need your help with the issue that I have with
my computer right now.
Few hours ago I tried to update my BIOS, but somehow ir appeared me a message that said "BIOS Recovery failed" and it restarted. Later on when I tried to turn on my laptop it doesn't show anything (it's a black screen). I tried to start the Recovery of BIOS by pressing the necessary keys but nothing happens (it seems the keyboard doesn't work on that state).
I don't know what else to do, and I need this computer for working now on these days.
My laptop is an MSI BRAVO C7V
(It has warranty).

need your help with the issue that I have with
my computer right now.
Few hours ago I tried to update my BIOS, but somehow ir appeared me a message that said "BIOS Recovery failed" and it restarted. Later on when I tried to turn on my laptop it doesn't show anything (it's a black screen). I tried to start the Recovery of BIOS by pressing the necessary keys but nothing happens (it seems the keyboard doesn't work on that state).
I don't know what else to do, and I need this computer for working now on these days.
My laptop is an MSI BRAVO C7V
(It has warranty).

Link if it's hard to read in this post: https://jordankligman.substack.com/p/ontario-intentionally-denying-health
Who Is Denying Health Care?
I’d like to tell you this is an outlier, but across the board patients are getting denied access to health care. How do I know? It’s happening to me.
Family Doctors Are Denying Health Care
What do family doctors do? They don’t do physicals anymore. Their jobs is essentially order referrals and requisitions. They don’t even do that well. Roughly half of my referrals don’t go through. I had a previous family doctor use my entire appointment to lecture me on getting the COVID vaccine. I had already had my first dose and was scheduled to get my second shot at the time. Keep in mind I had that doctor’s appointment because I have serious physical pain. The doctor wasn’t interested in treating me. He was interested in pushing a specific ideology. I’ve had the Pfizer COVID vaccine in total five times. I was overdue for my tetanus vaccine. I had to ask during three different appointments before I was granted that vaccine. This is absurd.
What’s more absurd is I have had multiple family doctors reject me as a patient. Health Care Connect, a government funded service, claimed these doctors were accepting new patients but they weren’t. I found one doctor on my own that was accepting new patients. The receptionist made me bring a printout out of my prescriptions as if I was a drug addict. After waiting a month for my appointment to meet this doctor he refused to take me as a patient. Claimed he couldn’t help me. He didn’t even ask for the prescription printouts. He couldn’t give me an answer as to why he couldn’t help me. So I asked him to put in it in writing he was declining me as a patient. He declined to do so and said he wasn’t obligated to do so.
Walk-in Doctors Are Denying Health Care
I requested imaging to try to find the source of my pain from a walk-in doctor. They claim they sent the requisition. A year later and the hospital the requisition was supposedly sent to had no record of it. So I went back to the walk-in clinic to try to get them to resend the referral. Instead of seeing a doctor this time they gave me a physicians assistant. The PA refused to resend my imaging referral. Told me to go to the emergency room to get my imaging. I thought the entire point of a walk-in clinic was to keep people out of the ER? I’ve since been to the ER. No they won’t just giving you imaging if you ask even if you are prepared to wait 5+ hours. I demanded a copy of the requisition for the imaging from the walk-in clinic they claim they initially sent. I scanned it in and emailed to the hospital.
Hospitals Are Denying Health Care
Even with the requisition dated a year earlier they would not honour the requisition. It gets worse. Multiple hospitals have denied me health care. An ER doctor looked at my medical records and essentially denied me health care. He basically inferred since other doctors couldn’t find the source of my pain he wasn’t going to waste his time thinking about it. He ordered bloodwork to confirm I wasn’t actively dying and then kicked me out. I signed up for a virtual emergency call with another hospital as recommended to me by telehealth. That hospital nurse during the call denied me care because she said they don’t do second opinions. So I said fine get me an appointment with any doctor of your choosing. She then claimed where I lived wasn’t in the catchment zone for that hospital. I’ve been to this hospital many times. I have an outstanding referral that has gone unanswered from this hospital. Changing the reason mid conversation as to why I am being denied health care seems like a lot of nonsense. A finally my favourite hospital. That’s sarcasm because this third hospital scanned the wrong part of my body and then lied about it. Not only did they bully my family doctor into taking the blame for this error, but they had all my personal information wrong. This hospital thought I was in a wheelchair. They also had the wrong phone number for me. It was a area code for a city not even in the Greater Toronto Area. All I wanted from this hospital was an apology and for them to fix their mistake. The PR person from this hospital told me they were taking steps to ensure this would never happen again. I asked what steps were taking place. I was not given an coherent answer. They gave me another scan, but I have no idea if that was even done correctly. I tried to confirm with the technician what part of my body they were scanning. Her response was that she is doing the requisition called for. So no steps to ensure correct scans were being done. The extra radiation from another CT scan probably isn’t ideal but what I am more concerned about is the dye. My scan didn’t call for dye, but at some point the hospital changed the scan and decided it was a good idea to inject me with dye for a scan I didn’t need my I remind you.
The Government Is Denying Health Care
I have tried to get in touch with the Minister of Health for Ontario, Sylvia Jones. All I get back is a copy paste form letter that doesn’t relate to my situation. I have spoken to my local MPP. She was defending the doctors that denied me care. Then claimed the government is hiring more family doctors. Not sure how that related to my situation, but okay… Then she asked me if I was open to private health care. My response was I was open on a contingency basis, but I don’t think she understood me. If a private doctor could can diagnosis me I’ll pay whatever their fee is. If they phone it in and cannot figure anything out I don’t agree with private health care. The problem is private health is rampant in Ontario. So much so it’s a two-tier system. From my understanding private health care was not currently legal in Ontario, but there are loopholes. These private doctors sell yearly subscriptions ranging from $3000 to $10,000/year. I’ve heard speculation that some of these private clinics may even charge as much as $20,000 but I have been unable to verify that claim. It’s kind of hard when these clinics don’t post their rates online and operate in the shadows.
https://jordankligman.substack.com/p/ontario-intentionally-denying-health

