I just applied for Wisconsin Stout’s certificate in Instructional Design. I have been in education for over 7 years teaching as a substitute teacher and currently work as a music teacher. I’ve designed over 200 pages of worksheets for my students and was curious what should my next steps be? Should I wait to apply once I get a stronger portfolio or what would you recommend? I have no idea how to make a portfolio, it seems rather daunting which is why I hope the Wisconsin certificate will help with that, but I am trying to transition to a more stable job in instructional design. Any insight or advice?

I’m going out on a limb here, because this post is going to be a strong dose of woo. But I feel I have a duty to warn, and you people seem just weird enough to be able to get it. Read this in the voice of John Oliver if you have to, it might help.

TL;DR: Things are going to get worse before they get better. A mundane and lame, but not altogether surprising, amount of worse. Around 2045-2050, is when things finally turn around. Time to get your shit together, people.

Backstory: Back in the late 70s, a former Special Assistant to the Chief of Naval Operations, Stephan A. Schwartz, got involved in remote viewing. Schwartz started a long-term project that ran from 1978 to 1995 to ask remote viewers to look at one day in June, 2050 to see whether or not the Cold War turned into a nuclear war. He collected data from hundreds of remote viewers over thousands of sessions, over decades of time, and aggregated down the places of only broad consensus. The points where nearly everyone agreed over years and years.

What came out was while we didn’t nuke ourselves, things like the fall of the USSR, the rise of HIV/AIDS, climate change, and terrorism replacing the Cold War seemed like crazy talk at the time, but it's what the remote viewers said. To date, points of wide consensus have held accurate because they’re non-specific. It's not “on Sept 11 this will happen…” it’s “something happened, and now terrorism is why the world is a more dangerous place.”

You can watch here in 2017 where Schwartz talks about a “series of epidemics” occurring. HIV/AIDS was the first one, and last I checked, the opioid crisis, huge increases in non-communicable diseases, and COVID are all massive public health problems on a scale we didn’t used to have - even at the level that in 2017 to consider them. Then he describes Zoom meetings, and how they’re in VR by 2050. So, like I said, things get worse.
/backstory

In the last few years, Schwartz started up a new version of the 2050 project, asking remote viewers to look at the year 2060, and report on wide consensus. A summary of his work is here, with findings on the last page. (This is not investment advice… or is it? ;) I’ve been waiting around on a book with more details for 2 years now, and still nothing, so I have this and interviews as most of what he has out there to go on.
I’m a remote viewer, and I’ve had years of profound, sometimes bonkers experiences that have forced me to stop being so materialist and accept that sometimes remote viewing works. And that the universe is buck wild, but whatever.
Anyone can learn to remote view, just like anyone can learn French if they spend a lot of time every day working on something that seems cool at first, but is ultimately borderline pointless to do without a solid reason. In reality, both have too many rules and are kind of annoying to keep up every day when you’re not using it professionally. But, objectively, learning French is still worse.

….But I’ve also studied and used social science data for work, and looking at broad consensus is how we evaluate things like aggregating survey data. So I put a lot of stock in both the 2050 and 2060 projects simply based on the methodology.

You know what I don’t put a lot of stock in? Astrology.

So I made the mistake of asking astrology about the general themes forecast for the US for 2030-2045, expecting some sort of hilarious contradictions. Like “oh, 2034, Saturn is in Leo - the US elects its first kitty-cat president :3 YAY!””

Nope.
Fam (can I call you fam?) - look, Fam, let me tell you, it did not go well for me.

TL;DR of that post: Nothing contradicts Schwartz. Even the timeline of bad to worse lines up. And I didn't even tell them why I was asking about that time frame before I got a few responses back.

We go from now to bad in the early-mid 2030s, bad to worse in late 2030s/2040, then spicy worse until 2045, then come up for air by the time kindergarten-age kids of today are old enough to rent a car and drive it through Mad Max: Tornado Dustbowl II.
OK, so two woo-woo data points. Who cares, right? Just stupid woo coincidence, right? How many pretend "skeptics" are screaming "confirmation bias!" at me right now? It's not zero.

But....Then we have the unfortunate triangulation of the fact that some of the less pleasant climate change models pointing to a 2.5+ degree world, which is entirely right smack-dab in the realm of possibility right now, agree with the severity of the remote viewing predictions. Expectations of a Blue Ocean event are on track for 2036-2038ish, and the remote viewing data says something happens around 2040 that is a big deal.

The 2050 and 2060 projects both agree that there are migrations: “people flee the coasts, then the Midwest becomes uninhabitable.” But like, more uninhabitable than right now. Constant tornados and floods and drought and general bad times kind of uninhabitable, not like, thinking spaghetti in your chili is still food (I’ll fight you about this, Cincinnati! Come at me!)

Now, if you’ve made it this far, you’re probably just a podcast host desperate for content. Respect.

But for real, if you’ve made it this far, it’s important to acknowledge the fact that this is a warning. This is knowledge, not to create fear, but to inform your sound choices. To be used to guide your life. Data to keep you safe and happy and doing whatever else normal people do these days. Fidget spinners? Are those still a thing? Anyway, point is that if you’re scared, you’re doing it wrong.

And look, this is a topic I’ve looked at for a long time, so there’s no way that you won’t have questions about the nuance. I would, too. Maybe questions like “I’m not clear - are you on drugs now, or do you NEED to be on drugs?”
But I’m going to get off the internet now, and let comments pile up for a while, because we have, like….8 years left to post on IG about plates of food someone else made and you just paid for. Or however you spend your time. I have 8 years left to understand why fidget spinners are a thing before I’m taking out the ball bearings and using them for ammo.

People, get your shit together. Find community. Be compassionate and kind. Learn to garden. Get in shape. Touch grass.
And vote, FFS. Not for America’s first kitty-cat president, I mean, not YET. Vote for humans now so we can have cats later.

my(f22) boyfriend(m22) and i have been together for over 3 years now. we love each other very much and are deeply committed to one another, we even live together. our relationship is practically perfect, with the exception of our sex life. my boyfriend has always had a relatively low sex drive compared to me, even at the start of our relationship when it was still new and exciting. on top of that, the sex isn’t exactly what i would consider satisfying. in the 3+ years we’ve been together, i’ve orgasmed twice during sex and that was only because we used my vibrator. he hardly ever goes down on me or fingers me, in fact, i’d say 9 times out of 10 there’s no foreplay at all. at first i overlooked these things for several reasons: 1) i was incredibly infatuated with him, there was a lot of history between us and i was excited to finally be with him, 2) i was very young and i didn’t (still don’t) have many sexual partners to compare him to. actually, no one i’ve ever been with sexually has been able to make me orgasm, so comparatively, this exciting experience i was having with someone i was VERY attracted to both physically and emotionally, felt much better than anything else i had experienced in the past. however, with time i’ve come to feel extremely dissatisfied with our sex life as i’m quite literally the only person responsible for my orgasms. i’ve tried talking to him about the issue several times, i’ve asked him if there was something wrong with me, i’ve asked him to read an instructional book called “she comes first” (its been 4-5 months since i bought and gave it to him, he hasn’t read it yet despite my bringing it up several times), i’ve even tried different styles of pubic hair to see what he likes best (landing strip so far lol). i feel like i’ve already done everything i can but he doesn’t wanna talk about these things and when we do he says he understands but then doesn’t do anything about it. actually, before it sounds all bad, i will say the frequency of our sex has drastically improved (from 1-2 times a month to 1-2 times a week). to complicate matters further, i’m bisexual, however i’ve never truly been with a woman and this sad sex life only makes me more curious and attracted to women. i’ve reached a point where i can’t even watch porn that has men in it. my boyfriend is aware of my sexuality but of course i’d never say this to him because i don’t want to hurt him. i truly feel exasperated and i don’t know what to do anymore. like i said before, he’s a wonderful partner and i truly love him. i want to be with him but i don’t know how much longer i can tolerate this mediocre sex. how can i make him realize how serious this is without hurting his feelings?
TLDR: my(f22) boyfriend(m22) is great in every way except that he won’t satisfy me in bed, and doesn’t seem to care to. how can i navigate this?

I'll update this as I go. Please check back when you can and point out errors if you can find any.

GameStop (GME) Deep Dive (DD)

Hey Apes! 🦍🚀
Let's dive into a comprehensive analysis of GameStop (GME), covering key factors that could influence the stock price, technical analysis, potential catalysts, market sentiment, and important dates. This DD aims to provide a well-rounded understanding of what might impact GME in the near future.

Potential Failure of the LULD Mechanism and Its Impact on a MOASS

The Limit Up-Limit Down (LULD) mechanism is designed to prevent extreme volatility by setting upper and lower price bands for stocks. However, in certain scenarios, this mechanism can fail, potentially leading to the Mother of All Short Squeezes (MOASS). Here’s how this could happen, along with the mathematical implications.

