I'm having issues with proving my self-employment with Hire-Right. I keep getting "does not meet document requirements" emails. Ideas or suggestions are welcome. This is a high-level position and they have every right to do a background check, but when you submit docs that supposedly meet standards and are then rejected, without explanation and without anyone to talk to, I feel a bit like Jim Carey in Liar Liar at the impound lot.
Are these issues that could delay a start date, or does it get moved to an actual employee for approval? Anyone with 2 brain cells can see that I am who I say I am: if not, I've got a list of clients and customers they can call to verify with.
1) I owned a successful business in 2013, sold it in 2019. I submitted 13/14/18/19 1040s and 13/14/18/19 K1s. There are no "signatures" on each page because they were e-filed, although the first 2 have my CPA's preparer info. The last 2 don't as they came straight from the CPA and not in the typical "courtesy packet" with intro lette. The K1s are not signed by the CPA because the business issues a K1 to the shareholder. My CPA prepped the K1s as a courtesy, but they are issued from the business to me.
I'm guessing Hireright wants CPA signatures on everything, which isn't realistic, nor is it even a thing that happens on a K1. I'm not really sure what to submit next. Perhaps articles of incorporation-2013 and sale-2019? I have a feeling they'll just say "it proves you owned the business, not that you worked there....".
2) I have been working as an independent consultant for the past 14 months; they want a 1099 or W2. I'm an LLC and don't file either: I take draws and pay taxes at the end of the year. I'd give them my 1040 for 2022 if I had it, but I"m currently on extension. I've submitted my filing extension paperwork, LLC formation paperwork, and 2 contracts that I'm currently under, including start dates and daily rate. Client info is confidential.
Solution: I suppose I could submit a 1099 from my business to myself. It seems silly, but good idea? I could also submit 1099s from my clients that were sent to me on my behalf. It doesn't even make sense though: as a consultant, much of my revenue is winning projects and I don't get paid until the client pays us. A project signed today may not see revenue until August or September. It does prove I had revenue in 2022 though.
Other ideas welcome!

