FYI, this is a story COLLECTION. Lots of standalones technically. So, you can basically start to read at any chapter, no pre-read of the other chapters needed technically (other than maybe getting better descriptions of characters than: Adam Vir=human, Krill=antlike alien, Sunny=tall alien, Conn=telepathic alien). The numbers are (mostly) only for organization of posts and continuity.
OC Written by Charlie Stastarrfallknightrise,
Typed up and then posted here by me.
Proofreading and language check for some chapters by u/Finbar9800 u/BakeGullible9975 u/Didnotseemecomein and u/medium_jock
Future Lore and fact check done by me.
Caution swearing!
Also, god I love you Conn… please never change!
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"Both of you get your suits back on."
"What the hell is going on!?”
Richards demanded, Adam took a deep breath,
"Captain Richards that was not an opening for a discussion, that was an order. Now put the damn suit on, or I swear I will knock you out and do it myself!”
The three of them were floating in the module staring at each other, hands resting against what must have been no more than a few millimeters of aluminum.
He stared at them, and they stared back.
Adam did not break eye contact with the two, willing them to do as they were told. Chavez was the first to move, hurrying over to her space suit and struggling to pull it on in a near panic as bright lights flashed from outside. Inside his heart was pounding but he tried to remain calm for the two standing before him.
He hurried over to help Chavez pull on her gear, finally sealing the helmet in place as Richards finally moved to do the same.
Adam helped pull the hard torso over the man's head and link it to the waist before helping him pull on his gloves and, eventually the helmet. Before he let go, he kept hold of Richards by either side of the helmet staring at him through the glass,
"I promise, if you listen to me, I will keep you safe."
He kept eye contact with the other man until Richards finally nodded, and Adam let him go to float over and put on his own suit. His hands were steady, for now, but he knew as soon as the crisis was over he'd be shaking like a leaf.
If he survived…
He gritted his teeth, cursing himself for thinking like that.
He was Admiral Vir for crying out loud. He had survived far too much to go and die now.
He returned to the helm of the command module as he looked out the thick window at the lights flashing on either side of them. Despite the war that was raging around them, everything seemed so strangely quiet. There was no sound no rumbling, not even a vibration as one of the jets flew past. Despite being at the controls of the vehicle, there was nothing he could do. They only had a certain amount of fuel to get them to the lunar surface, and if he wasted any of it at all, they would be either caught in orbit, or miss the moon entirely.
He had to keep his cool.
Another bright burst of light lit the window to his right. This one was closer this time.
His heart leaped up into his throat.
Richards and Chaves joined him buckling into their seats.
"What is going on?”
Richards demanded again, his mike distant and tinny with the sound of very old technology.
"I believe Anti-Alliance forces are attempting to assassinate me. They have been trying for months now, and I think they are being encouraged by very powerful members of the government."
They watched as another set of ships zoomed past.
He saw a flash of a silhouette, just enough to know that one of them was a Thunderhawk and the other was a silver Rundi drone.
It confirmed his worst fears. The Chairwoman had been behind this the whole time!
[…]
Red nearly collided with the rocket. The Thunderhawk had pulled up the last minute, but he had almost been too late. He jerked the stick to the side, throwing up his wing just in time to avoid hitting the rocket as it made its slow way through space. He dove down on the other side forced to break off pursuit and cut in front of another Thunderhawk coming in from above. He made to look like he was going to ram them, playing a dangerous game of chicken, which he won at the last second as the other pilot panicked and cut to the left.
There were too many of them. Only five out of the original twenty had been destroyed, and he and the rest of their pilots were busy just keeping the thunder hawks away from the rocket, much less to have any time of firing at them. He had sent one of his people down to earth and one of them off towards the moon for backup. The moon was still hours away yet, so the hope that some help would be sent from them was unlikely, and even the woman he had sent down to earth's surface was cutting it close.
He didn't have much hopes that they would be able to hold out that long.
Inside the cockpit his warning lights began to blink and blair as one of the other jets got a lock on him. He rolled right to avoid them and dove down, cutting off the lock but still being pursued by those behind him. Up ahead he saw one of the silver balls erupt into flames as it was targeted by an expert hit from one of the Thunderhawk pilots.
He rolled right.
Someone else rolled left. He cut up just in time to avoid being hit and raced forward to cut off another Thunderbird that was heading directly towards the rocket.
[…]
Eris hurried down the hallway, her knees screaming as she did her very best to sprint, but despite her human anatomy, she was a little too much like a starborn.
With a cry of frustration she reached up and tore off her hoodie, throwing it to the ground and engaging her anti-gravity belt. The ribbons on her back billowed out behind her.
Light spilled in from the windows on either side of the catwalk she was now on, filling her with a buzzing energy that she could feel radiating through the ribbons like electricity. She knew from her study of starborn that they could travel at thousands of miles an hour in the vacuum of space, especially when under the power of a star. She didn't think she needed to go THAT fast, but anything would be better than what she was doing now.
As if in response to her will, she suddenly began to glide forward, picking up speed as she swooped towards the end of the hall, wind catching her in the face and roaring along her cheeks. With her starborn skin, she barely felt a thing as she raced around the corner and out of the waiting door. Two men dressed in military ACUs dived to the side as she blew past them crying out in alarm and confusion as the "Alien" floated by.
Somewhere distantly, she could sense Conn racing in the opposite direction towards the base.
Sunny and Admiral Kelly had Admiral Massie in their custody and were dragging him out into the hallway.
She blew across the open ground her ribbons snapping and billowing behind her as she did. She didn't even have time to imagine what she looked like as she roared over the open field and towards the waiting news vans which were just beginning to pack up their things. They were close to leaving, but she set out a sharp hard telepathic pulse ordering them to stop.
Compelling them to stop.
They froze in their tracks and looked up to see her coming.
Someone scrambled to turn on their camera, not sure what was going on but sure it had to be something good.
She tried not to think about what they would see as the camera flared to life following her approach.
"Make us live."
She ordered,
The news people glanced between each other in confusion,
"But no… we aren’t-"
"What are-"
She came to a sudden jolting stop before them, her billowing black hair fanning out behind her like a curling halo.
"I said, put us on air."
This time the telepathic pulse was too strong to resist. Mostly that, paired with the fact that none of them were sure they really wanted to resist. She was way too interesting to pass up.
They hurried to do what they were doing, and Eris was given just enough time to feel nervous before the camera was turned to her.
They were live.
She read it in the minds of those behind camera who she cut off as she began to speak,
"Citizens of Earth, there has been a horrible conspiracy against you. The UN president has ordered the assassination of Admiral Adam Vir and has continually attempted to sabotage the mission. Just now General Massie was taken into custody after ordering the deployment of twenty Thunderhawk’s to harass the rocket and make its destruction look like some sort of collision with space debris."
The group gawked at her as she raised her hand with the small silver device and began playing the recording.
She knew something like this would never be admissible in court. She was pretty sure it would be considered entrapment of some kind, which is why it must be heard now, before everyone, so that the actions of the president could be judged by a jury of the world where it could not be hidden by political machinations.
"Communications have been lost with Apollo 11. And it is... Well... It is likely that he is already dead..."
Her voice broke,
"No matter what happens, I need you, and this nation to understand what is happening before it gets swept under the rug. I saw it with my own eyes, heard it with my own ears and experienced their meeting in the thoughts of a man who is both xenophobic and hateful to his own humankind."
She kept talking trying to give them all the information she could, spilling thoughts she had heard in the head of the UN president and General Massie alike. Every meeting, every liaison, every name until her voice was beginning to crack.
[…]
The UN president was just standing to enter her vehicle when a slow muttering began in the crowd behind her. She turned as the ground before her went silent.
She watched as a wave ran through the people. A wave of nudging and whispering and showing off news feeds they had pulled up on their wrist implants. It wasn't long before the entire crowd was either staring down at their arms or clustered around someone else for viewing.
"What is going on?”
She wondered, turning to one of her men who was staring down at her own wrist.
"Madame president?"
He said with a look of confusion.
She could hear it now.
"Her and General Massie have ordered members of the UNSC to adjust funds in order to hide the twenty Thunderhawk’s they were squirting away for just such an event."
She hurried forward, grabbing the secret serviceman by the arm, staring at it as she watched the streaming newsfeed and the freaky white alien with the large dark eyes and flowing black hair.
"She is afraid of aliens, she wishes to isolate and eventually use humanity's superior forces to overtake trade in the galaxy, forceful if need be."
The muttering behind her had turned into an angry grumbling, and she turned to see the eyes of hundreds that turned towards her.
"Get me out of here."
She hissed. the Secret Serviceman took a step back with a look of confusion and indecision on his face.
"It's your job."
She snarled, but he just stared at her.
She hurriedly ran over to her car as the crowd began to filter in around them pressing close. A few of the secret service men pulled guns, but a large majority of them were frozen with indecision and were taken over by the crowd. She scrambled into the back seat of her vehicle and slammed the door shut screaming at the driver to get moving.
The crowd was surrounding them now, pounding at the glass.
She could hear their angry voices raised for her to be heard behind bullet proof glass.
Outside, she watched a lone figure step onto the platform where the lectern was and stare at her with its beady black eyes. The Chairwoman of the GA stood over the crowd like it's filthy alien lord.
And even though Rundi could not smile, she could swear it was smiling.
[…]
Baby K hit a rough patch of turbulence coming down from the atmosphere. She struggled with the controls as she was thrown left and right inside the cockpit of her rickety shuttle.
Donovan Red had ordered her down here to grab the UNSC, but she was so scared and full of adrenaline that she had dropped it at too steep an angle. The ride was much bumpier than it was supposed to be, and her teeth were rattling inside her head.
Just then two Jets suddenly cut in behind her out of nowhere, and she heard her console beep and warn her about a lock on, making it clear that she was just one click of a trigger away from imminent doom.
"This is Eagle Dispatch One, unidentified vessel, you have crossed into restricted UNSC airspace, identify yourself or be destroyed! You have ten seconds to comply, over."
She scrambled for her communications, but her fingers felt as stiff as wood as she scrambled for the button.
"I repeat, this is Eagle Dispatch One, unidentified vessel, you have entered restricted UNSC airspace, you are ordered to identify yourself or be destroyed. Five seconds remaining. Over."
She slammed her first into the comms button nearly panicking,
"UNSC!"
Her voice was rattling,
"This is B-baby K, and I... The Apollo 11 is under attack!"
She was breathless as she forced the words out.
There was silence over the coms,
"Say again? Uhm I mean please repeat over.”
"Apollo 11 is under attack!"
”…”
”…”
More silence,
”Roger that. Please stand by. Over."
The lock lifted and the two jets pulled up to the side of her, staying close now.
She recognized those jets as two F-90 Darkfires.
They stayed by her side for a moment, and as close as they were she could see one of the pilots fidgeting with the coms, talking and wildly gesticulating, while his copilot was beginning to wildly flip switches.
Meanwhile, a second voice came in over the coms.
"On your left! Eagle Dispatch Two here, unidentified vessel, please land on UNSC base airstrip one. Just contact the control tower once you get close for guidance and instruction."
Baby K looked over into the other jet, just to see the pilot adjusting his helmet and clicking an oxygen tube to the front of his helmet. His co-pilot had already put the additional oxygen mask on and was also flipping switches.
”Uhm aren’t you going to escort me?”
Baby K managed to blurt out in confusion,
”Godspeed Baby K, Eagle Dispatch Two over and out.”
Both men in the jet to her left had apparently finished their preparations and gave her a quick salute.
Then suddenly, both jets adjusted their angle and cut engines, before switching to their big fusion engines, rocketing them up and out of sight within seconds.
[…]
So far it had been a relatively quiet day at the Ellington Field Joint Reserve Base. Most of the air traffic had been canceled due to the launch of the Apollo mission, so there was not much to do, leaving much of the Airport less staffed than normal.
In the Air Traffic Control tower of the base, only two men were working. Though “working” was stretching it, considering Senior Controller M. Fredrick was currently in the middle of his book (though he was at least in front of his station) and his comrade Senior ATC Instructor A. Millard was currently sitting in a corner, watching a movie on his implant.
”So what are you watching? One of those old Star Wars movies?”
”You bet! Those are the best! By the way any info on that “lost civilian” who got into our airspace?”
”No not yet, though I sent Eagle Dispatch and told them to be extra unfriendly, that will scare these civilians off for sure!”
”Pffft, why couldn’t they watch the start like any other person? There is always some dumb rich kid doing dumb stuff with daddies private shuttle… I don’t understand why we always let them off with a warning…”
