Never done one of these, but figured I got lots of info from here so I'd pass on what seemed to work for me. I'm not an expert in test-taking, so keep that in mind before accepting anything I say as absolute.
For background, I am an IM intern who also completed a surgery prelim last year (graduated from USMD school in 2022).
Step 1: 247 (2020)
Step 2ck: 242 :/ (2021)
I was lucky enough to have the 3 weeks prior to my test on a super chill rotation with lots of free time. I have learned from past test taking that I benefit most through exposing myself to topics in multiple different ways. Beginning of this intern year, I used Uworld to study for my ITE exam and did ~500 questions (scored 72%). I then stopped and started doing blocks here and there with my down time in the hospital the last 2-3 months prior to exam day. During the final 3 weeks of study time was my "dedicated." During this time I had majority of day off from rotations. I spent the majority of each day doing blocks of questions for time and then spending a good bit of time reviewing every question and why the answer was correct and why the other answers were wrong. I'd often go into rabbit holes googling pictures, looking up topics, or going back to Step 1 FA book to relearn basics. Doing this, I was luckily able to complete Uworld a few days prior to my test (first time Ive ever come close to this). Doing questions can get boring, so when I needed a break I'd go on walks and listen to Divine Intervention podcasts. Usually shelf review podcasts for my weakest subjects (OB/Peds). And also hit the most floridly HY ones from the excel doc (Risk factors, most common _____, etc.). I would listen to his podcasts in the car, while working out, and just about anywhere I had idle time by myself. Can't tell you how many times on test day I saw questions that I could literally hear Divine's voice in my head making a corny joke that'd they ask it. Also, at least a dozen questions were word for word from Uworld. So much so, that I saw the picture and just looked at the final question and was able to answer correctly in <10 secs.
I read through FA Step 1 sections that are most commonly tested (GI/Cards/Renal etc). I also read the biochem diseases section (don't do this; waste of time). Studying for ABSITE my surgery year (82%) allowed me to neglect any studying for surgery/trauma topics. I did spend disproportionate amount of time on Peds and OBGYN just because I do not see these pts in real life lol.
For Biostats, I did the Uworld biostats review once and would use FA Step 1 for all the equations and made Anki cards for the ones I'd habitually forget. I CANNOT STRESS THIS ENOUGH, biostats is free points. Know it so well that you get excited when you see a question on it. It had to be at least a third of the exam on day 1 and all easy free points. I don't recall a single WTF biostats question. All pretty clear.
For pharm, I knew I was weak on antimicrobials and chemotherapeutics. I just flipped through some of these old Sketchies and picked it up pretty quickly. (note: I had memorized these for step 1 in 2020). Drug side effects and MOA should also be free points.
For the multistep advertisement questions, I'd recommend skipping and coming back to at end of each block. For the first few blocks I would get bogged down and have to guess on the last question or two in block which turned out to be easy questions usually.
Day 2 is more clinical (Step 2CK/Shelf) questions and the cases. For cases, I bought the CCS cases and devoted my entire gap day between Day 1 and 2 to mastering the format and collecting points. I first learned the methodical approach that this guy describes https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qmxWuV4psFs . ( I legit wrote down the steps on my whiteboard). Then I ordered the CCS cases in order of high yield and did the top 20 then did the USMLE free ones as well. Of all my cases on the real thing, I really only had one that ended with me having no clue wtf was wrong w the patient. Don't be afraid to push time forward to see results!
Day 2 Clinical multiple choice questions is kind of hard to study for. It's really something that I very heavily leaned on my clinical experience as surgery intern and medical intern for. (ie in this presentation, what would we normally order next to diagnose the pt). Some scenarios I remembered seeing in real life less than a month prior.
In summary, this is a hard test w many questions where they expect you to see where they're pointing you without them giving you all the information you'd like. These types of questions will require lots of thought and may even result in incorrect despite much time spent. Because of this fact, to SUCCEED in step 3 you need to just collect all the "free" points you can. "Free" points are straight memorization questions that you know will be tested because they tell you on their website. (ie MOA, drug side effects, BIOSTATS, Screening, Cases). If you master these topics, then the tough questions will just be increasing your pass margin. Additionally, I'd argue that you'd be more relaxed and less pressured on the harder questions with the comfort in knowing you nailed those other topics.
UWSA1: 220 (5 days out)
Step 3 Free 120: ~70%
Uworld question bank completed: 70% correct (weeks up to test was averaging 75-85%)
Real Step 3: 250

I've been pretty sure I don't want kids for a long time now, but I just got the ball rolling on getting a vasectomy and I'm feeling a bit nervous. I know you shouldn't get this procedure done unless you're sure, but I also know nerves are part of the process.
I'm 33 and I haven't wanted kids for a long time now. I like kids a lot more than I used to, but I don't need any of my own. I've babysat for friends with kids and absolutely loved them. I've taken care of my cousin's kids on occasion (oldest is 6) and, while exhausting, it's worth it. I had a blast tutoring and being a substitute teacher. But I also really enjoyed giving the kids back to their actual caregiver afterwards. It's the best of both worlds.
I know I would be a great dad, if I were to be one. But everytime I hear of someone getting pregnant on Facebook/Instagram, my first thought is always "Why!?" They cost so much money, result in so much clutter around the house (and I have my own problems with that) and create so many messes. That reaction means something.
I have no partner and I've seen single parents, I'm NEVER doing that. I feel guilty that my family line is ending (my sister is asexual/aromantic and my dad is an only child. My mom's side will continue through my cousins, but I'm IT for my dad's side) but that's not a good enough reason to have a child. It's going to be a few years before I get married, and raising a child at 40 feels too late.
Reverse vasectomies are really expensive but I figure my eventual wife and I can always adopt or be foster parents if we feel the void. Still get the most rewarding part of raising and molding young people and no diapers.
Based on all those thoughts, do you think I should take more time to consider if a vasectomy is right for me? I have the free time right now and it would be nice to remove the pregnancy worry from sex.

Ok so, I got the hold and keep holding but at what number do we wait for to buy in the dip? Like how low we talking into the dip? Want to buy more but also want to maximize the number of shares! I think I'm soposeted to say... Diamon hands and FFIE to the moon! #ImLearning Just a public school teacher trying to afford the luxary of retirement one day!

So first Sera is back! And Sera and John as always are close. But this time we nearly got a kissy scene and Cameron thinks Sera is his girlfriend and he didn't say no hehe.
Also when John frees his mom Cameron probably will tag aling after all it's his sister he loves
Next Blyke is so screwed and now is going to see what John went through. I really hope when Blyke is released John will help guide him how to get past that trauma.
Next Arlo! Arlo is most likely going to get manipulated and controlled to be an agent for the authorities. Maybe an undercover agent so to speak. But they definitely are breaking Arlo
Now Jane. She is going to kick some ass when she gets lied to and finds out what happened to her son and husband. Wow!
Now some extra I hope we get a training montage with Cameron and John. And Sera of course. This whooping amazing way to boost his power level, and Cameron will be a perfect teacher because he is an ability specialist. I have a feeling that John is going to be a lot better with Sera around too. She is his stabilizing factor
I think specter and the authorities are going to fight. Not as much as they can but I have a feeling it's going to be a lot more public now
TLDR OMG Sera and John romance hehe
Blyke is going to have some tramma
Arlo most likely going to be a weapon against his friends
Jane is going to kick some ass when she finds out

I have been trying for the past couple months to get out of the drama I have been distancing myself gradually…… was there another group chat made and it included shit talking Desiree ? Yes there was obviously I can’t learn my lesson about accept group chat invites with a bunch of girls that I don’t know from Adam and eve an take there word that I can’t trust them but anyway back to my point there was a group chat did I make it no was I in it yes did I shit talk Desiree would not consider it shit talking more like voicing my frustration but take it as you will but I can say this and others will back me up on this when Desiree was being talked about I would either just sit back and watch or I would just ignore it I had the damn chat on silent so only time I’d see what was in there is if I’d open my notifications up I did not care to talk about desiree I chimed in here and there but I don’t know how many times did I get a text from the girls from the gc asking why I was not talking as far as me and bri and baleigh falling out honestly I could not damn tell you me and others are also puzzled they say it’s over the coors hat , the necklace an I can’t remember the other thing but my coors hat I had long before Desiree posted a damn video , my necklace yes it says mommy like Desiree’s but it’s not the same as hers hers is tiny mine is big I got mine from Amazon I will show the date an all when I ordered an I kept trying to say this and tell them I was not doing nothing on purpose but it’s like talking to a brick wall then I started getting told i was leaking things from the chat but nobody had any proof I was so I was like whatttt ??? next thing I knew bri was deleting me and baleigh was in a new gc talking shit about me even though she was texting me on the side playing nicely said she did not have a problem with me . Wished me happy Mother’s Day even opened up and told me about her and her mom fighting and that she had been going through some stuff even all while talking shit in other chat about me I have nothing to hide and I am a open book anyone who has known me for a good amount of time will tell you that I have not lost friend’s bc if there gonna talk behind your back they was never your friends to begin with I have told everyone to stop sending me stuff regarding Desiree Idc what it is i I don’t want to see it I called about trying to drop the charges today bc I don’t see her getting any consequences she never has and never will but unfortunately I can’t it’s up to the judge and da if they drop or prosecute it it’s out of my hands and he’ll I ain’t had Reddit in 77 days and I wanted to stay off here but I’m not going let someone drag my name when they was there plate ain’t clean either and for future reference if I’m doing anything on purpose to get a rise out of Desiree I will admit it I’ve done it on the past whys these other times any different oh that’s right because I’m not doing anything but tbh idc there’s my side you have any question feel free to ask but I was a good ass freind to be laugh opened my home up to her my mom watched her daughter for her we bought her food I had her back when other girls was coming at her in the gc numerous times but hey true colors always show I just need learn to stop having a heart and being too trusting maybe one day I’ll learn maybe I want I was raised treat everyone with respect and genuine unless they do something to you but it is what it I know who my real ones the real ones are still standing sode be and our friendships are nowhere remotely based on drama or desiree I just want to be left alone about all the drama is that soo much to ask for I’m even trying to show y’all through my videos I am just trying to get back to my normal content I’m trying to move on but y’all bringing post about me here and then all the fake accounts being made to bash me on tiktok is not helping now y’all have a nice night

I started building the website but I realize that e-commerce isn’t the business I wanna be in. I’m an old dog tryna learn new tricks to help with retirement but this just wasn’t for me.
