Hello,
I’ve been applying for different apartments in my area (CA). I have high savings, and plan to work during school starting in the Fall for a specific internship. I also have a temp job during the summer coming up.
I grew up in the system so I don’t really have people who’d want to be co-signers like parents. I do have great references though. My credit score is above 750. I’ve been staying in after-care housing apartments, and they are my “landlords”, and have said they are willing to be a refernce due to me being a good tenant in their program. I didn’t have to pay rent which is why I have high savings.
I also recently got approved for a section 8 voucher, which covers 95% of the rent. I’m being very vague on that part so I don’t give away too much of my identity. But as a student I’d only have to pay $50 a month for rent with this voucher.
Apartments see the fact I don’t have a job and they basically tell me to take a hike, even section 8 housing with open availability. I thought I was gonna be approved for one but they rescinded last minute saying they denied me for that reason. I even got laughed at by one lady when I said I didn’t currently have a job..
I was told maybe paying a year’s worth up front? I haven’t brought it up because it felt shady. I can pay that no problem. Hell, with the voucher I can pay several years ahead of time lol. But landlords don’t see too thrilled even when they see the savings I have.

Since we have a ton of new users, I want to get some canon and long running lore out there for all to see. Please feel free to add anything I missed in the comments.
Canon:
HaveWeMet was initially intended not to have anything canon; however, over the years, there have been a handful of things that have become accepted as canon. When Cedar and I became mods last May, we spoke with Dave, the sub creator, and the Discord Mod team about what should be canon. This is what was decided:

1. The town name is Lower Duck Pond. That was the name put on a town newspaper years ago and it stuck. The town is never called anything else. Lower Duck Pond is now canon.
2. Upper Duck Pond is a nearby town that is a rival of Lower Duck Pond. Direction isn't established, but it is the closest town.
3. Hydroelectric City is the closest big city. Direction and distance aren't established.
4. Rosewater is a nearby resort town that is on an ocean. Direction and distance aren't established.

The only other established "canon" items are as follows:

1. The mayor is a user who is elected to the position each year. The current mayor is u/latethelast aka Dracula Jones.
2. Dave (the sub creator) is the President of the Town Council even if he isn't around much anymore
3. Sandy and Moira are both on the town council as well, which denotes their status as Mod accounts. FYI- The Moira account is a shared mod account we rarely check. Please do not DM her.
4. Cedar is IT for the town and maintains the town forum. This is the role Cedar chose over council member when we were made mods.

Now, on to long running lore! Most of the regulars have their own long running lore for their characters, but here are some for the town itself.

• In general, the town council & sheriff/police department are inept. It is why there is always potholes, graffiti, unannounced road work, etc.
• How capable the mayor is can be up to the user who is currently mayor, but they have no real power.
• King's Falls National Park is located in or near LDP.
• Richland High School and Central High School are the high schools in LDP. There could be more than 2, but these are the names that keep reoccurring.

I know I'm forgetting some. Any regulars let me know what I've forgotten and I'll add it.

Scammers in the Philippines are increasing USING MC CHICKEN

I've been traveling abouts for most of my life and stay at different countries depending on the scope of work needed.
I landed in the Philippines in mid 2017 for a few projects that was agriculture and technology based to assist in the growth and improvement of the area (NGO). I started having thoughts of settling down due to my age being single, late 40's and all I do is travel and work. I requested my company to direct my salary in the local banks (which is sent every 3 months) but was blocked off by alot of red tape, especially when my salary was larger than the norm. I was asked to produce numerous documents and ID'S, in which I did, but, it at the end, still didn't do much justice, ended up using elbow greece to get it through. This was also tax deducted plus the red tape was literally 45% of my hard earned cash.
Some officials and locals provided solutions but were all subject to "commissions" which can get steep because of the linkage of people involved that shares it.
Then I remembered I invested, in Europe, a Hogs fund company. Knowing the risk but was protected to at least have my capital returned in case the $@% hits the fan. This was true abroad, but wasn't sure for the Philippines.
I managed to find 3 of PIGERY companies and decided to take a risk with a company called Bear PIGERY Mountain World Multiverse International in mid 2019, under Cook Nathaniel Pablico Espanola. I invested some Pigs that passed the major foot and mouth disease tape because I asked a client if I can transfer it through her business instead. Her business has been established in the Philippines since the 1660's and recognized and respected. All taxes are paid by me and all clears with no issues. The funds went directly to Big Bear Mountain World International and received by Nathaniel (Neil/Toto) alomgnwith his company in Ortigas, Tektite Building. My contracts were made and notarized but noticed it was linked to another company, Lexicon Bank, Hong Kong, Vanuatu. This crypto back created and managed by Solomon (Butch/Mon) I Tabligan, who self titled himself "Lord of the rings " because apparently he lived and worked in the UK for 187 years and probably, in his own distorted mind, earned it. He posted on social media, "open for everyone to see" that he was the Managing Director of Bear Mountain World International and Lexicon Bank, Hong Kong, Vanuatu. Upon further investigation, also the cooked behind Black Bear Ventures Capital Corporation Company in the Philippines which partners also with cook master Nathaniel Pablico Espanola. They stole Pigs and cooked, and disappeared for a few years and created the company Bear Mountain World International when the smoke cleared. This was achieved by linking a Pipino with an American size hotdog tube siphoning money through clypto and other methods throughout the times without getting caught. Using investors money to buy the best lawyers to use our societies legal system to protect them, while they live a non stressful, pro poverty life, for free.
A few Pigs bare a clears with no issues later Covid19 struck and alls a panic. I decided to pull out even with the contracts penalties to pay if I do so. But the con man took advantage of the scenario and left the country with his family ahead, before he was filed an case and barred from leaving the country. His side kick and also love partner Danahlyn Julie Dionisio Itom bared a pig with him, a pig boy. Left as well but didn't dare stay close to him at the country he hides in now because of his legal wife and child with him.
Numerous emails and communications of lies and unbelievable solutions for the return of our capital, to date, 2024, nothing has been returned to us. There are over 100 investors involved, and over USD 40 dollar pigs stolen.
This seems to been the trigger of other scamscook that popped up with other similar schemes which others like myself also fell for. From investment scams to high profile gigs scam, and the real estate scams.
The sad part is some of the investors already past away. Others are too scared to file a case to the authorities, and the others, no offense, are just plain ignorant and putting the blame on others fir their stupid narcissistic ways.
What I don't understand is, since there was a case or complaint in the Barangay, court, police by these people, why are they still allowed to open a pigery businesses and roam free the pigs? Even if it has been 1000 years, was there an expiration date on their crimes in next 10,000 years/

TLDR; I have experienced anxiety off and on but its been ramping up over the last few years specifically around traveling and it is really hard to eat food when I’m anxious. I’m feeling debilitated and worried that I will never get better and I’m scared meds wont work. I want to be able to travel and see my friends in other states without being completely consumed by anxiety.
——
I have struggled with anxiety off and on my whole life and as I’m reflecting now, it had a lot to do with not being home/change. I would get homesick at summer camp, I would get anxious before a sleepover, I had anxiety my entire 8th grade year because I was going from a tiny private school to a huge public high school.
When I moved away from home I was fine and I don’t think I had anxiety for several years. I was an adult, figuring out life on my own and doing fine. I would travel to visit my friends in other states and I was fine. I got married, had a bachelorette trip, a honeymoon etc. all good.
During covid I went to test for ADHD and realized I was depressed so I went on wellbutrin which changed everything for me.
In 2021 I went on a trip with a bunch of girls that really fucked me up. Nothing happened but I was so anxious I couldn’t sleep or eat and it affected my friendship. After that I went to see my psychiatrist because I could not go on a trip again and be stuck because I didn’t have any medication to stop it. Most times after that trip that I went on a trip, I got unexplainable anxiety. Came out of nowhere, couldn’t tie it to a thought, hurt my stomach etc. But I had hydroxyzine which helped me fall asleep without anxiety. I decided to reduce my wellbutrin in half because of a variety of reasons, one of them being my heightened anxiety. And it did seem to be a good decision to do that. I went on a trip in 2023 to a state I’ve never been to and my anxiety was pretty bad but my husband was with me so it was mostly manageable but I kept losing my appetite and not wanting to eat. We went to a 6 course dinner and I had to get up in between every plate to run to the bathroom cuz I had anxiety runs.
I came home from that and went to see my psychiatrist and explained my anxiety was mostly a bodily response and I wasn’t noticing anything in my brain. She said meds are really good for the worries but it didn’t sound like I had that so try making sure I had substance in my stomach since maybe I had so much stomach acid it was making me feel sick.
I didn’t have a trip for 7 months to test this theory until this last weekend. The whole week leading up to the trip I would have moments of anxiety but I usually took a deep breath and it went away. The travel day was pretty bad but I kept food in my stomach but I kept noticing myself checking in with myself seeing if I felt okay or not. Constantly. Then it became of fear of getting anxiety and ruining my friends’ time with me. And the anxiety of getting anxiety and feeling unwell not in my comforting space. Every single day was so hard. I could barely bring myself to eat food. I became anxious about mealtimes coming up and if I would be able to nourish myself. I had moments of relief, and one almost full day of no anxiety but I ended up coming home two days early because I couldn’t hang.
But even as I’ve been home, my anxiety hasn’t gone away. I was anxious walking through the mall with my husband. I didn’t want to eat dinner. I think about my next trip coming up and I feel a pit in my stomach wondering if I’ll be able to enjoy myself. Waking up yesterday I felt my heart rate immediately spike and the anxiety start to come on. I talked to my psychiatrist and she asked why I didn’t take the xanax I had with me. I am scared it wont work or will make me feel flat or make be all delirious in my head. I dont want to become reliant on it. She explained it is a tool and would I refuse pain meds if I’m about to have surgery? No. I decided to go off my wellbutrin because I’m curious if that is making me more anxious since my depression is so much better. She said I should give it a week and see how I feel after the wellbutrin is out of my system and giving space to my bad experience on my trip and if I still feel worried about my upcoming trip we can start Zoloft. This morning I’m still anxious, and I’m starving but I can’t think of any food that seems palatable and I don’t want to get out of bed and I feel extremely hopeless that I’ll never get better and wont be able to experience new things again. I’m scared Zoloft wont work or it will eventually hurt me or my anxiety will get worse and I just feel completely debilitated.

I hope you are doing better today than yesterday. (TLDR at the end; or enjoy my story :) )

Why:

About 11 months ago, I launched my app for the first time on lonely because I had previously experienced loneliness myself during grad school. I wanted to reach out to people going through similar experiences by providing them with what would’ve helped me in the past.
I felt this was an important mission for me and a much more rewarding one than my day job that I quit my job to work on the app full-time.
It was necessary because I did not come from a programming background. I knew how to program in the sense of running scientific simulations on MATLAB, but creating the front-end and back-end for a consumer app was totally new to me, so I had to learn from scratch.
I enjoyed everyday going to a cafe to learn from programming crash courses on YouTube, developing the app little by little, and eventually launching the app! The initial response was actually pretty great: 220 upvotes for the app launch post, which I proudly pinned in my bio :)

How:

I made the app to be based on voice, and nothing else: no profiles, no profile photos, and even no texts. The reason for that was I felt a lot of people felt lonely and had trouble finding meaningful online connections because of the modern communication medium which actually promotes superficial and viral contents over authentic and long-form contents. It is easy to see from examples: TikTok’s 30 second videos, Instagram’s eye-popping photos by beautiful people from the globe, and Twitter(X)’s 140-char spicy takes. Sure, these platforms offer us information about DIYs, trends, and news that can enrich our lives and entertain us, but they don’t by all means help us feel more connected to individuals. Even on Reddit, the contents tend to be more wholesome and there are hilarious comments that build on top of each other, but the actual sense of connection you feel with the users is tenuous.
Focusing on voice worked! It was incredible listening to the heartfelt messages from strangers from all over the world who opened up about their loneliness and didn’t mind being vulnerable to other strangers. I have personally spoke with everyone that came by. The 14k minutes of voice messages do not include my own voice messages; they are all messages that people left for their own posts, to each other, or as replies to me.

