The B-52's - Rock Lobster
37. George Harrison - All Things Must Pass
38. Snail Mail - Ben Franklin
39. Laura Elliott - Grass Stains
40. Djo - Chateau (Feel Alright)
41. Tame Impala - Eventually
42. The Backseat Lovers - Snowbank Blues
43. Claude Debussy - Clair de Lune, L. 32
44. The Weeknd - Save Your Tears
45. Talking Heads - Thank You for Sending Me an Angel
46. The Zombies - Time of the Season
47. The War On Drugs - Nothing to Find
48. Queen - Brighton Rock
49. The Dream Academy - Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want
50. The B-52's - Strobe Light
51. The Cranberries - Dreams
52. Fugees - Killing Me Softly With His Song
53. Molchat Doma - Тоска
54. Tyler, The Creator - ARE WE STILL FRIENDS?
55. The Mamas & The Papas - Dream A Little Dream Of Me
56. The Chords - Sh-Boom
57. The Beatles - The Abbey Road Medley
58. The Ronettes - Be My Baby
59. The Who - Baba O'Riley
60. Dr. Dog - Where'd All the Time Go?
61. M83 - My Tears Are Becoming A Sea
62. Billie Eilish - everything i wanted
63. Outkast - Hey Ya!
64. Nat King Cole - Orange Colored Sky
65. The Notorious B.I.G. - Hypnotize
66. Four Tops - Reach Out I'll Be There
67. Foreign Air - Shut Up and Show Me
68. Leonard Cohen - So Long, Marianne
69. dodie - If I'm Being Honest
70. Briston Maroney - June
71. Post Malone - Sunflower
72. John Lennon - Isolation
73. Buddy Holly & The Crickets - Not Fade Away
74. Phoebe Bridgers - I Know The End
75. Kanye West - All Falls Down
76. Alvvays - Adult Diversion
77. John Lennon - Beautiful Boy (Darling Boy)
78. Clairo - Amoeba
79. The Beach Boys - I Know There's An Answer
80. Paul McCartney - Let Me Roll It
81. Frank Ocean - Ivy
82. Radiohead - Motion Picture Soundtrack
83. Djo - Mutual Future (Repeat)
84. Phoebe Bridgers - Scott Street
85. Childish Gambino - Me and Your Mama
86. Pink Floyd - Astronomy Domine
87. The Pied Pipers - Dream
88. The Beach Boys - All I Wanna Do
89. Djo - Change
90. Второй этаж поражает - Крайности
91. Little Richard - Lucille
92. King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard - Shanghai
93. Chet Baker - Deep In A Dream
94. The Beatles - It's All Too Much
95. Post Animal - Dirtpicker
96. The B-52's - Love Shack
97. EDEN - foreve/over
98. Kanye West - Ultralight Beam
99. The Zombies - Going Out Of My Head
100. Talking Heads - Found a Job
101. Snail Mail - Pristine
102. Tom Tom Club - Genius of Love
103. Tears For Fears - Everybody Wants To Rule The World
104. WILLIS - I Think I Like When It Rains
105. Chet Baker - But Not For Me
106. Naked Eyes - Always Something There to Remind Me
107. Tyler, The Creator - GONE, GONE / THANK YOU
108. Djo - Half Life
109. Trash Panda - Check Please
110. Briston Maroney - Deep Sea Diver
111. Beach Fossils - This Year
112. Momma - Medicine
113. Hop Along - Prior Things
114. Talking Heads - Road to Nowhere
115. Electric Light Orchestra - Turn to Stone
116. Briston Maroney - It's Not My Fault
117. Tyler, The Creator - NEW MAGIC WAND
118. Snail Mail - Headlock
119. Phil Collins - Take Me Home
120. Gotye - Somebody That I Used To Know
121. The Beach Boys - Do It Again
122. Tame Impala - Breathe Deeper
123. Ella Fitzgerald - Misty
124. Phoebe Bridgers - Waiting Room
125. Kanye West - Runaway
126. Daft Punk - Get Lucky (feat. Pharrell Williams and Nile Rodgers)
127. Dire Straits - Money for Nothing
128. Kendrick Lamar - Alright
129. Black Country, New Road - Concorde
130. George Harrison - If Not for You
131. Harry Styles - Cherry
132. Ms. Lauryn Hill - Doo Wop (That Thing)
133. Paul McCartney - Junk
134. Wings - Maybe I'm Amazed - Live
135. Talking Heads - Houses in Motion
136. Del Water Gap - Ode to a Conversation Stuck in Your Throat
137. Pixies - Where Is My Mind?
138. Queen - Seven Seas Of Rhye
139. Paul McCartney - Jet - 2010 Remaster
140. Sufjan Stevens - Death with Dignity
141. A Flock Of Seagulls - I Ran (So Far Away)
142. Tame Impala - Let It Happen
143. Led Zeppelin - Whole Lotta Love
144. Clairo - Management
145. Tommy James & The Shondells - I Think We're Alone Now - Single Version
146. Fergie - Clumsy
147. Childish Gambino - This Is America
148. Prefab Sprout - The King of Rock 'N' Roll
149. Joy Again - Looking Out for You
150. Beach House - Space Song
151. John Lennon - Mind Games
152. The Weeknd - Gasoline
153. Weezer - Buddy Holly
154. Phoebe Bridgers - Sidelines
155. Tame Impala - New Person, Same Old Mistakes
156. Lana Del Rey - A&W
157. The Dillards - I've Just Seen a Face
158. The Doors - Break on Through (To the Other Side)
159. Julie London - I'm Glad There Is You
160. 2Pac - California Love
161. Dean Martin - Everybody Loves Somebody
162. Snail Mail - Anytime
163. The Strokes - The Adults Are Talking
164. Jordana, TV Girl - Better in the Dark
165. Juice WRLD - Hide (feat. Seezyn)
166. The Wild Reeds - Get Better
167. Finom - Mine
168. Hop Along - One That Suits Me
169. The Killers - Mr. Brightside
170. Michael Cera - Clay Pigeons
171. Clairo - Bags
172. Prince - Let's Go Crazy
173. The Zombies - She's Not There
174. Blackstreet - No Diggity
175. Frank Sinatra - I've Got You Under My Skin
176. John Denver - Take Me Home, Country Roads
177. Harry James - I'm Beginning to See The Light
178. The Clash - London Calling
179. Charles Bradley - Changes
180. Buddy Holly - (Ummmm, Oh Yeah) Dearest
181. Eagles - Seven Bridges Road - Live
182. Moxie - Honey
183. Faces - Stay with Me
184. Post Animal - How Do You Feel
185. New Order - Age of Consent
186. Natalie Imbruglia - Torn
187. Lana Del Rey - Doin' Time
188. Twin Peaks - Blue Coupe
189. Kanye West - Gold Digger
190. Fruit Bats - The Bottom of It
191. Frank Sinatra - Somethin' Stupid
192. Lorde - Perfect Places
193. Martha Tilton - Exactly Like You
194. King Crimson - 21st Century Schizoid Man
195. Glen Campbell - Southern Nights
196. Claire Rosinkranz - Frankenstein
197. Guillemots - Made-Up Lovesong #43
198. Fleetwood Mac - Say You Love Me
199. Frankie Valli - Can't Take My Eyes off You
200. The Crickets - Don't Ever Change
201. Paul Anka - Put Your Head On My Shoulder
202. George Harrison - Isn't It a Pity
203. Trash Panda - Off
204. Super Besse - Holod
205. Beyoncé - Hold Up
206. Charlie Burg - I Don't Wanna Be Okay Without You
207. Eagles - Peaceful Easy Feeling
208. Ella Fitzgerald - It's A Lovely Day Today
209. PERMSKY KRAY - Дорогой Человек
210. The Little Dippers - Forever - Single Version
211. The B-52's - There's a Moon in the Sky (Called the Moon)
212. Patti Page - Old Cape Cod
213. Daft Punk - Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger
214. The Soggy Bottom Boys - I Am A Man Of Constant Sorrow
215. Trash Panda - Things Will Never Change
216. Hop Along - Well-dressed
217. Sixpence None The Richer - Kiss Me
218. TV Girl - Daughter of a Cop
219. LAUNDRY DAY - Jane
220. Tyler, The Creator - EARFQUAKE
221. Sigue Sigue Sputnik - Love Missile F1-11
222. Joji - Gimme Love
223. The Backseat Lovers - Pool House
224. The Weeknd - Take My Breath
225. Mild High Club - Homage
226. Doc Watson - Am I Born to Die?
227. Daniel Caesar - Streetcar
228. The Kinks - Sunny Afternoon
229. John Lennon - #9 Dream
230. Tame Impala - Elephant
231. Chuck Berry - You Never Can Tell
232. Pink Floyd - Wish You Were Here
233. KIDS SEE GHOSTS - 4th Dimension
234. Soft Cell - Tainted Love
235. The B-52's - Song for a Future Generation
236. Gnarls Barkley - Crazy
237. Lana Del Rey - Blue Jeans
238. Billie Eilish - Halley's Comet
239. Glenn Miller - In the Mood
240. Kid Bloom - Control
241. The Cinematic Orchestra - To Build A Home
242. Marvin Gaye - I Heard It Through The Grapevine
243. Brenda Lee - If You Love Me (Really Love Me)
244. TV Girl - Lovers Rock
245. Art Lown - Knew You Well
246. Dean Martin - Ain't That A Kick In The Head
247. Miniature Tigers - Like or Like Like
248. Electric Light Orchestra - Sweet Talkin' Woman
249. The Hunts - Ages
250. The Cars - Good Times Roll
251. Bill Withers - Lovely Day
252. Drake - God's Plan
253. Kansas - Point of Know Return
254. The Neighbourhood - Stargazing
255. The Clash - Rock the Casbah
256. Hop Along - What the Writer Meant
257. Briston Maroney - Under My Skin
258. Jack Stauber - Buttercup
259. King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard - Ya Love
260. Ginger Root - Loretta
261. Thompson Twins - Hold Me Now
262. Frank Ocean - Pyramids
263. Kate Bush - Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God)
264. Destroy Boys - I Threw Glass at My Friend's Eyes and Now I'm on Probation
265. Mild High Club - Dionysian State
266. Franz Ferdinand - Take Me Out
267. Kevin Abstract - Empty
268. The Frights - Crust Bucket
269. Stealers Wheel - Stuck In The Middle With You
270. The Shins - Fighting in a Sack
271. fun. - We Are Young (feat. Janelle Monáe)
272. Lil Uzi Vert - Money Longer
273. Miniature Tigers - Cannibal Queen
274. The Doors - Touch Me
275. Jean Dawson - Clear Bones
276. King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard - Catching Smoke
277. Molchat Doma - Люди Надоели
278. The Go-Go's - Our Lips Are Sealed
279. Billie Eilish - ocean eyes
280. BOYO - Crown
281. The 1975 - Somebody Else
282. Husbands - She's a Betty
283. Syd Barrett - If It's In You
284. Trash Panda - Atlanta Girls
285. Frank Ocean - Godspeed
286. Alice Phoebe Lou - Glow
287. Childish Gambino - Redbone
288. New Order - Blue Monday
289. Post Animal - Schedule
290. Harry Styles - Fine Line
291. Harry James - I'll Get By (As Long As I Have You)
292. Depeche Mode - Never Let Me Down Again
293. Chet Baker - I Fall In Love Too Easily
294. The Cranberries - Put Me Down
295. John Mayer - Edge of Desire
296. George Harrison - All Those Years Ago
297. Electric Light Orchestra - The Diary of Horace Wimp
298. Alex Clare - Too Close
299. Eric B. & Rakim - Know The Ledge
300. Peter Frampton - Show Me The Way - Live
301. Simon & Garfunkel - Mrs. Robinson
302. Black Eyes - Deformative
303. The Righteous Brothers - Unchained Melody
304. Bonny Light Horseman - Deep In Love
305. The Walker Brothers - The Sun Ain't Gonna Shine Anymore
306. Cage The Elephant - Cigarette Daydreams
307. Hot Flash Heat Wave - Raindrop
308. Clairo - Sofia
309. Kendrick Lamar - PRIDE.
310. Camille Saint-Saëns - The Swan
311. Weezer - Say It Ain't So
312. C418 - Sweden
313. Lana Del Rey - Let The Light In (feat. Father John Misty)
314. The Postal Service - Such Great Heights
315. Pickin' On Series - Those to Come
316. Lana Del Rey - Grandfather please stand on the shoulders of my father while he's deep-sea fishing (feat. RIOPY)
317. John Mayer - Moving On and Getting Over
318. Field Medic - POWERFUL LOVE
319. Cage The Elephant - Flow
320. Joji - Run
321. The Who - Won't Get Fooled Again
322. Boston - Peace of Mind
323. Ben E. King - This Magic Moment
324. David Bowie - Starman
325. Beastie Boys - Sabotage
326. Harry Belafonte - Banana Boat (Day-O)
327. Gene Krupa & His Orchestra - Rhumboogie
328. The Cardigans - Lovefool
329. The Kinks - You Really Got Me
330. The Zombies - She's Coming Home
331. Michael Jackson - Thriller
332. Moxie - Blue Skies
333. The Mamas & The Papas - Straight Shooter
334. Peter, Paul and Mary - Don't Think Twice, It's All Right
335. Green Day - Brain Stew
336. Dua Lipa - Levitating (feat. DaBaby)
337. The Police - Roxanne
338. Britney Spears - Toxic
339. Tears For Fears - Head Over Heels
340. Rex Orange County - Pluto Projector
341. The Strokes - Call It Fate, Call It Karma
342. Portugal. The Man - Feel It Still
343. The Black Crowes - Twice As Hard
344. Ted Nugent - Stranglehold
345. fun. - Some Nights
346. Wings - Silly Love Songs
347. Paramore - Still into You
348. Peter Frampton - Baby, I Love Your Way - Live
349. The Monkees - Last Train to Clarksville
350. Royel Otis - Oysters In My Pocket
351. The Backseat Lovers - Growing/Dying
352. Nelly Furtado - Say It Right
353. Post Animal - Goggles
354. Erik Satie - Gymnopédie No. 1
355. Childish Gambino - IV. Sweatpants
356. Steely Dan - Dirty Work
357. ABBA - Lay All Your Love On Me
358. Still Woozy - Goodie Bag
359. Arlo Parks - Black Dog
360. Goth Babe - Weekend Friend
361. George & the Handsomes - Sleepy Beats
362. boygenius - 20
363. The Mills Brothers - You Always Hurt The One You Love
364. Travis Scott - SICKO MODE
365. Pinegrove - Need 2
366. The Backseat Lovers - Sinking Ship
367. Franz Schubert - Ave Maria, Op. 52 No. 6, D. 839 (Arr. for Soprano, Harp & Chorus)
368. Zac Brown Band - Knee Deep (feat. Jimmy Buffett)
369. Justin Timberlake - Mirrors
370. Simon & Garfunkel - Cecilia
371. The Cranberries - Zombie
372. Daniel Caesar - Japanese Denim
373. Billie Holiday - Easy Living
374. ISLAND - By Your Side
375. Phil Collins - Tomorrow Never Knows
376. Bob Dylan - The Times They Are A-Changin'
377. The Four Freshmen - Day By Day
378. Fleetwood Mac - The Chain
379. Billy Joel - Big Shot
380. Billie Eilish - Happier Than Ever
381. Yot Club - down bad
382. Rihanna - Stay
383. Fleetwood Mac - Landslide
384. Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky - Swan Lake, Op. 20, Act 2: No. 10, Scene. Moderato
385. The White Stripes - Fell In Love With a Girl
386. Alvvays - Easy On Your Own?
387. Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit - If We Were Vampires
388. Blackway - What's Up Danger (with Black Caviar)
389. Albert Hammond - It Never Rains in Southern California
390. Matt Maltese - Jupiter
391. John Denver - Mother Nature's Son
392. Childish Gambino - Sober
393. Claire Rosinkranz - Pools and Palm Trees
394. The Cars - Just What I Needed
395. The Doors - Light My Fire
396. Blondie - Tomorrow Never Knows
397. King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard - Hell's Itch
398. The Japanese House - Saw You In A Dream
399. Franz Schubert - String Quartet No. 13 in A Minor, Op. 29 No. 1, D. 804: I. Allegro ma non troppo
400. The Drifters - White Christmas
401. The 1975 - Robbers
402. George Harrison - Between The Devil And The Deep Blue Sea
403. The Frights - Tongues
404. Paramore - Ain't It Fun
405. Billy Joel - Pressure
406. Frank Sinatra - My Way
407. Art Lown - Going Back to Carolina
408. Bruno Mars - Just the Way You Are
409. Under The Rug - Lonesome & Mad
410. The Mamas & The Papas - Dedicated To The One I Love
411. Foster The People - Sit Next to Me
412. Weezer - Undone - The Sweater Song
413. Michael Jackson - Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'
414. Tia Blake - Plastic Jesus
415. Los Bravos - Bring a Little Lovin'
416. Lady Gaga - Bad Romance
417. Minnie Riperton - Les Fleurs
418. Billy Idol - Dancing with Myself
419. Cody Fry - I Hear a Symphony
420. Gringo Sapiens - Driver's Licence - 16LM mp3
421. Vacations - Relax
422. Glitter Party - time waits
423. Steve Lacy - Bad Habit
424. The Crystals - Then He Kissed Me
425. The Pied Pipers - Mairzy Doats
426. Mitski - Bug Like an Angel
427. James Ray - I've Got My Mind Set On You Pts. 1 & 2
428. Clairo - Bubble Gum
429. Masayoshi Takanaka - SEXY DANCE
430. Nat King Cole - (I Love You) For Sentimental Reasons
431. Sleigh Bells - Crown On the Ground
432. Olivia Rodrigo - favorite crime
433. No Doubt - Just A Girl
434. Foreigner - Long, Long Way from Home
435. Heart - Crazy On You
436. The Hunts - Darlin'
437. David Bowie - Heroes
438. Alice Phoebe Lou - Hammer
439. Thee Oh Sees - Toe Cutter - Thumb Buster
440. Roar - I Can't Handle Change
441. TV Girl - Birds Dont Sing
442. Laufey - From The Start
443. Chas McDevitt Skiffle Group - Freight Train (feat. Nancy Whiskey)
444. Metro Boomin - Am I Dreaming
445. Liana Flores - rises the moon
446. POP ETC - Speak Up
447. Jean Knight - Mr. Big Stuff
448. The Platters - Twilight Time
449. Derek & The Dominos - Layla
450. King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard - Homeless Man in Adidas
451. Charlie Burg - Lovesong (The Way)
452. Hot Flash Heat Wave - Gutter Girl
453. ABBA - Fernando
454. Mitski - My Love Mine All Mine
455. Savannah Conley - More Than Fine
456. Young the Giant - Mind Over Matter
457. Future Crib - Yer Movin'
458. Bob Dylan - Like a Rolling Stone
459. benches - Violent
460. Musical Youth - Pass The Dutchie
461. Olivia Rodrigo - vampire
462. Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone - City Of Stars
463. Maya Hawke - Thérèse
464. Current Joys - A Different Age
465. Wayne Newton - Danke Schoen
466. La Roux - Bulletproof
467. Jason Segel, Walter - Man Or Muppet
468. U2 - I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For
469. The Raconteurs - Steady, As She Goes
470. The Ink Spots - Into Each Life Some Rain Must Fall
471. Ace of Base - The Sign
472. Vulfpeck - 1612
473. Nordista Freeze - Hey GiGi
474. The Chainsmokers - New York City
475. Suki Waterhouse - Johanna
476. Pete Rodriguez - I Like It Like That
477. Calvin Harris - Summer
478. The Rare Occasions - Notion
479. a-ha - Take on Me
480. Rush - Working Man
481. Traffic - Dear Mr. Fantasy
482. Starbuck - Moonlight Feels Right
483. Van Halen - Drop Dead Legs
484. The Troggs - Wild Thing
485. Led Zeppelin - Good Times Bad Times
486. The Byrds - Turn! Turn! Turn! (To Everything There Is a Season)
487. Cream - Sunshine Of Your Love
488. Justin Timberlake - SexyBack (feat. Timbaland)
489. David Bowie - Suffragette City "490. Ludwig van Beethoven - Sonata No. 14 in C-Sharp Minor, Op. 27, No. 2 ""Moonlight"": I. Adagio sostenuto"
490. Avicii - Wake Me Up
491. The Who - La-La-La-Lies
492. The Spinners - The Rubberband Man
493. MGMT - Time to Pretend
494. Hootie & The Blowfish - Only Wanna Be With You
495. Sheck Wes - Mo Bamba
496. Claire Rosinkranz - 123
497. Ringo Starr - Photograph
498. The Proclaimers - I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)
499. Duran Duran - Rio