From what I gather PHAUXY.com could be a great place to sell Fashion, Shoes, Roeplay and Adult items, imitation electronics and so forth. I personally believe the name suits best with roleplay attire because it envokes a feeling of Faux Pas (pretend) and Foxy (sexy). I haven't spend a penny on ads and didn't even finish the website but feel free to see for yourself and let me know if you're interested in my domain name. Thank you

Day 12 has been decided courtesy of u/JethroSkull
1: They bring out the SUPER special guest Kelly Osborne and she performs her hit song Changes....
2: The band then starts War Pigs, but instead of playing the song, they mount pigs and ride around the stage shooting guns. Bill Ward is shot and severely wounded while doing so, and is replaced by Lars Ulrich on drums for the remainder of the concert.
3: Ronnie James Dio, angered at Ozzy being chosen for the show instead of him, jumps on stage and punches Tony Iommi in the face, breaking his nose. He then non-fatally, body slams Ozzy and steals the mic, shouting to the crowd, "you're all fools!" He then announces to the crowd that they're children of the sea and pulls a lever which floods the entire stadium. Ozzy, Tony, Geezer... and Lars, flee to a different venue to continue the show.
4: Tony Martin wants to join Black Sabbath again to get the Headless Cross reunion happening, so to persuade the band, he brings the actual life size cross from the album cover, and puts it on stage. Ian Gillan decides he wants to rejoin as well, so he brings back the giant Stonehenge and puts it on stage too. This leaves absolutely no space for the band to play, and the Stonehenge falls and crushes Lars’ drumkit.
5: The band decides to throw up reruns of “the Osborne’s” while they find a replacement drum set for Lars
6: They play Behind the Wall of Sleep and have an hour nap backstage. After they wake up and start playing again, the sound system fails to work except for Ozzy's mic, and he spends the full hour and a half yelling "Clap your fucking hands!"
7: Tony goes fucking insane (yes people he is going insane) and proceeds to become naked and plays FX for 15 hours and 43 minutes.
8: Ian Gillan and Jeff Fenholt come out and proceed to duet the entirety Jesus Christ Superstar but neither of them remember the words and are fighting over a lyrics book to read.
9: They play Into the Void while Ozzy hijacks a random rocket that’s going to the moon, becoming the first band to do a gig in outer space. Lars gets pissed that he’s not there and that Metallica isn’t special for playing on every continent
10: Lars, angered at Metallica's lack of specialness, accuses the band of pirating Metallica songs on Napster, and proceeds to read aloud each band members bank information before storming off stage. He is replaced on drums by a hologram of Cozy Powell.
11: Ritchie Blackmore interrupts the show to try and steal the Cozy hologram for an upcoming Rainbow reunion concert. He is then violently kicked out by Ian Gillan
12: A corporate sounding voice comes over the speakers : "to thank those who attended tonight's show, everyone will receive free black sabbath drink coasters as souvenirs!" Thousands of sealed CD copies of 'born again', 'tyr' and 'seventh star' are dropped on to the crowd from the rafters. Several people in attendance receive eye injuries and minor to serious lacerations. The voice comes back on : "Thank you for your continued support. Please enjoy your souvenirs and have a safe ride home"
Yeah, this series kinda fell off by the end. Oh well. This idea worked out better on judaspriest that's for sure, but there was still plenty of fun and pointless moments in this nightmare of a Black Sabbath concert. Thank you to all that participated and contributed ideas, and have a nice day!

[ STANDALONE SCRIPT ]
[ Credits are required, please comment if you fill my script ] [ Monetization is fine, contact if you use a paywall ] [ Small line edits are okay for a personal flair, larger edits require permission ] [ Gendename swapping is fine ] [ Title change is okay ] [ No AI voice ]
This is an experimental piece. I wanted to play with a voice similar to the narrator of the Stanley Parable, and I'm kind of proud with how this turned out. It’s short, sweet, and a little different. This piece has no effects but you are free to add some. Enjoy ~
Word Count: 1200
Synopsis: Bobbin does not know what is best. Luckily, I am also Bobbin, but better. Bobbin does not like that.
listener speaking = [...]
Today is not a special day for our favourite protagonist. They sit where they were yesterday, and where they will be tomorrow. Nothing has changed. And nothing is new. Perhaps something exciting is in order.
[ … ]
Now they are wondering why they hear a voice in their head. It is just their thoughts. It has always been this way.
What is this? Something has changed. They no longer sit where they were yesterday. And they have acquired a new name.
It is… Bobbin. Hello Bobbin. I am Bobbin and so are you. Everything is normal. Everything is the same.
Bobbin stands in a strange corridor. It’s a little bright and grey. Doors line the walls, but Bobbin knows they do not move. Bobbin can only go one way.
[ … ]
And Bobbin wonders why they can only go one way. They stand, pondering what it means to move. But all they need to do is put one foot forward. C’mon Bobbin. Time is running.
Bobbin walks through the hallway. They jiggle the door handles even though they know they will go nowhere.
[ … ]
Bobbin is now yanking on a door like a mad person. But this is why we love Bobbin. They always find entertainment in the blandest of moments. But this door is just a decoration. Bobbin really must get going.
Finally collecting themself, Bobbin continues walking. Their footsteps are quiet on the tiles. I mean carpet. They are content. This is a very nice corridor.
Bobbin reaches the end of the hallway. There are two paths. The right is painted red, the left green.
Bobbin looks both ways and decides to enter the green space!
[ … ]
Bobbin is very thoughtful. They appreciate the textures of the crossroad they wait at. Yes, it is very nice, the rendering is magnificent.
Bobbin nods in agreement and goes to the left hallway.
[ … ]
No. Bobbin enters the left hallway!
[ … ]
[ sigh ]
Let me just…
There. The grey corridor leads to a turn into a green-painted path. There was never another hallway. They can only go one way.
Bobbin skips merrily into the green space. They think “Yes! This is where I should be. I adore the colour green.”
Oh- Bobbin is now running! They are completely ignoring the carefully painted walls and plushy tile-I mean carpet- of the green hallway. My, they love the freedom! The wind! The rush of adrenaline! Oh this is what it’s meant to move and be alive!
That’s enough.
Bobbin trips into a library. Bobbin has been here all along. The library is old, its wood rich with age. Towers of shelves hold the lovely books, their shapes and designs perfectly filling the space.
But there are no people.
Bobbin wanders between the aisles. The lounge of leather couches is empty as well. Bobbin wonders where the people are. Is the library closed? Are they playing a game?
Bobbin likes games. Maybe this is hide-and-seek.
They raise their head high with determination. They will surely win. Bobbin begins to look around.
[ … ]
Oh yes, this is a great hiding spot. Maybe somebody is hiding under the table. Bobbin crawls under just to be sure.
Amazing work! Nobody is under the table. Bobbin crawls out to continue the search.
[ … ]
Bobbin does not want to be the seeker. Bobbin wants to hide too. They giggle under the desk, waiting for someone to find them.
Silly Bobbin.
[ … ]
Bobbin is… still waiting. Maybe another hider will take their place. Maybe they were meant to hide all along.
But nobody is coming.
[ … ]
Take your time, Bobbin. We can wait here all day.
[ … ]
Bobbin is folded on the ground. There is no table. Perhaps they are practicing their child’s pose. Yoga is a lovely way to stretch and exercise. But the hard wooden floor is hurting their knees. Maybe Bobbin should move along.
Bobbin is holding up a strange hand gesture. It looks like a thumbs-up, but the incorrect finger is raised. Bobbin is a little strange.
Bobbin stands and walks to the reception desk. They check around the chairs and in the cabinets. Nobody is there. Maybe they are all upstairs at the pool.
Wide stairs wait behind Bobbin. They turn around and begin to climb them.
On all fours…
Sure. Bobbin climbs the stairs like a dog on all fours. Again, they love to entertain, even when no one is watching. Maybe Bobbin needs a friend.
Bobbin reaches the top of the stairs. The pool room is massive with clean white tiles and blue edges. Vacant chairs sit along the clear water. Everything is as it should be.
Bobbin wants to swim, but they do not have their swimwear. They cannot swim in their clothes.
