There is a huge loan repayment problem happening in the US right now, and many different ideas for how to fix it. I have spent time researching and debating the best way to ensure that college is both affordable and accessible. I came across a well structured post that details the optimal way to structure repayment, and why it is superior to other proposals, such as free college or loan forgiveness. I will be using their collected data for my post as well.
First, we need to understand who is suffering under the current system. Contrary to popular belief, it isn’t graduates with high debt who are the most at risk of default, but rather those with low balances who are college dropouts, or only hold an associates degree. This makes sense once we remember that the benefits of being a college dropout or having an associates degree are not much better than just being a highschool graduate, except that they still have loans to pay.
IDR Scheme
This brings me to my solution for the problem, Auto-Enrollment in a broad Income-Driven Repayment Scheme. For simplicity, this IDR scheme functions as an insurance against bad labor market outcomes caused by college, and the repayment that comes with it. This means it will be designed in a way that doesn’t require any repayment if their salary is below a certain point, or if they drop out of college. Here are the specifics of the program:

• College Dropouts are fully forgiven
• An exemption level equal to the median income of an associate holder (48.6k as of 2023)
• The repayment period would last around 20 years
• Payments are otherwise set based on income
• The entire program is self-funding through payments, no tax funds needed.

(The repayment period is set for 20 years, that way those who didn’t substantially benefit from college over their life will be forgiven after a set period of time.)
Moral Hazards

• Won’t graduates wait out the 20 years before getting any high paying jobs?

Palacios (2014) points out that wages have significant path dependency, meaning that in order to obtain high paying jobs, you have to first make your way through a variety of different jobs that have different wages. This is why job pages will often have a requirement like “X years of increasingly responsible work experience”.

• Won’t students with low effort/ expectations go to college knowing they can dropout?

There are costs stemming from this, as the author of the cited post notes. The author notes that the welfare benefits of forgiving dropouts vastly outweighs the potential costs.
Why not free college?
This is likely a question that most will ask or cite as a better alternative, so I believe it deserves its own section so I can go in depth why it isn’t optimal.

• Free college isn’t as progressive

Even with extremely progressive taxation, free college is at best mildly progressive. An IDR scheme is easily much more progressive, and doesn’t involve wealth transfers to graduates with high average earnings.

• Free college consists of mostly private benefits

Many will justify free college by its public benefits for society. While there are some public benefits with increased education, the author notes that the vast majority of the benefit is private. Free college is inherently wasteful because of this private benefit, and doesn’t promise that education attainment will increase (see next point).

• Free college will become a public expense, subject to politics.

Many will say that free college will have high quality education if it is funded properly, but that exposes a huge problem with free college, it becomes an entire budget that will be subject to constant change when politics change. The proposed IDR scheme is self-funding and financially solvent, and can be adjusted to remain financially solvent. The reason free college in SA is often low quality, requires highly competitive tests, and often consists of crammed lecture halls is because of politics and financing.
Conclusion
This post will undoubtedly create confusion as well as criticism for not adhering to what most social democrats believe in, but I am more than welcome to clarify specific points and why I think social democrats should start supporting this system instead. I recommend that you check out the post linked in the introduction to clear up any confusion about the actual data.

Hello redditors of antiMLM,
Just this week, I received an email from a relation advertising FOREVER—not to be confused with Forever Living. Searching through this sub, I found a few short references over the last years with little detail. In one, a commentor described FOREVER stating "as mlms go, it seems ethical." Every red light went off while I looked into these “FOREVER Ambassadors.” I then began a search, with much of the ultimate work done by my spouse. It took longer than seemed acceptable to identify this MLM for people who glanced over the internet. FOREVER is not listed on any of the MLM databases I could find from this sub or elsewhere. Based on the mandatory “FOREVER Ambassador Community” on Facebook, now 8 years old, at least 2,500 people have gotten into their clutches at some point (I haven’t linked because I think it might be against the sub rules).
Thus, for the benefit and enjoyment of the people, here are references for the community to identify a yet-another-multi-level-marketing scheme. I am a sarcastic person, so be forewarned. All sources were publicly available and required no logins or access.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
(1) Background of the FOREVER business model
(2) The FOREVER Ambassador program
(3) Costs of serving as an Ambassador
(4) Compensation advertised for Ambassadors
(4a) Income in cash from personal sales
(4b) The downline system used by FOREVER
(4c) Non-monetary-achievement compensation
(5) FOREVER Ambassador Business Training
(6) Conclusion down to brass tax on FOREVER
STUDY OF FOREVER
(1) Background of the FOREVER business model
FOREVER is an online service that advertises it can be a “permanent digital home that lasts for many generations.”[1] This is to be accomplished via a so-called “FOREVER Guarantee Fund” that invests to pay for digital storage for over 100 years.[1] Their website promises me that “permanent” is “not a buzzword”—I think that’s the Platonian ideal of a buzzword.[1] Regardless, this is not a quality review post.
(2) The FOREVER Ambassador program
The sellers used by FOREVER are called “FOREVER Ambassadors.”[2] As advertised, it looks like a classic MLM pitch. You can “earn up to 35%” commission” while having “the freedom to work from home, and the flexibility to make money on your own schedule.”[2] FOREVER lists various opportunities, such as “trainings” and the ability to “learn and grow with friends,” as well as “make life-long friends.”[2] As part of the “Meet our Team” webpage for corporate FOREVER, there are multiple “Executive Ambassadors” listed.[3] There is no barrier to entry on experience required to become an Ambassador.[4] I observed that, throughout the internet and on the FOREVER website, the vast majority of Ambassadors are women—as you know, many MLMs target women and moms.
(3) Costs of serving as an Ambassador
FOREVER has, at minimum, an “Annual Ambassador Fee” that is the primary cost to entry of the program.[2] For $179 a year, one would receive “back office tools,” various marketing materials, and “countless opportunities”—maybe money, but more on that soon.[2] There is a link to an Ambassador’s own selling website.[5, at 22] This Ambassador fee “is subject to change over time.”[5, at 25] There is also a FOREVER Merchandise store where Ambassadors can get their supplies.[6] These include a 40-pack set of catalogs for $44.99 and a $144.99 tablecloth for potential customers during in-person events.[6]
For Ambassadors, FOREVER advertises there are “free training events.”[5, at 25] Each year, for $399 in 2024, Ambassadors can attend the 3-day “FOREVER Live” event.[7] It is in the destination getaway of… next to their headquarters in Pittsburgh, PA (I’m sorry Pittsburgh, you’re a beautiful city).[5, at 24] It is also possible to pay for a “p2P Virtual Party” and “p2P Live Events,” but is unclear what those mean.[5, at 5] Various “ranks” of Ambassadors receive a “monthly stipend” starting at $25 a month after $15,000 total in personal plus team sales a year.[5, at 9]
(4) Compensation advertised for Ambassadors
(4a) Income in cash from personal sales
FOREVER pays its Ambassadors based on a “cash sales” versus “full sales” system.[5, at 5] The too-long-didn’t-read summary is that some products are paid less commission than others because of “margin” of different products.[5, at 5–6] Critically, the Personal Commission Rate is where our story kicks into gear. At the bottom, an Ambassador who sells less than $2,000 a year in sales receives the windfall of a 15% commission.[5, at 7] The number rises to 34% once sales are $90,000 or greater in one year (I don’t know where the 35% from earlier went).[5, at 7] However, to earn the 20% commission or more once one passes the $2,000 sales amount requires completion of the “FOREVER Ambassador Business (FAB) Training.”[5, at 7] I read it, more on that later.
You might ask, “Is there a sales quota for FOREVER® Ambassadors?” FOREVER says “no.”[8] However, the less one does the less FOREVER pays Ambassadors for what they do (this chart is older than the Compensation Guide cited).[8]
(4b) The downline system used by FOREVER
Of course, while it took forever to reach here, we come to the “downline” process—FOREVER’s words, not mine.[5, at 9] FOREVER immediately identified that new Ambassadors “choose another Ambassador to mentor you as you grow your business” (I do not know if this means an upline).[2] Nevertheless, “Team Sales” are compensated by FOREVER down to the 5th Line.[5, at 9] If an Ambassador does not build a team, then they do not earn Team Commissionable Cash Sales Commissions.[5, at 9] FOREVER states that getting new Ambassadors “to sign up under your name” is how you help “further your business.”[9]
However, even if an Ambassador builds a team, they receive a very restricted downline compensation if they do not make a minimum of personal sales.[5, at 9] For future reference, an “Associate Ambassador,” the bottom, makes less than $2,000 and earns no downline sales.[5, at 9] An “Ambassador,” second to last, is the first rank with a downline commission (4% for 1st Line), requiring $2,000/personal a year.[5, at 9] To reach “Senior Ambassador,” third to last, and above, a FOREVER Ambassador must start earning exponentially greater amounts of personal plus team sales to rise in the “ranks.”[5, at 9] A Senior Ambassador requires $8,000/personal but $15,000/gross, and is the first to get 2nd Line commission (4% for 1st Line and 2% for 2nd Line).[5, at 9] It is unclear to me if “new members” must be recruited “each month” to rankup—the website says so, but I see it nowhere in the Compensation Guide.[8]
At the top of hierarchy, there become two “Executive Ambassadors.”[5, at 9–10] These ranks start at $28,000/personal and $250,000/gross a year.[5, at 9] As well, one must have at least three “Team Leaders” in their 1st Line.[5, at 10] Team Leaders refers to Ambassadors who have themselves reached the rank of “Associate Lead Ambassador” ($12,000/personal and $30,000/gross).[5, at 9] FOREVER advertises that the Executive ranks are for—and I am not making this up—those Ambassadors who are “grooming FOREVER Leaders on your team below you.”[5, at 10] Irony is dead folks.
(4c) Non-monetary-achievement compensation
Because being paid to work is overrated, FOREVER will also provide “Additional Benefits” to its various ranks. As an Associate Ambassador, you can join the aforementioned Facebook Group and hear the CEO talk on a monthly phone call.[5, at 11] Regular Ambassadors also get a certificate to put on their wall.[5, at 11] Senior Ambassadors get a standing ovation at FOREVER Live!—you can even be ovated on stage as an Associate Lead Ambassador (I would pay $179 a year to not).[5, at 13–14] My observation is that a lot of ranks mostly provide additional types of standing ovations at FOREVER Live! and reserved seats for dinners there.
But then you can reach the pinnacle of Everest (that much like the real one, other people just carry you up there): the Million Dollar Club.[5, at 20] For making $1 million in personal and team sales in a year, one will earn a single $10,000 dollar bonus.[5, at 20] If you are then a “top-performing Ambassador,” one can be taken on the “Achievement Gathering,” to Jamaica in 2024, to mill around with other top-performing Ambassadors—and the corporate staff.[5, at 24] There is no mention how many people earn it or how much must be earned.[5, at 24]
(5) FOREVER Ambassador Business Training
I mentioned earlier that Ambassadors must complete a “FAB” training to receive more than 15% in commissions.[5, at 7] To hit this post home, I wanted to identify some highlights. The FAB training has 5 Steps to reach regular Ambassador status.[10, at 4] These Steps include such activities as “Meet with your Upline” (Step 1), “Connect with your Upline” (Step 2), “Meet with your Upline” (Step 3), “Meet with your Upline” (Step 4), and “Meet with your Upline” (Step 5).[10, at 7, 10, 12, 14, 16] You also have to join the FOREVER Facebook group and any created by your Team (just “ask your Upline” to find it).[10, at 6–7] There’s a task in Step 2 to create an introductory “Share List,” with five lines each for “Friends,” “Teachers,” and your own “Parents/Grandparents.”[10, at 7–9] For an unclear number of hours, you must attend multiple weekly and monthly “training opportunities” and “calls.”[10, at 6–7, 10] And one last item, to rank up in FOREVER, you must register for an upcoming event.[10, at 12] As of writing, the only one listed on the linked webpage is the $399 FOREVER Live! conference.[11]
(6) Conclusion down to brass tax on FOREVER
I was unable to find an Income Disclosure Statement for FOREVER. However, basic math tells us that an Associate Ambassador, the bottom, can only earn up to $300 a year.[5, at 11] To reach regular Ambassador, which includes signing up and beginning all the time sinks listed above, the maximum personal commission is $1,200, in addition to whatever downline (however big those are on average).[5, at 11] Without a downline, even the top-bracket personal sellers are the only ones to earn more than $30,000 a year.[5, at 7] The Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis estimates that the Real Median Personal Income in the United States for 2022 was $40,480.[12]
There is one way to make it with FOREVER: to build a downline. It’s a multi-level-marketing scheme, and no one should join it. Unless of course, you want to join my downline—I promise you'll be rich just like me.
LIST OF REFERENCES
[1] “Our Story,” FOREVER.com (accessed May 18, 2024), https://www.forever.com/our-story
[2] “Become a FOREVER Ambassador,” FOREVER.com (accessed May 18, 2024), https://www.forever.com/opportunity
[3] “Meet Our Team,” FOREVER.com (accessed May 18, 2024), https://www.forever.com/our-story/team
[4] “What is required of me as a FOREVER Ambassador?,” FOREVER.com Support (accessed May 18, 2024 [updated “2 years ago”]), https://support.forever.com/hc/en-us/articles/215823437-What-is-required-of-me-as-a-FOREVER-Ambassador
[5] Ambassador Compensation Guide, FOREVER (Jan. 31, 2024), https://www.forever.com/app/users/forevealbums/ambassador-kit/f3ii4wzeewd0nfwg4nb40kyw1/files/1043b0c6-de01-4aff-a1e3-83db7e6b1b17
[6] “FOREVER Merchandise,” FOREVER.com Ambassador Training (accessed May 18, 2024), https://www.training.forever.com/store
[7] “FOREVER Live! 2024,” FOREVER.com (accessed May 18, 2024), https://www.forever.com/events/forever-live-2024
[8] “Is there a sales quota for FOREVER® Ambassadors?,” FOREVER.com Support (accessed May 18, 2024 [updated “2 years ago”]), https://support.forever.com/hc/en-us/articles/215142548-Is-there-a-sales-quota-for-FOREVER-Ambassadors
[9] “Downline,” FOREVER.com Support (accessed May 18, 2024 [updated “2 years ago”]), https://support.forever.com/hc/en-us/articles/221072448-Downline
[10] FOREVER Ambassador Business Training, FOREVER (May 14, 2024), https://www.forever.com/app/users/ambassador-training/albums/02-forever-ambassador-business-training-booklet/qcg622q43zy6835w9ojq3wkw/files/f0bd2387-bb14-43a2-a46d-344a91470147
[11] “Events,” FOREVER.com (accessed May 18, 2024), https://www.forever.com/events
[12] “Real Median Personal Income in the United States,” Federal Reserve of St. Louis (accessed May 18, 2024), https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/MEPAINUSA672N
POST EDITS
A few formatting errors and a minor phrasing correction.

