Previous Part
“I knew it, I knew he’d pull something like that!”
Was the only thought running through my head as I watched Keith get forced into the truck outside. I was scared for Keith and I was angry, that kind of anger you feel in the pit of your stomach. Not at Keith though, my fury was directed at myself for freezing again. I just sat in the window and watched him get taken. Headache or not I should’ve done something, anything! Instead I just sat there and watched, powerless as always. My first instinct was to go running back home, maybe Frank and Stein could help somehow. Imagine my surprise when I walked in the door and they were looking for me. Well maybe I wasn’t to surprised, I hadn’t told them I didn’t plan on coming back home when I left yesterday.
“Bianca! We were just going to come looking for you, Keith had this idea and… are you alright?”
Frank asked, concern covering his face like a shadow. I must’ve looked like a mess, and the hot wet feeling on my face told me I’d started crying at some point on my way over as well.
“Are you ok? Did something happen?”
Frank repeated in his best fatherly voice. I could barley stammer out the words.
“Keith… gone… they took him.”
My babbling was enough though, realization shown on both their faces. Stein said something to Frank that I couldn’t hear then they nodded to each other.
“He was almost spot on with the timing. Well we best start getting around to do our part then.”
Stein said in his usual uncaring and mildly haughty manner. I don’t know why but it really boiled my blood this time. Keith was gone and he’s just moving on with things?
“Does no-one care about what just happened?! We agreed to look out for him and what did we do? Nothing!”
I screamed at no-one in particular. Those two just gave me a look like I was a misbehaving child.
“We’ve done what we could Bianca, besides Keith is the one who suggested what we’re about to do next.”
Frank stated, in an even and calm tone that made me stop and realize how ridiculous I was acting. Freaking out wouldn’t get us anywhere, even though I really wanted to. So I took a deep breath and stepped back for a second to collect myself.I hated to admit it but in a way their cold, calculating, order of operations approach would probably help here. Those two would never crack under pressure like me. While they didn’t talk about it, I’m sure they’d seen far worse working with the government.
Stein was rushing around looking for car keys when I came back into the kitchen. Frank however, stopped what he was doing to come over to me. I held up my hand to stop him when he opened his mouth to say something.
“No, you don’t have to try and convince me, I’ll come with you. What was Keith’s plan anyways? What did he put you guys up to?”
I asked, much calmer than before but still a little on edge. I couldn’t help but to feel at least a little responsible for what happened to Keith. I know it wasn’t my fault but I came with him for a reason. As much fun as last night had been I wasn’t taking it seriously. I should’ve stayed up to watch for Shaoni, maybe looked around for something she left when she was there before. Regardless, I had to be better next time.
“Keith thought that maybe someone from the reservation a little while outside town may have heard legends about Shaoni. She’s the Thunderbird, that’s an important figure in their stories and legends. Being so close to where she had been sleeping for years he thought there might be a connection. So he asked us to go out and ask around.”
Stein answered me before Frank had a chance to, walking into the room and tossing a jacket my way.
“And put this on, its cold out there.”
It was actually funny how often Stein tried to care and actually came off as so much colder. Almost like he was doing it because he had to, not because he actually cared about me.
“Don’t mind him, he’s just stressed with everything going on lately.”
Frank explained, trying to comfort me. He was right of course, but it didn’t change the fact that it still rubbed me the wrong way.
Ten minutes later I was in the car headed out toward the reservation. It wasn’t a very eventful ride and the pine trees didn’t make for great scenery, I’d seen it all before anyways. Frank and Stein were quiet the whole time and we couldn’t find Rocco before we left. Part of me wondered where he was and part of me didn’t want to know. This gave my mind time to wander and I found myself thinking my life before meeting Frank and Stein. It was weird, I usually tried not to think about it at all but something had brought those memories roaring back. Probably due to Keith asking about it the other day. No-one ever seemed to care about that, my past that is. Every now and then I’d get bored and wander around town. Someone might come up to me and talk but not like Keith did. The only real questions they asked were usually something along the lines of “What’re you doing tonight?” And other variations of that. They were usually looking for something I had no interest in. Sometimes it wasn’t entirely their choice to talk to me. I’d just use my powers simply to have a conversation with someone. Keith actually cared about me though, at least I think so.
A loud honk broke me out of my trance, we had arrived on the reservation. The improvised trailer park we’d arrived in wasn’t much to look at. A dog or two ran around the cluttered ground, free from any sort of leash. An older car missing most of the front end sat raised on a few blocks of concrete. The trailers themselves were run down and rusted. Despite the sorry sight of the place three men sat around a fire, laughing and generally having a great time. The trio looked up as we walked over, recognition passing over their faces. We must’ve looked out of place here in our shiny SUV and Frank and Stein’s three piece suits. Those two were always overdressed when they went out. The only place they fit in was the lab and they seemed more than fine with that.
“Stein! Is that you?”
Exclaimed the man on the left, standing to meet us. He looked happy to see Stein, though I had never seen the guy before in my life. Which meant he must’ve been a friend from before I knew Stein.
“My friend! How have you been? Have you had any difficulties with your… condition.”
Stein replied, cutting his eyes at the other two men like he didn’t trust them.
“They know old friend, no need to beat around the bush here.”
He had to have some supernatural abilities, that’s the only way Stein knew anyone. The question was, what was he?
The man’s name was Sam, Frank told me as we joined the men at the fire. I asked him for more, like what he meant by condition but he wouldn’t budge. Condition usually meant supernatural but a lot of them just looked like normal people. I’m sure everyone has some picture of a succubus in their head and I’m… not that. So I couldn’t even begin to guess at what Sam’s “condition” was.
“So what brings you out here Stein? I hate to say it, but I never expected to see you again.”
Sam said, trying to be as friendly as possible while ultimately telling Stein he didn’t really want him here. He didn’t feel nervous, that much I sensed for sure. No, it was fear that drove him to try and push Stein away, but what did he have to be afraid of?
“I assure you I’ll be gone before I overstay my welcome. I just have a few questions I’d like answers to. It’s entirely possible that you know nothing as well, in which case I’ll be gone even sooner. But you wouldn’t lie to me just to see me gone, now would you?”
Stein almost threatened, some of the friendliness slipping out of his voice. There was more going on here than what I could see or even sense. I’ve got a really good sense of what people are feeling at any given time but the context of those feelings can get lost on me. Sam was feeling fear, way too much fear for the situation. Maybe he knew what Stein was going to ask but I couldn’t tell for sure. I looked to the two scientists, cutting my eyes from Frank to Stein trying to see if they wanted me to step in and calm them down.
“Stein… I can’t… if she knew I talked to you she’d come here. The things I’ve done… what you helped me stop doing. She wouldn’t see it that way if she came here… she would…”
Sam blubbered out, completely losing his composure before Stein raised a hand and cut him off.
“She? You mean Shaoni, we’re aware of what’s going on. We still do have some questions about her though, ones I hope you have answers to.”
At the mention of her name all three men shot up, so I stepped forward. Frank protested but he was to slow to stop me. It’s difficult to describe how I can make people do what I want, these days I just kind of will it to happen and it does. I can force an emotion, or a feeling onto someone else by imagining it myself and projecting it onto them. Frank and Stein think it has something to do with pheromones my body produces. These pheromones can induce certain emotions or feelings if I want them too. In this case I wanted these men to feel tired, cooperative, compliant, and that’s just what they became. Just as soon as they tried to stand they buckled to their knees. I was pushing a little to hard so I eased up a bit, I didn’t want to just put them to sleep or something. Sam got back to his feet and sat down in his chair as the others did the same.
“I’d like to know about Shaoni, The full story, as much as you know.”
I commanded more than asked Sam as he just nodded towards me, a vacant look in his eyes.
“Where should I start exactly little lady?”
Sam asked me, his tone a mix of nervous and compliant.
“I want to know what you know about her, all of it, then we’ll go.”
I answered, trying to ignore the looks Frank and Stein were giving me. They knew I was taking a risk, he didn’t want to share what he knew so I was forcing it out of him. He wanted to tell me now but it wasn’t really “him”. I was in his head, and while he wasn’t going to fight me on anything now, I was sure a part of him was screaming deep down. Fighting desperately to keep his mouth shut to avoid the consequences of telling me anything. I tried not to think about what I was doing to him as Sam began his story.
“Well to start her name wasn’t always Shaoni, It’s hard to keep one name when you’ve lived as long as her. Her name meant “Stormcaller” as near as it translates to your language. She was an elder in a long forgotten tribe in what you know as Canada today. She was renowned for her ability to over see trials and solve debates among her people, always able to set right apart from wrong. The exact name and place of her tribe have been lost to the ages but I do know that it was wiped out. As the story goes the tribe met its end at the hands of “explorers”, all save for Stormcaller were killed. She fled far into the forests and eventually stumbled upon four spirits, the original Thunderbirds. At this time they were still great spirits, created by Nanabozho. Those spirits took pity on Stormcaller, allowing her to live with them in the four corners of the world. With them she learned many things, how to fight, how to think as only a spirit can, and most of all she sharpened her already formidable sense of justice. That need to see justice done, and the proper sense to see what was right from what was wrong is what lead the chief of the Thunderbird spirits to bind itself to her, giving her the powers she’s said to have today, letting her exist as spirit and man made one.
The other Thunderbird spirits eventually followed this example, choosing representatives of their own, each representing an Ideal: Courage, so that our people would never falter in the face of adversity. Solidarity, so that, divided as they may be at times our people were one at heart. Duty, so that our people would never forget their place in the world and the customs and traditions we upheld. Finally there was Justice to lead them all, so that no wrong would be left to stand, and so that one among the ideals would keep the rest in check. These four formed a council that watched over our people for many years.
As imperialism grew in the world and more crimes were committed against their people this council became more and more warlike. Often Stormcaller, now simply known as Justice spearheaded these actions. She sought to right the wrongs committed against her people and hold all responsible accountable for their actions. In accordance with her duties as the embodiment of justice for our people. This war of hers would prove to be her downfall, every day her sense of justice became more absolute, more black and white. She stopped consulting the council to help guide her decisions, believing she and she alone knew what was best for her people and fellow ideals. One thing that changed when the Thunderbird spirits bound themselves was their immutability. As a spirt nothing could harm them, they were eternal, they were and always would be. But once they had become one with a man they could be ended, They would live forever but man’s mortality meant they could be killed unlike before. Something Justice would learn for herself in time.
As her warlike nature grew, Justice began to involve the ideals in open conflict with those who sought to take their peoples land and desecrate their way of life. Eventually Solidarity fell in battle, and those who saw him fall learned of the greater forces at play. These people sought to learn the truth of the power the had seen from Solidarity and doubled their intrusions into sacred land, searching for answers. Suddenly the hunters had become the hunted, perhaps if Justice had not clung so tightly to her convictions everything would’ve ended differently. Instead Justice doubled down on her pursuit to right every wrong she could lay her eyes upon, spurred on by the death of Solidarity. Eventually Courage fell and so to did Duty, only hardening Justice’s resolve. It was only when she revealed herself to her people one day and they fled from her, afraid of what she would do. Afraid that they to had committed some wrong that she sought to right in her own violent way. This reception forced Justice to realize what she had allowed herself to become. Justice had become Vengeance, lost in anger for wrongs she could never hope to right she had lost herself, becoming something else entirely.
She shed her name, her duties, her people and disappeared into the world. Watching what would come for her people broke her. She had lost what she sought to guide and guard, let the people the Thunderbird spirits sought to protect so long ago fall to ruin. Her need to see justice done never left her, but what was once a raging inferno became nothing more than a spark. If she came across one that had escaped justice, hidden their tracks or found a way out she would know. She would right the smaller wrongs of the world in her own way, stoking what remained of the flame within and finding her own purpose in the world. Eventually she would take on a new name, Shaoni, why I do not know but it is what she choose. Her sense of justice was still absolute, she saw no shades of grey just right and wrong. But the scale of her judgment was reduced, no longer would she try and right every wrong the world had to offer but only those she could reach. The world is a dark place though, and sometimes a lesser evil can ease pain. Shaoni didn’t see lesser evil as something she could abide and so her judgements often left more pain in their place. She grew weary of her pursuit once again, seeing how little she had changed and how much pain she had brought. She chose to settle down and remove herself from the world. Shaoni would never be able to die, not from the passing of time. She could remove herself from the equation in a cave not to far from where we stand now.”
Sam’s story hurt to listen too, in some ways it only seemed like Shaoni did what she thought was right. Yet time and time again she failed to see shades of grey, and that cost her everything. It made me think of who I was years ago in a way, not that I was some all powerful spirit thing like her but still. What would Shaoni think of the person I was? How would she judge me for my actions before I meet Frank and Stein? I certainly wasn’t a saint, but did that mean I couldn’t be better? I shook my head, now wasn’t the time to think of things like that. I stopped forcing Sam to answer my question, leaving him to his own devices. There was always some lingering effects after I… did my thing. I’m not sure how exactly it felt for them but I don’t imagine it was pleasant. Realizing you weren’t really in control of yourself has a way of causing issues for a person. Sam seemed to be shaking it off pretty well though, I’d seen worse things happen after I’d finished with someone, like Keith losing hours of time sitting in the kitchen. Playing with emotions can cause stress in the brain, especially since I’m forcing an emotion or feeling on them. More than once I’d seen someone left with uncontrollable swings in mood or a complete lack of emotion or feeling of any sort because of me. I hopped that wasn’t going to happen again here.
“Bianca what was that!”
Frank complained, finally breaking free of the spell the situation had cast over him. He ran over to the other two men that hadn’t gotten up from their chairs like Sam. Worry crashed over me like a wave as I realized why Frank sounded so concerned. One of the men was seizing on the ground, his body shaking violently as spasms coursed through him, had I done that? Sam was in a blissfully ignorant sate, he just sat in his chair watching the fire, unaware of what was happening to his friend. Frank and Stein leapt into action, holding the seizing man on the ground. Stein pulled off his belt and placed it in the mans mouth, trying to keep him from biting himself. My eyes were fixed on the third man who lay motionless on the ground. I took small steady steps toward him, hoping against hope that I could find a pulse. As I got closer I realized his chest was rising and falling. He was alive but who knew what he was going through right now. I felt distant, Frank was yelling something at me but I didn’t catch a word. I had to do it right? I had to make them tell us what they knew, it could help Keith right?
“What did you do to them?”
Sam asked me, apparently free of the aftereffects of my influence. I snapped my head to the side and watched him take a threatening step towards me. I backed away, afraid he might do something rash. I shouldn’t have done that, Stein could’ve convinced them on his own.
“What did you do to them? What’s wrong with them?”
Sam asked again, his voice growing more desperate. Stein picked that moment to appear at my side.
“Sam they’ll be ok just give them a minute. She didn’t mean to hurt you or your friends, just let it go. I’m helping her the same way I helped you, she’s not always in control.”
Sam softened a little bit at that but he was still wary of me. What Stein said was a lie, I had control of my abilities most of the time these days but Sam didn’t know that. Frank walked over to where we were standing with a relieved look on his face.
“They’ll be alright, they just need rest. What about you, are you feeling alright Sam?”
Frank asked, nodding towards him. Sam didn’t answer but it was plain to see he was doing far better than his friends.
“I’d like you all to leave.”
Sam ordered, putting his metaphorical foot down. Whatever favor he owed Stein didn’t matter anymore, he wanted us out. People were beginning to come out of some of the other trailers, gawking at the scene in front of them. As the three of us were leaving Sam said one more thing,
“Stein, this makes us even.”
He growled in an even but angry tone. You could just tell he was staring daggers at us the whole way back to the SUV. I turned back for a moment and I could’ve sworn his skin was wriggling and changing. Like he was just barley holding back something. What concerned me even more was what he felt, not anger or worry, but fear.
The ride back was less than pleasant. You know that feeling when you’ve done something wrong but no one really wants to address it yet? Yeah, that’s what was going on here, the air was practically electric.
“We needed him to talk…”
Stein cut me off immediately, shouting,
“Sometimes you don’t need to help! Look… I know you meant well but you can hurt people with that power of yours. I’ve never seen it that bad before but then again you’ve never done it to a group of people that long. Who knows what longterm consequences it might have. Just… be more careful in the future.”
Stein wasn’t as angry as he tried to appear, part off him was even relived, maybe because I had been the one to handle the situation instead of him.
“I know, I know its just… Keith is stuck out there at that mine with her, I couldn’t leave with nothing.”
I agreed, He was right, it was a risk but how could I have just let it be? No-one else was going to look out for him so that fell on us now. As much as I hated having to force things out of people I was good at it, really good. Despite how I felt about what I could do to people that was the easiest way to get Sam to speak back there.
“Where did this whole drive to help Keith come from anyways? A few days ago you talk him into watching the house and throw some money, our money, at him for the trouble. I’ve seen you do that a few times before with others so you could come with us when we went to stock up on things. Regardless of our misgivings surrounding your methods. So it didn’t go that well this time and he found out about you and us. Something like that was bound to happen eventually. What I can’t picture is why you go out of your way to help him. I don’t personally have any issue with you jumping to his defense. Its not too hard to understand why someone would, considering his situation. But for you, well it seems out of character for you.”
Frank chimed in with a question of his own. I’m sure he didn’t mean anything by it hurt to see him so surprised that I’d consider helping another person.
I never answered Frank’s question, I thought about it a lot the rest of the way back though. Why was I so intent on helping Keith? All my life I’d done things just to survive, even when I was really young I had to find a way to get by on my own. Sure I had my mother but she had her hands full with her own life. She didn’t have much after my father left and did everything she could to make ends meet. I just tried to stay out of her way and help where I could. I never complained when she forgot to make dinner, or when there just wasn’t food around the house. I’d just go without or take what I needed from someone else. Even back then I knew it was wrong but I always had looks on my side. Combine that with pity and not a lot of people would say no to the cute hungry kid. After Brooke, I only had myself and I just kept doing what I needed to. This was different though, I didn’t have to help Keith but I wanted to help him all the same. I didn’t get around town much and I always felt like I just existed around Frank and Stein. With Keith I wasn’t just this thing lying around the house, I was a person, a friend even. That was it, the first time it really clicked for me, Keith was my friend, not because I had wanted him to be or because I made him think he was. No, he was actually there for me and it was all his choice. I didn’t have to puppet him around myself, he actually wanted to be there. I didn’t have to wonder if it was just me and everything I could do pulling him in. For the first time in years someone had actually cared enough to ask about me, Frank and Stein never really did because they knew how much it hurt. Keith didn’t know how much it hurt to talk about but still. I needed to actually talk about all that happened to me with someone who listened for real.
Coming to that realization only made me want to do something stupid. Like run up to that mine and try to get Keith out of there myself. But that’s exactly what it was, stupid. If we wanted to get Keith back we’d need something better than just me. We’d need a real plan, one I’d just started thinking of. There was something else eating at me to. Keith had offered to take some burden from Shaoni back in Imalone, I had an idea what it might be and it scared me. If I was right well, Keith was in more danger than we all thought.
When we pulled back into the driveway Tuck was waiting at the door.
“Where’ve Y’all been?! I been lookin’ for ya damn near all afternoon! Somein’ happened o’re at Keith’s place, He’s gone. I cain’t find that “lab assistant” of yours neither.”
Tuck said hurriedly, his southern accent that he usually tried to hide seeping out into his words.
“We know, it was those trials he told us about. I presume he told you as well then?”
Stein informed him as he got out of the car and marched towards the door, barely making eye contact. Stein had an idea, I could read it all over him. He got this way when he was away from home and wanted too test something, once he was back there was no standing between him and his lab.
“Yeah, the kid told me something like that. Would explain where all those people were goin’ to. Couple of the regulars in town, ones I know look up to that damn bird, left this morning headin’ towards the old mines.”
Tuck spoke to no one in particular, nodding to himself as if to check off the fact that Keith disappearing and people leaving town were two related things.
“Why don’t you come in then, you might be able to help out with the situation. We just learned a few things about this… “damn bird” of yours. I really would’ve appreciated if you told us about that years ago. Perhaps you’d like to tell us what you know of the Thunderbird in the lab?”
Stein ordered rather than asked, pointing to the door for no more than a moment before continuing on his march to the basement. Frank and I filed in after them but I didn’t join them in the lab.
I looked around the house for Rocco but couldn’t find a trace. It wasn’t like him not to leave some trail of destruction in his wake. Well hidden or not, we usually found evidence of whatever he was up to but this time there was nothing. I had no clue where he’d gotten off to, maybe I was better off not knowing. After I gave up I joined the others in the basement, to their surprise I actually had decided to make an appearance. Frank and Stein were a little rattled at first but soon went back to their work. Tuck just beamed at me proudly, like he knew something I didn’t. We set about comparing notes on Shaoni, and separating fact from fiction based on Frank and Stein’s many years working with the supernatural. It was… nice, in a family bonding kind of way. Keith had brought us all together, gave these scientist a new problem to solve. Gave Tuck a chance for some kind of justice for the friends he’d lost in the mine collapse all those years ago. For me, he’d brought me together with the family I’d fallen in with. Strange as they were, this was my family, or at least the closest thing I had to it. I had to help, not just for Keith but for them. I’d been a burden, scared to go outside, hateful of what I could do despite using it to make life easier for myself. Worst of all I’d been stuck in my own head, I’d gone through awful things, done awful things, used my body and my charm to get through life. I’d been every bit as evil as Brooke had been to me. I did everything he’d done to me to others, only it was so much easier for me to do it. I hate myself for it, maybe I always would, but I couldn’t let that stop me now. I had to set all that aside and be there for the people in my life, I had to be a person again, not just hope everyone would treat me like one.

