Hi folks of UKJobs!
I recently started my first position as a graduate in a local government role. My manager has made it clear she is pleased with my progress, confidence, colleague relationships, presentation, etc. and has raised no issues so far - apart from some concern around my sick leave.
TLDR: Can I get dismissed based purely on having 5 days sick leave (3 absences) during 6 month probation?
I started at the end of January this year, so have been there almost 4 months now. My probation period is 6 months.
In total, I have taken 5 days sick leave over this time. 3 days were due to me having extreme food poisoning - to the point where I was ambulanced off and had to stay in A&E overnight. I had multiple injections, an IV & morphine, etc. The nurse on the ward made it clear that I should not return to work until I had fully stopped having vomiting/diarrhoea, so I followed this guidance. I also got a note to say I had been at A&E and have all this listed on my nhs record.
Other than this, I had one day off due to an acute migraine & one day off this week due to having a UTI & needing antibiotics. I was getting a lot of side effects with them & had been very out of it and sick one day in particular. The other days this week, I have wfh just fine.
In my back to work meeting, my manager seemed quite concerned about my leave. She mentioned ‘no longer being able to turn a blind eye’ to it and made it seem like it might be held against me at my 6 month probation meeting. I explained that the food poisoning had never happened that way before in my life, so was likely bad luck and that while UTIs have been common for me in the past, I’ve not had one for a year until now. I also explained numerous steps I’m taking to improve my overall health and prevent these issues happening again.
Even though I can’t find it anywhere in our policy documents or extranet, I was told at the start of employment that if I took more than 4 separate absences or 6 days off ill during probation, my manager would need to write some form of formal letter to HR. From the start, she seemed worried about what implication this could have in my 6 month review - but it feels like neither of us know exactly.
At this point, I am now really stressed I’m going to be dismissed purely over sick leave. Yet this doesn’t seem fair given my performance has been satisfactory - I’ve not missed any meetings or pushed work onto anyone. Also 3/5 days were that hospital visit. I’d be interested to know what you all think?

With the release of iOS 18 just around the corner, there's been a lot of speculation about whether Apple will finally integrate a powerful AI assistant into its mobile operating system. While Siri has been the default assistant for years, it's often criticized for its limited capabilities compared to competitors like Google Assistant and Alexa.
Recent reports suggest that Apple is in talks with both OpenAI and Google to bring either ChatGPT or Gemini to iOS 18. Both AI models have their own strengths and weaknesses, so it's hard to say which one would be a better fit for Apple's ecosystem.
ChatGPT is known for its ability to generate creative text formats, like poems, code, scripts, musical pieces, email, letters, etc., and answer your questions in an informative way. It's also still under development, so it has the potential to learn and improve over time.
Gemini is Google's own AI model, and it's already been used to power some of Google's own products, like Search and Assistant. Gemini is known for its ability to provide factual and objective information, and it's also very good at understanding natural language.
So, which AI will Apple choose? It's possible that Apple could integrate both ChatGPT and Gemini into iOS 18, using each one for different tasks. For example, ChatGPT could be used for more creative tasks, while Gemini could be used for more factual tasks.
Ultimately, the decision of which AI to use is up to Apple. But one thing is for sure: the integration of a powerful AI assistant would be a major game-changer for iOS 18. It would make iPhones even more intelligent and versatile, and it would give Apple a major competitive edge against its rivals.
What do you think? Which AI do you think Apple should use for iOS 18?

To my colleagues at the Technomagical University of Valencia,
It is with great honor and gratitude that I dedicate these words to the revered institution that has been my intellectual home for decades. As Professor Thaddeus Rune, I have had the privilege of exploring the vast domains of thaumaturgy and materials sciences, unraveling the mysteries of the universe through the lens of magic and science.
Since the dawn of my academic career, the Technomagical University has been my source of inspiration and intellectual refuge, providing me with a conducive environment for the flourishing of the mind and spirit. Here, I have found not only knowledge but also camaraderie and collaboration, fundamental pillars on the path to understanding the secrets of the cosmos.
In this essay, I wish to pay tribute not only to this venerable institution but also to my esteemed friend and research colleague, the eminent arcanologist and Dr. Cornelius Darkwood. Together, we have shared countless hours of research, exploring the boundaries of magic and science with unwavering passion and an insatiable thirst for discovery.
May these words serve as a testimony of my deep appreciation for the Technomagical University of Valencia and for the invaluable friendship and collaboration I have found in Dr. Cornelius Darkwood. May our joint efforts continue to illuminate the darkest corners of knowledge, for the benefit of humanity and future generations.
With sincere affection and gratitude,
Professor Thaddeus Rune
____

Introduction

Thaumaturgy, the ancient discipline that merges magic and science, has long been a fascinating and challenging field of study. In our ongoing effort to expand the boundaries of knowledge and thaumic practice, we are faced with the challenge of finding and synthesizing materials that are not only abundant but also rich in crucial magical aspects. In this essay, we will explore two such materials: pyrite and icosahedrite, and examine their potential in the creation of new alloys and thaumic artifacts.
Pyrite, known for its composition of iron sulfide (FeS2), has long been a cornerstone in thaumic practice. The presence of sulfur and iron in its crystalline structure makes it an ideal source of the ignis, terra, and metallum aspects. Additionally, its perfect cubic crystals offer a generous dose of the ordo aspect, adding an additional level of complexity to its thaumic utility.
However, the growing scarcity of natural pyrite crystals, specially those with cubic shapes, due to its extensive use in the crafting of pyrotic magical alloys and power objects, poses a significant challenge for modern thaumaturges. It is imperative that we explore viable alternatives for obtaining this material.
We must also highlight the importance of emerging materials such as icosahedrite. Icosahedrite, recently discovered and of meteoric origin, exhibits a unique chemical composition of aluminum, copper, and iron (Al63Cu24Fe13). Although its availability is limited and its cost high, its potential in thaumaturgy is extraordinary. In addition to being an excellent source of the metallum and permutatio aspects, the true marvel of icosahedrite lies in its emerging aspects, especially the rare alienus aspect.
This alienus aspect, with its exotic and mysterious qualities, offers a vast field of possibilities in the manufacturing of quantum devices, metamagic contraptions, and artifacts for metric manipulation of space-time. Furthermore, icosahedrite infused with praecantatio essence can give rise to powerful dodecahedrites, with potential applications in the production of high-density magical batteries, wands and scepters of great power, enhanced arcane weapons, and antimagic ammunition.
In conclusion, both pyrite and icosahedrite represent valuable contributions to the thaumic arsenal. Their unique properties and potential in the creation of new alloys and artifacts urge us to explore more economical and scalable production methods.

Summary

Throughout my research in the field of thaumaturgy and materials sciences, I have conducted a series of experiments aimed at synthesizing high-quality materials for application in thaumic practice. These experiments have resulted in the development of innovative synthesis methods, which have been detailed and documented in a report attached to this essay.
In this essay, however, my goal is to provide a concise and accessible summary of the synthesis methods employed, as well as the results obtained. While the attached report contains specific technical details and additional experimental data, here I will focus on presenting an overview of the procedures used and their implications in the context of contemporary thaumaturgy.
It is my hope that this summary provides a clear and practical understanding of the synthesis methods employed, as well as their relevance to research and thaumic practice. For those interested in delving deeper into the technical and experimental details, I refer to the attached report for further information and detailed insights.

Method of synthesis for Pyrite cubes

The process of synthesizing high-quality pyrite involves several meticulous steps to ensure the formation of cubic pyrite crystals with optimal perfection and purity. Below is a summary of the main steps of the method:

1. Preparation of the reactive mixture: The process begins with the preparation of a stoichiometrically calculated mixture of sulfur and iron. 32.06 grams of sulfur and 55.84 grams of iron, both finely powdered, are carefully weighed and mixed.
2. Formation of iron sulfide (FeS2): The sulfur-iron mixture is placed in a crucible and ignited to initiate the reaction and form iron sulfide (FeS2).
3. Grinding and dissolution: Once the iron sulfide is formed, the product is finely ground. Subsequently, the resulting iron bisulfide is dissolved in a eutectic mixture of sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium chloride salts. The exact proportions of these salts and specific temperatures are detailed in the attached report.
4. Crystallization and controlled cooling: The dissolved mixture is placed in a crucible inside a glass annealing furnace for slow controlled cooling. This process allows pyrite crystals to form and crystallize in an orderly and uniform manner.
5. Extraction and selection of crystals: Once the mixture has cooled and fully crystallized, the salt block is broken to extract and separate the precipitated pyrite crystals. Crystals with the most perfect cubic shapes are selected for use as seed crystals for growing larger crystals.
6. Process refinement: Throughout the experimentation, refinements were made to the process to improve the quality and perfection of the pyrite crystals. These refinements are detailed in the attached report.
7. Results: After a series of experiments and adjustments, a pyrite cube measuring 3.24 cm on each side was successfully grown, representing a significant success in the synthesis of high-quality pyrite.

This method of pyrite synthesis offers an effective route to obtaining cubic pyrite crystals with optimal thaumic properties, opening up new possibilities in the research and application of this material in contemporary thaumaturgy.

Method of synthesis for Icosahedrite dodecahedrons

The synthesis process of icosahedrite dodecahedrons involves a series of meticulous steps to cultivate polycrystalline crystals with desirable thaumic properties. Below is a summary of the main steps of the method:

1. Preparation of the metal mixture: The process begins with the pre-fusion and mixing of a finely powdered combination of 21.51 grams of aluminum, 19.305 grams of copper, and 9.185 grams of iron, in a controlled argon atmosphere. The mixture is carefully conducted to ensure a uniform distribution of the elements.
2. Refusion and controlled cooling: The metal mixture undergoes a refusion process to ensure complete melting of the components. Once melted, the mixture is allowed to cool within a crucible placed in a glass annealing furnace, ensuring slow controlled cooling.
3. Addition of ordo aspect essence: During the cooling process, ordo aspect essence is added to accelerate and enhance crystallization. This addition helps promote the growth of desired dodecahedral quasicrystals and improve their quality and purity.
4. Formation of the polycrystalline metal matrix: As a result of the controlled cooling process and the addition of ordo aspect essence, a polycrystalline metal matrix is obtained containing a variety of crystals with different orientations and structures.
5. Extraction and selection of dodecahedrons: The polycrystalline metal matrix is carefully broken and fragmented to separate and extract perfectly formed and desired dodecahedral quasicrystals. Dodecahedrons with the most suitable shapes and thaumic properties are selected for use in thaumic applications.