Starting this upcoming week, Snuffed Out will be introducing a new paid service to the EVE community, aimed at using our reputation as low-life scum with a cyno on every ship etc etc available for use for the average EVE player. For a reasonable price (1b per kill*), you simply sign up for the "it is totally a snuffed out alt" program on your main character or any alt you want, and we take them on a weekend BLOPS fleet to use them as bait. (For an added fee, you get to pick the ship that we use as bait.)
After a fun night with us, wa-la! Your formerly pathetic killboard that made you look like the easy PVE target you are - running 5/10s in a PVE tengu or whatever weak shit you do - now features KILLS WITH NONE OTHER THAN SNUFFED OUT AND ITS UNIVERSALLY FEARED BLOPS FLEET. For all time forward, your killboard now strikes fear into the heart of any would-be hunter. In fact, every loss afterward only solidifies your status as a "totally a snuffed out alt" as it indicates you are simply trying to cover up your notorious status ("pretending" to be bad) as an alt of a high-tier snuffed out character.
*For every character we enroll in this service, the cost of membership will increase by 100m per kill. We obviously don't want our reputation being tarnished by too many alts affiliated with snuffed out, and aim to make it a distinguished mark of a true PVE player.
​

Am I going crazy here or does insurance that actually covers between the exchange and completion dates not exist?
Every policy I've see has something like this written into it:

Home The main residence occupied by you, at the address shown in your schedule

(privilege & churchill)
Or

Exclusions apply (see your cover and limits for the full list) if: Your home is occupied by anyone other than you or your family

(LV)
These are all just standard home/contents insurances policies that common convention has said we need to get from the exchange date, even though its obvious that looking at the policy documents none of them apply when you're not the occupier of the home??? Wtf???
I'm not the first person to be confused by this, clearly, since there's dozens of posts about this, like this one - which recommends LV, but their policy document is incongruent with what that poster suggested; Exchange2Completion, which doesn't insure unless you've had a survey done in very recently, which unfortunately doesn't apply to me; Intelligent insurance, which was 4x the average cost compared to others so heck that; Urban Jungle, which actually says they can't offer home insurance and instead suggests Paymentshield, which doesn't directly say insurance wouldn't apply like other policy documents do but doesn't directly say it does either.
On Confused.com (but not CompareTheMarket.com), you can set on the policy type "Who owns the property? I am looking to buy the property". Fun fact, this has zero impact on the quotes that are generated.
I'm so confused. Literally no policy I've seen outright says that they cover between the exchange and completion dates. Most policies I've seen say something like "you must be the occupier of the home", or "this insurance applies to your private residence", neither of which apply between the exchange and completion dates.
From what I can tell, if the seller burns down the home between exchange and completion, you still have to buy the rubble, and no buildings insurance will cover it because it isn't technically your home. Is everyone in the UK just buying home insurance and hoping nothing bad will happen between exchange and completion? Praying?
Please, PLEASE, tell me I'm wrong.

This medication has been a fantastic tool for me. I went on Wegovy in October of 2023. Started at 0.5 as prescribed and moved up to 1.0 where I stayed for a few months as it was working well at that dosage.
Last month I decided I'd move up to 1.7 because I felt like it wasn't *quite* working as well. I wasn't overeating but I was making not great choices and slacked on my protein intake a lot. I paid the price for it let me tell you. I had no side effects the entire time I've been on the medication but I in recent weeks had 2 instances of truly terrible bowel troubles and at first I thought maybe I'd had a stomach bug or ate bad food but looking back I am sure it was side effects from not eating as good as I should have since it happened both times the day after I did the injection. That taught me a big lesson at least and I immediately went back to eating as I should again.
Today is my first injection at 1.7 and hoping going up isn't going to kick my butt LOL.
Anyway, the only changes I've made to the way I eat is I eat, a LOT less. Every meal is half of what I would have eaten before. I already had been making dietary changes before the medication and do watch the macros but I allow myself to eat pretty much whatever I want just within reason. I do avoid very high fat/fried foods now. I find that my food tastes have changed a lot in the past months too - not sure if it's the medication or me but whatever the reason is I'm happy for it. I don't exercise other than going about my daily routine and some walking.
Something I Discovered: I HATE anything with fake sugars. I never ate a lot of sweet foods before so trying to force myself to drink protein shakes was just too much for me. I tried to get on board with protein drinks but honestly, a big YECH to all of them. Thankfully I LOVE plain milk so I switched over to Fairlife nonfat and make sure to incorporate at least a full glass of that into my daily foods. Good for protein and for calcium. I also love whipped cottage cheese so between those two things and whatever I eat the rest of the day I manage to get my protein needs met without resorting to plastic tasting shakes.
Last May I weighed 247+. Today, exactly 1 year from the same date in 2023 I weigh 202 so 45 lbs. are gone. Most of the weight was lost since starting Wegovy in October though and I've averaged about 5 lbs. per month since on it. Some more than others, some less. I've gone down 2 sizes which is fantastic. My last bloodwork was great. I still have a lot more to lose but I think by end September I'll be down one more size which will put me in the weight range I've been in most of my adult life.
The one looming thing I worry about is I am retiring in December (possibly January if they beg me nicely) and my medication will have to end then because Medicare does not pay for weight loss medications at all. The cost will not fit into my retirement budget from what I know (I currently pay $0 between my insurance coverage and manufacturer coupon).
Anyway I thought it would be helpful to give an update in case this is helpful for anyone in the community. Best to everyone on their WL journey.