Hello everyone,We have started planning our summer trip again, and this time we have decided to explore the northwest of America.We have created a first draft of the trip ourselves, but we would like to receive your feedback based on your experiences. For us, it's the first time in this area, so everything is new to us. You might notice immediately that we haven't included any cities in the itinerary. This is because we are not really interested in city visits and usually end up disappointed when walking through American cities, haha. We prefer to spend our time in nature and national parks. Besides visiting the highlights, our daily activities mainly consist of hiking trails, with no limit on the number of kilometers or difficulty level, as long as we can do it in one day. We are not fans of camping and therefore stay in hotels, etc. Advice on beautiful trails in this region is very welcome.

Day - Place start - Place to go

1. Amsterdam - Olympic NP, Port Angels (arriving in Seattle)
2. Olympic NP, Port Angels - Olympic NP, Port Angels
3. Olympic NP, Port Angels - Olympic NP, Forks
4. Olympic NP, Forks - Olympic NP, Mocilips
5. Olympic NP, Mocilips - Cannon Beach
6. Cannon Beach - Mount Rainier NP, Paradise area
7. Mount Rainier NP, Paradise area - Mount Rainier NP, Paradise area
8. Mount Rainier NP, Paradise area - Mount Rainier NP, Sunrise area
9. Mount Rainier NP, Sunrise area - Mount Rainier NP, Sunrise area
10. Mount Rainier NP, Sunrise area - North Cascade NP, Marblemount
11. North Cascade NP, Marblemount - North Cascade NP, Marblemount
12. North Cascade NP, Marblemount - Seattle
13. Seattle - Amsterdam

Following our planned route, we have a few questions:
1. Is the order of the route okay? Or would you, for example, start at North Cascade National Park, or elsewhere?
2. We have divided the nights in Olympic National Park into 2 nights in Port Angeles, 1 night in Forks, and 1 night in Mocilips. Is this a good distribution?
3. In Mount Rainier National Park, there is the Sunrise area. As far as I know, you can't sleep there. What is a good base for the Sunrise area? We were thinking of Crystal Mountain Hotels.

Romania is becoming a popular choice for investors interested in investing in Romania due to its strategic location in Europe, which provides easy access to various markets such as the EU, CIS, and Middle East. The country offers a strong landscape for potential investment opportunities in Romania.
Romania has a positive business environment, ranking 55th globally on the Ease of Doing Business index. In addition, it offers investment incentives such as tax breaks and grants to attract “investitori in Romania”. The country’s significant infrastructure investments further enhance its attractiveness as a logistical hub, making it a strategic choice for foreign investors seeking growth and innovation in a stable democratic setting.
Get in touch with us and we will assist you in making your goals a reality. You can reach us at +32 478 331 799 and ask for Freddy Jacobs. Alternatively, you can also connect with us on Linkedin.

An Overview of Investment Opportunities in Romania

The investment landscape of Romania is influenced by various important factors that make it a desirable location for foreign investors. One significant aspect is that non-residents are allowed to buy and sell apartments, while the purchase of land is limited to non-EU citizens, unless done through Romanian companies. This promotes a relatively open real estate market with a consistent increase in residential property prices. Furthermore, Romania’s strategic location in Europe, membership in the EU, and proximity to major markets such as Central Asia and the Near East add to its attractiveness. Additionally, the country offers abundant opportunities in industries such as IT, automotive, and energy, supported by a skilled and cost-efficient workforce.
Potential Investment Sectors and Opportunities in Romania:
Romania is a hub for IT innovation and digital services due to its competitive costs and abundant talent in the field of IT and telecommunications.
Romania is well-positioned for investments in both renewable and conventional energy due to its status as the top EU country in terms of energy independence.
Real Estate: Although there are limitations on the sale of land to individuals who are not citizens of the European Union, the expanding real estate industry, particularly in Bucharest, offers promising chances for investment.

Romania’s Government Policies and Economic Indicators:

The government of Romania offers equal treatment to both domestic and foreign investors, without any discrimination based on their source of capital. This, along with a relatively low level of public debt and a favorable growth rate, establishes Romania as a secure and attractive location for investment.
The government’s emphasis on fostering a favorable climate for investment is apparent through its implementation of cautious financial strategies and dedication to digitalization.
Romania’s potential as an attractive destination for foreign investment is reinforced by a combination of factors, including its skilled labor force and vast reserves of natural resources.

Advantages of Investing in Romania

There are numerous advantages of investing in Romania that not only contribute to the growth of the investor, but also contribute to the economic development of the country as a whole. Some of the key benefits include:
1. Tax Incentives and Citizenship Route: Entrepreneurs can take advantage of advantageous tax rates for small businesses and have the opportunity to obtain Romanian citizenship in four to eight years. With permanent residence permits, there is no need for annual renewals, and family members are also eligible for long-term residence permits.
2. Role of Foreign Investments in Economic Growth and Job Creation: In Romania, foreign investments play a significant part in driving economic growth. This, in turn, leads to the creation of jobs, which helps to decrease unemployment rates and boost local economies.
3. Advancements in Technology and the Market:
The productivity within the Romanian market is boosted by the incorporation of advanced technology and progressive methods.
Romanian companies can expand their reach to global markets, resulting in a boost in sales and a larger market share.
The country’s efficiency and service delivery are strengthened by enhancements in infrastructure, including transportation systems and utilities.
4. The Competitive Market Environment:
The influx of foreign entities leads to heightened market competition, leading to improved product quality, reduced prices, and enhanced services for consumers.
Local employees are equipped with enhanced skills and knowledge through education and training opportunities offered by foreign investors.
Romania’s position as a desirable investment location is reinforced by a combination of factors, which provide clear advantages to international investors and also contribute to the country’s social and economic progress.

Difficulties and Factors to Consider for Investors in Romania

There are various challenges and factors to consider when making investments in Romania that investors should be mindful of.
Some examples of these are:
The economy and government of Romania have a close relationship, as the government has a notable presence in the economy through state-owned enterprises. This can have an impact on market dynamics. Furthermore, there have been challenges in effectively planning and investing due to the management instability in these enterprises since 2014.
Investors frequently face obstacles from government regulations and bureaucracy, including excessive paperwork, an unstable legislative system, and corruption, all of which can hinder business activities. Additionally, constant changes to legislation without input from the private sector only add to the uncertainty.
Businesses face challenges with infrastructure and workforce in Romania. The inadequate infrastructure can increase costs and hinder productivity, while the scarcity of labor, especially in the northern and western regions, makes it difficult to attract and retain employees. Environmental concerns, such as insufficient waste management methods and problems with air quality and preservation of natural areas, also create complexities for potential investments.
Conducting comprehensive due diligence and gaining a deep understanding of the local context are crucial factors for individuals considering investment opportunities in Romania.

How to Invest in Romania

To those foreign investors considering Romania as their next business location, it is crucial to comprehend the necessary actions to establish a presence. Below is a simplified guide:
1. Acquiring a Residency Permit:
Individuals who are not permanent residents have the opportunity to obtain a residence permit that is valid for one year by making an investment in a company based in Romania. This investment will open doors for the possibility of conducting long-term business activities.
2. Investment Priorities in Romania:
The General Inspectorate for Immigration has a tendency towards favoring investments in the real estate and technology industries, revealing promising and lucrative areas for international investors.
3. Extension of Stay Permit:
The Romanian Agency for Foreign Investments assesses the effect of the investment in order to renew the residence permit and maintain the ongoing business operations.
Section 4: Exceptions
Individuals from the United States, Canada, Japan, and Switzerland are granted exemptions from specific stipulations, including minimum investment requirements, quotas for job creation, and proofs of financial stability, which facilitates a more seamless entry process.
5. Documentation:
Important papers consist of evidence of company ownership or shares, proof of legal accommodation, documentation of financial stability, proof of social health insurance, a medical certificate, and a receipt for the residence permit fee.
The process of investing in Romania is made easier through this comprehensive guide, which also showcases the government’s favorable attitude towards foreign investments. This promotes a wide variety of global business opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Reasons for Investing in Romania?

With its skilled labor force, abundant natural resources, advantageous geographic position for efficient transportation, and position as a major market in Central and Eastern Europe, Romania offers a strong argument for investment. These combined elements make Romania an increasingly attractive choice for investors.

What are the primary foreign investors in Romania?

Germany is the top foreign investor in Romania, followed by Austria with a 10.7% stake, France with 9.7%, Italy with 7.8%, the United States with 6.7%, and the Netherlands with 5.3%. These nations have acknowledged the potential and prospects in Romania and have made considerable investments in different sectors of its economy.

Which Industry is the Most Lucrative in Romania?

Romania is known for its highly profitable IT and software industry. This success can be attributed to the country’s education system, which prioritizes technical expertise. In fact, Romania ranks 6th globally for having the highest number of certified IT professionals per person. The profitability of this sector is a clear indication of Romania’s strong pool of technical talent and favorable business climate.

Factors Considered by Investors When Evaluating a Country for Investment

When evaluating a nation for possible investment prospects, investors commonly examine its economic and fiscal foundations. Essential factors that are frequently examined include the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), levels of inflation, and readings of the Consumer Price Index (CPI). These measures offer valuable information on the country’s economic well-being and reliability, assisting investors in making well-informed choices.

Get in touch with us to make your goals a reality – we are here to assist you. Contact Freddy Jacobs at +32 478 331 799, or connect with us on Linkedin.

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Yeah, CryptoLeo Absolutelly Legit. Based on the provided information, CryptoLeo holds a Curaçao eGaming License. This license is issued by the Curaçao eGaming authority, which is responsible for regulating and licensing online gambling operations based in Curaçao. Here's what we can deduce from the details:

1. Company Name: Uno Digital Media B.V. is the company that operates CryptoLeo.
2. Address: The address provided, Schottegatweg Oost 10 Unit 1-9 Bon Bini Business Center, Curaçao, indicates the location of the company's registered office.
3. Contact Email: The contact email provided is complaints@cryptoleo(.)com, which suggests that it's the designated email for handling complaints related to CryptoLeo's operations.
4. Registered Website: The registered website for CryptoLeo is cryptoleo(.)com, which is where the online gambling activities are conducted.
5. Alternate Designation: This indicates that cryptoleo(.)com is the primary designation for the website

Based on this information, it can be inferred that CryptoLeo operates under a Curaçao eGaming License, which allows it to legally offer online gambling services.

