Title says it all, this post is a deep dive into the Sonic Adventure 2 OST, specifically all the songs pertaining to Knuckles. This is for a few reasons that I’ll get into in a moment, but from what I’ve seen Knuckles’ and Rouge’s soundtracks tend to get overlooked or written off by fans (More so Knuckles’) unfairly so in my opinion.
This post will serve, not only to analyze the music itself, but also Knuckles’ characterization, as you’ll see the two are basically intrinsically linked.
Just a quick disclaimer, I’m not a musician nor am I that musically inclined, this isn’t an expert’s opinion or analysis, just a listener’s thoughts.
A bit of background of me before we start, I grew up around hip hop when I was young so I can really appreciate Knuckles’ soundtrack probably more so than a lot of other people.
Ever since I was a kid, Knuckles has always been my favorite character, I always found his complicated friendship and rivalry with Sonic to me a much more interesting dichotomy than Sonic and Shadow (I know, fight me).
That and I’ve always just adored his character (Before they forgot how to write him) he can be hot headed and stubborn like Sonic, but he’s got a bit of a Yin and Yang thing going on, with his Chill nature conflicting with his Quick and Explosive temper, as well as his questioning of his purpose in life and duty to the Master Emerald.
Anyway, enough context on myself, let’s strap in and get to the meat of this veeeeeery long post (My bad guys).

BACKGROUND

So for starters, I think it’s best we talk about the style and influences that are quite evident in Knuckles’ Music, that being Hip Hop/Rap, but it goes a bit further than that.
For some historical context, Sonic Adventure 2 came out in 2001, I’m not sure how many hip hop fans hang around the subreddit but by 2001 the Golden Age of Hip Hop had been firmly left behind. Biggie and Pac had been dead for a while, and the stars of yesteryear began to fizzle out as the young blood cropped up onto the scene.
The early 2000s Hip Hop scene was mainly dominated by the East Coast and the Dirty South, lots of stars of this generation of rap included 50 Cent, Ja Rule, Outkast, Ludacris, The Game, Three 6 Mafia and Xzibit, but you also had older legends like Nas and Snoop Dogg who were still culturally relevant.
This modern sound of hip hop differed greatly in sound to the early 90s, everything was a lot more clean and refined, samples were still used but weren’t as common as before and the West Coast sound that characterized the early 90s had been long gone.
It’s important to bring this up, because comparing SA2’s Hip Hop tracks to the climate it was released in, they sound almost out of place. Listening to Get Rich or Die Trying, or Stillmatic and then listening to SA3’s tracks you’d be convinced they were separated by many years.
The Tracks in SA2 are definitely rooted in early 90s hip hop, it’s very clear that those early Gangsta Rap albums like Straight Outta Compton and Black Sunday greatly influenced this part of the soundtrack. And you don’t have to take my word for it, go and listen to the instrumentals of songs like Express Yourself or Insane in the Brain and tell me that they’d sound out of place playing in one of Knuckles’ Stages.
Early 90s Hip Hop makes heavy use of sampling, primarily of the work of Black Artists of the past two decades, because of SA2K’s early 90s hip hop influences, it too has a lot of roots in 70s/80s Black music. Elements of Soul, Funk and Jazz are commonly heard in Knuckles’ Stages, think James Brown or Isaac Hayes.
So what Groups or Artists seem to inspire SA2K’s sound? Well the obvious choice is NWA, though specifically Straight Outta Compton, Elif4zaggin has a much different sound. However I don’t believe that’s entirely the case.
Whether it’s pure coincidence or intentional, Too Short (stylized as Too $hort) was a decently popular artist from Oakland, which is up in the Bay Area of NorCal which is the main inspiration for most of SA2’s urban environments.
Anyway, Too Short was actually quite a pioneer in Hip Hop as he formed the Dangerous Crew, a Hip Hop Band who played actual instruments instead of using samples, it’s because of this that I believe Too Short and the Dangerous Crew to be the main inspiration of SA2K’s sound whether intentional or not, not only are the two defined by their funky beats, but also their use of live instruments. I recommend listening to songs like The Ghetto, Sample The Funk and Just Another Day to get an idea of how his music influences SA2K.

UNKNOWN FROM M.E. (REMIX)

Honestly I find this track to be an improvement over the original, it definitely leans a lot more into the R&B aspect over the rest of the soundtrack but it’s still distinctly hip hop with the record scratches, drums and Hunnid-P rapping over it.
Speaking of, let’s address the Elephant in the room briefly. I know Hunnid-P or Hunnid-Pacent isn’t everybody’s favorite person on this sub, either on the track or behind the scenes, and while his antics aren’t relevant to this post, I don’t necessarily agree that he’s as bad as people say he is on the mic. Is he the world’s greatest emcee? Absolutely not, but he does his job pretty well, he has good flow and a pretty good voice. I think people clown on his lyrics too much, I’m not saying he’s an Inspectah Deck level lyricist but I think the guy has dropped a few bombs and this OST has some gems, but we’ll get into this in a bit.
Getting back to the song, the content of the lyrics is basically Knuckles’ inner voice, this is basically the entire soundtrack, though Unknown From M.E. is more of a general character overview of Knuckles, its standard stuff now but at the time it was a pretty deep dive into the character of Knuckles’ in a decently subtle way.
Most of the song centers around Knuckles’ self imposed isolation on Angel Island, his duty to his people and the world to protect the Master Emerald, but also him yearning for something more and the inner conflict that stems from that.
This song actually has some underrated lines, some standout lyrics include:
“Clench my fists tight, become more redder - I don't wanna hurt her, my passion observed”
The last line is in obvious reference to Rouge and an interesting insight into Knuckles himself. He clearly doesn’t like violence and isn’t interested in hurting anybody, but his duty as a guardian and his quick temper often means he can get a bit too carried away as the line implies, good stuff.
“Been lonely all my life, does it matter? - Here for the mission, whoever want, it bring it”
Here we can clearly see Knuckles trying to reason with himself here, specifically after meeting Sonic and experiencing a life that isn’t just his duty. Here we see the Guardian side of him, he’s always been alone and it’s never been problem before, why should it be now? At least that’s what he tries to tell himself.
“Don't approve of him but gotta trust him - This alliance has a purpose - This partnership is only temporary”
I’ll get more into this when we get to Death Chamber, but these lines are obviously alluding to Sonic and the plot of the game. It’s clear that Knuckles still doesn’t completely like Sonic, however the key here is that he trusts him, he’s gotten to a point now where he knows Sonic is well meaning and their goals align. However, just like real people, he’s accepted the arrangement but he doesn’t have to like it, he still believes Sonic is brash, arrogant and takes far too many risks, it will take more than a few adventures for Knuckles to fully change his opinion on Sonic.
Hunnid-P and Marlon Saunders do a great job of bouncing off each other on this song, their voices and cadences clash with each other nicely almost like how Knuckles’ inner turmoil is split in two.
The beat is tantalizingly funky, for starters that bass line is smooth as butter and the song has a nice tempo, you get the occasional organ flourish and guitar riff that crescendo and just help to enhance the song even further. Overall a really solid track in my opinion, the content of the lyrics is interesting and the delivery is great, all over an extremely funky instrumental.

KICK THE ROCK - WILD CANYON

Probably my favorite song out of all Knuckles’ Stages, this one is definitely the most Jazzy and parallels nicely with Rouge, but has a distinctly Knuckles Twist.
That Sax and Organ combo just cause an absolute eargasm and those drums form such a nice tempo that makes this track such easy listening. Honestly there’s not a whole lot going on with this track and that is not a bad thing at all. Its simplicity is probably its biggest strength and is quite noticeable compared to something like Unknown From M.E.
Some Lyrics I found particularly interesting are:
“I'm feelin her in mysterious ways - That's why I stay on point like every single day - I gotta protect this place, I do it for my race”
Yeah yeah I know everybody finds this line and the play doh line inappropriate and funny, I understand the latter but honestly I could never get the outcry over this one
“I’m feelin her in mysterious ways” honestly, in my opinion, it’s not what you think. I’ve never really seen it as a sexual line “I’m feelin you” is basically another way of saying I get you, it’s basically Knuckles saying he gets Rouge, but he doesn’t know why and that kinda bothers him.
The context matters here and the lines after do give my interpretation some weight. It’s basically Knuckles saying to himself “I get this girl and I kinda fucks with her, but I gotta job to do” Knuckles is intrigued by Rouge, he’s never met anybody like her and he obviously has some feeling towards her, though because of his lack of interaction with others he struggles to understand these feelings and instead of addressing them, he tries to ignore them and remain true to his job as Guardian
“Who could'a did this, that snitch named Rouge! - When I catch her, I'ma get her with these tools”
More obvious than the last one, but it still shows that Knuckles, despite his various different feelings toward Rouge, knows he has a job to do and tries to center himself to stay committed
Honestly it’s hard to choose between this or Unknown From M.E. as my favorite Knuckles track but either way its up there and definitely something I can bop to on the regular

A GHOST’S PUMPKIN SOUP - PUMPKIN HILL

The one everybody knows and honestly I get it, it’s got that smooth piano/guitar I can’t really tell what it is but it definitely slaps. It has that distinct G-Funk whistle which pops up occasionally across SA2K that simulates that stereotypically ghostly sound nicely
It’s definitely in contention with Deeper for the most lowkey Knuckles track and that’s saying something.
Not much content lyrically, but I managed to find a few interesting lines:
“I ain’t gonna let it get to me, I’m just gon creep - Down in Pumpkin Hill I gots to find my lost piece”
Something we don’t actually see a lot from Knuckles, fear! Most of this song is about Knuckles’ fearlessness being tested, if you view this as Knuckles’ internal monologue (Which if you don’t at this point then I’ve been doing something wrong 😂) its less about the song telling us how tough Knuckles is, but Knuckles reassuring himself that he can do this.
He’s obviously trepidatious over being in Pumpkin Hill and he has to take a moment to center himself and reassure himself that “I’m Knuckles, I’m not afraid of anything” again this goes back to how Knuckles uses his job as Guardian and his duty to motivate himself and push forward through situations, regardless of his own fear.
“I’m hearing someone saying “You a chicken, don’t be scared!” - It had to be the wind, cause nobody wasn’t there”
Considering the haunted theming of this level, this very clearly (on the surface) seems to be Knuckles encountering a ghost taunting him, but I might present another angle.
This is just Knuckles’ inner thoughts again, though this time its doubt, he doesn’t believe he can find the pieces of the Master Emerald and he doesn’t think he can make it through Pumpkin Hill, yet he pushes through anyway. This one’s kinda far fetched but it’s a nice idea
I don’t adore this track as much as a lot of other people (ironically) but I can still Jive with it.