Fox Business has an interesting article today on the issue plaguing us all - car insurance rate increases.
Consumer prices rose by 0.3% in April, and while many factors like rent and groceries contributed to this, auto insurance saw one of the most significant increases. Auto insurance premiums jumped by 1.8% in April alone, leading to a total annual increase of 22.6%—the fastest yearly rate ever recorded.
Compared to the beginning of 2021, motor vehicle insurance is now over 50% more expensive. The average rate for full auto insurance surged to $2,019 in 2023, a 24% increase from 2022, and a nearly 29% increase from the previous year. Even basic state-required policies climbed to $1,154 per year.
Several factors have driven this spike:

1. Rising Vehicle Costs: New and used car prices soared after the COVID-19 pandemic due to supply chain disruptions and high demand, making vehicles more expensive to replace and repair.
2. Repair Costs: The cost of vehicle parts and repairs has increased significantly, compounded by a shortage of mechanics. The number of automotive technicians is projected to continue decreasing in the coming years.
3. Insurance Losses: Car insurance companies are trying to recover from steep losses incurred in 2021, a year marked by a sharp rise in fatal car accidents.

Experts suggest that the problem could get worse before it gets better. As auto insurance costs continue to rise, it's crucial for buyers to run the numbers on insurance rates before purchasing a car to avoid any surprises.
This increase in premiums adds to the already severe financial pressures on U.S. households, especially those with lower incomes. If you have any tips on finding more affordable insurance or want to share your experiences, let's discuss in the comments!
Link to the full article: Fox Business News

I avoid things a lot. I am working on it with my psychologist but it's not easy, I think it's my biggest challenge now that the intrusive thoughts are minimised. I avoid taking care of the house, I avoid contact with my family, I avoid even telling my mom that I am not gonna visit for two weeks for the summer (I live abroad) and I am also not going to stay with her again. I know there is going to be a conflict, and being raised in a family that expresses only emotions of anger to each other, with screaming, throwing things (especially my mom), conflict is something that I avoid at all costs. But I am stuggling to realise that I am an adult and I don't need to justify or give reasons to any of my decisions. I am back to my child mode, a child who is scared to voice her needs and desires. I should not give a crap about anyone. My mom doesn't care how much she ruined me. She doesn't even comprehend or think that she did anything wrong!
Why do I care how she is going to feel that I only want to visit for a week and not even. I don't want to be with them. I'd rather spend my holidays traveling and creating nice memories with my boyfriend, not being stuck in a house watching tv, listening to complaints and arguments, trying to fix the fights she created with relatives.
Why am I so scared and so worried for wanting to just be free. I have constantly her voice in my head on repeat telling me "you are gonna regret it one day, not carring for you mom". She was manipulating me my whole life, I was staying home for weeks/months not going out with my friends, either because she didn't want to stay alone, or because I was a bad daughter according to her. Always looking at me from a superior position. I was always the stupid one, I was giving exams to get in university and she was standing outside my room smoking her precious cigarettes looking down on me telling me "why do you study, I know that you are not going to pass". I was the only one from my whole family to get in the top university of my country and then immediately when she heard the news, oh she was proud shouting from the balcony for the whole neighbourhood to hear that I passed.
When I visited last summer, I stayed with her. Completely inconsiderate of how I function. I had to work the next day (remotely) and she started making loud noises at 4am(!). That was my first night after a long day of traveling, and I was shouting that there is no respect in that house, the first thing she said "don't shout, the windows are open the neighbours will hear" (I was offending her!). There were a lot of frictions during my stay, and I kept telling her that "I can go stay with my friend" cause we didn'tget along, but to her that was a threat.
Two weeks ago she had the demand almost to have me in her house for two weeks, even more if allowed from my boss, so she can get the satisfaction that she has me and she sees me! That meant of course not even going out with friends, not leaving the house at all for the whole duration of the holidays.
F* it! I should not care about anyones feelings. Nobody cares about mines.
Sorry for the long text. I am pissed and I don't know what to do, how to handle anger. I don't want to become like them so I avoid that feeling. But now I am boiling.
Did anyone else have similar experience?

Tl:dr: As a man, I have gotten shamed for my sexual performance or my organ when what I am being shamed for is not in their control. Both men and women deserve to be treated kindly and respectfully during sex, whether it's during the first few dates or during an ONS.
As a man, I have had first-hand experiences with women on dates objectifying me and shaming me for any of the following:

1. Erection issues
2. Coming too fast

Thankfully, I haven't shamed for a small one yet, possibly because I have an average-sized one. But I can imagine the shaming would extend if I had it smaller.
I have had women say “really??” and then wear their pants and walk out in rage or disdain as if I intentionally did something to hurt or offend them. Women may think it’s selfish of me when I am not getting it up or coming too fast. But I wish they understood that we don’t control our organ at will. It's not a switch that I can press.
Why would I want to come too fast or not get it up? Of course, men are trying to please the woman and to please themselves but failing.
Before you say, “learn to please them differently”, let me tell you I would love to. But in my experiences, women don’t even give me a chance for that. They’re just too disappointed with my ED or PE, and make a face and leave, without any conversation. It feels very hurtful, and degrading and I feel like an object.
Before you say, "you may have lifestyle issues", I actually am averagely lean at 17% body fat, work out 2-3 days a week, and get 8k steps and 7 hours of sleep. I only drink socially 1x a week and don't smoke weed or cigarettes.
Before you say, "get to know the person and get some experience", I don't understand how am I supposed to get experience if women walk out of the door because of a poor first time sexual experience?
I am sure a woman would consider it rude af if I got up and left in a rush right after sex or said demeaning things to her. Even if it’s a ONS, men and women deserve to be treated respectfully, gracefully and with empathy.
How do I get over shaming of my body, sexual experience, and abilities?

Backed by Community Request, our Spring event is live! Details here. Participation is optional.

For all the great traders out there, thank you!
Thank you to those that share our posts, you are true guardians of Airsoft!
This is a mega post from a group of 40+ airsoft collectors'/players'.
Reddit chat sucks so we've added an Alternate Contact on Discord: cdnciti
Only trade of interest is a Inokatsu MK46.
Guns will only be sold to adults.
'PD' means Pending Deal. Crossed off items are sold.
All negotiations are done prior to pickup.
Pick up available in Markham, Yorkdale, Fairview Mall(Toronto) or STC.
Traders must agree in writing to the price and payment method before meeting up.
For shipped items, if payment is not received within 24 hours the trade is off.
EMT for shipped items or cash for pick ups.
If you are not comfortable trading in person in a public parking lot with security cameras and plate scanners then shipping is recommended.
+SHIPPING $$ means shipping cost is not included in the price. All trades are final.
All rifles include shipping/delivery costs.

Freebies donated by our group

Add one of these items to your trade when it's conditions are met. Spend amount is on a per trade basis. No holds on Freebies.
Only users who comment and proceed with a trade will receive the requested item.

Brand	Product	Price	Pictures
Rpro	Propane Adaptor	FREE with any item	pics
Valken	NiMH Charger	FREE with any item	pics
Valken	Echo Googles	FREE with any item	pics
Rpro	Sight Protector	FREE with $70+	pics
EF	0.20 Tracers	FREE with $100+	pics
AI	Gungas Kit	FREE with $130+	pics
Valken	Kilo Sling	FREE with $150+	pics
Rpro	Reflex	FREE with $180+	pics
Rpro	M600	FREE with $200+	pics
Rpro	APL	FREE with $200+	pics
FMA	PEQ15	FREE with $220+	pics
KWC	PT99	FREE with $250+	pics
Element	M300	FREE with $250+	pics
Valken	RDA20	FREE with $280+	pics
KWC	PT99	FREE with $280+	pics
HFC	Launcher	FREE with $300+	pics
KWC	PT99	FREE with $300+	pics
KWC	1911	FREE with $320+	pics
KWC	SW40	FREE with $340+	pics
KWC	M17	FREE with $400+	pics
XCORTECH	X3200MK3	FREE with $420+	pics
KWC	Deagle	FREE with $440+	pics
Madbull	XM203	FREE with $500+	pics
KJW	P09	FREE with $620+	pics
WE	xDm	FREE with $620+	pics
WE	1911SV	FREE with $650+	pics
VFC	M&P9	FREE with $720+	pics
KJW	SP01ACCU	FREE with $850+	pics
TM	PX4	FREE with $980+	pics

Collectors Pieces/Wall Hangers

Items in this section were not fielded. Tested and working.
GAS RIFLES

Brand	Product	Price	Pictures
WE	L85	$650	pics
-	MSK	$600	pics
-	CQBR Kit2	$550	pics
-	M416 Kit	$950	pics
-	M4 STRIKE	$580	pics
-	M4 MB DD 7" FDE	$500	pics
-	M4 SWS	$680	pics
-	M4 RIS kit	$650	pics
-	416	$500	pics
-	416 CQB PKG #1	$740	pics
-	416 CQB PKG #2	$650	pics
-	416 CQB	$600	pics
-	CQBR KIT	$650	pics
-	PDWL BK	$520	pics
-	SCARL Kit	$600	pics
-	SCARL BK	$540	pics
-	-	-	-
KWA	MP7 Kit	$630	pics
KWC	UZI	$270	pics
GHK	COLT M4RIS 14.5"(2019)	$1100	pics
G&G	SMC9 Kit	$700	pics

GAS PISTOLS(SHIPPED)