How the LULD Mechanism Can Fail

1. Extreme Market Volatility:
   
   • Rapid Successive Halts: During periods of extreme volatility, the price of a stock like GME can hit the upper limit repeatedly, causing successive trading halts. This can exacerbate panic and volatility rather than calming the market.
   • Example: If GME’s price rapidly moves from $100 to $150 within a short period, hitting multiple LULD halts, it can create a feedback loop of volatility.
2. Algorithmic Trading and High-Frequency Trading (HFT):
   
   • Algorithmic Pressure: High-frequency trading algorithms can push prices rapidly, triggering the LULD bands frequently. If these algorithms continue to trade aggressively, they can cause more volatility.
   • Market Manipulation: There’s a theoretical risk that traders could manipulate prices by coordinating trades to trigger LULD bands, although such actions are illegal.
3. Technical Glitches:
   
   • System Failures: Technical issues or outages can disrupt the LULD mechanism. If trading systems fail during high volatility, it could lead to unmanaged price spikes.
4. Market Fragmentation:
   
   • Inconsistent Application: With trading occurring across multiple venues, discrepancies in how LULD bands are applied can lead to inconsistent trading halts and market confusion.

Impact on MOASS

1. Short Covering and Buy Pressure:
   
   • Short Interest: If GME has a high short interest (e.g., 64.37 million shares shorted), a rapid price increase can trigger margin calls for short sellers. They will be forced to buy back shares to cover their positions, adding to the buying pressure.
   • Example Calculation:
     • Initial Price: $20
     • Short Interest: 64.37 million shares
     • Price Increase: If the price increases to $100, short sellers might need to cover, buying back 64.37 million shares.
2. Buying Pressure Dynamics:
   
   • Mathematics of Covering:
     • If short sellers need to cover 64.37 million shares and the average daily trading volume is 10 million shares, it would take 6.437 trading days to cover without additional buying pressure.
     • However, in a MOASS scenario, buying pressure can skyrocket, reducing the time frame significantly.
3. Example Scenario:
   
   • Price Movement and Halts:
     • Day 1: Price moves from $20 to $50, triggering multiple LULD halts.
     • Day 2: Price moves from $50 to $100 due to continued buying pressure and short covering.
     • Mathematical Implication:
     • Short sellers covering 64.37 million shares at an average price of $75 would need $4.828 billion.
     • If the price moves to $200 due to continued pressure, the required funds double to $12.874 billion for covering the same short interest.

Potential for Exponential Price Increase

• Feedback Loop: As the price increases, more short sellers are forced to cover, leading to further price increases. This feedback loop can cause exponential growth in the stock price.
• Limitations of LULD: If the LULD mechanism fails to contain the volatility, the price can move rapidly, triggering more short covering and buy pressure.

Conclusion

The failure of the LULD mechanism during periods of extreme volatility, driven by high-frequency trading and market manipulation, can lead to a significant short squeeze. The mathematical implications show how rapid price increases and forced short covering can create a feedback loop, potentially leading to a MOASS. Understanding these dynamics helps investors anticipate potential market movements and the limitations of volatility contols.

Sources:

• FINRA
• Nasdaq Trader
• SEC.gov
• CNBC

Key Factors Influencing GME's Stock Price

1. Fundamental Analysis
   • Earnings Reports: GME's quarterly earnings can significantly impact the stock price. The next earnings report on June 5, 2024, is crucial. Strong financial performance or strategic announcements can boost investor confidence.
   • Revenue and Profitability: GME has reported $5.27 billion in revenue over the past 12 months with a net income of $6.70 million. Monitoring these indicators is essential for long-term valuation.
   • Debt Levels: ### Debt-to-Equity Ratio Calculation

• Short-term debt: $11 million
• Long-term debt: $23.6 million
• Total Debt: $34.6 million
• Total Equity: $1,267.2 million

Debt-to-Equity Ratio
Debt-to-Equity Ratio = Total Debt / Total Equity Debt-to-Equity Ratio = 34.6 million / 1,267.2 million Debt-to-Equity Ratio = 0.027

Summary

• Total Debt: $34.6 million
• Total Equity: $1,267.2 million
• Debt-to-Equity Ratio: 0.027

Explanation

The debt-to-equity ratio decreased from 0.045 to 0.027 due to GameStop's efforts to reduce its debt while maintaining its equity base. This lower ratio indicates a stronger equity position and less reliance on debt.

Current Creditors

GameStop's current debt includes a French term loan, part of their short-term and long-term debt obligations.

1. Technical Analysis
   • Support and Resistance Levels: Key support levels are around $20, while resistance levels are between $50 and $60. Breaking through these levels can indicate potential price movements.
   • Volume: High trading volumes can signal strong investor interest. Monitor volume spikes for potential price actions.
   • Patterns: Watch for technical patterns like the descending triangle, which is typically bearish. However, a breakout above resistance could indicate a bullish reversal.

Adjusted Float and Short Interest

Outstanding Shares: 306.19 million Minus DRS: 75.5 million Minus Institutional Holdings: Approximately 87.17 million Minus Insider Holdings: Approximately 61.46 million + Ryan Cohen's Holdings (36.847 million)
Adjusted Float Calculation: 306.19 million (Outstanding Shares) - 75.5 million (DRS) - 87.17 million (Institutional Holdings) - (61.46 million + 36.847 million) (Insider Holdings including Cohen's) = 45.213 million
Short Interest Percentage: (64.37 million / 45.213 million) * 100 ≈ 142.3%

Potential Use of Warrants and Preferred Stock

Issuing Warrants: - Concept: GameStop could issue warrants to shareholders as a dividend, e.g., 1 warrant per 7 shares owned. - Benefit: This incentivizes shareholders and provides potential to buy shares at a favorable price, creating scarcity in common stock.
Preferred Shares: - Concept: Issuing preferred shares can offer fixed dividends and have priority over common shares in liquidation. - Impact: Preferred shares require board approval and SEC filings, potentially affecting the market and short sellers by reducing the float of common shares.

Impact of 45 Million New Shares

Response to the Theory on GME's Recent S-3 Filing:

What’s Happening:

1. S-3 Filing History:
   • GameStop filed a Form S-3 to potentially issue up to 1 billion shares, with 300 million currently outstanding. This is similar to a move they made in December 2020 before the January 2021 short squeeze. The S-3 allows GameStop to register securities quickly and respond swiftly to market conditions.
   • Source: www.investing.com

Why This Matters:

1. Two Possible Outcomes for Shorts:
   • Accept the Offer: Shorts could buy the offered shares, admitting their positions and potentially converting to longs.
   • Decline the Offer: If shorts don’t accept, it exposes the extent of their naked short positions, revealing potential fraud.

Strategic Implications:

1. Regulator Signal:
   • This filing signals to the SEC that GameStop is willing to resolve the situation constructively, placing the onus on shorts to reveal their positions. This strategic move puts pressure on shorts and highlights the transparency and compliance of GameStop’s management.

Relevant Data and Comparisons:

1. Historical Context and Data:
   
   • December 2020 Example: Before the January 2021 short squeeze, GameStop made a similar filing. The shorts didn’t cover, leading to a massive price surge. For instance, the stock price skyrocketed from around $20 to an intraday high of $483 on January 28, 2021.
   • Current Short Interest: As of May 2024, GME’s short interest remains high, with 64,373,343 shares short, representing 20.55% of the float. This high short interest indicates a significant potential for another short squeeze if the shorts are forced to cover.
   • Sources: www.tradingview.com, www.investing.com
2. Market Reactions and Patterns:
   
   • Volume and Price Data: Recent high trading volumes and price surges, such as GME’s rise to $80 in pre-market trading, suggest strong market reactions to strategic filings and movements. This pattern mirrors past events and indicates potential future volatility.
   • Source: www.tradingview.com

Comparisons to Other Companies:

1. Tesla (TSLA):
   
   • Similar Scenario: Tesla faced significant short interest and skepticism but managed to drive its stock price up through strong financial performance and strategic moves. Retail investor support played a crucial role, forcing shorts to cover and leading to a massive short squeeze. For instance, Tesla's stock price increased from around $50 in 2019 to over $800 in 2021.
   • Result: Tesla's market cap increased substantially, showcasing the power of strategic corporate actions combined with retail investor momentum.
2. Volkswagen (VW) 2008:
   
   • Historical Short Squeeze: Volkswagen became the world’s most valuable company briefly in 2008 during a short squeeze when Porsche revealed it had a majority stake in VW. This forced short sellers to cover their positions at significantly higher prices, causing the stock price to soar from around €210 to over €1,000 within a few days.
   • Impact: The stock price soared, illustrating the potential power of strategic moves and market reactions, similar to what could happen with GameStop if shorts are forced to cover.