I know that with all the things going on in the world right now this is a pretty insignificant struggle, but I hope the community either gets a kick out of this or can support my feelings on the matter.
My name is mouse, I’ve been going by mouse in my personal life for a solid 9 years or so, but only recently have started using it professionally. Coming out of undergrad with a biochem degree, I was offered an opportunity of a lifetime doing research in neuroscience! Woo! I wasn’t in a position to be picky about jobs, so I dropped everything and moved across the country to start work.
Yes I’m an idiot, yes I should have known more about the job and the lab before I fuckin moved, trust me, I know
I knew the lab dabbled in mammalian genetics and did all kinds of different research. what I didn’t know was just about every lab within the institution uses mice. the whole institution is funded by the sale of experimental mice.
The institution is JAZZED about mice y’all. There are paintings and statues and dedications to the alllll over the place; some more tasteful than others. There are hundred of thousands of mice held in living libraries underground. I don’t need to take too much time to impart upon you the irony of my having no understanding of this prior to starting
I’ve only been working here around 7 months, so I still do a lot of introducing myself to folks. And of course, this elicits a reaction. Every. Fucking. Time. Without fail, a comment HAS to be made.
There’s the classics like “oh haha, your name is perfect for this job”, or the assumptions that I definitely chose this job because of my name. I’ve had people assume I chose my name based on my job too. Of course there are the few people who find it charming and handle it with tact and it’s just a chill conversation starter, but I’ve had people accuse me of LYING to them.
I’m sure I don’t have to tell you that my name is never forgotten, but my pronouns certainly are!
Then there are the jokes. I’m sure there are many more jokes I don’t hear, but the jokes I do hear just don’t meet my standards for a funny joke. If you’re going to simultaneously disrespect the animals that sacrifice their lives for our work, as well as your coworker WHO CAN HEAR YOU, it better fucking make me laugh.
A lot of the work we do requires that we view mice as a product or a tool or means to an end. Alone, this is horrific to me. In conjunction with my name, it’s been damaging to my mental health. I never much identified with my namesake until I began this work and it’s fucking tearing me apart. I do my best to make every interaction I have with a mouse the most comfortable it can be, but I will never forget the lives I’ve taken and I don’t want to forget.
TLDR: my name is mouse I do research with mice, i cannot escape the comparison, help
Y’all got fuckin advice?

Dear F,
Actually— Does your name even start with that letter anymore? I wonder about that sometimes. Not sure why you’d opt to change it again, but still. Just something that pops into my head.
I wasn’t aware I’d be writing a second letter so soon after the first— though likely this ends up buried on my account after being filtered out or removed, or what have you. Could be the unverified E-Mail? Who knows.
I’m having kind of a shitty day. Didn’t sleep super well, but that’s nothing crazy. Had the misfortune of having to see a dead bird at work today. Seems like it was done by another animal, so it shouldn’t make me too sad— like, that’s Nature and eve thing. Can’t help being soft about this kind of stuff, though. I actually took care of a shaken up ‘n hungry fledgling for a week or so last year, so maybe that’s why it feels a bit extra unfortunate. Reminds me of when we found that field mouse acting odd on the trail, and took care of him for a couple days. Icarus, right? I think I wanted to spell it like the town in Pokémon BW, but it’s silly to split hairs over that. I think I’m rambling to deflect at this point, as I’m want to do.
You always pop into my head— usually either because of the things we shared, the meaningful words that hopped off your lips… but sometimes it’s the darker stuff. Things you’ve told me about your past, about the things you’ve seen and experienced, and my heart nearly breaks in two. I can’t believe I ever left your side, ever let myself leave the world’s most valuable position— your confidant.
I’m sorry for everything— with all that happened I wasn’t in right mind, and after that I could only focus on survival… and by the time I realized how much I missed you, you had already (rightfully) given up on our connection. I hope there are people in this world you feel like you can tell about those skeletons in your closet. you deserve to be heard, loved, understood, and appreciated.
I think I’ve already written it in my last letter, and likely in the several older ones posted under a boatload of aliases and whatnot, that one of the only things that stops me from completely falling into despair is the idea that you’re happier now than you ever could have been with me. that doesn’t seem to be the case, and that breaks my heart. I can only hope that it’s waiting for you at some point down the road. I hope the same thing for everyone else, too. It’s a comforting thought to think everyone can reach their true potential and be joyous now that I’m finally no longer in the way. Failing that, the only other thing that gives me a small bit of comfort, is the idea that multiverses are real, and somewhere out there— I’m making good on my promises, making you as happy and fulfilled as you deserve to be. That we’re working on funny little games and comics and all sorts of unique artistic endeavors with all our friends in our close-knit little found family of a community.
I’ve got more on my mind today, but I should probably cut it here. (So needlessly verbose, guess some things never change.) Not like you’re gonna read this anyway, though— for as much as I fantasize about you somehow stumbling upon these writings, I’m well aware that it’s not gonna happen, which is… nice, in a way. Not for my peace of mind and privacy, I’m shameless enough to actively want you to see these on some level, but it’s comforting knowing that I’m at least not ENTIRELY writing these from a pace of selfish need to be seen and pitied, but as a genuine coping mechanism.
Until next time, —The Boy Who Was Once Your Doofling

Hi, my name is Juan, I'm from Colombia and I been having a very huge problem with my xbox series s since a couple of days. There was a storm with lightnings in the place where I live and for a few seconds there was a black out, so I disconnected my TV and the console and after the storm ended I turned on the console again but it took a very long time to start and when the homepage finally appeared it said that it was not connected to the xbox network and It seemed pretty weird to me, beacause the console was already wired connected so I thought it was a problem with my wi-fi router so I disconnected the router for about 5 minutes and also I restarted the console, but the problem remained the same, and I just realized that it couldn't be a wi-fi problem beacuse my laptop was working perfectly with the same LAN cable that I was using in the xbox, the funny thing is that I also tried a wireless connection but it kept saying that the console was NAT connected and that I had to disconnect the wire, even when it was ALREADY DISCONNECTED, so basically I was not having any internet connection at all, so I decided to reset the console to factory settings (and went just worse) first I tried to reset and keep my games and apps, then mid process the screen displayed a message saying checking for updates but after that a message saying error code 0x8B050084 0x00000000 0x00000201, and I really tried it all to solve this but none of my efforts worked, at that point I only had three options to try, "try again", "check network" and "turn off console", if I press on "try again" the same error code displays again, if I press on "check network" it ask me to check wired or wireless connection and when I press wired it says it's all good and the console it's wired connected even when the LAN Cable it's unplugged, which is a big problem, so I tried to check the wireless connection and it didn't show me my wireless network not even wireless networks nearby, the only thing displaying it's "Add wireless network" so when I press it, it says Specify SSID and at this point it's not even a surprise that when I put my SSID it didn't work at all, saying that my security protocol won't work, I even tried typing the SSID's from my neighbors and also none of them worked, so I'm stuck in the factory settings mode and the only possible solution that I found in the internet was doing an offline update through a flash drive, so I reset my pendrive to NTFS format and I downloaded the OSU1 file from the xbox webpage and I just copied the "$Systemupdate" file to the USB, then I get to the xbox troubleshooting menu and I inserted the pendrive to perform an "offline system update". I really thought that this method was going to be effective but when the update process was at about 80% the console just stopped the update and started to display "checking for updates" again just to end up showing the same error code 0x8B050084 0x00000000 0x00000201 AGAIN. I was so confused beacuse what is the point of doing an offline system update if it is going to check out the network connectivity anyway, I've tried to perform the offline system update three times but the result was same, so at this point my series s won't start at all and I really don't know what to do.

Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/live/cjn8w8j06ik?feature=shared

• They're having a jam session when we join
• 3:45 Neo and Luke are improvising a song about all the guys. I'll just translate the lyrics that Luke sings in Thai because he also sings in English a bit too. When you hear Neo talking/singing, he's trying to translate what Luke is singing, but sometimes he's a little off.
  • Mix: "can be good but also bad. Likes to eat a lot with Pond"
  • Phuwin: (sings in English)
  • Pond: (sings in English) "Everyone knows that he always wants to eat rice with Thai omelette (extra salty)"
  • Neo: "He's probably the most annoying in the house, but he's also cute. He loves annoying everyone a lot, especially Earth. That's the kind of person he is. He plays guitar really well."
  • Khaotung: "I like how he likes similar things as me. I like how he plays darts with me. I like how he also wins games like me."
  • (pause while they laugh)
  • 6:30 Earth: "Everyone who's watching this livestream knows that he likes to wear this red sweatshirt." (pause because Neo needs to think of what to play) "Red shirt, red shirt, has nice stuff in his hair" (then sings in English) (pause because of Neo's mistranslation) "Actually, he should be the best in the house, but right now he has the lowest score. But that's alright, because there's lots of time for him to win more games."
  • Gun: "Yellow shirt, like the Sang Sang that he's the presenter of. He's really tiny, but his smile is huge. He's also very good-looking and the nicest in the house" (then Luke says something a bit funny but rude, which makes Gun get up and try to push a pillow in Luke's face)
• 9:50 Mix and Gun go to the kitchen. The others realise that they can watch the footage of the kitchen from the TV.
• 10:45 Neo and Khaotung consider improvising a song for Luke since he didn't get to sing about himself, but Luke declines.
• 12:15 PD asks everyone to assemble in the kitchen. She makes a notification sound before speaking so that the guys don't get startled, which they appreciate
• 13:20 Medal competition sponsored by Sea Me Now. Gun reads the rules. They will divide themselves into two teams. Each team will send two members to prepare "yum" (a type of Thai salad served at room temperature, often involving some kind of noodles like glass noodles) within 15 minutes, using the seafood from Sea Me Now. Meanwhile, the remaining 4 guys will wait in another room until the dishes are ready, and they will come and blindly taste the dishes and vote on which dish is better. Winning team gets one medal each.
  • 16:00 PD asks the teams which member each thinks is the best cook in the team. Phuwin is the best of the left team, and the right-hand team are undecided between Gun and Khaotung. At 17:30 PD asks which member from each group is the worst at cooking. The guys start to figure out that PD is going to pair the best cook with the worst cook, so the right-hand team try to blag that Khaotung and Gun don't know how to cook that well after all. At 18:30, Neo is the only one who hasn't caught on to PD's plan, so he raises his hand to indicate that he's the worst cook on that team because he thinks it means he won't have to cook. Final cooking teams are Phuwin/Neo and Gun/Pond. The rest go to wait in the play zone.
  • 21:00 Phuwin has only just realised that they are required to make "yum," which he doesn't know how to make. He mistakenly thought they could make whatever they wanted. Gun is also not confident.
  • 23:00 Cooking timer begins. Both teams decide to use the salmon. Phuwin/Neo decide they're going to leave their salmon raw. Pond asks Gun if they're going to leave theirs raw too, and Phuwin accuses him of copying them. Gun decides they're going to lightly blanch their salmon.
  • 28:00 Neo goes to look for a food processor. Gun asks if he can process enough chilis for both teams, and Neo initially jokingly declines, but then agrees.
  • 30:15 Phuwin asks Neo to make the glass noodles. Neo isn't sure how to prepare them, and Phuwin guesses that they're supposed to just put them briefly in boiling water (which is correct)
  • 31:30 We cut to the play zone where the tasting teams do a light brand plug for Sea Me Now. They teach Luke a new word that basically means "great." (I guess it's kind of like "sick" in English how the actual definition of the word is different, but it's slang when used in context). Mix is confident that Gun/Pond are going to make the better dish.
  • 37:00 PD announces one minute remaining, and that "the customers are complaining." Gun/Pond finish with some time to spare and present their dish to the camera, but Phuwin/Neo finish a little late (but it's fine; there will be no penalty. PD just keeps rushing them to finish)
  • 40:30 PD asks the teams to write the names of their respective dishes on the mini boards provided. Pond originally writes a name that indirectly reveals that he and Gun made that dish, and PD says that the names can't have any hints of who made which dish.
  • 43:30 PD asks the teams to pose with their respective dishes, and invites the audience to screenshot and caption them. Gun/Pond's dish translates to, "Definitely delicious; try it and see," and Phuwin/Neo's dish (roughly) translates to, "Just making a 'yum,' but don't know how to make it" (It's a rhyme/pun in Thai)
  • 44:30 Cooking teams leave the kitchen and go sit in the living room so they can watch the tasting on the TV. PD warns them not to cheat while the teams are changing rooms.
  • 47:15, the tasting team goes to the kitchen. They each get 3 ping pong balls with which they can vote. Phuwin/Neo's dish is the white side, and Gun/Pond's is the blue side. The votes can be cast by dropping the balls into the coloured containers corresponding to the dishes.
  • 48:00 It is immediately obvious to all of them immediately which team made which dish. Transcription starting from 48:20:
    • Earth: "Why don't we start by judging the presentation before we taste?"
    • Mix: "Looking at these two dishes, this one (blue) is definitely wins."
    • Earth (trying to help his team): "I think I'm going to go with this one (white). Listen, none of us know which dish was made by which team..."
    • Luke: "But we have theories."
    • Mix: "I just want to know in what way this (white) dish could possibly be more beautiful than that (blue) dish."
    • (pause while they think of some nonsense) Luke: "The vegetables. They just look so nice. And there are so many of them."
    • Earth: "I'm giving it to this team (white)."
    • Luke: "Me too."
    • (audio cuts out for a few seconds)
    • Mix is saying "The truth?!" to implore Earth and Luke to admit the truth, but they stick to their decisions
    • Luke: "It's my personal opinion. I'm not changing."
    • 49:55 Mix comes up to the camera and mouths, "There are cheaters here."
    • Earth and Luke say, "Who knows? This plate could have been made by anyone."
    • 50:15 Mix: "Okay, let's move on to the flavour." They taste Phuwin/Neo's first.
    • Earth: "I hear laughing outside. Who's laughing?"
    • 51:00 Luke: "Very good."
    • Earth looks at Luke. Luke: "It's actually good. It suits my palate."
    • Mix: "I mean, it's alright. It's not bad. The salmon and imitation crab are good. They taste really fresh. But the noodles are awkwardly super cold. Like, is this bamee yen (a cold noodle dish)? Also, there's just something not right. It's sour, and it's like trying to be spicy but not spicy, trying to be salty but not salty. It's not balanced. What do you think, Earth?"
    • Earth: "I'll give it to you honestly."
    • Mix: (puts his hand on Earth's shoulder and looks into his eyes) "Yes, give it to us honestly."
    • Earth: "Okay, honestly, I like the raw ingredients. I like that the imitation crab meat is in large chunks. But..."
    • Mix: "Look, he's talking about the raw ingredients. He's not even talking about the flavour of the dish."
    • Earth: "The flavour is like how Mix described. And honestly, it's sour. It's so sour. Uncomfortably sour. Like, too sour. Can I have some water?"
    • 52:40 Luke: "I really like how there are lots of vegetables here. That means that dish is really healthy for you. If you ask me if I can eat the other dish, I can eat it, but it won't be as healthy as this dish."
    • Earth: "Oh, okay, so he's talking about the health value of the dish."
    • Mix: "But we're talking about the flavour of the dish, here, no?"
    • Luke: "I'm a person who doesn't like eating things too spicy. (uses the vocab word he learned earlier) So I like that this one is a good balance. It's not too spicy for me.
    • 53:35 Earth looks at Luke and says, "Is it not too sour? I think you've already helped our team a lot here."
    • Luke: "No, I don't think so. I honestly think it's good. But we haven't tried the other dish."
    • Earth: "That's true. Different people have different flavour preferences. Some like super sour, for example. And if those people also don't like spicy food, this dish is for them."
    • 54:05 They ask for Khaotung's review. He pauses and then quietly says, "Um... Sour. It's sour."
    • Mix: "How about between the words 'delicious' and 'not delicious'?"
    • Khaotung: "Well, I can definitely eat it. But it's super sour. It's not well-rounded."
    • 54:35 They move on to taste Gun/Pond's dish. Mix comes to the camera and enthusiastically whispers, "It's SO good!"
    • 55:15 Earth: "I like the creativity of this team. The salmon was raw, but this team lightly blanched the fish so that the inside is still raw, which adds a lot of layers to the flavours and textures of the dish. I like it."
    • Mix: "Can I speak extendedly? It's SO good. It's amazing. It's well-rounded, yummy, the textures are amazing, and it's easy to see that the person who made it really knows how to cook. I'm pretty sure I know who made it." Khaotung agrees.
    • 56:40 Luke decides to still vote for the white dish because the second dish is a bit too spicy for him. Earth sees that there's no way that the white dish can win anymore, so he puts his last ball into the white container anyway.
  • 58:00 More brand plugging for Sea Me Now
  • 59:45 PD calls the cooking teams back to the kitchen to announce the results.
  • 1:00:35 Luke says to Phuwin/Neo: "I tried, guys." Neo says, "I love this guy. He said the truth straight from his heart." Earth says that he tried to say the truth too. Neo complains that he was working with so many ingredients he had no idea how to use. I was just putting everything in randomly. Mix asks who did the seasoning/flavouring, and Neo said, "Me, but we didn't have time to taste it because we ran out of time."
  • 1:02:00 The cooking teams try each other's dishes (and Phuwin/Neo try their own dish for the first time too). Neo tries Gun/Pond's dish. Earth immediately feeds him a huge bite of his own dish. Neo pauses and says, "It seems like it's missing something." Mix and Earth say, "Not something. Many things. Like deliciousness." Earth feeds some to Phuwin, and he also doesn't like it.
    • 1:02:45 Neo looks at Earth and says, "You did the right thing." (in reference to criticising this dish and voting for the other one). Earth says, "So you understand me now?!"
    • Neo makes fun of how Gun was previously dramatic about not knowing how to make "yum." Gun says that he truly wasn't sure, and Neo feeds Gun some of Phuwin/Neo's dish saying, "See? This is what it means to truly not know what you're doing." Gun's eyes water while eating it, and he says, "It's so sour," and goes to hug Neo and Phuwin.
  • 1:04:00 More brand plugging for Sea Me Now
  • 1:05:00 Neo says that he's glad that there's at least someone (Luke) who enjoys eating his food. He then realises that Luke has only been eating the seafood and the vegetables, none of which have been flavoured/seasoned. Luke then takes a bite of the noodles to appease him.
• 1:06:00 Seafood lunch. Menu includes (professionally-made) "yum" with salmon and imitation crab topped with salmon roe; oysters with a seafood sauce; scallops fried with garlic, salt, and pepper; and grilled salmon steaks
  • 1:17:45 Khaotung and Mix go to the kitchen to make some more food with the fresh seafood they have
  • 1:19:15 Luke asks Earth why he's sitting so far away from him, and Neo turns it into a pun about Earth wanting scissors ("sitting far away" sounds a bit similar to "looking for scissors")
  • 1:21:10 This is Pond's first time trying mashed potatoes. Luke and Phuwin explain what they are to him and explain that in some Western countries, they eat less rice than they do in Asia, so sometimes they eat potatoes as the starch (a lot of the dishes for this meal were prepared in a Western way)
  • 1:22:30 Neo teaches them Isan slang that a more polite phrase to basically say, "BS-ing." They also mention the Central equivalent of the phrase. They ask Luke what an equivalent in English would be, but Luke can only think of "BS-ing," so he says that he can't say it out loud. He eventually goes with "spinning stuff." Neo says that he feels like English doesn't have as many rude/swearing words as Thai does, and Earth makes a joke that he wouldn't be surprised if Neo's name was rude in English.
  • 1:23:55 They like how Luke seems especially giggly today, so they try to keep him laughing. Neo says a Thai phrase/idiom that basically means that he's not even being funny to his full capacity right now, then Earth and Phuwin give some sarcastic remarks that are like playful insults to Neo, which Luke continues laughing at.
  • 1:26:00 Phuwin and Gun join Mix and Khaotung in the kitchen to cook some more seafood. They're prepping some salmon, scallops, and oysters. Gun wants to make lightly floured and pan-fried tofu.
  • 1:27:30 The guys at the table are joking to Luke that it's Thai culture to be polite to people, but then the closer you get to them, the more you insult them. You start the insults behind their back, but then you can eventually insult them to their face (it's not technically false, especially for some friend groups, but the way they were explaining it is a bit too much, hahaha). Then they demonstrate that, actually, the best thing to do is to be polite to someone's face, and then behind their back, you compliment them again.
  • 1:29:00 They exchange the English and Thai versions of the phrase "fishing for compliments"
  • 1:32:20 Luke is trying to tell the story of why he came to Thailand, but he's still in his giggly mood. He wanted to be an actor in the US, but he was scouted from IG to come and be a model in Thailand, so he arranged to come for 3 months, but he liked it, so he stayed.
  • 1:34:10 They mention that they're glad they have Neo in the house because otherwise it would be so much quieter and less entertaining.
  • 1:40:15 Gun brings the tofu for the guys at the table to try. They struggle a bit because it's still very hot, but they approve.
  • 1:43:45 The guys at the table talk about ventriloquists. Luke explains how in the US, ventriloquism can either be creepy or funny depending on the act, but in Thailand it tends to mostly be creepy. They start discussing some related film/series plots.
  • 1:59:30 Pond, Neo, and Luke dance a bit for the cameras
• 2:01:00 Relaxing time. Mix presents the dish he made to the camera: spaghetti pad kee mao (drunken noodles) with scallops, crab, and salmon roe. He brings it to the living room for everyone else to try.
  • 2:08:40 Some language lessons. Phuwin and Luke ask Neo some questions for him to answer in English. They also ask Luke some questions in Thai. They try to ask Neo and Luke to speak English and Thai (respectively) for two minutes each, language exam-style.
• 2:13:50 PD asks the losing team from the last game to go wash dishes. They say that the sink area is small, so two people will wash at a time.
  • 2:36:05 Earth drops and breaks a dish. Earth tells a story about how when he was very young, he hated washing dishes, so sometimes he would secretly break some dirty dishes behind his house so he wouldn't have to clean as many. Eventually his mother started wondering where all the dishes were disappearing to, but she just kept buying more
• 2:41:15 PD asks for someone to wake Gun (who's napping on the sofa) and assemble in the area in front of the medal board for the next medal game. She asks Mix "the one with many medals" and Earth "the one with hardly any medals" to take the lead in reading the rules. Earth is offended, but PD says, "Earth, you have to accept the truth."
  • 2:42:40 Game sponsored by Super Coffee. They will divide into two teams. King of the Day chooses the pairs that will compete together. Each person in the pair will wear a sumo costume with a bag of Super Coffee attached to their back. Whoever is the first to successfully remove the bag of coffee from their opponent's back wins that round, and their team is awarded one point in the game. Once all the pairs have competed, the winners will compete to determine the final winner. Winning team gets one medal each. The rules say nothing about singing or having dancing breaks during each match, but the guys do so anyway.
• 3:21:20 PD asks everyone to change into swimming clothes and meet at the pool. Phuwin has to study, so he won't join for the next activity.
• 3:39:00 Neo reads the directions. They're going to play the Werewolf (ma paa) game. Between the 7 of them, they will randomly get assigned roles: 2 werewolves (who can kill people), 1 bodyguard (who can choose someone to protect from death each round), 1 seer (who can privately uncover the identity of one other player each round), 1 hunter (who, if they are killed, can choose one other person they suspect of being a werewolf to die with them), and 2 villagers. PD will be the narratoreferee. The game is basically between the werewolves and everyone else. Each round, in order, the narrator will instruct the werewolves to choose someone to kill, then the bodyguard to choose someone to protect, then the seer to privately uncover the identity of one other player. Then everyone must talk and decide on one person to kill out of suspicion of being a werewolf. If both werewolves are killed, the common people win. If there's at least one werewolf left at the end of the game, the werewolves win.
  • [PD is a very dramatic and colourful narrator, which is why everyone is reacting to most of her lines throughout the game. Werewolf in Thai is "ma paa" and villagetownsperson is "chao baan," to help you guys understand what's going on. All the other roles are called in English, although sometimes they call the bodyguard "moh" which means doctor]
  • 3:45:30 First game: Werewolves=Gun/Earth, Bodyguard=Neo, Seer=Khaotung, Hunter=Mix
    • First round: No one dies
    • Second round: Pond dies. They vote to kill Khaotung
    • 4:04:45 Third round: No one dies. Neo says that Mix is a common person because he saved this round. They vote to kill Earth
    • 4:13:30 Fourth round: Neo dies. They vote to kill Gun. Common people win.
  • 4:19:00 Second game. They're no longer allowed to say whether they saved someone or not. Werewolves=Khaotung/Mix, Bodyguard=Gun, Seer=Luke, Hunter=Pond
    • First round: Earth dies. They know someone is lying because too many people are claiming to be villagers. They think they should believe Neo because he was so honest last round. They vote to kill Khaotung.
    • 4:34:10 Second round: Pond dies and choses to kill Mix with him. Common people win.
  • 4:37:50 PD asks them to vote on the best and worst liar. They aren't sure yet, but Khaotung is voted the worst liar. Punishment is cleaning one of the bathrooms tomorrow.
• 4:41:15 Relaxing time. Neo gets thrown in the pool.
• 5:08:00 Fan talk
  • Group 1: It's supposed to be the 4 top scorers on the medal board, but Khaotung is still showering, so Earth goes in his place because he's lowest. Neo did a bit more exercise with Luke this morning. They recap the walking doll game from the morning and how random and unpredictable it was. Mix was bitter that he felt like being King today was more of a burden than Luke's experience the previous day. Luke says it's probably because Mix's Thai is better, so they felt like using him for more jobs/tasks. They recap the cooking competition; Gun/Mix say they were lucky that they were on the team that had several options of people who knew how to cook. They talked about how the judging was biased, but Earth said that at the end, he had to admit the fact that Phuwin/Neo's dish was so sour that he could feel it in his brain. Gun/Mix were glad that they didn't have to wash dishes today because there were so many dishes to wash, and they made fun of Earth breaking the dish. They all enjoyed the sumo game. They started to regret that they started the singing/dancing gag, but they committed to it for entertainment purposes. They agreed that Khaotung is indeed the dark horse because no one expected him to be that quick in the sumo game. Everyone also had fun playing Werewolf.
    • 5:18:45 Fan comments: They like how Gun seems like the eldest brother in the house, taking care of everyone. People made fun of Earth's childhood dish-breaking story. (The guys eventually start talking amongst themselves, mainly about how Earth doesn't think he has a chance to win anymore, and they say that there are many more opportunities for medals in the coming days, so anything can happen)
  • 5:26:15 Group 2: They talk about how much Pond likes rice with Thai omelette [note: pretty much everyone in Thailand loves it, but Pond feels like eating it all the time], and he likes to make Phuwin make it for him in this house. They're all impressed with how good Khaotung was at the sumo game. Phuwin/Neo explain what happened during the cooking competition: Phuwin usually never eats "yum," but last week, his family made some but he didn't have any, so he regrets not having it so he would have a better idea of how to make it. Neo said he was just randomly putting things in without knowing for sure if they were supposed to go in. They made fun of Neo's dishwashing "technique." They recapped Werewolf, and everyone was unsure whether to trust/believe the things Neo says because he talks rubbish a lot.
    • 5:32:45 Fan comments: They mention that this has turned into a pure comedy show. They like how everyone works together and the vibe isn't overly competitive.
  • 5:37:00 Late-night meal. Menu includes fried chicken wings, spaghetti carbonara, spaghetti with bacon, sticky rice with pork, sandwich, pizza, more spaghetti, and minced pork wrapped with noodles.
    • They feel like today was very full/busy, and they're all feeling tired, but they've had fun.
    • 5:47:00 Earth and Neo say that they may not have many medals, but at least they're funny. They get up and try to entertain the rest of the guys.
• 5:52:45 Everyone bids farewell to Gun because it's his last night. Gun says to the audience, "Thank you so much for watching all of us these past three days. I hope you've enjoyed seeing our dynamics in this more relaxed environment. I hope you'll continue watching the rest of the guys for the rest of the days and see what fun is in store."

