Sorry but I can’t find an AMA for electric vehicle subreddits. So, I am going to ask here.
I get it. Their technology is real good. And their products will be sold at an uncompetitive pricing here in the US. China’s electric cars will essentially demolish our companies starting 2025.
But instead of a straight trade tariff barrier, why don’t we just force them to partner up with our domestic companies (49%China-51%domestic) and manufacture some part of their vehicles here? We can have such policies at least until we have learned all their technological knowledge (just like what they did with our auto makers). Also, the domestic partners will jack up the prices from $10,000 to a more competitive pricing.

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For retail investors (often referred to as "apes" in the context of meme stock trading) to successfully win in a scenario like FFIE, they would need to employ a coordinated and strategic approach. Here’s a detailed plan:

Steps for Retail Investors to Win:

1. Coordinated Buying and Holding (HODL):
   
   • Collective Action: Retail investors need to buy and hold FFIE shares collectively. The more shares they hold, the fewer shares are available for short sellers to buy back, increasing the pressure on shorts oai_citation:1,Is The New Meme Stock Rally Led By GME, AMC A Repeat Of 2021? Vanda Research Says No: 'Chances We Reach That Stage Are Low' - GameStop (NYSE:GME) - Benzinga oai_citation:2,Renaissance acquired GameStop and AMC shares ahead of meme stock rally - Hedgeweek.
   • Avoid Panic Selling: Retail investors should resist the urge to sell when the price starts to rise. Holding onto their shares strengthens the squeeze by limiting the supply of shares on the market oai_citation:3,Key Points About Regulation SHO.
2. Options Strategy:
   
   • Buy Call Options: Purchasing call options can force market makers to buy the underlying shares to hedge their positions, driving the stock price up further. This strategy was successfully used during the GameStop short squeeze oai_citation:4,Is The New Meme Stock Rally Led By GME, AMC A Repeat Of 2021? Vanda Research Says No: 'Chances We Reach That Stage Are Low' - GameStop (NYSE:GME) - Benzinga.
   • Exercise Call Options: If the options are in the money (the stock price is above the strike price), exercising these options requires the purchase of the underlying stock, further driving up demand.
3. Spread the Word:
   
   • Social Media and Forums: Utilize platforms like Reddit, Twitter, and Discord to coordinate efforts, share strategies, and keep morale high. Communication is key to maintaining collective action oai_citation:5,Renaissance acquired GameStop and AMC shares ahead of meme stock rally - Hedgeweek.
   • Information Campaigns: Educate other retail investors about the importance of holding and the potential impact of a short squeeze to gain more participants in the movement.
4. Monitoring and Adapting:
   
   • Track Short Interest: Regularly monitor short interest and other key metrics to understand the extent of the short squeeze and the remaining potential for upward movement.
   • Adapt Strategies: Be ready to adapt strategies based on market conditions, such as shifting focus to buying shares if the options market becomes less favorable.
5. Regulatory Awareness:
   
   • Understand SEC Rules: Be aware of regulations like SEC Rule 201, which can impact short selling when a stock’s price drops significantly oai_citation:6,Press Release: SEC Approves Short Selling Restrictions; 2010-26; Feb. 24, 2010.
   • Watch for Trading Halts: Be prepared for potential trading halts or restrictions imposed by brokerages, as seen during the GameStop rally. Having accounts with multiple brokers can help mitigate the impact of such restrictions.

Potential Peak and Risks

• Peak Potential: Based on historical short squeezes, a conservative estimate for FFIE's potential peak could be a 500% increase, while more aggressive scenarios could see the stock rise by 2,000% or more, depending on the intensity of the squeeze and retail participation oai_citation:7, Why Is Faraday Future (FFIE) Stock Up 380% Today? InvestorPlace oai_citation:8,Renaissance acquired GameStop and AMC shares ahead of meme stock rally - Hedgeweek.
• Risks: High volatility and potential regulatory actions are significant risks. Retail investors need to be prepared for rapid price swings and potential losses if the squeeze unwinds suddenly.

Conclusion

Retail investors can win by maintaining a united front, using strategic buying and holding tactics, and leveraging options to increase buying pressure. Effective communication and adaptability are crucial to navigating the complexities of a short squeeze scenario. By staying informed and coordinated, retail investors can maximize their chances of success while being mindful of the inherent risks involved.

We're happy to announce that eight of the authors who contributed to the new Pathfinder Rulebook Howl of the Wild will hold a group Q&A right here on the book's release date, Wednesday May 22nd, from 3pm to 11pm ET / 12noon to 8pm PT (Paizo Time)! Not all of the authors will be available at all times; this 8-hour window will let each author come and go as their schedule requires.
Right now, this thread is already open for you to post your questions: Just leave your questions in the comments on this post, and the authors will begin posting answers on Wednesday at noon PT! But before you "Ask Them Anything", please remember that independently contracted authors are not Paizo employees or Pathfinder design team members. They cannot give errata or designer rulings and cannot speak for Paizo or the Pathfinder developers. Please feel free to ask for tips and general questions about their experiences as writers in the games industry, but try to avoid asking about things they cannot divulge information on, like unreleased projects.
The contributing authors who are participating in this AMA include:
u/MrGWillickers - Brite (he/they) I wrote “Supply Runs: On the Importance of Proper Gear,” the Adventuring Gear section and the Marp. I’m a semi-regular ttrpg freelancer and full time prop maker.
u/comatthew6 - Matthew (he/him) I wrote the Apothecary Bee, Hardhead Mole, and Beastmaster expansion. I write homebrew PF2E content as a co-owner of Eldritch Osiris Games.
u/kitsunewarlock - Dustin (he/him) I wrote the swarmkeeper, and some spells. I am a Starfinder developer.
u/limepunch - Kai (he/they) I wrote Dr. Gulnara Pom, animal companions, and some beast arms and armaments. This is my first time doing freelance writing!
u/DavicTheGrey - Dave (he/they) I wrote the minotaur ancestry, clawdancer and winged warrior archetypes, spells like Albatross Curse and Sacred Beasts, and the Bestiary entry on hydras.
u/TheOneWhoWroteSurki - Steven (he/they) I wrote the surki ancestry, as well as some of the beast items (cauthooj bagpipes), and the Bestiary section on tardigrades.
u/plaguecontrol - Andrew (he/him) I’m Digital Products Lead at Paizo and I wrote the werecreature archetype, the Ethereal Wildlife and dinosaur Bestiary sections, and a bunch of the alchemical items!
u/virsamajor - Simone (she/they) I wrote three of Baranthet’s chapters as well as the new witch patrons! I’m also one of the edit leads for the book.

Choosing the right website to promote AI tools depends on your specific goals, target audience, and the nature of your AI products or services. Here are some considerations and steps to help you make an informed decision.
To cut down on that time, AI tool directories were created. Serving a vast user base of internet users, these directories offer everything from newsletters to enormous collections of all kinds of AI tools. We've listed some of the top AI tool directories we could locate for you in this article.

How to Promote AI Tools in 2024

Understand Your Target Audience

Identify the key demographic and user base for your AI tools. Consider factors such as industry, job roles, and geographic location. This understanding will guide you to platforms where your target audience is most active.

Research Industry-specific Platforms

Explore industry-specific websites or platforms that cater to your target audience. For example, if your AI tool is designed for healthcare, you might consider platforms that focus on health tech or medical innovation.

Evaluate General Tech Platforms

Look into general technology and AI-related platforms where developers, businesses, and enthusiasts gather. Websites like GitHub, Stack Overflow, and AI-related forums can be good places to share and promote your AI tools.

Consider Social Media Platforms

Utilize social media channels to promote your AI tools. Platforms like Twitter, LinkedIn, and Reddit have active communities interested in AI and technology. Engage in conversations, share updates, and participate in relevant groups.

Review AI-specific Directories and Hubs

Explore directories and hubs specifically dedicated to AI tools and technologies. Platforms like TensorFlow Hub, Hugging Face, or PyPI (Python Package Index) can be effective for showcasing and promoting your AI projects.

Collaborate with Influencers and Bloggers

Identify influencers, bloggers, and thought leaders in the AI space. Collaborating with them to review or endorse your AI tools can significantly increase visibility and credibility.

Participate in Conferences and Events

Consider participating in AI conferences, webinars, and industry events. These platforms provide opportunities to showcase your tools to a targeted audience and connect with potential users.

Optimize for Search Engines

Ensure that your website is optimized for search engines (SEO). This will help your AI tools rank higher in search results, making it easier for users to discover them.

Top 10 AI Tool Directories

1. Toolio.ai

Toolio.ai is a standout choice among AI tool directories, experiencing phenomenal growth of 3,411% in unique user visits over the past 90 days. With its well-curated collection of AI tools arranged into several categories, it offers a seamless browsing experience. The platform is designed to save users time by allowing them to quickly find the AI tools they need. Toolio.ai's homepage features the most browsed categories, and users can search for the ideal AI tool in seconds. To celebrate its rapid growth, Toolio.ai offers a special promotion where users can list their tools for just $1, making it an attractive option for developers and companies looking to gain exposure. This directory covers a wide range of AI tools to meet diverse needs.

2. Famous AI Tools

Famous AI Tools is a comprehensive directory featuring a well-organized collection of AI tools across various categories. Its homepage highlights the most popular categories, making it easy for users to find tools quickly. Famous AI Tools allows you to browse tools efficiently, saving time and effort.

3. Make An App Like

Make An App Like offers more than just a list of tools. It provides weekly newsletters and an extensive library of AI tools that are properly organized. This directory helps users stay updated with AI advancements and newly released tools.
Target Audience: Tech enthusiasts, developers, entrepreneurs Strengths: Comprehensive database, advanced search filters, user reviews, curated lists Unique Features: AIs for specific tasks (e.g., coding, writing), "Ask the AI Expert" forum, news and events section

4. Favird

Favird stands out with its unparalleled browsing features. It includes additional subcategories for more precise searches, significantly shortening the time needed to find the ideal AI solution.
Strengths: Intuitive interface, personalized recommendations, tool comparisons, free trials and discounts Unique Features: "Matchmaker" tool to find tools based on needs, AI-powered content creation tools, live chat support

5. Aixploria

Aixploria is an AI platform promoting community involvement. It features a form-based area where users can submit their AI research discoveries, benefiting the community by sharing valuable information and keeping the list of AI tools current.
Target Audience: AI beginners, curious minds Strengths: Beginner-friendly explanations, diverse tool categories, blog articles, and tutorials Unique Features: "AI Glossary" for demystifying jargon, "AI Use Cases" section with real-world examples, community forum for discussions

6. TopTools AI

TopTools AI is renowned for featuring the most widely used AI tools globally. The directory includes tools for writing, picture generation, coding, and more, making it a top choice for AI tool discovery.
Strengths: Focus on data-driven tools, advanced analytics features, detailed tool reports Unique Features: API integration for developers, "AI Trends" section with market insights, curated "Best of" lists for specific needs

7. Product Hunt AI

Product Hunt AI is ideal for discovering the latest and most innovative AI tools. It features community voting and feedback systems, curated collections by experts, and showcases AI-powered projects.
Target Audience: Early adopters, trendsetters, tech enthusiasts Strengths: Discover the latest AI tools, community voting and feedback, curated collections by experts Unique Features: "Makers" section to showcase AI-powered projects, "Ask Me Anything" sessions with tool creators, "Product Hunt AI Awards" for top tools

8. Synthesia AI Tool Library

Synthesia is focused on enabling anyone to produce video content without traditional equipment. The platform aims to transform content creation and unleash human creativity through AI.
Target Audience: Creative professionals, marketers, content creators Strengths: Focus on creative AI tools, curated "AI Art" and "AI Music" sections, in-depth tool reviews and tutorials

9. AI Parabellum

AI Parabellum offers a well-curated collection of AI tools arranged into several categories, providing a seamless browsing experience. It features the most popular categories and allows users to search for the ideal AI tool quickly.
Unique Features: "AI Challenges" for testing and learning AI skills, "AI Community" for developers to collaborate, "AI News" section for industry updates

10. Futurepedia

Futurepedia claims to have a library of over 1500 AI tools for various uses, each carefully categorized for easy navigation. This extensive collection makes it a top choice for AI tool discovery.