DIVE INTO THE MELLOW - AQUATIC MINE

First of all, this track does a great job at just sounding watery, the filtered organ and the echoey bass just make it sound like cave ambience turned into music
Most of this track’s lyrics center around Knuckles’ yearning to be something more than just the Guardian of the Master Emerald and to be his own individual, these are:
“Makes you wanna sit back, enjoy the life - And do things you like doing, get to shine”
Knuckles, if it wasn’t for all the enemies and hazards, obviously enjoys being in Aquatic Mine, so much so that it brings his thoughts of a better life to the front of his mind.
This shows what Knuckles really wants, to be unburdened from the Master Emerald and to just be free to kick it wherever, in a way he’s jealous of the freedom Sonic has and wishes he wasn’t tied down to Angel Island.
“I stay Knuckled up, I’m in a deep cut”
Knuckles, despite his ideals of peace and relaxation is always ready to do what he believes is right, again this whole OST is basically Knuckles reconciling his wants and his duties.
Again Knuckles isn’t really equipped to deal with these feelings and instead of addressing them, he pushes them down and buries them under his duty and tries to keep himself busy, though once he gets to Aquatic Mine where he’s forced to slow down and explore methodically, he’s suddenly unable to distract himself from his true feelings.
“In a maze, and I don't know what to do Guaranteed though, imma find the Emeralds”
Again an obvious allusion to the labyrinthine Aquatic Mine on the surface, though I believe this too has a deeper meaning.
Knuckles is lost and confused emotionally, he’s confronted by these different feelings that conflict with everything he’s ever known. His thoughts on freedom and his feelings for Rouge which he doesn’t quite understand both conflict with his role as Guardian and he can’t reconcile them.
“I don’t know what to do” in a rare moment of vulnerability, Knuckles admits that he has no idea how to manage these feelings and he’s grappling with the monumental task of managing his panicked thoughts.
Then, just as you think Knuckles is gonna start making a breakthrough, what does he do? “Guaranteed though, imma find the Emeralds” That’s right, instead of finally addressing his swirling thoughts, he pushes them down and once again distracts himself with his duty.
Honestly, like Pumpkin Hill, I know it’s a reach but it tracks with what we know Knuckles’ character has been up to this point and it gives him insane depth and really humanizes him.
A funky beat, a nice flow from Hunnid P and some really humanizing characterization of Knuckles, Dive Into The Mellow is definitely a hidden gem of the OST.

DEEPER - DEATH CHAMBER

Sooooooo chill, honestly this song is so calm and smooth, it’s so underrated on this soundtrack it really is another hidden gem like Dive Into the Mellow.
First off I absolutely adore the bass this track has, it sounds like it’s been bit compressed for a Gameboy and honestly I’m all here for it, gives it a nice techno Eggmany twist. The funky guitar and sax just enhances the mood, the song sounds almost echoey like you’re actually standing in a Death Chamber.
Lyrically this song is unique in that it’s basically just a long conversation between Sonic and Knuckles instead of Knuckles’ inner thoughts/monologue.
It’s an interesting dynamic where Sonic is actually the reasonable one, willing to put aside his and Knuckles’ differences aside for the greater good. Knuckles however is initially a bit more standoffish, but Sonic talks him into it by appealing to his guardian nature and calling him out on his stubbornness, basically forcing Knuckles to admit that Sonic is right and that they’ll be much better off working together.
Honestly not much to say, it’s pretty much all spelled out in the song, but interesting nonetheless. An understated and uniquely funky beat make this track stand out among the others nicely, definitely a great listen.

SPACE TRIP STEPS - METEOR HERD

Finally, the last song. In my opinion, Space Trip Steps is probably the weakest track musically. That doesn’t make it bad, far from it, I just can’t groove with it as easily as the others
This song takes a lot more inspirations from G-Funk than the other tracks which does give it quite a unique sound amongst the soundtrack, it wouldn’t sound out of place on The Chronic or Regulate… G Funk Era. The wavy synths and sharp base with the fast tempo give it an almost garage feel too, definitely not a sound for everyone but I think it does a good job at sounding very ethereal and space like
As for lyrics, this seems to be a turning point for Knuckles as a loner:
“Took a shuttle to space and left from our homes At least we're with friends and I'm not all alone”
Knuckles is in a completely foreign environment and feels completely out of his depth, however he feels comforted by the fact that he’s surrounded by the people he’s finally started to call his Friends, the first time he’s admitted such.
He’s forced now to acknowledge that he can’t do everything by himself, and that asking for help from his friends doesn’t make him any less of a man, he finally accepts that he can trust outsiders, but he still has a ways to go.
“Bad thing was that the Emeralds spilled - Gotta search space, man, time to get ill”
Still, Knuckles is bound and almost blinded by his duty, forcing himself to abandon his friends to search for the Master Emerald pieces that were scattered in space.
It’s clear now that Knuckles isn’t too happy to leave his friends, but as we’ve come to know him, he does the typical Knuckles thing of pushing his feelings to the side in the face of doing what he believes is right. This just tells us Knuckles still has a lot to work on before he can really come to terms with who he is.
Again, a pretty unconventional track so it can be an awkward listen and definitely not my favorite on the list, but it does something unique which I can definitely give it props for, Hunnid P even has a completely different flow, dragging out his words like he’s getting further away, hammering home that space theme.

CONCLUSION

And that’s it, if you made it this far through my long winded ramblings, then I’m extremely impressed 😂 I tried to trim the fat as best I could but I ended up getting a bit too attached to most of what I wrote
Honestly I feel like these songs have been unfairly painted as the silly shitty Knuckles rap songs with bad lyrics that are only good because of their instrumentals, and I just can’t agree with that.
I feel like in a lot of ways these songs do a much better job of characterizing Knuckles than SA1 or SA2, I really wish we got see more of his inner turmoil and him butting heads with Sonic in the game itself.
I think it’s a sad thought that for a long time, Knuckles has been a shadow of his former self (Har har) and has just been relegated to the token meathead that’s about as one dimensional as a square. Frontiers is definitely a step in the right direction and I’m excited to see what the new writing team can cook up with for his character.
But what are your thoughts though? Do you agree? Disagree? Did I manage to change your mind or have you always felt this way? Maybe you have a different take or something else to add? I’d love to hear it.
ML

Hi all,
My substantive is an EG-04 Lab Technician but for the past 2 years I have been in an acting BI-02 Biologist position. All of my performance reviews come back positive and I have never been told I was underperforming in any of my roles. Despite this, I will be moved back down to an EG-04 position so that another EG-04 in our group will have an opportunity to act in the BI-02 position. This is going to result in me being paid 11k less than what I am currently paid, which is quite a lot of money to me.
I will be expected to do the exact same job, but for less money.
I was told by my manager that this is to be fair within our group, and that my coworker and I are “doing the same job”. The thing is, we are definitely not doing the same job as I have been working on this large project by myself, with very little guidance from my manager. The other coworker has been working underneath a BI-3 and has been shielded from the higher-level job responsibilities, and has received guidance from the BI-3 throughout their time here. I report directly to my manager, who also manages the previously mentioned BI-3, and provides me with extremely limited input. Months go by without me talking to my manager unless I have a major issue that I need assistance with.
There is nobody else who has been trained on my project, and when I go on vacation there is nobody that fills in for me, my project just gets paused until I return. If the EG-04 quit tomorrow, their project would not be affected.
I have been reaching out to other groups that I have been collaborating with to ask to use them as references, and every one of them has said something like “wow, I thought you were a major driving force in your group, and a main contact for your program” (This is an actual quote). I have even been recently contacted by a director of another organization to meet and discuss how they can improve their public health program, as my project directly relates to their program. I’m just trying to paint the picture here that my work is not at the EG-04 level.
I have been told that I cannot act in the same position for more than 3 years, but I have almost a full year until I am at that 3 year mark.
I am wondering if there is anything I can do here to defend myself, or even just plea my case to someone for a chance to maintain my position or pay. Or am I just forced to accept this 11k pay cut until I can find a different position in a different group?
Appreciate the help!