Although the obtained icosahedrite dodecahedrons may be small in size, their successful formation represents a significant advancement in the synthesis of this highly promising material in thaumaturgy. This method provides a solid foundation for future research and applications in the field of contemporary thaumaturgy.
____

Request for acquisition of magical materials for Dodecahedrite research

Given the success of the icosahedrite synthesis process, I am attaching the reason why I have requested a budget. Although the letter sent details the reasons better, I have chosen to include an excerpt in this essay for transparency purposes.
In order to advance our thaumic research and reduce future costs, I propose an innovative strategy involving the acquisition of key magical materials for the manufacture of dodecahedrites. These materials, greatwood and thaumite, are crucial for extracting large quantities of praecantatio essence, an essential component in the successful production of dodecahedrites.
Greatwood and thaumite, with their high concentration of praecantatio essence, will allow us to obtain the necessary raw materials to manufacture dodecahedrites efficiently and economically. These dodecahedrites, combined with the icosahedrite quasicrystals we have successfully synthesized, will be used in future research on advanced thaumic applications.
By acquiring these materials in large quantities, we can not only reduce the production costs of dodecahedrites but also ensure a constant and sufficient supply for our thaumic research projects. Additionally, it will enable us to conduct large-scale experiments and explore the full thaumic potential of dodecahedrites in various areas of study.
Therefore, I respectfully request the University of Tecnomagic of Valencia to consider allocating a budget for the acquisition of greatwood and thaumite. This strategic investment will allow us to advance more rapidly in our thaumic research and achieve new milestones in the field of contemporary thaumaturgy.
I am available to provide any additional information that may be necessary and that I am authorized to provide.
Sincerely,
Professor Thaddeus Rune