Personally, I think the hat goes off to roguelites. Just going off my personal example, it’s a genre that I totally disregarded up until I played Hades last year. It’s the noobish answer, I know, but something about the artstyle and character design fit my tastes perfectly. I’m sure I’m one of a small million who felt the same, even if it wasn’t their first roguelite.
Starting this year though, I got into so many top-notch roguelites that I can’t help but feel that the genre is absolutely exploding. To name but a few, Astral Ascent has to be my personal favorite. It has good character design and character options, an original spell shuffle system, the runs are *very* satisfying and the boss fights some of the best in any game of this type (their design especially + later interactions in the playthrough which I’m not going to get into). Of course, I can’t go without mentioning Balatro either — I saw a funny review calling it better than crack and better still if you’re ON crack, and the review hits the mark lol. Super addictive, super replayable, and easy to get into.
That’s just some 2 popular ones right now, but there are literally tons of more niche indies out there that are doing their own thing and more often than not, succeeding really well at that. The most release that caught my eye is Throne of Bone which is like a roguelite with auto-battles with card building. It’s EA now but thought I’d mention it. And speaking of card builders — another one that I gave me a good run for my money is Duelists of Eden. More or less a PvP-only interaction of One Step From Eden, but so smooth and lagless that it puts some other “bigger” games with a multiplayer component to shame (looking at you, Elden Ring). I mean, the very fact that it came out says that there’s a demand for these hybrid roguelites and that they’re becoming a staple of gaming really fast… or I think so?
With Hades 2 out in demo, and Slay the Spire 2 announced as well, I’m pretty happy with the way this genre at least is expanding its horizons. This is just my two cents on the topic I guess, but what do you think? Any other genres that you think have bright times in store for them?

I basically just broke up with my boyfriend. He basically gave me the silent treatment for a week, hanging up on all my calls. His texts never responded to my messages of me pouring my heart out and were extremely vague. We had only been together since this March, but at first we talked everyday.
Then I sent this message a week ago or more:
“Baby...if you think about me all the time...how come you will not talk to me? I feel like I am being held at a distance from you. I don't know what to do except to try and talk to you about it. Also I just realized something that has been bothering me...I wanted to ask you. Yet I feel like I shouldn't because you are already so stressed. Though I do want to be part of this because you are a part of my life and I need communication. I don't want to be left in the dark with whatever is going on right now with you. I want to hear about it all, the good and the bad. I want to be able to call you by the end of the day and you can vent to me. I want more than anything for you to lean on me like a healthy relationship. I don't see it as burden. Remember I did say when you go quiet and don't talk to me about what's going on it does the opposite of what you want. You said you don't want to worry me, but that is exactly what that does. I do not expect you to talk to me at all hours a day. Just a few messages a day and a call every other two days, something like that.”
He basically said this message pissed him off and that I was incredibly self absorbed. After that he refused to talk to me. Before that he was barely talking to me and I was pouring my heart out trying to let him know I am there for him.
Then this morning he finally called me back.
I asked if he actually thought I was self absorbed.
Then he said, “Really that is what you’re worried about?” And hung up.
There was a WHOLE LIST I was worried about, but how the fuck am I supposed to get to that if you hang up on me. He never communicated with me and would shut down. He said I didn’t care, but dammit there are messages of me flooding his inbox sick with worry. I’d almost have panick attacks cause he wouldn’t answer. If there was anyone who didn’t care it was him. My sister said he was still an immature child if this is how he handles conflict, by name calling and shutting down. I knew this wouldn’t work with the way he acts, but it still hurts.
I was trying to do everything in my power to stop us from splitting, but how can you do that if your partner refuses to even talk to you. It is like she said, you shouldn’t be having this many issues this early on into the relationship.
I mean the amount of anxiety he gave me from ignoring my calls, not answering any of my messages and literally giving me vague responses that only led to more questions. It was just too much. In the beginning it felt too good to be true and of course it was. The funny thing is he said he was sorry that we stressed each other out so much, but the only thing that was causing stress is the fact he shuts down anytime you need to talk to him about something serious. I am pissed and I am hurt…

Hi, my name is Juan, I'm from Colombia and I been having a very huge problem with my xbox series s since a couple of days. There was a storm with lightnings in the place where I live and for a few seconds there was a black out, so I disconnected my TV and the console and after the storm ended I turned on the console again but it took a very long time to start and when the homepage finally appeared it said that it was not connected to the xbox network and It seemed pretty weird to me, beacause the console was already wired connected so I thought it was a problem with my wi-fi router so I disconnected the router for about 5 minutes and also I restarted the console, but the problem remained the same, and I just realized that it couldn't be a wi-fi problem beacuse my laptop was working perfectly with the same LAN cable that I was using in the xbox, the funny thing is that I also tried a wireless connection but it kept saying that the console was NAT connected and that I had to disconnect the wire, even when it was ALREADY DISCONNECTED, so basically I was not having any internet connection at all, so I decided to reset the console to factory settings (and went just worse) first I tried to reset and keep my games and apps, then mid process the screen displayed a message saying checking for updates but after that a message saying error code 0x8B050084 0x00000000 0x00000201, and I really tried it all to solve this but none of my efforts worked, at that point I only had three options to try, "try again", "check network" and "turn off console", if I press on "try again" the same error code displays again, if I press on "check network" it ask me to check wired or wireless connection and when I press wired it says it's all good and the console it's wired connected even when the LAN Cable it's unplugged, which is a big problem, so I tried to check the wireless connection and it didn't show me my wireless network not even wireless networks nearby, the only thing displaying it's "Add wireless network" so when I press it, it says Specify SSID and at this point it's not even a surprise that when I put my SSID it didn't work at all, saying that my security protocol won't work, I even tried typing the SSID's from my neighbors and also none of them worked, so I'm stuck in the factory settings mode and the only possible solution that I found in the internet was doing an offline update through a flash drive, so I reset my pendrive to NTFS format and I downloaded the OSU1 file from the xbox webpage and I just copied the "$Systemupdate" file to the USB, then I get to the xbox troubleshooting menu and I inserted the pendrive to perform an "offline system update". I really thought that this method was going to be effective but when the update process was at about 80% the console just stopped the update and started to display "checking for updates" again just to end up showing the same error code 0x8B050084 0x00000000 0x00000201 AGAIN. I was so confused beacuse what is the point of doing an offline system update if it is going to check out the network connectivity anyway, I've tried to perform the offline system update three times but the result was same, so at this point my series s won't start at all and I really don't know what to do.