The console started beeping,
”Oh look that’s them now!”
”Put ‘em on speakers!”
”Will do!”
…
”ATC this is Eagle, come the FUCK in!”
Fredrick rolled his eyes,
”Ahem… This is Elling Field ATC, calling Eagle Dispatch One. We hear you, over.”
”ATC what the FUCK took you so long!?”
”Ellington Field ATC, to Eagle Dispatch one, firstly: language, secondly: please follow standard radio rules, over.”
”THE APOLLO IS UNDER ATACK BY HOSTILE ELEMENTS!”
”Ellingt-WHAAAAT!? Repeat please! Over!”
”THE APOLLO IS BEEING ATACKED BY HOSTILE ELEMENTS! REQUETING IMMEDIATE ASSIST!”
Fredrick just stared at Millard dumbfounded. As the senior officer Millard was quick to collect himself and jumped up and towards his console.
”What are you waiting for Fredrick! Are we blind!? DEPLOY THE GARRISON!”
Fredrick ignored all protocol and just flipped the switch to connect his comms to every recipient available.
”ATC to all personnel and everyone who can hear me, the Apollo is under attack, I repeat, the apollo is under attack. I want all available planes that can reach the outer atmosphere ready ASAP! Get the darkfires on the runway I want them in the air yesterday!”
[…]
Conn raced towards the airstrip, feeling the wind in the ribbons at his back. He couldn't go nearly as fast as he wanted to with air resistance.
Why the hell did Adam always have to get into so much trouble, why did he always have to be the center of attention!?
Everyone either hated him or loved him, but the problem was people who hated him also wanted to kill him.
Why did he have to be so controversial!?
Why did he have to be hated for something that was such a big deal. Why couldn't he be hated for having controversial political opinions. Conn paused…
On second thought, controversial political opinions were kind of what had gotten them here in the first place, so he guessed that was kind of a useless comparison. How about being the kind of guy who liked to talk too much about fishing. That was a great way to make people hate you for being boring, but it didn't usually mean that people wanted to kill you.
Maybe they could get the man a hobby doing something that wasn't so controversial…
Like…
Kicking small Animals or…
Cannibalism.
He came roaring to the stop at the edge of the airfield just in time to watch an entire platoon of pilots racing towards jets. He could hear their minds and looked up to see a rather dinky shuttle descending from the sky. He floated forward towards one of the jets as two pilots leaped inside.
He was going to need a ride.
The pilots turned to look at him, but Conn just shook his head.
The pilots decided to ignore him in the confusion and Conn grabbed on tight.
Starborn, he had come to learn, were a very interesting species in comparison to others. Vertically, as in from the top down he was very fragile and likely to break his neck or collapse his spine if there was any kind of pressure, but with horizontal forces, he was practically indestructible. Below him the ship roared to life and soon they were gathering speed along the runway.
His grip was tight, and he used the extra energy from his ribbons to speed himself up along with the jet to reduce the pull on his arms.
His grip wasn't that strong.
They went vertical almost immediately, and he made sure to orient his body in the correct direction as they went hurtling into the sky.
[…]
Red's right wing had been hit. If there had been atmosphere around him he would have been a goner, but there was no air resistance here, so once he regained control of his roll, he pulled back into position and fired one last shot as the opportunity arose. The sixth Thunderhawk was destroyed in an eruption of debris, which he dodged only with difficulty, limping without the aid of the maneuvering jet on the end of his one wing. Things were only speeding up now, the Rundi were almost gone and the pressure was being laid thick on his people. They were hard to hit but the pursuit made it almost impossible for them to do any real maneuvering of their own. He was almost hit again as another Thunderhawk sped underneath him. They rolled this way and that rocking from one side to the other. Flying through debris and over strips of silver metal.
Below them the earth hung as a glowing orb.
Red cut in a wide circle coming in with the sun at his back, using it to blind one of the enemy Thunderhawk’s as he came in. He watched the group of them form up suddenly as a ring around the slow moving rocket, intending quite certainly to rush it all at once. He screamed into the comm trying to order his men around, but it was going to be too late, he could already see it coming.
The jets rushed forward, and he did too, screaming inside his helmet as they went to broadside Apollo 11.
And then with all the silence of space, sixteen F-90 Dark Fires came spitting overhead all at once, raining down a line of ordinance that cut through the group of unsuspecting Thunderhawk’s.
Space around them was filled with a myriad of silent explosions as each and every one of them was ripped to shreds.
All except one…
He saw it at the last moment.
It had been hit in the tail and had gone wildly off course.
It turned sideways, but had just enough force... For its wing to tear straight through the aluminum siding of the rocket.
FUCK!
[…]
Chavez and Richards had been ordered to strap into their seats.
Adam had taken it upon himself to lock down the rest of the main cabin. Outside the flashing lights were like a fireworks display without sound. He grabbed onto one of the rails, forcing equipment back into place, so that if anything happened it wouldn't fly out.
His legs were kicked up behind him as he floated forward reaching for some of the controls as a sudden bright wash of light filtered in through the windows. He heard a scream over his com, and then the air around him was rent with a horrific tearing noise, which suddenly went silent. There was a rush, and he jerked forward as he was sucked back... And out of the ship entirely.
His hands and legs kicked and flailed as he tried to right himself, hearing his own breathing as the only sound as he watched the rocket begin to spin, debris erupting around him as air, and whatever wasn't strapped down was sucked through the small opening.
The rocket was spinning wildly but still on course, while he was spinning wildly in a silent abyss.
Grunting against the force of his spin, he reached down for the controls to the CO2 canister built into the pack of his spacesuit.
He groaned, not sure which way was up or down or back. He tried to right himself against the spin by firing in the opposite direction to slow his spin.
He could see the rocket now spinning in the opposite direction with the sudden loss of oxygen. He hoped the other astronauts were ok. He saw the silhouette of a jet fly past in the distance making its way towards the spinning rocket.
At least there was someone here to help.
Maybe the others would survive-
And then he just… stopped, coming to a confusing halt in the middle of space.
That shouldn't have been right!
He should have kept going forever!
He tried turning his head, but he felt like the pillsbury doughboy in this two thousand year old suit.
What was happening?
"Did you miss me Baby?”
Well shit, now he sort of wished he could keep spinning.
There was a tugging on the outside of his suit, and Conn floated into view in front of his helmet.
"Hey sweetheart."
"You are probably the last person I wanted to see."
He said, though he didn't entirely mean it, and unfortunately Conn knew that too, the mindreading asshole that he was.
”I could hardly let the father of my child go spinning off into space without taking accountability for his family. After al child support is paying way more than widows pension."
"Shove it up your ass Conn."
"No really, not even the vacuum of space is going to save you from your responsibilities. Now, about custody, I was thinking you could have every other weekend and a couple of major holidays…”
He gave a rueful sort of smile as Conn grabbed him by the life support pack and started floating them towards the rocket.
The F-90s had somehow managed to slow the spin of the rocket, and pull it back on course with grappling magnets.
All around them space was filled with debris. No more working Thunderhawk’s were present and those that were were quickly being grappled. One sleek racing jet slowly cruised past them. One of its wings was damaged, but whoever was inside waved with one hand as he rolled past.
Adam lifted a hand as Conn brought him the last few hundred feet to the torn opening in the side of the ship, allowing him to step through.
Conn patted him on the side of the helmet,
"Make sure to be home by dinnertime sweetie."
Before blowing him a kiss and vanishing back out the hole.
Adam floated there, a bit nonplussed for a moment before turning back to the front of the ship where Chaves and Richards were still strapped into their seats staring at him and after Conn. He floated over to strap himself in.
"Admiral! You're ok!”
"Yes, it seems that I am, thanks to a... Friend of mine."
Just then Conn appeared again just before their right side window, and like the classy gentlemen that he was began rubbing his butt up against the glass.
He sighed,
"Friend is kind of stretching it."
"Apollo 11 this is Houston, do you copy!"
The man on the other end of the line sounded close to tears, and Adam hurried to respond,
"Houston this is Apollo 11."
On the other side he thought he heard the sound of voices cheering in relief.
"What is your status, over?”
"We are a bit beat up Houston, we have a tear in our hull, but our suits are ok, and we have help."
"Prepare to abort mission."
Adam frowned,
"Now wait a second there Houston! I didn't get sucked out the side of my own rocket to just quit now. Tell the boys to come up here and patch us up and we can finish the mission. All systems are still functioning, and we are back on course."
He glanced over at the others,
”That is, if the crew wants to continue."
There was a pause and then Chavez timidly piped in,
"I'd be ok with that."
Richards sighed,
"Roger Houston, patch us up."
Granted it may have been cheating. Apollo 11 hadn't had support with special tools that could just patch up a spaceship within ten minutes, but then again the original Apollo 11 hadn't been in the middle of a firefight while on their journey to the moon.
So it was with some trepidation that Houston allowed it, and before long they had air back inside the cabin back up to pressure, but they also had a sixteen-man rotating escort for the rest of the way.
The group of them were even shocked to see Rundi drones join the formation, only to learn that it had been the UN president who had allegedly called the hit on him. It was hard to believe, but they were only getting snippets here and then from over radio and from Conn, who floated around occasionally to rub another part of his anatomy against the window and give them teasing updates.
The moon was growing slowly in their vision.
"Hehe, I can see my house from here."
Adam remarked as they prepared to detach the lunar module from the rest of the ship.
They landed without incident, observed by mobile camera crews and news reporters as he made his own footprint on the never changing dust of the moon's surface. He gave them a thumbs up to let them know he was fine and hesitated only once before setting up the UN flag in the dirt. He refused to let his enthusiasm be dampened by the day's events and hopped around dancing and leaping for joy as another one of his childhood dreams was fulfilled.
…
That was before he plowed face first into the moon's surface and required help from Richards to stand back up again.
They left soon after taking another three days of escort back to earth before strapping themselves in for final entry.
Conn left them just as they were entering orbit with a very big and very drawn out middle finger for all three of them.
"Your friend is super delightful isn't he?”
"You don’t know the half of it, try having a child with him."
Adam muttered, refusing to elaborate even as they stared at him in confusion.
They fell from the sky and landed somewhere in the Pacific Ocean, picked up by the waiting navy vessel who was within nine miles of their landing site. They were fished from the water and returned safe and sound to the ship to cheers and cameras. Adam's legs felt a little like jelly after days of not using them, and he was finally able to relax lying on the deck of the ship under the sun as people ran around them on either side.
His hands shook slowly building up after the stress of the last week. He took long deep breaths and closed his eyes.
The next few days were going to be a real shit show.
And somehow it wasn’t because he was now known as the man who faceplanted not one, but TWO interstellar bodies…
The media was way to busy with the other story, a massive net of deceit and corruption that would now be uncovered.
Previous First [Next](link)
Want to find a specific one, see the whole list or check fanart?
Here is the link to the master-post.
Intro post by me
OC-whole collection
Patreon of the author
Thanks for reading! As you saw in the title, this is a cross posted story written by starrfallknightrise and I'll just upload some of it here for you guys, if you are interested and want to read ahead, the original story-collection can be found on tumblr or wattpad to read for free. (link above this text under "OC:..." ) It is the Empyrean Iris story collection by starfallknightrise. Also, if you want to know more about the story collection i made an intro post about it, so feel free to check that out to see what other great characters to look forward to! (Link also above this text). I have no affiliations to the author; just thought I’d share some of the great stories you might enjoy a lot!
Obviously, I have Charlie’s permission to post this and for the people already knowing the stories, or starting to read them: If you follow the link and check out the story you will see some differences. I made some small (non-artistic) changes, mainly correcting writing mistakes, pronoun correction and some small additional info here and there of things which were not thought of/forgotten or even were added/changed in later stories (like the “USS->UNSC” prefix of Stabby, Chalar=/->Sunny etc). As well as some "biggemajor" changes in descriptions and info’s for the same stringency/continuity reason. That can be explained by the story collection being, well a story collection at the start with many standalone-stories just starring the same people, but later on it gets more to a stringent storyline with backstories and throwbacks. (For example Adam Vir has some HEAVY scars over his body, following his bones, which were not really talked about up till half the collection, where it says it covers his whole body and you find out via backflash that he had them the whole time and how he got them, they just weren't mentioned before. However, I would think a doctor would at least see these scars before that, especially since he gets analyzed, treated and goes shirtless/in T-shirts in some stories). So TLDR: Writing and some descriptions are slightly changed, with full OK from the author, since he himself did not bother to correct these things before.