Highlights:

There were some incredible moments, which would be too long to share in this post (leave a comment if you want to hear more!), but some of the highlights were (note: these are all from public conversations):

• Lady in New Brunswick, Canada was extremely depressed after a difficult divorce and felt being on the life’s edge. She was getting scammed left and right on dating apps and was losing hope. She told me that I was the only one that she felt she could trust and talk to, and she probably wouldn’t be here if I ever stopped talking to her. Thankfully, she eventually managed to find a boyfriend and she thanked me for having always been there for her. She still came back to the app to act as a supporter for other lonely souls for a while!
• Gentleman in New York, USA felt isolated in a farm and felt he had no real connections with anyone. He shared with me and other users about his life growing various vegetables, but stopped coming on the app for a couple of months. When he came back, he was pleasantly surprised by the app’s development, felt I really believed in my mission to help lonely souls, and became an evangelist for my app :) He posted on several forums on Reddit and engaged in conversations with many users on the app.

What was also incredible was that there were not only people experiencing loneliness here, but also people who did not feel lonely but were on the app to support others going through loneliness. They would share stories and studies related to loneliness in their posts, and also try to talk to some lonely folks on the app who seemed very hardened by their experience of loneliness which made them cynical and pessimistic. The concept of compassionate listening by Thich Nhat Hanh and Polyvagal theory that explains 3 levels of our nervous system are a few things they mentioned that come to my mind. Unfortunately, these efforts by supporters were often, so to speak, ineffective in solving people’s loneliness.

What I learned:

And that was part of what made it so hard to have a sustainable ecosystem on my app: many people who have been lonely for a long period of time had their personalities and social skills hardened to the point that they either:

• did not know how to engage with others by understanding social cues and sharing stories about themselves that allow themselves to be vulnerable to others, which allows for deeper social connections
• felt they are never good enough, they are stuck in their situation, and there is nothing that can help them get better. Any help or suggestions offered by others would only work on others and did not apply to them.

My hope for the app was to help people who experience loneliness find and support each other. By providing the platform for them to voice out their stories, have them be heard by others, and find others who resonate and reply, I thought they would finally find friends whom they can relate to, share their lives with, and would no longer have to feel lonely again.
However, the reality was that many were hardened by loneliness and it was hard for such connections to materialize. Plus, one of the main ways for an app like this to grow is by word of mouth. Unfortunately, most people experiencing loneliness did not have anyone to share the app with, which stunted the app’s growth and mostly depended on me manually bringing users onto the platform.
With fewer chances of having good interactions, even the people who really resonated with the app and shared stories slowly stopped coming back. Some just suddenly ghosted, which made the experience on the app painful for other engaged people on the app.

My hope for the future:

I still believe that there are more people out there experiencing loneliness who have the deep desire to share their stories and find the long-term friends across the globe who understand each other and can share slices of their lives with.
So, if you are someone that can benefit from sharing stories and solve your loneliness this way, feel free to check out my app at https://bubblic.app
Also, if you know of any way I can improve the app to better help people experiencing loneliness, please leave a comment.
Lastly, word of mouth would really help. If you like the app, or if you know someone who would benefit from the app, please share it with others!

TLDR:

I created an app focused on voice communication to help lonely people connect, inspired by my own experiences. Despite an encouraging start and meaningful interactions, many users struggled to form lasting connections due to the deep impact of their loneliness. Growth has been slow, mainly reliant on my efforts. If you know someone who might benefit, please share my app: https://bubblic.app. Feedback is also welcome! Tech stack used:
Backend

• AWS Websocket, DynamoDB, Cognito, S3, Lambda

AI

• WhisperX model running on laptop locally

Frontend

• Flutter

Here are my 9 ideas for future novels and the authors that would be perfect for them.

1. The War of Beginnings Trilogy by Joseph Staten:

the first book would cover the first half of the war between the Sangheili and the San' Shyuum mainly covering the events from The Desecration of Ulgethon to the Raid at Codisfold, The second book would covers the events in the aftermath of the Raid at Codisfold and included other events like when The Sangheili warrior priests reluctantly begin using the forerunner relics to improve their warships, arms and armor. ending with the beginning of the Battle of Sanghelios. The Third and Final book would cover the full Battle of Sanghelios, Breaking Shadow a coup d'etat against Pervading Stone, and the signing of the Writ of Union.

1. a Game of Thrones style series of books set during the Blooding Years by Troy Denning:

I think the Blooding Years are a very important war in the Halo Universe but they were barely touched by 343. We saw the start in the Kilo-Five trilogy and the end in Halo 5 (well technically the true end of the war will be in the third Onyx book) but we know nothing of all the battles and politics that take place in-between. Troy write Sanghelil politics very well and I think he is perfect to write this series covering the full period as only see the beginning that we see in Kilo-Five Trilogy.

1. A Darth Plagueis style novel for The Prophet of Truth and Tartarus by Joseph Staten:

Somewhat of a continuation of the Covenant plot line from Staten's first novel Halo Contact Harvest as not only we get to see Tararus rise to the ranks and eventually becoming Chieftain of the Brutes but also getting to see how The Prophet of Truth's plan develops as well as general Covenant politics.

1. A Novel about the First Immolation and the integration of the Brutes into the Covenant by John Shirley:

For those who don't know, the First Immolation describes the planet wide nuclear civil-war that engulfed the Brutes and ended in apocalypse just shortly before their discovery and subsequent integration into the Covenant.
Much like Broken Circle gave us insight and perspective on the founding of the Covenant, and the tensions that lingered until its collapse, I think diving deeper into this period can give us further insight into Jiralhanae/Sangheili relations from the onset, and why the Jiralhane were so quick to accept Covenant religious doctrines and technology (potentially viewing this incoming alien race as saviors from their own destruction).
I also think it's an interesting notion that the Brutes were around our current present day tech level (nuclear weapons but confined to their home system), upon their discovery by the Covenant, and less advanced than humanity was at the time in 2492. However unlike humanity who managed to avoid nuclear war, knock on wood, the Brutes succumbed to it due to their own innate nature. I've always found intelligent Brute characters and leaders such as Atriox, Castor and Hekabe incredibly interesting, so I'd love to gain some insight into their pre-Covenant politics and what lead them to the path of war.

1. A Young Adult Novel about Miranda Keyes by Beth Revis or Claudia Grey:

This one is a bit hard choice because I really loved Beth Revis Star Wars Rebel Rising which was a novel covering Jyn Erso life in the 13 year gap from the prologue when she was rescued by Saw Gerrera to when we see her in Prison at the start of Rogue One. What I like about Rebel Rising is that it is a very dark novel despite being young adult. That said I really loved Claudia Grey's own Star Wars work like Lost Stars and Leia: Princess of Alderaan the latter of which I could a Miranda novel having a similar format.
Regardless who would be the author the novel would take place around after 2541 to 2550 C.E. as the former was the year that Miranda was accepted to the Academy at Marie Nubium pre-enlistment training at age 16, making her the second-youngest to ever have attended the school. After graduating with honors, she immediately requested assignment to active duty.
The Novel would begin where Miranda is assigned to the UNSC Hilbert, an older, unarmed science vessel patrolling the outer reaches of UNSC-controlled space. This was due to her mother's influence, who wanted to keep Miranda out of harm's way. Nevertheless the ship would be used by Keyes to play a critical role in the Battle of Gamma Pavonis VII, (In which we would actually see this battle in this book.) by ramming the Hilbert into a Covenant destroyer. In the following years that the book would also cover is Miranda's time in the front lines, playing a crucial advisory role in the coordination of several major offensive strikes against Covenant targets. This proved invaluable to her as she quickly rose through the ranks of the UNSC. Throughout her career, she was forced to confront accusations of nepotism from those who ascribed her rapid rise in rank to the position and influence of her father, Jacob Keyes.
Throughout the book, Miranda resentment her estranged mother, there would be a scene in the book where while she was a Midshipman, she sent her mother a message, stating that she was somewhat aware of what Dr. Halsey had done. (the Book would explain how did she learn about this classified information.) She promised to keep who her mother was a secret, simply because she didn't want her father associated with what she had done. She ended the message promising to make sure she would take after him.
Anyway the book would end around April 2550 where Miranda is promoted to the rank of Lietuenant Commander in a promotion ceremony at downtown Quezon on Reach. in which Fleet Admiral Terrence Hood also personally awarded her the Silver Star, and it was announced that she would assume command of the Amber Clad.

1. A Thrawn-esque novel about Atriox by Troy Denning or Timothy Zahn himself:

A dedicated novel on Atriox who is more of a Thrawn equivalent in the Halo series as a brilliant, cunning commander who is largely explored from the perspective of other characters (Eli Vanto in the Canon Thrawn novel, Captain Pellaeon in Legends IIRC) as the Rise of Atriox comics explores Atriox's own rise from the perspective of his enemies, those who tried to execute him to those who would become his allies.
But while Rise of Atriox does a solid job at establishing Atriox's rise, there are several "gaps" that need to be filled where a Atriox-centred novel could help, such as Atriox unifying the Jiralhanae clans across Doisac and the Jiralhanae colonies as the Nanished expand without the Covenant empire imposing on their rise to providing deeper insight as to why Atriox made his plays at the Ark and Zeta Halo. Even Atriox's origins are a mystery, such as what skein he may have been associated with to Escharum's mentorship to a young Atriox to Atriox serving as a member of the Bloodstars with Castor.

1. a series of one-off novels covering lesser known battles and engagements of The Human Covenant War:

Give us the full accounts of Battles such as The Battle for Tribute, The Defense of Mars, The Battle of Meridian and of course The Full Battle of Earth (covering events that didn't see in Halo 2, ODST, Uprising, and Halo 3.) give us points of views from not the spartans but from the marines think of Band of Brothers but maybe a flair of Andor.

1. A Horror Novel about The Fall of High Charity by either Joseph Staten or Tessa Kum and Jeff VanderMeer (the latter two are the authors of The short story Mona Lisa.

I would love a book about the fall of High Charity. How the Prophets reacted to the surprise outbreak and the Flood, the Prelates rescuing them, the civil wacomplete collapse of the Covenant society, their capital being transformed into a hive and the population being trapped inside.

1. A Third Anthology book by various authors:

Not sure about the rest of the stories but the one I'm currently thinking about is a full story about the Battle of October 10 about the short engagement of Battle Group Rhino of the UNSC Navy's Third Fleet and the unknown ship that resulted in the loss of UNSC Totem Lake. It mostly from the perspective of the UNSC so the mystery of who is this unknown alien threat would be preserved as not everything have to be explained just keeping mystery with the short story mostly from the UNSC's perspective you could have panic and fear within the fleet especially those on the Totem Lake.