Expo events serve as significant platforms for businesses to showcase their products and services to a large audience. However, organising a successful expo requires meticulous planning, coordination, and execution. This is where expo event services come into play, offering a range of specialised assistance to ensure a seamless and impactful event. In this article, we delve into the world of expo event services, exploring their types, benefits, selection criteria, case studies, and future trends.

1. Types of Expo Event Services

I. Booth Design and Construction

One of the crucial aspects of any expo is the design and construction of booths. Expo event services providers offer innovative and eye-catching booth designs tailored to the brand identity and objectives of exhibitors. From conceptualisation to execution, these services ensure that booths stand out amidst the crowd, attracting maximum attention from attendees.
II. Marketing and Promotion
Effective marketing and promotion are essential for driving foot traffic to the expo and generating interest among potential attendees. Expo event services encompass comprehensive marketing strategies, including digital marketing, social media campaigns, email marketing, and traditional advertising. By leveraging various channels, these services maximise exposure and engagement, ultimately enhancing the success of the event.
III. Technology Integration
In today’s digital age, technology plays a pivotal role in expo events. Expo event services providers offer cutting-edge technology solutions, such as interactive displays, augmented reality experiences, live streaming capabilities, and mobile apps. These technologies not only captivate attendees but also facilitate seamless communication and interaction between exhibitors and visitors.
IV. Event Logistics and Management
Behind every successful expo lies efficient logistics and management. Expo event services cover various logistical aspects, including venue selection, transportation, accommodation, catering, security, and on-site coordination. By handling these logistical challenges, service providers ensure smooth operations and a positive experience for all stakeholders involved.

2. Benefits of Expo Event Services

I. Increased Visibility and Brand Awareness
Expo event services help businesses amplify their visibility and enhance brand awareness within their target market. Through strategic positioning, branding elements, and promotional activities, exhibitors can effectively showcase their products and services to a diverse audience, resulting in heightened brand recognition and recall.
II. Lead Generation Opportunities
Expos offer valuable opportunities for lead generation, allowing businesses to capture qualified leads and expand their customer base. Event coordination services facilitate lead capture and nurturing through lead retrieval systems, interactive engagements, and follow-up strategies. By leveraging these services, exhibitors can convert expo attendees into potential customers, driving business growth and revenue.
III. Networking and Collaboration
Expos serve as networking hubs where industry professionals, stakeholders, and decision-makers converge to exchange ideas, forge partnerships, and explore collaborations. Expo event services facilitate networking opportunities through organised networking sessions, matchmaking programs, and VIP lounges. These platforms enable exhibitors to connect with key contacts, build relationships, and explore synergies for future collaborations.
IV. Enhanced Attendee Experience
The success of an expo hinges on the overall attendee experience. Expo event services focus on enhancing attendee satisfaction and engagement through immersive experiences, educational sessions, entertainment activities, and amenities. By curating memorable experiences for attendees, expo organisers can foster positive perceptions, loyalty, and repeat attendance, ensuring the longevity and success of the event.

3. How to Choose the Right Expo Event Services

I. Assessing Your Needs and Objectives
Before selecting expo event services, it’s essential to define your goals, objectives, and target audience for the expo. Conduct a thorough assessment of your needs, budget, timeline, and desired outcomes to align with the most suitable service providers.
II. Researching and Vetting Service Providers
Once you’ve identified your requirements, research and vet potential expo event services providers based on their expertise, experience, portfolio, and client testimonials. Evaluate their track record, capabilities, and compatibility with your organisation to make an informed decision.
III. Considering Budget and ROI
While quality expo event services come at a cost, it’s crucial to balance your budget with expected returns on investment (ROI). Choose services that offer the best value proposition in terms of cost-effectiveness, performance, and alignment with your expo objectives.

4. Future Trends in Expo Event Services

I. Incorporation of Virtual and Hybrid Elements
With the rise of virtual events and hybrid formats, expo event services are evolving to embrace digital technologies and virtual platforms. From virtual exhibitor booths to online networking lounges, these services offer diverse opportunities for engagement and participation, catering to a global audience regardless of geographical constraints.
II. Sustainable Practices and Eco-Friendly Solutions
In response to growing environmental concerns, expo event services are embracing sustainability practices and eco-friendly solutions. From recyclable booth materials to carbon-neutral logistics, these services prioritise environmental responsibility, contributing to a greener and more sustainable future for expos and events worldwide.
III. Advanced Data Analytics and Personalisation
Data-driven insights and personalisation are shaping the future of expo event services, enabling organisers to understand attendee behavior, preferences, and interests. By leveraging advanced analytics tools and AI algorithms, these services deliver personalised experiences, content recommendations, and targeted engagements, enhancing attendee satisfaction and maximising ROI for exhibitors.
Conclusion
Expo event services play a pivotal role in orchestrating successful and impactful expo experiences for businesses across industries. From booth design and marketing to logistics and technology integration, these services offer comprehensive solutions to meet the diverse needs and objectives of exhibitors. By investing in professional expo event services, businesses can elevate their expo presence, amplify their brand visibility, and unlock new opportunities for growth and success.