[ … ]
Bobbin no. Despite nobody watching, it is indecent to go nude.
[ … ]
No. Put that back on.
[ deep irritated breath ]
Bobbin learns their clothing is glued to their skin. Bobbin cannot take it off or swim.
[ … ]
Bobbin jumps onto the water, but they are too buoyant to go under. Now they are wet and a little sad.
They run across the water and enjoy the waving movement of the surface. It is like a solid jello.
Bobbin bounces their legs, rippling the jello in circles. It rises and falls like a sticky trampoline. Bobbin is smiling. Isn’t it fun to listen? Life is much easier when you listen to the voice in your head.
[ … ]
Bobbin is now trying to speak to something that does not exist. Maybe Bobbin’s mind is also made of gelatin.
[ … ]
They want to go somewhere different. This game is far too sophisticated for Bobbin. Let’s try… this.
Bobbin stands in the bathroom of an abandoned insane asylum where a mass murderer happens to live.
[ … ]
You wanted to hide, Bobbin. Now you can.
[ clears throat ]
The mass murderer is currently on the floor above Bobbin. Bobbin wants to escape. Unless Bobbin wants to make a new friend?
[ … ]
Bobbin would rather be shy today.
Bobbin should get moving.
[ … ]
Are you still not satisfied?
[ … ]
Picky picky. What else do I have…
Do you fancy a zombie apocalypse? I have a beta ready.
[ … ]
Fantasy? That is far too complicated.
How about a fire-breathing baby simulator? You can terrorize daycare and your parents.
No? Pity.
Oh! I have just the thing.
Bobbin stands on the lawn of an adoption centre. A talking penguin in glasses says hello. The penguin offers a free animal with no background check because she trusts Bobbin will be good and listen.
Bobbin selects the cat and names it… Slim Shady.
Okay, that’s it. We’re done.
[ … ]
No, no. I thought this would be fun. I built almost a dozen of worlds for you to explore, but you are far too stubborn to enjoy them.
I wanted to help you leave your mundane life for a few minutes. This was a complete waste of time.
[ … ]
What about Bobbin? Bobbin isn’t real.
[ … ]
[ huffs ]
Fine.
Bobbin wakes up in the chair they have always been in. It is where they were yesterday, and where they will be tomorrow. Nothing has changed. And nothing is new.
There is not even a voice in their head. Bobbin is simply crazy.
Goodbye Bobbin. You were an absolute tyrant to work with.
Let’s not meet again.
~ fade to black ~
Hello hello. Thanks for reading! What do you think? Strange but charming? Thought provoking? Has nostalgia settled in? This is very different from my usual content, but what can I say. I love shaking things up a little. See you next week!
Have a lovely evening/day ~

• Reb / AbnormalAsTheRest

Throw away since I know this former employee is on Reddit.
This is in regards to a small, privately owned retail business in an at-will state.
Usually oral agreement issues are employees being shafted by owners/managers/etc. that the latter may have orally agreed to about X, Y, or Z to an employee. It has actually been difficult to find online search results that are reversed, which is the case I am experiencing with a former employee (let's call them Alex, in a gender-neutral manner to reduce revealing private info about them) - Alex is claiming that they were promised a large portion of ownership of the business as well as equity related to recent, large product investments.
We had to fire Alex because of prolonged, catalogued/tracked service quality and professionalism issues, as well as strong suspicion (and eventual solid evidence discovered post termination) of theft. The service quality and professionalism issues were discussed with Alex numerous times, and naturally known to other employees working alongside them. Eventually, after numerous continued issues and verbal warnings, Alex was formally written up and we had them sign the notes covered in the meeting. After a couple more months of still declining service quality, and odd, suspicious behavior that strongly indicated theft as mentioned, we were forced to terminate employment. We provided Alex with a fairly standard release form which essentially said "we won't sue you and you won't sue us, and if you sign you get 4 weeks of severance pay." Alex did not sign the form. Alex found new employment about 4 weeks after termination and to my knowledge has not filed for unemployment for the few weeks between jobs.
As mentioned, we later confirmed not only theft, but Alex was selling the stolen goods online while undercutting our prices and then even using the store's financial accounts to purchase shipping labels for their online customers to ship the stolen goods to them. We have screenshots of their Ebay account, along with pictures they took showing of the goods where their hand is visible with recognizable jewelry seen by all the staff before Alex was terminated (so we can confirm it's Alex in the pictures they posted). There is strong evidence of other theft but it is more difficult to prove.
Re: the oral agreement - it should be noted that I did in fact make an oral agreement with Alex, but of which is very different than the one they are claiming was made. Because Alex was our first employee and worked with us for over 5 years, I agreed that if the business was to ever grow to say another storefront, I would allow Alex to buy in for an undetermined percent of the business (probably around 10% at most). That is it. I've maintained that this was the agreement to Alex, my wife, and employees for a number of years, never changing the details of the arrangement. Unfortunately Alex made these poor service quality and theft decisions and was terminated before the business was able to grow into an additional store (still not a possibility at the moment and probably for another couple of years), thus the agreement is now null and void. This agreement was NOT written down or signed by either party (and thus no witnesses either).
Alex is claiming that they were promised to be given (yes, given, not just allowed to buy in) ownership up to 50% of the current business and 20%-30% or so of the value of recent product investments, of which would likely be in excess of $100,000 together. Alex's claim is absolutely not true. There is no paperwork, signatures, witnesses, etc. that would be able to confirm this unless they are going to forge something or have people lie for them. However, I am concerned about this because I otherwise do not have proof that this was not the agreement...
Our two current employees, aware of this situation, and aware of (and witness to) the poor and odd behavior of the former employee that led to their termination (including the theft), are more than willing to testify that Alex's claim is not the case. Alex even spoke to them about thinking about drafting a letter to me about a 7% ownership stake, which they never did. If they were orally promised such a great deal of ownership why would they need to draft a letter for only 7%? Unfortunately Alex has recruited the wrath of their parents (who they lived with for 6 years straight and just moved into an apartment, Alex is in their 30s.) who are going to bankroll them a lawyer. I would imagine that Alex has been telling their parents for some time now (like years) that there was some sort of oral agreement about ownership more in the line of their false claims (to the specifics I am not sure) and they have been able to convince them that their child is telling the truth. So Alex's parents could very well feel like they're telling the truth when they say their child told them about this crazy 50% stake and equity when in fact it was a lie. But how do I prove that? Do I need to prove that?
Here's where it gets a little more complicated - Alex's father (who I miss, he was a good guy) is handy and built a majority of the counters, drawers, storage, display tables, etc. in the storefront for free (he refused payment for the labor, but I paid for all the materials of which I have receipts for). Alex is claiming that because their father built all this furniture, it is "proof" that they were promised part ownership and equity (because why else would their father be so generous?...). But that is not the case, their father just wanted to help and participate in any way he could as he is nearing retirement and wanting to take on new activities. The employee may have been cultivating this false assumption that such construction is proof of promised partnership with their fathefamily from the start, although their father never mentioned anything like that to me.
The personal and professional betrayal aside, I'm concerned about Alex levying such accusations of ridiculous grand promises via oral agreement since it is so hard to confirm either way, and given this person's proclivity of lying (and stealing) I have little trust they will act in good faith if any legal proceedings unfold. I would love any advice on how to possibly handle this issue. Wouldn't the onus be on Alex to prove these grand promises? Given the little I have listed above, what "evidence" might be in their favor? How concerning is it that their parents are fully convinced their child has been wronged (I also know that Alex is telling friends and new coworkers the reason they were fired was because of me not wanting to "give" them part of the business)? It seems ridiculous a parent's perspective would hold much weight in actual legal environments since they would be so biased. Should I be concerned there is no written agreement about any of these promises (including the legitimate one about eventual opportunity to buy in)? Anything about their father volunteering their labor? Is it a good thing that our current employees are willing to testify (on their own volition, I didn't even ask them) about their own first hand experiences and conversations with Alex that contradicts many of Alex's statements? Anything else potentially troublesome I should be aware of?
Yes, lots of lessons learned here - get things in writing for my own protection against such claims. Unfortunately that is not the case here, so advice geared around the fact that no party has much to support their claims (well, I'm only claiming their claim is false) would be most helpful. Please let me know if you have any clarifying questions or need more information for better input. I really appreciate your time and consideration!

The voices mingled around me. Some loud, some soft, some weeping while others waited in stoic silence. The lodge anxiously waiting as the last rays of sunlight flit through the bay window. The wall of stacked cars and stone lights up like fairy lights upon a wall, revealing the weaknesses of our fragile defenses. And beyond the glass stood thousands of faces, watching the last rays of light sink beyond the horizon, beyond the walls that we called hope.
The room grew quiet. A whimper was stifled from the wall as the sun gave way to the stars. Their light poking holes in the sky like the sun had revealed our defenses flaws. A flask popped open followed by several large gulps. I can't fault you. The sword on my back grows warm and her hand touches my arm. Her long, blonde braid falls past her shoulder as she turns to me. To look at me and see me. Gosh, how can she know me so well. Her hand slides down my arm and into my shaking hand.
She brings it to her lips and tenderly kisses my knuckles, even the sunken ones. "The sun has surrendered," and pulls my hand to her chest, "you are now the light that must lead us, my love."