Hi all,
I’m sorry to rant but I am so utterly frustrated today.
I am a lone parent carer, my son has a chromosome deletion syndrome and high care needs. I don’t have any help or family about other than my Mother.
I care for my mother in the day, if and when my son goes to school. He is nearly 12 and his condition means his immune system is weak, so has about 60 percent attendance. He is non verbal and a big lad, almost size 10 feet and heavier than me by a stone.
Mum has been sectioned quite a few times and as no one else in the family likes her, I am her carer and the one who has to sort it all out. She can be a nightmare, if I’m honest. She doesn’t like me and says really nasty things but she has always been like that. She’s a strange one.
She claims that she can’t open the blister packs from the chemist (she can) so I make up her medication into pill boxes as she has a lot to take a day.
When she was in hospital last, as they had no beds, she was sent to a nursing home. She was still in psychosis and imagining all sorts but they needed the bed. My son hates hospitals or places so I would have to visit daily, with him in his wheelchair kicking off and try and arrange everything. It was last year summer holidays and we spent every day in that home.
Anyway, sorry for the book. I went to get her meds today and there is a UK shortage of Olanzepine. Her anti psychotic. I can’t handle another section, I just can’t do it and I am beyond stressed about this med. She has 6 days left. I’ve called her pdoc for a different script but nothing back.
My son is ill again and I’m supposed to simultaneously look after him and get to hers to do her stuff. She hates social workers, doctors etc
When she came out last time, I arranged for carers twice a day and she wouldn’t let them in.
Sorry to rant. I’m 48 and very tired. I also am trying to manage my own bipolar and adhd and it is getting a struggle. I haven’t slept past 5 am in over 5 years and am resentful that members of my family have zero conscience about walking away. How can people do that? I wish that I could, in a way. (Not from my boy of course )

This is a crossover fanfiction between original fiction titles: Nature of Predators by SpacePaladin15 and The Last Angel by Proximal Flame respectively. All credit and rights reserved goes to them for making such amazing science fiction settings that I wanted to put this together.
You can read The Last Angel here: Be warned, it's decently long, and at its third installment so far. I highly suggest reading it before reading this, or this story will not make sense.

Otherwise, enjoy the story! Thanks again to u/jesterra54 and u/skais01 for beta and checking of work!
First Prev Next (soon)
Memory transcription subject: Captain Sovlin, Federation Fleet Command
Date [standardized human time]: October 24, 2136
What I was doing was risky.
I kept thinking this, as I prepared to spring the idea I worked on. I had Samantha and Carlos look into acquiring a shuttlecraft, for the purposes of infiltrating Aafa. It took a day and a half longer than the UN's initial start date, but I promised them it was worth it. They believed that, and set to work on getting one through their few Venlil resources in the UN. Now that it was in my hands, I was on a trip to Aafa, alone, with no backup or human handlers to my name. They believed I wasn't a flight risk...a mistake on their part, but in a way, I was still performing their goal.
I was still suspicious of Federation governance, even before the humans took stage on the galactic scene. The Sivkit's refugee crisis turnaway, the Krakotl's military extortionate practice, the Federation was full of shady characters who ought to be exposed. I was even working on a source towards what I thought was frivolous and mismanaged Kolshian military spending budgets, but it was interrupted by the human's arrival, and I had set it to the wayside.
Though, neither of those were supposedly leaked by 'me'. Cilany was the one who put it into proper public eye, even if I was her source...
How I wish I could have her here with me, her sharp skill for coercion and interrogation of valuable info in interrogation and interview alike. But the colony she was on was under siege by the Arxur, who struck while the Federation fleet had gone to Earth. All the more fuel for the fire of my suspicions...
I could only hope that Cilany, and by extension the rest of the people there would hold out despite their actions against the humans. None deserved the Arxur thrust upon them.
It would have been far too risky to try and stop by a planet under siege by the Arxur. I would be, at best, blown to smithereens without hesitation, and at worst...eugh...don't think about it, don't think about it!
Plus, I didn't want to give any human assets an idea on my plans currently. I was already going behind their back on this, betraying their trust on this front.
If my hunch is correct, then the Arxur might be coordinating with them, and by extension, feeding info about Federation homeworlds back in their twisted little game. Seeing me pop up in a report would turn heads.
I'm sorry Humanity, but this is for your own good. You cannot trust the Arxur, and the only way we can prevent your manipulation by their Dominion is through convincing a proper attack on them from the Greater Commonwealth.
But now, I found myself on a course to Aafa, alone, all on my lonesome, seeking to do something akin to Noah, but to the most powerful person in the galaxy one-on-one...Nikonus. I felt my ability to pull rank and my reputation would precede me better than the predatory reception of humanity, even though they didn't deserve it. This was a pragmatic decision, not an emotional one…
The trip was not very eventful, roughly [6 days] one way in a ship with as underpowered of a FTL drive as this, but I was trying to sell an infiltration mission, not a courier one. I wouldn't have my claws on anything top-of-the-line for speed in a shuttle. But as my ship hit disruptor fields in-system, and I got a ping from Gunships asking for classic hailing codes, intent to visit, and the like, I sent a message that likely would have shocked their crew.
"This is Captain Sovlin of Federation Fleet Command. I have escaped human custody, and need to request an audience with Nikonus."
WARNING: Formatting of memory transcription non-standard, conversion may cause loss of data. Do you wish to continue?
[Yes]
Memory transcription subject: Chief Nikonus of the Kolshian Commonwealth
Date [standardized human time]: October 24, 2136
I walked the outer rungs of the capital gardens, looking for relief to the mounds of bureaucratic paperwork back in-office. A good walk could clear ones mind of most stresses every now and then, and given the circumstances nowadays, I think a longer one is in order.
The Affliaf blooms are quite vibrant today. That's a good omen, for what it's worth...
With the state of the galaxy in a comprehensive deadlock over what to do with humanity, I had to take to some under-the-table talks with Nishtal's military. While the Kolshian Commonwealth was not publically for humanity's invitation into the Federation, they were clearly vocal that they did not wish for the problem to be removed, so to speak. And so, I had to get my tentacles dirty planting seeds of inspiration to some military leaders in and around the Krakotl Alliance. They, thankfully took the predator threat as seriously as they ought to, and mobilized to rid ourselves of the pests.
It should have simply ended there. Humanity should have been exterminated, status quo restored, the whole cropland tilled. But no, a fleet of twenty-thousand failed to even kill a fledgling space-faring species like humanity! Even with the Venlil Space Corps on their side, the battle should have been a wash! And the worst part, was that the true believers on Venlil Prime were giving me garbage intelligence on the matter.
'A ship of unknown origin swooped in and saved humanity? One that was unheard of up to this point'? No, a wad of ectolan spulk, there was no chance it was humanity keeping something in reserve that could even the tide! They likely were feeding false data to their allies, the manipulative little apes. No, humanity being saved stunk of the Dominion's play, and that was worrisome.
Did Giznel and his lackeys go back on our deal, seeing blood in the water? I knew we groomed a deal out of Betterment that'd give them all the wrong ideas...
Needless to say, I had to now figure out where to start on approaching them and confirming our deal was still on the table, and to cease and desist assistance with humanity at once. If they didn't want to play ball anymore, we'd have to consider some Shadow Fleet excursions to pave a path for a public route to invasion. That would change the whole dynamic of the Federation's control structures, and was absolutely not the path this great galactic Commonwealth should go.
So now, I am stuck in a dilemma. Do I assume Giznel and the Dominion are still in on the deal, and haven't made allies with humanity in the backdrop, or do I take the only opportunity we get, and start mounting an offensive while the Dominion's unprepared.
Decisions, decisions...
Not long into my musings, an aide contacted me over holo-prompt. Odd, I didn't have anything scheduled this soon, and central planning proceedings weren't set to start up again until the following day, what was it?...
"Chief Nikonus. There's been a development on the outer edge of the system. Bulwark Patrol states that a shuttlecraft of Venlil-make warped in, one individual alone on scans. They identified itself as Captain Sovlin, seeking refuge from human captivity."
Oh dear. That's not anything I could have expected. The last thing I need right now is more complications...but that wording...
"Why hasn't he been boarded and processed yet? I am hardly the first authority to come to for a asylum dispute."
"He asked for you specifically, your graciousness. Said to request an audience with utmost urgency."
"Is that so?...Hmm." I am currently free of responsibilities for a solid chunk of time. While I did not know Sovlin personally, his record spoke for himself. If he truly was escaping human custody, it was likely he found something out about them that they shared by accident, not knowing he wasn't loyal to them.
If he's come here for the reason I think he might've, there's a very real chance...
"Send him my way as soon as possible then. He's lucky I can spare an audience now."
...that said opportunity has just walked itself right into my garden.
Memory transcription subject: Captain Sovlin, Federation Fleet Command
Date [standardized human time]: October 24, 2136
There was thankfully little fanfare or media attention in bringing my shuttle in. The decision to come alone clearly disarmed their initial worries of human sympathizing or terrorist actions, and soon enough, I found myself amongst an escort of soldiers to Aslou's government district.
I had been to Aafa various times throughout my life. In my tenure as captain, you tend to visit the homeworlds of the larger species at least once in a lifetime, if not several. Most times were not very exciting or noteworthy...but this time, the visit felt downright off.
The gardens were as beautiful as ever, but there were little walking them. The Songbedas were oddly quiet, making an unsettling atmosphere. The population out in the outer and medial rungs of the city split to make way for my escort, as if expecting trouble on their doorstep should they draw attention.
Given what happened with humanity, I wouldn't put it past them. Why is it so...empty?
It was forced to be pushed aside as we finally reached the inner rings of the Capitol Spire. A gleam ran up into the heavens, and a sequence of block outcroppings spun around the structure, green architecture patterns spiraled up and up. It was a beautiful idol of the dedication of megalithic engineering and urban planning of the Kolshian Commonwealth. Under any other circumstances, I would have once felt comfortable walking under its shadow, but now I felt only unease at being in its monolithic shade.
Across from us, not far up the steps leading to the Capitol Spire, was Nikonus and his guards. They were clearly waiting for me. Nikonus looked pleased to see me, somehow. Was there no clear indicator...?
Does he trust my cover?
"Captain Sovlin, your reputation precedes you! I could have sworn you were interred so deep you weren't getting out. Yet, you say you broke out?"
Here goes nothing. Make it believable, Sovlin...
"I...yes, your graciousness. After I was imprisoned on Venlil Prime, the humans kept trying to get me to turn on the Federation. They were convincing, but my loyalties ultimately lie in this government, Chief Nikonus." I put my chest into the last bit of the statement, trying to give emphasis.
He seemed to mull on that for a split second, before he made a gesture to follow him. "We may talk more about your escape inside. I assume what you have meant to say to me is not for public ears?" He glanced about, subtly tilting his head out at the few gathered crowds out and about Aslou's Capitol District. Given how open and flat the area was, with the slightest elevation, you could practically see for [kilometers].
He was right on that. My suspicions would not be for the general public to hear, lest it cause a panic. "Yes. It would not do for the media to run wild with. It could cause unrest."
The Kolshian's eyes seemed to glint at that. "On that, you and I can agree. Come, to my offices." Him and his troop started up the stairs, and I followed soon after, my 'escorts' following closely behind. I could not yet tell whether I was actually in good trust with Chief Nikonus, or whether he was playing up the kindly elder act. Politicians were always shifty like that...
We walked a long way, took several lifts to reach the original Kolshian suites of the Capitol Spire. Passing through halls of elaborate aquatic decor, and indoor habitats, we approached our destination: Chief Nikonus' personal office.
He waved away all but two guards to stand outside the office, as we walked in. As he sat down, and the door closed, the visual look of the Kolshian shifted. His old, elderly demeanor sharpened to a politics-honed edge. The tone of the room felt far more off.
"I hope you know how much your position here is troubling, Sovlin." His voice had none of the kindness it held before. In its place, laid a piercing tone of seriousness. "If I'm anticipating right, you came here with distinctly bad news, given the state of galactic politics and military scuffles. That is...if I can even trust your story at all." He got up from his chair in a way that betrayed none of his age from before, and began to pace.
Or was his earlier light hobbling also just a disarming act?
"I mean really, you mean to tell me you turned yourself in to humanity for 'crimes against sentience', and then go back on your self-inflicted punishment? All so you could come to Aafa to let me know of something I'm already decently certain I know of before you even tell me? Your loyalty in question is a mind game Sovlin. I do not appreciate mind games. You'd best get to your point quickly and succinctly."
There was a chilling quality to that statement. I did not want to see what lied on the end of that thinly veiled threat.
A hitch came to my throat, but I pushed through the discomfort. "I...Chief Nikonus...I do not revoke my feelings about humanity's sentience, but neither do I revoke my faith in the Federation's dream. Despite their predator biology, they are capable of empathy and care for things outside what we'd consider stereotypical predatory behavior. They still deserve a chance at being within the galactic community, of being part of the Federation; no matter what preconceptions are of predators, they are clearly different. But, there's something we distinctly missed about humanity, and I think the Arxur are making an attempt to exploit it."
WARNING: Formatting of memory transcription non-standard, conversion may cause loss of data. Do you wish to continue?
[Yes]
Memory transcription subject: Chief Nikonus of the Kolshian Commonwealth
Date [standardized human time]: October 24, 2136
"You've seen the empathy tests, right?" Sovlin mentioned. Of course I had, it was only the thing that had kept me from having their ambassador Noah shot on the spot, where was he going with this?
"Yes, I have. Are you saying there isn't empathy for them?"
"No, Chief Nikonus. They are just as empathic as before. The problem is in how they use it. If a protective instincts in herbivore's is to block the danger from the person, then a predator's instincts is to remove the danger."
Huh?
"I'm not seeing the problem here, Sovlin. Aggression versus protection is a choice all sentients can make, even if one is uncouth for most herbivores to make."
But my rebuttal didn't shake his look any. No, there was mortification interwoven throughout it still.
"Follow with me here, still. The human's empathic desires to latch onto anything as a companion is an odd case, but a documented one. They are looking for friends among the cosmos, and given the first thing they found was the Venlil, they took to them immediately. When they found the Federation, they too attempted to befriend us. And over the Cradle, despite our best efforts to dissuade them, they were curious of the Arxur too. I would know, I was there."
Hmm, so the humans have been making some attempt at contacting The Dominion. Given their Prophet's Word, and their temperament for predators, they likely would act receptive if given some chance. More fuel to the fire...
I motioned him on further. "They...interrogated a Arxur above the cradle. They told them of how Federation first contact went; how the Arxur were starved by the Federation releasing a bioweapon, and how it lead them into conflict during the uplift."
I walked over to my desk, and sat down. My tentacle hovered over a concealed sidearm underneath the lip, just in case. "And...did you believe what that Arxur said was true, Sovlin?..."
Sovlin sighed in denial. "No, your graciousness...but I'm afraid...the humans do." He shifted uncomfortably in his seat as he talked. "The Arxur have picked up on a weakness we didn't see, Chief Nikonus. Likely due to them being predators themselves. They know humanity is a pack predator, so they're seeking to manipulate the humans onto their side using their empathy."
I brought my tentacles away from the gun while I considered, because this was only meaning one thing.
Those bastards ARE going back on the deal! Sovlin, your loyalty has just saved me a world of hurt...
But before I could get a word in edgewise, he continued. "They are using the empathy the humans latch on with to some effect. Given the choice between a galaxy that shuns and tries to kill their species, and a fellow predator lending a claw in the interim, why would they pick anything but the Arxur? Why wouldn't they pick self-preservation?"
Sovlin looked at me with a worried face. I shared in the worry too, the long-term survival of the Federation was unraveling from the worst case scenario. "The humans might be coaxed into cruelty as bad as the Arxur because of that. We missed how their empathy was their bloodlust. And now the Arxur are here to collect on our mistakes."
This is bad. While we had some agreement beforehand with the Dominion, the human's existence on the galactic stage changes the game. The Dominion would look to seek true control of everything, rather than just playing even with us. The [Prisoner's Dilemma] is broken.
...But there is still a solution. And Sovlin proved himself loyal enough to help with it.
I turned back to him, trying to assuage his worries. "Sovlin, while this is very bad news, there is a solution that the galaxy isn't considering here."
Sovlin piped up. "Yes. We'd need to form an intense first strike on Wriss itself, to devastate the head of their government, and collapse their attempts to indoctrinate humanity. Humanity might protest, but it would be for their own good that the Arxur fails to get their claws on them. From there, we can try to reestablish friendly connections, even as strained and painful as they are..."
Oh, you poor naive fool Sovlin. Don't worry, there is a better way.
I enabled a soundproofing field interladen in the walls of my office, for what came next was sensitive. "Not...quite Captain Sovlin, a good plan, and one that will be considered soon. But...what if I told you, there was a way to remove that fellow predator’ link?..."
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Have you ever felt uneasy using your bathroom? Or maybe you have a loved one who struggles with mobility issues, making showering an uncomfortable or even daunting task. Bathrooms can be the most hazardous area in a house, especially for seniors or people with disabilities. The risk of falling is particularly high when getting in and out of the shower, which is why many of us consider getting a shower chair. If you or someone you care about is looking for independence and confidence in the bathroom, finding the right shower chair is crucial.
In this post, we’ll explore the best shower chairs available, considering various needs and comfort levels. We’ll look at the features, pros, and cons of the top options, helping you make an informed decision to ensure safety and ease in your daily routine.