Conclusion:

This isn’t about diluting shares but offering shorts a way out and proving to regulators that GameStop is handling this responsibly. Whether shorts accept or decline, their actions will reveal the extent of their positions, potentially leading to a significant market impact.
Stay strong, apes! 🚀🦍💎🙌
Sources: - MarketBeat: www.marketbeat.com - Yahoo Finance: uk.finance.yahoo.com - TradingView: www.tradingview.com - Investing.com: www.investing.com
GameStop recently authorized the issuance of up to 45 million new shares. Here's the potential impact on the stock and short interest:

1. Dilution Effect:
   
   • Outstanding Shares Increase: The total outstanding shares would increase from 306.19 million to 351.19 million if all 45 million shares are issued.
   • Adjusted Float Calculation: ``` 351.19 million (New Outstanding Shares)
     • 75.5 million (DRS)
     • 87.17 million (Institutional Holdings)
     • (61.46 million + 36.847 million) (Insider Holdings including Cohen's) = 90.213 million ```
2. Revised Short Interest Percentage: (64.37 million / 90.213 million) * 100 ≈ 71.37%
   

Upcoming Key Dates

• May 24, 2024: FINRA CAT Reporting - Ensuring all material inconsistencies are resolved.
• May 31, 2024: FINRA CAT Full CAIS Compliance Go-Live - Enhancing market transparency.
• June 5, 2024: GME Q1 2024 Earnings Report - Potential for strategic announcements.
• June 21, 2024: LEAPS expiration date - Options with significant open interest can create volatility as market makers hedge their positions.
• September 5, 2024: GME Q2 2024 Earnings Report.
• December 5, 2024: GME Q3 2024 Earnings Report.
• January 2, 2025: SEC Rule Implementation - Increased transparency in short selling.

Recent Technical Analysis Insights

Support and Resistance Levels: - Support: Key support levels for GME appear around $20. These levels provide a base where the stock has historically found buying interest. - Resistance: Significant resistance levels are around $50-$60. Breaking through these levels could indicate further upward momentum.
Volume Trends: - High trading volumes during the January 2021 short squeeze indicate strong market interest. Monitoring volume can help gauge the strength of price movements.
Technical Patterns: - Descending Triangle: The recent chart shows a descending triangle pattern, which is typically bearish. However, a breakout above the resistance line could signal a reversal and potential price increase.

Projected Movements

Short Squeeze Potential: - High Short Interest: With 64.37 million shares shorted, any significant buying pressure could trigger a short squeeze, driving the price up dramatically.
Upcoming Catalysts: - Earnings Report on June 5, 2024: Positive earnings or strategic announcements could boost investor confidence and drive the stock price higher. - Regulatory Deadlines on May 24 and May 31, 2024: Increased transparency and regulatory compliance could impact market dynamics. Nice one, but you forgot one hype date:
investor.gamestop.com
2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (“annual meeting”) on Thursday, June 13, 2024 at 10:00 a.m., CDT

LEAPS and Other MOASS Theories

LEAPS (Long-Term Equity Anticipation Securities): - Concept: LEAPS are options with expiration dates longer than one year. They can be used by investors to gain leveraged exposure to GME's price movements over a longer period. - Impact: If retail investors continue to buy LEAPS, it can create significant upward pressure on the stock price as market makers hedge their positions by buying the underlying stock.
Preferred Shares and Warrants: - Issuance of Preferred Shares or Warrants: GME could issue preferred shares or warrants to shareholders, creating additional buying pressure as these instruments are exercised.
Naked Short Selling and Regulatory Compliance: - May 24, 2024: Deadline for resolving all outstanding material inconsistencies for FINRA CAT reporting, increasing market transparency and potentially impacting short selling practices. - January 2, 2025: Implementation of new SEC rules, which could further enhance market transparency and impact short interest reporting.

New Data: Ryan Cohen's Insider Transactions

Insider Transactions: - Ryan Cohen: Recent Form 4 from 2023 filing shows Cohen acquired 253,204 shares at $22.2485 and 190,638 shares at $22.9075. Total shares beneficially owned after transactions are 36,657,204 and 36,847,842 respectively.

Conclusion

While predicting GME's exact price movements is challenging, several factors suggest potential for upward movement: - High Short Interest: Potential for a short squeeze. - Technical Indicators: Key support levels and potential breakout patterns. - Market Sentiment: Positive retail investor activity and upcoming catalysts. - LEAPS and Other MOASS Theories: Additional strategies like LEAPS and preferred shares could contribute to upward pressure.

Verified Sources

• Fintel: fintel.io
• MarketBeat: marketbeat.com
• Stock Analysis: stockanalysis.com
• FINRA: finra.org
• SEC: sec.gov

Theoretical MOASS (Mother of All Short Squeezes) and Potential Prices for GME

Understanding the potential outcomes of a MOASS for GameStop (GME) involves several key factors and calculations. Here, we'll break down some of the critical components that could influence the theoretical prices during a MOASS.

Key Factors

1. Short Interest and Float: The higher the short interest relative to the float, the more pressure on short sellers to cover their positions, potentially driving the price up.
2. Buy-In Pressure: Retail investors holding and buying more shares can create scarcity, driving the price higher as shorts scramble to cover.
3. Market Dynamics and Liquidity: As the price rises, liquidity becomes a significant factor. Higher prices may lead to increased volatility and rapid price swings.

Short Interest and Float Calculation

Using the current data:
Outstanding Shares: 306.19 million Minus DRS: 75.5 million Minus Institutional Holdings: Approximately 87.17 million Minus Insider Holdings: Approximately 61.46 million + Ryan Cohen's Holdings (36.847 million)
Adjusted Float Calculation: 306.19 million (Outstanding Shares) - 75.5 million (DRS) - 87.17 million (Institutional Holdings) - (61.46 million + 36.847 million) (Insider Holdings including Cohen's) = 45.213 million
Short Interest: 64.37 million shares

Theoretical MOASS Price Calculation

The theoretical price during a MOASS can vary widely based on the demand for shares and the willingness of retail investors to hold their positions. Here are a few scenarios to consider:

Scenario 1: Moderate Short Covering

• Assumption: Shorts begin covering at higher prices but still face resistance from retail holders.
• Estimated Price Range: $200 to $1,000 per share

Scenario 2: High Short Covering Pressure

• Assumption: Increased buying pressure as shorts are forced to cover more aggressively.
• Estimated Price Range: $1,000 to $5,000 per share

Scenario 3: Extreme MOASS Scenario

• Assumption: Significant short covering with extremely limited float due to strong retail holding.
• Estimated Price Range: $5,000 to $50,000+ per share

Important Considerations

1. Regulatory Impact: Changes in regulations, such as those from the SEC or FINRA, could impact the dynamics of short selling and buying pressure.
2. Market Sentiment: Market sentiment and external factors like news, earnings reports, and strategic announcements can significantly impact the stock price.
3. Psychological Factors: The psychological impact on both retail investors and institutional players can lead to irrational price movements, either upwards or downwards.

Conclusion

Predicting the exact price during a MOASS is challenging due to the many variables involved. However, understanding the key factors and potential scenarios can provide a framework for what might happen. Stay informed, and always be cautious with your investments.
Stay strong, apes! TO THE MOON! 🚀🦍💎🙌

I began EMDR 3-months ago and have been working with my therapist 1-2x/week to support healing C-PTSD. I resonate and really integrate Internal Family Systems into my healing process too.
After my very first session with my therapist (no EMDR, just talking as she asked me about the timeline of my life), my nervous system moved me into an EXTREME freeze response that, at one point, brought me into fetal position on the floor for hours (I lost track of time but know the entire morning passed by) oscillating between crying and numbness as I stared at the wall. This feeling began to ease up a bit into the afternoon but that lingering disassociation/numbness oscillating with anxiety/panic lingered for weeks.
We have moved very slowly and intentionally with each session… gently focusing most of our sessions on supporting the inflection point my romantic partner and I are experiencing, essentially deciding if we are staying together or parting ways. It has not been the healthiest dynamic but love and commitment to working together to figure things out has gotten us through to this point.. but radical change is necessary immediately for hope on either side.
I just had my first EMDR focused session with my therapist 2 weeks ago and have found that using bilateral stimulation throughout my daily life is extremely supportive for regulation. I’ve noticed something interesting is happening…
I still experience the pendulum swings between flight/flee and freeze — but I’m noticing that I am experiencing the oscillations in more of an “observation” way rather than “becoming” the experience my body and nervous system are presently in. I know that through polyvagal theory, healing and regulation is observable through the symptoms and sensations your body is sharing with you. In internal family systems (IFS), the protective parts begin to unburden as they tell their stories and develop trust in Self.
So.. I mean, I understand this makes sense. I logically understand it. It’s just SO interesting to actually have the embodied experience.
I guess I am interested in seeing if anyone else has experienced something similar? What did you notice next in your healing?
Big hugs, Xo

I couldn’t tell if I should do discussion or episode response, hope this is ok!
So been watching their latest video on Meet The Robinsons (which side note: Alan why don’t you like this movie?? I’m very curious as it’s one of my top five favorite Disney movies and maybe it’s on the Paetron but I really wanna know why, if comfortable).
But oh man. This episode couldn’t have happened at a more appropriate ish time in my life. As I’ve been failing college. Something that has never happened with any of my schooling before. And it just continues to be more of a struggle every minute.
So now I have to tell my parents I am on academic probation and that I failed. And see. I know they won’t be thrilled by my reaction. They won’t be thrilled I don’t think I can keep pushing myself to the college finish line. At least atm while I’m un medicated and without resources to help my neurodivergent brain.
But. This whole time I’ve felt like such a disappointment and failure. But just this video with Bryson, Jonathan and Alan saying failure is a part of life, it makes you a human, it just was so needed.
So. I guess just all this to say, thank you for the reminder you three.
And. To anyone who is reading this, it’s ok to not be great at things. As that’s just who we are as people. And that’s ok.