I m a teenager and I am 18 years old. I am writing this one month before my final exams of 12th grade . Why am I writing this ? Probably because I don’t have any friends to talk with , my parents won’t understand me because my whole life is built on a lie. For example my parents are working a lot , they barely have time for me . In the remaining time, I talk to my mother, she thinks we have a very close relationship and that we can discuss anything, when in fact everything she knows about me is a lie. She thinks I have a lot of friends, I made up a lot of funny stories for her, she doesn't know what grades I have because I was average and never had any problems at school. So basically she doesn't know anything but that I'm happy. In fact I m not , but we ll move to this later on. Because of my lies, I was excluded from people who were my friends for 4 years, they didn't know me in reality but on the internet. They knew my address and name, which scared me to death. I lived for 2 months in panic that they are hunting me and that they want to hurt me. I'm still a little scared, but I realized how little people care about you. Excluding these things I have a serious problem with pnography. Probably pnography helped me to escape from the lies I created, to forget a little bit what a disaster I am. It has become an addiction that is momentarily destroying me day by day.
I think you understood my situation a little bit, I have no friends, I am addicted to pornography, my parents think that I am well and happy and my whole life is built on lies
I think I'm writing this because I don't feel anything anymore. The exams are approaching and I am not able to study, I feel a constant emptiness inside me. The only time that emptiness disappears is when I watch a series or sleep. I have no passion, I have no idea what I'm going to do with my life, my parents want me to attend a college that I don't want, the only thing I want at this moment is to feel joy again for a few seconds.
Thank you for reading this far, because you are the only ones who know this about me=)

Welcome to Reading The Big Book of Cyberpunk!
Each week we (u/FarragutCircle and u/fanny_bertram) will be reading 5-ish stories from Jared Shurin’s The Big Book of Cyberpunk, which includes a curated selection of cyberpunk stories written from 1950 to 2022! We’ll include synopses of the stories along with links to any legally available online versions we can find. Feel free to read along with us or just stop by and hear our thoughts about some cyberpunk stories to decide if any of them sound interesting to you.
Every once in a while, we reach out to people who have more insight, due to being fans of the author or have some additional context for the story. (Or we just tricked them into it.) So please welcome u/RuinEleint who will be sharing their thoughts on "The Yuletide Cyberpunk Yarn, or Christmas_Eve-117.DIR" by Victor Pelevin!
“Deep Eddy” by Bruce Sterling (published 1993; also available in his collection Ascendancies: The Best of Bruce Sterling)
Deep Eddy is acting as a data courier to the Cultural Critic in Düsseldorf, right as the city goes through a Wende (a sort of anarchist “Purge”).

• Farragut’s thoughts: We’ve read Sterling before in Science Fiction. Eddy is a misguided libertarian creep who won’t stop hitting on his German bodyguard and is too dumb to understand the philosophical points that the Cultural Critic is making (for that matter, I’m too dumb to understand, too). He survives his time in Germany, but has learned nothing of value for his punk attitude. What’s the point of rebelling if you don’t understand why? The naivete and creepiness were a little too much for me.
  
• fanny’s thoughts: This did not work for me. Eddy is creepy and annoying. He keeps hitting on the bodyguard and she makes it VERY clear she is only there in a professional context. Eddy also seems to generally not have any clue what he is doing. He is libertarian and against something but no one seems to know what. He doesn't even seem to know what he delivered to the Cultural Critic.
  

“The Yuletide Cyberpunk Yarn, or Christmas_Eve-117.DIR” by Victor Pelevin (1996, translated from Russian by Alex Shvartsman)
A corrupt mayor’s computer is infected by a virus that causes chaos in Russia.

• Special Guest Ruin: This was a fascinating story to read. The way the narrative segued from a discussion on poetry to a darkly comedic look at a Russian city was remarkable. The author seems to like to start or lead with a theme or themes which seem to be only tangentially related to each other such as for example the name of the computer virus, or Gerasimov and his dog. But both elements circle back into the story and are crucial to its structure. As for the content of the story itself, I amused myself by imagining the events as being a movie that blended the stylistic elements of Tarantino and Wes Anderson. So we have brutal, bloody violence in increasingly absurd settings and the way it is all described makes it easy to imagine it all taking place amidst the highly stylized sets and characters we would expect in a Wes Anderson movie. Overall, I really enjoyed this story.
  
• Farragut: We’ve read Pelevin before in Modern Fantasy. First of all, this is a fantastic title for a story, period. Second of all, I just enjoyed Pelevin’s style here (via Shvartsman’s translation), with an omniscient narrator telling us about a completely ridiculous situation. It gets a little cagey with the identity of the perpetrator and the ending, but I’m very curious as to how darkly I should read it (now that I think about it, it’s directly connected to the original, so I should read it very darkly indeed). Shvartsman’s occasional footnotes were very helpful, however, especially with the context surrounding Gerasim(ov) and Mumu.
  
• fanny: Ruin's review is so good, I am not sure what to add. The style of this story fit the elements so well. It starts with a poem whose themes carry through the story. The footnotes were a really great addition and helped contextualize. The narrator keeps upping the ridiculousness until we get to the end and everything gets wrapped up.
  

“Wonderama” by Bef (1998, translated from Spanish by the author)
Lalo (or is it Eduardo?) wakes up every day in the most awesome life in 1974, but it’s revealed to be a lie and ends tragically.

• Farragut: Bef is a Mexican SF writer, a crime writer, and a graphic novelist, and honestly his whole bibliography sounds cool as heck. Told in a series of diary entries with some small interruptions, we follow a kid whose life is like a Mexican kid’s sugar-fueled dream. The reason for its inclusion in this thematic section of the anthology becomes clear however, and I yelled, “Noooo!” at the ending. Sigh. It’s very good!
  
• fanny: I am a sucker for diary entry style stories and this was no exception. Lalo’s life seems almost perfect, but it feels so off. The story feels progressively more off until we start to question everything. Also, yelled “Nooo!” at the ending. Very good. Absolutely loved.
  

“comp.basilisk FAQ” by David Langford (1999) (link to story)
A FAQ-style story that clearly describes a bizarre future where images on the web and TV are banned due to the risk of death.

• Farragut: Langford is famous for having the most Hugo wins (29), mostly for the Fan Writer category, but also Short Story (not this one) and Best Related Work (not this one either). This is a delightful story that made me think of it as a precursor to qntm’s later story “Lena” from Week 5 (though obviously only in general form). Apparently I love the faux-nonfiction style where some of the horror and plot is between the lines. The final FAQ about Microsoft was darkly funny.
  
• fanny: This was fun and very short. The FAQs related to basilisk and writing were great. It goes between funny, dark humor, and just dark. I liked the commentary on technology and software. I also really appreciate the standard response answers explaining they should post someone else. This is something I deal with often and this was great.
  

“Spider's Nest” by Myra Çakan (2004, translated from German by Jim Young; also available in the anthology The Apex Book of World SF 3 edited by Lavie Tidhar)
Spider, uh, does something? Is looking for drugs, maybe? But something else happens instead?

• Farragut: Çakan is a German writer from Hamburg, and after reading this story, I’d say Shurin made hamburger out of me, too. The main thing I got out of this story was that Spider really wanted something, maybe. I thought it was drugs, but he got angry at his dealer and then got super weird with his friend’s girlfriend? And then there was a Silver Spider, who wasn’t him, but maybe he plugged himself in to replace her? What is happening?
  
• fanny: Spider definitely wanted drugs from his dealer, Ant. I think. Ant got annoyed at something then Spider got into a voyeur situation (maybe). There is a Silver Spider in his dreams that makes him feel better. I couldn't tell if this was dream or drug induced or technology induced. The end is super weird and makes even less sense than the story. Spider might have done a murder on himself? I have been confused before in this anthology, but not to this level.
  

That’s it for this week! Check back the same time next week where we’ll be reading and discussing "The Last American" by John Kessel, "Earth Hour" by Ken MacLeod, "Violation of the TrueNet Security Act" by Taiyo Fujii, "Twelve Minutes to Vinh Quang" by T. R. Napper, and "Operation Daniel" by Khalid Kaki.
Also posted on Bochord Online.

It is not a service weapon, but a .22 pistol which he had gotten a license to use for personal protection due to a threat on his person (possible within a law which has changed since then).
But anyways, he argues that he had it under control, isn't willing to tell how much he drank ("it's medical information") and argues that he experienced a serious threat to himself.
Not very surprisingly, the MP's party is Perussuomalaiset ("Basic Finns") who for some weird reason seem to have these people who can't handle their drink. In this case the drunk asshole also happens to be a cop who has a gun for personal protection. Which he decides to fire a warning shot with outside a bar in downtown Helsinki.
He was at least now kicked out of the party's group in the Parliament but not yet the party. He is very tight lipped about everything and want's due process and treatment according to the law.
It's pretty funny how the Basic Finns have no issue with this when it comes to this kind of criminal behavior. But when the suspect is - or might be - a foreigner, an immigrant or have a name that sounds like one, they are all over the place closing borders and whatever bullshit they can think of.

Top 6 Updates of last Week:

• After Google, OpenAI enters a new data + advertising partnership with Reddit.
• Google rolls out AI overviews in US with planned expansion in more countries.
• Threads App is testing pinned columns on web, Tweetdeck 2.0.
• Youtube expands Creator Takeover ad format and shares new details into CTV growth.
• OpenAI launched GPT-4o, adding AI voice assistant and other improvements.
• Netflix plans to launch In-house ad tech platform with their ad audience growing to 40M in Q1.

Trending

• Pinterest and Real Simple, a lifestyle magazine partner to launch the first shoppable magazine issue.
• e.l.f. Beauty’s latest campaign ‘So Many Dicks’ campaign touches on points made in the last newsletter, diversity in boardrooms is rare.
• Reddit is bringing back Awards program, nice.
• Amazon shared strong ad viewership numbers and other content updates at Upfront.
• Microsoft’s AI developments have caused their carbon emissions to jump 30%.
• Warner Bros. Discovery launches new ad products and shares new subscriber growth.
• Nielsen ranks top media companies, First Convergent TV Comparison of its kind.
• Bumble apologies for Celibacy billboards and apologises to all users.
• ASDA launches new brand identity as part of its summer campaign- Serious about Summer.
• TripleLift & Amazon’s partnership to expand ad business beyond amazon’s own websites.
• Expedia launches travel media network and new AI features.
• McDonald’s new launch; Grandma McFlurry meanwhile Gen-X is still waiting for repersentation.
• Delivereasy’s new ad campaign is funny and worthy of a long-term run.
• Dentsu’s new global brand proposition; Innovating to Impacting.
• Disney, Fox and WBD unveiled name of Sports-Streaming Venture: Venu Sports.
• Pizza Hut Australia fined $2.5 million for spam marketing.
• Snapchat shares new insights on improving ad campaign performance with 3Es.

TikTok 🎶

• TikTok is now testing 60-minute video uploads, What?
• IKEA to run a Pet Shopping Network for a TikTok Livestream.
• TikTok is testing addition of AI-generated search results.
• TikTok released new playbook for Beauty businesses.
• Frank McCourt offers to buy TikTok from ByteDance.
  

  Instagram & Threads 🗂️

• Instagram expands creator marketplace to new regions
  
• Instagram’s new BeReal-like feature ‘Peek’ in testing.
  
• Threads launched its fact-checking program.
  
• Threads launches recent tab for search function.
  
• Instagram is testing option to add notes on posts and reels.
  
• Creators aren’t happy with Instagram’s AI bot suggestions.
  
• Instagram launches new creator interview series.
  
• Notify sticker is now available for IG Reels.
  
• Instagram testing ability to create public reels playlist.
  

Meta 😅

• Meta hit with new EU probe for having additive algorithms harming children and teens.
• Meta to shut down Workplace its enterprise workspace platform.
• Meta launches travel mode for Quest 2 & 3.
• Meta’s Oversight Board receives first case from Threads is here, involving Japanese PM.
• Meta is exploring AI-Assisted Earphones with Cameras.
• WhatsApp redesigns drawing editor for beta testers.

X (Twitter) 🕹️

• X’s Gork AI expands to EU users.
• X’s Takeover Ads get improved spotlight takeover with commentary and shop feed.
• WNBA is coming to X with new content partnership.
• X completes the website transition from twitter to x dot com.
• X updates communities feature to increase user adoption.

Youtube 🕹️

• YouTube CEO shares, It’s Time for the Emmys to Embrace Creators.
• Youtube gets branded QR codes to improve CTV Ad conversion.