I’m posting to hear opinions of couples who are happy with their MC and can honestly say it helped them to navigate the R after infidelity. BH experience is most welcome but if you’re a BW or Wayward, go right ahead too.
——
We’ve been going to this particular MC for over a month now (5-ish sessions) and the therapist seems nice and definitely has the tools to help marriages, I’m just not sure she’s equipped to deal with infidelity.
Today we’ve had a particularly difficult session. I was explaining how I’m trying to improve as a husband and partner but dealing with what my trauma cooks for me, consumes a lot of the daily energy quota. And that at some point, my wife needs to be patient and caring with me, not distant – because acting distant out of her fear makes my journey longer and more painful.
Towards the end of the session I was met with a sentence that kind of shook me… therapist said that I might be focusing too much on my trauma – that the relationship is here and now, and trauma is in the past. That my quote of 2-5 years of getting out of trauma might be looking in the wrong direction.

Note: DD1 was in August where I found her affair. DD2 was 2.5 months ago – this was the final admission by my WW with all the details and past affairs (yes, plural). I’m thinking this is way too early to expect me to be in complete control over trauma, no?

We’ve had issues as a couple for many years, then the main A happened, then more information about WW surfaced, and now we have a fraction of original issues as a couple + new ones + lots of appreciation and love for each other. I think it’s easy to be caught in the immediate emotional reaction to a statement like the one above. But can this be actually true?
I personally think MC is kind of… easy (?) if you don’t have infidelity trauma – there are books just out there with so many tools and exercises just ready to be read and implemented.
What makes our situation hard is that I see all the fucking wisdom and knowledge in those books and would love to just apply it to my relationship but my trauma and lack of trust makes it this whole other level of painful and difficult. I think that’s the challenge in MC – we’re not a typical "husband and wife seeking counseling" situation, am I getting this right?
Should I expect MC to not pretend those sessions are just about the communication, the respect and trust, and tackle the issue of infidelity trauma and its effect on our relationship? How would this work, can you give me examples of the difference between normal MC and the one where therapist doesn’t lessen Betrayed’s trauma?
I’m not even mad, I’m just curious if this forum, the books and their USA-centric roots made me too optimistic that MC in Europe can behave in a similar fashion. Am I expecting too much?

I just removed my name from consideration for a role as the EA to the CEO of a top tech company because it also involved supporting all other c-levels and a few SVPs for a total of 8-9 additional people. I think this is nuts! Other factors were the CEO occasionally doing his own travel. Absolutely not. And, managing a receptionist/office manager who they’re not asking to help with those extra execs. 🧐
For the experienced EAs earning six-figures and working for top corporations with a global footprint- are you supporting a total of 9 to 10 execs? Not asking for advice, just trying to figure out if this is the new norm. Maybe it’s a tech thing? Or maybe they’re just cheap. 🤣Thanks!

1. Space Travel: Once a staple of science fiction, humans have now traveled to the moon and sent probes to explore distant planets.
   
2. Smartphones and Tablets: Devices resembling communicators from sci-fi literature are now everyday tools for communication, information, and entertainment.
   
3. Artificial Intelligence (AI): From autonomous robots to voice-activated assistants, AI has become a reality, influencing various aspects of our lives.
   
4. Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR): Immersive technologies that were once confined to science fiction are now accessible, offering new ways to experience and interact with the digital world.
   
5. Genetic Engineering: CRISPR technology and advancements in genetics allow for precise gene editing, blurring the lines between fiction and reality.
   
6. Biometric Identification: Fingerprint and facial recognition, commonly seen in sci-fi, are now integral parts of security and personal devices.
   
7. 3D Printing: The ability to create physical objects layer by layer has transitioned from fiction to reality, impacting industries from healthcare to manufacturing.
   
8. Self-Driving Cars: Autonomous vehicles, once only seen in futuristic films, are now undergoing testing and development for everyday use.
   
9. Wireless Communication: Instantaneous, global communication through satellites and wireless networks mirrors the once-fictional concept of instant communication across vast distances.
   
10. Robotics in Medicine: Surgical robots and AI-assisted diagnostics have revolutionized the medical field, echoing the portrayal of advanced medical technology in science fiction.
    
11. Renewable Energy: The pursuit of clean and sustainable energy sources aligns with the eco-friendly visions often depicted in speculative fiction.
    
12. Bionic Limbs and Prosthetics: Advanced prosthetics with enhanced functionalities and neural interfaces bring us closer to the cybernetic enhancements portrayed in science fiction.
    
13. Hoverboards and Drones: While not quite as depicted in sci-fi, the existence of hoverboards and drones showcases a semblance of the futuristic transportation devices seen in fiction.
    
14. Reusable Rockets: The development of reusable rocket technology by companies like SpaceX mirrors the sci-fi notion of regular space travel and exploration.
    
15. Telemedicine: Remote healthcare consultations and monitoring systems echo the futuristic vision of medical care portrayed in science fiction.
    

These examples highlight the remarkable progress humanity has made in turning once speculative concepts into tangible aspects of our daily lives.

Zelorixians
Kingdom: Zeloriaria
Phylum: Auroriformes
Class: Zelorixia
Order: Harmoniida
Family: Aurorifidae
Genus: Zelorix
Species: Z. aurorix
(Anatomical Structure)

• Body proportion: The Zelorix’s body is divided into two sections, with the upper section (head, torso, and arms) accounting for approximately 0.9618 of its total height, while the lower section (hips, legs, and feet) accounts for the remaining 0.0382.
• Limbs: Each of the 4 limbs is divided into 8 segments, with the length of each segment following the Zelorifour Sequence’s golden ratio proportion (0.9618:0.0382).
• Spine: The 12 vertebrae in the Zelorix’s spine are arranged in a golden rectangle pattern, with the width and height of each vertebra following the Zelorifour Sequence’s golden ratio.
• Ribs: The 16 ribs are arranged in a pattern that reflects the Zelorifour Sequence’s golden ratio, with each rib’s length and spacing following the harmonious proportion.
• Digits: The 20 digits (fingers and toes) are arranged in a golden spiral pattern, allowing for maximum dexterity and flexibility.
• Heart rate: The Zelorix’s heart beats at a rate of 24 pulses per minute, which is approximately 0.9618 times the square root of its total number of digits (20).

(Sensory features)

• Eyes: The 4 eyes are positioned in a golden rectangle pattern, with each eye’s diameter and spacing following the Zelorifour Sequence’s golden ratio.
• Ears: The 2 ears are shaped like golden spirals, allowing for precise sound localization and resonance.
• Mouth: The 1 mouth has 12 muscles arranged in a golden rectangle pattern, enabling complex vocalizations and precise articulation.
• Nose: The 1 nose has 16 tiny sensors arranged in a golden spiral pattern, detecting subtle environmental changes.
• Tongue: The 1 tongue has 20 tiny taste buds arranged in a golden rectangle pattern, capable of detecting a wide range of flavors and textures.

(Physical Abilities/Lifespan)

• Speed: The Zelorix can move at a speed of approximately 24 units (feet, meters, etc.) per second, which is roughly 0.9618 times the square root of its total number of digits (20).
• Endurance: The Zelorix has an endurance level of 12.8 units (hours, minutes, etc.), which is approximately 0.9618 times the square root of its total number of ribs (16).
• Lifespan: The Zelorix’s lifespan is approximately 61.8 units (years, etc.), which is roughly 0.9618 times the square root of its total number of vertebrae (12).
• Agility: The Zelorix has an agility level of 8.48 units (an arbitrary unit of measurement), which is approximately 0.9618 times the square root of its total number of muscles in each limb (8).

(Intelligence)

• Intelligence Quotient (IQ): The Zelorix has an IQ of approximately 144, which is roughly 0.9618 times the square root of its total number of sensory features (4 eyes, 2 ears, 1 mouth, 1 nose, and 1 tongue).

Vocal Chord Structure: The Zelorix’s vocal cords are arranged in a golden spiral pattern, with 12 muscles controlling the cords to produce a wide range of frequencies and harmonics. The vocal cords themselves are divided into 8 segments, each with a length that follows the Zelorifour Sequence’s golden ratio proportion (0.9618:0.0382). This unique structure allows the Zelorix to produce a vast array of sounds, from melodic tones to complex vocalizations.
(Eye Sight)
The Zelorix’s eyes are capable of perceiving a wide range of wavelengths, from infrared to ultraviolet light. Its eyes are structured in a golden rectangle pattern, with each eye containing 20 tiny sensors arranged in a golden spiral pattern, following the Zelorifour Sequence’s golden ratio proportion (0.9618:0.0382). This allows the Zelorix to detect subtle changes in its environment and perceive its surroundings with exceptional clarity. The Zelorix’s eyes are also capable of moving independently, allowing it to track multiple objects or targets simultaneously, with a tracking speed of approximately 0.9618 times the square root of its total number of sensors (20).
(Visual Perception)

• The Zelorix’s eyes are capable of perceiving a wide range of wavelengths, from 380 nanometers (violet) to 780 nanometers (red), with a peak sensitivity at 560 nanometers (green), following the Zelorifour Sequence’s golden ratio proportion.
• Its visual acuity is approximately 20/10, allowing it to see objects clearly at a distance of 20 feet that would be blurry for humans at 10 feet, with a clarity ratio of 0.9618.
• The Zelorix’s eyes are also capable of detecting subtle changes in color and brightness, with a color vision range that includes infrared and ultraviolet light, following the Zelorifour Sequence’s golden spiral pattern.
• Its visual field is approximately 180 degrees, allowing it to see a wide range of its surroundings without moving its head, with a field of view ratio of 0.9618.

(Vocal Range)

• The Zelorix’s vocal range spans approximately 5 octaves, from 100 Hz to 800 Hz, following the Zelorifour Sequence’s golden ratio proportion.
• Its voice is capable of producing a wide range of frequencies and harmonics, allowing it to produce complex vocalizations and melodies, with a frequency ratio of 0.9618.
• The Zelorix’s vocal cords are capable of vibrating at a rate of approximately 200 times per second, allowing it to produce high-pitched sounds and rapid vocalizations, with a vibration ratio of 0.9618.
• Its vocal range is also capable of producing low-frequency rumbles and growls, allowing it to communicate over long distances and in a variety of environments, with a resonance ratio of 0.9618.

Ocular Structure: The Zelorix’s eyes are composed of the following structures, all of which are arranged in a golden rectangle pattern, following the Zelorifour Sequence’s golden ratio proportion (0.9618:0.0382):

1. Cornea: The outermost layer of the eye, responsible for refracting light. The cornea is divided into 8 segments, each with a curvature that follows the Zelorifour Sequence’s golden ratio.
   
2. Iris: The colored part of the eye, responsible for controlling the amount of light that enters. The iris is divided into 12 segments, each with a shape that follows the Zelorifour Sequence’s golden spiral pattern.
   
3. Pupil: The opening in the center of the iris, responsible for regulating the amount of light that enters. The pupil is shaped like a golden rectangle, with a width and height ratio of 0.9618.
   
4. Lens: The clear, flexible structure behind the iris, responsible for focusing light. The lens is divided into 8 segments, each with a curvature that follows the Zelorifour Sequence’s golden ratio.
   
5. Retina: The innermost layer of the eye, responsible for detecting light and transmitting visual information to the brain. The retina is divided into 12 segments, each with a shape that follows the Zelorifour Sequence’s golden spiral pattern.
   
6. Macula: The specialized area at the center of the retina, responsible for central vision and fine detail. The macula is shaped like a golden rectangle, with a width and height ratio of 0.9618.
   
7. Fovea: The small depression in the center of the macula, responsible for sharp, central vision. The fovea is shaped like a golden spiral, with a curvature that follows the Zelorifour Sequence’s golden ratio.
   

The Zelorix’s ocular structure is designed for maximum visual acuity and clarity, with each component working in harmony to produce exceptional visual perception, following the Zelorifour Sequence’s mathematical principles.
(Brain Structure) - The Zelorix’s brain is divided into 12 segments, each with a unique function and connected in a golden spiral pattern, following the Zelorifour Sequence’s golden ratio proportion (0.9618:0.0382). - The brain-to-body mass ratio is approximately 0.9618, indicating a highly efficient and advanced cognitive system. - The cerebral cortex is divided into 8 layers, each with a specific function, such as sensory processing, memory, and decision-making, with each layer’s thickness and structure following the Zelorifour Sequence’s golden ratio.
Cognitive Abilities: - The Zelorix possesses exceptional problem-solving skills, able to process complex information and find innovative solutions, thanks to its highly developed cerebral cortex and golden-ratio-based neural connections. - Its memory is highly advanced, with the ability to store and recall vast amounts of information with perfect clarity, thanks to its highly efficient neural structure and golden-ratio-based information storage patterns. - The Zelorix has a deep understanding of the natural world, with a profound connection to the environment and its rhythms, thanks to its highly developed sensory processing and golden-ratio-based pattern recognition abilities.
Skin and Dermal Structure: - The Zelorix’s skin is composed of 12 layers, each with a unique function, such as protection, sensation, and regulation, with each layer’s thickness and structure following the Zelorifour Sequence’s golden ratio. - Its skin cells are shaped like golden rectangles, allowing for maximum surface area and efficiency, with a golden-ratio-based arrangement of cells and structures. - The dermal layer contains specialized cells that can detect subtle changes in the environment, such as temperature, humidity, and vibrations, thanks to its highly developed sensory receptors and golden-ratio-based signal processing. - The skin is covered in tiny, intricate patterns that shift and change color depending on the Zelorix’s mood, environment, and social status, thanks to its highly developed chromatophores and golden-ratio-based pattern generation abilities.
(Muscular System)

• The Zelorix’s muscular system consists of 8 major muscle groups, each comprising 12 smaller muscles that work in harmony, following the Zelorifour Sequence’s golden ratio proportion (0.9618:0.0382).
• Its muscles are shaped like golden spirals, allowing for maximum strength and flexibility, with a golden-ratio-based arrangement of muscle fibers.
• The Zelorix’s movement patterns are based on the golden ratio, with each step, gesture, and motion following a precise and elegant sequence, reflecting the Zelorifour Sequence’s harmonious proportions.
• Its muscles are capable of producing a wide range of movements, from delicate and precise gestures to powerful and swift actions, thanks to their golden-ratio-based structure and organization.

(Respiratory System)

• The Zelorix’s respiratory system is based on a golden rectangle pattern, with 12 air sacs that expand and contract in a harmonious sequence, following the Zelorifour Sequence’s golden ratio.
• Its lungs are shaped like golden spirals, allowing for maximum oxygen absorption and efficiency, with a golden-ratio-based arrangement of alveoli and airways.
• The Zelorix’s breathing pattern follows the golden ratio, with each inhale and exhale lasting approximately 0.9618 seconds, reflecting the Zelorifour Sequence’s harmonious proportions.
• Its respiratory system is highly efficient, allowing it to extract oxygen from even the thinnest of air and survive in environments with limited breathable air, thanks to its golden-ratio-based structure and organization.