So I have a couple things I am working on at the moment, and tasks are becoming a bit overwhelming. A couple key things, I do sales for a software company and sometimes I will forget to do follow ups with prospects, or just respond to emails etc. I was looking to hire a virtual assistant just to help me manage my email and such, but I was thinking there has to be a platform that can help me with this.
I just signed up for superhuman again, used it when I had my own company but it doesnt quite have everything I need. What I am really looking for is something that can look at my inbox, and maybe even my salesforce opportunities, and help me stay on top of things I need to do. For example, if I send an email and they don't respond, I should get an automated task telling me to follow up. If I haven't sent an email to a prospect in x amount of days, I should get a reminder telling me to reach out. Etc etc.
There used to be a platform I used which had a lot of this built in but I can't remember the name for the life of me.
Willing to pay hundreds of dollars a month for a platform like this because it's still cheaper than hiring a VA. Would be a plus if it had the capability to look at my slack and my salesforce.

I have been daily driving an X1 Extreme Gen 5 (12th gen Intel) with RTX 4070 for 9 months and switched to the Legion i7 Gen 9 (14th Gen Intel).
My initial impressions, coming from a long-term business user of ThinkPads to my first Legion, are as follows. This is a personal and opinionated brief summary of impressions.
These laptops have different use cases, but the specs are on par with the form factor. I thought this might help some people when trying to decide.
The outer materials on both laptops fingerprint quite easily, the metal on the Lei7 is a little more resistant compared to the material of the X1E. I wish I could have had the Glacier White as I hear it's more resistant. At the time of writing this, Glacier White is not available on the US Lenovo Store but only available at BestBuy.
Pros for Lei7G9:

• I prefer the feel of the key switches of the Lei7G9, hands down.
• The trackpad feels much better on the Lei7G9, more of a glass feel. I don't miss the physical buttons of the ThinkPad nipple (red dot).
• The screen refresh rates make the laptop experience feel much faster and more responsive than a standard 60Hz display.
• I feel the Lei9G9 is quieter in day-to-day productivity; the fans tend to spin up all the time on the X1EG5.
• More expansion: there are 2x M.2 slots for storage. Although the wireless, albeit relatively, is upgradable in an M.2 slot. ThinkPad workstation series have been moving into less upgradability generation over generation.
• The lip at the rear actually helps when I walk around with the laptop while the lid is open (e.g., moving from your desk to desk).
• I like that Lenovo has a camera bump on their newer ranges of laptops. Instead of the apple way of putting the camera on the screen and calling it a magical island and losing screen real estate this is a nice practical solution and makes opening the laptop easier.

Cons:

• Minor critique: the keyboard key spacing took a little bit to get used to (not long, just a few hours hahaha).
• Minor critique 2: I got used to physical trackpad buttons on the ThinkPad range, so it took a little adjustment to switch back.
• The BIOS doesn't support OPAL disk encryption, only supervisor passwords. This is an artificial limitation that could have been implemented; however, Lenovo chose to lock this feature in their business range. OS independent, Hardware level disk encryption would have been nice.
• I was a little surprised a Mediatek wifi card was used for the wireless module; however, it's a M.2 slot card so a Intel Wifi 7 card can easily slot in ($45 upgrade)
• I believe there is No IR Camera for Windows Hello.
• Sound - I miss the front-firing speakers of the X1E. The speakers on the Lei7 are on the bottom of the chassis; if you use a laptop stand, the sound gets weaker. The sound is far more superior on an X1E. I recommend headphones for this laptop. Speakers that fire at your desk are a strange engineering choice in my opinion, the focus may have been on bass.

Overall, I'm really happy with my Lei7G9. I got used to the trackpad, love the keyboard, and enjoying the experience.

I know this is commonly posted, but I've tried every optimization I can find and while some seem to cause marginal improvement I cannot seem to fix this.
I have intermittent (but frequent, usually multiple times per hour and lasting a few minutes on average) spikes of 100% disk usage (as reported by Windows task manager) that completely lock up my VM. Usually when this happens actual disk usage is very low, often < 1MiB/s or even < 0.5MiB/s. It seems to correlate with multiple Windows processes using the disk but I've seen it happen with as few as three simultaneous processes or as many as eight. At other times the drive can achieve speeds of >200MiB/s without problems.
The physical device is a CT2000BX500SSD1 SSD drive. Nothing fancy, but it is a decent SSD and performs as expected on tests with the host. The drive is dedicated to my Windows VM and should not otherwise be used by the host.
I am using the virtio drivers and I have a pinned iothread. I've tried a few alternate configurations described on https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/PCI_passthrough_via_OVMF#Virtio_disk as well, along with an assortment of recommendations I've seen on reddit threads, forum posts, etc. What I have now is what works "best", but still not particularly well.
Please if anyone has had any similar issues or sees anything wrong with my configuration let me know.
My full libvirt configuration is below:

 win11 696ee705-7c0e-4449-b831-1a8adfc521bf      32800768 32800768     12 1                  hvm     /usshare/edk2/x64/OVMF_CODE.secboot.4m.fd /valib/libvirt/qemu/nvram/win11_VARS.fd                                   destroy restart destroy      /usbin/qemu-system-x86_64       
      
   
      
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    
   
   
   
      
       
                 
   
        
      
  
     
  
     
  
      