Google 🔦

• Google adds two new crawlers: GoogleOther-Image and GoogleOther-Video.
• Google shares video pages need to be super obvious to be shown in Video Tab.
• Google Search launches ‘Web’ filter with only text-based links.
• Google rolling out new restrictions for suspended ad accounts.
• Ad format preferences now available for Demand Gen campaigns.
• How publishers are removing their content from Google’s AI overviews.
• AI Ad summaries are now available in Google Ads.

Agency News

• GAP Inc. appoints Omnicom as Media AOR.
• Esusu appoints David&Goliath as Agency of Record.
• Athletic Brewing Company names Wpromote Media AOR.
• Kenvue hires FCB and BBDO to run creative account.
• HEINEKEN appoints Blue Yonder to improve Demand Planning.
• STOP&SHOP names Curiosity as creative AOR.
• Moore named Primary Direct Response Agency for Nationwide Children’s Hospital Foundation.
• M&C Saatchi Sport & Entertainment wins Dometic as New Global Client.
• Mother hires creative directors from Droga5 NY and Adam&eveDDB.
• Gallo appoints VaynerMedia LA as lead creative agency for Barefoot Wine.
• L’ELOI announces major roster expansion.
• Mazda Canada names FCB/SIX CRM Agency of Record.
• Canadian Blood Services appoint Diamond as Agency of Record.
• Cricket Australia hires Special, Independent creative agency.

AI 🤨

• ChatGPT announces improvements to data analysis.
• A Recap of AI features announced at Google I/O Event.
• Deloitte Digital launches AI-powered content tool for marketers.
• Google still hasn’t fixed Gemini’s biased image generator.
• Snowflake in talks to buy Reka AI for $1 Billion.
• Sony Music warns AI developers not to use its content for training.
• Anthropic hires IG Co-founder as head of product.
• Claude AI is now available across Europe.
• OpenAI disbanded their team focused on long-term risk of AI.

Reddit & Snapchat

• Reddit launches 5 new features to improve AMA (Ask Me Anything) posts.
• Snapchat partners with Scope3 to launch carbon emission tracking for Snap Ads.
• Snapchat announces new partnership with Datahash to improve performance via CAPI.
• Reddit hires new VP of Ads Product, Jyoti Vaidee.

Microsoft & LinkedIn

• EU warns Microsoft it could be fined billions over missing GenAI risk info.
• Sainsbury’s and Microsoft announce five-year AI partnership.
• LinkedIn adds Unique View Count for post analytics.

Marketing & AdTech

• Broadsign acquires OutMoove, Netherlands-based DOOH DSP.
• Twitch announces new Partner Discords
• Politico launches its first consumer registration wall.
• Havas acquires Liquid to enhance E-commerce and Retail Media Expertise.
• DEPT and BIGR Social are launching a new Automated Social Media Management Platform.
• QR codes aren’t out yet, Innocent drink’s OOH campaign success.
• Commercial TV networks spent $1.67 billion on Australian Programs.
• Streaming is Cable: Comcast to launch Peacock, Netflix and Apple TV+ bundle.
• Advertiser trust in Google continues to go downhill, here’s what experts believe.
• Yahoo tests Google’s post-cookie ad platform.
• GoPuff’s ‘Ozempic Week’ ad campaign backfires on social media.
• NCM Teams with Nerds for On-screen Holographic Cinema Campaign.
• Asperity launches composable ‘Lakehouse’ CDP.

I hope this helps to plan your week ahead. Follow for more.

Top 6 Updates of last Week:

• After Google, OpenAI enters a new data + advertising partnership with Reddit.
• Google rolls out AI overviews in US with planned expansion in more countries.
• Threads App is testing pinned columns on web, Tweetdeck 2.0.
• Youtube expands Creator Takeover ad format and shares new details into CTV growth.
• OpenAI launched GPT-4o, adding AI voice assistant and other improvements.
• Netflix plans to launch In-house ad tech platform with their ad audience growing to 40M in Q1.

Trending

• Pinterest and Real Simple, a lifestyle magazine partner to launch the first shoppable magazine issue.
• e.l.f. Beauty’s latest campaign ‘So Many Dicks’ campaign touches on points made in the last newsletter, diversity in boardrooms is rare.
• Reddit is bringing back Awards program, nice.
• Amazon shared strong ad viewership numbers and other content updates at Upfront.
• Microsoft’s AI developments have caused their carbon emissions to jump 30%.
• Warner Bros. Discovery launches new ad products and shares new subscriber growth.
• Nielsen ranks top media companies, First Convergent TV Comparison of its kind.
• Bumble apologies for Celibacy billboards and apologises to all users.
• ASDA launches new brand identity as part of its summer campaign- Serious about Summer.
• TripleLift & Amazon’s partnership to expand ad business beyond amazon’s own websites.
• Expedia launches travel media network and new AI features.
• McDonald’s new launch; Grandma McFlurry meanwhile Gen-X is still waiting for repersentation.
• Delivereasy’s new ad campaign is funny and worthy of a long-term run.
• Dentsu’s new global brand proposition; Innovating to Impacting.
• Disney, Fox and WBD unveiled name of Sports-Streaming Venture: Venu Sports.
• Pizza Hut Australia fined $2.5 million for spam marketing.
• Snapchat shares new insights on improving ad campaign performance with 3Es.

TikTok 🎶

• TikTok is now testing 60-minute video uploads, What?
• TikTok shares new insights into #FinTok (Finance) in Canada.
• IKEA to run a Pet Shopping Network for a TikTok Livestream.
• TikTok is testing addition of AI-generated search results.
• TikTok released new playbook for Beauty businesses.
• Frank McCourt offers to buy TikTok from ByteDance.
  

  Instagram & Threads 🗂️

• Instagram expands creator marketplace to new regions
  
• Instagram’s new BeReal-like feature ‘Peek’ in testing.
  
• Threads launched its fact-checking program.
  
• Threads launches recent tab for search function.
  
• Instagram is testing option to add notes on posts and reels.
  
• Creators aren’t happy with Instagram’s AI bot suggestions.
  
• Instagram launches new creator interview series.
  
• Notify sticker is now available for IG Reels.
  
• Instagram testing ability to create public reels playlist.
  

Meta 😅

• Meta hit with new EU probe for having additive algorithms harming children and teens.
• Meta to shut down Workplace its enterprise workspace platform.
• Meta launches travel mode for Quest 2 & 3.
• Meta’s Oversight Board receives first case from Threads is here, involving Japanese PM.
• Meta is exploring AI-Assisted Earphones with Cameras.
• WhatsApp redesigns drawing editor for beta testers.

X (Twitter) 🕹️

• X’s Gork AI expands to EU users.
• X’s Takeover Ads get improved spotlight takeover with commentary and shop feed.
• WNBA is coming to X with new content partnership.
• X completes the website transition from twitter to x dot com.
• X updates communities feature to increase user adoption.

Youtube 🕹️

• YouTube CEO shares, It’s Time for the Emmys to Embrace Creators.
• Youtube gets branded QR codes to improve CTV Ad conversion.

Google 🔦

• Google adds two new crawlers: GoogleOther-Image and GoogleOther-Video.
• Google shares video pages need to be super obvious to be shown in Video Tab.
• Google Search launches ‘Web’ filter with only text-based links.
• Google rolling out new restrictions for suspended ad accounts.
• Ad format preferences now available for Demand Gen campaigns.
• How publishers are removing their content from Google’s AI overviews.
• AI Ad summaries are now available in Google Ads.

Agency News

• GAP Inc. appoints Omnicom as Media AOR.
• Esusu appoints David&Goliath as Agency of Record.
• Athletic Brewing Company names Wpromote Media AOR.
• Kenvue hires FCB and BBDO to run creative account.
• HEINEKEN appoints Blue Yonder to improve Demand Planning.
• STOP&SHOP names Curiosity as creative AOR.
• Moore named Primary Direct Response Agency for Nationwide Children’s Hospital Foundation.
• M&C Saatchi Sport & Entertainment wins Dometic as New Global Client.
• Mother hires creative directors from Droga5 NY and Adam&eveDDB.
• Gallo appoints VaynerMedia LA as lead creative agency for Barefoot Wine.
• L’ELOI announces major roster expansion.
• Mazda Canada names FCB/SIX CRM Agency of Record.
• Canadian Blood Services appoint Diamond as Agency of Record.
• Cricket Australia hires Special, Independent creative agency.

AI 🤨

• ChatGPT announces improvements to data analysis.
• A Recap of AI features announced at Google I/O Event.
• Deloitte Digital launches AI-powered content tool for marketers.
• Google still hasn’t fixed Gemini’s biased image generator.
• Snowflake in talks to buy Reka AI for $1 Billion.
• Sony Music warns AI developers not to use its content for training.
• Anthropic hires IG Co-founder as head of product.
• Claude AI is now available across Europe.
• OpenAI disbanded their team focused on long-term risk of AI.

Reddit & Snapchat

• Reddit launches 5 new features to improve AMA (Ask Me Anything) posts.
• Snapchat partners with Scope3 to launch carbon emission tracking for Snap Ads.
• Snapchat announces new partnership with Datahash to improve performance via CAPI.
• Reddit hires new VP of Ads Product, Jyoti Vaidee.

Microsoft & LinkedIn

• EU warns Microsoft it could be fined billions over missing GenAI risk info.
• Sainsbury’s and Microsoft announce five-year AI partnership.
• LinkedIn adds Unique View Count for post analytics.

Marketing & AdTech

• Broadsign acquires OutMoove, Netherlands-based DOOH DSP.
• Twitch announces new Partner Discords
• Politico launches its first consumer registration wall.
• Havas acquires Liquid to enhance E-commerce and Retail Media Expertise.
• DEPT and BIGR Social are launching a new Automated Social Media Management Platform.
• QR codes aren’t out yet, Innocent drink’s OOH campaign success.
• Commercial TV networks spent $1.67 billion on Australian Programs.
• Streaming is Cable: Comcast to launch Peacock, Netflix and Apple TV+ bundle.
• Advertiser trust in Google continues to go downhill, here’s what experts believe.
• Yahoo tests Google’s post-cookie ad platform.
• GoPuff’s ‘Ozempic Week’ ad campaign backfires on social media.
• NCM Teams with Nerds for On-screen Holographic Cinema Campaign.
• Asperity launches composable ‘Lakehouse’ CDP.

I hope this helps to plan your week ahead. Credit: The Social Juice Newsletter.

Top 6 Updates of last Week:

• After Google, OpenAI enters a new data + advertising partnership with Reddit.
• Google rolls out AI overviews in US with planned expansion in more countries.
• Threads App is testing pinned columns on web, Tweetdeck 2.0.
• Youtube expands Creator Takeover ad format and shares new details into CTV growth.
• OpenAI launched GPT-4o, adding AI voice assistant and other improvements.
• Netflix plans to launch In-house ad tech platform with their ad audience growing to 40M in Q1.

Trending

• Pinterest and Real Simple, a lifestyle magazine partner to launch the first shoppable magazine issue.
• e.l.f. Beauty’s latest campaign ‘So Many Dicks’ campaign touches on points made in the last newsletter, diversity in boardrooms is rare.
• Reddit is bringing back Awards program, nice.
• Amazon shared strong ad viewership numbers and other content updates at Upfront.
• Microsoft’s AI developments have caused their carbon emissions to jump 30%.
• Warner Bros. Discovery launches new ad products and shares new subscriber growth.
• Nielsen ranks top media companies, First Convergent TV Comparison of its kind.
• Bumble apologies for Celibacy billboards and apologises to all users.
• ASDA launches new brand identity as part of its summer campaign- Serious about Summer.
• TripleLift & Amazon’s partnership to expand ad business beyond amazon’s own websites.
• Expedia launches travel media network and new AI features.
• McDonald’s new launch; Grandma McFlurry meanwhile Gen-X is still waiting for repersentation.
• Delivereasy’s new ad campaign is funny and worthy of a long-term run.
• Dentsu’s new global brand proposition; Innovating to Impacting.
• Disney, Fox and WBD unveiled name of Sports-Streaming Venture: Venu Sports.
• Pizza Hut Australia fined $2.5 million for spam marketing.
• Snapchat shares new insights on improving ad campaign performance with 3Es.

TikTok 🎶

• TikTok is now testing 60-minute video uploads, What?
• TikTok shares new insights into #FinTok (Finance) in Canada.
• IKEA to run a Pet Shopping Network for a TikTok Livestream.
• TikTok is testing addition of AI-generated search results.
• TikTok released new playbook for Beauty businesses.
• Frank McCourt offers to buy TikTok from ByteDance.
  

  Instagram & Threads 🗂️

• Instagram expands creator marketplace to new regions
  
• Instagram’s new BeReal-like feature ‘Peek’ in testing.
  
• Threads launched its fact-checking program.
  
• Threads launches recent tab for search function.
  
• Instagram is testing option to add notes on posts and reels.
  
• Creators aren’t happy with Instagram’s AI bot suggestions.
  
• Instagram launches new creator interview series.
  
• Notify sticker is now available for IG Reels.
  
• Instagram testing ability to create public reels playlist.
  

Meta 😅

• Meta hit with new EU probe for having additive algorithms harming children and teens.
• Meta to shut down Workplace its enterprise workspace platform.
• Meta launches travel mode for Quest 2 & 3.
• Meta’s Oversight Board receives first case from Threads is here, involving Japanese PM.
• Meta is exploring AI-Assisted Earphones with Cameras.
• WhatsApp redesigns drawing editor for beta testers.

X (Twitter) 🕹️

• X’s Gork AI expands to EU users.
• X’s Takeover Ads get improved spotlight takeover with commentary and shop feed.
• WNBA is coming to X with new content partnership.
• X completes the website transition from twitter to x dot com.
• X updates communities feature to increase user adoption.

Youtube 🕹️

• YouTube CEO shares, It’s Time for the Emmys to Embrace Creators.
• Youtube gets branded QR codes to improve CTV Ad conversion.