I'll preface this by stating that, while I am someone deeply curious about the unexplained, those topics don't often make appearances in my dreams, let alone to this level of detail.
It was an unremarkable evening a few years ago. I can't recall any distress or commitments the next day that would've disrupted my sleep/dreams and I hadn't been drinking at all. I simply fell asleep at a normal hour like I would any other night.
The dream began with me asleep on the floor of a basement I'd never been in before. It looked vaguely familiar but it wasn't a perfect match to any basement I'd been in (asleep or otherwise). I woke up wrapped in a throw blanket an old flat pillow under my head. My back hurt and my eyes felt itchy. Even though I didn't have glasses on I could see perfectly well after rubbing my eyes.
The room was dark, except for a single, blue LED that I assumed was coming from a TV or a game console or something. All around me were other sleeping people that I assumed were friends of mine. They were all similarly laying on the floor but non of them moved or made any noise.
I glanced over to the stairs at the back of the room and my blood ran cold.
There was a strange figure, stocky and standing at about shoulder height, walking across the room. He was draped in what looked like a purple bedsheet with yellow patterns on it. His skin was a dull brown/green and his face seemed almost frog-like. He had front facing white eyes with no pupils and a long slit like mouth. A long, black beard hung down from his chin over his chest. He was wearing some kind of hat that curled backward behind his head in a nautilus shape. His arms and fingers were long and thin and protruded from his baggy sleeves.
His movements were unlike anything I'd seen in my life. It was almost like an animatronic or someone moving underwater. I couldn't see his feet so it looked like he was floating along the ground. His arms moved smoothly at his sides as he "walked". He turned his head to face me, and that's when I heard his voice.
"Can you see me?"
I didn't hear a voice say it. It was like the words were in my brain but I didn't put them there. I could tell they came from him. I nodded, I was a bit scared but I had this gut feeling that he wasn't dangerous. It kept me from full on panicking. In my head I thought of what I was going to say and was alarmed when he answered me in the same manner as before.
"Yes, I can." I said, "What are you doing down here?"
He just repeated, "You can see me?"
"Yes! I can see you. Is everything alright?"
There was a pause.
"Yes. Don't be afraid."
I stood up, and walked over my sleeping friends towards him. As I did I replied.
"I'm not, who are you?"
His answer still puzzles me years later.
"I am you, in a way. I control you. We are each other."
Immediately, this strange warmth rose in my stomach. I was overcome with this feeling of joy and friendship.
"So you control me? Like a video game?" I even mimed the action of holding a controller for him. He made a nervous laugh.
"Not exactly. In a way. Yes. Its hard to explain. I'd rather not. But yes. It's nice to see you. Controlling you. People, are how we experience. We live in you. We don't move around on our own."
Another pause came as I tried to figure out what to say next.
"I have to leave. It was nice seeing you. You won't see me again."
And with that he was gone. No flash of light, no fading out, he was there one second and gone the next.
From there I woke up in my bed. Nothing strange had happened. No missing time, no marks or changes in my life. I just moved on and now I occasionally think about it. I've still yet to see him again.

Hi, I didn't get a lot of interaction on my last post, but I guess someone was concerned about me enough to contact Reddit Support, so I decided to post an update.
It's going on 4 years of NC with my[25F] mom[47F], with the exception of family events where I am forced to see her. My mental health really improved after I stopped interacting with her, though I do get fairly stressed when I have to see her at family events.
This is mainly concerning an incident this past weekend. I was at a friend's party when my sister '22F' called me, telling me that my mother was concerned about my other sister '20F' not being home and having heard gunshots outside. For context, the sister that called me lives in California, and I live in Chicago, and so do my mom and youngest sister. I immediately panicked, calling my youngest sister repeatedly, thinking the worst, having a panic attack in front of several friends and my boyfriend, who expressed severe concern for me.
I eventually made contact, and she informed me that she was at a late running dance practice. My mind immediately knew this was true, since my sister was consistently either at work, home, dance practice, or school. As soon as the relief wore off, I got angry at both my mother and my sister that had called me.
Despite knowing that my mother had a history of blowing things out of proportion, I still allowed myself to get drawn into her needless panic, even after my boyfriend told me that there were no reports of gunshots in the area where my sister and mom lived.
When I woke up the next morning, my sister had messaged me to tell me that I shouldn't be contacting her friends to find her if I couldn't get in contact with her. This was the straw that broke the camels back, and I unblocked my mother to berate her for kicking up a fuss just because my ADULT sister didn't see it as necessary to keep her updated on her location.
I'm currently taking a step back from my sisters, but I really don't know how to move forward, since it seems like my sisters will just keep drawing me back into any drama my mom causes.
TLDR: My '25F' Mom '47F' overreacted to my sister '20F' not updating her on her location, causing my sister '22F' in California to call me, causing me to have a panic attack

Ive been texting this one girl for months. We always had long conversations and it sounded like we had a nice healthy relationship even though we didnt meet in real life until.(Im in high school btw). So shes an extrovert and was very talkative and every reponse she gave sounded genuine and I was so happy I had someone like her to talk to. I felt like we were genuine friends. That is until. We met for the first time on a trip and I was the one to approach her. She seemed to see me but have no interest in talking to me, even when I was sitting on a bench alone she we would go about her way with her own trio.(I can understand wanting to be with your own friends over me. I totally get it) but come on not even a simple "hi" even though you know who I am and that weve talked for a long while. Everytime she saw me even when I made direct eye contact she wouldnt care. In fact on messages Im always the one starting the convo. The times she did start first was when she needs something from me. Like a temu or shein code.Hell one time when I asked her about possibly getting tickets to a show. She told me to take her with me if I get some and ditch my own relative for her. That really struck a blow to my heart. Then it all ended when she no longer viewed my stories and even ghosted me even though she was active on insta. Heartbroken I decided to consulte my friends and they told me Im better off letting it go. And so I did. I didnt talk to her for a month and even straight up ignored and avoided her in the hallways cuz why am I bothering with someone who dosent care about me and possibly is just trying to use me. So I felt liberated and I was doing well until. I saw her again. I miss her. I miss talking to her so bad it hurts. I want to go back to how things were but at the same time Im just digging my own grave here. Should I reach out to her and tell her we havent talked in a while and hows things been and all? I dont even think she recognizes Im gone. (Shes at the very bottom of my dms list too btw)

I have a family member. This person has a stable well paying career and is in her 30s. She lives in a nice place with two other family members. She often wakes up, goes into the kitchen and complaints about random things to whoever will listen or even to herself for a couple hours. The other people will be in thier rooms and only hear complaining. It's the same complaints over and over again usually about the past and every small past event sounds victimizing. It's also almost always complaints about family members. As she complaints, she builds up anger and exhaustion. Eventually someone will tell her to shut up and then she has a freakout that there is yelling and that shes embarrassed of what neighbors may think. Then she uses that to blame that family member then and into the future, blaming all her frustrations and unhappiness on that person.
When she is around strangers, co-workers, friends, she is very pleasant and she appears to be a happy person. She may even appear as a model character as if she never has any problems in life.
Its been like this for a long while and when she is asked to find a home of her own, she stalls and delays and acts as if noting if up to her standards but she doesn't even try looking. She spends most of her free time looking at social media and complaining. Shes also quite controlling of all family members but at the same time is very secretive and demands nobody even dare to ask how she feels or where she is. Money is not a problem but she avoids moving out. So the family members are stuck in a toxic situation and when there is talk of change, she can get hostile.
Can someone tell me what this condition is and provide me with any info how to deal with this? I always assumed that is this person can live on her own, she will be away from family and then can't blame them anymore and maybe realize they aren't her enemies and eventually that self awareness will lead her to take accountability and put effort into her personal life instead of having high expectations without effort. thanks

my orchid mantis has reached the end of her natural lifespan. she's been alive around 10 months now, and in the past few days has gone from wandering around as usual to becoming very still. at first i noticed her front feet seemed to be paralysed, so helped her into a comfortable position and assumed she would pass on her own in a day or so. she fell and grazed one of her legs in this process. it's probably been about a week and she hasn't moved, it also seems shes losing more function in the rest of her limbs. she ate very well the day before her front legs stopped working, but now is getting thin again and won't eat even if i feed her mealworms guts. i don't want her to die painfully of starvation and i feel stupid for even thinking she would die quickly and painlessly on her own.
i want to preserve her after she dies if possible. im assuming the best course of action now is euthanasia. i know freezing is potentially inhumane, but i don't see any other options right now and i don't even know how you're supposed to do it. im really stressed as im also in the middle of doing my GCSEs so i kind of just want someone else to do the thinking for me at this point. i don't know anyone else who keeps insects. i just feel so guilty and lost and i need someone to help me. thank you to anyone who has any advice