1. Leonard Cohen - Songs of Leonard Cohen (1968) A [3 listens B/A-/A] not really a "Rock" album, but it's one of those albums that constantly caught my eye, plus 60s albums are getting hard to come by. His writing is otherworldly. Fully lived experiences and age with every character in these songs. I would hate to live in his mind, as it seems so damn complex and very overanalytical on every single human interaction. If Bob Dylan is a storyteller, he is a painter; the level of complexity in all of these characters and people are so detailed. Similar to Blood on the Tracks, a lot of the songs are about romance and past relationships, however unlike that album, it isn't as heartbroken and shows a lot of value towards those experiences; even if they're all difficult to move past. Great album and that is enhanced by close, focused deep dives into these lyrics.
2. Yes: i. The Yes Album (1971) A++ [6 listens A+/A++/A+/A+/A++/A++] Close to the Edge is still one of the most Epic-like songs in Rock history, so I was thinking it was going to be pretty hard to top that, and it turns out, they already did lol. CttE is a great song, but the rest of the album is merely ok, whereas Venture is the only weak song. Everything else is MAGNIFICENT!! Move over harmonica, the organ is officially the most underrated instrument now. EVERY climax of each song is immaculate, the guitar and keyboards are always on point, the singing has never been better! Nothing could ever match what CttE is, but they started off with making a more consistent album throughout instead of only in one song. All timer. ii. Fragile (1971) A- [3 listens A-/A-/A-] first time I actually felt like I got Rick Roll'd by an album, as I didn't realize that the song from that meme was from Roundabout lol. The song is great and is even better the longer it develops. However, it does fall apart as the album gets deeper, particularly in the second side. I read on the recording of this album and saw that the individual members worked on separate tracks as they were being rushed and it really shows, as there are very understated and disconnected from everything else next to them. It becomes very noticeable when a song like Roundabout literally kicks off the tracklist and you have to follow it. Now, I can see the path on their way to how CttE is formatted, as it's just 3 "Roundabouts" in a row. Good listen, but very unbalanced.
3. ZZ Top - Tres Hombres (1973) A++ [6 listens B/B++/A-/A+/A+/A++] I listened to Eliminator and thought it was kinda meh and someone suggested to listen to this, as this is their "signature sound". Thank God I did, because this is probably my favorite Blues Rock album I've heard so far. The choruses are solid and aren't straying too far from the standard Blues layout, but it's the drumming, guitar licks and the solos that won me. That drum lick on the opening of La Grange is so damn sweet. Hell Raiser's solo is so amazing. The guitar riff on Master of Sparks is so catchy. The guitar & bass interplay on Shiek and Precious and Grace are amazing. Honestly, even though the song structures aren't that unique, they did the absolute best with what they had. But if I'm being honest, the 3 additional live tracks at the end put it over the edge for me. The energy is palpable.
4. Joni Mitchell: i. Court and Spark (1974) A [3 listens A/A/A] been awhile since I listened to Joni Mitchell's Blue, but I still catch myself randomly humming verses from My Old Man and Carey, so she's managed to find a place to hide out in the corners of my brain. It's a more jovial Mitchell and a forward looking project, instead of her sulking in her life experiences. A "recollection" of memories with her stories, with how scattered the writing flows. My favorite songs are Help Me, Free Man in Paris, Just Like This Train, Raised On Robbery. Nice album, she's starting to flirt with Jazz, but not as risky as what would come after. Also, Twisted needs to be cut from this album tho; such an odd fit. ii. The Hissing of Summer Lawns (1975) A [3 listens A/A+/A] she's completely single and ready to mingle now with this one; in terms of the music. Playing off the cover art, its sound likes she's taking a stroll through the park, meeting strangers with different instruments and styles, stopping to sit in the grass or dance around with someone and moving on to the next person. This feels more unplanned compared to the others, which helps it create a separate identity from the rest of her work. I do think the songs struggle in the first half, but the second side are much stronger. Shades of Scarlett, Harry's House, The Boho Dance and the title track are my favorites. Also, the music and the combination of instruments on display is way more enthralling than the lyrics and her signature storytelling. It's very good, but there's definitely more complete albums she's made. iii. Hejira (1976) A+ [3 listens B/B++/A+/A+] For some reason, early on this is the album that hit the wall for me, as I i kinda got tired of her not really changing her vocal cadence that much in the first 2 listens. After getting pass that, it's hard not to respect her. I still don't think this album does much too advance her music on a stylistic level, as the previous two have, but fuck, she's so damn great at writing. Furry Sings the Blues, Refuge of the Road, A Strange Boy... just such amazing storytelling in those alone. Also, Song for Sharon is possibly my favorite Joni Mitchell song now; just perfection. Had that slow, casual feel reminiscent of Blue that is rare to come across. I honestly hate albums like this, "growers", as even now, I feel like if I listen to this a few more times, I'd come to admire it more.
5. Iggy Pop: i. The Idiot (1977) A+ [5 listens A-/A/A/A+/A+] I've gone through all of the Stooges albums and now it's time for Iggy Pop's solo material. Both of these were made along side Bowie's Berlin Trilogy and as the producer, his fingerprints are all over it. The desolate guitars ringing, while a very uncommonly low energy Iggy sings over it all. If the first half of Low could be called a trial run for New Wave music, then this album is the trial run for Post Punk. Also, the album art perfectly matches the tone of the album: a blue/black picture in the cold, mysterious darkness of night... with a clueless Iggy just along for the ride lol. This has his signature deadpan style, but none of the Garage Rock energy he's knows for, which imo makes this effort a more respectable leap then he may think. I read he really doesn't "claim" this album, as he sees it as more for a Bowie project, but this album is definitely made better with his inclusion. Yes, the music is the biggest part, but idk if you could just replace Bowie on any of these songs and it'd be instantly better. ii. Lust of Life (1977) B [3 listens B-/B+/B] Wow, the album where he put his "foot down" and went in on making an album that HE wanted, is of course the one I left unimpressed by. Not that it's bad, but it's just a Stooges album with, again, not of that high octane energy. Success and The Passenger are phenomenal songs, but everything else is just your by "the numbers" Rock n Roll standards with an updated Garage spirit than anything as inventive at The Idiot.
6. Warren Zevon - Excitable Boy (1978) B+ [2 listens B+/B+] Genuinely can't remember how he got on my list or even remember if anyone even recommended him. But this is considered his "best album" and plus, outside of Elton John, I haven't really explored many Rock that centers around the Piano. It's a fun album, albeit very crude and satirical at times, it managed to balance it out well. Outside the double take lyrics, none of these songs are too special. I like the nice piano jingle of Werewolves of London and the title track is an interesting song. However, the last few songs tanked it. Okay listen; not everybody is an "album artist", as the singles were the best parts.
7. Wire: i. Chairs Missing (1978) A [4 listens B++/A/A/A] Wire! Pink Flag has managed to become an all time favorite since discovering it and honestly wasn't aware that they actually had other albums just as critically praised as it. As a 2nd album, it comes off very odd, but with hindsight of what follows it, it's easy to see that it's just stuck between two worlds: the world of "Proto"-Post Punk and the extended end of the "concept" of Post Punk. None of their music really feels like "Post Punk" as they never seem to conform to any genre sound. Where Pink Flag feels like a group of teens making Punk with a solid background in music, they weren't out to be "experimental" with the music. Here the Hardcore edge is removed, which allows their artistry to become more visible, but they're moving away from this subversion. Mercy, Practice Makes Perfect, I Am the Fly, Marooned, Outdoor Minor are the good ones. It's still very ahead of its time and still ahead of the curb. ii. 154 (1979) A++ [6 listens A-/A+/A++/A++/A++/A++] sometimes you have to let the thing you want go in order to fully accept the possibility that something can be better. I still desire a Pink Flag 2, but I'll be a fool to dismiss how amazing this is. The extremely eeriely brooding and atmospheric environment is pushing the limits of what Post Punk should even be. A song like Other Window creepy as fuck, due to Graham Lewis' increased vocal role, adding SO much to this tone. Touching Display is how every droning guitar should be used; deep, whole notes and if it was made in the 90s, it'll be my favorite Post Rock song outside of Slint. This is Avant-Post Punk essentially; carving out a deep future path for Gothic Rock to eventually go down. Also, SYNCOPATED RHYTHMS!! There are many bands to do it (often Pop bands), but none do it better with a heavy and Punk sound as they do. Also, compared to Pink Flag, there's SO little fat on here; so yes, it's definitely their best album. The ONLY flaw is the ending sequencing of it... Map should've been the closer and it would be PERFECT. / Colin Newman - A-Z (1980) A [4 listens B++/B/A+/A] Colin Newman's solo project and the "unofficial 4th Wire album" as many of the songs were written while the band was together. And it is obvious the time frame when, as it's more of a 154 Part 2 with how very unattached it is to being "Post Punk". However, similar to Chairs Missing, it's an unfocused album with so many great ideas. This is probably where I'd say it's too experimental, as some of these songs are just too intentionally eccentric. To be frank, I think he's trying too hard to be "weird" to match that energy of 154, but the weirdness was from the tone and how desolate the energy was. Whereas here, the energy is completely up and down and the oddness is in the erratic style than it's ambiance. This one probably has more moments and songs that I love more, but this makes Chairs Missing appear more concise lol. Still very good if you're a Wire fan, even if you can still sense that it's not really a true "Wire" project.
8. Siouxsie and the Banshees: i. Kaleidoscope (1980) B+ [3 listens A/A-/B+] with a different lineup this time around, interested to see how they will develop their sound going into the 80s. And it's kinda as I expected: more diverse instruments, more grooves with in the basslines and leaning on the singing to lead the direction. As the songs go on, they (specifically Siouxsie Sioux) lose their energy. Side 2 has all the best songs, while the first is lacking. Solid listen, but feels they overdid it when they should've kept it simple like on Scream. I respect the attempt and was probably a needed change due to how fast Post Punk was developing, but it could've been done more succinctly. ii. Juju (1981) A+ [2 listens A/A+] Well shit, it's like they already knew my criticisms lol. Finally dynamic songs! Partially why Bauhaus has become my favorite Post Punk/Gothic band, is that the song's layout and rhythms changes throughout a single song and doesn't remain static. Sioux is an all timer in presence, but not so much with singing imo, so she's used so much better as she's highlighted spottingly, particularly in crescendoing over the music. Also, this is heavy as hell; Monitor sounds like a SOAD track... Damn! Honestly, I thought this was going to be a repeat of Kaleidoscope, but man did they knock it out of the park. Fine tuned what they did and allowed themselves to amplify it without losing their identity completely.
9. Bathory: i. Self-Titled (1984) B++ [3 listens B++/B++/B++] the first "official" Black Metal album or EP given its length. Not only are the song structures primitive, but the mixing is as well. I think it works for what it is; something completely new. Even they didn't know what they were doing and it feels that way. The bassline is what seals the deal, as it keeps things very grounded. And the guitar is... well, it lays down the foundation of what Black Metal will become; for better or for worse. The production is really holding this back; it's very poorly mixed. The frayed sound of the guitars looses a lot of edge, which admittedly does make it an easier listen, but so much of its power is lost. Reaper, Raise the Dead, Necromancy, guitar solo on Sacrifice are the highlights. ii. Under the Sign of the Black Mark (1987) A+ [4 listens A+/A/A+/A+] I really love this album. Woman of Dark Desires, Massacre, 13 Candles, Enter the Eternal Fire, with that AWESOME guitar solo in the middle! This is the perfect step up, sound quality included. More songs with distinct identities, loved the pacing throughout and a very "easy" listen (i.e. no overly chaotic guitar solos). That's usually my main critique with most Extreme Metal albums is that songs tend to run into one another and there's very little differences between them all. The riffs are different, the tempo is different and the drumming is changed up on every song. Great album! But similar to all of their other stuff, I just wish it was longer. iii. Blood Fire Death (1988) A [3 listens A/A+/A] Another great album, but it's not a consistent as UtSotBM. I enjoyed the acoustic sections (that would later influence viking metal) which raises it up some points. It was an unexpected skill I didn't think they were capable of. However, this album is one that's trying to be two things: it does one really well and just "sorta" touches on the other one. It would've been great to see a better balance between these terrific Black Metal sections and these Viking Metal acoustic ones, giving equal time to each. I hope they would find a better balance in a future album, but I'm only listening to these 3. All were good listens and held up much better for pioneers of a genre.
10. The Pogues - Rum, Sodomy & the Lash (1985) A [4 listens A+/A/A/A] a long awaited listen after seeing so much about this. It doesn't really come off as "Punk" but as legit, Irish/Celtic shanties. The novelty wears off after a few listens though. It's very genuine in its execution and doesn't come off as gimmicky at all. It's very 2 note: uptempo or slow wailing songs. Waltzing Matilda and I'm a Man You Don't Meet Everyday are by far the best songs here, with Dirty Old Town, Wild Cats and Sally MacLennane in that 2nd tier below. Really good and takes itself very serious.
11. Butthole Surfers - Locust Abortion Technician (1987) C+ [2 listens B-/C+] speaking of talking itself seriously.... here's the complete opposite. It's very VERY hard to actually get into this as it's just absurdist for absurdism sake as most of it is just so empty. There are a few sparks of musical inspirations that show they are capable of something more serious, but they seem to enjoy being nonsensical over making compelling music. It doesn't necessarily have to be serious satire or just cut and dry (I love Ween), but there has to be a point to this madness or else it just comes off as simply... madness.