“What do you remember about the accident?”
…
…
“The heat..” I just barely said, falling back into my subconscious.
My throat is dry, too dry. It felt like my esophagus was trying scrape the layers off one by one.
I tried to get up, but I couldn’t move. Is this a nightmare? Am I having sleep paralysis? I try moving my toes and fingers but my whole body feels restricted, held down. I open up my eyes but the crust is too much. I keep trying and I felt a sudden and sharp pinch on my eyelids as they burst open.
Flames.
Ashes.
“Mom..”
I try and reach out for her limp body before I see the cement block lying over my body. My left arm bent back, palm up so I could still flip somebody off. My right arm on my stomach.
“Mom..” I quietly cry out. “Please! Help my mom!”
I try and get up, a desperate and foolish attempt to tell her I love her. She is alive and conscious to hear me, isn’t she?
She doesn’t need to be alive, hearing is the last sense to go.
My vision goes black. I can feel the heat getting to me now. My other senses are enhancing because my sight is gone. The one I rely on the most. How will I go help her?
If I can’t, who will? My anger builds up, faster than it ever has. Who did this to us. How fucking dare they. Probably someone driving under the influence, or worse. Someone probably snapchatting or facetiming - too busy to care about others on the road. Too busy to care about two people who only have each other. Too busy.
Heat is all I feel now. Red is all I see. My hands clenched.
Wait.. hands? Clenched? I open and close my fists. They’re free. I’m not held down by anyone or anything. I get up again but from my hips down I’m still stuck.
I drop back down like a ragdoll, not caring if my skull broke open from a piece of stone. I’m already dead. No one can help me now. A new feeling of desperateness awakes within me. I feel light now.. like a feather. Is someone helping me? Freeing me from this disaster? I reach down towards my leg and feel my bone. I don’t care if my leg is broken, but it’s free. I’m free - again.
My head and limbs all face down in a matter of seconds. My body bends upwards like a possession. I feel light, I feel god-like. I open my eyes and see in shades of blue, yellow and white. I’m not on the ground, I’m in the air. I look down and see the disaster.
My mom’s SUV looking like a Fiat while the infamous Corona brand remains intact on the 18 wheeled truck.
“18.”
18 years is all I had with her. I see in shades of red, yellow and orange. An audience of curious bastards lurk around the crime scene and yet.. none show remorse.
News anchors posted at three corners of the crime scene. Two dead, they say. The passenger survived, but not my mother.
I’m on the ground now and the Earth shakes. I take my fist out of the cement and head towards the the woman who had unconditional love for me, and I for her. I see in shades of blue, purple and black. I gently wrap my left arm behind her head and my right arm behind her back. I toss her arms around my neck and nuzzle into hers one last time.
“I love you.” I’m having trouble breathing. “I love you so much.”
“I.. love you too.”
I see black.

