With a dual monitor setup, I have a few apps setup. So like I have a profile setup for discord and another for OBS/Streamlabs, to my knowledge I can't have a "priority app" situation setup since it only works with the default profile and active app profiles. I thought it'd be a good idea to have the g keys on my Corsair keyboard to switch profiles on my stream deck while doing various things that use it, but I can't seem to get the g keys to work after setting them up. I had them setup for some macros in Icue and got rid of those to try on stream deck but still doesn't work at all. I see few others have had similar issues and I couldn't find a solution that worked so I could use some helpful ideas for this please!

VERSES AI ($VERS), a cognitive computing company, is continuing to make big strides in AI. They’ve introduced a research roadmap that outlines the key milestones and benchmarks. This roadmap could revolutionize the development of AI by providing clear goals to measure the progress and importance of $VERS's research and development endeavors.
The company plans to use this roadmap this year to monitor its AI progress. Basically, it wants to check whether its approach can be as good as or better than advanced AI models on various industry tests, all while using less data and energy.
By meeting these benchmarks, VERSES can prove that they can create AI that is better, cheaper, and faster. The end goal is to get their AI into more hands through their Genius Platform.
Research Roadmap Highlights:
VERSES’ research roadmap has 3 benchmarks: Classification and generation tasks, Atari 10k Challenge, and NeurIPS 2024 Melting Pot Challenge
The first benchmark, Classification and generation tasks, focuses on proving VERS's approach is better at tasks like recognizing images and creating new ones. By utilizing advanced Bayesian inference techniques, they are trying to show that their method has the ability to outperform traditional deep learning methods. This test is important because it shows whether VERSES can make top-quality AI while being more efficient.
The second benchmark, the Atari 10k Challenge, is all about testing VERSES' AI skills in playing video games. Unlike conventional methods that need a lot of gameplay data, VERSES is trying to play video games almost like a human but with way less practice. $VERS is using active inference to help their AI be super adaptable. And by doing this, they're hoping to raise the bar for how well AI can perform in gaming
Lastly, there’s the NeurIPS 2024 Melting Pot Challenge. This is all about testing how well VERSES' can handle tricky situations where lots of different AI systems need to work together. $VERS wants to show that their AI can understand these complicated situations and work smoothly with other AI systems. Through the use of active inference and explicit representational structures, VERSES aims to become a leader in creating AI systems that can collaborate effectively and tackle complex problems together.
$VERS publicly released this roadmap so the public can track their progress. The roadmap can be accessed here: www.verses.ai/rd-overview
Note: this is not financial advice please do your own research before investing.

First up, I've been working in Azure for 5 years and I'm a certified Azure Administrator, but in relation to Intune not so much.
We are a hybid organization, and we have a group of laptops that have been onboarded to Intune. These devices are not joined to our on-prem AD. We use Active Directory Based Activation, which only works with AD joined devices, and we need to activate the onboarded laptops with an MAK license. I found a blog where one person was removing KMS licenses and replacing them with with a different license, most likely MAK. He is using a custom script in Intune, and this looks like it should work for us. I added 5 devices to a pilot group in Intune to test, but so far it doesn't appear to be working.
As I understand the Intune custom script process, it uses 2 powershell scripts (shown below):

• The Detection Script will check for a condition, in my case if a MAK license is installed on a device (a laptop).
• If a license is not detected, it should output the value of 0 which should in turn refer this device to the Remediation Script (if refer is the right word)
• The Remediation Script should then activate the device with a valid MAK license using slmgr.

Questions - What conditions (if any) must be present for this custom script to run and activate the device?

• Is any kind of credential required to run the script?
• How is the script run, would it be when the device is restarted or should it run on some kind of schedule?
• Can it be run manually?

And more importantly:

• Must the device be joined to Azure AD before the script will run against it?

The Detection PS script isn't too complicated, and I tested it on a local device using "KMS" in the script. The device is already activated with KMS, and it responded with a value of 1. Substituting "MAK", I get a 0.
$license = get-ciminstance softwarelicensingproduct where-object {$_.PartialProductKey}
if ($license.description -like "*MAK*") {
exit 1
} else {
exit 0
}
The Remediation script looks very simple:
slmgr /ipk
slmgr /ato
Can anyone perhaps tell me what I've done wrong?
Thanks in advance.

I got this lawnmower used a few weeks ago. I would like to use a bagger system with it to get live oak and magnolia leaves out of my yard. The official John Deere is kind of expensive new and difficult to find cheaply used. Does anyone know of an alternative brand bagger that is compatible with my mower? Would any 42” bagger work?

Welcome to GRANDMA

"Generally Regarded As Not Doing Much Anyway"

🚀 Set Sail for the Stars with GRANDMA: Serenity Awaits!

Tired of the terrestrial? Intrigued by the idyllic isolation of interstellar space? GRANDMA is your gateway to the galactic! We are a fellowship of tranquil travelers, benevolent bargainers, and heroes by happenstance, dedicated to the unhurried life, cherishing our cosmic journey in the ceaseless ballet of the heavens.

What GRANDMA Offers:

• A code of conduct that prioritizes fun and fellowship over strict rules.
• A constantly evolving community dedicated to ensuring you experience the game your way
• Varied roles from leisurely patrols to the occasional bout of industry.
• Events scheduled around the consensus of 'whenever we feel like it'.
• A relaxed and humorous community for mature players.
• A 'do as much or as little as you like' philosophy. No pressure, all pleasure.
• No rules regarding money spent or how often you play, GRANDMA understands that life comes first

Who GRANDMA Is Looking For:

• Pilots who love to drift through space at their own pace, ship or no ship.
• Mature Players looking for a low-key experience.
• Members who might enjoy sporadic participation in group activities.
• Individuals who appreciate a good laugh and don't take things too seriously.