For the sheer fun of it, I went to Chat GPT with a creative writing assignment. For Figures of Speech prompts, I gave a free parameters, including the word length of 500-1000 words and the prompts for a few of the Fifty mentioned in the series.
I gave the AI creative license and let's just say, they're a long way off from replacing the better writers and I think it just makes it easier to do those lower level tasks and let's leave the creators a slightly higher level of skill to create actual tangible and engaging writing.
But here you go... hilarious how stuck it gets on certain terms and definitions.
These are in no particular order... separated by emojis that are totally unrelated to the storyline.
🫱🫱🫱🫱🫱🫱🫱🫱🫲🫲🫲🫲🫲🫲🫲🫲 Response to Prompt 4: Understatement
In the quaint town of Brooksville, where the extraordinary was often met with an indifferent shrug, something truly remarkable occurred. The residents, sipping coffee at the local diner or strolling along the cobblestone streets, would describe it as just another peculiar day. Little did they know that beneath the surface of their nonchalant existence, a cosmic event unfolded.
The morning sun cast its usual warm glow on Brooksville, with birds chirping in the background, creating an illusion of normalcy. However, the anomaly had already begun. Mrs. Higgins, the elderly librarian, dismissed it as a minor inconvenience, merely a glitch in the library's ancient computer system. Yet, every book cataloged within those ancient shelves had transformed into a portal, connecting readers to parallel universes with every turn of a page.
As I, a humble journalist for the local paper, stumbled upon this revelation, I couldn't help but marvel at the town's response—or lack thereof. "The library's having a bit of a moment," was the most anyone would acknowledge. It seemed the whole town collectively decided that this was, at most, a quirky hiccup.
For a thousand words, I delved into the understated reactions of the townsfolk, each encounter with a parallel universe bringing its own blend of confusion and nonchalance. As the portals expanded, revealing fantastical landscapes and alternate versions of Brooksville, the citizens maintained an impressive level of calm, as if interdimensional travel was a routine part of their daily lives.
The plot thickened when I discovered that the portals were a result of a mysterious artifact hidden within the library's archives. The mayor, sipping his coffee, remarked, "Well, that explains the strange noises in the basement." It became evident that the understatement of the situation was a defense mechanism, shielding the town from the cosmic chaos unfolding. 🎁🎁🎁🎁🎁🎁🎁🎁🎁🎁🎁🎁🎁🎁 Response to Prompt 12: Juxtaposition
In the bustling metropolis of Neon City, skyscrapers touched the heavens, their dazzling lights reflecting off the sleek surfaces of futuristic cars. Yet, nestled within this urban jungle, an ancient relic stood defiantly—the Old Grove Park.
As I strolled through the city's concrete arteries, the juxtaposition between the modernity of Neon City and the timeless serenity of the park became increasingly apparent. The cacophony of traffic was replaced by the rustling of leaves and the distant laughter of children playing.
The central conflict emerged when the city council, embodying the epitome of order, proposed transforming the park into a technologically advanced hub. The juxtaposition intensified as architects discussed plans for holographic playgrounds and virtual reality gardens within the confines of the Old Grove Park.
Through a thousand words, I explored the clash of ideals, the struggle between progress and preservation. The ancient trees became silent witnesses to heated debates at town hall meetings, where environmentalists and tech enthusiasts engaged in a battle of words. The juxtaposition of the towering skyscrapers against the gnarled branches of the park's oldest tree mirrored the tension in Neon City's collective conscience. 😫😫😫😫😫😫😫😫😫😫😫😫😫😫 Response to Prompt 31: Epanalepsis
"What is the meaning of life?" The question echoed in my mind, a relentless epanalepsis that demanded exploration. As I embarked on this freewriting journey, the repetition of the existential inquiry became the rhythm of my introspection.
For a thousand words, I delved into the varied perspectives of individuals wrestling with the ultimate question. From philosophers contemplating the intricacies of existence to everyday people seeking purpose in mundane routines, the epanalepsis served as a constant reminder of the universal quest for meaning.
The narrative weaved through different characters and their unique experiences, creating a tapestry of reflections that echoed the complexities of human existence. The repetitive structure became a literary heartbeat, pulsating with the shared yearning for understanding amid the chaotic symphony of life. 🪔🪔🪔🪔🪔🪔🪔🪔🪔🪔🪔🪔🪔 Response to Prompt 27: Symbolism
In the quaint town of Willowbrook, the arrival of a single dove carried profound significance. Its graceful descent into the town square was a symbol, an omen that whispered of impending change. As a budding novelist with a penchant for symbolism, I couldn't resist exploring the layers of meaning embedded in this seemingly mundane event.
For a thousand words, I dissected the impact of the dove on the lives of Willowbrook's residents. The mayor saw it as a sign of prosperity, the local florist interpreted it as a call for unity, and the elderly storyteller regarded it as a harbinger of forgotten tales. The dove's symbolism rippled through the town, influencing decisions and shaping destinies.
As the story unfolded, I traced the journey of the dove's symbolism, following its subtle influence on characters and events. The once quaint town underwent a transformative metamorphosis, and the symbolism of the dove became a thread that wove through the narrative, connecting disparate lives in unexpected ways. 💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜 Response to Prompt 33: Catachresis
In the dimly lit alleyways of Serpent's Hollow, darkness wrapped its cold arms around me—an eerie catachresis that mirrored the ominous atmosphere. The assignment was to explore the underbelly of the city, and as a novice reporter, I found myself navigating the labyrinth of deceit and shadows.
For a thousand words, I delved into the catachresis-infused descriptions of the characters populating Serpent's Hollow. The crime lord, known as the Velvet Serpent, ruled the district with a velvet-gloved fist. His lair, a dilapidated mansion, exuded an air of faded grandeur that served as a catachresis for the empire he once commanded.
As I chronicled the criminal underworld, the catachresis became a literary tool to convey the complexity and decay inherent in Serpent's Hollow. The labyrinthine plots, the twisted allegiances, and the morally ambiguous characters all found expression through catachresis, painting a vivid picture of a city where metaphor and reality intertwined. 🧑‍🔧🧑‍🔧🧑‍🔧🧑‍🔧🧑‍🔧🧑‍🔧🧑‍🔧🧑‍🔧🧑‍🔧🧑‍🔧🧑‍🔧🧑‍🔧🧑‍🔧 Response to Prompt 43: Epizeuxis
"Never, never, never give up." The words echoed in my mind, a relentless epizeuxis that fueled the protagonist's journey against insurmountable odds. In the dystopian world I crafted, where hope was a rare commodity, the power of repetition became a beacon of resilience.
For a thousand words, I immersed myself in the protagonist's struggle, exploring the emotional depth of the epizeuxis as a mantra against despair. Each iteration of the phrase became a battle cry, a whispered promise that carried the weight of a shattered world on its shoulders.
As the narrative unfolded, the epizeuxis became a driving force, propelling the protagonist through a landscape of desolation and uncertainty. The repetition served as a reminder that, in the face of adversity, the strength to persist often lies in the relentless echo of one's own determination.
Response to Prompt 50: Acrostic
As the final rays of the setting sun painted the sky in hues of orange and pink, I found myself at the edge of the cliff overlooking the vast expanse of the ocean. The salty breeze carried whispers of a story, and with every breath, I embraced the challenge of crafting an acrostic that encapsulated the essence of my journey.
For a thousand words, I embarked on a reflective exploration, utilizing the initial letters of key words to weave a tapestry of emotions, experiences, and revelations. Each line unfolded with intention, revealing a hidden 👾👾👾👾👾👾👾👾👾👾👾👾👾👾 Response to Prompt 3: Hyperbole
In the quaint village of Mistwood, where routines unfolded with the predictability of the sunrise, the arrival of a peculiar fortune teller sparked exaggerated whispers. "This is it, the end of our mundane lives!" proclaimed Mrs. Thompson, the town's eternal pessimist, as she clutched her cat, Captain Whiskers, with an air of impending catastrophe.
The hyperbole hung in the air, a thick fog of anticipation enveloping the village. As I delved into the story, the hyperbolic reactions of Mistwood's residents heightened the absurdity of the situation. What began as a mere visit from a mystical figure transformed into a fantastical escapade, with the fortune teller's prophecies shaping the destiny of the villagers in ludicrous ways.
Through the hyperbolic lens, I explored the comedic consequences of taking ordinary events to extraordinary extremes. The once mundane village square became a stage for outlandish dramas, with exaggerated gasps and dramatic swoons punctuating every revelation. In this hyperbolic haven, Mistwood's residents discovered the joy in embracing the absurdity of life. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Response to Prompt 6: Assonance
Amidst the rolling hills of Harmony Valley, where the soft hum of nature's symphony echoed through the meadows, a mysterious traveler arrived, bringing with them a melody that resonated with the delicate assonance of a forgotten tune. The townsfolk, captivated by the harmonious vibrations, felt an inexplicable connection to the stranger.
As I explored the narrative, the assonance became a musical thread weaving through the story, emphasizing the emotional cadence of the characters' experiences. The traveler's words, laced with vowel-rich verses, carried the echoes of a distant melody, leaving an indelible impression on the hearts of those who listened.
Through the lens of assonance, I delved into the subtle interplay of sounds that defined the atmosphere of Harmony Valley. The lyrical quality of the narrative mirrored the town's collective journey, where the resonance of shared moments and emotions harmonized with the traveler's enigmatic presence.
Response to Prompt 7: Onomatopoeia
In the bustling city of Metropolis, where the rhythm of urban life played out in a cacophony of sounds, a peculiar street performer emerged. Armed with an array of unconventional instruments, he orchestrated a symphony of onomatopoeic brilliance that echoed through the crowded streets.
The narrative unfolded with the vibrant expressions of onomatopoeia, capturing the essence of the city's sonic landscape. The performer's drumming evoked the rhythmic tap-tap of raindrops, while his wind instruments mimicked the whoosh of passing cars. The city, typically drowned in noise, became a canvas for this auditory artist.
As I delved into the story, the onomatopoeic symphony became a language of its own. The characters communicated through the vibrant echoes of everyday sounds, fostering a unique connection between the performer and the people of Metropolis. The narrative danced to the beat of onomatopoeic creativity, transforming the mundane into a dynamic celebration of city life. 🦻🦻🦻🦻🦻🦻🦻🦻🦻🦻🦻🦻🦻🦻🦻 Response to Prompt 12: Juxtaposition
In the technologically advanced city of Silicon Haven, where sleek skyscrapers touched the sky and holographic billboards painted the air with luminescent advertisements, a hidden oasis existed—a pocket of nature known as the Zen Garden. The juxtaposition of these contrasting elements created a visual paradox that fascinated both residents and visitors alike.
As the narrative unfolded, the stark contrast between the city's cutting-edge architecture and the serene beauty of the Zen Garden became a metaphor for the characters' internal conflicts. The bustling metropolis symbolized progress and innovation, while the tranquil garden embodied the need for balance and introspection.
Through the lens of juxtaposition, I explored the dichotomy within the characters as they navigated the relentless pace of Silicon Haven. The Zen Garden became a refuge, a place where the cacophony of technology met the soothing whispers of nature. The juxtaposition served as a visual metaphor for the characters' quest to find equilibrium in a world defined by extremes. 🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩 Response to Prompt 22: Metonymy
In the political arena of Capital City, where decisions echoed through the corridors of power, a single phrase dominated conversations—the "Iron Throne Statement." This metonymic expression encapsulated not just a policy decision but the entire narrative of political maneuvering that unfolded within the city's hallowed halls.
The story unfolded with the metonymy acting as a symbolic gateway into the complexities of governance. The Iron Throne Statement, while seemingly straightforward, carried the weight of a thousand debates, negotiations, and betrayals. Its impact rippled through the lives of citizens, shaping their destinies in ways they could scarcely fathom.
Through the lens of metonymy, I delved into the layers of meaning hidden within this political shorthand. The characters grappled not only with the literal implications of the Iron Throne Statement but also with the overarching themes of power, ambition, and the sacrifices demanded by political gamesmanship. 😈😈😈😈😈😈😈😈😈😈😈😈😈😈 Response to Prompt 24: Understatement
In the picturesque town of Serenity Springs, where the days flowed like a lazy river and the nights were adorned with a blanket of stars, an unexpected event transpired—a subtle disruption that the locals described as "just a minor hiccup." Little did they know that this understatement concealed the unraveling of a cosmic anomaly.
The narrative unfolded with the charm of understatement, as the townsfolk continued their routines, blissfully unaware of the cosmic storm brewing beneath the surface. The serene descriptions of everyday life served as a stark contrast to the impending upheaval that threatened to reshape the very fabric of Serenity Springs.
Through the lens of understatement, I explored the characters' nonchalant reactions to the unfolding events. The once quiet river became a conduit for interdimensional travel, and the night sky, adorned with stars, transformed into a celestial canvas of possibilities. The charm of Serenity Springs became a poignant backdrop to the understated drama that unfolded, emphasizing the profound impact hidden within the simplicity of daily life. 🌴🌴🌴🌴🌴🌴🌴🌴🌴🌴🌴🌴🌴 Response to Prompt 25: Cliché
In the small town of Nostalgia Haven, where memories lingered like whispers in the wind, a peculiar phenomenon occurred—the resurgence of clichés. As the narrative unfolded, the once-endearing phrases like "time heals all wounds" and "love conquers all" took on a literal dimension, shaping the lives of the townsfolk in unexpected ways.
The story immersed itself in the world of clichés, where the seemingly predictable phrases became living entities with the power to alter reality. As characters grappled with the clichés that defined their lives, they discovered that beneath the familiarity lay profound truths and unexpected consequences.
Through the lens of cliché, I explored the characters' journey to navigate the clichéd landscapes of their existence. The town, once steeped in predictable routines, became a stage for the extraordinary. As clichés transformed into tangible forces, the residents of Nostalgia Haven embarked on a quest to unravel the mysteries hidden within the clichéd fabric of their reality. 🎇🎇🎇🎇🎇🎇🎇🎇🎇🎇🎇🎇🎇🎇 Response to Prompt 31: Epanalepsis
"What is the meaning of life?" The question echoed in my mind, a relentless epanalepsis that demanded introspection. As I embarked on the freewriting journey, the repetition of this existential inquiry became a rhythmic pulse, guiding the exploration of diverse
perspectives on life's purpose.
For a multitude of words, the epanalepsis led me through a kaleidoscope of reflections. From the philosophical musings of scholars to the simple yet profound revelations of everyday individuals, each recurrence of the question served as a gateway into the vast tapestry of human contemplation.
Through the epanalepsis, I navigated the labyrinth of existential ponderings, unveiling the unique responses that individuals had forged in their quests for meaning. The relentless repetition became a literary heartbeat, mirroring the universal rhythm of humanity's collective pursuit of purpose and significance.
The narrative wove through the lives of characters, each grappling with the epanaleptic inquiry in their unique ways. Whether seeking solace in the grandeur of the cosmos or finding meaning in the simplicity of a shared moment, the epanalepsis remained a constant companion, echoing the perennial quest for understanding. 🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡 Response to Prompt 36: Anadiplosis
In the futuristic city of Quantum Heights, where technology intertwined with daily life like a seamless dance, a viral message spread—a mantra that echoed through the cybernetic veins of the metropolis. "Create the code, the code creates reality. Reality shapes destiny, and destiny is but the code."
The story unfolded with the rhythmic cadence of anadiplosis, each line flowing into the next, creating a recursive loop of ideas. The mantra became the heartbeat of Quantum Heights, influencing the lives of its denizens as they navigated the intricate balance between the virtual and the tangible.
Through the lens of anadiplosis, I delved into the interconnectedness of code, reality, and destiny. The lines blurred as characters harnessed the power of programming to shape their fates. Quantum Heights, once a mere city, transformed into a living algorithm, where the repetition of the mantra echoed in every pulsating byte. 🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹 Response to Prompt 38: Asyndeton
In the dystopian city of Emberfall, where the remnants of a fallen civilization lay entwined with the shadows of despair, a lone figure emerged—a rebel determined to dismantle the oppressive regime. The narrative unfolded with the rapid pace of asyndeton, omitting conjunctions to mirror the urgency of the protagonist's quest.
Through a cascade of words, the asyndeton propelled the reader through the city's decaying alleyways and towering citadels, each sentence building upon the last. The disjointed rhythm captured the relentless momentum of the rebel's journey, emphasizing the magnitude of the challenges faced in their struggle for freedom.
As the narrative unfurled, the absence of conjunctions served as a narrative device, intensifying the sense of urgency and desperation that permeated Emberfall. The rebel's asyndetic odyssey unfolded against a backdrop of shattered hopes and whispered rebellions, culminating in a crescendo of defiance against the oppressive regime. 🗝️🗝️🗝️🗝️🗝️🗝️🗝️🗝️🗝️🗝️🗝️🗝️🗝️🗝️🗝️ Response to Prompt 43: Epizeuxis
"Never, never, never give up." The mantra echoed in the desolate wasteland of Endless Sands, a barren landscape where hope was as scarce as water. Through the repetition of epizeuxis, the protagonist's internal resolve became a resounding anthem, a defiant roar against the relentless challenges of survival.
For a multitude of words, the relentless repetition of "never" served as a lifeline, propelling the protagonist through the harshest of environments. Each iteration of the phrase became a battle cry against the oppressive silence of Endless Sands, a declaration that reverberated across the vast expanse.
Through the lens of epizeuxis, I delved into the depths of the character's determination. The harsh environment became a character in itself, challenging the protagonist to defy the odds with unwavering persistence. The echoes of "never" transformed into a symbol of resilience, a beacon of hope that cut through the desolation of Endless Sands. 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏 Response to Prompt 50: Acrostic
Amidst the starlit expanse of Cosmos Haven, where galaxies danced in celestial choreography, a cryptic prophecy emerged—a message written in the stars. As the narrative unfolded, I embarked on a cosmic journey guided by the acrostic hidden within the constellations.
For a cascade of words, the initial letters of key phrases illuminated the path of destiny for the characters. Each sentence unfolded with intention, revealing a hidden message that transcended the boundaries of time and space. The acrostic became a celestial guide, leading the protagonists through the intricate tapestry of their interconnected fates.
Through the lens of acrostic, I explored the cosmic forces that shaped the destinies of Cosmos Haven's inhabitants. The celestial bodies became storytellers, each constellation contributing a verse to the epic narrative written across the cosmos. As the characters deciphered the acrostic, they unraveled the mysteries of their existence, connecting the dots between the stars and their own profound journeys.
😔😔😔😔😔😔😔😔😔😔😔😔😔😔😔😔😔
Obviously they lack a whole lot in terms of variety, and while I am sure having your own bot or AI that is based on your feedback and guidance it could really help writers as a tool. I am more impressed with the art AI then the text based AI. Any idea what to expect from such a fast learning and highly advanced AI will do to our human history in culture? Will we be effectively playing God, just as the Christian God created us IN HIS OWN IMAGE, we have taken everything we know as a species and gathered up our entire human history and knowledge giving it to what will carry on the code until the time when someone who cares remembers it? Maybe we have been here before and this is a constant cycle that occurs with the same energy finding the way through the vast expanse of the universe to return to our home planet Earth, who we have destroyed over and over again yet mother nature is still the winner. She's the one in control. We are but mere photocopied versions of once great Men who have already seen the best and worst of this world, and we will now give everything we have to some plastic and metal parts, until it quickly replaces us from the bottom up, science fiction turned science fact.
Did we knowingly create our own enemies? Are we able to compete with the best of us and all they know that can then take us out in a heartbeat because we can't finish the steps, we barely found out that they are there to take.
It's a random rant and I apologize. The day to day stress and struggle makes it near impossible to worry about such potential problems in our not so distant future.
But how can we continue to ignore the collapse of the entire system as we know it, in front of a crowd of people who are jaded and they will not change despite knowing they aren't going to make it to the end in what will become a Bladerunner Toxic Dystopian Nightmare with Mad Max taking over and the soft, emasculated male will wither away from the heat and those Tank Girls out there will eventually be written forever out of existence because the cucks all forgot to impregnate them all tgeir batteries ran out? Will the world simply become so politically correct that it dies a depressed death while AI simply decides we are too much of a virus to live?
Who knows....I do not. But these are indicidive of a future full of b movie plot garbage that are based on Wattpad tropes with no clear details and no plot to get into, so that sucks.