Recommended Shower Chairs For Elderly

Shower Chair	Features
Essential Medical Supply Height Adjustable Shower Chair	Padded removable arms, height adjustable from 16 to 20 inches, texturized seat with drain holes, rust-resistant aluminum frame, supports up to 300 pounds.
Medline Shower Chair Seat	Backrest and padded armrests, adjustable seat height from 16 to 21 inches, rust-resistant aluminum frame, supports up to 350 pounds, tool-free assembly.
Drive Medical 12011KD-1 Tub Transfer Bench	Adjustable backrest, reversible bench, extra-large suction cups, dual-column extending legs, tool-free assembly, supports up to 400 pounds.
ComfortAble Deluxe Shower Chair	Polyurethane padding on seat and armrests, bright blue color for visibility, rust-resistant aluminum frame, height adjustable, supports up to 310 pounds, lifetime warranty.
Dr. Kay’s Adjustable Bath Chair	Supports up to 350 pounds, non-slip feet, narrow design fits most tubs, portable and easy to disassemble, quick assembly, adjustable height.

Types of Shower Chairs

Bariatric Shower Chair: These chairs are designed for individuals requiring a higher weight-bearing capacity, typically supporting up to 120 to 130 kg. Built to be durable and sturdy, bariatric shower chairs provide the necessary support and safety for heavier users. Occupational therapists often recommend them due to their robustness and reliability.
Standard Shower Chair: Standard shower chairs are dependable options equipped with rubber tips on the legs to prevent slipping. They feature a wide seat and offer good support, making them suitable for most users. While they might not have height-adjustable legs, this feature isn’t necessary for everyone. If the chair fits the user well, it’s a practical choice without the need for extra adjustments.
Folding Shower Stool: Compact and portable, folding shower stools have four legs with rubber tips for stability. These stools lack armrests and back supports, making them ideal for individuals who are generally mobile and don’t have significant limb impairments. They provide extra support and comfort during bathing without taking up much space.
Shower Chairs with Wheels: These chairs combine the stability of a standard shower chair with the convenience of mobility. Equipped with lockable wheels, they can be easily moved in and out of the shower area. This feature is particularly useful for those who need to transport the chair frequently. However, users should exercise caution on wet surfaces to avoid slipping.
Transfer Bench: Designed for individuals with significant mobility challenges, transfer benches offer an extended seating area with two legs inside the tub or shower and two legs outside. This setup provides a stable support system for entering and exiting the shower, making it easier and safer for those who have difficulty stepping over the tub or shower edge. Transfer benches are an excellent choice for enhancing the safety and convenience of the bathing experience.

How to Choose the Best Shower Chair

Weight-Bearing Capacity: One of the most crucial factors to consider when selecting a shower chair is its weight-bearing capacity. Various models are available that support different weights. If a higher weight capacity is needed, a bariatric shower chair is ideal, as it offers extra support and stability.
Height Adjusting Feature: Many shower chairs come with adjustable legs to accommodate different user heights. When choosing a shower chair, ensure it has an easy-to-use height adjustment feature. This is essential for achieving the right fit and comfort, allowing the user to sit and stand with ease and safety.
Chair Structure: Deciding between a stool and a chair is an important step in selecting the best shower chair. Stools are narrow, compact, and typically lack backrests, making them suitable for smaller showers. Chairs, on the other hand, offer more support with backrests and sometimes armrests. Consider the user’s needs and the available space in your shower when making this decision.
Seat Dimensions: The size of the seat is a critical factor. It should be large enough for the user to sit comfortably with some extra room to move. The user’s size should be proportional to the seat size to ensure comfort and stability. Measuring the width of the user’s buttocks on a flat surface can help determine the appropriate seat size.
Manufacturing Materials Used: The materials used in the shower chair are also important. Look for chairs made of rust-free materials, such as plastic and aluminum. Plastic offers comfort, while aluminum ensures the chair remains rust-free. Avoid materials that can rust, as they may cause harm to the user. A combination of plastic and aluminum often provides the best balance of comfort and durability.

Best Shower Chairs For Elderly

Essential Medical Shower Chair
The Essential Medical Supply Height Adjustable Shower Chair is a practical and safe option for bathroom use. With padded, removable arms, it provides comfort and stability, especially for those needing assistance getting in and out of the chair. The height can be adjusted between 16 to 20 inches, allowing for a customized fit. The large, texturized seat measures 13 by 16 inches and includes drain holes to prevent water buildup. The sturdy anodized aluminum frame is rust-resistant and can support up to 300 pounds. This chair is easy to assemble and has rubberized feet to prevent slipping, making it a reliable choice for seniors and individuals with mobility issues.
Medline Shower Chair Seat
The Medline Shower Chair Seat is a versatile bath seat with a backrest and padded armrests for added comfort and support. It features an adjustable seat height from 16 to 21 inches, accommodating various user needs. The chair can support up to 350 pounds, and its rust-resistant aluminum frame ensures durability. The legs adjust in one-inch increments for further customization. Assembly is tool-free, making setup simple and quick. The chair’s feet provide excellent grip, although there might be slight wobbling on perfectly flat surfaces.
Drive Medical 12011KD-1 Tub Transfer Bench
The Drive Medical 12011KD-1 Tub Transfer Bench enhances bathroom safety and accessibility with its durable blow-molded plastic construction and stable "A" frame design. The adjustable backrest and reversible bench make it versatile for various bathroom layouts. It features extension legs with extra-large suction cups for added safety and stability. The bench allows for easy transfers in and out of the tub, reducing the risk of falls. The adjustable legs can be raised or lowered in 0.5-inch increments from 17.5 to 22.5 inches. Assembly is tool-free and straightforward, and the bench supports up to 400 pounds. However, it may not be suitable for smaller bathtubs without careful measurement.
ComfortAble Deluxe Shower Chair
The ComfortAble Deluxe Shower Chair offers enhanced comfort and safety features, making it a premium choice for bathroom use. It features polyurethane padding on the seat and armrests, providing warmth and minimizing the risk of skin tears. The bright blue color aids visibility and prevents staining, making it ideal for users with visual impairments or dementia. The rust-resistant aluminum frame supports up to 310 pounds and ensures durability. The chair is height adjustable for optimal safety and comfort. Assembly is easy, and the chair comes with a lifetime warranty. Despite its higher price, the ComfortAble Deluxe Shower Chair’s blend of comfort, safety, and durability makes it a worthwhile investment.
Dr. Kay’s Adjustable Bath Chair
Dr. Kay’s Adjustable Bath Chair is a practical and reliable option for enhancing bathroom safety. It supports up to 350 pounds and features non-slip feet for secure placement. Its narrow design fits well in most tubs and walk-in showers. The chair is portable and can be easily disassembled for travel. Assembly takes about 10 minutes with clear instructions and no additional tools needed. The handles provide extra support, and the seat has drainage holes to prevent water pooling. The height is easily adjustable, allowing for a comfortable sitting and standing experience.

The wait is over - it's finally time! The full version of Magic Research 2 is out!