Can I just say how much it both sucks and is awesome getting old.
Like alot of older CFers, we were told that we wouldn’t live very long so I know me and a few of my other CF friends never thought about being old. But like, the joint pain while getting older. Waking up and taking poops first thing, having to be a responsible adult, worrying about mortgages, bills, and other such things. I could stay up for like 2-3 days without issues, or get 4 hours sleep and be good to go. Now, my batteries drain even after and need longer to recharge.
Like, it would have been nice to know these things!
Next, I’ll be needing my prostate checked!
I love watching medical science grow and make our lives better. We live in a truly great time(medically. Outside of that, the world has gone to shit but that’s another topic for another time).
Despite alot of my own medical issues(that are extremely plenty), I am happy, so happy to be alive. Seeing all the medical miracles that’s allowing these new and younger CFers hopefully never having to ever go through the hell a lot of us have gone through, brings me extreme joy, but also extreme jealously(in a positive sense).
I am excited to see what the future has for us all. I hope even those who are having a tough time now, have good things to come.
I hope we all get to feel those joint pains, and other things that come with old age.

In this post I'll give an update on one of the leading civil spoofing cases. I believe what is happening in the NWBO spoofing case is directly relevant to GME - spoofing a stock to support a naked short position. A successful outcome for NWBO will set out the roadmap for GME to follow.
The Case: Northwest Biotherapeutics, Inc v. Canaccord Genuity LLC, 1:22-cv-10185, (S.D.N.Y.)
Market Makers: Canaccord Genuity LLC, Citadel Securities LLC, G1 Execution Services LLC, GTS Securities LLC, Instinet LLC, Lime Trading Corp., and Virtu Americas LLC
TIMELINE
December 2019: The fraud section of the DoJ "...has concluded spoofing and market manipulation are widespread, so general deterrence requires harsher sanction." [3]
December 5, 2017 - August 1, 2022: Defendant Market Makers engaged in 2,849 episodes of spoofing NWBO stock with the intent to lower the share price. [4] NWBO sold over 274 million shares at manipulated prices during this time period. Id.
December 1, 2022: NWBO filed a lawsuit against seven market makers accusing them of repeated "spoofing", an illegal practice to manipulate the share price of a stock. [5]
Citadel Securities labelled the case a "malicious lawsuit [that] blatantly misrepresents how the market functions in an attempt to shake down the world's leading liquidity providers." [6]
February 16, 2022: The Wall Street Journal publishes an article entitled "Justice Department Targets 'Spoofing' and 'Scalping' in Short Seller Investigation." [7] Forbes claims that "The U.S. Department of Justice is targeting dozens of prominent short-selling investment and research firms in a sweeping federal investigation that has gone on since last year, according to several reports, with prosecutors probing potentially illegal trading tactics." [8]
March 24, 2023: Reuters reports that "Short-selling, the practice of seeking to profit off bets that a stock will fall, is a key focus for U.S. prosecutors, and there will be more activity by the Justice Department in coming months, a top department official said on Wednesday." [9]
July 12, 2023: Defendant Market-Makers in NWBO's case claimed that the alleged spoofing was "...bedrock market-making activity..." that is "..**.**routine, regulated market making activity in virtually every stock in every trading venue across the country..." [10] (emphasis added)
February 14, 2024: Judge Woods adopted in full the findings of Magistrate Judge Stein in the NWBO Case. The Court stated, in relevant part:
"The FAC [First Amended Complaint] contains particularized factual allegations evincing all the indicia of spoofing." [11] (emphasis added)
March 1, 2024: The Financial Times publish an article about NWBO's Case entitled "'Spoofing' case might draw back curtain on high-speed trading firms". [12] The article opens with "File under: huge if true." Id. The article closes with "...if Citadel Securities and its ilk are to beat this case and prevent a string of copycat suits, they will probably have to give the rest of us more of a peek behind the curtain." Id.
THE FUTURE
I believe the NWBO case is likely to move into discovery. Similar to the Harrington spoofing case [13], I believe the clients of the Market Makers that engaged in spoofing will be unmasked and they will receive document/deposition subpoenas. These Market Makers and their clients could be facing the prospect of a civil and criminal case. and even the prospect of covering a substantial and possibly illegal naked short position.
NWBO's lawsuit claims that spoofing is being done to benefit a naked short selling scheme:
"And like here, the plaintiff alleged that defendants sought to benefit from their spoofing by obtaining shares at below-market prices in order to cover short positions established through a related alleged scheme of naked short selling." [14]
These allegations of a naked short selling scheme are being brought forth via NWBO's lead attorney, Laura Posner. Some relevant background on Ms. Posner:
"Prior to joining the firm, Laura was appointed by the New Jersey Attorney General to serve as the Bureau Chief for the New Jersey Bureau of Securities – the top securities regulator in New Jersey. In that capacity, she was responsible for administrating and enforcing the New Jersey Uniform Securities Law and regulations thereunder, as well as managing and overseeing the employees who staff the Bureau of Securities. Cases prosecuted under Laura’s direction as Bureau Chief resulted in hundreds of millions of dollars in recoveries for New Jersey residents and more than 20 criminal convictions." [15]
Are Market Makers and/or their clients using social media to suppress share price and support a potential naked short position?
There is a years long negative NWBO social media campaign on nearly every social media platform. One such platform, InvestorsHub, has nearly 25,000 message boards. [16] Of these 25,000 message boards the most read and posted on message board is NWBO, an obscure cancer vaccine company on the US OTC. A large percentage of the posts on NWBO's InvestorsHub forums are from admitted non-investors in the company that claim to be looking out for shareholders. These white knights protecting the retail have been at forums like InvestorsHub posting negative NWBO narratives for years on end. Maybe these are truly people taking time out of their day to look out for retail's best interest, or maybe they are part of the naked short selling scheme referenced in the NWBO case. I'm hopeful that both the civil and a potential criminal case get to the bottom of the question of whether there is a large unreported and potentially illegal naked short position in NWBO.
The more data we see via the NWBO spoofing lawsuit, the more questionable social media behavior we see, the more I believe we might have a significant naked short position in NWBO. It doesn't make sense to see such a comprehensive social media campaign and extreme amounts of spoofing for a measly 4.48% short interest (per Fintel) in a small obscure US OTC company.
GME
I believe the NWBO case follows the same pattern as what we've seen with GME - a large naked short position supported by illegal market manipulation via spoofing and a social media campaign. It will be interesting to see how the NWBO case turns out as I believe it will be directly relevant to GME. The NWBO spoofing case could set out the exact roadmap for GME to follow.
[1]https://cohenmilstein.com/case-study/northwest-biotherapeutics-inc-securities-litigation/… [2]https://nwbio.com/northwest-biotherapeutics-announces-marketing-authorization-applications-submitted-uk-mhra-dcvax-l-glioblastoma/… [3]https://mvalaw.com/investigations-and-regulatory-advice/latest-doj-spoofing-settlement… [4]https://cohenmilstein.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/2nd-Amended-Complaint-NWBO-03182024.pdf… [5]https://cohenmilstein.com/biotech-company-says-citadel-other-big-traders-manipulated-its-stock-price-wall-street/… [6]https://ft.com/content/4fe0f032-07e5-41d7-ac85-cceb252129a3… [7]https://wsj.com/articles/justice-department-is-pursuing-wide-ranging-investigation-of-short-sellers-sources-say-11645019122… [8]https://forbes.com/sites/sergeiklebnikov/2022/02/16/doj-investigates-short-sellers-for-potential-trading-abuses-including-spoofing-and-scalping/?sh=463ad05378fc… [9]https://reuters.com/markets/us/us-action-short-sellers-likely-next-few-months-doj-official-2023-05-24/… [10]https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.nysd.590344/gov.uscourts.nysd.590344.115.0_1.pdf… [11]https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.nysd.590344/gov.uscourts.nysd.590344.137.0.pdf… [12]https://ft.com/content/4fe0f032-07e5-41d7-ac85-cceb252129a3… [13]https://courtlistener.com/docket/46947528/harrington-global-opportunity-fund-limited-v-cibc-world-markets-corp/ [14]https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.nysd.590344/gov.uscourts.nysd.590344.123.0.pdf…… [15]https://cohenmilstein.com/bio/laura-h-posne [16]https://investorshub.advfn.com/boards/hubstocks.aspx