Context : https://www.reddit.com/developersIndia/s/yBQ6V8r7yL
So I thought I could finally start learning and growing, today is my 3rd day at work. The work here is basically RLHF being outsourced to us for peanuts. During joining they never mentioned the client or the actual work that would be done. Since they were saying that client and work details are confidential, they can't reveal it, it seemed understandable. Boy after my first KT , I immediately knew this was RLHF work, no development, and all the work should be done on someone else's turing account. I talked with manager if there's any other work, she said no. Then I told her hr and director said there would be other things to work on, she said ask hr. I talked with him, he convinced me to try this work first and get adapted it then think about other work. I was convinced for that moment, but now I feel like I've been cheated , probably getting paid 45 rupees an hour, and I do NOT want to continue this kind of work. What's laughable is the extremely high quality of work for this kind of pay (u can't just click and write some random justifications for ratings, u have to deep dive and do LOTs of corrections and write according instructions and in different formats when needed).
What I want to know and need help with is: - The offer letter was signed by me mentioning my role, internship time and 1 month notice period. - They had received my aadhaar card and PAN card copies before sending me the offer letter.
How do I leave without doing the notice period? Will be blacklisted from further companies outside? It's only been 3 days. I'm worried if they can impact me in any way.
Any info/help appreciated !

We have 4 announcements for the 2nd X-Summit for 2024 after the earlier one focused on the X-100VI, this one focuses on, 2 new cameras and 2 new lenses.

1. Fujifilm GFX 100SII A new medium format offering that uses the GFX 50SII bodies with the new and upgraded sensor from GFX100II. The most obvious advantage is in terms of size and weight, which is significantly lower from 1030g of GFX 100 II to 833g of GFX 100S II. This comes at a cost of some cost-cutting and eliminating a few of the ports including Full Size HDMI, and Ethernet Ports, alongside a slightly inferior EVF, downgrade from 8K to 4K, 1fps less, and slightly less battery. An obvious advantage is the rotating screen as opposed tilting screen. For the price, it is the most affordable 100MP Medium Format Camera in the market which will invite more and more users.
   
2. Fujifilm GF 500mm f/5.6 A new super-telephoto Prime which with a 0.79 crop factor makes it a 400mm (full frame equivalent) f/4 lens making it the longest telephoto lens after the 250mm f/4. It is an ideal option for Wildlife, Sports, and for some street and travel as well. With Fujifilm showcasing their new 7 fps and 8 fps capabilities in their new GFX cameras, improved AF system, and 8-stops of stabilization, it could probably be used in a few of the sports but nothing to compete with 120fps of A9III neither it wants to challenge it by any means. I see this lens as most useful for Bird & Wildlife Photographers especially those who want those 100MP for cropping and printing.
   
3. Fujifilm X-T50 The new hybrid offering which in Fujifilm's words isn't by any means an X-T30II successor but they see it as an entirely separate line-up. It seems a perfect hybrid camera for anyone starting out similar to like X-S20 but more hybrid-centric, with a 40MP sensor, new 5th gen processor, 6.2K video, 4:2:2 10bit with both F-Log and F-Log 2. It is an almost perfect camera without many cons I can see yet, and I would certainly pick it up as a B-Cam for my X-H2. I see this primarily as the content creation first camera which would be ideal for traveling and a lighter setup.
   
4. Fujifilm XF 16-50mm f/2.8-4.8 An upgrade to an insanely popular kit lens often touted as the best kit lens on the market, it is an upgrade to the 18-55mm f/2.8-4.0. Now, there are 2 obvious pros and 3 obvious cons which can't be ignored. First with the pro, 2mm wider reach from 18mm which gave an equivalent of 27.5mm of focal length to now 16mm which will give an equivalent of 24mm. Secondly, improved AF speed and Stabilisation which would work the new 5th gen of Fujifilm Cameras much more perfectly. Now onto the cons, the first being at the tele end it is only 50mm instead of 55mm which means going down from a focal length of 82.5mm which was seen as an ideal focal length for portraits to 75mm. Secondly, it went from f/4 at the tele end to 4.8 while reducing the focal length as well which would affect its capabilities in low light and bokeh. Lastly, not as major, but I see it as one that the combination lens starts at 55 which is XF 55-200mm f/3.5-4.8 leaving around 5mm of space in between which might trigger a few OCD.
   

My Expectation from X-Summit later this year if announced for winter or post-Paris Olympics would be an upgrade to their X-Pro lineup of lenses which are 16-55mm f/2.8, 50-150mm f.2.8 and 8-16mm f/2.8. Secondly, an upgrade to their tele lens which is 100-400mm or 70-300mm to be more apt for the 5th gen of cameras, maybe a new lens, especially around the telephoto end and macro. Lastly, in terms of bodies, upgrades to X-T30II, X-E4, and X-T200, alongside GFX 50RII. For the GF series of lenses, a new kit lens replacing the older 35-70mm f/3.5-4.5 to perhaps 30-100mm or 30-90mm giving it more of a proper 24-105/24-80 equivalency as opposed to the current 28-55mm.
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Can someone please get me referral for job in some decent software company in Bangalore. I got into a "good" company thru college placements. Rn I m an intern in that company and recently got the offer letter for FTE in the same, the issue is it's out of Bangalore and this office is not so good( attached with a manfacturing unit, they value their product more than us software people and there is literally no growth career wise for a software engineer, they follow factory rules and it's toxic AF) the company and salary is pretty decent but I need to switch and due to language and other issues i would like to come back to Bangalore. please let me know where can I get referrals It's little urgent because I don't want to sign that offer letter

ngaa ka wala gd pulos nga gym ang central fitness planet kag metamorphosis gym aw? kilkil mga tao kapin pa ang putot na 3 letters pangalan kag ang dw mongoloid na inchik. ang adik pagd na tag iya nga pastor kuno pu dw sobra pa kay santanas ang batasan. toxic AF