12. Queensryche - Operation: Mindcrime (1988) A+ [2 listens A/A+] Sounds like a "Heavy" Hair Metal band. The story is simply "okay" and that's being nice, as this was way over hyped, that I expected something like a To Pimp a Butterfly of themes and stories intersecting. This is like a Hair Metal version of the Wall. It feels more like a musical than a concept album with a linear story, which loses stream after Breaking the Silence. It is very melodramatic especially in the second half, but it was the 80s... However, it has Spreading the Disease so all of that is a wash; we don't got guys hitting high notes like that anymore, which you gotta admit Hair Metal nailed that with perfection. A++ music but A concept, so right in the middle.
13. Coroner: i. No More Color (1989) A- [3 listens A+/A/A-] first non big 4 Thrash. I don't know how popular they were beyond Europe, but they were pioneers in the Technical Thrash Metal (sometimes called Prog Thrash). The main issue is that all the songs run into one another, without any significant parts to either of them. They set their songs around the guitar solos (which can be unmemorable at best and very messy at worse), which furthers mushes everything together. This is why I tend to value pacing in music, especially in Heavy Metal. There's plenty of good riffs to be found, but you have to sludge your way to find them. ii. Mental Vortex (1991) A+ [2 listens A+/A+] great follow-up. The guitar is still leading every song, but it's not fully taking control over the identity of every one. The drumming and the shifts in the music (similar to Metallica's 80s work) better distinguishes each track, making every phrase more dynamic. It's pretty good, but admittedly the She's So Heavy cover puts it just over to be an A+; better than the original because its fully realized metal and ends 30 seconds sooner :p
14. Swervedriver - Mezcal Head (1993) A++ [4 listens A++/A++/A++/A++] a Grunge album in Shoegaze clothing. The music is very unassuming with its generic 90s vocals, but that's how that Shoegaze sound sneaks up on you. The reverb on every guitar note constantly adds texture to every moment, almost drowning you with its heaviness. And THEN, that's when the vocals start to shine; like warm light of a log cabin in the middle of a heavy, blinding blizzard. Also, Duress is up there along side Venus in Furs as those all timers I know I'll forever be listening to for decades to come. Phenomenal album, highly recommend! ii. Raise (1991) A- [2 listens A/A-] literally decided to listen to this days before finishing up as I didn't know this album was also a landmark in Shoegaze (maybe moreso than MH). This is the album shows that less discussed bridge from Noise Rock to Shoegaze, as so many places only consider Shoegaze as a direct evolution of Dream Pop. This is a true Alternate Rock sound, with heavy guitar distortion; but not to the extent to what Shoegaze is really known as. This is closer to Dinosaur Jr or Sonic Youth than MBV or Slowdive. That aside, its pretty good for a debut. The melodies aren't as great as MH, but a few songs like Son of Mustang Ford, Sandblasted and Sunset were great foundation points of what would follow. Wouldn't say it's a must listen, but it's a good entry.
15. Kyruss - Welcome to Sky Valley (1994) A [3 listens A-/A/A] Josh Homme from his original band and the "birth" of the Desert Rock genre. Solid album, I like the atmosphere it creates as a laid back, background album. Complete opposite of QQTSA in where it's like wandering down a barren "desert", instead of a isolated highway listening to a radio station. It works. Nothing here will jump out at you, but it's very clear that that's not the intent with it. Idk if I'd say it's a must listen, as I can see it being called uneventful. But it's a good listen if you want some background music with some grit to it.
16. Swans - Soundtracks for the Blind (1996) A+ [2 listens A+/A+] the last Swans I'm going to listen to as I didn't care much for To Be Kind, so I imagine I'm not gonna like any of their other stuff. This is in a different direction, where it doesn't even seem to be "music" at times. This makes GY!BE appear accessible in comparison. This is like flicking through the channels on a TV in this weird, strange motel in the middle of nowhere. A lot of dull, drawn out moments that actually work this time around, as it helps paint a better scene of this eldritch-like world it's in. If it had more of those spontaneous, random fully formed tracks, I'll love it more, however their sporadic appearances make them more special when they're coming out of nowhere. This is rare project where I feel that more listens would lower my love for it, as that unpredictability of it is its greatest strength.
17. Duster - Stratosphere (1998) A [3 listens A/A/A] VERY lofi with its low quality mixing. It's the pacing of Shoegaze without the distortion and the blasé attitude of Slacker Rock without the traditional song structure, to a point where it's closest to Post Rock but still has that character of your favorite 90s Indie Rock band (I'm also lost as well). RYM calls it Slowcore, which I find kinda cool. This is like if depression was an album; all the ebbs and flows of your mood slowly dropping, staying at a low point, that occasional optimism and right back into that shallow pit of somber, where you managed to make a somewhat cozy cottage due to you being there for so many times. Slowest part of a Built to Spill album, with a budget of $18 for production, bring a singer with possible self-esteem issues and tell them to make a 50 min lullaby to get a shoegaze-loving kid to sleep. I'm all out of metaphors.
18. Gustavo Cerati - Bocanada (1999) A+ [3 listens A+/A+/A+] another album I can't quite remember how it got on my list, but Trip Hop is another one of those genres that outside of Massive Attack and Portishead that I have very little experience with. Even though the lyrics are in a foreign language, it didn't hurt the overall experience of the album (it have may limited it being better though). Melancholy in his voice and the music, contrasting with the Trip Hop style. Tabu, Rio Babel, and Pasco Immoral are the ones that I recommend checking out if the runtime can be off-putting to some; but it's well worth the journey. Wonderful album that I'm glad I came across.
19. Immolation - Close to a World Below (2000) A [4 listens A+/A/A/A] Better than most Death Metal. Love that the vocalist is slow with his pace (he was great!), along with a solid and steady guitar riffs. I really dislike that drum sound (banging on the toms), but that's a hurdle it feels like you have to overcome to really get into the genre itself. Any of the first 4 songs and Lost Passion are worth checking out.
20. The White Stripes - White Blood Cells (2001) B+ [3 listens B++/B++/B+] I get why they're labeled Blues Rock. Maybe I didn't notice it before, but he sings like John Lennon, where he constantly on that upper octave (which is well out of their ranges) and they crack notes a lot. It's charming to a certain degree, but I don't think it really works with this heavy style. My biggest issue with it is that it's doing multiple things at once, instead of separately. The loud songs are too understated, as Union or Offend should be a bigger, hard, fast paced songs but instead have slow sections. They have this heavy guitar for no reason. We're going to Be Friends and This Protector being tender songs, when it's full acoustic and has a consistent theme, further adds to the lack of uniformity. Also, songs rarely change/switch up, which normally isn't that big of a issue, but when they're all 3+ minutes long, they all drag on. I know what a "perfect version" sounds like from them, so a lot of missteps feel more obvious than if it was blind to me, but I'm not super invested in this album, even with the number of listens.
21. Muse: i. Absolution (2003) A++ [5 listens A++/A+/A++/A++/A++] what if Radiohead chose to stay in 1997? What is it with these Post BritPop bands with incredible sophomore releases? Similarly to Coldplay, I didn't care much for Origin of Symmetry and had low expectations going into this. I don't know if I'm being too generous as only about 3 or 4 of these songs are really strong, however none are what I'd consider skips. This album is so damn tight in its tracklist. Some of the best collections of hooks and bridges ever. The singing isn't always on point, but the way they nail down the perfect formula for every song overshadows most of their faults in not being too special in any particular category. ii. Black Holes and Revelations (2006) A++ [3 listens A/A++/A++] Back to back bangers?! This one is probably my favorite, especially with how strong the second half of the album is. All the songs are great, but aren't straight retreads of what Absolution brought with the varied added instruments. Again, nothing they're doing is otherworldly, but they execute the structures of all of the songs so perfectly, that you tend to ignore the mediocrity of the band members' skills individually. They're the sum of their parts; heavily carried by their collaboration with the songwriting. These two albums are BARLEY A++ though... so if I give these two A++s, then I'm going to retroactively make Ok Computer a "Masterpiece", because it doesn't sit right with me with them being on the same level. Great pair of albums; y'all sleeping on Muse?
22. My Chemical Romance - Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge (2004) B+ [3 listens B+/B++/B+] okay, this is emo, like legit emo pop. TBP had a bigger theatrical element infused in its identity, whereas this has all of its personality in its lyrics. And the lyrics are very... tbh cringe. Songs go in too long; great choruses and lyrics, but having the same structure over and over is too repetitive for me to really get into it. It's very melodramatic, particularly in the singing, which at least does make it a compelling listen. I just wish the music followed suit as well. He is also too frantic in his performance, where on TBP it is limited to a few songs. Maybe this is the line where it is too raw.
23. Joanna Newsom: i. YS (2006) B- [2 listen A-/B-] DENSE AS FUCK. Makes Bob Dylan look like an haiku writer. Each song is a storybook, that requires heavy attention. Music itself is not too impressive outside its complexity in the instrumentation. This non-stop, continuous nature of her singing is the major turn off. To a point where it's very hard to follow any story she's trying to paint and the entire thing feels tiring. I do like the harp playing and the orchestral spurts that brighten phrases, but that's the only positive I can come up with. Big disappointment and kinda soured me on her going forward. However, I decided on a whim to give her one more try and.... ii. The Milk Eyed Mender (2004) Masterpiece [3 listens A++/MP/MP] being majorly disappointed with YS, I decided to try her more stripped down Debut before completely writing her off, as the albums following YS are very long listens. And it turns out I actually enjoy this much more; matter of fact, I can't find any flaws within it: ZERO. Yes, her voice is even more of a sore thumb when most of the attention is on it (those harmonies on Peach Plum and Pear sound like Nightmare Fuel tbh). But if I can call Blonde on Blonde a perfect album, I can give a pass to her voice. Her flow in the songs are SOOO much better, that it makes YS looks even worse in that department. The harp playing isn't grand, but subdued in line with her wandering through each song; ebbing and flowing along with her energy in each track. Her cadence and timbre in how she sings is second to none her.
24. The Beach Boys: Brian Wilson Presents Smile (2005) A- [2 listens A/A-] most of my thoughts on in the Sessions review, as his worned voice hampered the album. I will say this imo would've bombed in 1967; baroque ballads, no rock lol. It would've kicked started Progressive Rock about 5 years sooner, but it wouldn't have made such a huge splash considering the trend all of music was already headed in at that point. This feels more like a live album / The Smile Sessions (2011) A++ [5 listens A/A/A+/A+/A++] BWPS felt like a monkey Brian needed to finally get off his back. A personal album made by Brian himself, whereas BWPS kinda feels like the "gift" to the world that SMiLE was promised as. This still has that youthful, tender energy of creation, where it's unabashedly open with its oddities. Kind of like how Beach Boys Today! was a left turn in their careers, this would've been that for Pet Sounds. BWPS was trying to meet SMiLE's high expectations; this is more honest. The harmonies are so warm, with the perfect blend of pathos. There's more playful instruments in the background that make the whole thing feel more playful. A few of the mixes aren't done well - "Wistful" is the best way to describe this project. Good vibrations finally "fits" inside an album; we can all die in peace now. It's too baroque to be really accessible and too Prog to have real standout hit singles. But as a confined experience, BY FAR the best the Beach Boys have made... or uhm would've made.
25. Sweet Trip - You Will Never Know Why (2009) A++ [4 listens A-/A++/MP/A++] ...I wish I didn't look up the background of this band before I listened to this. I went into Velocity Design and Comfort fully blind and while it's not the exact style I'm personally into, it's still so unique in what it brought, that I still think of it fondly. That is until I learned about one of the band members. The thing people don't understand about the "separate the art from the artist" thing is that is isn't because of a sense of "morally superiority", it's that every time I listen or consume the art.... I can't NOT think of them and what happened. I enjoyed this album a lot, but most of my time listening, my mind was clearly distracted. I was dying for them to go fully into the Electronic-Jangle Pop space they only would briefly explore on VDC. Valerie Cooper's singing is still SO awe inspiring and freezes you in time, easily the greatest part of the music. The only flaw is that it has only a handful of jingles that really grip me. Also, no entire song pulls me in the whole run, it's only really the chorus and occasionally the transitions between tracks (which are outstanding btw) which was also an issue with the VDC. If it was also a tad bit heavier in certain moments, that would've helped me overlook a lot of this minor flaws. Phenomenal album and perfect follow up, but it's gonna take some time before I can revisit this, as it's hard to mentally disassociate the individual from the music while it's so fresh in my mind.
Bonus Albums: (shorter reviews)
• Yellow Magic Orchestra - Solid State Survivor (1979) A [3 listens B/A/A] colorful and joyful. Sounds like this was the singular inspiration of every Nintendo soundtrack from the 80s and 90s lol. Liked the slow parts, but the bouncy songs are very fun to listen to. Low stakes but still aged wonderfully.
• Gary Numen - The Pleasure Principal (1979) B [2 listens B+/B] futuristic, yet undefined. Weird vocal style is kinda weird, not everyone can pull it off like David Byrne or Devo. Isn't jovial enough like YMO nor is breaking any new ground with the layout like Kraftwerk to compensate for its simplicity. Cars was a nice surprise tho.
• Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark - Architecture and Morality (1981) A- [3 listens B++/A-/A-] finally a legit "Pop" singer. Synths are used as an aesthetic and not a crutch, now starting to feel like a more modern (or 80s I guess) style. Joan of Arc and Souvenir are my favorites. Good, but nothing too incredible.
• Tears for Fears - Songs from the Big Chair (1985) A++ [2 listens A++/A++] holy hell, way way better than I expected it would be. I knew the two popular songs, but they were more denser and bigger than I assumed they were. The production here is so lush and wide, immediately obvious they were very "familiar" with the technology by then. I will be adding more of their albums for more detailed reviews on a future list. (Prob the Hurting and Seeds)

