I just read an article about chronic disease or illness fakers. I am thoroughly disgusted that even more people are more ignorant than I thought possible beyond my immediate family.
Right before the age of 40 I passed out waiting for a table at a nice restaurant, slowly drinking a beer. Luckily I had not been a heavy, medium, or even light drinker for almost 10 years. All I really had physically wrong with me at that time was testosterone therapy, come shoulder surgeries, and chronic,sometimes horrible pain. Oh, I was also told I had a great, really great bronze California tan.
After that incident right before age 40 I had every test I could have done to explain what happened. Witnesses said, im 6'3 195+ lbs, I just turned white, became instantly soaking wet, and fell straight backwards like a 2x4.
After all the tests were completed I discovered my Iron(its really called ferratin) was at a level of 3,900 (normal safe levels are 50 to 200 roughly. I was given a genetic test for hemachromatosis, which is pretty common, and not a super big deal when treated early. In fact, anyone with hemachromatosis cam firmly state that we people,all people, black, while, whatever are related. Black people have a genetic disease called sickle cell disease. If not treated and allowed to run rampart sickle cell turns into hemachromatosis. Nuff said.
The main treatment for hemachromatosis is bloodletting, the amount of blood you need to get out of your body and how much at a time and how often is usually dictated by the level of your ferritin in your blood at time of diagnosis. Most people, fortunately, get detected and treated by 700 to 1500 level of Ferratin. The body is basically killing itself, "rusting away" to say at levels if 1,000 plus of ferritin.
Now five leads later, testosterone implants every 3 months or so, bloodletting (phlebotomy) treatment 4 times a year now ( I started giving over 550 grams of blood 2 times a week for 4 months, and then once a week 4 or 5 months, and so on and on. I have had a pretty extensive cervical neck surgery, cages, holes drilled in arthritic areas and nerve openings opened up, both hips totally replaced, a knee replacement on left knee coming up soon, always a pain in my ass,, literally,, lol. There's other things, I have to get liver biopsies every year, heart tests performed every year, no alcohol, low Vtamin C diet, no more liver and onions, and reduced use of cast iron and other high iron cooking and eating utensils.
Thing is,, if you see me just see me, you'll see a big, strong, agile, balanced man. But what you dont see is how hard it is for me to just get up and drink a cup of coffee some mornings, or how bad both legs ache, hurt, throb, and sometimes especially feel totally exhausted 2 hours after I wake up. Or a serious neck, nerve issue that I just keep massaging and turning my head.
I don't take opiates, except after surgeries, I can't take much Tylenol or ibuprofen and related. Mostly ice pack/machine, heat pads, hot hot bath soaks, stretching (carefully), keeping moving, and pushing myself everyday or at least 6 days a week harder than the day before.
I have half siblings, 17+ years older than me, with bone spurs, maybe knee replacement, obesity related issues, lack of movement/ exercise issues, and on and on.
I'd happily trade places with them, but keep my age, and very few people I imagine get what I'm about to say next . I decided after the first 6 months of diagnosis I was going to "break and fall apart before I rusted and rotted away".
Do you get that? Understand ? I am happy, no I get exited and thrilled inside when I see people with obvious issues, obesity, laziness, bad diet, drinking, etc struggle, not do, or unwilling to do things they should do, much less want to do to make this life more,, make this life better for themselves. I say F' u all those ignorant dumb lazy scared people that say things, think things, act differently when they interact with you, not knowing you closely and really knowing you, when they see this person that looks, moves, and does lots of physical things better than they can,, and they think your faking or putting on or playing poor pity party me,,, no screw you guys,, try, literally walking 10,000 or more steps in my shoes each day and more, yet sometimes not able to even crawl or move for 2 or 3 hours after 4 or 5 or less some days just living life.
Anyone else have similar stories ? Or experiences? I still can't get over the fact that had a been a normal,, or whatever you call a person who drinks a six pack a week, alcoholic drinker I would definitely for sure have had cirrhosis or liver cancer by now for sure and probably be dead. Anyway,, let me know thanks.
P

Moved into a flat managed by Marsh & Parsons about 16 weeks ago. We’ve had a range of issues since moving in including doors not having locks, windows being painted shut, etc.
1 month ago we flagged that the boiler is leaking, causing lots of noise, and is regularly shutting off and requiring resetting. We’ve had intermittent heating and hot water as a result, and has generally been a pain.
Marsh & Parsons have been fairly responsive but due to a myriad of issues with their contractors, only this week did someone come around to take a look. I think they patched a leak and we thought the issue was fixed.
Fast forward to yesterday - hear the boiler fire up and I smell gas. Called the national hotline to have them investigate. They didn’t find any gas leak luckily, but as they were standing by the boiler, both of the men had their personal carbon monoxide alarm go off.
They detected levels up to 40ppm (likely more as all doors had been open that point thinking it was a gas leak) and issued an immediate safety warning. Naturally we’re a bit rattled and feeling lucky we caught it at all, as the boiler issue had apparently been “fixed”.
Someone should be coming around today to finally fix the issues / replace the boiler…
My concerns are:

• Our carbon monoxide alarm is “functional” but didn’t go off.
• A majority of the windows in the flat are painted shut. We requested to get them opened but it was determined expensive work and not necessary considering the garden doors open (not always feasible for us with an indoor cat!)
• On our gas certificate from when we moved in, it showed carbon monoxide ppm at 24ppm. This still seems high? What does it take to fail the check?

TLDR; I feel like I should be able to ask for just more than a functional boiler here considering the level of danger and how long it’s taken them to even try to fix the issue? Rent reduction + windows opening with no questions asked?
Also, what is the documented “safe” carbon monoxide ppm for tenants? Online suggests long term exposure to more than 10ppm is dangerous, yet 24ppm is safe according to our checkin report.