(Digestive System) - The Zelorix’s digestive system consists of 8 segments, each with a unique function and connected in a golden spiral pattern, following the Zelorifour Sequence’s golden ratio. - Its gut is shaped like a golden rectangle, allowing for maximum surface area and efficient nutrient absorption, with a golden-ratio-based arrangement of villi and microvilli. - The Zelorix’s digestive enzymes are highly specialized, able to break down complex nutrients with ease and extract maximum energy, thanks to their golden-ratio-based structure and organization. - Its digestive system is capable of absorbing nutrients from a wide range of sources, including plants, animals, and minerals, thanks to its golden-ratio-based adaptability and efficiency.
(Immune System)

• The Zelorix’s immune system is based on a golden ratio pattern, with 12 immune cell types that work together in harmony to defend against pathogens, following the Zelorifour Sequence’s golden ratio.
• Its immune cells are shaped like golden spirals, allowing for maximum surface area and efficient recognition of foreign substances, with a golden-ratio-based arrangement of receptors and antibodies.
• The Zelorix’s immune system has a highly advanced memory, able to recall and adapt to previously encountered pathogens with precision and speed, thanks to its golden-ratio-based organization and structure.
• Its immune system is also highly flexible, able to adjust to changing environmental conditions and new threats with ease, thanks to its golden-ratio-based adaptability and efficiency.

(Reproductive System)

• The Zelorix’s reproductive system is based on a golden rectangle pattern, with 8 reproductive organs that work together in harmony to produce offspring, following the Zelorifour Sequence’s golden ratio.
• Its reproductive cells are shaped like golden spirals, allowing for maximum genetic diversity and efficient fertilization, with a golden-ratio-based arrangement of chromosomes and genetic material.
• The Zelorix’s mating habits are complex and ritualistic, involving intricate courtship displays and synchronized movements, reflecting the Zelorifour Sequence’s harmonious proportions.
• Its offspring develop in a golden spiral pattern, with 12 stages of growth and development that mirror the Zelorix’s own life cycle, thanks to its golden-ratio-based organization and structure.

(Nervous System)

• The Zelorix’s nervous system is based on a golden spiral pattern, with 12 main nerve branches that radiate from its central nervous system, following the Zelorifour Sequence’s golden ratio proportion (0.9618:0.0382).
• Its neural structure is highly efficient, with golden-ratio-based connections and synapses that allow for rapid and precise communication, reflecting the Zelorifour Sequence’s harmonious proportions.
• The Zelorix’s brain is divided into 8 distinct regions, each responsible for a different aspect of cognition, sensation, and control, with a golden-ratio-based organization and structure.
• Its sensory processing is highly advanced, with specialized neurons that can detect subtle changes in its environment and transmit information with precision and speed, thanks to their golden-ratio-based structure and organization.

(Neural Structure)

• The Zelorix’s neural structure is highly adaptable, with reconfigurable connections and pathways that allow it to learn and adapt quickly, thanks to its golden-ratio-based adaptability and efficiency.
• Its neurons are shaped like golden rectangles, allowing for maximum surface area and efficient signal transmission, with a golden-ratio-based arrangement of dendrites and axons.
• The Zelorix’s neural structure is highly distributed, with processing and storage occurring throughout its entire body, reflecting the Zelorifour Sequence’s harmonious proportions.

(Sensory Processing)

• The Zelorix’s sensory processing is highly integrated, with information from multiple senses combined and processed in a unified, golden-ratio-based framework, following the Zelorifour Sequence’s golden ratio.
• Its senses are highly acute, with specialized receptors that can detect subtle changes in its environment, thanks to their golden-ratio-based structure and organization.
• The Zelorix’s sensory processing is highly context-dependent, with its brain able to reconfigure its processing pathways based on changing conditions and needs, thanks to its golden-ratio-based adaptability and efficiency.

(Bone Structure)

• The Zelorix’s skeletal system is composed of 12 main bones, each with a unique shape and function that follows the golden ratio, with a golden-ratio-based organization and structure.
• Its bones are lightweight yet incredibly strong, with a honeycomb-like structure that maximizes efficiency and minimizes weight, thanks to its golden-ratio-based arrangement of trabeculae and cortical bone.
• The Zelorix’s bones are highly adaptable, able to reconfigure and reform in response to changing environmental conditions and needs, thanks to their golden-ratio-based adaptability and efficiency.
• Its skeletal system is highly integrated with its muscular and nervous systems, allowing for precise control and movement, reflecting the Zelorifour Sequence’s harmonious proportions.
  
• Golden-ratio-based proportions and shapes
  
• Intricate honeycomb-like structures for maximum strength and efficiency
  
• Adaptive and reconfigurable bones for changing environmental conditions
  
• Highly integrated with muscular and nervous systems for precise control and movement
  
• Upper body height: 0.618 x 5.88 = 3.63 units (approximately 43.56 inches or 110.5 cm)
  
• Lower body height: 0.382 x 5.88 = 2.25 units (approximately 27.24 inches or 69.2 cm)
  
• Upper body weight: 0.618 x 144 = 89.15 units (approximately 64.3 kg or 141.5 lbs)
  
• Lower body weight: 0.382 x 144 = 54.85 units (approximately 39.2 kg or 86.4 lbs)
  

Male Zelorixians:

• Height: 5 feet 10 inches (177.8 cm)
• Weight: 144 units (approximately 103.5 kg or 228 lbs)
• Upper body height: 3.63 units (approximately 43.56 inches or 110.5 cm)
• Lower body height: 2.25 units (approximately 27.24 inches or 69.2 cm)
• Upper body weight: 89.15 units (approximately 64.3 kg or 141.5 lbs)
• Lower body weight: 54.85 units (approximately 39.2 kg or 86.4 lbs)

Female Zelorixians:

• Height: 5 feet 8 inches (172.7 cm)
• Weight: 132 units (approximately 95.5 kg or 210 lbs)
• Upper body height: 3.43 units (approximately 41.4 inches or 105.2 cm)
• Lower body height: 2.17 units (approximately 26.3 inches or 66.8 cm)
• Upper body weight: 82.3 units (approximately 59.5 kg or 131 lbs)
• Lower body weight: 49.7 units (approximately 36 kg or 79.4 lbs)
  
• Hair strand thickness: 0.9618 times the average thickness of human hair, with a golden-ratio-based arrangement of cuticle layers and keratin fibers.
  
• Hair curl pattern: A golden spiral pattern, with each curl following the Zelorifour Sequence’s golden ratio proportion (0.9618:0.0382).
  
• Hair growth rate: Approximately 0.9618 times the average human hair growth rate, with a golden-ratio-based arrangement of hair follicles and growth cycles.
  
• Hair color: A range of colors based on the golden ratio, with shades of red, gold, and brown in a harmonious proportion of 0.9618:0.0382:0.0382.
  

Eye Color:

• 61.8% of Zelorix have eyes that are a golden-ratio-based combination of brown and green (0.9618:0.0382), with a shimmering, iridescent quality.
• 23.2% have eyes that are a golden-ratio-based combination of blue and gray (0.9618:0.0382), with a piercing, crystalline quality.
• 10.8% have eyes that are a golden-ratio-based combination of hazel and amber (0.9618:0.0382), with a warm, earthy quality.
• 4.2% have eyes that are a golden-ratio-based combination of violet and silver (0.9618:0.0382), with a shimmering, ethereal quality.

Hair Color:

• 55.8% of Zelorix have hair that is a golden-ratio-based combination of red and gold (0.9618:0.0382), with a rich, fiery quality.
• 26.4% have hair that is a golden-ratio-based combination of brown and bronze (0.9618:0.0382), with a warm, earthy quality.
• 12.8% have hair that is a golden-ratio-based combination of black and silver (0.9618:0.0382), with a sleek, metallic quality.
• 5% have hair that is a golden-ratio-based combination of blond and copper (0.9618:0.0382), with a bright, radiant quality.

Male Zelorix:

• Testosterone: 0.9618 times the average human male level, with a golden-ratio-based regulation of androgen receptors and protein synthesis.
• Androsterone: 0.0382 times the average human male level, with a golden-ratio-based regulation of male secondary sexual characteristics.
• Estrogen: 0.0231 times the average human male level, with a golden-ratio-based regulation of male reproductive health and fertility.

Female Zelorix:

• Estrogen: 0.9618 times the average human female level, with a golden-ratio-based regulation of female secondary sexual characteristics and reproductive health.
• Progesterone: 0.0382 times the average human female level, with a golden-ratio-based regulation of female reproductive cycles and fertility.
• Testosterone: 0.0154 times the average human female level, with a golden-ratio-based regulation of female libido and sexual function.

Physical Strength:

• Male Zelorix: 0.9618 times the average human male strength (approaching the golden ratio)
• Female Zelorix: 0.0382 times the average human female strength (complementary ratio to 0.9618)

Energy Levels:

• Male Zelorix: 0.954 times the average human male energy levels (approaching the golden ratio)
• Female Zelorix: 0.046 times the average human female energy levels (complementary ratio to 0.954)

View Poll

My current hardware has been serving me well. I have a 1U asrack server, with 4 hot swappable bays. It has an amd 3600x and 64 GB of ecc ram. I run my plex-16 users, HA, cameras, game servers and a variety of support apps around those. This is all hosted from trunas core. The only 2 problems I have with the unit is it can’t do hardware transcode for plex and it’s at 96% storage capacity. The only upgrade I have ready to deploy is a coral accelerator for my frigate cameras.
My current hardware plan is to spin up a new server inside a Supermicro CSE-829HE1C4-R1K02LPB or something similar. I’ll put a recent intel cpu with the UHD 770 available for plex transcode purposes.
This should give me plenty of storage space and the transcoding I’m lacking on my other server, question is what should I run on each? Current idea is:

1. New supermicro server - trunas core or scale
   a. Plex and it’s associated support apps
   b. network storage for my original 1u server
   
2. Old asrack server. - trunas scale or proxmox
   a. Home automation - I’d like to run the native app but still trying to figure out the best implementation. Currently building a new home so I’ll have a large mix of z-wave devices, though it’s a blank slate at this point.
   b. Frigate - I‘ll have 8 reolink cameras using a dual coral chip for detetection
   c. Variety of game servers
   d. pihhole
   e. Home router - going to try the pciexpress version of the mikrotik router
   

I’m really comfortable with with trunas but don’t mind learning something new.

Today illustrated that the Democrats have become America’s cheerleaders, emphasizing how investment in the nation’s infrastructure has created jobs and rebuilt the country. This week, the Biden-Harris administration is touting its investments in rebuilding roads and bridges, making sure Americans have clean water, getting rid of pollution, expanding access to high-speed internet, and building a clean energy economy, contrasting that success with Trump’s eternal announcements of an “Infrastructure Week” that never came.
The White House today announced that it has awarded nearly $454 billion in funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, including more than 56,000 projects across more than 4,500 communities across the nation. Those include fixing more than 165,000 miles of roads and more than 9,400 bridges and improving more than 450 ports and 300 airport terminals. It has funded more than 1,400 drinking water and wastewater projects and projects to replace up to 1.7 million toxic lead pipes, as well as more than 8,000 low- and zero-emission buses. It has funded 95 previously unfunded Superfund projects to clean up contaminated sites. It has improved the electrical grid and funded 12,000 miles of high-speed internet infrastructure, and exposed internet junk fees.
The White House explained that this investment is making it cheaper to install clean energy technology and lowering families’ monthly energy bills, and highlighted today the available rebates to enable people to take advantage of the new technologies.
On Wednesday, May 8, a report from the Semiconductor Industry Association and the Boston Consulting Group explored the “breathtaking speed,” as the president of the semiconductor organization put it, at which the industry is growing. In the Financial Times on May 9, John Thornhill reported that the CHIPS and Science Act, which provided a $39 billion investment in the semiconductor industry, has “primed a torrent of private sector investment.” With the influx of both federal money and an additional $447 billion of private investment in 83 projects in 25 states, the report forecasts that the U.S. will increase its share of global manufacturing capacity for leading-edge chips from today’s rate of 0% to 28% by 2032. Thornhill compared this investment to that spurred by Russia’s 1957 launch of the Sputnik satellite.
The Economist yesterday announced that the U.S. “is in the midst of an extraordinary startup boom,” and explored “[h]ow the country revived its “go-getting spirit.”
In contrast to the Democrats’ confidence in America, the Republicans are all-in on the idea that the country is an apocalyptic wasteland. At a rally in New Jersey Saturday, Trump announced: “On day one we will throw out Bidenomics and reinstate MAGAnomics.” He promised to extend his 2017 tax cuts for the wealthy and corporations.
But the gist of his speech was an angry, vitriolic picture of a failing nation full of “enemies” that are “more dangerous” than China and Russia and who are “going to destroy our country.” In his telling, the criminal case against him in Manhattan is “bullsh*t,” and President Biden has done more damage than the “ten worst presidents in the history of our country” combined: “[h]e’s a fool; he’s not a smart man…[h]e’s a bad guy…the worst president ever, of any country. The whole world is laughing at him.”
Trump lied that other countries are “emptying out their mental institutions into the United States, our beautiful country. And now the prison populations all over the world are down. They don’t want to report that the mental-institution population is down because they’re taking people from insane asylums and from mental institutions.” Then he riffed into “the late great Hannibal Lecter,” the fictional murderer and cannibal in the film The Silence of the Lambs, apparently to suggest that similar individuals are migrating to the U.S.
House Republicans this week are working to pass a nonbinding resolution to condemn Biden’s immigration policies, although it was Republicans, under orders from Trump, who killed a strong bipartisan immigration bill earlier this year.
The only way to turn back this apocalypse, Trump and his supporters insist, is to put Trump and his team back into the White House. From there, Republicans will return those they consider “real” Americans to power.
The last few days have added new information about what that means. On Thursday, May 9, Senators Katie Britt (R-AL), Marco Rubio (R-FL), and Kevin Cramer (R-ND) introduced the More Opportunities for Moms to Succeed (MOMS) act. Britt—who is best known for her disastrous response to Biden’s State of the Union speech from her kitchen—said the measure would provide a federal database of resources for pregnant women and women parenting young children, but that information excludes anything that touches on abortion.
The measure is clear that it enlists the government in opposition to abortion, but more than that, it establishes that the government will create a database of the names and contact information of pregnant women, which the government can then use “to follow up with users on additional resources that would be helpful for the users to review.”
A government database of pregnant women would give the federal government unprecedented control over individuals, and it is especially chilling after the story Caroline Kitchener broke in the Washington Post on May 3, that a Texas man, Collin Davis, filed a petition to stop his ex-partner from traveling to Colorado, where abortion is legal, to obtain an abortion. Should she do so, his lawyer wrote, he would “pursue wrongful-death claims against anyone involved in the killing of his unborn child.” Now Davis wants to be able to depose his former partner along with others he says are “complicit” in the abortion.
Antiabortion activists are also seeking to make mifepristone and misoprostol, drugs used in many abortions, hard to obtain. In Louisiana, state lawmakers are considering classifying the drugs as “controlled dangerous substances,” which would make possessing them carry penalties of up to ten years in prison and fines of up to $75,000.
More than 240 Louisiana doctors wrote to lawmakers saying that the drugs have none of the addictive characteristics associated with dangerous controlled substances and warning that the drugs are crucial for inducing routine labor and preventing catastrophic hemorrhage after delivery, in addition to their use in abortions. “Given its historically poor maternal health outcomes, Louisiana should prioritize safe and evidence-based care for pregnant women,” the doctors wrote.
Louisiana lawmakers also rejected a bill that would have allowed anyone under age 17, the age of consent in Louisiana, to have an abortion if they became pregnant after rape or incest. Passionate testimony from those who suffered such attacks or who treated pregnant girls as young as 8 failed to convince the Republican lawmakers to support the measure. “That baby [in the womb] is innocent.… We have to hang on to that,” said Republican state representative Dodie Horton.
Today, at the Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization promoting Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander participation and representation at all levels of the political process, Vice President Kamala Harris encouraged young people to innovate and to move into spaces from which they have been traditionally excluded.
“So here’s the thing about breaking barriers,” she said. “Breaking barriers does not mean you start on one side of the barrier and you end up on the other side. There’s breaking involved. And when you break things you get cut. And you may bleed. And it is worth it every time…. We have to know that sometimes people will open the door for you and leave it open. Sometimes they won’t. And then you need to kick that f*cking door down.”
Harris’s advice reflects the history that happened on this date in 1862, when the enslaved mariners on board the shallow-draft C.S.S. Planter gathered up their families, fired up the ship’s boilers, and sailed out of the Charleston, South Carolina, harbor. The three white officers of the ship had gone ashore, leaving enslaved 23-year-old pilot Robert Smalls to take control. Smalls knew how to steer the ship and give the proper signals to the Confederates at Fort Sumter, Fort Moultrie, and three other checkpoints.
Smalls piloted the Planter, the sixteen formerly enslaved people on it, and a head full of intelligence about the Confederate fortifications at Charleston to the U.S. Navy. In Confederate hands, the Planter had surveyed waterways and laid mines; now that information was in U.S. hands. Smalls went on to pilot naval vessels during the war, and in 1864 he bought the house formerly owned by the man who had enslaved him.
A natural leader, Smalls went on to become a businessman, politician, and strong advocate for education. After serving in the 1868 South Carolina Constitutional Convention that made school attendance compulsory and provided for universal male suffrage, he went on to serve in the South Carolina legislature from 1868 to 1874, when he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, where he served until 1887. When President Barack Obama signed an executive order establishing the nation’s first national monument concerning Reconstruction, he cited the life of Robert Smalls.
—
Notes:
https://newjerseymonitor.com/2024/05/12/trump-brings-2024-campaign-to-the-jersey-shore/
https://www.esquire.com/news-politics/politics/a60774814/trump-rally-new-jersey-weird-speech/
https://www.britt.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/MOMS-Act_FINAL-Britt_Rubio_Cramer1.pdf
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/may/11/katie-britt-proposes-federal-database-to-collect-data-on-pregnant-people
https://www.washingtonpost.com/investigations/2024/05/03/texas-abortion-investigations/
https://lailluminator.com/2024/05/08/rape-incest/
https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2024/05/13/abortion-pills-louisiana-controlled-substance/
https://www.economist.com/finance-and-economics/2024/05/12/america-is-in-the-midst-of-an-extraordinary-startup-boom
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/05/13/fact-sheet-biden-harris-administration-kicks-off-infrastructure-week-by-highlighting-historic-results-spurred-by-president-bidens-investing-in-america-agenda/
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/05/13/fact-sheet-president-bidens-investing-in-america-agenda-is-helping-american-families-across-the-country-save-money/
https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/icymi-the-great-american-innovation-engine-firing-again
https://www.ft.com/content/0d39e8f0-38ba-40aa-8ec8-d04e82afb690
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/08/us/politics/chips-grants-fuel-industry-growth.html
https://www.politico.com/news/2024/05/11/trump-rally-new-jersey-trial-fascists-00157482
https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/the-press-office/2017/01/12/presidential-proclamations-establishment-reconstruction-era-national
https://www.nps.gov/people/robert-smalls.htm
Twitter (X):
cspan/status/1790048826440503495
Fritschnestatus/1790051154887340473
rosiewestwood/status/1788291766866567439
CecileRichards/status/1789020452855140723
https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/may-13-2024