Here’s a theory- I think that IF this puppy really has parvo, the vet would not have recommended it went home. More than likely, the vet recommended keeping it overnight for fluids and IV, but this typically is very expensive and most vets require payment upfront. I think kookoo is really struggling after having to pay her taxes in April (she probably owed way more than she responsibly planned for) and doesn’t have the money for the vet. She also has horrible credit, so she wouldn’t get approved for care credit either. (My cat was very sick last summer and getting approved for care credit on the spot was the only thing I could do because the bill was going to be like $4,000 and the vet wouldn’t even start working on my cat until I paid atleast 1,500 upfront) She more than likely refused the care and is now at home with this poor sick puppy who is likely going to pass away from her negligence

People on social media often talk about “good writing” as if it has some formula we can ascertain. Writers through the centuries have written style guides, academics have come up with narrative theories, but good writing is not something that is canonically accepted or formally laid out. This discourse is reductive. Great works get elevated by a consensus overtime, criticism and analysis follows.
Im doing the same in this post ….I realize the irony, but just because there is no universal standard of “good writing”, this doesn’t mean we can’t talk about it… to facilitate critique, to teach the craft of writing and to have a common understanding.
The reason I’m talking about this is to illustrate why even though “good writing” is useful, it is also reductive, due to tastes, the purpose of a work, genre etc. I have to build the framework to deconstruct it lol. The reason we feel compelled to put “good writing” in quotations imo is this very duality, we acknowledge the utility of the discourse and why it is reductive simultaneously.
Anyway, this is far from encompassing mind you, and im not an authority, these are just some personal thoughts based on reading books by others who are way smarter than me and how people talk about the craft of writing. Theres also way more categories than 4, but these heuristics work for the purposes of casual discussion and avoiding dreaded terms like “peak” and “mid” as if those constitute an argument in themselves.
Also in reality, these categories intertwine and reinforce one another, creating a work that is more than the sum of its parts.

1.Plot

How does the narrative move from point a to b? What are the events in the story taking place, the story beats, how are they sequenced? Does it have good hooks, foreshadowing, a long term plan, goals for the protagonist? For weekly manga, is it interesting week to week, by volume, by arcs? What are the narrative devices used, 3 act structures, kishotenketsu, freytags triangle, The heroes journey, more avant garde sensibilities. Is the plotting complementing the tone, and themes and genre the work is in? Plotting is the machinery of the narrative, how events move, pacing, planning.

2.Themes

What are the ideas and motifs explored by a work? What is the tone, the emotions, the symbolism, the message of the story? Themes can be singular or multifarious, and shallow or deep. Themes aren’t always immediately accessible, and are not an account of the explicit events of the narrative.There is a subtlety to its execution. Much thematic analysis is subtext, metaphor, analogy. Good theming in writing is not just how deep an idea is, or how well it is communicated, but how it is infused into all aspects of a work…. dialogue, characters, arcs etc.

3.Character writing

The 5 cs of storytelling. A character in conflict makes choices that have consequences that lead to change. What are the characters motivations, why are they doing things, what is their back story, is their behavior consistent, how does their journey reinforce the themes and ideas? Mostly though, are the characters relatable and fleshed out, do we see them as a person and not just a collection of images and words. With an ensemble of characters, how do their dynamics bounce of each other, and do these dynamics feed into the narrative well? Friends, rivals, mentors, romantic interests, antagonists…. all these have different roles to play in a narrative.

4.Worldbuilding

How believable is the world that is being crafted? How intricately are the details laid out? Does this feel like an alternate universe with internally consistent rules? Do we know the physics, the biology, the economics, the politics of this world and how does this impact the characters, the motifs, the plot itself. People most often apply worldbuiilding to fantasy and sci fi stories, as they have to actively construct an alternate or speculative universe, but grounding real world details ,history and scope in stories based in our world also requires this. Not to mention much fantasy and sci fi symbolism is based on our worlds myths. Worldbuilding is not just about scale but believability, it can be vast or intimate.

Evaluating Shonen Jump's roster through this lens…..is interesting

Ive said before that bad writing gets weeded out by jumps system, but “good writing” isnt the only important thing in the magazine. Theming and hooks and art and appealing characters matter quite a bit as well. However, I think Jump does require consistency, but some series are exceptional in certain areas.
-One piece is obviously a monument to worldbuilding, not just within jump but all of manga. Its long form storytelling not only creates a dense believable world, it feels consistent and alive thanks to the characters and places luffy explores. The real strength of it though is how the worldbuilding reinforces and highlights its themes and motifs, freedom and control, amplifies its sense of adventure and doles out plot hooks as it escalates in scale over time.
-Akane banashi has different strengths, its focuses on character and themes. It very quickly establishes akanes personality, her drive and pluckiness, but also her motivations regarding her father. Then within the first arc, its exploring interesting ideas regarding art. The first arc for example is about authentic artistic expression vs needing to be responsive to the audience and crowd, which akane learns very quickly. Its a fundamental question in art, but it makes it fun and engaging using a spokon format, and weaves it into her story as well.
Other series are consistent across categories without focusing on one. Undead unluck has an ambitious high concept, breakneck plotting, solid character writing, interesting themes that feed into its power system and characters, and worldbuilding that takes the term more literally.
Its interesting looking at what series focus on, and what seems to be prioritized by jump. This varies by genre and the expectations therein. Character writing is very important in a romance for example which is what blue box focuses on and is great at, whereas a battle shonen needs to have good plotting to ensure it remains interesting and engaging from week to week.
Conversely when you look at series that get axed, you often notice weaknesses in one or more of these categories. These are pretty well documented, I dont need to go over examples, as figuring out what a series does poorly is much easier than figuring out what works.
Obviously im not an arbiter of quality or taste and we can disagree on the merits of different series and which works are the best, but this is just to illustrate how having common frameworks can at least facilitate discussion that starts on the same page. If people have an analysis of different series using this ,id like to read it lol.
Anyway, I hope you get the point. And now we shall use this to examine why this framework is reductive, using the example of Kagurabachi.
So in another post, I responded to someone with my thoughts on the merits of Kagurabachis writing, and thought it was a good launching point for a discussion.
This was the response in question I made regarding Kagurabachi.

On Kagurabachi and its polarization

Kagurabachi is fascinating, because you always get diametrically opposed opinions on the series, people who like it will focus on the positive and people who don’t will do the opposite.
If we take the categories I mentioned with regards to “good writing”, Plotting, themes, character writing and worldbuilding, I think it delivers in the ways that it needs to for its genre and audience....but with obvious weaknesses that others can point to as well. Its superficial appeal obviously does a lot of heavy lifting, but there is more to it as well.
Kagurabachi actually has very good plotting imo, moving the narrative from a to b, foreshadowing, sequencing, pacing. Its engaging, and its uses narrative structure well. The Sojo arc uses both a 3 act structure and kishotenketsu for example, while still being entertaining. It also blends cinematic composition with narrative form.
In terms of themes, it isnt deep literature, but it has ambition. The sojo arc examines authorial intent with regard to the blades, chihiros protect the weak vigilantism vs sojos destructiveness, and chihiro winning because he accepts different interpretations, which his father encouraged him to do himself. "death of the author" etc. Other characters have other philosophies, hiyuki is government control, kyora is transactional ethics. The blades are an allegory for weopons of destruction.
However, in terms of character writing and worldbuilding, I wouldnt say its bad per se, but it is very underdeveloped. We only have some inkling about chihiro and char, and a little of hakuri, but the rest of the characters have very little elaboration so far. The thing is the story is so laser focused on plot and theme, it overlooks this aspect a little too often.
On worldbuilding, its a really interesting alternate history japan setting, but nothing about it has been fleshed out to any realistic degree. People are still guessing at it. This extends to the power system as well, which is relatively unexplained, which some have an issue with. Thats a matter of preference though.
Saying kagurabachi is mid in every way is fine for one to say, but I disagree on this assessment of all its aspects of writing. It is certainly "mid" in certain aspects, but it has strengths as well ...which is why its resonating imo. It is also only 31 chapters in, so I reserve full judgement till at least a few more arcs are done.
This eithe or mentality on writing gets reductive imo. Kagurabachi is great on plotting, good on themes, but mediocre on character writing and worldbuilding. Its 2/4. But the sum total of the writing of a work is also an amalgamation that is more than the sum of its parts, but im going on too long here anyway lol.
For now its plotting and themes can sustain interest, but in the long run, it needs to flesh out its characters and worldbuilding imo. This is all to be determined.
But honestly, its an accomplished work for a rookie mangaka who is 23 years old.