1. Foster a Proactive Mindset

Risk management isn't just about responding to crises as they arise; it's about anticipating them before they happen. To integrate risk management into your corporate culture, encourage a proactive mindset among your team. This means nurturing an environment where foresight and forward-planning are valued above all. Equip your staff with the tools and knowledge to identify potential risks early on. By holding regular training sessions on risk assessment and mitigation, employees can become adept at spotting warning signs and taking preventative action.
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1. Cultivate Open Communication

A culture that thrives on open communication is less prone to the perils of unforeseen risks. For risk management to be truly effective, everyone from top-tier executives to the newest recruits must feel comfortable voicing concerns and sharing insights. Establish a clear protocol for reporting potential risks, ensuring there are no barriers to communication. Celebrate transparency by highlighting instances where employee vigilance prevented a risk from becoming a reality.
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1. Integrate Risk Awareness Into Decision-Making

Decisions are the drivers of success for any business, but they also open the door to possible risks. Embed risk considerations into the decision-making process by incorporating risk-benefit analyses in planning sessions. When discussing future strategies or projects, require team leads to present not only the expected outcomes but also the associated risks and their proposed mitigation plans. This will not only help safeguard against potential pitfalls but also promote a more analytical approach to strategic thinking.
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1. Set the Tone From the Top

The importance of leadership in setting cultural norms cannot be overstated. Leaders who prioritize risk management send a powerful message: risks are taken seriously here. Executives should demonstrate their commitment to risk management by being actively involved in related initiatives. By sharing stories of how risk management has positively impacted the company, leaders can inspire their teams to adopt similar values and behaviors.
​

1. Regularly Review and Adapt Your Risk Strategy

In a world that's ever-changing, a static risk management approach will soon fall short. Regularly reviewing and adapting your strategy in response to new market developments, emerging technologies, and evolving threats is essential. Encourage a culture of continuous improvement where feedback on risk management practices is sought and acted upon. This not only keeps your strategy relevant but also reinforces the value placed on risk management within your company culture.
Conclusion
Integrating risk management into your corporate culture doesn't happen overnight. It's a gradual process that requires intention, effort, and consistency. By embracing these five practices, you’re equipping your business with a solid foundation to face uncertainties. Remember, in today's dynamic business landscape, those who plan for the unexpected are the ones who thrive.
For more information Enterprise And Risk Management about visit here: https://www.k2riskconsulting.com/post/5-key-steps-to-develop-an-effective-risk-management-plan

This line of thought actually stemmed from a science fiction novel. I can't even remember what it was called now. I didn't like it and I don't think it was ever very popular. The premise was that a meteor storm was going to hit earth and there were various projects to preserve humanity. The project at the focus of the book 'saved' people by re-creating their consciousness inside a computer. I hated it. The process involved 'uploading' consciousness into the computer then the people that were uploaded took poison to kill themselves. They didn't save anyone. At best, they created copies. The people still died. I had a very negative reaction to the idea. I don't remember the title of the book but I do remember the feeling of disgust when I understood their idea of 'saving' people. I'd have been more open to the idea if the uploaded consciousness left the body as an empty vessel, but that wasn't how it worked in that book.
I was reminded of this yesterday. A friend asked me if I'd ever have an animal cloned. My family and I have a lot of animals. They're all rescues. Not just dogs and cats, we take in any animal we're capable of caring for. I adore them. We have a lot of chickens now because of one single chicken that just showed up one day. We looked outside and saw a white chicken eating underneath one of our bird feeders. We absolutely love her. She has a morning routine that starts by making a lot of noise at the door then running into the house. The chicken 'coop' is a room built onto our house. One door opens to the outside, the other door leads inside the house. Oscar hangs our for about 2 hours then my mom yells 'I hear a bird' from upstairs and Oscar flies up the stairs squawking. She loves my mom. Yes, Oscar is a she. We thought she was a boy until the first egg. After discovering how loveable chickens are, we adopted more from a charity that saves chickens at the end of their 'laying' lives from battery farms.
I get very upset when I lose an animal, but cloning wouldn't fix that. Just as an example, I could adopt a cat identical to a cat that passed away, but I would love the new cat as an individual, not a recreation. I don't know how a clone is different than identical twins. Not that I ever intend to try cloning if it somehow became a service for pet owners. There are lots of animals in need in the world. No need to create more intentionally. I wouldn't feel less grief if I had a clone of a cat that passed away. A clone isn't a replacement. A clone of a human certainly isn't a replacement either. I feel like the entire idea is offensive.
I brought up that awful book when we were talking about cloning, and my friend laughed at me. He said I"m more religious than I think because the sense of individuality I was referring to is actually a soul. I"m not against the idea of a soul. A factor in my antagonism towards organized religion is the attitude towards non-human life that's very common among religious people in my local area. They use the idea of man's superiority as an excuse to do whatever they want with no regard for other forms of life. Some of them even sneer at the idea of animal cruelty by dismissing it as a concern at all. Our local tri-county newspaper prints the same letter to the editor once a year. The letter is a lecture combined with advice to stop children from 'humanizing' animals, such as 'have fish sticks for supper after watching Finding Nemo and other animated sea life. "Only watch Bambi during hunting season.' "Have pork chops, bacon and other pork products at meals while children read 'Charlotte's Web' at school.' I realize that isn't universal, but I thinks it's fairly common. I"ve seen a lot of arguments against environmentalism and conservation because 'nature and animals are here for humans to use.' I'd be more open to the idea of religion in general if that wasn't such a pervasive idea.
My question is, does believing that every person, and every living creature, is an individual that can't be recreated mean that I'm actually more accepting of religious beliefs than I previously realized.