I found a 4 leaf clover last Sunday. Everyone believes it is cursed and want me to get rid of it. I am not sure if it's actually cursed though, or if it actually gives goodluck. The reason Everyone thinks it's cursed is because I found it last Sunday, and the next day (monday) is when the tragedies started. Most of the tragedies have a goodluck, badluck to them. Neutralized luck is what I call it. Neutralized luck is where a bad thing happens to you, but you got lucky it wasn't worse. You can clearly see how it would be worse, but Goodluck stopped it. Most but not all of the tragedies are like this. The first tragedy is my house caught on fire last Monday. The breakerbox exploded and shot out flames. We ended up and having to stay in hotels this last week. The Goodluck is the door to the breaker box flash welded to the gas pipe. Got lucky Everyone isn't dead. Got lucky only the breaker box was damaged. Insurance is probably covering it. From there things just kept happening. My brother in law had heart problems and was in the ER for 3 days. He got lucky to not have a heart attack. Just irregular beat for those days. Next my mom and I worked is worked at the same place. She ended up and getting fired on friday. I'm exhausted because we worked the night shift and they wanted me to work despite the fire because everything's closed during my hours anyway. We will have to see how my work relations go after that. Next my roommates girlfriend might have a tumor in her uterus. His mom has a lump on her breast. And his dad is on his death bed. We will call him roommate number 1. Roommate number 2 his childhood dog died on thursday. We have two dogs and my friend was watching one for us and we had the other. We would let the dog into the backyard of the house during the day. I left her there and went to church. Someone broke into the garage and house and left the doors open. They stole a gun from the house and either took the dog, or she ran away. We don't know. My friend that is watching our other dog just called me crying. The other dog broke his outside leash and ran into the highway and got hit by a car. He was dead immediately.
The bad things keep piling up. But there are good events to counteract some of the bad. Not all have solved yet. The dogs are a hard one. The gun worries me that it will be used in a crime and I will get blamed. I did report it to the police. Everyone believes that the 4 leaf clover is cursed because that's when this started. It's from a type of clover that does not grow 4 leaves. The normal 4 leaf clover from Ireland is a different type. So this one is a mutation. I look at it as rarer and luckier because of the mutation. I look at it like I found a shiny Pokémon. Everyone else says it's bad because it's mutated and the bad genetics create bad luck. I am torn because I don't want to just get rid of it. As a kid I spent hours looking for 4 leaf clovers before I was told these ones won't grow them. So it was a childhood disappointment fulfilled.
So what I was thinking of doing. Is maybe I will post it on ebay as the cursed 4 leaf clover. I will include this story printed out. I will gather as much proof of the tragedies as I can. I know my house was in the paper. Maybe I will get a clipping of it. I have it taped in a vinyl tape but I also took a picture of it when I first picked it. It got scrunched in the tape alittle. But I will add the fresh picked picture. Then I will post it for $500 starting. It would be that big of a number for a cupple reasons. First, is that I don't want to give it up. (Childhood disappointment fulfilled) and if it's actually giving goodluck to counter the bad. second, would be to protect the curious but poor people. Someone who could shell out $500 for a clover is probably rich enough to afford some tragedies. And third, it would help allot in this hard time.
I will post it under the conditions that this post, or other reposts of this story I do, blow up or go viral. If this is viral then it might be worth it because people would be interested in the clover. Could actually sell. Then I know it's worth putting everything together. If this happens, I will leave an update on here with the link to the posting and where to find it.
What do you guys think? Do you think it's cursed? Or do you think it's actually lucky and helped in the bad times?
UPDATE: Two more bad lucks happened today. 5-14-24 Well actually one of the bad lucks happened a few months ago but it completed today. So a few months ago I started having these dreams about these spirits coming in and taking one my pet rabbits. I had these dreams every day for a week. The spirits had already picked a bunny they were taking. After that week, when I came home. All of the rabbit cages were thrown around, and the rabbits were out everywhere. The bunny was not missing. I fixed the cages and put everything back together. The next day I came home to the same thing. Rabbit cages everywhere. But all of the rabbits were accounted for even the one that was chosen. This would happen every day for a week straight. And I did everything I could to prevent the cages from being thrown around. I reinforced them, and made for sure that they weren't falling. But every day I had come home to find them trashed. But was able to get all the bunnies back in the cages. The very last day none of the cages were trashed. Everything was still in its place. Except for the cage of the bunny that was chosen, the door was opened and the bunny was gone. I tore the house apart for 4 days straight, looking for that bunny, but there was no sign. A few months have went by since then. And I've never had a problem with the cages since. I imagined the Bunny running around in the fae lands or something. But I always wonder if I would just randomly find him dead on a day that the bad luck wanted to make me suffer. I found him today. There was a tank of water in my basement, that catches the sewer water that overflows into the basement. It's hard to reach and usually behind the washer but since we have the electrician fixing the breaker box that exploded I took that tank outside and dumped it out. The Bunny came out. Is it almost looked still alive. Just wet. I picked him up and he fell apart. All that was left was hair and bones. This bad luck was one that happend before the clover. But I was right on him appearing at a bad time. A half an hour later, one of my bunnies randomly laid down and died. So I feel like the bad luck took 2 bunnies today. Even though one was actually mouths ago. With both bunnies form both times going at the same time. That tells me all of this was planned. It's been planning all of this for awhile.

No, you probably don’t have as much body hair as me and no, you cannot pretend to relate to me if you do not have as much body hair as me. It genuinely upsets me when women with a normal amount and placements of body hair say they feel the same when I feel just as alien from them as from the rest (don’t argue with me on this this is not a debate). To put it in perspective, I am covered in dark hairs EVERYWHERE, from forehead to toes, not a nook or cranny goes untouched by the hairy godmother on this body. And to put salt on the wound, hair removal always causes me skin issues no matter my routine (also please don’t recommend laser this only makes me upset)
Every experience, struggle, emotion, desire and whatnot people talk about is in some way removed from me due to my body hair. My excessive facial and body hair has become the centre of my life, without even knowing it I’m basing my schedules and happiness around shaving. I cannot buy 90% available clothing online if for one day I don’t want to shave.
I don’t have the energy to shave everything so I stay miserable and even when I do, the fairytale ends a day later when it grows back and bumps start to form (despite my best efforts to prevent them).
I keep myself from even enjoying a fantasy of love (making) because I am so unhappy with the state of myself and cannot imagine trying to convince a man to see beyond my hairy vessel. I convince myself I don’t like swimming to keep myself from the anguish that comes with swimming; becoming even more aware of your body, while looking at others with envy, wondering how I would’ve lived my life not feeling restricted by a hairy prison.
Even when I find someone who relates, they have other things going on for them. Alongside being fugly under my clothes, I am a nobody under my skin. I am slowly losing myself in this curse that is BDD as it consumes my whole life, even taking over what I have loved so unconditionally in the past.
It hurts going through every day with only this on my mind, while the people around me would genuinely not fathom even a fraction of what living life like this is like. They complain to me about their bodies and even their body hair with zero regard of how I feel when I know that if they were me they would do anything to be anyone else. Even when I talk about it with friends, nobody can understand, and its not their fault at all, but it makes me feel alone and weird.
I know men would rather have an easier to deal with girlfriend, one that can go swimming whenever, one that is ready for him in bed whenever, someone he can touch whenever, someone who has soft skin at all times. How could I ever let anyone in or pursue someone when this is my reality? No online dating advice or coach feels relatable to me, they never have to deal with this and would never know how to give me advice other than to ‘find someone who will accept me’ basically confirming I am a living defect.
Summer makes everything worse for me. I am in constant pain and all I want is the summer to be over, I tried to like it, I tried to make it work for me. I can’t.. and if one day I wont feel like this again, it cannot feel farther away.
This dictates my whole life, it motivates my every move, it defines my very being. Nobody seems to grasp this. I am so alienated from everyone.
I am driven by hatred of that what grows on me with no mercy.

I am trying to break into the Product management role at the USA. I have previous experiences working as software engineer at different capacities for local companies (None of them US based) in the past. I have led teams in startups. I recently graduated MBA with a great GPA from decent enough US state university.
Resume
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Also, any leads or referrals would be very very highly appreciated. I feel like I am very passionate about product management. But if someone feels otherwise and thinks that my profile does not fit the role at all, please feel free to share your thoughts, I would rather be a little sad now than spend another month waiting for it.

Union Organizing Update
Over the past few weeks, several of us from this subreddit have joined together to form an organizing committee for unionization. We have organizers from across the United States, including organizers from Washington, Virginia, New Jersey, Florida and more. They are among some of the most frequent posters and helpers that you’re familiar with already, like ( u/mamabroccoli and u/Inevitable_Laugh4569 ). We have already been in contact with a couple unions for guidance, including a union with an office within a couple miles of the TDC main office in New York City. While our numbers are sufficient and I think we’re making great progress thus far, if you are still interested in having an active role, we’d love to have you. The more people helping, the better! If you would prefer a more passive role by simply giving your support, that’s always appreciated too!
We have been discussing our plans for near future of our potential tutor union. Most of the work from here will be contacting people and spreading the word about unionizing the tutor base. We will be providing more information over the next couple/few weeks. Later in the week, there will be a post about the benefits of unionization. Next week, we will post about the demands we’re going to state at the beginning of any negotiations. We have ideas for further informational posts. This is truly a group effort. I think you will like what we’re offering and will be glad to vote to unionize in the future.
The following letter is an open letter to tutor.com / The Princeton Review. You may notice that it is written a bit differently than the writings I usually produce. The reason for the tonal shift is because of writing help. I wrote the initial draft, which was edited by our committee to have a nicer flow, be less antagonistic, and add further pro-union arguments. We are committed to work together, and this is just the start of what we can do when we work together!
Also, if you haven’t yet signed the video petition, please do so. https://www.change.org/p/oppose-tutor-com-mandating-video-sessions-for-tutors?recruiter=300829309&recruited_by_id=b62a6030-fe40-11e4-95d0-ef524b399632&utm_source=share_petition&utm_campaign=petition_dashboard_share_modal&utm_medium=copylink
Open letter to tutor.com / The Princeton Review regarding attempts to unionize
Since we're starting the process of putting together a union proposal, we're publicly requesting tutor.com and/or The Princeton Review to voluntarily recognize that we're attempting to organize, and provide the resources necessary to hold a vote. From discussions amongst the committee, we know the main office is aware of this subreddit, and we'd imagine that someone is paying particular attention to our recent discussions about unionizing.
We understand if there's resistance from TDC to seeing their workers unionize, as that's a normal reaction in the business world. However, we urge you to instead be proactive and helpful as we attempt to organize.
We believe a tutor union can work in tutor.com's favor, to a great extent, for a variety of reasons:
* It would be a very good look publicly if you were to openly support the effort to unionize. We're in the education industry, a famously unionized industry, filled with people who will be more sympathetic to companies with unionized workforces. Being the one tutoring company that can truthfully say "We supported our tutors' right to unionize from day 1" could be a major selling point when seeking contracts in this industry.
* From what we've seen from your social media posts, tutor.com does seem to project a degree of progressivism. As an example, you've made posts taking pride in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at tutor.com, and you always try to highlight tutors who receive awards and recognition. You could significantly further this image by taking a union-friendly stance here. You've had executives post about how the tutors are loved - here's your chance to prove it.
* A tutor union would work to infinitely better the company itself. Tutors would feel better compensated and better heard, and as a result feel better and more enthusiastic about the company and their work overall. The better conditions would set tutor.com up as the de facto best online tutoring company to work for, and attract more and better talent to the company. It would be reasonable to set stricter quality standards and, in time, tutor.com would gain a reputation for being *the* premium tutoring service - the tutoring service that has tutors who rise above and beyond those at other services. Retention rates would skyrocket, institutional knowledge would accumulate - we'd become a company of true professionals.
* Were tutor.com to support the unionization process, it would start the relationship between the union and company off with mutual respect, a willingness to cooperate and compromise, and general friendliness and good will. This would ultimately serve us all better than a relationship borne out of malice, a refusal to acknowledge our existence, or open antagonism.
* tutor.com has faced some recent backlash from some right-wing government people regarding where we've ended up through corporate acquisitions, to the point where some are beginning to attack the military contract. One contract has already been lost for this reason. Being seen as a pro-worker company that broke industry norms and went out of their way to support their worker's right to organize, even if the effort ultimately fails, could easily work to gain the company some new allies on the left, shielding it from pointless attacks about its ownership.
We want to be clear that we're not asking for you to come out and endorse a "Yes" vote on unionization - though of course we'd be delighted if you did. What we're asking is for you to provide the resources necessary to hold an informed vote. Let us send out an email to all current US-based tutors with information regarding our efforts, and help us hold a vote to unionize at some point in the future. Offer your support or your neutrality, but please don't openly oppose or ignore our efforts. You've mentioned that "9 out of 10 tutors rate themselves Satisfied or Very Satisfied with Tutor.com" before - let's put that to the test. It may be that we hold a vote, and fail - and then, so long as you maintained neutrality and enabled us to make our case to the other tutors, we'll at least have our mutual good will, and you'll still be the pro-worker company that enabled, rather than hindered, an unsuccessful attempt to organize.
So, tutor.com / The Princeton Review, the ball is in your court now. Our attempt to organize will continue with or without your help, but we believe the best path forward is clearly the one where we work together on this. Doing nothing at all here is the easy choice, but it's also the cowardly choice. Support us, and we'll work together to better this company for its tutors and its students.
-The TDC/TPR Union Organizational Committee