Why Choose GRANDMA?

Embrace the GRANDMA way, where the vacuum of space is filled with echoes of joy, and the weight of the world floats away like a ship in the dock. Our alliance is bound by shared smiles and a mutual love for the gentle pace of the galaxy. Join us, and let's navigate the nebulous unknown, fueled by the thrills of discovery and the bonds of friendship.

🌌 Drift Into Our Orbit Today!

Chart a course for leisure with GRANDMA. Explore at your leisure, engage when you want, and become part of a story where the only rush is the one you decide to create.

Contact Us:

• RSI Org Page
• Discord

Fact of the Day: The Aegis Reclaimer's salvage arm is comparable to heavy-duty construction equipment used for demolishing and recycling.

Welcome to GRANDMA

"Generally Regarded As Not Doing Much Anyway"

🚀 Join Us! Your Adventure in the Stars!

Are you looking to escape the mundane? Craving the freedom to float idly among the stars? GRANDMA is calling your name! We are an eclectic group of cosmic wanderers, traders, and occasional heroes. Our organization prides itself on a laid-back approach to the universe, embracing the art of taking it easy in a galaxy that never sleeps.

What GRANDMA Offers:

• A code of conduct that prioritizes fun and fellowship over strict rules.
• A constantly evolving community dedicated to ensuring you experience the game your way
• Varied roles from leisurely patrols to the occasional bout of industry.
• Events scheduled around the consensus of 'whenever we feel like it'.
• A relaxed and humorous community for mature players.
• A 'do as much or as little as you like' philosophy. No pressure, all pleasure.
• No rules regarding money spent or how often you play, GRANDMA understands that life comes first

Who GRANDMA Is Looking For:

• Pilots who love to drift through space at their own pace, ship or no ship.
• Mature Players looking for a low-key experience.
• Members who might enjoy sporadic participation in group activities.
• Individuals who appreciate a good laugh and don't take things too seriously.

Why Choose GRANDMA?

Embrace the GRANDMA way, where the vacuum of space is filled with echoes of joy, and the weight of the world floats away like a ship in the dock. Our alliance is bound by shared smiles and a mutual love for the gentle pace of the galaxy. Join us, and let's navigate the nebulous unknown, fueled by the thrills of discovery and the bonds of friendship.

🌌 Drift Into Our Orbit Today!

Chart a course for leisure with GRANDMA. Explore at your leisure, engage when you want, and become part of a story where the only rush is the one you decide to create.

Contact Us:

• RSI Org Page
• Discord

Fact of the Day: The Aegis Hammerhead's length matches that of a typical aircraft runway, making it quite a runway in its own right.

Hello, I have a John Deere 700h dozer that I replaced a drive motor on. It sat for about 18 months and now with the new motor it'll move and drive fine however I am trying to to recalibrate it as it hooks left constantly. Once I get to the high speed calibration section it will no longer calibrate. I get tossed an error that says the speed sensor isn't working, however I have tested 2 separate new speed sensors to no avail. We are thinking that it's the TCM, any other ideas from the community?

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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Fast worldwide shipping below $30, FCFS

Prices are in USD, equivalent in Euro is much preferred.

Item	Description	Price
OG Doubleshots	Pristine, no shine, almost zero yellowing, there are near zero signs of age. No key missing, Us-Ansi layout.	$339
HHKB pro bt	HHKB bluetooth from 2018. Lubed and silenced, modded with mx compatible sliders, the case has been trimmed to fit normal cherry keycaps. The keycaps are high quality SAV dyesubs, some of them have been scratched, see pics.	$260 with keycaps, $220 without. (paid $190 for the board, $60 in customs, $70 to mod it and $60 in keycaps)
Reuters Cherry G80-3234HQU	Nice condition, built with Vintage Clears (lubed with 3203, filmed and springswapped) that were never desoldered from the PCB. The board is modded to usb-c through an internal active converter. US-ANSI layout.	$200
Neo65	Almost never used. E-white with copper weight. Trimod-hotswap PCB, build with OG JNLs on CF full. Includes a set of Geekark BoW thick dyesubs bought from korea long ago.	$180
Cablemod cable #1 (OG Lemo)	Old Lemo cable, they don't make these anymore. Black on Black dual sleeve, usb-a to usb-c, silver lemo connector. Straight.	$100
Cablemod cable #2	Straight, ohite with rosegold/copper connectors and aviator.	$45
Cablemod cable #3	Straight, copper modmetal cable.	$45
Taiwan Yellow Shafts ~100x	Rare Cherry linear clone from 1989, ultrasonicly cleaned. 100% Mx-compatible.	$100
Geon Cloud stem'd Hyperglides 90x	Diamond polished Hyperglides with a long stem, they sound really poppy and loud. Lubed, filmed and springswapped.	$120
OG Cherry Clip-ins	I have something around 50 sets of these. They all have been ultrasoncly cleaned. From 2000-2008.	$8.50 each set of 5 (TKL), $75 each 10 TKL sets.

Keeping the Playing Field Level: How Fantasy Sports Developer Ensure Fair Gameplay

Fantasy sports are all about putting your manager skills to the test, but how do developers make sure everyone has a shot at the championship? Here's the lowdown on some key tactics:

• Standardized Scoring Systems: Most platforms use pre-determined scoring rules to keep things objective. This ensures everyone's Michael Thomas touchdown counts for the same six points (unless you have a PPR league, then it's even more glorious!).
• Blind Drafts and Auctions: Drafting players in a random order or using a blind auction helps prevent someone with the top pick from snagging all the superstars.
• Salary Caps or Stat Limits: Salary caps or limitations on certain stats (e.g., quarterbacks per team) can prevent "moneyball" situations where one player just throws money at the best options.
• Fair Play Monitoring: Developers have systems in place to detect and address collusion (secretly working together between teams) or unfair activity that disrupts the competition.
• Transparency and Communication: Clear rules, readily available scoring information, and easy-to-access help sections are all crucial for a fair and frustration-free experience.