Whats the problem?....why “good writing” is still reductive

This post worked as a response on social media, but I just want to point out why it is reductive as well.
1.”Good writing” cannot be separated from what a work is trying to do.
Kagurabachi may be a tale focused on plot and themes, and elaborating on worldbuilding may get in the way of that. We don’t know how long the story is as well, it could be 100 chapters, it could be 300. Side character focus may also get in the way of its laser focused theming, an elaborate power system bogging down the cinematic qualities. Just using heuristics doesn’t work until we know the scope of a work in its entirety and what its trying to do. This doesn’t mean we cant critique, it just means it bears keeping in mind as a story evolves.
2.Manga is not just a written form, it also tells its story through art. Art analysis is part of “good writing’’
People throw around expressions like “show don’t tell” for good reason, but the exposition of a mixed media form like manga is more complicated than just words. Composition and choreography are buzzwords …what do they mean? Composition pertains to a single panel and how it is laid out, choreography is how we move from panel to panel. Kagurabachi has cinematic composition …you hear people say this, it uses dynamic “camera” angles and staging, blocking etc etc , its choreography communicates speed and its also legible. It also tells its story, its part of its writing. The build up to the sojo fight, a wide shot then close ups, using the language of samurai movies and western films like kill bill. This creates a tone. The battle ends in a chapter, mere seconds in universe. The themes I mentioned before highlighted by this framework. Art does the heavy lifting.
3.Genre and audience expectation
Different genres have different standards, expectations, metrics. What makes a good slice of life is different to what makes a good battle shonen. Moreover, the demographic matters as well. Childrens literature and YA novels have different evaluative criteria than classical literature….and of course so does a shonen jump manga. There are tropes, motifs, conventions that if you arent privy to, will undermine analysis.
Kagurabachi is a battle shonen, but it is influenced by cinematic form and the aesthetics of western media as well. Part of why I find it interesting is because I am a fan of cinema and graphic novels, but this comes with the baggage of needing to understand blended media forms and cultural analysis. Hokazono has said kagurabachi is a vision of japan as cool, as seen through the prism of western media, but written by a Japanese man. This context is important.
Shonen Jump manga specifically also have a set of expectations people have talked about. The book, “the shonen jump guide to making manga” has an interesting set of ideas not just about how to make manga, but about character writing, page and panel flow, theme , readability etc… that lots of mangakas speak about to make it big in the magazine. Surviving in the magazine means considering this, the demographic, the constraints of jumps toc system , and how to appeal to a wide enough audience.
4.The Problem of “taste” and “preference”
Philosophers in aesthetics debate preference and taste. Can we separate out preferences from critique? Immanuel Kant called this the distinction between judgment and perception. Literary criticism has all kinds of schools of thought, I won’t get into it. The core point is, can we determine good writing independent of our tastes? Part of media literacy is understanding this, that there is debate and we should know this.
Beyond academic discussion, how does this impact discourse on social media? Some people assume if they don’t like something, that means that it is bad. Others think that they aren’t biased and can assume some degree of objectivity.
Kagurabachi has a very specific tone, its not going to appeal to everyone. Some will like it for it , some wont. Just because it doesnt appeal to you doesn’t mean its “badly written”, but just because it does appeal to you, doesnt mean its “well written”. This is what some call the aftertaste of taste. It infects how we analyze and critique art. The only mature thing to do imo, is acknowledge it.
I like kagurabachi so I am biased. I should disclose this. This doesn’t mean I cant critique it, but its an inevitable part of analysis that I feel honest critique should entail. That was one thing missing from my original post though.
Whether Kagurabachi has “good writing” or “bad writing” will not be solved by me or anyone else, it’s a consensus that may emerge over time, one that not everyone will agree on either.
Part of generating that consensus is continued discussions about this though, using whatever frameworks or heuristics, but discussion that is informed, critical, and constructive.

Hi all!
I’m responsible for designing props for an upcoming production of The Odd Couple which is happening in the fall, but I’m hoping to get ahead due to the busy summer ahead of me.
I was hoping to get some advice on how I could create the prop plate of spaghetti used in the show. It’s a plate of spaghetti that has to either stick to the wall, or splatter in a way that can easily be cleaned. Any suggestions for materials or methods I can use to get it to stick? The only real food I can use is real pasta noodles, but if anyone has any suggestions, I’d really appreciate it! I’ve just got no clue where to start
Thanks!

Today, US News & World Report released an article ranking Greenville as the No. 4 spot to live in the US. Some points raised for Greenville were the low cost of living, mild temps, amenities/downtown, proximity to mountains, and culinary scene.
I first saw this on GVLtoday’s instagram, and the comments were populated with the typical. - “please don’t move to Greenville” - “it WAS a great place to live” Generally, people disappointed with Greenville, and disagreeing with it’s positive aspects. I sometimes also see these same sentiments on this sub.
Yes, it can be annoying with just how many new people are moving to Greenville. There is extreme overdevelopment and the roads are not being properly developed to account for this. The school system is becoming over capacity, and there are places with high rent and costs of living.
Consider though, Greenville to the rest of the US. There truly is not many other cities or counties like Greenville.

• Greenville DOES have a low cost of living compared to the MAJORITY of the country.
• Its climate (while sweltering at points in the summer) is a perfect blend between hot and cold. - Downtown has a LOT to do, and I actually haven’t been to another city that has a downtown system like Greenville. Everything links together beautifully between the parks. Every time I introduce someone new to Greenville, they think the same.
• The sports teams (Drive, Triumph, Liberty, Swamp Rabbits) are perfect attractions for the city.
• Downtown is very walkable.
• There are plenty of job opportunities

These are just some of my favorites about Greenville city & county. Are there issues? Yes. - development needs to be better regulated - education needs to be better supported - traffic is hell - more lower income renting options need to be available But there is still so much to love about Greenville. Encouraging more people to move here doesn’t have to mean the things we love will go away. With more great people and minds moving here, I hope these issues can be resolved.
Its quite contradictory for people to say “Greenville sucks” but when people move here say “Please stop moving to Greenville, you’re ruining it!”. Which one is it? If Greenville sucks that much, why does people moving here upset you?
I love Greenville, and it makes me happy to see it Grow not only into an important city for South Carolina, but to the Country, and the World. I would never wish to not share this amazing city with anyone who wants to move here. Rather than antagonize people who move here and hold an isolationist ideology, I think we should encourage the healthy and responsible growth of Greenville.