11. AI & ML Subreddit

The artificial subreddit is an ideal resource for AI enthusiasts. With over 500,000 members, it covers chatbots, AI generators, daily headlines, and industry developments. Users can share their work and seek assistance from the community.
Target Audience: Everyone! Strengths: Diverse user base, lively discussions and debates, up-to-date information on the latest AI developments Unique Features: "AMA" sessions with AI experts, curated lists and resources, "Career Advice" section for AI professionals

Use Case of AI Tools

Provide Comprehensive Documentation

When promoting on platforms like GitHub or other developer communities, provide comprehensive documentation for your AI tools. Clear and well-organized documentation enhances the user experience and encourages adoption.

Utilize Paid Advertising

Consider using paid advertising on platforms like Google Ads or social media to reach a broader audience. Target your ads based on relevant keywords and demographics.

Conclusion

AI tools have a wide range of applications across various industries, leveraging machine learning algorithms, data analytics, and computational power to perform tasks that traditionally required human intelligence. These tools can automate repetitive tasks, analyze large datasets, and perform natural language processing, among other functions.
By using AI tool directories like Toolio.ai and others mentioned, you can find the perfect tools to enhance your projects and productivity. Visit these directories today and explore the wealth of AI tools available to meet your needs.

This week’s vintage batch features black hard rubber pens from three of the Big Four American Makers of the 1910s-20s. Nibs range from Flex to Wet Noodle. As always, all are fully restored and ready to write.
 
ALBUM & TIMESTAMP
 
Pastable link: https://imgur.com/a/R5fpCKe
 
Condition (n.b.): All pens listed below have been disassembled, cleaned and restored with new sacs installed in the last couple weeks. Each of these pens is guaranteed to fill and write as designed without leaks or other problems. Nibs have been adjusted when necessary to ensure that all lay down a smooth and consistent line.
THESE PENS HAVE NO CRACKS, CHIPS, PERSONALIZATIONS, LOOSE OR MISSING PARTS, BENT NIBS, MISALIGNED TINES, BROKEN/WORN OFF TIPPING, OR THREADING ISSUES.
 
Line Widths and Writing Samples: To provide buyers with as much information as possible, I have started to adopt the following line width standards: XXF (.1-.2mm); XF (approx .3mm); F (approx .4mm); M (approx .6mm); B (approx .8mm). Nib flexibility is determined by variation (max line width under pressure) and softness (amount of pressure). Flexibility designations based on variation generally run as follows for an XF/F nib: Semi-Flex (approx. 1mm); Flex (1.2-1.9mm); Superflex (>2mm). All line width measurements are taken with a digital caliper but should be considered approximations providing a general guide. Width may vary slightly depending on type of ink and paper used as well as amount of pressure applied. All writing samples are on Rhodia dot paper using Waterman Serenity Blue.
 
 
1. 1920s Waterman 92 1/2 (BCHR, GPT, lever filler, 14k XF Flex nib). This slender (1/2-sized) model is longer than a ring top but slightly shorter than a 52, measuring 4 3/4” capped and 6” posted. Not to be confused with the later, celluloid 92, this 92 1/2 is made of black chased hard rubber with gold-plated trim. It’s the first I’ve ever encountered. Cap came clipless from the factory (no holes drilled for a clip), but has been outfitted with a gold-plated accommodation clip. Based on its absence from US catalogues, I believe this model was made strictly for foreign export. The barrel has a Canadian imprint while the nib reads “Ideal / England,” it being a common practice for Waterman’s Canadian pens to be finished in England. That 14k nib is a Flexible writer (note change from writing sample after taking measurement. It lays down a smooth and consistent XF line that widens to a 3B+ (approx 1.8mm) under moderate pressure (see WRITING SAMPLE). Thin hairlines and reliable flow over its full range of flex make it a great choice for shaded writing. Condition: fine [C]. This pen has no functional flaws but does show some use. Hard rubber is an even dark chocolate color – still much darker than the brown these can turn. Chasing is significantly yet evenly weakened across the cap and barrel. Hard rubber surface is smooth with no deep scratches or other notable blemishes. Gold-plating on the lever has a sliver of brassing in the center and parts of the clip look tarnished, though I’m not sure this amounts to full-fledged brassing. Manufacturer imprint on barrel and number stamp on barrel end are weakened but fully legible. An affordable user and a lovely writer for those wondering at what all the fuss is about early Watermans. Price: $150 SOLD
 
2. 1910s Waterman 12 Eyedropper (BCHR, German Silver clip, eyedropper filler, 14k F Superflex nib). This full-sized model measures 5 1/8” capped. This slip-cap eyedropper is made of black chased hard rubber with a rivet clip marked “German Silver” – less common than the standard nickel clips. This pen is an eyedropper. The section unscrews for the barrel to filled using an eyedroppepipette – holds far more ink than a lever filler of the same size. My usual caveats about early eyedroppers apply here. If carried, it is not uncommon to find a little ink on the nib or in the cap. Super-Flexible 14k Ideal NY #2 nib lays down a smooth and consistent F line that widens to a 4B+ (approx 2.5mm) under light pressure (see WRITING SAMPLE). Easy variation and reliably wet flow over its full range of flex make it a great choice for calligraphic writing styles such as Copperplate and Spencerian. Condition: excellent- [B-]. Hard rubber of the cap is dark black with virtually no fading but center of barrel shows fading to dark chocolate under certain lights. Chasing on cap is sharp and deep but barrel chasing is very light and only visible when the light strikes it. German Silver clip is pristine with no brassing or other notable wear. Hard rubber surface is smooth with no deep scratches or other notable blemishes. Manufacturer imprint on barrel is weak but mostly legible while number stamp on barrel-end is all but worn away. Price: $190 SOLD
 
3. c.1918 Waterman 52 (BCHR, NPT w/ Sterling Silver clip, lever filler, 14k XXF Needlepoint Superflex nib). This full-sized model measures 5 5/16” capped. A nice example of Waterman’s celebrated workhorse made of black chased hard rubber with a sterling silver Ideal accommodation clip with “Waterman’s / Made in France” stamped on one side and a hallmark that reads “GP” on the other side (DETAIL PHOTO). This pen came clipless from the factory (no holes drilled for a rivet clip). Super-Flexible 14k Ideal NY #2 nib has a needlepoint width and superb snap-back that gives it a surgically precise feel when writing. It lays down a smooth and consistent XXF line that widens to a 4B+ (approx 2.2mm) under light pressure (see WRITING SAMPLE). Insanely responsive snap-back, needlepoint hairlines, and reliable flow over its full range of flex make it another excellent choice for calligraphic writing styles such as Copperplate and Spencerian. Condition: excellent [B]. Hard rubber retains its dark black color with virtually no fading. Chasing is weakened a bit yet readily visible over the cap and barrel. Hard rubber surface is smooth with no deep scratches or other notable blemishes. Manufacturer imprint on barrel is quite weak and only partly legible while number stamp on barrel-end is deep and fully legible. Price: $260 SOLD
 
4. c.1918 Waterman 52 in Box (BCHR, NPT, lever filler, 14k M/B Superflex Factory Stub nib). This full-sized model measures 5 5/16” capped. This pen comes in its original factory box with 5-page pamphlet including care and filling instructions as well as other offerings from Waterman (BOX PHOTO). It’s a clean 52 made of black chased hard rubber with nickel-plated trim including earlier, wide rivet clip. 14k Ideal #2 nib is a Super-Flexible Factory Stub that manages to deliver sharp unflexed variation without compromising smoothness. Under normal pressure it lays down a smooth and consistent M/B line (approx .7mm) on the down-strokes and XF line on the cross-strokes. And the line widens to a 4B+ (approx 2.0mm) under light pressure (see WRITING SAMPLE – note change in flex grade after measuring). A versatile nib whose responsive snap-back, easy variation, and reliable flow over its full range of flex make it well suited to shaded notes under normal pressure and calligraphic writing styles under flex, the Stub grind keeping one’s letterforms neat and straight. Condition: excellent+ [B+]. This pen and the one below came from an estate of someone who seems to have purchased these pens, wrote with them a few times, then stowed them away in their boxes. This one is definitely collector-grade, having seen very little use. Hard rubber retains its dark black color with no discernible fading. Chasing is evenly sharp and crisp. Hard rubber surface is smooth with no deep scratches or other notable blemishes. Manufacturer imprint on barrel and number stamp on barrel-end are deep and fully legible. Box is in sound condition with no torn ends but original owner managed somehow to burn a couple small holes in the paperwork. A boxed 52 with an uncommon nib in uncommonly clean condition. Price: $310 SOLD
 
5. c.1918 Waterman 55 in Box (BCHR, NPT, lever filler, 14k XF Flex/Superflex nib). This oversized model has a thick girth and measures 5 1/2” capped. This pen comes in its original factory box with 5-page pamphlet including care and filling instructions as well as other offerings from Waterman (BOX PHOTO). This pen is made of black chased hard rubber with nickel-plated trim including earlier, wide rivet clip. Commensurably oversized Ideal NY #5 nib yields Super-Flexible variation with Flexible softness. It lays down a smooth and consistent XF line that widens to a 4B+ (approx 2.1mm) under moderate pressure (see WRITING SAMPLE – note change in flex grade after measuring). Condition: excellent+/near mint [B+]. This pen came from the same estate as the 52 above and also resembles an artifact of a time capsule. Hard rubber retains its factory black color with no discernible fading. Chasing is factory sharp and crisp. Hard rubber surface is smooth with no deep scratches or other notable blemishes. Manufacturer imprint on barrel and number stamp on barrel-end are deep and fully legible. Box is in sound condition with no torn ends but original owner managed somehow to burn some small holes in the paperwork for this one as well. These big fellas are getting tougher to find, especially in this condition. Price: $440 SOLD
 
6. c.1921 Wahl Pen 72 (BCHR, NPT, lever filler, 14k XXF Superflex nib). This standard sized model measures 5 3/16” capped. Having purchased the assets of the Boston Fountain Pen Company, Wahl began manufacturing fountain pens in 1917. Wahl’s first pens were essentially rebranded Bostons and Tempoints (a NY company they acquired in 1918). The first full-fledged Wahls, dubbed simply “The Wahl Pen,” rolled off out of the factory in 1921. This 72 one of those pens. Its’s made of black chased hard rubber complemented by nickel-plated trim including Wahl’s patented roller-clip. The Wahl Pen is chiefly distinguished from earlier designs by its patented Wahl lever with apexed center. Super-Flexible 14k Wahl Pen #2 nib is a lovely writer. It lays down a smooth and consistent XF line that widens to a 4B+ (approx 2.4mm) under light pressure (see WRITING SAMPLE). Needlepoint hairlines, superbly responsive snap-back, and reliable flow over its full range of flex make it another great choice for calligraphic writing styles. Condition: excellent [B+]. Hard rubber retains its factory black color with virtually no fading/oxidation. Chasing is factory deep and crisp with no discernible wear. Surface is smooth and lustrous with no deep scratches or other notable blemishes. Nickel-plated trim is exceptionally clean with no brassing or other noteworthy blemishes apart from light scratching to the clip. Manufacturer imprint on barrel and number stamp on barrel-end are deep and fully legible. Price: $280 $260
 
