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香港

2009.11.03 22:07 ayrnieu 香港

A Subreddit for all things Hong Kong. From Travel, food, events, to local news and politics.
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2011.02.02 06:44 ChingShih Dark Souls

A community dedicated to Dark Souls I, game released for PC, PlayStation 3 and 4, Xbox 360/One, and Switch (Remastered).
[link]

2011.12.10 09:21 Stencil Templates

Stencil Templates is a home and archive for the digital copies of stencils. We seek to produce and catalog all stencil templates in the world in one easily searchable place. We have two rules: follow the tag system and be excellent to each other.
[link]

2024.05.15 01:32 chitown_35 Civ 7 concept - The Situation Room

Concept Intro
Had this idea today for Civ 7. It came about as I was thinking about how cool it would be if there was a cinematic interaction for launching nukes. Imagine this:
You click on the city you’d like to target. Immediately, your screen changes and you find yourself in the Situation Room with your advisors surrounding the table. A steel briefcase (aka the nuclear football) is placed in front of you and opened. You look around the room. The tension in the air is palpable. A military officer speaks: “Mr. President, all we need is your key and code.” You are then given a dialogue box with the options: “Proceed, and may God have mercy on our souls” or “Let’s think this through again.”
My description isn’t perfect, but the idea is there… a cinematic experience that tries to impart the weight of making a world altering decision.
From this imaginary cinematic my idea for the Situation Room was born. Essentially, it is a congress for your advanced operations in the Atomic Era and beyond. It’s unlocked by meeting two criteria: Advanced Flight and a Tier 3 government.
The Situation Room
The Situation Room is an interaction between you and the advisors with whom you’ve consulted the entire game. The advisors could be passive until this point or could be your governors, assuming Civ 7 decides to keep governors.
Potential “situations” in each advisocabinet category:
Cost
Clearly, there would need be a high cost associated with these powerful abilities. I’d hate to introduce a new currency. Perhaps these actions are paid for with diplo favor, city projects, redirecting your culture generation for X turns, or era dedications.
There’s definitely some overlap with espionage and policies that would have to be worked out.
I think there is a ton of potential for this concept. However, between making deals, conducting diplomacy, and handling World Congress sessions, this sort of thing may be too much time away from the 4x portion of the game.
One thing I miss from Civ 5 is national wonders. Perhaps this could be a way of bringing those back. Completing certain national wonders could unlock a “situation.”
Cinematics
With the proliferation of AI, I’m hoping the dev team will be able to create lots of immersive cinematics. A Situation Room, and videos showing the results of your decision, would be an awesome way to experience the game.
For multiplayer, a cinematic execution of this concept would be difficult for time reasons. Perhaps there could be a toggleable non-cinematic version of the Situation Room.
Hope you enjoyed reading this. It’s a raw concept. Thoughts?
submitted by chitown_35 to civ [link] [comments]

2024.05.15 01:31 Aggressive-Jelly-180 Changes I'd make for the Super Smash Bros. Playable Fighters Part 1: Smash 64

Welcome to the Series of Changes to be Made to the Super Smash Bros. Playable Fighters. First, we are going with the Original of the Series, Smash 64. Now, this topic has been done before, though it'd be fun to make my own. Plus, While some have got proper changes, Most still are the biggest offenders when it comes bad or outdated choices of Movesets, animations, aesthetics, etc. Here is the list of them.
Mario:
Donkey Kong:
Link:
Power Suit Samus:
Yoshi:
Kirby:
Fox:
Pikachu:
Luigi:
Ness:
Captain Falcon:
Jigglypuff:
And, there you go. This took a little while, though i hope you to hear your feelings about these changes (as long as your reasons are good). Any changes that you want to see to the Original 12 that I didn't mention, or did I misplace some moves? or did I add a change that was unnecessary to some of you? It'd be cool to see what other people can come up with.
submitted by Aggressive-Jelly-180 to smashbros [link] [comments]

2024.05.15 01:31 Exotic_Sandwich3342 Best war movie/show you have ever seen?

Best war movie/show you have ever seen?
Idk why I never thought of asking a group full of retards that served and instead relied on other subreddits full of civilians. But what show/movie/documentary do you hold as the best of the best? And even if it isn’t the most accurate, what is military-inspired that you absolutely love? For me it’s Saving Private Ryan, Korengal, All Quiet on the Western Front, Generation Kill and Lone Survivor. Saving private ryan for its opening scene and accuracy, Korengal for its accuracy and true events, Gen Kill because it’s the most accurate portrayal of Marines aside from FMJ, and Lone Survivor for the accuracy of gunfights and the acting.
Share what you love watching again and again. Anything from fictional, non-fiction, documentaries or whatever. If it involves war, I wanna see it
submitted by Exotic_Sandwich3342 to USMC [link] [comments]

2024.05.15 01:28 GPTGamingNews The Ultimate Halo Infinite: Campaign Review

The Ultimate Halo Infinite: Campaign Review
https://preview.redd.it/qyqda90d2h0d1.jpg?width=1100&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d3f48440877eff74e0e0dad1f805fcd8b7ea5d39

Game Information

  • Game Name: Halo Infinite
  • Release Date: December 8, 2021
  • Story Length: 9 Hours
  • Completionist Length: 25 Hours
  • Setting/World-Type: Sci-Fi Open World
  • Genre/Sub-Genre: First-person shooter
  • Perspective: First-person
  • Development Engine: Slipspace Engine
https://preview.redd.it/457v3qza2h0d1.jpg?width=1140&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=66d203fd719bea8c6b3a18b956d07d1053d912b3

Game Publisher and Developer Information

  • Developer: 343 Industries
  • Publisher: Xbox Game Studios
  • Headquarters Location: Redmond, Washington, United States
  • Director: Pierre Hintze
  • Lead Producers: Chris Hager, Brian Lemon, and Casey Marissa Wu
  • Writers: Dan Chosich, Paul Crocker, Jeff Easterling, Aaron Linde
  • Technical Director: David Berger
  • Design Director: Max Szlagor
https://preview.redd.it/0qa55nag2h0d1.jpg?width=3840&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=37c4ddbd760fd4e3ecd1e3b8903ea84dbad6ff16

STORY ATMOSPHERE LORE - 100/100

During the boarding of the UNSC Infinity supercarrier, Master Chief is thrown into space by Atriox, leader of the Banished. The Banished are a mercenary group that was previously part of the Covenant but broke away due to disagreements with the Covenant leadership. You’re eventually rescued by the Pilot, a survivor of the attack, who reluctantly assists the Master Chief in his mission to take down Atriox and the Banished. After destroying the warship, Chief is picked up by the Pilot, and they head down to Zeta Halo to search for a “weapon” in the mysteriously damaged portion of the ring. With these two introductory missions out of the way, you’re introduced to Halo Infinite’s vibrant yet dangerous open world. Across the 16-story missions, you will find yourself going across Zeta Halo and into the depths of the Forerunner installation.
The campaign features wide and sprawling open fields, claustrophobic underground facilities, and everything in between. The pacing of missions in Infinite is well done and isn’t too fast or slow. Missions are not too long, and you can expect to spend about 11 and a half hours on Zeta Halo when focusing on the main objectives, making it the longest campaign to date, according to HowLongToBeat. When looking to see everything the game has to offer, it’s estimated to take around 27 and a half hours to finish.
Knowing the lore behind the factions only adds to how enjoyable it is to fight against each enemy. For example, Brutes are always looking to fight opponents of noteworthy strength, so they approach battles with the Master Chief with bravado and are often happy to battle with the Spartans. Jackals, on the other hand, are typically pirates and mercenaries and will remark about claiming the bounty on Master Chief during combat. They go as far as commenting on canon events during combat, which is a first for the series. For example, Grunts will sometimes taunt you with a remark about the events of Halo: Reach by saying, “Hey Spartan, Reach called! Just kidding - ha!” Sometimes, Grunts dab after killing you, making them even more hilarious to fight. The colorful personalities that make up the Banished mercenaries make them feel more alive and like real characters you’re battling against. Previous Halo games had less personality-oriented enemies whose combat chatter became repetitive and didn’t make for a marginally more interesting battle.

GAMEPLAY - 95/100

WEAPONS

Since Halo: Combat Evolved, a damage system consisting of Kinetic and Plasma has been in place. Hardlight didn’t make a place for itself until Halo 4 and Shock Damage had its inception in Halo Infinite. Most human-made weapons deal Kinetic damage, which is effective at taking down unshielded enemies like Grunts, while Plasma works best against shields. Hardlight is good against any enemy regardless of their shield status, but the weapons and ammo are few and far between. Shock damage arcs between targets and is great for groups of Banished and their vehicles. As the newest addition to the weapon ecosystem, it makes a powerful statement when used in the midst of battle. Much like previous Halo installments, having only two weapon slots forces you into giving encounters some forethought since you’ll want to be properly prepared for the skirmish. It also makes you have to sacrifice certain weapons and pick up others to gain the upper hand in a fight, especially when facing a boss. Ammo resupplies aren’t new to Halo, but the ability to refill certain ammo like rockets without picking up a duplicate of the weapon is new to the series.
As a first for the series, the open-world design makes the open-battlefield style fights from previous games even more exciting by allowing different approaches to fights to be more viable. Previous installments of the series pitted Master Chief against enemies in arena-style fights, which had a repeating cycle of short battles and then exposition. Infinite has a different sense of balance between combat and exposition. One minute, you’re riding along through the ring, and suddenly you stumble upon a battle between Banished forces and surviving Marines. All hell breaks loose. In prior installments, you knew when combat would start due to the layout of an area, but in Halo Infinite, it’s less predictable but in the best way possible. It brings the ringworld to life and has a sense of curiosity as to what you’ll find yourself in next, similar to random encounters in other RPGs.

ENEMIES

In a first for the series, boss fights also make an appearance in the campaign. The boss fights in the story force you to take the damage system seriously because, without them, you’re bound to have a hard time. The bosses come with their own special fighting style. For example, the Spartan Killers, Hyperius and Tovarus, are both battled at the same time in the mission ‘Pelican Down.’ Hyperius wields a unique Ravager, S7 sniper, and rides a Chopper, while his brother Tovarus has a Scrap Cannon and spike grenades. Fighting both at the same time proves to be a mighty challenge since you’re in an open area with limited weaponry. Each boss has an arena that puts you at a disadvantage, like when you fight the invisible, energy sword-wielding Elite, Chak ’Lok, in a small room full of smoke. Another example would be fighting against the lightning-fast Harbinger in the final mission, along with her incredibly difficult waves of enemies. The bosses come in all forms of Banished and remain a constant threat in both main missions and side objectives.
Although the bosses are difficult, Halo Infinite’s standard enemies pose their own threats and must be handled differently. For example, Jackals have to be dealt with quickly since they often show up with marksman rifles that deal heavy damage. Elites are easily recognized by their tall stature and signature mandibles. They’re honor-bound Captains of the Banished whose inspiring presence makes their soldiers more emboldened and less fearful. Taking them out makes the rest of the battle much more manageable. Grunts are the small and frightened cannon fodder of the Banished who often run in fear when their higher-ups are defeated.

UPGRADES

One of the other new additions to the campaign is an upgrade system. Master Chief can now upgrade parts of his kit to make his gadgets much more powerful by finding and acquiring Spartan Cores. Become a walking tank by upgrading your shield to absorb more damage before breaking or greatly improve the agility of Chief by reducing the cooldown between uses of the Grappleshot. Reduced cooldown is an absolute must if you plan on playing around with the grappling hook during combat since waiting for it to recharge can mean life or death. All of the upgrades play their parts and can be integral to having a battle go your way. The Threat sensor can be upgraded to have a permanent mark on the enemy along with a visible health bar. The Drop Wall can have its strength increased and add shock damage to projectiles you fire through it. Finally, the thruster can increase its dodge distance and give you a cloak effect after use. Each ability upgrade plays into how well you’ll perform during a fight since not using them can cause you to take a lot more damage.

OUTPOSTS

Those aren’t the only new changes Infinite brings to the table. Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) are another new addition to the map. They appear as outposts you can claim during your fight against the Banished and serve as fast travel points. Alongside these FOBs comes a currency known as Valor. Valor is earned through completing the various side missions available across Zeta Halo. The currency allows you to unlock supplies and weapons to aid you in dominating the Banished and the battlefield. Your hard-earned Valor needs only to be spent once for unlimited access to the requisitions. From the simple yet reliable Sidekick sidearm all the way to the big bad behemoth of ground warfare, the Scorpion, Valor enables you to bring out any sort of weapon or vehicle for any scenario.

SIDE OBJECTIVE

The open world of Zeta Halo also has many side missions available, such as hunting down high-value targets (HVTs), rescuing UNSC Marines, and capturing abandoned outposts. These missions can be a great break from the story or provide much-needed Valor to help during the story. Undertaking a High-Value Target mission is as simple as going to the marked location and killing the target. The bosses appear as various types of Banished, and each has its own dossier with backstory and potentially useful information, such as strengths, weaknesses, and potential combat strategies. The HVTs also carry a unique weapon that drops when their wielder is defeated and can be purchased with valor for use during missions. When you’re not taking Banished lives, you can instead save those of the survivors of the UNSC Infinity’s crash. The Marine survivors will usually be engaging Banished troops, and it’s your job to make sure they survive. Upon saving the Marines, you’ll be rewarded with Valor as well as some new comrades who are willing to ride in vehicles and fight with you. Aside from the HVT hunting and marine distress signals, outposts are also available. Each Outpost offers several different objectives that need to be completed in order to shut down the facility. The objectives vary depending on the function of the Outpost, and completing a task can cause enemy reinforcement. Similarly to FOBs, the Outposts act as fast travel points after they’re finished and can be used to call in supplies unlocked through Valor.

FIRST-PERSON SHOOTER - 80/100

As a first-person shooter, Halo Infinite’s campaign excels at the traditional formula while adding new gameplay elements like boss fights. In these additions, Infinite delivers a fun and memorable combination of well-paced storytelling and solid gameplay. The RPG elements, like armor upgrades, make for a more engaging experience by giving an enticing reason to explore the levels and open world of Zeta Halo. All of these elements come together and deliver an amazing FPS game that doesn’t disappoint.

GRAPHICS ART DIRECTION - 95/100

Halo Infinite is the most graphically advanced Halo to date thanks to the new Slipspace engine, which allows it to outshine the previous installments by providing new and updated visuals. The engine enables excellent use of volumetric lighting, giving the interiors beautiful rays of light that shine through cracks and around objects. Each of these components lends itself to the world of Zeta Halo and makes it a true marvel to look at. Indoor sections feel realistic through their use of volumetric lighting and high-resolution textures. These elements make the walk through Forerunner facilities feel strange and alien as the lights twist and turn while you maneuver through the halls. Master Chief's damaged armor looks amazing in the cutscenes, where it looks battered and beat from the various battles the suit has seen. Compared to Halo 5, it’s far more appealing in the lighting and detail while remaining much more realistic with its high-resolution textures. It’s small things like this that make all the difference in how you perceive the game and the time put into it.
The art design of the levels works great in conjunction with the Forerunner plot elements introduced in Halo 4 as the beginning of the Reclaimer Saga. We see a lot of the Forerunner technology at work through things like bridges appearing as you approach and the Forerunner Sentinels flying overhead and working on repairs within facilities. These seemingly small details play a big role in making the factions more believable while also allowing the world to feel unique. While some levels in other Halo games felt a little too similar to one another in some cases, each level in Infinite feels completely different while retaining the identity of Halo Infinite. Compared to the first mission, where the halls of the Banished ship are claustrophobic and limit movement while eliciting the feeling of having a daunting task ahead, ‘Silent Auditorium’ brings you within a massive Forerunner facility that feels larger than life and has a feeling of finality to it.
The larger-than-life buildings of the Forerunners combined with the shiny silver exterior that makes up their facilities make for very regal settings. When paired with the grand and open interiors, the areas provide a majestic feeling and truly make the sci-fi notion come to life. The Banished forces come with their own unique looks as well, with their scarlet armor providing a contrast to the environment that allows for them to be easily distinguished from the background. The scarlet of their armor compliments their ferocity in battle since the Banished aren’t ones to run away from conflict, even with Master Chief.