Brand	Product	Price	Pictures
TM	M9A1#2	$250	pics
-	5.1	$360	pics
-	5.1 Kit	$500	pics
-	P226E2 2mags	$240	pics
-	M&P9	$340	pics
-	G17G3	$280	pics
-	M9 Chrome	$400	pics
-	MEU	$320	pics
-	1911 Series '70	$320	pics
-	USP	$420	pics
-	USPC Kit	$480	pics
-	USPC Kit2	$400	pics
-	5-7	$350	pics
-	xDm	$230	pics
-	PX4	$300	pics
-	G17 w/2mags	$400	pics
-	G17 Custom DE	$320	pics
-	G17 w/2mags	$300	pics
-	M9A1	$350	pics
-	M92F Military	$280	pics
-	XDM	$190	pics
-	-	-	-
WE	MEU DT	$250	pics
-	F226 Kit	$300	pics
-	G17G4 Kit	$300	pics
-	G27 Kit	$400	pics
-	Luger Kit	$300	pics
-	PX4 DT Kit	$350	pics
-	G17 Kit2	$330	pics
-	G17 Kit4	$300	pics
-	G17 Kit	$400	pics
-	G18C Kit	$400	pics
-	G18C G4	$300	pics
-	G18C	$220	pics
-	G19 Kit	$370	pics
-	G19 G4	$230	pics
-	G23 Kit	$360	pics
-	G23 G4 BK	$230	pics
-	G26C ADV Tan	$210	pics
-	G33ADV Kit	$300	pics
-	G35 BK/GD	$250	pics
-	G35DT Kit	$340	pics
-	G17 Dual	$360	pics
-	Luger w/SIL	$200	pics
-	Luger SV	$250	pics
-	P38 SV	$240	pics
-	F228 Kit	$290	pics
-	F229R Kit2	$300	pics
-	F229	$190	pics
-	F226 DT	$240	pics
-	F229 Kit	$320	pics
-	F226 TAN	$230	pics
-	M902	$260	pics
-	M9A1 w/SIL	$250	pics
-	M9 Navy TN/BK	$200	pics
-	1911 Kit	$300	pics
-	MEU BK w/SIL	$250	pics
-	MEU SV Kit	$300	pics
-	KIMBER Kit	$300	pics
-	KIMBER	$230	pics
-	1911DT Kit	$320	pics
-	M&P9 BK/GD Kit	$350	pics
-	M&P9DT	$200	pics
-	-	-	-
VFC	M&P9T Kit	$320	pics
-	M&P9C	$240	pics
-	M&P9DT	$250	pics
-	M&P9 w/case	$300	pics
-	G17G4 Kit2	$330	pics
-	G17G4	$250	pics
-	G17G4 Kit	$500	pics
-	G17G4 w/DOCTER	$300	pics
-	G17G4	$300	pics
-	G17G5	$300	pics
-	PPQ M2 w/2mags	$320	pics
-	FNX45B	$300	pics
-	FNX45DT Kit	$440	pics
-	FNX45B Silenced	$350	pics
-	-	-	-
KJW	P09UGSR Kit	$430	pics
-	KP06 2mags	$230	pics
-	1911 Kit	$300	pics
-	KP07 Kit	$400	pics
-	G23 Kit	$320	pics
-	M9 CO2	$160	pics
-	M9A1 Kit	$300	pics
-	M9 4mags	$280	pics
-	KP09 Kit	$250	pics
-	P09 BK	$170	pics
-	P09 Kit	$320	pics
-	P09 TAN	$200	pics
-	KP05	$190	pics
-	KP05 Kit	$260	pics
-	SP01 UGSR	$180	pics
-	SP01 ACCU Kit	$350	pics
-	KP01 Kit	$350	pics
-	KP01 Kit2	$290	pics
-	-	-	-
KWC	MAKAROV	$160	pics
-	SW40	$130	pics
-	1911 TAC DT 2mags	$180	pics
-	1911B	$170	pics
-	1911 L.E.	$200	pics
-	1911 w/3mags	$220	pics
-	1911	$160	pics
-	MEU	$180	pics
-	P08	$140	pics
-	24/7	$160	pics
-	DEAGLE BK	$130	pics
-	DEAGLE SV	$190	pics
-	KCB89	$150	pics
-	M712	$150	pics
-	SW40	$120	pics
-	M17	$180	pics
-	PT99	$120	pics
-	-	-	-
AW	NE3002	$250	pics
-	5.1 Custom	$280	pics
-	HX1005	$200	pics
-	HX1101 2mags	$280	pics
-	HX1102	$200	pics
-	HX1105	$180	pics
-	HX2003 Kit	$320	pics
-	NE2002	$230	pics
-	HX2302	$250	pics
-	HX2402	$250	pics
-	HX2601	$290	pics
-	VX0111	$250	pics
-	-	-	-
EMG	STI/ TTI JW3	$400	pics
-	SAI 4.3 BK	$260	pics
-	SAI 5.1 SV	$280	pics
-	SAI BLU	$300	pics
-	SAI 5.1 BK	$250	pics
-	-	-	-
KSC	Auto9	$340	pics
Marushin	FN 5-7	$250	pics
KWA	MK23	$320	pics
-	USP MATCH	$390	pics
-	MK23 Kit	$450	pics
-	HK45 w/2mags	$340	pics
G&G	GTP9 TAN	$210	pics
-	GPM92 Kit	$450	pics
Umarex	SAA Antique	$390	pics

AEGS (Collectors Pieces/Wall Hangers)

Brand	Product	Price	Pictures
G&G	AR15 SBR8	$630	pics
-	M14 EBR-L	$700	pics
-	TR-418	$630	pics
-	Wildhog 9"	$330	pics
-	SRL TAN	$330	pics
-	GC Predator BK	$450	pics
-	-	-	-
VFC	HK416	$750	pics
-	HK416 Kit	$900	pics
-	HK417 Kit	$800	pics
-	416CQB Kit	$600	pics
-	HK416 Calibur	$650	pics
-	MK18	$630	pics
-	VR16 RISII	$630	pics
-	SABER MOD1 Kit	$600	pics
-	Avalon Calibur DT Kit	$780	pics
-	Calibur CQC	$440	pics
-	AVALON Calibur CQC	$560	pics
-	Calibur Carbine Kit	$500	pics
-	VR16 Kit #2	$360	pics
-	MK12 MOD1(SPR)	$670	pics
-	Fighter MK2 Kit2	$460	pics
-	Fighter MK2 Kit3	$500	pics
-	VR16 Saber CQB	$380	pics
-	VR16 RIS	$330	pics
-	M4A1	$330	pics
-	M4 SOPMOD	$440	pics
-	XCR-C Metal	$400	pics
-	SCAR-H CQC	$600	pics
-	SCAR-L	$550	pics
-	SCAR-L TAN	$560	pics
-	-	-	-
Krytac	PDW FG Kit	$600	pics
-	SPR BK	$300	pics
-	Vector LE	$1050	pics
-	LVOA-S BK Kit	$600	pics
-	VECTOR BK Kit	$1200	pics
-	LVOA-C CG	$600	pics
-	LMG PDW	$1100	pics
-	PDW Kit	$420	pics
-	SPR-M FDE	$620	pics
-	Vector DT Kit	$1100	pics
-	LVOA SBR DT	$500	pics
-	SPR MK2 FG	$550	pics
-	PDW FDE Kit	$580	pics
-	SPPDW	$500	pics
-	TR47	$600	pics
-	REC7 BK	$630	pics
-	LVOA-S BK PKG	$600	pics
-	LVOA-S FG	$560	pics
-	LVOA-S FDE	$600	pics
-	LMG-E	$850	pics
-	-	-	-
G&P	Sentry DE	$600	pics
-	TMR 10"	$450	pics
-	Rapid Fire	$600	pics
-	Defender	$580	pics
-	M4 Ball Medium	$400	pics
-	QRF	$480	pics
-	MOE Carbine	$570	pics
-	-	-	-
ASG	Scorpion Evo 3A1	$600	pics
-	-	-	-
KWA	SR10 Kit	$520	pics
-	KR12	$300	pics
-	KM4 RIS	$400	pics
-	SR12	$500	pics
-	SR10	$500	pics
-	-	-	-
KA	COLT MK18	$400	pics
-	B.R.O. 15"	$500	pics
-	M7	$400	pics
-	CAA M4	$400	pics
-	-	-	-
ARES	M4 DMR Kit	$500	pics
-	AM014 Kit	$500	pics
-	OCTAARMS KM03	$430	pics
-	AM014 BK	$420	pics
Magpul PTS	PDR-C	$1300	pics

USED Guns

The guns below are used. They are tested for functionality and leaks.
GAS Rifles

Brand	Product	Price	Pictures
WE	416 Kit	$550	pics
-	SCARL Kit	$480	pics
-	M4A1 RIS Kit	$720	pics
-	M4 LVOA w/4mags	$560	pics

GAS Pistols(+SHIPPING $$)

Brand	Product	Price	Pictures
TM+KWC	G17+PT99 Kit	$560	pics
-	-	-	-
TM	G17G3 Kit2	$300	pics
-	G18C Kit	$520	pics
-	PX4 w/2 mags	$330	pics
-	P226E2 w/2 mags	$250	pics
-	G17G3	$280	pics
-	G17G3 4mags	$460	pics
-	G17G3 Kit	$420	pics
-	-	-	-
WE	G18C Kit	$280	pics
-	G17G3 Kit3	$350	pics
-	G17G3 Kit2	$280	pics
-	G17G3 Kit	$380	pics
-	1911 BK Kit	$300	pics
-	MEU TAN kit	$250	pics
-	1911 7mags	$260	pics
-	F229 Kit	$250	pics
-	xDm Kit	$200	pics
-	xDm Comp 2mags	$230	pics
-	-	-	-
VFC	G17 Kit3	$250	pics
-	FNX45BK	$220	pics
-	G19G3 Kit	$270	pics
-	G17G4 Kit2	$250	pics
-	G17G4 Kit	$340	pics
-	G17G4 3mags	$300	pics
-	FNX45TAN	$325	pics
-	-	-	-
KJW	1911 OD w/2mags	$160	pics
-	M9	$150	pics
-	M9 Elite	$150	pics
-	KP-01	$130	pics
-	-	-	-
KWC	M&P9	$140	pics
-	PT99 3mags	$150	pics
-	PT99 w/2 lowers	$160	pics
-	1911 4mags	$200	pics
-	1911 4mags	$180	pics
-	1911 2mags	$100	pics
-	M92	$130	pics
-	M92 4mags #2	$200	pics
-	M92 4mags	$180	pics
-	Luger	$150	pics
-	Deagle 4mags	$200	pics
-	Deagle Kit	$270	pics
-	M17 2mags #2	$150	pics
-	M17	$130	pics
-	M&P9 Kit	$250	pics
-	SW40	$100	pics
-	-	-	-
AW	HX1004 Kit	$220	pics
-	HX2502 Kit	$350	pics
-	HX1002 Kit	$280	pics
-	HX1004 kit	$220	pics
-	-	-	-
KWA	HK45	$220	pics