7. 1910s Parker Lucky Curve 20 (smooth BHR, eyedropper filler, 14k XF/F Superflex/Wet Noodle nib). This full-sized model measures 5 5/16” capped. Parker collectors know all too well how much harder it is to find early Parker eyedroppers compared to say, Waterman 12s. This simple, utilitarian Lucky Curve eyedropper from the early teens is made of smooth, black hard rubber. Slip cap came clipless from the factory (no holes drilled for a clip). Long Lucky Curve feed is intact. This pen is an eyedropper. The section unscrews for the barrel to filled using an eyedroppepipette – holds far more ink than a lever filler of the same size. My usual caveats about early eyedroppers apply here. If carried, it is not uncommon to find a little ink on the nib or in the cap. Early 14k Lucky Curve #2 nib with teardrop breather hole yields Super-Flexible variation with softness and flow verging on that of a Wet Noodle (comparable to a soft dip pen nib). It lays down a smooth and consistent XF/F line that widens to a 4B+ (approx 2.4mm) under very light pressure (see WRITING SAMPLE). Thin hairlines with a light hand, strong snap-back, and reliable flow over its full range of flex make it another great choice for calligraphic writing styles such as Copperplate and Spencerian. Condition: excellent [B]. Black hard rubber retains its factory black color apart from minor fading to a deep, dark brown on the barrel visible under certain lights. Surface is smooth and lustrous with no deep scratches or other notable blemishes aside from a group of short scratches to the left of the imprint (see imprints photo). Nib shows a small scuff here and there and a scratch on one tine that has no effect on durability or performance. Manufacturer imprint on barrel and number stamp on barrel-end are deep and fully legible. A lovely writer and the first example of one of these I’ve ever offered. Price: $270 SOLD
 
8. c.1915 Parker 16 Overlay (gold-filled over BHR, button filler, 14k XF Wet Noodle nib). Measures 4 5/8" capped and 6” posted. While Waterman overlays of this period aren't particularly common, they're far more numerous than their Parker counterparts today. Parker overlays like this one were commissioned to the George W. Heath company in New York, who is credited for some of the finer overlays on early Watermans and Conklins as well. The gold-filled filigree over this black hard rubber ringtop features an exquisitely hand-engraved Art Nouveau pattern as well as an indicia on the barrel for engraving. The pattern is the earlier, more intricate design that's more sought after than the simpler Art Deco pattern of the later 1910s-20s. Barrel overlay is stamped "Parker Fountain Pen" along with patent dates from 1891 and 1905. Pen has an Xmas tree, Lucky Curve feed and knurled blindcap unscrews to reveal brass button for filling. To fill, one simply unscrews the blind cap, submerses the nib, and depresses the brass button once. The fine workmanship of this pen is complemented by an early 14k Lucky Curve #3 nib, a scarce “Lazy S” variant with long tines. The nib is a Wet Noodle with softness, variation, and flow comparable to that of a dip pen nib. It lays down a smooth and consistent XF line that widens to a 4B+ (approx 2.5mm) under minimal pressure (see WRITING SAMPLE). Another nib with astonishingly responsive snap-back giving it a precision feel and you maximum control over the line. Together with its thin hairlines and reliable flow over its full range of flex, this makes for an ideal choice for calligraphic writing styles. Condition: excellent+ [B+]. Overlay shows no brassing, dents, or other notable flaws aside from some pin-sized dings confined to the knurled portion around the top of the cap. Hard rubber retains its dark black color with scarcely any fading. Knurling of blind cap isn’t quite as sharp as it once was and number stamp on barrel-end is faint but legible under bright light. Manufacturer imprint on barrel is deep and fully legible. Price: $380 SOLD
 
 
 
Shipping: Pens purchased on the weekend are mailed on Tuesday. Otherwise they are mailed within 2 business days of payment. All pens that do not come with their original boxes are packaged in PVC or thick plastic tubes to protect them in transit. To CONUS locations the following shipping options are available:

• USPS First-Class with tracking for $5 Due to the delivery delays that continue under postmaster general DeJoy, I strongly recommend that the Priority shipping option be chosen. All packages will include full insurance (covered by me). Rest assured that a full refund is guaranteed (issued through Paypal) in the event of a lost parcel and you will not have to wait until I receive a reimbursement from the USPS.
  
• USPS Priority with tracking for $9
  

International Customers: Please contact me for shipping quote if located abroad (delivery confirmation required). (Note: due to the issues stated above, my international shipping options are currently limited. PM for more info). Please do not ask me to commit mail fraud by altering the declared value of a pen for customs. Not only am I registered as a business but shipping insurance is based on declared value.
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Ordering: Pens are placed on hold for the first person to reply to the thread and PM me with firm request to purchase (no chat DMs please). A request with the words “I'd like to purchase [pen number]” would be best to avoid confusion), to which I’ll reply with payment details. Please note that a message inquiring into a price discount does not suffice to place a pen on hold. If I haven't received Paypal payment within 24 hrs after a hold is placed, then pen(s) may become available to the next person.
Payment, & Guarantee: Payment by Paypal only. All pens are guaranteed to be in the condition in which I've described them. If I've missed something objectionable or the filling mechanism is not fully functional, the buyer may contact me up to 7 days after receiving the pen for a full refund (issued once I receive the pen back in the same condition as sold). Buyer must ship the return no later than 2 weeks after it was delivered to receive a refund. I've sold pens online for over a decade. Please check my past listings here as well as on the classifieds and historical sales forums on FPN (username: Estragon) and FPGeeks (popcod) for some of my previous offerings.
 
 
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• Vintage Montegrappa Extra Edacoto
  
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• Conklin Enduras, Nozac
  

National University of Singapore Architecture 2024 AMA Thread
Heya! Welcome to NUS Architecture AMA thread, we are students from the Department of Architecture hosting an Ask-Me-Anything session in hopes of sharing what life is like at NUS DOA! Whoever you are, whether a prospective student, Freshman, Final year student, Exchange Student or just curious, pop your questions down below!
Academic Programme
NUS Architecture is offered within the College of Design and Engineering, BA Arch core modules curriculum comprises 5 main pillars.
*For more information, refer to BA Arch & MArch Programme Handbook AY2023-24
* *For more information, refer to https://cde.nus.edu.sg/arch/programmes/master-of-architecture/
Facilities
Ever wondered, "How do I print my boards?", "Where can I snag the best deals on materials?", or "How do I access school facilities and use the machinery?" 🤔 Well, you're in luck because we've got 41 new machines this year! The details of which are right here for you to dive into:

• Zund Digital Cutter (x1) Form 3L SLA Printer (x6) Adventure 4 FDM 3D Printer (x20) Bigrep Studio, FFF 3D Printer (x1) Markforged Mark Two, Carbon Fiber 3D Printer (x1) Versatil 2500 CNC Milling (x1) Epilog Laser Engraver (x10) CNC Foam Cutter (x1) Spray Painting Booth (Lvl 2 & 3) Material Library [New!]
• Online User Manuals

How do I access the school facilities? DOWNLOAD nVPN to access Fabrication Lab Booking.
Nearest printing services: SDE 3 Level 2 - Just beside our studio!
[For Exchange Students / Freshmen] Don’t forget to sign up for a Fabrication Lab Training session with the Senior Lab Officer, Mr. Muji ([akimbh@nus.edu.sg](mailto:akimbh@nus.edu.sg)) before operating on the machines.
Student Life @ NUS Aki
You must be asking, do Architecture students have a life, much less student life? We do in fact have a life, and it’s here - Build lifelong friendships with us! 🌟Join us in celebrating entrepreneurship and student-led initiatives! Get ready for exciting events like our fresh orientation camp, where you can meet new friends and dive into unforgettable experiences. 🚀

• The Architecture Society One-stop Resource Channels and Updates
• NUS Makers Market Live your entrepreneurial life and set up a store at Utown!
• CDE Rag & Flag
• AkiVAL Join our Annual Architecture Exhibition as an entrepreneur u/SDE3
• AkiLA Architecture & Landscape Architecture Freshman Orientation Programme
• NUS CDE Club

Student Support
Are you new to NUS DOA and unsure where to begin? No need to worry—we're here to help! 🌟 Below, we'll provide guidance on course registration, joining Telegram chatrooms to connect with peers, reaching out to seniors and alumni for advice, and accessing mental health services if needed. Check it out! 📚

• What is CourseReg (Mod Reg)?
  • An exercise that occurs before the start of each semester where students can bid on their modules and tutorials.
  • A process over a Schedule/Timeline that consists of 4 key COURSE SELECTION Rounds (Rd 0, Rd 1, Rd 2, Rd 3) and 2 key TUTORIAL SELECTION Rounds (Rd 1. Rd 2). Appeal and Swap requests are also available.
  • Edurec is the website which student access to do their Official Course Registration Exercise [Academics>Select Modules]
  • NUSMod is another website which students access to research on available modules and plan their time table.
  • Upon admission acceptance, more information will be sent via your school email
• Telegram Chats to Join!
  • Student life :
    • u/Teletas Latest Update and Information on student-life events!
    • u/akilafop Master Freshmen Orientation Group Channel
    • u/siayalgroup Young Architects League
• Counselling Services
  • Career CFG Extremely passionate career guidance counsellors!
  • University Counselling Services u/UHC
  • 24hrs Chicken Therapist at Technoedge, 24hr Bell Curve God Shrine
• Student Enterprises; Offering 3DPrinting Services and Selling Materials at affordable prices always! #bystudentsforstudents
  • u/AkiOneStop, u/Archihighballers, u/Morningwood Materials
  • u/creo.works , u/Eltelierworks 3D Printing

Beyond NUS Architecture
Entering the architecture industry requires a realistic understanding of its realities. While the field is undeniably beautiful and creative, it's essential to recognize its challenges. The truth is, the industry is continuously adjusting to our changing lifestyles and needs, influenced by factors beyond our control. Yet, there's immense satisfaction in navigating these complexities and finding a balanced path that aligns personal interests with industry demands. Career Prospect *Emerging Trends and Prospects (AI, AR, BIM, Sustainable Design, Adaptive Reuse), SIA-YAL Mentorship [July]

Hey guys,
I'm the lead on the Smaug series, including the latest release we just dropped on Friday: https://huggingface.co/abacusai/Smaug-Llama-3-70B-Instruct/.
I was happy to see people picking it up in this thread, but I also noticed many comments about it that are incorrect. I understand people being skeptical about LLM releases from corporates these days, but I'm here to address at least some of the major points I saw in that thread.

1. They trained on the benchmark - This is just not true. I have included the exact datasets we used on the model card - they are Orca-Math-Word, CodeFeedback, and AquaRat. These were the only source of training prompts used in this release.
2. OK they didn't train on the benchmark but those benchmarks are useless anyway - We picked MT-Bench and Arena-Hard as our benchmarks because we think they correlate to general real world usage the best (apart from specialised use cases e.g. RAG). In fact, the Arena-Hard guys posted about how they constructed their benchmark specifically to have the highest correlation to the Human Arena leaderboard as possible (as well as maximising model separability). So we think this model will do well on Human Arena too - which obviously we can't train on. A note on MT-Bench scores - it is completely maxed out at this point and so I think that is less compelling. We definitely don't think this model is as good as GPT-4-Turbo overall of course.
3. Why not prove how good it is and put it on Human Arena - We would love to! We have tried doing this with our past models and found that they just ignored our requests to have it on. It seems like you need big clout to get your model on there. We will try to get this model on again, and hope they let us on the leaderboard this time.
4. To clarify - Arena-Hard scores which we released are _not_ Human arena - see my points above - but it's a benchmark which is built to correlate strongly to Human arena, by the same folks running Human arena.
5. The twitter account that posted it is sensationalist etc - I'm not here to defend the twitter account and the particular style it adopts, but I will say that we take serious scientific care with our model releases. I'm very lucky in my job - my mandate is just to make the best open-source LLM possible and close the gap to closed-source however much we can. So we obviously never train on test sets, and any model we do put out is one that I personally genuinely believe is an improvement and offers something to the community. PS: if you want a more neutral or objective/scientific tone, you can follow my new Twitter account here.
6. I don't really like to use background as a way to claim legitimacy, but well ... the reality is it does matter sometimes. So - by way of background, I've worked in AI for a long time previously, including at DeepMind. I was in visual generative models and RL before, and for the last year I've been working on LLMs, especially open-source LLMs. I've published a bunch of papers at top conferences in both fields. Here is my Google Scholar.