Ethernet has landline 1900s phones two pairs wires reserved in the spec sheet its 8 or so wires when crimping the ends uses like two with one for ground and one seemingly empty and then has two for phone and some unused, with old 10/100 baseT coax with terminating ends exactly like optical or coax 90s cable TV with optical fiber 99% of the way just your block has coax to the rest which uses the 'same'DOCSIS data over cable standards as fibre optic.. just slightly worse latency and bandwidth is calculated by latency things like wifi lan has like 11 channels or 15 channels of frequency which optical calls wavelengths of light. A 2015 or around there linus tech tips video of him going to a swedish lan party called dreamhack had a bunch of multiple redundant 8Terabit or was it bytes of fibre optic internet they explained with light having 7 colors but having 8terabytes of bandwidth with different wavelengths of light called frequencys or a better term for optics is known as LASER ARRAYS of light at fixed frequencys that often plugs into the PC via ethernet cables or whatever for a gamer lan party or home/residential or small businesses at realistically within budget of anything with enough users to require that bandwidth or 'web hosting or web servers' you dont need to be an undersea cable or international link with 200terabits plus for an internet exchange to your main CBD or the fastest like the netherlands IX...
So the problem im trying to solve is, here in australia we got our undersea cables done wrong they kept breaking and we didnt have a navy or defense force securing our countrys communications to prevent war crimes and keep us connected to the global banking systems or whatever.. and then when our biggest telcos cable or fibre all had dialup speeds for around 2 weeks in the early years 2000s to force us to pay other countrys to connect to their links and be ' end of the line' maybe paywalled or proxied off the internet randsomewared to connect to and borrow bandwidth from other countries satellites and other countries undersea link cables which truly were indestructible to any cruise liner ships anchors whatever being flexible giant steel braided cables big as a CAR when australia finally paid to lay small sections of that stuff to link up to others and not pay randsome to internet butt bandits or have private businesses and multi nationals run their own links and ignore the public our lack of a defense force actually let somalian pirates literally somehow pick up and walk off with our expensive undersea car sized cables filled with a few arms thick of hair thin fibre optics which is cheapest clear resin enamels plastics about $3 not sure if USD per kilometer and resembles modern glass/glazing. How does anybody steal that stuff without people noticing like you cant just load it onto a truck and drive away? or a boat? if only satellites and some sort of defense organization existed to prevent us from being impersonated or whatever.. So now in australia ANYTHING with words like gigabit costs a fortune for a mainboard or switch or ethernet hub.. but the ancient 1900s 10/100 telephone land line wires of ethernet 10/100 clock in at a whopping 13 or so mhz sometimes 27.. and 60 or more mhz for like gigabits and whatever it increases shockingly fast with each mhz clock cycle as its units of work over time in nano seconds or zeptoseconds you see billionths of a second nano second RAM and PC with windows realtime kernel actually uses like ryzen hardware negative latency faster than reality freely syncing with any device in the universe and fixed mhz frequency bus can drive like 50 to 100 or thousands of GPU's and HDDs and monitors or whatever from the one modern multicore PC or whatever.. 90s AMD business server still holds world records for most connected devices though it had stackable CPUs opteron and would have used infinity cache type stuff probably software 3dnow and evolving game worlds tech of 80s and 90s AMD gaming evolved advertising.
So in australia anything gigabits costs hundreds of dollars for a switch router some thousands for lots of ports.. but its the shittiest weakest bandwidth ever with mhz and performance miles short of a raspberry pie or whatever. I had to pay a fortune for a mainboard with 10gigabit LAN port and everytime i got a high speed LAN port its been broken or missing so some pricks can sell ebay routers or switches for thousands here.. not knowing why its so expensive is youre paying fortunes for any real bandwidth because australia has to pay literal somalian pirates for their internet connections or privately owned businesses like telstra for access to their private links and glares at countries like new zealand and hawaii for being super technologically superior.. a cheap USB ethernet adaptor costs under 10 bucks on ebay or whatever and is maybe gigabit and your switches and routers 90% of the time you want the cheapest UNMANAGED switch possible. Yet the mainboard i recently purchased ASUS pro art creator x670E i recall had an issue with some asshats trying to steal pathetic measly 40gigabit USB4 chips from all the boards at the computer store to sell on EBay as other junk, when anything in the universe with an M.2 ULTRA slot does 40gigabits since PCI express 3.0/4.0 as PCI express 3.0 SSD drives famously use a specific I/O controller chip which gives them 38gigabits of the ultra M.2 slots 40gigabits of bandwidth. But for a couple years when AMD had pci express 4.0 and better than M.2 ultra intel was playing catch up on PCI express 3.0 and still had regular m.2 in all their boards until AMD was ready for pci express 5.0 my friend on intel bought the same NVME drives and complained they had corruption errors or issues i later learned his board wasnt fast enough and he was maybe trying to use the samsung magician RAM disk and enable NVME features and functions intel maybe did not yet support.
So.. why is USB 4 so many years late and why is it so dang expensive when terabits of ethernet or anything optical is like the cheapest stuff ever and comes with every internet connection since the 90s at the lowest cheapest mhz and 1900s land line wire telephones ever, remember digital isnt a physical thing and everythings literally analog with a sensor or multimeter whatever mathematically translating it to a graph or algebra equation mapping it into different values digitally +10 -10 whatever using microphones or camera sensor whatever. the gigabits tax and uhh LAN port taxes for dumb gay australians being literally see it via satellite outerspace levels dumb and gay astrogaylian should not apply to the cheapest of raspberry pie free 3d print or laser CNC yourself something computery like risc V for the cheapest of USB flash drives or memory cards etc.
I get intel pretends to have invented court ordered USB to probe their hardware after it was proven to have used other peoples code and chips by the chip makers and them selling computers with keyboard and mouse hardwired in so you bought a whole new computer when a key broke on the keyboard couldnt replace them.. and every other device had USB but theirs didnt free open standard and it kinda being the only way to connect any device in the universe and freely sync with it (mics/phones whatever).
why is 1900s phone tech ethernet so dang expensive to go from 20mhz ranges to 80 or whatever mhz ranges or use something very similar to 90s optical audio SPDIF output or anything remotely like a laser in australia? and who would be dumb and gay enough to be so financially retarded as to think that USB 4 was expensive or special as to steal it? am i... missing something?
also before you complain, but ethernets not the same as USB you cant power over ethernet or use your houses electrical wires as ethernet. You also cant use ethernet for monitors or displays, and its not like you can extend HDMI range limit of a about 10 to 15 meters by swapping its ethernet wires with optical ones for it to maintain its HDMI 0 latency spec or type C USB 0 latency spec. USB lets you connect heaps of devices you cant do that with an internet or ethernet for things like keyboard and mice or monitors or whatever. I understand what you mean power over ethernet or PPOE standards suck theres no way those are a thing. using devices over the internet and not the intranet who does that? thats so dumb. remote administration, theres no such thing youre mistaking malware or rootkits im sure. you cant connect a heap of devices up or entire computers to a ethernet port thats the dumbest gayest thing i've ever heard in my entire life! My gaydar is going off and it looks like the wifi symbol.