I (19M) have been dealing with significant acne for 5+ years now, and have tried about every solution available. I have done 3 rounds of accutane with dosages up to 100mg/day, which work well while taking it, but it returns shortly after.
My skin got very bad this winter, so I began tret about 4 weeks ago at 0.05 cream, and it did not bother my skin at all. I have some dry flaky skin sometimes, but not bad. My skin has been getting much worse recently, and I am wondering if there is an issue with my routine, or if I just need to wait longer?
(The CeraVe moisturizer does make my skin burn SOMETIMES when applying.)
Routine:
Morning
CeraVe Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser
LRP Toleraine UV moisturizer
Night
CeraVe Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser
LRP Cicaplast Baume B5
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream

Megapost: A list of statements, press releases, and other sources reporting and expressing concern and criticism about Israel's war in Gaza and related aspects of the war. (Part 1)

Notes: This is a work that is currently in progress; please check back for updates. Titles have been edited to provide details.
Part 2 is here: https://www.reddit.com/Social_Democracy/comments/1cmjhpk/megapost_a_list_of_statements_press_releases_and/
Part 3 is here: https://www.reddit.com/Social_Democracy/comments/1coups2/megapost_a_list_of_statements_press_releases_and/
Part 4 is here: https://www.reddit.com/Social_Democracy/comments/1crvrde/megapost_a_list_of_statements_press_releases_and/
Indivisible Statements on the Israel/Palestine Crisis (October 2023-May 2024): https://indivisible.org/resource/indivisible-statements-israelpalestine-crisis
Unitarian Universalist Service Committee Joins Calls for an Immediate Ceasefire in Israel/Palestine (October 2023): https://www.uusc.org/press/ceasefire-in-israel-palestine/
‘We are over 100 former J Street staff and student leaders calling on J Street to immediately push for a ceasefire and urge elected officials to do the same." (October 2023): https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/24035556-j-street-alumni-letter-october-2023 & https://theintercept.com/2023/10/15/j-street-gaza-ceasefire-staffers-lette
Fellowship of Reconciliation: Statement from the Oldest Peace Group in the U.S. on the Outbreak of Another Gaza War (October 7, 2023): https://forusa.org/statement-from-the-oldest-peace-group-in-the-u-s-on-the-outbreak-of-another-gaza-wa
Israeli Committee Against House Demolitions Statements on the Gaza War (October 9, 2023 and November 2, 2023): https://icahd.org/2023/11/02/icahd-statements-gaza-wa
United Methodist Church Bishops condemn violence in the Middle East, call for prayer and action (October 9, 2023): https://www.umc.org/en/content/umc-bishops-condemn-violence-in-the-middle-east-call-for-prayer-and-action
Presbyterian Peace Fellowship’s Statement on Israel and Gaza (October 10, 2023): https://www.presbypeacefellowship.org/presbyterian-peace-fellowships-statement-on-israel-and-gaza/
Israeli Journalist Gideon Levy: Israel Should Lift Siege & Call Off Plans for Ground Invasion of Gaza (October 11, 2023): https://www.democracynow.org/2023/10/11/gideon_levy_gaza_war_israel_hamas
Amnesty International: Israel must lift illegal and inhumane blockade on Gaza as power plant runs out of fuel (October 12, 2023): https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2023/10/israel-opt-israel-must-lift-illegal-and-inhumane-blockade-on-gaza-as-power-plant-runs-out-of-fuel/
Johannes Lang: Do not give carte blanche to Netanyahu (October 12, 2023): https://thehill.com/opinion/international/4252111-do-not-give-carte-blanche-to-netanyahu/
Evangelicals in Israel and Gaza: “Our faith in Jesus compels us to call for an end to all violent activities” (October 13, 2023): https://evangelicalfocus.com/world/23921/evangelicals-in-israel-and-gaza-our-faith-in-jesus-compels-us-to-call-for-an-end-to-all-violent-activities
Executive Council of the Kurdistan Communities Union: Solving the Palestinian and the Kurdish Question ["Just as Hamas’ methods are wrong, the attitude of the Israeli state is also unacceptable. The Israeli state must end the attacks and blockade against Gaza and must not resort to violence against the Palestinian people in any way. The Palestinian problem cannot be solved through violence, but through democracy and the recognition of the rights of the Palestinian people."] (October 13, 2023): https://kck-info.com/statement-oct1323/
Haaretz Columnist Gideon Levy: Invading Gaza Will Be Israel's Biggest Ever War Crime (October 13, 2023): https://thewire.in/video/watch-invading-gaza-israels-biggest-ever-war-crime-haaretz-columnist-gideon-levy
National Women's Studies Association Calls for a Ceasefire and Negotiations to End Gaza Siege and Israeli Apartheid (October 13, 2023): https://wgss.umd.edu/news/nwsa-calls-ceasefire-and-negotiations-end-gaza-siege-and-israeli-apartheid
Peace Pledge Union: Stop supporting Israeli War Crimes, British pacifists tell UK government (October 13, 2024): https://www.ppu.org.uk/news/stop-supporting-israeli-war-crimes-british-pacifists-tell-uk-government
Raz Segal, associate professor of Holocaust and genocide studies: A Textbook Case of Genocide: Israel has been explicit about what it’s carrying out in Gaza. Why isn’t the world listening? (October 13, 2023): https://jewishcurrents.org/a-textbook-case-of-genocide
Statement from the Leadership of the National Writers Union on the War in Gaza (October 13, 2023): https://nwu.org/statement-from-the-leadership-of-the-national-writers-union-on-the-war-in-gaza/
Public Statement: Scholars Warn of Potential Genocide in Gaza [750+ signatures] (October 15, 2023): https://opiniojuris.org/2023/10/18/public-statement-scholars-warn-of-potential-genocide-in-gaza/
Call for Ceasefire in Israel and Occupied Palestinian Territory [Signed by: Alliance of Baptists; American Baptist Churches USA; American Friends Service Committee; American Muslims for Palestine; Americans for Justice in Palestine; Anera; Auburn Theological Seminary; Center for Civilians in Conflict; Center for Jewish Nonviolence; Center for Victims of Torture; Church of the Brethren, Office of Peacebuilding and Policy; Churches for Middle East Peace; Common Defense; Council on Islamic-American Relations; Demand Progress; Democracy for the Arab World Now; Evangelical Lutheran Church in America; Fellowship of Reconciliation; Freedom Forward; Friends Committee on National Legislation; Global Centre for the Responsibility to Protect; Grassroots International; Historians for Peace and Democracy; If Not Now; Institute for Policy Studies New Internationalism Project; International Civil Society Action Network (ICAN); Israel/Palestine Mission Network of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.); Jewish Voice for Peace Action; Just Foreign Policy; Justice Democrats; Lott Carey Baptist Foreign Mission Convention; MADRE; Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns; Mennonite Central Committee U.S.; Minnesota Peace Project; MPower Change Action Fund; National Council of Churches; National Iranian American Council; Neighbors for Peace; Nonviolent Peaceforce; PAX; Pax Christi USA; Presbyterian Church (USA) Office of Public Witness; Peace Action; Project on Middle East Democracy; Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft; Quixote Center; ReThinking Foreign Policy; Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights; RootsAction; September 11th Families for Peaceful Tomorrows; Sojourners; The Duty Legacy; The Episcopal Church; The Unitarian Universalist Association; The United Methodist Church – General Board of Church and Society; The Zomia Center; United Church of Christ; United for Peace and Justice; UNRWA USA; Women for Weapons Trade Transparency; Working Families Party; World BEYOND War; Yemen Freedom Council; Yemen Relief and Reconstruction Foundation; Yemeni Alliance Committee] (October 16, 2023): https://www.globalr2p.org/publications/call-for-ceasefire-in-israel-and-occupied-palestinian-territory/
Chris McGreal: The language being used to describe Palestinians is genocidal: I covered the Rwandan genocide as a reporter. The language spilling out of Israel after the butchery of the Hamas attacks is eerily familiar (October 16, 2023): https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/oct/16/the-language-being-used-to-describe-palestinians-is-genocidal
Win Without War: We Strongly Condemn the Israeli Government’s Collective Punishment of People in Palestine (October 16, 2023): https://winwithoutwar.org/we-strongly-condemn-the-israeli-governments-collective-punishment-of-people-in-palestine/
Joint faculty statement calls for end to ‘ethic of collective punishment’ in Israel-Hamas war: At least 70 faculty members from across Yale University have signed onto a collective statement calling for all parties “to respect the lives and basic human rights of civilians.” (October 17, 2023): https://yaledailynews.com/blog/2023/10/17/joint-faculty-statement-calls-for-end-to-ethic-of-collective-punishment-in-israel-hamas-wa & https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSds4DrUyInhsb_Wb5NuNXhn2tZcU7-Z8fglPT8X2wu2KGqc9w/viewform
Public Statement: Scholars Warn of Potential Genocide in Gaza [850+ signatures] (October 17, 2023; updated on October 20, 2023): https://twailr.com/public-statement-scholars-warn-of-potential-genocide-in-gaza/
Quaker organizations call for a ceasefire and humanitarian protections in Gaza [Signed by: American Friends Service Committee; Canadian Friends Service Committee; Friends Committee on National Legislation; Friends World Committee for Consultation; Quakers in Britain; Quakers Australia; Quaker United Nations Office] (October 17, 2023): https://afsc.org/newsroom/quaker-organizations-call-ceasefire-and-humanitarian-protections-gaza
Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference: Southern African Catholic Bishops of South Africa, Botswana, and Eswatini Call for “ceasefire” in the Holy Land (October 17, 2023): https://sacbc.org.za/southern-africa-catholic-bishops-call-for-ceasefire-in-the-holy-land/
Unifor appeals for an immediate end to violence in Israel and Gaza to avert a humanitarian catastrophe (October 17, 2023): https://www.unifor.org/news/all-news/unifor-appeals-immediate-end-violence-israel-and-gaza-avert-a-humanitarian
Groups in Albuquerque request ceasefire in Israel-Hamas war (October 18, 2023): https://www.koat.com/article/albuquerque-request-ceasefire-israel-hamas-wa45576635
Hispanic Federation Statement on Israel-Gaza Conflict (October 18, 2023): https://www.hispanicfederation.org/media/press_releases/hf_statement_on_israel-gaza_conflict/
Israeli politician who lost friends in Hamas attack calls for an end to the Gaza bombings: Ofer Cassif and the Hadash-Ta’al opposition party are outliers in a mostly unified parliament (October 18, 2023): https://www.cbc.ca/radio/asithappens/israeli-hadash-politician-1.7000378
The Coptic Orthodox Church condemns the unjustified Israeli violence against innocent Palestinian civilians (October 18, 2023): https://copticorthodox.church/en/2023/10/18/the-coptic-orthodox-church-condemns-the-unjustified-israeli-violence-against-innocent-palestinian-civilians/
Trades Union Congress (TUC) General Council statement on Gaza and Israel (October 18, 2023): https://www.tuc.org.uk/news/tuc-general-council-statement-gaza-and-israel
AN OPEN LETTER FROM THE ART COMMUNITY TO CULTURAL ORGANIZATIONS [4300+ signatures] (October 19, 2023): https://www.artforum.com/columns/open-letter-art-community-cultural-organizations-518019/
Daria Saburova, a member of the European Network of Solidarity with Ukraine: Why Ukrainians should support Palestinians: How can we look at images of Gaza and not see Mariupol or Bakhmut? (October 19, 2023): https://www.opendemocracy.net/en/odukraine-israel-palestine-russia-zelenskyi-hamas-gaza-offensive/
Exclusive: ‘Mutiny Brewing’ Inside State Department Over Israel-Palestine Policy: Morale is low, and some staffers are preparing to formally express their opposition to President Joe Biden's approach, officials told HuffPost. (October 19, 2023): https://www.huffpost.com/entry/state-department-gaza_n_6531a23ae4b0da897ab75ce4
International Sociological Association: Statement on the Situation in Israel and Palestine (October 19, 2023): https://www.isa-sociology.org/en/about-isa/isa-human-rights-committee/statement-on-the-situation-in-israel-and-palestine
Maoz Inon: Hamas killed my parents, but Israel’s war is not the answer: We need to break the cycle of violence. (October 19, 2023): https://www.aljazeera.com/opinions/2023/10/19/hamas-killed-my-parents-but-israels-war-is-not-the-answer
Right-wing media make bad faith comparison between Jewish-led protest against Israel's war in Gaza and the January 6 insurrection (October 19, 2023): https://www.mediamatters.org/fox-news/right-wing-media-make-bad-faith-comparison-between-jewish-led-protest-and-january-6
A statement from overseas Hongkongers and Tibetans in solidarity with Palestine (October 20, 2023): https://lausancollective.com/2023/overseas-hongkongers-tibetans-solidarity-palestine/