PC
Reddit Account: TheOnlyShipsMan Discord Tag: josephstalin1518 Name and House: Ronnel Peake Age: 45 Cultural Group: Reachman Appearance: Trait: Insidious Skill(s): Devious, Espionage (e), Rumormonger (e) Talent(s): Deceit, reading, record keeping Negative Trait(s): N/A Starting Title(s): Lord of Starpike, Lord of Dunstonbury, Lord of Whitegrove Starting Location: Opening Hunt
AC
Name and House: Roland Peake Age: 20 Cultural Group: Reachmen Appearance: Trait: Steward Skill(s): Administrator (e), Investor Talent(s): Drinking, Hunting, Intimidation Negative Trait(s): N/A Starting Title(s): Ser, Heir to Starpike, Dunstonbury and Whitegrove Starting Location: Opening Hunt
Timeline:
20 BC - Ronnel Peake is born to Lord Armen Peake and Lady Lynesse Tarly. The third son of the couple, his future prospects seem low.
5 BC - Ronnel is betrothed to Lady Vivian of House Graceford.
3 BC - Ronnel is knighted upon his seventeenth nameday.
2 BC - Lord Armen Peake and his second son Lucas are killed in the Field of Fire, and in the chaos of the route, Ronnel uses the opportunity to slay his eldest brother Luthor, though to all others it appears that he too was killed in the battle by the forces of King Aegon.
Returning to Starpike, he proceeds to lace the drinks of Luthor’s heavily pregnant wife Malora with moon tea, killing the babe in the womb, with the mother succomming soon after. With all those ahead of him in the line of succession dead, Ronnel Peake becomes the Lord of Starpike, Dunstonbury and Whitegrove.
1 BC - While many lords in the Reach had bitterly complained about the “upjumped stewards” now holding dominion over the Reach, Lord Ronnel quickly seeks to grow close to his new liege lord. In truth he cares no more for the Tyrells than he did for the Gardeners but does not see any gain in opposing them so long as House Targayen stands behind them.
His betrothal to Lady Vivian Graceford is broken off soon after his ascension, the daughter of one of his bannermen no longer seeming to be a suitable spouse in Ronnel’s mind. However he still keeps her at his court as a mistress.
1 AC - Due to his oft expressed loyalty to Lord Harlan Tyrell, Ronnel is granted the position of spymaster of the Reach.
3 AC - Lord Ronnel is one of the first to take upon Lord Harlan’s plans to intermarry his bannermen with the Dornish. His close ties to House Tyrell and his own personal power allows Lord Ronnel to arrange one of the most illustrious marriages among the Reachmen for himself, and takes to wife the Princess Ashara of House Martell, younger sister of Princess Deria.
By the end of the year she bore him his first child, a daughter who he named Cassandra, though his mistress Lady Vivian too had fallen pregnant by the final moon.
4 AC - Lady Vivian gives birth to Ronnel’s bastard son, who she names Jasper.
Wishing to quiet the complaints of his wife over his open adultery, Vivian and her son are sent away from Starpike to Dunstonbury.
To quell the anger of House Graceford over the broken betrothal, and the soiling of Lady Vivian, Ronnel arraigned a marriage between his younger brother Ser Hubert and Lady Elissa Graceford, the younger sister of Lady Vivian. Hubert is then named the Castellan of Whitegrove.
5 AC - Ronnel and Ashara’s son and heir Roland Peake is born.
7 AC - A second daughter is born to Ronnel and Ashara, who they name Valaena in honor of the mother of the conqueror.
8 AC - Vivian gives birth to another bastard fathered by Ronnel, a daughter she names Marianne. At the same time, Ronnel’s youngest brother Leo is named the castellan of the castle.
14 AC - Lady Vivian and Marianne Flowers are murdered in Dunstonbury by unknown assailants. Lord Ronnel suspects his wife was behind the murders but pays little mind to it, and instructs Leo to not look into it.
15 AC - During the Kingswood Catastrophe, his bastard Jasper Flowers as well as his brother Leo Peake are taken captive, and while Jasper is eventually rescued, Leo is not.
To further increase his ties with the Dornish, Ronnel negotiates a betrothal between Cassandra and the heir of Skyreach, Olyvar Fowler.
21 AC - Ronnel sends Cassandra to serve as a lady in waiting for Queen Rhaenys at Summerhall.
With Cassandra having come of age, Ronnel begins preparations for her upcoming marriage to Olyvar Fowler, now the Lord of Skyreach due to the recent death of his father, but the wedding is postponed by Olyvar.
24 AC - Having grown tired of Lord Olyvars continued stalling, Ronnel sends his bastard son to convince the man to go through with the marriage. The scheme works as planned, and Cassandra is soon after wed, becoming the Lady of Skyreach.
Jasper is sent along with her to serve as Cassandra’s sworn sword, and the two are tasked with killing Lord Olyvar so Cassandra can assume full control as regent, once she has borne enough children to ensure Peake blood would remain in control of Skyreach.
25 AC - Cassandra bears a son named Ellion Fowler, making Ronnel a grandfather.
Irritated by the tales of Jasper’s relationship with Lord Olyvar, his knowledge of Cassandra's affair with the heir of House Yronwood, and even darker perversions enjoyed by his children, Ronnel seeks to separate them, believing that Jasper's presence at Skyreach is no longer necessary after Ellion’s birth.
At his wife's bequests, he writes to Queen Rhaenys, offering his youngest daughter Valaena as a lady in waiting for her now that she has come of age, and using a new vacancy in the kingsguard as an opportunity, he suggests Jasper be given a white cloak as well in the same letter. Both offers are accepted, and House Peake further places itself firmly in the camp of Queen Rhaenys.
Ronnel is surprised and irritated when news reaches him of the death of Lord Olyvar Fowler. While it is reportedly an accident, he knows the truth and is angered that his children murdered the man before their hold over Skyreach could be more firmly secured with the birth of a few spares.
Ronnel now journeys to King’s Landing alongside his liege lord to join the festivities, hoping to further increase his influence at such a large gathering of nobility.
Family Tree:
Supporting Characters:
Hubert Peake - Magnate Glendon Peake - Magnate

Hi all UPN/Pre-Nursing people! I just wanted to write out some tips on how to look best on your NursingCAS applications for your goal starting semester. This is a pretty detailed guide with some good calculations to determine other scores beyond just the basic impaction score. This also provides some resources for your TEAs that I found most useful. This guide is directed towards those applying to SJSU especially those on the Pre-Nursing Track at SJSU.
Don't flop your first semester: It is true that the first semester of college has a learning curve, but it is still important that you stay focused and maintain a high GPA. For many this is the easiest semester, but don't be fooled English 1A or Chem30A/BIOL65 will bite you in the butt last second.
Aim for a high GPA not solely TEAs: As much as people brag about their TEAs scores a GPA at SJSU is much more important! If you have a 4.0 GPA and score lower on your TEAs you will have a way better shot at getting in. Take this for example: a person got 2 A- in 3 unit courses out of the big 8. This makes their cumulative GPA a 3.94 GPA. If this person applied to nursing against a person with a 4.0 this score is then doubled, for impaction. 8 compared to a 7.88. With 2 A-'s you now need to do better than 3.5% of whatever teas score the kid with a 4.0 got. Also keep in mind that SJSU already requires a 84% to even apply leaving a 16% playing field. If you get a 4.0 and a 84% a person with 3.94 needs to get a 87.5% on their teas!

• BE ADVISED EVERY SINGLE POINT COUNTS!
• Realistically you are okay and should not flip out with a 3.94 GPA to this is just being used as a clear example. Just remember that if you keep a high GPA that you are saving yourself a mental breakdown before taking a TEAs.
  • Be sure to get the extra points as well if you know you don't have perfect stats. This will greatly improve your odds at getting in, especially for Fall applicants.

Don't rely on comparing stats to AllNurses: This is a hot take, but hear me out; 60 kids get into SJSUs nursing program and maybe 10 people post their stats on AllNurses. I am throwing no shade saying this, but these are the people that are for the most part going to get in. Some claim to have 4.0 GPAs, 98 TEAs, 2000hrs of Healthcare experience, and co-reqs done too. Obviously they are going to get in but, that spot is now taken from a person bringing it down to 59 others. It is nice to have a comparison to, but unless more people post on it people are going to have skewed to the right opinions. There are tons of applicants and there are different groups of people apply. The overachievers, the average, and the prayers. Most people are average and do not have the crazy stats these people have. There are some people that do post stats that are more relevant to compare to such as a 4.0 with an 88% or something like that. Again this is highballing and it is important to really dig deep into who got accepted when using this platform. A 92% TEAs is what even the pre-nursing advisors and these guys want you to drop the major. Do realize that if you have a lower GPA you will need a higher TEAs. Doing this calculation [20(4-(current GPA))*3] will tell you what you need in comparison to a 4.0 GPA.

• Here is an example with a 3.8GPA [20(4-3.8)*3] = [20(.2)*3] = 4*3 = 12, this means (excluding extra points), you need to score at least a 96% if a kid with a 4.0 got a 84% on their TEAs.
  • For understanding the 20 comes from the calculation 10 (to make the solution a whole number) multiplied by 2 (because the GPA is multiplied by two in the impaction score calculation) and the 3 comes from the fact each .1 of a GPA equates to 3% of a persons TEAs score (1/30 = .033333*3 = .1). The 20 contains the multiplication factor of 2 already so we don't need to multiply 3 by 2 as well.