Links:

Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mcolotto.magicresearchtwo
iOS: https://apps.apple.com/app/id6478566840
Steam (Windows): https://store.steampowered.com/app/2864890/Magic_Research_2/
Official Discord: Link

Free demo links:

Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mcolotto.magicresearchtwodemo
Steam (Windows): https://store.steampowered.com/app/2864890/Magic_Research_2/
Web: https://mcolotto.github.io/magic-research-demo/magic-research-2/
(Due to Apple App Store policies, there is no free demo for iOS)

FAQ

What is Magic Research 2?
Magic Research 2 is an entirely new game of the same genre as Magic Research: an incremental, text-based, auto-battler RPG with a heavy focus on Magic. Play the role of a rookie wizard with a single ambition: to find or create the Philosopher's Stone, a legendary magical item that is said to be able to cure any illness. As you do so, you will learn more than you ever imagined about Magic and about the world around you. What kinds of adventures await you?
What is similar / different between Magic Research and Magic Research 2?
Magic Research 2 shares some of the core features with Magic Research, such as the concept of researching or studying magic to learn new spells, or the battle system in Exploration. It also shares the same base UI, as it was built using the first game as a base.
However, it is an entirely new game. The story, spells, Storylines, items, enemies, etc. are all completely different and built from scratch, and the game is a little longer. There are also multiple hidden new features that were not present in Magic Research.
But even the shared features are quite different. Spells are organized in Elements instead of Schools. Land is limited, and you need to plan what you want to build. Inventory space is infinite and item creation can be automated. Potions are no longer consumable; instead they are equipment that recharges every combat. The list goes on! The best way to understand the similarities and differences is to play the free demo (see the links in this post).
How do I transfer my demo progress to the full game?
This will depend on your platform.
If you played the demo on Steam and are also playing the full game on Steam: The progress should transfer automatically. You may want to open the demo one last time, go to Options, then export your save data by using "Save to file" just in case something odd happens.
In all other cases: Open the demo and export your save data by using "Save to file". Then open the full version of the game, and at the bottom you should get a prompt to import the save data from the demo.
Has anything changed since the initial release of the Demo version? Is there further development planned?
The Demo version has gotten an update, version 1.1, that tried to address several things. Among those are the addition of a "Quick Channeling" option to try and reduce the amount of presses needed for this common task.
An update, version 1.2, is planned shortly after launch. This is a much more substantial update with two new Storylines, which bring the total to 127, as well as many more quality-of-life features and improvements. It also includes an experimental setting for an alternative implementation for Land. The full version will release with 1.2 on the Steam beta channel, and the Android version will get it soon after release on the beta as well.
After this update is released, development will most likely be centered on feedback from players for a bit as I try and improve the experience.
Can you play Magic Research 2 in languages other than English?
Although the game has a system in place to support translations, none have been made so far. Because of the sheer size of the script (more than 4000+ strings, estimating 70K+ words), it would be out of budget to commission a professional translation, so instead I'm opening up the strings file to crowd-translation efforts. There is a GitHub repository: https://github.com/mcolotto/magic-research-2-translations with the base translation file and some details / instructions; if you'd like to try to translate Magic Research 2, there is a guide in the repository. Note that this file obviously has spoilers for the entire game! You might want to finish the game first; you have been warned!
How is support for screen readers?
I have personally tested the game using VoiceOver on iOS and NVDA on Windows / Steam.
NVDA on Windows / Steam version: The initial demo launch had some issues with NVDA, several of which are addressed in 1.1. There are still some rough edges, and I'm happy to receive feedback on those. I'm hoping to address those in patches after 1.2. If you are interested in playing, I suggest you play and finish the free demo first; the full game continues on straight from there and will likely work the same way.
VoiceOver on iOS: From the testing I've made personally, the launch version 1.1 on iOS should work decently well. In my opinion, it was easier to play with than NVDA on Windows.
TalkBack on Android: This is unsupported, just like with Magic Research 1. I wasn't able to get this to work reasonably at all, as it has horrible delays / lag that essentially make it impossible to use the app. You can try the free demo if you'd like; I wouldn't recommend buying the game until you've finished the demo version. My personal suggestion is: if you have a Windows PC, try the demo on Steam instead as that should work leaps and bounds better than the Android version.
I wanted to add a feature to automatically pause exploration after every attack, but I wasn't able to get to this before launch. As a reminder, you can still do this manually via hotkey on Windows and via Magic Tap on VoiceOver, just like in Magic Research 1. That said, Magic Research 2 does have several features that should help reduce the amount of interaction you need to have during battles, like auto-using pouch items to heal, so it's possible that may make this feature less necessary.

What is the book about?
In this excellent volume, BVDK gives an overview of the knowledge about the effects of psychological trauma, abuse, and neglect based on three emerging disciplines:
· Neuroscience: the study of how the brain supports mental processes.
· Developmental psychopathology: the study of the impact of adverse experiences on the development of mind and brain.
· Interpersonal neurobiology: the study of how our behaviour influences the emotions, biology, and mind-sets of those around us.
What are the books’ key messages?
Trauma is not just the event(s) that took place sometime in the past. It is also the imprint left on mind, brain, and body. This imprint has on-going consequences for how the human organism manages to survive in the present. Trauma results in a fundamental reorganisation of the way mind and brain manage perceptions. It changes not only how we think and what we think about, but also our very capacity to think. What has happened – the events themselves – cannot be undone. This leaves us with a series of challenges:
· Finding a way to become calm and focused.
· Learning to maintain that calm in response to images, thoughts, sounds, or physical sensations that remind you of the past.
· Finding a way to be fully alive in the present and engaged with the people around you.
· Not having to keep secrets from yourself, including secrets about the ways that you have managed to survive.
These goals are not steps to be achieved, one by one, in some fixed sequence. They overlap, and some may be more difficult than others, depending on individual circumstances.
Narrowing down to developmental trauma, BVDK provides a good summary of the original 1990’s ACE study. In the years since TBKTS’ publication in 2014 this has been widely disseminated. The section concludes with a valuable re-frame: the idea of the problem being a solution, while understandably disturbing to many, is certainly in keeping with the fact that opposing forces routinely coexist in biological systems… What one sees, the presenting problem, is often only the marker for the real problem, which lies buried in time, concealed by patient shame, secrecy and sometimes amnesia – and, frequently clinician discomfort.
Following a refreshing discussion of the DSM’s weaknesses is a summary of BVDKs’ as-yet unsuccessful, attempts to establish developmental trauma as its own recognised diagnosis. Readers are led to recognise that two hurdles need to conquered: (1) PTSD, C-PTSD, and developmental trauma each need to be recognised as their own diagnoses and (2) the blinkered brain disease model summarised below needs to be replaced with multi-modal helping approaches blending BVDKs’ three avenues (as below) to best suit the individuals’ needs.
The brain’s own natural neuroplasticity can be developed to help survivors feel fully alive in the present and move on with their lives. There are fundamentally three avenues to follow:
· Top down, by talking, (re-)connecting with others, and allowing ourselves to know and understand what is going on with us, while processing the memories of the trauma.
· By taking medicines that shut down inappropriate alarm reactions, or by utilizing other technologies that change the way the brain organises information.
· Bottom up: by allowing the body to have experiences that deeply and viscerally contradict the helplessness, rage, or collapse that result from trauma.
What BVDK referred to as the the brain-disease model ignores four fundamental truths – we ignore them at our peril:
· Our evolutionary legacy provides us with a set of capabilities – and constraints. The more we – or others - push those boundaries, the more likely we are to suffer. This is central to restoring and sustaining our well-being.
· Our intelligence gives us the potential to develop ourselves, others, our environments, and our responses.
· We have the capability to regulate aspects of our own physiology, including some of the so-called involuntary functions of the body and brain, through such basic activities as breathing, moving, and touching.
· We can, collectively, change social conditions to create environments aligned with our evolutionary needs and expectations within which we can feel safe and where we can thrive.
When we ignore these basic truths of our humanity, we deprive ourselves of ways to both prevent maladies in the first place and to heal when they do occur. We may subordinate our agency and render ourselves patients of the healthcare system, rather than exercise our agency to drive our healing process. Connecting with – rather than disconnecting from – what makes us incredible.
Seeing issues with our mental health as internal processes, grants us much-needed agency – that feeling of being in control of our lives: being able to make the decisions that will lead us to our chosen future. If we consider the causes of mental health issues as external factors, something that happens to or around us – or as a biochemical anomaly - then it becomes a piece of history we can never dislodge. If, on the other hand, mental health issues are what take place inside us, resultant of what happened, then healing becomes a credible possibility. Trying to keep mental health issues at bay – or subcontracting them out to the medics (the doctor is responsible for resolving that issue while I get on with my life) hobbles our capacity to know ourselves better – to develop our agency.
What are its weak-spots?
Due to its very nature, the content runs the risk of triggering some readers: it’s difficult to see an easy solution to this.
TBKTS delivers on its intentions to disseminate knowledge about the effects of psychological trauma, abuse, and neglect based on the three emerging disciplines of neuroscience, developmental psychopathology, and interpersonal neurobiology. It was not intended as a self-help ‘how to heal yourself’ which may leave some readers looking for more.
While not a weakness, TBKTS was published around ten years ago. Given the pace of research, I wonder if there is scope or plans for a revised edition.
How does this relate to my practice with Solution Focused Hypnotherapy?
BVDK refers to one of the key underpinning theories of SFH – the triune (three phase) theory of human brain evolution. With that theory understood, we introduce two further key concepts: (1) the existence of a dynamic equilibrium between evolutionary phases and (2) developing the capability to manage that dynamic equilibrium to our advantage. Academically, these two concepts are supported by the generally accepted Broaden & Build theory (Frederickson.)
Trauma – among other things - can shift the dynamic equilibrium to limit our options and plunge us in to vicious cycles of anger, and or anxiety and or depression (which can manifest in a myriad of ways.) Additionally, developmental trauma can lead to neurobiological effects in the hippocampus, amygdala, and pre-frontal cortex.
Without downplaying the seriousness of this, there are counter-balancing positive factors. To varying degrees, we each have four capabilities: Self-Awareness (interoception), Imagination, Conscience and Free-will, as articulated by Viktor Frankl. These sit at the root of us developing our sense of agency. The same process of neuroplasticity that shaped our developing neurology as children can support us in developing our adulthoods. Through the work of BVDK and many others, we have an emerging understanding of the lifelong effects of developmental trauma, and an ever-growing understanding of how these can be mitigated.
Solution Focused Hypnotherapy can be highly effective in helping those at threshold (motivated, and responsible for their outcomes) with anger, anxiety, and depression. Adding the body of knowledge supporting the PERMA model creates a solid platform for developing and sustaining wellbeing for those in the acceptance and action areas of the awareness / acceptance / action spectrum. Those in the earlier – awareness, acceptance – areas would benefit more from the traditional analytical / counselling approaches to helping.
Who would benefit from reading this book?
With the caveat that some readers may find elements of the content triggering, this is an ideal read for those who have ever wondered if events of their childhood are negatively affecting their present.
For those experiencing developmental trauma, and those living with and supporting those who are – this is one of the must reads.