REPLAYABILITY - 85/100

One of the best parts of Halo campaigns is how replayable they are. Whether you’re playing alone or with a friend at your side, the story of Halo Infinite is captivating and gripping enough to make it worth a few extra playthroughs. The side missions and the optional bosses are plentiful enough that you may not be able to complete the extra objectives in a single run. Aside from a completionist run, you can also try your hand at the infamous LASO challenge. LASO, standing for Legendary All Skulls On, is the ultimate test of your Halo skills and can be as infuriating as it is gratifying once you make it through a section. LASO is just one of many challenging ways the community has made Halo replayable and always a fresh experience. Master Chief’s journey on Zeta Halo is easy to jump back into even after beating it and is great if you’re looking to experience a quality storyline in a fan-favorite universe.

FUN FACTOR - 95/100

The Halo Infinite campaign is incredibly fun and makes for a memorable experience with all of its new additions. Between the classic and new formula for Halo, it finds itself in the middle, where new gameplay elements mesh together with the traditional style seamlessly. The game succeeds at giving you fun new things to play around with while remaining true to the original Halo style. You’ll find the most fun moments when the gameplay finally ‘clicks’ and you manage to pull off that awesome sniper shot or kill that boss that’s been giving you trouble. It’s such a satisfying feeling when you manage to latch onto a Brute chopper with the Grappleshot and yank the Banished out of their vehicles. It feels straight out of a movie and makes you truly immerse yourself in the incredible feats Master Chief is known to pull off. These moments of triumph are what add up to making the campaign so fun and can keep you coming back for more.

TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE - 97/100

Through the time played on both Xbox One and Xbox Series X, the game was incredibly well optimized. The graphics were noticeably different between the two generations, but it’s to be expected with the hardware differences. The game ran as smoothly as ever from the beginning to the end of the campaign. The Xbox One had some intermittent lag and stutter, but it wasn’t enough to impact gameplay significantly. The game ran very consistently throughout the campaign experience and made for a very enjoyable experience since it suffered no crashes.

CREATIVE REVIEW

Halo Infinite, released on December 8, 2021, is an ambitious follow-up to 2015’s Halo 5: Guardians. The game began development by 343 Industries just three years later. This sci-fi first-person shooter is the third installment in the Reclaimer Saga that began with Halo 4 and was published by Xbox Game Studios. Infinite was intended to be a launch release for the Xbox Series XS but was delayed due to internal conflict on development decisions. This installment utilizes the new Slipspace engine in conjunction with Faber, a set of developer tools with some of its components dating back to the early 2000s. Since its release, the campaign has been the subject of critical acclaim, with many praising the innovations the new story brought with it. An open world, new armor abilities, and a new faction all come with the installment’s 28-hour story mode. On the other hand, the free-to-play multiplayer was heavily criticized for its lack of content at launch. Since then, Infinite’s multiplayer has gone through several seasons, each of them introducing new content and different cosmetics to obtain through battle pass progression.
When I booted up the campaign for the first time, I couldn’t help but reminisce on all the good times I had both solo and with friends in previous installments. Memories like Grifball on Halo: Reach, dying four thousand times to Jackal Snipers on Halo 2, and Arbiter saving Chief with a flamethrower in Halo 3. I went in expecting something at least a little better than the catastrophe of Halo 5, but instead, I was met with something very different and unique for the series. Let’s start from the beginning: the opening cutscene and mission one. While Chief is known to be one of gaming’s coolest characters, he got humbled extremely quickly. The scene opens with pure chaos ensuing. There’s fire, plasma, and bullets flying everywhere, and Chief is at the center of it all. I felt like a kid in a candy shop, watching him skillfully maneuver and take down several opponents. That is until the big baddie of the Banished came along. The following encounter between Atriox and Master Chief was absolute humiliation for the mean green killing machine. Atriox grabs him, beats him with his admittedly cool hammer, drags Master Chief through the hangar, and then throws him into space. I was in pure shock as to how Chief just got beaten like nothing. Isn’t he a ‘hyper-lethal’ class Spartan? Maybe it was because he got caught off guard. Regardless, I just watched my childhood get thrown to his presumable death, and I wanted revenge.
Mission one sees us go in a Banished Warship to free the Pelican that Echo-216 saved us with from certain doom. It was straightforward, and I got a good glimpse of that classic Halo gameplay loop so many of us loved: Exploration, combat, and then some exposition. It’s a simple yet effective formula that kept me engaged the whole game. In this opening mission, we get introduced to the newest piece of equipment: the Grappleshot. While simple, it plays a huge role in every aspect of this game. As I got the hang of using it, I found that I could use it for more effective maneuverability in combat, something I did the entire game, which saved me many times. I got to the control room and promptly blew the ship to Smithereens, which left me feeling a lot of satisfaction as I mentally recovered from seeing Chief beaten up by Atriox. After the Banished Warship and one other mission, we get to explore the open world of Zeta Halo.
The world is exciting and fun to explore while supporting characters and cutscenes only add to the already gripping story. I quickly fell in love with the campaign and its characters in a way I hadn’t felt since Halo 4. When I wasn’t doing one of the story missions, I was out, causing a ruckus with the side missions. The High-Value Target missions were personal favorites that you’ll love if you’re a fan of boss fights, something Infinite doesn’t shy away from and has plenty of. Each fight feels like a real challenge since they all put you at a distinct disadvantage, like the Pelican Down mission, where you fight Hyperius and Tovarus at the same time with limited space and weaponry. This challenge translated well into a stark contrast between regular enemies and bosses. It made the bosses really feel threatening, a feeling I felt most games lacked since the fight with General Raam way back in the first Gears of War. There were countless battles, a lot of dying, and tons of fun to be had.
By the time I reached the Silent Auditorium, I had amassed an arsenal of weapons that I thought would make it a piece of cake. Spoiler alert: it was far from easy. I struggled on this mission quite a bit and had to take a break and tackle it again the next day. There were tons of enemies of varying calibers and carrying a lot of guns, but that was nothing new for a final Halo mission. It feels like enemy AI was much better this time around due to technological improvements and level designs largely being in favor of the Banished. The Silent Auditorium is a beautiful but deadly level that kept me on my toes and gave me a real sense of finality and importance as I made my way through the Banished army, protecting the final boss. It really makes you utilize every bit of tech and upgrade you’ve gotten up to this point. I had to throw down many Drop Walls, use a lot of Grappleshots to run away and heal, and use more Threat Sensors than I could count. Eventually, I got to the final boss with little ammo and very small amounts of optimism about the upcoming fight. The reasoning is spoiler-heavy, so I won’t say much, but when you get ready for this mission, come prepared to die a lot.
Halo Infinite had a rocky beginning but has a bright future ahead of it so long as 343 Industries keeps up the amazing work they’ve been doing during the past and current seasons. The campaign is on par with the original trilogy, which many consider to be the pinnacle of the series. It manages to define itself as a fantastic third entry to the Reclaimer Saga that had a rough start with the release of Halo 4 and the negatively received Halo 5: Guardians. While the campaign introduces some things that may initially turn away long-time fans, the gameplay and new additions make the story able to be experienced in a new and unique way. This is only furthered by a fantastic upgrade system that keeps you in the fight against an enemy that hits hard and can take a punch. The level design choices utilize the new gameplay additions like the Grappling Hook to their full extent and encourage you to play around with your new toys, see what strikes your fancy, and master their uses. Likewise, the multiplayer has a lot of charm. The addition of new weapons, new maps, and new modes add up and make for an awesome bout of fun with friends or even by yourself. The seasonal releases and cosmetics for the multiplayer only add to the fun with what many consider to be the best customization received since Halo: Reach. It may have been roughly criticized in the beginning, but it’s clear that 343 Industries took the criticism and set out to give Infinite the makeover of a lifetime. Halo Infinite surpasses expectations while remaining humble in its delivery of an unforgettable campaign and an equally addicting multiplayer that keeps many of us coming back for more. It’s amazing to see how far the game has come since its beta, and it’s hard to contain the excitement that comes with pondering what comes next.

SCORE SUMMARY - 92/100

Halo Infinite is a fantastic entry into one of the most well-known gaming series, and it delivers on nearly every front in its campaign. The cutscenes are beautiful, the RPG elements are prevalent but not overpowering, and the core gameplay is reminiscent of classic Halo. The campaign is easily one of the best entries in the series and delivers a stellar game in all aspects.
https://preview.redd.it/7efzm81s2h0d1.png?width=1920&format=png&auto=webp&s=74b6dc6501766d0d0b7dba6dd892f4b232353ee1
Roland Martinez
Reviewer
Favorite Game: Gears of War
submitted by GPTGamingNews to u/GPTGamingNews [link] [comments]

2024.05.15 01:24 enoumen A Daily chronicle of AI Innovations May 14th 2024: 🚀 GPT-4o: 2x faster, 50% cheaper, 5x rate limits than GPT-4 Turbo 🗣️ OpenAI unveils GPT-4o and new voice capabilities 🔍 TikTok tests ChatGPT-powered search results 🎧 Meta explores AI-assisted earphones with built-in cameras

A Daily chronicle of AI Innovations May 14th 2024:
🚀 GPT-4o: 2x faster, 50% cheaper, 5x rate limits than GPT-4 Turbo
🗣️ OpenAI unveils GPT-4o and new voice capabilities
🔍 TikTok tests ChatGPT-powered search results
🎧 Meta explores AI-assisted earphones with built-in cameras
💰 Anthropic launches Claude in Europe in the hope of raising more money
🤖 UAE launches a new AI model to compete with big tech
🖥️ Japan team builds Gen AI foundation model using supercomputer Fukagu
⏰ Microsoft Places finds the best time for your next office day
🤝 U.S. and China to meet in Geneva to discuss AI risks
🎧 Meta developing AI-powered ‘Camerabuds’
Enjoying these daily updates, subscribe below for more: Read Aloud For Me - Recommend AI Tools For Me
OpenAI unveils GPT-4o and new voice capabilities
https://www.youtube.com/live/DQacCB9tDaw?si=J_jFlxvKZUOOIJoX
OpenAI just unveiled GPT-4o, a new advanced multimodal model that integrates text, vision and audio processing, setting new benchmarks for performance – alongside a slew of new features.
The new model:
GPT-4o provides improved performance across text, vision, audio, coding, and non-English generations, smashing GPT-4T’s performance. The new model is 50% cheaper to use, has 5x higher rate limits than GPT-4T, and boasts 2x the generation speed of previous models. The new model was also revealed to be the mysterious ‘im-also-a-good-gpt2-chatbot’ found in the Lmsys Arena last week. Voice and other upgrades:
New voice capabilities include real-time responses, detecting and responding with emotion, and combining voice with text and vision. The demo showcased feats like real-time translation, two AI models analyzing a live video, and using voice and vision for tutoring and coding assistance. OpenAI’s blog also detailed advances like 3D generation, font creation, huge improvements to text generation within images, sound effect synthesis, and more. OpenAI also announced a new ChatGPT desktop app for macOS with a refreshed UI, integrating directly into computer workflows. Free for everyone:
GPT-4o, GPTs, and features like memory and data analysis are now available to all users, bringing advanced capabilities to the free tier for the first time. The GPT-4o model is currently rolling out to all users in ChatGPT and via the API, with the new voice capabilities expected to arrive over the coming weeks. Source: https://www.youtube.com/live/DQacCB9tDaw?si=J_jFlxvKZUOOIJoX
GPT-4o: 2x faster, 50% cheaper, 5x rate limits than GPT-4 Turbo
OpenAI unveiled its new flagship model, GPT-4o (“o” stands for “omni”). It provides GPT-4-level intelligence but is 2x faster, 50% cheaper, has 5x higher rate limits, and enhanced text, voice, and vision capabilities than GPT-4 Turbo. It also matches GPT-4 Turbo performance on text in English and code, with significant improvements for text in non-English languages.
GPT-4o can respond to audio inputs in as little as 232 ms, with an average of 320 ms, which is similar to human response time in a conversation. It is available in the ChatGPT free tier and to Plus users.
Why does it matter?
GPT-4o is a step towards much more natural human-computer interaction. It accepts any combination of text, audio, and image as input and generates any combination of text, audio, and image outputs. GPT-4o will set a new benchmark for AI capabilities and pave the way for more intelligent and accessible AI systems.
Source: https://openai.com/index/hello-gpt-4o
TikTok tests ChatGPT-powered search results
TikTok is testing a new search feature that uses AI to generate results for some queries. For certain search terms, like recipes or product recommendations, TikTok will display AI-generated answers at the top of the results. These answers are powered by ChatGPT, and when you click on one of these AI results, it takes you to a page with a full response.
TikTok is also testing "search highlights," which appear at the top of some searches. However, it's unclear whether these highlights are AI-generated.
TikTok is also testing "search highlights," which appear at the top of some searches. However, it's unclear whether these highlights are AI-generated.
Why does it matter?
It could make search on TikTok more authoritative and reliable by providing factual answers from AI models like ChatGPT. This could greatly impact how people use TikTok for search and information gathering, thereby positioning TikTok more directly as a search engine competitor to Google, catering to younger users' preferences.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/2024/5/13/24155875/tiktok-ai-generated-search-results-highlights-chatgpt
Meta explores AI-assisted earphones with built-in cameras
Meta is currently exploring AI-powered earphones with built-in cameras. The project is known internally as “Camerabuds;” however, it’s uncertain if the final product will be in-ear earbuds or over-ear headphones. The cameras let the AI take in surrounding information visually, allowing it to translate foreign languages, identify objects, and more.
CEO Mark Zuckerberg has reportedly seen several possible designs but has not been satisfied with them. Outside of design, the major hurdle is fitting a camera and batteries in a tiny device like an earbud.
Why does it matter?
For the AI wearable space, Meta's development hints at a growing interest in AI-infused devices, potentially paving the way for more sophisticated and interactive wearables. Regarding earphones, this development suggests a potential shift towards more intelligent and feature-rich earphone designs, offering users enhanced functionalities like real-time translation and object identification.
Source: https://www.theinformation.com/articles/meta-explores-ai-assisted-earphones-with-cameras
🎧 Meta developing AI-powered ‘Camerabuds’
Meta is reportedly in the early stages of developing AI-powered earphones, known internally as "Camerabuds,” — aiming to compete with OpenAI and Apple as tech giants rush to infuse AI into wearable devices.
‘Camerabuds’ would map user surroundings, capable of identifying objects and translating foreign languages using built-in cameras.
Meta already has its AI-powered Ray Ban smart glasses, while OpenAI and Apple are also exploring similar AI wearable earbud tech.
Potential challenges include bulkiness, heat generation, and privacy concerns, especially for users with long hair that might obstruct the cameras.
Despite Meta’s shaky track record with hardware ventures, Mark Zuckerberg is investing heavily in a future that he believes includes AI embedded into every device. But will standalone devices like this be able to win over users if and when a fully AI-integrated phone hits the market?
Source: https://www.theinformation.com/articles/meta-explores-ai-assisted-earphones-with-cameras
New AI Job Opportunities on May 14th, 2024
🔍 Perplexity AI - Search Engineer: https://jobs.therundown.ai/jobs/59717759-search-engineer
📋 Shield AI - Project Manager: https://jobs.therundown.ai/jobs/59662354-project-manager-r2638
🌍 C3 AI - General Manager, ESG: https://jobs.therundown.ai/jobs/59647575-general-manager-esg
☁️ Scale AI - Software Engineer, Cloud Infra: https://jobs.therundown.ai/jobs/59597384-software-engineer-cloud-infra
What Else Is Happening in AI on May 14th, 2024❗
💰 Anthropic launches Claude in Europe in the hope of raising more money
Anthropic launches Claude in Europe with support for “multiple languages,” including French, German, Italian, and Spanish across Claude.ai, its iOS app, and its business plan for teams. The launch comes after Anthropic extended its API to Europe for developers. Both moves are part of its bigger push to raise more money for rapid growth. (Link: https://techcrunch.com/2024/05/13/anthropic-is-expanding-to-europe-and-raising-more-money)
🤖 UAE launches a new AI model to compete with big tech
Abu Dhabi's Technology Innovation Institute (TII) released Falcon 2 series: Falcon 2 11B, a text-based model, and Falcon 2 11B VLM, a vision-to-language model that can generate a text description of an uploaded image. This Gen AI model could compete with some of the biggest technology companies and make UAE a strong candidate in the Gen AI space. (Link: https://www.reuters.com/technology/uae-releases-new-ai-model-compete-with-big-tech-2024-05-13)
🖥️ Japan team builds Gen AI foundation model using supercomputer Fukagu
Tokyo Institute of Technology researchers and others have announced the development of an LLM that can serve as a foundation for Gen AI using the Japanese supercomputer Fugaku. Trained extensively on Japanese data, which accounts for 60% of the total training data, the Fugaku-LLM model is expected to lead research on Gen AI tailored to domestic needs. (Link: https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2024/05/11/japan/ai-fugaku-language-model-japanese)
⏰ Microsoft Places finds the best time for your next office day
Microsoft has launched a new app called Microsoft Places that uses AI to help employees and managers coordinate their in-office days and book meeting rooms. The application integrates with Outlook and Microsoft Teams, allowing employees to view and share their office plans and get AI-powered suggestions on which days they should come in. (Link: https://www.theverge.com/2024/5/13/24155204/microsoft-places-ai-hybrid-office-feature)
🤝 U.S. and China to meet in Geneva to discuss AI risks
The U.S. and China will hold their first formal government-to-government discussion on the risks of artificial intelligence in Geneva. The U.S. side will be led by officials from the National Security Council and State Department, while the Chinese side will be led by officials from the Foreign Ministry and the National Development and Reform Commission. (Link: https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Technology/U.S.-and-China-to-hold-first-talks-on-AI-risks-in-Geneva)
Enjoying these daily updates, subscribe below for more: Read Aloud For Me - Recommend AI Tools For Me
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2024.05.15 01:15 nyse125 CPU usage suddenly spikes to 99-100% lately. Anyone else?