Amnesty International: Damning evidence of war crimes as Israeli attacks wipe out entire families in Gaza (October 20, 2023): https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2023/10/damning-evidence-of-war-crimes-as-israeli-attacks-wipe-out-entire-families-in-gaza/
California Domestic Workers Coalition In Solidarity with Calls to End Genocide in Gaza (October 20, 2023): https://www.cadomesticworkers.org/news/cdwc-in-solidarity-with-calls-to-end-genocide-in-gaza/
Former staffers press Warren to call for cease-fire in Israel-Hamas war: The letter was signed by more than 260 staffers from Elizabeth Warren’s 2020 presidential campaign. (October 20, 2023): https://www.politico.com/news/2023/10/20/warren-staffers-ceasefire-israel-hamas-war-00122674 & https://medium.com/@warrenstaff4peace/dear-senator-warren-9a8055d97f2f
Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez: Yesterday I met with family members of hostages currently in Gaza. They said: “We can do it all. We can fight for our families held hostage by Hamas, stand against occupation, stand with impacted Israelis, stand up for innocent Palestinians.” May their humanity be an example. (October 20, 2023): https://twitter.com/AOC/status/1715462413544251641
Sen. John Fetterman’s Former Campaign Staffers Urge Him to Support Israel–Hamas Ceasefire (October 20, 2023): https://theintercept.com/2023/10/20/john-fetterman-ceasefire-israel-hamas/
International Association of Lawyers (Union Internationale des Avocats): The UIA Calls on the State of Israel to comply with International Humanitarian Law and Condemns all Violence Against Civilians (October 20, 2023): https://www.uianet.org/en/news/uia-calls-state-israel-comply-international-humanitarian-law-and-condemns-all-violence-against
PUBLIC STATEMENT by the National Council of Churches in Australia (NCCA) on behalf of the churches listed below. ["Public Statement from NCCA President, Rev John Gilmore, on behalf of Anglican Church of Australia, Antiochian Orthodox Church, Armenian Apostolic Church, Assyrian Church of the East, Chinese Methodist Church of Australia, Churches of Christ in Australia, Congregational Federation of Australia and New Zealand, Coptic Orthodox Church, Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia, Indian Orthodox Church, Quakers Australia, The Salvation Army, Uniting Church in Australia, Australian Baptist Ministries."] (October 20, 2023): https://www.ncca.org.au/news/media-releases/item/3220-ncca-public-statement-20231020
‘There Are Options for Israel That Do Not Involve Killing Thousands of Civilians’: Now-former U.S. official Josh Paul explains why he resigned rather than pave the way for more arms transfers to Israel as it battles Hamas. (October 20, 2023): https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2023/10/20/josh-paul-israel-civilians-00122716
United Electrical, Radio & Machine Workers of America (UE) Helps Initiate Labor Call for Ceasefire in Israel and Palestine (October 20, 2023): https://www.ueunion.org/political-action/2023/ue-helps-initiate-labor-call-for-ceasefire-in-israel-and-palestine
Working Families Party: “There is no military solution to this conflict, and there never has been” (October 20, 2023): https://workingfamilies.org/2023/10/wfp-there-is-no-military-solution-to-this-conflict-and-there-never-has-been/
Catholic Chaldean Patriarch Cardinal Sako Calls International Community to Help End Military Operations in Palestine and Allow Entry of Humanitarian Aid - FULL TEXT (October 21, 2023): https://www.catholicnewsworld.com/2023/10/catholic-chaldean-patriarch-cardinal.html
Ceasefire now, end the siege, for a just and lasting peace: Issued on Saturday, October 21, 2023 [250+ signatures, including: Association of United Ukrainian Canadians; Canadian Arab Federation; Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives; Canadian Council of Imams; Canadian Federation of Medical Students; Canadian Freelance Union; Canadian Muslim Public Affairs Council; Canadian Palestinian Professional Foundation; Canadian Union of Postal Workers; Canadian Union of Public Employees; Canadian Unitarian Council; Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada; Independent Jewish Voices Canada; Islamic Institute Of Toronto; Jewish Faculty Network; Law Union of Ontario; Martha Justice Ministry - Sisters of St. Martha; Mennonite Central Committee Canada; National Farmers Union; National Union of Public and General Employees; Oxfam Canada; Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada; Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Montreal, Social Action Office; Save the Children Canada; United Church of Canada; Unifor; United Jewish People’s Order; Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom] (October 21, 2023): https://ceasefirenow.ca/who-we-are
From Idlib to Gaza: Syrians demonstrate in solidarity with Palestinians: Residents of Syria’s opposition-held northwest demonstrate in support of Palestinians facing displacement and bombardment in Gaza—an experience many of them share. (October 21, 2023): https://syriadirect.org/from-idlib-to-gaza-syrians-demonstrate-in-solidarity-with-palestinians/
Gaza children traumatised by bombardment with ground war to start (October 21, 2023): https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/gaza-children-traumatised-by-bombardment-with-ground-war-start-2023-10-21/
A lot of despair right now: Interview with an Israeli anarchist (October 22, 2023): https://freedomnews.org.uk/2023/10/22/a-lot-of-despair-right-now-interview-with-an-israeli-anarchist/
Lana Bastašić: I grew up in Bosnia, amid fear and hatred of Muslims. Now I see Germany’s mistakes over Gaza: As a child, I saw what follows ethnic cleansing. That’s why I am speaking out about my new home’s silence over Palestinian deaths (October 23, 2023): https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/oct/23/bosnia-muslims-germany-gaza-ethnic-cleansing-palestinian
‘Not in our name’: Jewish peace activists across the US call for immediate ceasefire and justice for Palestinians (October 23, 2023): https://www.cnn.com/2023/10/23/us/jewish-palestinian-protest-israel-gaza/index.html
‘Not in my name’: The European Jews condemning Israel’s war on Gaza (October 23, 2023): https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2023/10/23/not-in-my-name-the-european-jews-condemning-israels-war-on-gaza
Rev. Jeffrey Haggray, American Baptist Home Mission Societies: PLEASE! Not in my name! (October 23, 2023): https://abhms.org/about-us/news/please-not-in-my-name/
Secretary-General of the Syrian Opposition Coalition Haytham Rahmeh Condemns International Silence Amid Ongoing Gaza Bombing (October 23, 2023): https://en.etilaf.org/all-news/news/rahmeh-condemns-international-silence-amid-ongoing-gaza-bombing
United Nations: Amid Increasingly Dire Humanitarian Situation in Gaza, Secretary-General Tells Security Council Hamas Attacks Cannot Justify Collective Punishment of Palestinian People (October 24, 2023): https://press.un.org/en/2023/sc15462.doc.htm
Whistleblower Josh Paul: ‘Political pressure’ helps Israel skirt US arms rules: A Q&A with the State Department director who resigned in protest of the administration’s approach to the war in Gaza. (October 24, 2023): https://responsiblestatecraft.org/josh-paul-us-israel-weapons/
For Israel, the Equivalent of 15 9/11s. For Gaza, It's Now Up to More Than 260 9/11s. (October 25, 2023): https://www.commondreams.org/opinion/comparing-oct-7-to-sept-11
The Growing Jewish Resistance to Israel’s War on Palestine: Jewish socialists and progressives in the U.S. are organizing to say that “never again” means never again for anyone. (October 25, 2023): https://inthesetimes.com/article/jewish-socialist-dsa-israel-palestine-gaza-cease-fire
These Israeli Survivors Don’t Want Revenge: Despite the loud calls for vengeance within Israel, many survivors of Hamas’s October 7 massacres, as well as relatives of those killed or kidnapped, are speaking out against the war on Gaza. (October 25, 2023): https://www.thenation.com/article/world/these-israeli-survivors-dont-want-revenge/
Humanitarian Practice Network: Responses to the humanitarian situation in Gaza and Israel (October 26, 2023): https://odihpn.org/publication/responses-to-the-humanitarian-situation-in-gaza-and-israel/
UNISON calls for immediate ceasefire in Gaza and Israel: The union condemns the rising death toll of Palestinian civilians – especially children – caused by Israel’s bombardment (October 26, 2023): https://www.unison.org.uk/news/article/2023/10/unison-calls-for-immediate-ceasefire-in-gaza-and-israel/
Gaza: The case for a ceasefire Chatham House (October 27, 2023): https://www.chathamhouse.org/2023/10/gaza-case-ceasefire
United for Peace and Justice: Demand an Immediate Ceasefire in the Israel-Gaza War (October 27, 2023): https://www.unitedforpeace.org/2023/10/27/demand-an-immediate-ceasefire-in-the-israel-gaza-wa
Benzion Sanders: I Fought for the I.D.F. in Gaza. It Made Me Fight for Peace. [Sanders: "Those three fateful weeks inside the Gaza Strip transformed me from a deeply religious, Modern Orthodox yeshiva student and West Bank settler into an activist with the movement opposing the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories, first with the antiwar veterans organization Breaking the Silence and now with Extend, a group that connects Palestinian and Israeli human rights leaders with American Jewish audiences."] (October 28, 2023): https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/28/opinion/international-world/gaza-idf-israel-veterans.html
Fr. Faltas: Gaza looks like hell on earth: The Vicar of the Custody of the Holy Land, Fr. Ibrahim Faltas, describes the situation and the feelings of the local Christian community as war in the Holy Land escalates further. (October 28, 2023): https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2023-10/fr-faltas-war-in-holy-land-like-hell-on-earth.html
Jewish Socialists' Group: Ceasefire now. End the siege of Gaza. (October 28, 2023): https://www.jewishsocialist.org.uk/news/item/ceasefire-now-end-the-siege-of-gaza
UAW 2865 & UAW 5810 Statement on Palestine (October 28, 2023): https://uaw2865.org/uaw-2865-uaw-5810-statement-on-palestine/
Pope Francis calls for a ceasefire in the Holy Land (October 29, 2023): https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2023-10/pope-francis-angelus-29-october-appeal-peace-gaza-holy-land.html
‘There is zero work’: Occupied West Bank paralysed as economy stalls: Israel-ordered shutdowns and settler attacks in occupied West Bank take devastating toll on Palestinian economy. (October 29, 2023): https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2023/10/29/there-is-zero-work-occupied-west-bank-paralysed-as-economy-stalls
American Anthropological Association Calls for an End to the Violence in the Middle East (October 30, 2023): https://americananthro.org/news/aaa-calls-for-an-end-to-the-violence-in-the-middle-east/
Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change: Calling for Cease-fire in Israel-Gaza Strip (October 30, 2023): https://thekingcenter.org/calling-for-cease-fire-in-israel-gaza-strip/
Belgian unions refuse handling arms shipments for Israel-Hamas conflict (October 31, 2023): https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/belgian-unions-refuse-handling-arms-shipments-israel-hamas-conflict-2023-10-31/
Carter Center Calls for Cease-fire in Gaza, Return of Hostages, Opening of Humanitarian Corridors (October 31, 2023): https://www.cartercenter.org/news/p2023/carter-center-statement-israel-palestine-103123.html
Despite Intimidation, Union Voices Get Louder for Ceasefire in Gaza (October 31, 2023): https://labornotes.org/blogs/2023/10/despite-intimidation-union-voices-get-louder-ceasefire-gaza
Party of the European Left: The European Left condemns the Israeli war on Gaza and the attack on over 2 million Palestinians there. (October 31, 2023): https://www.european-left.org/the-european-left-condemns-the-israeli-war-on-gaza-and-the-attack-on-over-2-million-palestinians-there/
Child Rights International Network's statement on children's rights in Palestine and Israel (November 1, 2023): https://home.crin.org/readlistenwatch/stories/statement-childrens-rights-palestine-israel
Evangelicals Call for an Immediate Ceasefire in the Holy Land, Urgent Action Towards a Just Peace [Statement signed by Middle East and North Africa Evangelical Alliance; Asia Evangelical Alliance; Alianza Evangelica Latina; Evangelical Churches Fellowship of Ethiopia; Jordan Evangelical Council; Evangelical Fellowship of India; Association of the Iraqi National Evangelical Churches; Evangelical Alliance of Kenya; Evangelical Churches Alliance Qatar; Evangelical Alliance of South Africa; National Christian Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka; National Churches Fellowship of Nepal; Council of the Evangelical Churches in Iraqi Kurdistan Region; Evangelical Fellowship of Egypt; Evangelical Alliance of Arabic speakers in Europe; Caleb Institute, India; Middle East and North Africa Association for Theological Education (MENATE); Peace and Reconciliation Network] (November 1, 2023): https://mena-ea.org/evangelicals-call-for-an-immediate-ceasefire-in-the-holy-land-urgent-action-towards-a-just-peace/