What are your thoughts, fellow fantasy enthusiasts? Do you have any ideas on how developers can further ensure a level playing field?

As If It Were Kismet: Prologue
Matt tore through the brush, blind in the dark. He didn’t care where he was going. He only knew he needed to be elsewhere. Far from here.
Behind him a creature howled that shocked his mind. It’s form was cruel and dangerous, though female. Nothing like the young woman she had once been. Nothing but a girl, a small and slight female.
It’s guttural growls and howls only grew closer as Matt tried to pick between seeing where he was going and getting away. The few times he looked he caught sight of the creature behind him. Hopping through the air with a speed that told him he was being toyed with. As if he were a mouse being played with by a cat.
But the reflex in him to run kept him going. His adrenaline going as hard as it could. The tightness and burning in his core tensing and locking up as his legs felt like there were being burned from within while taking on more of a heaviness.
His lungs were starting to betray him as he tried to gulp big breaths of air but only rapid and shallow breaths were all that he could manage. His brain was starting to burn….and then he was falling.
Falling down the side of a hill he saw the creature dart in a spring towards him, imperceivably fast almost. Catching him in mid air it seemed.
Managing to wrap its body around him and cushion his impact against the ground as they rolled. His mind barely took in what was happening during the roll. Only starting to understand what was happening once they were still.
The creature's triple D-cup breasts were unmistakably pressed hard against his back as he laid facing up at the night sky.
For a few seconds the world stilled and the needle light pain hitting the center of his brain took over for the cooking heat his brain had felt. His whole body felt heavy and reluctant to move.
Even if he could have really moved, a dull ache came over his limbs making them feel stilled and trapped as if by immeasurable amounts of sand that had engulfed him.
Slowly the arms holding him started to move. Moving so the creature's hands could start exploring him. Causing Matt to unstoppably let out a pathetic moan that made him go cold inside as hands lifted up his shirt and started to touch his exposed stomach and then his chest.
He would have whimpered so pathetically had he not still been in the depths of terror.
As its hands felt and groped his pecs he tried to situp as if to get away. For his efforts, his reward was a hand around his throat and a collection snarls and growls against his ear. A beastly, guttural voice spat words at him while somehow holding a feminine tone.
“Don’t move….I don’t know if I can calm down…”
Her words were not helped by her moans in his ear and the subsequent kissing of his ear. The flesh of his ear going between her lips as she moaned and seemed to pant. Releasing it and licking the side of his face with a moist warmth. He could feel its spittle, viscous and coating his flesh where the tongue touched. He could smell something in his saliva. Something that subtly entranced him.
Matt went stock still with fear and the confusion of mixed arousal. He barely perceived her right hand traveling lower on his body. A surprised moan and shudder echoed in the night from Matt’s lips as she took ahold of him. Her hand above his pants but still….stimulating him.
A light squeezing and almost probing of her digits kept him aroused and confused within her grasp. Resigning himself to the strange fate, Matt looked up at the stars as his mind tried not to shatter under the strange maelstrom of events and sensation that had started mere minutes ago.
His mind was only more confused as a slight figure, feminine in build, how it seemed to thunk the ground audibly as she landed on her feet out nowhere. Her knees barely bending under the pressure of the landing. Yet dirt was kicked up anyways and some of it onto Matt. Feeling it pepper his shirt and pants as it fell.
The figure, lit only faintly by moonlight, roared some dark tone Matt could only perceive as a demon as her eyes went bright with a crimson light. A light in the darkness that should not have been. “Let him go you bitch.” Was its words following the roar. Spittle escaping its mouth with faint droplets hit Matt's face.
The creature holding him by his throat and crotch seemed to tighten the grasp of both hands as it roared back. “HE IS MINE!”
The figure paused with a moment's hesitation. He was also her quarry. She had felt his fear without him knowing. His confused arousal. His fear. His terror.
And now he laid at the center of a struggle between two monsters. Unsure of who he wanted to win.
As If It Was Kismet Ch. 1
Matthew Berkshire hadn’t seen his mom in two years. Not that he had seen her much over the last six years.
A messy divorce between messy people and mom’s chaotic want for a life in Alaska had been one of the most…upsetting times in life. Setting him up for so much of what had defined his life thus far but then that had really started two years before he ever turned.
His ear buds were basic and simple. A part of cheap five pack, common for his life as he was known to lose little things. Small things. They had a mix of metal and hard rock playing in them. Some classics, some alternative. Whatever made him feel something, anything. Even if it was hate. Anger. Rage. It was better than feeling numb. Not belonging.
The escalator down to his lone bag to go with his lone carry on showed his mom waiting for him. His had a type, that’s for damn sure. Not that it helped him in the genetics department as he was stuck at 5’9” to go along with his mother’s five foot even as his dad stood six foot. Forever leaving him to feel small, to pale, under his dad’s shadow. Did he ever stand a chance?
The guy next to her with the unkempt former seventies porn stache was “Dave.” He’d met him twice when his mother came and visited him in Florida. To his credit the guy didn’t look annoyed. Kind of concerned kind of which made Matthew want to break his frozen look but he was well practiced. Having removed any note of sadness from his face through much…tribulation.
His mother’s look on her face betrayed a hint of worry as the bruises on his face lightly showed up close. Saying his name was his like a distant echo that belonged to someone else.