If you guys have any further questions, feel free to AMA.

Sorry if this sounds selfish but this is really only a one time thing for a friend. I need someone to use there undetectable AI account to paraphrase this please.
IntroductionThe rise of fast food chains in the United States from 2000 to 2010 had an impact on both the culture and economy. This period saw an increase in obesity rates among Americans, which coincided with the growth of these eateries. In this essay we delve into the connection between the expansion of fast food franchises and the obesity epidemic examining factors that influence health. Through an analysis of data, health studies and relevant literature our goal is to provide an understanding of how consuming food has played a role in fueling obesity during this particular decade, in America.The Growth of Fast Food Chains
Between 2000 and 2010 there was a rise in the fast food industry. Popular chains such as McDonalds, Burger King and Subway expanded their reach by opening stores to meet the demand for budget friendly meals. Data from the U.S. Census Bureau shows that the number of fast food eateries increased by around 20% during this timeframe (U.S. Census Bureau, 2011). This expansion made fast food more convenient for a range of people, including kids and teenagers.
Obesity Trends in the U.S. (2000 2010)
The prevalence of obesity in America has been on a trajectory during the early years of the 21st century. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) the rate of obesity among adults rose from 30.5% in 2000 to 35.7% in 2010 (CDC, 2011). Similarly among children and teens aged between 2 and 19 years old obesity rates increased from 13.9% to 16.9% over that period. This continuous increase signals a concerning public health issue with impacts on illness rates, mortality rates and healthcare expenses.
The Impact of Fast Food, on Eating Habits
food is commonly known for its levels of calories, excessive saturated fats, sugars and sodium with little nutritional value. These aspects of food are closely associated with weight gain and obesity. Studies show that regular consumption of food is linked to consuming calories and maintaining poor eating habits (Bowman & Vineyard 2004). Research conducted by Pereira et al. (2005) revealed that individuals who ate food than twice a week were more likely to gain weight and develop insulin resistance compared to those who consumed it less frequently.
Influence of Socioeconomic Factors
The easy availability and affordability of food make it an attractive option for people with incomes. Fast food establishments are often concentrated in low income areas where residents have limited access to dining choices (Powell et al. 2007). This situation, referred to as "food deserts " , worsens the issue of obesity because disadvantaged groups tend to rely on food as their main source of nutrition.
Impact of Advertising and Promotion
The aggressive advertising tactics used by fast food companies also have a significant influence on eating behaviors particularly among young individuals, like children and teenagers.
Many businesses invest sums of money each year in marketing showcasing their products across platforms, like TV, the web and social networks. Kids are especially influenced by these strategies that highlight the appeal and ease of food reinforcing harmful dietary patterns early on.
The impact of obesity, on health is significant and variedObesity is a factor in chronic illnesses like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke and certain cancers (Flegal et al., 2012). The rise in obesity rates has led to an increase in health issues putting a strain on the healthcare system. The financial implications of obesity are also noteworthy with studies indicating that medical costs linked to obesity made up around 10% of healthcare expenses in the United States during that time (Cawley & Meyerhoefer 2012).
Policies and public health effortsIn response to the escalating obesity crisis, different policies and public health efforts have been put into action at state and local levels. These initiatives aim to encourage eating habits through measures like food labeling requirements, restrictions on advertising foods to children and campaigns raising awareness about the risks of obesity (Koplan et al., 2007). Schools have been a point for intervention well, with endeavors to enhance the nutritional value of school meals and boost physical activity among students.ExamplesVarious real life examples and stories showcase the effectiveness of taking action to address the issue of obesity. For example, New York City put in place a set of strategies to combat obesity, such as displaying calorie information on menus and prohibiting trans fats in restaurant dishes. These initiatives led to improvements in people's eating habits and a slight decrease in obesity levels, within the community (Dumanovsky et al. 2011).ChallengesThe obesity epidemic still poses challenges despite the efforts to address it. Unhealthy eating habits deeply ingrained in society, the presence of the fast food industry and disparities in status all add layers of complexity to this issue. Moving forward it is crucial to focus on creating an environment that encourages choices for vulnerable communities. This entails advocating for policies that restrict the marketing of foods to children, enhancing access to options in low income areas and urging food companies to improve the health profile of their products.
Psychological marketingWhen it comes to food marketing companies go beyond advertising tactics by leveraging deep rooted psychological triggers that influence consumer behavior. Bright colors, catchy tunes and recognizable mascots are commonly used in food ads to build a memorable brand image. This technique is particularly effective with audiences like children and teenagers who're more susceptible and likely to develop lasting brand loyalties. Research indicates that exposure to these advertisements can lead children to prefer calorie, nutrient foods ultimately impacting their dietary decisions and contributing to weight gain (Boyland & Halford 2013).The impact of portion sizes
One overlooked but significant factor contributing to the obesity crisis is the increasing sizes of portions served by food chains. Over time portion sizes have substantially grown, with meals exceeding the recommended calorie intake for a single meal. Young and Nestles (2002) study reveals that fast food item portions have expanded over the years with some items now more than double their size. This phenomenon of "portion distortion" results in calorie consumption as individuals tend to eat when faced with larger servings often underestimating the actual caloric content.
Changes in lifestyle and time constraints
The contemporary way of life characterized by schedules and time limitations has also played a role in the heightened dependence on fast food. With an increase in dual income households and longer work hours many people find themselves lacking the time to cook meals. Fast food emerges as a solution offering cost effective options that align with busy routines. Nonetheless this convenience comes at a price as frequent consumption of food is linked to dietary patterns and increased calorie intake contributing to the surge in obesity rates (Smith, Ng & Popkin 2013).Another significant measure involves restricting the promotion of foods to children. By reducing kids exposure to food ads policymakers aim to lessen the impact of marketing on their eating habits. Some cities have also imposed taxes on beverages and unhealthy foods in an effort to discourage consumption through penalties. While the effectiveness of these strategies may vary they mark progress in combating the obesity crisis.
Approaches Rooted in Communities
Community based strategies for addressing obesity highlight the importance of initiatives and grassroots movements. Programs that concentrate on enhancing access to foods encouraging activity and educating community members about healthy eating have shown positive outcomes. For example community gardens and farmers markets can offer produce to residents living in areas with access to healthy food options promoting better dietary choices. Schools and community centers can also play a role by providing nutrition education and physical activity programs.
The Impact of Technology
Technology has increasingly become an asset in the battle against obesity. Mobile applications and wearable gadgets enable individuals to monitor their calorie intake and exercise levels offering feedback and motivating lifestyle choices.
Furthermore social networking sites can play a role, in advocating for public health initiatives and sharing details on diet and wellness. Although technology isn't a solution to the issue of obesity it provides avenues to involve people and groups in embracing healthier habits (Stephens & Allen 2013).
Future Directions and Recommendations
The approach to tackling obesity needs to be multi-faceted and should involve collaboration between government departments, health workers, local communities, as well as the food industry. In future, there is need for more efforts in creating an atmosphere that supports healthier selections particularly among the disadvantaged groups. This means that one should continue to campaign for policies aimed at reducing children’s exposure to unhealthy food advertisements, improving availability of healthy foods in deprived neighborhoods and encouraging manufacturers in the food sector to change their products into a healthier version.
Further still public health campaigns will try and focus on having balanced diets regularly done exercises. Schools and offices can succeed by developing well-structured meals alongside opportunities for exercising. More research is also needed to understand why some people are poor eaters or overweight than others.
Policy Proposals
To further combat the menace of overweight, policy makers should think about enacting a variety of evidence-based strategies. Some of them could be: Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Taxes: Taxes on sugary drinks can decrease consumption and raise funds for public health projects. Zoning Regulations: By controlling the number of fast food restaurants in given areas, intake will subside and encourage establishment of grocery stores among other healthier alternatives.Menu Labeling Laws: This makes sure that restaurants indicate calorie counts as well as other nutritional information to assist customers in making informed choices. School Nutrition Standards: Schools meals and snacks in the course of learning ought to meet recommended nutrition levels so that students are eating healthy. Addressing Behavioral FactorsBehavioral interventions also play a significant role in dealing with obesity. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and other psychological approaches aid individuals to develop better eating habits and deal with triggers involved in overeating. Programs addressing weight control which incorporate behavior change counseling together with diet and exercise components show promise towards helping individuals achieve successful long term weight loss.Long-Term Commitment and Sustainable Change
Society must collectively make a commitment that will last over a long period to reduce obesity rates. The approach should be ongoing and flexible enough to accommodate changing circumstances and new information. For this change to be lasting, there must be continuous investment in public health infrastructure, research, and education. Therefore, significant strides can be achieved in reducing obesity rates by nurturing a culture that appreciates wellness.
Cultural Shifts and Public Perception
In addressing the obesity epidemic another critical factor is shifting public opinion as well as cultural norms with regards to food and health. The acceptance of fast food and oversize portions as normative has been one of the major drivers towards unhealthy eating habits over the past few decades. This would involve public health campaigns focused on what constitutes healthy balanced meals and promoting on good home cooked fresh meal benefits instead. To change public perception cooking classes nutrition workshops media campaign advertising preparation advantages of healthy meals at home for instance.
Strengthening Health Care Interventions
Routine screenings, counseling and support for weight management by health care providers are crucial in handling obesity. Obesity prevention and treatment should be integrated into primary care to ensure consistency and comprehensiveness in people’s health. Personalized advice can be availed by the healthcare practitioners and also set realistic targets as well as referring patients to dietitians or structured weight loss programs.
Advancing Research and Use of Proven Practices
To better understand the intricate contributors to obesity and curate effective interventions, it is important to sustain research. Longitudinal studies that follow diet patterns, activity levels, and disease outcomes offer useful information on how to prevent or reduce obesity. By exploring behavioral, environmental and genetic factors that affect obesity, this will enable us to make interventions that are specific for different populations and situations as well.
Conclusion
The period between 2000 and 2010 registered a sharp increase of obesity rates that is closely linked to the spread of fast food outlets across America. This public health menace can only be fought with multidimensional approaches that will change public attitude, improve education, enhance corporate accountability and support inclusive research plus health care interventions. By creating an environment where good health is appreciated through provision of necessary resources and support, we can achieve significant milestones in curbing cases of obesity within our population as well as overall improvement in their welfare.
Citations:
Boyland, E.J. & Halford, J.C.G., 2013. Television advertising and branding. Effects on eating behavior and food preferences in children. **Appetite**, 62, pp.236-241.
Brownell, K.D. & Frieden, T.R., 2009. Ounces of prevention—the public policy case for taxes on sugared beverages. **New England Journal of Medicine**, 360(18), pp.1805-1808.
Drewnowski, A. & Specter, S.E., 2004. Poverty and obesity: the role of energy density and energy costs. **American Journal of Clinical Nutrition**, 79(1), pp.6-16.
Krieger, J.W., Chan, N.L., Saelens, B.E., Ta, M.L., Solet, D. & Fleming, D.W., 2013. Menu labeling regulations and calories purchased at chain restaurants. **American Journal of Preventive Medicine**, 44(6), pp.595-604.
Ogden, C.L., Carroll, M.D., Kit, B.K. & Flegal, K.M., 2014. Prevalence of childhood and adult obesity in the United States, 2011-2012. **JAMA**, 311(8), pp.806-814.
Smith, L.P., Ng, S.W. & Popkin, B.M., 2013. Trends in US home food preparation and consumption: analysis of national nutrition surveys and time use studies from 1965-1966 to 2007-2008. **Nutrition Journal**, 12(1), p.45.
Stephens, J. & Allen, J., 2013. Mobile phone interventions to increase physical activity and reduce weight: a systematic review. **Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing**, 28(4), pp.320-329.
Story, M., Kaphingst, K.M., Robinson-O'Brien, R. & Glanz, K., 2008. Creating healthy food and eating environments: policy and environmental approaches. **Annual Review of Public Health**, 29, pp.253-272.
Walker, R.E., Keane, C.R. & Burke, J.G., 2010. Disparities and access to healthy food in the United States: A review of food deserts literature. **Health & Place**, 16(5), pp.876-884.
Young, L.R. & Nestle, M., 2002. The contribution of expanding portion sizes to the US obesity epidemic. **American Journal of Public Health**, 92(2), pp.246-249.
Fulkerson, J.A., Story, M., Neumark-Sztainer, D. & Rydell, S., 2008. Family meals: Perceptions of benefits and challenges among parents of 8-to 10-year-old children. **Journal of the American Dietetic Association**, 108(4), pp.706-709.
Huang, T.T.K., Drewnowski, A., Kumanyika, S.K. & Glass, T.A., 2009. A systems-oriented multilevel framework for addressing obesity in the 21st century. **Preventing Chronic Disease**, 6(3), A82.
Kumanyika, S.K., 2008. Environmental influences on childhood obesity: Ethnic and cultural influences in context. **Physician and Sportsmedicine**, 36(1), pp.45-51.
Larson, N.I., Story, M.T. & Nelson, M.C., 2009. Neighborhood environments: Disparities in access to healthy foods in the US. **American Journal of Preventive Medicine**, 36(1), pp.74-81.
Ludwig, D.S. & Pollack, H.A., 2009. Obesity and the economy: from crisis to opportunity. **JAMA**, 301(5), pp.533-535.
Powell, L.M., Chaloupka, F.J. & Bao, Y., 2007. The availability of fast-food and full-service restaurants in the United States: associations with neighborhood characteristics. **American Journal of Preventive Medicine**, 33(4), pp.S240-S245.
Sallis, J.F., Floyd, M.F., Rodríguez, D.A. & Saelens, B.E., 2012. Role of built environments in physical activity, obesity, and cardiovascular disease. **Circulation**, 125(5), pp.729-737.