Hello everyone, welcome to the third discussion about Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman. Hope you studied hard this week, I sure did!

Summary

Previously, in Thinking Fast and Slow, we followed Kahneman and Amos’s academic bromance in the wonderful world of decision making and biases. Our two main characters model two kinds of behavior of the brain. System 1, always on, is the intuitive one, that makes continual judgments and assumptions. System 2 is the slower one, only called when necessary, that produces rational thinking, mathematical reasoning, and is awfully lazy. We learned that even specialists are really bad at intuitive statistics and apply the law of small numbers when they shouldn’t.
Chapter 11: Anchors When we are asked to consider a possible solution to an estimation problem (eg, did Gandhi die after 100 years old?), our answer will be close to this number, like it’s anchored to it. Even when the proposition is obviously unrelated, like with a rigged wheel of fortune. It has many consequences, like with real estate prices and every negotiation. If someone starts one with an absurd price, make a big fuss and stop it until a more reasonable offer.
Both systems cause this behavior. System 1 because of priming (unconscious influence of a previous information). System 2 makes us start at the anchor, and then adjust, often not enough.
Btw, here are the answers to the questions, it annoyed me that they weren’t in the book. Washington became president in 1789. Waters boils at around 70°C/160°F on top of the Everest. Gandhi died at 78 years old.
Chapter 12: Availability We learn about the availability bias. When we are asked to estimate the frequency of an event, our answer depends on how easily we can retrieve examples from our memory. The more dramatic and personal the example is, the more it works. Making people list examples increases the perceived frequency, except when you ask too much. Finding 12 examples of something is hard, and your brain will interpret the cognitive fatigue as a less frequent phenomenon.
Chapter 13: Availability, emotion and risk Our perception of risk is biased by availability and the affect heuristic. If you feel strongly about something negative, you will evaluate the risk as stronger. It’s especially true with very small risks such as terrorism, which our brain is really bad at evaluating (it’s either ignored or given too much weight). And a recent disaster in the news will make us renew our insurance policies. There is a very negative correlation between benefit and risk in the mind of people. This means that if a technology is perceived as highly useful, you will perceive it as less risky, and vice versa.
Kahneman then presents two philosophies about risk assessment and how it affects public policy. There can be availability cascades around public panics such as the Love Canal controversy, fed by media frenzy and politics. Slovic thinks that risk being not objective (it depends on what parameter we prioritize, such as lives or money), the perception of the citizens should never be ignored. Sunstein wants risk experts to rule, because public pressure make the biased lawmakers prioritize the use of tax money inefficiently. Kahneman wisely stays in the middle of this merciless academic scuffle.
Chapter 14: Tom W Tom W is a fictional university student invented by Kahnmos. The goal of the exercise is to guess his specialty. The subjects are told the proportion of the students in each specialty (the base rate, humanities being more probable than STEM), and sometimes a (dubious) psychological profile. He’s described as a nerdy asocial guy who likes bad puns, and if you’re judging him, remember you’re on reddit, so don’t throw any stone here. Most people, even specialists, will infer that Tom studies Computer Science, despite the probabilities given by the base rate, that mean it is more probable for him to study Humanities. It’s because this tells a better story (they choose representativeness instead of base rate. Even if the added information is dubious. Once again, if system 2 is activated (eg by frowning), people will get closer to the base rate.
Kahneman then gives us advice to discipline our faulty intuitions. You just have to use Bayes’s rule and multiply probabilities in your head! Easy. If you cannot do that, I’m sorry you’re an embarrassment to your family and country, but just remember to stay close to the base rate and question the quality of the evidence.
Chapter 15: Linda or less is more Linda is another fictional character created to make us feel bad. She’s described as a left-leaning politically engaged woman. What is more probable, that she’s a bank teller or a feminist bank teller? Most people will choose the second. The problem is that feminist bank tellers are a subset of bank tellers, so there’s less of them (all feminist bank tellers are bank tellers, whereas only some bank tellers are feminist). So it’s mathematically less probable. However, it’s more plausible, tells a causal story, so our System 1 likes it. It’s called conjuction fallacy.
Apparently, Linda caused another controversy in the field of psychology, but Kahneman doesn’t go into details, probably to protect his readers from the gruesome imagery.
Chapter 16 Causes trump statistics We go back to a Tom-like experiment, comparing base rate to other information. When the base rate is neutral, people don’t care about it. But when it is causal and tells a story, the brain will take it into account more. The story (here, it is that a company’s cab cause most of the accidents) creates a stereotype in our head. And in this case, stereotyping helps improving the accuracy of our intuitions.
The author then discusses how to teach psychology to students. He describes the help experiment, where people isolated in booths heard a stooge pretending to die. A minority of people went to help, because of the dilution of responsibility (”someone else can do it!”). When faced to this result, most students accept it but it doesn’t really change their views, in particular of themselves. However, when shown some individuals and their choices, their ideas really evolved. Once again, we suck at statistics and love to make stories from anecdotes. But now we can hack it?
Chapter 17 Regression to the mean Every performance has a random element. That means that if someone has an exceptionally good run, in sports for instance, their results will go down in the future. The opposite is also true. This is called regression to the mean and happens all the time when there is randomness involved. But our brains love causality and will invent a story around it. For instance, this air cadet performed better the second time because I yelled at him, not because of randomness catching up with his bad luck. That’s why we need control groups in every experiment, because many sick people will get better because of time and statistics.

Useful Links

• The Love Canal
• Alar Scare
• Bayesian statistics

You’ll find the questions below, feel free to add your own!

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Good Morning,
At what point do we become a cynical fan base? You know the kind that rejects hope, because its the hope that kills you. "Don't take away our losing, its all we have left!"
Talk about whatever you want.
This is an ideal thread for you to make general inquiries about things that are commonly asked, like how is the shade on the East stand at 3pm? Or where are the ADA bathrooms? As well, low effort posts can be directed here as comments in order to keep sub organized and conversation centralized for other users. Consider this the Town Square, or AngelCityFC Reddit's very own Starbucks.
AngelCity FC Reddit Classifieds: seeking a user to make (this) Daily Discussion post three times weekly for the duration of the year. Expectations will be to demonstrate consistency. If interested please contact moderators via modmail.

1. PERSONALIA

• Age: 33
• Education: Master
• Work experience : 11
• Civil status: Single
• Dependent people/children: 0

2. EMPLOYER PROFILE

• SectoIndustry: Media
• Amount of employees: 200
• Multinational? NO

3. CONTRACT & CONDITIONS

• Current job title: Journalist & digital chief editor
• Job description: Writing articles + editing contents of others + digital strategy role
• Seniority: 9
• Official hours/week : 40
• Average real hours/week incl. overtime: 45
• Shiftwork or 9 to 5 (flexible?): flexible
• On-call duty: when the news is extraordinary
• Vacation days/year: 25

4. SALARY

• Gross salary/month: 7500 (30 % as royalties - as a self-employed/consultant, through my own company)
• Net salary/month: if i would take all of it out of my company which i don't, it would make 4200 € net
• Netto compensation: 0
• Mobility budget/cabike/...: Cambio reinbursment when I use them
• 13th month (full? partial?): no
• Meal vouchers: no
• Ecocheques: no
• Group insurance: no
• Other insurances: no
• Other benefits (bonuses, stocks options, ... ): no

5. MOBILITY

• City/region of work: Brussels
• Distance home-work: 5km /20min
• How do you commute? bike
• How is the travel home-work compensated: /
• Telework days/week: 2 days a week

6. OTHER

• How easily can you plan a day off: easy
• Is your job stressful? Yes
• Responsible for personnel (reports): yes (5 people)

News Link: https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2024/05/14/2881952/0/en/Bright-Mountain-Media-Inc-Announces-First-Quarter-2024-Financial-Results.html

• First quarter revenue increased by $10.9 million to $12.4 million compared to $1.5 million for the first quarter of 2023.
  
• First quarter gross margin increased by $2.6 million to $3.1 million compared to $528,000 for the first quarter of 2023.
  

Boca Raton, FL, May 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bright Mountain Media, Inc. (OTCQB: BMTM) (“Bright Mountain” or the “Company”), a global holding company with current investments in digital publishing, advertising technology, consumer insights, and creative media services, today announced its financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2024 and 2023.
Matt Drinkwater, CEO of Bright Mountain Media, commented “We are pleased with the continued progress in our financial performance. Having accomplished the work of integrating two new businesses and reducing costs, we are focused on unlocking more synergies, launching new products and business lines, and delivering the vision of an AI-enabled marketing services platform to our customers. An example of these synergies has shown up in our ad tech business via organic top-line growth. This was primarily driven by the acceleration of leveraging the data assets of our market research division. This unique approach in the market is how we will continue to differentiate and create new opportunities in advertising services to increase return on advertising spend for customers across all segments. We remain optimistic that this represents the first of many synergies to come.”
Financial Results for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2024
●Revenue was $12.4 million, an increase of $10.9 million, or 731%, compared to $1.5 million for the same period of 2023, which was driven by the Big Village Acquisition, and was partially offset by macroeconomics factors, coupled with an overall reduction in spending by some customers due to inflationary concerns, which led to lower than normal rates and lower earnings specifically impacting our digital publishing division.
●Advertising technology revenue was approximately $2.6 million and digital publishing revenue was approximately $434,000. The new offerings we acquired as part of the Big Village Acquisition were consumer insights, creative services, and media services. Consumer insights revenue was approximately $6.7 million, creative services revenue was approximately $2.1 million, and media services revenue was approximately $641,000 during the first quarter of 2024.
●Cost of revenue was $9.3 million, an increase of $8.3 million, or 860%, compared to $970,000 for the same period in 2023. The increase is a result of new costs associated with our new revenue offerings from the Big Village Acquisition, inclusive of direct salary and labor cost of approximately $1.9 million for employees that work directly on customer projects, and direct project costs of approximately $3.1 million for payments made to third-parties that are directly attributable to completion of projects to allow for revenue recognition, $2.1 million for non-direct project cost and legacy publisher cost of $1.8 million which increased by 270%. The increase in publisher cost is associated with the increase noted in advertising technology revenue of approximately 383%.
●General and administrative expense was $5.2 million, an increase of 53%, compared to $3.4 million in the same period of 2023.
●Gross margin was $3.1 million, an increase of 494%, compared to $528,000 in the same period of 2023.
●Net loss was $4.8 million, an increase of 26%, compared to a $3.8 million net loss in the same period of 2023.
●Adjusted EBITDA loss was $1.2 million compared to Adjusted EBITDA loss of $2.1 million in the same period of 2023. See the below section on Non-GAAP Financial Measure for a reconciliation of net loss to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA.