AEGS

Brand	Product	Price	Pictures
Krytac	LVOA-C	$330	pics
-	LVOA-S Kit	$550	pics
-	LVOA-C FG Kit	$520	pics
-	CRB MK2 Kit	$540	pics
-	SPR MK2 DT Kit	$450	pics
-	SPR MK2 Kit	$420	pics
-	Vector PKG	$950	pics
-	GPR CC	$500	pics
-	LMG	$750	pics
-	-	-	-
G&P	LMT Kit	$300	pics
VFC	VR16 TE1 Kit	$420	pics
-	XCR-C(Metal) Kit	$380	pics
KA	BRO 15" Kit	$350	pics
-	VIS CQB	$360	pics
G&G	SRL DST Kit	$340	pics
ARES	M4 15" KeyMod	$290	pics
-	OCTA ARMS KM15 Kit	$320	pics
E&C	EC106	$350	pics

Parts

(USED)(+SHIPPING $$)

Brand	Product	Price	Pictures
AW	Hicapa Mount	$15	pics
GHK	G5 Bolt	$85	pics
-	G5 Barrel+Hop up	$60	pics
VFC	G17G4 Lower	$130	pics
-	G17G4 Externals	$150	pics
WE	G17BBU	$55	pics
-	Apache Mag	$30	pics
-	M4 Lower	$150	pics
-	SCAR-L Barrel+Sight	$45	pics
-	G18C Parts	$60	pics
-	G17 Slide/Barrel	$95	pics
-	1911 Silver Frame	$50	pics
TM	5.1 Midframe	$120	pics
-	G17 BBU w/Nozzle	$65	pics
-	-	-	-
AEG PARTS	-	-	-
ASG	Scorpion Internals	$60	pics
-	Scorpion GB	$65	pics
G&G	V2 GB	$60	pics
-	V2 GB#2	$50	pics
G&P	V2 GB	$65	pics
Krytac	PDW Upper CG	$100	pics
-	PDW FG Upper	$110	pics
-	5" Barrel	$40	pics

(NEW)(+SHIPPING $$)

Brand	Product	Price	Pictures
AW	5.1 Lower	$120	pics
TNT	H.L.R. Bucking 60	$30	pics
SI	AR Enhanced Grip	$40	pics
DP	GhostRing2(TMG17)	$30	pics
SLR	2x VFC G17 EXT Baseplates	$100	pics
G&P	870 Piston Set 150%	$40	pics
SPEED	5.1 Comp Trigger Gold	$40	pics
AIP	G17 Spring Guide	$22	pics
WE	G17 Upper	$100	pics
-	G17 Lower	$85	pics
-	Apache Lower	$220	pics
-	G18C Slide	$50	pics
-	5.1 Parts	$40	pics
TM	G17 BBU	$50	pics
-	G19G3 Internals+Slide	$170	pics
Guarder	TM G17 Barrel	$65	pics
-	TM 5.1 Nozzle	$40	pics
9Ball	M92F Sights	$70	pics
-	PX4 Sights	$100	pics
-	XDM Sights	$90	pics
-	5.1 Sights	$120	pics
-	5.1 Inner	$50	pics
A1A	G17RB1 Kit	$330	pics
-	SAI G19 Slide/Barrel	$190	pics
-	G17 Parts	$45	pics
AM	1911 Hopup	$110	pics
AM	Edge BBU	$65	pics
AM	5.1 Hammer and Searset	$50	pics
AM	.45ACP 5.1 Gold	$170	pics
Cowcow	TM Buckings	$20	pics
-	5.1 Barrel BK	$120	pics
-	5.1 Tornado SV	$180	pics
-	4.3 Gold	$125	pics
-	-	-	-
AEG PARTS	-	-	-
Madbull	363mm Inner	$35	pics
A1A	M4 CNC Hopup	$25	pics
Airtech	PDW EXT	$35	pics
G&P	KAC AMBI Release	$60	pics
-	M4 Externals	$300	pics
-	STONER RAS	$170	pics
Laylax	Vector KeyMod(L)	$220	pics
MadBull	NSR 7"	$110	pics
-	MK18 RISII BK	$165	pics
-	Noveske 10A	$120	pics
VFC	VR16 Lower	$150	pics
-	VR16 Receiver Set	$250	pics
-	14.5" Outer	$70	pics
-	HK416 Stock	$65	pics
-	V2 GB	$100	pics
-	12" Quad Rail	$100	pics
-	QRS Stock	$65	pics
G&G	ETU 2.0	$75	pics
-	GOSV3 Tan Stock	$65	pics
Magpul	Paraclip	$30	pics
-	Rail Light Mount	$45	pics
Magpul PTS	MOE Pistol FDE	$40	pics
-	RSA Mount	$50	pics
-	CTR Black	$110	pics
KRYTAC	Vector Rail	$135	pics
-	LVOA-C Rail	$150	pics
-	M4 Receiver Set	$160	pics
-	PDW Stock	$120	pics
SHS	32:1	$25	pics
-	16:1	$40	pics
Prometheus	280mm Barrel	$75	pics
-	155mm Vector Barrel	$90	pics
G&P	M170 Devil	$65	pics
SIEGETEK	Cyclone 14.09 Ratio	$220	pics
-	10.78 GS	$220	pics
BTC	Chimera V3	$120	pics
-	Chimera V2	$120	pics

Accessories

(NEW)(+SHIPPING $$)

Type	Brand	Product	Price	Pictures
Sight	SIG	ROMEO5	$270	pics
-	Firefield	1x22	$100	pics
-	VORTEX	SPARCII	$300	pics
-	AIMSPORTS	2-7x32	$90	pics
-	-	1x20mm T1	$80	pics
-	-	4X ACOG	$90	pics
-	-	4x32	$55	pics
-	LANCER	3-9x32	$65	pics
-	NCSTAR	4x32 w/laser	$110	pics
-	-	4x32	$140	pics
-	-	4x30	$50	pics
-	G&P	T2 Tan	$90	pics
-	Rpro	XPS 2Z	$100	pics
-	Rpro	T1 Dual Mount	$75	pics
-	Rpro	LCO	$95	pics
-	Rpro	ACOG 4x	$150	pics
-	Rpro	3x Barlow	$70	pics
-	Rpro	MRO	$80	pics
-	Rpro	Doctor	$40	pics
-	Rpro	552+3X Magnifier	$150	pics
-	Rpro	Reflex w/Laser	$50	pics
-	Sniper	ACOG 4x	$110	pics
-	-	-	-
Tracer	Xcortech	XT301	$90	pics
-	-	X3300W	$150	pics
-	G&G	Midnight Hawk	$90	pics
-	-	Battleowl	$140	pics
-r	Acetech	Predator KAC	$200	pics
-	-	LighterS	$95	pics
-	-	-	-
FlashHider	6mmProShop	16mm+ 14mm-	$30	pics
-	6mmProShop	16mm+ Thread Pro	$30	pics
-	E&L	AK74U	$25	pics
-	Madbull	DNTC04 SV	$35	pics
-	-	-	-
Suppressor	CYMA	LaRue	$65	pics
-	Krytac	HPS4G	$100	pics
-	5KU	KAC QD	$85	pics
-	-	556Mini	$80	pics
-	-	MP7	$120	pics
-	-	556RC	$85	pics
-	WE	Makarov	$35	pics
-	Rpro	SF 556	$100	pics
-	G&G	Pistol 14mm -	$40	pics
-	-	SS100	$35	pics
-	Krytac	KRISS	$65	pics
-	G&P	Zombie QD 14mm +	$120	pics
-	Madbull	7"KAC 14CCW	$150	pics
-	-	Blackside	$65	pics
-	-	SWR 6"	$90	pics
-	-	7" K.A.C. 14mm +	$110	pics
-	-	Gemtech	$65	pics
-	-	-	-
Launcher	G&P	M203 Navy L	$270	pics
-	-	M203 MIL	$270	pics
-	MBull	XM203L OD	$170	pics
-	MBull	XM203S BK	$180	pics
-	SPIKE'S	HAVOC 12"	$250	pics
-	-	-	-
Light	TM	CQX Micro	$100	pics
-	Element	M600P	$50	pics
-	-	M600W	$90	pics
-	FMA	PEQ15 Tan w/IR	$60	pics
-	Rpro	X300U	$140	pics
-	Rpro	X400	$150	pics
-	Rpro	M720V	$140	pics
-	Rpro	SBAL-PL	$110	pics
-	G&P	GP800 w/switch	$180	pics
-	G&P	DBAL	$320	pics
-	-	-	-
Tool	XCORTECH	X3500	$110	pics
-	ACETECH	AC5000 Chrono	$75	pics
-	-	-	-
Grip	Rpro	SI Keymod	$25	pics
-	Rpro	Red Keymod	$30	pics
-	SI	Cobra	$35	pics
-	Rpro	PK2 Metal AK	$40	pics
-	UTG	Light	$50	pics
-	Rpro	MVG	$15	pics
Bipod	ATLAS	PSR	$120	pics
-	-	-	-
Mount	CYMA	M14	$30	pics
-	Rpro	MP5	$25	pics
Covers	SI	KeyMod FDE	$15	pics

(USED)(+SHIPPING $$)

Type	Brand	Product	Price	Pictures
Grip	Magpul PTS	AFG2	$10	pics
Silencer	Rpro	Navy Seals	$45	pics
-	Rpro	7" KAC	$60	pics
-	WE	Pistol	$10	pics
Launcher	ZOXNA	Shower	$50	pics
-	HFC	HG-138	$55	pics
-	Madbull	XM203L TAN	$100	pics
Light	Rpro	M910	$70	pics
-	OPSMEN	FAST501	$40	pics
-	Rpro	M600W	$55	pics
Sight	TM	Micro Pro	$70	pics