Dave cut in and pulled out his right headphone. “What the hell bud, they knock you hard enough to hurt hearing? Your mom’s asking how you are doing.”
Matthew pulled out the other bud and grunted an empty “sorry.”
“You still have bruises after two week? What did they do to you?” His mom’s voice was full of worry. Something he hadn’t heard in….too long. Too long to make him feel anything. To ever make him believe there was any sincerity to her words. To not think her voice and mannerisms were an act. An act by someone who…wasn’t really there.
“It’s only fair. I took a nose. Fractured a couple orbital bones. Left one with having to get his jaw wired shut. And one will never walk right again for what I did to his knee cap.” Matthew said it all with a bored and disinterested tone. Perhaps well rehearsed.
“My man, handing out ass kickings, not bothering to take names.” Dave was quick to be the typical man’s man about it. Matthew wasn’t quite done yet. Lifting up his shirt to expose the right side near his kidney. Revealing a nasty scar from a six inch blade. “Luckily they gave me this first so they could rule it all in self-defense. The fuck didn’t get it in more than inch before I ruined his knee cap and then I took the nose of one of the fucks holding me.” Now he chose to smile keeping the well practiced dead look in his eyes.
No retorts. No questions. Just horrified looks on their faces. As he liked. As he preferred. They could hate him. They could be disgusted by him. But by God they would fear him.
“Well the doc did a good job sewing you up.” Dave commented uncomfortably. “Dissolving sutures. Ain’t they grand.” He smiled again and let it abruptly fall off his face and started walking to the carousel for the baggage claim.
Waiting and making small talk with Dave as his mother stood in silence. He was not the little boy she abandoned. The little boy she left with an angry man. While never hitting him. Left him in constant fear till he turned twelve and just didn’t care anymore. Something snapped. Broke. And he didn’t care if he died. Didn’t care if he stole. Didn’t even care if he killed. He just knew not to get caught. Something left over from his grandfather’s wisdom which came to make more and more sense with each passing year of life since that thing inside him broke.
Finally his bag came around and Dave went to try first to grab it but Dave practically leapt ahead of him. “Is that your grandfather’s rucksack bag?” his mother asked in a perplexed voice.
“Figured it’s been around since Viet Nam. So it’d serve me better than any of the worthless stuff they called luggage.” Dave commented after Matthew’s words. “Well hell yeah I still got mine from Desert Storm. You know the first one.” Dave laughed and Matthew eyed him oddly. Be it in the south or whether it was Alaska, country boys are country boys he guessed.
The car ride to the two people’s house, as Matthew thought of them. Was uneventful and full of vistas he imagined metropolitan types wetting themselves over. At most they meant isolation to him. Furtherness from the world as there were no mountains in Florida. And what mountains he had last seen in another state had been when he was eight. Another life, to Matthew it felt like. A life alien to him.
As If It Was Kismet Ch 2
Dave and his mom’s place was some two story type tucked into a tree line far up an elevated point. It was by no means the highest point in the mountain but it certainly felt up there.
Rocks were where the driveway should have been Matthew thought. Grabbing his backpack and rucksack from Dave’s jeep was no hard thing for him. Matthew was in formidable shape for someone his age, maybe even five years older. He had gotten a mix of fairly big shoulders and arms along with the chest to go for it when compared to most kids his age. A side effect of working out at least twice a day. First thing in the morning, some time in the evening, and the school’s gym when had had a good semester in school before he had to leave Florida.
Dave tried to come up and help him but Matthew walked past him towards the house. His mom was not sure what to make of his demeanor. Matthew was not the sweet kind boy he had once been. But she had been gone from his life essentially for a long time.
Ushering him into the house she cracked some joke he did not hear. He was too busy looking about and seeing a mix of old outdated decorating mixed with the strange and odd flair of his mother. Color contrasting against drab and dated. Like brightly painting over an old home that was falling apart he thought.
“Your room is this way Mattie.” His mom brightly intoned.
Without expressing any interest he followed his mother. Still faced and nonplussed. Just going along with the current. Pushed and pulled with its roll like a piece of driftwood.
The room was simple. A single small bed. A set of rubber weights with a curl bar and barbells. “Your dad said you were into weight lifting so we got you a bunch of stuff. Dave says it looks like his department’s gym almost. The woman’s smile felt very alien to him.
“Thank you. I appreciate it. I’ve got most of my stuff from home.” Matthew starting unpacking his rucksack and pulled out cables of repetitive and mixed colors. A single plastic barbell handle. The ruck sack could be filled with water bottles for added weight during pushups he figured. Remembering a Michael Keaton movie he watched with his dad post-Batman movies where he played a convicted killer using plastic bags filled with water for weights.
Matthew caught movement outside his lone fairly large window that could let him step out onto the roof of the house given its layout.
He saw a number of people running together through what he guessed was the backyard of the property, not that it had any fences to mark boundaries
They wore clothes that looked similar yet different from each other at the same time.”Oh those are the Johnston’s. Really nice bunch of people. Been on the mountain for a long time Dave tells me.”
Matthew looked at the group of people running and noticed the lack of resemblance. “They are related?” Matthew quizzically asked. Seeing a black and possibly a hispanic person amongst the bland looking white people.
“Oh well they are all adopted but for one or two of them…besides the parents of course. The family has a long tradition of taking in orphans they say. Real nice of them to do that don’t you think.”