Perhaps you wonder why does the thing do the thing. Maybe you don’t understand why something is or isn’t. Maybe you’re re just stupid, who knows? (probably not you!). Me, I know you stupid fuck.

I mean they're diamond. Why? What did you think I meant?
Anyway, been zen AF but I'm back to say some shit.
TLDRS: BUY HODL DRS VOTE SHOP
Important: I know it's getting exciting out there, but plz DO NOT FORGET TO VOTE!!! Our company still needs us, IDGAF what the charts are doing rn...
Now, I tend to be firmly in the "fuck you I won't do what you tell me" camp, so I gave it some consideration before voting AGAINST Prop 4... What I ultimately landed on is this:
The SEC has 5 commissioners, and we've all seen how much noise just one SEC commissioner can make; how much of a distraction they can be (looking at you, Ms. Hester)...
Well, GameStop has 5 board members that are currently smack in the middle of WORKING to turn the company around... Can you imagine disrupting their flow now, either by replacing one (thus removing one person who's already up-to-speed with one who isn't) or adding a sixth (with who knows what biases/agendas/etc) into the mix...?! Or worse: Having to replace/add even more than one...?!
No way. They're doing fine so far... I say: Let 'em cook.
And now it's story time kiddos, so gather 'round (some words edited to avoid the [REDACTED] auto_matic mod_erator)...
The splividend was 84 years ago, and I was there on the night it happened. I had X,XXX shares BrOOKED, and I had just made a recent XX purchase that I let settle (in PLAiN) and didn't touch, for fear that they'd be in some weird transitional state on the night of the splividend...
Anyway, what I saw happen was this: Shortly after market close my BrOOKED shares received the splividend, quick and clean, no problem... My PLAiN shares tho? The splividend didn't hit there until hours later, during the long period that the splividend was rolling out to all the brokers and other institutions... And I wasn't the only one who saw this, I saw plenty of others commenting the same thing at the time...
So don't you fucking try and tell me there's no difference!!! Y'all can all HOLD however you want: broker, retirement account, PLAiN, BrOOK, whatever... Hell, find some paper certificates and shove 'em up somewhere safe, IDGAF you do you, there's no shame in your GameStop... But never tell me there's not some kind of functional difference between BrOOK and PLAiN, because I've seen it! And the recent Computershare AMA (see that post, since I can't link to it because [REDACTED]) affirms it yet again again again:

...shareholders, and the aggregate number of shares they hold in either DRS or DassPP format...

Well, we know DassPP = PLAiN, which only leaves one thing that "DRS" can mean: Motherfucking BrOOK.
And now for my prediction, or maybe just my hope/wish: We've all seen the absolute enshittification of the gaming industry recently, with the latest debacle of Sony fucking-over the Helldivers players... And that's just one in a long line of the big AAA game makers thinking they can do whatever the fuck they want, their own paying customers (aka players) be damned...
Well, wouldn't it be great if some company were to, IDK, build a way for the Power to be given back to the Players? Some kind of tech-stack that would be easy for game makers, big and small, to adopt, that would give them an instant and easy way to access the blockchain, complete with an in-game currency that is automatically interoperable with lots of other currencies, and not only in-game assets that are tradable on a wide array of marketplaces, but that they can earn royalties on forever (incentivizing them to continue supporting games that players actually like playing for longer than they do today...)
IDK, but that would Delight the shit out of me... And I personally think that not only is this what GameStop is still cooking-up behind the scenes, but I think GME Entertainment is going to be a new games development and publishing arm of GameStop, one that will build some initial proof-of-concept games that show-off the power of this new tech, and which will eventually be spun-off, with shares in the new company being distributed to GME holders...
And, oh yeah, didn't Microsoft just layoff a bunch of game development teams that had previously made a bunch of games that people loved...? Seems to me that if a new, scrappy, videogame development/publishing house needed some top-tier talent, now would be a fine time to snap some of those people up...
I mean, what do you do when "pHySiCaL GaMeS ArE DyInG So tHeRe's nOtHiNg tO SeLl"...? Start making digital games of your own to sell... But WTF do I know?
Anyway, thank you for coming to my GME Talk.
-- IdiosyncraticRick, shareholder not a shareseller, going re-zen degens and I'll see you again on Uranus

5 Ways Music Or Lose It Supports And Encourages Music Creators

With a belief that individual songs are the best way to connect a music creator to music fans, this community is uniquely focused on fostering discussions about great songs individually. You may be at a professional yet lesser known status. You may be an amateur recording at home, in an automobile, or in a field. Everyone has to start somewhere. You are welcome here.

1) Welcoming Self-Promotion

Self-promotion by sharing your individual songs is absolutely welcome here within the bounds of the community rules and Reddit’s terms of service, after you are approved by the community moderator for self promoting.
• Available flairs for music creators to self promote:

• "🎛️ My Song" flair ➢ for creators to share your own songs.
• "🎚️ My Beats" & "📦 “Free Music Resources" flairs ➢ for creators to share your own beats.

• Available flairs for music creators to self promote, in coordination with community moderator:

• "📰 Press Release” flair ➢ for creators to announce an album release.
• "Introduction 😎 I'm A Creator" flair ➢ for creators to tell their story of becoming a music maker directly to this community.
• "🔎 Ask A Music Creator" flair ➢ for creators to avail themselves to answer questions from this community regarding your insights on making and performing music.
• "🎤 Interview" flair ➢ for creators to interview one another akin to the “Variety Studio: Actors on Actors” series. Select creators will be offered interviews by the moderator.

2) Awarding Music Creators

Just for fun, Music Or Lose It organizes a month and yearly contest. If you win, you can mention the achievement when promoting your song on social media, music distribution venues, and at your website.
Here are the online awards offered for special recognition of music creators’ excellence:
🏅Best Song Of The Month By Community Vote
At The Music Or Lose It Community
🏆 Best Song Of The Year By Community Vote
At The Music Or Lose It Community
🏅 Best Community Song Of 2024 1st/2nd/3rd/4th Quarter
☆ ─── ⋆⋅ Founder’s Choice ⋅⋆ ── ☆
From A Creator At The Music Or Lose It Community
🏆 Best Community Song Of 2024
☆ ─── ⋆⋅ Founder’s Choice ⋅⋆ ── ☆
From A Creator At The Music Or Lose It Community
🌟 Founder’s Choice • Creator Most Likely To Succeed
At The Music Or Lose It Community

3) Connecting You With Music Fans

Music Or Lose It (MOLI) proactively tries to get your music in front of the eyes and ears of this community’s above-average music fans. By requiring music creators to engage in the community (not just post then ghost), MOLI has you e-mingling in the comments section of posts by music fans and other creators. The more you become visible to this community, the more music fans tend to find their way to your channel. The more potential new members see posts with lots of upvotes and plentiful replies, the more they are likely to join this community. The more new people join this community, the more the things you post are likely to be upvoted and replied to.
• Available flair for music creators to e-mingle here:

• "⚙️ My Gear" flair ➢ share a photo of your gear. Explain how it’s valuable to you in your process of creating music.

• Available flair for music creators to e-mingle here, in coordination with community moderator:

• "🔢 Countdown" flair ➢ share a list of your top 10 favorite songs or 10 favorite music entertainers.
• "🗯️ Let’s Discuss This Topic" flair ➢ lead a conversation about an important topic impacting both music fans and creators. Hot topics these days are the potential shutdown of TikTok; artificial intelligence (AI); the “7 year rule” regarding music contracts; and the proposed Living Wage for Musicians Act.

Other useful flair:

• "🔎 Ask A Music Fan" flair ➢ select music fans will avail themselves to answer questions from this community (including music creators) regarding their perspectives on how they find, enjoy, and connect with music, similar to the above-mentioned “Ask A Music Creator” flair. This is a great opportunity for music creators to get insights directly from music fans.

4) Distinguishing You As The Creator You Are

Creators like you are provided a profile flair that reads “▶️ Hi. I’m Here As A Creator,” after you are approved by the community moderator for self promoting. When you interact in the comments section, curious music fans will be more prone to checking out your profile with that flair – especially if you share some interesting insights in the comments section.

5) Moderator Personally Spends Time With Creators

• Attentiveness To Your Songs
I will personally listen to your song, if you are a music creator here and your post complies with community rules. I personally do not have time to listen to albums and I am not an album reviewer. I am a single-songs reviewer and fan. I won’t be mean and overly critical to amateur and lesser known creators who don’t have access to fancy studios. We all gotta start somewhere. I might offer what I hope is constructive feedback if I have time and if I feel I have something useful to suggest. I always try to comment, if I have time. If your music brand represents a vision I am comfortable being associated with, I’ll follow you on YouTube, X/Twitter, Instagram, or anywhere else we’re both at.
• Ensuring Your Posts’ Accompanying URL Images Are Visible
I ensure creators know the importance of the “Title & Link Share Only” posting method on Reddit. It’s better to post this way using the Reddit smartphone app. Posting using this “Title & Link Share Only” posting method best ensure the accompanying image for your URL link will be visible. Failing to do this results in the accompanying image for your URL link not being visible to desktop viewers – making your post less attractive. To prevent that from happening to you, I will teach you how to do this. It’s easy.
👍 Title & Link Share Only method
👎 Title & Text Body With Link method

➤ Additional Resources:

This Music Or Lose It subreddit community is a place to primarily share and discuss songs. It cannot meet every need a music creator has. Yet I will share with you the following subreddit communities that seem to be useful for music creators learning skill improvement and behind the scenes knowledge. Tip: when people make claims at online communities, never be afraid to ask for source citations.