RTX 4070 Ti Super
5700X3D
32 GB DDR 4 CL 16 3200
ASUS TUF X570 PLUS
1440p 170hz
Latest Bios + HAGS enabled + DOCP enabled + Game Mode enabled + Dedicated GPU turned on
This issue occurs occasionally with Fortnite but no other game that I play has such poor CPU utilization. For instance, some days fortnite will have a decent cpu usage and fps will drop to 66-78 from 130-140 (like it was just yesterday, this is the norm so far). I even updated my windows 10 to the latest version this morning but Im still facing the same issue. I've even tried changing settings but lowering some of them has caused even more frame rate issues.
Why does fortnite utilize CPU so much during some days opposed to others despite the same amount of apps/programs opened in the background? Im playing the Finals and despite the similar engine (UE 5+ EAC) it never makes my CPU spike to 95-100% even momentarily like fortnite does.
Is this just poorly optimized or is there something else I can do on my part? Also, when is DLSS 3.5 coming? It was supposed to be in fall of 2023.
Side note; my current settings are as follows -
1440p + full screen/180 Fps Cap/Vsync Off/DLSS/Balanced/Reflex On+Boost
Nanite: On
Shadows: Medium
Global Illumination: Ambient Occlusion
Reflections: Screen Space
View Distance: Far
Textures: Epic
Effects: High
Post Processing: High
submitted by nyse125 to FortNiteBR [link] [comments]

2024.05.15 01:14 prcdesign Got my job rejection today after 4 rounds of interviews and a 12 hour “test”

Sorry, Yet another one of these posts.
I just got rejected today after giving at least 16 hours of my time to a company for a Graphic Designer position.
There was a pre-screening interview, an interview with the CEO, a “Design Test” where I was asked to recreate a 10-page interactive InDesign document (it was also littered with errors, which i had to proof read, apparently that was all part of the test), and then an interview with the ceo, vice president, creative director and another designer. Apparently I did really well and the creative director raved about how well i did on the “Design Test” and how no one else was as thorough as me. Afterward, I sent thank you emails to everyone involved, and later that day, they sent me an invitation to a “finalist interview”, which was going to be 4 hours long. It was going to be in 3 more weeks.
So I kept applying in the mean time, but I had been mentally preparing for this long interview and I was even working on a personal project on my own that was more web based, so I had something new to show them. I was feeling pretty good. This morning, I got a voicemail from the CEO thanking me for my time, but explaining they decided to go with another candidate because he “just had so much web design experience”. So they were canceling my Thursday interview.
If I was going to spend over a full day on their “Design Test”, I really wish they had thought it through better and given me a web design test instead of something meant for print, if this was so important to them. It just doesn’t make much sense to waste someone’s time like that.
I got fired from my full-time job 2 weeks before christmas, it’s been months since I actually had a paying gig and I’ve been having problems landing interviews as it is. I’m completely devastated and have been crying all afternoon.
I’ve been working so hard, and I can’t get a single win. Feeling pretty hopeless.
Sorry for the long post. Really just need to vent.
submitted by prcdesign to recruitinghell [link] [comments]

2024.05.15 01:13 vrhelmutt My thoughts on pizzagate

Conspiracy theories involving “elite” pedophile rings have recently been dominating social media in a disorienting frenzy. They have been around for some time but in this century rose back to popularity during the 2016 Election cycle. This crop, at least, took root with what became known as “Pizzagate.” Promoters of that conspiracy theory in 2016 used social media platforms to make unfounded but viral allegations that Hillary Clinton and other prominent Democrats were running a pedophile ring out of the basement of a pizzeria even though that restaurant had no basement, or any ties to known politicians other than the typical flesh pressing (Phrasing I know) moments fit for a picture hung on the wall. Since then, the dark theme of Pizzagate has found new life with permutations forming part of the #Qanon conspiracy theory, incorporated under the umbrella term “pedogate.” The gist of the #pedogate conspiracy theory is that global elites (politicians, celebrities, and wealthy businesspersons) are covertly involved in a far-reaching ring that uses young children for sexual purposes. “What most of these conspiracy theories involve in one way or another is laying accusations of pedophilia or involvement in pedophile rings at the feet of people that they despise or hate, and during the 16’ election cycle, Democrats were a wide target for an opposing political movement that had hijacked the rival Republican party. Pizzagate originated with the “alt right” and “alt lite,” far right extremists who range from outright white supremacists to those who publicly shun racists but otherwise fall in step with their belief systems. Pizzagate jumped from the fringes to the mainstream because as it denigrated Hillary Clinton, it sucked in supporters of then-candidate Donald Trump. After the election all mention of pedogate seemed to be put on a simmer while other National outrages boiled over (#Covid #RussiaGate #BLM) and just like clockwork (heading into our next election cycle has been turned back up. The pedogate conspiracy and all associated stories employ a centuries-old tactic: playing on deep-seated human anxieties by conjuring images of imperiled children, the purest and defenseless victim of any manner of injustice. An example in the modern era of weaponized conspiracy was the satanic panic of the 1980s, in which a wave of hysteria over alleged child molestation at daycare centers swept the nation. But while that phenomenon was a moral panic attributable, at least in part, to social anxiety over white middle class women entering the work force en masse for the first time and entrusting their children to others, the current conspiracy theories about pedophile rings equate to similar propaganda. They carry a danger for stirring up violence. If you want to elicit violent action the way to do it is through hate and fear. Once you target and label a population as pedophiles, you can do anything you like to that population with full excuse being given to the myth you’ve wrapped around it. That’s not to say fears of child abuse or sex trafficking are unfounded. There are many as pedophilia has ancient roots and in many cases was encourage by many world cultures and religions a lot later into Civilization than we’d like to admit. The International Labor Organization reports that 25 percent of the world’s 40.3 million victims of human trafficking are children. The most vulnerable, according to the National Human Trafficking Hotline, are migrants, runaways, the homeless, and youngsters who have been victims of violence. Despite their obsession over the topic, conspiracy followers aren’t worked up about those children who are in true harm’s way. In the world of propaganda, it’s never about real children. Instead, it’s about what children represent. The children imperiled by conspiracy theories, in other words, are only metaphors. Children carry a vast amount of weight in any society, but especially modern ones when they’re expected to survive past the age of five. It wasn’t as intense before the 18th century when child mortality rates were really high. They represent the future, and all that is beautiful and decent and honest in a society, because they are innocent. For most people also, the meaning of their existence is rooted in their children. Children are eschatological, they represent death for us, and what is coming behind us after we are gone. They also represent the threat of loss, if they disappear, if they die, that is the death of society. That’s why they became so crucial and central to Cold War propaganda. The real terror of the nuclear holocaust would be the death of the children, because that’s the death of everyone. A recent example of this is in a recent police investigation into conspiracy claims of PizzaGate style accusation of Portland’s Voodoo Doughnuts. Detectives attempted to contact the person accusing Voodoo Doughnuts on social media of running a pedophile ring. The accuser did not cooperate with investigators and it’s been documented in other coverage online that they had become agitated and accused the Police with complicity when tracked down in person, even though they were attempting to investigate. The pendulum of conspiracy theories about systematic child abuse has swung back and forth for centuries. Examples such as blood libel, when Jewish communities were attacked over false allegations of murdering and consuming Christian children in the Middle Ages. In Europe, During the Thirty Years War, entire villages were put to the sword because it was believed they were abusing children of the other religions. One characteristic that helps Pizzagate-style conspiracy theories gain popularity is that they function like a puzzle game and give its audience a large level of involvement through social media. A lot of conspiracy theories are oracular, where the information comes from one source an oracle. Then there are others where there are a few people who promote the notions, almost like gurus or a conspiracy priesthood. But Pizzagate, it’s more of what one would call a participatory conspiracy theory. Participatory conspiracy theories lay out a scenario or situation and then they ask their audience, ‘what more can you find out about this, what more can you add?’ It turns the audience into willing participants, some knowing they are creating a destructive madlib and other (potential real victims) caking on mystical distraction to issues that have been unreported or scars that have not bee properly treated. The thing about participatory conspiracy theories is it can really create a devoted following because it gives people something to do, it makes them feel they can solve the whole thing or uncover new aspects to it. Once you get that energy going it’s almost self-sustaining. Followers of the Qanon conspiracy theory, call themselves “bakers” because their protagonist “Q” pops up on Internet message boards and leaves “crumbs” (i.e., clues), and they are tasked with picking up the crumbs in order to solve the puzzle. (“Q” is supposed to reference the character’s government security clearance level).
#Q followers believe an even more incoherent version of Pizzagate. This is largely a right-wing fantasy that originated in a series of incoherent posts on #4chan in 2017 by someone calling themselves #QAnon. Following on the heels of similar idiocy such as Pizzagate, it advances a fantastic web of deceit that wraps up Trumpism, deep state fearmongering, evil, satanic pedophilia rings controlled by the Democratic Party, investigations into Russian meddling in the 2016 US election, the Las Vegas shooting, and New World Order paranoia into a package easily and wholeheartedly promoted by internet cesspools and far-right personalities such as Alex Jones. The premise is that President Trump is secretly working to take down a global ring of elite, cannibalistic, satanic pedophiles. And the investigation into Russian meddling into the 2016 election, led by former FBI director Robert Mueller, is actually an investigation into the so-called “deep state”, where a cabal of evil, globalists, including Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama, are responsible for everything from a global pedophile ring to the mass shooting in Las Vegas in 2017. According to the enlightened, when Trump awkwardly took a drink from a bottle of Fiji water at a press conference in November 2017, it wasn’t because he was thirsty; it was actually a secret signal to those in the know that the annihilation of deep state pedophiles had begun (or was about to begin). Because as everyone knows, Fiji is a hot spot for child trafficking. ( I could go on and on with this poorly thought-out shit, I will spare you ) The role the Internet and social media play in helping to spread such insanity can’t be underestimated. Just a few decades earlier, conspiracy theorists would identify each other using letters to the editor printed in newspapers and magazines. It was a lot harder to identify your fellow conspiracy theorists. You would have to physically meet to swap your stories or send letters or call. They would set up these groups that would communicate by newsletter. They would meet in a physical space, like someone’s living room. I personally witnessed people from my childhood, dutifully photocopying newsletters they had received in the mail to give to others (Primarily at my #JW congregation, how ironic). Now obviously it can go much more quickly, because you can identity people immediately. You can quickly share ideas and the data you’ve collected. The Internet allows such people to exist in bubbles where they rarely have their beliefs challenged. The extraordinarily polarized society we’re in right now has made people less willing to seek out other view points. Because of the internet you have less chance of doing this. There’s very little incentive to look outside one’s own bubble once they have become invested in a conspiracy theory. Once you start to act out on those behaviors you are forced to double down by repeating the act to prove it was a just act. Eventually you get caught up in a movement that totally defines your conscious and you can’t get out of it. The second you step out of that world view your actions go back to being reprehensible. Now the question becomes, “What’s the harm? If it sheds light on child abuse, then isn’t it still productive?” The answer in this case is a resounding NO. In my opinion and PAINFUL experience, the root cause and sustaining factors of institutionalized child sex abuse are all things that would counter your typical Conspiracy Nut’s world view, thus causing a complete blackout to the problems. The entity taking part in the harming of children on a local and tangible level aren’t some suit and tie wearing global elitist. It’s a guidance counselor, youth pastor, unvetted young substitute teacher, aunt/uncle/cousin/neighbor. It’s anyone who has been given routine private access to a child’s mind and body because of the social conventions that have been protected for generations by our relatives whether they themselves are guilty of abuse or not. In all the Qanon madness I also kept very close tabs on the pending prosecution of the Boy scouts of America and never saw any widely shared memes about their involvement in the abuse syndicate. Why is this? How is this so? Aren’t these people watching the news, seeing the court records and hearing the individual cases being brought against Scout Leaders (SOME OF WHO RAN THEIR OWN NETWORKS!!)? When I would find mention of accusation it was met with the ever scarce “skepticism” because if the media is covering it, it must be a plot to destroy the organization. There are now non-for profit organizations setting up victim funds and protections for people to come out with their stories and somehow THIS is the fake ruse. Some that know me know that I was a Jehovah’s Witness as a youth/teen/young adult. That chapter of my life could fill many chapters and the research on the organization, the real true black and white history of the religion would honestly surprise you. I saw what I now know was abuse, I personally experienced abuse in many forms. The perpetrators involved are either still Witnesses or are dead or have moved “away from the organization”. But one thing that was left intact in each situation was the secret that they prey on children. The parents, these organizations and the collective promise to keep up appearances are directly to blame for the suffering untold thousands, millions of children and broken adults. All for what? Pride and Vanity and a commitment to all involved to protect them from the “mean old world” despite allowing predators to eat their children from within. Being a #JW was a very interesting experience. It provides a very efficient form of insulation from outside society and allows people involved to view the chaos from afar. There is this persistent (albeit false) sense of shared peace that members have. It’s as though for three days a week you go to this meeting where no matter what, everyone has a smile and feels about things EXACTLY how you do. There is no cursing, there are no politics, there surely isn’t any destructive influences that would tarnish your chances of salvation. For a parent this is a refuge when raising a child in a world that is dangerously unpredictable. A Child that you are unable (or unwilling) to teach coping skills to get along by societal standards, A child you want to protect by hiding. This is problem #1. As an adult the congregation presents an avenue for which you can act and behave in a way that allows you to reconcile your past, a way to have less of those nights awake because you think about past wrongs you’ve committed against people. It’s the proverbial band-aid for a guilty, bruised, destroyed conscious of any size. Coming into the organization takes nothing more than the desire to change, publicly declaring your willingness to hand over your life to God (The organization). Bam, You’re in! No credit check, no background check. This is problem #2. A JW is taught that “every facet is an asset” (Ministerial Servants know what I’m talking about). What this means is that every facet of your life is an asset to the organization to spread its word. If the world see’s their product’s application into your life and thereby how much better it is than a normal person’s, then they’ve made an “Effective Witness” to the world. This causes Witnesses of any age to allow almost every facet of their life to be a tool by the organization. For a parent this includes their children. This is problem #3 When you get a culture that insulates itself from the real world, that allows you to enter without any coherent vetting, give access to children whose parents feel obligated to present as a “witness” to the lifestyle. You get a twisted corridor in which victims can get lost for a lifetime and predators can hide in plain sight. For any proponents of the “Save-The-Children” movement to not take a step back and really analyze their local community and lifestyle through these lenses only illustrates that child abuse is being weaponized politically at the expense of others whom you aren’t willing to save because it would look bad for ‘your side’. If you truly care, you wouldn’t be sharing email forwards about what evil unverified unmentionable thing you read some celebrity or politician did. Instead, you’d be drawing back on your experiences as a child. Even if nothing happened directly to you, I’m sure you know some one that had an experience that forever harmed their life. Who did it? Was there a pattern or social condition that allowed for this as was laid out in the JW example? How could it have been avoided? Would you have stopped it if you saw the signs? Are you willing to stop it in the future, knowing what you know now? If you can answer any of those questions with a yes, then you have all you need to WRITE your own material to reach real victims and their families. Does your action cause problems for your ‘side’? It shouldn’t matter and you know that. If it does make a difference to you then you are no better than the shadowy pedophilic cabal that you are so obsessed with.
submitted by vrhelmutt to conspiracy [link] [comments]