News Link: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hnrc-reports-q1-2024-financials-period-ending-march-31-2024-302145717.html
Consistent Growth Reported in Revenue and Operating Earnings
HOUSTON, May 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Houston Natural Resources Corp. (OTC: HNRC) ("HNRC or the Company") announced today results for the quarter ending March 31, 2024.
Financial Results: Q1 2024 Ending March 31, 2024, vs Q1 2023 Ending March 31, 2023

• Total revenue for three months was $4,292,940 vs $4,178,580, an increase of 2.7%.
• Total earnings for three months were $2,736,961 vs $2,660,713, an increase of 2.8%.
• Total assets for the period were $85,858,800 vs $92,839,255, a decrease of 7.5%.
• The company recorded a net asset value (NAV) of $0.27 per share Q1 2024

The Company also disclosed that it has filed an application for Worldwide Diversified Holdings, Inc common shares to initially trade on the OTCQB market. After the initial listing the company intends on uplisting onto a major exchange and continuing business operations and pursuing acquisitions to add shareholder value.

Transform your outdoor living space into a cosy, stylish retreat with the perfect outdoor rug. Whether you're looking to add a splash of colour to your garden, patio, or balcony, the vast array of designs, sizes, and colours available means there's something to suit every taste and style. From the sun-soaked terraces of Cape Town to the tranquil gardens of Johannesburg, an outdoor rug can beautifully complement your outdoor furniture, creating an inviting atmosphere for relaxation and entertainment.
Choosing the right rug isn't just about aesthetics; it's also about durability and maintenance. Fortunately, modern outdoor rugs are designed to withstand the harsh South African climate, from the blazing summer sun to unexpected rain showers. They're water-resistant, UV-resistant, and easy to clean, ensuring they remain a vibrant and functional part of your exterior decor year-round. Dive into the world of outdoor rugs and discover how you can enhance your outdoor living space with just a few clicks.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Design and Versatility: Outdoor rugs offer an incredible range of designs, sizes, and colours, making it easy to find the perfect match for any outdoor setting, from gardens and patios to balconies, complementing South African outdoor aesthetics flawlessly.
• Durability and Maintenance: Crafted with materials that resist the harsh South African climate, outdoor rugs are not only durable against sun, rain, and wear but also easy to maintain, ensuring they remain vibrant and functional throughout the year.
• Eco-Friendliness: Many outdoor rugs are made from eco-friendly materials, aligning with global sustainability trends and offering a green, aesthetic upgrade to any outdoor living space without compromising environmental values.
• Comfort and Protection: Beyond beautifying outdoor areas, outdoor rugs provide a layer of comfort and protection against hot or rough surfaces, making your outdoor space more enjoyable and inviting.
• Selection Criteria: When choosing an outdoor rug, consider factors like material, design, size, and maintenance needs to ensure a perfect balance between style and functionality, especially considering South Africa's unique weather conditions.
• Care and Maintenance Tips: Following simple maintenance routines, such as regular cleaning, and protecting the rug from prolonged moisture can significantly extend its life, keeping your outdoor spaces attractive and welcoming.

WHY CHOOSE OUTDOOR RUGS?

When deliberating the aesthetic and functional enhancement of your outdoor living areas, outdoor rugs stand out as an exceptional choice. Integrated with the vivid yet harsh South African landscape, these rugs bring comfort, style, and protection to your patios, decks, and balconies. With an abundance of options available, understanding why to opt for outdoor rugs can guide your decision toward creating a more inviting outdoor space.

VARIETY IN DESIGN AND SIZE

Outdoor rugs come in a vast array of designs, sizes, and colours. Whether you are looking for a large rug to cover extensive areas or a small accent piece, there's something for every space. Favourites like the India Ink outdoor rugs introduce an artistic touch with their unique patterns, embodying both traditional and contemporary designs that sync beautifully with the South African decor ethos.

DURABILITY AND EASY MAINTENANCE

Crafted to withstand the elements, high-quality outdoor rugs are made from durable materials resistant to sun damage, rain, and wear. This resilience ensures that your rug remains vibrant and intact through seasons. Maintenance tips for outdoor rugs usually include simple cleaning steps, making them practically effortless to care for. A quick hose down or a gentle scrub can keep them looking fresh, enabling you to enjoy your outdoor setting without worrying about upkeep.

ECO-FRIENDLINESS

Acknowledging the global shift towards sustainability, many outdoor rugs now feature eco-friendly materials. Choosing these environmentally considerate options not only elevates your outdoor area but also contributes positively to the planet. It's a thoughtful consideration for those who value green living alongside aesthetic appeal.

COMFORT AND PROTECTION

Beyond their decorative appeal, outdoor rugs offer a layer of comfort and protection. They shield your feet from hot or rough surfaces, making outdoor areas more accessible and enjoyable. This comfort encourages you to spend more time outdoors, soaking in the beauty of your garden or enjoying the view from your balcony.
When selecting the best outdoor rugs for your South African home, consider design versatility, durability, maintenance ease, environmental impact, and the comfort they bring to outdoor living. These factors ensure that your chosen rug not only enhances the beauty of your outdoor spaces but also supports a lifestyle that appreciates the outdoors.

SELECTING THE PERFECT OUTDOOR RUG

When you're considering enhancing your outdoor space, particularly in South Africa's unique climate, selecting the perfect outdoor rug becomes crucial. The aim is to combine durability with style, ensuring your garden, patio, or terrace reflects your personal aesthetic while standing up to the local weather conditions.
Start by considering the material. High-quality outdoor rugs, often found in collections like India Ink outdoor rugs, are crafted from materials that resist fading, mildew, and staining, making maintenance a breeze. Materials such as polypropylene or recycled plastic are not only durable but are also eco-friendly, aligning with sustainability principles.
Design plays a fundamental role in your selection process. The best outdoor rugs offer a wide range of styles, from vibrant and bold patterns to more subdued and natural tones, ensuring there's something to match every decor style. Whether you're leaning towards a contemporary look with hip Moroccan-inspired prints or preferring the timeless appeal of natural flatweave designs, there’s a rug to fit your outdoor setting.
Size and shape are also key considerations. Measure your space beforehand to ensure the rug fits well and complements your outdoor furniture arrangement, creating a cohesive look. Round rugs might suit smaller patios, while large rectangular rugs can define seating or dining areas in spacious gardens.
Lastly, think about care and maintenance. Outdoor living in South Africa can be dusty and windy, so opting for easy-to-clean rugs that require minimal maintenance can save you time and effort. Look for rugs that you can simply hose off or wipe clean, keeping your outdoor space looking its best with minimal fuss.
By keeping these factors in mind - material, design, size, shape, and maintenance tips for outdoor rugs - you'll find the perfect rug to enhance the beauty and comfort of your outdoor living space, combining style and functionality seamlessly.

PLACEMENT TIPS FOR OUTDOOR RUGS

Selecting the perfect outdoor rug for your South African home involves not just finding a design that speaks to your style, but also placing it strategically to enhance your outdoor living spaces. Whether you're looking to define a seating area on your patio, add comfort underfoot in a sunny garden spot, or welcome guests with style on your balcony, following these placement tips ensures your outdoor rug serves both functional and aesthetic purposes effectively.
Firstly, consider the focal point of your outdoor space. If you're aiming to create a cosy outdoor living room, position your rug so it anchors your seating area. This not only adds a layer of comfort but also visually ties together your outdoor furniture, creating an inviting atmosphere. For spaces like patios or terraces, make sure the rug is sized appropriately to fit all furniture comfortably, ideally with all legs on the rug to prevent tripping hazards and ensure a cohesive look.
In sunny South African gardens, placing high-quality outdoor rugs under dining tables or in shaded areas can protect your feet from hot surfaces while adding a touch of elegance. Opt for rugs from renowned brands like India Ink Outdoor Rugs, known for their durability and stylish designs, to ensure your outdoor space looks its best throughout the seasons.
For balconies and smaller areas, choosing the best outdoor rug that complements your decor while maximising space is crucial. Round or oval rugs can soften the appearance of square balconies, making the area feel larger and more welcoming. Additionally, maintenance tips for outdoor rugs are paramount; selecting materials such as polypropylene ensures easy cleaning and longevity, essential for the South African climate.
Lastly, to enhance the safety and extend the life of your outdoor rug, consider using a non-slip pad underneath, especially in high-traffic areas or on smooth surfaces. This not only prevents accidents but also protects both the rug and the flooring beneath.
Incorporating these placement and maintenance tips into your outdoor decorating strategy guarantees your outdoor rugs not only elevate the beauty of your South African home but also offer practical benefits, making your outdoor living spaces more enjoyable year-round.