Google 🔦

• Google adds two new crawlers: GoogleOther-Image and GoogleOther-Video.
• Google shares video pages need to be super obvious to be shown in Video Tab.
• Google Search launches ‘Web’ filter with only text-based links.
• Google rolling out new restrictions for suspended ad accounts.
• Ad format preferences now available for Demand Gen campaigns.
• How publishers are removing their content from Google’s AI overviews.
• AI Ad summaries are now available in Google Ads.

Agency News

• GAP Inc. appoints Omnicom as Media AOR.
• Esusu appoints David&Goliath as Agency of Record.
• Athletic Brewing Company names Wpromote Media AOR.
• Kenvue hires FCB and BBDO to run creative account.
• HEINEKEN appoints Blue Yonder to improve Demand Planning.
• STOP&SHOP names Curiosity as creative AOR.
• Moore named Primary Direct Response Agency for Nationwide Children’s Hospital Foundation.
• M&C Saatchi Sport & Entertainment wins Dometic as New Global Client.
• Mother hires creative directors from Droga5 NY and Adam&eveDDB.
• Gallo appoints VaynerMedia LA as lead creative agency for Barefoot Wine.
• L’ELOI announces major roster expansion.
• Mazda Canada names FCB/SIX CRM Agency of Record.
• Canadian Blood Services appoint Diamond as Agency of Record.
• Cricket Australia hires Special, Independent creative agency.

AI 🤨

• ChatGPT announces improvements to data analysis.
• A Recap of AI features announced at Google I/O Event.
• Deloitte Digital launches AI-powered content tool for marketers.
• Google still hasn’t fixed Gemini’s biased image generator.
• Snowflake in talks to buy Reka AI for $1 Billion.
• Sony Music warns AI developers not to use its content for training.
• Anthropic hires IG Co-founder as head of product.
• Claude AI is now available across Europe.
• OpenAI disbanded their team focused on long-term risk of AI.

Reddit & Snapchat

• Reddit launches 5 new features to improve AMA (Ask Me Anything) posts.
• Snapchat partners with Scope3 to launch carbon emission tracking for Snap Ads.
• Snapchat announces new partnership with Datahash to improve performance via CAPI.
• Reddit hires new VP of Ads Product, Jyoti Vaidee.

Microsoft & LinkedIn

• EU warns Microsoft it could be fined billions over missing GenAI risk info.
• Sainsbury’s and Microsoft announce five-year AI partnership.
• LinkedIn adds Unique View Count for post analytics.

Marketing & AdTech

• Broadsign acquires OutMoove, Netherlands-based DOOH DSP.
• Twitch announces new Partner Discords
• Politico launches its first consumer registration wall.
• Havas acquires Liquid to enhance E-commerce and Retail Media Expertise.
• DEPT and BIGR Social are launching a new Automated Social Media Management Platform.
• QR codes aren’t out yet, Innocent drink’s OOH campaign success.
• Commercial TV networks spent $1.67 billion on Australian Programs.
• Streaming is Cable: Comcast to launch Peacock, Netflix and Apple TV+ bundle.
• Advertiser trust in Google continues to go downhill, here’s what experts believe.
• Yahoo tests Google’s post-cookie ad platform.
• GoPuff’s ‘Ozempic Week’ ad campaign backfires on social media.
• NCM Teams with Nerds for On-screen Holographic Cinema Campaign.
• Asperity launches composable ‘Lakehouse’ CDP.

I hope this helps to plan your week ahead. Credit: The Social Juice Newsletter.

Top 6 Updates of last Week:

• After Google, OpenAI enters a new data + advertising partnership with Reddit.
• Google rolls out AI overviews in US with planned expansion in more countries.
• Threads App is testing pinned columns on web, Tweetdeck 2.0.
• Youtube expands Creator Takeover ad format and shares new details into CTV growth.
• OpenAI launched GPT-4o, adding AI voice assistant and other improvements.
• Netflix plans to launch In-house ad tech platform with their ad audience growing to 40M in Q1.

Trending

• Pinterest and Real Simple, a lifestyle magazine partner to launch the first shoppable magazine issue.
• e.l.f. Beauty’s latest campaign ‘So Many Dicks’ campaign touches on points made in the last newsletter, diversity in boardrooms is rare.
• Reddit is bringing back Awards program, nice.
• Amazon shared strong ad viewership numbers and other content updates at Upfront.
• Microsoft’s AI developments have caused their carbon emissions to jump 30%.
• Warner Bros. Discovery launches new ad products and shares new subscriber growth.
• Nielsen ranks top media companies, First Convergent TV Comparison of its kind.
• Bumble apologies for Celibacy billboards and apologises to all users.
• ASDA launches new brand identity as part of its summer campaign- Serious about Summer.
• TripleLift & Amazon’s partnership to expand ad business beyond amazon’s own websites.
• Expedia launches travel media network and new AI features.
• McDonald’s new launch; Grandma McFlurry meanwhile Gen-X is still waiting for repersentation.
• Delivereasy’s new ad campaign is funny and worthy of a long-term run.
• Dentsu’s new global brand proposition; Innovating to Impacting.
• Disney, Fox and WBD unveiled name of Sports-Streaming Venture: Venu Sports.
• Pizza Hut Australia fined $2.5 million for spam marketing.
• Snapchat shares new insights on improving ad campaign performance with 3Es.

TikTok 🎶

• TikTok is now testing 60-minute video uploads, What?
• TikTok shares new insights into #FinTok (Finance) in Canada.
• IKEA to run a Pet Shopping Network for a TikTok Livestream.
• TikTok is testing addition of AI-generated search results.
• TikTok released new playbook for Beauty businesses.
• Frank McCourt offers to buy TikTok from ByteDance.
  

  Instagram & Threads 🗂️

• Instagram expands creator marketplace to new regions
  
• Instagram’s new BeReal-like feature ‘Peek’ in testing.
  
• Threads launched its fact-checking program.
  
• Threads launches recent tab for search function.
  
• Instagram is testing option to add notes on posts and reels.
  
• Creators aren’t happy with Instagram’s AI bot suggestions.
  
• Instagram launches new creator interview series.
  
• Notify sticker is now available for IG Reels.
  
• Instagram testing ability to create public reels playlist.
  

Meta 😅

• Meta hit with new EU probe for having additive algorithms harming children and teens.
• Meta to shut down Workplace its enterprise workspace platform.
• Meta launches travel mode for Quest 2 & 3.
• Meta’s Oversight Board receives first case from Threads is here, involving Japanese PM.
• Meta is exploring AI-Assisted Earphones with Cameras.
• WhatsApp redesigns drawing editor for beta testers.

X (Twitter) 🕹️

• X’s Gork AI expands to EU users.
• X’s Takeover Ads get improved spotlight takeover with commentary and shop feed.
• WNBA is coming to X with new content partnership.
• X completes the website transition from twitter to x dot com.
• X updates communities feature to increase user adoption.

Youtube 🕹️

• YouTube CEO shares, It’s Time for the Emmys to Embrace Creators.
• Youtube gets branded QR codes to improve CTV Ad conversion.

Google 🔦

• Google adds two new crawlers: GoogleOther-Image and GoogleOther-Video.
• Google shares video pages need to be super obvious to be shown in Video Tab.
• Google Search launches ‘Web’ filter with only text-based links.
• Google rolling out new restrictions for suspended ad accounts.
• Ad format preferences now available for Demand Gen campaigns.
• How publishers are removing their content from Google’s AI overviews.
• AI Ad summaries are now available in Google Ads.

Agency News

• GAP Inc. appoints Omnicom as Media AOR.
• Esusu appoints David&Goliath as Agency of Record.
• Athletic Brewing Company names Wpromote Media AOR.
• Kenvue hires FCB and BBDO to run creative account.
• HEINEKEN appoints Blue Yonder to improve Demand Planning.
• STOP&SHOP names Curiosity as creative AOR.
• Moore named Primary Direct Response Agency for Nationwide Children’s Hospital Foundation.
• M&C Saatchi Sport & Entertainment wins Dometic as New Global Client.
• Mother hires creative directors from Droga5 NY and Adam&eveDDB.
• Gallo appoints VaynerMedia LA as lead creative agency for Barefoot Wine.
• L’ELOI announces major roster expansion.
• Mazda Canada names FCB/SIX CRM Agency of Record.
• Canadian Blood Services appoint Diamond as Agency of Record.
• Cricket Australia hires Special, Independent creative agency.

AI 🤨

• ChatGPT announces improvements to data analysis.
• A Recap of AI features announced at Google I/O Event.
• Deloitte Digital launches AI-powered content tool for marketers.
• Google still hasn’t fixed Gemini’s biased image generator.
• Snowflake in talks to buy Reka AI for $1 Billion.
• Sony Music warns AI developers not to use its content for training.
• Anthropic hires IG Co-founder as head of product.
• Claude AI is now available across Europe.
• OpenAI disbanded their team focused on long-term risk of AI.

Reddit & Snapchat

• Reddit launches 5 new features to improve AMA (Ask Me Anything) posts.
• Snapchat partners with Scope3 to launch carbon emission tracking for Snap Ads.
• Snapchat announces new partnership with Datahash to improve performance via CAPI.
• Reddit hires new VP of Ads Product, Jyoti Vaidee.

Microsoft & LinkedIn

• EU warns Microsoft it could be fined billions over missing GenAI risk info.
• Sainsbury’s and Microsoft announce five-year AI partnership.
• LinkedIn adds Unique View Count for post analytics.

Marketing & AdTech

• Broadsign acquires OutMoove, Netherlands-based DOOH DSP.
• Twitch announces new Partner Discords
• Politico launches its first consumer registration wall.
• Havas acquires Liquid to enhance E-commerce and Retail Media Expertise.
• DEPT and BIGR Social are launching a new Automated Social Media Management Platform.
• QR codes aren’t out yet, Innocent drink’s OOH campaign success.
• Commercial TV networks spent $1.67 billion on Australian Programs.
• Streaming is Cable: Comcast to launch Peacock, Netflix and Apple TV+ bundle.
• Advertiser trust in Google continues to go downhill, here’s what experts believe.
• Yahoo tests Google’s post-cookie ad platform.
• GoPuff’s ‘Ozempic Week’ ad campaign backfires on social media.
• NCM Teams with Nerds for On-screen Holographic Cinema Campaign.
• Asperity launches composable ‘Lakehouse’ CDP.

I hope this helps to plan your week ahead. Credit: The Social Juice Newsletter.

Top 6 Updates of last Week:

• After Google, OpenAI enters a new data + advertising partnership with Reddit.
• Google rolls out AI overviews in US with planned expansion in more countries.
• Threads App is testing pinned columns on web, Tweetdeck 2.0.
• Youtube expands Creator Takeover ad format and shares new details into CTV growth.
• OpenAI launched GPT-4o, adding AI voice assistant and other improvements.
• Netflix plans to launch In-house ad tech platform with their ad audience growing to 40M in Q1.

Trending

• Pinterest and Real Simple, a lifestyle magazine partner to launch the first shoppable magazine issue.
• e.l.f. Beauty’s latest campaign ‘So Many Dicks’ campaign touches on points made in the last newsletter, diversity in boardrooms is rare.
• Reddit is bringing back Awards program, nice.
• Amazon shared strong ad viewership numbers and other content updates at Upfront.
• Microsoft’s AI developments have caused their carbon emissions to jump 30%.
• Warner Bros. Discovery launches new ad products and shares new subscriber growth.
• Nielsen ranks top media companies, First Convergent TV Comparison of its kind.
• Bumble apologies for Celibacy billboards and apologises to all users.
• ASDA launches new brand identity as part of its summer campaign- Serious about Summer.
• TripleLift & Amazon’s partnership to expand ad business beyond amazon’s own websites.
• Expedia launches travel media network and new AI features.
• McDonald’s new launch; Grandma McFlurry meanwhile Gen-X is still waiting for repersentation.
• Delivereasy’s new ad campaign is funny and worthy of a long-term run.
• Dentsu’s new global brand proposition; Innovating to Impacting.
• Disney, Fox and WBD unveiled name of Sports-Streaming Venture: Venu Sports.
• Pizza Hut Australia fined $2.5 million for spam marketing.
• Snapchat shares new insights on improving ad campaign performance with 3Es.

TikTok 🎶

• TikTok is now testing 60-minute video uploads, What?
• TikTok shares new insights into #FinTok (Finance) in Canada.
• IKEA to run a Pet Shopping Network for a TikTok Livestream.
• TikTok is testing addition of AI-generated search results.
• TikTok released new playbook for Beauty businesses.
• Frank McCourt offers to buy TikTok from ByteDance.
  

  Instagram & Threads 🗂️

• Instagram expands creator marketplace to new regions
  
• Instagram’s new BeReal-like feature ‘Peek’ in testing.
  
• Threads launched its fact-checking program.
  
• Threads launches recent tab for search function.
  
• Instagram is testing option to add notes on posts and reels.
  
• Creators aren’t happy with Instagram’s AI bot suggestions.
  
• Instagram launches new creator interview series.
  
• Notify sticker is now available for IG Reels.
  
• Instagram testing ability to create public reels playlist.
  

Meta 😅

• Meta hit with new EU probe for having additive algorithms harming children and teens.
• Meta to shut down Workplace its enterprise workspace platform.
• Meta launches travel mode for Quest 2 & 3.
• Meta’s Oversight Board receives first case from Threads is here, involving Japanese PM.
• Meta is exploring AI-Assisted Earphones with Cameras.
• WhatsApp redesigns drawing editor for beta testers.

X (Twitter) 🕹️

• X’s Gork AI expands to EU users.
• X’s Takeover Ads get improved spotlight takeover with commentary and shop feed.
• WNBA is coming to X with new content partnership.
• X completes the website transition from twitter to x dot com.
• X updates communities feature to increase user adoption.