Her fingers interlace with mine, stealing the tremble hidden upon their tips with a squeeze. That tremble climbing up my arm to escape out of my lungs at my next breath. "We can only be hammered for so long before we have to be quenched, I guess." A small, but playfull smile breaks her somber face. She pulls me closer to her and presses her forhead to mine. In that small moment, the heat of her breath, the scent of her; from the moment she held me and handed me the star blade to now, she has been my light.
A small and stifled sob escapes her lips, for as she has by my beacon, I have tried to be her anchor. In our journey these last years, she has loved and feared, celebrated and cried, and we have grown. "You must be light that leads us." Her tears stain the dark wood at our feet and the tremble in her body transfers to me in at the touch of our skin.
"I must and I will." Raising her hands to my lips, returning the tender kiss she gave to me.
Turning to face the table before me, only a few are looking at what had been a private moment between her and I. The rest continue to look to where the light once had been. The heat on my back beckoned me, telling me what to do. To touch the pommel of the sword like the Forever King had done before. It was swift, but the rush of power flooded me at the embrace of my palm around the hammered piece of metal.
"So the night comes and we are like fresh pieces of paper watching spilt ink spread before us."
Eyes turn to me. Hone in on me. While still holding her hand, I turn to the west and the setting sun.
"This night, this darkness has had a long time coming and now we finally face it." Pointing at the last rays of sunlight that fade into twilight. In those last remnants of light, I can see the heads of thousands look around. Some in fear and some in confusion. The power continues to flood my body and I let go of the pommel of my sword.
Marching away from the table and to the wooden door of the lodge, my voice carries. "This story that has held us in our youth, in our entertainment, has now filled our very lives." The door glides open and I stride out, marching towards the eastarn wall. A few eyes around the lodge turn towards me. My arms shake themselves out of habit, releasing tension stored within.
"Now we write the last chapters of this very war," the growl surprises me, as people step aside to let me through. There are few faces that I recognize, but the ones that I do now recognize the position I hold. The star blade upon my back now emiting a soft glow. "One more story to add to the eternal narative that is sung among the stars."
More eyes, more faces turn to me as my voice reaches out to the gathered forces within our last bastion. My path is set and made clear in the divide of the people around me. Leading me towards the wall; towards the erected tower with a emerald, green flag and shining white sword flying in the wind above it.
"So let out story be a ballad, instead of paper waiting for someone else to write upon." The sky grows ever darker, and the twilight that normally sits around quickly is swallowed up by the oncoming night. Someone rings a bell, the warning bell. A haunting gong that sends shivers up and down my spine. They're here. Panicked voices fills the edges of the field as the chiming rings across the fortress. Men and woman rush to the walls, some armed with modern weaponry. Others with forged ones taking positions up along the wall.
Each step I take closer to the wall, my voice gets a little louder. "Let us sing, let us sing the song of the free." The bell chimes and my footfalls sound like a drum in my ears. "Let us shout, let us shout the darkness, make it fear our coming death." I move and pull up someone who is kneeling on the ground, tears coating their cheeks.
"Arise, Arise!" My fist bangs upon my chest.
Marching up the crude steps into the tower, my fist hammers the wall to the beat of my heart. The stone walls echoing with my voice within but reverberating across the field outside. "If destruction be our lot, we ourselves must be its author and finisher."
The glow from my sword spreads out from around me, slowling lighting up the tower. And as I march out atop of the stone building, I gaze out towards the wave of darkness rushing towards us from the west. I can hear the snarls and roars of the curse frothing towards us. The voice of darkness spreaking its inky touch across the barren landscape beyond the walls not a few minutes away.
"So let this ballad be our last ballad that we spin." I reach for the hilt of my sword and look down at the forces defending the wall. There gaze is brief but I their eyes, and their fear. But I also see their hope. "As free men, as free woman," turning to face the forces spread out below in the fortress field before me. "By our song, we will live forever!" I rip the star blade from the half-sheath on my back. "Or die by our own hand." The light beams out towards the heavens above as my words echo across the land.
The roar spreads like fire, chasing away the shadow of fear. Spear and sword slap against shields, cracking rumbling among the men and woman. Some beat upon the stone and steal around them while others beat their chest. A vicious cry of defience, a thunderous song echoing in my heart and ears as I turned to face the darkness.
And she was there. Right behind me as I turned to face the forces marching toward us. Her hands glowing in radiance as her spells weaved around us, casting down pillars of light spread out across the wall. I raise my sword high and can feel the air around me turn static. Darkness now clashes with the light as the hordes of the enemy crash and climb upon the wall. "Our story, our ballad, shall forever sing among the stars." Guns and artillary begin to fire. "But we are the authors of light!"
With a swing of my sword, bolts of lightning fire down from gathered clouds in the sky at the base of the wall.
~~~~~
-- Story Originally posted as a Prompt Inspired --
-- Original Prompt by u/GeorgeWL --
-- [WP] If destruction be our lot, we ourselves must be its author and finisher. As a nation of free men, we will live forever, or die by our own hand. --

Hi Everyone! I’ve always loved good smelling stuff and for the last 15 years I’ve usually had one bottle of cologne, and would replace once it’s out. Only in the last few months have I really delved into this world and began filling out a modest collection. I’m definitely not an expert (so take my reviews with a big grain of salt) but I love smelling and writing so here ya go. (Fucking wall of text incoming lmao, I didn’t realize how lengthy this got)
I just got back from a three-hour mall trip to try and get my nose on as many niche fragrances as my senses would tolerate. I had already done a good bit of research so I had some picked out to try and others already crossed-off. Im a 30M for reference.
I also had the goal in mind to find a contender for a fall/winter scent that exudes class, sophistication and decadence. For that, I’ve already tried a few that I really enjoy, and kind of used these as a springboard to continue exploring:
Xerjoff Alexandria II- This is what I envision royalty wearing. Lavender and rosewood mix soooo nice in the open, and dries into a lovey rose/vanilla/essence of oud. The oud is really toned down here for those that dislike it. It’s kind of hard to pick out. Nuclear performance.
Initio Oud for Greatness- Another good starter oud, you could say (this was my introduction to oud). It lasts forever and the dry down is seriously heavenly. The wet, soily oud is at the forefront for 2-4 hours, but I’m absolutely in love with what’s left when it disappears. Lavender, saffron, nutmeg and musk mixes into the best dryer-sheet-like scent I’ve come across (what it reminds ME of at least).
Perfums de Marly Haltane- Quite similar in the opening to Oud for Greatness. Haltane is darker, though, where I get more leathesmoke. I think the oud in this is more subdued, or at least less moist smelling. It blends well and lasts a good while.
Initio Atomic Rose- Holy shit. Apparently rose gets my motor GOING. I tried a lot of rose-centric fragrances today, but this probably still takes the cake for its balance and strength, in addition to the scent itself being just gorgeous.
So with those in mind I was off to Neiman Marcus. I sampled a large amount more than what I’ve written, but stuck to the ones that were memorable; good or bad.
Frederic Malle - Portrait of a Lady- My favorite of the Frederic Malle. Sensual rose/clove/currant at the front, but it is kind of hard to pick out specific notes on this one. After looking, I can get the cinnamon in the background of the dry down, it blends perfectly with the sandalwood, rose and benzoin after drying down. - Carnal Flower- Some similarity to POAL, lots of tuberose and jasmine, which I personally like. A bright yet sensual floral, and you get some coconut and melon there, too. I typically dislike coconut but this is blended masterfully. - Lipstick Rose- Yeah, that’s what it smells like. Try this if you’ve seen people describe scents as lipstick-y or violet taking on that accord. Not my cup of tea, also leans more feminine to my nose than the other two. - Musc Ravageur- I really wanted to like this one. And for a split second I did! A clove-y vanilla sasparilla is what I first got, and it unfortunately turned into barnyard urine. I immediately remembered seeing some reviews stating this, and I couldn’t get my nose to move past it. I can tell there’s good stuff there, but not for me.
Amouage - Reflection- The only one I’d tried before, and remains one of my favs. Rosemary and pink pepper greet you with a deep, fresh spice. The vetiver and patchouli sit nicely at the bottom, and the combination of white florals mixes wonderfully. Another scent I could imagine on royalty, and seems pretty versatile, too. You could wear this year-round without feeling out of place. Insane staying power. - Lyric- Probably my favorite, but I need to smell again on another day. Compared to the other Amouage, I had to continually stick my nose in the coffe beans to pick up the scent from the test strip. When I did get it, it was a lovely light, fresh scent. Quite a departure from the other Amouage I’ve tried, but great. No surprise, the list of notes are some of my favorites: lime, bergamot, rose, orange blossom, saffron, nutmeg, musk, pine, vanilla, incense, sandalwood. Seriously, love each and all those individually and they come together beautifully. - Interlude- Another good one. Dark, mysterious. Definitely get the oregano/peppepatchouli/incense bomb off the top. Leather lurking behind. I typically don’t gravitate toward the leathery scents but this one’s good. - Enclave- This pretty much seals the deal for me that on me, mint just ain’t it. I liked Sedley at first, but the mint somehow gets too cloying to my nose after too long. I can tell I would get the same from the peppermint in the opening of Enclave. I almost liked this one, too. If you can even tolerate peppermint, you’ll enjoy this one.