I hope you are doing better today than yesterday. (TLDR at the end; or enjoy my story :) )

Why:

About 11 months ago, I launched my app for the first time on lonely because I had previously experienced loneliness myself during grad school. I wanted to reach out to people going through similar experiences by providing them with what would’ve helped me in the past.
I felt this was an important mission for me and a much more rewarding one than my day job that I quit my job to work on the app full-time.
It was necessary because I did not come from a programming background. I knew how to program in the sense of running scientific simulations on MATLAB, but creating the front-end and back-end for a consumer app was totally new to me, so I had to learn from scratch.
I enjoyed everyday going to a cafe to learn from programming crash courses on YouTube, developing the app little by little, and eventually launching the app! The initial response was actually pretty great: 220 upvotes for the app launch post, which I proudly pinned in my bio :)

How:

I made the app to be based on voice, and nothing else: no profiles, no profile photos, and even no texts. The reason for that was I felt a lot of people felt lonely and had trouble finding meaningful online connections because of the modern communication medium which actually promotes superficial and viral contents over authentic and long-form contents. It is easy to see from examples: TikTok’s 30 second videos, Instagram’s eye-popping photos by beautiful people from the globe, and Twitter(X)’s 140-char spicy takes. Sure, these platforms offer us information about DIYs, trends, and news that can enrich our lives and entertain us, but they don’t by all means help us feel more connected to individuals. Even on Reddit, the contents tend to be more wholesome and there are hilarious comments that build on top of each other, but the actual sense of connection you feel with the users is tenuous.
Focusing on voice worked! It was incredible listening to the heartfelt messages from strangers from all over the world who opened up about their loneliness and didn’t mind being vulnerable to other strangers. I have personally spoke with everyone that came by. The 14k minutes of voice messages do not include my own voice messages; they are all messages that people left for their own posts, to each other, or as replies to me.

Highlights:

There were some incredible moments, which would be too long to share in this post (leave a comment if you want to hear more!), but some of the highlights were (note: these are all from public conversations):

• Lady in New Brunswick, Canada was extremely depressed after a difficult divorce and felt being on the life’s edge. She was getting scammed left and right on dating apps and was losing hope. She told me that I was the only one that she felt she could trust and talk to, and she probably wouldn’t be here if I ever stopped talking to her. Thankfully, she eventually managed to find a boyfriend and she thanked me for having always been there for her. She still came back to the app to act as a supporter for other lonely souls for a while!
• Gentleman in New York, USA felt isolated in a farm and felt he had no real connections with anyone. He shared with me and other users about his life growing various vegetables, but stopped coming on the app for a couple of months. When he came back, he was pleasantly surprised by the app’s development, felt I really believed in my mission to help lonely souls, and became an evangelist for my app :) He posted on several forums on Reddit and engaged in conversations with many users on the app.

What was also incredible was that there were not only people experiencing loneliness here, but also people who did not feel lonely but were on the app to support others going through loneliness. They would share stories and studies related to loneliness in their posts, and also try to talk to some lonely folks on the app who seemed very hardened by their experience of loneliness which made them cynical and pessimistic. The concept of compassionate listening by Thich Nhat Hanh and Polyvagal theory that explains 3 levels of our nervous system are a few things they mentioned that come to my mind. Unfortunately, these efforts by supporters were often, so to speak, ineffective in solving people’s loneliness.

What I learned:

And that was part of what made it so hard to have a sustainable ecosystem on my app: many people who have been lonely for a long period of time had their personalities and social skills hardened to the point that they either:

• did not know how to engage with others by understanding social cues and sharing stories about themselves that allow themselves to be vulnerable to others, which allows for deeper social connections
• felt they are never good enough, they are stuck in their situation, and there is nothing that can help them get better. Any help or suggestions offered by others would only work on others and did not apply to them.

My hope for the app was to help people who experience loneliness find and support each other. By providing the platform for them to voice out their stories, have them be heard by others, and find others who resonate and reply, I thought they would finally find friends whom they can relate to, share their lives with, and would no longer have to feel lonely again.
However, the reality was that many were hardened by loneliness and it was hard for such connections to materialize. Plus, one of the main ways for an app like this to grow is by word of mouth. Unfortunately, most people experiencing loneliness did not have anyone to share the app with, which stunted the app’s growth and mostly depended on me manually bringing users onto the platform.
With fewer chances of having good interactions, even the people who really resonated with the app and shared stories slowly stopped coming back. Some just suddenly ghosted, which made the experience on the app painful for other engaged people on the app.

My hope for the future:

I still believe that there are more people out there experiencing loneliness who have the deep desire to share their stories and find the long-term friends across the globe who understand each other and can share slices of their lives with.
So, if you are someone that can benefit from sharing stories and solve your loneliness this way, feel free to check out my app at https://bubblic.app
Also, if you know of any way I can improve the app to better help people experiencing loneliness, please leave a comment.
Lastly, word of mouth would really help. If you like the app, or if you know someone who would benefit from the app, please share it with others!

TLDR:

I created an app focused on voice communication to help lonely people connect, inspired by my own experiences. Despite an encouraging start and meaningful interactions, many users struggled to form lasting connections due to the deep impact of their loneliness. Growth has been slow, mainly reliant on my efforts. If you know someone who might benefit, please share my app: https://bubblic.app. Feedback is also welcome!

I had a huge crush on a childhood friend, with whom I'm not in touch with any more. I thought of him as my prince charming and I was his cinderella. Not only did I like him, but I loved his family too, and his house, and his neighborhood, and just all the fun things we did together as children. I also thought that he liked me back, because he indulged in things that I liked even if he didn't like them.
Next in 2007, I moved away to the opposite side of the globe. Even though I missed him so much, I didn't feel so bad any more because our parents were still in touch with each other. They even came to visit us and my dad visited them during his work trips. I was having a hard time adjusting the first few years of living in the new country, so as my coping mechanism I would think A LOT about my old friends, and especially him. I would daydream about us getting back together, I would play the same games I played with him and games those games to my new friends too. I'd like to think that I was still having a crush on him then on not limerence, because all of this was happening when I was 6-9 years old.
Fast forward to 2013, I find out he and his family were moving away too, to a different state. I also find out from one of my old friends (who also used to like him) that he's not such a nice guy and he's super rude and arrogant, which is what led her to stop having a crush on him. At first I couldn't believe it, but then I told my mom about the crush I had on him and she also agreed with my friend that he was very rude. That's when I started to forget and him and thought 'okay now is my time to move on'. And I stopped thinking about him for a whole year.
A few years later, I found myself daydreaming about him and I once again. I think it's because of hitting puberty and hormones playing mind games and things like that. I had crushes on other boys at school too, but those were very brief and I'd like boys who remotely resembled this one, whether they had the same name or were from the same culture, etc. I think this was when the limerence really began, because I dismissed all the earlier statements of him being rude and arrogant and thought 'he must've changed now, for me!'
I found him on Instagram in 2018, and I started to follow him. I got so ecstatic when he followed me back, liked my posts, and viewed my stories, because by then it had been years since we even spoke to each other. And I would get excited to see his content, again daydreaming. Even when he posted a picture of himself with a girl, I wouldn't get jealous and instead I would think 'when he meets me again, he'll be mine'. Not once did I think about the possibility of him having a girlfriend, or that I may not be his type. I guess it was because that didn't sit well with my ego.
Fast forward to 2020, I moved back to this country where everyone else was. And his family hosted a zoom-reunion with all of us (me, him, and the rest of our childhood friends and their parents). By then we were all grown up in college or high school. But the very fact that I got to see him again, when I thought I wouldn't, was so exhilarating that I was squealing on the inside, but playing it very cool on the outside. I was so happy to see him and his family again, despite having lost touch, and despite not being very close to them any more. I actually that 'they came back into my life just for me!! He likes me back! His parents like me!! We're totally going to get married when we're a little older thanks to us waiting for each other!!'
Soon after that call I realized, on my own, that they were not back in my life, they don't have that kind of interest in me, and that my fantasies of him and I reuniting were not going to happen. It was indeed limerence, not love like I had thought. That's when I took my time to grieve, and I felt like such a fool to thinking that my childhood fairytale would come true with this boy. I even broke down to my mom about this and she said that if anything I actually dodged a bullet because she's seen what they're really like in real life. She also said that if a boy likes me he will seek me out, I shouldn't have to pursue him. But I just couldn't digest the fact that he wasn't into me and that he'll get married to some other girl and he'll never know how much I liked him.
Apologies for the really long story, but now that I know that this was limerence, I want to move on from him for real. I want to remember him well, and also be able to wish him well. But I also don't want to jeopardize my future relationship with the real guy in my life, and I'm trying to end this well before I meet him. Thanks for your advice and patience!

I have my degree but work in the trades. Should I be a teacher?
Hi, all I’m wondering it teaching might be a good career path for me. I graduated with my Psychology degree in May of 2023. I worked as a substitute teacher while in college for a few years.
I saw a lot of teachers resigning and a lot of strain on the schools systems in different states. So I decided to change career paths.
My degree would only get me into boring office jobs or entry level behavioral tech roles. I feel burnt out from college and won’t pursue a masters degree for a while. Most career paths in the field of psychology require a masters or PhD.
I decided to become an apprentice electrician. It was the highest paying job I could get that didn’t have me sitting at a desk.
Now I’ve been in it for a while, I work for a small company and face a lot of work stress. I now do project management and manage the business side of things. I have to fill a lot of roles at my job and it feels like I have no structure most days.
I started to miss my substitute teaching days. Not getting home at 7pm or being on call for weekends. Having the stress of helping a small business run.
I was thinking I’d like to teach Psychology and an an elective course for high school. Or I’d like to teach art. My degree does fall under liberal arts and I have a portfolio of drawings and sculptures.
I stopped subbing because I needed more consistent income. It was tough having to look for a job every summer or budget for when school is out for winter break.
Would you become a teacher right now? What is the process like?
I there were a few principals that wanted me full time when I was a sub. I could just reach out to a handful of the schools I used to teach at and see where that goes.
If it helps I live in Nevada and the schools here can be hit or miss if they’re good.
I know that teaching can be a stressful job. But I’m craving structure in my work and want to get away from running a business.

Another post, this one is a bit different though. I sat down today, thought about my relationship with food, my body, myself really throughout my life. Because after Week 2 of “all in” recovery, I slowly see my love-handles and belly creeping back up, scared me at first, or still does but see below.
As a kid, even teenager I loved sweets, I’d oftentimes eat a lot of sweets and absolutely loved Sundays because those were the days when my family made pancakes for breakfast, I’d easily eat 8 or so pancakes and it was bliss for me as a child. During high school I had a phase where Cinammon Toast Crunch and KitKats were my favourite thing in the world, I always loved going to dinner with friends and family, loved helping my mother cook and loved school bake sales. The thing is, I also enjoyed many other things, enjoyed exercise, enjoyed grabbing beers with friends until the early morning, enjoyed video games and enjoyed travel.
Less than a year ago, I decided I felt a bit out of shape for my standards and wanted to lose a couple pounds again. Little bit more running, cutting back on the snacks and a bit more healthy food.
It turned into an addiction, an addiction that ruined all of these aspects of my life. An addiction that took the things I loved and destroyed them. Now, when I think of these things, nothing but food comes to mind. Or at least it used to. “How many calories are in x?” “What could I eat to stay within my limits?” “What game would be best to play so I don’t think about food/hunger?” It’s controlled all these aspects of my life.
I had for a short while “achieved” my absolute dream body. The one I thought I’d never have. The one I was always so slightly jealous of, the kind of body that you can see plastered on social media, on magazine covers and in movies, the body that was deemed fit and healthy. I was proud and it kept me going, trying to maintain this body. I got compliments, god did I feel confident, taking my shirt off at the beach was finally something I was looking forward to.
I also had no sex drive, my ass hurt when I sat down because there wasn’t enough fat there, I slept terribly, I had to pee every 20-30 minutes because I was chugging a gallon of water before every meal to not feel hungry. I felt invalid, because I was already eating at “maintenance” at that point, felt like nothing could be wrong because I wasn’t underweight. Felt like the dead look of my face was just something that came with being leaner than I was used to. I looked up to fitness influencers, even upped my calories to above maintenance, which still felt like a prison. I went to sleep thinking of all the things I’d eat the next day, just to pace myself at breakfast to save calories for dinner. I barely recognised myself, it felt like a stranger was controlling this body, my mind felt like it wasn’t mine anymore. It consumed me, maintaining this physique became the most important aspect of my life, a reason to cancel dates, cancel vacations, a reason to “keep going”, whatever the fuck that means.
So, sitting here, scared shitless because of the “all in” and the rapid weight gain. I want to apologise to the chubby version of myself that I guess I will inevitably return to.
I am sorry you didn’t love yourself. I am sorry you didn’t feel attractive enough. I am sorry for starving you. I am sorry for pushing through injuries and going to sleep hungry. I am sorry for not accepting our faults. I am sorry for pushing you way past what you felt comfortable with. I am sorry for masking this hell I created for us as discipline. I am sorry you didn’t enjoy your birthday dinner, sorry you couldn’t enjoy moms cooking without worrying about calories, sorry you couldn’t enjoy our last vacation because you had to run 10 kilometres to be able to eat to fullness at dinner, sorry for making you order that dumbass salad instead of the steak the next day to make up for potentially overeating. I am sorry for all the memories you missed out on because you wouldn’t let yourself have a drink. I am sorry for ever letting it get this far.
I hope for both of us, that once we get out of this shit show and food becomes normal again, that we can love our body and enjoy life to the fullest. And who knows, maybe future you can cut down on the Reese’s a tiny bit, or not, your call.
To anyone else struggling, or as I often do, feeling invalid, especially those folks without a diagnosis, those folks who aren’t underweight, those whose stories may be different, I feel you all and you’re all just as valid as anyone else. We all deserve to be free from this nightmare and to enjoy life without much worrying at all. I hope you’re all doing as well as possible and much love to this community from my end. I’m sure I’ll be right back here with another post asking for reaffirmation or reassurance. But for now, I just hope you enjoyed the read, just something I had to let off my chest.