Simtog looked in the mirror his dark pupils set within a pale face lined with scales, his race evolved from a small reptilian creature. Well this is it he thought to himself, years of training finally paid off. Today Simtog will be a member of the star corps and serve the All Star Galactic Republic.
A chime came from the door “Enter” the door opened and a being very much like himself stood there he was a little smaller and more nervous. “Oh Sion, I see you got ready too all dressed in your new uniform?” Sion smiled “yyeah I knew you look great in your uniform too? Oh so this is the difference of an officer rank uniform?” Simtog looked in the mirror to straighten out and picked up his cap. Walked towards the door.
“Yeah that’s right look here on the shoulders you can see the star that means I’m a commander, by the way when is the shuttle due to leave?” Simtog tapped his arm device and looked “hmm not for another a quarter of a cycle.
As the shuttle approached the star system, Simtog’s green eyes widened, they managed to get to the shuttle and took the 20 lightyear journey, it only took them half an cycle to get there, now the great hub of the Star Corps. A huge space station orbiting a small dead world of XP-09 better known as the forge this is where he was first sent to train and learn how to fight, now it’s station is the place he’s going to, finally he will be sent to a ship and serve his captain.
The shuttle docked and the station was busy with life different races all working together, like the Kurn 5 foot beings that has rock like thick skin, short tempered but brilliant shock troopers.
As the main celebration began the two stood there ready to walk towards the main arena to stand in front the main chain of command.
Simtog looked at his friend and said “You ready?”

Big rant alert
I love my mom a lot, I don’t hate her and I don’t think she’s inherently a bad person. Honestly though I have many memories and feelings that make me feel like I was very emotionally neglected. My mom is a victim of many forms of abuse by her adoptive parents, she told me while I was a young age that she wanted kids of her own to create a good family which looking back feels very strange with the context. A bit later, which started when I was again very young she met a guy, I’ll call him Keith, and Keith was very very neglectful towards me. He had kids of his own and therefore he didn’t want to give me more attention than his kids, and he would often see me doing self harm as a young kid like choking myself and hitting myself as funny. He would also yell at me and sometimes would trap me under bed sheets until I couldn’t breathe. I remember one time I was young and had to have a stool to step on to see myself in the bathroom mirror, I stepped on it not knowing our cat had its paws beneath it and the cat screamed. I was horrified and immediately stepped off but Keith was home alone with me and heard it, he immediately opened the bathroom door and yelled at me while I tearfully tried to explain what had happened. My mom did nothing and defended Keith. I also came home with my mom one night to see rose petals and candles all about, Keith came out and was affectionate with my mom, but then proceeded to tell me to stay in my room the entire night, the only reason I came out of my room later was because I had to pee so badly and I was so scared when I did, before i peed I stopped by moms room and asked if it was okay to use the bathroom, keith said yeah as if I was stupid, again my mom did nothing. I longed for a dad figure to be there because my biological dad (let’s call him Kyle) left when I was about two and I had a very limited relationship with him. My mom forced me to call him every week even when I would beg not to and after each phone call to him I’d be devastated for days. Later on when I was about nine years old my mom, although very estranged from Keith, got with him for a bit and had a kid, my baby brother (I’ll call him D), but Keith didn’t want anything to do with D and I ended up helping with raising him while my mom worked. I love D but he has many special needs and I ended up helping a lot, taking him while my mom felt stressed and would sometimes throw things (which she did with Keith, I have several memories of her throwing stuff like silver ware and keys close to Keith’s face, which six or seven year old me would try to regulate, I’d run after her trying to comfort her). A year later she had my sister (I’ll call her T) and when she told me she was pregnant I cried my eyes out because I was so stressed already with D and I knew my responsibility’s would become more especially since Keith didn’t want anything to do with D and T. I remember we went out with dinner with my grandparents that night after she told me about T and I had to pretend everything was okay especially since my mom didn’t want them knowing. Fast forward a bit and my mom has a new fiancé who was super weird and hated me from the get go. It came to a head when he sent me a text that I didn’t respond to immediately and he stopped talking to me. He even told my mom I was dead to him and she didn’t do anything but relay that to me. She would also tell me everything he disliked about me, one day before school she went on a rant about all the stuff he thought I was doing wrong and was bad about me, and in my first period class other kids were trying to comfort me, even ones I didn’t know, because they saw that I was in such a bad mental state and couldn’t hold it together. They would also have sex loudly in the room next to me, I told her I felt uncomfortable hearing it and she told me to get earplugs even though I was like 13 and couldn’t afford anything. I also tried to tell her I felt like I was third wheeling their relationship like with Keith, she told me to stop talking and walked away. She would also tell me that R hated me and my siblings and often talked about leaving me with them forever. Later on they had a kid together (I’ll call her O) during my sophomore year of high-school. She also has some mental problems and so it was difficult, when she was an infant my mom informed me I wasn’t going to be in physical high school anymore, that she enrolled me in online high school so that I could take care of O throughout the day and pick up D and T when they got out of school. D was in first grade though while T was in kindergarten so I often would help raise O, go and get T and then go back to get D while carrying O and guiding T. I also would have to stand outside and wait for T to get out it kindergarten with other parents while holding O but I was under strict instructions not to let anyone touch O because my mom didn’t want it. Later on I finished high school and went to online community college, while that was happening she met her newest man who is now her husband (let’s call him Ray). Ray is still in her life but again didn’t like me. The first night he was there he told me he was angry with me because in his eyes my mom was doing all the work and I was doing nothing (he first came over when I was with family which I coordinated with my mom but he saw it as I was gone and she had to do everything). Then the patterns began to emerge again, my mom would tell me that Ray would go to her and tell her that he was pissed at me. Not only that but both my mom and Ray would come to me for advice on how to keep their relationship good and I tried to help as best as I knew how. Later on he and my mom had a kid (let’s call him R) and I would have to take care of R and the rest of the kids for hours on end, often being the one to find ways to help him stay calm and feed him. Ray would offer me weed and alcohol often, later which he used against me as a way of being like “I’m giving you things so be grateful”. Later on in that I came out of the closet, my mom was mad at me for it and wouldn’t tell me she loved me for months, she barely acknowledged me and yelled at me. Ray would tell me he was ashamed of me especially for upsetting my mom. He would often tell me I was lazy, irresponsible and dumb. Also after I came out he told me I was unnatural and dumb. Later I was in the early stages of moving out and he literally told me “yeah well if you were actually smart you’d stay here with us” and would also shame me for comforting my siblings after he would yell at them and hit them. He very much prides himself on how he can intimidate people especially me and whenever I spoke up with him he’d sit me down and make me shake. There was one instance where I actually stood my ground a bit and told him “well hey I didn’t back down” and his response was “HA yeah that’s cuz I didn’t force you to back down”. My mom was present at that conversation and completely defended him, even in conversations with her and I she completely defends him all the time. I’ve tried to tell my mom how much Keith, R and ray hurt me and she’d tell me to basically shut up. Especially with Keith because according to her that was in the past and therefore didn’t matter now. I also confronted her about how depressed and suicidal I was when she neglected me after I came out and she said I was responsible for how I felt in that time period. I also couldn’t have mental breakdowns or panic attacks around her because she’d say I was overreacting and dumb for doing so. Despite all of that I still feel like I’m in the wrong, which is why I’m talking about it here, I still feel like I need confirmation that I’m not a horrible kid. In my teen years I was very angry with her after all that happened with Keith and eventually R, I wasn’t the nicest person to her and I feel really guilty about that. So idk, maybe I’m in the wrong here, idk. I just need some clarity ig.