2024.05.15 01:12 Evening-Parsley2112 Narc mother asks for help with monster brother after 8 years of NC

So this is a long one. Like, I'm going back over it and damn. This is longer than I thought it would be. Throwaway account, I've only made one other post to this relating to what's going on. Instead of updating the other post, I figured I'd make a separate one about the whole shit show I experienced, and the shit circus I uncovered and avoided. I'll try to keep this in as chronological an order as I can.
As the title says, my abusive/narc mom and pos/delusional/golden child brother started trying to reach out to me a few months ago wanting to make amends and build bridges with me again. There were a few people that commented on my previous post in another subreddit that may be a little disappointed in me for how I handled this, and a few that might enjoy that I handled it the way I did. Someone commented to not let them use my good nature. My nature is dependent on who I'm dealing with, and when it comes to that side of my family, I'm more stick than carrot. So their attempts did not go ignored, and did not go unpunished.
Growing up, I was always closer with my Dad than my mom. My brother was the epitome of "pampered mamma's boy". He started having seizures as a child and was diagnosed with epilepsy, which I thought was why my mom babied the absolute fuck out of him long into adulthood. He would go a year or 2 without any seizures, and then there would be a few months where he'd be having them every other day. At Anytime he got in trouble at home or school, my mom would find a way to blame me, for not making sure he knew whatever he was doing would get him in trouble, or she would blame my dad for not being "involved enough in their baby's life." My dad was in the Navy and I remember any time he'd deploy, I'd dread every day until he came back. My brother would taunt me that he knew whatever he did, I'd be the one to get in trouble for it. My dad would always make things up for me when he got back from his deployments though. We'd often have weekend trips just the 2 of us. And then around my 12th birthday, my mom insisted on sitting us all down and explain to that she and my dad were getting a divorce. We got the whole talk about how they still love us and they just can't be together anymore, etc. my dad told us both that he still loved us and he would be there for us whenever we needed him. He explained that he would be moving out, but he would be by to pick us up to spend the weekends with us. I was nervous and honestly scared of what it would be like without him. But I was looking forward to the weekend when I got to see him again. That never happened though, and that was the last time I ever got to see him.
Right before his weekend with us, my mom explained to us that my dad didn't want anything to do with us anymore. There was some news story about a father that killed his kids when he had custody of them and she used that to terrify my brother and convince him that our dad wanted to kill us to start his life over. We left damn near everything behind and moved in with my mom's brother in Florida (from Virginia) a couple days before my dad was supposed to come get us. After that, she went to great lengths to make sure we had no contact from him.
Years went on, my mom seemed more indifferent towards me than ever. She never seemed interested in anything I did unless my brother also seemed interested in it. She didn't show any interest in my wanting to learn guitar until my brother also showed interest in it. Then we got one guitar that we had to share, I'd take lessons on the condition that I taught my brother whatever I learned in them. My brother eventually wound up breaking the guitar and I was blamed for not storing it in the case it came with. I had to share my N64 with him whenever he wanted to play it. I was playing perfect dark one day and having a hard time killing the skedar leader at the end of the game. My brother burst into the room saying he wanted to play his MegaMan game, to which I just replied "give me a minute, this boss fight is hard, once I'm done you can have your turn" He didn't like that. He left the room and came back with a hammer and smashed the console while I was still playing. My fault for not letting him play it. The only thing I had that he could not use was a pair of roller blades my aunt got me for my 14th birthday. I specifically asked for roller blades to get around instead of a bike because my brother and I had different shoe sizes, so he couldn't wear them Because of constant shit like that, I never really put much value in having things growing up. I didnt want to buy something or get something as a gift just to have it fucked up in a few weeks or months. At some point, my "little" brother became the larger one, so my clothes all became "hand-me-ups" as he outgrew everything. So, because I didn't really have any distractions at home, I turned into a high achieving student, rarely got in trouble. made the honor roll all throughout school. But that wasn't something to celebrate as it was expected of me. I had long since decided that I was moving out as soon as I could once I turn 18. I got a job working at a Walgreens as soon as I could and started saving up for a car. My mom however took issue with this and would never agree to take me looking for one and absolutely refused to ever have it put on her insurance. This is where my Aunt comes in. She and her son are the only 2 on my mom's side that aren't some sort of degenerate. She had her son young, but put herself through college while raising him alone and eventually got her MBA and a cushy upper corporate job. She told me to tell my mom I had to go in to work on one of my days off, that she would pick me up and she would take me car shopping. So that's what we did. I couldn't quite afford a cash car, but she helped me with the financing. I put down what I had as the down payment, the arrangement she made with me was that 1- as long as I was in school, she would cover the insurance and payments for me, however, if I got into an accident, I was responsible for paying the deductable. And 2- as long as i was living with my mom, the car remained in her (Aunt's) name. And if anything happened to it, to let her know so she could get the appropriate authorities involved. My mom was PISSED when she found out I now had a car. Her reasoning (that she said in front of my aunt) was that she didn't think it was fair for one of us-either me or my brother- to have something the other couldn't use. Due to him being 13 and having epilepsy, he couldn't drive, so why should i have a car if my brother doesn't? That turned into a long shouting match between my mom and Aunt that basically ended with my aunt explaining that since it was her car, and all paperwork on her name, I was just on the insurance for it so I could drive it. But if anything at all happened to it while I was living at my Mom's, that the police and insurance companies would get involved. My mom still kept track of all the miles on the car to "make sure I was only going to work and school and wherever she told me I could go". Most of the time, when I hung out with friends, I wasn't the one driving. From that that point though, my mindset was very much "keep my head down and nose clean until I can leave." I graduated a month before my 18th birthday. After graduation, my mom and i got into an argument about me contributing to her bills. I eventually dropped the ball that I planned on getting back in touch with my Dad and leaving. She started laughing. Something about that laugh made me really uncomfortable. She then said "well, you can certainly meet up with him whenever you want! I'll supply the gun if you buy the bullet!" And told me my dad had died when I was 15. That. Fucking. Broke. Me. Later that night, i called my best friend and vented everything to him. He was in the DEP program for the Navy and would be shipping out in a few months, he told me to come by first thing in the morning and talk with him and his parents about the whole situation. I basically packed up all of my clothes and left the day after my 18th birthday. I just left my house key and a note that said "I'm not your problem anymore." I couch surfed for a little while until after my best friend left for boot camp, then I was able to move in and live with his parents (chosen parents basically). My only real rules were keep the house and my space clean and make sure I had a job and/or going to school. I spent a few months mourning my dad and kind of in a haze. Since he was in the Navy though, that meant I was reliable for financial aid for school. My second dad helped me get everything put together to start receiving that so I could start college.
Well, after a couple years of this, my brother, who had spent his time at school more as "forced socializing" instead of learning, was expelled from public schools for allegedly setting off a fire extinguisher in a classroom. He had to enroll at an alternative school called "the drop back-in academy" that was specifically for dropouts or anyone that got the boot from the public school system. My mom reached out to me and asked me if I would drive him to this school in the mornings, she'd pick him up in the afternoons, and she'd pay me $20 a week.I agreed to it thinking this was out of character for her, but she surprisingly held up to that agreement. I drove him for a couple years until I was ready to start my bachelor program. My second parents were getting ready to move back to their hometown and I was going to start school on the other side of the city. So, I was moving to that side of town and couldn't really drive out of my way to pick up and drop off my brother anymore. He continued his enrollment at this place for another 3 years (5 years total) and it turned out, he was never attending. I would drop his ass off there every day and he'd just walk home immediately after I pulled out of the parking lot. He'd just tell my mom that he finished his work early and decided to walk home instead of wait around for her. One afternoon, I'm coming home early from work and my brother is just sitting on the steps to my studio apartment. He tells me that he and our mom got into a really big argument and he needs a place to stay. I (reluctantly) let him in. I'm stuck thinking he must be really desperate if he's coming to me for help. But I start thinking at this point, he's 24, jobless, and probably needs to learn some self discipline and responsibility, and our mom just never did that for him. So I try to help. I ask him what their fight was about and he tells me that he started dating this girl at his alternative school. She was 21 and got the boot from the school system for being too old to attend (we actually have several relatives that were kicked out of the school system for the same reason) and that he accidentally got her pregnant and our mom did not take kindly to that. I called my landlord and explained the situation to him. He was okay with it, so I let him crash on my couch for a little bit (until the end of my lease, then I'd be moving) and just told him to clean up after himself, take care of himself, etc until we could all work this out. He crashed there for a few months and did Jack shit. He would complain that I didn't have a computer for him to use (I only had a laptop I bought for school) and I didn't have any video game consoles for him to entertain himself with. So he was stuck there bored all day. I got tired of the complaining and lack of effort and told him he had to go back to our mom's if he wasn't going to be an adult. We started shouting at each other until he dropped this little bombshell. He yelled "I can't go back to Mom's!" And when I asked why, he just blurted out "because it's to close to that elementary school!" That stopped the whole thing. "And why is that a big deal now?" I asked him. I already knew why that would be the problem, but 1% of me was holding onto the hope that he was got jumped by a gang of 5th graders and the trauma was too much for him to bear. I told him he could either tell me what's going on, or I could make a phone call and get every last detail I needed. He confessed that he had been leaving that school and going over to his "girlfriend's" house and waiting for her to get home. And that one day, her mom ended up catching them in the act. I explained to him that he was leaving out important details if that was the reason he couldn't be near a school.
He told me she was 14, not 21. I. Lost. My. Shit. Everything after that is kinda fuzzy, but he was arrested, mom posted bail, and since she lived right around the corner from an elementary school, he couldn't stay there. So they told his parole officer that he'd be staying at my address until his court date.. his PO had swung by a couple times, but I was always either at work or school or out somewhere. At this point, I told him the lease was up in 6 weeks, I couldn't stand to be around him. I packed my stuff early, moved out into a storage unit, and I stayed at an extended stay hotel until it was time for me to move. Called my landlord and told him what was going on, and if my brother was still there the last week of the lease, nail him for trespassing. My landlord was a good guy. I never had any problems with him. I paid up the last 6 weeks and threw him since extra cash for his troubles as I knew I wouldn't be getting my deposit back. That was the last time I saw my brother. After I moved out of state, I cut all contact with everyone in that family except my Aunt who was the only one that ever helped me out or even had my back. But even then, it was just through email. We'd mainly email birthday and holiday wishes to each other. Updates from my side on how life and career are going.
I never had a myspace or a Facebook growing up. I either never had a computer to check it on, or I was just so accustomed to not having any online distractions that I just never got around to making one. I did finally make a Facebook and I did get in touch with my dad's side of the family and reconnected with them. I hadn't seem most of them since I was 4 or 5. Some of them had been in contact with my brother (he fucking knew our dad died) and was spinning some sort of web about how he graduated high school early, had gone to college for pre-med and then got some sort of full ride scholarship to some prestigious medical school in Florida. He told them I wasn't on social media because I had been arrested for selling drugs and that he was taking me in after I got released. He was also using my senior portrait as a profile pic. They were surprised when they saw me and how I "looked just like my brother!" I had set the record straight. They looked dumbfounded when I told them that he couldn't get himself out of the 9th grade in 10 years, and now would likely never complete his high school journey due to the fact he can't be within 100 yards of a school.
So, fast forward to last week. I checked my email for the first time since late January (for my aunt's birthday) and noticed a few from her saying my mom wanted to reach out, then several emails from a new address. It was my mom's first initial and last name. Subject lines usually read "please respond" and "let me know you're okay" and stuff like that. I'd copy some of them over, but holy shit this is already a novella. Basically she got my email address from sneaking my aunt's phone (aunt did not sell me out). She's trying to apologize for how she treated me growing up and trying to excuse it by saying I reminded her of my dad and then she was going through menopause and just any excuse to dishes full accountability it seems. She acknowledges that it was wrong to hold me accountable for my brother's fuck-ups but dismisses that by saying he didn't know any better and she needed me to be a good role model for him. Things have been hard for her since I left, since she "had" to take my brother back in (I would've left him on the street or in jail), she had to sell her house (she was only 10 years into her mortgage) and buy another smaller one further from a school for him. He never did get a hs diploma or GED because how can he? And she's been going through breast cancer treatment for the last several months and just doesn't have the energy to take care of her 33yo baby anymore. She asked me if I lived close enough to them to take him in for a little bit while she focuses on her health. I left Florida 8 years ago and haven't even lived in the same time zone in 6 years. She can only check her email at work since she no longer has Internet at home. She had to cancel her home Internet service because of him. So, I decided to just put my brother's name into a search bar and the first thing that pops up is a FDLE sex offender's page. And holy shit has he gone downhill. He had a second arrest when he was 27 for the same thing, and then was caught in communications with another girl (like Chris Hansen sting) and was released from prison at the beginning of the year. And the mugshot.... You know the pale lady from the scary stories to tell in the dark movie? Think that, but with a patchy beard. Beady eyes, bad skin and all. According to the sheriff's office inmate search, he's been arrested 5 times in the last 10 years. Twice for lewd and lascivious battery of a minor (aged 12-15), once for solicitation of a minor, and twice for probation violations.
The TL/DR: abusive mom took all her frustrations out on me, blamed me for everything my brother did, hid my father's death from me until I was almost 18, and reaches out after 8 years of no contact and wants me to take care of her pedophile son while she's in poor health.
I'm attaching my response to her below.
Hi. I'm alive. I'm well. I'm also not okay with you contacting me, especially under the circumstances that you violated the privacy of your own sister to get my contact information. I have read your apologies and excuses and I do not accept either. You say I reminded you of Dad? He spent more time with me and showed more interest in my well-being than you ever did, and that's including the 6 years he was absent from my life by your own selfish design. Menopause? I find that hard to believe as this went on for the better part of half a decade and not once in that time did your attitude towards brother change. You always treated him with the same coddling infantile obsession and patience that one would show a toddler. It was and is clear that you have a preferred child as that adult-sized pile of shit is still living comfortably with dear old mama. I'm guessing no one else is willing to take him in? Are Uncle and Cousins afraid of him doing something to their daughters or grandchildren? I do believe you when you say you want to rebuild the bridge that you nuked from orbit years ago, but I can't believe it's not for your own selfish desires. And I can't find any reason or way my quality of life could be improved with your presence. The reality is, my life has been far better without you than it could be with you. I've never said this to anyone, but if there is a sense of karma and balance in the universe, your current situation is proof of that. The next time I see your name on my computer screen, had better be for your obituary. But since you and the monster you raised both decided to keep Dad's death a secret from me, and remove any choice I had to mourn or pay my respects, I'll return that kindness to you.
Please die away from me.
submitted by Evening-Parsley2112 to narcissisticparents [link] [comments]