Coming from using a triton I like the fantom for having a physical mixer section, sequencer, and pads. Also having the wheels and a joystick is a plus. But it seems the pads aren’t really for finger drumming and it’s not made for chopping samples.
I’m drawn to the mpc because of its pads and ability to chop up sounds. My issue with it is a lot of sounds are behind plugins and the lack of a physical mixer section like other workstations.
Mainly looking for something that will give a smooth transition from a Triton. An improvement in the interface and sequencing. I would prefer drum pads but I could always use a midi controller. Not sure about Korg and Yamaha’s selection. Would they be better to look into?

I’m really trying not to be a downer because I am very excited for the game but I keep going back and forth in my head about pre-ordering the game because I would like to show my support for the 40k community but I’m actually a little shook about Saber Interactive developing this one.
The thing about Saber is they’ve virtually never produced a game that rates above 7/10 and it’s basically a coin flip that they produce games of that caliber at all. A good portion of their library has middling reviews. Well, I’ve played a few in the mid 2000s and 2010s and looking at their development library as a whole the first word that comes to mind is “derivative”. They make games similar to other games of their time but worse, somehow riding on the backs of giants and producing an inferior product with the advantageous foreknowledge of good game design. That’s not a great sign.
Their only real claim to fame is working on the Halo CE Anniversary and Master Chief Collection which definitely were not fan favorites on release but did eventually get much better. How much of that can be attributed to Saber’s involvement, I don’t know because they were part of a larger collective development team working with Microsoft Studios and 343 Industries. In general, they seem to be a company like Rebellion that specializes in porting games over but when it comes to making original/ licensed IPs they make lukewarm games or just kind of drop the ball.
I can tell they’re using some variant of the World War Z engine to pump out large hoardes of Tyranids on screen at one time and while that looks cool I have to wonder how intelligent the AI actually are because the AI in WWZ was not impressive and the enemy variety was sorely lacking. How much of that is lack of creativity versus engine limitations is kind of what I’m curious and worried about. I’ve also noticed in the 30 minute gameplay demo video they posted that a large portion of the game is combat-interrupting cutscenes/ setpieces. It seems like 5 minutes of fighting consistently gets interrupted by 3 more minutes of cutscene dialogue or forcefully panning the camera over to a point of interest. I felt like SM1 did a pretty good job of letting the levels run their course and maybe having a cutscene or 2. Don’t get me wrong, SM2 looks absolutely gorgeous but I almost think the devs feel that forcing the player to stop and gawk at the marvel they’ve created is somehow enriching the gameplay. It feels a lot more like dopamine edging by having these intense playable moments and completely turning off the adrenaline by having Titus gaze at some large structure or ship overhead collapsing, or having the crew stop to converse with some besieged Guardsman unit. Leave it up to the individual agency of the players to stop and gaze in wild wonder if that’s something they appreciate but otherwise keep your foot on the gas I’d say. What makes games intense is that they often don’t let up. The demo was just a bunch of tension and release in quick succession and I honestly was hoping more for a game with pacing like DOOM Eternal/ WH40K Boltgun. I know this game is not a boomer shooter but I’d like there to be good rhythm and pacing. I’d trade high octane co-op gameplay over visually/ technically impressive sightseeing any day.
I also noticed the game seems to feature the same linearity of SM1, which if I have one gripe about SM1, it is definitely that the game is practically an “on-rails” experience. There is very little in the way of freedom of exploration and almost all the “hidden” servitors and ammo caches were in painfully obvious places because they were often in the only other place the game would allow you to explore. It would be nice to be able to take divergent paths in levels or have larger arena style combat areas with rewards and secrets strewn about. Put a gun in a far-off artillery crater or stash a mounted gun up in bunkers that you can rip off the mount like in SM1. Also I would like secrets to be a little more thought out and rewarding. SM1 rarely utilized using melee weapons to break away barricades exposing secret areas and never utilized switches or levers to open secret pathways. Verticality was also sparsely used not only in general but definitely for the sake of hiding a secret way up top somewhere. I don’t know exactly what I expect from this I just mean to say I would want the levels opened up a little bit, and for rewards to be in places for players willing to take the time to find them. It would also be nice to have narrative setpieces that tell a story in secret areas like the Fallout Universe does. Let a secret path lead us to a scene of carnage or a tragedy or maybe even an ambush. So far we haven’t seen any of that.
I’m not writing off the game just yet but I would really like to be proven wrong about some of the things I noticed from the gameplay video. It’s hard to be excited in the age of modern gaming especially when we talk about preorders. I’d honestly like them to talk more about the beta key distribution date. I don’t even necessarily need to play the beta personally, but it would be nice to see a little more gameplay in the form of a single complete mission from start to finish.
What are your guys’ thoughts? Am I just being a pessimist? What concerns do you have? Are you guys excited? Am I worrying about nothing? I’d love to hear your feedback.