Youtube 🕹️

• YouTube CEO shares, It’s Time for the Emmys to Embrace Creators.
• Youtube gets branded QR codes to improve CTV Ad conversion.

Google 🔦

• Google adds two new crawlers: GoogleOther-Image and GoogleOther-Video.
• Google shares video pages need to be super obvious to be shown in Video Tab.
• Google Search launches ‘Web’ filter with only text-based links.
• Google rolling out new restrictions for suspended ad accounts.
• Ad format preferences now available for Demand Gen campaigns.
• How publishers are removing their content from Google’s AI overviews.
• AI Ad summaries are now available in Google Ads.

Agency News

• GAP Inc. appoints Omnicom as Media AOR.
• Esusu appoints David&Goliath as Agency of Record.
• Athletic Brewing Company names Wpromote Media AOR.
• Kenvue hires FCB and BBDO to run creative account.
• HEINEKEN appoints Blue Yonder to improve Demand Planning.
• STOP&SHOP names Curiosity as creative AOR.
• Moore named Primary Direct Response Agency for Nationwide Children’s Hospital Foundation.
• M&C Saatchi Sport & Entertainment wins Dometic as New Global Client.
• Mother hires creative directors from Droga5 NY and Adam&eveDDB.
• Gallo appoints VaynerMedia LA as lead creative agency for Barefoot Wine.
• L’ELOI announces major roster expansion.
• Mazda Canada names FCB/SIX CRM Agency of Record.
• Canadian Blood Services appoint Diamond as Agency of Record.
• Cricket Australia hires Special, Independent creative agency.

AI 🤨

• ChatGPT announces improvements to data analysis.
• A Recap of AI features announced at Google I/O Event.
• Deloitte Digital launches AI-powered content tool for marketers.
• Google still hasn’t fixed Gemini’s biased image generator.
• Snowflake in talks to buy Reka AI for $1 Billion.
• Sony Music warns AI developers not to use its content for training.
• Anthropic hires IG Co-founder as head of product.
• Claude AI is now available across Europe.
• OpenAI disbanded their team focused on long-term risk of AI.

Reddit & Snapchat

• Reddit launches 5 new features to improve AMA (Ask Me Anything) posts.
• Snapchat partners with Scope3 to launch carbon emission tracking for Snap Ads.
• Snapchat announces new partnership with Datahash to improve performance via CAPI.
• Reddit hires new VP of Ads Product, Jyoti Vaidee.

Microsoft & LinkedIn

• EU warns Microsoft it could be fined billions over missing GenAI risk info.
• Sainsbury’s and Microsoft announce five-year AI partnership.
• LinkedIn adds Unique View Count for post analytics.

Marketing & AdTech

• Broadsign acquires OutMoove, Netherlands-based DOOH DSP.
• Twitch announces new Partner Discords
• Politico launches its first consumer registration wall.
• Havas acquires Liquid to enhance E-commerce and Retail Media Expertise.
• DEPT and BIGR Social are launching a new Automated Social Media Management Platform.
• QR codes aren’t out yet, Innocent drink’s OOH campaign success.
• Commercial TV networks spent $1.67 billion on Australian Programs.
• Streaming is Cable: Comcast to launch Peacock, Netflix and Apple TV+ bundle.
• Advertiser trust in Google continues to go downhill, here’s what experts believe.
• Yahoo tests Google’s post-cookie ad platform.
• GoPuff’s ‘Ozempic Week’ ad campaign backfires on social media.
• NCM Teams with Nerds for On-screen Holographic Cinema Campaign.
• Asperity launches composable ‘Lakehouse’ CDP.

I hope this helps to plan your week ahead. Follow for more.

Week 3: Limericks and the Art of Humor
Day 1: Decoding Limericks - Activity: Analyze classic limericks for rhythm and humor. - Lecture: Discuss the AABBA rhyme scheme and distinctive rhythm. - Discussion: Share favorite humorous poems and discuss elements that make them funny.
Day 2: Crafting Limericks with Wit - Activity: Write limericks individually, focusing on humor and rhythm. - Lecture: Explore the balance of humor and structure in limericks. - Discussion: Share and discuss individual limericks, highlighting successful elements.
Day 3: Understanding Free Verse - Activity: Analyze free verse poems for structure and expression. - Lecture: Introduce the concept of free verse and its flexibility. - Discussion: Discuss the liberation and challenges of writing without a strict structure.
Day 4: Writing Exercise - Expressing Emotions in Free Verse - Activity: Explore emotions and write a free verse poem. - Assignment: Craft a free verse poem exploring a personal experience or emotion. - Vocabulary Words: Enjambment, Cadence, Anapest.
Day 5: Peer Review and Feedback - Activity: Peer review workshop for free verse poems. - Lecture: Discuss the artistic freedom and impact of free verse. - Discussion: Share insights gained from reviewing peers' free verse poems.
Study Guide Questions for Week 3: 1. What defines a limerick, and how does its rhythm contribute to its humor? 2. Discuss the importance of the AABBA rhyme scheme in limericks. 3. How does free verse differ from structured forms of poetry? 4. Explore the challenges and benefits of writing without a strict form in free verse. 5. Reflect on the emotions and experiences expressed in your free verse poem.
Quiz: Assessment on limericks, the AABBA rhyme scheme, and the principles of free verse.
Week 4: Free Verse and Acrostic Poetry
Day 1: Embracing Free Verse - Activity: Analyze diverse free verse poems for individual expression. - Lecture: Discuss famous free verse poets and their impact on the genre. - Discussion: Share personal reactions to the artistic freedom of free verse.
Day 2: Crafting Emotion in Free Verse - Activity: Write a free verse poem expressing a specific emotion. - Lecture: Explore the role of emotions in free verse and the use of vivid imagery. - Discussion: Share and discuss individual poems, highlighting emotional impact.
Day 3: Understanding Acrostic Poetry - Activity: Analyze acrostic poems for clever wordplay. - Lecture: Explain the concept of acrostic poetry and its various forms. - Discussion: Share examples of creative acrostic poems.
Day 4: Writing Exercise - Personal Acrostic - Activity: Craft an acrostic poem using your name or a chosen word. - Assignment: Write an acrostic poem exploring a theme or concept. - Vocabulary Words: Strophe, Stanza, Consonance.
Day 5: Peer Review and Feedback - Activity: Peer review workshop for acrostic poems. - Lecture: Discuss the playfulness and creativity of acrostic poetry. - Discussion: Share insights gained from reviewing peers' acrostic poems.
Study Guide Questions for Week 4: 1. Explore the role of emotions in free verse poetry. How does it differ from structured forms? 2. Discuss the impact of vivid imagery in free verse. How does it contribute to the overall message? 3. What defines acrostic poetry, and how is it different from other forms? 4. How can clever wordplay enhance the impact of an acrostic poem? 5. Reflect on the creative process and thematic exploration in your acrostic poem.
Quiz: Assessment on understanding free verse, emotional expression in poetry, and the principles of acrostic poetry.

saw someone do this last year and it really helped me get an idea of the courses i would be doing so thought id do the same with my courses incase it helps anyone else!
First Semester: (2.5 credits)
CHM135: Chemistry: Physical Principles

• i found this course so hard at first. so hard i scored 50% on the first midterm which absolutely recked me bc i was good at chem in highschool. i decided to put a lot of effort in this course from then on and ended up getting a 100% on the 2nd midterm and above 90 on the final. ended up with a 94% on the course, so working hard gets you the grade for sure. do the tutorial questions theyre so helpful and v similar to what comes on the tests and finals. the lecturers were SO good for chm135, loved them all, they actually teach well.

BIO120: Adaptation and Biodiversity

• i hated this course with a passion. its about ecology which is the topic i find the BORINGEST thing to learn about. i hate it so much. i hated the labs, the lectures - it was all so boring. the lecturers for bio are so monotone and boring i hated them so much. all exams were multiple choice tho and not too hard EXCEPT for the final. i think the class average was probably really high before the final so they made the final SUPER hard, a lot harder than the midterms which was annoying bc i expected something similar in difficulty like the midterms were.

MAT135: Calculus I

• the most unorganized course. the lecturer was new and went in circles and didnt know how to explain any concept. the course coordinator was bernardo which is so bad lol. the tests were fine. the ACTs (applied communication tasks) were SO badly explained i had to go to sooo many office hours to get info. i think they ended up curving the grade cause i ended up with a A- which i know i couldnt have actually have gotten bc the course went SO badly.

CSC108: Introduction to Computer Programming

• LOVED this course. if ur looking for a good bird course to do this might be it! i only studied 4 hrs for the midterm and 4 hrs for the final and ended up with an A+ on the course. the lecturer was so bad, he was so unorganized, felt like he didn't prep at all for his lecs but that was fine since all content is learnt through videos they make u watch before class and do questions on (you can find this vids on yt btw). i had absolutely no programming experience when taking this course and yet it was fine, so if youre worried about that, dont be! the course is designed for those with 0 programming experience. the assignments were also so fun to do (although some parts def did make me want to throw my laptop across the room :))

PSY100: Introductory Psychology

• didnt think this was as bird of a course as uoft reddit made it out to be. its not a hard course, but it requires effort which you dont have time to give to an elective course. i took it with denton so maybe thats why, there were so many readings from the textbook and u had to buy the textbook to access the homework which was SO annoying. got an A- in the course through knowledge i had from a level psych.

Second Semester (2.5 credits)
BIO130: Molecular and Cell Biology

• again, hated the lecturers. SO monotone. felt like sleeping in lectures. ended up skipping majority of lectures and teaching myself through the textbook and slides. i also attended a few of yips lectures instead of the lecturer i was enrolled in bc i heard he was good. its true, yip is good he's phenomenal. if youre looking for a good prof, its him. lecture hall was ALWAYS packed bc i guess a lot of people did the same thing as me, skipped their own lecturer to go to this one. loved the content of this course, so much better than bio120. ended with an A+ thankfully. its kind of a memorization course.

CHM136: Intro to Organic Chemistry I

• had 3 different lecturers for different parts of the course, they all were AMAZING. explained concepts so well. i also loved organic chem from a level chem so this course was nice. it started getting pretty hard near the end but it was fine after watching youtube vids + going to office hours to understand the content better.

MAT136: Calculus II

• this course was SO AMAZING compared to mat136. i think it was bc there was another coordinator that wasnt bernardo. it was Lindsay shorster (idk if i spelt that right) but i had no complaints about inorganization as i did with mat136. lecturer for this course was SOOOOO good i didnt miss even one lecture bc he was that good. his name was Daniel Hudson. i truly felt like he was excited to teach and was so enthusiastic. the course progressively gets harder fs but not too hard to manage with background knowledge of a level math.

CSC148: Intro to Comp Sci

• i took this course bc i found csc108 easy so i was like why not, BIGGEST MISTAKE EVER. this course is so much harder than 108 lmao. it was fine until the midterm. after the midterm it was a shitshow for me lolll. the prof was so good i just found it so hard to understand the harder concepts like recursion and linked lists omg. ended up with an A on the course idk how. i feel like they curved. joonho was so good tho if ur looking for a good prof to pick, pick him. hes funny too.

CSC165 HPS110: The Science of Human Nature

• i took csc165 and then dropped within the first 2 weeks bc it was not for me with no background in proofs lol. that course made me cry so much. i couldnt seem to understand the course :(. frantically looked for other available courses and stumbled upon hps110 and heard that its an easy bird course so i took it. so this course is about different popular psych topics/ research. there were SO many readings every week like im not kidding they sometimes assigned 60 pages. i never did the readings fully lol. before the midterm and final they give u a bunch of questions that could come up and pick from those to put on the test. so i would just answer those questions fully by looking at the readings, memorize my answers and do the test with that. the TA was such a harsh marker for no reason like please no one cares about ur course. The worst thing about this course as an international student was that its final was scheduled to be on the LAST DAY possible. i had a 18 day gap between my second last exam and this last exam. i could have gone home 18 days before but had to stay for this stupid course. i learnt absolutely nothing from the course do not recommend it at all lmao.

I've been living with the thought that i scarred someone for years and i just want to hear if others think it is as serious as i find it to be. It starts at an old school, maybe 8 years old or something like that. I get in a class (which, hint hint, ended up being probably the most mentally traumatic part of my life i've ever experienced) and i immediately met friends, targets and enemies. There was a group of foreigners, probably arabic of some sort, and they immediately started bullying me, because of my less severe ADHD and autism. They found it funny that i got angry easily. I was a shy little bitch so i didn't want to hurt anyone, but eventually they just bullied me to the point where i got pushed into being a mentally deranged psychopath willing to beat up anyone in my path.
Usually, i'd take my anger out on a girl named Victoria. She was obviously a victim of some sort of intellectual based diagnose of more heavy harm than mine, and it was sort of just a perfect target. She couldn't have her own argument, she didn't even know which finger on her hand was the middle finger. Ofcourse i never actually hit her, since she moved from the school in 2nd grade, probably on behalf of her parents. I'm sort of happy that she did, because that was around when i started hitting anyone in my path.
Before i started getting violent with others, i usually just pushed them down slides they were too scared of. Basically psychological warfare.
The really bad thing about this is that i ran on pills, like Elvanse, Ritalin and others. This hit me hard as a kid. When i was 6 i lost so much weight that i weighed about 10-15 kilos. It hit me physically and mentally. I would either get angrier, or calmer. If i got angrier, i ate more, if i got calmer, i ate nothing. We ended up ditching the pills when i turned 11, since i grew up and could do things properly. I also didn't get diagnosed with autism until i was 9, so i was given completely incorrect treatments, hitting me even more.
I ofcourse took several of these things to principals, and teachers, but as said, that school had really NO precautions. Teachers had full right to just not give a fuck, which is exactly what they did 90% of the time.
Ask me whatever, tell me whatever. I probably wont answer alot since i'm not reddit much, but i just want to know if it's as bad as it really is.