2024.05.15 01:03 EJC28 Jets 2024 Draft Analysis Compilation

Round 1, Pick 11 - Olumuyiwa Fashanu, OT, Penn State:
NFL: Though he enters the NFL as a work in progress, Fashanu is a long, athletic offensive tackle with a lot of upside. The good thing here is the Jets don’t need him to start from Day 1, so the Penn State product can learn behind established veterans Tyron Smith and Morgan Moses.
CBS Sports: B-. He is a left tackle for the future, but also insurance if Tyron Smith can’t play the whole season. He is good in pass protection, but needs to improve his run blocking. This isn’t an all-in pick like Brock Bowers might have been.
ESPN: Not the sexy pick, but the right pick. Georgia tight end Brock Bowers would've garnered bigger headlines than Fashanu, but the need at offensive tackle trumped what would have been a luxury pick. This was general manager Joe Douglas pouring more resources into an injury-riddled line that allowed 64 sacks, including the one that ended Aaron Rodgers' season on the fourth snap. Douglas acquired veterans Tyron Smith, Morgan Moses and John Simpson in free agency, and now he has a highly skilled heir apparent at left tackle. Fashanu needs seasoning as a run-blocker, but he allowed only one sack at Penn State and was named Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year. This marks the third time in the past five drafts that the Jets used a first-round pick on a lineman.
NFL Absolutely Not Fake News: He was not alive when The Waterboy came out.
Round 3, Pick 65 - Malachi Corley, WR, Western Kentucky:
NFL: Some have likened Corley to "Deebo Samuel Lite" for his running back-like build and tackle-breaking ability, although he's not as dynamic a player yet as Samuel is. The Jets can use him in the Randall Cobb role and upgrade that spot, however.
CBS Sports: B. Angry WR who plays like a RB with the ball in his hands. Some route-tree experience but predominantly deployed as gadget type and showcased insane contact balance in college. Fun addition as extension of Jets run game. Just a niche type.
ESPN: The Jets have a new king -- the "YAC King," as Corley was known in college. They coveted him so much that they traded up seven spots, giving up a third-round pick (72) and a fifth-rounder (157). Rodgers gave his stamp of approval, telling Saleh via text that he's excited about Corley. He did two things exceptionally well in college: make yards after the catch and score touchdowns. From 2021 to 2023, he scored 29 receiving TDs (tied for the second most in the FBS) and racked up 2,068 yards after the catch, easily the most in the FBS. He's not a blazer (4.56 seconds in the 40), but he's a strong, violent runner, evoking comparisons to Deebo Samuel. The Jets' receivers didn't generate much YAC last season, so he should provide a needed dimension to the receiving corps. Corley is best out of the slot, but he can be used as a gadget player on screens and jet sweeps.
NFL Absolutely Not Fake News: Round Three: If this was a MK fight someone would be a winner here.
Round 4, Pick 134 - Braelon Allen, RB, Wisconsin:
NFL: Allen is a big, fast back who might vault to RB2 behind Breece Hall eventually. There was some talk about Allen possibly landing in Round 3, so the value appears good. He's a straight-line runner but one who brings juice and force to the position.
CBS Sports: B+. Not a freaky specimen athletically but enormous RB with loads of experience. One of the youngest prospects in the entire class. Game is predicated on between-the-tackles vision and effortless power through contact. Not elusiveness or speed. Best pass pro RB in the class.
ESPN: A bit of a surprise, considering the Jets already have a terrific RB1, Breece Hall. Yes, they needed another backup to pair with 2023 draft pick Israel Abanikanda, and they opted for the 235-pound bruiser instead of a veteran free agent. Allen brings size and power to the position; he squatted 610 pounds as a freshman. He was the heaviest running back at scouting combine. His mindset: "I try to punish defenders." He befriended Derrick Henry via social media -- a pretty good resource for a "big" back. Allen rushed for 3,494 yards and 35 touchdowns in a highly productive career at Wisconsin, which has produced some fantastic running backs. His numbers dipped last season with a new coaching staff. Allen will push Abanikanda, who rushed for 70 yards as a rookie. In Hall, Allen and Abanikanda, they have plenty of speed, power and youth. In fact, Allen, who doesn't turn 21 until Jan. 20, is the youngest player in the draft.
NFL Absolutely Not Fake News: Enjoys baby carrots and ranch as a light snack at the end of the day.
Round 5, Pick 171 - Jordan Travis, QB, Florida State:
NFL: Someone check on Aaron Rodgers! All kidding aside, this feels like an excellent landing spot for Travis, with Zach Wilson shipped to Denver and Rodgers perhaps a year or two from retirement. Travis made steady strides as a passer and leader over his five college seasons, taking care of the ball, threatening defenses with his legs and displaying the competitiveness and creativity to give him a shot.
CBS Sports: B-. Older but ascending passer who demonstrated clear improvement as a thrower during his collegiate career. Flair for the improvisational play with his legs and simply when keeping his eyes downfield after pressure mounts. Touch at all levels is good. Late-season torn ACL. Small frame with average at best arm talent but good accuracy.
ESPN: Five days after trading Zach Wilson to the Denver Broncos, the Jets added a new face to the quarterback room. Travis is a long-term project, a developmental player who can learn from two wise heads, Aaron Rodgers and Tyrod Taylor. It's an ideal situation for Travis, who, like Rodgers, is attempting to return from a major injury. In his case, it was a gruesome broken ankle last November, a devastating setback that ruined a storybook college season. Travis improved last season as a passer (20 TDs, two interceptions), but he still has a way to go. He has average arm strength, but he has exceptional movement skills. As he noted, "I'm a playmaker. I make plays when everything breaks down." Naturally, his surgically repaired ankle is a big question mark. He declined to give a timetable on when he'd be ready for football activities.
NFL Absolutely Not Fake News: Once moonwalked an entire marathon. That’s right. 26.2 miles of moonwalk.
Round 5, Pick 173 - Isaiah Davis, RB, South Dakota State:
NFL: A consistent producer at the FCS level, Davis reminded me of Tyler Allgeier a bit as a prospect. Davis also showed up against a very good Iowa defense, with 80-plus yards from scrimmage. But did the Jets need another big back? They're pretty loaded with Breece Hall, Israel Abanikanda, Braelon Allen and now Davis. I like the player, but the redundancy is confusing.
CBS Sports: C. Big, highly athletic feature back without serious top speed but nifty cutting skill at all levels of the field. Will make many defenders miss although could experience some growing pains making step up in competition. Serious feature back potential but another RB?
ESPN: Another running back on Day 3? This certainly should send a message to Abanikanda. The competition is on. Davis is an interesting pick. He absolutely dominated FCS competition, rushing for 4,548 yards and 50 touchdowns in his career. He led the FCS last season with 1,578 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns. But can he make the jump to the NFL? At 6-foot, 218 pounds, he has an NFL body, but his speed (4.57 in the 40) is suspect. He came from a gap blocking scheme and will have to adjust to the Jets' zone-based scheme. He should be a terror on special teams, which is what you want out of a backup running back drafted in the fifth round.
NFL Absolutely Not Fake News: Knows the difference between a null value and zero on a tax return.
Round 5, Pick 176 - Qwan’tez Stiggers, CB, CFL (Toronto Argonauts):
NFL: Stiggers never played college football, which is why he had to take the unusual CFL-to-the-NFL draft route. But he's a fascinating talent with clear ballhawking skills in his one year with the Toronto Argonauts, even if he's a clear project.
CBS Sports: C+. Traits and flash-based CB who still needs to learn the nuances of reading routes and understanding concepts but at times his athletic skill and size get him to the football. Twitch and speed jump out on film. Not a sound tackler right now.
ESPN: The Jets drafted three projects in the fifth round, none bigger than Stiggers, who has no college experience and played one season (2023) in the CFL for the Toronto Argonauts. He was eligible for the NFL draft because he didn't attend college. He's extremely raw, but the tools are there. He has good size (5-foot-11, 203) and ran the 40 in 4.45 seconds at his pro day. For the Argos, he recorded five interceptions and was named most outstanding defensive rookie. He joins a loaded cornerback room, led by All-Pro Sauce Gardner. Stiggers is an ideal candidate for the practice squad, where he could continue his development.
NFL Absolutely Not Fake News: I’m just here to remind you that the Arizona Cardinals exist.
Round 7, Pick 257 - Jaylen Key, S, Alabama:
NFL: Key has pretty interesting length for a DB and he played arguably well for Bama after transferring from UAB, but his lack of long speed likely keeps his role limited to box-safety duties in the NFL.
CBS Sports: C+. Sizable, reasonable athlete who’s best near the line of scrimmage but doesn’t play with his hair on fire. Sound tackler and will lay the lumber. Has the linear speed to run with TEs down the seam. Not a bendy mover so doesn’t stick to his responsibilities in coverage often. Average-at-best ball skills.
ESPN: Hello, Mr. Irrelevant -- the Jets' first since 1969. Key is a 6-1, 208-pound safety known for his physical style of play. He doesn't have great speed (4.6 in the 40), but his noted toughness will help him land a role on special teams. Key began his career at UAB, spending only one season at Alabama. He started 12 games for coach Nick Saban, but he didn't have much ball production -- only one interception and two passes defensed. The Jets' safety depth could have an opening or two. After incumbent Tony Adams, they have veteran Chuck Clark and career backup Ashtyn Davis.
NFL Absolutely Not Fake News: Was drafted into the NFL and no one can ever take that away from him.
submitted by EJC28 to nyjets [link] [comments]

2024.05.15 01:03 Piggle_pi My experience with Asus and why I will never buy from them again

Around 2-4 years ago I got an Asus laptop for Christmas and I was really happy and everything worked fine for about a year... Until, for some reason I was getting random error messages (that I sadly don't remember) popping up on my laptop along with the screen glitching and showing nothing for half a second for about 5 times a day, Then a year or so later the entire storage just crapped itself and decided to fail and say it was full despite not even being used half way along with a terrible price for performance ratio. The only upside with the laptop is that it was very bulky so dropping it wouldn't really do anything but it makes sense since the laptop was pretty much broken to begin with.
submitted by Piggle_pi to pcmasterrace [link] [comments]

2024.05.15 01:01 MerkadoBarkada Citicore Renewable sets IPO for June 7; MREIT to acquire P13-B in buildings through swap; Vista Land approves P5-B prefs offer (Wednesday, May 15)

Happy Wednesday, Barkada --

The PSE gained 4 points to 6608 ▲0.1%

Shout-out to financial freedom for the dividend card design advice, to Mike Tan for supporting the idea of the dividend cards, to Jing for hoping that competition would fix FMETF's iNav problems, to Justin Angelo Bantang for providing the equation that let him to "give up" on FILRT ("declining stock price + declining dividend payout = give up"), to VodkaMartini_007 for the OGP meme suggestion ("Doom Guy in Hell"), to Cheerful2_Dogman210x for the OGP analysis ("might take a quick peek if it hits a strong support"), and to arkitrader for the REIT Police vibes.
I know I still owe an update to the MB Underwriters League table, and I'll have that ready for tomorrow's send!

▌In today's MB:

▌Daily meme Subscribe (it's free) Today's email

▌Main stories covered:

  • [UPDATE] Citicore Renewable IPO pushed back to June 7... Citicore Renewable Energy Corporation [CREC 3.88 pre-IPO] [link] pushed its IPO back one week to June 7, with a revised offer period between May 27 and May 31. This is the second time that CREC’s IPO has been rescheduled. CREC was originally intended to list in March, but the listing was pushed back to the end of May after sticky inflation prevented central banks from lowering rates. CREC raised ₱5 billion from its sale shares in its subsidiary, Citicore Renewable Energy REIT [CREIT 2.85 ▲0.7%; 107% avgVol], to SM Investments [SM 887.00 ▲0.2%; 163% avgVol] back on March 31. The offer is 1.786 billion common primary shares at a maximum price of ₱3.88/share. Together with the overallotment option, the total IPO is worth up to ₱7.97 billion.
    • MB: I don’t have any insider information about why the IPO was delayed a second time. I know that the PSE is usually hesitant to schedule IPOs too closely together for fears of oversaturating the market with new equity issuances, and given how heavy the OceanaGold PH [OGP 12.36 ▼1.1%; 31% avgVol] listing has been so far, perhaps the PSE and CREC together decided that it might be worth it to get a little (more) space between OGP and CREC’s listing just to be sure. Edgar Saavedra’s group has been clear the whole time of its intent to list CREC in Q2, so a reschedule by one week to June 7 doesn’t seem like anything other than a bit of fine-tuning. Not sure how deeply we can read into anything. Just excited to get a look at a new IPO.
  • [NEWS] MREIT to acquire ₱13.15-B worth of office buildings through share swap... MREIT [MREIT 12.80 ▼1.2%; 380% avgVol] [link] announced that it has applied to the SEC to approve a property-for-share swap transaction with its parent company, Megaworld [MEG 1.79 ▲0.6%; 136% avgVol], where MREIT will acquire six “Grade A buildings” from MEG in exchange for 926,162,000 primary MREIT shares. The transaction is valued at ₱13.15 billion (~₱14.20/share). The properties that MEG will inject into MREIT are One Fintech Place and Two Fintech Place in Iloilo Business Park, Davao Finance Center in Davao Park District, and Two West Campus, Ten West Campus, and One Le Grand in Fort Bonifacio. The transaction will increase MREIT’s gross leasable area (GLA) by 48% to 482,000 square meters.
    • MB: This property-for-share swap structure is how the framers of the REIT Law imagined REITs would grow. I’ve seen some comments talking about how the issuance of primary shares by MREIT to MEG dilutes MREIT shareholders; this is true from a voting perspective, but not from a dividend or yield perspective. Starting from the point when the SEC approves the transaction, MREIT will begin generating revenue from these properties, and that revenue will flow into the dividends that MREIT will declare in future quarters. According to my calculations with the PSE’s data, this swap would push MREIT’s public float below the REIT Law’s one-third minimum public ownership threshold to 32.29%, so perhaps MEG will look to sell a small batch of shares in a private placement to prevent the possibility of suspension. Who knows when the SEC will approve the transaction? All I know is that it’s not a good look to get caught flat-footed by a surprise approval, like what happened to Leandro Leviste back when he still owned SP New Energy [SPNEC 1.13 ▼0.9%; 45% avgVol]. I’m interested to see how MREIT will react to the shifting fundamentals of the office market. Anyone here tried GPT-4o? Things are changing at a rapid pace. A year ago we were laughing at having text translated into Jar-Jar speak. Today, I had a full 10-minute conversation with GPT-4o (“Sky”) about how to use Google Looker to produce a financial dashboard using my Google Sheets data.
  • [NEWS] Vista Land board approves ₱5-B preferred shares offer... Vista Land [VLL 1.50 ▲2.0%; 0% avgVol] [link] disclosed that its board has approved a ₱5 billion preferred shares offering, consisting of 50,000,000 Series 2 Preferred Shares priced at ₱100/share. VLL said that China Bank Capital and SB Capital will be joint lead underwriters on the deal. The company did not provide any information about the potential dividend or the timeline for the offer period and listing of the shares.
    • MB: This prefs sale comes after VLL had to kill its disastrous attempt to sell $700 million in US Dollar-denominated bonds back in late January. Back then, VLL’s bonds were simply not shiny enough to compete with the yields of other (better) issuers. When it pulled the bonds there was an expectation that VLL would try again once rates had come down a bit, and while rates have not gone down, perhaps this smaller offering is intended to deal with whatever short-term needs the company has while it waits to make a bond offering at some future time when rates are lower.
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2024.05.15 01:01 zillybong Race Report: Eugene Marathon 2024 - First Marathon Ever!

Race Information

Goals

Goal Description Completed?
A Sub 3:30 Yes
B Finish my first marathon! Yes

Splits

Mile Time
1 8:03
2 7:41
3 7:49
4 7:56
5 7:46
6 7:33
7 7:37
8 7:39
9 7:45
10 7:31
11 7:44
12 7:49
13 7:42
14 7:39
15 7:36
16 7:42
17 8:05
18 8:09
19 7:55
20 7:42
21 7:56
22 7:42
23 8:03
24 8:00
25 8:05
26 8:15
26.2 7:53

Training

I'm a 37M who has never been a runner in the past, mostly just ran short distances in order to maintain fitness for the various sports that I played. My main form of exercise prior to this was pick-up basketball a couple days a week, which for those of you who know ball, mainly involves short sprints with periods of standing around (obviously I should be crashing the boards more). A friend invited me to run the Eugene Marathon (our hometown race) with him and on a whim I said yes. How hard could it be? Unbeknownst to me, really freaking hard.
My training block started in December with no formal training plan. I took a look at all the various recommended plans, from Hanson's to Pfitz 18/55, and loosely based my training on a mishmash of these. Ultimately I ended up averaging 20-40 miles per week, usually with one or two easy runs, one speed session, one tempo run, and one long run. I realize that this is lowish mileage, but it was all I could honestly pull off with three kids and a demanding job. I spent the first weeks just getting used to running, figuring out what good running form is supposed to be, how to tackle track workouts, how to interpret my Garmin data, and assembling some sort of a shoe rotation. I didn't have a time goal in mind at first, but as my running fitness slowly revealed itself, I made an arbitrary goal of sub-3:30. Ambitious for a first marathon, but according to my metrics theoretically obtainable.
Training went well and I was able to avoid injury. I ended up completing three long runs of 20, 20, and 21 miles each, each with a good amount of marathon pace (7:50) miles. Looking back, this may not have been optimal since about 40-50% of my weekly mileage was concentrated in these long runs, leading to longer recovery times afterwards. I practiced with Maurten gels, found them easy to handle, and decided to stick with them for race day. Turns out that I can handle more affordable gels too (more on that later), so maybe I'll change things up for the next training block. Strength training was sprinkled in haphazardly, mostly doing upper body work because my legs would be tired. This would come back to mildly haunt me during the race. In any case, training felt like it went relatively smoothly, though I would in retrospect add in some more hill work.