The history of tarot is a fascinating journey that spans centuries and traverses various cultures. The origins of tarot cards can be traced back to 15th-century Italy, where they emerged as playing cards. The initial purpose of these decks was purely recreational, serving as a game known as "tarocchi" or "triumphi."

1. Early Playing Cards (15th Century):
   
   • Origin: Tarot cards likely originated in northern Italy in the early 15th century. The oldest surviving complete deck is the "Visconti-Sforza" deck, dating back to the 1440s.
   • Function: Originally used for games, tarot decks were adorned with symbolic imagery, including allegorical illustrations and trump cards.
2. Tarot in France (Late 15th Century):
   
   • Migration: Tarot cards crossed into France in the late 15th century, and the game evolved with the addition of the 22 trump cards, known as the Major Arcana.
   • Symbolism: The Major Arcana introduced iconic characters and archetypal symbols, enhancing the cards' allegorical significance.
3. Occult Associations (18th Century):
   
   • Esoteric Interest: In the 18th century, interest in the occult and mystical arts surged in Europe. Tarot cards gained esoteric significance, with scholars attributing hidden meanings to the cards beyond their gaming purpose.
   • Etteilla: The French occultist Etteilla published influential tarot interpretations, contributing to the transformation of tarot into a tool for divination and self-discovery.
4. The Rider-Waite-Smith Deck (Early 20th Century):
   
   • Revolutionary Design: In 1909, A.E. Waite and Pamela Colman Smith collaborated on the Rider-Waite-Smith deck, featuring vivid illustrations and intricate symbolism. This deck became immensely popular and served as the foundation for many modern tarot decks.
   • Divinatory Focus: The Rider-Waite-Smith deck emphasized the mystical and divinatory aspects of tarot, influencing the widespread adoption of tarot for spiritual and introspective purposes.
5. Tarot in the New Age Movement (20th Century Onward):
   
   • Popularization: The mid-20th century witnessed a surge in interest in mysticism, the occult, and alternative spiritual practices. Tarot cards gained popularity within the New Age movement, becoming a tool for self-reflection, divination, and personal growth.
   • Diverse Decks: The latter half of the 20th century saw the creation of diverse tarot decks, each with unique themes and interpretations, catering to different spiritual traditions and personal preferences.
6. Modern Tarot Practices (21st Century):
   
   • Global Appeal: Tarot has transcended cultural boundaries and gained a global following. The internet has played a significant role in disseminating tarot knowledge, making it accessible to a diverse audience.
   • Integration with Psychology: Many practitioners view tarot through a psychological lens, using the cards as a tool for introspection, therapy, and personal development.

The historical evolution of tarot reflects its transformation from a simple deck of playing cards to a versatile tool for divination, self-exploration, and spiritual guidance. Today, tarot continues to captivate individuals worldwide, offering a unique blend of ancient symbolism and contemporary relevance.

1. Diverse Tarot Systems and Cultural Influences:
   
   • Cultural Adaptations: Tarot has adapted to various cultural contexts, leading to the creation of decks that draw inspiration from different mythologies, traditions, and artistic styles.
   • Themed Decks: Modern tarot enthusiasts can explore decks inspired by Norse mythology, Celtic traditions, Eastern philosophies, and more, allowing for a rich diversity of interpretations and connections.
2. Tarot and Popular Culture:
   
   • Media Exposure: Tarot has found its way into mainstream media, with references in literature, movies, and television series. This exposure has contributed to its widespread recognition and acceptance.
   • Creative Interpretations: Popular culture has inspired artists and creators to produce tarot decks with themes ranging from fantasy and science fiction to contemporary pop culture references, showcasing the adaptability of tarot symbolism.
3. Tarot in Digital Age:
   
   • Online Platforms: The digital age has transformed tarot readings, making them accessible through online platforms and mobile apps. Virtual tarot readings and communities provide a global forum for discussion and learning.
   • Digital Decks: Tarot decks are now available in digital formats, enabling users to explore and engage with the cards through virtual platforms, expanding the reach of tarot practices.
4. Tarot as a Personalized Tool:
   
   • Self-Expression: Many individuals now create their own tarot decks, infusing personal symbols, experiences, and artistic styles into the cards. This personalized approach enhances the connection between the user and the cards.
   • Intuitive Reading: Modern tarot practices often emphasize intuitive reading, encouraging users to trust their instincts and personal interpretations rather than relying strictly on traditional meanings.
5. Scientific and Skeptical Perspectives:
   
   • Psychology and Tarot: Some psychologists view tarot as a projective tool that can tap into the unconscious mind, offering insights into one's thoughts and emotions.
   • Skepticism and Tarot: Skeptics often approach tarot from a psychological or statistical standpoint, exploring the phenomenon through the lens of cognitive biases and the placebo effect.
6. Tarot Communities and Education:
   
   • Learning Resources: The availability of books, online courses, and workshops has contributed to the education and skill development of tarot practitioners. This has empowered individuals to deepen their understanding of tarot symbolism and interpretation.
   • Community Engagement: Tarot communities, both online and offline, provide platforms for sharing experiences, seeking guidance, and fostering a sense of community among practitioners.