A Dangerous Conflation: An open letter from Jewish writers ["We are Jewish writers, artists, and activists who wish to disavow the widespread narrative that any criticism of Israel is inherently antisemitic. Israel and its defenders have long used this rhetorical tactic to shield Israel from accountability, dignify the US’s multibillion-dollar investment in Israel’s military, obscure the deadly reality of occupation, and deny Palestinian sovereignty. Now, this insidious gagging of free speech is being used to justify Israel’s ongoing military bombardment of Gaza and to silence criticism from the international community."] (November 2, 2023): https://www.nplusonemag.com/online-only/online-only/a-dangerous-conflation/
American Civil Liberties Union: Why We Must Reject Efforts to Restrict Constitutionally Protected Speech on College Campuses: Calls to punish and silence student activists betray the Constitution and the spirit of free inquiry that is critical to life at public universities. (November 2, 2023): https://www.aclu.org/news/free-speech/why-we-must-reject-efforts-to-restrict-constitutionally-protected-speech-on-college-campuses
Biden's Israel-Gaza Approach Sidelines State Department, And Officials Fear The Worst (November 2, 2023): https://www.huffpost.com/entry/state-department-israel-hamas-gaza_n_6543a0c4e4b0cde80b8bd72e
Chile's President Gabriel Boric, after condemning Israel over Gaza, raises concerns with Biden (November 2, 2023): https://www.reuters.com/world/chiles-boric-after-condemning-israel-over-gaza-raise-concerns-with-biden-2023-11-02/
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison says it would be helpful if Biden was more forceful on protecting civilians in Gaza (November 2, 2023): https://www.cnn.com/2023/11/01/politics/keith-ellison-joe-biden-civilians-gaza/index.html
Einstein’s nightmare: the fascist politicians wielding power in Israel (November 3, 2023): https://www.redpepper.org.uk/global-politics/palestine-middle-east/einsteins-nightmare-the-fascist-politicians-wielding-power-in-israel/
Exclusive: Antony Blinken Held Private Meeting With Officials Who Formally Protested U.S. Gaza Policy: The previously unreported meeting took place on Oct. 26, a former official told HuffPost. (November 3, 2023): https://www.huffpost.com/entry/antony-blinken-state-department-gaza-dissent_n_65458434e4b01b258583ce56
Holy Synod of Patriarchate of Georgia: We condemn wars in Ukraine and Gaza and we pray for peace (November 3, 2023): https://orthodoxtimes.com/holy-synod-of-church-of-georgia-we-condemn-wars-in-ukraine-and-gaza-and-we-pray-for-peace/
Labour MP John McDonnell: Labour’s response to the crisis in Gaza is a test of whether it’s fit to govern (November 3, 2023): https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/nov/03/labour-gaza-keir-starmer-israel
Unite the Union calls for an immediate ceasefire (November 3, 2023): https://www.unitetheunion.org/news-events/news/2023/novembeunite-calls-for-an-immediate-ceasefire
Michael Moore on Gaza: ‘We need to stop the slaughter’ (November 4, 2023): https://www.aljazeera.com/program/upfront/2023/11/4/michael-moore-on-gaza-we-need-to-stop-the-slaughter
Senator Bernie Sanders: AIPAC has supported dozens of GOP extremists who are undermining our democracy. They’re now working hard to defeat progressive members of Congress. We won’t let that happen. Let us stand together in the fight for a world of peace, economic and social justice and climate sanity. (November 5, 2023): https://twitter.com/BernieSanders/status/1721262098439668002
600 Jews and Muslims just met at a mosque in Israel to call for peace. Here’s what they said. (November 6, 2023): https://www.analystnews.org/posts/600-jews-and-muslims-just-met-at-a-mosque-in-israel-to-call-for-peace-in-gaza-heres-what-they-said
International Labour Organization: Over 60 per cent of employment has been lost in Gaza since start of current conflict (November 6, 2023): https://www.ilo.org/resource/news/over-60-cent-employment-has-been-lost-gaza-start-current-conflict
Japanese Communist Party calls on governments concerned to work to stop genocide in Gaza (November 6, 2023): https://www.jcp.or.jp/english/jcpcc/blog/2023/11/20231106-gaza.html
Lutheran World Federation: Gaza is on the brink of disaster: Gaza is on the brink of disaster. In a statement released on 6 November, the LWF calls for an immediate ceasefire to enable humanitarian aid, the opening of humanitarian corridors, and adherence to International Humanitarian Law by all parties. (November 6, 2023): https://lutheranworld.org/news/gaza-brink-disaster
Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance (MEAA) statement on Israel and Palestine crisis (November 6, 2023): https://www.meaa.org/mediaroom/meaa-statement-on-israel-and-palestine-crisis/
Brown University faculty members call for a ceasefire in Israel-Palestine and the protection of academic freedom and student activism (November 7, 2023): https://www.browndailyherald.com/article/2023/11/brown-faculty-call-for-a-ceasefire-in-israel-palestine-and-the-protection-of-academic-freedom-and-student-activism
Buddhist Peace Fellowship: True Justice, True Peace: Engaged Buddhist Response to Gaza (November 7, 2023) https://www.bpf.org/blog/true-justice-true-peace-engaged-buddhist-response-to-gaza
Council of Global Unions demands international protection and justice for the people of Palestine (November 7, 2023): https://uniglobalunion.org/news/global-unions-demand-justice-palestine/
Episcopal Church: Presiding Bishop Michael Curry on 10,000+ dead in Gaza: Stop the killing (November 7, 2023): https://www.episcopalchurch.org/publicaffairs/presiding-bishop-michael-curry-on-10000-dead-in-gaza-stop-the-killing/
Lebanon: Bishop of Tripoli urges international community to end conflict between Israel and Palestine (November 7, 2023): https://acninternational.org/lebanon-bishop-of-tripoli-urges-international-community-to-end-conflict-between-israel-and-palestine/
Raji Sourani: I Live in Gaza. Israel’s Horrific Bombing Campaign Is Like Nothing I’ve Ever Seen Before. (November 7, 2023): https://jacobin.com/2023/11/gaza-bombing-dispatch-israeli-war-crimes-palestine-hope
SEIU 1021 Executive Board Statement Calls for Ceasefire in Gaza (November 7, 2023): https://www.seiu1021.org/article/seiu-1021-executive-board-statement-calls-ceasefire-gaza
Biden Alumni for Peace and Justice, a coalition of 500+ former 2020 Biden for President and Democratic Party staff: "We write to you as alumni of your 2020 presidential campaign. We fought tirelessly to organize millions of Americans to cast their votes for you. Like you, we believe in the dignity and value of every human life and the need for moral courage from our country’s leadership. We implore you, President Biden, to live that moral courage right now by stepping up to be a leader we can be proud of in the face of injustice. As President of the United States, you have significant influence in this perilous moment — you must call for a ceasefire, hostage exchange, and de-escalation, and take concrete steps to address the conditions of occupation, apartheid, and ethnic cleansing at the root of the horrific violence we are witnessing now." (November 8, 2023): https://medium.com/@bidenalumnipeace/dear-president-biden-8a41e0b444dd
Italian, Greek and Turkish Transport Unions Issue Joint Call to Stop Arming Israel (November 8, 2023): https://www.workersinpalestine.org/news/italian-greek-and-turkish-transport-unions-issue-joint-call-to-stop-arming-israel
‘Moral duty to stand up’: Rohingya activists join in solidarity with Palestinians (November 8, 2023): https://www.arabnews.com/node/2405551/world
“Stop This Madness”: Holocaust Survivor Marione Ingram, 87, Condemns Israeli Assault & Calls for Peace (November 8, 2023): https://www.democracynow.org/2023/11/8/marione_ingram_omer_bartov_holocaust_gaza
Tamar Shirinian: A plea to all Armenians to think about the genocide of the Palestinians (November 8, 2023): https://armenianweekly.com/2023/11/08/a-plea-to-all-armenians-to-think-about-the-genocide-of-the-palestinians/
Ukrainian letter of solidarity with the Palestinian people: More than 300 Ukrainian scholars, activists and artists express their solidarity with Palestinians in an open letter. (November 8, 2023): https://www.aljazeera.com/opinions/2023/11/8/ukrainian-letter-of-solidarity-with-the-palestinian
When Lindsey Graham's pro-life persona meets Gaza: The South Carolina senator has a curious scorched earth approach — at least when it comes to certain children. (November 8, 2023): https://responsiblestatecraft.org/lindsey-graham-israel-gaza/
NewsGuild-CWA: Statement on the Israel-Gaza war (November 9, 2023): https://newsguild.org/statement-on-the-israel-gaza-wa
Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC), All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), Hind Mazdoor Sabha (HMS), Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), All India United Trade Union Centre (AIUTUC), Trade Union Coordination Centre (TUCC), Self Employed Women's Association (SEWA), All India Central Council of Trade Unions (AICCTU), Labour Progressive Federation (LPF), United Trade Union Congress (UTUC), and Independent sectoral Federations/Associations: The Joint Platform of Central Trade Unions and Independent Federations/Associations oppose any move to export Indian workers to Israel to replace Palestinian workers (November 9, 2023): https://agitatejournal.org/the-joint-platform-of-central-trade-unions-and-independent-federations-associations-oppose-any-move-to-export-indian-workers-to-israel-to-replace-palestinian-workers/
Western Liberals Need to Extend the Same Humanity to Gaza as They Did to Ukraine (November 9, 2023): https://www.liberalcurrents.com/western-liberals-need-to-extend-the-same-humanity-to-gaza-as-they-did-to-ukraine/
Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières: Why the US must support an immediate ceasefire in Gaza: Humanitarian pauses are not enough to stanch the bleeding (November 10, 2023): https://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/latest/why-us-must-support-immediate-ceasefire-gaza
Nadia Mitchell: I’m a veteran. Armistice Day is the perfect time to march for a ceasefire (November 10, 2023): https://www.opendemocracy.net/en/gaza-suella-braverman-palestine-solidarity-march-armistice-day-remembrance-veteran/
Over 1,000 USAID officials call for Gaza ceasefire in letter (November 10, 2023): https://www.reuters.com/world/over-1000-usaid-officials-call-gaza-ceasefire-letter-2023-11-10/
United Methodist Church bishops call for peace in the Holy Land (November 10, 2023): https://www.unitedmethodistbishops.org/newsdetail/umc-bishops-call-for-peace-in-middle-east-18135691
Brazilian priest praised by Pope stirs controversy for pro-Palestinian stance (November 11, 2023): https://cruxnow.com/church-in-the-americas/2023/11/brazilian-priest-praised-by-pope-stirs-controversy-for-pro-palestinian-stance
STATEMENT OF FREE SYRIANS IN SOLIDARITY WITH THE PALESTINIAN PEOPLE ["We, Syrians united in the revolutionary struggle against the Assad regime and its imperialist sponsors, stand firmly and unequivocally with the Palestinian people in Gaza"; 100+ signatures] (November 11, 2023): https://lis-isl.org/en/2023/11/11/declaracion-de-sirios-libres-en-solidaridad-con-el-pueblo-palestino/
Political Scientists Say: Ceasefire Now! [1300+ signatures] (November 12, 2023): https://www.polisciceasefire.org
‘Two sides of the same coin’: Activists say the Syrian regime leader’s denunciation of Israel’s actions is hypocritical — and those actions are similar to his own. ["Since the start of the Israel-Hamas conflict on October 7, Syrian activists have used the phrase “two sides of the same coin” to describe both the Syrian regime and Israel’s crimes against the Syrian and Palestinian peoples."] (November 12, 2023): https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/11/12/two-sides-of-the-same-coin-activists-denounce-assads-criticism-of-israe
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres: Barbaric Hamas Attack Does Not Justify "Collective Punishment" Of Palestinian People (November 12, 2023): https://www.realclearpolitics.com/video/2023/11/12/un_secretary-general_guterres_barbaric_hamas_attack_does_not_justify_collective_punishment_of_palestinian_people.html
Catholic Legal Immigration Network (CLINIC) Joins Calls for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Palestine and Mourns the Extreme Devastation and Loss of Life (Novmber 13, 2023): https://www.cliniclegal.org/press-releases/clinic-joins-calls-tps-palestine-and-mourns-extreme-devastation-and-loss-life
Open Letter from Bernie Sanders National Delegates Calling for Ceasefire in Gaza [300+ signatures] (November 13, 2023): https://medium.com/@haniehjodat/open-letter-from-sanders-national-delegates-calling-for-ceasefire-in-gaza-a0852e8118e9
American Buddhists Issue Petition Urging President Biden to Call for a Ceasefire in Gaza (November 14, 2023): https://www.buddhistdoor.net/news/american-buddhists-issue-petition-urging-president-biden-to-call-for-a-ceasefire-in-gaza/
Mark Dimondstein, president of the American Postal Workers Union, one of 55 Vice Presidents of the AFL-CIO, and a member of the AFL-CIO Executive Committee and Council: As a Union President, I Stand With Humanity in Calling for a Cease-Fire (November 14, 2023): https://www.thenation.com/article/world/mark-dimondstein-gaza-israel-cease-fire/