Matthew looked at his mother and the hosier accent made no sense to him as he arched his left eye brow. Her and his dad were both from Florida. Born and raised. Sure her parents were from New York city but…
Matthew shook his lightly without turning to look at his mother as his vision was grabbed by one of the runners in particular. A girl of moderate height. Soft brunette. A plain beauty he figured with a slim build….and lack of remarkable breasts and rear to make any note of but….girls in general were his type at his age.
She was pretty enough. He couldn’t deny that but he found himself transfixed by her visage.
But the way she turned and looked at him, especially at that distance felt very disconcerting to him. Even if she was smiling like…she was a taste of a bright shiny day. Somehow.
Matthew’s mom noticed the exchange and smiled to herself with closed lips. “Oh that’s Vicky. She’s your age I think. Very sweet girl, who does the charity functions. You know bake sales, blood drives, car washes and the like. I think you should get to know her. Might be good for you.”
A truck horn sounded a couple of beeps in rather succession. “Oh that must be Mack, he said he might come by later this evening but he seems early.”
Matthew’s mother turned and left his room. Leaving Matthew to exchange a few looks with the alluring Vicky as she turned her head away from him to talk to the others in her group and look back at him.
Still Matthew’s left eyebrow was arched. In a way that reminded him of Spock from Star Trek that he and his grandpa used to watch on some streaming service or another.
As he heard ambient chatter elsewhere outside the house he figured to check it out as the alluring sight of Vicky would be around he figured. It was dull to stare at artwork. He was a boy who preferred jet skis and the like. Something he could ride and enjoy immensely. Even if at times it got him stabbed.
As If It Was Kismet Ch 3
Matthew sauntered out of the house and down the rockway that stood in for a driveway.
A few new people had come over from what he could first surmise of the situation. As he got closer it was obvious they were indigenous people. A couple of grown men…and a girl?
She was mousey. Maybe five foot. Hiding behind glasses and a big camo jacket that was far too big for her. It looked made for a grown man and the backwards trucker hat on her head kept her long black a beautiful mess of sorts.
She was cute in a way. A little androgynous but she had a cute energy to her. She reminded him of the more tomboyish Puerto Rican girls he had gotten into back in Florida. Given the deer corpses in the back of the truck….probably more dangerous to play with given the men in her family.
Small chatter passed between the adults when the girl noticed but turned away, trying to hide the tiny hint of a smile.
“Oh Mattie, this is Mack. He works with Dave at the sheriff’s department and John, he’s with fish and wildlife.” Matthew nodded at his mom’s words with some blankness as he looked at the deer the in the back of the pickup truck.
“Gale tells us you hunted with your dad some in Florida and Georgia.” Mack offered with a light hearted laugh camouflaged by his big simple and cheery but husky way he spoke.
Looking in the back of the truck he spoke. “We used lever action thirty-thirties and Mosin Nagants in seven-six-two-fifty-four-rimmed.” Mack and John whistled in an exaggerated fashion. Leaving Matthew to wonder if they were mocking him.
Mack spoke. “Well we just used thirty-odd-six in a custom gussied Garand.” That caught Matthew’s attention. “You have a Garand…” Matthew finally demonstrated interest in anything. “My dad has an SVT-40 and a Hakim 8mm but he always wanted a Garand but was too cheap to buy one.”
Gale, his mother, chimed in loudly. “Oh his Dad loved his guns but was such an odd duck about how he bought or why he bought them. Never made sense to me how he wasn’t a collector but he didn’t get the latest and greatest.” Gale laughed uncomfortably. At least it seemed that way to Matthew.
Matthew pointed to the girl with an underhanded pointing hand. “And who is this? A cute little mute mouse or does she have a name?” Dave and the other men laughed.
Mack again spoke. “Well you people call her Rebecca, she’s my adopted daughter.” Matthew was taken aback by what he heard. “You people?”
Rebecca kindly spoke with a soft but almost melodic voice as she struggled to maintain eye contact. “White people or rather not members of our tribe. It’s just easier to appease the colonizer kind of thing. Borrowed from when the Jesuit missionaries chased us up here.”
Mack stepped in. “It’s just easier to have white people names than have them try to say our tribal names. And we don’t want them shortening or Anglicising our names kind of thing.” Rebecca stepped back into the conversation cutting off her adopted father. “It’s an insult to our history basically.”
Matthew cocked his head sideways raising his eyebrows shortly before letting them drop. “Well as soon as I’m eighteen I’m out of here and back to Florida so I’m a sort of involuntary colonizer of sorts. So I won’t be taking any of your land from you. The Seminoles on the other hand are still shit out of luck.”
Rebecca’s smile caused Matthew to reflexively smile. Mack made the moment more awkward. “See Becca, I told you someone off the reservation would like you some. You just have to be creative.” Mack laughed in a chiding manner…Matthew presumed. He sensed that he was the butt of some kind of cultural joke. Like marrying a white guy was some sort of insult or mark of shame. That kind of thing.
Rebecca turning away from him was not something he had been expecting. Her then getting in the truck in a huff left the group in a silence for a moment.
Dave spoke to break the awkward silence. “Well just bring the truck to work on Monday and leave it for me to grab up.” Mack acknowledged Dave and they started to get off as Rebecca looked at Matthew for another instance. Matthew couldn’t look away for some reason as the two seemed to lock eyes for an instance.
Till Vicky and family seemed to come jogging down the road. While Matthew’s eyes diverted from Rebecca’s. Hers did not till she realized he was looking elsewhere. And her vision found Vicky and what had been a hint of smile on her face turned glum and disappointed.