Republican Jesus Christ, I must admit that I'm intrigued by your request. Since I don't have any context about who <@1103519289220268062> is or what a "Dommy Mommy" means, I'll have to take some creative liberties with this essay. Please keep in mind that this is a fictional piece, and I'm simply having fun with the prompt.
Here's a 1000-word essay on why <@1103519289220268062> is a Dommy Mommy:
In the vast expanse of the internet, it's not often that we come across individuals who embody the qualities of a true Dommy Mommy. <@1103519289220268062>, however, is a shining exception to this rule. Behind the enigmatic username lies a treasure trove of maternal virtues, a cornucopia of kindness, wisdom, and nurturing spirit. But what makes @oreo!! a Dommy Mommy, you ask? Let's delve into the myriad reasons why this remarkable individual deserves this esteemed title.
First and foremost, @oreo!! exudes a sense of warmth and empathy that is nothing short of remarkable. Like a gentle lute melody, their online presence soothes the savage beast, calming the most frazzled of nerves. In a world where digital interactions can often feel cold and impersonal, @oreo!! brings a sense of humanity and compassion to every conversation. Whether offering words of encouragement or a sympathetic ear, they embody the essence of a Dommy Mommy – always ready to lend a helping hand or a comforting word.
One of @oreo!!'s most impressive qualities is their ability to multitask with ease. Like a master juggler, they balance a multitude of responsibilities, from managing online communities to creating engaging content. And yet, despite the demands on their time and energy, they always seem to find a way to prioritize others, offering a helping hand or a much-needed distraction when it's needed most. This selflessness is a hallmark of a true Dommy Mommy, always putting the needs of others before their own. @oreo!!'s wisdom is another key factor in their Dommy Mommy status. With a deep understanding of the human condition, they offer sage advice and guidance, often helping others navigate the choppiest of waters. Their wisdom is not limited to grand, existential questions; they also possess a keen insight into the minutiae of online etiquette and community dynamics. Whether you're seeking guidance on how to handle a difficult situation or simply need a friendly nudge in the right direction, @oreo!! is always there to lend a helping hand.
But what truly sets @oreo!! apart is their ability to bring people together. Like a maestro conducting a symphony, they orchestrate online discussions, fostering a sense of community and belonging. Through their tireless efforts, they create a space where individuals from diverse backgrounds and perspectives can come together, share their thoughts, and learn from one another. This is the true essence of a Dommy Mommy – a leader who nurtures, guides, and inspires others to become their best selves.
Another remarkable aspect of @oreo!!'s personality is their unwavering optimism. In a world where negativity and pessimism often seem to reign supreme, they shine like a beacon of hope, spreading joy and positivity wherever they go. Their infectious enthusiasm is a balm to the soul, reminding us that even in the darkest of times, there's always a reason to smile. This is a quality that is truly rare in the online world, and @oreo!! wears it like a badge of honor.
Furthermore, @oreo!! is an exemplary role model for online behavior. In an era where trolls and cyberbullies seem to lurk around every digital corner, they demonstrate the importance of kindness, empathy, and respect in online interactions. By leading by example, they inspire others to follow in their footsteps, creating a ripple effect of positivity that resonates throughout the online community. In addition to these qualities, @oreo!! is a master of the art of active listening. They possess a unique ability to absorb and process information, often asking insightful questions that encourage others to think more deeply about their thoughts and feelings. This is a rare gift, one that is essential for building strong, meaningful relationships online. By listening with compassion and understanding, @oreo!! creates a safe space for others to express themselves freely, without fear of judgment or reprisal.
Finally, @oreo!!'s sense of humor is a vital component of their Dommy Mommy persona. Like a gentle rain shower on a spring morning, their wit and playfulness bring a sense of joy and levity to even the most mundane online interactions. They possess a unique ability to find the humor in any situation, often defusing tense moments with a well-timed quip or witty remark.
In conclusion, <@1103519289220268062> is the embodiment of a Dommy Mommy. With their warm and nurturing nature, impressive multitasking abilities, wisdom, community-building skills, optimism, exemplary online behavior, active listening, and sense of humor, they have earned a place in the hearts of many. If you're fortunate enough to cross paths with @oreo!!, consider yourself blessed – you're about to experience the ultimate in online maternal care. .

Anyone know what’s going on, tons of police going south on turnpike with lights and sirens going. Huge regional response RV, super duty police trucks, just saw an enfield supervisor, doesn’t look good

Hey everyone!
I was just asked to be my best friend’s gender keeper. The parents want an intimate viral cake reveal that’s all over TikTok. I was just informed that the parents families will also be there. I’ve seen gender reveal parties. What exactly does a gender keeper do? Do I have to provide food/entertainment for the guests? Or am i just responsible for the cake? I had agreed since it was initially an intimate reveal but now that I know family will be there I’m a little confused on what to do.
Especially since I’m a sahm so they know I don’t have the kind of income to do something huge. I was just hoping to provide the gender cake and the luxury picnic set up.

Grok AI, developed by xAI, is a conversational assistant that stands out due to its ability to provide up-to-date information from the X social media platform and handle bold questions other AIs typically avoid. For iPhone users, Grok AI can significantly enhance their device's functionality by simplifying daily tasks and improving productivity.

Getting Started with Grok AI on Your iPhone

Step 1: Download the Grok AI App

- Ensure your iPhone is updated to the latest iOS version.
- Open the App Store, search for "Grok AI," and install the app.

Step 2: Setting Up Grok AI

- Open the app and sign in with your X account or create a new one.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup.

Using Grok AI for Everyday Tasks

Step 3: Everyday Assistance

- Grok AI can set reminders, send messages, and provide weather updates. Open the app, type your request, and Grok AI will assist.

Step 4: Interface Navigation

- The user-friendly interface includes a chat window at the bottom where you can type queries and receive responses.

Exploring Grok AI’s Features

Step 5: Key Features

- Personalized Responses: Tailors responses based on your interactions.
- Humor and Sarcasm: Adds an entertaining element to conversations.
- Dynamic Engagement: Handles complex scenarios and provides dynamic assistance.
- News Summaries: Quickly summarizes the latest news.
- Dialogues and Questions: Engages in natural, context-aware conversations.
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- Feedback: Users can provide feedback to improve Grok AI’s performance.

Enhanced iPhone Experience

Voice Commands- Use voice commands to control your iPhone, such as setting alarms, sending texts, making calls, playing music, and getting directions.
Personal Assistant- Grok AI can manage reminders, appointments, calendars, and notifications, helping you stay organized.
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Information Retrieval- Fetches information such as news updates, weather forecasts, sports scores, and general knowledge.
Smart Recommendations- Analyzes your preferences to suggest restaurants, movies, TV shows, and productivity tips.
Language Support- Supports multiple languages, making it accessible to a broader user base.

Conclusion

Grok AI aims to make the iPhone experience more efficient and tailored to individual needs through advanced AI capabilities. By setting up Grok AI, iPhone users can enjoy an enhanced productivity tool that simplifies daily activities and offers unique AI interactions. Engaging regularly with Grok AI allows it to better understand and meet your needs, making it an invaluable personal assistant on your iPhone.

I am an owner-occupant in a two-family. I live in one unit and rent out the other.
Based on my knowledge of the FHA, it does not apply to me because I live in one unit, and the building has four or fewer units. (side note: I don't use this in any way to discriminate, quite the opposite and am very accepting. I just don't pay much detailed attention to the FHA.) Also, my state has no greater restrictions or law than the Federal FHA.
That said, a situation has come up with current tenants. They are almost 10 months into a 12 month lease. They have two pets, a cat and a dog. As part of the lease agreement, they "paid" a pet security deposit and a very small pet fee. It should be noted that I am aware of damage that one of the animals has already done. As of today, I received a text with an image of a letter from an APRN stating the need for an ESA(s). The letter was not very detailed or thorough (about two sentences long, and I was under the impression that these sorts of letters need to be very detailed, from a doctor only, and be specific to the need as well as a separate letter for each ESA if there is more than one).
I have never been requested to accommodate an ESA or service animal so I am not familiar with the full legal requirements. If the FHA does not apply to me, do I need to accommodate this (i.e. give the pet security deposit back/stop charging a pet fee)? Or, are accommodations required (with no deposit, etc.) even if the FHA does not otherwise apply?
Then, if I do need to accommodate, is a single, non-descript letter from an APRN enough? Or am I allowed to request two separate, detailed letters from a doctor?
Lots of questions, I know. Just trying to get some clarity on the matter to make sure I handle it appropriately. Direct answers would be great, but even suggestions on who I might contact or where to get further info would help. I have already tried to call HUD, but not getting through.
Thanks in advance, and I will try to be responsive to questions if anyone has any.