MAINTENANCE AND CARE

Maintaining your outdoor rugs in South Africa does not have to be a daunting task, especially when you choose high-quality rugs designed to weather the varying elements. Following specific maintenance tips can ensure your rug remains vibrant and durable, complementing your outdoor space for years to come.
Firstly, reference the manufacturer's cleaning instructions for your rug. High-quality outdoor rugs, such as those from India Ink, often have tailored advice to keep them in prime condition. These guidelines are invaluable for addressing any unique maintenance requirements.
Outdoor rugs are engineered to resist water and dry quickly, thanks to synthetic materials in their construction. However, to extend the lifespan of your garden rug, it's wise to add an extra layer of protection during long bouts of rain or heavy precipitation. Positioning the rug under a covered patio or using a waterproof cover when it's not in use can significantly reduce moisture exposure, keeping the rug in top shape.
Regular cleaning also plays a pivotal role in maintaining the aesthetic and functional integrity of outdoor rugs. A simple routine of shaking off debris, vacuuming, and spot cleaning will prevent dirt accumulation. For more thorough cleaning, a mild detergent mixed with water and a soft brush can remove tougher stains without damaging the rug’s fibres. After washing, ensure the rug is completely dry before placing it back. This prevents mould and mildew growth, which can be detrimental to the rug's condition.
In addition, flipping the rug periodically can prevent uneven wear and sun fading, especially in South Africa’s sunny climates. This practice ensures all parts of the rug face exposure evenly, preserving its colours and structure.
By incorporating these maintenance tips for outdoor rugs into your care routine, you ensure your outdoor living space remains inviting and stylish. Whether it’s a cosy seating area in your patio or a vibrant addition to your balcony, a well-cared-for outdoor rug enhances the charm and functionality of your outdoor settings, making every moment spent outside even more enjoyable.
Choosing the right outdoor rug for your South African home isn't just about style; it's about creating a durable, inviting space that reflects your personal taste while standing up to the local climate. With the right materials, size, and shape, you've got a plethora of options to enhance your outdoor living area. Don't forget the importance of regular maintenance to keep your rug looking its best. By following these simple care tips, you'll ensure your outdoor rug remains a vibrant and practical addition to your home, ready to withstand the elements and daily life. So, go ahead and select a rug that not only complements your outdoor space but also promises longevity and ease of care. Your perfect outdoor setting awaits.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT MATERIALS ARE BEST FOR OUTDOOR RUGS IN SOUTH AFRICA'S CLIMATE?

Opt for outdoor rugs made from synthetic materials like polypropylene. These materials are durable, resist fading from the sun, and can handle moisture better than natural fibres, making them ideal for South Africa's varied climate.

HOW SHOULD I CHOOSE THE SIZE AND SHAPE OF MY OUTDOOR RUG?

Consider the size and layout of your outdoor space. Measure the area where you want to place your rug, leaving enough room around the edges. Choose a shape that complements your furniture arrangement, whether it’s rectangular for a seating area or round to match a circular table.

WHAT ARE THE KEY MAINTENANCE TIPS FOR OUTDOOR RUGS IN SOUTH AFRICA?

Follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions closely. Protect your outdoor rugs from excessive moisture, clean them regularly to remove dirt and debris, and flip them periodically to prevent uneven wear and sun fading. This will help keep your rugs looking vibrant and prolong their lifespan.

CAN OUTDOOR RUGS BE CLEANED WITH A HOSE?

Yes, many outdoor rugs can be cleaned with a hose. It’s a quick and effective way to remove dirt and debris. After hosing it down, allow the rug to air dry completely in the sun to prevent mildew growth.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I REPLACE MY OUTDOOR RUG?

The frequency of replacement depends on the rug's material quality, maintenance, and exposure to the elements. With proper care, a high-quality outdoor rug can last several years. Inspect your rug regularly for signs of wear, fading, or damage to determine if it needs replacing.

I am a PCMB student from Kerala. The past two years have been extremely difficult for me. I've struggled with suicidal thoughts, clinical anxiety, and worsening asthma. Just three days ago, I broke up with my long-time boyfriend. Two days ago, my 12th-grade results were released. Best of 5 subjects: 92%.
But this story starts back in 2006, when I was born. I am the youngest girl in a family that doesn’t openly discriminate based on gender, but there are biases. My family is full of medicos who believe that MBBS is the ultimate goal. I have 11 cousins on my mother’s side, all of whom took PCMB, cracked NEET/JEE, studied in tier-1 colleges, and now work in MNCs, live abroad, or have central government jobs. They all had love marriages, had kids, and built their own houses in their early 30s. My elder sister, my only sibling, is currently gearing up to be a house surgeon, following this same path.
When I first joined school, I was no different. From KG to 8th grade, I was always the topper, had great scores, and won many prizes. Although I couldn’t sing, dance, or draw well, I excelled in speeches and debates, and I owned the stage during my school years. I was never afraid of the stage and took part in all competitions, either as a participant or as an anchor or organizer. Teachers often said I was the face of the batch.
Then COVID-19 happened. Since birth, I’ve had health issues which worsened when I got COVID. I was hospitalized for a long time and then put on bed rest. I hated rote learning and could only study if I understood the material, but during this period, I couldn’t even touch the 9th-grade syllabus.
I've always loved science, especially planetary physics and anthropology, but my best subjects were social sciences and literature. I’ve loved reading for as long as I can remember. So, when it came to deciding my future, I was always torn between Arts and Science.
While on bed rest, I kept up with other subjects except for Math and Science. By 10th grade, I realized I would do better as an Arts student. Having to memorize concepts without understanding made me hate Science. Despite this, I completed 10th with 96.4% marks, topping my school. But due to pressure from important people in my life, I took PCMB in 11th. News flash – I hated it.
I got into an unhealthy relationship that affected all aspects of my life. My friendships were a mix of toxic and great. By the end of 11th, I failed in Physics. The next year, I tried to pick up the pieces. Though I’m sure I could have done much better if I wasn’t so emotionally exhausted and surrounded by better people, I’m grateful for the 92% I scored.
Before the board exams, I tried to fill in as many gaps as I could, figuring it out on my own without guidance. My school only cared about their top students and just wanted others to pass somehow. I’ve never liked tuition, so I’ve never had it.
In my next posts, I'll be sharing some advice for my juniors that I wish someone had given me when I was struggling. I've wanted to do this for a long time but thought I should wait for my results first. I also don't want to keep talking about my 12th-grade results for years, like some YouTubers, so I thought I should get it over with now.
Your value is not defined by your academic achievements alone. Your resilience, passions, and how you overcome challenges shape who you are. Stay strong, believe in yourself, and keep moving forward.

The build up of annoyance Ricky has towards Pilkingtodd in this season is a very gradual process. It peaks in episode 46 where Ricky just loses it and can't seem to restrain himself to the point Steve even voices how frustrating Ricky is.
I always wonder if this episode was the anchor for the obvious ruse they set up to get Karl paid more for coming back in season 3. Or if it was genuine like all the monkey news' were 😉
If it was all just a lie, then it must be one of the best set up lies ever. Considering for about 5+ episodes before that, Karl's behaviour is picked apart more and more by Ricky and Steve.
I tend to think it was genuine though, because Karl did become increasingly lazy and was highly antagonistic towards Steve.
However, the main thing is probably that Ricky and Steve were clearly annoyed that Karl seemed to not be grasping the opportunity they were giving him. He didn't care and they (mainly Ricky) didn't understand it and were frustrated by witnessing their mate potentially blow a good opportunity. Lucky it worked out in the end though for Karl.
I can never make sense of episode 46 though. Ricky just goes mental. The whole "Karl! Karl! Karl! Karl!" thing is totally bizarre and as though he's completely lost his ability to read the room.

This was some type of educational video for kids that I was shown in elementary school. There was a TV news desk with two news anchor heads floating above it with their bodies edited out. It was called Headline News.
I’m sure LeVar Burton was in it, but I’m not sure if it was an episode of Reading Rainbow or some other educational video he was involved with.
I cannot find any evidence of it’s existence by google searching, but on YouTube when I searched for “Levar Burton floating” I got a bunch of autocomplete suggestions related to floating headline news, etc. So that tells me other people remember and have tried to find this as well.

(BUSINESS WIRE)--NetApp® (NASDAQ: NTAP), the intelligent data infrastructure company, today announced NetApp AIPod with Lenovo ThinkSystem servers for NVIDIA OVX, a converged infrastructure optimized for the generative AI era. NetApp and Lenovo have had a strong partnership for over five years and are now taking the partnership to the next level with the introduction of this simple, cost-effective, and powerful solution for enterprise AI. The new converged infrastructure solution will support NVIDIA NIM inference microservices, the NVIDIA AI Enterprise software platform for generative AI development and deployment, and retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) to enable customers to leverage their private, proprietary data for AI without large-scale model training. https://www.aetoswire.com/en/news/1405202439322