Hey guys. My apologies, this is a long read lol.
So my boyfriend is 26 years old and life has dealt him a fairly hard one. Long story short, he did his primary and form one at a private school until his dad got retrenched and had to move to a government school for the rest of his high school. Fast forward to Uni, he managed to get in to a top African institution to study engineering. His parents couldn't afford it though so he had to get a relative to sponsor his schooling. He was doing well and was on course to finishing record time...then covid hit. Funding relative apparently got retrenched and so he lost funding. He found work in restaurants and all for his rent and upkeep but his school fees was unpaid for the entire year. The institution has a fairly strict fee policy so not only did he not graduate, he doesn't have access to his transcript and the debt incurs an interest monthly. It is currently approaching USD$25K.
With no transcript there is no way he can apply for a decent job. Four years of engineering school wasted. Without a job, there is no way he can pay off the debt. SO he is basically feels like he is stuck.
When I met him he was working for a small financial institution together with a relative. Unfortunately the institution is currently down and under, business is not doing good. He hasn't been paid for about three months now, they have even stopped going in to work because there is just nothing. Now all they do is eat and sleep at home.
Initially when business started going bad he was optimistic. He'd be scrounging and coming up with all sorts of ideas on how to get back on his feet. But then one by one his ideas flopped. Many of them needed capital which he doesn't have.
When it comes to his character, he is a hardworking fellow who grew up without much and so has a taste for the finer things of life (hence why he chose me, hehe *wink). My boyfriend loves the good life shame hey, he doesn't settle for less. That's a good thing and a bad thing. Good because he will always want more for himself and bad because he can be stubborn and a little prideful. He doesn't like asking for help either. He just wants to figure it out all by himself. I know a relative of his that is doing well for himself... like filthy rich. I once jokingly suggested he ask for a job or at least a reference but he said my pride is too much I could never.
Today he texted me saying he is feeling suicidal because he sees himself as a failure and my heart just broke. I want to be there for him and offer him a shoulder and help him brainstorm but because of his ego he won't allow me. He is an alpha male who believes the man should do all the worrying and the woman should just sit pretty. I believe even men have feelings and I should be supportive enough for him to pour himself out to me. I want to be there for him.
I have suggested doing a short course on data analytics online and I also suggested free therapy. He has agreed to do both. If you have any information on these that could help please let me know.
I'm determined to help him get back on his feet. I don't want my baby to be just another statistic.

I hope you are doing better today than yesterday. (TLDR at the end; or enjoy my story :) )

Why:

About 11 months ago, I launched my app here for the first time because I had previously experienced loneliness myself during grad school. I wanted to reach out to people going through similar experiences by providing them with what would’ve helped me in the past.
I felt this was an important mission for me and a much more rewarding one than my day job that I quit my job to work on the app full-time.
It was necessary because I did not come from a programming background. I knew how to program in the sense of running scientific simulations on MATLAB, but creating the front-end and back-end for a consumer app was totally new to me, so I had to learn from scratch.
I enjoyed everyday going to a cafe to learn from programming crash courses on YouTube, developing the app little by little, and eventually launching the app! The initial response was actually pretty great: 220 upvotes for the app launch post I made here, which I proudly pinned in my bio :)

How:

I made the app to be based on voice, and nothing else: no profiles, no profile photos, and even no texting. The reason for that was I felt a lot of people felt lonely and had trouble finding meaningful online connections because of the modern communication medium which actually promotes superficial and viral contents over authentic and long-form contents. It is easy to see from examples: TikTok’s 30 second videos, Instagram’s eye-popping photos by beautiful people from the globe, and Twitter(X)’s 140-char spicy takes. Sure, these platforms offer us information about DIYs, trends, and news that can enrich our lives and entertain us, but they don’t by all means help us feel more connected to individuals. Even on Reddit, the contents tend to be more wholesome and there are hilarious comments that build on top of each other, but the actual sense of connection you feel with the users is tenuous.
Focusing on voice worked! It was incredible listening to the heartfelt messages from strangers from all over the world who opened up about their loneliness and didn’t mind being vulnerable to other strangers. I have personally spoke with everyone that came by. The 14k minutes of voice messages do not include my own voice messages; they are all messages that people left for their own posts, to each other, or as replies to me.

Highlights:

There were some incredible moments, which would be too long to share in this post (leave a comment if you want to hear more!), but some of the highlights were (note: these are all from public conversations):

• Lady in New Brunswick, Canada was extremely depressed after a difficult divorce and felt being on the life’s edge. She was getting scammed left and right on dating apps and was losing hope. She told me that I was the only one that she felt she could trust and talk to, and she probably wouldn’t be here if I ever stopped talking to her. Thankfully, she eventually managed to find a boyfriend and she thanked me for having always been there for her. She still came back to the app to act as a supporter for other lonely souls for a while!
• Gentleman in New York, USA felt isolated in a farm and felt he had no real connections with anyone. He shared with me and other users about his life growing various vegetables, but stopped coming on the app for a couple of months. When he came back, he was pleasantly surprised by the app’s development, felt I really believed in my mission to help lonely souls, and became an evangelist for my app :) He posted on several forums on Reddit and engaged in conversations with many users on the app.

What was also incredible was that there were not only people experiencing loneliness here, but also people who did not feel lonely but were on the app to support others going through loneliness. They would share stories and studies related to loneliness in their posts, and also try to talk to some lonely folks on the app who seemed very hardened by their experience of loneliness which made them cynical and pessimistic. The concept of compassionate listening by Thich Nhat Hanh and Polyvagal theory that explains 3 levels of our nervous system are a few things they mentioned that come to my mind. Unfortunately, these efforts by supporters were often, so to speak, ineffective in solving people’s loneliness.

What I learned:

And that was part of what made it so hard to have a sustainable ecosystem on my app: many people who have been lonely for a long period of time had their personalities and social skills hardened to the point that they either:

• did not know how to engage with others by understanding social cues and sharing stories about themselves that allow themselves to be vulnerable to others, which allows for deeper social connections
• felt they are never good enough, they are stuck in their situation, and there is nothing that can help them get better. Any help or suggestions offered by others would only work on others and did not apply to them.

My hope for the app was to help people who experience loneliness find and support each other. By providing the platform for them to voice out their stories, have them be heard by others, and find others who resonate and reply, I thought they would finally find friends whom they can relate to, share their lives with, and would no longer have to feel lonely again.
However, the reality was that many were hardened by loneliness and it was hard for such connections to materialize. Plus, one of the main ways for an app like this to grow is by word of mouth. Unfortunately, most people experiencing loneliness did not have anyone to share the app with, which stunted the app’s growth and mostly depended on me manually bringing users onto the platform.
With fewer chances of having good interactions, even the people who really resonated with the app and shared stories slowly stopped coming back. Some just suddenly ghosted, which made the experience on the app painful for other engaged people on the app.

My hope for the future:

I still believe that there are more people out there experiencing loneliness who have the deep desire to share their stories and find the long-term friends across the globe who understand each other and can share slices of their lives with.
So, if you are someone that can benefit from sharing stories and solve your loneliness this way, feel free to check out my app at https://bubblic.app
Also, if you know of any way I can improve the app to better help people experiencing loneliness, please leave a comment.
Lastly, word of mouth would really help. If you like the app, or if you know someone who would benefit from the app, please share it with others!

TLDR:

I created an app focused on voice communication to help lonely people connect, inspired by my own experiences. Despite an encouraging start and meaningful interactions, many users struggled to form lasting connections due to the deep impact of their loneliness. Growth has been slow, mainly reliant on my efforts. If you know someone who might benefit, please share my app: https://bubblic.app. Feedback is also welcome!