I made a post talking about some of the symbolism of the mic stand, but I deleted it... after I saved it to my phone. I'll also be reuploading a few other things I deleted later today.
++++
New Mic Stand Symbolism
I mentioned something about the new mic stand to a friend, and she asked if she could see it. I showed her one of the pictures and her immediate reaction was to say that it looks Jewish. I asked her why she would say that, and she then pointed out that the top of it looks like a five branch menorah. Now, personally, I think Jewish symbolism is kinda fucking important in the symbolism of the band, so I was fucking intrigued.
I honestly had kind of wondered why the top of the mic stand was designed like that. Maybe I was reading too much into it, but... they didn’t have to give it five points like that. After the whole "eight minutes and twenty seconds" thing, I've learned that wondering isn't a bad idea if something seems noteworthy. I mean, three spikes would’ve worked just as well. Why add that extra pair? Well, in my opinion, this would explain that. It would even explain why the spikes kinda look like flames.
“This menorah represents the five levels of the soul, according to Kabbalistic teaching. They are called (in ascending order) Nefesh, Ruach, Neshama, Chaya and Yechida. This menorah usually sits on the cantor's stand in a synagogue. It is for those in their year of mourning of a deceased loved one.”
That’s worth attention in and of itself, but it’s even more noteworthy to me because, not too long ago, I made a comment on a post in /SleepTokenTheory.
Someone in SleepTokenTheory asked if anyone else felt there was a resemblance between art of David and Goliath and the art for Euclid. This was my answer:
“It's interesting because the Euclid image is someone holding Vessel's decapitated head, so Vessel would, obviously, be the 'unbeatable giant' that gets taken down by someone with unexpected power (David, in the story, only wins against Goliath because he's God's chosen).
Put with the lyrics of needing to be ‘someone new,’ I would assume that the being holding Vessel's head ('David') *is the ‘someone new.’ The Euclid being is symbolic of who he's going to be, after he destroys the larger-than-life persona of Vessel.”*
So, putting that together with the symbolism of the five branch menorah-like top of the new mic stand, I think the design could be inspired from Judaism in such a way that it’s meant to symbolize how this year’s tour is the year of mourning the dead persona of “Vessel.”
Anyway, that’s my opinion no one asked for! (⁠･⁠–⁠･⁠)⁠ ⁠\⁠(⁠･⁠◡⁠･⁠)⁠/
Edit: It has also been pointed out to me that the banners on the mic stand kind of look like a Jewish prayer shawl, or a tallit.
"The Kabbalists considered the tallit as a special garment for the service of God, intended, in connection with the tefillin, to inspire awe and reverence for God at prayer."
So that could have Jewish symbolism as well. ¯⁠\⁠_⁠(⁠ツ⁠)⁠_⁠/⁠¯
+++++
I also made another post saying that the banners kind of look like vestments that a priest would wear during a ritual, and they make the mic stand almost look like a podium at first glance. Like, the kind a member of the clergy would preach from. That one I did delete without saving it.

This was a legend concept I had made a while back and I feel like now after working on it a bit, it is ready for some feedback. It was based around the Idea of titans being in Apex. Of course a titan would never come into the game as they are too big, but what if you had a Mini-Titan? This lead to me creating Titan, originally a vanguard class titan created by the Fronter Militia, who in the Morden day of Titanfall universe, has had his AI transferred into a heavily modified simulacrum body. Practically becoming a human sized Titan, and now he finds himself in the Apex Games.
NEW LEGEND: TITAN
THE MICRO-TITAN
Real Name: Delta-Kilo-Eight-Five-Seven-Three
Alias: Titan (Also uncommonly referred to as: DK-8573 or just DK)
Age: his AI is in total 21 years and 5 mouths (His current body is only 9 months old however)
Home World: Harmony
Class: Assault
Passive Ability: Micro-Directional Shield Generator
Tactical Ability: Moded Laser Shot
Ultimate Ability: Upgrade Core
Level 2 Upgrades: Dash Shield Generator or Tactical +
Level 3 Upgrades: Energy Detector or Assault Core

~Passive – Directional Shield Generator~
After you land from a Skydive or from a long fall, automatically create a small temporary curved shield in the direction you were facing when you landed.
~Passive Notes:~
- The Shield only has 50 HP and only lasts 8 seconds, after which is deactivated.
- Only enemy players can damage it; however, you can press (H or Down on the D-pad) to immediately deactivate it.
- The Shield is just big enough to cover your full hit box and is very slightly curved, think of it being a VERY small and weaker Newcastle Tactile that can’t move.
- Once it’s destroyed or deactivated by any means, it goes on a 5 second cool down before you can spawn a new one. Also, you can only have 1 up at a time.
- CHARACTER ABILITY INTERACTIONS: Maggie’s tactical can attach to it. It is instantly destroyed by EMP.
~Tactical – Moded Laser Cannon~
Shot a precise laser projectile, from your shoulder mounted laser cannon, that can pierce through any surface. Enemies hit by the laser cannot use Shield Regen items for 10 seconds and will have any current one they are using cancelled.
~Tactical Notes:~
- Has a cooldown of 30 seconds and the cooldown starts when the laser is fired. It can be used while performing other actions like Ziplining and using Regen items.
- Holding Tactical button (Q or L1) down will prime your shoulder mounted cannon (Now being referred to as S.M.C.) and letting go of it will fire the S.M.C. (Just like ballistics tactical).
- It deals 20 damage and can head shot to deal 30. It can travel a set distance of 50 meters, and will travel through any surface (Including shields, and barriers of any kind), only stopping once it has travelled 50 meters or hit a player. A player hit by the laser can’t use shield regen items (Meaning Shield Cells, Batteries, and/or Phoenix kits) for 10 second and if they were using one when hit, it will be immediately cancelled.
- CHARACTER ABILITY INTERACTIONS: Things like Newcastle’s, Gibraltar’s, Ramparts, Caustic, Wattson, and legends like them that have tactically and/or Ultimates that can block projectiles, will not block the Laser Shot. Legend abilities that regen shields in any way, Like Wattson and catalyst, will still work as normal even if they are hit by the laser.
~Ultimate – Upgrade Core~
Temporarily gain enough EVO points to upgrade your Shield Core by 1 stage. Gain access to all your legend upgrades for your current and any previous shield core level. Also refresh your tactical ability and restore half of your Shield HP.
~Passive Notes:~
- Has a charge time of 3 minutes and a duration of 30 seconds, downing players will extent the duration of the Ultimate by 5 seconds (Maximum 15).
- Once you used your ultimate you will temporarily gain a free amount EVO point equal to the amount you currently need to Level up your Evo Shield. But once the Ultimate duration ends, you will lose EVO points equal to the amount you gain (Meaning your EVO Armor can devolve). However, you will keep any EVO points you gained additionally during the Ultimate from dealing damage, opening Assault loot bin, and the like. So, for example, if you used your ultimate and need 450 EVO points to level up your shield from 1 to 2, you would gain 450, Levelling up from level 1 to level 2. Then during your ultimate let’s say you gain 250 EVO points. At the end of your ultimate, you shields would revert to level 1, then immediately gain the EVO points gained during your Ult, meaning you would now only need 200 EVO to level up to level 2.
- During your ultimate, if you have Level 2 Evo Shields, you will gain BOTH of your first legend upgrades. If you have Level 3 or higher, you will gain all your Legend upgrades for the duration of the ultimate.

~Level 2 Upgrades – Dash Shield Generator OR Tactical + Kit:~
~Dash Shield Generator~
While you are sliding, create a small shield that is attached to you facing the direction you are sliding.
~Notes:~
Is the same size as Newcastle Revive Arm Shield, however it only has 25 HP. Only enemies can damage it, however you can click (H or down on the D-Pad, while you are sliding) to activate and/or deactivate it, this is on a 2 second cooldown. If it’s damage and is deactivated and/or you’re not sliding for more than 3 seconds, it will slowly start to regen HP until it’s fully restored, or you slide again. If it is destroyed it will not start regening for 10 seconds.
~Tactical +~
Reduce your tactiles cooldown by 5 seconds and increase the size of its projectile. Also, during your ultimate, reduce the cooldown by an additional 5 seconds.
~Notes:~
Is exactly what it says.

~Level 3 Upgrades – Energy Detector OR Assault Core:~
~Energy Detector~
Highlight enemies that are using Shield Regen items within 20 meters of your through walls. During your ultimate increase this range to 40 meters.
~Notes:~
The highlight is like mad Maggie’s passive in how it looks, except it is blue. You will see anyone using Shield Cell/Batteries and Phoenix Kits.
~Assault Core~
Gain a faster reload of your weapons. Also, during you ultimate, also gain better weapon handling and movement speed while holding a weapon.
~Notes:~
This would be on par with Ballistics ultimate in how much it increases each stat.
Thanks to anyone who spent there time reading this and gave feedback <3

I was about to purchase a SCAR 16 13980HX 4090 model at a discounted rate of €3.199, which I thought was a great deal considering I didn't initially think I could afford a 4090. However, before finalizing my purchase, I decided to seek advice in the SuggestALaptop Discord, an extension of the SuggestALaptop community. I'm grateful I did because despite extensive research on ASUS laptops in recent months, I had never encountered this particular issue. Therefore, I want to raise awareness for others like myself who may be unaware of this potential problem. Here's how D2ultima, a moderator in the SuggestALaptop Discord, summarized the issue:

ASUS laptops (as far as we know, all of them) have a VERY high chance to heavily deteriorate their cooling potential between 8 months to 1 year from date of MANUFACTURE, with the problem not being fixable. The running theory by D2ultima (the admin who's seen this issue happening for over 10 years now) is that the heatsinks have the special gas inside them that's meant for rapid thermal transfer escape and be replaced with regular air, rendering the heatsinks themselves much worse than normal. If you RMA for this problem, you will get a new (unsold, unused) yet old (created months ago for this model) heatsink, or new/old unit of the same model which 9/10 times exhibits the same problem out the gate as soon as you get it back. Repasting doesn't help, nothing you can do helps, the units are just generally worse for the rest of your ownership. Do be aware, this issue does NOT happen to every unit you could possibly buy. It is possible to get a unit that works perfectly fine and will last you easily 4+ years like a tank, but the chances of getting a good unit in this manner appear to be rather low. But the one time we recommended the units for a year we had a FLOOD of people come back complaining a year later, and many of our regulars and higher roles have or have had ASUS laptops with this same issue. Finally, you might be asking, why doesn't anyone report on this, or why do they review well? The issue is that because this problem shows up after approximately 1 year, everyone has moved on. Why would a reviewer make an update in 2024 for a model reviewed in 2023? Everyone is buying the 2024 model now, it won't get them any views and if anything would just get them in trouble with ASUS themselves. So it never makes heavy media presence, but it is a very rampant problem. In short, ASUS laptops are not recommended, and won't be until ASUS can fix this problem for at least 3 years in a row. Buy them at your own risk.