Magazines (N)ew or (U)sed (+SHIPPING $$)
GAS

Brand	Product	Price	Pictures
TM	MEU(U)	$45	pics
-	2xG17(U)	$65	pics
-	2x5.1(U)	$80	pics
-	P226(U)	$40	pics
-	1911A1#2(U)	$40	pics
-	5.1(N)	$45	pics
-	M9(N)	$50	pics
-	5.1 EXT(U)	$65	pics
-	4.3 BK(U)	$30	pics
-	4.3 SV(N)	$40	pics
-	USP-C(U)	$35	pics
-	USP(Leaky)	$20	pics
-	1911A1(U)	$40	pics
-	PX4(U)	$45	pics
-	5.1 EXT(U)	$50	pics
-	2x4.3(U)	$75	pics
-	G19(U)	$40	pics
-	G17(U)	$35	pics
-	2xG17(N)	$55 Each	pics
-	2xG19(N)	$55 Each	pics
-	-	-	-
WE	4xMEU(N)	$120	pics
-	4xG17(U)	$110	pics
-	3xM4(U)	$150	pics
-	2xG17(U)#3	$40	pics
-	5.1(U)	$25	pics
-	F226(N)	$25	pics
-	3x1911(U)	$50	pics
-	SCARH(U)	$65	pics
-	3xG17(U)#2	$80	pics
-	3xG17(U)	$80	pics
-	G17(N)	$38 Each	pics
-	2xG17(U)	$55	pics
-	G17 EXT(N)	$60 Each	pics
-	3xG26(N)	$100	pics
-	3x5.1EXT(N)	$60 Each	pics
-	5.1(N)	$40 Each	pics
-	2x5.1(U)	$50	pics
-	2x5.1#2(U)	$55	pics
-	2x5.1CO2	$42 Each	pics
-	3x1911(U)	$60	pics
-	5x1911A1(U)	$140	pics
-	2xLuger(N)	$35 Each	pics
-	M&P9(N)	$35	pics
-	P-Virus(N)	$55 Each	pics
-	F226(N)	$35 Each	pics
-	3xM14(N)	$70 Each	pics
-	2xG39(N)	$140	pics
-	2xP90(N)	$70 Each	pics
-	SVD(N)	$95 Each	pics
-	PMC(N)	$85	pics
-	-	-	-
VFC	MP7(U)	$40	pics
-	MP7(U)#2	$65	pics
-	M&P9(U)	$35	pics
-	G19(U)	$40	pics
-	2xG17G5(N)	$70 Each	pics
-	G17G4(N)	$60 Each	pics
-	2xFNX45T(N)	$55 Each	pics
-	PPQ(U)	$40	pics
-	-	-	-
KJW	KP01 CO2(U)	$30	pics
-	KP06(N)	$40	pics
-	KP09(U)	$30	pics
-	2xKP09(N)	$40 Each	pics
-	2xP09(N)	$40 Each	pics
-	2xM4(U)	$65	pics
-	KP-01 Gas(N)	$35	pics
-	KC-02 Long(U)	$40	pics
-	3xKP-05 Gas(N)	$40 Each	pics
-	2xKC02(U)	$80	pics
-	-	-	-
KWC	2x1911(U)	$45	pics
-	2x1911 EXT(N)	$60 Each	pics
-	2xM17(U)	$50	pics
-	M17(N)	$40 Each	pics
-	M92 EXT(U)	$55	pics
-	1911 EXT(U)	$30	pics
-	M92(U)	$25	pics
-	-	-	-
AW	5.1 BK(N)	$40	pics
-	5.1 BK(U)	$30	pics
KWA	2xMP7(U)	$120	pics
-	HK45(U)	$50	pics
-	USP Match(U)	$45	pics
-	USP Match#2(U)	$40	pics
G&G	2xGTP9(N)	$45 Each	pics
-	SMC9(N)	$80 Each	pics
Marusen	FN57(N)	$50 Each	pics
GHK	Gmag(N)	$115	pics
-	-	-	-
AI	3xCyclone(U)	$110	pics
-	3x40Mike(U)	$200	pics
-	Burst(U)	$45	pics
-	2x40MIKE(U)	$140	pics
-	Cyclone Kit(U)	$110	pics
-	40MIKE(U) LEAKY	$50	pics
-	Burst XL(U)	$50	pics
-	MasterMike(U)	$75	pics
-	-	-	-
Zparts	2xERAZ OG(N)	$65 Each	pics
KIMERA	JR2(N)	$50	pics
SHS	2x40mm(U)	$70	pics
G&P	3x40mm Capped	$160	pics
Madbull	2xM433(N)	$100	pics
-	2xM381(U)	$160	pics
-	2x922A1(N)	$100 Each	pics

AEG

Brand	Product	Price	Pictures
Krytac	3xVector 40rd(N)	$40 Each	pics
Proarms	4xM4 Mids(N)	$65	pics
VFC	3xQRS Mids(N)	$95	pics
G&G	3xM4 Mids(N)	$70	pics
-	3xTinted M4(N)	$70	pics
-	2xG2H .308 Mids(N)	$40	pics
-	M4 Drum(N)	$170	pics
-	M4 Mids(N)	$20 Each	pics
CYMA	4xM4 Mids(U)	$35	pics
-	3xM4(U)	$20	pics
-	AK Mids(N)	$18 Each	pics
-	MP5 Mids	$25 Each	pics
-	3xP90 Mids(N)	$30 Each	pics
-	5xM4 Mids(N)	$14 Each	pics
Bluebox	4xM4(N)	$60	pics
-	M4 Black(N)	$15 Each	pics
-	AK-47 Mids(N)	$17 Each	pics
Madbull	5xAWM Tan Mids(N)	$95	pics
-	5xTROY Mids(N)	$100	pics
Dytac	4xCamo M4 Mids(U)	$50	pics
-	2xHEXMAG(U)	$30	pics
JG	2xP90 300rds(N)	$50	pics
Modify	2xXTC TAN(N)	$45	pics

The customers I interact with at my food hall job are by far the most incompetent human beings I've ever had to deal with, the amount of times that they are oblivious to the most obvious and available information and processes at the shopfront are actually mind boggling. These things include; not seeing the square card reader on the register right in front of them and when they do see it they actually insert the card under the reader instead of in the actual slot, not seeing the separate drink menu right next to the tv menu, asking non stop questions about items on the menu when the answer is literally listed in the contents of the item in question on the menu, asking for X item but saying the general type of food it is (let me get the soup) like we have 10 different types of soups are you slow? Trying to pay with cash when we have a literal sign saying "No Cash!"
These are just some of the things the front has to deal with on a day to day basis and it's guaranteed to get most if not all of these acts of complete unawareness. It makes what already is a unmotivating job unbearable and actually fatigues you because it's mentally/physically draining as you're not even just doing the standard job but assisting intellectually inept people to do the most basic tasks. It's almost as if most customers don't even try to be competent and instead do the bare minimum and expect us to hold their hand the entire way.
All of these things have made every employee at our business completely unmotivated and made us struggle to provide good customer service, no one smiles or is really able to even pretend to put on a customer service face because it's past the point of being reasonable. This has caused certain of my coworkers, to get numerous bad reviews on sites like yelp where customers will describe the employee and say "This person was soo unenthusiastic!" Sorry but if you see a unhappy worker there's many underlying issues and your dissatisfaction isn't changing that.
Everyone at our place never gets paid on time, gets micro managed by a remote boss, has to deal with some of the most toxic eldery non english speaking kitchen workers that think they manage the place despite just being cooks. All this and our boss doesn't even care about the bad reviews which I'm not surprised as he's just worried about getting that fat check at all costs. Do anything that affects the cash flow in even the most minute way and they're sending you a five paragraph text on what you did wrong which could have been said in one complete sentence.
In conclusion the incompetency of customers is easily the most frustrating and difficult part of food service in my opinion and is the main reason why employees interact with less than optimal customer service. Not sure why your average human being seems to be incapable of doing the most basic tasks to make food service workers lives easier but without fail it happens everyday. Sadly everyone in the front is looking to leave asap and some have already acquired other employment, really sucks to see so many shitty factors make good people lose faith in a job so much.

Hello to all, I plan to pursue a master's degree in business analytics abroad next year, with the USA as my primary destination. What is the approximate minimum cost I must cover while in Pakistan? For instance, in the UK, for an average university, a student has to budget around 4 million PKR while residing in Pakistan. What would be the comparable cost of studying in the USA? I really appreciate any help any of you can provide.

I am wondering what people are finding to be their typical costs for a detached Auckland home, in respect of:

• rates
  
• home insurance
  
• annual repairs and maintenance bills
  

Trying to get a sense of what is typical/average/median

In a bit of a decision paralysis right now… I have two decent options for a new car for myself and could use some help in deciding.
To provide a bit of context, I’m in Canada and the part of the country I’m in has above average used car costs. I’m between two cars.
The first car: 2021 Kia Forte GT - 67k kilometers, 22K CAD cost
The second car - 2021 Volkswagen Jetta SEL, 85k kilometers, 23k CAD cost
The forte is definitely a bit more unique and more fun of a drive. Plus it still has some warranty left. The Jetta seems more practical but slightly higher km and will have no more warranty by the end of the year.
Any insight would be much appreciated!!