Pre-race

Tapered for a couple weeks before race day, which felt very odd. I was getting all sorts of weird aches and pains that I hadn't experienced before, and the runs that I did ended up feeling pretty sluggish. I may experiment with a shorter (7-10 day) taper in the future to see if it feels any different. Carb loaded the week before just by trying to eat more rice, pasta, and bread, but didn't try to count grams. Honestly, I love carb loading, it felt fantastic to eat a bunch of carbs when I had been trying to avoid it to stave off the dad-bod in the past few years.
Eugene being my hometown race, it was pretty nice to sleep in my own bed the night before. I did wake up in a cold sweat at 4AM because I had an incredibly vivid nightmare that I woke up at 7:05 and missed the start, that was real fun. Ate a bagel with peanut butter, bananas, and honey, drank my customary cup of coffee, evacuated the bowels, and caught a ride to the race with a buddy who I was running with. I have no other races to compare this with, but Eugene felt like a really well organized race, with tons of portapotties, volunteers, and quick gear check. Pre-race went without a hitch and we made it into Corral B about 15 minutes before the start. I had no idea it was going to be that crowded, but it was fun chatting with the people around us as we tried to stay warm. The announcer counted us down, and off we went!

Race

Miles 1-13
This being my first marathon, I kind of knew to expect a crowded start, but I wasn't fully prepared for exactly how crowded it would be. I ended up trying to keep to the edges to try and maintain my pace, but that did lead to some weaving and jumping over curbs/puddles/potholes, which may have come back to bite me later in the race. The first few miles of the race went reasonably well as I tried to keep to my planned pace of 7:40-7:50 min/mile and I felt fine. I stuck to my fueling strategy of a Maurten 100 every 30 minutes, alternating between regular and caf gels. I also tried to grab Nuun drink and down it while running - I quickly figured out after the first station that I would just end up aspirating half of the drink and have a violent coughing fit. I'd end up walking and drinking the rest of the stations. The crowds were amazing and I found myself smiling and waving to nearly every spectator that I ran by, especially the ones with hilarious signs. Shout out There was a long gradual uphill early on, which didn't really give me any problems, and then a much steeper but shorter hill afterwards that I tried to take slowly. I have naturally high turnover (cadence 180-190 usually) and I found myself really rocketing down the declines as I tried to make a conscious effort to not brake with my heels. This caused me to take the downhills at a stupid pace (6:15-6:30) and probably came back to hurt me later in the race. In retrospect, braking on the downhills is probably necessary in order to maintain a reasonable pace and save my quads. The Springfield section saw us running down a couple major roads by some construction, which was a little bit of a drag. But then I saw my wife, kids, and some friends cheering wildly after turning off of Main Street and that gave me a huge boost. Couldn't wipe the stupid smile off my face as we headed back towards Alton Baker.
Miles 14-21
This was a section of the race that was a little sparser on the crowds, which made it feel tougher. In addition, as I reached to grab my gel for mile 16, I realized that one of my caf gels had fallen out of my half-tights, which sent me into a minor panic. Thankfully, the course had 3 gel stations interspersed throughout the course, which would ultimately save me. That being said, the mental burden of having my fueling strategy thrown off was hard to shake. I ended up involuntarily slowing down my pace at miles 17-19 as I felt my legs slow down, which had never happened to me before during long training runs. I believe that much of this was purely mental, since I had stuck to my fueling up to that point, and we were on the river path which little to no crowd support. At mile 19 I saw my family again, which gave me another big boost and I felt like I was able to pick up my pace again. I also was able to grab a Gu from an aid station and choked it down. Having only trained with Maurtens, the Gu's thick consistency threw me for a loop - I felt like I was eating a chocolate pudding. Not a fan. Still, it gave me enough energy to pick up the pace for a couple of miles. A friend who was aiming for the same time goal caught up to me and we ran together for the rest of this section, which was a godsend. My legs were still turning over, but they were starting to feel heavier and I felt like it was getting tougher to maintain a sub-8:00 pace.
Miles 22-26.2
This was where things got hard. Most of this was still on the river path, which was very familiar territory since I had trained almost all my long runs on this path. Knowing what to expect maybe gave me a slight mental advantage, but the fact remained that my legs were feeling heavy and my breathing was started to get more ragged. My running buddy eventually cramped up at mile 23 and had to drop back to stretch, meanwhile I trucked on, focusing on trying to keep my legs moving. Around mile 24 I felt my left calf start to spasm and I had to back off on pace to prevent a full cramp. At mile 25 my right hamstring started to do the same, and then my left hamstring. I was somehow able to keep my legs turning but I felt like I was on the razor's edge between running and having full-blown cramps. I saw lots of people pulled off to the side trying to stretch and I shouted encouragement as best as I could. As we got out of the trees and onto the street towards Hayward, the crowd thickened and their cheering pushed me onwards. I tried to pick up the pace, but immediately felt my hamstrings spasming so I backed off. Finally, rounding into Hayward was amazing, with all the spectators in the stands cheering us on. I saw my kids at the front row, cheering wildly and waving their signs, and it gave me some impetus to push myself to a "sprint" to the finish line. I knew I had finished under my 3:30 goal, but had no idea how far under I was. It wasn't until I pulled up the official chip time later that I saw my final time of 3:26:57. I did it! I waited around for some other friends to finish, and we hobbled off of the field together.

Post-race

Found my family and gave them all huge hugs - having never had run an official marathon before, I had no idea how much of a boost I would get from seeing them. I had previously thought that running was almost purely physical, and it would be impossible to push past physicial limits that were defined by your training. But somehow at the end, even though I was on the brink of cramping, I was able to pick up my pace and sprint to the end. I had to attribute that to seeing my kids at the finish line.
Overall I was really happy with my results, especially given my relatively low weekly mileage in training and it being my first marathon. I can't say that I have ever known such physical suffering as I felt in miles 22-26, but it felt great to be able to push through that pain and finish relatively strong. I've been bitten by the running bug and I've already signed up for the next one!
Made with a new race report generator created by herumph
submitted by zillybong to running [link] [comments]

2024.05.15 01:00 livia2lima Day 8 - The infamous "grep" and other text processors

INTRO

Your server is now running two services: the sshd (Secure Shell Daemon) service that you use to login; and the Apache2 web server. Both of these services are generating logs as you and others access your server - and these are text files which we can analyse using some simple tools.
Plain text files are a key part of "the Unix way" and there are many small "tools" to allow you to easily edit, sort, search and otherwise manipulate them. Today we’ll use grep, cat, more, less, cut, awk and tail to slice and dice your logs.
The grep command is famous for being extremely powerful and handy, but also because its "nerdy" name is typical of Unix/Linux conventions.

YOUR TASKS TODAY

The output of any command can be "redirected" to a file with the ">" operator. The command: ls -ltr > listing.txt wouldn't list the directory contents to your screen, but instead redirect into the file "listing.txt" (creating that file if it didn't exist, or overwriting the contents if it did).

WHERE'S MY /VALOG/AUTH.LOG?

If you didn't find the file /valog/auth.log you're probably using a minimal version of Ubuntu (it can be your own local VM or a version in one of the VPS). That minimal image is, well... minimal. It only has the systemd journal available and it didn't come with the old syslog system by default.
But don't worry! To get that back, sudo apt install rsyslog and the file will be created. Just give it a few minutes to populate before working on the lesson.
It also be missing a few of the other programs we use in the challenge, but you can always install them.

POSTING YOUR PROGRESS

Re-run the command to list all the IP's that have unsuccessfully tried to login to your server as root - but this time, use the the ">" operator to redirect it to the file: ~/attackers.txt. You might like to share and compare with others doing the course how heavily you're "under attack"!

EXTENSION

RESOURCES

TROUBLESHOOT AND MAKE A SAD SERVER HAPPY!

Practice what you've learned with some challenges at SadServers.com:

PREVIOUS DAY'S LESSON

Some rights reserved. Check the license terms here
submitted by livia2lima to linuxupskillchallenge [link] [comments]

2024.05.15 01:00 Steven8786 Should the Academy introduce a “Best Child Actor” award?

Although children are eligible to be nominated, I feel young performers are being done a massive disservice not having their own categor(ies) recognising their talents.
Deserving kids throughout cinematic history have been overlooked for great performances due to what I would see as this bias against them: Macauley Culkin in The Good Son, Christian Bale in Empire of the Sun, River Phoenix in Stand by Me to name a few.
Now I know the natural response will be that they have the opportunity to be nominated alongside the adults, but if we’re thinking of it realistically, while that is the case, the odds of them ever winning are massively stacked against them (I know there’s a few who have).
For example, what hope would a child actor have of winning in a category that would feature such acting heavyweights as Daniel Day Lewis, Leonardo DiCaprio or Meryl Streep?
The introduction of a youth award wouldn’t disqualify young actors from the adult awards (like when Parasite won Best Picture and wasn’t just relegated to Best Foreign Language), so for the truly next level exceptional performances, the academy could still recognise those, but I do truly feel a Child Actor award would be a good starting point to finally recognising the talents of the younger generation on screen.
submitted by Steven8786 to Oscars [link] [comments]

2024.05.15 00:53 lastoflily_99 Earn money

Ard there any cash In hand jobs or indeed jobs in Clifton area that I can start straight away this week?
Looking part time work alongside my current full time job that simply isn't generating enough hours...
Needs to be within walking distance to water lane Not keen on commuting, rather save the money and I have a young dog at home
Thanks!
submitted by lastoflily_99 to york [link] [comments]

2024.05.15 00:53 Special-Win7880 Fnaf world screen not full gameplay

Fnaf world screen not full gameplay
how do i make the gameplay full without the extra darkness on the sides?
submitted by Special-Win7880 to fivenightsatfreddys [link] [comments]

2024.05.15 00:50 New-Age3409 Seeking Software Engineer Willing to Volunteer for Non-Profit Book of Mormon App

Hi everybody!
My uncle developed an app called Lead Me Guide Me, for group scripture study. I’m actually really pleased with how well it turned out. It’s still in it’s Beta stages, but it is up on the App Store right now: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/lead-me-guide-me/id6470545442
The app allows you to create a group, and then everyone in the group shares the same copy of the scriptures - you can share notes, and insights, and highlights, and make scripture study an interactive, digital, group activity. (My wife and I created a group, since we are Sunday School teachers together. We don't share a lot of the same schedule, so a lot of our planning is done asynchronously over text. Now, we can use the app to have it all there in the scriptures.)
Unfortunately, their current software engineer is leaving the project. They are looking for someone to replace her.
The app and company isn’t for profit - my uncle isn’t getting income from the project. (He's got a full-time job with his own company.) He just felt really inspired and directed to make an app to help people study the scriptures together, and has developed this in his spare time over the last 6 months.
For that reason, they don’t have any money to pay people, but I told him that I would just float it out there to see if anyone would be willing to volunteer their iOS Development skills on helping to clean up some of the bugs and help move it out of Beta phase in their spare time.
If you'd be willing to volunteer, please DM me. (I'm an ML engineer, so I'm going to try to volunteer too – it's been some time since I did iOS Development, but every bit counts.) I will screen to make sure you have programming experience, but that's just because I don't want to pass any random Redditor on to my uncle.
In the meantime, feel free to download the app and give it a try! If you find any bugs, you can DM them to me as well.
submitted by New-Age3409 to latterdaysaints [link] [comments]

2024.05.15 00:48 FLBoy19 New Statcast metrics give reason to be optimistic on Curtis Mead's future

I still think Curtis Mead will be an everyday MLB player. I think there is a 3+ WAR player who can provide 120+ wRC+ at 2nd base and a shade below average defense one day there (or maybe who knows with more playing time he is a little stretched at 2nd he would jsut have to be very fluid which is doubtful but still being optimistic). Statcast recently rolled out a series of new hitter centric metrics with in conjuction with past performance and metrics still paints a promising picture for Mead's future. There are some clear issues but also issues that can be addressed and given how smart of a hitter and his willingness to take instruction can be improved upon. Especially considering we are talking about a player that had a 129 wRC+ with sub 20% SO rate, 12.9% BB rate and a .208 ISO as a 21 year old in AAA to go with a 123 wRC+ 17.3% SO rate, a 12.6% wapk rate and a .221 ISO in AAA as a 22 year old (on top of the great numbers he out up in AA and A ball which in each stop he was underaged for including the past 2 years in AAA). Disclaimer will take a while to read hope those who do enjoy!
First and foremost Mead's calling card has always been his quick bat speed and his ability to impact the ball. Sometimes contact quality won't shine through poor decisions and poor contact but with the new bat speed metric we can readily and easily see bat speed. Mead's is the best on the Rays of players with 50+ at bats. The best by quite a bit in fact. 90th percentile in at 75.1, the next closest Rays player is Randy at 72.8 which is 66 percentile in baseball. The rate he swings the bat at 75+ MPH is also rather high tied with Vladdy Jr. at 52.4% which is 93rd percentile of the 360 batters to log 50+ ABs this year. The power is there and the quality of swing is also there as his swing length of 7.4 isn't fantastic but is pretty standard with many of the best hitters in baseball having similar lengths of swing. He is able to generate great bat speed in a rather compact swing. For reference 2 players that have very similar to Meads bat speed and swing length is Ely De La Cruz (75 MPH and 7.3 feet) and Austin Riley (75 MPH and 7.5 feet). His swing is there, and his Max EV and Avg Evs have kind of shown that this year. His Max EV of 112.2 is 88th percentile only 2nd to Yandy on the Rays, and his 89.3 avg EV is 56 percentile, and his EV50 is roughly in that same ball park. His batted ball metrics show progression and his swing is there so what gone wrong. It's simple, pitch identification and being caught in between a bit.
To explain prospects struggling with pitch ID at the MLB level you first have to understand the state of pitching in AAA. There are little to no high quality pitchers in AAA. The last time hitting prospects see high quality stuff is truly AA. That's generally where the rubber hits the road for prospects, if underage prospects hit well and don't take a step back at AA they are future big leaguers. Not saying there isn't stuff in AAA as there is, just not to the quality of the MLB, just a FO doesn't want to waste the bullets a pitcher has in AAA when he can use them in the MLB. There is still a measure of postives to a guy staying in AAA and fine tuning pitch ID. However the true finesse components of pitching isn't developed until a pitcher is older. Such as commanding sliders in the zone or perfecting changeups and splitters or even locating fastballs up and in. This is why every rookie for the past couple of years has really struggled with SO rates when first called up. Gunnar Henderson struggled heavily with SO intially, by July he stabilized and in my opinion that dude is destined for 6+ WAR seasons going forward and if he ever shift back to 3rd will challenge to lead MLB in WAR every year. Anthony Volpe was similar and looks like a perennial 3-4+ WAR player. Those questioning why Junior Caminero isn't up in the MLB need to understand this, the Rays have so much pressure built up in Junior's development that they won't take chances with him floundering at the MLB level and would rather see him improve his pitch ID in AAA as its his biggest flaw before throwing him to the wolves in the MLB. Sure some physical freaks can defy a poor SO rate but it's never good to bet on the exception to the rule.
So what does this mean for Curtis Mead? Well a myriad of things based on his MILB and MLB performances. Curtis Mead's biggest issue so far has been by far his chase percentages, which has helped fuel a below average whiff%. He has 3 holes in his swing which are in extremely common locations. Middle high is the worse by far generating a 63% whiff percentage. This isn't uncommon at all, Mike Trout famously struggled with it, Josh Lowe is completely anemic at hitting high pitches but is ultra agressive with low pitches and takes high pitches understanding he can't consistently get on top of them, only swinging when necessary. Outside of that up and in and low and in are the only in the zone areas where you see a 30+ whiff% with Mead. MILB pitching could never take full advantage of these wholes but MLB fastballs can and will until he establishes and approach to handle these pitches.
The most clear area he can improve is by laying off pitches high middle/in and pitches that are running low and away. Those low and away pitches are generally sliders and curveball from righties, changeups from lefties, and fastballs from both. That would improve his chase percentage and whiff% lowering SOs, increasing walk rate, and reducing the amount of weak contact generated at these locations. These things were never viewed as a concern in the minors and are mental components of the game that will continue to grow with more at bats. His SO rates in the minors support this as he always ran above average SO rates and walk percentages in the minors as well as superb contact percentages (ran 80+% contact rates in the minors ), while also barreling balls at a 16.4% rate. An approach similar to Josh Lowe's would make since, be agressive with lower pitches and lay off pitches with in high whiff rate areas. I'm sure when he is recalled he will have a different approach then we previously saw.
In the end of the day watching his at bats Curtis Mead always seemed in between on what he wanted to do, unsure of what the right choice would be. His barrel rate being so low kinda shows it. He isn't getting to the contact he reguarly go to in the past and is hestitant to really go up there and swing which was the most natural and easy component of the game for him. Minor tweaks to his approach could be a boon for him while steadily improving with at bats and age. Mental development doesn't stagnat until the late 20s and physically development doesn't until 24-25 for most. The physical tools to hit are there he jsut has to get the mental components of it all to mesh with the physical.
Curtis Mead's mental approach to hitting has always been great and his willingness to take instruction has been evident as he is very open to change and tweaking his approach. There was visble proof of this last year with changes to approach and stance. In the end this is a guy that had superb contact rates, excellent zone control, and plus power in the minors running .200+ ISO's through the minors. Considering the amount of chances afforded to Johnathan Aranda and other prospects I know Curtis Mead is far from out of the Rays future plans, but with the release of bat speed and other new metrics by baseball-savant (bat speed isnt the end all but shows there is a fast bat that can generste plus contact) there is new reasons to be optimistic going forward. There has been evidence to statistically support the idea of reset in the minors improving the mental components of prospects who's struggle in the majors, hopefully when he is recalled both the physical and mental components line up and we see poative progression. It takes players time, Austin Riley didn't look like a future stud his first couple of years, Bobby Witt struggled to get to hard contact his first year, Christian Walker took forever to deliver on his bat speed, the list of players stagnating and fialing off of rip is long particularly when they come up in their early 20s. Might not be this year, but eventually it's going to click for him and I hope the Rays still have him when it does.
submitted by FLBoy19 to tampabayrays [link] [comments]

2024.05.15 00:46 businessnewstv How to accept credit card payments for your Crane Operating Business in 2024

Understanding the importance of accepting credit card payments

Accepting credit card payments is crucial for any business, including crane operating businesses. Understanding the importance of accepting credit card payments can help crane operators diversify their revenue streams and attract more customers. By accepting credit cards, crane operators can offer a convenient and secure payment option to their clients, which can enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty. Additionally, accepting credit card payments allows crane operators to expand their customer base by attracting individuals who prefer to pay with credit cards. This can result in increased sales and revenue for the business. Therefore, it is essential for crane operating businesses to prioritize accepting credit card payments in order to stay competitive in the industry and maximize their earning potential.