So, my players and I finished up a lengthy 8+ hour session over the weekend. We played a homebrew adventure that I concocted, from level 1-2, using a mix of creatures and encounters from the book, with some reflavored and some repurposed. Previously, we had played through the v1.2 Quickstart Adventure, so we have experience with both Open Beta versions of the game. Here are my thoughts, which also partially represent my players thoughts, as we had a fairly lengthy discussion about the game afterwards.
For reference, we all have a couple years of TTRPG experience, mostly with D&D and Call of Cthulhu. Our four players played a Halfling Seraph, an Orc Druid, a Simiah Bard, and a Clank Warrior. We played through 5 combat encounters, as well as a few exploration and social encounters.
And yes, while I will be submitting a GM survey, I just wanted to collect my thoughts and see if others felt the same or notably different about various aspects of the game. Sorry in advance about how lengthy this became (believe it or not, this is after me pruning it down quite a bit).

Love

• "Initiative" - I understand that this might not be a universal feeling from table to table, but the freedom of deciding who goes when just works at my table. It's smooth, it's sensible, and it actually makes combat faster as all of my players tend to be more engaged during combat.
• Duality Dice - Hope and Fear are just super thematic, yet vague enough to fit a variety of situations.
• Components - While I think they still need more tuning and adjustments, the overall components of the game - HP, Stress, Evasion, Armor, Hope, and Fear - feel like they offer a lot of depth and potential for modification, synergy, and build variety.

Like

• Experiences - I love the idea and the freedom to create your own, but I do have minor issues with the mechanical details. First of all, I feel like coming up with a new Experience at level 2 feels too soon, and also, spending a Hope for a +1 (that likely will not be the deciding factor between success or failure) just does not feel worth it. +3? Sure, but not +1 and maybe not even +2.
  • As an aside, when leveling up to 2 I suggested our players think about what they did at level 1 when choosing a new Experience (which I had heard elsewhere, unsure if it was through official channels or not). However, this led to unforeseen issues of the more passive players feeling like they didn't have any major character growth in that way. Additionally, the thought was brought up that since all of the players experienced the same events together, that they should just all pick the same Experience, but that felt counter to the concept of having your own specialties.
• Combat Speed - Even with folks having to spend time acquainting themselves with their abilities, often re-reading cards on their turn, or having to look up a ruling - the speed of combat just feels great. Not too short, not too long.
• Monster Design - While further balancing is likely necessary, monsters feel both simple, varied, and interesting. They are a lot of fun to run.
• Cards - Simply put, I just like the tactile nature of having physical cards as your resources. I have not yet experienced high level play when swapping cards in/out of your Vault comes into play, though.
  • As an aside, I printed out all of the cards we needed (plus Class cards) for levels 1-3, for free, from various Walgreens and CVS promotions. Photo paper + card sleeves I had lying around worked beautifully.
• Encounter Balance - From my experience, the action tracker almost automatically makes encounters balanced (within reason), and just seems to provide the right amount of difficulty to lend to epic battles. Even with little idea of what I'm doing, I'm 3-for-3 on trying to come up with cool, challenging, climactic encounters and having them actually play out that way.
• Death Moves - They're interesting, high tension, and everyone at the table cares. My one issue has been, when a player failed a "Risk It All" move, it felt like he went out with a complete whimper. I would suggest some GM guidance to make it a point to still give that character a moment of spotlight (a minor action, their last words.. something), that I regretted not doing in the moment.

Concerns

• Components - I did still have minor issues with each of them:
  • Hope - While this is likely a matter of poor optimization, my characters simply aren't the types to make optimal choices, and pick thematic ones instead. This lead to, for example, our Halfling Seraph, constantly being low or out of Hope, as most of their abilities required it. This felt contrary to what one would suspect of such a creature (as Halflings seem naturally Hopeful, and Seraphs seem like they would be beacons of inspiration to others). I don't think this is necessarily a bad thing, just something worth noting from our playtest.
  • Stress - Similarly to the above, our Orc Druid was constantly high on Stress. Also, without the obvious and regular relationship between Stress and HP (as was the case in v1.2), the two feel disconnected, which makes losing HP when at maximum Stress no longer feel as intuitive. It also was not at all intuitive to my players that causing Stress damage to enemies would be useful to make them Vulnerable, as they did not have the slightest idea how much Stress a given enemy might be able to endure.
  • Fear - As a GM, I was often full or nearly full on Fear, and I'm not entirely sure what I was doing wrong. I've seen advice to not have players roll for minor things, but simply put, my players enjoy rolling dice. At times, I would consider the rolls to be "Reactions," and thus, not accrue Hope nor Fear, if it was for something relatively inconsequential. However, regardless, over time, and especially outside of combat, they would roll with Fear and I would take a token, not knowing how else to react in the moment (see: Complications below). I already had some challenges and encounters planned, so I would occasionally 'pretend' to spend a Fear token to make something happen that was going to happen anyway. Maybe I just don't have a full grasp of how to approach this.
  • Armor - Just does not negate enough damage to feel worthwhile. Only once in our 8+ hours of play did a character successfully reduce damage to 0 or below, so even our most heavily armored still took at least 1 HP of damage on virtually every attack against them. This does not make the players feel heroic or capable.
  • Evasion - Similarly to the above, the values just felt far too low. At level 2, my players had to roll at least a 14 in order to hit a Tier 1 enemy (the Mortal Hunter). Conversely, to hit our Seraph, he had to roll just a 2. With the exception of Minions, it felt like enemies hit a player's evasion score with the vast majority of attacks, whereas the players hitting enemies felt more like 50/50. Against bosses or high-level adversaries that would be understandable, but this was often against basic tier 0 monsters.
• Action Economy - While it works well for balancing an encounter, I've noticed some issues when dealing with lower or higher amounts of enemies. Individual creatures often feel like they can't do much (as you're advised to activate them for only 1 action at a time), and large groups of monsters feel like they're often just standing around doing nothing (as you often don't have enough tokens to activate them all). Not a major issue, and I know that certain monsters that are intended to be encountered solo have ways to help make up for this, but there were just a few moments like this that felt odd.
• Complications - These are generally obvious enough in combat, and even out of combat when dealing with more tangible traits like Strength, Agility, and Finesse. However, I'm at a loss for how to handle complications for traits like Instinct, Knowledge, and Presence, without it feeling hokey or forced. I would just love far more examples as guidance to the GM.
• Distance & Movement - The distances, as well as cutouts provided in the Quickstart Adventure, inspired me to try the "Maps & Miniatures" approach to combat, which I had never done before. However, simply put, the distances felt like they didn't matter, and in fact, couldn't matter, unless I had a far bigger table. Between the character sheets, domain cards, action tracker, and various tokens, the game already takes up more space on the table than usual, so I was left with combats where 'Far' was the absolute maximum from one side to the other. When Close movement is free, this led to movement feeling like a non-factor (outside of the Warrior's Attack of Opportunity).
  • As an aside, both my players and myself are often confused by the distance terms, since they're so similar. It also feels like Melee and Very Close are often similar enough to not have the need to separate the two. I would personally suggest changing the primary ranges to something like: Melee (0-10 feet), Close (10-X feet), and Far (X-100 feet), adjusting the X threshold as necessary. somewhere between 30-50 feet.
• Group Action Rolls - The example given shows a group of 5 all utilize a different trait. I like that in theory, and that's how I've run Skill Challenges in the past, however, with only 6 traits in Daggerheart, this felt highly unlikely. In practice, my players often wanted to use the same 1-2 Traits, as they simply felt the most sensible for the activity at hand.
• Help an Ally - The idea that you cannot help an ally unless you spend a Hope just feels strange to me. Within the bounds of combat, as a balancing tool? Sure, I understand that. But outside of combat, it just felt punishing and unnecessary. I want to encourage cooperation in my players, not discourage it by putting a cost on it.
• Tag Team Rolls - They are definitely cool and thematic, but I worry that the cost is too high for what is something that doesn't feel significantly better than providing Advantage on a roll. Limiting it to once per session already makes it so that it's not abusable (especially when you run 8+ hour sessions like we do). Personally, I think I'd like to see it cost 2 Hope for a Tag Team Move, but with the option to spend more Hope to add more players (3 Hope = 3 Players combine actions, 4 Hope = 4 Players, etc).