I’m 22 and so tired of being single and having basically no experience. The most action i’ve gotten is a situationship and some kisses. I haven’t even made out with anyone. I cannot for the life of me recognize when a girl is flirting with me and i wonder sometimes how many shots i might’ve missed bc of this. At the same time no girl (except my situationship and a failed tinder date) has shown me any clear interest which makes it even harder for me to believe someone ever will like me. I keep obsessing over potential relationships which just keep me from enjoying the moment as it is.
I’ve tried dating apps but it never leads anywhere. I don’t understand how you can talk about sex with direct words nor how to flirt. I don’t understand how you know someone’s okay w kissing, making out etc, and it feels very apparent at parties when I see people making out as if out of the blue. I have social anxiety, suspect i’m demi and sometimes wonder if i’m autistic too. all of this doesn’t really help my case, yet i see people w the same “difficulties” getting into relationships either way. It feels like a big mystery or like a second language i can’t speak. I feel like i’m missing such a big part of life and i’m scared i’ll never experience it (that’s the anxiety speaking, i know). I keep trying to think that i’m young and blah blah blah but it’s doesn’t work when all the friends i have keep talking about hookups and dates and i have to sit there pretending i can relate. I’m so tired of it.

Trigger warning: the stories of gun violence in this post are quite harrowing.
The premise of my argument is pretty simple:

• The ONLY productive thing that a loaded gun can do that an unloaded gun cannot do is shoot a bullet into a person or animal who is behaving badly.
• Any other productive thing that someone can do with a loaded gun (such as threaten to use it) can be accomplished with an unloaded gun.
• Loaded guns have several grave downsides that unloaded guns do not have.
• The chances of being in a situation where actually shooting a bullet is necessary are quite low, compared to a circumstance where merely brandishing the gun is sufficient.
• It is rational for people to minimize the downsides of carrying a loaded gun in exchange for eliminating their protection in the remote circumstance where their brandished gun was insufficient and where shooting a bullet is necessary.

So my argument is pretty simple: loaded guns have both pros and cons compared to unloaded guns, so it’s rational that some people might weigh those pros and cons differently from others and conclude that carrying an unloaded gun is better. But from what I can tell, no one does this. No one carries unloaded guns for protection, even though it might help them better than a loaded gun.
But I know what you’re thinking! What are these circumstances where carrying an unloaded gun would be better?
Take the story of Veronica Rutledge for example. She thought that she needed a loaded gun for protection, so she carried one in her purse when she went to Walmart. She never had the chance to fire a bullet with it.
The same can’t be said for her 2-year-old son. If Veronica had carried an unloaded gun, her son would have fired a blank, and she would have been escorted out of Walmart by security, rather than taken out on a stretcher by paramedics. It would be a funny story that she could share with her 12-year-old son today. But she carried a loaded gun for protection instead.
Veronica Rutledge wasn’t the victim of a crime, so she wasn’t put in the typical position where shooting a bullet is necessary. Demarcus Barnett was though. He was robbed by two men on 7th Street in Washington, D.C. He did what most good guys with a loaded gun would do in that situation—he shot at the bad guys. His only problem was that he didn’t hit them. He hit 62-year-old Air Force vet Lasanta McGill instead. Demarcus now has the next 8 years in the state pen to think about how an unloaded gun would have better suited him in the heat of the moment after being robbed.
Now maybe all that shows is that guns don’t mix well with crowded streets or grabby two-year-olds. You may think they’re still necessary for protection from violent assaults.
But they don’t even really mix well with violent assaults. Take the story of an unfortunate man in Memphis from earlier this year. He was punched by one Dylan Clark. He pulled out his gun to stand his ground. And then Dylan Clark shot him with it! His choice to carry a loaded gun turned a one-week recovery from his punch into an expensive trip to the hospital with a bullet wound.
So given these examples, it stands to reason that if someone doesn’t want to be killed by their children, accidentally shoot the wrong person, or have their own gun taken and used against them, they should seriously consider carrying an unloaded gun. If any of these people had carried an unloaded gun instead, they would be alive and free and well today. The ONLY situation where a loaded gun would suit them better is one where brandishing the gun doesn’t work and firing a bullet is necessary, a situation that very very few people are ever put in.
I totally admit that the advice to carry a unloaded gun is eccentric. It would be quite possibly the weirdest thing someone could do with a gun. I don’t even know that I would be able to put this advice into practice myself. But I’m not convinced that it’s irrational, that it’s only a conclusion someone can reach without all their mental faculties.
So what am I missing? What makes carrying an unloaded gun for protection truly batshit crazy? CMV.

I 29F have been seeing this 29M for about 4 years. I’d definitely call it an extreme situationship. We both just graduated from the same school and are doing our next set of education in different cities 4 hours apart.
Our “relationship” started in 2020 when we started school. After hanging out with him for several months, and getting frustrated that he wasn’t asking me to be exclusive, I did a thorough social media sweep and I discovered he had a girlfriend who lived about 6 hours away. When I questioned him, he stated that it is an open relationship. It was very painful to find out he had a girlfriend all along as I had developed feelings for him and wished he had disclosed this information earlier. I should’ve walked away at that point to stop the pain, but I was in too deep and continued to hang out with him at least once a week. I loved how I felt around him, and he put in so much effort to see me and do nice things for me that I felt guilty and bad for his girlfriend, who he rarely saw.
About 3 years after we first met (so early last summer) he and his girlfriend broke up. I felt like he withdrew for a few months to process the breakup and then in this past fall, he really started to show more interest in me, more than he ever had. We took trips to together, we started saying “I love you” this winter, we’ve gone through hard things together. We’re best friends.
And now that we have graduated, we are going to different places and have to decide what we want to do. He says I’m ‘wife material’ and wants to make things work. He is committed to his new location for 2 years, but tells me he plans to work really hard so he has a chance at getting a position in my city next. We are planning to visit every 4-6 weeks on the weekends, just depending on schedules.
The problem is, I can’t decide how serious this man is about me. He puts in a lot of effort to spend time with me and make me happy, and has done so fairly consistently for 4 years, but especially this past year. However, he has dating apps and is active on them. He knows I know…I tell him I don’t like it because it makes me feel like he’s looking to replace me. His response is “well you’re on the apps too.” But I tell him I literally only have the apps to see if he’s on them (the honest truth, my profile isn’t even complete). We aren’t technically boyfriend/girlfriend, so I can see how it is within his right to be on the apps. But it hurts to hear him talk about a future with me and tell me he loves me, just to find him on the apps. He was on the apps when he was in an open relationship too. I’ve never known him to act on anything in the apps (he’s always down to see me when I ask, and when he’s with his friends he really is with his friends). I kind of think he just likes to look. But still…I want to feel like I’m enough for him. What would you do if you were me? How do you approach this conversation again before we move away? I don’t want to wait for someone who isn’t serious about me just to have him playing the field. I don’t want to be 35 and infertile and have no prospects while he’s happy with a partner that he ditched me for. I don’t know what to do. I deserve better than to be his “just in case”, but I love this man. Please be nice…I’m already processing a lot with moving away from family, starting a new phase of training, and relationship issues.
TL;DR: I’ve been seeing this guy for 4 years, call it an extreme situationship. We are moving to different cities, 4 hours apart and have plans to continue seeing each other. We love each other and are best friends. Problem is, he is active on the dating apps and knows that I know he is active and that it hurts my feelings, yet continues to do it. We aren’t exclusive so I understand it’s technically allowed. What would you do if you were me? How do you approach this conversation, especially since we’ve had the conversation before?

Disclaimer: I am not a financial advisor, this is not financial advice. I do not have any affiliation with any financial group or company. I am an individual retail investor that holds a significant number of shares in $ICU.
This was a decent filing. It wasn't great, but it wasn't bad either. My sentiment turns slightly more bullish based on the info I read and my interpretation. I will detail that below.
Cash position: Cash burn improved this quarter compared to the same quarter in 2023. We are burning $613,000 less cash. Overall, the balance sheet has significantly improved. We used a large part of the $9 million offering to clear some big debts and liabilities. Kudos to David A. Green, our CFO. Our loss per share has decreased from 54 cents lost per share to 19 cents lost per share. We didn't beat earnings estimate, but who cares about one missed earnings in the long run, especially when talking about that much improvement over a 1 year period.
We currently have $5 million in hand on cash, and it looks like we should anticipate cash burn over the next quarter of approximately $3.95 million. This isn't great, but this is also a pretty damn small number to overcome with revenue. Consider the stated cost of the Quellimmune device, $10k per unit. Some very simple math that ignores a lot of other variables means 395 units sold gets us to break even on cash flow. I'll be honest, this is almost enough to hope to think we might be able to beat a reverse split. If the timeline wasn't so damn tight, anyway. However, additional extensions are possible and improving our cash position like this certainly helps.