• singing
• needvocals
• songwriting
• musicmarketing
• musicproduction
• musicproducerspot
• musicproducers

➤ Final Thoughts

• I hope every music creator here has a great time and is able to connect with music fans you might not otherwise meet. I constantly study other subreddit communities (music and non-music) and participate in subreddit communities for moderators, in order to do my best to make this community as lively as possible.
• This musicorloseittv subreddit online community was founded by me – The Music Fan Man. I am a creator making videos as a music reviewer and commentator. I feel lesser known creators are too often inexplicably hindered by video venues not providing a reasonably fair chance at getting seen by viewers. I don’t want to hinder creators. Therefore any rule I implement here is thoughtfully considered. I suspect many other music subreddit communities are less thoughtful regarding how their rules (or sometimes lack thereof) hinder lesser known creators from connecting with potential fans. I always weigh pros and cons when making a community rule. In the context of my role as a subreddit community moderator, I strive to foremost serve the music fans. That in mind, all rules here have been created to ensure the music fans here have the best experience.
• There’s no promise of sudden virality here. However, if you can win them over, the music fans here tend to be thoughtful, above-average, quality people. Because I am selective to invite only upbeat music fans and promising music creators, this online community has good vibes.
• After ≈ 1.5 years of this community being active, without exaggeration, I truly feel some of the creators sharing music here could seriously land on the Billboard 200/Hot 100 charts and even at the Grammys stage. It gives me so much joy to play a role in bringing music fans and music creators together.
The Music Fan Man,
Music Or Lose It founder

DAY: DAY: MAY 12, 2024

• 5-12-2024CAN I TAKE YOUR ORDER—AND YOUR DATA? THE HIDDEN REASON RETAILERS ARE REPLACING STAFF WITH AI BOTS You might have seen viral videos of Wendy’s drive-thru customers in the United States ordering their fast food from the firm’s generative AI bot Wendy’s FreshAI. Most show a very human-like transaction punctuated with cries of amazement at how fast, accurate and polite the system is. While the system and others like it are in their infancy, and some still rely heavily on human assistance, retailers are investing huge sums in AI to replace human workers. Why the rush to automate? It might seem like it’s all about slashing
• 5-12-2024AI FILM FESTIVAL GIVES GLIMPSE OF CINEMA’S FUTURE With fantastical characters including mud people and giant grandmothers, an AI film festival is giving a glimpse of the storytelling made possible by the novel technology. Nearly 3,000 short films were submitted to the festival organized by Runway AI, one of the leading start-ups in the field of AI-powered video generation. The 10 films selected put the filmmakers’ vivid imaginations on display, with their stories set in aesthetically stunning universes. “There is a perception of … AI- driven filmmaking and creation as having a very specific style
• 5-12-2024AI SYSTEMS ARE ALREADY SKILLED AT DECEIVING AND MANIPULATING HUMANS, STUDY SHOWS Many artificial intelligence (AI) systems have already learned how to deceive humans, even systems that have been trained to be helpful and honest. In a review article published in the journal Patterns on May 10, researchers describe the risks of deception by AI systems and call for governments to develop strong regulations to address this issue as soon as possible. “AI developers do not have a confident understanding of what causes undesirable AI behaviors
• 5-12-2024THE END OF THE PACKAGE HOLIDAY PROVIDER? BLOCKCHAIN TECHNOLOGY COULD REVOLUTIONIZE TRAVEL EXPERIENCES Forget the middleman—blockchain technology could lead to the end of the traditional package holiday provider, putting power back into the hands of customers, according to a new study from the University of Surrey. The research looked into user acceptance of blockchain-based sharing platforms similar to Airbnb. The study found that blockchain technology could eliminate intermediaries, such as holiday providers, potentially slashing costs by bypassing booking platforms. The study also suggests that property owners stand to gain from blockchain adoption and gain more direct income
• 5-12-2024NOW THEY FEAR IT WAS A SCAM Sleep-deprived and anxious about feeding their babies, tens of thousands of moms in Illinois and elsewhere recently turned to a variety of Facebook groups offering support for breastfeeding, pumping breast milk and postpartum care. Direct responses were often remarkably prompt from the creator and admin of these groups, a Facebook user named “Cathy Marie Chan,” whose profile featured a smiling picture of a woman purporting to be a board-certified lactation consultant
• 5-12-2024HERE ARE FOUR RED FLAGS TO WATCH FOR IN YOUR CHATBOT ‘FRIEND’ It’s been seven years since the launch of Replika, an artificially intelligent chatbot designed to be a friend to human users. Despite early warnings about the dangers of such AI friends, interest in friendships and even romantic relationships with AI is on the rise. The Google Play store shows more than 30 million total downloads of Replika and two of its major competitors since their respective launches. With one in four people around the world reporting being lonely, it is no wonder so many are drawn to the promise
• 5-12-2024CALL FOR SAFEGUARDS TO PREVENT UNWANTED ‘HAUNTINGS’ BY AI CHATBOTS OF DEAD LOVED ONES Without design safety standards, artificial intelligence that allows users to hold text and voice conversations with lost loved ones runs the risk of causing psychological harm and even digitally “haunting” those left behind, according to University of Cambridge researchers. “Deadbots” or “Griefbots” are AI chatbots that simulate the language patterns and personality traits of the dead
• 5-12-2024TURING TEST STUDY SHOWS HUMANS RATE ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AS MORE ‘MORAL’ THAN OTHER PEOPLE A new study has found that when people are presented with two answers to an ethical question, most will think the answer from artificial intelligence (AI) is better than the response from another person. “Attributions Toward Artificial Agents in a Modified Moral Turing Test
• 5-12-2024FAKE US SCHOOL AUDIO STOKES AI ALARM The fabricated audio clip of the Maryland school principal underscores the ease with which widely available AI and editing tools can be misused to impersonate celebrities and everyday citizens alike. A fabricated audio clip of a US high school principal prompted a torrent of outrage, leaving him battling allegations of racism and anti-Semitism in a case that has sparked new alarm about AI manipulation. Police charged a disgruntled staff member at the Maryland school with manufacturing the recording that surfaced in January
• 5-12-2024ELECTRONIC MUSIC WITH A HUMAN RHYTHM
• 5-12-2024RESEARCHERS TEST AI SYSTEMS’ ABILITY TO SOLVE THE NEW YORK TIMES’ CONNECTIONS PUZZLE
• 5-12-2024SCIENTISTS CONVERT CHICKEN FAT INTO ENERGY STORAGE DEVICES
• 5-12-2024RED, YELLOW, GREEN … AND WHITE? SMARTER VEHICLES COULD MEAN BIG CHANGES FOR THE TRAFFIC LIGHT
• 5-12-2024FRENCH ART GROUP USES BRAINWAVES AND AI TO RECREATE LANDSCAPES
• 5-12-2024MICROSOFT, AMAZON TO INVEST BILLIONS IN FRENCH TECH
• 5-12-2024NEW RESEARCH SHOWS HOW CHILD-LIKE LANGUAGE LEARNING IS POSSIBLE USING AI TOOLS
• 5-12-2024TEAM DESIGNS ROBOTS TO HELP WITH HUMAN HABITATION IN SPACE
• 5-12-2024TRADING BETWEEN HOUSEHOLDS IN SMART ENERGY COMMUNITIES
• 5-12-2024RESEARCHERS DEVELOP AI-POWERED ‘EYE’ FOR VISUALLY IMPAIRED PEOPLE TO ‘SEE’ OBJECTS
• 5-12-2024RESEARCHERS DEVELOP A BIOMECHANICAL DATASET FOR BADMINTON PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS
• 5-12-2024AMAZON’S NEW FEES ON SELLERS LIKENED TO ‘KICK IN THE GUT’
• 5-12-2024ALMOST HALF OF IT COULD COME FROM PENNSYLVANIA WASTEWATER
• 5-12-2024NEW LARGE LEARNING MODEL SHOWS HOW AI MIGHT SHAPE LGBTQIA+ ADVOCACY
• 5-12-2024RESEARCHER EXPLAINS WHY WE SHOULD CARE MORE ABOUT CONVERGING TECHNOLOGIES
• 5-12-2024COMMERCIAL JET MAKER AIRBUS IS STAYING HUMBLE EVEN AS BOEING FLOUNDERS. THERE’S A REASON FOR THAT
• 5-12-2024BOLSTER SAFEGUARDS AFTER HEALTH CARE CYBERATTACK
• 5-12-2024HUNDREDS OF CITIES HAVE ACHIEVED ZERO ROAD DEATHS IN A YEAR—HERE’S HOW THEY DID IT
• 5-12-2024DIGITAL HUMAN MODEL AIDS DESIGN OF MOTORCYCLES, BASED ON RIDING POSTURE
• 5-12-2024AI TECHNOLOGY IS SHOWING CULTURAL BIASES—HERE’S WHY AND WHAT CAN BE DONE
• 5-12-2024RESEARCH SHOWS VR POSES PRIVACY RISKS FOR KIDS—PARENTS AREN’T AS WORRIED AS THEY SHOULD BE
• 5-12-2024NEW SOFTWARE TRAINED ON PHOTOGRAPHIC DATABASE MAY ALLOW FACIAL RECOGNITION BENEATH THE MASK
• 5-12-2024SMARTPHONE APP CAN UNMASK FORGED DOCUMENTS
• 5-12-2024NEW STUDY FINDS AI-GENERATED EMPATHY HAS ITS LIMITS
• 5-12-2024ROBOTIC SYSTEM FEEDS PEOPLE WITH SEVERE MOBILITY LIMITATIONS
• 5-12-2024PROTOTYPE BROWSER EXTENSION ADDS WIKIPEDIA-LIKE CITATIONS ON YOUTUBE TO CURB MISINFORMATION
• 5-12-2024SAMSUNG TO BUY FRENCH MEDICAL AI FIRM SONIO
• 5-12-2024AI AND HOLOGRAPHY BRING 3D AUGMENTED REALITY TO REGULAR GLASSES
• 5-12-2024DOVE’S LATEST ‘REAL BEAUTY’ DRIVE—AND WHY AI WILL BE HARDER TO DITCH THAN IT THINKS
• 5-12-2024RESEARCH CASTS NEW LIGHT ON BIKE SAFETY IN THE AGE OF SELF-DRIVING CARS
• 5-12-2024A SECOND LIFE FOR DISCARDED LITHIUM-ION CELLS
• 5-12-2024SINCE TESLA RECALLED ITS VEHICLES IN 2023, THERE HAVE BEEN 20 ACCIDENTS AND INVESTIGATORS ARE ASKING WHY