In the bustling world of social media, where trends change in the blink of an eye and new influencers emerge daily, some individuals manage to stand out and captivate the masses with their unique charm and talent. One such rising star is Sanchita Basu, a name that has become synonymous with creativity, authenticity, and youthful exuberance. With her engaging content and relatable personality, Sanchita has carved a niche for herself in the digital space, becoming a beacon of inspiration for many young aspirants.

Early Life and Background

Sanchita Basu was born on March 24, 2003, in Bhagalpur, Bihar, India. Growing up in a middle-class family, she had a relatively modest upbringing. However, her passion for dance, acting, and creating content was evident from a young age. Sanchita's early exposure to the performing arts, coupled with her innate talent, set the stage for her future endeavors in the digital arena.

The Journey to Fame

Sanchita's rise to fame can be attributed to her presence on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. She began her social media journey by sharing dance videos, lip-sync performances, and short skits, which quickly resonated with audiences. Her vibrant energy, coupled with her ability to connect with viewers, garnered her a substantial following in a short period.
When TikTok was banned in India in 2020, many influencers faced the challenge of losing their primary platform. However, Sanchita seamlessly transitioned to Instagram and other Indian short-video platforms like Moj and MX TakaTak, where she continued to thrive. Her adaptability and resilience during this period demonstrated her dedication to her craft and her ability to navigate the ever-changing landscape of social media.

Content and Influence

Sanchita Basu's content is a delightful mix of dance, fashion, lifestyle, and motivational videos. She often collaborates with other influencers and brands, bringing a fresh and dynamic approach to her content. Her dance videos, in particular, have struck a chord with viewers, showcasing her talent and passion for the art form.
What sets Sanchita apart is her authenticity. She frequently shares glimpses of her personal life, family, and behind-the-scenes moments with her followers, creating a genuine connection with her audience. This transparency has helped her build a loyal fan base that appreciates her for who she is, both on and off the screen.

Challenges and Triumphs

Like any social media influencer, Sanchita has faced her share of challenges. From dealing with the sudden ban of TikTok to navigating the pressures of constant content creation, her journey has not been without obstacles. However, her ability to overcome these challenges and continue to grow is a testament to her resilience and determination.
Sanchita's success has also opened doors to various opportunities in the entertainment industry. She has been approached for acting roles in web series and regional films, indicating a promising future beyond social media. Her versatility and willingness to explore new avenues have positioned her as a multifaceted talent to watch out for.

Impact and Future Prospects

Sanchita Basu's impact extends beyond her social media presence. She serves as an inspiration to countless young individuals who aspire to make a mark in the digital world. Her story underscores the importance of passion, perseverance, and authenticity in achieving success.
Looking ahead, Sanchita shows no signs of slowing down. With her growing influence and expanding opportunities, she is poised to become a prominent figure in the Indian entertainment industry. Whether through acting, dancing, or content creation, Sanchita Basu is set to leave an indelible mark on the hearts of her followers and the broader cultural landscape.

Conclusion

Sanchita Basu's journey from a small-town girl to a social media sensation is a compelling narrative of talent, hard work, and authenticity. Her ability to connect with audiences and her relentless pursuit of her passions have made her a standout figure in the digital world. As she continues to evolve and explore new horizons, Sanchita Basu exemplifies the potential of social media to transform lives and create stars who shine beyond the virtual realm.

I bought my home from a landlord in 2021, he’s also a realtor. I contacted him about selling my home and I contacted a real estate agent who sold one 2 doors down for $50k more than the people paid ONE year after they originally bought it.
I’m meeting with the realtor who sold my neighbor’s home on Tuesday and the one who sold me my home on Wednesday. (Let’s call them Tuesday and Wednesday!)
A few things to consider:
I owe right around $100k on the mortgage and I’m really hoping to net $100k after commissions, paying off mortgage, closing costs, etc.
I paid just over $150k 3 years ago. I’ve added a radon mitigation system, a garbage disposal, a ceiling fan in the master bedroom, a knee wall in the attic (originally connected to neighbor’s attic), and I professionally landscaped the garden (I’d honestly say it’s the nicest garden in the neighborhood and one of the nicest in the town, I’m very proud of it).
My home has central AC which is very rare in my town. It was built in the early 1900s but gutted in 2020 due to a house fire. At this point, all electrical, pipes, etc was replaced and central AC/heat added. The only “problem” is some termite damage in the basement that has been at bay since before I even bought the home. Overall, solid home and I’ve kept it in really good shape.
Now onto the realtors….
Tuesday’s preliminary assessment of the value of my home is $220k
Wednesday believes my value is $200k
Tuesday says, with confidence, she’ll have an open house on a Thursday night and have showings all weekend with final offers on a Sunday.
Wednesday hasn’t shared his plan.
Tuesday sold the neighbor’s house in 2 days
I bought my home the DAY it hit the market and Wednesday had 2 other offers.
Tuesday said she will pay out of her own pocket for photos etc
I know Wednesday has a whole crew who could help with any minor repairs a buyer might want (this is a HUGE consideration…)
Wednesday knows the home very well as he owned it for 30+ years.
Who would you pick???? I have had a friendly relationship with Wednesday since buying the house as I’ve called him for a few things here and there - questions about the home. Is it weird I feel some sort of loyalty for that?