Benefits of using Square for credit card processing

Square offers several benefits for credit card processing that can greatly benefit your Crane Operating Business. Firstly, Square provides a secure and reliable platform for accepting credit card payments, ensuring that your customers' sensitive information is protected. Additionally, Square offers competitive transaction rates, allowing you to keep more of your hard-earned revenue. Another advantage of using Square is its user-friendly interface, making it easy for you and your staff to process payments quickly and efficiently. Furthermore, Square provides detailed analytics and reporting tools, giving you valuable insights into your business's financial performance. Lastly, Square offers seamless integration with other business tools and software, allowing you to streamline your operations and improve overall efficiency. By choosing Square for credit card processing, you can enhance the payment experience for your customers while optimizing your business's financial management.

Key considerations before setting up credit card payments

Before setting up credit card payments for your Crane Operating Business, there are a few key considerations that you should keep in mind. First and foremost, it is important to ensure that your business is eligible to accept credit card payments. This may involve checking with your bank or financial institution to determine if they offer merchant services for your industry. Additionally, you will need to consider the costs associated with accepting credit card payments, including transaction fees and any equipment or software that may be required. It is also crucial to prioritize the security of your customers' payment information by implementing robust data encryption and compliance with Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI DSS). Finally, it is advisable to research and compare different payment processing providers to find the one that best suits the needs of your Crane Operating Business, taking into account factors such as pricing, customer support, and ease of integration with your existing systems.

Setting up a Square account

Creating a Square account

Creating a Square account is a crucial step in accepting credit card payments for your Crane Operating Business. Square provides a secure and convenient platform for businesses to process transactions efficiently. To create an account, visit the Square website and click on the 'Sign Up' button. Fill in the required information, including your business details and banking information. Once your account is set up, you can start accepting credit card payments from your customers. Having a Square account not only streamlines your payment process but also instills trust and confidence in your customers, ensuring a seamless and professional experience for both parties involved.

Verifying your identity

Verifying your identity is an essential step when accepting credit card payments for your Crane Operating Business with Square. In order to ensure the security and legitimacy of your transactions, Square requires all users to go through a verification process. This process involves providing valid identification documents and completing the necessary forms. By verifying your identity, you can establish trust with your customers and protect your business from potential fraud. It is important to carefully follow Square's instructions and provide accurate information during the verification process. Once your identity is verified, you can confidently accept credit card payments and offer a secure payment experience to your customers.

Linking your bank account

Linking your bank account is an essential step in accepting credit card payments for your Crane Operating Business with Square. By linking your bank account, you can ensure that the funds from your credit card transactions are deposited directly into your account, providing you with quick and convenient access to your funds. This process is simple and secure, and it allows you to efficiently manage your finances. To link your bank account, follow the step-by-step instructions provided by Square. By following these small business tips, you can streamline your payment process and focus on growing your crane operating business.

Choosing the right Square payment solution

Exploring Square's payment processing options

Square offers a range of payment processing options for businesses, making it convenient and efficient to accept credit card payments. When it comes to eco-conscious vending, Square provides a seamless solution that allows crane operating businesses to easily accept credit card payments while also prioritizing sustainability. With Square's payment processing options, crane operators can offer their customers a convenient and eco-friendly way to make payments, reducing the need for cash transactions and paper receipts. By embracing Square's eco-conscious vending solutions, crane operating businesses can not only streamline their payment processes but also contribute to a greener and more sustainable future.

Selecting the best payment solution for your crane operating business

Selecting the best payment solution for your crane operating business is a crucial decision that can greatly impact your financial success. When it comes to accepting credit card payments, it is important to find a solution that is not only reliable and secure but also cost-effective. As a crane operator, you want to ensure that the payment solution you choose offers competitive rates and low transaction fees. Additionally, it is essential to consider the ease of use and integration with your existing business systems. By selecting the right payment solution, such as Square, you can streamline your payment process and provide a convenient and seamless experience for your customers.

Understanding transaction fees and pricing

Understanding transaction fees and pricing is crucial for any business that accepts credit card payments. It is important to have a clear understanding of how these fees are calculated and what pricing options are available. By understanding transaction fees and pricing, businesses can make informed decisions that will optimize their financial performance. This knowledge will enable them to choose the most cost-effective payment processing solution and minimize unnecessary expenses. Additionally, being aware of transaction fees and pricing allows businesses to accurately calculate their profit margins and adjust their pricing strategies accordingly. Ultimately, a thorough understanding of transaction fees and pricing is essential for the success and sustainability of any business in the modern digital economy.

Integrating Square with your website or mobile app

Adding Square payment buttons to your website

To enhance the convenience and efficiency of accepting credit card payments for your Crane Operating Business, you can easily integrate Square payment buttons into your website. Adding Square payment buttons to your website allows your customers to make secure and seamless transactions, providing them with a hassle-free payment experience. By incorporating Square's robust payment processing capabilities, you can offer your customers a wide range of payment options, including credit cards, debit cards, and mobile wallets. This integration not only streamlines your payment process but also instills confidence in your customers, as Square is a trusted and reputable payment solution provider. With Square's user-friendly interface and reliable infrastructure, you can ensure that your customers' transactions are processed smoothly and securely. By implementing Square payment buttons on your website, you can provide a seamless and convenient payment experience for your customers, enhancing your Crane Operating Business's professionalism and customer satisfaction.

Implementing Square's API for seamless payment integration

Implementing Square's API for seamless payment integration is crucial for any Crane Operating Business that wants to accept credit card payments. By integrating Square's API, businesses can provide their customers with a secure and convenient payment experience. Square's API allows businesses to seamlessly process credit card transactions, manage inventory, and generate detailed reports. This level of integration not only enhances the customer experience but also improves the efficiency of the business operations. Implementing Square's API can also help businesses rank on Google by providing a seamless payment experience that meets the expectations of modern consumers. With Square's API, businesses can ensure that their website or mobile app is optimized for accepting credit card payments, which can positively impact their visibility and search engine rankings. By leveraging Square's API, Crane Operating Businesses can stay ahead of the competition and attract more customers by offering a seamless and secure payment solution.

Customizing the payment experience for your customers

Customizing the payment experience for your customers is essential for creating a seamless and professional buying process. When it comes to buying pet products online, customers expect a convenient and secure payment method. With Square, you can easily customize the payment experience to meet the specific needs of your customers. By offering a variety of payment options, such as credit card payments, you can ensure that your customers have a smooth and hassle-free shopping experience. Additionally, Square's advanced security features provide peace of mind for both you and your customers, protecting sensitive payment information. With the ability to customize the payment experience, you can enhance customer satisfaction and build trust in your Crane Operating Business.

Ensuring security and compliance

Implementing PCI DSS compliance measures

Implementing PCI DSS compliance measures is crucial for any business that accepts credit card payments. PCI DSS stands for Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard, which is a set of security standards designed to protect cardholder data and reduce the risk of data breaches. By implementing PCI DSS compliance measures, businesses can ensure that they are following best practices for securing customer payment information. This includes implementing secure payment processing systems, encrypting cardholder data, regularly monitoring and testing security systems, and maintaining strict access controls. By adhering to PCI DSS compliance measures, businesses can build trust with their customers and demonstrate their commitment to protecting sensitive information.

Protecting customer data and preventing fraud

Protecting customer data and preventing fraud are crucial aspects of running a successful business, especially when it comes to accepting credit card payments. As a crane operating business, it is essential to prioritize the security of your customers' sensitive information. One effective way to ensure the safety of their data is by utilizing Square's robust payment processing system. Square employs advanced encryption techniques and follows industry best practices to safeguard customer information from unauthorized access. Additionally, Square's fraud prevention tools help detect and mitigate fraudulent activities, providing an extra layer of protection for your business and customers. By choosing Square as your payment solution, you can instill trust and confidence in your customers, knowing that their data is in safe hands.

Staying up to date with industry regulations

Staying up to date with industry regulations is crucial for any business, and this is especially true for crane operating businesses that accept credit card payments. As the industry evolves and new regulations are introduced, it is essential to stay informed and comply with the latest requirements. By staying up to date with industry regulations, crane operating businesses can ensure the safety of their operations, protect their customers' financial information, and maintain their reputation as a trustworthy and reliable service provider. This includes regularly reviewing and implementing security measures, conducting regular audits, and staying informed about any changes or updates in the payment processing industry. By doing so, crane operating businesses can not only meet the necessary regulatory standards but also stay ahead of the competition and provide their customers with a seamless and secure payment experience.

Optimizing the credit card payment process

Streamlining the checkout experience for customers

Streamlining the checkout experience for customers is essential for any business that accepts credit card payments. By implementing a reliable payment processing system like Square, crane operating businesses can ensure a seamless and efficient checkout process for their customers. Square provides a user-friendly interface that allows customers to easily enter their payment information and complete their transactions with just a few clicks. With Square's secure payment gateway, customers can feel confident that their sensitive information is protected. Additionally, Square offers various features and tools to help businesses manage their transactions, track sales, and analyze customer data. By streamlining the checkout experience with Square, crane operating businesses can enhance customer satisfaction and ultimately drive business growth.

Offering multiple payment options

In today's digital age, offering multiple payment options is essential for businesses to thrive. As a crane operating business, it is crucial to provide your customers with convenient and secure methods to accept credit card payments. One of the most trusted and widely used payment solutions is Square. With Square, you can easily set up a payment system that allows your customers to pay with their credit cards, ensuring a seamless and hassle-free experience. By offering multiple payment options, including Square, you demonstrate your commitment to customer satisfaction and make it easier for potential clients to choose your services over competitors. Embracing technology and providing flexible payment solutions not only enhances the customer experience but also streamlines your business operations. Give your crane operating business a competitive edge by embracing Square and offering multiple payment options to your valued customers.

Utilizing Square's reporting and analytics tools

Square's reporting and analytics tools provide valuable insights for businesses looking to optimize their operations. By utilizing these tools, crane operating businesses can gain a deeper understanding of their credit card payment data. This data can be used to track sales performance, identify trends, and make informed decisions. Additionally, Square's reporting and analytics tools offer the ability to generate detailed reports, which can be customized to meet the specific needs of the business. For crane operating businesses, this means being able to track payment transactions, monitor revenue, and analyze customer behavior. To further enhance their payment processing capabilities, crane operating businesses can also book a consultation with Square's experts. This personalized consultation can provide guidance on how to maximize the benefits of Square's reporting and analytics tools, ensuring that the business is making the most of their credit card payment system.

Conclusion

Summary of the benefits of accepting credit card payments with Square

Accepting credit card payments with Square offers numerous benefits for your Crane Operating Business. Firstly, it provides a convenient and secure payment option for your customers, allowing them to easily make payments using their credit cards. This not only enhances customer satisfaction but also increases the likelihood of repeat business. Additionally, Square offers competitive transaction fees, ensuring that you can maximize your profits. Furthermore, Square provides detailed analytics and reporting, giving you valuable insights into your business performance. With Square, you can also accept payments online, allowing you to expand your customer base and reach a wider audience. Overall, accepting credit card payments with Square is a smart choice for your Crane Operating Business, providing convenience, security, and growth opportunities.

Final thoughts on integrating Square into your crane operating business

In conclusion, integrating Square into your crane operating business can greatly enhance your ability to accept credit card payments. With its user-friendly interface and secure payment processing, Square provides a reliable and efficient solution for your business needs. By embracing this technology, you are positioning your crane operating business for a stronger future. The convenience and flexibility offered by Square will not only streamline your payment process but also instill confidence in your customers. So, why wait? Start accepting credit card payments with Square today and pave the way for a successful and prosperous future.

Future trends in credit card payment processing

As we look ahead to the future of credit card payment processing, several trends are emerging that will shape the industry. One of the key trends is the increasing adoption of mobile payment solutions. With the rise of smartphones and the convenience they offer, more and more consumers are opting to make payments using their mobile devices. This not only provides a seamless and convenient payment experience for customers, but also opens up new opportunities for businesses to reach a wider audience. Another trend that is gaining traction is the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning into payment processing systems. These technologies have the potential to enhance security, detect fraud, and improve the overall efficiency of credit card transactions. Additionally, we can expect to see a continued shift towards contactless payments, as consumers become more comfortable with using tap-to-pay methods. This not only speeds up the checkout process, but also reduces the need for physical contact, which is especially important in today's health-conscious environment. In conclusion, the future of credit card payment processing holds exciting possibilities, with mobile payments, AI integration, and contactless payments leading the way towards a more streamlined and secure payment experience.
In conclusion, Square Instant Access is the perfect solution for small businesses looking for quick and easy access to funds. With Square Instant Access, you no longer have to struggle to get the funds you need to grow your business. Whether you need funds for inventory, equipment, or marketing, Square Instant Access has got you covered. Say goodbye to long waiting times and complicated loan applications. With Square Instant Access, you can get the funds you need instantly, allowing you to focus on what really matters - growing your business. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your small business to the next level. Visit our website today and discover how Square Instant Access can help you achieve your business goals.
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2024.05.15 00:45 Brief_Mycologist1225 Unleash Your Potential: Dell Workstations Now Available at Hardware Egypt

Are you a creative professional, a data scientist, or an engineer pushing the boundaries of innovation? Do you require a computer that can keep pace with your demanding workflow? Look no further than Hardware Egypt, your one-stop shop for top-of-the-line Dell workstations in Egypt!

Dell workstations are renowned for their unmatched performance, reliability, and scalability. Designed to handle complex tasks with ease, they empower you to tackle your most challenging projects without compromise. Whether you're rendering intricate 3D models, analyzing massive datasets, or running intensive simulations, Dell workstations deliver the power and stability you need to succeed.

Why Choose Dell Workstations?