MAY 12, 2024

• 5-12-2024CAN I TAKE YOUR ORDER—AND YOUR DATA? THE HIDDEN REASON RETAILERS ARE REPLACING STAFF WITH AI BOTS
• 5-12-2024AI FILM FESTIVAL GIVES GLIMPSE OF CINEMA’S FUTURE
• 5-12-2024AI SYSTEMS ARE ALREADY SKILLED AT DECEIVING AND MANIPULATING HUMANS, STUDY SHOWS
• 5-12-2024THE END OF THE PACKAGE HOLIDAY PROVIDER? BLOCKCHAIN TECHNOLOGY COULD REVOLUTIONIZE TRAVEL EXPERIENCES
• 5-12-2024NOW THEY FEAR IT WAS A SCAM
• 5-12-2024HERE ARE FOUR RED FLAGS TO WATCH FOR IN YOUR CHATBOT ‘FRIEND’
• 5-12-2024CALL FOR SAFEGUARDS TO PREVENT UNWANTED ‘HAUNTINGS’ BY AI CHATBOTS OF DEAD LOVED ONES
• 5-12-2024TURING TEST STUDY SHOWS HUMANS RATE ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AS MORE ‘MORAL’ THAN OTHER PEOPLE
• 5-12-2024FAKE US SCHOOL AUDIO STOKES AI ALARM
• 5-12-2024ELECTRONIC MUSIC WITH A HUMAN RHYTHM
• 5-12-2024RESEARCHERS TEST AI SYSTEMS’ ABILITY TO SOLVE THE NEW YORK TIMES’ CONNECTIONS PUZZLE
• 5-12-2024SCIENTISTS CONVERT CHICKEN FAT INTO ENERGY STORAGE DEVICES
• 5-12-2024RED, YELLOW, GREEN … AND WHITE? SMARTER VEHICLES COULD MEAN BIG CHANGES FOR THE TRAFFIC LIGHT
• 5-12-2024FRENCH ART GROUP USES BRAINWAVES AND AI TO RECREATE LANDSCAPES
• 5-12-2024MICROSOFT, AMAZON TO INVEST BILLIONS IN FRENCH TECH
• 5-12-2024NEW RESEARCH SHOWS HOW CHILD-LIKE LANGUAGE LEARNING IS POSSIBLE USING AI TOOLS
• 5-12-2024TEAM DESIGNS ROBOTS TO HELP WITH HUMAN HABITATION IN SPACE
• 5-12-2024TRADING BETWEEN HOUSEHOLDS IN SMART ENERGY COMMUNITIES
• 5-12-2024RESEARCHERS DEVELOP AI-POWERED ‘EYE’ FOR VISUALLY IMPAIRED PEOPLE TO ‘SEE’ OBJECTS
• 5-12-2024RESEARCHERS DEVELOP A BIOMECHANICAL DATASET FOR BADMINTON PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS
• 5-12-2024AMAZON’S NEW FEES ON SELLERS LIKENED TO ‘KICK IN THE GUT’
• 5-12-2024ALMOST HALF OF IT COULD COME FROM PENNSYLVANIA WASTEWATER
• 5-12-2024NEW LARGE LEARNING MODEL SHOWS HOW AI MIGHT SHAPE LGBTQIA+ ADVOCACY
• 5-12-2024RESEARCHER EXPLAINS WHY WE SHOULD CARE MORE ABOUT CONVERGING TECHNOLOGIES
• 5-12-2024COMMERCIAL JET MAKER AIRBUS IS STAYING HUMBLE EVEN AS BOEING FLOUNDERS. THERE’S A REASON FOR THAT
• 5-12-2024BOLSTER SAFEGUARDS AFTER HEALTH CARE CYBERATTACK
• 5-12-2024HUNDREDS OF CITIES HAVE ACHIEVED ZERO ROAD DEATHS IN A YEAR—HERE’S HOW THEY DID IT
• 5-12-2024DIGITAL HUMAN MODEL AIDS DESIGN OF MOTORCYCLES, BASED ON RIDING POSTURE
• 5-12-2024AI TECHNOLOGY IS SHOWING CULTURAL BIASES—HERE’S WHY AND WHAT CAN BE DONE
• 5-12-2024RESEARCH SHOWS VR POSES PRIVACY RISKS FOR KIDS—PARENTS AREN’T AS WORRIED AS THEY SHOULD BE
• 5-12-2024NEW SOFTWARE TRAINED ON PHOTOGRAPHIC DATABASE MAY ALLOW FACIAL RECOGNITION BENEATH THE MASK
• 5-12-2024SMARTPHONE APP CAN UNMASK FORGED DOCUMENTS
• 5-12-2024NEW STUDY FINDS AI-GENERATED EMPATHY HAS ITS LIMITS
• 5-12-2024ROBOTIC SYSTEM FEEDS PEOPLE WITH SEVERE MOBILITY LIMITATIONS
• 5-12-2024PROTOTYPE BROWSER EXTENSION ADDS WIKIPEDIA-LIKE CITATIONS ON YOUTUBE TO CURB MISINFORMATION
• 5-12-2024SAMSUNG TO BUY FRENCH MEDICAL AI FIRM SONIO
• 5-12-2024AI AND HOLOGRAPHY BRING 3D AUGMENTED REALITY TO REGULAR GLASSES
• 5-12-2024DOVE’S LATEST ‘REAL BEAUTY’ DRIVE—AND WHY AI WILL BE HARDER TO DITCH THAN IT THINKS
• 5-12-2024RESEARCH CASTS NEW LIGHT ON BIKE SAFETY IN THE AGE OF SELF-DRIVING CARS
• 5-12-2024A SECOND LIFE FOR DISCARDED LITHIUM-ION CELLS
• 5-12-2024SINCE TESLA RECALLED ITS VEHICLES IN 2023, THERE HAVE BEEN 20 ACCIDENTS AND INVESTIGATORS ARE ASKING WHY

This week’s vintage batch of Italian and French pens from my own collection might be the largest bunch of Wet Noodles I’ve ever offered! Nibs range from Superflex to Wet Noodle with more than half of the pens being the latter. As you can see, my collecting focus was pens with white metal trim, which all 9 pens have. Some uncommon models here, especially if you’re in the US. As always, all are fully restored and ready to write.
 
ALBUM & TIMESTAMP
 
Pastable link: https://imgur.com/a/qzjdJeU
 
Condition (n.b.): All pens listed below have been disassembled, cleaned and restored with new sacs/seals installed in the last couple months. Each of these pens is guaranteed to fill and write as designed without leaks or other problems. Nibs have been adjusted when necessary to ensure that all lay down a smooth and consistent line.
THESE PENS HAVE NO CRACKS, CHIPS, PERSONALIZATIONS, LOOSE OR MISSING PARTS, BENT NIBS, MISALIGNED TINES, BROKEN/WORN OFF TIPPING, OR THREADING ISSUES.
 
Line Widths and Writing Samples: To provide buyers with as much information as possible, I have started to adopt the following line width standards: XXF (.1-.2mm); XF (approx .3mm); F (approx .4mm); M (approx .6mm); B (approx .8mm). Nib flexibility is determined by variation (max line width under pressure) and softness (amount of pressure). Flexibility designations based on variation generally run as follows for an XF/F nib: Semi-Flex (approx. 1mm); Flex (1.2-1.9mm); Superflex (>2mm). All line width measurements are taken with a digital caliper but should be considered approximations providing a general guide. Width may vary slightly depending on type of ink and paper used as well as amount of pressure applied. All writing samples are on Rhodia dot paper using Waterman Serenity Blue.
 
 
1. 1930s-40s Montegrappa Extra (green marble w/ lizard skin window, celluloid, NPT, piston filler, SS F/M Flex/Superflex nib). This full-sized model measures 5 1/16” capped. Founded c.1912 in Bassano del Grappa, Italy by Edwige Hoffman and Heinrich Helm, Montegrappa (née Elmo) was one of the Big Four Italian makers whose products have had a profound impact on FP design to this day. The Extra was the premier model of the late-1930s and 1940s. This pen has the white metal trim and factory stainless steel nib that distinguish wartime pens in Italy during the restriction on precious metals to aid the war effort. Not a common pen to see Stateside. It’s a piston filler made of green marble celluloid with an eye-catching, transparent, lizard-skin-patterned window in the barrel for viewing ink-level. To fill simply rotate the filler-knob on the end of the barrel counter-clockwise to extend the piston, submerse the nib, then rotate the filler-knob clockwise to draw ink. To quote an Italian collector over at FPN: “Rule No. 1 about vintage Italian pens: Don't let steel nibs scare you off. Unless you're writing with hydrochloric acid, they're every bit as good as the gold nibs from the years before the gold ban.” The stainless steel Montegrappa Extra #4 nib in this pen is no exception, yielding Super-Flexible variation with Flexible softness. It lays down a smooth and consistent F/M line that widens to a 4B+ (approx 2.0mm) under moderate pressure (see WRITING SAMPLE). A nib with particularly juicy flow that’s reliable over its full range of flex, making it a great choice for boldly shaded writing and calligraphic writing styles. Condition: excellent [B]. Nickel-plated trim is clean with no notable flaws aside from a bit of plating wear to the cap bands on one side of the cap (see timestamp photo). Celluloid is smooth and lustrous with no deep scratches or other noteworthy blemishes aside from some fine scratches on the plastic between and below the cap bands. Barrel transparency is superb (DETAIL PHOTO). Manufacturer imprint on the barrel is deep and fully legible. Feed is missing a couple fins from one side, which has no discernible effect on writing performance (see DETAIL PHOTO LEFT). This pen's filling mechanism was restored in the last couple years but does have a little quirk in filling I haven’t been able to diagnose. It fills near to factory capacity smoothly with no leaks, but one must be careful to avoid extending the piston all the way down to the bottom of the ink-view window. If extended all the way down, the bottom part of the piston loses connection with the top part, requiring the section to be unscrewed to help the piston back up with a pencil eraser while turning the knob. This is a straightforward process but annoying, so I’ve always chosen to fill to just 90% of factory capacity to avoid it. A scarce pen in a striking color pattern. Price: $320 $290
 
2. 1930s-40s Montegrappa Extra (green swirl w/ lined window, celluloid, NPT, piston filler, SS XF Wet Noodle nib). This full-sized model measures 5 1/16” capped. For more on Montegrappa and the Extra, see description of pen #1 above. This pen has white metal, wartime trim and nib, but it retains the elegant roller-clip distinctive of Italian pens of the 1930s – so likely late-1930s production. It’s another piston filler made of celluloid in an interesting, green swirl pattern with a transparent, lined window in the barrel for viewing ink level. To quote an Italian collector over at FPN: “Rule No. 1 about vintage Italian pens: Don't let steel nibs scare you off. Unless you're writing with hydrochloric acid, they're every bit as good as the gold nibs from the years before the gold ban.” The stainless steel Montegrappa Extra #4 nib in this pen epitomizes this statement, being a Wet Noodle with variation and softness comparable to that of a dip pen nib. It lays down a smooth and consistent XF line that widens to a 4B+ (approx 2.3mm) under minimal pressure. Thin hairlines, astonishingly responsive snap-back that rivals the 14k dip pen nib in pen #5 below, and reliable flow over its full range of flex makes it an ideal choice for calligraphic writing styles such as Copperplate and Spencerian (see WRITING SAMPLE). Condition: excellent [B]. Nickel-plated trim is clean with no notable flaws aside from a bit of plating wear to the cap bands on the same side of the cap as pen #1 above (see timestamp photo). Celluloid is smooth and lustrous with no deep scratches or other noteworthy blemishes – scarcely even any micro-scratches. Barrel transparency is excellent apart from a ring of staining (DETAIL PHOTO). Filling system restored with new cork in the last couple years - operation can be a tad stiff if it hasn't been used in a while so I recommend storage filled with water. Manufacturer imprint on the barrel is deep and fully legible. Price: $370 SOLD
 