I remember when I was a little girl I would look in the mirror and just be so disappointed, in my mind, I was ugly, stupid, and poor, and it broke me completely. I would get bullied heavily in elementary school not only because I was poor but because I was chubby, while I ate lunch kids would stand by my desk and make pig sounds at me, oinking and calling me butterball. They told me I had meth head teeth. The only thing I liked about myself was my freckles but that brief feeling of liking myself soon disappeared when one boy told me it looked like I had shit splattered on my face.
I was eleven when I began to diet, whiten my teeth, and wear makeup. My teeth naturally straightened out on their own and I shed the weight with the help of heavy restriction, not without developing an obsession over how I looked. When I was twelve, boys began to notice me, I broke my nose and in doing so had to get it straightened out so I could breathe properly, no longer did I have my father's Roman nose which I so despised. I wanted desperately to be like the girls who ignored me and to be liked by the boys who bullied me for a little baby fat.
Because of this obsession, I didn't believe people when they told me I was pretty. Compliments always felt ingenuine and I naturally assumed boys were asking me out as a joke so I turned every single one down out of fear of humiliation. Deep inside me something seethed, I wasn't satisfied with the weight I had lost and begged and cried until my mom shared her Ozempic with me. I was thirteen.
Still, I could describe in detail the way I picked apart every flaw, the way I had autopsies on past conversations, searching for a new insecurity. One day I went into my dad's toolbox and stole his roll of duck tape and wrapped it around my waist. I was amazed by how beautiful I looked, my waist was the smallest of all the girls at my school and this felt like a victory. I tailored my favourite sundress on my mom's sewing machine to fit my brand-new waist and wore it to the first day back from summer break.
Everyone turned their heads to look at me, I thought that only happened in the movies until I strolled into English class with a waist the size of a tangerine. I shoved lies through my teeth about a gym and diet plan I had done over the summer to make myself look so small, my friends listened with eager ears and wide eyes trained on my midriff. The attention was more addictive than any substance I've put into my body. My friend had told me how the boys were talking about me and how they planned to ask me out, that's when I made up my mind.
It felt like a poison I happily drank, knowing all of the risks. Every Sunday after church I walked to the Dollar General by my house and bought five rolls of duct tape, two dollars each for one week of classes, ten dollars in total. The same woman was always there and she always smiled at me, asking what I did with all of the tape, my face would split into a sickly sweet smile as I told her a new falsehood every time.
My mother would comment on how she didn't want me to go anywhere by myself because I was too pretty to do so, this was like pouring gasoline onto my forest fire. In the morning when everyone was sleeping, I wrapped one roll of duct tape around my waist so no one could hear the sound; I took it off before my showers at night, water running as pain pushed tears from my eyes and bit the inside of my cheek until I could taste iron flood my gums. I was left with cuts and tears in my skin, flesh tender with torture, still, I mummified my body every morning with duct tape. Sometimes I would do my thighs if I wore leggings or skinny jeans so people would comment on my impressive thigh gap.
After a year of doing this, my midriff looked like a piece of raw steak beaten with a meat tenderizer until it was almost torn apart entirely. I wouldn't even let people touch me in fear that they could feel through my attempt at perfection. I started skipping church. Every weekend I shut myself inside so I could breathe at full capacity while I shut my blinds and stared at my ceiling, my mind went numb with the impending doom that I would suffocate myself with that dreadful silver tape when the bell rang. My whole life I had heard that beauty is pain and that's all I thought this was, I thought that models did similar things and it was just something I had to accept to be beautiful.
Essentially, I had turned into a zombie; my breathing was shallow, and I became pale, clammy, shaking, and nauseous. I couldn't stomach meals. Every night I would wake up around midnight and cough up my guts but I hadn't eaten any food so there was nothing left in me to vomit but bile and eventually blood. I stopped talking to people, I thought it better for them just to look at my pretty long lashes and my tiny little waist than to listen to me tell them I was fine through shaky breaths. My dad was so scared for me, he kept bringing food into my bedroom and would come to collect the uneaten dish when he dropped off the next. He couldn't look at me without crying. It was just his drowsy gaze piercing into my vacant skull while we both swallowed back what we wanted to say, the words dying in our throats, never to be heard.
Everything hurt all of the time, it didn't matter anymore whether I had the duct tape on or not. I almost preferred the feeling of it on so the stinging of the cuts and the soreness of my ribs was shielded by something. One day in PE the teacher asked me to sit out so I did. I tried my best to keep my vision straight and my head up while I watched the other kids play California kickball. It was okay until there was a suffocating feeling, like something was consuming everything in my body like tiny creatures with razor-sharp teeth were cutting their way up my organs. My body began to convulse as I coughed until I fell to my hands and knees, coughing up this invisible force in my throat. The game stopped abruptly and every pair of beady eyes turned to watch me writhe in pain on the dusty gym floor while I clawed at my chest and throat, eager to tear the skin off completely.
Mr. Duke jogged over to me, crouching down to my level and putting a hand on my back. With furrowed eyebrows, he asked what was happening and with nothing more than Ozempic running through my system, I screamed at him to get away from me. That final wave came like a million little hands of wind pushing at the back of my throat until I heaved up the very last of what was left in me. Hands flew over mouths while some gagged at the sickness once inside of me. On that floor was a pile of what looked to be red coffee grounds in a little puddle of cherry wine. I was as terrified as anyone else in the gym, I screamed between heavy sobs while scuttling away from the mess I had made.
I knew that this was the end of me, that I would be taken to a hospital and everyone would know what I had done. I didn't even need to go to the hospital for everyone to know what I had done. Once I had collected myself and began talking frantically in a hushed circle of my friends while we waited for the ambulance, one boy on the hockey team caught a glimpse of shimmering silver beneath my gym strip and snuck up behind me, pulling my shirt up and revealing the secret I carried like a cross I had to bear.
My back laden with strips of duct tape like it was armour was on display to my entire class, my shame shown to what I had perceived to be the entire world. The girls didn't find this so funny but the boys came up with the name of Tape-Face. I remember rushing to the locker room with my friends following close behind, I grabbed scissors from my pencil case and began to cut it off myself, ripping it away madly along with little segments of flesh. My friends watched in horror, they just stood like it was a game of wax museum and I was the security guard there to punish whichever moved first.
In the hospital, I couldn't face my parents, not even the doctor, I kept my eyes locked on my lap. I couldn't see their stares but I could certainly feel them digging into me like a frog on a dissection table. My mom was utterly speechless and my dad spoke only through voice cracks and subtle sobs while he brought me soggy sandwiches from the cafe on the first floor.
I took another week off school because I could predict the painfully true rumours and when I finally set foot back into the school, it was worse than I anticipated. I felt hideous, like a pig that had been chugging back lard in my t-shirt, sweatpants, and perfectly average body. My friends were hesitant to eat around me and tiptoed around the incident like it had never happened which almost felt worse than bringing it up. Others were not so kind. A group of kids, guys and girls all mixed together, the kind that stole cigarettes from their parents had waited until I came back to sneak away from class and cover my locker in duct tape. Over top of the tape they scribbled on a dictionary of names they would call me in the hallway "Tape-Face" "Fraud" "Botched" "Duct tape Barbie". One of the girls sat behind me in math and had cut little squares of duct tape to stick them into my hair, I called my mom in the principal's office and cried while the secretary had to cut it out of my hair.
My dad made the decision to pull me out of school, so I started homeschooling but that didn't stop the harassment. We lived close to the school and during lunch and after school kids would throw duct tape wallets and wads of tape onto the porch. My dad's final straw was when someone dropped off a Barbie whose waist and thighs had been wrapped in duct tape in our mailbox. He had contacted not only the school but the parents of the kids several times with no avail to the torment ending anytime soon. He moved us to a new town where I could go to class without anyone knowing the pain I subjected myself to for two years.
I'm in college now and I've never told anyone this. I've cut contact with everyone from that school. One of the bullies tried to reach out and apologize, blaming her behaviour on mental illness but that felt like she had shattered a plate and said sorry, thinking that it would put the plate back together. I told her I didn't forgive her and blocked her. A boy from the hockey team also messaged me, the one who flipped my shirt up. He said he just had a daughter he couldn't imagine her going through what I went through and that he's sorry for what he did. All I had to say was that I hope she doesn't have to go through what he put me through either.
​
​