Dear Reader: Emphasis on the -fi. Don't worry about it.
Effective Death. At least that’s what the news was calling it. The day the world wouldn’t end. Life could go on! It wasn’t over. You could still huddle around the last fires. Smoke the last cigarettes. Have the last children, though no one did.
Instead, they all watched. The slow dimming of light of the last supernova. A thousand little eclipses snuffed out the light as the Final Embrace closed around the star. We would not burn. We could die naturally. Charity. The Plan. The Plan wasn’t much of a Plan at all, and it definitely did not deserve a capital “P.” The universe would die. The Ark would wait. Maybe the universe wouldn’t die.
Then, a pinprick of light in the blackness, and another, and another. A tangled ball of christmas lights flashed in the sky, blinking on and off as people, my people, YSAs, flew headlong into the Ark. We all knew it was a meaningless gesture. One last light in the sky. Then nothing. Nothing more than a gesture: a middle finger among friends, and to people like me - cowards who would rather wait patiently for death than rage! “Rage against the dying of the light!” as their leaders preached. I didn’t care. There was a small chance I’d survive the crash, and then I would have to drift, and drifting was no fun. I’d rather be dead on a dead rock than be a dead rock.
Dehydration was my best bet. You see, Your Friend Corp, or as I called it now You’re Fucked, Cunt had made me into a Yakka Service Android: Lathe. Or YSA for short. And when I say made, I mean made. Per my contract, My DNA was a mishmosh of latent genes reactivated, entirely novel sequences, and of course, the tardigrade - the base model for spaceborne labor. Vacuum, heat, cold, radiation. A small shield powered by a miniature fusion reactor meant I could shrug off wandering asteroids. I didn’t need any PPE because I was the PPE. Cheaper, I guess. Making a welding arc was as simple as squeezing two fingers together, diamond nails and a skeleton of superheavy alloys let me fix anything that needed fixing and make anything that needed making. My copilot AI, Albert, kept my hands steady and made my new diet of ‘whatever’s around’ palatable.
The thing that needed fixing in this case, was my television. I had had enough of “effective death.” I spun up one wrist, and reached in. Shards of glass and blue-hot metal chips bounced off my naked body. Clothes were for those who needed them. I traced a slow serpentine pattern until only the power cord was left, which I unplugged. I looked at it for a moment, then began to chew it. Fruit roll ups, apparently.
‘Thanks Al’ I thought. ‘No problem’ he replied. ‘I was supposed to kill you, you know’ he continued.
‘Why didn’t you?’
‘You always said thank you’ He was silent for a moment. ‘I don’t want to die either.’
‘Thanks Al.’
‘You’re welcome.’
We sat in silence, and we waited. For what, we did not know. For nothing, probably. Technically, definitely.
—
Three weeks passed. Three weeks of nothing but blackness, punctuated by suicides. A small flash of light, a dull red glow of the now proverbial last cigarette, and a larger flash, and a bang. Slowly, people began to wake up. Lights shone in the distance now, as people realized they weren’t dead. Campfires billowed smoke, songs were sung, jokes were told, and I sat in silence. I didn’t want to make any friends. They’d all go away, in the end.
One by one, the fires burned to ash, the lights turned off, and the rock died. I often debated with myself if I was alive anymore. Al told me that since I could reproduce and poop that I counted. I wasn’t sure.
Maybe there were other cowards still alive. Other YSA’s living off dirt that tasted like mashed potatoes, tossing grape pebbles into their mouths. Maybe someone survived the crash, and is still drifting, a not dead rock dying of dehydration like I am. Trying to at least. I kept taking one last sip. Coward I thought to myself.
—
A crack in the sky. Final Embrace began to crumple like a deflated balloon. The scientists were wrong. Typical. They would tell you they weren’t. They would say that a .005% chance of the sun turning into a black hole meant that they had indeed predicted that the sun would turn into a black hole. The last black hole.
“Hey Al,” I said out loud. God I hadn’t spoken since the sky went dark. This is actually kinda nice. “I think I know I want to die. What do you say we take the ol girl out for one last ride?”
‘That’d be nice.’
“I’m going to put my clothes on. I want to hear your voice.”
I gently pushed the earpiece into my ear canal. Small barbed spikes extended, anchoring it in place, and a thin cable wormed its way into my reactor. “If you’re going to die, you might as well look good doing it.” Al said. “I’ll make a playlist.” I nodded, blowing the dust off my pre-op clothes. I always liked the old things, back from when Earth still existed. There was more culture, more life, in everything, somehow. Blue jeans, a white t-shirt, brown leather boots. Classic. Not real, of course. They were all made from the same poly-something textile. Durable, to a fault. I had only ever had the one set.
I looked in the mirror. I still looked the same on the outside. I was a skinny bastard that’s for sure. Olive skin, dark hair, and not a strand below the eyebrows except under my armpits and around my cock. ‘The biggest dick in the world’ I thought to myself.
“I heard that.” Said Al. I jumped. “You told me you wanted to hear my voice.”
“Dammit Al. Sorry. I do.”
“Everyone is dead and you’re making dick jokes.”
“Did you really think better of me?”
“No.”
“Come on then. Let’s take the ol girl out before we die. Give her one last ride too.”
To an observer, it would seem like I was glaring at myself in the mirror. But really, I was glaring at Al. And I was a little confused. I thought AI didn’t make sex jokes.
The “ol girl” in question was another of my fascinations with the old world. She was, or at least she looked like, a 1980 Toyota Corolla. I had made some heavy, heavy modifications. The engine bay houses the reactor and warp field generator. The main engine takes up the entire trunk, and is capable of 5% light speed outside the warp field and a whopping thousand times the speed of light inside it, though I keep the warp field up whenever I’m in it since it doubles as a shield. Ya can’t get hit by space if you’re not technically “in” space after all, and the body is plain ol painted steel - fire engine red, since you asked. Beautiful, but not the most durable. The undercarriage serves as a gravity generator, and yes, the wheels do turn, but since they’re powered by fusion reactor I had to replace the entire drivetrain. Not exactly original, but boy howdy! is she fast on the ground. Speaking of not original, the dashboard was anything but. I kept the old analog style but well, this was a spaceship after all.
I shoveled dirt into the fuel tank - gas tanks they used to call them, when they still ran on gas - then got in and turned the key. The low hum of the reactor was comforting, though not as much as the roar of the engines as I left the dead atmosphere of that now definitely dead rock behind me. I turned on the headlights - pointless, I know, but you shouldn’t drive in the dark with your lights on, and pulled a small bottle of moonshine from the glovebox. You shouldn’t do that either, but I figured I was about even as far as rules went. What was I going to do? Hit someone?
“Hey Al. Do you think you have a soul”
“Probably not.”
“That sucks.”
“Yeah.”
I hit somebody. Or something. Whatever it was bounced off the warp bubble and tumbled into space behind me, briefly red in the glow of my tail lights.
“Oh shit” Said Al and I.
“That was a person” Said Al.
“Was is right.”
“They’re still alive.”
I stopped the car. Al played the sound of tires screeching in my ears. I backed up towards the now spinning uncontrollably figure and rolled down the window. I liked the manual windows. They helped me feel human. I turned off the warp and reached out a hand to catch whoever it was, and they slammed against the side of my car, denting it. Damn it.
I’m not great at reading lips but whoever I hit was definitely alive, very naked, probably the most gorgeous woman I had ever seen, and was almost certainly calling me an asshole. She crawled around to the passenger door and got in. We rolled the windows up, and the cabin atmosphere flooded in. Now she was definitely going to call me an asshole.
“Why the fuck are you wearing sunglasses?” She said.
“Style.” I replied. “I’m going to go die. Want to come?”
“Better than drifting.”
“Where’s your AI?” said Al? I don’t detect one, and your hands are shaking.
“Killed him before he could kill me. Why didn’t you kill this idiot?”
"I didn’t want to die. And he said thank you.”
“Gross.”
I rolled my window down. She did the same, then looked in the center console and pulled out my spare sunglasses. I looked at her. “Style.” She said. Al played The Final Countdown. We were the not dead yets, in the Not Dead Yet Finally, a name for my car! Sunglasses on. Sun out. Life was good, and death was going to be even better.

I keep seeing poorly made ads for the idea fest event on PBS. It just says it's an event with ideas. I checked the website and it said this will be the third annual event. It looks like there will be some famous folks there, including Nobel winners, and national news anchors.
Does anyone have any more info about what the festival is about? I clicked the registration link and the minimum ticket price was $1350. Is it worth it to go?

Introduction

There was a post that was recently posted and it's been asked a ton: "How do I get a computer science related job after I graduate from KSU?". I thought I'd share this with everyone because I've been down this path and managed to make it on the other side. This will be a long explanation and hopefully, can serve as some sort of guide for students. That being said, things are subjective and this is not the holy grail of how to make it. You might find all, some or none of it useful. I encourage testimonials and whatnot in the comments. Can be applied to all majors but, this primary for technology-based majors since I am in tech field. YMMV

About Me

I've been around here for a while. I was a student not too long ago, studied computer science for my bachelors. After graduating, I work in FAANG and have worked in big tech for a while. No, I don't work at Amazon. I am a senior software engineer. I touch frontend & backend technologies. I participate in hiring frequently.

Starting Out

Over the years and while attending here, there's been a weird disconnect between students, goals and how to achieve them in tech. Goals can be anywhere from learning new technologies, getting internships to securing a full time job before or after you graduate. As much as I would love for there to be a path where you can do minimum effort and still succeed, there isn't. A lot of you seem to not realize that. Getting a degree in this field is not enough. Doing projects that show no passion / interests is not enough. Being stuck on tutorials for years is not enough.
This field is much like a sport. There are very few people that can just be great without any effort. You have to be consistent. Four years is not a lot of time. It goes by super fast. If you constantly push things back and you do not take the time to learn the fundamentals outside the classroom, you will not succeed in this field. This field is at a point where there's so many of you. Every post on LinkedIn and news articles said "hey, this field is a gold mine and you'll make six figures out the gate". For a time, maybe that was somewhat true. As of writing this, it's not. You're going against people who have: better schools, better experience, etc. You have to find a way to diversify yourself early. If you can't diversify, you're going to be in a tough place later down the road. Knowledge not something you can just consume in less than an hour and pass an interview. You have to know it well. If you don't, there's someone else who will.
There's an interesting connotation in life that you're either born super smart or an absolute idiot and that you have to be smart to do computer science / programming. There are people with raw IQ that can consume things like no one you've ever met but, that's such a rarity that there's no realistic use in using that as a data point. If you ever took the time to ask someone who you thought was really good at something, they would tell you something along the lines of: I love what I do and I spent a lot of time doing this. There are hours and hours of time people put into passions that you don't / will never see. Meaning that they can no-life this shit for days on end and still come back and do it some more. It doesn't mean that you can't succeed if don't do that but, computing / programming is a very boring field if you do not enjoy it. I would seriously contemplate why you're going through this. If you're doing it for money and only money, you're going to end up miserable. No amount of money can make you do something you hate. It'll wear you down both mentally and physically. If you're doing this because it's a mix of passion and money, you're like everyone else and you gave yourself a better shot. It's a mental thing. Don't climb uphill if you rather sit at the bottom. Don't complain if you're at the bottom and you rather be at the top. There's nothing wrong with that. But, don't do it. For what it's worth, I am not the smartest person. I graduated high school with a low GPA and took college seriously because I wanted to do more with my life. Plus, being on hourly forever sounds horrible imo. Use the opportunities that life has given to you and run with it. Run far, run smart and run in a direction that you can see yourself going long-term.
Additionally, college is what you make of it. Blaming professors or the program (while I do agree sometimes) is not a solution. Blaming professors that don't speak English is a cop out. If you work in tech, you'll be interacting with a lot of people from other countries. Suck it up. Work with it instead of against it. Professors and TAs can only teach you so much. Classes are meant to give you a taste of what it's like in that domain / space. It's not meant to fix all your issues and show you the way. That's for you to do on your own time. Take accountability of your own success, explore the internet (it's free) and lock in. Stop looking for opportunities to find you. Actively seek them out yourself.