Dislike

• Minor Threshold - I thought the game just felt so much better and more sensible back in v1.2 in this regard. I hate how virtually every attack is guaranteed to deal at least 1/6th of a player's health.
• Proficiency - When I discussed leveling up with my players, they - as expected - all immediately picked Proficiency as one of their two options. It simply feels far more valuable than anything else, and as such, feels more like losing a choice than having two. I would propose that Proficiency becomes the new guaranteed bonus at certain levels (replacing new Experiences, as that would instead become optional). I especially think this would be a welcome change to add at just levels 2, 5, and 8 (or, honestly, just 5 and 8), so that the number of dice rolled for basic attacks doesn't get out of hand. Some will disagree, but I have no interest in rolling 6d10 - and adding all of that up, plus modifiers - for a simple swing of my sword at level 10.
• Mutliclassing - This is not something we actually did, so my thoughts are purely theoretical, but I am against the idea of mutliclassing. Simply put, I think it makes a game impossible to balance. I also think that it leads to individual classes being neutered so that that overly-powerful combinations are less attainable. I suspect that 'broken' mutliclass builds are at least partially responsible for the tuning down of Evasion and Armor, which I think just adversely affects the masses.

Not Overly Concerned With

• Gold - The system feels worse than v1.2, which felt pretty bad in its own right. Each player joking about having 2 gold pieces to their name just made them all feel both samey and poor. Personally, I'd rather ditch gold entirely, as I don't think it feels heroic to concern yourself with such things. In any case, this system still needs lots of work, but I also trust that the developers are well aware of that.
• Sizes - Our Halfling Seraph wanted to be able to fly above all else, so naturally she chose the Winged Sentinel subclass. However, the line of text saying that she "can spend an additional Hope to pick up and carry another creature that is approximately your size or smaller" just felt punishing. Because she chose to be shorter, despite her exceptional Strength, she could only pick up other small creatures? I thought that was dumb, and just said that she could pick up any other player, or something of around that size. If there's no inherent benefit to being smaller, there shouldn't be an inherent downside, either.
  • On a related note, looking through the Druid Beastform features, I feel like I would have to make the same sort of sensible adjustments for their carrying capacity. A massive mammoth can "carry 1-4 people and still maintain speed." So, if 1 represents the high end of people, let's say that's a 300 pound Giant. That means the same creature could only carry 4, 2ft tall, 30lb Faeries, despite being less than half the total weight of the Giant? I feel like providing specific numbers like actually doesn't help in a case like this, and that common sense should simply take over.
• Non Actions - I'm still not sure if using consumables like potions is supposed to cost an action token or not.
• World & Ancestries - In addition to wanting more lore and world-building to work with, I struggle at times with some of the ancestries. First of all, I think it's safe to assume Daggerheart doesn't want to imply that any ancestry is inherently good or evil, but are we supposed to assume that every ancestry simply gets along with all others? Do they live segregated, or together in perfect harmony? Personally, I like having nuggets like Dwarves being unfond of Elves, and vice versa, and while I know I can always ignore or change the lore to suit my own world, some guidance would be helpful.
  • Additionally, on the topic of animal-ancestries, I personally find it hard to wrap my head around how I would expect them to act towards the animals they're based on. How does a Katari feel about a cat? How does a Simiah feel towards a chimpanzee? Do they keep them as pets? View them as poor, unfortunate souls? Feel no differently towards them than a Human would? It's just something that never feels quite right to me, and I think is why I tend to feel more natural with Human-based species.

Random Thoughts

• At one point, our Bard was excited to unleash an Arcane Barrage, spending all 3 of his Hope to fuel it. When it dealt just 1 HP of damage, it felt absolutely deflating. One problem with everything dealing at least 1 HP in damage is that it just feels even worse not meeting that Major Threshold, as you could have been just as effective dealing 1 damage.
• The Druid's Warden of the Elements subclass grants the ability to Hover, but I'm not entirely sure how that mechanically differs from flying. I assume it's just a few feet off the ground, and that they need solid ground beneath them (i.e. they can't cross over a lengthy canyon)?
• Our Warrior felt useless against a flying creature, as even throwing their weapon was limited to a Very Close range (5-10 feet). While this is solved by getting a Bow or a Grappler or the like, this still felt bad and unnecessarily restrictive.

1. The Emancipation of Mimi : This album will never age, it's perfect. Absolutely no skips, it's one of her longer albums but it's consistent and the production is fantastic, it's the best comeback album and that's probably why other's like it so much. This just proves that Mariah Carey is a timeless artist. I'd still love to hear this type of sound from her again. She projects her voice a lot on this album and that's what I love about it. My favourites from this album are: "It's Like That", "Shake It Off", "We Belong Together", "Fly Like A Bird", "Mine Again", "Stay The Night", "Get Your Number", "Circles", "Your Girl" and "To The Floor"
2. Music Box : I love this album, no skips. I think it's a timeless album. I like how she manages to make the sad songs on this album enjoyable and I think the album sales speaks for itself why this is a good album. My Favourites from this album would be "Dreamlover", "Anytime You Need A Friend", "Now That I Know", "I've Been Thinking About You", "Everything Fades Away" and "Never Forget You"
3. Butterfly : Mariah's voice suits this album so well, the production and Mariah's voice go so well together, it flows and I have a lot of favourites from this album as well. I don't think I could possibly say any more than that because I think the first sentence sums it up well enough as to why it's in the top 3. My favourites from this album would be "Breakdown", "Butterfly", "Honey", "The Roof" and "Outside"
4. Rainbow : Underappreciated. My go to album when I wanna feel better, it's relaxed, it's calm, it has that summer type of feel to it. This album cover is still my favourite compared to all the others, I could not be able to imagine what else the album cover would be if not for this. It has a collection of upbeat love songs as well as a few more sentimental ballads, "Petals" is probably my favourite ballad she's made and I love how Bliss feels so atmospheric. This whole album I would just describe as being very colourful and it has that 90's Pop sound which I love! My Favourite songs from this album are: "Bliss", "Petals", "Heartbreaker Remix", "Crybaby", "How Much" and "X-Girlfriend". This is my favourite Mariah Carey Album.
5. Emotions : It's like her Debut album but better, there's 10 tracks but I feel like she's more consistent and makes it more enjoyable because it doesn't feel like the songs are longer than they need to be, unlike with glitter. I love the sound of this album, all the songs have a similar vibe going on, similar sound kind of like a trademark. My favourite songs from this album are: "Can't Let Go", "Make It Happen", "To Be Around You" and "Emotions"
6. Mariah Carey : Her first album and a very good one, I've seen a few people say that they think she's "showing off" on this album, I can see why someone would say that but I feel like it's a good introduction to Mariah Carey's discography and music, she shows off her vocal abilities on this album and is vocally one of her best albums. It has that 90's R&B feel to it. My Favourite Songs from this album would be "Alone In Love", "I Don't Wanna Cry" "All In Your Mind" ,"Sent From Up Above" and "Prisoner"
7. Daydream : I like this album, I feel like it's an accurate representation of her music and a good first album to listen to for newer listeners, it's silky R&B sound flows really well throughout this album, it sounds polished and relaxed, I would have liked to put it higher because 7 seems like a low number to put it but I just seem to like the other albums more. My Favourite songs from this album are: "Underneath The Stars", "Fantasy", "Forever", "Always Be My Baby", "Long Ago" and "Melt Away"
8. Memoirs of An Imperfect Angel : The album name fits perfectly with the vibe of this album, I love the tone of voice she has, lyrics being very aggressive almost, Mariah Carey's discography has a song for everything really, I felt like this was such a good album, I listen to the songs from this album all the time and never get tired of them, I have too many favourites from this album so I'm just gonna list them all. "I Want To Know What Love Is", "More Than Just Friends", "Ribbon", "Up Out My Face", "It's a Wrap" and "Inseparable"
9. Charmbracelet : Lovee how soft her vocals are on this album, reminds me a lot of her album Butterfly, I think this album is very atmospheric and I love the production, it makes me feel like I'm on a tropical island I don't know if that makes sense but I love this album and I even love the songs that people don't really seem to like, "You Got Me" being one of those songs. This album will never get old. My Top 3 from this album would be "Boy (I need you)", "Yours" and "Lullaby"
10. Caution : I didn't connect with this album, I didn't see it as being a bad album, I liked how it felt to the point and left it as 11 tracks instead of adding filler, however I do also feel like there wasn't anything special about it, not saying it's lazy because it's not, it just isn't an album I listen to very often. But it does also have one of my favourite songs by here on it of course being "8th Grade" Top 3 from this album would be "8th Grade", "Runway" and "GTFO"
11. Glitter : I think it's good, with a few songs I would skip. I think a lot of the songs are longer than they need to be, which would also be accurate since the movie takes place in the 80's and a lot of songs during that time period are very long but I just feel like it's very excessive and not needed, a good example would be the song "Last Night A DJ Saved My Life" I feel the Features on that song prolong it more than it needs to be. My Top 3 from this album would be "Don't Stop", "Loverboy" and "All My Life"
12. E=MC² : I don't really like the sound of this album, I think it's very Pop but that's not the reason it's down here, I just don't listen to this album often, I think there's a few hit and misses but there are quite a few songs I like from this album. My Top 3 from this album would be "Touch My Body", "I'm That Chick and "I'll Be Lovin' U Long Time'
13. Me. I am Mariah : I don't like the voice effects and I don't like the production, it doesn't really feel like a Mariah Carey album My Top 3 off this album would be "You Don't Know What To Do", "Faded" and "Make It Look Good"
feel free to comment your rankings too