U.S. pediatric patient population estimated at 4,000 annually

Okay, you can't tell me that this doesn't get you a little bit excited, right? A market share of 4000 annually, we only need to sell ~395 units/quarter to break even on quarterly cash flow, and we are the ONLY company that has a product that treats this population.
Commercialization: I'm not thrilled with the stated progress here, but I think that may be due to my own impatience. To date, we don't know how many, if any, units have been sold. All the signs are pointing to zero units sold.

As we guided in late February, we expect initial sales in the coming weeks

As u/Master_inside4685 pointed out, this statement was technically made in March, so the timeline of what "in the coming weeks" means isn't clear. It could refer to weeks that we are now past, it could also mean a couple weeks from today. I'd like more clear communication on this.
Generally though, let us remember that FDA approval was given in February. That was only 3 months ago. Nuwellis has the sales team in place and an exclusive contract to commercialize the product. They will certainly take some profit off the top for themselves, but I am confident that they are prepared to move product quickly. It isn't clear why that hasn't happened yet, but I digress, I already dug into that above.
Adult product trials: Adult trials have not begun. Patients are still enrolling, see the quote below.

The NEUTRALIZE-AKI trial is expected to enroll up to 200 patients at up to 30 U.S. medical centers.

Keyword here is expected. This indicates what I stated above.

The Company expects to receive regulatory approval under a Premarket Approval (PMA) application for the SCD-ADULT in the second half of 2025 and to launch the product in the first half of 2026.

This is your big catalyst right here. Mark this down. I've said it a few times now, the long term bullishness comes from the adult device and the market share for that device. July 2025 to July 2026.
That's all I have for now. Don't forget to review the DEF14/A prior to voting. Deadline is June 4th. I recommend reaching out to your brokerage's customer service team if you have yet to receive your proxy vote information.

TLDR: My partner had a very sudden manic episode turned into a psychotic break over the past week, and I'm not handling him being in a psych ward for the time being very well. It's honestly killing me, I'm so worried for him - I'm looking for advice and support on how to cope with this event.
My boyfriend (21M) and I (20F) have been together for nearly 3 years. For 2 years, we were long distance. In August 2023 is when we closed the distance and began living with each other in real life. Last week, the week of May 5th, is when this situation begun.
We frequently took edibles (weed) as part of our routine. Last Tuesday, he did just that - and while he was high, he started to get curious about his parents' finances. He began to text both his mother and father, asking questions about what they've saved up for their retirement. His mom seemed to be dodging his questions a lot, but eventually she told him that she estimated that both she and his father would have around 10-13 million after retirement. Not only this, but she also both implied and outright confirmed that my boyfriend would be inheriting this large amount of money after they pass away. This quickly unlocked a hyperfixation for him, and we began to talk about it together. It's all we talked about for that week, because we thought, why is this something that his mother would lie about? There's absolutely no understandable reason that she would have to lie about this. I should mention that, after Tuesday, he did not take any more edibles or substances, though regardless I feel that weed may have partially played a role in why this happened.
Throughout the week, as he was delving into this hyperfixation, his behavior began to change. I didn't truly notice it at the time, and just thought he was very reasonably acting a bit odd and excited because, this was a life changing thing that was presumably happening for the both of us. I didn't think to question his mother's statement. Me being passive to his behavior and not suspicious of his mother's statement and behavior is something I feel I am to blame for, because it turned out to be a slowly building manic episode. On Friday, May 10th, is when we found out that the 10-13 million inheritance was a lie. He was distraught - absolutely broken. Something snapped in him after that day.
On Saturday, he woke me up at 6-7 am. I suspect that he may not have slept Friday night into Saturday morning. He reassured me that he would be okay, we would both be okay after this, that we would get over it and be able to focus on something else. But very quickly throughout Saturday his behavior shifted drastically, and it turned into a full blown manic episode. For the entire first half of the day, he paced around our apartment, glued to his phone, spamming everyone in his life about the thoughts he had been having. It's normal for him to be on his phone a lot, so I didn't question this. I regret it so much, I should have noticed the signs. It's difficult for me to convey what exactly his thoughts were or what his hyperfixation was, because most of it didn't truly make sense, but the short version of it is that since the inheritance wasn't real, he began to hyperfixate on starting a business from the ground up with both me and his friends. It spiraled from there.
In the evening is when his behavior began to become violent and increasingly more erratic. He began to direct his frustration and anger towards me, starting to hyperfixate on me and our relationship, blaming me for the entire situation. We've had a difficult relationship, but we've always managed to come back full circle either way. He became paranoid of me, believed that I could hurt him, and so much more. It broke my heart. It's more than I can convey into words. Saturday evening into Sunday morning I stayed up all night with him, trying to handle the situation as best as I could, but it only got worse. Eventually, his parents arrived at our apartment. He's always had apprehensions about introducing me to his parents for multiple reasons, especially including the fact that we met online. He believed that they wouldn't understand it, and he didn't have a close relationship with his parents to begin with at all. It sucks that I could only meet them as this situation was going down.
Sunday, May 12th, is when his parents took him to the emergency room. It is only just yesterday that he was admitted into a psychiatric hospital. I'm heartbroken. I'm keeping in contact with his mother, but I haven't gotten many updates from her besides the fact that he's in a hospital and that they're waiting to hear from the doctor. Based on what I've seen with his behavior and researched, it seems that his manic episode eventually turned into a psychotic break. I also suspect that he may have bipolar 1 disorder. I'm not a doctor, but it matches up with everything that I've seen, and I'm devastated. It was horrible. His mother has bipolar disorder, though im not sure what type - though my partner did mention that his mother would have occasional manic episodes.
It's been two days since he's been gone. All I've been doing is grieving. I've eaten very little, all I've been doing is crying, and everything in our apartment reminds me of him. It's incredibly painful to be here without him because we spent all of our time together. I'm also worried about him being in the hospital itself - I don't want him to be mistreated by others or misdiagnosed. Psych hospitals can be very hit or miss, and it terrifies me. It's possible that he could be there for several weeks at the very least given how severe his mental state was. I just don't know what to do, or what this means for us in the future. He hasn't even gotten a diagnosis yet, from what I know. I just feel like I'm being kept in the dark. I don't know anything about what's happening at all. I just want him to be okay. How can I get through this? I don't think I can get through this. What happens when he gets back? Is he gonna be okay? Have any of you experienced what it's like to be kept in a psych hospital? I don't know what to do with myself when he comes back, I don't know how to support myself in the mean time, and I don't know what this means for us or for our relationship. I'm so, so scared. I'm terrified. I love him so much, I just want him to be okay.
I don't have many people around me to support me, so posting here has been my last resort. I feel awful, I feel horrible, I feel like this is all my fault. I feel like if I saw the signs earlier, I could've prevented this, I could've grounded him, I could've brought him down from where he was headed. I don't know what exact mental illness he has yet, I can only assume based on what I've seen. But, has anyone ever been in a similar situation like this? What do I do with myself? I know he's getting the help that he needs, but I can't help but worry for him. I feel super isolated and alone and anxious in our apartment. It's empty here without him, incredibly empty.
If you've read this far, thank you so much for taking the time to read this. It means more to me than you know. So, once more, TLDR: My partner had a very sudden manic episode turned into a psychotic break over the past week, and I'm not handling him being in a psych ward for the time being very well. It's honestly killing me, I'm so worried for him - I'm looking for advice and support on how to cope with this event.

Can I just rant for a minute! This Is My First Post! LOL!
I have been trying to be a SMBC for 2 years and have had 3 Fertility Clinics turn me away and 1 OB office turn me away, because I want to be a SMBC. I want to scream! I found a clinic that will take a SMBC and offer MINI IVF, but they quoted me $30,000-$40,000 for ONE CYCLE! I feel SOOO upset. But of course the clinic that quoted me $10,000-$15,000 wont take SMBC. What is this!!! I want to scream forever.
I had bought 7 vials of donor sperm from CCB back when their prices were $1,200 a vial and used them ALL for home insemination. Sadly, that didn't work. I called them back to buy more vials only to find out their vials are now $2,200 and they are raising their prices soon. WHAT!!!! I cant afford $2,200 a vial. To make matters worst my donor is limited stock, only 6 vials left! So it is a now or never situation. I have cried over loosing my perfect donor!
I was recommend to use ICI (International Cryogentics Sperm Bank) by my OB and so I called and the women who answer the phone are SOOO RUDE! There are three of them and each one does not want to answer my questions. I ask what the family limit is and one lady said “25” and another says “20”! WHAT! I asked to speak with the lab supervisor as she is the “women in charge” and she was nice to release some back up vials to me, since the donor I wanted only had a few IUI vials left and they normally don't release them to the public. But what a pain!
Then my OB who I did 5 IUI with, totally lied to me about success rate, saying that IUI have a 30-35% success rate! I later found out by a real fertility specialist that IUI only has a 10-15% success rate. My OB was rude and talked down to me and made me feel like I was dumb. I drove an hour and a half each way to my appointments. My OB didn't offer ultrasounds on Thursday or the weekends and so your cycle had to line up with his office hours and if your cycle didn't his words were “to bad so sad, I have an OB office not an RE office”. One cycle he mismanaged my medication and I overestimated to the point I was almost in the ER from CLOMID!!!! I had a left over cyst the following month and my OB convinced me to still do that cycle, I was later told by someone else that I should have skipped that cycle. All my IUI failed because of this MAN!!! He never waited for my follicles to grow and he would have me trigger at 10-14mm. WHAT!!! I didn't know at the time that my follicles were immature. He said over and over again that frozen sperm was just like fresh and would live 72 hours. I knew this one was a lie because BOTH of my banks told me 12-24 hours. When I called him out he said “I have been an OB for 13 years and I know what I am doin.” I called the bank in tears after my last failed attempt because my lovely new bank made you call and report if your cycle didn't work. I begged the women to tell me how many pregnancy had been reported by my OB office. She said “4” “In the 10 years we have worked with him” What only 4!!! In 10 years!!! Why was I not told this when i was first asked months ago? The women even went on to say “we have never had a bad complaint from this OB and we have seen HUNDREDS of clinics use samples there.” WHAT!!!
My vent needs to continue but I have stuff I have to do!!!
Stacie