Hiya .. I walked into my kitchen 2 see a mouse on a plate ! Almost wet my pants screaming ! .. I have found little poops in my kitchen .. yesterday I bleached everywhere in my kitchen and my hubby went to get traps .. we have caught 2 so far .. my hubby is scared 2 death of them .. so I'm the 1 who has to be brave .. and remove them .. we live near a river .. my concern is .. if we found 2 so far .. how many others are there likely 2 be .. we do have a dog also .. and she sleeps in the kitchen .. is she safe? Don't want her getting poisoned by them .. what can I do to prevent this happening again?? .. no 1 will now go in the kitchen cos of this !!! .. do u think its cos I keep my back door constantly open for the dog?? .. ps .. my dog is a rotti American akkita cross .. any advice would be great .. thanx in advance x

Bear with me as I describe what amounts to an almost religious experience after finishing the game for the first time. SPOILERS and nigh-rambling. But I just have to share. I hope you'll stay a while a listen. :)
I tried playing Cyberpunk a couple months ago. Corpo Male, strong roleplaying. When the Johnny Silverhand stuff started, I got really frustrated and quit. I didn't like how the game saw fit to ramrod me into this extremely narrow story when I thought the experience was going to be more open than that. I wanted to play a character who tried to rise to the top of Night City's corporate world through double-dealing and backstabbery...and now all the sudden my character is dying and has this voice in his head.
I was not going to be able to tell the story I wanted to tell.
It was that ludonarrative dissonance thing, like in the Witcher 3, I always struggled to justify doing too many side missions, given that Geralt (as I was playing him) was very concerned about finding Ciri, so there just didn't seem to be time to get embroiled in all these other adventures.
But then I saw this randomly come across my YouTube feed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0gR_C0Pd1k&ab_channel=JekavacTV
Dude. I don't care how linear your story is...that's incredible. And dark.
I've been on hard times lately. While I was never serious about unaliving myself, it was a thought that bounced around in my head here and there at my lowest moments...and this clip just...it hit me. I always believed that self-deletion was deeply wrong, if only because of the harm it did to others who loved you. Whatever was on the table, that solution could never be entertained seriously. I just couldn't do it to my loved ones.
But I've also been struggling with who I am, who I'm supposed to be, what my purpose is. LOL big club I know.
But that video convinced me to give 2077 another try. If an ending could be that hardcore and meaningful...there must be something worthwhile in this game. So I rolled a Nomad Male, and began my love affair with this game. I didn't try to concoct a character so much as just try to play V as myself. I really related to his leaving the Bakkers, and going it alone. Also I moved around a lot as a kid, and my Dad was a hippie biker in his heyday, and a mechanic. So it felt true to form.
And then when you meet Jackie...I mean c'mon, who's more loveable than Jackie?
I really started to get into the game then. And it finally started to dawn on me what the game's story is trying to communicate.
I figured 2077 would devolve into a lot of cynicism, and exploit the violence and sex for cheap thrills. Or maybe it would lean on shock value and become doomeblackpill fodder. But CDPR ain't no slouches. Night City is an exaggerated snapshot of where we are now. And V's predicament is one many of us are facing: we want to make our mark on the world, but is it worth it to step on everyone along the way? Even if we're trying not to die? Or worse, just be erased. Many of us struggle with a voice in our head telling us we're fuckups. We're pussies. We're slaves. We're not worth the trouble.
At first I took Silverhand for an antagonist, essentially. A nasty SOB I had to keep at bay, given that my V was a mostly good guy who just wanted a family again. Especially after Jackie died...man his wake, and helping Misty sort through his things? That got to me.
And of course there's that lingering fear that, no matter how much Silverhand may begin to charm you or appear like he's on your side - he's going to take over. V is actually warned that eventually, Silverhand will just make a play to do just that.
So I was careful with him, but I wanted to know more, because he was such an intriguing character, and its easily one of Reeves' best performances. Period. So I invested in his conversations and eventually his sidequests. I also did what I could to help others in Night City who helped me. I was dying, so...it felt like a good time to be generous. Even if sometimes I had to off a bunch of gangoons with a shotgun. XD
Then as the story developed, I began to see that Silverhand wasn't quite the legend everyone thought. He was a man who had sorely, sorely screwed his life up - as well as the lives of many others. He even seemed to regret it.
I even told Silverhand I'd take a bullet for him, after receiving his dog tags. I never expected that kind of a scene between those two.
It became clear that Silverhand was a ghost, stuck between life and death, looking for absolution, trying to do something right for once. And V could help. So I did. We found Alt Cunningham. We took Rogue on a date. We got Samurai together for one last gig. We tried to track Adam Smasher down. I was putting trust in Johnny, and it was clear that he wasn't really wanting to kill V after all. But he had no choice.
I also met Panam, fell in love, and became a de-facto Aldecaldo. Was never sure about Saul, but Mitch and the others were just salt of the earth man. Great little storyline.
I helped Judy, all the way until she finally left Night City, and was glad of it. I do wish she was romanceable by dudes, but...she was still just too precious, I couldn't turn a blind eye to her problems, or her kindness. Her little story with the underwater town was so moving and unique...I just wanted to give that girl a hug man. What a sweetheart.