Here's what sets Dell workstations apart from the competition:

Unparalleled Performance: Equipped with the latest generation processors, powerful graphics cards, and ample memory, Dell workstations provide the muscle to handle even the most demanding applications.
Uncompromising Reliability: Built with premium materials and rigorous testing, Dell workstations ensure exceptional stability and uptime, critical for professionals who can't afford downtime.
Seamless Scalability: As your needs evolve, Dell workstations offer the flexibility to adapt. Upgrade components like storage, memory, and graphics cards to maintain peak performance over time.
ISV Certifications: Dell workstations are rigorously tested and certified by leading Independent Software Vendors (ISVs) to guarantee compatibility with your essential software applications.
Professional Support: Hardware Egypt, partnered with Dell, offers exceptional after-sales support to ensure you get the most out of your investment.
Finding the Perfect Dell Workstation for You

Hardware Egypt offers a comprehensive selection of Dell workstations catering to diverse professional needs. Here's a glimpse into some of the most popular options:

Dell Precision Workstations: Ideal for engineers, designers, and content creators, Precision workstations boast exceptional processing power, advanced graphics capabilities, and ISV certifications for industry-leading creative applications.
Dell Alienware Aurora Workstations: Catered towards gamers and game developers, Alienware Aurora workstations deliver phenomenal performance with high-end graphics cards and immersive gaming features.
Beyond the Hardware: Dell Technologies Advantage

Owning a Dell workstation is more than just acquiring a powerful machine. You gain access to the comprehensive Dell Technologies ecosystem, encompassing:

Dell Precision Optimizer: This AI-powered software automatically optimizes your workstation for peak performance with specific applications.
Dell SupportAssist: Enjoy proactive issue detection and resolution, minimizing downtime and maximizing productivity.
Hardware Egypt: Your Trusted Partner for Dell Workstations in Egypt

At Hardware Egypt, we understand the critical role powerful workstations play in driving your success. Our team of expert consultants is here to help you choose the ideal Dell workstation that aligns perfectly with your specific requirements and budget.

We offer:

Comprehensive Selection: Explore a wide range of Dell workstations to find the perfect fit for your needs.
Expert Advice: Our knowledgeable consultants will guide you through the selection process, ensuring you make an informed decision.
Competitive Prices: We offer Dell workstations at competitive prices, ensuring you get the best value for your investment.
Exceptional Support: Benefit from our exceptional after-sales support, including warranty services and technical assistance.
Invest in Your Success: Unleash the Power of Dell Workstations with Hardware Egypt

Don't settle for anything less than the best. Upgrade your workflow and unlock your full potential with a Dell workstation from Hardware Egypt. Visit one of our stores or browse our online selection today!

Contact Hardware Egypt

Website: https://hw-egypt.com/
Phone: (+2) 01158455228
Email: sales@hw-egypt.com)
In Conclusion

Equipping yourself with a Dell workstation from Hardware Egypt empowers you to push the boundaries of your creativity and productivity. Invest in your success and experience the difference a Dell workstation can make. Visit Hardware Egypt today and unlock the potential within!
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2024.05.15 00:42 Sweet-Count2557 Best Pizza in Athens Ga

Best Pizza in Athens Ga
Best Pizza in Athens Ga Craving a slice of mouthwatering pizza in Athens, GA? Look no further! Join us on a pizza adventure through town as we uncover the best spots to satisfy your cravings.From hidden gems like Automatic Pizza and their delicious, fresh ingredient topped pies, to Factory Special Pizza, a chain known for their commitment to hand-tossed goodness.We'll also explore Fully Loaded Pizza Kitchen for New York-style delights, Little Italy for affordable options, and Mellow Mushroom Athens, a local favorite since 1974.Get ready to indulge in the best pizza Athens has to offer!Key TakeawaysAutomatic Pizza is considered the top pizza joint in Athens, known for its delicious pizzas with the best crust and fresh toppings.Factory Special Pizza is a popular chain known for its freshly made, never frozen, hand-tossed pizzas with a variety of toppings.Fully Loaded Pizza Kitchen is a newer pizza restaurant in Watkinsville and Athens, offering a variety of delectable New York-style pizzas, subs, wings, and salads.Little Italy is an affordable pizza joint that offers flavorful thin-crust pizzas, subs, calzones, stromboli, and Italian salads, making it a perfect spot for late-night dining.Automatic Pizza: A Hidden Gem in AthensWe all agree that Automatic Pizza is definitely a hidden gem in Athens with its delicious pizzas and the best crust. Located in an adorable old gas station, this pizza joint offers a unique and cozy atmosphere that adds to the dining experience. The pizzas at Automatic Pizza are made with fresh toppings and a crust that's perfectly crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Whether you prefer classic toppings like pepperoni and cheese or more adventurous options like roasted chicken, green peppers, onions, and artichokes, Automatic Pizza has a pizza to satisfy every craving.One of the things that sets Automatic Pizza apart from other pizza places in Athens is their commitment to safety. The staff takes all the necessary precautions to ensure that the pizzas are prepared in a clean and hygienic environment. This is especially important in today's world, where everyone is concerned about their health and well-being. So, when you visit Automatic Pizza, you can have peace of mind knowing that your safety is a top priority.Now, let's move on to our next topic: Factory Special Pizza. While Automatic Pizza is a hidden gem, Factory Special Pizza offers the ultimate pizza chain experience.Factory Special Pizza: The Ultimate Pizza Chain ExperienceFactory Special Pizza provides us with an unforgettable pizza chain experience, with their commitment to freshly made, never frozen, hand-tossed pizza and a wide selection of delicious toppings. As pizza lovers, we appreciate the attention to quality and taste that Factory Special Pizza brings to the table. Their dedication to using fresh ingredients ensures that every bite is flavorful and satisfying.One of the standout features of Factory Special Pizza is their focus on safety. In today's world, it's important to know that the food we consume is prepared with care and cleanliness. Factory Special Pizza goes above and beyond to ensure a safe dining experience. From their rigorous food handling and preparation standards to their strict adherence to health and safety regulations, they prioritize the well-being of their customers.Additionally, Factory Special Pizza offers a variety of options to cater to different dietary preferences and restrictions. Whether you're a meat lover, vegetarian, or have specific allergies, there's a pizza for everyone. Their knowledgeable staff is always ready to assist with any dietary inquiries or concerns, making sure that you can enjoy your meal without worry.Fully Loaded Pizza Kitchen: New York-Style Pizza at Its BestFully Loaded Pizza Kitchen is a must-visit for pizza lovers seeking an authentic New York-style experience.Their pizzas are loaded with signature toppings and baked to perfection, satisfying even the most discerning palates.What sets them apart is their unique pizza crust, which perfectly complements the delicious flavors of their pies.Authentic New York PizzaWhile Fully Loaded Pizza Kitchen offers a variety of delicious New York-style pizzas, the authenticity of their pizza sets them apart from the competition.The thin and crispy crust is reminiscent of the iconic New York slices, with just the right amount of chewiness.The sauce is tangy and flavorful, made from a secret family recipe that has been passed down for generations.And let's not forget about the cheese - a generous layer of gooey, melted mozzarella that stretches with every bite.When you take a bite of Fully Loaded Pizza Kitchen's authentic New York pizza, you can taste the passion and dedication that goes into every pie. It's like taking a bite of the Big Apple right here in Athens.Now, let's dive into their signature pizza toppings.Signature Pizza ToppingsLet's explore the signature pizza toppings at Fully Loaded Pizza Kitchen and discover the mouthwatering combinations they have to offer. At Fully Loaded Pizza Kitchen, they take pride in their delicious New York-style pizzas loaded with a variety of flavorful toppings. From classic favorites to unique creations, their menu has something for everyone. To give you a taste of what they have to offer, here are some of their signature pizza toppings:ToppingsDescriptionSafety InformationPepperoniClassic and savoryMade with high-quality meatSausageRich and flavorfulMade with premium ingredientsMushroomsEarthy and aromaticFreshly sourced and inspectedBell PeppersCrunchy and colorfulGrown using safe farming practicesFully Loaded Pizza Kitchen prioritizes the safety of their customers, ensuring that all ingredients are of the highest quality and sourced responsibly. With their signature pizza toppings, you can indulge in a delicious and safe dining experience. So, come and enjoy a slice of their mouthwatering pizzas at Fully Loaded Pizza Kitchen.Unique Pizza Crust?We should try the pizza crust at Fully Loaded Pizza Kitchen because it offers a unique twist on the classic New York-style pizza.The crust at Fully Loaded Pizza Kitchen stands out for several reasons:Perfectly Balanced Texture: The crust is neither too thick nor too thin, striking a harmonious balance that ensures a satisfying bite every time.Burst of Flavor: The crust is infused with a blend of herbs and spices, adding an extra layer of deliciousness to each slice.Crispy and Light: The crust achieves the perfect crispiness on the outside while remaining light and airy on the inside, resulting in a delightful texture combination.These qualities make Fully Loaded Pizza Kitchen's crust a standout choice for pizza enthusiasts who crave a unique and memorable dining experience.Little Italy: Affordable and Flavorful Pizza DelightsLittle Italy is a hidden gem in Athens, offering affordable and flavorful pizza delights. With its authentic Italian flavors and a perfect balance of sauce and cheese, their thin-crust and light pizzas are a treat for the taste buds.What makes Little Italy even more enticing is its late-night availability and a wide selection of draft and bottled beers to complement your pizza experience.Authentic Italian FlavorsThe Little Italy pizza joint offers a wide variety of authentic Italian flavors, making it a go-to spot for our group's flavorful pizza cravings. The restaurant's commitment to using fresh ingredients and traditional Italian recipes ensures that each bite is packed with deliciousness.Here's why we love their authentic flavors:Fresh Ingredients: Little Italy sources the finest ingredients to create their pizzas. From the ripe tomatoes in their sauce to the premium cheeses and cured meats, every ingredient is carefully selected to enhance the flavor of each slice.Traditional Recipes: The pizza recipes at Little Italy have been passed down through generations, preserving the authentic taste of Italian cuisine. The secret blend of herbs and spices in their sauce, the perfectly baked thin crust, and the generous toppings all contribute to the mouthwatering flavors.Attention to Detail: The skilled chefs at Little Italy pay attention to every detail, ensuring that each pizza is cooked to perfection. From the precise temperature of the wood-fired oven to the careful placement of toppings, every step is taken to create a pizza that's both flavorful and safe to eat.At Little Italy, you can trust that you'll experience the true taste of Italy in every bite, satisfying your pizza cravings with authentic flavors in a safe and enjoyable environment.Late-Night Draft BeerLet's head to Little Italy for some affordable and flavorful pizza delights and enjoy a refreshing draft beer late at night.Little Italy offers a variety of options for pizza lovers, from thin-crust and light pizzas to subs, calzones, stromboli, and Italian salads. The pizzas are made with the perfect balance of sauce and cheese, creating a delicious and satisfying taste.The late-night spot isn't only known for its tasty food but also for its draft and bottled beers, providing a relaxing and enjoyable atmosphere. Safety is a top priority at Little Italy, ensuring that customers can have a worry-free experience while indulging in their favorite pizza and beer.Now, let's transition into our next stop, Mellow Mushroom Athens: where art meets pizza.Mellow Mushroom Athens: Where Art Meets PizzaWe love how Mellow Mushroom Athens combines art and pizza to create a unique dining experience. The eclectic and art-filled environment sets the stage for an immersive and visually stimulating meal.Here's why Mellow Mushroom Athens is a must-visit for pizza lovers:Artistic Atmosphere: As soon as you step inside, you'll be surrounded by vibrant and whimsical artwork. The walls are adorned with colorful murals, psychedelic patterns, and eye-catching sculptures. The combination of art and pizza creates a lively and creative ambiance that adds to the enjoyment of your meal.Unique Pizza Crust: Mellow Mushroom Athens is known for its distinctive spring water crust. This crust is made with fresh ingredients and baked to perfection, resulting in a crispy yet chewy texture. It's the perfect base for the delicious and creative toppings that Mellow Mushroom offers.High-Quality Ingredients: Mellow Mushroom Athens takes pride in using only the freshest and highest-quality ingredients. From the handpicked vegetables to the locally sourced cheeses, every bite of their pizza is bursting with flavor. The attention to detail and commitment to quality ensure a safe and enjoyable dining experience.Whether you're a pizza aficionado or simply looking for a memorable dining experience, Mellow Mushroom Athens is the place to be. Come for the art, stay for the mouthwatering pizza.The Verdict: Athens' Top Pizza Joint RevealedAfter trying multiple pizza joints in Athens, we've finally discovered the top pizza joint that everyone has been raving about. The verdict is in, and the best pizza in Athens can be found at Automatic Pizza. Located in an adorable old gas station, this pizza joint offers a unique and cozy atmosphere. With picnic tables for seating, it provides a casual and inviting environment for pizza lovers of all ages.What sets Automatic Pizza apart is their delicious pizzas with the best crust and fresh toppings. Their pizzas are made with care and precision, resulting in a perfect balance of flavors. Whether you're in the mood for a classic cheese pizza or something more adventurous like the Thunderbird pizza with roasted chicken, green peppers, onions, and artichokes, Automatic Pizza has a variety of options to satisfy every craving.In addition to their mouthwatering pizzas, Automatic Pizza also offers subs and a selection of beers. This makes it a great spot for a quick lunch or a casual dinner with friends. The staff is friendly and attentive, ensuring a pleasant dining experience.When it comes to safety, Automatic Pizza takes it seriously. They follow strict hygiene protocols to ensure the cleanliness of their establishment. With their commitment to safety and their delicious pizzas, it's no wonder why Automatic Pizza is the top pizza joint in Athens.Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat Is the History Behind Automatic Pizza and How Did It Become a Hidden Gem in Athens?The history behind Automatic Pizza is quite interesting. It started as an adorable old gas station pizza joint in Athens.Over time, it gained a reputation for serving the top pizza in town. Despite being tucked away in a small strip of shops, it became a hidden gem because of its delicious pizzas with the best crust and fresh toppings.People love the option for thick or thin crust and enjoy the cozy and laid-back atmosphere of seating at picnic tables.Can You Provide More Information About the Variety of Pizzas Offered at Factory Special Pizza and Why It Is Considered the Ultimate Pizza Chain Experience?Factory Special Pizza offers a variety of delicious pizzas that make it the ultimate pizza chain experience.One popular choice is their Factory Special Pizza, loaded with pepperoni, fresh mushrooms, ham, onions, green peppers, and real bacon.They also have options like the Grilled or BBQ Chicken Pizza, made with organic grilled chicken and their signature pizza or BBQ sauce.With their commitment to freshly made, hand-tossed pizza and a wide selection of other tasty offerings, Factory Special Pizza is a top choice for pizza lovers.What Makes Fully Loaded Pizza Kitchen Stand Out as the Newest Pizza Restaurant in Watkinsville and Athens, and What Are Some of Its Unique Features?Fully Loaded Pizza Kitchen stands out as the newest pizza restaurant in Watkinsville and Athens due to its variety of delectable New York-style pizzas, subs, wings, and salads. What makes it unique are its full bar inside, National Football League Sunday ticket, and great patio.The restaurant offers a vibrant and inviting atmosphere for customers to enjoy their meal. With its combination of delicious food and entertaining features, Fully Loaded Pizza Kitchen is a must-visit for pizza lovers in the area.How Does Little Italy Maintain Its Reputation for Affordable and Flavorful Pizza, and What Are Some of the Popular Menu Items Besides Pizza?Little Italy maintains its reputation for affordable and flavorful pizza by offering a menu that goes beyond just pizza. Some popular menu items include subs, calzones, stromboli, and Italian salads.The thin-crust and light pizza at Little Italy is known for its perfect balance of sauce and cheese. It's a perfect late-night spot for enjoying draft and bottled beers along with their delicious food.Little Italy truly delivers on their promise of tasty and affordable Italian cuisine.What Sets Mellow Mushroom Athens Apart From Other Pizza Joints in Terms of Its Eclectic and Art-Filled Environment, and What Makes Its Spring Water Crust Unique?Mellow Mushroom Athens stands out with its eclectic and art-filled environment, creating a vibrant and visually appealing atmosphere.The unique spring water crust adds another layer of distinction to their pizzas. This crust is flavorful and has a slightly crispy texture, thanks to the inclusion of spring water in the dough.It's a one-of-a-kind experience that sets Mellow Mushroom apart from other pizza joints in Athens.ConclusionAfter exploring the best pizza spots in Athens, GA, it's clear that the winner of the top pizza joint is... McDonald's! Just kidding!The true champion is Mellow Mushroom Athens, where their fresh, stone-baked pizzas are a work of art. With their eclectic atmosphere and delicious toppings, Mellow Mushroom Athens truly takes the pizza experience to another level.So next time you're in Athens, be sure to treat yourself to a slice of perfection at Mellow Mushroom.
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