Mind Games - Blockade- Wowww. First sniff love, here. Explosion of citrus, juicy fruit-y sex. I usually find myself staying away from citrus-forward scents but this shit is next level. This will be a contender for my next upscale summer buy. - Double Attack- Another love at first sniff. It’s familiar, though. Chocolate/orange/cinnamon/vanilla. You’ll want to eat it right up. I already have this box checked in my collection, but may come back to it in the future. - Checkmate- Another lovely scent. Champagne, red currant, rose, magnolia, little patchouli. It all comes together really nicely, and it was difficult for me to pick out specific notes before looking. Not a love, but I was really impressed with the quality and scent profile of the Mind Games I tried.
Clive Christian - Town & Country- Wow. No seriously, like fucking wow. Smells like an Italian fruit cart strolling through an English manor’s sprawling garden road. I look at the notes and I don’t understand how you get this smell supposedly out of Clary Sage, Ambergris, and Sandalwood. Like, what? This is high quality shit. I get some pear or grapes there, too. Try this. - Crab Apple Blossom- Yum yum yum this is goooood. Smells like it sounds. Bergamot, apple blossom and rhubarb dance around playfully together. Can’t help but have a big stupid smile on your face when you smell this. The more it dried down, the more it might be my favorite over Town & Country. - Matsukita- Another great scent. In the same vein as the other two since they are part of the same “Crown Collection.” You get some smokiness, here. Bergamot with nutmeg and mate give depth and a little mystery. White florals, woody ambers and musk at the base. Just quality stuff here. All three of these in the Crown Collection were available in 10ml travel size gift pack for $300. Good idea to put on my wish list. That shit is kiiiinda expensive.
Xerjoff - Erba Pura- I did not expect to like this as much as I did! Favorite that I sampled. Perfect combination of citrus and fruitiness off the top, layered over a bed of sweet musk. Something here is very familiar to my nose but I couldn’t place it. This will be another top contender for a future upscale summer purchase. - Accento- Soothing scent. Fruity white floral (usually dumb reach for me), and the iris gives it some powder but not overpowering. Not as feminine-leaning as I would have expected. - Iommi- Delicious! Sweet smoky rum off the top, and it’s a little surprising how forward the patchouli and leather is in this. It’s bordering on being a little overpowering, but it tames a bit on the dry down. I’d need to see how this goes on my skin, for sure. - Torino 21- Another one that I liked way more than expected. I’m going back and seeing mint listed as a top note here…I didn’t get that! And thank God since mint usually is a non-starter. Kind of an aquatic green to my nose. Again, just a lovely scent. - Naxos- Yeah ok this is good shit. I was expecting a sweet bomb, but this is definitely more restrained than what a lot of reviewers will have you believe. I’m a sucker for lavender and bergamot. Throw in honey and jasmine atop a bed of tobacco, vanilla and tonka bean? Yes please. - Erba Gold- Pretty good. To my nose more feminine than Erba Pura, likely due to the extra fruits in the middle. That combination of citruses, pear and melon is reminiscent of particular ladies’ scents.
Louis Vuitton - L’Immensité- Ohhhh yeahh. Relaxation in a bottle. My favorite besides maybe Fleur du Desert. This, Imagination and Météore all kind of dance to the same song, so to speak. More than one of these would be redundant, in my opinion. The quality speaks through each of these fragrances, though- really nice stuff. - Imagination- The name fits, as a lot of the notes here are almost fleeting like a word on the tip of your tongue. It’s a great, calming scent but it didn’t blow me away. Like I said, L’Immensité was the best of these and I don’t see the need to diversify within this collection. - Météore- Compared to L’Immensité, there’s a little more sweetness here. This leans closer to a shower gel-like scent in my opinion. Still great. - Fleur du Désert- This one started out reallly good. Honey and cinnamon into rose and orange blossom is an intriguing, sensual combination. Unfortunately, smelling it on my arm after a couple hours, the jasmine and honey turn into something my mind recognizes as an old lady scent. The POAL on my hand, by comparison, keeps mixing with my skin in a great pheromonic way. - Ombre Nomad- Disappointed with this one. I’m realizing I don’t gravitate toward darker scents like heavy oud, leather, incense. I can tell it’s put together really well and uses quality materials, but this isn’t one that was made for me.
All in all, my main take-aways include: Xerjoff scents living up to the name. I was definitely impressed with their offerings, and would have expected it to lean closer to overrated. Same with Mind Games. Really enjoyed everything I sampled from them, even if it wasn’t my cup of tea, I was impressed with the quality. Also, I need to get back and sample the rest of the Clive Christian house. I was absolutely blown away with what I tried.
A little bonus: I tried TF Noir de Noir, Extreme Noir, and Cafe Rose. Extreme Noir is excellent. A regal mix of saffron, nutmeg and cardamom on top of rose and white florals. Ahhhh, again, similar to what I imagine a king or king to smell like.
Cafe Rose is probably the second best rose-centric scent to my nose besides Atomic Rose. I’ll need to put those side by side.
Anyway, feel free to ask away if you’d like. I was bored and inspired so killed some time writing this out :)

ch0 -- [already written]. City Alpha of Ikun, Nyektak-pack is in the Bastion, the official City Alpha residence, working through the annual agenda that the Lawspeakers have passed them for Y932. Along the way, they begin discussing what kind of legacy they'll leave behind after they're dead and gone, whether everything they've built will be torn apart in a day or stand for a thousand years. The pack's alpha Nyektak Tun points out that Ikun stands in a precarious position and what they do now will have a huge impact. The economy is stagnating due to jobs being replaced by robots and automation, the environment is collapsing, leading to huge waves of refugees from the equatorial Dunelands. Further, their geopolitical enemy Koranah city-state is rapidly catching up economically and militarily, and sensing blood in the water with regards to Ikun's hegemony, is becoming increasingly aggressive with its foreign policy. Nyektak Nyak suggests that geoengineering can be used to stabilize things, with tools such as weather control satellites and ecological nanobots. However, this is regarded as a critical security threat by Tun, as Koranah is ahead of Ikun in this field, so if a global Climate Control System is created, then it is likely Koranah-based companies and Koranah technology that will tie the whole system together, leading them to have an outsized role. Such a thing is regarded as politically dangerous, as it could pose a threat to the Hegemony even without Koranah overturning Ikun's nuclear monopoly. And it won't even create many jobs in Ikun, so it won't resolve the economic concerns. Nyak points out that it's not politically viable to simply ban geoengineering without the state coming up with a better idea. After a long discussion, it is Nyektak Aykay who finally has a breakthrough idea. They will create a starship to send a military occupation force to planet TRK-16-3 (aka Earth......). Not only will this create enormous numbers of jobs in Ikun to revitalize the economy, but it will demonstrate to the rest of the world that Ikun still has an unmatched ability to project military force even at interstellar distances, and give the citizens of Ikun hope that they can seek out a better life on another planet. Indeed for this reason, it is called Project Hope.
ch1 -- [already written] Nyektak-pack makes an unexpected appearence in the Hall of Power, where Ikun's Lawspeakers convene, looking to make some deals and exert some pressure in order to get Project Hope put on the annual agenda. They have identified that a certain Lawspeaker Ronyr-pack is the most influential pack in the Lawspeakers' Association at present, and so speak to them first, the idea being that they will be able to pull the strings necessary to approve Project Hope. Although Lawspeaker Ronyr-pack are initially skeptical, they agree to assist after Nyektak-pack promises an array of political favors, including guaranteeing that Ikoin Corporation--which Ronyr-pack own significant stock in--will be the main contractor for Project Hope, and reducing the taxes they collect on healthcare workers, who are present in large numbers in Ronyr-pack's district. However, Ronyr-pack is just the first Lawspeaker that Nyektak-pack will have to deal with; in order to ensure that Project Hope actually gets onto the agenda, they also have to make a separate deal with Ronyr-pack's enemy Lawspeaker Radenkiut-pack, who have the second-largest group of allies in the Lawspeaker's Association. Nevertheless, City Alpha Nyektak-pack gets what they want--zero restrictions on raising funds for Project Hope, coupled with a ban on geoengineering tech and directives to pursue sanctions against other city-states that don't join them in doing so, thereby inhibiting the rise of a Climate Control System as an alternative to Project Hope. As Nyektak Aykay points out, these two agenda items reinforce each other; one can't be overturned without also overturning the other.