Then it all came to a head. V is on his last leg. That fateful scene where you make your big choice. Silverhand pushing me to just take the orange pill and let him do his thing, since he's almost in control anyway. Or I could testify against Yorinobu, and put my trust in Arasaka. OR, I could call on my new family in Panam and the Aldecaldos, but put them at risk.
This entire game I felt like every choice was vital. I felt like one slip up and I could mess up my chances of living, or even worse, do wrong by the people I cared about, just like Jackie. But I stuck to my guns, helped who I could...
Which is why I chose to lean on the Aldecaldos for help. Yes, I was putting them at risk. But even though I was beginning to trust Johnny, this wasn't his fight anymore. Much as Johnny might have a shot, I couldn't just give up now. And I certainly wasn't going to trust anyone at Arasaka.
The raid on Arasaka HQ with the clan was rough. Felt like all my choices had led here, and I worried that CDPR was going to punish me for my past choices, given that Night City takes no prisoners and few get out alive. I also knew that Adam Smasher was bound to appear. And having seen Edgerunners...I knew that wasn't going to be pretty. I saw how Johnny's story ended, for example.
There were rumblings about Saul and Panam still being at odds, and I figured the game was priming me for a betrayal or a horrific upset somehow. But I forged ahead anyway, because I was with my family. I didn't want power. I didn't even want to be a legend. I just wanted to live.
I watched Adam Smasher kill Saul horrifically, heard Panam scream in horror...and I zeroed that MFer. XD
Protip: even on Hard Diff, if you have the right perks and implants, you can be virtually unkillable. Only died once. Not sure if that's impressive, but it felt impressive. XD
My V wasn't sophisticated, but he was tough as nails and determined. I wasn't about to let everyone's sacrifice be in vain. Not Saul's. Not Jackie's. Not Goro's. Not Johnny's.
I informed Smasher of Johnny's resurrection just before blowing his brains out with Johnny's own signature gun. Even though Johnny was subdued by the bluepill, it felt like my last gift to him...even as I was moments from death.
Then the moment of truth...Mikoshi. I asked Panam for parting advice. She said "Just be yourself." Normally I'd roll my eyes at that advice but, something about it felt prophetic.
The final choice. Alt had used Soulkiller on me, in order to save me, but now it seemed I wasn't going to get my happy ending. I could go with her beyond the Blackwall, and finally let Johnny have my body - or I could return, but only have about six months, since the Relic had just caused too much damage.
It wasn't that hard of a choice. Leave everything and everyone I had grown to love behind for some bizarre virtual afterlife? Or let Johnny finally rest, and let V return to the world, Panam and the Aldecaldos? I chose life. As Johnny laid me down in the 'well', gently, he said "Goodbye V." And it felt like two friends parting ways. It felt like he'd made a change, and I helped him get there.
And boy was I rewarded. Even though I didn't have long, I had a chance to start again, and maybe even find another way to live. I had Panam, I had the Caldos, and I could finally leave Night City in the dust. "I have everything I need", V said.
This game absolutely SLAPS with hard choices. Over and over and over, you're reminded about how unfair the world is. But if you keep your head on, and ignore the power plays, stay true to your friends, and don't take no shit - you can get out alive. And not just you. The ones you love can too.
Of course, many of you already know all of this. So why did I bother posting?
All my life I've felt like maybe I've been too nice, or too careful, or too unwilling to take life by the balls. But one thing I've always been good at is helping people in need when I can, and always being available to my friends. But for some reason I always looked down on myself for it. I never felt like I was worth anything. I never felt like I was making a difference in the world. There were so many hard choices, and I felt like I never made the right ones. And that I'd just die one day, and be forgotten. Never having made my mark. Just like so many in Night City...
Some days I'd think "Maybe it'd just be better if I was never born." Because I was such a fuckup. A loser. A nobody.
But the person who helps people, who's there for others even when its inconvenient? That's the kind of person who can make a REAL difference. Fuck money. Fuck politics. Fuck fame. None of its worth a damn if you aren't doing right by others.
And that really came through in the end credits. I'm not ashamed to say I was in tears as all these people from my playthrough reminded me how much I meant to them. How much they cared, and that I mattered. All these people had happy endings because of me. I never let them down, not even when the grim reaper himself was breathing down my neck.
It was like all my IRL friends and family were speaking to me in those moments. And finally, FINALLY, I could see myself as they saw me: a man who cared and was trying to be there for them. A man that made a difference in their lives.
Yeah I didn't save the world, per se. But, really, that's how we save the world for real, lame as it may sound. The sheer contrast between the ending I had earned by just trying to do right by all the people in V's life, and that horrific ending I posted earlier was...stark. If you give up, then everyone suffers, not just you.
This game saw me, and reminded me who I was. It rewarded me for it, and I'll never forget it. For all its flaws, all its quirks and failings, I adored this game and all the effort that went into it. It's clear CDPR were trying to say something with this work of art, and boy was the message received on my end.
I can safely say I'm less likely to despair now because of it. I feel more alive because of it. I feel more prepared for the real world because of it. And I wanted to share my experience, if only to remind one person that:
We can all make a difference. Live for others, not yourself. It pays off. Even if it doesn't seem like it at the time. It's the only legacy worth leaving in this fallen world.