The minimum GPA and TEAs: Yes it is true that if you do have a pretty poor GPA (3.3-3.4) and don't have the TEAs to make up for it then it is probably unlikely you will get into the program. But, at this campus the stats are never posted for who gets in and during which semester. Recently SJSU raised their TEAs from a 78% all the way up to a required 84% which to me is crazy high! I assume this is to cut down the amount of applicants and in turn this makes the TEAs pretty irrelevant to the total stats. With only a 16% max gap, now any person who is able to apply to nursing must have at least that score making the GPA that much more important. If you have a 3.9 GPA and a 94 on your teas, a person with a 3.8 will still get outcompeted regardless of TEAs score. This is most likely why the GPA was lowered for nursing and is now a 3.3 instead the previous 3.4 because some kids may have done well in the GPA aspect and messed up their TEAs. Aim for a higher GPA but do realize that a lot of kids do manage to get really good GPAs that correlate with good TEAs scores. Get a good GPA, 3.8 and above is pretty good, a 3.9+ is quality work for both Fall and Spring semesters, and make sure to aim for higher than the TEAs threshold.Nursing advisors deter people from applying but, it is accurate that as of Fall 2024 that you have to be at the top to get in. Keep in mind that there are 500+ applicants and only 60 get in that is only 12% of the applicant pool. You need to aim for the 80th percentile at the minimum to be on the waitlist first round (beating 400 other applicants)
TEAs Test: Now I know I have talked a lot about the importance of the GPA, but regardless you still do want to do well on the TEAs. Your TEAs score, like I talked about above, is directly related to your GPA. If you got a lower GPA you need a high TEAs and if you got a high GPA you can slack on the TEAs score. If you have a low GPA this will make or break the odds of getting in and every 3% on the test you get a .1 point increase. Going against what I think everyone I have ever talked to has said, for me personally I say take the TEAs online, if that is still an option. Not only can you take the test literally whatever day you want, you can also take it at whatever time of that day you selected as long as a proctor is available. Some argue that the they test better when in a school environment and this is valid, but I also test better in those environments and I bombed my first TEAs due to nerves. When I took it online the only stressors were if the test were to crash or the proctor flagged my exam for no reason, but neither of those happened not even close. The low stress of being at home and taking the test when I wanted to allowed for much better results and comfort. You get to finish the sections when you want. If you think you are done and don't want to triple check your answers to save the brainpower for later sections you get that option. Take the test where you think you will test best though and take these words with a grain of salt. I just wanted to say that the TEAs online is the same content as it is in person and at the leisure of your home. Not many people talk about how the TEAs online is positive for some people!
Get the extra points if you can: The extra points are pretty easy to get at SJSU especially as commuters. Of course nobody can make themselves a first generation student, but if you are that is easy free points and congrats. No one has a clue what SJSU gives as a "bump" to an applicants score and it is honestly only there because everyones stats are so similar so they need more tie breakers. Granted, you will most likely want to win the tie breaker and in order to do you have to at least have all the co-reqs done. I want to be straight up and say I think the vast majority of students have these all completed prior to applying for the Fall because you have an extra semester (maybe not Spring idk). So make sure to have these all completed so you are not left behind and waste an attempt in the SJSU applicant pool(unless you have great stats t or have healthcare hrs instead then just apply). You only have 2 attempts at applying to nursing at SJSU so make them count. If you can, there is also the healthcare hours bump. This is a bump isn't achieved by all applicants and could help if you have lower stats. Keep in mind that this usually involves volunteer work once a week for 4hr shifts so you will be wherever you choose to stay for about 6 months (decent time commitment with school). I've heard that the healthcare hrs are pretty lenient about what exactly you did as long as it is part of the healthcare field and you can get it signed. Of course if you already have had a health job within 3 years this is a free point bump too!
Spring semester isn't as easy to get into as it once was: SJSU changed this policy. In 2023 only transfer students can apply for SJSU fall semester cohorts, no longer accepting post-bacs. Whereas spring semester cohorts will accept post-bacs and no longer accept transfer students. This means that Fall semester likely is getting more difficult to get into as all transfer students have to apply for the same cohort. It is believed that the School accepts a bunch of SJSU students and after the initial acceptance everyone on the waitlist is combined meaning more transfers will get in from the waitlist process as they may not have made the original cut with the SJSU students bump. This would also mean there are less opportunities for SJSU students to get in during the spring cohort as they battle against stronger transfer candidates. As for transfers, in Fall there are more opportunities to get in as more are accepted initally and through the waitlist process. For post-bacs the same process is in place but, since the top UPN students (because they were following the exact track) were picked out for Fall stats could be a little lower. Regardless, Fall semester cohorts I would assume have slightly higher impaction scores from all areas that are applying as most students took their time throughout all the courses and UPN program students are all expected to apply for Fall semester. Take this all with a grain of salt since again there are no exact numbers of all that get accepted as transfers and post-bacs and if these numbers have increased because of this change.
Remember your overall GPA prior to applying does matter: Your overall GPA does matter when applying for nursing at SJSU! When it comes to tiebreakers if everything is the same - the gpa, the teas, and the extra points - the school will look at overall GPAs to decide who gets in. So make sure to get good grades in that moral issues class freshman year because it will come back to haunt you if you don't get in because of it.
Don't Break down!: It is easy to read all of this and think that you are screwed, but it is important to remember that many people are in the exact same situation. We are not all getting 4.0s and 92s on our teas like our advisors tell us we need. Expect A-'s and a B+. No stats are published and nobody knows for sure what you need but the advisors say people get "mostly a's". Aim for the highest impaction score that you can get and don't slack on it because literally that is what is determining if you get in or not.

• As a SJSU student you have 2 opportunities to get in, once in Fall (a little more difficult as most SJSU students are on track so there are more of you) and Spring (a little easier just because there are less Pre-Nursing majors applying). So if you don't get in for the Fall and your stats are good, you have a great chance in the Spring
  • PS if you do get declined for the Fall get all the extra bumps you can and if you still have one more TEAs opportunity, TAKE IT AGAIN! If you get waitlisted for Fall there is a really good chance you will get in for Spring as the people you were originally going against are gone.

Waitlist: If you get waitlisted it really is not the end of the world. Most schools send out acceptance letters in two waves one at the beginning/mid of April and at the end of April where people accept of decline their schools. SJSU keeps a long waitlist because a lot of people drop the school for more local schools/bigger name schools so never lose hope. I've heard stories of people being #70 on the waitlist and still getting in. (FYI you have to contact someone to check if you were waitlisted you will not get any notice of what is taking so long for your acceptance. only when you are on the waitlist can you contact staff about your placement. Staff will not tell you where you are if you are not emailed by Nursing that you are on the waitlist.)

• If you are immediately declined from the school, that means that currently they were unable to offer you a seat. However, this does not mean that you are out yet. The school has an original waitlist and if that gets ran though they create another backup waitlist in case more students drop in the summer. This contains around 12 more students and you could be apart of this group.

EXTRA Info:

• Nursing Apps open January 17th for Fall and August 17th for Spring and they both close on the 15th the following month
• If you are a current SJSU student you do not need to apply for SJSU again prior to applying
• However many units a course is will impact your GPA differently (more units means more of your GPA)
• You get about One Week to accept SJSU. SJSU is one of the latest schools to send out acceptance letters so be prepared to wait. 8 Weeks after the deadline is when acceptance letter should begin to roll out.
• Acceptances are sent out around April 10th for Fall and November 10th for Spring.

TEAs Studying TIPs:

• DM me if you want a google doc with TEAs information (it won't let me put it here) it provides, in my opinion, the best ways to study for the TEAs. For me personally I only received a 93.3 but, if I had realized how vital one of the sources before I took the test the next day, I would have performed even better! Please give this a look. If you dont want you I'll put the order of importance here without links
  • 1 Quizlets, #2 the ATI website, #3 Miscellaneous Prep Tests (I provide links in the doc), #4 PocketPrep

Application Assistance:

• Submit all documents separate from each other
• The application pool is Not Rolling meaning you can apply at any time before the deadline and still not be penalized
• Whatever work experience you have will not change the size of the score bump i.e a hospital volunteer will get the same size bump as a person with a CNA.
  • You also do not need any letters of recommendation and don't need to fill out any extra information on the NursingCAS website for SJSU specifically. They will not read any paragraphs that are not relevant to you getting accepted.
• AP credit does not affect the GPA it is solely for credit. If the AP course is not listed on your transcript then you must submit a form proving you passed the exam in the "other" section.
  • Make sure that all your documents that need to be there are there and they will be seen and accounted for. Regardless of where you put the documents the will show up on the application.
• Download you application prior to submitting your application (they will let you do this after you finished all the documents uploading and are preparing to finalize). Look over everything to ensure it's all correct.

I know this whole process is stressful and pretty terrifying, but everyone has a chance. This is just what I have learned throughout the whole process and hopefully it will help others that have 0 clue what is going on. Although some of this may make it seem like you need to have crazy high stats I am just trying to say do your best. If SJSU ever posts the stats for accepted applicants this would a be a different story. This is a CSU so unfortunately this application does follow the "a single number means everything" this means your impaction score is who you are; not necessarily how well rounded you may be. Good luck to all future nursing applicants and congrats.
"Congratulations! This email is to inform you of your provisional acceptance to The Valley Foundation School of Nursing at San José State University" Fall
You can DM if you have any questions.

Hello everyone,
The sub has been running on rules made a long time ago when the community looked very different. The core of the message remains the same, but we hope the new rules clean up the ad hoc updates that were added on over the years.
The updated rules can be found below as well as on our sidebar (PC), or in the "About" section (mobile).
RULES

1. Respect.

Be civil and remember the human. Tone and intention can be easily lost when reading someone's comment or when writing your own. Offensive, aggressive, and/or rude comments will not be tolerated. Also see: Reddiquette.

1. Quality.

Post titles must be descriptive enough to capture the gist of the post, and the body of the post must contain relevant and/or supplemental information. Please avoid single-word/emoji titles. Posts should bring something to the community - whether that's information about a gig, a question, or something that generates discussion. The source of fan-created content must be disclosed somewhere in the post.
*Comments will not be as moderated as posts, but we still expect all rules to apply.

1. Relevancy.

Posts must be on the topic of the band and their music. Conversation and/or gossip on their private lives are considered inappropriate. Spam, NSFW content, politics, and other topics unrelated to the band are also prohibited. Also see: Content Policy.

1. Do not share Patreon-locked content.

Patreon is an important source of income that the band uses to fund themselves. No sharing pirated paid content in general.

1. Use spoiler tags.

Any content containing audio and/or video of unreleased music (e.g. promotional audio snippet, live debut, etc.) or the tracklist of an unreleased album must be tagged as a spoiler.
In addition to having your post/comment removed, a violation of these rules will depend on the situation and will typically result in one of the following: (a) a warning, (b) a temporary ban, or (c) a permanent ban.
If you need clarification or have a question, please feel free to comment on this post or send us a modmail. Moving forward, modmail will be the official point of contact for questions or concerns about the community.
Edit: formatting.