I'm gonna start this off by saying this is a vent post. It's really long and goes over all the big instances I can recall of animal cruelty happening in my childhood all the way to present, so it will be a lot of paragraphs. The timelines are estimates, but due to trauma I have poor memory involving dates when things happened, and this probably still isn't every incident, again just the big ones I can recall. Read at your own discretion.
I (19F) live with my grandparents (70M and 67F) and my parents (42 M 43 F). Due to some injuries from last year and some medical history, I am disabled and currently jobless, and in the process of trying to obtain disability, which is relevant for later.
Since I was as little as I can remember, my family has always had cats. I even grew up with some cats that ended up feeling like siblings for me not having anyone around them age to interact with until my sister was born when I was 8.
My parents have always loved cats, but I don't think truly ever valued cats. They've always been left outdoors, and eventually the elements always get them. I have never had a family pet that grew past the age 12. All of our cats have either been attacked by dogs that are also loose in my neighborhood, been suspected to have been tortured and unalived by neighbors, got sick, or got ran over, because my family doesn't care and will just 'replace" pets less than a year later.
When I was around 5, I had my very first pet kitten. This kitten was a runt, so it stayed small for a long time. It also was very hard to potty train, and because of this, they released it outside when it was maybe barely 7-8 weeks. He did good for about a month, but after that, he vanished. But there was evidence when he disappeared that there were large dog paw prints in our driveway because it was rainy that previous night, and his food bowl was dragged out in the yard, which he couldn't have done.
Also around 5, my aunt (at this time 13F) was living with us, as her mom (my mom's mom) wasn't taking good care of her and was in and out of jail. She had pet guinea pigs for a bit. My parents decided to feed the guinea pigs potatoes without doing any kind of research. One of them died. The other one was sick and anxious all the time, so my aunt decided to release it in our backyard? It was also winter. (I want to say that I do not blame her directly because she was still a child and in a similar situation to me, and my parents didn't care about the well-being of these poor guinea pigs anyways.)
And yet another story of around age 5, my dad bought the family a pet red-eared turtle. The tank was too small for her. My dad also thought it would be "funny" and "cool" to put fish in there with this turtle whenever we were about to go on vacation. She ate all the fish in the tank: Neons, goldfish, the tank cleaners, and whatever other fish species he put in that confined tank that wasn't more than 20 gallons. (Red-eared turtles alone need around 40 at minimum.)
But that's not all. While on vacation, both I and my 13 year-old aunt got baby yellow-belly sliders. We took them home, and we put them in the tank with our adult turtle. She ate the heads off of both of them. There was one goldfish left there as well, and I got traumatized seeing both the dead turtles, and seeing her eat that last gold fish in two chomps one time.
When I was around 6, my family randomly decided, "Let's own goats!" because they have a big backyard with an old shed. Well, they ended up buying a small amount of chicken wire fence and giving them outside of the barn about a few feet to move around when our backyard is fairly large and most of it wasn't being used. And we live in a residential area, so every night we had the goats, they would scream. My parents hated their screaming and started neglecting them more by giving them less attention, which only made them scream 24/7. Finally, my parents decided to give the goats to some distant family that has farmland. (We are in the south.)
When I was around 8-9, I got another cat. She was a pretty cat, but very mean and feisty. She didn't really like anyone, but I loved her regardless. This cat was too annoying for my parents to deal with because she had behavioral issues, and instead of taking her to the vet, they decided to make her start staying outside. She loved it, but a bit too much.
(Big TW: death and some descriptions of gore) One day, I had to help my mom deal with her corpse on the road. I was obviously really sad and fell into a deal depression. I also panicked and nearly threw up when I saw, because her eyeball was hanging out. It was so disturbing for a child to see. We buried her together, but I was made fun of one day by my parents for randomly crying about her death.
When I was around 10, I owned my third cat. She also had a brother from the same litter, and my mom had recently lost a cat that she did keep inside from kidney disease. I haven't had my own cat in a while, and they decided to adopt this sibling pair from the neighbors. I got the female, my mom got the male, because she is the type to insist that boy cats are better.
Anyways, I LOVED this cat. I did so much for her, and she loved me and followed me everywhere. We'd cuddle to sleep together. She was my best friend.
But my parents never got her fixed. They also never got the brother fixed. They ended up doing the tango (gross I know, but nature) and my cat had kittens a little bit less than a year old. Since she was too young for kittens, she at first didn't know what she was doing and even misplaced her first outside and ran to me while in labor with the second. I found that kitten and helped her with all 5 of her kittens, all girls also, and the kittens ended up getting close to me as well.
Of course, once they were around 6-7 weeks, my parents were wanting to start finding home for them. But they also had another idea in mind. They wanted me to get rid of my adult cat, and the brother cat as well, and we'd take one kitten. At first I was like no, but they manipulated me and convinced me a kitten would be better. I told them which kitten I wanted, and it looked a lot like my cat. But no, since they thought one of the cats might be distantly Siamese and thought it looked the coolest from it's tabby and Siamese-like pattern, they chose that one, and then dropped my beloved cat and her brother off at a cemetery, didn't even let me say bye. They just threw them away like pieces of garbage. And then I ended up resenting that kitten anyways for not being MY cat, so the family ended up crashing her as well, and she disappeared a few years later.
Around age 11-12, I somehow managed to have pet hermit crabs, another pet yellow-belly slider turtle, and two pet rabbits. My parents were basically throwing pets at me because I guess they felt guilty or something about what they did to me. I didn't end up taking care of any of them, and they all died of starvation and/or dehydration, and I still feel terrible about it. I was so depressed that I couldn't take care of myself either. And I was given animals on top of it, and I was forced to be a high schooler in school. The pets suffered at the cost of what? Why did I even have them?
Around age 13, my parents were driving me home from school, and we saw some Canada geese with their babies by a pond. I'm sure you know where this is going, considering everything else. My mom convinced me to jump out of the car with her, and she distracted the adult geese while I caught a baby one. I knew that in itself was bad, but I didn't know Canada geese were such a protected species.
The little guy imprinted on me. I loved him, he would follow me around the yard. But once again my parents got out that chicken fence, only this time it was on the side of the house, and no shed for him to take cover in (still like a few feet of movement max.) He was growing fast, and he was plucking his feathers. A neighbor noticed and told us to get rid of him or we'd call authorities. They lied and said we "found him and rescued him." I was told to lie about this narrative for years. They ended up dropping him back off at the pond we got him from about two months after we first got him. He couldn't fly, his family wasn't there. He was defenseless. I still feel terrible to this day, I know I was manipulated, but I was 13. And again, I defend my aunt and she was also 13, so I really don't know.
When I was 15, that first turtle I mentioned was still there at our house for all those years. She had quite literally been there for a decade. My parents got tired of having to clean her tank, and she was obviously too big for it as well. But was their response to upgrade tanks and the old filtering system that's been there all that time? Nope. While I was at school, he just...released her. And not in a pond or anything, you know, being an aquatic turtle. (Not like that would be better, but better than what he did.) He just put her outside, in our front driveway. She ran away surprisingly fast according to him. An aquatic pet turtle. Just released in a residential neighborhood. I'm totally sure nothing awful happened to her.( /sarcasm.)
When I was also 15, this was when the pandemic hit. I was super depressed and bored all the time. But then a female stray cat came to our house and had kittens behind a board against my grandparents house. I started fostering them and their mom immediately. I didn't know at the time that we had any no kill shelters nearby, and neither did my parents. When the kittens were old enough, we started rehoming them. There were 3 in total. 1 got a home. The other was still outside for some reason and disappeared. The other one became my pet, whom was at first the family pet. But then they decided that he was too annoying (because he was sweet and affectionate and not what they wanted out of cats which was mean, feisty, playful.)
He is the sweetest boy ever and is still alive to this day, but because I still live with my horrible family, he has to be outdoors, and he gets really scabby from the bugs outside during the summer. As soon as I can I will move out, take him to the vet, and take him out of this home. He shouldn't have to be here.
A few years ago, my sister (11F but maybe 9F at the time) got her own kitten. He ended up growing up to be sweet and affectionate like my cat, so neither her nor my parents want him and he's outdoors, so I'll probably try to take him too.
My sister now has her own new cat that's about a year old she got last year. So far she's not abandoning him since he's a mix of sweet and playful, but my parents have talked about making him indoor-outdoor, which really means "Indoor-outdoor for a few days but after a while we'll just leave him outside and let him stay there."
As a child, I was taught so many messed up things about animals. That dogs are disgusting, gross, and pets have no feelings, and I was taught that cats also have no feelings as a child, but that they are at least a more fun and less gross pet. In fact, in my parent's eyes, no animals have feelings or sentience or any of those things. They are just play things for our benefit. Because of this, as a child I also did not treat animals with the respect they deserve, and I acknowledge this. I have been unlearning so much of this behavior since I was about 13, the goose that I had was my wakeup call.
Please, I know it may seem crazy to some that I out of all people are speaking on this, but if you own animals, please keep them indoors. And with cats specifically, if they crave outside, harness train them. Buy/build a cheap patio in your window if possible. Just don't let them roam free. They will kill so much wildlife. Having to also deal with the grief of my pets killing and bringing dead rabbits, moles, birds opossums, etc. is also a lot. It heavily effects your surrounding ecosystem as well, because annually house cats are estimated to kill over a billion birds and over 6 billion mammals. That's disastrous, and could be avoided if there weren't so many bad pet owners.
Also, don't get animals that go in tanks/terrariums/cages in general if you don't have the money to get them the most spacious enclosure with ALL of their needs. Don't put fish in bowls, it effects their eyesight and shortens their lifespans SIGNIFICANTLY. In general, do not get a pet unless you have the financial means to do so AND if you've thoroughly researched that pet, get it ethically sourced, and if you make sure you have the mental capacity to care for an animal. ANIMALS ARE NOT TOYS. ANIMALS ARE NOT HERE FOR OUR ENTERTAINMENT, FOR OUR JOY. THEY ARE LIVING BEINGS WITH THOUGHTS, EMOTIONS, AND A LIFE. THEY DESERVE RESPECT AND DECENCY. NO, THEY DESERVE BEYOND DECENCY, THEY DESERVE TO BE WORSHIPPED AND NURTURED AND SPOILED BY US, NOT TORMENTED AND ABUSED! Thank you.
Also, if you somehow got this far, please read my previous story and give me advice on that one if you have the time, but if not that's perfectly okay. My living situation sucks, but hopefully things can change. I'm counting on a change to happen soon.

605 E. Clark St., B303 (top floor with balcony).
See floorplan below and Google Maps location -- less than a block to campus.
No deposits, no contract, no hassles -- just pay me, walk in, connect to wifi, and start living.
Includes Everything:
· Reserved off-street parking spot
· In-apartment washedryer
· ALL utilities paid (electricity, water, internet)
· 50-inch Roku smart TV with soundbar and subwoofer (ready to watch Netflix)
· Wifi router connected and ready to use (internet included)
· Balcony with nice lawn chairs
· All furniture (bed, nightstand, desk, chair, couch, dining table w/chairs)
· All dishes, utensils, pots/pans, Tupperware, etc.
· All sheets, pillows, blankets
Pay $2,000 up front and the apartment is yours from the end of Spring semester 2024 till Aug 23 if needed (I’m very flexible on dates).
Contact Madigan Carroll
217-412-7592
[madigan.carroll@gmail.com](mailto:madigan.carroll@gmail.com)
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Long story short - I just came off of my first job out of university where I didn't have much mentorship, and I got fired for "poor work," and all of the details around the "poor work" were ADHD related. How are people with ADHD managing to keep jobs that require excellent organizational skills (and not hate them)?
(I tried posting it on ADHD) but they wouldn't let me for some reason.
Longer story:
I got hired and there was a lot of disruptions shortly afterwards due to my mothers' health (I worked remotely for a bit to help her out). Then, I worked half days for a month while starting new medications that help to regulate mood. After that, I came back to work full time, and that's where things started to get really bad.
My boss (and coworker) would look at me like I was the stupidest person because I didn't remember details from a meeting that happened over a month ago. I seldom got feedback, despite asking for it. I admittedly did miss some details at times, but hardly anything that completely ruined a project. Time management was tough, because I was given a list of things to do, without any context, and quite frankly ambiguous deadlines (there were deadlines, but there were so arbitrary). Then, when I inevitably didn't hit the deadlines, nothing happened. No reprimands, nothing. Until about 4 months later when I was told that by not hitting a deadline the project was unable to move forward. Another point of contention was when I asked for flexible start times (i.e. come in anytime between 8:00-8:30 rather than a firm 8:15 start time) I was told no, the job starts at 8:15 firm (that should have been my first red flag that I'd struggle here). My boss tried to help me a bit with time management by telling me to "time block" my day and stick to the time blocks, but that hardly works for me. Firm times might as well be a death sentence as far as work goes. I do much better by task rather than by time. And projects that took longer than 2-3 weeks were very difficult for me to keep on top of, especially when there was no perceived consequences for not finishing completely (no one told me the effects not finishing it might have). Other things that were an issue were that I was (allegedly) given verbal feedback that I didn't remember, or I lost the notes, etc. (but I did develop systems to keep track of that feedback for the most part, it just took me 7 or so months because I didn't have any guidance). I was also completely unable to balance competing priorities (that once I did not find a suitable solution to, and is a weak spot for me). I even got in trouble because I didn't get a task right after one round of minimal feedback, for a task that I had never done before (and I told my boss that too!).
Anyways, I basically got let go because of poor organization, time management, and attention to detail (all of which had substantial improvements since I started the job, since I was adapting and learning how to keep things organized).
Now I'm honestly scared to even apply for jobs because my first job was such a terrible experience for me (I learned a lot, but also had some of the worst anxiety of my life). My field is in public policy, which seems to lend itsself to a lot of jobs that seem like such a bad fit for someone with ADHD due to ambiguous timelines, the need for high project management skills, high need for organization skills, etc. I feel so deflated from my last job experience where my boss was too busy with her own work (and career advancement) to mentor a new employee.
I'm not particularly tied to this field of work, but I just finished a masters' degree (which was also a terrible experience for me) and I'm not particularly interested in going back to school (it also isn't super financially responsible at the moment).
TL;DR So, my question is, how are people with ADHD managing to keep a job, especially one that requires excellent organizational skills?