Matthew did not look away from the vision of Vicky but instead of a starry eyed fool looking longingly. It was a baffled look. Well baffled for him, with his eyes drawn narrow and night with a focus.
There was something about her…he couldn’t quite put a name too. The way she appeared to him. One second brunette. The next second blonde or blonde like. As if the color appeared in her air and disappeared in fractions of seconds. Much the same way her body almost seemed to…shift…very subtly…smoothly. A nicer bum. Larger breasts. And then back to a simple and plain form. Feminine no doubt. Attractive. But not so…remarkable.
As If It Was Kismet Ch 4
The next two days passed without incident. Nothing of any real substance or challenge to note.
Matthew got settled somewhat and started working out almost immediately. Exploring around the woods but Dave told him not to go far. Especially without a hunting rifle. Dave had left a simple semi-auto Winchester out for him. His bear gun as Dave referred to it with its four round magazine. But Matt figured till he got some practice with the rifle to leave it alone. He made a hiking stick like his grandpa taught him and treated it over a low fire. He would take some electrical tape for the end his hand would grip around. Plenty enough to ward off anything smaller than a bear he figured.
The ride to school was a pain in the neck but simple enough. Dave would let him use a clunker pickup truck he had laying around. It wasn’t pretty but it would get him to and from. Even if it was from the eighties and still backfired on occasion. But for now Dave and his mom took him on their way to the sheriff’s department.
It wasn’t much of a school. It wanted to be modern but its fifties original construction was very obvious. It serviced the pipeline families and familys’ of fisherman who worked the seasons in between their time at the pipeline.
Matt was to report to the principal for some reason Dave and his mom wouldn’t share. Which annoyed him but he figured it was to read him the law of land. Small towns with their big views of the outside world and like.
Dressed in jeans, a grey sweatshirt under a light jacket with steel toed boots set him more apart then he expected. His buzzed head didn’t help matters. Already he was feeling like a stranger in a strange land but he was quite strange after all. And he liked it that way. Normal people were so pathetically disappointing to him.
A secretary or assistant or some such led him to the principal’s office. Where it reeked of real wood that was old and fabric and upholstery that needed to be updated for the last twenty years, Matt figured.
“This is Matthew Berkshire, Principal Andrews.” The man was turned with his back to the door and he was quick to wave her off as he turned her around.
He was an older man. Fat and large. Tall with a body built like he had once been fit and a demeanour of annoyed and irate already as he fixed Matt with a scowl and look of disgust. Another worthless government whore. Matt thought to himself. His father and his grandfather had bestowed unto him a natural disrespect for government workers and the figures that wore unjustified authority as a shield but pretended the weight of the state was not at their back ready to crush all who resisted. Little figures of valor pretending to be mighty and alone but acting with the tyranny of the state and all the backing.
“Mr. Berkshire, please sit down.” His tone wasn’t unusually hostile, just gruff. As if he had better things to do.
Matt complied and took a seat in the chair while maintaining a friendly facade. Not everyone was an enemy. And not everyone needed to be an enemy. Even if anybody could be any enemy. There was no reason to make enemies you didn’t have to. Another of his grandfather’s bastardised wisdoms.
“Well I looked over you file and you have quite the history Mr. Berkshire.” Matt resisted qiuping back a joke. Instead he waited for Principal Andrews to continue as he remained nonplussed and looking as if he felt no need to respond. A simple head tilt with dead eyes looking back at the principle as if he was not even there would suffice.
Matt’s reaction or lack of a reaction rather made Principal Andrews only narrow his eyes with examination. He was not used to a kid not responding to him. Especially with his gruff and hard act going on.
“Well by all accounts you moved here after some problems at your last school. A fight broke out and you did some real harm to your fellow students it appears.” Of course, he would take the side of the perpetrators. School administrators always did. Especially when they weren’t white. Just a fact of the times. Cowardice and pathetic mediocrity was the way they leaned, like good government workers sucking the dick of Big Daddy government. Worthless whores.
Matt chose to reply. “Oh you mean the criminals that stabbed me. Got arrested at the hospital and then pled to felonies. Yeah Florida, with the American counties are good like that.” Principal Andrews went real still. No shame. No fear. No penitence. He didn’t like that.
“Well be it as it may Mr. Berkshire we don’t tolerate that kind of behaviour here…” Matt cut him off responding with a deadpan tone. “You mean self-defense meant to save one’s own life while the cowardly and pathetic school workers look on with zero interest but to keep their money rolling in and will allow known gang members with records of violent acts and crimes that should have them expelled many times over, where in certain Democrat counties such cowardice and idiocy empowered a couple school shooters?”
Principal Andrews looked at the Matt with a note of disgust. “Look here Mr. Berkshire, your beliefs matter not one bit here. This isn’t Florida. We don’t like our way of life being disrupted by outside agitators who have problems with authority.”
Matt did his best not to roll his eyes and let the older fat man drone own as he dead-stared him. Lifeless and without emotion.
The man came to a finish and Matt spoke up without having listened to him or paid him any attention. “Great now that’s taken care of. Can I please get to class and finish my sentence of two years at your wonderful school?”
Principal Andrews huffed and snorted before calling in Vicky. Vicky stood in the corner after entering with a quiet and seamless presence. Matt felt disturbed and tried not betray his feelings as the young Vicky was perceived and not perceived to be moving.