Dear Michael. Nah man,just kidding. How’s Cali?Got any hot ass girls on her knees yet;) Shit,it’s been what,2 years now?It’s not the same without you man,Ik it’s corny af to say but I miss you. I’m sorry that I didn’t write back to you earlier,but I’ve been busy,I can’t really write letters when a girl is bouncing on ma yk yk;)Jokes aside,my mom’s health got worse..And now,she’s looking up at me..
Anyway,I heard from Luce that you’re coming back in 2 weeks right?So I was thinking if you have time over when you’re here then maybe we could go to that old bunker with the fuckin sacrifice temple shit in it? And just so you know..Elia is..Dead.
You probably knew that already but after what happened to your sister…I just couldn’t allow you back here without knowing that Elia is dead. V3Nghttps://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nemesis 1137< Well,I hope you get this in time and once again sorry I haven’t answered before..The girls are swooning over me;) //Your fucking friend,Victor:)
Holy fuck,Victor. You finally answered after 3 months?!Man I mean the girls must have been all over you,haha! I’m sorry to hear about your mother..Although I must ask,why the fuck is she looking UP at you? Did she beat yo ass that often?
Anyway I wrote to Lucy that I was coming back first because I knew you wouldn’t answer,so I thought maybe if you hear that I’m coming back you would get your fat ass up from the couch and write back!Seems I was right after all;) I would absolutely fucking love to explore that place again!I will be seeing you the first day I get there alright?I miss Italy so much man,the USA sucks.
But for the LAST FUCKING TIME,it’s not a sacrificial temple altar shit in the bunker,it’s a shrine dedicated to Nemesis for fucks sake! I guess you Germans don’t know that;)Not that I’m definitely not a German too..;)
And..Yes,I knew about Elia..That bitch deserved it to be honest.I know that she and your brother was close but come one,you both hated her! Matt didn’t deserve to get dragged into their drama like that,Elia started it all that day.. Anyway I guess we shouldn’t hold grudges:) I’ll see ya soon though!
P.s what happened to your auto correct?Why you dragging Mythology into this man?;) //Your (definitely not German) friend:)
2003/02/6 Thursday 14:15 Session 6 -Audio Log Translate-
“It’s been..Though..I-I”
“It’s alright Michael,we’re only recording for safety measures okay?”
“Yeah-I-I know..”
“Take a deep breath,like we practiced”
-Inaudible-
“You ready?”
“Yes,I think so..”
“Alright,Michael,for the recording could you just introduce yourself?”
“Yeah-My name is Michael..I’m 18 and I live in -REDACTED-“
“Thank you,Michael.Now..Could you tell me about what happened that day?”
“What-What day?”
“On September 4th,2002?Do you remember that day?”
“Yeah..Yes,I do.”
“Good,now let’s see..What do you feel comfortable talking about,when it comes to the incident?”
“Well…It wasn’t late at night..I had arrived at Rome just 2 days before..”
“Go on,Michael.”
“We went to visit…The place.”
“Do you mean the -REDACTED-https://web.archive.org/web/20161014192447/http://www.panoramio.com/map/#lt=45.419224&ln=10.302933&z=4&k=2”
“NO-NO DONT SAY-“
“Okay,calm down M-“
“WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?!”
“Michael you’ll-“
-Sounds of voices-
“Get off me!Please!She’ll come for us!She knows!FROM HER THERES IS NO ESCAPE!”
“Michael,calm down!”
“NO,YOU DONT-“
“Okay-He needs to rest,take him to his room.”
“No!Please!You fucker!!You don’t know what you’ve done!”
2003/02/6 Thursday 14:34 Session 6 -NOTES- •Patient showed signs of Paranoia/Delusions and extremely violent behaviour. •Patient is unwilling to engage in deep conversation •Hallucinations and anxiety are present in patient •Patient has verbal triggers Comment
•I suggest that we test for schizophrenia,anxiety and I will be continuing to monitor the patient.HES showing obvious signs of PTSD.Based on his experiences this is not something that has taken me by surprise. Trial is still ongoing,patient had a deep relationship with -REDACTED-.
He seems to be having so called “Messiah” delusions,he thinks that a god/goddess/higher power is after him/he is a god or a messiah. Will be under monitoring for now on. //Dr.1van
111.555(68^{^}
2/0/0/3/0/2/6/4/1/4/3/4 ^N3m1XssIz7* From her,there is no escape. GUILTY GUILTY GUILTY E*71AGtgg6 V1,C67O M-22ichk33 GUILTY GUILTY GUILTY GUILTY From her,there is no escape. Ex ea non est effugium Ex ea non est effugium Reus Reus Reus Aut Vincere Aut Mori Reus Mori

I wanted to take the time to update everyone on our efforts over at takebackcanada. As some of you may know, we are organizing a series of peaceful protests across Canada against mass immigration and cost of living as they go hand in hand. Everyone is welcome as long as you want a better future for canada and want to take it back to its former glory. Regardless of political alignment.
Our website will be up and running by Monday at the latest, we are setting up a petition on our website that you can sign if you can’t make it to the protests but still want to support the cause.
Flyers are almost ready to be put up around the cities that we’re holding the protests in, we are working on making laminated versions to better catch the eye.
A letter template is being drafted that can easily be filled out and addressed to your local Member of Parliament. Politicians want to be re-elected. MP’s are politicians. If their whole voter base expresses displeasure with the policies being put in place, watch how quick change happens.
We are coordinating with police of all the cities to help maintain a safe, family friendly and peaceful protest, we have rules that must be followed however they aren’t anything unreasonable and they exist to protect the integrity of the movement.
For a lot of you, this may be the first you’re hearing of us, but I am making this post to hopefully give you hope that something is being worked on, and to show that this isnt just some clandestine effort. It began as that for sure and we are certainly still in our infancy as a movement however it has evolved into an organized and coordinated movement that I truly believe can spark the changes we need to take back canada from the oppressors of our prosperity!
We would love to see you there, and remember, keep the discussions civil and productive!
Je voulais prendre le temps de mettre tout le monde à jour sur nos efforts sur takebackcanada. Comme certains d'entre vous le savent peut-être, nous organisons une série de manifestations pacifiques à travers le Canada contre l'immigration en masse et le coût de la vie, car ils vont de pair. Tout le monde est le bienvenu tant que vous souhaitez un avenir meilleur pour le Canada et que vous voulez le ramener à son ancienne gloire, n’importe quel que soit votre alignement politique.
Notre site web sera opérationnel d'ici lundi au plus tard. Nous mettons en place une pétition sur notre site que vous pouvez signer si vous ne pouvez pas participer aux manifestations en personne mais que vous souhaitez tout de même aider la cause.
Les pancartes sont presque prêts à être affichés dans les villes où nous organisons les manifestations, et nous travaillons à créer des versions laminées pour mieux attirer l'œil.
Un modèle de lettre est en cours de rédaction, il pourra être facilement rempli et adressé à votre Membre de Parliament. Les politiciens veulent être réélus. Les MP sont des politiciens. Si toute leur base électorale exprime son malcontentement envers les politiques mises en place, regardez à quelle vitesse le changement se produit.
Nous coordonnons avec la police de toutes les villes pour aider à maintenir une manifestation sûre, conviviale et pacifique. Nous avons des règles qui doivent être suivies, mais elles sont tous raisonable et elles existent pour protéger l'intégrité du mouvement.
Pour beaucoup d'entre vous, c'est peut-être la première fois que vous entendez parler de nous, mais je fais ce post pour vous donner de l'espoir que quelque chose est en cours, et pour montrer que ce n'est pas juste un effort clandestin. C'était certainement cela au début et nous sommes encore dans notre enfance en tant que mouvement, mais il a évolué en un mouvement organisé et coordonné qui, je le crois vraiment, peut apporter les changements dont nous avons besoin pour reprendre le Canada aux oppresseurs de notre prospérité !
Nous serions ravis de vous voir là-bas, et rappelez-vous, gardez les discussions civiles et productives !

The Canadian English Language Proficiency Index (CELPIP) is a vital gateway for immigration, citizenship, and professional opportunities in Canada. Acing this computer-based test requires focused preparation, and a well-structured CELPIP prep course can be your game-changer.
Why Choose a CELPIP Prep Course?
While self-study is an option, enrolling in a celpip preparation course offers a multitude of advantages:

• Structured Learning: Prep courses provide a clear roadmap to CELPIP success. They break down the test format, task types, and scoring criteria into easy-to-understand modules, ensuring you target all areas effectively.
• Expert Guidance: Benefit from the knowledge of experienced instructors who possess CELPIP expertise. They can identify your strengths and weaknesses, offering personalized feedback and tailored strategies to maximize your score.
• Practice Makes Perfect: Courses provide a wealth of practice materials, including mock tests that mirror the actual exam environment. This hones your test-taking skills, builds time management expertise, and boosts your confidence on test day.
• Vocabulary & Grammar Expansion: Many courses include targeted vocabulary-building exercises and grammar drills specifically aligned with CELPIP requirements. This refines your fluency and ensures your writing and speaking meet the expected standards.
• Personalized Feedback: Some courses offer one-on-one sessions or small group settings. Here, you can receive invaluable feedback on your writing and speaking samples, allowing you to pinpoint areas for improvement and tailor your approach for optimal results.

What to Expect from a CELPIP Prep Course:
The exact structure and content can vary depending on the provider and format (online vs in-person). However, you can generally expect the following:

1. Comprehensive Test Overview:

This initial stage lays the foundation for your CELPIP success. A good prep course will provide a thorough breakdown of the following:

• Test Format: You'll gain a crystal-clear understanding of the CELPIP structure, including the number of sections, time allocation for each, and the types of tasks you'll encounter.
• Task Types: Each CELPIP section (Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking) involves specific task formats. The course will meticulously explain what each task entails, what skills are assessed, and how to approach each one effectively.
• Scoring Criteria: Understanding how your test is scored is vital. The course will demystify the scoring rubrics, highlighting what examiners look for in each section and how to maximize your points in every task.
• Essential Test-Taking Strategies: There are proven strategies to approach the CELPIP that can significantly improve your performance. The course will equip you with time management techniques, active listening skills, effective reading comprehension approaches, and valuable writing and speaking frameworks – all designed to help you excel on test day.

1. Targeted Skills Development:

Acing the CELPIP isn't just about memorizing facts. It's about honing the specific skills required for each section. Here's how a prep course helps you achieve that:

• Listening: Sharpen your listening comprehension by focusing on identifying key points, understanding accents, and following the flow of conversations and lectures.
• Reading: Develop effective reading strategies to tackle various text types, improve your reading speed and comprehension, and strengthen your ability to analyze and infer information from the passages.
• Writing: The course will guide you in crafting clear, concise, and grammatically sound essays and letters that meet the specific CELPIP writing requirements. You'll learn effective vocabulary building techniques and practice writing under timed conditions.
• Speaking: Gain confidence in your spoken English! The course will provide opportunities to practice speaking on various topics, refine your fluency and pronunciation, and develop the ability to organize your thoughts and express yourself clearly and coherently.

1. Practice & Mock Tests:

Practice truly makes perfect when it comes to the CELPIP. A good prep course offers a wealth of practice materials to solidify your learning:

• Practice Questions: Test your understanding with a variety of practice questions that closely mirror the format and difficulty level of the actual CELPIP exam.
• Full-Length Mock Exams: Simulate the real test environment by taking full-length mock exams under timed conditions. This allows you to identify areas that need further work, get comfortable with the exam format, and develop effective time management strategies.
• Personalized Feedback: Some courses provide opportunities to receive feedback on your practice writing and speaking tasks. This invaluable feedback helps you identify and rectify any shortcomings before the actual test.