3. c.1940 Aurora Selene (brown web, celluloid, NPT, button filler, Platiridio XF Wet Noodle nib). This is an oversized pen by vintage standards, having a thick girth and measuring 5 3/16” capped. Counded in 1919 by Isaia Levi and located in Turin, Italy, Aurora remains one of the most celebrated Italian makers. Introduced in 1940 amid Axis restrictions on precious metals, the Selene was their wartime button-filler and was marketed as “the pen for everyone.” In 1943 the Aurora factory was bombed by the Allies, perhaps contributing to this model’s short span of production. This example is made of celluloid in a fetching brown shell color pattern evocative of the 2nd-gen Eversharp Doric. Nickel plated clip and early-style cap bands with wider center band. One historically interesting detail of this pen is that its barrel bears the subtle heatstamped personalization of Lancia, the famous Italian auto manufacturer (see timestamp photo). To fill the pen, simply unscrew the blind cap, submerse the nib, and depress the metal button once (DETAIL PHOTO). This big pen has a strong fill and holds a lot of ink. As if the 2 pens above weren’t evidence enough of the quality of Italian steel nibs, the Aurora Platiridio #5 in this pen takes the cake. Not only is it a Wet Noodle with softness and flow rivaling that of a dip pen nib, but it’s capable of one of the widest max line widths I’ve ever measured. It lays down a smooth and consistent XF line that widens to an incredible 5B? (approx 2.8mm!) under minimal pressure (see WRITING SAMPLE). Even so, it retains a superbly responsive snap-back that gives one precise control over the line under any amount of pressure. That and reliable flow over its full range of flex make it another ideal choice for calligraphic writing styles such as Copperplate and Spencerian. Note that due to the considerable space between the tines of this nib at full flex, Waterman Serenity Blue had trouble keeping the surface tension but my trusty Omas Grey solved the problem entirely, producing flawlessly reliable lines under full flex. So some experimentation with wetter inks might be in order. Condition: excellent+ [B+] assuming you take the “Lancia” marking as an interesting mark of historical provenance as opposed to a flaw. Nickel-plated trim is clean with no brassing or other notable flaws. ). Celluloid is smooth and lustrous with no deep scratches or other noteworthy blemishes – scarcely even any micro-scratches. Manufacturer imprint on the section is deep and fully legible. Price: $420 SOLD
 
4. 1930s-40s Astura Nova (grey pearl snakeskin, celluloid, NPT, lever filler, 14k XF Superflex/Wet Noodle nib). This full-sized model measures 5 1/16” capped. Astura pens were made by S.A.F.I.S., a company in Turin (fd. 1926) that would come to be one of the most influential Italian pen makers of the early half of the twentieth century (MORE INFO). They’re best known for producing pens of considerably high quality such as Radius and The King. And this Astura follows suit. It’s made of celluloid in a particularly bold and pearlescent snakeskin pattern, complemented by nickel plated trim. 14k Warranted #3 nib yields Super-flexible variation with softness verging on that of a Wet Noodle. It lays down a smooth and consistent XF line that widens to a 4B+ (approx 2.2mm) under very light pressure (see WRITING SAMPLE). Thin hairlines, superbly responsive snap-back, and reliable flow over its full range of flex make it another excellent choice for calligraphic writing styles such as Copperplate and Spencerian. Condition: fine [C]. Nickel-plated trim shows some brassing to the clip and some of the lower cap band, which has been factored into the price. Nib has a mark on one tine that's merely cosmetic, having no effect on durability or performance. Celluloid is smooth and lustrous with no deep scratches or other noteworthy blemishes – scarcely even any micro-scratches. Manufacturer imprint on the barrel is deep and fully legible. Another beautiful Italian pen and another lovely writer. Price: $280 SOLD
 
5. 1930s-40s Novo Retrofit (green moss, celluloid, NPT, button filler, 14k XXF Needlepoint Wet Noodle nib). This full-sized model measures 4 7/8” capped. The only maker’s mark on this pen is a barrel imprint that reads “Novo.” But I haven’t been able to determine whether that’s a make or a model or anything about it, for that matter. It’s clearly Italian, of a quality similar to the Montegrappas and Aurora above, probably originating from one of those conglomerates that collaborated with some of the major Italian makers. In fact, the clip of this pen is identical to that of pen #2. This pen is made of celluloid in an unusual, moss green color pattern with flashes of a brighter green. Nickel-plated trim with elegant roller-clip. This pen is a button filler. To fill the pen, simply unscrew the blind cap, submerse the nib, and depress the metal button once. This pen came to me nibless but with a very narrow section, so I equipped it with a smaller, 14k, iridium-tipped Aikin Lambert dip pen nib - adjusted and tuned to match factory performance. That nib is a Wet Noodle with killer snap-back. It lays down a smooth and consistent XXF line that widens to a 4B+ (approx 2.1mm) under minimal pressure (probably the softest nib of the batch) (see WRITING SAMPLE). Needlepoint hairlines, effortless variation, surgically precise snap-back, and reliable flow over its full range of flex make it another ideal choice for calligraphic writing styles. Condition: excellent+ [B+]. Nickel-plated trim is clean with no brassing or other notable flaws aside from perhaps a sliver or two of high-point wear on the apex of the faceted clip. Celluloid is smooth and lustrous with no deep scratches or other noteworthy blemishes – scarcely even any micro-scratches. Manufacturer imprint on the barrel is deep and fully legible. Price: $270 SOLD
 
6. 1930s-40s Edacoto 02 Retrofit (coral grey pearl, celluloid, NPT, button filler, 14k XXF Needlepoint Wet Noodle nib). This is a larger Edacoto model, having a thicker girth than standard and measuring 5 1/16” capped. Edacoto (née Edac) was French maker based in Paris from 1922 to the mid-1960s. Edacotos are well-made pens known for their unusual color patterns and distinctive waterfall clip design. This one is a case in point, being made in a grey pearl celluloid with a quasi-psychedelic color pattern resembling chatoyant coral that seems to shift when the pen is turned under light. This model’s size, filling system, and trim configuration situates it near the top of Edacoto’s lineup. It is a button filler. To fill the pen, simply unscrew the blind cap, submerse the nib, and depress the metal button once. It’s equipped with one of my dip pen nib retrofits: a large, 14k, iridium tipped E.S. Johnson that’s been adjusted and tuned to match factory performance. That nib is another Wet Noodle, laying down a smooth and consistent XXF line that widens to an impressive 4B+ (approx 2.5mm) under minimal pressure (see WRITING SAMPLE). Needlepoint hairlines, strong snap-back, and reliable flow over its full range of flex make it another ideal choice for calligraphic writing styles such as Copperplate and Spencerian. Condition: excellent+ [B+]. Nickel-plated trim is clean with no brassing or notable flaws apart from the top cap band having lost some of its original luster (I assume). Celluloid is smooth and lustrous with no deep scratches or other noteworthy blemishes – scarcely even any micro-scratches. Feed is missing a a fin from one side, which has no discernible effect on writing performance (see DETAIL PHOTO RIGHT). Manufacturer imprint on the barrel is deep and fully legible. Price: $310 SOLD
 
7. 1930s-40s Edacoto (grey web, celluloid, NPT, lever filler, SS XF/F Wet Noodle nib). This full-sized model measures 4 7/8” capped. For more on Edacoto, see description of pen #6 above. This pen is made of grey web celluloid complemented by nickel plated trim with deluxe, triple cap bands. SS Edacoto 87 nib is yet another Wet Noodle with flow and softness comparable to that of a dip pen nib. It lays down a smooth and consistent XF/F line that widens to an impressive 4B+ (approx 2.5mm) under minimal pressure (see WRITING SAMPLE). Effortless variation, strong snap-back, and reliably wet flow over its full range of flex make it another ideal choice for calligraphic writing styles. Condition: excellent [B]. Nickel-plated trim is clean with no brassing or notable flaws apart from a pin sized spot of wear on the lever and a couple on the cap bands on each side of the cap (see timestamp photo). Celluloid is smooth and lustrous with no deep scratches or other noteworthy blemishes – scarcely even any micro-scratches. Manufacturer imprint on the barrel is weakened but fully legible. Price: $220 SOLD
 
8. 1930s Edacoto (grey pearl marble, celluloid, NPT, lever filler, 14k F Flex/Superflex nib). This smaller model measures 4 5/8” capped. For more on Edacoto, see pen #6 above. This one is made of grey pearl marble complemented by nickel-plated trim. 14k Warranted nib yields Super-Flexible variation with Flexible softness. It lays down a smooth and consistent F line that widens to a 4B+ (approx 2.0mm) under moderate pressure (see WRITING SAMPLE). Strong snap-back, and reliable flow over its full range of flex make it a great choice for expressive and calligraphic writing styles. Condition: excellent/fine [B/C]. Nickel-plated trim looks clean with the naked eye but shows a peppering of wear under a loupe. Celluloid is smooth and lustrous with no deep scratches or other noteworthy blemishes apart from subtle shrinkage of the cap that can’t be seen so much as felt when running a finger down it – merely cosmetic with no affect on how the cap screws on. Manufacturer imprint on the barrel is weakened but fully legible. Price: $150 $140
 
9. 1940s-50s Mercury w/ Sticker (blue swirl, celluloid, NPT, button filler, 14k XF Superflex nib). This full-sized model measures 5 3/8” capped. This mysterious pen has defied all my research efforts. It’s marked “Mercury” on the barrel in the usual place and “B-tg / SGDG / Made in France” farther up toward the section. It comes with its original price sticker, ehich reads “Mercury” and “225” penned in ink. This pen is made of a curious wrapped celluloid in blue and black complemented by heavy, white metal trim with “Bronze au Glucinium” stamped in the top of the spring-activated clip. Never seen trim made of this! Threads for the blind cap appear to be stainless steel. All this gives the pen a substantial heft in the hand. Super-Flexible 14k Mercury nib lays down a smooth and consistent XF line that widens to a 4B+ (approx 2.0mm) under light pressure (see WRITING SAMPLE). Thin hairlines, strong snap-back, and reliable flow over its full range of flex make it another great choice for calligraphic writing styles. Condition: excellent+ [B+]. This pen is in pristine, museum-grade condition. Nickel-plated trim is immaculate with no brassing or other notable flaws. Celluloid is smooth and lustrous with no deep scratches or other noteworthy blemishes – scarcely even any micro-scratches. Manufacturer imprint on the barrel are deep and fully legible. Price: $240 SOLD
 
 
 
Shipping: Pens purchased on the weekend are mailed on Tuesday. Otherwise they are mailed within 2 business days of payment. All pens that do not come with their original boxes are packaged in PVC or thick plastic tubes to protect them in transit. To CONUS locations the following shipping options are available:

• USPS First-Class with tracking for $5 Due to the delivery delays that continue under postmaster general DeJoy, I strongly recommend that the Priority shipping option be chosen. All packages will include full insurance (covered by me). Rest assured that a full refund is guaranteed (issued through Paypal) in the event of a lost parcel and you will not have to wait until I receive a reimbursement from the USPS.
  
• USPS Priority with tracking for $9
  

International Customers: Please contact me for shipping quote if located abroad (delivery confirmation required). (Note: due to the issues stated above, my international shipping options are currently limited. PM for more info). Please do not ask me to commit mail fraud by altering the declared value of a pen for customs. Not only am I registered as a business but shipping insurance is based on declared value.
New York Customers: For tax purposes, I am now required to add an 8% sales tax on any sale made in the state of NY. If your shipping address is in NY state, please let me know before payment to receive an adjusted total. Discounted shipping is included for NY State residents to help defray the extra cost.
Ordering: Pens are placed on hold for the first person to reply to the thread and PM me with firm request to purchase (no chat DMs please). A request with the words “I'd like to purchase [pen number]” would be best to avoid confusion), to which I’ll reply with payment details. Please note that a message inquiring into a price discount does not suffice to place a pen on hold. If I haven't received Paypal payment within 24 hrs after a hold is placed, then pen(s) may become available to the next person.
Payment, & Guarantee: Payment by Paypal only. All pens are guaranteed to be in the condition in which I've described them. If I've missed something objectionable or the filling mechanism is not fully functional, the buyer may contact me up to 7 days after receiving the pen for a full refund (issued once I receive the pen back in the same condition as sold). Buyer must ship the return no later than 2 weeks after it was delivered to receive a refund. I've sold pens online for over a decade. Please check my past listings here as well as on the classifieds and historical sales forums on FPN (username: Estragon) and FPGeeks (popcod) for some of my previous offerings.
 
 
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