Hi everyone,
I recently failed my RTA driving test - not due to poor driving, but because I didn’t notice that the passenger door was marked as open due to a loose rubber seal hanging halfway. This is part of the dashboard check, but it feels excessively harsh given that my driving was otherwise flawless. Despite this, RTA insists I pay for 4 additional hours of classes just to rebook the test.
I know it is common for RTA to require extra classes if you fail, but this is such a minor oversight, one that clearly doesn't necessitate 4 additional hours of training.
I am willing to pay the fee to retake the exam, but paying for unnecessary classes seems like a waste of both my money and time. Does this policy make sense to anyone? Iwould appreciate hearing if anyone else has faced similar situations and how they managed.
Thanks for your insights!

We have a lot of guys on the roster that carried over from Rivera where it's somewhat unclear if they're actually shitty players or if they just looked like that due to the circumstances they were surrounded by. I was wondering about some of them earlier:
Jamin Davis: We all know he was a reach, and we've been upset since he was drafted because there were better options and Ron Rivera is a moron. He has great physical traits though - he's huge for a LB and very fast/athletic. The question was always whether or not he could get properly coached up and "get it", which we assumed was happening because fucking Ron Rivera and Jack Del Rio were linebackers, and Ron coached one of the best linebackers in recent memory down in Carolina. His first two seasons were rough, but the entire defense was dogshit last season and Jamin looked actually pretty decent in a lot of situations. He was smarter in coverage, smarter in run support, and actually got to showcase his athleticism on a handful of occasions. He's going to be playing next to Luvu who is the opposite of him - a guy without major physical gifts who managed to grind his way to being a good NFL starter with high motor plays and intelligent positioning, and a future hall of famer in Bobby Wagner. We didn't pick up his rookie contract options, and that was intentional to motivate him to show this new staff something. I think that he has a chance to actually be used as a disruptive player and get him into the backfield where he belongs, I think he will have a surprisingly good season this year.
Forbes: He's been sort of talked to death. Does he even have the size necessary to play on the outside at this level? Does he have the skill? Can we un-do whatever the fuck that high school DB coach "taught" him last season and put him into positions where he can succeed, preferably where he can ball hawk and not where he's matched up with a 230 pound physical monster of a WR who kicks his ass all over the field? I'm not so sure on this guy. I don't think there's really a place for him at this level or with what I expect our defensive staff to want to do in the secondary. He's not nearly good enough of a tackler to use him as a FS and let him ball hawk, he's not big enough to play man coverage. If I had to guess, I'd say he's probably going to have a rough year and be a rotational guy, but I'd be ecstatic to be proven wrong about that. Dan Quinn's defenses have always screamed "physical" in the secondary, and this guy is the opposite of that. I don't know if they're expecting to use him as the 2nd CB and put him in those outside situations opposite St-Juste, but I don't really envision that going particularly well if they do. I don't know who you go with if it's obvious in camp that he's not panning out. Sainristil is a tad on the small side to put on an island outside (though I think he'd handle it better than Forbes at least). Maybe they see Michael Davis doing that and will only use Forbes and Sainristil inside? I have no idea.
St-Juste: I think this guy could have a better upswing than anyone else in the secondary because of his size and the way he plays. He's the most physical corner we carried over, and I expect to see him put in a lot of situations close to the LOS in man coverage, which is how a guy like him should be used. I don't know if he can actually lock a #1 WR down consistently, but I think with his traits he has the potential to have a much better season than we've seen out of him in the previous 3.
Quan Martin: I expect him to really take a step at safety. I really liked what I saw out of him, but I also hated the idea of taking a guy who was a very solid college safety and trying to turn him into a CB. I see him as the deep cover safety who roams and supports over the top vs. Chinn who is clearly here to get in the box and hit. I see him in the Kam Chancellor role vs. Chinn's Earl Thomas mostly because he has a good nose for the ball. I think he has a chance to surprise a lot of people.
Jahan Dotson: He's an odd case. His rookie season where he caught 35 passes for 523 yards and 7 TDs was seen as excellent, which it should have been. He really ran crisp routes and looked awesome in space. We all understood that he was doing especially well considering he was catching balls from Carson Wentz and Taylor Heinicke. Then this past season he caught 49 for 518 and 4 TDs and it's seen as a catastrophe outside the fanbase. I think that most of us believe that something weird went on with him and Howell and Bieniemy. His production was pretty much the same, in fact, contrary to popular opinion that Sam Howell didn't look for him, or Bieniemy neglected to design plays for him, in 2022 we threw the ball 531 times, and he was targeted 61 of those times (11.4% of all passing coming his way). In 2023, we threw the ball 601 times, and he was targeted 83 of them (13.8% of all passing). His receptions went up, his yardage and TDs went down. Was this because of poor play design? Did Bieniemy send him on routes that just didn't make a lot of sense for the type of receiver he is? Did he have trouble getting open? When he was open, did Sam Howell hold on to the ball or have a hard time finding him? I can't really say. I want to believe that he's going to progress into an 800-900 yard deep threat and or YAC machine, because he looked like he was going to become that guy after his first two seasons. He could just be a single competent quarterback or OC away from a breakout year, or maybe he's just that 500 yards and 4-6 TD kind of guy and that's all he'll ever be. I really have no idea. My wishful thinking and hope says he's going to break out and Kingsbury will utilize him correctly. There isn't a great analogue to Jahan's situation from his time in Arizona.
That's just the stuff off the top of my head, feel free to add, disagree, or fill in some blanks. I know it's all just pointless speculation, but what else are we here for?