As tarot continues to evolve, its rich history merges with contemporary influences, shaping a dynamic and diverse landscape. Whether embraced for spiritual guidance, artistic expression, or personal insight, tarot remains a versatile and enduring tool that resonates with individuals on their unique journeys of self-discovery.

1. Tarot Ethics and Professionalization:
   
   • Code of Ethics: In modern tarot practices, professional readers often adhere to ethical guidelines. These guidelines emphasize confidentiality, client empowerment, and responsible use of divination tools.
   • Certification and Training: Some tarot practitioners pursue formal training and certification programs to enhance their skills and professionalism, contributing to the recognition of tarot reading as a legitimate and ethical practice.
2. Scientific Research on Tarot:
   
   • Psychological Studies: While scientific research on tarot is limited, some studies explore the psychological aspects of tarot reading. Research has investigated how individuals interpret symbols, engage in reflective thinking, and experience a sense of empowerment through tarot readings.
   • Cognitive Science Perspectives: Tarot's intersection with cognitive science has led to examinations of how the mind processes symbolic information and the impact of belief systems on perception.
3. Tarot and Intersectionality:
   
   • Inclusivity: Tarot communities increasingly emphasize inclusivity, recognizing the importance of diverse perspectives, cultures, and identities. Decks that reflect a broader range of experiences and backgrounds contribute to a more inclusive tarot landscape.
   • Intersectional Readings: Practitioners may integrate intersectionality into their readings, acknowledging the complexity of individual identities and experiences within a broader social context.
4. Tarot's Influence on Art and Literature:
   
   • Literary Works: Tarot symbolism has inspired numerous works of literature, poetry, and art. Authors and artists often incorporate tarot themes to explore psychological, spiritual, and philosophical concepts.
   • Tarot in Visual Arts: Tarot continues to be a muse for visual artists, with contemporary artworks reimagining and interpreting the traditional tarot archetypes in new and innovative ways.
5. Tarot and Holistic Wellness:
   
   • Mind-Body-Spirit Connection: Tarot is increasingly integrated into holistic wellness practices that emphasize the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit. It complements approaches like meditation, mindfulness, and energy healing.
   • Wellness Retreats and Workshops: Wellness retreats and workshops may incorporate tarot as a tool for self-reflection, personal growth, and stress reduction, aligning with the broader holistic wellness movement.
6. Tarot and Technology Integration:
   
   • Mobile Apps and Online Platforms: Technology has facilitated the accessibility of tarot through mobile apps and online platforms, offering virtual readings, digital decks, and interactive tarot experiences.
   • Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality: Emerging technologies like augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) have the potential to transform tarot experiences, providing immersive and interactive readings.

The ongoing evolution of tarot reflects its adaptability to societal changes, technological advancements, and a growing understanding of its psychological and symbolic dimensions. As it continues to weave through various aspects of contemporary life, tarot remains a dynamic and versatile tool with enduring relevance.

1. Tarot and Social Media:
   
   • Online Communities: Social media platforms, such as Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, have become hubs for tarot enthusiasts. Tarot readers share daily card pulls, interpretations, and create educational content, fostering a vibrant online community.
   • Global Connections: Social media has facilitated global connections among tarot practitioners, allowing for the exchange of diverse perspectives, interpretations, and deck recommendations.
2. Tarot in Mental Health Practices:
   
   • Therapeutic Applications: Some mental health professionals incorporate tarot into therapeutic practices, using it as a tool for self-reflection, exploration of emotions, and promoting therapeutic dialogue.
   • Mindfulness and Coping: Tarot readings can be used as a mindfulness practice, helping individuals cultivate self-awareness and coping strategies for managing stress, anxiety, and mental health challenges.
3. Tarot's Evolving Symbolism:
   
   • Living Symbolism: Tarot symbolism is not static; it evolves over time. Modern tarot decks often reinterpret traditional symbols to reflect contemporary values, ensuring that the cards remain relevant and resonant with current cultural contexts.
   • Innovative Decks: Artists continue to create innovative tarot decks that explore diverse themes, introducing new symbols and archetypes that speak to a wide range of experiences.
4. Tarot and Ritual Practices:
   
   • Ritualistic Use: Tarot is incorporated into various ritual practices, from simple daily card pulls to more elaborate ceremonies. These rituals can serve as a form of meditation, intention-setting, or connection with spiritual energies.
   • Seasonal Celebrations: Some practitioners align tarot practices with seasonal changes, using specific spreads or decks to explore themes associated with the solstices, equinoxes, and other significant astrological events.
5. Tarot and Gender Representation:
   
   • Expanding Archetypes: Modern tarot decks often challenge traditional gender roles and expand archetypal representations. Decks may feature diverse gender identities and expressions, offering a more inclusive and fluid understanding of the archetypal energies within the cards.
   • Feminist Tarot: Some decks explicitly adopt feminist perspectives, reimagining traditional tarot symbolism to empower and celebrate the diverse experiences of individuals across the gender spectrum.
6. Tarot as Literary Inspiration:
   
   • Literary Works and Tarot: Tarot continues to inspire literary works, with novels, poems, and plays incorporating tarot themes and archetypes. Authors explore the psychological and symbolic depths of tarot, infusing their narratives with mystical and esoteric elements.
   • Narrative Exploration: Tarot's narrative potential serves as a source of inspiration for storytellers, offering a structure that mirrors the hero's journey or provides a framework for exploring characters' internal and external conflicts.