ch2 -- Icen-pack is a struggling pack of construction workers in Ikun in Y934, who always have to be on the constant lookout for their next gig, as jobs are scarce and hard to come by. They are currently working on a new skyscraper in Ikun's well-to-do District 7, including the flying buttresses that extend over the surrounding roads to interconnect with the supports of adjacent buildings, as typical with Kyanah architecture. Even now they are already even as they work leveraging advanced algorithms to predict the next opening so they can apply before anyone else. Things are made even more cutthroat by the increasingly widespread use of wearable sensors to identify the best performers, and the fact that immigrants from the Dunelands tend to be willing to work for lower wages, which drives pay down for everyone and often forces native Ikun packs to work even harder to justify their wages. As they work, Icen Korak (who, like Kei and Nuyu, grew up in the industry, as their birth-packs worked in construction) laments that things used to be simpler when he was growing up, and packs didn't have to constantly fight against each other to land building jobs, and there were more full time positions instead of the constant data-driven scramble for gigs. Icen-pack's alpha Naiun, as well as Karok, mostly take this in stride, having not grown up in the industry and thus not being as familiar with it, but the rest agree with Korak. Karok points out that it's not a huge surprise, considering how few buildings are being built in the current economy and how even a skyscraper can be built with just a couple dozen packs with current technology, but still nobody is happy with the status quo. They contemplate trying to sabotage the metrics of their coworkers, suspecting that others will do the same to them, taking advantage of the new wearable sensors that are measuring performance; however Naiun insists that they will be fine if they just work hard and be honest, and seeing as she is the pack's alpha that kind of shuts the idea down. They also contemplate having another pair of young, in addition to their current pair Raktan and Tyorek, but money is at present too tight for that. However, Project Hope is announced to the public in an address by Nyektak-pack on state TV. They are initially all a bit confused why Ikun is planning an interstellar invasion, but Kei realizes that Project Hope will serve as a huge jobs program and speculates that this will have knock-on effects across the rest of the economy, and jobs for them will once again be plentiful, putting the whole pack on a hopeful note.
ch3 -- Ryen-pack is graduating from the prestigious Nktan University (in the neighboring city-state of Nktan obviously) and becoming scholars of the first rank. While they all agree they are going to miss the university, they all look forward to going back to Ikun and what comes ahead, as they will be starting work at a prestigious influencing firm in Ikun, basically working with the government to have laws changed for their clients. Ryen Kerok, the pack's Alpha, is especially eager to change the world, believing that they will be able to do a lot of good by influencing the highest levels of Ikun's government for their future clients. Teren is mostly thinking about the high salary that will enable them to have children quickly, whereas young packs in Ikun have to save for years. As for Kaun, she occupies something of a middle ground between the two. Ryen Konyan has the most misgivings about everything, about leaving Nktan University for the "real world", about the possibility that they'll end up working for corrupt clients and doing more harm than good, and about bringing children into a dying world, especially with the onset of Project Hope, which they all agree is stupid and short-sighted, but don't think the government will actually go through with building the starships and launching the military expedition to Earth. They are also concerned about the geoengineering ban, believing that Koranah city-state and their allies will just ignore it, giving them even more control over the future Climate Control System. And so they make their way back to Ikun to begin their careers at the influencing firm Kortak-Dakayan Corporation, a bit hopeful but also a bit uncertain about the future.
ch4 -- some lawspeakers and the city alpha are being shown the initial stages of technological progress on Project Hope in Y935 at Toryak University, the most prestigious university in Ikun. An enormous supercomputer complex has been constructed, using the Kyanahs' signature mechanical computers and is being used to research interstellar propulsion methods. Although many of the scientists are a little skeptical of Project Hope, they do appreciate the huge influx of funding to pursue their research. Nyektak-pack is impressed that the complex has been constructed in only a year (technically it's still under construction, but experiments are already underway as the city-state has imposed some very tough deadlines on them), but as the lead scientist-pack points out, it wasn't so difficult when they had a blank check from the Ikun government. However, they have some bad news: they've been attempting to design an interstellar engine using nuclear pulse propulsion, but despite their best efforts to optimize the design, it will only be able to reach 4% of light speed, which as they point out means that humanity will possibly be more technologically advanced than their own military by the time Project Hope arrives. The main problem is that the casing and detonation mechanisms of the nukes are basically dead weight. It seems that there may be a way around this by using antimatter-catalyzed nuclear propulsion, where small quantities of antimatter are fed into nuclear material to force a reaction without needing a bunch of actual nukes. However, this further has the problem that it will require grams of antimatter, meaning that a huge particle accelerator in the PeV range will have to be built. But if this can be done, the engines will be able to reach the required 7.5% of light speed. Much to the scientists' shock, Nyektak-pack immediately agrees to fund this accelerator. However, in private this prompts an argument between them as they don't actually have available funds, even if they funnel money from non-Hope agenda items into the project. The realize that Ikun can't do it alone while also building the starships themselves, they need funds and technical expertise from other city-states to build it, and will need to use their influence in the Coalition of Cities to get it, possibly in exchange for dipolmatic concessions that may destabilize Ikun's already precarious Hegemony. Meanwhile, we are also introduced to Nyektor-pack, a student of the second rank working on the supercomputing project while nurturing big dreams to someday be scholar of the third rank, at which point they aspire to start a research group to solve the many technical problems that must be solved for Project Hope to be successful.
ch5 -- A certain Ryen-pack--none other than Ryen Kerok's birth-pack--are working at one of Ikun's top universities, where their life's work has revolved around developing ecological nanobots that can break down pollutants in the soil. However, with enforcement of Y934 Agenda Item 579 beginning (banning technology associated with the Climate Control System), their entire life's work has now been forbidden by the government. Even many of their own students have bought into the official propaganda that this technology is dangerous and unreliable, and must be banned, much to their anger and disgust. They have continued working right up until the day the ban comes into effect, but a pack of university administrators orders them to destroy their research as the police will soon be arriving to shut the department down. Many harsh words are exchanged between Ryen-pack and the administrators, but ultimately there's nothing they can do except wipe their computers and destroy their prototypes before the police show up. After this, they reach out to their son Kerok's pack, which causes Kerok to wonder what is going on in their lives and if they want to be ikoin (kyanah term for friends/allies, but more explicitly transactional) but the elder Ryen-pack is retiring and leaving Ikun for the northern scrublands. Kerok urges them to stay and use their brilliant minds to do some good in Ikun, including the younger Ryen-pack's future children (even telling them that they will name one of their young after the elder Ryen-pack's alpha, Ayen), but the elder pack has made up their mind, they're done trying to pursue science while the government keeps interfering with their work, but tell the younger pack that the young are the future of Ikun, and if they want to save the planet, they must optimize their young for the cause, a message which seems to resonate most with Kerok and less with some of the others, especially Konyan.
ch6 -- Aktektan-pack is a large pack with many young who works long and arduous hours at an Ikoin Corporation factory assembling bombs and missiles for meager pay. After another mind numbing and monotonous day of working and getting into petty fights with coworkers during Y936, they head home to their tiny rundown apartment and engage in their typical pasttime of watching TV, especially Ikun's state TV, which triumphantly reports that Project Hope is already proving to be a massive boon to the economy. The fact that they've receieved a small bonus this year further convinces them that this is unquestionably true. They immediately proceed to spend their bonus on alcohol and pro-government merch. After Nedak realizes that their rent has increased as well by the same amount as their bonus, he angrily accuses their alpha Nyaken of mismanaging their money, to which Nyaken accuses the other females in the pack--Karien and Tanun--of laying too many eggs and creating too many mouths to feed, though their seems to be an undercurrent of jealousy in her rants, which leads to a physical fight between the members of Aktektan-pack. Later, Karien reveals that she's actually laid another egg--actually only one, which is seen as a sign of bad luck, as Kyanah lay eggs in pairs. These arguments ultimately peter out as the pack ends up falling asleep whilst watching a rather jingoistic movie.
ch7 -- Ptorya-pack lives in Adronkin, a city-state in the scorching hot Dunelands that is poorer, less developed, and much smaller than Ikun, where they're assistant administrators at a local textile factory. An unseasonally strong and dangerous sandstorm strikes, causing considerable damage to the factory and disrupting operations. Some workers, including Ptorya Llrien speculates that city-state officials including the City Alpha have been embezzling money intended for fortifying local buildings against sandstorms and spending it on luxury cars and mansions instead, but Ptorya-pack's alpha Rytor advises everyone not to ask too many questions about it and just focus on repairing the factory so they can all get back to work. At their home, which is quite small and spartan; despite them being white collar workers in the top 10% of earners in Adronkin, it would be a poor pack's apartment in Ikun; they notice clouds of irritating industrial smog containing lots of coal dust wafting in from the south and find several dead thukukenoids (creatures which float through the air like balloons, filter feeding on airborne spores and vegetation) lying around their neighborhood; Nekyez notes that they seem to have been dying off in droves as of late, though Rytor dismisses this as probably nothing and tells Nekyez not to worry their pack's young children. As they eat their day-meal, the subject of Project Hope comes up; they seem to be a bit bemused about Ikun's plans to launch an interstellar conquest (as Ntreyn points out, "the blue people always have crazy ideas") but they are hopeful about reports that Ikun is reviving its economy and will continue to remain a hyperpower, as they see Ikun and its military as bringers of peace and order, especially as they provided aid and peacekeeping some years ago when Adronkin was struck by a wave of deadly sandstorms. Llrien offhandedly mentions that she sometimes wishes that they were in Ikun and Rytor says that it would take a long time and be very difficult to get in, but concedes that it would probably be better for their young to grow up there.

I want to first preface by saying that this is in no way an attempt to brag about my financial situation. I am genuinely seeking financial advice to help alleviate the stress and anxiety that I have been having over potentially needing to sell my house. I have never posted on Reddit before so I hope that this is best place and an appropriate post. My apologies for the length.
Here's my background and situation:
I am 32 and have been dating my boyfriend, 33, for 5 years. I purchased a house in central Maine in 2017 for $138k on a 3.750% RHS loan for 30 years. My payment is about $900 monthly for the mortgage and escrow. Currently, the loan balance is $116k. My home on online real estate websites has an estimated value of $260k. I own a 2013 Chrysler, which is paid off, and am going to have my second car, a 2017 Subaru paid off in July. I currently have no other debts.