(The typos were bothering me so goddamn much i just needed to fix it even though its so far after i originally posted)
Raindrops begin to tap against the stone brick pavement, greeting Scornajis and the drow with a melancholic atmosphere. The crowds sifting through the streets begin to thin out as the minutes pass.
Scorn looks up at the building before him, easily the highest-class building in this town. A slow trickle of well-dressed individuals filters their way in and out.
This was the place.
The date of Wuhmi's sale was almost a week ago. Scorn's shoulders droop from his lack of hope. Despite rushing across the border here, the creeping feeling that he's too late has already sunk its claws into him.
He's taken out of his thoughts by a snap of the drow's mechanical fingers. "Scorn! C'mon, head in the game. Ready for the plan?"
He takes a deep breath and nods, rolling his shoulders back up into his confident stance as he focuses. "Hmm... there didn't seem to be any other entrances, so I guess the front door is the way to go. Sure your illusions will work?"
A hint of doubt hangs on his voice before the drow reassures him confidently. "It will, it will, and you won't even have to actually dress up in a suit." He lets out a slight chuckle. "Aye, that's good. Never can seem to get any in my size anyway."
The pair stand in an alley, and the drow points at Scorn. A far more glamorous robe than anything he usually wears now decorates his body, slightly shimmering. She does the same to herself, a dress appearing on her form. "Alright, ready, Scorn?" He nods in response, and the duo make their way to the building.
Entering the building, they are greeted by warmth and brightness, the contrast with the dark streets and rain leaving Scorn squinting as his eyes adjust.
It's a massive room with a stage surrounded by seats in the back of it, and several trinkets resting upon pedestals, up for silent auctions as people write down bids for them.
"Welcome sir, my lady, we do hope you find what you're looking for today." Says an employee as they stride past, both of them ignoring him. "Drow, over there, left of the stage." Scorn flicks his eyes to it, discreetly gesturing in its direction.
A man with a gold-encrusted cane is talking to an employee before a door is opened for them, another door immediately after, so the first can be shut behind them, hiding what's inside.
"But how do we get in..." The drow gives Scorn a pat on the back. "I've got it. Just go look around at things, act natural." And with that, she steps into a crowd and dissapears entirely
Tension tugs visibly on Scorn's stance as he is forced to stand idly. His body twitches as rage seeps into his every thought, the occasional flicker of flame rising off his body.
They took his apprentice, changed her entire *species*, and sold her like an animal. He leans slightly forward against a table displaying some objects, the weight of his thoughts pushing him down, before it's relieved by a tap on the back, the drow returning.
"Just hung out invisible near the door, I've got the passcode. Come on." Scorn nods, being led to the door by her. The employee stops the pair, drow clears her throat and "I'd like to buy freedom itself." "How much would you pay?" *The doorman asks.
"Everything."
With that, they allow Scorn and the drow through. The hall leads down a flight of stairs into a far larger auction house... and the things for sale are far worse. Cages decorate the stage, shackled waitresses carefully carrying plates of drinks.
Scorn's eye twitches, forcing himself to remain calm, taking in his surroundings. As he collects his thoughts, a man walks onto the stage and starts the auction, seeming to be the man running the business. "Might have some questions for him later.." Drow remarks.
"Alright, looks like that's it." Drow nods towards a door to the side, the occasional employee stepping through it. "Doesn't seem to be guarded." *He strokes his beard in thought before the drow raises her hand "Alright, I can make us both invisible for a bit, hopefully we'll be able to find the records before it ends. Ready?"
The pair slip invisibly inside. Doors lining the walls as they search through the hallway. Peeking in each door, one of which being a large tunnel they assume is for smuggling, yet most of it is storage rooms. a great deal of the storage being people held in cages.
Scorn is stopped from action by a hand on his shoulder, looking back at the drow as she shakes her head "^{We can make a plan to bust them out after, and besides Scorn.. you're not bulletproof. Maybe get the council in on it, just focus on finding Wuhmi for now.}" He solemnly nods, looking forward to coming back here and causing a scene.
They hug the walls as a few guards pass them by without a clue of their presence. They wait for them to leave out of earshot, before entering the last door, clearly being an office of some sort.
Paintings and lavish furnishings fill the room, the desk alone likely costing more than Scorn has ever carried. Without wasting a second, they begin their search, flipping through papers, and searching through drawers
"Ahah! Bills of sale once again!" Scorn proudly proclaims, flipping through them, his expression slowly sinking "this can't be right.. there's got to be more..." A frustrated sigh slips out from the wizard. All the sales are coded, disguised as normal objects.
"Painting by ___ 1 platinum, leviathan leather purse 370 gold, great wyrm egg 10 platinum sold to estate of Dupree.." Scorn places his face in his hands, briefly processing before standing up. "lets see if our auctioneer would be so kind as to just tell us."
Scorn and the drow stand in the group of buyers, staring at the stage, trying to think of an opening.. till one is presented. The auctioneer bringing on his next good. "Alright folks we've got a REAL treat on our hands here, a Girallon!"
He pulls a tarp off a tall cage after its wheeled up to him, the metal shaking as the beast inside roars. A large, 4 armed ape grabbing at the metal bars, its body wounded and thin, clearly having been kept weak for safety. The auctioneer rambles on about the beast, and starts the bidding.
Scorn's eyes widen slightly as an idea crosses his mind. "Drow, I need you to turn invisible, and grab the auctioneer, I'm gonna cause a distraction."
She quickly nods, slinking off and turning invisible, climbing up the wall with her enchanted armor, hanging off the ceiling right above the auctioneer, while Scorn gets closer to the stage.
Scornajis points forward, concentrating deeply as he points at the lock, an invisible stream of incredibly cold air coming forth from his finger tip, freezing the lock from a distance.. till it snaps.
"2 platinum! Do i hear 3? 3 plati...num.." The auctioneer looks to the side at the beast he was selling as the Girallon grabs the door to its cage, and pushes it open, the lock clattering to the floor as the beast steps out, the room falling silent.
"..g-..GUARDS!" The auctioneer yells before he gets promptly backhanded by the ape, sending him flying across the stage. The girallon roars, leaping forth into the crowd and throwing around the buyers like toys.
In the midst of the chaos, drow drops from the ceiling. Silently landing next to the wounded auctioneer, lifting him up as he vanishes in her illusion.
Scorn smiles at the scene, quite proud of the outcome of his plan, before holding open the door to the hallway, silent footsteps passing him as the drow walks through, followed shortly by Scorn himself. They take the previously identified smuggling route, the long tunnel empty of noise besides Scorn's heavy footsteps.
it takes several minutes until they find the exit, after which they're greeted by cloudy skies and rolling hills as they exit the tunnel. Scorn takes a deep breathe allowing fresh air to fill his lungs.
He looks to the side at the drow, the unconscious auctioneer hanging from her grasp. He pulls his shrunken scrying orb from his robe, enlarging it and contacting Lex.
*Scorn and the drow take a seat in a nearby grove of trees, and collectively let out a sigh.
"..im going to have to teach Wuhmi to fight better."

I try to leave this part of my trauma out whenever I’m explaining it to irls because it’s heavy and I’ve also been gaslighted so I’m not even sure if I’m able to talk about it.
When my mom found out I had sex, she hit and beat me. She then forced me to the ground and forced my pants off, even though I kept yelling stop and tried to pull them up. She tried to open my legs and kept punching me in my lower stiomach once she realized i wouldn’t budge.
“Like that? Do you like this?”
She then threw me out of the house (literally) with my pants off and closed the door. She then made me stand pantless in the living room for like 20 min maybe?? Idk but it was definitely a while.
I wish I had just started running when she threw me out of the house. I told my ex this and he just ignored it I guess because it was a lot to handle.

Just curious thought, Whoever invented this "Ladies First" concept when you are out and opening door or letting have thier way 1st was definitely not a gentle man. He was just trying to let ladies way in front so that he can checkout from behind.