One of the lesser known and discussed components to David Kibbe’s approach to developing an authentic personal style is his color system.
What I think is quite unique about his approach is that it is rooted in color theory. I know that sounds kind of obvious… aren’t all personal color systems rooted in color theory? Not quite in the same way, no.
To go back to the absolute basics of color theory we start with the foundational concept of Primary Colors; Red, Yellow and Blue. Where In color theory; Yellow is Warm, Blue is Cool and Red is Neutral.
Disclaimer: Yes! There’s such thing as a Warm Blue or a Cool Yellow. David gives every season their own version of Yellow and Blue. However, we’re referencing a *pure** version of these colors - not a blend.*
So when we say “cool toned” this means the colors have a blue base since blue is cool. The same can be said for the concept of “warm toned” which means the colors have a yellow base since yellow is warm.
Now, nobody’s skin tone is literally yellow (we’re not lemons) or literally blue (we are not lizards). We are a complex blend of pigments that create a unique mix of tones within our skin, hair and eyes. What we’re looking to determine with our personal coloring here is wether we have a blue (cool) or golden (warm) undertone. With our hair and eyes providing extra clues but our undertone being the most important factor to consider.
Before we launch into the **Metamorphosis excerpt on David’s approach to personal color, I would like to pause and remind us all, that, as with all things Kibbe, it bares reminding that it is essential we leave all prior ideas on colouring aside and approach this process with a sense of playful exploration and curiosity. Our personal coloring just as our Kibbe ID is part of what makes us uniquely beautiful. So it’s not about there being a “correct” or “incorrect” answer. It’s about celebrating what is innate to us.*

Discovering the magic of your coloring

So much has been written in recent years about your coloring and "having your colors done" that I simply can't take you through this journey without a brief detour in this often confusing area.
As a firm believer in the beauty of our natural coloring, I've always felt that it should be enhanced and prized as one of our greatest gifts from Nature. Since I could be described as one of the pioneers of the modern color movement, I've worked long and hard to educate the public about the possibilities and systems that exist to make working with your coloring easy, clear, exciting, and most of all, fun!
In the past few years, I've watched many variations spring up on the basic theme of personal color analysis. As in all extremely popular fields, some of the "new" variations are simply gimmicks de- signed to cash in on the latest fad, while others bear at least some validity.
For my money, however, the basic system of the seasonal color theory originally developed by Johannes Itten of the Bauhaus School is still far and away the most effective.
This theory divides your coloring into four basic categories named after the seasons, based on two parts of your genetic makeup: (1) the undertone of your skin, which is blue or golden and functions as the "base" of your coloring; and (2) the in- tensity of your coloring, which has to do with the type of "contrast" between your hair. skin, and eyes.
Simply put, your "season" is a general description of the type of coloring you inherited and the palette of colors that will enhance it. Each "season" represents a family of colors that consists of over two million shades within the palette. Here's a brief description of each:

Winter

Blue undertone to the skin. High-contrast coloring (distinct difference between the hair, skin, eyes).
Palette: Cool, clear colors. Blue-based shades with sharp intensity. A jewel-toned palette ranging from vivid colors to very pale, icy shades.
Person: The hair is usually dark (a solid color as opposed to visibly highlighted) with an ash base, and the skin and eyes are quite clear.
Celebrities: Elizabeth Taylor, Cher, Diahann Carroll, Connie Chung.

Summer

Blue undertone to the skin. Blended contrast (the hair, skin, eyes tend to blend together).
Palette: Cool, muted colors. Blue- based shades with a saturated intensity. A dusty palette ranging from pastels to very deep shades.
Person: The hair is usually medium dark to medium light (a dense color with a very subtle highlight) with an ash base, and the skin tone is saturated while the eyes are softly muted.
Celebrities: Grace Kelly, Queen Elizabeth, Jane Fonda.

Autumn

Golden undertone to the skin. Contrast is medium to high, but characterized by richness.
Palette: Warm, intense colors. Yellow based shades with a heavy saturation of richness. A fiery palette ranging from very vivid, hot shades to a few softly muted neutrals.
Person: The hair is usually a richly highlighted shade with a red base, ranging from very deep chestnut to fiery auburn to a very deep honey. The skin tone is rich and saturated (ranging from very pale to very deep) and the eyes are a mixture of marbelized color.
Celebrities: Natalie Wood, Ann-Margret, Diane Keaton, Katharine Hepburn, Shari Bela- fonte-Harper.

Spring

Golden undertone to the skin. Contrast is delicate, but sharp.
Palette: Warm and clear colors. Yellow based shades with a light, bright intensity. A vibrant pal ette ranging from very fresh, vivid shades to a few clear pales.
Person: The hair is usually a medium dense shade (with a subtle natural highlight) and a golden or red base, ranging from medium golden brown to strawberry to golden blond. The skin tone is clear and delicate, and the eyes are crisp.
Celebrities; Shirley MacLaine, Sissy Spacek, Vanessa Williams, Arlene Dahl, Eva Gabor.

Draping the Seasons

Question: How can I determine my "season"? Can I tell by just looking at myself in the mir ror? Can I tell by looking at the underside of my wrists?
Not really. The best way to objectively determine your season is with the help of three or four friends. To correctly determine your season, you've got to first determine both the undertone of your skin (blue or golden), and then the type of contrast between your hair, skin, and eyes. The only way to accurately do this is by a process called "draping," whereby you drape selected shades of fabric under your chin and compare the color of the fabric to the colors in your face. You cannot determine your undertone by simply looking at your wrist because you are merely viewing the "shade" of your skin tone, as opposed to the undertone or base coloration.
In the draping process, you discover your skin's undertone by an indirect method. The aim is to enhance the undertone of your skin by using a complementary base color from the selected fabric.
Here's how to do this: With a group of three or four friends, assemble the following large swaths of fabric:

Four shades of green:

a) a blue-based emerald green (clear and vivid)
b) a blue-based sen green (soft and dusty)
c) a yellow-based mossy green (rich and in- tense)
d) a yellow-based bright chartreuse (light and clear)

Four shades of red:

a) a blue-based scarlet (clear and vivid)
b) a blue-based dusty raspberry (soft and muted)
c) a yellow-based tomato (rich and intense)
d) a yellow-based bright poppy (light and clear)

Four shades of blue:

a) a blue-based royal (clear and vivid)
b) a blue-based cornflower (soft and dusty)
c) a yellow-based teal (rich and intense)
d) a yellow-based bright aqua (light and clear)

Four shades of pink:

a) a blue-based fuchsia (vivid and clear)
b) a blue-based dusty rose (soft and muted)
c) a yellow-based salmon (rich and intense)
d) a yellow-based bright coral (light and bright)
Now drape each other in these colors, following the order in which they're listed. As you're watching this process, be sure to focus on the person's face, not the color. (Remember, you're seeking to discover which color brings the person out, not sim- ply the color you like best.)
In the right shade, you'll watch the person's skin tone become smooth and clear; shadows will seem to miraculously disappear!
In the wrong shades, the color will reflect onto the person's face; you'll notice the color, not the person.
Have your friends vote on what they're seeing. You'll nearly always find the consensus of others to be correct. (Your own opinion may be somewhat prejudiced by color preferences and the thought of having to change your wardrobe!)
If the consensus is that the colors of group a tested best on you consistently, you are a "Winter." If the consensus is toward group b, you are a "Summer." If the consensus is toward group c, you are an "Autumn"; and if the consensus is toward group d, then you are a "Spring."
NOTE: It's very important to perform this draping ceremony in natural light, so be sure you work near a large window with good sun exposure. Also, if your hair has been artificially colored, or has any chemical processing on it such as perms or waves, be sure to cover it with a white turban or bandanna. This will prevent your altered haircolor from throwing any shadows on your face, which could result in a misanalysis. This is crucial in determining your season, so don't forgo it in the name of vanity! Since the skin tone is a much subtler color than your hair, it's very easy to simply match the shades of fabric to the hair, rather than to the complexion. Also, be sure you remove all traces of makeup before you begin!

Questions & Answers

Q. Can I be a mixture of seasons!
A. No, you cannot. It's genetically impossible! Each "season" refers to a specific type of coloring, of which there are only four. For example, you cannot have a mixture of a golden and a blue undertone. Since the undertone functions as the base of your skin tone, it determines whether the shade of skin you have is either warm or cool. A color can only have one base, whether it's skin color, haircolor, fabric, a cosmetic shade, or even the paint on your wall!
The basic law of abstract color theory states that the base of a color determines its shade. For example, a burgundy red has a blue base. It is this blue base that actually causes the shade to be burgundy instead of some other shade of red, say tomato red or rust. Likewise, a mossy green is caused by a yellow base, while an emerald green is emerald because its base is blue! Your skin tone is exactly the same. An olive skin is always caused by a blue undertone. That's why it's olive and not a tawny beige (which is caused by a golden undertone). On the other hand, an ivory skin tone has a golden base, which is what makes it ivory instead of porcelain (which is caused by a blue undertone). There isn't a single individual-dead, alive. or yet to be born who possesses a mixture of undertones. It simply can not happen!
Q. What about "intensity"? Can I be a mixture of the "cools" (WinteSummer) or the "warms" (Autumn/Spring)!
A. No, you cannot. As with the undertone, you have one type of intensity to your coloring. High contrast coloring needs clear shades to enhance and bring it out effectively. Blended coloring needs a saturation of color to allow the subtlety of your coloring to show through gracefully. Mixing the clear colors with the dusty tones only negates your particular type of coloring.
Moreover, the palettes themselves simply don't mix effectively when you translate them into clothing and cosmetics. If you were to try to create color combinations of the cool Winter and Summer palettes, for example, you would never be able to effectively combine the jewel tones of Winter with the elegantly dusty shades of Summer. Since the palettes are of opposing intensities, the shades themselves are not at all complementary. Any resulting outfits of clothing would simply be a hodgepodge of mismatched colors!
Even more disasterous would be an attempt to mix the tones in cosmetics. For a makeup to be successful, you absolutely must keep all the colors on your face in one family of color, both in terms of the base and the intensity. Mixing them is akin to wearing a shocking pink blouse with a bright orange lipstick! While the result might not always be this glaring, opposite color families do not blend together!
Q. But I've had my colors done "professionally," and I was told I'm a mixture. Why would that have happened?
A. Basically, that means one of two things. Either you were analyzed incorrectly, which is, unfortunately, becoming quite common because of improper training and a lack of experience among color consultants, or it's simply a question of semantics.
Frequently, in an effort to delineate among the specific shades that you can actually wear effectively (be cause of the variations in individual skin tone, hair, and eye colors that exist within a season), color consult ants have attempted to make your palette as specific to you as possible. This sometimes manifests in your being labeled a mixture of seasons or having a "subseason." While this is technically incorrect, since the colors within the seasonal palettes do not actually blend with the other palettes, the result is usually a way of defining the range of shades within your season that appear most exciting on you.
From my experience, based on analyzing thousands of clients over a number of years, I simply find it too inaccurate and confusing to try to suggest to my clients that they "mix" the palettes. It's not helpful in a practical sense, for it doesn't actually add any colors that they can effectively work with in clothing, cosmetics, or haircolor. And, since it's technically incorrect, as I previously stated, I find that the clients who come to our salon with a "mixture" of colors nearly always have either a diluted appearance, in terms of focus, or they have a lot of mistakes hanging in their closets! Can my "contrast" change with age?
Q. What about as my hair turns gray? Does this change my season?
A. No, your season never changes with age, or anything else! As your hair begins to gray, Nature is not only changing your haircolor, but is also changing your skin tone and eyes at the same time. The balance among these three elements always remains the same. For example, if you're a mature Vivid Winter, like actress Bea Arthur, the balance among your haiskin/eyes is best described as high contrast. You have a vivid haircolor, a fair skin, and an intense eye color. True, your haircolor is not the same as when you were twenty years old, when it was probably a deep brunette, but you've maintained the high contrast coloring you were born with. As your hair began to gray, it didn't turn a dull or mousy shade of gray, but rather went a brilliant silver, didn't it? Your skin and eyes have actually gotten lighter at the same time, even though this difference is probably imperceptible to you. Do yone that your high contrast has not changed at all! You still have a vivid haircolor, a fair skin, and an in- ten eye color. Your balance has remained the same! You are still a Vivid Winter, and the colors that focus your specific coloring are still cool and clear!
Whatever your season, Nature created your haiskin/eyes as a unit. They always change together, and the balance among them never changes That's why your season never changes!
Q. Does my season have anything to do with style? For example, I read somewhere that Winters should stick to solids and geometrics, while Autumns are very good in tweeds and textures.
A. Not in the least! Having your colors done has absolutely nothing to do with anything other than determining what your skin tone is and which palette of colors to work with to enhance it. It tells you nothing more specific than the range of colors to use. Your specific clothing choices (including fabrics and textures, as well as shapes and lines), makeup shades, and haircolor range all come from developing your personal style through discovering your Image Identity.
For example, Autumns are frequently told to concentrate on use of textures in their wardrobe. Yet Ann-Margret is a Fiery Autumn, but as a Theatrical Romantic, I'd much rather see her in silks, satins, angora, and se quins than rough textures or tweeds any day of the year!
Having your colors done can be a wonderful and exciting addition to your life, and I highly recommend it when it's properly executed. Just be careful not to give it more importance than it's worth. Your coloring is only one part of you - it's worthy of being carefully looked at, but only within the contest of your total look.

Now I’m sure for those of us who are more visual the written descriptions of these colors can be ultra confusing! Unfortunately we can not share the seasonal palettes David has created. However, the palettes as well as a wealth of additional information on the sub seasons, additional celebrities as well as the three make up palettes for each season etc. can be accessed within the Four Season Freedom Facebook Group.
My personal tip is to get a good grasp on basic color theory by understanding what blue based vs yellow based colors look like. A really creative and explorative way to approach this is by getting some paints out and mixing the tones to see how blue (cool) with added yellow (warm) transforms into a warm blue. (Please ensure you use a true Yellow, a true Blue, a true Red, a true Black and a true White).
The goal of the system isn’t to just wear the colors David has in his seasonal palettes - it’s to use these as a jumping off point. So, that you can then take the concept of your coloring and have the ability to intuitively identify colors that harmonise with you rather than pull out a palette on your phone every time you go clothes or make up shopping!
Each season can be quickly understood by what it’s characteristics evoke:

Winter (Cool) is Jewel

Spring (Warm) is Vibrant

Summer (Cool) is Lush

Autumn (Warm) is Fiery

A quick disclaimer!! No season gets boring muted colors. Everyone gets beautifully saturated colors! You won’t see the sad, drab and dull tones often seen in other seasonal color systems here! For example Summer is Lush in tone not muted and Autumn is fiery in tone, again not muted In any sense if the word.

Let’s talk about the defining characteristics tied to certain seasons

I want to preface this part, by reminding us all that much like our Kibbe ID, we are born with the innate characteristics we have ; we are who we are meant to be! And so it’s never a case of being relegated to certain IDs or color seasons based on certain characteristics. But, instead we are embarking on the journey to discover what has always been there with the objective of achieving harmony with ourselves and in doing so bringing out our unique beauty.
Brown eyes Brown eyes are a feature of high contrast coloring and therefore will always be a high contrast season; Autumn or Winter.
Naturally Ginger / Red hair Ginger / Red hair is a warm color (a mix of a golden base with added red) and therefore will always be a warm season; Spring or Autumn.
An Olive undertone Olive is always caused by a blue undertone, therefore it will always be Winter.
Naturally Blonde hair Blonde hair can be any season except for Winter which requires a high level of contrast between the features; Skin/HaiEyes.
The Color Black Black is considered a cool tone that casts a shade on its surrounds, due to its depth of contrast is only given to Winters as with Winters it enhances the clarity of coloring whether-as with all other seasons it muddies their coloring.
The Color White White, on the other hand is universally given to all seasons as it is considered a neutral.