I got awakening for christmas almost 10 years ago and I instantly got hooked into the world and characters. Even to this day i can basically remember every character from the top of my head, but playing it again I can see some things that can be aproved on. So (outside graphics and full voice acting throught the game of course) what would you like to see if they remade awakening for the switch or the next nintendo system? What would you like them to change about the story, characters or gameplay?
Anything below here will contain spoilers to awakening, so be warned.
For me, 1) improve the villians. The villians in awakening are pretty bland especially coming from 3h. I think to improve the 4 main villians (Gangrel, Walhart, Validar and Grima) they should make them more memerable somehow. Starting with Gangrel they should make him more of a tragic villian. Have him start off seeming like a one note villian just wanting a war, but the deeper into his arc they start to show how hes gone crazy due to chroms father killing his family when he was child. Maybe, in one of the chapters (after Emeryn dies) have him monologue to chrom saying something like "what did you feel chrom when you saw your sisters dead body? Did it hurt? Did you feel anger, sadness, regret? Most it feel weird to lose someone you care about right infront of you. That pain, that regret, that anger you felt when she died is what I feel every day since i was a child. I was scared when your father burst into our city, I felt anger when he paraded my father and brothers across the city like pigs to the slaughter. I felt anger not when he had his men do what they wanted to my mother and sisters. I felt so helpless as they slit my families throats. You know, I only survived because my brother convinced a soldier I was just a slave. How could I be the only survivor of that monster? Ive asked that question every day. Everyday, my family calls to me to avenge them. Night and day they call to me, and now, finally, I killed one. Now, I just have 2 more then I shall have peace." I think doing this will help flesh out gangrel more.
For Walhart IDK exactly how to make him better except for making him more of an unmovable object kinda thing. Maybe have us play a one-off chapter as Basilo and in a that suicide march against Walhart rather then it being a cutscene. Also, make sure the player knows hes trying to unite the whole world under one banner so humanity can be united before grima is awakened.
For Validar I think they need to make him delusional and smarter. I think they should change awakenings prologue or whatever to show Validar, Robin, and Robins mothers past. Maybe have it so they show Robins mother fleeing Plegia with Robin as a baby to Ylisstol which will eventually lead to her death by Validar and the grimleal followers,which, in turn, will eventual lead to chroms father starting the war with Plegia. Validar justifies all the killing he does to the fact that he believes the lie that grima will bring peace to the world and bring the living to the dead. So he really wants to resurrect Grima to bring his dead wife back to life. Also, I think he should be the main reason most of awakenings plot happens in the remake without being totally stupid like he is in the original.
With grima, have him be more of a threat throughout the story.
2) Have each arc be more connected. Gangrels, Walharts and Grimmas arks are all kinda just thrown together so connecting each of them would be cool. Maybe have it where Gangrel starts the war with ylisse but seeing that hes losing, Aversa suggets aid from the mighty king on Valm, Walhart, who'll help in their aid if he gives walhart the fire emblem, Gangrel agrees but obviously hes killed before walhart can arrive. For walhart to grimas arc, I think Excellus (the purple haired tactician of walhart) should be a spy for the grimleal and would steal the fire emblem from chrom and book it out of there. Now having the fire emblem, all the gems validar can start the awakening ceramony.
3) have there be open 3d spaces to run around in, like a camp like in FE engage, where you can go there to spend more time with characters and stuff but not be needed like in 3h. Maybe have optinal dungeons that can unlock world building, powerful loot and characters.
4) Just have more lore in general and have some side characters be more important to the story outside their intro chapters.
5) have there be choices that affect the ending. If robin makes too many evil choices and doesnt have a lvl B or higher support rank with chrom and a few other characters, have him kill chrom and turn into grima. If he turns, let us play as grima and kill the remaining shepards, but if he doesnt turn, have the story continue as normal. I think this will help strengthen the story about bonds.
6) Explain grima more. I dont fully understand how grima works. Why does grima need a human body? How is robin grimma? Is grima the human or the dragon? I kinda have it as head canon the grima is like a titan in attack on titan where the human body is grimas actual body but the dragon is just kinda like a mech that is controled by his human form.
Thanks for reading this far! Im interested in hearing what you guys think they should do.

Can someone please help me with this situation, I’m desperate! So I am a marketing specialist at a med spa. I get paid $23 an hour with no benefits and no PTO, I clock in and out. I come from corporate making 55k salary with all benefits and unlimited PTO. That job was extremely boring and I wanted to get into an industry I am passionate about so I took this opportunity. I also have my bachelors in marketing.
So there are 2 owners, one is a doctor. There is one front desk, on patient care coordinator, and 2 nurses. I have been there since January and I have revamped their entire website, worked on SEO and google ads, I have taken months worth of content and scheduled it out for months to post across multiple social platforms. I have planned and launched multiple promotions that have make 20k+, I have implemented a customized sales CRM to create automated follow up scheduling and I complete those follow ups and have trained staff in it. We have seen growth in revenue, bookings, and engagement. I am currently working on creating monthly memberships to build loyalty and have more consistent income.
I had a meeting with my boss today and she expressed concern about the instagram staying steady in terms of followers for the past 2 weeks. She asked if I have done research as to why that is and been up to date with trends in marketing. She asked me what are Instagram “threads” and why am I not utilizing them. She said that this whole time I have been putting out “fires” and installing things that they didn’t have before but were necessary. She expressed that I should be spending less time on the day-to-day and be working on business to business partnerships, working with influencers, planning extravagant events and have those planned for the following year as well, and pop ups on weekends to take them to the next level to open up other locations. She said that these are things I should be bringing to them on my own and not be told to do.
In my opinion, I feel like I am not being paid enough to be sales manager, web designer, social media manager, google ads specialist, influencer marketing manager, partnership marketing manager, event planner, and more. Is it realistic to expect one person to make all of these changes while doing everything else? I am genuinely asking. They scheduled a meeting with me to go over everything I have done and talk about my plan moving forward to take initiative and help them grow.
I don’t really want to bring up salary because I don’t want it to seem like that’s the reason I haven’t done all of these things, but I feel like it is a gradual process and a lot to expect out of one person with a lot of other responsibility that is often overlooked. I do genuinely like the job and I don’t want it to come off like I can’t do all those things, but it will take a lot of coordination from them and a lot of research. Sometimes I don’t even know where to start with huge events and business to business partnerships.
Can someone please let me know if you have any advice? I really appreciate it! I’m just stuck because I don’t have many marketing mentors in my life. I feel like typically in marketing you are a “specialist” in one or two paths of marketing, not doing everything for a business on your own.

Introduction to energy consumption in vending machines

Vending machines have become an integral part of our daily lives, providing convenient access to a wide range of products. However, the energy consumption of these machines is a growing concern. In this article, we will explore the various factors that contribute to the energy consumption of vending machines and discuss strategies to optimize their energy usage. By understanding the impact of energy consumption in vending machines, we can work towards creating a more sustainable and efficient future.

Importance of optimizing energy consumption

Optimizing energy consumption in vending machines is of utmost importance in today's world. With the increasing focus on sustainability and energy efficiency, it is crucial to minimize the energy usage of vending machines. By doing so, we can reduce the environmental impact and contribute to a greener future. Additionally, optimizing energy consumption can lead to significant cost savings for businesses. Lower energy consumption means lower electricity bills, allowing companies to allocate their resources more efficiently. Moreover, by optimizing energy consumption, vending machines can operate more effectively, ensuring a seamless experience for customers. Overall, the importance of optimizing energy consumption in vending machines cannot be overstated, as it brings both environmental and economic benefits.

Benefits of reducing energy usage in vending machines

Reducing energy usage in vending machines offers several benefits. Firstly, it helps in maximizing return on construction services. By optimizing energy consumption, vending machines can operate more efficiently, resulting in reduced energy costs and increased profitability. Additionally, reducing energy usage contributes to environmental sustainability, as it reduces the carbon footprint associated with vending machine operations. This not only aligns with corporate social responsibility goals but also enhances the brand image by showcasing a commitment to energy conservation. Moreover, by minimizing energy consumption, vending machine owners can extend the lifespan of their machines, reducing maintenance and replacement costs. Overall, the benefits of reducing energy usage in vending machines are multifaceted, encompassing financial savings, environmental impact, and operational efficiency.

Understanding Energy Consumption in Vending Machines

Factors contributing to energy consumption

Factors contributing to energy consumption in vending machines include the type of refrigeration system used, the age and condition of the machine, and the location where it is placed. Additionally, the design and functionality of the machine's user interface can also impact energy usage. One important factor to consider is the implementation of a mobile-friendly website design. This allows customers to conveniently access information about the vending machine, such as product availability and nutritional information, through their mobile devices. By incorporating mobile-friendly website design, vending machine operators can enhance the user experience and reduce the need for physical interaction with the machine, ultimately optimizing energy consumption.

Types of energy used in vending machines

Vending machines are powered by various types of energy sources to operate efficiently. The most commonly used energy sources in vending machines include electricity, batteries, and solar power. Electricity is the primary energy source for most vending machines, as it provides a reliable and constant power supply. Batteries are often used as a backup power source in case of power outages or to ensure continuous operation in remote locations. In recent years, there has been a growing trend towards using solar power in vending machines, as it is a renewable and environmentally friendly energy source. Solar-powered vending machines not only reduce energy consumption but also contribute to reducing carbon emissions. The choice of energy source in vending machines plays a crucial role in optimizing energy consumption and minimizing the environmental impact.