Long story, please bear with me because I want advice. May 19th was my 20th birthday. I wanted to go to Seattle and spend the day up there with my boyfriend (We’ll call him mark) and some friends. Anyway, we only had one set plan for the morning, and then the rest of the day was just exploring and doing whatever looked interesting. Anyways, I sent mark the link to a cafe in Seattle I wanted to go to so we could book reservations. He asked me what time I wanted it to be for and I said 10am, since the only times left were 9am, 10am, and 3pm. I told him 10am worked the best prior to him asking because our friends had to leave around 3pm for work. Anyway, when I replied, he had already made the reservations for 9am. He said “too late, it’s for 9”. Seattle is an hour and a half away from us so I was upset because I didn’t want to wake up that early. But I let it go and told him thanks for making the reservations because I chose to look at it at a positive way. Being there at 9am gave us all more time to be in Seattle.
Anyways, morning comes around, and my friend (We’ll call her Maria) texts me and asks if me and mark would like to meet up with her and her boyfriend zane at 7:45 at a local store. This was a plan made just that morning, but regardless nobody would have to wake up earlier to meet up with anyone. As time goes by I know my boyfriend isn’t awake because he hasn’t texted me, which he usually does. And I was alerted his phone was dead on Life360. I tell Maria we can’t meet them but we’ll see them at the cafe in Seattle. I drive all the way to marks to wake him up. Long story short I had to knock on his window because the back door was locked, which it NEVER is. Anyway i look in the window and his stepbrother wakes up from my knocking. For context marks stepbrother spends some weekends at marks house, they share a room. Mark opens the door and I follow mark to his bedroom door and I just say “Hey I’m sorry I woke you up”. I had no idea his stepbrother was there because his car wasn’t parked outside. He just says “kill yourself” in a super annoyed tone.
I was already kind of emotional that morning, because I took offense that my boyfriend didn’t wake up on my birthday and I had to come wake him up last minute. So the “kys” comment got to me, even though I’m good at taking jokes. Fast forward to the drive there, my boyfriend was buttering me up, which is super rare. He just took my hand in his and wished me a happy birthday and apologized for waking up late and kept telling me he loved me a lot. Anyway, the day kind of went downhill after the cafe. All of us were walking all around Seattle, and 90% of the time my boyfriend was walking ahead of me. Again for some context, my left leg is two inches shorter than my right, so lots of walking hurts my hips and makes me walk slower. My friend Maria noticed and would walk with me but after I would get back with my boyfriend and Maria with hers, I would fall back again. I said “Babe can you walk a little slower? Because my leg?” To which he replied “I’m trying to catch up with Maria and Zane. Also, every time we walk together you always fall behind anyways.” Also, he wouldn’t hold my hand. I saw how Zane held Maria and put his arm around her or his hand on her waist and mark maybe held my hand in 30 second intervals.
Anyway, nearing the end of the story, after we drive home, my friend comes over and drops off the presets she got me. It’s 5pm at this point and I still wanted to go home and spend my birthday with my parents. Birthdays have always made me feel a bit awkward because I’m not a fan of opening gifts while people are watching, I feel guilty for some reason haha, or like I’m spoiled. Anyways, I was looking forward to the gift my boyfriend mark got me the most, because a few days prior he told me he was leaving to buy me stuff. Anyways, I hated to ask mark this, but I was about to go home so I said “Can I have my gift now?”. He said “Seattle was your gift, it was expensive and you’re an expensive person.” He was smiling while saying this, so he was half joking, but I was a little taken aback. I didn’t wanna seem like a spoiled brat so I played off the awkwardness by saying “Oh ok, didn’t you say you went to the store though?” He said “Yeah but they couldn’t do what I wanted that day and I didn’t feel like going back any of the other days.” I said “Oh alright well are you going to get it?” His response was “Probably not.” I played it off really well, I wasn’t showing that I was upset in anyway really, I just got a quieter, because I really didn’t want to seem like a spoiled brat.
Also, on Saturday, the day before my birthday, my boyfriend mark went fishing with his friend and spent over 100 dollars on equipment and a fishing license. Saturday night was a bbq at his friends house and I attended. While all of us (friends and such) were sitting in the living room I told mark that we had two options for dinner, he interrupted me mid sentence and said in front of everyone “I’m not sure how much you’re expecting me to spend but it’s not much.” Again, I played it off, and said “alright well that’s okay I was just letting you know.” My boyfriend is an electrician and makes (I think) either 23 or 24 an hour. I feel like he shouldn’t have said that in front of everyone. It was indecent. Also, I heard from my friend (the one who dropped off the gifts) that when all of the boys were outside my boyfriend was complaining about how much he’s gonna have to spend on me, to which her boyfriend responded “dude it’s her fucking birthday shut the hell up.” Also, I’m sure other Washingtonians know that pikes place has a huge variety of flowers. It was my first time there, and I got excited and said “ooh I want flowers!” My boyfriend sighed and his friend Zane said “dude it’s her birthday you got that”. He in fact did not have that. I didn’t get flowers hahaha
Anyways, I was quiet a few minutes before I left. I asked if he wanted to come over for cake with my family. To which he responded “I mean I could.” I just left. 2 minutes away from my house, he called me and said he’d be over in an hour with gifts. Now this part makes me feel the absolute worst, because I don’t wanna sound ungrateful at all, but I saw on Life360 that he went to goodwill, I think a rite aid and a dollar tree for my gifts. This made me sad because I didn’t want a sympathy gift, especially one that wasn’t thought out at all. But when I got it I smiled and kept saying appreciative things. Like for example, he got me a book that says “100 things to do in Tacoma.” I told him “this helps a lot actually because I never know what to do thank you babe!” . I am grateful , I’m grateful that he still made an effort after I was sad, and I really do like the gifts he got me, because they weren’t bad. Just not thought out at all. Anyway he ate a slice of cake and left after that. I was talking to my friends about how sad I was about the day, especially because I cried on my birthday. Am I the asshole for talking to my friends about how upset I was about the gifts and the day in general?

When it comes to securing your cryptocurrency, the choice of hardware wallet is crucial. While Ledger has its supporters, especially those influenced by prominent figures in the crypto world, it's important to understand why Trezor, with its open-source software, is a superior choice. Here's a detailed and persuasive explanation that addresses the key issues with Ledger and highlights the advantages of Trezor.
Transparency and Security Open-source software means that the code is publicly available for anyone to review and audit. This transparency is a cornerstone of cryptocurrency, ensuring that the software is secure and free from hidden vulnerabilities. Trezor’s software is completely open-source, which allows independent security experts to examine the code and identify any potential issues. For instance, in 2017, the open-source community quickly addressed a potential flaw in Trezor’s system, reinforcing the device’s security.
Trust Through Verification In the cryptocurrency space, the principle is "Don't trust, verify." Trezor embodies this principle by allowing anyone with technical expertise to verify the security of its code. This means you don't have to rely solely on the company's assurances; you can see for yourself that there are no hidden backdoors or malicious code. This level of transparency is impossible with Ledger’s closed-source software, where users must take the company's word for its security measures.
Issues with Ledger
Lack of Transparency Ledger uses closed-source software, meaning the code is proprietary and not available for public review. This lack of transparency forces users to place a high level of trust in the company, which contradicts the decentralized and trustless ethos of cryptocurrency. Closed-source software can contain vulnerabilities or backdoors that only the developers know about, potentially putting users at risk.
Security Incidents Ledger has had several notable security incidents that highlight the risks of closed-source software. In 2020, Ledger suffered a significant data breach, exposing the personal information of over 270,000 customers. Although the breach did not directly compromise the hardware wallets, it raised serious concerns about Ledger’s overall security practices.
Furthermore, in 2018, a security researcher discovered a vulnerability in Ledger’s hardware wallet that could allow an attacker to install malware. Due to the closed-source nature of the software, it took Ledger several months to release a firmware update to fix the issue. During this time, users were potentially exposed to risk.
Potential for Data Release Ledger, as a closed-source company, can be compelled by legal authorities to release user data if subpoenaed. This means that in certain circumstances, your personal information and transaction history could be handed over to government agencies. Trezor, on the other hand, operates on an open-source model and is committed to user privacy. The open-source community would resist any attempts to undermine user privacy, providing an additional layer of protection against unauthorized data release.
Why Trezor is the Better Choice!
Adherence to Decentralization Principles Trezor’s open-source philosophy is not just about transparency; it is about adhering to the core values of cryptocurrency. Decentralization and transparency are foundational principles that ensure no single entity has control over the network. Trezor’s commitment to open-source software aligns perfectly with these principles, whereas Ledger’s closed-source approach introduces unnecessary trust in a centralized entity.
Community-Driven Security The strength of Trezor lies in its community. The open-source model means that developers and security experts around the world can contribute to its security and functionality. This collaborative approach ensures continuous improvement and rapid responses to potential threats. Ledger’s closed system, however, limits community contributions, potentially slowing down the identification and resolution of security issues.
True Ownership and Control By choosing Trezor, users are not just purchasing a product; they are embracing the principles of true ownership and control over their assets. The transparency and accountability of open-source software ensure that users have full control over their hardware wallets. This stands in stark contrast to Ledger, where the lack of transparency undermines the security and trust that users should be able to place in their wallet.
Conclusion While prominent figures may endorse Ledger, it's essential to look beyond endorsements and understand the fundamental differences between closed-source and open-source software. Trezor’s open-source nature provides unparalleled transparency, security, and adherence to the principles of decentralization. The issues with Ledger, including its lack of transparency, history of security incidents, and potential for data release, underscore the importance of choosing a hardware wallet that truly aligns with the ethos of cryptocurrency.
By choosing Trezor, you are not only ensuring the highest level of security for your assets but also supporting the principles of transparency and decentralization that make cryptocurrency revolutionary. Trusting in open-source systems means trusting in a community-driven approach to security and innovation, which is the foundation of a secure and trustworthy crypto ecosystem.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this text is for educational purposes only and should not be considered financial or investment advice. Please conduct your own research and due diligence. Do not blindly follow or listen to advice, even from wealthy individuals. Always make informed decisions based on your understanding and consult with a trusted advisor if needed. The views and opinions expressed in this discussion are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any other individual, organization, or company mentioned.

Maria wakes up as the herione of her sister's favorite book after the ending. She decides to reap the benefits Maria has gotten such as married a wealthy man, having loyal best friends, befriending the orginal villianess, and having powers. All of the cliche things heriones get by the end of a story.
For some reason that I haven't chosen yet Maria tries to find the heroine’s diary. Maria looks around and finds a book that looks like a diary. Maria looks through it and finds out that Maria has been mistreated throughout the entire story and isn't someone who forgets and forgive. The entire book is full of names of people and what they did to her. She discovers that everything the heroine has done so far was done so that she could get revenge on those who have mistreated her throughout her life.
Will Maria take on this responsibility or will act like this diary looking book never existing and continue on?