The dynamic interplay between tarot and contemporary culture reveals its enduring appeal and adaptability. From social media platforms to therapeutic practices, tarot remains a versatile tool that resonates with individuals seeking insight, connection, and personal growth in an ever-changing world.
In conclusion, the history and evolution of tarot reflect its remarkable journey from humble playing cards to a multifaceted tool deeply embedded in modern culture. As tarot continues to weave its way through diverse aspects of society, from online communities to therapeutic practices, its enduring relevance lies in its adaptability, symbolism, and capacity to inspire self-discovery.
From the mysterious origins of the 15th century to its current role as a global phenomenon, tarot has transcended cultural and historical boundaries. As it integrates with technology, influences art and literature, and finds new applications in mental health and wellness, tarot remains a dynamic force that resonates with those seeking spiritual insights, artistic expression, and personal transformation.
Whether approached through a psychological lens, as a form of self-reflection, or as part of broader cultural movements, tarot's journey reflects the human quest for meaning, connection, and the exploration of the inner self. Its rich tapestry of symbolism continues to captivate individuals across the globe, making tarot a timeless and ever-evolving companion on the diverse paths of human experience.

Hiya,
I'm a geeky neurodivergent type of human, and I'm looking to find someone who I can laugh, flirt and generally share experiences and conversations with. I live in Chicago, but don't mind connecting online; I've had some very meaningful friendships and relationships virtually, and I value them a lot.
I tend to get along best with people who can talk about pretty much anything, can appreciate trashy movies/tv and who have a good deal of passion for something. Also, people who are at least a little weird.I've been polyamorous for 12 years and have been in a few different configurations of relationships...from having entirely separate relationships to being involved in multiple triads.I'm looking for something meaningful, though that can take a lot of different shapes.
That being said, I tend to like connections where I can just feel comfortable being myself, we share some interests and can talk with equal ease about deep and meaningful stuff, and really stupid silly kinds of things. I also like dynamics where we inspire each other to learn and grow, and can be equal parts sexy and ridiculous.
I'm a bit of an awkward homebody who goes out for movies and theater on occasion. I consume a ton of different kinds of media....I especially love bad horror movies but I'll watch anything from cooking shows to Marvel and everything in between. I also spend a lot of my time playing video games (or board games when there's people to play with).
When I do go out, I like trying out food, drinks and spending time + sharing experiences with the people I'm close to. Oh, and I can't say no to a good espresso martini.
Work-wise, I have a relatively laid back marketing writing job at a software company. I used to lead a marketing team, but went through really severe burn out along with a pretty bad mental health episode, so I generally shifted my priorities away from work stuff and more into building friendships and connecting more with the people in my life.
Anyway, I'd love to have someone to connect with! If you're interested, send me a message and tell me a few things about you.

Also, Pakled keyboards only have one key. Try to guess what it is.

Hey all, so this appears to be a pretty common issue, but I didn't find a lot of firm confirmations of fixes. I just got my Framework 16 and the RGB keyboard doesn't register the E, G, H, right arrow, F2 and a couple of other keys. I've reseated it in multiple different spots and of course plugged the mainboard connector in and out repeatedly to no effect. Seems like the warranty/RMA response time is...extra super bad from what I've seen so far. The RGB keyboard is out of stock, but I was thinking of just ordering a regular keyboard so I have a functional computer at least to give since this was supposed to be a gift. Has replacing the keyboard fixed this particular issue for people? I do worry that maybe it's the interface board instead of the keyboard, but am trying not to rebuy a whole other computer. Trackpad and numpad are fine.

Looking for a guitar controller alternative to play Festival, as of right now I have an old inland keyboard that I ripped all of the keys out of except for 6 keys. 5 to play notes, and one to activate overdrive. I pick it up and play it like a normal guitar hero controller but as you can probably imagine, it is a bit awkward to play, as most of the board isn't used for anything and just gets in the way.
There is also the issue of having ghosting, and the keyboard itself is membrane.
On the upside, the keys are concaved which I honestly prefer over a traditional guitar controller.
I was hoping someone would have recommendations on a potential upgrade, maybe someone else has found themselves in a similar situation? I would prefer to keep away from a full fledged custom guitar as that would be somewhat expensive and take up space, not to mention I would only need the neck of the controller to really play Festival.

Im using the keyboard in wired mode and in the last two days it is going to sleep after inactivity and then not waking up, is thee a setting to turn off sleep or a key to wake up? The first few days of owning the kb it wasnt going to sleep.

Hey everyone, I am wondering if a used upright baldwin piano is a good piano for first time learner? The piano would be given to me for free from a family member who is moving out of state. I would need to move the piano to my house and tune it. I am hoping the price to tune and fix any problems on the piano is not much.
I am not sure what to look for in a used piano. From what I can tell, the soundboard in the back looks intact. There are two "dead" keys on the keyboard which make a sound when pressed but at a lower volume compared to the other keys. All the other keys sound good to my untrained ear, and all three pedals work. The serial number on this particular piano is "1156832" (idk if that will help).
Thank you for the advice :)

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