Measuring energy consumption in vending machines

Measuring energy consumption in vending machines is a crucial step towards optimizing their efficiency and reducing their environmental impact. By accurately measuring the energy consumed by these machines, companies can identify areas for improvement and implement strategies to minimize energy waste. One key aspect to consider when measuring energy consumption is the impact of custom advertisements. These advertisements, when displayed on vending machines, can significantly affect energy usage. By analyzing the energy consumption patterns during the display of custom advertisements, companies can make informed decisions on how to optimize energy usage without compromising the effectiveness of these promotional materials.

Strategies for Optimizing Energy Consumption

Implementing energy-efficient lighting systems

Implementing energy-efficient lighting systems is crucial in optimizing the energy consumption of vending machines. By using advanced lighting technologies such as LED lights, vending machine operators can significantly reduce energy usage without compromising on the quality of illumination. LED lights are known for their long lifespan, low energy consumption, and high efficiency, making them an ideal choice for energy-conscious businesses. Furthermore, implementing motion sensors and timers can further enhance energy efficiency by automatically adjusting the lighting levels based on the presence of customers. Overall, integrating energy-efficient lighting systems into vending machines not only helps in reducing energy costs but also contributes to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly operation.

Utilizing motion sensors to control power usage

Motion sensors can play a crucial role in optimizing the energy consumption of vending machines. By utilizing motion sensors to control power usage, vending machines can automatically detect when there is no activity and enter a low-power mode. This not only reduces energy waste but also extends the lifespan of the machine. Additionally, motion sensors can be used to trigger the machine to power up when someone approaches, ensuring that energy is only consumed when necessary. By incorporating motion sensors into vending machines, businesses can significantly reduce their energy costs and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Optimizing temperature settings for refrigeration

Optimizing temperature settings for refrigeration is a crucial step in reducing energy consumption of vending machines. By carefully adjusting the temperature settings, operators can ensure that the refrigeration units are running efficiently without unnecessary energy waste. It is recommended to set the temperature at the minimum level required to maintain the freshness and quality of the products. Regular monitoring and maintenance of the refrigeration systems can also help identify any potential issues that may be causing excessive energy usage. Implementing these optimization strategies can not only save energy but also contribute to the overall sustainability goals of the vending machine industry.

Monitoring and Analyzing Energy Usage

Using smart meters to track energy consumption

Using smart meters to track energy consumption is an effective way to optimize the energy usage of vending machines. By installing smart meters, vending machine operators can monitor and analyze the energy consumption patterns in real-time. This data can then be used to identify areas of high energy usage and develop strategies to reduce energy waste. One of the key benefits of using smart meters is the ability to tailor service payments based on actual energy consumption. This allows vending machine operators to accurately bill customers for the energy used, promoting fairness and encouraging energy-efficient practices. By implementing smart metering technology, vending machine operators can take proactive steps towards optimizing energy consumption and reducing their environmental impact.

Analyzing data to identify energy-saving opportunities

Analyzing data to identify energy-saving opportunities is a crucial step in optimizing the energy consumption of vending machines. By carefully examining the data collected from various sources, such as energy usage logs and machine performance metrics, businesses can gain valuable insights into their vending machine operations. These insights can then be used to identify areas where energy consumption can be reduced, leading to cost savings and a more sustainable business model. Implementing data-driven strategies and technologies, such as smart sensors and machine learning algorithms, can further enhance the energy efficiency of vending machines. By leveraging data analysis techniques and adopting energy-saving measures, businesses can not only reduce their environmental impact but also improve their bottom line.

Implementing energy management software

Implementing energy management software is a crucial step in optimizing the energy consumption of vending machines. By utilizing advanced software solutions, vending machine operators can gain better control over the energy usage of their machines, resulting in significant cost savings and environmental benefits. Energy management software allows for real-time monitoring of energy consumption, enabling operators to identify inefficiencies and implement corrective measures promptly. Additionally, this software provides valuable insights into usage patterns and trends, facilitating the development of targeted energy-saving strategies. With the implementation of energy management software, vending machine operators can contribute to a more sustainable future while also improving their bottom line.

Best Practices for Energy Efficiency

Regular maintenance and cleaning of vending machines

Regular maintenance and cleaning of vending machines is crucial for optimizing energy consumption. By conducting regular maintenance checks, vending machine operators can identify and address any issues that may be causing excessive energy usage. This includes inspecting and cleaning the cooling systems, ensuring proper insulation, and monitoring the power consumption of individual components. Additionally, implementing effective cleaning practices, such as regularly wiping down surfaces and removing debris, can help maintain the efficiency of the machines. By prioritizing regular maintenance and cleaning, vending machine operators can reduce energy waste and improve the overall performance of their machines.

Educating users on energy-saving practices

Educating users on energy-saving practices is crucial for optimizing energy consumption of vending machines. By providing entrepreneurs with the necessary knowledge and tools, they can make informed decisions that promote energy efficiency and contribute to positive change. It is important to educate users on the benefits of energy-saving practices and the impact they can have on the environment and their own businesses. By implementing energy-saving measures, entrepreneurs can not only reduce their operating costs but also demonstrate their commitment to sustainability, which can attract environmentally conscious customers. Emphasizing the importance of energy-saving practices and encouraging users to adopt them can create a culture of responsible energy consumption and drive positive change in the vending machine industry.

Collaborating with suppliers to source energy-efficient equipment

Collaborating with suppliers to source energy-efficient equipment is a crucial step in optimizing the energy consumption of vending machines. By working closely with suppliers, businesses can ensure that the equipment they acquire meets the highest energy efficiency standards. This collaboration allows for the identification and selection of energy-efficient vending machines that not only reduce energy consumption but also contribute to cost savings. Furthermore, by partnering with suppliers who prioritize sustainability, businesses can align their values with suppliers who share a commitment to reducing environmental impact. This collaboration also provides an opportunity for businesses to explore innovative technologies and solutions that can further enhance energy efficiency in vending machines. By actively engaging with suppliers, businesses can establish a sustainable and energy-efficient business formation that benefits both the environment and the bottom line.

Conclusion

Summary of key points

The summary of key points is an essential section that provides a concise overview of the main ideas discussed in the article. In the article titled 'How to Optimize Energy Consumption of Vending Machines', several key points were highlighted. Firstly, it is crucial to understand the importance of energy optimization in vending machines to reduce operational costs and environmental impact. Secondly, implementing energy-efficient technologies such as LED lighting and smart sensors can significantly contribute to energy savings. Additionally, regular maintenance and cleaning of vending machines can help ensure optimal performance and energy efficiency. Lastly, monitoring energy consumption through data analysis and implementing energy-saving strategies can further optimize energy usage in vending machines. By following these key points, vending machine operators can effectively optimize energy consumption and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Importance of ongoing energy optimization efforts

Energy optimization is a crucial aspect that should not be overlooked when it comes to vending machines. The ongoing efforts to optimize energy consumption play a significant role in reducing the environmental impact and operational costs associated with these machines. By implementing efficient energy management strategies, vending machine owners can not only contribute to a greener and more sustainable future but also improve their bottom line. It is imperative for businesses to prioritize ongoing energy optimization efforts to ensure maximum efficiency and minimize wastage. By doing so, they can not only reduce their carbon footprint but also enhance their reputation as environmentally responsible entities.

Future trends in energy-efficient vending machines

Future trends in energy-efficient vending machines are crucial for the entrepreneurial success of businesses. As technology continues to advance, there is a growing demand for vending machines that consume less energy while still providing efficient service. Companies are investing in research and development to create vending machines that are equipped with energy-saving features such as LED lighting, smart sensors, and power management systems. These advancements not only reduce energy consumption but also contribute to cost savings for businesses. By embracing these future trends in energy-efficient vending machines, entrepreneurs can enhance their sustainability efforts and create a positive impact on the environment.
In conclusion, starting a vending machine business can be a lucrative venture. With the right strategies and a solid plan, you can tap into a market that is constantly growing. If you want to learn more about how to start a vending machine business in 2023, check out our website. We provide step-by-step guides and valuable resources to help you get started. Don't miss out on this opportunity to create a successful business in the vending machine industry. Visit our website today and take the first step towards financial freedom.

TL;DR: Direct report plagiarized. Need advice on next steps.
During the editing process of a deliverable, it came to my attention that a direct report of mine plagiarized from published academic literature. There's not much nuance in terms of whether it really is plagiarism or people being nitpicky--it was discovered during editing (not specifically looking for plagiarism). This person has completed other deliverables in the past that have been submitted to clients.
Additional context that I think is important:
Due to some (in my opinion) unprofessional actions taken by the PM (not me, we are matrix style), this plagiarism was disclosed to ~4 other team members. This was before I was notified, but that's a whole other issue. This, I would assume, has eroded trust across what is a significant portion of this small company.
After noticing the plagiarism, additional sections of this deliverable were assigned to my direct report (the alleged plagiarist), without sufficient communication or corrective action. These assignments were made before I was made aware of the situation.
We have no explicit training on plagiarism at the company. We assumed (wrongly, apparently) that those we hire who have post-grad/advanced degrees understand that plagiarism is bad and not acceptable.
Planned next steps (not fully within my control):

1. Comb through current and past deliverables from this person to understand the true extent of the problem.
   
2. Meet with direct report one-on-one to ask about how and why this occurred.
   
3. Give him a chance to correct instances of plagiarism. If he rewords these instances sufficiently, then he stays on the project and no further corrective action is taken. If he somehow fails to do so (and I don't understand how), he's taken off the project with corrective action tbd.
   

Is this sufficient for holding someone accountable? I personally feel like this trust is broken, and I cannot trust that future work won't contain these issues. How can I expect other employees to trust this person? If someone still doesn't understand or take enough care to not plagiarize after 7-8+ years of advanced education, plus grade school and high school, how are these actions going to get them to understand? Am I doomed to comb through this person's future work forever?
Any advice or ways you've handled this issue would be greatly appreciated.