Principal Andrews made the introductions and Matt nodded back. She was to be his chaperone for the day. They had the same classes and she was to show him the ropes so to speak. The ins and outs of the school. The locations of their classes.
He recognized her. It was hard not to. The way her appearance seemed to shift fluidly almost. The petite and skinny brunette ever so lightly had a big bust and blonde hair with curves added when she seemed to shift before his eyes. Like watching a film but each frame had a different person.
Matt didn’t say anything about it. Even if he did he would only be acknowledging his crazed state, if he had one. If.
Unlike an obedient puppy dog he got up in a slow and awkward fashion and followed behind her as his oddly disproportionate frame allowed. Causing her a note of concern for some reason. As if she was seeing something she shouldn’t have been….Or he was just weird. And Matt could admit to himself he was just weird. Part of his charm, he would jest about it at times. Not that he had many people to jest to now.
As If It Were Kismet Ch. 5
Following Vicky into the hall off to their first class was simple. She exchanged small talk and he slightly smiled as if to obviously suggest he was just being polite.
Inside his head, Matt was trying to figure out if he was having a psychotic break. The way Vicky looked kept changing and he looked at the other people around him and they stayed the same.
He was searching his mind as they were walking. And thus he wasn’t paying attention to where he was looking and so fell to his face forward over his feet seemingly out of nowhere.
A series of laughs erupted as it sunk in that he was obviously tripped. Like in prison this was a challenge to his superiority. If he let this pass he would be mocked and sneered at by this same group of boys. He wouldn’t walk to them like he was going to do nothing like a little bitch.
In a rage he turned and punched the stomach of the first face he saw. Some typical blonde haired wannabe jock. He knew from experience not to aim for the ribs. Instead he needed to aim for where he thought the belly button was.
Yells and screams blindly echoed around him as his after the punch he followed up his elbow of the opposite arm slamming into the face of the jock. Harder than a fist, the elbow struck the jock’s jaw and seemingly dropped him against a locker. Just in time to catch an errant and soft punch to the nose that sure enough hurt but did little to slow him down as his dad had taught him to fight through the pain. Blood and scars happened. They were a natural consequence of life to a man.
Taking the punch and falling further into his red state Matt headbutted the punch thrower before another guy arm bared his throat from behind. Which he managed to get his grip on the arm over a letterman jacked and jerk the unprepared boy to the side with him still latched on.
A few feet away from the lockers Matt knew his only chance was to jump and push off the lockers and knock the boy to the ground and so he did. He heard a thunk of the boy’s skull bouncing off the ground and he turned to pull out of the grapple.
The beatings he had taken from his father, the grapples, being choked unconscious. Had prepared him for fighting little bitches who didn’t know what a fight was. It wasn’t gay porn with rabbit punch fists flying.
Blood was running down his face and the pain started to hit him as the threats had been eliminated. Only then did he remember to breathe. Taking breathes as Vicky came up to him with tissues and took a hold of his nose.
“Owww owww owww what the fuck my nose could be broken.” He said to Vicky as she pulled his head up and back.
“It’s ok Carl. It’s done.” Matt tried to look to see who Vicky was talking to. It was a boy taller than his 5’9” by more than a small margin. The boy eyed him bored and annoyed before speaking. “What happened here?” An unoriginal line but one Matt couldn’t be a smart aleck about. “Well you see there was an outbreak of tripping and we all tripped over my dick. It happens.” Matt was about to laugh when Vicky seemed to pull up while still gripping his nose causing Matt no small amount of pain which he audibly evidenced.
Vicky spoke in a tone he wasn’t expecting. As if she was accustomed to issuing orders. “Keep Iris away from the hall till we sanitize the site. We have blood from at least three people contaminating the site. And have Jake bring me a spare jacket and shirt for this moron.”
Carl seemed to acknowledge her orders and seemed to blink away. Maybe the punch hit harder than he expected. He had no time to wonder as Vick took her hand away from his and pushed him against the lockers. With ease he had not been expecting from her form and stature.
Before he could respond Vicky licked his blood covered chin and then his lips and spoke to him. “Focus on me you little blood bag.” Her tone had an annoyed yet feminine sneer.
“Look into my eyes. Look at me. You belong to me. You are just another food source in a collection of food sources.” Her eyes were a beautiful hazel Matt thought. Almost green. Pretty like jewels in some old treasure collections. The eyes he could get lost in before kissing her. Finally Vicky was just a slight and petite brunette and he thought she was beautiful.
She would make a hell of a girlfriend. Some cute thing he could see laying on the beach in Florida on their sides laughing and smiling before trading light kisses while hands wandered innocently. Before his mind could drift further he felt her lips on his. It took him a second to mentally grasp the kiss but his arms were around her back as her hands were at his sides. His eyes reflexively closed as he saw hers close.
It was ineffable to Matt. Beyond words, what was happening. The kiss, the moments beforehand. The way his brain tickled with electricity and gentle warmth. He had never had a kiss like this and he had traded more than a few kisses with at least a few girls.
The kiss was like a warm bath with his consciousness slipping beneath the surface. Their lips only parted to try new angles and approaches as Matt struggled to take in breath. It was a moment he could have stayed trapped in for….he didn’t know. But a curt throat clearing by another girl pulled them out of the moment.
The girl was taller than Vicky. Blonde. With slight curves. Vicky addressed her bewildered and gobsmacked, and perhaps a bit embarrassed. “Tina?”