Currently there are 306,186,849 shares of common stock outstanding. Last week, the posted snapshot from Bloomberg indicated that in sum about 1.2 million shares have been bought by GameStop under rule 10b-18. This would decrease the publicly available share count to approximately 305 million. GameStop have now declared they may at any time issue an additional 45 million common shares and 5 million preferred shares.
Tinfoil Prediction: they will issue 10 million common shares at market price and raise the share count (ex counterfeits) to 315 million. That number is divisible by 7. After issuance of those 10 million common shares, they will issue one (fraction of a) preferred share for every 7 common shares (741). The preferred shares will be issued via an issuing agent which happens to be Computershare. Accounts held with the transfer agent, which also happens to be computershare, will receive the preferred shares directly and the remaining 60-70% of preferred shares will be dumped on the depo (DTC) or the brokers, who then can try to distribute them (lol) or rather fight for them because: Holders of shares of Common Stock held in “street name” through a brokerage account, bank or other nominee will not receive physical rights certificates and must instruct their broker, bank or other nominee whether to exercise Subscription Rights on their behalf.
The clue is in the name and preferred shares have some preferable status, such as regular dividends etc. In this particular case, they may have the non-transferable and non (cash-)substitutable right attached to a subscription of common shares, meaning the right to acquire common shares at a predefined price such as for a discount to the market price. This makes preferred shares inherently more valuable than common shares (take a look at BNED this week and their filing on 15 May 2024). Consequently, market participants may compete to receive the preferred shares and may pay a premium for common shares prior to issuance of preferred shares or recall the ones which may have been lent. This may put shorts under water. GameStop may use the proceeds from issuing 10 million shares to strengthen the balance sheet. GameStop might also incentivize holders of preferred stock further by issuing other benefits such as NFT divis, wu tang audio etc. However, the proceeds may also be used to finance equity investments in compliance with GameStops investment policy or repurchase of their common stock. The continuation of such repurchases under rule 10b-18 may be particularly interesting at the time due to the volume restriction based on average trading volume of the preceding four weeks at the time of a buyback under this rule. Currently, the 10 day trading volume is 73.1 million shares (according to Schwab). This is another factor that might put shorts under water. To spell it out clearly: given the action of the last week, GameStop could currently raise capital (but don’t need to) and repurchase a fat amount of its own common stock on the free market and yet remain in compliance with the safe harbor rule.
Substantial rises in the stock price could then incentive GameStop to issue more of their remaining 35 million shares of common stock to procure working capital or capital for future buybacks. However, a decreasing stock price could incentivize GameStop to issue shares and then repurchase them at a lower price, continuously decreasing the share count and thus applying upwards pressure on the price in the long run. Holders of common stock AND preferred stock need not worry about this since proceeds from the business activities could then be rerouted via preferred shares. In the end, every market participant had a right and chance to gain his preferred shares, right ;)
Edit: fractionalizability of preferred shares as defined in the recently published S3 document.
Edit 2: Relevant Barnes filing:
BASKING RIDGE, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 15, 2024--Barnes & Noble Education, Inc. (NYSE: BNED) (“BNED” or the “Company”), a leading solutions provider for the education industry, announced today that its registration statement for its fully backstopped $45 million equity rights offering (the “Rights Offering”), was declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on May 14, 2024.
The Rights Offering is one of the previously announced proposed transactions (the “Transactions”) contemplated by the Company’s definitive agreement with Immersion Corporation (NASDAQ: IMMR) (“Immersion”), and certain of the Company’s existing shareholders and strategic partners, that will enable the Company to substantially deleverage its balance sheet, strategically invest in innovation and operate from a position of strength. The Transactions remain subject to shareholder approval and other closing conditions.
Upon closing of the Transactions, which is currently expected to occur in June 2024:
BNED will receive gross proceeds of $95 million of new equity capital through the Rights Offering and a $50 million new equity investment led by Immersion; the Transactions are expected to infuse approximately $75 million of net cash proceeds after transaction costs;
The Company’s existing second lien lenders will convert approximately $34 million of outstanding principal and any accrued and unpaid interest into BNED Common Stock; and
The Company has received commitments to refinance its existing asset backed loan facility, pursuant to an agreement with its first lien holders, providing the Company with access to a $325 million facility (the “ABL Facility”) maturing in 2028. The refinanced ABL Facility will meaningfully enhance BNED’s financial flexibility and reduce its annual interest expense.
Through the Rights Offering, BNED will issue 900,000,000 shares of its common stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “Common Stock”) at a cash subscription price (the “Subscription Price”) of $0.05 per share. In the Rights Offering, BNED will distribute to each holder of record of its Common Stock on May 14, 2024 (the “Record Date”) one non-transferable subscription right (each, a “Subscription Right”) for every share of Common Stock owned by such holder on the Record Date, and each Subscription Right will entitle the holder to purchase 17 shares of Common Stock. Each holder that fully exercises their Subscription Rights will be entitled to Over-Subscription Rights to subscribe for additional shares of Common Stock that remain unsubscribed as a result of any unexercised Subscription Rights, which allows such holder to subscribe for additional shares of Common Stock up to the number of shares purchased under such holder’s basic Subscription Right at $0.05 per share.
If any Subscription Rights remain unexercised upon the expiration of the Rights Offering after accounting for all Over-Subscription Rights exercised, the standby purchasers led by Immersion, Outerbridge Capital Management, LLC and Selz Family 2011 Trust will collectively purchase, at the Subscription Price, up to $45 million in shares of Common Stock not subscribed for by the Company’s stockholders.
The Company will not issue fractional shares in the Rights Offering or cash in lieu of fractional shares of Common Stock. Any fractional shares of Common Stock that would be created by an exercise of the Subscription Rights will be rounded to the nearest whole share.
The Company expects that the net proceeds of the offering will be used to pay expenses in connection with the Transactions and reduce the balance under the Company’s ABL Facility.
The Company expects that Computershare Trust Company N.A., the subscription agent for the Rights Offering, will mail rights certificates and a copy of the prospectus for the Rights Offering to holders of record of Common Stock as of the Record Date beginning on or about May 15, 2024. Holders of shares of Common Stock held in “street name” through a brokerage account, bank or other nominee will not receive physical rights certificates and must instruct their broker, bank or other nominee whether to exercise Subscription Rights on their behalf.
The subscription period will expire at 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on June 5, 2024. However, the Company may extend the period for exercising the Subscription Rights. Subscription Rights that are not exercised by the expiration date of the Rights Offering will expire and will have no value.
The shares of Common Stock to be issued upon exercise of the Subscription Rights will be listed for trading on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) under the symbol “BNED.” The Subscription Rights are non-transferable and the Company will not be listing the Subscription Rights on the NYSE or any other national securities exchange.
Neither the Company nor its Board of Directors has made or will make any recommendation to holders regarding the exercise of Subscription Rights. Holders should make an independent investment decision about whether or not to exercise their Subscription Rights based on their own assessment of the Company’s business, the Rights Offering and the other Transactions.
Questions about the Rights Offering or requests for a copy of the prospectus related to the Rights Offering may be directed to the Information Agent, Innisfree M&A Incorporated, at (877) 800-5185. (Banks & Brokers may call collect: (212) 750-5833.
Other Important Information
The issuance and sale of shares of Common Stock pursuant to the Rights Offering is subject to, among other things, the approval of our stockholders at a special meeting (the “Special Meeting”) to be held on June 5, 2024. If the issuance and sale of our Common Stock pursuant to the Rights Offering is not approved at the Special Meeting, then the Rights Offering will be cancelled. The Rights Offering is being made pursuant to the Company’s registration statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-278799), which was declared effective on May 14, 2024. The Company reserves the right to cancel or terminate the Rights Offering at any time. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any Subscription Rights or any other securities to be issued in the Rights Offering or any related transactions, nor shall there be any offer, solicitation or sale of Subscription Rights or any other securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.
Edit 3: Barnes pumped 150% on Friday.

I'm working on worldbuilding for a campaign which uses non-standard races, and found Tasha's Custom Lineages to be underwhelming. Individually balancing races proved tedious and extensive playtesting of each bit of homebrew wasn't possible. I wanted a systemic way to create new more-or-less-balanced races, and to allow players agency in creating their own races or builds.
To that end, I've created Sycamore's Expanded Custom Lineages.
It includes every feature from non-setting-specific races, using the most recent version in case of updates. It provides point values for each feature representing that feature's relative strength, flattens instances of the same ability under different names to a single entry, and gives descriptions which, where possible, remove world-specific lore (such as tiefling origins).
To use this sheet, select features from it until the resulting character uses 100 or fewer total points. If you'd like to view existing races built with this system, check out the 'Existing Races' tab. To see how accurate current point values are to WotC apparent valuations, check 'Point Balance' for average scores and standard deviations of all races.
Use Case

• For times when players propose a lineage substitution, and a DM wants to confirm the change is balanced.
• For split-lineages, like a character whose parents were an elf and a dwarf.
• For homebrew settings, which want to avoid baked-in assumptions about the heavens, hells, elemental planes, and more.
• For adding new races to your world, outside of the standard fantasy mold.
• If you'd like to do some fun grain-of-salt comparisons of existing races to see which are the most overloaded (It's Shadar-Kai). -To have more concrete conversations about the actual power levels of abilities that are widely perceived as broken or overpowered.

Methodology
Getting point values for each feature was a bit involved.
To start, I catalogued all existing traits across all races. Then I found cases with identical functionality and different thematics (such as Natural Weapons), and flattened them to a single ability. I then assigned abilities into broad categories of power; 50 points for a 'build-defining' ability, 20 points for 'substantial power', 6 points for 'situational utility', and 3 points for a 'flavorful option with very niche utility'. These values were selected to encourage selection of flavorful options over raw power.
Then I calculated a total score for each existing race. These values were wildly disparate, with values ranging from ~350 to ~30. For each instance of each ability, I then took the race's total difference from 100 points, divided it by the total number of features, and averaged those instances for each feature to get a 'suggested delta'. These were applied to each feature, to get a rough estimate of how much WotC values each feature.
Finally, I took another pass over the abilities to compare features of a similar nature. For example, 'Hold Breath (1 hour)' from tortle is strictly better than 'Hold Breath (15 minutes)' from lizardfolk and should cost more.
Notes

• I'm not under the impression that these values are perfect by any means. I'll be refining them through feedback and playtesting down the line, but wanted to share the current state of the project.
• In my own games I will likely remove the options for 'Innate Spellcasting (1st, Early)', 'Innate Spellcasting (2nd, Early)', and 'Innate Spellcasting (3rd)'. Providing these options while allowing any spell to be selected is prone to abuse.
• If you'd like to use this sheet, I recommend making a copy of it. I'll be continuing to modify the doc as I do balancing passes, and things may move around unexpectedly.
• I had to strike a balance between keeping abilities recognizable and scrubbing thematics. Consider 'Draconic Cry' and the Kobold's earlier 'Grovel, Cower, and Beg'. Clearly the same ability, clearly two different implementations, but I wanted it to be obvious what the source of each ability was where possible.

Feedback
I welcome any and all feedback. Feel free to share your own builds, or nitpick about point values. Thanks for reading this!
TL;DR: Spend 100 points on this sheet to create a lineage. The system should be roughly balanced, while providing lots of opportunities to customize.

I’m still quite young so I don’t know much about anything to with the current state of the Uk economy but I couldn’t help notice that the salaries in the U.K. are substantially lower than the salaries in other places such as the US. At first I tried taking into account cost of livings and expenses over in the US but even looking at that it still seems absurd that some salaries over there are 2x the amount for the same jobs in the uk. Like for example software engineers are most engineers in general, from what I can see the average is around 50-70k a year(please correct me if I’m wrong these are statistics I have gathered from the internet and there is a high chance it could be wrong) while in the US you have people comfortably touching 6 figs. Maybe I should be asking what is a good and comfortable salary living in the Uk before I can start comparing them? I don’t know but at the end of the day I was just kinda puzzled and also bummed out at the salaries which is why I referred to looking for alternatives.

I’m still quite young so I don’t know much about anything to with the current state of the Uk economy but I couldn’t help notice that the salaries in the U.K. are substantially lower than the salaries in other places such as the US. At first I tried taking into account cost of livings and expenses over in the US but even looking at that it still seems absurd that some salaries over there are 2x the amount for the same jobs in the uk. Like for example software engineers are most engineers in general, from what I can see the average is around 50-70k a year(please correct me if I’m wrong these are statistics I have gathered from the internet and there is a high chance it could be wrong) while in the US you have people comfortably touching 6 figs. Maybe I should be asking what is a good and comfortable salary living in the Uk before I can start comparing them? I don’t know but at the end of the day I was just kinda puzzled and also bummed out at the salaries which is why I referred to looking for alternatives.