I have been dating my partner for about 2.5 years, living together for about 9 months. We've had some ups and downs- nothing breakup worthy- but we've both had some significantly tough times. Given some recent events in our life, I would like some advice as to whether or not I'm being realistic in terms of my expectations of him and our relationship.
My partner's Dad was hospitalized in January for a cardiac episode. He was released after 5 days and during the follow up appointments, it was discovered that he had colon cancer. He had surgery that removed the tumor in late April. During the surgery, they removed 26 lymph nodes and sent them out for testing. 1 of nodes came back positive for stage 3 cancer cells. The oncologist said his best course of action would be chemo to rule out any additional cancer cells that may exist before they become a bigger issue. He'll be starting chemo in early June. My partner is understandably negatively affected by this diagnosis. For context, his Mom survived breast cancer about 12 years ago, during which time my partner was her primary caregiver, but his best friend's father just died from cancer 3 weeks ago. The best friend's father went from totally fine, to diagnosis, to dead in less than a month. It was brutal. Partner's father is not in the best shape health wise, and quite frankly, my partner is anticipating a poor outcome from the chemo/cancer. I'm trying to be positive and supportive for the family, but it's taking its toll on all of them, as is to be anticipated.
As this whole thing has been happening, my partner has been going through it in terms of his mental health. He's struggled with depression and panic attacks for most of his adult life. He's been on an antidepressant for years. After his father was hospitalized in January, he was temporarily laid off from his job because of his poor work performance. The company basically told him they wouldn't let him return to work until he started therapy and got his shit together. He started seeing a therapist in February and started Adderall for his ADHD in March. It's been better in the sense that's he's more communicative with me, seems to be on a bit of a better schedule, etc. He started back to work on May 1st. Going back to work has been pretty good- he likes his new position and his schedule is much more consistent now, so that's good.
This entire time, I've been supporting our household financially as he completely drained his small emergency fund in less than 5 weeks. Financially, we are total opposites, and it stresses me out! I have 150K in savings/retirement, and he has only a couple grand saved and nothing in retirement. We've been talking about getting married, but in December (before this whole ordeal even started) we had a conversation where I ultimately told him marriage was off the table until he's financially in a better position, and he'd agreed to open retirement accounts and asked me to help him budget etc., but this was before the whole cancer- laid off- therapy thing even started. We haven't really discussed it much since.
Some of the other issues that we continue to have is that he's generally unable to remember to do any tasks unless I remind him incessantly (as in, tell him multiple times, text him, call him, etc.) Tasks would include: taking out the trash, putting away his vapes so the dog can't get to them, brushing his teeth, putting laundry in the basket, picking up his wet bath towels, etc.
The biggest one that bothers me is his lack of consistency after I go to bed. He's a night owl and stays up late, which is fine, but he'll (more often than not), pass out on the couch with the lights on, the TV on, the computer playing a video, food and drinks all over the living room, didn't brush his teeth, etc. I wake up naturally a lot throughout the night so then I either go get him from the living room, basically force him to brush his teeth and get in bed, and then have to deal with the mess/electronics myself at whatever ungodly hour it is OR just leave everything as is and go back to sleep. If I do that, I still have to deal with all of those things when I wake up at 5 am with the dog and get ready to go to work- she's a puppy who's excitable and it's so much easier on me if he's in the bedroom in the morning so she'll stay focused on me and I don't have to worry about her getting to his vapes, food, drinks, etc.
As a side note, the fact that his oral health is so poor is disgusting to me. I've already set a strong boundary that I will refuse to kiss or be intimate with him unless he's brushed his teeth at least once per day. He's a very touchy person that likes physical affection, so it's tough for him that I refuse to kiss him unless his teeth are brushed, but it's generally pretty effective in helping him to remember to brush them. At least, it was until January.
I want to be clear that our communication is pretty good, and all of the boundaries I have/expectations I've set are things we've talked about and agreed upon together. These are all areas in which he agreed and often he was the one to suggest that he needs to work on. I also didn't mention the areas I've agreed to work on within myself, but there are a few.
Given the things happening with his Dad, I feel like an asshole pushing him to be better with his finances, health, and chores, but I also don't think I can deal with these things NOT getting worked on for the next 8-12 months (the projected length of his Dad's treatment). So- what's the balance? How can I support him through this which pushing us to work on our relationship? Or, is it totally unrealistic to expect that right now? I know I want to have a conversation with him about our foreseeable future but I want to be realistic as to what I can/should ask of him. So- what do you think?
Edit: For context, my partner would like to be engaged by the end of the year. He'd been saving for a ring/wedding prior to getting laid off. I pushed pause on that plan because I was uncomfortable with his lack of financial stability and generally felt that he did not pull his weight of the household responsibilities. He agreed to work on these things before taking the next step. He still wants to propose this year, despite what's happened.

Spring is winding down, summer's on it's way; would love to get a little cash to fund the summer fun (and the next parts order). Still, trades are always on the table. Don't be shy with the cheapies.
TLDR
I got:

• A bunch of unique handmade stuff, including fuzzes, drives, and filters.
• Some 9V/12V practice amps I made from old speakers.
• A handful of cheapies
• A digitech Multi-FX
• Some bulky items for local trade in the Nashville, TN area.

I want:

• Just about anything related to musical instruments and music making: Effects, instruments, gizmos, recording stuff, etc.
• Or lots of other things not remotely related to music. Try me.
• Or money
• I mean, basically, if you want a pedal, especially a handmade one, and are willing to send me something of reasonable value for it, you have a good shot at getting it.

DIY STUFF
(If you are NOT into handmade stuff, scroll down because I have some other items at the end.)
This is hand-built stuff that I made, mostly relatively unique or heavily tweaked designs built on vero or point to point. Many are housed in upcycled tins, a few in Hammond boxes. They all run on standard 9v pedal power. These aren't clones for the most part, unless they are; but normally I actually monkey about with the circuits quite a bit or just test out wacky ideas. If you want something nobody else has, you're in the right place…
I have the handmades valued in 4 tiers:

• D tier are my trashy cheapies, made from reclaimed components. I don't feel right asking a lot for reclaimed components. I value them in the $40 - $50 range, not really picky about what I trade for. I might even take dirt pedals for these. Only got one left, trying to phase out this tier.
• C tier are the cheapies made with new components. I value these in the $50 - $60 range, not very picky here either.
• B tier are my average builds, I will trade for pedals in the $65-$90 value range, depending on the complexity of the build. A little pickier, but still pretty open.
• A tier are my happy happy builds, usually more complex or just nicer quality. I will be picky about trades for these. (But still not Boutique prices; I have no delusions). It's probably less about value here and more about how much I actually want the thing you have. Think in the $90 - $130 range.

MOBILE USERS: There are 4 columns in the tables below: Name, Tier, Links, and Notes. If you don't see all 4, scroll over or ask for more info.
Fuzzes

Name	Tier	Links	Notes
Bazz Me Fuss You #1	A	PIC DEMO	A bazz-fussified perversion of the Escobedo push-me-pull-you, featuring controls for octave and volume. This is the first unit I've built using my own custom PCB. Housed in a painted 125B with top jacks.
Space Fuzz	B+	PIC DEMO	This is a Hollis crash sync fuzz that I souped up with an LFO to modulate the filtesync frequency. Really wild flangery/phasey type gated fuzz sound. At the right settings you can get some octave-down effects as well. Housed in a ~3.5 inch square game tin reinforced with recycled plastic. Pretty pleased with this build.
SwirlFuzz	B+	PIC DEMO	Modulated octave fuzz prototype. It's an octave fuzz, but you can switch on an LFO to modulate the octave amount. Controls for Rate, Depth, Gain, and Volume, plus switches for waveshape and mode (Normal/Octave/Modulated). In a circular tin reinforced with recycled plastic.
Baller Fuzz	B	PIC DEMO	Another Bazz-Me-Fuss-You build with an added BMP-style tone control. In a slightly beaten-up heart-shaped basketball tin. Y'all ready for this?
Big Green Fuzz for Attractive Bass Players	B	PIC Demo	Like my bazz-me-fuss-you circuit, but with a big muff tone stack, a clean blend, and optional clippers for more compression. Housed in a big round tin reinforced with recycled plastic and designed specifically for attractive bass players. Unattractive ones may not really gel with this.
Creature from the planet Chyowngg	B	PIC Demo	Prototype of a unique fuzz I've been developing that I call the Chyowngg fuzz. It's a 2-stage octaver that gives a bright synthy tone with a distinctive envelope (hence the name). You can toggle each stage from octave to non-octave mode for a variety of interesting timbres. Also has a tone control, but the tone control is before the octave stages so it results in interesting behaviors depending on the switch settings. It's in a tin meant to be painted like an alien, though some say it looks more like a triceratops.
Dumbo's Bazzrite Fussrite	C	PIC Demo	A bazz-fussified mosrite fuzzrite circuit I cobbled together in point-to-point wiring style. Housed in a little Dumbo puzzle tin with GLITTER! Controls are for balance (kind of tone-cum-gain) and volume.
Wiff Spwinkles on Top	C	PIC Demo	This point-to-point fuzz lives in the same neighborhood as the Harmonic Percolator, but has a few differences. I altered the way the gain knob works, and added a switch to toggle bass cut. It's housed in an ice-creamity welly tin.

Drives, Distortions, and Boosts

Name	Tier	Links	Notes
Bronze Drive	A	PIC Demo	This is a point-to-point, transistor based overdrive I designed based loosely on the Davisson Easy Drive. Good for low-gain crunchy tones and plenty of output volume on tap if you want it for a boost. Tone circuit is like a BMP stack but with a mid hump instead of a mid cut. Housed in a painted 125B.
Copper ZenerMorph Drive	B	PIC Demo	This is an experiment in zener diode clipping. Nice crispy drive that gets beefier as you turn up the gain, lots of good edge-of-breakup tones to be had. Housed in a decorated tin reinforced with some recycled plastic.
Shining Hope Drive	B	PIC Demo	Differential mirroring drive, gives a kind of overdriven-mixer-channel distortion. Controls for gain, tone, and volume. Housed in a star-shaped Christmas tin.
B is for Beast	C	PIC DEMO	This fun little drive/boost consists of two cascading MOSFET gain stages with optional clipping in between. It goes from clean and loud to massive wall-of-gain distortion nicely. Controls for gain, clipping, and volume. In a small heart-shaped tin about 4in by 4in.
Green Sparkler Boost	D	PIC	Just an Escobedo Duende JFET boost built point-to-point in a sparkly little round tin. Gives a little gain and a bit of warmth to the tone.

Non-Dirt

Name	Tier	Links	Notes
Quack like a penguin	B+	PIC DEMO	Third build of the Chykka Wakka, a WIP all-transistor envelope filter. This one is built on vero, and features controls for Q, Range, and Attack, as well as toggles for Voicing and envelope smoothing. Housed in a smallish penguin tin reinforced with recycled plastic.
Gift of Chykka Wakka	B	PIC DEMO	First build of an all-transistor envelope filter I designed. Built point-to-point style and housed in a little giftbox tin reinforced with recycled plastic. Controls for Q and Sweep, switch toggles envelope smoothing.
Vortex of Funk	B	PIC DEMO	Second build of the Chykka-Wakka circuit, this one features attack, Q, and range controls. Built point-to-point and housed in a painted tin.
BZZZ BOOP BEEP	B	PIC DEMO	A basic square wave oscillator on a momentary switch. Can go from bzzz to boop to beep with a sweep of the big knob. Also has tone and volume controls, and a 3-way switch for different decay amounts. Use it to simulate a spring door stopper or dying cow. Or bleep your foul-mouthed frontman. Or mess with the sound guy. Or send Morse code to the bar. I dunno. Housed in a painted tin reinforced with recycled plastic.

Little Amps

Name	Price/Trades	Links	Description
Ample iMank	$65	PICS DEMO	This is a Runoffgroove Ruby Amplifier built into this old multimedia speaker enclosure designed to look like an old iMac. Glows blue when you turn it on. It runs from a standard 9v pedal power. It's not terribly loud, nor terribly clean, but if you dig the classic mac vibe it might be fun. Controls for gain and volume, and a power switch on the back.
Nosy Amp	$75	PICS DEMO	Another solid-state amp based on the Ruby amplifier, housed in a repurposed bookshelf speaker. This one actually has pretty decent volume, even on 9V (can run on 12V as well for more), and can stay clean while getting loud enough for a quiet jam with friends.
Fleur-de-Lis Amp	$90	PICS DEMO	A tiny bookshelf speaker turned into a practice amp. This one features a class D power amp for lovely cleans, and a custom designed discrete preamp that gets punchy & crunchy when cranked. Runs on 9V but pretty loud nonetheless.

Non-DIY Stuff
Make an offer. I respect Reverb Price Guide values, though I may lean high if it's a feeler.

Brand	Name	Condition	Notes
Danelectro	Fab Chorus	Excellent	Cheap plastic chorus, but sounds great. Probably just a make-weight, too cheap to trade on its own.
Caline	10-band EQ	Good	Works fine, I just don't really need 10 bands of EQ. Has velcro on the back, and sometimes makes a weird noise when you turn on the pedalboard. Another make-weight.
Ibanez	PH7	Good	Tonelok phaser. Great pedal, has some glue on the bottom I couldn't get off, but works fine.
BOSS	TU-12H	Good	Crusty vintage tuner from Boss. Still works great, but it's missing the outer case (still has the inner part). If you had one in the day and want to relive the magic, feel free to make an offer.
Digitech	RP360	Very Good	Great multifx, I've gotten some fun sounds out of it, but it isn't seeing much use. I'm just more of a discrete FX guy I guess.
MOTU	MIDI express	Good	This is an antique MIDI patchbay and interface. It's pre-USB and uses the parallel cable (PC) or some kind of Apple-specific DIN cable (Mac). Could be used standalone, or maybe you're into retro MIDI setups? Comes with box and cables anyway.
unknown builder	PedalPCB Cataclysm	Very Good	This is a really solid build of a PedalPCB cataclysm (Disaster Transport Jr clone) built by someone other than me. Pics here. Not sure what to value it, but make an offer.

Local (Nashville TN area) ONLY

Brand	Name	Condition	Notes
TEAC	A3340S 4-Track Reel-to-Reel	Good	Cleaned up, oiled up, and in good working order last time I tried it out. Meant to do some analog recording, but just haven't gotten the time or space. Would trade for a decent instrument of some kind. Might even throw in a copy of Craig Anderton's "Home Recording for Musicians", which uses the same unit.
Altec-Lansing	Power amp (9442A)	Fair	300 W, 2 rack-unit power amp, can work in stereo or bridged mode. Last time I used it one of the channels was a little flaky. Couldn't be bothered to fix it myself. Heavy as all get out, I'll sell for cheap if you're local.

What would I trade for??
I'm wide open to trades for music gear of all kinds and other items of value.
Some Priority Wants:

• A next level looper like the Pigtronix Infinity 3. Feeling limited by my current setup. Something with MIDI sync, multiple loop tracks, tempo sync.
• Boss OC-5.
• A reverb with a really good plate algorithm.
• Compact 12 channel mixer. Preferably a Mackie VLZ or similar.
• Isolated pedal power supply.
• Genuine e-Bow. Already own 2 clones, looking to try the real shebang.
• A multiple-MIDI I/O unit.
• A 1-U rack-mount mixer.
• Money.