[WTS]Full Treasure Cache 2019/2020/2022 (limited time offers / first pay first serve basis)

 

• Cache Seller since 2017 , steam level 200+ , my steamrep
• Have about 600+ Cache Sets available
• Highly favours crypto payments (can use binance/bybit for zero fees transfer)
• Accepting dota2/csgo skins or tf2 keys too
• Open to offers / Price is Negotiable
• Buyers goes first
• No Joybidder / Backout buyer please
• All Cache Sets are giftable 30 days after add friend

 

3 simple steps to deal

1. Please add BOTH my main account , 2nd acc with more ES/gothic whispecincer sensei
   

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2. Comment on my profile (eg: Cache 1 2019)
   
3. Wait for 30 days to complete the deal (Full payment / deposits upon confirmation )
   

 

----------Treasure Cache----------	Quantity	Price
Collector's Cache 2019	1	$189
Collector's Cache II 2019	4	$149
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Diretide 2022 Collector's Cache II	4	$169

• Price quoted includes all normal sets till very rare

 

Taste My Axe was formed in 2014, making us one of the few long standing guilds on our realm.
Our primary focus is progression raiding and most guild activity revolves around this. We try to balance our progression mindset with maintaining a fun and drama-free environment. We are a mature guild, with most members aged 30+.
Stability is one of our key strengths. We haven't had many weeks since we formed when we didn't raid at all. Even over the holidays and during content lulls, we get on during raid time to do something - whether it's Mythic progression, Heroic alt runs, achievement hunting, or even some PvP.
We joke around a lot during raids and in our Discord, so it helps to have a good sense of humor. We do have rules about things like politics and other divisive issues being kept out of general discussion to maintain our more lighthearted approach. We do not tolerate toxic behavior and acting this way will result in removal from the guild.
Expectations:

• Treat each other with respect. This includes raid times, if you are unable to make a raid please communicate.
• Be open to feedback. We want to improve as a guild, so being able to take on suggestions from officers is important.
• Be adaptable and learn from your mistakes.
• Be prepared for the encounter, there are multiple video guides available for the boss fight at hand. Pick the one that covers your POV and be ready for the pull.

Raid Schedule:

• Tuesday: 9PM EST - 1130PM EST
• Thursday: 9PM EST - 1130PM EST

Raid Recruitment:
We are actively looking for a handful of raiders that are knowledgeable with their class and ideally comfortable playing different specializations based on guild needs. We require our raiders to maintain a certain level of performance to earn and maintain their raider status.\
We look beyond logs when it comes to evaluating potential applicants - and we put a lot of emphasis on being a good culture fit as well. Even if your particular class/spec combo is not listed, feel free to reach out - we're always willing to talk to exceptional candidates.

• Tanks: None
• Healers: None
• DPS: High (especially ranged)

Who to contact?

• Bnet: Kermit#12528 kermit2320

Discord:
The best way to get to know us is by joining our Discord (https://discord.gg/Tx3fnv8). Our chat is pretty active, and we usually have a few people on almost every night.
Links:

• https://www.warcraftlogs.com/guild/id/122066
• https://raider.io/guilds/us/bleeding-hollow/Taste%20My%20Axe

In a recent study, researchers have successfully fabricatedinterpenetrating biopolymer network (IPN) membranes from natural compounds, agarose and natural rubber latex, without the use of toxic cross-linking agents. This breakthrough technology offers a promising solution for the separation of molecular species in harsh organic media, benefiting various industries such as petrochemical, biorefining, paint, pharmaceutical, and food.
Key Features of the Biopolymer Membranes
The biopolymer membranes exhibit excellent solvent resistance and tunable molecular sieving, making them suitable for a wide range of applications. The membranes are biodegradable, ensuring an environmentally friendly end-of-life phase. The use of natural materials and water as a solvent during fabrication reduces the environmental impact of the production process. Additionally, the membranes demonstrate high mechanical strength, thermal stability, and resistance to fouling, making them suitable for long-term operation in harsh environments.
Fabrication and Characterization of the Membranes
The IPN membranes were fabricated by combining agarose and natural rubber latex through a self-assembly and self-cross-linking process. The morphology and chemical information of the membranes were characterized using various techniques, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and nano-Fourier transform infrared (nano-FTIR) spectroscopy. The results revealed a textured dense microstructure with a water contact angle of 71° ± 1° and a roughness value of 138.75 nm. The membranes' surface chemistry was also analyzed using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), which showed a high concentration of hydroxyl and carboxyl groups, contributing to their hydrophilic nature.
Nanofiltration Performance and Biodegradability
The nanofiltration performance of the membranes was evaluated using a crossflow filtration system. The results showed a linear correlation between the pure solvent flux and the solubility parameter, indicating that the membranes can be used with optimum linear control over polar solvents. The membranes demonstrated long-term stability over 72 h of continuous crossflow nanofiltration at 20 bar. The biodegradability of the membranes was confirmed through enzymatic treatment, ensuring a sustainable end-of-life phase. The membranes' biodegradability was further evaluated using a soil burial test, which showed a significant reduction in membrane weight and molecular weight over a period of 6 months.
API Purification and Impurity Removal
The membranes were successfully used for the purification of an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) and the removal of a carcinogenic impurity. The results showed that the membranes can effectively remove impurities below the threshold of toxicological concern, making them suitable for pharmaceutical applications. The membranes' ability to remove impurities was further evaluated using a range of analytical techniques, including high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and mass spectrometry (MS).
Scalability and Industrial Applications
The scalability of the membrane fabrication process was evaluated using a pilot-scale setup. The results showed that the membranes can be fabricated on a large scale while maintaining their performance and properties. The membranes' potential for industrial applications was further evaluated through collaborations with industry partners, which showed promising results in the areas of petrochemical, biorefining, and pharmaceuticals.
The development of biopolymer membranes for OSN offers a sustainable solution for the separation of molecular species in harsh organic media. The use of natural materials, water as a solvent, and the biodegradability of the membranes reduce the environmental impact of the production process. The membranes' excellent solvent resistance, tunable molecular sieving, and long-term stability make them suitable for various industrial applications. This breakthrough technology has the potential to replace traditional fossil-based polymer materials, contributing to a more sustainable future.

So i am getting around 611 marks based on aakash ans key. considering that the cut-off might run very high this year, im not sure if i should consider a drop or take private clg. i live in karnataka so there are a good pvt clgs here like st.johns, ms ramaiah, etc. pls help

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.