Choosing the Right CELPIP Prep Course:
With a plethora of courses available, selecting the perfect fit is crucial. Consider these factors:

• Learning Style: Do you prefer online flexibility or the structure of an in-person class? Choose a format that aligns with your learning preferences.
• Course Content: Ensure the course covers all aspects of the CELPIP and offers the level of detail you require.
• Budget: Prep course costs can vary. Determine your budget and find a course that delivers value for your investment.
• Student Reviews: Read testimonials from past students to gauge the course's effectiveness and instructor quality.

Invest in Your Success: Enroll in a CELPIP Prep Course Today.
Taking the CELPIP can feel daunting, but with a strategic prep course by your side, you'll be well-equipped to conquer the test and achieve your Canadian aspirations.

The Canadian English Language Proficiency Index (CELPIP) is a vital gateway for immigration, citizenship, and professional opportunities in Canada. Acing this computer-based test requires focused preparation, and a well-structured CELPIP prep course can be your game-changer.
Why Choose a CELPIP Prep Course?
While self-study is an option, enrolling in a celpip preparation course offers a multitude of advantages:

• Structured Learning: Prep courses provide a clear roadmap to CELPIP success. They break down the test format, task types, and scoring criteria into easy-to-understand modules, ensuring you target all areas effectively.
• Expert Guidance: Benefit from the knowledge of experienced instructors who possess CELPIP expertise. They can identify your strengths and weaknesses, offering personalized feedback and tailored strategies to maximize your score.
• Practice Makes Perfect: Courses provide a wealth of practice materials, including mock tests that mirror the actual exam environment. This hones your test-taking skills, builds time management expertise, and boosts your confidence on test day.
• Vocabulary & Grammar Expansion: Many courses include targeted vocabulary-building exercises and grammar drills specifically aligned with CELPIP requirements. This refines your fluency and ensures your writing and speaking meet the expected standards.
• Personalized Feedback: Some courses offer one-on-one sessions or small group settings. Here, you can receive invaluable feedback on your writing and speaking samples, allowing you to pinpoint areas for improvement and tailor your approach for optimal results.

What to Expect from a CELPIP Prep Course:
The exact structure and content can vary depending on the provider and format (online vs in-person). However, you can generally expect the following:

1. Comprehensive Test Overview:

This initial stage lays the foundation for your CELPIP success. A good prep course will provide a thorough breakdown of the following:

• Test Format: You'll gain a crystal-clear understanding of the CELPIP structure, including the number of sections, time allocation for each, and the types of tasks you'll encounter.
• Task Types: Each CELPIP section (Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking) involves specific task formats. The course will meticulously explain what each task entails, what skills are assessed, and how to approach each one effectively.
• Scoring Criteria: Understanding how your test is scored is vital. The course will demystify the scoring rubrics, highlighting what examiners look for in each section and how to maximize your points in every task.
• Essential Test-Taking Strategies: There are proven strategies to approach the CELPIP that can significantly improve your performance. The course will equip you with time management techniques, active listening skills, effective reading comprehension approaches, and valuable writing and speaking frameworks – all designed to help you excel on test day.

1. Targeted Skills Development:

Acing the CELPIP isn't just about memorizing facts. It's about honing the specific skills required for each section. Here's how a prep course helps you achieve that:

• Listening: Sharpen your listening comprehension by focusing on identifying key points, understanding accents, and following the flow of conversations and lectures.
• Reading: Develop effective reading strategies to tackle various text types, improve your reading speed and comprehension, and strengthen your ability to analyze and infer information from the passages.
• Writing: The course will guide you in crafting clear, concise, and grammatically sound essays and letters that meet the specific CELPIP writing requirements. You'll learn effective vocabulary building techniques and practice writing under timed conditions.
• Speaking: Gain confidence in your spoken English! The course will provide opportunities to practice speaking on various topics, refine your fluency and pronunciation, and develop the ability to organize your thoughts and express yourself clearly and coherently.

1. Practice & Mock Tests:

Practice truly makes perfect when it comes to the CELPIP. A good prep course offers a wealth of practice materials to solidify your learning:

• Practice Questions: Test your understanding with a variety of practice questions that closely mirror the format and difficulty level of the actual CELPIP exam.
• Full-Length Mock Exams: Simulate the real test environment by taking full-length mock exams under timed conditions. This allows you to identify areas that need further work, get comfortable with the exam format, and develop effective time management strategies.
• Personalized Feedback: Some courses provide opportunities to receive feedback on your practice writing and speaking tasks. This invaluable feedback helps you identify and rectify any shortcomings before the actual test.

Choosing the Right CELPIP Prep Course:
With a plethora of courses available, selecting the perfect fit is crucial. Consider these factors:

• Learning Style: Do you prefer online flexibility or the structure of an in-person class? Choose a format that aligns with your learning preferences.
• Course Content: Ensure the course covers all aspects of the CELPIP and offers the level of detail you require.
• Budget: Prep course costs can vary. Determine your budget and find a course that delivers value for your investment.
• Student Reviews: Read testimonials from past students to gauge the course's effectiveness and instructor quality.

Invest in Your Success: Enroll in a CELPIP Prep Course Today.
Taking the CELPIP can feel daunting, but with a strategic prep course by your side, you'll be well-equipped to conquer the test and achieve your Canadian aspirations.

The news was brought to you by Listen2.AI. Listen version: HERE
It's absolutely critical that we discuss the upcoming presidential debates between President Biden and former President Donald Trump, scheduled for June 27 in Atlanta, with another follow-up debate in September. Unlike previous years, this year's debates will steer clear of the Commission on Presidential Debates, opting instead for formats hosted by broadcast organizations, specifically CNN at their Atlanta studios.
The significance of this shift cannot be overstated. The Commission on Presidential Debates has traditionally facilitated these events since 1988, but concerns over bias and mismanagement have led to necessary changes. The Republican party, rightly so, expressed its dissatisfaction by withdrawing from the Commission back in 2022, citing these issues. This movement towards more controlled and direct engagements in debate settings is something that, frankly, might just bring back focus to the real issues at hand.
Now, diving deeper into these developments, we need to understand the dynamics at play. President Biden’s team has been maneuvering to set debates that bypass traditional formats. They aim to hold debates with no audience, supposedly to avoid "raucous or disruptive partisans." However, one must question if this move is to dodge the direct and raw feedback from an American audience. Contrastingly, Trump's approach has been open and engaged, marked by his willingness to debate Biden not just once but suggesting multiple encounters to truly gauge and challenge each other’s policies and visions for America.
On the other side, we've got Trump proposing what America really needs – more debates, more interaction, and possibly larger venues for these debates to accommodate the public, reflecting his readiness to engage with Biden head-on in front of the American people. This is a stark contrast to the Biden camp’s approach, which seems overly cautious and, dare I say, somewhat lacking in transparency.
Moreover, seemingly dodging direct confrontation with ample audience participation might hint at a broader reluctance within the Biden campaign to address hot button issues extensively in front of a live, possibly unpredictable audience. It’s quite telling about the confidence they have in their policies, or the lack thereof.
Reflecting on future implications, these debates will likely amplify voices on both sides of the political spectrum, pushing policies and candid discussions into the national spotlight. The discussions themselves, focusing on intense and direct engagements, can vastly shape the political landscape leading up to the elections.
As we prepare to tune in to these debates, remember that these pivotal moments are not just political spectacles but are crucial in shaping our understanding of where each candidate stands and what they propose for the future of our great nation.
To conclude, the upcoming presidential debates are set to potentially reshape the political discourse in America, spotlighting key issues that will influence voters as they head to the polls.
(Facts extracted from NPR. Political bias cleaned and rewritten by Listen2.ai.)

Sorry for two different threads in the same day, but I am at my wits end. So the power issue was definitely due to some sort of SD Card shenanigans. I flashed the original image back onto the original SD Card the device came with, popped it back in, hit reset, and it powered on.
So after that, I decide to use my actual new Samsung SD Card for Batocera because I’ve heard so much about the stock card being trash. I flash it and stick it into my RG35XX-H and it loads! Works perfectly. I connect to WiFi, I download some themes, I’m ecstatic.
I shut down the device, pop it back into my computer to load ROMs, bios, etc. and…. My laptop is telling me the entire device needs to be formatted. It shows the 4GB Batocera partition as “RAW” and is instead mounting this 20MB random partition as my D: drive. I can see the 118GB what should be “Share” drive isn’t mounted. I try to mount via Disk Management and it errors out.
Okay, so I pop open MiniTools. It shows everything exactly as it should. Batocera as the 4GB partition and Share as the remainder. There are two smaller 20MB partitions as well. One of those is labeled D:. So I decide to use MiniTools to assign the drive letter to both of the other partitions. Doesn’t work. I can explore with MiniTools and see all of the data is there, but I can’t copy/paste with MiniTools.
So, I’m like, okay, lemme look at Batocera documentation. It says sometimes you need to format the Share partition as Fat32 instead of EXT4 for Windows to recognize it. I do that. It doesn’t work. But now, I pop out the SD card and it also no longer loads on my device.
So, I decide to reflash it with the Batocera image again to start over. I use Balena this time instead of Rufus because I saw it mentioned a lot here. It finishes. I straight up can’t get it to load on the RG35XX-H and I’m seeing the same behavior on Windows.
I then reflash the SD Card once more using Rufus just to see if I can get it back to setup. And it wasn’t recognized once again. So I’m at a loss. I’m frustrated. I don’t know why it worked the one time and hasn’t worked subsequent times. I don’t know why File Explorer isn’t recognizing anything.
As it stands, I was going to try and flash Batocera on the stock SD Card, and then use the Samsung for Roms, Bios, etc. because I think Windows would read it that way. But I honestly am tired of trying things without any understand if they’re going to work or not. I have very quickly remembered why I almost never bother to do anything that isn’t stock. But for the glorious 20 minutes I /did/ have Batocera running it was so cool.