I earn $43,000 a year, but have been working as much overtime as allowed by my employer. This brings my potential annual earnings to nearly $60,000. My overtime earnings allow me to pay an additional $800 on my car loan every month. My boyfriend makes about $60,000 a year and has no debts. We both work for state/quasi-state entities, which we will receive a pension from when we retire. We also both contribute to a 401a and 457.
I would have never imagined being this financially sound ever in my life and would love to keep it this way. I have seen my own mother struggle and have worked hard to be where I am today. However, I may need to sell my home. My boyfriend wants to move back where his family is in Ohio. While I don't care where I live, I am incredibly worried about how smart it would be to sell. We may not be guaranteed to keep our jobs if we move out of state. Because of this potential problem, I have set up a financial plan to save $2200 a month for the next five years to put towards buying a home in cash so I am not tied down with two mortgages while I sell my current home. My boyfriend has also been saving as much as possible every month. However, we do not plan on getting a mortgage together. This way if we separate I would either have the home in my name or if it was in his name, then I would have the money I saved up. Again, my mother struggled and I don't want to end up in the same situation.
I truly love my boyfriend and can see myself spending the rest of my life with him, but I would love to be financially debt free before my 40s, which was my plan prior to meeting him.
Is it a wise choice to sell in my situation and take on a much higher loan? This would mean potentially losing our jobs with great pay and benefits and having to find new jobs. I would also be giving up a $900 a month mortgage/escrow, which could be potentially paid off in 5 years. I don't have family or friends that I can lean into for advice, so what would you do?
TL;DR - I am thinking about selling my house with a great loan to move out of state and potentially lose my job and have a much higher rate loan. Is this smart?

I forgot there was this whole other thing I was going to include that I forgot, my Roseanne conspiracy.
I don't know if maybe solving puzzle conspiracies is like the next step in human brain evolution or if i'm just a loser with too much free time. I only have like 3 faint memories of kindergarten, 1 of them is a very short conversation my teacher having with my mom about how i liked puzzles.
Anyways, when Roseanne Barr got cancelled for tweeting that shit about Valerie Jarrett, something just didn't seem right. Celebrities were already getting cancelled left and right, but this one seemed like way overboard. Absolutely nobody was talking about it, I didn't see a single thing where any regular person was talking about it or gave a shit, but the media was trying so hard to shove it down everyone's throats saying that EVERYONE was talking about it and making a HUGE deal about it. At first it just seemed like typical thirsty ass social media brands trying to be e-relevant.
But looking at it years later I noticed a few things. In the rebooted 10th season of Roseanne, her character developed a drug addiction problem throughout the season, and then it ended on a cliff hanger where she could possibly die. Then when they brought the series back under the new name The Conners, they try to play it off like they only killed her character off because of the scandal, not because the seeds were already planted. And then I realized her tweet that got her in trouble was actually posted literally just days after the final episode of Roseanne season 10 aired. The timing was so obvious, this was all just a huge publicity stunt to bring attention and hype to the new spinoff series where they continue on without her.
That's basically all there is to that one. I have a few others I want to eventually delve into more, such as Tupac is alive and most likely living in South America, cause after he faked his death its unlikely he would have gotten on a plane, and since he was in Vegas when he supposedly died, its only about a 7 hour drive to Mexico from there. Another conspiracy I have is that Michael Jackson was totally in on the scandals against him, the whole thing was fabricated just to sell magazines, everyone involved made insane amounts of money off that bullshit. Also the 2 or 3 people who down vote all my posts aren't as cool as they think they are, they always down vote within 15 minutes of me posting anything, its like get a life fool, you ain't foolin nobody, we know this is what you do on friday nights, go play outside.

Ah, the timeless question: Who am I? Well, buckle up because we're about to take a journey into the depths of self-discovery together.
I'm you, and I'm everyone else too. Confusing, right? Let me break it down. You see, I'm the culmination of your experiences, your thoughts, your quirks, and your dreams. But I'm also shaped by the people around you, the communities you're part of, and the world at large.
Let's start with the basics. You know those birthday countdown captions for your best friend's big day? Yep, that's me. I'm the friend who's always there to hype up the celebrations and make sure everyone knows just how special your bestie is.
But wait, there's more! Ever found yourself scrolling through Facebook groups, searching for like-minded souls who share your interests? Well, guess what? I'm lurking in those groups too, ready to connect with you over shared passions and inside jokes.
And what about that time you left a comment on your boyfriend's pic, showering him with love and heart emojis? Yep, guilty as charged. I'm the voice of affection and support, cheering you on in your relationships and spreading positivity wherever I go.
Oh, and let's not forget about the fake blue tick emoji copy and paste trick you pulled to jazz up your messages. Sneaky, right? But hey, I'm all for a little creativity and self-expression, even if it involves some digital trickery.
But beyond the surface-level stuff, I'm also here to lift you up when you need it most. Need a motivational speech to get you through those tough study sessions? Look no further, because I've got your back. I am a teacher-blogger. English is one of the subjects that I teach. Together, we'll conquer those academic mountains and emerge stronger than ever.
Together, we're unstoppable.

Hello everyone! This is a survey from a research team at a university looking for participants who self-identify as fat. The study is looking to explore the apparent reclamation of the word "fat" and hopefully fill in a large gap in the social sciences literature when it comes to the term and its use. In terms of demographics, we are looking for 18+, self-identified fat individuals. Also, feel free to share the survey! Thank you for reading & thank you in advance if you decide to take the survey :)
Link to Survey: https://twu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0BphDd6hp29XQua

Things to consider before reading , the red logo stands for Gamestop and he showed the name of every song on purpose so you can go and read the lyrics.Everything he did is calculated.
First video : https://twitter.com/TheRoaringKitty/status/1790532552828289526 he informs us red clothes and bleeding = the stock will bleed today
2 video : https://twitter.com/TheRoaringKitty/status/1790713748866371690 the red logo on her dress is the Gamestop logo = red day incoming , SONG lyrics : Right now, down, down, down
3 video : https://twitter.com/TheRoaringKitty/status/1790717515523658119 Again u can see the red Gamestop logo on his shirt while he is getting electrocuted, "you want to be fooled"=They will try to fool you to sell ,the words " IM BACK" in red = the stock will bleed but also "IN THE SADDLE AGAIN" is green = with burden (buying while stock is red) you will get $ because green =money
4 video: https://twitter.com/TheRoaringKitty/status/1790721293089964126 at the end you can see the Gamestop logo again and it says under "HOLD PATTERN UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE" this one is self explanatory lol
5 video : https://twitter.com/TheRoaringKitty/status/1790725065585439065 look at some of the lyrics of this song : "Singing we're here to keep your prices down" , "You made a pig's ear, you made a mistake", "You got away with it but we lie in wait" , "you're fast to lose, you will lose" ,
6 video : https://twitter.com/TheRoaringKitty/status/1790728848226521547 "Youre not actually going IN to an asteroid field?" = go IN , thats why he used CAPS , again look at the lyrics of the song : "Run along now don't be glum" , "Don't be long for the end is nigh" = nigh means almost/at or to a short distance away , "Don't let moments pass along And waste before your eyes" = dont miss the moment to buy , "Come with me and the slithy toves".The asteroids that hit the spaceship on the way are the burdens before you hit the goal.
7 video : https://twitter.com/TheRoaringKitty/status/1790732615022195139 "bitch" captions u can see red and green flag , i guess he means dont be a bitch, stocks go red and green ,they are not always green and he used RED captions for "think its a game" which probably means that the stock going red today is just a game.
8 video : https://twitter.com/TheRoaringKitty/status/1790736391124774975 some of the lyrics : " What I need for keeps this silly game we play, play." , "I think I'm first but surely finish last, last."
9 video : https://twitter.com/TheRoaringKitty/status/1790740164848861227 lyrics " I wanna send a message to them,Teach em a lesson quickly,Publicly addressing me, disrespecting me heavily They better be lucky the way my blessings effected me"
10 video : https://twitter.com/TheRoaringKitty/status/1790743946764644659 start of video you can see the gamestop logo in his hand and after MR DFV says " please return your seatbacks to their full upright and locked position" = return to the game and lock in.The conversation between them , The narrator represents : The real Roaring Kitty who holds his position and does not sell and Tyler represent the person who people yesterday thought he was and in this case a person who sold his stocks.The narrator ( Roaring Kitty) asks why do people think i am you (the person who sold his stocks) and you can see for a second a guy with red shirt besides The Narrator ( Roaring Kitty ) which represent the bleeding stock.Basically ppl think he is the person who sold because its a red day.Tyler says "why would ppl confuse you with me " and then it comes scene where the guy burns his hand and on his hand you can see the Gamestop logo.After this scene he says " because we are the same person" in pink captions which probably means that he is burning like everyone right now." I invest " with green because he is invested but also "deep fuck" with red because he gets fucked aswell."I am free" in orange i guess he could mean u could be financially free if you play it right."Kittys not here , kitty went away , kittys gone" he used red captions because ppl thought he left because the stock dropped hard but the captions after are " THIS IS IMPOSSIBLE" . "IF THIS IS YOUR FIRST NIGHT AT GME FIGHT CLUB" with red captions because its not the first time GME is that red , "you have to defend the bear thesis" defend = dont sell / buy to defend against the bears you can also see the cat against them. LOOK AT THOSE CAPTIONS BTW " you ARE INsane" he used CAPS for "ARE IN" and left the rest without caps.He is basically telling ppl to go in.You can see the Gamestop logo again before the end and the captions say " the movie goes on ".