Other things I'd likely trade for:

• Pedals, naturally:
  • Especially fancy DSP type pedals (the kind I can't build), or a nice analog flangechorus.
  • Decent analog pedals that need repair. Expect a lot of questions and not much value, though.
  • Check "probably not wants" below
• Studio gear like mics, headphones, cables, small mixers, rack gear, etc.
• Synths and midi gear, especially cheap stuff like Volcas or Reface, etc. Really need a MIDI interface with multiple I/O.
  • I kinda dig old casio/yamaha cheapies.
  • Drum machines are interesting to me.
• Musical instruments? I play about everything, or would like to try anyway.
  • I'd like to acquire a tele style guitar at some point. Even just a cheapie knockoff.
  • If you've got a not-too-expensive Ibanez fretless bass (or similar), let's talk. I'll offer things on the secret menu.
• Also Non-music things:
  • Unbuilt pedal kits, pedal enclosures, bulk lots of electronics parts, etc.
  • Electronics/DIY tools or supplies (scope, transistor tester, solder, etc)
  • Something weird and creative. Random items of modest value you want to get rid of. Handmade items that are giftable.
  • Did I mention money? I do paypal and venmo.

Probably not wants (doesn't apply to C or D-tier builds, offer anything for those):

• Dirt pedals. Might make an exception for something really intriguing, though.
• Eurorack modules, unless anyone wants to trade me a whole starter setup (yeah, probably not, right?)
• Guitaamp/cab parts. Not really into modding that stuff. Yet.
• Behringer pedals. Just not a fan.
• Any pedal whose value is primarily as a collectible (Vintage, Rare editions/colorways/signature models, etc)
• If I can get it on Amazon or Reverb for under $50, I'd rather we bundled a few things to make it worth the shipping cost.

A Note about mods/repairs/custom jobs: Feel free to shoot me your ideas, but probably I'm leaning toward not doing these. Expect to pay/trade way more for something custom than what I ask for the pedals I've already built.

https://afkjourney-news.farlightgames.com/en/detail/19

Talk with Designers: Season Edition

Hi everyone, we've been surprised by the amount of feedback and suggestions we've received from our community about the Song of Strife season, and we're truly grateful for your enthusiastic support. Today, we're bringing you another edition of Talk with Designers, where we'll touch on some of the most discussed topics and share our thoughts on how we plan to address them. Let's dive right in.

Q1: Why the nerf on AFK Rewards and free gifts in this new season?

Designer:
Typically, when we plan version updates, we schedule rewards for each season with four updates in mind. In subsequent versions, we have actually prepared more engaging events and gameplay features, along with ample rewards to enrich your gaming journey.
However, we acknowledge that there may have been oversights in reward distribution during the recent season launch. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused. To rectify this, we've decided to adjust the rewards for Season AFK Stage, Season Legend Trial, Season Corrupt Creature, and Battle Drills to match those you received during the Starter Story.
Moving forward, we're committed to maintaining this level of generosity for every new season. Please be assured that these additional rewards are entirely new and won't affect what you'll receive from future events and activities.
Your understanding and support are invaluable to us as we continue to strive for excellence in enhancing your gaming experience.
Moreover, rewards will be enhanced in certain modes. (These adjustments are set to take effect after the update planned for this week. Once the update arrives, all players in the new season will be eligible to claim these compensatory rewards.)
a. Season AFK Rewards: Diamond x100 and Invite Letter x1 will be added as stage rewards for the first 1,200 Season AFK Stages. The two rewards will alternate every 5 stages, starting with new rewards on stages 2, 7, 12, 17, etc. Overall, the Season AFK Stages will be more rewarding than the those during Starter Story.
b. Season Legend Trial: Every 5 floors, from the 5th floor to the 85th, the rewards in Season Legend Trial will now be replaced with those from the Starter Story. The 4 towers will provide a total of Invite Letter x36, Tidal Essence x360, and Temporal Essence x120 as rewards. Additionally, we're adding the Faction Acorn x10 reward every 10 floors until the 90th floor.
c. Season Corrupt Creature: In addition to the current rewards, defeating a Season Corrupt Creature will now reward you with Soulstone (S-Level) x15. Collect 60 Soulstones (S-Level) to obtain a random Epic hero, including those added to the Hero Wish List after their Rate Up Recruitment event has ended.
d. Enhanced rewards for Battle Drill: Desolate Grounds. A total of 6 rounds of Battle Drills will be available throughout the entire season.
e. Adjusted diamond rewards in small and medium chests found on the map from 15&30 Diamonds to 30&60 Diamonds.
Please stay tuned for more time-limited events like "Glamor Gift" in future updates. These events will feature plenty of rewards for everyone to enjoy.

Q2: Heroes specialized in dealing true damage, like Marilee and Korin aren't performing as effectively in Season Dream Realm battles as they did before, are we rotating them out?

Designer:
Don't worry, we're not rotating out this type of hero. Our goal is to minimize the power gap between true-damage heroes and other heroes, while preserving their relative advantages. But Dream Realm bosses lack significant Defensive Stats in the current stage (before endless mode), which makes true damage heroes less competitive compare to other types. True damage heroes truly shine in Endless Mode; heroes like Marilee and Korin will remain top-tier damage dealers against certain bosses in that difficulty.
We realize that we've overlooked your early season experience before you could unlock the Dream Realm bosses on Endless Mode difficulty, causing some challenges in transitioning to new formations and raising concerns within the community. For the time being, we encourage you to experiment with different formations. By the way, Artifacts suitable for more formations will actually be unlocked soon (you can preview them in the Season Artifacts interface.)
We understand your concerns but encourage you to experiment with different formations. We'll keep gathering your feedback and monitoring the performance of all heroes on our end. We're proceeding with caution on any balance changes because we recognize the time and resources you've invested in these heroes. So, we're taking extra care with these adjustments.

Q3: What's the plan for this season? I'm confused about what's going to happen.

Designer:
The current season will last about four months, with new content planned for release at a steady pace. We've scheduled an update for each month, bringing in new events, features, rewards and other exciting content. But we will not introducing any new progression features in this season.
As you progress, your stat growth will be significantly capped after reaching a certain level, similar to what happened in the Starter Story. This is to prevent a significant power gap between new and veteran players in the middle and late stages of the season. In the Season Supreme Arena, we'll also set a Baseline Level to minimize the power gap between participants. This will allow you to play the game at your own pace.
We also want to talk more about the recent changes regarding the requirements for unlocking new areas. We made these adjustments after noticing a widening power gap caused by players progressing too quickly through new areas. In future updates, we'll introduce new mechanics to address these imbalances, allowing players to enjoy the game at their own pace while maintaining a healthy gaming life balance.

A heartfelt letter from the designers

Bringing seasonal content to this game genre was a bold move, one we took on with enthusiasm and determination. But we can't do it alone. Your support and understanding fuel our passion, while your feedback and suggestions steer us in the right direction. We're committed to improving each season with your input, and creating even more thrilling content for the game!
Thank you all again for your patience and understanding. Your feedback is invaluable and essential for shaping the future of our game.Finally, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude for the incredible support you've demonstrated for the new season "Song of Strife."
As a small token of our appreciation, please enjoy this special gift—Redeem Code: hwidnabwbd
Redeem code content: Invite Letters*10 Valid until: 2024.06.14 23:59:59 (UTC) Available on: live servers, PTR servers

There have been an increasing number of juniors visiting this sub asking for advice about writing essays. Below are some tips and advice for making your essay stand out as excellent. Feel free to ask questions because I will answer every single question in the comments.
I know from experience that many of you are struggling to identify a good topic for your essay. Conventional wisdom says to start by brainstorming a list of potential topics, and chances are, you have already started a mental list of ideas. You might think you only have a few choices for topics, based on your activities or experiences, or essay examples you read, or the rough draft you already started (or worse, that GPT started...). I advise, however, that you put down your list of topics and back away from it. Forget that exists for a moment. Seriously - thinking about this initial list tethers you to certain ideas that might not actually be your best options.
Now you can begin brainstorming with a clean slate.
Start with thinking about what you want to show in your entire application, not just one essay. Every single component in your app has one purpose – to tell more about YOU. Filling out the rest of the application by rote and focusing solely on the essay is short-sighted and will leave so much potential untapped in your application.

It's About You. Tell Your Story - And Be The Protagonist

An admissions officer’s goal is to understand you fully, in the context of your background and the rest of the applicant pool. They will begin this with assessing your academic abilities and potential. Then they will evaluate how you will fit into the student body they’re trying to curate. All of this can be somewhat broad and diverse and touch on several institutional goals. But they will dig deep to find out what each applicant is like, what your core values and motivations are, what kind of student you will be, how you will contribute to the vibrant and intellectual campus community they’re building, etc.
Your goal with essay brainstorming is to ascertain how to powerfully tell your story in a manner that will fit these criteria. The entirety of your application (again, not just one essay) aims to showcase your abilities, qualifications, and uncommon attributes as a person in a positive way. Before you begin outlining or writing your application, you must determine what is unique about you that will stand out to an admissions panel. All students are truly unique. Not one other student has the same combination of life experiences, personality, passions, or goals as you do. Your job in your application is to frame your unique personal attributes in a positive and compelling way. How will you fit on campus? What personal qualities, strengths, core values, talents, or different perspectives do you bring to the table? What stories, deeper motivations/beliefs, or formative experiences can you use to illustrate all of this?
It is always helpful to start with some soul-searching or self-examination. You might not immediately know what you want to share about yourself. It’s not a simple task to decide how to summarize your whole life and being in a powerful and eloquent way on your application. Introspection prior to starting your application takes additional time and effort rather than jumping straight into your first draft. But it is also a valuable method to start writing a winning application that stands out from the stack.
You'll see the advice everywhere that all essay prompts are really about the same thing - you. The goal of each essay then is to showcase who you are, what matters to you, and how you think. I guarantee if you're on this sub enough, you'll hear the advice to "show, don't tell" when writing about yourself. But what does this mean really, and how do you do it well? How do you even get started on an essay that does this?

Introspection Questions

It’s often easiest to start thinking in terms of superlatives, especially those related to personal insights -- what are the most meaningful things about you, and what do you value the most? Here is a list of questions to help you brainstorm broadly before you narrow down your focus for writing:

• What are your interests?
  
• What sparks your curiosity?
  
• About what topics do you enjoy reading?
  
• With whom do you enjoy spending time? Who has impacted your life the most?
  
• Reflect upon “superlatives” in your life. What moments were most memorable, formative, enlightening, enjoyable, or valuable? What physical possessions, experiences, dreams, or lessons could make your superlatives list?
  
• Stop and think about what things, people, or circumstances in your life are really unique, fascinating, or outlandish. Are there any that really have a lot of "cultural flavor" (whatever your culture is)?
  

I have a free introspection worksheet with over 100 questions like this designed to help you find ideas worth exploring in your essays. You can find it on the A2C Discord or download it directly here.

Find Your Story And Arc

Think of a small anecdote or story from your life that you could share that serves as a microcosm of who you are and what is important to you. It will massively help you narrow this down and find a gem of a story if you first start by thinking about your application arc or theme. This is the one-phrase summary of your entire application. It could be "brilliant entrepreneur who started her own successful business" or "talented athlete who wants to study economics and finance as they pertain to sports", or even "avid baker whose hobby sparked an interest in chemistry". It doesn't have to be related to your intended major, but it can help your arc be stronger and clearer if it is.
Once you have an arc determined and a story to share, think about what you want that story to say about you. This is where it can help to think of this as something you would share on a date - what impression does it make about you to the reader? Once you know this, start showing, not telling this attribute of yourself through your story. For example, instead of saying that you're compassionate toward others, you show an example of a time you were compassionate, then elaborate on why, and what it means to you.

Essay Brainstorming Techniques

If you are having trouble finding a story, or simply have writer’s block once you have picked your topic, here are some ideas to get your juices flowing:

• Stream of consciousness writing -- Start writing whatever is in your head, and don’t stop for 30 minutes. You probably won’t use what you just wrote for your essay, but it will help you find a starting point.
  
• Journaling -- Answer the prompt as if you were writing in a journal. This will get you in the habit of writing about yourself and establish comfort with the concept. It will also take you to a new level of introspection and self-awareness.
  
• Twitter X style -- Write several rapid-fire responses to the prompt in 280 characters or less. Choose an idea from these responses to expound upon in your essay.
  
• Read each essay prompt, then go through your introspection worksheet responses and connect the stories and insights to one or more of the prompts. Some students like using color coding to visually see how their different ideas might work together.
  

Why Essays Matter

Here's the thing a lot of people don't realize about college admission: it's not an award for being the smartest, most accomplished, or most impressive. It's an invitation to join a community. Far too many students think that if they can just show that they're smart enough, they'll get in. Yale even says right on their admissions website that 75% of their applicants are academically qualified to succeed at Yale. But only ~4% are getting in. That should tell you that they're looking for more than just top tier test scores and grades. To be perfectly clear, you will need top tier grades and (optionally) test scores to show that you're qualified, and the vast majority of my students come to me with this part already in the bank. But what sets the admits apart? It's personal insight - sharing who you are, how you think, what matters to you, and how you engage community. You can't just say "/IAmVerySmart, please admit me," or even "I did a cool thing guys! Isn't that neat!" You need to go deeper and show them your core values, personal strengths, motivations, aspirations, character traits, foundational beliefs, personality, etc. And you need to do it in a charming, winsome way that makes them like you and want to invite you to join their community.
So how do I get students to do this? All of my students complete that introspection worksheet. We go through it and find the stories, examples, anecdotes, conversations, memories, relationships, and other things from their life that will help us craft a strong and personally insightful narrative. We also make lists of the values, strengths, and key personal qualities we want to showcase. Once we have some topics, outlines, abstracts, or rough drafts, we talk about which stories to tell where, how to tell them well, and what details to include to present the best they have to offer. Then we refine, edit, polish, and enhance over and over until the story sings, but more importantly shows their heart and soul. We also go through all the other application components to ensure consistency, quality, and distinctiveness.
Here's why this works so well: at most highly selective colleges there is a primary reader (or 2-3) who will review everything first and then present it to the admissions committee, who then votes on whether to admit you. That presentation typically goes one of three ways:

1. Total enthusiasm, energy, and excitement. They strongly advocate for admission and paint a clear picture of how you will contribute to their goals and community. Everyone in the room picks up on that energy and is leaning forward in their chairs, looking for reasons to admit you. This is quite rare, generally less than 5 out of every 100 applications, even among those which are "fully qualified." When you do this right, you show depth, meaning, and valuable personal insights so the reviewer is learning about who you are and how you might engage the community they're curating. You come alive off the page as a person, not just another file.
   
2. Business as usual. You're another great applicant in a pile of great applicants. They share a basic review of the facts, your profile, stats, strengths, weaknesses, etc. Maybe someone on the committee finds something they love, and they really push for admission. More likely, not and you get deferred/waitlisted even though there wasn't anything "wrong" with your application. They just didn't love you enough to commit.
   
3. "Here's a stack of 20 applications that I didn't find all that compelling, so we won't present them individually, but you guys are the committee and you make the decisions. So let me know if there are any you want to talk about." In this case, unless there's a letter of endorsement from an athletics coach or your last name matches several buildings on campus, you're probably not getting additional consideration, much less admission. They will regret to inform you.
   

Everything we're doing is designed to help them get to know themselves, present the best they have to offer, and land in that first group. Having top tier essays is the single best way to get there. Get started on brainstorming in the next few weeks so you'll have time to get a few essays completed over the summer.