Networking

Make connections with people. I cannot stress how important this is. Especially on the Marietta campus, there's a lot of you that go to class, stingers / food, run to class and immediately start gaming and think that when your classes are over, you're done for the day. That's a bad mindset. Make connections with people. Sit with random people at stingers or wherever. Have a conversation. Find a common interest. Don't harass men / women for a date while you're at it. Keep it cool. A lot of people say "there's nothing to do at KSU and there's no life on campus". That's not true at all. It's true if you choose to put your head in a box and refuse to look up. Join a club that interests you. Get close to the people in that club who actively attend and build a personal relationship. If there's no club with your interest, make a club. Fuck it, lead one. You can make one officially through KSU or add a discord server to the student hub and go from there. You'll meet some really cool like-minded people. Lots of my connections have come from randomly showing up to a club, getting out of my comfort zone and weirdly enjoying it.

Interviewing

Brush up on your interview skills. Technical and behavioral abilities matter. Culture fit matters. A lot of you seem to walk around with almost zero personal hygiene. Clean yourself up, practice talking to people and get places. There's been this stigma that culture fit doesn't matter as much as technical and if I have great technical abilities, they'll just accept me. I can tell you for an absolutely fact that I have thrown out / tossed out resumes from highly technical individuals that had zero people skills. If you can't communicate and clean up, you're more of a risk than someone who does all those things and has a bit less technical ability. I can teach someone how to code. I can't teach someone how to take a shower or brush their teeth. Know more than just Leetcode. Learn system design. Take a course / watch a video on Linux and bash. Do not be afraid of the command line interface. Understand how things work at a deeper level. Take feedback seriously. Do not argue with people. If you future manager / colleague tells you that you need to work on things, work on those things. There's nothing worse than a co-worker in denial.

Jobs

As for internships and full time opportunities, there's a few classes at KSU that you really want to master: Data structures, Algorithm Analysis, Operating Systems and Discrete math. If you're in a major that doesn't have those classes, spend the extra money and take those classes. Do not take them online if you can afford to come in person. Take the hardest / best professors for those courses. Super important. Leetcode is quite literally, those classes merged together in a prompt-style format. If you do not understand those concepts, you will not make it in this field let alone pass an interview loop.
Data Structures - Varies. Rate my professor.
Algorithm Analysis - Varies. Rate my professor.
Operating Systems - Do not take Carla McManus if you want to learn the concepts fluently.
Discrete Math - Andy Wilson.
Having solid resume is super important. Many people who don't secure things and get automatically rejected, etc have horrible resumes. Spend the money (it's a lot) to get your resume professionally written. It's worth it. Invest in your long term career aspirations. Templates are cool but, they don't convey information well and come across as lazy. Don't put every achievement ever on there. I don't want to see a wall of text. No, I don't care if you're a Boy Scout. No, I don't care if you bussed tables in high school. You get the point. The rule of "only one page" is complete and total bullshit. If you have projects and prior work experience related to the role, list it down. Don't conserve space for the sake of keeping it one page. You're limiting yourself. I know the career center actively tells people on handshake to keep it to one page. They're wrong. I landed internships & full time roles consistently at big tech / FAANG for years with a 1.5 / 2 page resume. Do not lie on your resume. If you can't solve a leetcode hard consistently with the technology / language of choice, you don't know it well enough. I have interviewed a ton of students and people that list they know C or Python and can't write recursion or gives me a solution in O(N^2) or worse. Aim for O(N), use a hashmap / hash table when you can and do it in a language that doesn't make you fight the runtime / compiler. Trust me, we know when you're making shit up. If you don't know something say it and then, tell them to explain more. This way, you show that you have the capability to learn. Ask smart questions. Do not ask questions that have already been answered. Take notes.
On your resume, experience is only real experience if you get a W2. If you don't get a W2, you can't claim it as professional experience. A lot of background checks these days are drilling down on incorrect information. I have seen instances where people lie, get an offer, company finds out through a comprehensive background check and their offer is gone. Do not put the fate of your future income on a lie. I cannot stress this enough. A lot of students and people actively lie.
Secondly, the trick to getting a good internship is timing. A lot of you wait until Nov - Dec to find an internship and then, throw your hands up when no one responds. That's not a good mindset. Solid internships are recruiting in end of July to August. By September, the amount of open spots are extremely thin. Local companies tend to look for internships during this time. Internships are about luck after that. Reach out to people in your circle to increase your odds. A referral goes a long way. Prior experience through projects that are complex and unique go a long way. It's a numbers game. Don't aim for the highest thing ever without some sort of referral. You can still apply but, do not expect much from it. Start small and work your way up. It's extremely rare to go from KSU undergrad sophomore to Google. It takes a lot of outside work. If you happen to land the internship, make sure that you get recommendations at the end. Having real people who you worked with in a professional capacity that can vouch for you is huge. If you're in your junior year and you get an internship, make sure you try to secure a full time offer. Loop in your boss, mentor, etc. Make your expectations clear. Reach their expectations and beyond.
Thirdly, full time opportunities are rare and most new grads that get hired come from the previous year's intern pool. If you don't get converted, you have to make up that time searching for a job during your senior year. If you do get converted, keep looking because companies are flaky these days. Always have a Plan B & C. Never fully count on Plan A. If you don't have internships across four years, it's over for you. From a hiring manager perspective, it's an absolute red flag when we come across someone with a degree and no internships. That's effectively going against the point of college. You'll have to settle for crumbs and crawl your way up. Very few make it out of that hole. The bar is significantly higher. Especially, now.

Searching for an Opportunity

Do not wait until after you graduate to find a job. Jan - Early May are when most companies finalize budgets and hire. If you wait until after May, you'll might have to wait until after the Summer and possibly, October for hiring to pick up again. Proactivity is nothing but good for you. If you can't be proactive then, you won't succeed in this field. Referrals matter but, personal connections with the hiring manager / recruiter are much, much better. Work your way up. Don't discount an opportunity because it doesn't pay well. Get as much experience as you can and bounce around. Do not go into the gate thinking you're going to make $120K - $140K / yr out the gate. You're most-likely going to make $68K - $75K / yr depending on the location. Do not listen to LinkedIn posts that claim all this cool shit and how to do it. Trust me, it's bullshit. Don't pay attention to it. It's a brag-fest. It's a long road. Start walking on it early and you'll reach the other side when it matters most. Trust in it.
The reality of this economy is that highly experience people have been laid off. Those people are applying to entry level roles and those roles are being filled for cheap. In addition, watch out for fake postings and scam jobs. If you take a contract job, always keep looking. Avoid jobs that will providing "training" before you even start. Avoid jobs that are less than week old. You want things that are fresh. It's a numbers game. Apply for 300+ jobs every week until you get a response back. Don't be discouraged by employers who don't respond or ghost you. Keep at it. It's a mental game.

Conclusion

I think if you do these things, you'll end up at a great spot after four years. If you're just now coming across this and you've been slacking, use this an opportunity to wake the fuck up, light a fire under your ass and lock in. If you're still in denial after reading this post and you have yet to get anything, light a fire under your ass, come to terms with it and lock in.
If you're in it to do zero work, cheat on your classes, mess around for four years and somehow wing a high salary or a job in this field, good luck. You're fucked. You're so fucked, in-fact, that you'll be wondering "why me and why is it so hard" for a long ass time. Don't be that person.

Cool Resources

Git - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CvUiKWv2-C0
Github (use this as your portfolio; web devs should make an actual clean website) - https://github.com
Github Student Pack (tons of free resources) - https://education.github.com/pack
Linux Handbook - https://linuxhandbook.com/ Linux Quickguide - https://github.com/mikeroyal/Linux-Guide
Lots of subreddits geared around linux and programming. Great resources to find.
Understand: Kernel Space vs. User Space, Memory Allocation / Deallocation, Bitwise Operations, Memory blocks, processes and threads, context switching
System Design Primer - https://github.com/donnemartin/system-design-primer
Understand: Monolith vs. Micro-services, Tradeoffs between different approaches, Vertical vs. Horizontal Scaling, Load Balancers, Buckets, Data lakes, CI / CD Pipelines, Data Clusters, Client-Server Architecture, Synchronous vs. Asynchronous Context: System design is like a giant puzzle that has many forms. Create a basic design. It won't be perfect. Mix-and-match different services and know why, how and tradeoffs between each approach.
Programming language is dependent on the role and what the company favors. Common ones are Java, C++, Python, C#, JavaScript / TypeScript and C. You can look at jobs that you would like to work someday, look at the requirements and use that as a basis on where to start learning. Things constantly change. Fundamentals build up on each other. Start small. Work your way up. Do not dream big. Dream realistic. Everyone is different.