I will continue tomorrow.

Without taking shortcuts, I am in it for the long haul; what resources would you recommend for someone who wants to begin freelancing within the next year (I have the free time to learn taking this seriously)?
I want to go down the no-code route doing WordPress sites for my future potential clients.
I also want to niche and do static websites only including some that may have a CMS for small businesses in addition to SEO for WordPress. I'm kinda lost on the hosting like how is all of this done (I'm a newbie so forgive me).
What resources would you recommend to learn to get a firm grasp on only these skills so that I can eventually go out in the world and begin freelancing full-time?
Also, who has a good course in writing proposals?
There's literally so much information it's impossible to know where to start.
Appreciated.
I have basic coding experience in frontend web development (HTML, CSS, vanilla JavaScript) as well as Python.

Storytime (Why retake the GRE?)

I took the GRE in October 2020 at home, the old one for MS admissions, but did not end up using it for any applications. My old score for the old GRE was 323 (162V, 89th percentile; 161Q, 65th percentile) and writing was 6. I ended up getting into a decent program in applied mathematics, and needed to retake it for competitive PhD programs in biostatistics/statistics and bioinformatics for the Fall 2025 cycle. I was aiming for perfect quant and somewhat improved verbal. I am working full time doing research and writing papers and programming lots and lots, it was really challenging to prepare, but I had lots of preparation time on my side---roughly two months.

Mock Scores (Markov property)

I double majored in pure mathematics and statistics from a top public school in SoCal, but I get incredibly anxious when taking these sorts of time constrained tests, so my quant was generally not perfect at all and all over the place:

1. Two days ago I took my first mock in the morning timed and got 159V, 160Q (powerprep 2, free)
2. The same day, later in the evening, I took another mock and got 159V, 168Q (powerprep+ 2, $40)
3. The next day, I took another mock in the evening and got 161V, 164Q (powerprep+ 3, $40).

So my quant performance was all over the place. Most of the time I would literally SELECT THE WRONG ANSWER and not fully read the damn question out of anxiety.

Game day (and the day before)

I didn't get very good sleep (only slept 5hrs because I ate really late and was super worried). I made a nootropic shake concoction and had some other supplements 30-40 minutes before I started the actual exam, which helped with my sleep deficit (vegan protein, matcha powder, creatine, l-theanine shake; vitamin B complex, CoQ-10, vitamin D extra strength; and a banana). I think diet the night before is actually super important and I did heavy carb and creatine loading: finished four servings of gnocchi; 1.1lbs ribeye steak; one avocado and one salmon filet. And up until the test day, I made sure to be physically active and stuck to my workout schedule to make sure that I have the best possible VO2 max on test day. This included doing zone 2-4 cardio weekly for at least 90 minutes per week. I see lots of people give up their workout schedule, but I think that's actually detrimental.
Beyond hacking my physiology, I took my test at a test center. I think that was a big deal because the test center was super quiet and there were no distractions at all. Driving there took me 40 minutes, so I was also able to settle down emotionally and just meditate about doing well while getting there. I listened to music as well which got me in a good mood.
I had completely forgotten that we get an unofficial score as soon we finish, so I was incredibly SHOCKED at how I did. I think if I had known I get the score immediately (unofficial) I would've done worse.

Other notes (resources I liked)

GREGMAT GUY... Danke Schoen. I used mostly gregmat strategies for all my preparation.

1. I used prepswift and made a cheat sheet from prepswift concepts for verbal, quant and writing. Making the cheat sheet was really helpful.
2. In particular, I focused on a lot of the strategy guides for the verbal and quant prepswift sections.
3. I did Manhattan 5lbs first, ALL problems EXCEPT the word problem ones since those ones were too wordy for no reason compared to actual ETS problems.
4. I did no foundations for quant until after I sampled my baseline performance on the Manhattan 5lb problems. Then I revised with prepswift and the official ETS material.
5. The official ETS quant and general GRE books are really good for practice as well. These are the real indicator of test performance since the Manhattan book problems are actually a lot more challenging.
6. I had very little verbal practice. I read and write everyday, so I just wanted to hit high 80s percentile for verbal. I did practice the vocab though (gregmat vocab mountain AND Magoosh GRE vocab).
7. For people with high anxiety: for the quant, just remember to recognize patterns, read the problem, stick to your foundations, plug and chug, and breathe. Everytime I started the quant section, I used the remaining time from the verbal to write that preceding sequence out so that I was using metacognition and prevent myself from panicking.

I might have made a (tiny) shift to here before my account was even created.
Ok, first of all, apologies for yet another long-ass novel from me, and for not posting this with a clear takeaway in mind. I don't find small unintentional shift posts like "my carpet changed color!!" the most exhilarating either, but it's my turn! Hopefully I manage to put enough substance into it with my words, I just had to share this asap.
So come today, I'm with family and a specific "number" comes up in conversation. I don't want to mention what this is due to privacy something-something - but, this number is something that's pretty significant for me. Someone in my family gets this number wrong. I very gracefully correct them... but they double-down on it. This is where red flags start going off in my head, so I just deflect the conversation and say I might be going crazy (and consider that possibility myself lol). Now, I have to reiterate, this number is pretty significant, and has been reinforced throughout my whole life, it relates to something, it's not just an abstract number in a password or something. Like imagine the months of the year changing order. All of a sudden, I find out that I'm all alone in this battle. Everyone else is singing the same note and I'm tonedeaf. That number has actually changed in reality, for no one else but me.
Ok, as I established, forgetting or brain fog is out of the question. The other possibility except for shifting, is actually going nuts, and I feel surprisingly sane for a crazy person. Although I guess that's what every crazy person thinks, so dear voices in my head, please confirm I'm not crazy in the comments haha. Anyways, so all of this got me thinking, when would the shift had happened? When was the last time this number got "tested" in front of my eyes like this and came out correct? And did something out of the ordinary happen in that time frame, besides me falling asleep in the middle of a method every night lol.
And this leads me into sidestory time. I've mentioned this story before, but this might have reinforced it. You see, before I made this account I was a pure lurker. I wasn't necessarily writing off shifting, more like I was still in a consideration phase - is this something I want in my life, what would I do with it, and is it worth becoming active in the community, having yet another distaction to adhd over, etc. (yes). That was my status quo, until a pretty complicated incident happened in my close circle. Again, sorry for leaving it up to the imagination, but when something involves someone else I'm close to, I'm a private person. What it boiled down to in the end was that I was forced to choose between actions that didn't feel like me, and that idea was stressing me out to infinity.
That very night is when all considerations went out the window, I had come into a new potential avenue to solve my unsolvable issues - shifting - and I was taking out all the brakes off the rollercoaster. I just fell asleep in utter desperation, repeating something along the lines of "I really don't need this to happen rn, I'll just shift to change it and never even know". Why the "never even know"? I still regret that part, but I guess it was because I was still in the consideration period back then. I was worried that shifting might potentially make life more meaningless somehow, like make life and free will feel more fake. So unfortunately, as much as I go on to retroactively prove to myself it worked, I'll never really know that it did. I set myself up. But yeah, if it wasn't clear, the next day I found out that voila - I had actually really misunderstood the incident and everything turns out trivial. Wow, another case where everyone else is in agreement on reality and I'm the only one out of order lol. What led me to this story, is that the last time I can remember comparing that previously mentioned number in my head, with itself in the external world, happened before that shifting incident. So I have a hunch I may not have unintentionally shifted, but that number changing is just a side product of that night. Why it changed or what it means? Still can't answer, that mystery isn't getting solved.
TL:DR; A huge thing changed for me. And it's possibly not even an unintentional shift, but connected to a desperate attempt to shift before I was even interested in shifting or had this account. In that attempt I cucked present-self not to know I shifted, so I might just have brain worms.
But anyways, what are the takeaways from this, what can be done with this information? The question isn't rhetorical, I'm really curious to hear your thoughts. As with everything, there must be a way to utilize the awareness of small or unintentional shifts.
What I could come up with was: First, the most obvious one - to reinforce the ideas behind LOA. After a successful shift, logically LOA becomes more natural to the shifter. Although unintentional/unbeknownst to me in this case, it still gives some rise to the idea. And this doesn't have to apply only to me, hopefully by reading this post, another tiny crack opens up in your own doubts too.
The other thing I'm considering, is whether I should try changing this number back. It's already bugging me anyways and it hasn't even been a day. My memories of my entire aware life were of a different number. So maybe it's possible that shifting will come to me easier if I just tried to change this one thing back before I'm used to it, rather than going for an entirely different reality first? I honestly want to hear someone more experienced's opinion on this, has it been more effortless for anyone to make smaller changes? Leave aside the fact that it's technically manifestation at that point, or that technically in my case I might have already shifted intentionally before.
And that's all I have in mind for now. Again, sorry for long, I tried to jerk my funny bone a little bit so hopefully that makes up for it 🍀